This series gets stringer with each book. Such a talent at writing and keeping you guessing! Loving the development of the characters.

Murder Off the Books is book 3 in the By the Book Mysteries series, by Tamara Berry, but for those new to the series like I am, it’s easily read as a stand-alone.

Mystery writer Tess Harrow decides to open a bookstore in her town, and, along with her teenaged daughter, Gertrude, has put a lot of planning into the event. Cue the unexpected arrival of her somewhat distant, quirky mother, and her mother’s alleged serial killer boyfriend, and plans for the grand opening of the store go off the rails quickly.

Now Tess is involved in another murder (she has a bit of a reputation there), and trying to prove that her mother is not the killer.

With quirky characters, and complex relationships, this was a really enjoyable cosy mystery.

Book: Murder Off the Books (By the Book Mysteries #3)
Author: Tamara Berry
Format: Digital
Genre: Cozy Mystery, Crime/Mystery
Places Featured: Washington, United States
Review Score: ⭐️⭐️⭐️1/2 (rounded up)
Review: Mystery writer Tess Harrow is back at it again in the third installment of this fun cozy mystery series set in small town Washington state. In this story (probably my favorite one so far), Tess’s mother comes to town (with her notorious boyfriend—who, surprise!, is a suspected murderer) in tow just as Tess is trying to open her new bookstore. The boyfriend ends up dead and Tess’s mother is a suspect, so Tess must do all she can to ensure the real murderer is found. I’ve come to like Tess and her daughter as I’ve read through the books, but I still find the town, some of the other characters, and the plot lines a bit over the top and difficult to follow. Again, it’s a good cozy escape (just as any cozy mystery should be), so I don’t mind keeping up with them. (Though I am also glad that there’s somewhat of a resolution to Tess’s love life—it’s been a bit odd.)

I really loved this book in a new to my series and author. I can't wait to read the next one. The characters and location really add to the plot. This book keeps you guessing until the end

Murder Off the Books was a cute little-small town murder mystery. Tamara Berry did a great job with keeping me guessing "who did it" while making me laugh with her character banter. The book was a light, fun read for a mystery, but I think the cover gives that away. It's a perfect murder mystery read for someone who doesn't want heavy or too suspenseful.
Tess figures out who murdered who in the end, but it was no where near where I thought she was going. As a spunky author of murder mysteries herself she thought she had it all figured out. Little did she know ties to her own mother would throw the case a curveball.
This was a very quick and easy summer read. I'd hands down recommend to anyone.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC!

Murder Off the Books by Tamara Berry is #3 in the By the Book Mysteries series for which I am a big fan of.

This is a charming series, involving Tess, who is a bestselling mystery writer & mom to her brilliant teenage daughter, Gertrude. Tess is in the process of opening her bookstore in her new quaint town when her mom shows up out of the blue with none other than a man recently accused of being a serial killer. Tess’s penchant for mystery & trouble continue in this third book. It could be read as a standalone but it’s lovely to return back to the characters that you already know & the town you’ve grown to adore.

Tess is a fantastic, brilliant & amusing main character. I adore her curious & Nancy Drew like nature. The town is clocked full of intriguing people that create a perfect cast for a cozy mystery series. The grumpy town sherif for which Tess has an interesting relationship with is always a highlight.

This is such a fantastic cozy mystery series & I really hope that it continues on. If anyone is looking for an easy & quick mystery to get lost in, this is a great read for you!

Massive thanks to NetGalley & Poisoned Pen Press for the free arc, which I voluntarily read & reviewed.

I will post on my social media & add links once I do!

This is a delightful mystery and all of the characters were a ton of fun. The only issue I have is that I found Tess very whiny and putting her priorities on dating the police chief instead of the mystery. I understand the romance subplot is very important, but it could have been handled better in my opinion. When she was focused on the mystery she was great! Her relationship with her daughter and mother were great and I love the other side characters. Nikki especially is a treat. Overall, a great, twisty, mystery that kept me guessing and a perfectly cozy read.

