Princess Fuzzypants here: When Addie and Paige travel to a neighbouring town to check out the books the local library is selling, they come across many “finds”. First they find a bookmobile that Addie thinks will be ideal for festivals and fairs. After she buys the bookmobile, they discover three first editions that are worth more than the bookmobile. Then they find out that the books had been intended for auction only to disappear mysteriously. They also find the library staff are extremely hostile not only to them for buying the items but to the woman in charge of the sale.

Then Addie finds her long lost first love who just happens to be one who is pulling the finances creating the dissolution of the library in the first place. And finally, she finds the disliked woman poisoned and that, as outsiders in the close knit town, they are the suspect liked best by the local cop. He has already tried and convicted them so when Marc and Simon arrive on the scene, they are relieved to have allies. But their presence complicates some emotional issues and turns the investigation into a prospective ménage a trois .

There are a lot of twists and turns in the story partly because of the machinations of small communities, partly because of best Friend Selena’s impending birth and partly because Addie is getting confusing signals by all three men who have been important to her at one time or another. While there are plenty of nefarious deeds, the answer to the mystery is quite satisfying. I do confess I suspected it might be the case but got caught up in all the red herrings.

All ends very well for our main characters. The killer gets the comeuppance and justice is served. Four purrs and two paws up.

I would like to thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for a copy of this kindle book to read and review.

I was able to binge listen to the entire series before I started this book and I am very grateful to have the kindle copy of this book. The audio series changed narrators and it was bad enough that I was going to stop reading the series entirely. I did try to listen to it, but no, still didn't like the narrator.

In the story though, Addie and Paige go to another town because the library is closing and they hope to replenish the store stock. The end up buying a book mobile! When the bus crashes though and a body is found inside it, the 2 out of towners, Addie and Paige, are the prime suspects!
Enjoyable story in an enjoyable series! I will stay with the series, but I will only read the books now, no more audio for me.

A Margin for Murder: A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery
By Lauren Elliott
Kensington
May 2022

Review by Cynthia Chow

Coming off of the disappointment of receiving earrings instead of an engagement ring for her Christmas presents, Addie Greyborne is funneling all of her energy towards purchasing new stock for her curio bookshop, Beyond the Page. Simon Emerson may have let her down with a lack of a proposal, but shopping for books and curiosities at a book sale never fails to deliver her joy. A pre-birthday celebratory expedition to nearby Pen Hollow is just what Addie needs, especially as it gives her the opportunity to attend the closing down auction for its local library. Despite it being a historical building, without funding for upgrades the library is instead being closed down and demolished. As much as Addie and her assistant manager Paige Stringer drool at the sight of Stickley tables and French Beech sofas, it’s the tantalizing bookmobile that really has them seeing stars. In a deal that seems too good to be true, not only is the bookmobile that will allow Addie to take her bookstore to fairs and festivals affordable, it contains a collection of valuable first edition novels. Unfortunately, the ink has barely dried on the sale agreements before they’re given the news that Luella Higgins, mayor and head of the library committee, has just fatally crashed in the promised bookmobile.

A lazy sheriff wanting to close the case and keep his record cleared of unsolved murders circles in immediately on Addie and Paige, asserting that no one in his town is capable of murder. While they are ordered not to leave Pen Hollow, back-up support arrives in the awkward duo of Greyborn Harbor’s Police Chief Marc Turner and medical examiner Simon. While Addie and Marc both declare that they’ve moved past their relationship into the “friend zone,” it’s another ex-boyfriend who unsettles Addie’s romantic status. Tony Radcliff was the high school boyfriend who ghosted her 16 years ago, and now he has reappeared as a bestselling thriller writer and the presumed heir to the bookmobile’s valuable book collection. While Addie’s bestie Serena spirals in full momzilla back home as she sits out the last weeks of pregnancy, the rest of their Greyborne Harbor friends follow up on Addie’s murder board list of garden club jealousy, resentful pharmacy owners, furious librarians, cheated heirs, illicit affairs, and spurned lovers.

