Murder By The Bookend is the second book in the An Antique Bookshop Mystery by Laura Gail Black.

Jenna Quinn inherited her uncle’s antiquarian bookstore three months ago and has decided to rename it Twice Upon A Time. She has invited some of her and her uncle’s better customers to her grand reopening celebration. For the celebration, Jenna has called on her friend and neighbor, Rita, her assistant, Mason, and her close friend and detective, Keith, to help with the party.

The last item on the agenda is the awarding of raffle gifts, and the final one is a pair of vintage glass bookends. The winner was Linus Talbot, the Director of Antique Books at the town’s library. Shortly after, everyone left, and as Jenna was about to lock the front door, she saw Talbot’s dog, Eddy, race by the door. Keith takes off after Eddy, noticing that he is leaving bloody paw prints. Keith catches Eddy and brings him back to Talbot’s car, where they find Talbot’s body that someone had bludgeoned with the book ends.

Jenna, Rita, and Mason will experience difficulty investigating as Keith has been removed from the case as he had been at the crime scene; his partner, Detective Frank Sutter, will be in charge of the police investigation. Jenna had trouble with Sutter in her uncle’s murder investigation. Jenna had seen at least three angry discussions during the evening. As Jenna and her friends start comparing, they find no shortage of possible suspects. They will be centering their investigation on the candidate for the state legislature, Prescott Bradford, the director of the community library, Douglas March, socialite wannabe and wife of March Selina, and Alice King, an unemployed bookseller.

This book is an excellent follow-up to the first, For Whom The Book Tolls. I found the book to be well-written and plotted. The characters are well-developed and believable. I particularly like Jenna and Keith. They work well together with their sleuthing and seem in no hurry to proceed into a relationship.

I’m very looking forward to the next book in this enjoyable series.

ABOUT MURDER BY THE BOOKEND-PUBLISHER’S SUMMARY
Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn sleuths again when a pair of glass bookends puts an end to a librarian’s life, in this second installment of Laura Gail Black’s cozy series.

The quaint warehouse district of Hokes Folly, NC, is hopping despite the drizzly November chill. The occasion? The mountain town’s beloved antiquarian bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, is throwing a bash for its grand reopening. But bookseller Jenna Quinn’s peace of mind is shattered when the local library’s Director of Antique Books turns up dead in the parking lot–his head bashed in by a glittering pair of vintage glass bookends.

As they examine the murder scene, Jenna and her police detective boyfriend happen upon the only witness–the victim’s dog, who flees the scene leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind. If only dogs could speak, Jenna might be able to make quick work of the murder case and get back to stocking her bookcases.

Alas, finding the killer won’t be so easy, even though this is not Jenna’s first murder investigation–indeed, she inherited Twice Upon a Time from her slain uncle. The suspect list is voluminous–the late librarian had not-so-friendly run-ins with numerous guests–but suspicion eventually centers on three unsavory individuals who left the party shortly before the victim did.
Now Jenna must edit her inventory of suspects from three names to one, before the bloodthirsty bookend wielder becomes the author of Jenna’s demise.

My Thoughts
I enjoyed reading Murder by the Bookend, mainly because the whodunit aspect wasn’t easy to solve. The characters also continue to grow from book one, and that has kept my interest. One character set my teeth on edge. Selina March is a bit over the top as a young wife with expensive tastes. She’s shrill, demanding, a snob, and overall unlikeable. Overall, Murder by the Bookend is a solid cozy read.


Publishing information
Penguin Random House
Hardcover | $26.99
Published by Crooked Lane Books
Sep 07, 2021 | 304 Pages | 5-1/2 x 8-1/4| ISBN 9781643858265

I was glad when I realized I'd read this author before. We continue very shortly after the last book ended. Things have moved forward even in the short amount of time. There isn't a large number of regulars so it is easy to remember who they are and keep them straight. They mystery kept me guessing.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

This is a charming mystery series set in a small town in North Carolina. I enjoy the culture and atmospheric setting of this cozy series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinions are my own.

Murder by the Bookends is is the 2nd book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery by Laura Gail Black.
The protagnist Jenn Quinn is celebrating the opening of her business, " Twice Upon a Time Bookstore" in Hokie Folly in North Carolina. She recently moved home after her family member died. She inherited the bookstore and has finished renovations. Jenn is a likable protagnist , smart savvy and independent.

Linus Talbot a librarian is found murdered near the bookstore during the opening. The victims dog was the only witness. Jenna and her friends decide to investigate the murder . The local detective does not seem pro active in the case and Jenna wants to solve the murder both for the victim and to bring closure to the town.

This was a fun read with a well crafted sleuth that kept me guessing. I love the supporting charcters that all add to the series. This is a new cozy series I look forward to returning to .

