
Member Reviews

Death in the Romance Aisle is the third cozy mystery in the Survivors’ Book Club Mystery series. Rarity, a bookstore owner who is also an amateur sleuth, finds herself wrapped up in another murder case when the brother of her best friend becomes the prime suspect.
I have enjoyed this series from the beginning and this book is no exception. I love the characters and setting in this book and am always excited to see another mystery in this series come out. Rarity is a great lead and she’s surrounded herself with people who support her in her everyday life as well as the cases she stumbles upon. I also find the Survivors’ book club to be a great element of this book that pulls in good characters that have faced struggles of their own. The idea behind this really drives this series and gives it a perfect uniqueness. This is a great series and I look forward to seeing what comes next in it. If you’re a cozy mystery fan and haven’t checked out this series yet, now is a great time to start!
Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!

Another winner in the Survivor series
Ms. Cahoon’s bookseller and cancer survivor Rarity Coles, has a gift for picking out the right book for each of her customers….and the right question to ask in gathering the answers to a mystery.
When her new assistant is murdered and her best friend’s brother a suspect, Rarity along with the Tuesday night club, take notes and help her figure out what they need to be asking.
Twists and turns, a bit of romance and good friendship keep the tale moving along and keep the reader involved for the outcome.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC gratis and offer my opinion in the same

What a great book! I had no idea it was the third in a series! I really enjoyed the introduction to the Survivors' Book Club Mystery series. I've never read anything by this author either and I am a fan now.
Rarity owns a book store and has decided to open it up to more book clubs aside from the Tuesday night Survivors' Book Club. She has to hire two college students, Janey and Caleb to work these new book clubs for children, from Mommy and Me clubs to high school-age clubs.
In the midst of training Janey and Caleb to begin the clubs, Janey is killed. The Tuesday night group decides that they are going to be amateur investigators to find out what happened to the young girl. Through twists and turns, we find out more about Rarity and her life, the other townspeople, and what happened to Janey at the quarry.
I would highly recommend this book, and you need not read anything before. I haven't and never felt lost. It hooked me in pretty quickly, so I'm confident it will hook you too. Preorder it now because it comes out just in time for your Labor Day plans, September 5th!
#DeathintheRomanceAisle #NetGalley

Setting the Scene: Rarity and Sam are both excited about events in their lives. Rarity is excited about expanding the book club offerings at her bookstore, and not just because of the potential for expanded sales. In her second chance at life journey, she wants to give back to her Sedona community. Sam is excited because her brother is coming to town. Things are going well until a young woman is murdered, and suspicion falls on Sam's brother who was the last known person to see the murdered woman alive. Both Drew and Rarity jump into the investigation to try to find the truth before the situation costs Sam her brother, her boyfriend, and her friendships.
What I Thought: I love this series. Even though my life is nothing like these characters, I am enveloped in a sense of comfort when I read these books - not boring, never that, but a sense of well being that I am among friends. The characters, their intelligence and generational diversity, the camaraderie, the sense of community, even the setting, all work together for a great story. Rarity's and Archer's relationship is one of relaxed reliance. Each knows they can and do rely on the other, but neither is compelled to be anyone or anything other than themselves. When Archer insists that Rarity not be left alone for her own protection, Rarity does not get all defensive and accuse him of being macho. She understands his motivation and the reality of the moment and accepts the steps taken, both for her own safety, as well as Archer's peace of mind. That's a healthy relationship, folks. I cannot help but think that characters in other books I read would have ended up in a royal battle of wills given the same circumstances. Then there is the random acts of kindness scene at the middle-school book club that literally had me in tears. I stopped reading and wrote to the author about the feelings invoked in that scene. So, yes, there is a well plotted mystery, with sufficient suspects, including Sam's brother, and enough red herrings to keep you guessing through most of the book, but it is just that there is so much more. Obviously, I think this is an amazing read, and I cannot wait to be back with Rarity and her Survivors' Club peeps.