While one character remarks that there are enough secrets and affairs simmering under Pen Hollow’s surface to make it the new Peyton Place, the same could be said of Addie and her life back in Greyborne Harbor. At some point all of them have been murder suspects, potential victims, and navigated “complicated” romantic lives. A passing remark near the end hints of further potential strife for Addie, especially when their New England town seems to be far smaller and connected than one would expect. It’s a relief when characters honestly communicate and express their true feelings, as so much of the confusion and mixed-messages are cleared up with a simple, sit-down conversation. Bibliophiles will enjoy Addie’s exuberant exploration of the classic novels that inspire both her and Tony, who have emotional connections to the books given to them by their loved ones. This 8th in the series sets up more possible plotlines while resolving the ones set up in its debut, making this a satisfying conclusion for a woman whose life has been touched by so much murder and heartbreak. The comforting presence of Addie’s Yorkipoo Pippi is an added bonus, especially when he further highlights the therapeutic benefit of animal companions.

A Margin for Murder takes Addie and Paige away from Greyborne Harbor, yet they still find themselves in the midst of a murder and the prime suspects. Addie and Paige are headed to Pen Hollow to a large book sale and find themselves purchasing a bookmobile in addition to books and library furniture. Luella, the town mayor and person who sold them the bookmobile, dies while driving the bookmobile to an event and her death is later determined to not have been accidental. Because Addie and Paige are 'outsiders', they become the prime suspects for having committed the murder. As the Sheriff involved tends to be a bit short-sighted, Marc comes to town to make sure Addie and Paige are not railroaded and, as the county coroner, Simon is involved as well. The story becomes more complex when Addie's old high school flame turns out to be the grandson of the former benefactor of the library, who has revoked the library funding in his grandmother's will, causing the library and its contents to be sold. It seems that the mayor was not much liked by many of the townfolk, making the list of suspects longer than the Sheriff would like to admit. Because Addie and Paige cannot leave town until the murder is solved, they set out to determine who really killed the mayor. With the help of people we've come to know and love from the other books in the series - Serena, Catherine, Felix, Marc, Simon and Paige - Addie is able to parse through all the clues, relationships and individual histories to solve this very perplexing murder.

This story is full of red herrings, clues, twists and turns. It is humorous at times, and frustrating at times. Paige comes into her own as a sleuth and Addie becomes a bit tiresome in her insecurity with her relationship with Simon, while Marc remains in the background. As each potential suspect's relationship with Luella is revealed, it seems possible that any one of them could very well have committed the crime, further stumping Addie, Paige and Marc. In the end Addie demonstrates her ability in putting together the pieces solving this very unique mystery in a most unexpected way.

This is a great series and each book offers a very engaging and puzzling mystery. The book ends seeming to have resolved Addie's issues with Simon, but we won't really know until book 9, if even then!

This is the 8th book in a series and my first. I had a hard time following who was who and what had previously happened. It would definitely be best to read these in order. To really understand the characters and enjoy their stories. I'll definitely start at the beginning to fully understand the characters.

Addie and Paige go to Pen Hollow, the library is closing and there's a big book sale. They end up buying the book mobile from the mayor. Then the mayor is in an accident and dies. Addie and Paige are seen as outsiders and the number one suspects in the murder.

This is the 8th installment in the Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery series. Addie Greyborne and her assistant Paige are going for an overnight trip in in nearby Pen Hollow to purchase books from the local library that is closing down. While there Addie comments on all the beautiful furniture, bookcases etc as they are looking for Patricia the librarian who gave them early access. While there they meet the Mayor Luella Higgins who is pretty abrupt and says everything is for sale and would they consider buying the towns Bookmobile. Addie had been considering getting some kind of mobile transport but when she sees the Bookmobile she thinks it might be a good option although not perhaps in the budget. Luella makes a great deal on the bus and Addie becomes the owner that afternoon much to the dismay of the current librarian Patricia and her assistant Bea. When Addie and Paige were on the bus they found 3 first edition books that she thinks is a mistake and when she lets Luella and Patricia know sparks really fly as the books were to be auctioned off in December and “disappeared”. One of the first editions even appears to be sent to previous owner (Maise Radcliffe and benefactor to the library prior to her death) by Addie’s great aunt Anita. At the dinner that evening Luella plans a PR move to highlight the sale of the Bookmobile to Addie with a local TV station onsite. While Luella goes to get the bus, Addie also runs into a boyfriend from her past who disappeared 16 years ago. Anthony Radcliffe “Tony” left over 16 years ago without a trace to Addie and she always wondered what happened. Now he is a famous author and the grandson of Maise and he says Luella tricked his grandmother out of money and those books. When Bea comes looking for Patricia and Addie it is to tell them that there has been an accident with the bus and Luella. Luella died and crashed the bus. Addie cannot believe her luck but when the next day they go to the police station they find Simon (county coroner and Addie’s current boyfriend) and Marc (police chief of Greyborne Harbor and former boyfriend) talking with the police chief Turner. It turns out that Luella was poisoned and Sheriff Turner put Addie and Paige at the top of his list as “outsiders”. Simon is there officially but Marc is there to make sure nothing happens to Addie and Paige. Addie and Paige cannot leave town and are suspects in a murder of a woman they barely knew. What a mess. This was an engaging mystery and lots of dynamics with Tony, Marc and Simon and Addie sorting out her feelings for Simon as she thought he was going to propose and Serena her best friend is pregnant and due almost any day now. I really enjoy this series and the characters from Serena, Catherine, Felix and Paige and the whole crew. True friendships and they all worked together to get this sorted out. A winner.

