The quiet town of Vienna is suddenly loud with the return of prodigal son Chad Friwole, Tony award winning actor. At least half the town lines up to get revenge for his past indiscretions and Quinn must solve his inevitable murder to save her own brother from the towns revenge as well.

A Midsummer Night's Scheme is the second Bookbinding cozy by Harper Kincaid. Released 21st March 2023 by Crooked Lane, it's 288 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately.

This is a fun, very light, bookish shopfront cozy full of pets, over the top (borderline silly) plot developments, and lots of puns. The violence happens off-scene and the language is very clean, not even PG level (one "damned" and a clean humorous punnish pin one of the characters wears). The book is a standalone, but there are definitely some overarching plot details which are carried over into the next book(s).

Readers will need to bring a stout suspension of disbelief to the read since many of the situations and motives are fairly contrived. The author has included a number of intriguing southern recipes at the back of the book as a bonus (including fried pickles and liver & onions).

Three and a half stars. Well worth a look for fans of light bookish cozies such as Sue Minix, Ellery Adams, and Ellie Alexander.

Disclosure: I received a copy of this book at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for accepting my request to read and review A Midsummer Night's Scheme.

Published: 03/21/23


Not my cup of tea. Slithered right through town in the usual and customary fashion: local swears she will not get involved with police matters. Pardon me -- stretch and big yawn.

The synopsis says it all. Sadly, some cozy mysteries are cheesy and this is one. Tough going.

There is a market. Just not me. I like smart.

.Margaret Kincaid continues her Bookbinding mystery series with A Midsummer Night's Scheme. Quinn Caine and her friends are taken aback by the death by snake bite of a visiting actor who was mean to many when he attended the local high school. Quinn's brother is also threatened. Cute dogs and cat. Small town rivalries.
Read and speculate.

I think I love this one more than the first book in the series. The Shakespeare quotes at the start of the chapter fit what was happening. While I enjoyed Quinn's point of view I loved Sister Daria formerly Elizabeth's point of view. As she more often than not is the voice of reason. And of course that cliff hanger has me on the edge of my seat wanting the next book in the series. Which could be a bit of wait as this one just came out in March.

Vienna, Virginia seems to be on the cusp of just about everything. A local thespian who made it big on Broadway is home to announce a new theater company. Quinn and her cousin Sister Daria sure remember him from high school, along with the trio of mean girls who still throw their weight around town. There wasn't as much of Quinn's bookbinding in this one, but her handmade notebooks do provide an important clue as the mystery moves forward. And actually, I really enjoyed Sister Daria's part in the story as she heads toward taking her vows as a nun while helping run a support animal class and assist Quinn in all things detecting. The methods of the murderer were unique, and I was surprised at the eventual culprit.

A Midsummer Night’s Scheme is the second book in the “Bookbinding Mystery” series. A hometown lothario returns as a big star, but unfortunately for him, many of the women he used and left behind are still around, and perhaps one of them decided that his womanizing days are over and make certain he gets the message with a bag full of poisonous snakes.

I don’t like snakes or lotharios, and frankly, the way the victim dies creeped me out! It’s probably one of the worst and most original forms of murder I have come across in a cozy. It definitely made the book unforgettable. The characters from book one have all returned, along with Quinn’s lovable fur babies (yes, I called them fur babies, and if people don’t like the term, I really don’t care!). The story allows us to learn more about Quinn and her family while leaving room for growth and world-building in future books. These characters and suspects all have dominant personalities and traits that make them come alive in the reader’s mind. I am especially fond of Quinn’s brother, Bash. The evidence is everywhere and is overwhelming. The finger of guilt points in a specific direction that is just a little too easy, and some readers may find that they need to go back and redirect their thinking.

Tracking down a killer who uses snakes as a weapon isn’t easy; the person is heartless and has no fear of killing more people if needed. The victim was considered a bad guy, but he didn’t deserve to die. Eventually, Quinn finds the lothario killer, but not without getting herself almost killed. This made for an exciting read that had me cringing at times and smiling at others. I can’t wait for the next book, but please, no more snakes!