Second in the Antique Bookshop series sees Jenna hosting a grand reopening of the bookstore she inherited when her uncle died

Tragedy strikes when a guest is found at the end of the night dead in his car and the only witness to his murder.... his dog

Thoroughly enjoyed and would recommend to all who want a cosy read

Murder by the Bookends is is the 2nd book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery by Laura Gail Black in which Jenn Quinn is celebrating her grand opening of Twice Upon a Time Bookstore in Hokie Folly in North Carolina. The celebration was going great until a few of the guests start a fight and then Linus Talbot ends up dead in the parking lot near the bookstore. Linus poor dog was Eddy the only witness to the murder. If only he could talk and tell Jenna who killed his owner! Jenna and her friends decide to investigate the murder since Detective Frank Sutter is being a pain and won't listen to his partner, Keith Logan, Jenna boyfriend.

I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend reading it! The characters were wonderful, the storyline was well written, unpredictable and very entertaining! Thank you to NetGalley for giving me the opportunity to read and review this book.

When a librarian is found murdered after attending the grand reopening party for Jenna’s bookstore, Jenna and her friends believe that he’s looking at the wrong suspect so it’s up to them to investigate. I like the author’s style; the story flows well and I wasn’t able to guess who the killer was. However, this book has one of my pet peeves in cozy mysteries - characters who continually put themselves in dangerous situations and have to be rescued.

I didn't read the first book, but it didn't stop me from enjoying this one! I have been in a reading slump, and I think this book just got me out of it! It was a fun, light hearted mystery (as much as a murder mystery can be) that was a quick read. Very enjoyable!

After Jenna Quinn hosts a successful grand reopening of her antiquarian bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, she finds the Director of Antique Books for the local library murdered in her parking lot.

Once again, Jenna begins investigating. Laura Gail Black concocts an intriguing mystery for this second installment in her Antique Bookshop Mystery series. The author’s engaging story builds upon the relationships between characters, creating a sense of community that adds texture and depth. And, all the elements of a good mystery contribute to a strong pace.

Murder by the Bookend, second in the series, is another great mystery for the series set in Hokes Folly, North Carolina. New bookshop owner Jenna Quinn is having her grand re-opening with a new name, Twice Upon a Time, in the small downtown area. The celebration is a little rocky with some heated confrontations between guests and then a murder occurred in the parking lot afterwards. Jenna feels responsible to find the killer since it happened at her event especially since this is not the first one. With help from a few friends, Jenna does some sleuthing into who would want to kill the nice man and finds herself in some close calls. And she ends up with a dog in the process. With a fun setting, great characters, and an interesting mystery to solve, this is another page turner and highly recommended read.
I received a complimentary ARC from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Linus, an antique book expect, argued with several people at the grand reopening of Jenna's bookshop but then...someone killed him using a glass bookend that was a door prize. He might have been a creep to many but he was nice to Jenna, who is new to both Folly, North Carolina and the bookstore business so she's determined to get some answers. Her love interest Keith, a detective, isn't sure she should be investigating but cozy readers know how this goes. There are some red herrings, some twists, some nice atmospherics, and Jenna finds herself adopting Linus' dog. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. A nice second in the series and perfectly enjoyable as a standalone. I'm looking forward to the next one.

Ah I loved this book so much! It's so refreshing to read a cozy mystery that has everything different in the storyline and The main character. As a antique lover I totally was hooked! Jenna is hosting a reopening for her bookstore when someone ends up dead it puts a damper on the festivities. Jenna and Detective Keith most find the killer before it's too late. Will they both figure it out? I highly recommend this book and look forward to reading more books by This author.

Jenna still has a few issues but has come a long way since she inherited her uncle’s antique bookstore. A new name, Twice Upon a Time, and a whole new system so Jenna and customers can find the books they are looking for has helped tremendously. But when Jenna holds a grand reopening party and a party goer ends up dead in the parking lot, killed with a bookend that Jenna gave away as a prize, she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation once again. Murder by the Bookend is aptly named and with plenty of twists and turns to lead readers to a resolution that will make their heads spin.

It doesn’t take long to figure out who the suspects are, and the weapon of an antique bookend is a great way to kill a book lover. Readers will be stunned to find that figuring out who the killer is, isn’t as easy as it may appear at first. The victim is liked and disliked in equal measures, but no one is sure why. He was kind and helpful to Jenna when she needed a friend and seems to have been a genuinely nice guy. Yet, there are rumors that he was a cold, callous man who only loved his dog and his books. Not a bad combination if you ask me. When the killer is unveiled after some harrowing maneuvers, readers wonder why it took them so long to work it out.