The characters in this series have become old friends by now, and I thoroughly enjoyed this
installment. Thanks for the opportunity to preview the title!

While the first book I’ve read in this series, it pulled me in so that I will read all of the books … before and after this one. The characters are well developed and you will have strong opinions about some of them. The murder mystery was handled well and the twists and turns and clues sprinkled throughout the pages kept me invested in the story. The various relationships … friends, family, romantic, etc. … are interesting and entertaining. This is a great cozy mystery to spend a lazy Sunday afternoon with while curled up in your recliner.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

Addie and Paige visit a nearby coastal town for a library-closing sale. Before they know what's happened, a woman is dead, and the lazy sheriff has decided that because they are visitors, they are the killers.

Most people strongly disliked the dead woman and/or wanted her dead, so pointing fingers isn't the problem. They need proof--something the sheriff hasn't bothered with, but is confident will fall on his desk--to point to the real killer (not at them).

This book was entertaining until Addie had one of her paranoid fits of insecurity (internally), and on until the next one. Insecurity is normal; we all feel it. Fear is normal at times. But Addie's inner voice was very near hysteria at times. That is not normal. I don't understand why authors are choosing to make their cozy mystery "detectives" flawed in this particular way. I find it disturbing, because these people need professional help.

The story goes in circles a bit (rather than forward), but it's an easy light read.

There were a couple of mistakes regarding a particular poison; where it grows and how it is extracted, which hurt the story. A minute or two on www.Ask .com/about provide an abundance of information.

Typo corrections, word suggestions, and other comments were sent to the publisher, and will not be available until the book has been published.

Aside from the glaring poison misinformation, I gave this book...

3/5 Stars

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the free preview of this ebook. The review is voluntary.

#AMarginforMurder #NetGalley
#KensingtonBooks #CozyCulinaryMystery
#CozyMystery #AmateurSleuthMysteries

Ooh, there were lots of twists in this installment. I was able to guess both mysteries and the reveals were still exciting.

I am excited to see what Addie does with the bookmobile and the towns they will visit in future novels. I loved that we got to visit Pen Hollow and meet new characters. Tony was great and I hope Addie and Tony's paths cross again in future installments.

So happy for Serena, can't wait to learn more about her new family in future books as well.

The closing of a library is never a happy thing, but it does offer Addie Grayborne a chance to acquire books for her bookstore, Beyond the Page. Addie, along with her associate, Paige, are off to the neighboring town of Pen Hollow to see what treasures they can find. Much to their surprise, a bookmobile is among the offerings. Even more surprising, several rare books are in the book collection on the bus! Unfortunately, things take a turn for the worse when the bookmobile is in an accident right after Addie purchases it and now the local sheriff sees Addie and Paige as his primary suspects for murder. Can Addie and her friends find the real murderer so Addie and Paige can go home?

A MARGIN FOR MURDER is the 8th book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series and takes Addie a bit out of her comfort zone. Readers new to the series can jump right in and enjoy, particularly since Lauren Elliott has us visiting a neighboring town so there are lots of new faces and places to visit. As much as I love visiting Greyborne Harbor, it was fun to visit a nearby town.

