"Caught on the Book" by Laura Gail Black is an attempt at a literary adventure that, unfortunately, didn’t quite catch me in its net. While the premise promised intrigue and excitement, I found myself drifting through the pages like a wayward bookmark—largely uninspired.

The characters felt more like cardboard cutouts than fully realized beings, and the plot, while ambitious, often stumbled over its own complexities. I was hoping for a page-turner but ended up with a meandering tale that made me check my watch more than once.

Black's writing has moments of flair, but it occasionally gets bogged down in unnecessary details that pull you out of the story. It’s like being invited to a party where the music is great, but the conversation is painfully dull.

While this book may resonate with those who enjoy a slower, more reflective narrative, it just wasn’t my cup of tea. Perhaps others will find the charm I missed, but for me, it fell flat. If you’re looking for a gripping read, you might want to skip this one and keep searching for that elusive literary gem.

This book just wasn’t for me. I have however recommended it to someone else on Reddit. Every book isn’t meant for every person. The author did a great job creating a world for the characters:

Aww, I love the ending of this book; Jenna is so caring, even when people don't deserve it. I love Jenna and Keith together and I love how Keith appreciates Jenna's ability to gather information that he can't. The mystery was good, I was left guessing right up to the reveal.

Looking forward to reading the next book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series when it is written and released.

I love a good cozy mystery! One that incorporates all of my favorite topics (i.e. genealogy, bookstores, libraries, cooking, painting, inn keeping, animals, etc.), throwing in some action-suspense, a who-done-it, interesting characters, and a plot that keeps me guessing, then you’ve got me hooked. I will say, I am one of those people who like to read a series from the beginning, but I often find you don’t have to… either way I highly recommend reading Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black.

*I received a complimentary copy of this novel from NetGalley at my request and this review is my own unbiased opinion.*

Caught on the Book is the fourth book in Laura Gail Black’s Antique Bookshop Mystery series. I was pleasantly surprised to see another book in the series since a major plot line covering the first three books wrapped up in the last book.

A local author is found dead in his booth at a fishing tournament and festival. Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department, is the main suspect. His estranged wife had been dating the author, and Frank had been seen arguing with the author the day before the body was discovered. Frank had spent the first three books trying to prove Jenna was guilty of murder. This time, the police detective who made it his mission in life to see her in prison for murder needs her help to prove he isn’t a murderer.

I enjoyed the plot, characters, and setting. I hope there is a fifth book in the series.

I had a really fantastic time reading this book! I've really enjoyed this series, and this latest case where the most likely suspect is someone that she doesn't get along with-but since he was Keith's partner on the force, well, they have to work together. It was so much fun! Plus the fishing pun of the title was great!

The dynamics of this investigation were a lot of fun, because she and Frank don't get along, from the murders that he's tried to blame on her, which of course, she didn't do. That now he's the one that is facing down murder charges, well, yeah, I loved reading it!

One thing that was interesting to read was the group that was trying to get Jenna to leave the town. Like, no, that's not something you can actually do with a petition, and I don't think it's something that can be legally done. Plus, it was pretty cruel.

The motives that came to light on who could want him dead, well, I can really understand why they'd feel murderous. I mean, who does that to a person, especially an author. But the way things ended up was really thrilling to read!

Loved reading this book, I had a great time, and I would love to read more!

A death threatens to ruin the fishing festival in Hokes Folly. Jenna is not the most likable main character. Her investigating style is a bit lax even by cozy mystery standards. However, if you are looking for a quick read that does not require you to think to much, this is an acceptable option.

Thank you to Netgally, the publishers, and Laura Gail Black

When I requested this book I was unaware that it was apart of a series, one that requires you to read the previous books for this one to make sense. I am unable to read all the previous books along with this one before the publish date. Therefore, I will rate this a fair 3/5 stars and will adjust the rating and review when I am able to read all the books in the series along with this one.

Laura Gail Black continues her Antique Bookshop mysteries with Caught on the Book. Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time mystery bookshop keeps falling over bodies in her small lakeside town. This time the victim, a sleazy writer who has published others' manuscripts as his books is found dead after being threatened by Frank, the retired police partner of Keith, boyfriend of Jenna. Can she find the real murderer after Frank is arrested? Many suspects, lots of canoodling; read and enjoy.

I loved everything about this book! I will go read the first three in the series. I will also be waiting for the next one to come out.

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the ebook.
I was able to get the audio version through my local library. I have read another book from this serious. This was a fast easy who done it murder mystery. I enjoyed the story and didn't get bored with the story or the characters. Highly recommend if you love cozy mysteries.

Caught on the book. This is the first book I have read by the author. Laura Gail Black I was able to pick up the characters even though I haven't read any of the first books. Jenna Quinn does an amazing job of trying to find the killer. even though the killer practically finds her mistakenly not knowing it is her. I had the suspicious feeling that it was but until the end of the book when it came out, I was surprised because each time I thought it was someone else. It was an enjoyable read.

