Murder by the Bookend by Laura Gail Black has Jenna Quinn having a grand reopening of the bookshop she inherited from her uncle. She is renaming the store to Twice Upon a Time. The party has a few bumps along the way, but it seemed to go well. That is until Linus Talbot is found dead in the parking lot. Jenna must deal with disagreeable Detective Frank Sutter once again since her beau, Keith Logan is a witness. Jenna is told to stay out of the investigation, but she has no intention of obeying. Linus was a kind man with a sweet dog, and he was killed in her parking lot. Plus, Jenna does not trust Detective Sutter. Jenna begins gathering information that will lead her to Linus’ killer. Murder by the Bookend is the 2nd book in An Antique Bookshop Mystery series. I believe it can be read as a standalone. A summary of the main details from For Whom the Book Tolls is included. It contains good writing with steady pacing. I like the small town of Hokes Folly, North Carolina. The author provided vivid descriptions of the town along with the residents. We are introduced to quite a few people in the beginning of the book as they attend the grand reopening. There are a couple of individuals who I would have preferred as the victim instead of the Linus Talbot (maybe in the next book). There are several suspects in Linus’ death. There is a good misdirect to lead readers away from the true culprit. The clues are there to help readers solve the crime. I was left with an unanswered question regarding the mystery at the end. I just loved Linus’ dog, Eddy (full name Edition). He is a sweet dog. There is a little violence in the story as well as a small amount of profanity. I did have some trouble relating to Jenna which meant I was never able to become fully immersed into the story. I also felt the romance between Jenna and Keith Logan progressed too quickly for a cozy mystery. Murder by the Bookend is a quaint Southern cozy mystery with a cute canine, blown glass bookends, a departed antiquarian, a banged-up book, a disgruntled detective, and a sleuthing bookseller.

Too many continuity and repetition issues for me to consider this a good book. I found myself bouncing back and forth between paragraphs questioning if the author, Laura Gail Black, had just said something different or hasn’t this been covered a couple of times already. Reading an advanced copy tends to have its issues, but these types of distractions, for me at least, tend to cause a lack of reading flow and leads me to wonder when it will happen again instead of being focused on what is coming next.

In my opinion, the second book in this series did not live up to the expectation laid out in For Whom the Books Tolls, the first book in this series.

Jenna Quinn holds a special re-opening party for the more exclusive of her uncle's customers. At the end of the night one of the attendees is dead and a dog named Eddy (Edition) is in the middle of it all.

There are three good suspects who the reader meets are the party. I had my favorite suspect and I was proved wrong. The person was just a rotten human being.

This is the first Antique Bookshop Mystery I have read. I think that the book can standalone as there is plenty of backstory offered throughout the book. I enjoyed getting to know Jenna, Rita, Mason and Keith. Detective Sutter gets cast as almost another villain of sorts.

I enjoyed the book but experienced the problem of not remembering the main character's name because the book is told in first person. I had to look up her name for the purpose of writing this review. I like books told in first person, but the author then has to work a bit harder to have the other characters call the narrator/prime character by name so the reader doesn't forget. This is especially true with a new series.

I probably won't go back and read the first book. The backstory was sufficient to tell me that I probably wouldn't like it as well. I don't generally recommend starting part way into a series but I think I would in this case because I think the events that occurred in the first book would have been frustrating to me and would make it hard to complete. I am certain a reader coming in at the second book of An Antique Bookshop Mystery series would enjoy the book just fine.

I wasn't a fan of the first instalment but thought that the series had potential.
I enjoyed this book, it was fun to read and I liked the relationship between Jenna and the characters. I love Eddie the dog, he's lovely and a good boy
The plot is well developed and the mystery kept me guessing.
The rate could have been higher but I hate when cozy heroine are reckless to the point of a death wish.
I look forward to the next instalment.
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for this ARC, all opinions are mine

It was a pleasure to continue this new cosy mystery series and this second instalment, Murder by the Bookend written by Laura Gail Black certainly lived up to my expectations!

Jenna Quinn, the star of the show, has waved goodbye to her hometown of Charlotte and has inherited her Uncle Paul's bookshop, now called Twice Upon A Time, located in the small town of Hokes Folly, North Carolina. She is preparing for the store's reopening in drizzly November and after the event, a body is found in the parking area, their head caved in by a pair of vintage glass bookends. It's the local library's Director of Antique Books, Linus Talbot...