Can I say how excited I am about the addition of a bookmobile bus? As a child, I loved my visits to the bookmobile, and I can’t wait to see where Addie takes us with her new acquisition! As always, Lauren Elliott incorporates rare books into the storyline in intriguing ways, bringing attention to some of our beloved classics.
I’m generally not a fan of romantic triangles in cozy mysteries, but Lauren Elliott is convincing me otherwise! Not only is Addie starting to question her relationship with Simon, but an old flame from her past shows up and plays an integral role in A MARGIN FOR MURDER. To add fuel to the fire, we also see that Mark isn’t yet over his romantic feelings for Addie even as he is settling into the idea of being just friends with her. Newer readers to the series may not relate as much to the romantic entanglements in A MARGIN FOR MURDER, but oh what depth it adds to the character development and growth of the series for fans who have been following the series!

A MARGIN FOR MURDER is yet another superb installment from a series that is quickly becoming one of my favorites. After all, any series featuring a bookstore AND focusing on rare books is almost guaranteed to be a hit! Add to that fascinating, well developed characters and a great setting and A MARGIN FOR MURDER is sure to be loved by any cozy mystery fan.

*review is in the editing queue at Fresh Fiction*

A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott is another visit to Greybourne Harbor and Addie Greybourne. Addie and Paige are off to a nearby town, Pen Hollow, where the library is closing and there are all kinds of books and things for sale. It's only 15 minutes away but Serena's baby is due any day and they won't let her go along. So, It's the two of them, and Addie's dog, Pippi. Paige takes the shorter way, which is right on the road where Addie's dad was killed. She hadn't thought about it and now felt terrible. Addie closed her eyes and breathed through it. The most amazing thing happened when they met the president of the library board. There was also a bookmobile for sale--they'd been wanting some way to go to festivals but dragging tables and chairs and boxes of books seemed like far too much work. They went to see it and fell in love. The books in it went with the sale. It was more money than she intended to spend, but it would be worth it. Of course, before the day was over, there was a murder, along with an accident with the bookmobile, and Addie and Paige were the primary suspects.

This was a fabulous mystery with an amazing ending. There were lots of things that happened along the way that kept it all interesting. It was pretty much the same characters as always: Catherine, Serena, Addie, Paige, Marc, and Simon so it was comfortable even if the setting was slightly different. There were some new ones, too. Anthony Radcliffe, the famous English Gothic write lived there and turned out to be Addie's long-lost high school boyfriend, and for a few minutes, the killer. Cozies are all character-driven and this is no exception. The only issue I had was that Addie got a little whiney and insecure. That was so out-of-character that I found it a little distressing. Elliott has imbued her characters with so much personality that it is a joy to revisit them. The plot was excellent with some really interesting turns. People are people whether you know them or not! Addie and Paige eventually got home with furniture, books, and a bookmobile, and so much more. What a good read!

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Margin for Murder by Kensington, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #kensington #laurenelliott #amarginformurder

This is book 8 in the series. But the first one I’ve read it. I’m so looking forward to read the other ones. I was able to follow the story regardless. This is a great cozy mystery. And I really like Lauren’s writing style.

Happy Publication Week to Lauren Elliot for A Margin for Murder, number 8 in the Beyond the Page Bookstore cozy mystery series! Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC–I so enjoyed following along with this series. This is a great series for those that enjoy books about books and bookstores.

Main character Addie leaves her bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the hands of her assistant while she travels to the neighboring town of Pen Hollow to attend a book sale at a library that is closing due to lack of funding. But the real find is a bookmobile bus, which she’s excited to refit as a traveling bookstore to hit all the summer festivals.But before the bookmobile can be delivered to Addie, a fatal car crash occurs. When an autopsy reveals poison in the victim’s system and valuable first editions go missing AND Addie is the prime suspect, you know what she has to do! Jump in to solve the mystery!

A lovely combination of mystery with a bit of romance thrown in. I didn’t guess the ending. Definitely start at the beginning of the series if you haven’t.

Even though I pre-ordered this book, I was excited to get an early peek for review from Netgalley.
I have loved this series from the beginning and it just gets better with each books. I especially loved to the twist this book took with murderer. I can't wait for the next book. I have a feeling there's going to a new vet in town that has a past with Addie's Simon....