Death In The Romance Aisle is the 3rd book in the Survivors Book Club series by Lynn Cahoon and it is a wonderful addition to the series. Rarity Cole owns a book store and has several new book clubs run by two college students. One of the students ends up dead. Samantha (Sam) is Rarity's best friend and she owns the shop next door. Sam's brother Marcus is visiting and he is one of the.suspects in the.murder. Rarity is a breast cancer survivor and the topic is handled with care. It's only mentioned briefly a couple of times. Rarity's boyfriend Archer is a nice character as well as Sam and their friend Drew and his Dad Jonathon. The friendships really make this series so enjoyable! i guessed the culprit but wasn't sure until the end. A very enjoyable cozy mystery! #DeathInTheRomanceAisle. #NetGalley. #Kensington #LynCahoon

4.5 rounded up
Excellent addition to the series. Great characters and interesting mystery. As a breast cancer survivor, I can relate to Rarity quite well. I love how content I feel once I finish a book in this series.

I'm a sucker for bookstore cozy mysteries. And this one was no different. It quickly drew me in. And I couldn't put it down.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC of this book. Seeing that I didn't read the first two of the series I felt like I was playing a little bit of catch up at times but I still enjoyed the writing and pacing of the book. I would definitely recommend reading the first two books in the series to make it a little easier. I liked the characters and how they all supported each other. Though it wasn't my top mystery ever I enjoyed the mystery throughout and seeing how it all unraveled.

This is the third book in the Survivors' Book Club mystery series - it does reference previous books and it does help knowing the back stories of the book club - so would recommend reading in order.
Lot's of suspects and more than a few red herrings - there was always a sense of danger lurking around the corner in this one.
I love this series - the strength of friendship between the women is so delightful - it faltered a little bit in this installment with Darby heading off to Scotland, Sam withdrawing from the group almost completely when her brother is implicated in the murder and Holly and Malia only appearing briefly. Shirley shined in this one - with her stepping into running several of the book clubs after the death of Janey, one of two new hires at the bookstore.
There was two mentions of Archer, Rarity's boyfriend of a year either sleeping on the couch or in the guest bedroom - which felt a little odd to me - since they are probably in their 30s and especially since they were talking about moving in together.

First, before I say anything else, I want to declare that Shirley can be my grandmother any time. What a delight to see her sort of break out as a supporting character in this book. But, anyway, back to the mystery....
If there's one thing main character Rarity has learned, it's that tomorrow isn't promised to anyone. After her bout with cancer, she's tried to live by that creed, taking chances today, not waiting for life to simply happen to her. That said, she surely didn't expect life to throw her in the path of so many murder investigations. This time it's the murder of her just hired employee Janey. Even worse, her best friend's brother, Marcus, is the primary suspect. This is further complicated as Drew, Sam's boyfriend, is the lead investigator of the crime. Poor Sam. She's having trouble being supportive of Marcus while dealing with the fact its her boyfriend who could put him in jail for the rest of his life. Even Rarity faces the problem of not quite knowing whether he did it, making things tense. Toss in a severed finger, fortunately found to be a fake, being sent to Rarity and issues with her other hire, Caleb, and she has her hands full.
I've really come to enjoy and look forward to each new installment of this series. Author Lynn Cahoon has faced down cancer, so she knows the impact of that fear well and it shows. Rarity has made friends, close friends who circle around her when needed (and occasionally when she'd just as rather they don't). Her relationship with Archer, who operates a hiking tour business, is flourishing although I had to smile when it was noted that he was sleeping on the couch when his guard duty session (nope, not explaining) rolled around. With that subtle clue, Cahoon has revealed much of the characters' character, I felt. He seems the dream boyfriend....he cooks, he cleans, he loves her dog and vice versa, so it'll be interesting to see where this seemingly dream relationship goes. As for Shirley, I felt connected to her early in the series as I, too, have dealt with a family member with dementia. Rather than shrink into the background, she is finding her way. More impressive, her step into the spotlight, so to speak, is winning not just her but Rarity's bookstore some wonderfully positive attention. And, oh, shh, don't tell but Drew's ex-cop father is writing a book.
So, who killed Janey? Could it be Janey's college stalker? Who had the most to gain? Or, maybe who had the most to lose? Why did someone break into Rarity's bookstore? Heck, why did someone knock her out in the back room of Sam's shop? Was Rarity the target or Sam? Speaking of Sam, will this be the end of her blossoming relationship with Drew? Why... oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Go read the book. You'll like Rarity and her friends, not to mention Killer the dog. Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks - #KensingtonCozies for allowing me to drop into Sedona and check out Rarity's bookstore again. Already looking forward to my next visit.

