Member Reviews
A Margin for Murder is a delightful cozy mystery.
Addie runs a bookstore for her parents. A library in another town is closing due to lack of funding so Addie goes off to see what she can find. A bookmobile is available for sale and Addie thinks it is perfect for creating a traveling bookstore. Wonder of all wonders - there are also several first editions of some classic books.
Before the bus can get to Addie it is involved in a fatal car crash. The books disappear and the victim is found to be poisoned.
The cast of characters is delightful. The bookstore crew are a nice group and Addie has a few romances on the burner.
The romances are fun to watch and lighten the tone of the mystery.
Addie has to solve the murder lest she become a victim herself!
A fast read
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of A MARGIN FOR MURDER (Book 8 of the Beyond the Page Bookshop Mysteries) by Lauren Elliott in exchange for an honest review. I enjoyed it. I continue to enjoy this series and look forward to the next book. I recommend this book to fans of the series and the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries.
#AMarginforMurder #NetGalley
From the publisher: Bookshop owner Addie Greyborne must put the brakes on a killer after a death occurs behind the wheel of a bookmobile . . .
Addie leaves her Greyborne Harbor bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the capable 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. The bookmobile also holds a surprising treasure: several classic first editions and an early edition of Robert Louis Stevenson's A Child's Garden of Verses.
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 the first editions go missing, it's up to Addie to determine what would drive someone to murder. If she's not careful, however, she may be the next one to be dead on arrival . . .
My thoughts:
Book 8! Yay! I’ve read all the books in this series and I’ve enjoyed every one.
Margin for Murder is a bit different in that the setting moves out of Greyborne Harbor to the nearby village of Pen Hollow. With the change of setting comes new characters to meet and new suspects to sort through. Pen Hollow and Greyborne Harbor are close enough that familiar characters are able to journey back and forth. An ability Addy Greyborne and her assistant Paige Stringer are grateful for when the two are the primary suspects for the murder of a prominent Pen Hollow citizen. The sheriff, due to retire soon, is set on proving the two of them guilty of murder-especially since they are from out-of-town. It’s clear to Addie that it will be up to her, Paige, and several friends to prove their innocence by catching the killer themselves. The plot has several unexpected twists, none of which I saw coming, but which added new layers of intrigue to the novel. If you like puzzling mysteries, complex and solid relationships between characters, and bookstores as an essential part of the setting, then read this book.
A Margin for Murder was a fun read! It's the 8th installment in Lauren Elliott's Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. It's a book about books, which I am always down for. Bookstore owner Addie and her friend, Paige, take a little road trip to buy books from a library closing sale in a nearby town and find themselves embroiled in a murder investigation as the prime suspects. Small town drama and a biased cop add to the dilemma.
There's so much in this one for a bibliophile to enjoy, including a reclusive, bestselling gothic horror author, a book-mobile, valuable first editions, a discussion of Agatha Christie's poison garden, and several book references.
I have skipped around in this series but find the ones I've read well written with inventive mysteries, and Addie makes for a convincing sleuth. This is a well-plotted mystery woven with enough red herrings and convoluted small-town connections to keep you guessing, right up to the surprise twist. It was also fast-paced with interesting sub-plots, a precious pup, and a beautiful seaside New England setting. All of it came together for a thoroughly engaging read. If you like cozy mystery, this is one to check out. Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for the opportunity to review this ARC. I enjoyed it!
Who could predict Addie, Paige, and Pippi would not only get involved in a murder when they head to the town of Pen Hallow to attend a book sale (and later purchase a bookmobile (how fun would that be to own??) the deceased just happened to die in), but end up as the prime suspects?! Addie and Paige have their hands full trying to solve this mystery...and stay out of jail.
I really enjoyed this book so much. I love Addie, Paige, and all the characters. And Pipi the pup often steals the show. The mystery was interesting and twisty and had me reading way past my bed time just to see what would happen next.
Definitely recommend.
Many thanks to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.