I thought this was a highly entertaining continuation of the series. I really like Laura Gail Black's wonderful characterisation of Jenna and the author has also built a good cast of others including Jenna's boyfriend, Detective Keith Logan who she met during her sleuthing in book one and Rita Wallace, her next-door neighbour and a supportive close friend. This book was such a fun read and I was on a merry-go-round of doubt as I puzzled over the variety of suspects.

The writing was comfortably and smoothly paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with snippets of humour and abundant red herrings to sustain my interest. All in all, Murder by the Bookend is a top-notch instalment and a great read with a cute dog added to the mix. I will certainly be returning to see what Jenna is getting herself into next in the third 'An Antique Bookshop Mystery'. Very highly recommended.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.

Fun and fast-paced cozy mystery. Loved the characters, the bookstore, the small town, the mystery, and the dog. I'm looking forward to more books in this series. 4 1/4 stars

Many thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

Jenna Quinn was holding her reopening launch of the bookstore she’d inherited from her Uncle Paul; she’d renamed the shop Twice Upon A Time as a nod to the many antique books which were housed inside the store. Mason was her store manager, and doing a great job, and Rita, her best friend, was by her side, helping as she always did. Among the many guests was Linus, director of Antique Books at the local library and his devoted dog Eddie (short for Edition) It was when the party was almost over, and the guests had mostly gone, that Jenna and her policeman boyfriend, Keith, saw Eddie bolt past the front of the store, and found Linus dead by his car in the parking lot.

Detective Frank Sutter was his usual obnoxious self, so Jenna decided to investigate Linus’ murder herself. With Keith a reluctant helper plus Mason and Rita sifting through clues, Jenna could see there were plenty of suspects. But would they be able to weed out the murderer? Or would it be too late for someone else?

Murder by the Bookend is the 2nd in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series by Laura Gail Black and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, plenty of twists as well as laugh out loud moments, Murder by the Bookend was just what I needed. Eddie is adorable, Jenna a feisty, strong woman who acts before she thinks, therefore putting herself in danger, and Keith is perfect for Jenna. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This mystery is a delightful read in every way…well, except for the murder and attempted murders. Second in a new series, it can be read as a standalone with the backstory included. I plan to read the first one since I enjoyed this so much! It is October in a charming North Carolina town. The characters range from the wealthy to the average working person, most of whom are friendly and welcoming. Our protagonist, Jenna, owns the bookstore she inherited from her uncle. I really like her and her new friends as they are down-to-earth, kind, and caring people.

Jenna is hosting a grand re-opening event for the bookstore, renamed Twice Upon a Time. Most of those invited were Uncle Paul’s best customers, those who regularly purchased antique or rare books. There is a grand-reopening sale for the following week for all customers. Mason, her only employee, is there, as are boyfriend Keith and best friend Rita.

Linus, an older gentleman who has helped Jenna with values of collectible books, arrived with his dog, Eddy. There were at least three people who seemed quite put out with Linus, his pup, or both. One was Blake, who was running for state congress. Part of his platform was for animal rights. He claimed to love animals, but when Eddy growled at Blake and his wife, he said he typically loves animals, but Eddy is vicious and needs to be put down. Jenna overheard part of their conversation in which Linus said that the next day, everybody would know where Eddy came from.

Another troubling person is Selina, who tries to impress everyone with the money she wishes she had. Her husband is a kindly man, while she is a snob. She dislikes most people, but when Eddy growls at her, she despises both man and dog. Then we meet Alice, who seems like a lonely older lady who tends to stay out of the limelight. Jenna spoke with her for a few minutes, and from a run-in between Alice, Selina, who purposely damaged a book in front of them, and Jenna, Alice’s hatred for Linus was evident.

After the party, Jenna saw a streak run past that looked like Eddy. Keith went to catch him. They noticed blood on his paws and his loving owner was not in sight. Keith, a detective, and Jenna went to look for him and found him in the nearby parking lot. He was dead, having been hit on the head with one of the pair of antique blown glass bookends he won at the event.

Keith didn’t want Jenna to look into Linus’s death, as she was almost killed the last time she helped. Her hands were already full, especially since she adopted Eddy. Once the media spun the story about Linus’s death being the third murder associated with the bookstore, she felt she had to see what she could learn about the case. The secrets she uncovers show more than one person likely to have killed Linus, but the detective in charge has a different spin.