I received this book for free for an honest unbiased review from Netgalley.

I wish more books were this well written. Characters were witty and the setting fantastic.

Caught on the Book: An Antique Bookshop Mystery
By Laura Gail Black
Crooked Lane Books
October 2023

Review by Cynthia Chow

It’s the John J. Hokes Bass Festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, and Twice Upon a Time antiquarian bookstore owner Jenna Quinn is hoping that her booth of fish-themed books will attract a new customer base. While she’s there she has a confrontation with retired police detective Frank Sutter, the former partner of her boyfriend Keith Logan and who has determinedly attempted to arrest her a number of times. Frank angrily accuses them both of being the cause of his forced retirement, which resulted in the loss of his house and his new wife. They’re not the only ones to face his wrath though, as Frank later punches out the Gregory Hurst, a visiting novelist who also happens to be dating Frank’s estranged wife. When Emma Sutter later finds Greg’s body stabbed to death with a cheese knife, Frank immediately becomes the prime suspect and Keith is shut out of the case. To Jenna’s disbelief, Keith still believes in Frank’s innocence despite the recent erratic behavior and goes so far as to ask Jenna to investigate. That Frank doesn’t want her help isn’t that much of a surprise, but after a series of medical incidents land him in the hospital and even Emma stands by his side, Jenna doesn’t feel that she has a choice.

Once Jenna begins looking into Greg’s past it doesn’t take long to discover a plethora of candidates with reasons to have wanted him dead. It seems that the writer had a history of taking advantage of young women seeking his mentorship and advice, not only lying to them but stealing their manuscripts entirely. While librarian Emma may not have been as susceptible to his manipulations, others were not so lucky and retaliated by stalking, harassing him on social media, and egging his property. When similarly attacked, Jenna steps up her investigation by blatantly snooping through people’s homes in order to discover evidence and reveal the killer.

This fourth in the series delivers a satisfying mystery that blends together crimes in the publishing world, blackmail, and competitive fishing scandals. Always ready with a quirky food-related explicative - bologna on a bagel and chocolate dipped okra on a taco are just a few examples - Jenna has a chance to use a number of them when caught tampering with evidence on her mission to find the truth. Emma’s unhappiness as a cop’s wife only reinforces Jenna’s own concern over her relationship with Keith, although she believes that she is far more prepared for life with a law enforcement officer. Jenna’s bookstore employees and friends all have their own moments to shine, often enabling her snooping and adding their own comedic viewpoints. This is a very fun read for mystery fans looking for an entertaining adventure that delves into the darker side of publishing.

The annual fishing tournament and festival is coming up in Hokes Folly, North Carolina. Hoping to sell some of her books from her antique book shop, Jenna Quinn gets a booth at the festival. Things, however, don’t go as planned. First Jenna’s boyfriend, Keith’s, ex-partner Frank shows uncharacteristically up drunk to the festival on day 1. Next morning, a local author’s body is found. Frank is the chief murder suspect, but Keith doesn’t believe Frank did it. As Jenna begins to investigate, someone begins targeting her. Frank is in jail, who is really after her? Who killed the author? Can Jenna figure out the mystery before it’s too late?

The plot-to-story development is well-written, but a little predictable. The characters continue to grow from the other books in the series. However, Keith as a boyfriend is a jerk in this book and may upset loyal readers. The world building is intriguing and pulls the reader into the mystery. Fans of the series, cozy mysteries, and small town setting books may want to pick this one up. Recommended for library collections where cozy mysteries are popular.

Please Note: A copy of this book was given in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own. No other compensation was received.

Definitely enjoyed this one! The mystery was excellent and all of Jenna's silly phrasing made me giggle. Fun read.

A solid mystery! I quite like cozies, and this one was a great addition to the genre. Jenna was a good sleuth but was not annoying and reckless about it like some amateur sleuths tend to be. I am looking forward to reading the first few books in this series as I wait for book 5.

I received an advance copy. All thoughts are my own.

The next antique bookshop mystery finds Jenna investigating to help clear her boyfriend Keith’s former work partner from a murder charge.

Another good entry in this series! I like that Jenna actually investigates and finds clues. Some cozies don’t lean into the mystery part, but this one does! We also see some good character development here, especially for some side characters. Can’t wait for the next one!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

It's an entertaining novel and you will surely love it if you like this series. It's entertaining I was glad to catch up with the characters.
I found that the mystery requires a bit of suspension of belief and I was kept wondering why Jenna was involved. I appreciated the solution and will surely read other books in this series
3.5 upped to 4
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

I enjoyed reading this cozy mystery with its plethora of suspects! It kept me guessing who did it and why. I really liked the characters, especially Jenna. My favorite thing about the book was the funny sayings Jenna said; like "Pepperoni on a popsicle" or "Pickled pumpkin on a doughnut." They brought humor to the story and made me chuckle. I also loved the relationship between Jenna and Keith and their joyful moment at the end of the book. I'm looking forward to reading more of the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!