A Margin For Murder is the eighth book in the Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery by Lauren Elliott.
Addie Greyborne and Paige have planned a “girls’ day” to celebrate Addie’s birthday. They plan to visit the Pen Hollow Library, which is closing and hope to add Addie’s inventory at the Beyond Page Bookstore. After arriving at the library, Luella Higgins, mayor, and head of the library committee, informs Addie that everything is for sale, including furniture and fixtures. Luella also tells them that a bookmobile is for sale. Addie knows this will stretch the store’s budget but sees fitting in well when they go to book sales out of town. Addie and Paige inspect the bookmobile, start looking through the books on its shelves, and soon find four precious first edition books. Addie and Paige return to Luella and express an interest in the bookmobile but return the four books that indeed weren’t meant to be included in its inventory. Luella thanks them and mentions that they had recently gone missing from the library. Luella asks Addie and Paige to stay for dinner as she wants to have television coverage of her turning the keys to the bookmobile over to Addie. The dinner ends, and Luella heads for the lot to get the bookmobile. Luella never returns as she has an accident with the bookmobile and dies from the injuries. Addie's boyfriend, Simon, the county coroner, is called to do an autopsy. It’s determined that she died from poisoning. Greyborne police chief Marc Chandler also comes along to offer his assistance, but Sheriff Turner, the local sheriff, feels he knows who poisoned Luella and refuses Marc’s help. He’s sure that Addie and Paige murdered Luella and set off to prove them guilty.
Addie and Paige set off on their investigation to clear their names. Simon and Marc will still try to help where they can. They soon find several suspects and find the residents of Pen Hollow aren’t as innocent as he thinks.
Addie wants to get back to Greyborne as soon as possible, as her good friend, Serena, is about to give birth. Also, she has missed her “special” birthday dinner with Simon. Hopefully, he will provide her with a ring, but he acted somewhat distant during the investigation.
The book is well-written and plotted with a lovely cast of believable characters. There were plenty of red herrings and twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end as to who the murderer was.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
A Margin for Murder is book #8 in A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.
Addie, Paige, and Pippi head out to a nearby town on an overnight trip to a book sale at a library that is closing. Addie is surprised to find a bookmobile for sale and purchases it. Then there is a fatal crash and Addie and Paige become prime suspects.
This was an entertaining story. The characters in this book are likable and I enjoyed spending a few hours with them. The case was challenging because Addie and Paige didn’t really know the victim. The case kept me guessing and I was surprised at who the murderer was. And I loved the ending of the book. I can’t wait to see what is in store for Addie and her friends!
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
The 8th book in the series, this review is based on an advanced copy given to me by #NetGalley & Kensington Books. (Many thanks to both.) I would not recommend this as a standalone book for the series. The author did a good job with catching the reader up with the characters and their relationships. But I personally feel it will be a better read after more familiarity the series. This is one of the better modern (cozy) mysteries that I have read and even though I guessed the twist before the main character did, I liked the story and writing and the ending felt complete. I only gave it 3 stars because I found the first 5 pages off putting. Between Addie's very mushy romantic thoughts on the first page and the whining of her pregnant friend on the next page, I was annoyed. But I am glad I continued and very much enjoyed the 2nd half as I fell into the rhythm of Lauren Elliot's writing. Again, had I been familiar with the series, I may not have been surprised by the opening pages. I did enjoy Elliot's writing style and the very real behaviors of the characters. I look forward to reading more by this author.
This is the most recent of a long series that I’ve read and mostly enjoyed. Unfortunately, this one falls flat for me for a couple reasons. The main character and the storylines were too predictable for me and too similar to previous books in the series. I would like to see more development in the main character over time. She seems to be stuck in a rut!
The book is well written and flows easily. If you enjoy a simple cosy mystery, this may satisfy you. It wasn’t my cup of tea.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and all opinions expressed are entirely my own.