This well-plotted and executed cozy mystery drew me in from the beginning – what is there to not love about a bookstore? It held my attention throughout due to the primary characters, the mystery, and the LOL humor. It kept me guessing to the end, which had quite a surprising twist! I highly recommend this novel to those who love well-written cozy mysteries that include bookstores, antique books, and dogs.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

Who could dislike an Antiquarian book expert? Linus Talbot seems like a guy not many people would have issues with. He loves books and is kind to dogs so what's not to love? Except that he gets into several altercations during Jenna's Grand Opening and is found dead in the parking lot at the end of the event. Jenna's prior nemesis Detective Sutter is back and despite Sutter's partner and Jenna's boyfriend, Keith's assurances that Sutter knows what he is doing Jenna can't help but become involved in the investigation.

While Jenna is an amateur detective she's intelligent and logical and never intentionally withholds information from the police. As well, I love how she, her store manager, Mason, and her friend and neighbor, Rita interact and work together. I can never resist a team effort when it comes to solving a cozy.

The mystery here was solid. There were multiple suspects who were all equally possible and I couldn't make up my mind just who was the killer until the very end. I'm excited by the edition of Eddy and Tish to the cast and am already looking forward to the next book.

This was a fast and entertaining read though not one I think will stick with me for all that long.

I enjoyed spending more time with Jenna and her friends in Hokes Folly, NC, in this second book in the series. Jenna has decided to keep the antique book store and stay in town. She renames the store "Twice Upon a Time," and holds a rededication party to promote it, Right after the party, a librarian who has helped Jenna learn about antique books is murdered in a nearby parking lot. Jenna again comes under the suspicions of nasty cop Frank Sutter, while dating hunky cop Keith. This is an entertaining and fun cozy mystery series, although I still get tired of Jenna's constant references to her mother's inner conscience. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing an ARC.

Second one is just as good as the first in the series. I am eager for the next one. Light, clever, entertaining cozy mystery. Great friends, a dog, a little romance.

Shortly after the party celebrating the grand reopening of her bookstore, Jenna and her boyfriend, Keith, discover the body of one of the attendees in a parking lot near the bookstore. The victim is a rare books librarian. The murder weapon is one of a pair of antique bookends he won at the party. The only witness to the crime is the man's pet dog, Eddie.

There are quite a few suspects. Several of which Eddie doesn't like. Jenna finds a possible motive when the police accidentally give her a file showing the victim was investigating theft of rare books at the library he worked at after she requested Eddie's vet records. When she turns the info over to Sutter, the lead investigator, she finds out he is more interested in arresting her for the murder. He wants to be able to do something that the Charlotte, North Carolina Police department couldn't do. Get Jenna sent to prison for murder.

I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher and/or author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Puts a fresh spin on the "bookshop cozy" setting, which is not always easy to do. I loved learning about what an antiquarian bookshop entails and found the community around it very charming. The mystery itself was also a lot of fun to try and solve alongside the sleuth.

This is a good follow up to For Whom the Book Tolls, the first book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series. It was fun to get to know Jenna, Keith, Mason and Rita better and to see Sutter get a taste of his own medicine!

In Murder by the Bookend yet another murder occurs near the bookshop and again the unpleasant Detective Sutter suspects Jenna. Luckily she now has Keith to stand interference for her but she is still forced into playing sleuth to find out what really happened.

There is an amazing number of possible murderers and the author points equally at all of them as the story progresses. I changed my mind several times as to who it was and was still surprised at the result - especially why they did it.

It was nicely written with a core group of friendly, interest characters. The addition of Eddy was excellent. One can never have too many lovable dogs or charming cats in a good cosy story. The ending is sweet. Well worth reading and I look forward to more.

"Murder by the Bookend" the 2nd instalment in the "An Antique Bookshop” Mystery series by Laura Gail Black. I thought this was a great follow up to book one!

Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn sleuths again when a pair of glass bookends puts an end to a librarian's life!

I really loved this story, there was a dog named Eddie, romance and murder. What’s not to like! I read almost in one sitting but finally succumbed to sleep with only a few chapters left.