This was an eagerly awaited second in the series. This time it seems to be more from Sister Daria’s point of view, than cousin Quinn’s. The story is full of real life situations such as religious choices, high school mistakes, and learning that you can’t run from your past hurts forever. This is a serious story with some serious plot points in addition to being a great cozy. Several times I found myself laughing out loud, sniffling and murmuring, as well as making “awe, that is so cute” comments. Ms. Kincaid does a great job with not only creating interesting characters but also layering the story into an amazing creation. I am not a fan of the serpent, the spider, or the scorpion (ICK, EEK, ACK). I must give her credit for a unique murder method and a cast of characters with plenty of reasons to want Broadway star and former Vienna High’s heart-stomper Chad, dead, and in such a violent way. I was able to figure out the “who” but not the “why”. I was also glad that the family drama was worked through, and while I would like to think that I would not act like Bash and Quin’s folks, I will keep this book close by as a reminder. Lastly, the cliffhanger…can I say it, #TeamLucas. I am not sure why Sister Daria hasn’t figured out that running is not the answer but it sure looks like she might just get some closure. Oh, and I sure how she gets it before Quinn realizes who is making a guest appearance because she is going to be suspect #1 if anything happens to the guy. I bet that Senya would happily represent her if needed. Now those friend pickles as described in the recipe at the back of the book and am oh so grateful that the snake taco is not listed, although I am sure it tastes like chicken.

Chad Frivole, Vienna’s hometown womanizer, returns. Now, he’s a successful Broadway star and wants to give back to his hometown by opening a local theater company. Unfortunately, it’s not easy for him to live down his womanizer reputation. Some people cannot let go of the past.

When Chad is killed in his car with a bunch of snakes, the town is on high alert. Quinn promises to stay out of the investigation, but when her own brother is in danger, all bets are off. Along with her cousin, Sister Daria, Quinn is out to find a killer.

Since this series is called the Bookbinding Mysteries, I would think our amateur sleuth would be Quinn Caine since she’s the bookbinder. However, I think her cousin Sister Daria is just as much, if not more, part of the storyline. Sister Daria is very well-written and well-developed. I feel as if I know her better than Quinn. Although, Quinn is a great character too. The story is written from both characters' POV.

The murder happens early in the book, but the story doesn’t only focus on the murder. There’s also secondary storylines involving Quinn and Sister Daria’s family and their personal lives. It’s fast-paced and intriguing with several twists and turns thrown in. I was kept guessing and was surprised to see “whodunit”.

Although the mystery is wrapped up in this book, there is a cliffhanger. This is the second book in the series and I think it’s more fun to start with book #1. I enjoyed both books and looking forward to book #3.








FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.

I think this might be a new favorite series! I have a lot of those if you follow any of my reviews. But this one has engaging characters and a mystery that kept me guessing until the very end.

Normally, I'm a stickler for starting a series at the beginning. However, this is only the second book, and I felt like there was enough backstory that I didn't feel lost in any of the personal relationships that occurred in the series. The story is also told from two perspectives, Quinn and her cousin Daria. I had read books before that had multiple points of view, and they didn't seem to work, or at least I was always confused when the voices changed. That is not true with this book. It was obvious to me when it was Quinn or Daria because they are very different. Daria is a novice nun; however, she is tested by Lucas and their attraction to one another. Will she go through with her vows, or was she just running away thinking that the convent was a safe place? There is a bit of a cliffhanger at the end regarding Daria.

Quinn had a rough start in the first book; however, it has led to her relationship with Aidan, the local police detective. I really enjoyed watching their relationship and the respect that they have for one another. Quinn is inquisitive but manages to end up in the thick of things, even when she isn't trying.

I also enjoyed the dog training that Daria and the nuns do at the convent. While that is just a small notation in the book, I thought it was a nice twist for that to be an area that they help in their community.

If you are squeamish about snakes, spiders, and other creepy crawlies, just be forewarned that there are some scattered throughout the book. It added an interesting twist to how people were murdered, especially once the killer is revealed and the truth comes to light.

I am looking forward to reading the next book in this series, but I will probably have to wait a while!

We give this book 5 paws up.

