The idea of a bookstore as a setting for a cosy mystery was something that appealed to me, so I was very excited to be approved to read and review this.

What I loved about it from the very start was the instant connection that I felt with the protagonist. I found her warm, amusing, and relatable. I appreciated the fact that the protagonist was a writer, and she referred to her own fictional characters. As a reader, I felt that I bonded with her while I was reading.

This was a very entertaining cosy mystery, without being too long or drawn out. I chose it as a relaxing nighttime read, and it was perfect for that. If there are other books featuring this character, I would definitely be interested in reading them, and I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cosy mysteries, like myself.

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for my opportunity to read and review this.

I received a free copy of, Murder at the Bookstore, by Sue Minix, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jen writes mysteries, but can she solve one in real life? I found this this story to be weird but good.

Murder at the Bookstore
by Sue Minix
ISBN 9780008584634
Avon Books UK, Avon

Jen Dawson always wanted to be a writer. Her first mystery novel, featuring twins Dana and Daniel was a big hit and she got a contract for the sequel. But her long-term boyfriend broke up with her and writer’s block moved in, so she opted for a fresh start back in her small hometown. There she discovers a new bookstore/coffee shop and spends a lot of time there waiting for the ideas to arrive. She befriends the owner, Aletha, and they become close, so Jen is devastated when Aletha is killed in an explosion on her husband’s sailboat. She is shocked when the police, in the form of a high school boyfriend and his police partner, show up at her apartment one Sunday morning, saying she and Tim, Aletha’s husband, are under suspicion. They are working on the assumption that he killed his wife and she helped. Jen decides that it’s in her best interests to do some sleuthing on her own. She doesn’t really believe Tim killed Aletha. When she starts to collect clues, she is pretty much ignored, so she investigates even more.

This was a great read. I could relate to Jen and her struggles to gain confidence in herself and to stop beating herself up. There were times I wanted to shake her and ask why she was making the choices she was making, but then I remembered my 20s. In that context, it was very believable. I found the group of quirky cozy characters delightful. One of the things I love most about cozies is the group of quirky people in them. The mystery was well plotted and kept my interest from beginning to end. The ending was well done and the ‘why’ the culprit did what they did was unexpected and interesting.

This is the first in a new cozy mystery series and I am delighted to have gotten into it from the beginning. I will definitely be looking out for more!

I downloaded a free copy of this e-book from NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. I thank them, the author, and the publisher.

Crime Conundrum,,,
Jen Dawson, crime writer, has returned to her hometown with a bad case of writers block. The local bookstore seems a perfect sanctuary - coffee and mystery galore - in which to rediscover her inspiration. Events are soon to take a dark turn when the store owner is found dead, Jen is placed at the scene of the crime and much worse, Jen herself is the beneficiary of the bookstore. She may well be a best selling crime writer but can Jen play amateur sleuth, solve this crime and clear her own name? Entertaining and engaging mystery in the cosy vein with a well crafted cast of characters, a nicely done setting and an enjoyable premise. A most promising start to a new series.

I enjoyed this book. The characters are engaging. The story is interesting, although the title is a bit misleading. None of the murders happened at the bookstore. I was definitely surprised by who the killer is. #MurderattheBookstore #NetGalley

Thank you to netgalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this ARC!

As soon as I saw the cover of this book I immediately read the synopsis and requested to view it! I LOVE cozy mysteries and this delivered from the beginning. There wasn't really any slow or dull moments, I had my own suspicions and theories from the beginning (I was wrong!). I loved trying to figure out the murder before I got to the end. This was a cozy, page turning read for me.

This book has a cast of quirky characters, some likable and some heinous. The story is fiction and reads like nonfiction at times. This ingenious author has written a cannot put down novel. I liked this book. An author loses her friend and tries to solve her murder. Love and romance. Friendship…deceit…secrets…this book is a quick read. This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher for the copy.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Avon Books UK and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A wonderful cozy mystery that had me laughing and guessing throughout.

A super cozy mystery in a brand new series, MURDER AT THE BOOKSTORE was the perfect pick up for a weekend read by the fire. It has everything you'd expect in a cozy: hijinks, who-dun-its, loveable characters, and a wonderful setting. And a main character who is FIERCE.