Addie and Paige are on a simple trip to purchase books from a library sale in a neighboring town. What should be a fun and simple visit to get some new things for the bookstore turns into a complicated mess that no one saw coming. They find some books, obtain a few pieces of furniture and are now the new owners of a bookmobile. The glory is only celebrated for moments when they should be receiving the bookmobile that they just purchased, the said vehicle is involved in a murder. A murder that has Addie and Paige as the number one suspects. With not being allowed to leave town and a police chief that doesn’t seem to want to look any further for suspects, Addie can’t help to do what she does and get to the bottom of this even if no one else wants to look in any other direction.


Lauren Elliot has a way of keeping you guessing and laughing throughout the entire story. That was no different with A Margin for Murder. This story is well plotted with plenty of clues dropped here and there to keep you guessing all along the way. Addie goes through A roller coaster of emotions throughout the story. Not only is she dealing with being a murder suspect and a wrecked bookmobile that she’s owned for an hour, Addie should be celebrating her birthday. Even with all of the emotions going on, Addie does what she does best and gets to the bottom of this mystery. I very much enjoyed this read and I very much look forward to seeing what happens to Addie in the future.

A Margin for Murder is book #8 in the Beyond the Page Mystery Bookstore series. This is a fabulous series that is such a joy to read. With each book you feel that you are going back to visit some old friends.

Addie Greyborne has done it again and run into another situation where someone was murdered and some very precious books have been taken. Can amateur sleuth Addie figure out who did it and why before she becomes a victim? Read the book to find out.

This is an easy and fast read that is truly enjoyable. Thank you Lauren Elliott for continuing to write this great series.

Thank you to. #netgalley and #kensingtonbooks for allowing me to read the eARC of this book. All opinions express above are my own.

I’ve read this series since the beginning. I thought by this time, I might tire of the characters and storylines since they can be bit similar. But I’m happy to say I actually might have enjoyed this one as much or more than the rest. There is a lot of action and drama. And thankfully there is progress in Addie’s romantic relationship, which might be my only complaint t at this point! I recommend this book and entire series to all cozy murder mystery fans as it’s been a fun ride and looks to be so in the future. Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

A MARGIN FOR MURDER takes readers away from the bookstore’s regular setting to a neighboring town where the town’s library is closing. Addie and her assistant Paige hope to find lots of books and other items for the bookstore. Addie surprises even herself when she impulsively purchases the library’s bus, but the money has barely been transferred when the town mayor Luella crashes the bus and dies. When it is discovered that Luella’s death was not accidental but murder, Addie and Paige become the police chief’s main (only) suspects. Since the pair is forbidden from leaving town, Mark, the police chief in Greyborne Harbor, and Addie’s beau/coroner Simon do all they can to help Addie and Paige find the truth. Throw in the some missing rare books, a blast from Addie’s romantic past, and the looming arrival of Addie’s best friend’s baby, and there is plenty to keep readers engaged along the way.

Eight books into the Beyond the Page Bookstore mysteries these characters feel like old friends. These are what keep me coming back for more, and the series continues to be one of my favorites. In this tale, there are plenty of people who have motive to kill Luella and plenty of clues and red herrings to keep readers guessing. I did not see the ending coming. Isn’t it great, as a reader, to be surprised now and again? I like Addie – she is intelligent, persistent, and mostly logical. I do not, however, understand why she continues to be so insecure in her romantic relationships, but I do love the ending of this book and look forward to seeing what the future holds for all of the characters.

A MARGIN FOR MURDER is a top notch cozy mystery with a great small town coastal setting, interesting characters, and intriguing mysteries for Addie and crew to solve. Highly recommended!

I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
#AMarginForMurder #NetGalley

A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott was a great book. It was a true cozy mystery - great characters, a solid mystery without gore, and little to no cursing. Loving bookstores and libraries, this book greatly appealed to me, as both were essential settings in the book. I have not read the previous books in the series, but enjoyed getting to know the characters so well, that I intend to read them.
In this installment Addie and Paige go to the nearby town of Pen's Hollow for a book sale at a library that is closing. After purchasing the libraries bookmobile, it is crashed by the town's mayor while delivering it. The crash kills her, and of course, it is murder. The sheriff in town immediately determines that Addie and Paige are the likely murderers. Their friends, a local chief of police and coroner, join them to help clear their names. A great book!