MURDER OFF THE BOOKS is the third book in By the Book Mystery series by Tamara Berry. The previous two books in the series made my top favorite list for the year, and this newest release is no exception. With an attention-grabbing beginning, rapid-fire pace, and humor galore, I devoured the book in one sitting. I adore that the protagonist, Tess Harrow, is a suspense author, and uses the murder investigations she becomes involved in as fodder for her books. Together with her cheeky teen daughter, Gertrude, they help the local sheriff solve mysteries, much to his chagrin. This time around, the victim is Tess’s mother, Bernadette’s much younger boyfriend, who had been suspected of being a serial killer. Bernadette ramps up the hijinks and it takes every skill Tess owns to keep her mom from being arrested for the murder. The quirky characters that fill the scenes only add to the appeal. As the story unfolds, the well-plotted murder wove seamlessly with the ongoing subplot of why two undercover FBI agents are living in town, one of which has become Tess’s best friend. If you enjoy humorous cozy mysteries with unforgettable characters, and skillful, multi-dimensional plots, then I highly recommend Murder Off the Books.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is such a great, fun series - I haven’t read the second book yet but I don’t think it was necessary to be able to follow this, the characters are fun and it is just a good, cozy mystery

First of all, thanks to netgalley for a great opportunity. I loved this book. It's like, i was counting all the puzzle's pieces by the time. More i'm coming in as well as the endearing plot twist, more i couldn't stop reading.

The characters were my brand new beloved squad that i want to read more and more. The bond between Tess and Sheriff Boyd was the best things i couldn't handle. Because they were too cute—Gertie an Bee ofc.

So far, this third installment was my fav. Solid 4 stars. Full of entertainment and mystery itself. For those who searching cozy mystery book with a dip of romance in it, this book is the answer.

It's feel i should recommend this series more. Because i'm craving for people to know this masterpiece.

Tess is finally ready to open her bookstore, but her mother and murder intrude in the third book in the By the Book series.

Tess's mother drops in with a new beau Levi Parker in tow. The twist is, he's under suspicion in the deaths of other elderly widows. Tess is understandably worried for, and also exasperated by, her mother, but when the beau is murdered, she once again dives in to solve the crime.

Her investigation puts even more distance between her and the sheriff with whom she's been hoping to have a relationship. He seems to have friendzoned her in favor of an attractive podcaster who has followed Levi Parker to Winthrop. Tess may save her mother, but it may end her relationship with Sheriff Boyd forever.

Tess isn't perfect. She jumps to conclusions and doesn't seem to understand boundaries. BUT, the series is a lot of fun, and the secondary characters are delightful. Tess's teen daughter Gertrude is undoubtedly smarter than her mom, and also funnier. Tess's FBI bestie Nicki is still trying to break the smuggling ring, but takes time out to help Tess investigate (and provides a buffer).

The series is fun and there are enough red herrings to keep the reader guessing.

3.75 out of 5 stars.

I received an advance copy from Poisoned Pen Press via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Author Tess Harrow and her daughter Gertrude make quite a crime solving team in this third installment of the By the Book series. This series has become one of my favorites. The plot of Tess's bookstore opening and the chaos that ensued was interesting and engaging. I enjoyed Tess's mom's quirky personality despite being accused of killing her young lover featured on a true crime podcast. My interest was piqued by a hint of love triangle romance, which I usually dislike.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.

Another great book to this series! When I read the first book in this series, I was really unsure of it. I enjoyed the premise, the setting, and the comedy in the book. But the character of Tess annoyed me a little. After the second and now third book, I've actually grown to really like her. Is she still annoying at times? Sure, but that helps create the comedy of the book, and her relationships with all the other characters actually makes her really loveable herself. I am looking forward to more in this series! Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for this

Review to follow shortly. Thank you to Netgalley, the publisher, and the author for the electronic advanced review copy for exchange for an honest review.