A margin for murder is book 8 in the beyond page bookstore mystery series. The book follows Addie who visits a neighbouring town and discovers a gem of a bus . The bookmobile is a bookworms dream until a dead body is found. The book was a good dose of mystery and romance . I look forward to reading all her mystery books. This book is ideal for the beginner cozy mystery reader
This is such a fun series, and I had a great time with this cozy mystery. I loved the plot, the twists and turns, and the characters!
“A Margin for Murder” the 8th instalment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott. A murder and a missing first edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses send rare bookstore owner Addie Greyborne on an investigation to challenge even the most distinguished of bibliophiles…
Bookshop owner Addie Greyborne must put the brakes on a killer after a death occurs behind the wheel of a bookmobile…
I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the series! I liked that besides a murder to solve, we had stolen books, a high school sweetheart and a bookmobile (can’t wait for an adventure with it and Addie). The mystery was interesting and well plotted, I did figure out who the killer was halfway through or I should say suspect but this was an amazing puzzle to figure out alongside Addie and Paige.
Plus I loved the ending and I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens if a certain someone visits Greyborne Harbor to take a veterinarian position!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I can’t wait to read "Dedication to Murder” book 9!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
What do you get when you mix a used bookstore owner, a dying library, and a crooked mayor? You get a dead body and a wrecked bookmobile inside a cozy mystery with a twist.
Add a biased cop and a romantic triangle and things get interesting really quick. Lauren Elliott has written an interest-holding story that takes the reader through the different communities of Cape Cod where we meet a world famous author as well as a number of eccentric characters that make the Cape home.
I could not put this five-star cozy down and recommend it to anyone looking for good clean fun and murder.
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This review is based on a free electronic copy provided by the publisher for the purpose of creating this review. The opinions expressed are mine alone.
There's never a dull moment when Addie and Paige go sleuthing together. They started out at a book sale where Addie bought a bookmobile, then they eventually ended up at a friend of Addie's mansion house complete with a creepy housekeeper. Addie's paranoia about her relationship was almost out of control during this book, so I was glad when the book ended as awesome as it did.
Addie did figure out what was going on after someone died, and the local police were itching to blame Addie and Paige for it. There was such an awesome twist that I've not really seen in many if any other books--it was pretty cool and I sure didn't guess it! I did guess something having to do with Serena though and her fun surprise. The collective ending was just awesome, and I'm eagerly waiting or at least hoping there's another book coming. This book releases next Tuesday, April 26, 2022. If you've been keeping up with this series, you definitely won't wanna miss this one!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
This is the 8th book in the 'Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery' series. The author, Lauren Elliott has created some extremely likeable characters in this cozy mystery. I met Addie Greyborne, the protagonist and bookshop owner, in book 2 who I found to be very smart and has an amazing ability to sniff out clues.
In this instalment, Addie's going to a Pen Hollow book sale in an old library. Among the finds at the sale, there is a bus on offer that used to be the council bookmobile service; some special editions are hidden among the old library books. Addie buys the bus however, the bookmobile is never delivered as there is a fatal vehicle accident and the driver of the bus dies...