The mystery moved at a good pace, was interesting and I thought well plotted. I loved the characters living in Hokes Folly especially Jenna’s BFF Rita. I did suspect whodunnit fairly early but was never 100% sure. Overall I found it to be a very entertaining read.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I’m looking forward to book three to find out what Jenna does next.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I enjoyed the first in this delightful series set in the town of Hokes Folly, NC. This one also earns its five stars. Poor Jenna, she has great plans to reopen the antiquarian bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, left to her by her late uncle Paul. She's making a new start and has a relationship with the investigating detective, Keith Logan but it will all go sideways. At the reopening party the antiquarian librarian, Linus Talbot has had several run ins with other guests. Who at the party hated him enough to go to the extreme of bashing him over the head with an antique glass bookend recently won in the raffle conducted by Jenna? Might it have been someone else on the list of possible suspects? After all, he was attacked in the parking lot after the event. Too bad the only witness to the murder has four legs, fur, barks and is named Eddy. Will the dog help Jenna and Keith track down a killer before Jenna becomes the next victim? Will Jenna adopt the pooch?
Jenna is a strong character and the setting is lovely. The romantic touch is just right and the mystery is very well crafted. I'll make sure not to miss the next in this series. It has been added to my favorite series list.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is book 2 in the Antique Bookshop series and it can be read as a stand alone. Jenna has reorganized her uncle's bookstore and is hosting the grand reopening. When a local librarian is murdered she ends up with his dog who is the only witness. Someone isn't taking any chances and is trying to kill Eddy and Jenna both. A good cozy and I'm looking forward to the next book. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Murder by the Bookend (An Antique Bookshop Mystery #2) by Laura Gail Black from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… A clever cozy with suspects you’ll love to hate, clever red herrings and unexpected twists, the author has crafted …

Murder by the Bookend is the second book in the An Antique Bookshop Mystery series and author Laura Gail Black does not disappoint. Life is finally looking up for Jenna Quinn after the events that occurred in “For Whom the Book Tolls.” Jenna has settled into her new life in Hokes Folly, North Carolina and is having a grand re-opening of the antique bookshop she inherited from her beloved Uncle Paul.

After all the struggles she has endured and the store surviving after being associated with two murders, Jenna is determined to get her life back on track, she reopens the store under a new name, Twice Upon a Time, with Mason as her Manager, her best friend next door and her Police Officer boyfriend, life is good. The re-opening is going well but in a small town there can be quite a few characters both the two and four legged variety. After a few tense moments with warring patrons was averted, a well-received raffle was held it concluding the opening on a high note…that’s until they see a patron’s dog running loose in the parking lot, which leads them to finding the victim’s body lying next to his car, murdered with a bookend that he had won at Twice Upon a Time. The victim and his dog were well known in Hokes Folly and Jenna although not overly close went to him for help with appraising books. The victim was always kind to her when many in the town were not, and Jenna wants to do right by him agreeing to take in his grieving pup and keeping it out of a shelter. When “Twice Upon a Time” gets targeted by the police, the press, as well as the murderer suspicious of the dog recognizing them, Jenna does what she must to save her shop and the new life she has built for herself.


Murder by the Bookend is a clever cozy with suspects you’ll love to hate, clever red herrings and unexpected twists, the author has indeed crafted a novel with living breathing characters and compelling plotlines that will keep you on the edge of your seat until the end. Although I preferred the first book in the series, Murder by the Bookend was a fantastic read, and I am looking forward to reading future books in this series!

Murder by the Bookend is is the 2nd book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery, although I was not aware of that when I selected this book. This is a fun sweet mystery that is a quick read. I loved all the references to 'Murder She Wrote." I was thinking how similar that Jenna just fell into these murders. This a very enjoyable story.

Murder By the Bookend is the second book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery. I haven't read the first book in the series but the author has lent enough information to explain the background story.

Jenna Quinn has a grand re-opening event for Twice Upon a Time, an antique bookstore she inherited from her late uncle Paul Baxter. Except for a couple of minor verbal incidents between patrons in attendance, the event seems to go well enough until a senior librarian, Linius Talbot is found dead in the parking lot soon after the event, his head bashed by one of the pair of bookends he won in the event's raffle draw.

With a great set of characters, story, setting and ofcourse a mandatory four pawed character added in the mix (a dog called Eddie-short for Edition) this is another cosy mystery series that I know I am going to very much enjoy reading. Looking forward to more of the series.

P. S.: The cover design is pretty eye catching as well.

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Laura Gail Black for the e-Arc of the book.