I enjoyed the basis of this addition to the series. Cozy readers are drawn to books, bookstores, libraries, and anything book-related; make the books antiques and throw in some bookends to die for, and you have a lively and entertaining mystery that will make readers happy. There is plenty of growth throughout the story with the characters. The friendships are becoming relatable, and the overall feel of this series is getting to be more fulfilling. My only complaint is that we still haven’t learned enough about Jenna’s past to really get to know her as a person. I hope this gets resolved in the next book. Murder by the Bookend is a cheerful story that readers will savor. I am thrilled with the direction this series is headed and look forward to the next installment.

Jenna Quinn is hosting her grand re-opening of the bookstore she inherited after her uncle was murdered when this story begins. She has invited all of his best customers to this event not suspecting that murder would be on the program.

When librarian Linus Talbot is found bludgeoned to death with a bookend he won as a door prize, Jenna and her friends Rita and Mason go on the case to discover the murderer (and keep her bookstore from gaining a reputation as the murder capitol of Hokes Folly.) Besides, Linus has left behind his cute rescue dog Eddy who was with him when he died.

As Jenna investigates, she discovers a politician who had a grudge against Linus who threatened to go to the newspaper about his hypocrisy regarding animal rights, a former employee who had a crush on him but whom he busted for stealing and selling rare books, and a would-be socialite who blamed Linus for lack of wealth and power.

Each of the suspects has what they consider good reasons for wanting Linus dead. But which of them took action?

Jenna is a great character who wants the best for her friends and clients. She is uncertain about her new relationship with Detective Keith Logan but generally happy. She is reluctant at first to add a dog to her life but Eddy wins her over with his charm and personality. However, she also finds herself in lots of danger in this story because the murderer doesn't want anyone in their way.

This is the second book in the series. I like the way Jenna has grown in confidence and the way she has gathered a new circle of friends.

This has quickly become a favorite series of mine. I love the setting and the characters. And Laura always has you guessing until the very end who the murderer is.

This is the second book in this series and it is even better then the first. This series has great characters and is set in a wonderful location. I cannot wait for the next book.

This was a fun cozy mystery. Jenna now has the store going and has a re-opening celebration when one of the customers is murdered. Jenna becomes the proud owner of his dog. Then someone tries to poison the dog. One thing after another. Keith, her detective boy-friend keeps wanting her to be careful and not get herself hurt but Jenna cannot stand back. In the end it wasn't who she thought it was who was the murderer.

Murder by the Bookend is the second book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series. It is well written and has well developed characters. The conversations and the storyline flow smoothly. Jenna Quinn has inherited her uncle's bookstore. She has a grand reopening. It is a big success, but one of the guests is found murdered in the parking lot after the party. The murder is once again associated with the bookstore. Can Jenna and her friends solve the murder and save the bookstore's reputation? I really enjoyed this book. I cannot wait for the next book.

This is the second in the series, and I have not read the first, but I often feel that is actually a benefit--the reader can often tell how good the author is by how deftly they write in enough details to fill in the characters' relationships and history without making it read like a sales sheet blurb for the previous story. Jenna Quinn's uncle owned an antiquarian bookstore which she inherited after his murder (the subject of the first book). In this second book, she's re-opened the bookstore under a new name and is eager for a new life in a new town. Things get complicated when someone is murdered with a bookend from her store the night of her grand opening. Jenna is a suspect again, and this time, her new boyfriend Keith, a police officer, cannot help her because he's not allowed to work on her case. Detective Sutter is assigned to the case, and he still holds a grudge after Jenna solved her uncle's murder. Jenna and her new friends decide they have to solve the murder before he completely messes it up and allows the real murderer to escape. The story was ok, although I wasn't as enamored of this small town as I have been of other fictional small towns that served as the settings for stories read this month. The romance is very much a dominant plot line, and of course Keith is too good to be true, so much so that I found the romance was getting in the way of the mystery. I didn't feel I had to play catch up to understand the characters and their relationships to each other. The murderer's motive was a little cliched and they are easy to identify, but again, this is the kind of easy beach read that doesn't make demands on the reader. However, I doubt I'll read another in this series as it just didn't pique my interest that much.

Jenna Quinn is hosting a grand re-opening for her bookstore, Twice Upon a Time. A damper is put on the festivities when the a local librarian is murdered in spectacular fashion. The man's head was bashed in with an antique glass bookend....yikes!

I live in NC so I love cozies set here! This is the second book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series. I love the setting, the characters, the plot...and the dog, of course! The plot moves along at a nice pace and there were multiple suspects. The book definitely kept my attention from start to finish. I will definitely be reading more of this series.

I wish the NC town I live in had a bookshop like Twice Upon a Time! I would be there all the time!

**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**