A Midsummer Night’s Scheme by Harper Kincaid is a kind of muddy cozy mystery. The muddiness may be attributed to the fact that I have not read previous books in the series. The story takes place in Vienna, Virginia. The lead is Quinn Caine who works in her parents bookstore, rebinding damaged or old books. She also makes journals for sale. Her cousin, Elizabeth, is her close friend, although she is now Sister Daria, in her novitiate, preparing to take vows, married to Christ. Elizabeth had been hurt and this may or may not be an over reaction. Her boyfriend is Aiden, a cop, who finally gave in to his attraction to her when he rescued her from certain death in a previous novel. They live together and have a good life. Quinn’s brother has just announced his engagement to long-time love, who was Jewish. He announced his intention to convert at the same time and his parents didn’t react well. Quinn was pretty mad at them, as well. The murder victim is Chad, who was now a star on Broadway but had come home with the intention of starting his own theatre. He had been a womanizer then and didn’t appear to have changed, but that might not have been a good reason for murder. Someone had put a bag full of poisonous snakes in his car. While trying to keep away from them, he had a major accident. Double whammy. Certainly a creative murder. The next victims were Bash, Quinn’s brother, and his fiancee, Rachel. The found a bunch of poisonous spiders in their bed.

Quinn was a good character as was, Aiden, her boyfriend. Sister Daria was an even better character, with all kinds of things going on in her life, including an attraction to the brother of the main suspect. The plot was kind of convoluted, but interesting. The investigation was interesting, but the personal relationships were the best part of this novel. It was an intriguing story.

I was invited to read a free e-ARC of A Midsummer Night’s Scheme by Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #HarperKincaid #AMidsummerNightsScheme

As the story opens we discover the time has progressed a few months after the conclusion of To Kill A Mocking Girl, the first book in the Bookbinding Mystery series. If you are concerned you'll be lost and confused without reading To Kill A Mocking Girl first, you will still have full enjoyment of plot and characters. However, you might find a deeper connection to the series by reading in order. Either way, it's a satisfying read and you won't be lost if you don't read the first book.

While there is the primary theme of Quinn dabbling in solving murders, there is an infusion of different cultures and religions as it impacts the characters and plot throughout the book. There is careful attention to details and traditions, and we are even blessed with a few recipes in each book, an added bonus.

This addictively delicious cozy mystery has a plot that grabs you, loveable characters with a great arc, and a few furry friends that make this memorable and a must read. I loved the added layers of pop culture nostalgia, and a plot with wild twist and turns until the last page.

Harper Kincaid was born to write cozy mystery and I loved how she takes us on a journey connecting the relatable issues of religious differences, relationships, pop nostalgia, and family expectations in a clever way, and how those impact each character while trying to cope and solve another murder.

I received an advance reader copy for an honest and fair review. I can't wait to see where the adventures take us next time in Vienna, Virginia!

I saw a cozy mystery with a Shakespeare pun title, and I was instantly hooked.

Quinn Caine, after solving a murder mystery in her small town, is trying to settle into a new relationship with her dream guy. That all gets complicated when the small town heartthrob returns from a successful Broadway show, only to end up murdered.

So first of all, this is the second in a series I haven't read before, but it stood on its own well. There was enough information given without being overwhelming. I got a good picture to understand not only the characters, but the previous story.

I was able to predict the perpetrator pretty early on, but the red herrings were interesting enough that I didn't mind. The characters were fun and engaging, although lacking some real depth. And there were so many of them, that I occasionally got a little confused, especially with all the sisters in Daria's Order. And Quinn appears to have some PTSD from the previous book. I would have liked to see that more engaged with than a brief panic attack.

One thing I want to highlight is the treatment of religion in this book. First, there was a minor plot of religious differences between a merging family. I was worried when a subplot of the book became about a couple disapproving of their child converting to Judaism. But, the whole situation was actually handled pretty well, I thought. The story treated the conflict with nuance and care, and comes to a pretty satisfying resolution. And Sister Daria's journey to becoming a nun is interesting without being too proselytizing.

My disappointment with this was the writing style, which I admit is more of personal taste. Almost every character was using so much slang and references, even when it didn't make sense for the character speaking. I get that they were clever lines, and they made me smile, but it ended up with a lot of the characters all sounding too similar for my taste.

Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC!

It’s been awhile since I’ve been to Vienna so it’s nice to visit it (although it sure has changed a lot!). The story started off slow but picked up when all the snakes were thrown; then I was intrigued and hooked. I enjoyed this one more than the first but still find the convent and Sister Daria to be an odd addition. She doesn’t seem suited to a cloistered life and the levity associated with the calling feels a little like a slap in the face for those that are called to it. I understand everyone has their own personalities and that nuns aren’t serious all the time but she barely even seems to be there. The mystery kept me guessing until the end and I had fun following the clues along with Quinn and Sister Daria.

Things were going well for Quinn Caine. She's enjoying being back hone in Vienna, VA and plying her bookbinding trade at her family's bookstore. Now she and her friends and family are dealing with another murderer to stop. Chad Frivole, a local bad boy had left town and made it big on Broadway. He should have stayed there. Instead he returns and his past behavior leads to his murder. When he packed up and left, there were lots of broken hearts, hard feelings, etc. To say her was a player might be an understatement. When he turns up dead the list of suspects is really long. Unhappily for Quinn and her family, her brother Bash sits at the top of the list for the next in the killer's sights. No way can she stay out of this investigation, no matter how much she knows she should. Somebody is threatening her brother and that has to be stopped.
She won't investigate alone. She will do it with the help of Sister Daria (aka her cousin Liz) who is soon to take her final vows and become a nun. The other helper has four feet and fur, going by the moniker of RBG (Ruff Barker Ginsburg).
This series has it all -a well plotted mystery, fully developed characters, pets (dog and cat) and a recurring cast of family and friends the reader will come to care about and want to hang out with. I'm looking forward to further mysteries for Quinn to solve.
My thanks to the publisher Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

This is the second book in this series. Starting with the first book would be best in order to get a solid introduction to the cast of characters. The characters are realistic, relatable and interesting. This is primarily a cozy mystery but honestly it’s so much more. The murder mystery is well done and engaging with a bit of a creepy ick factor as an added bonus. (Shudder!) A hallmark of a typical cozy mystery, is having a strong component of family, friendships and community. The author doesn’t shy away from delving into relationship issues, faith and family drama. A very enjoyable read!

Thanks to @netgalley and @crookedlanebooks for the chance to read book 2 in Harper Kincaid’s Bookbinding Mystery series: A Midsummer Night’s Scheme—publishes next week!

I was so glad to be back with Quinn and Sister Daria and their lovely small town of Vienna. The setting was perfect. This story is told from both Quinn’s and Daria’s points of views which took me a bit to get the hang of, but once the action started rolling I was in. And I still have the shivers thinking about the action that involved snakes in a locked car and spiders in a bed. I think I read those parts with my hand over my face, just letting my eyes peek out. I also enjoyed how very real the relationships are in the story and that the author doesn’t shy away from struggles within a relationship–that feels unique to a cozy mystery and I’m here for it. And the ending?! Um…where is book 3? I need it stat. Lots of fun! Some cozy mysteries you can jump in at anytime, but I’d recommend starting with book 1 if you haven’t yet. I think it provides great context for this entry!

Chad's back! And now he's dead. Quinn, our intrepid cozy heroine must find the answers as to who killed him in a quite an odd way, even though her romantic interest. the detective on the case. thinks needs to leave it alone. It's very classic but I was distracted by the idea that Vienna Va is a small town. Once it was yes but now, not so much (admittedly it's a small town within the larger universe of the. very big time Northern Virginia region). Thanks to Netgalley for the arc.

This is a tricky review to write because the book was basically okay but it just seemed to try too hard! The initial murder was so silly that I nearly stopped reading altogether, but I soldiered on and things did get better.

Anyway, the characters were nice, there was a cute cat and dog relationship, lots of action, and some good humorous lines. The ending was a bit of a cliff hanger which may well tempt me into reading the next book. No more snakes though please.

Chad has finally achieved success as an actor and has returned home to start a theater company. However, due to his past nasty treatment of women, not everyone is happy he is back. In fact, someone is so unhappy that they make a deadly decision.

A clever and unusual method of murder, a possible romance, and a somewhat surprising ending made this an interesting read. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.