Death in the Romance Aisle is the latest Lynn Cahoon novel in the Survivors' Book Club Mysteries. Rarity Cole is a breast cancer survivor who opened a book shop, only to find herself -- more often than not -- helping the local police solve murders in Sedona. She's also fallen in love with a sexy hiking explorer, Archer, who runs his own adventure company, and she's momma to a small dog named Killer. Killer protects her frequently, and this installment is no exception. Rarity's bestie's brother, Marcus, comes to town, and within 3 days, Rarity's newest employee is found dead on a hike. Marcus had accompanied her on it, but swears he didn't kill the girl. Unfortunately, his sister, Rarity's bestie Sam, has heard that story before. Something similar happened to Marcus over a decade ago. Has history repeated itself or is someone taking advantage of the similarity to put the blame on him? I enjoyed the book, but it's still early on in the series and I'm not yet sure which characters are working or are in need of a jump start. The setting is charming, and I like Rarity a lot, but her friends and support system aren't as strong as I'd like them to be. They protect her but they are also too direct about it. I want to see Rarity stand up for herself more, maybe even meet members of her family so we know what happened in her own past. The writing is solid, as always with Lynn Cahoon, and I'm eager to read more.

Thank you NetGalley and Lyrical Press/Kensington Publishing Corp. for a copy of "Death in the Romance Aisle" in exchange for my honest review.
This is book 3 in the Survivors' Book Club Mystery series. While there are references to previous events in the story, it is possible to read this book without prior knowledge of the characters and totally enjoy it.
Rarity Cole owns The Next Chapter book store, she is a cancer survivor and also hosts the Tuesday Night Survivors Book Club which is also known as the Next Chapter Tuesday Night Sleuthers' Club because the members seem to get involved in crimes which they "secretly" meet to discuss and solve. With the help police detective Drew Anderson's father - Jonathon a retired police detective. Archer Enders is Rarity's boyfriend and the best character is Killer the tan Yorkie who is Rarity's companion and confidante.
A new hire at the bookstore Janey has been receiving crank phone calls. She's reported them to campus police but they don't seem to think it's important. When she goes hiking with Rarity's bestfriend Sam Aarons brother Marcus and is later found dead Rarity thinks that maybe there was more to the crank calls. The Sleuthers' Club sets out to solve Janey's murder. In the process Rarity's life is in danger several times. She receives several warnings to stop sleuthing and her many friends in the community rally round her to keep her safe.
As with all of Ms. Cahoon's series, this one is wonderfully written, with interesting characters and storyline. It's hard to put down because you want to find out what will happen next.

Death in the Romance Aisle is a good cozy mystery. I recommend it to readers of cozy mysteries. I found the start a little slow but just keep reading. for a good story.

Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of DEATH IN THE ROMANCE AISLE (Book 3 of the Survivors’ Book Club Mysteries) by Lynn Cahoon in exchange for an honest review. Rarity Cole’s business neighbor and best friend, Sam, is excited because her brother Marcus has come home. Marcus forms a connection with one of Rarity’s bookstore employees and ends up being a murder suspect when that employee is killed after going on a date with Marcus. Because Marcus was investigated for a prior suspicious death, it looks like he’s in a lot of trouble. However, Sam is positive her brother is innocent, so Rarity sets out on a mission to figure out who killed her employee.
I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend this book to fans of the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy murder mysteries featuring bookstores, small businesses, and tiny dogs named, “Killer.”
#DeathintheRomanceAisle #NetGalley

Thank you #netgalley and #LyricalUnderground for providing me with another eARC of a delightful read by Lynn Cahoon.
Let me premise with that I met Lynn Cahoon at a #Kensington Cozy book event and actually got to speak with her just after I had read the part where they find the dead body. I even told her I was surprised by who died. I just thought it would be one of 2 other characters. Lynn is delightful, down to earth and I can now feel her presence in the main character of Rarity for this series.
I really enjoy this series and recommend reading from the beginning. Death in the Romance Aisle can be read as a standalone, but reading at least the 1st book in the series will give you a better connection to the ladies in the book club.
Rarity's book shop is expanding and she has hired two new employees to help with book club duties as well as help expand the book genres she carries. As expected, a murder happens and again Rarity's book store, survivor book club, and life becomes the center of a murder investigation as well forming their own inquiry to solve it! As far as the murder mystery, it is a cozy and you will find a satisfactory ending. I won't say it's predictable, but things are revealed in the last chapters that help the reader realize who, but you have to wait for the why. What really makes this story is following all the characters and their lives. The women are connected by surviving their battles with cancer. A love of books, and generally have a caring and often a real friendship with all the ups and downs and arguments and uncertainties that happen. Even without the murders that happen, I want to read about what's happening in this little town and all the characters. But the murders do add excitement! And I really like how Rarity is echoing the readers thoughts on why there are so many murders that she ends up linked to. I also enjoyed her finding the support from the community as much as finding herself want to support them. A solid read with great characters and a murder mystery that helps them dive deeper into supporting the living.

This the third installment of the Survivors Book Club Mystery series is such a delight! Lynn Canyon once again delivers excellence in a cozy. The mystery is solid. Characters are well developed. Kudos! Thanks #Netgalley and #Kensington for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are mine.

This was cute and sweet. I liked the book-club-morphed-into-amateur-detectives plot.
The characters were cute, I was cheering them on and overall this was an enjoyable read.

Welcome back to the third installment of cozy author Lynn Cahoon's exciting new series. I have loved this series, the charcters and setting from the beginning. Rariety is a likable hard working protagnist with a penchant for solving murders as she manages her popular bookstore "The Next Chapter". I like that the author shows the reader all the nuances of runnning a small business. The setting is beautiful Sedona and the bookstore is a focus of the series. Rariety is a breast cancer survivor and began a survivor's goup at her store that rapidly turned into a focus group to solve murders when one of their members was killed. The group has become fast friends and works well together to solve the local murders.
In this installment Rariety has hired two young people to help her out at the store with her book clubs and childrens groups. When one of them is murdered mysterious clues are left for Rariety and friends to investigate. The sleuth was well crafted to conclusion. Rariety and her boyfriend the local detective are a solid couple and have worked out their differances to co habitate well and each appreciates the other. Its a nice representation of a solid relationship that only adds to the book. The supporting charcters are well developed and each adds to the series with depth and personality. I look forward to the next in series.
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity for review. This is the perfect cozy series with the charcters, setting and sleuth that readers love.

Rarity is back and she has hired a coup!e of kids to take over some book clubs she is running. Unfortunately one of them ends up dead. It was easy to follow this mystery and even though I had no idea whoduit, I enjoyed the process unfold. Loved that Drew's father keeps showing up. He's a great addition to the cast along with her hiking guide boyfriend. These books never disappoint and I look forward to reading each one.

I liked this book,. This series is ok although I like the Tourist Trap series and characters better. I liked how the characters in this book stick together and work together to solve the mystery. They did hit on the murderer fairly early but really couldn’t find any proof. The reveal of the murderer is fairly dramatic and thankful Killer is ok.. The title is misleading as the death doesn’t occur in the romance aisle or even in the book store. #DeathintheRomanceAisle #NetGalley