This is another strong entry in the series, and it promises more to come. It is a treat to revisit the characters and setting of this series so frequently. Highly recommended

Tess Harrow is back at it again with another murder to solve!

The book is told from Tess’s point-of-view once again and she is accompanied by the wonderful cast we have grown to love from books one and two! I loved seeing Sheriff Boyd aka Victor, Gertrude, Edna, and Nicki. Edna is a real firecracker and her sales pitches are exceptional, haha.

Tess has a lot on her plate this time around because she is getting noticed by the podcast crowd for her odd run-in with bodies on many occasions. She also as her mother in town and a grand opening for her new bookstore. It also wouldn’t be a another day in the town of Winthrop without another murder and that is exactly what happens! Tess does a good job of being a mom, writer, and detective. She is definitely dedicated to it all. I liked seeing her relationship with Victor blossom a bit more even though he still is cold and elusive at times. Tess knows how to wiggle her way into his heart.

When it comes to the mystery I can never tell who the culprit is until the big reveal! It’s just how I like my mysteries. This series always has me binging the book so that I can know who it is. I am always invested. There have also been hints as to what the next plot will be about and I am so excited for it! Wingbat is such a fun character and I definitely want to know what him and the Peabody brothers are up to.

Overall, another great mystery added to the series!

I enjoy Tess and how she isn't perfect but she's usually onto something. Her bookstore, The Paper Trail, is finally ready to have its grand opening - but then a man accused of murder - is murdered! And this man happens to be Tess's mom's beau?! Could Bernadette be the killer? Meanwhile, a big wad of cash is found in the cooler with the tuna and there's a shady journalist that's in town who might have different goals than Tess originally thinks. Oh - and they're all staying at her house! Just like in book 2, there are some threads that are resolved that I don't quite understand but overall, it's very entertaining. It's crazy to think that one small town could have this much drama but it actually kind of makes sense since people, especially murder podcasters, are visiting the town because of its murders.

Berry's dialogue is spot-on and I REALLY liked how Edna, against Tess's best judgment, might be a star salesperson,

I also especially liked this phrase: "If anyone looked like she planned to skin a pack of Dalmatians in the pursuit of high fashion, it was this woman."

Thanks to NetGalley and Tamara Berry for the opportunity to read this book!

This is such a fun, quick paced, cozy mystery. I love the characters and their interactions. This latest book in the series was great.
If you are a cozy mystery lover, this series and book are a must read. Lots of action, mystery, some humor, and a sprinkle of romance. Love it!
I received an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

This book was sent to me electronically by Netgalley for review. Thanks to the publisher and the author. This is a cozy mystery about an author who owns a bookstore. The characters are likable and realistic. The mother and daughter made me chuckle. The mystery and intrigue kept the story moving quickly. This is a book that cannot be put down. Enjoy this novel written by a talented author.

Murder off the books finds Tess prepping for the grand opening of her book store and release of her next novel. The whole event is overshadowed by a murder...and her mother! I feel bad. Because there is nothing new I can say about this book that I haven't already said about the first two books in the series.

Once again. I love the story. The writing. And the characters.

Once again, the ending leaves me perplexed with a raised eye brow. All though (as to be expected with a cozy mystery so not really a spoiler) the murder is solved and may or may not be who you expect. But that is not to say it isn't suspenseful or exciting. But as with the first two books in the series, I"m left with questions and wanting to know more! (Stop here if you haven't read the 1st two.) Like how in the world did they think the entire town doesn't know who the FBI agents are! And I still feel like the Detective's sister's involvement in the 2nd book needs to be explained. (Maybe Tamara Berry will go back and write some novellas for in between each book....hint hint Poisoned Press!)

But I still give it 4 stars and highly recommend it as a good read. It can be read as a standalone. But I suggest you start from the beginning. Thank you #netgalley and #poisonedpenpress for the eARC version of this book.