The plot was well thought out and the author laid out the clues in a way that made for a number of viable suspects. I was somewhat surprised at the killer's identity as I fell for some of the red herrings. The pacing in this novel was good and there was always something happening, so I was certainly never bored! With a surprising ending, A Margin for Murder was a fantastic cozy mystery that I highly recommend. I am already looking forward to returning to Addie's bookshop, 'Beyond the Page Books and Curios' in Massachusetts in book #9, entitled Dedication to Murder, as well as catching up on the instalments I've missed. Rating: 5 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Addie and her employee/friend, Paige are heading to a library closing sale. They are staying overnight to celebrate Addie’s birthday. At the book sale, they are told by the mayor, Luella that the library bookmobile is for sale. Addie believes it is just what the bookshop needs. She can have a mobile bookstore to attend summer events up and down the coast. While touring the bookmobile, Addie and Paige stumble upon four first editions tucked in with the library books. It turns out that those books went missing at Christmas. After paying for the bookmobile, they enjoy dinner while waiting for Luella to drive it over. They soon receive word that the bookmobile was in an accident and Luella is dead. It turns out that Luella was murdered, and the local sheriff is pinning the crime on Addie and Paige. Addie and Paige with help from a few friends, work to prove their innocence. They are not allowed to leave town until the case is resolved. Addie will not get her special birthday dinner with Simon where she is hoping she will receive a long anticipated gift. Who killed Luella and how did they accomplish the deed? A Margin for Murder by Lauren Elliott is the 8th A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery. It can be read as a standalone, but I believe you do better if you read the first book in the series, Murder by the Book. I enjoyed A Margin for Murder. I just loved the mystery in this story. I thought A Margin for Murder was well-written with developed, relatable characters. The story moved along at a good pace too. I like Addie who is a smart cookie with a love of books. I enjoyed the humor sprinkled throughout the story. The whodunit was a delight. The author created a mystery that I found entertaining and fun to solve. There are good clues, a stalwart sheriff, and a red herring or two. I hope the author keeps creating such unique mysteries. It is also Addie’s birthday, and she has a special wish. The pesky murder messes with plans and it looks like Addie’s not going to get what she hoped for this year. Addie’s best friend, Serena is pregnant with her first child. Her hormones are on overdrive making everyone around her walk on eggshells and try to be patient with the expectant mom. A Margin for Murder is one busy book. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. A Margin for Murder is diverting whodunit with a book sale extravaganza, a surprising purchase, a murdered mayor, a stubborn sheriff, a found first editions, surfeit of suspects, and a joyful finale.
When I think of cozy mysteries, I think of books just like this one, that gives all the feels, thrills and can satisfies just about every reader's heart. This is a perfect books to snuggle up with on any day. Lauren Elliott is one of my favorites.
I have been reading this series since the beginning and this one was one of my favorites. Addie and Paige travel the a nearby town to attend a library book sale. While there they decide to purchase the Bookmobile for the Bookstore. Before they can leave the library director crashes the bus and dies. Addie and Paige as outsiders are the suspects so of course the set out to solve the crime. It was nice to have the same characters in a new setting. The town of Pen Hollow was filled with suspects. The mystery was very good with one of my favorite who did it. I look for word to reading the next one. Enjoy.
Addie leaves her Greyborne Harbor bookstore, Beyond the Page Books and Curios, in the capable hands of her assistant while she travels to the neighboring town of Pen Hollow with her friend Paige 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. The bookmobile also holds a surprising treasure: several classic first editions and an early edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses. But before the bookmobile can be delivered to Addie, a fatal crash occurs. When an autopsy reveals poison in the victim’s system and the first editions go missing, it’s up to Addie to determine what would drive someone to murder. If she’s not careful, however, the sheriff of Pen Hollow is determined to convict Addie and Paige of killing the victim.
This is a good series that I have enjoyed reading. Addie is taken from her familiar surroundings to an adjacent town. I love how the author describes the countryside and the characters. I have read some books that are not as good when the author takes the main character out of her normal surroundings, but this author pulls it off in spades. She does bring a couple of characters from Greybourne Harbor to tie into the story line. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me catch up with Addie and the gang in this new installment. In the process I discovered one in the series I had missed reading so now will go back and read it!
'A Margin for Murder' is the latest in Lauren Elliott's A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. Addie Greyborne and Paige go to the next town over where a library is closing in order to perhaps obtain inventory for the bookstore. A murder ensues and both Mark and Simon come over to support Addie as she is a suspect. I am invested in these characters however I still don't find Addie to be completely likeable. I still think there is something there with Mark and Simon has been wishy-washy in commitment. A hint has been dropped that there will be a beautiful, new Veterinarian entering the picture with hints of prior involvement with Simon. The lack of a happy resolution, ring or no, is a detriment to my full enjoyment of the series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.