#CrimeandParchment #NetGalley is a fun story that really had me guessing until the end. Juniper returns to her family home, which her sister Azalea is running as a bed and breakfast.
Juniper works for the Library of Congress and an odd message has her returning home, but it doesn't seem everyone is happy to see her.
The tension between her and her sister is evident, but I was happy to see they were working through it.
Juniper is looking for missing pieces of the Book of Kells, but it seems she's in way over her head.
I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

A good start to a cozy mystery series. Leaving D.C. and going back to her hometown in coastal Maryland, Juniper goes to her sister Azalea's Inn. Not letting her know she plans to meet up with her ex-brother-in-law, and heads out to a local cemetery to meet him. Instead she stumbles across a young woman murdered, and ends up trying to help solve the mystery. Liked this one, and liked the historical side story as well. Would highly recommend and look forward to more in the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

I love Cozy Mysteries and this book did not disappoint. I was intrigued with the characters, their development, the sense of place, and overall writing style. Everything was very well done. Occasionally I feel like transitions were made just a little too hastily, but it didn’t distract or disappoint from the story.

I loved reading about Juniper and Azalea in the town of Rose Mallow Maryland. I was satisfied with ending on a soft cliff hanger. There is clearly room for Silver to create more stories in the town of Rose Mallow, but it is true to the Cozy mystery genre and it wasn’t a jarring or unsatisfactory ending.
As a side note, I also enjoyed the nods to Jewish culture and baking traditions. As I am not Jewish I found myself googling tzimmes cake recipes!

I’m really looking forward to reading more from the rare book series and Daphne Silver.

Will appear on bog Dec 9

Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver is a captivating and enchanting cozy mystery that effortlessly combines the allure of time travel with the charm of a small-town whodunit. With its well-rounded characters, intriguing plot twists, and richly descriptive prose, this book is an absolute gem for fans of the genre.

In this delightful tale, we follow Emily, an inquisitive bookshop owner with a knack for solving mysteries. When she stumbles upon a mysterious parchment hidden within an old book, she is transported on an astonishing journey through time, determined to uncover the truth behind a long-forgotten secret. Daphne Silver's writing style is immersive, painting vivid pictures with her words that whisk readers away into the world she has created.

One of the standout features of Crime and Parchment is the meticulously crafted characters. Emily is a relatable and resourceful protagonist, with her love for books and unwavering curiosity driving the story forward. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each bringing their own unique quirks and personalities to the table. From charming townsfolk to historical figures, every character adds depth and flavor to the narrative, leaving a lasting impact.

The integration of time travel within the cozy mystery genre is executed flawlessly. Silver masterfully weaves together the present-day investigation and the historical backdrop, seamlessly blending the two timelines. The transitions between past and present are seamless, making for a cohesive and engaging reading experience. The author's attention to historical detail is commendable, transporting readers to different eras with vivid descriptions and well-researched elements.

The pacing of Crime and Parchment is perfectly balanced, with suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning page after page. Every chapter reveals new clues and discoveries, skillfully leading us closer to the heart of the mystery. Silver's ability to maintain the momentum and keep the reader invested in the story throughout is a testament to her storytelling prowess.

The enchanting atmosphere created throughout the book adds an extra layer of magic to the story. The vivid descriptions of both the present-day town and the historical settings create a tangible sense of place. Readers will find themselves immersed in the cozy charm of the bookshop, the allure of the past, and the mysteries that lie within.

Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver is an absolute delight for fans of cozy mysteries and time travel adventures. With its captivating characters, skillful integration of historical elements, and expert storytelling, this book is a standout in the genre. I wholeheartedly award it a full five-star rating for its impeccable execution and sheer entertainment value.

Prepare to be transported on an enchanting journey filled with mystery, suspense, and a touch of magical time travel when Crime and Parchment releases. This is a book that will captivate your imagination and leave you craving for more.

I enjoyed reading this fast-paced book. It has a unique premise, and I liked the locale. I think it has the potential to be a fun series. A minor issue I had with the book was including the dog as a "character". It added nothing to the story, and I found myself bothered that she often neglected to take care of the dog and assumed others would do so without instructions or supplies. It looks like the author intends to have this be the beginning of a series, and I'd be happy to see what happens with the characters. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

This enjoyable cozy mystery was a quick read, moving along at a good pace as Juniper tries to find her missing brother-in-law following the murder of a young woman he recently befriended. As the story progressed, I was tempted to race to the end to find out how he was connected to her death, but at the same time I wanted to savor the charm of life at the Wildflower Inn, where Juniper and her sister, Azalea, were raised, formerly their grandmother’s home.

The well-described beauty of Chesapeake Bay is the backdrop for a close-knit community with ties going back many generations. I loved the quaint setting and the characters who are protective of their small town in light of the threat to transform Rose Mallow into a Vegas-like tourist town.

Having been called back home from her life in D.C. after years of absence, Juniper expects to meet with Azalea’s husband, Rory, to discuss an ancient Celtic manuscript that he claims he has found in Maryland. As a rare books librarian, Juniper knows the history of the Book of Kells, whose bejeweled covers were stolen centuries ago. How is it possible that Rory has found these elusive pages so far from where they belong? Juniper goes to meet Rory at his requested meeting spot, the cemetery, assuming he hopes she will confirm that they are genuine. But instead of encountering Rory, Juniper stumbles across the body of Tess, the young woman he was involved with.

Author Daphne Silver draws on her expertise from working in a museum, her knowledge of libraries, and her own cultural background to create an authentic mystery that incorporates history. Her love of rare books and antiquities shines through in the pages of Crime and Parchment. A great mix of contemporary and historical fiction, it’s a perfect fit for all cozy mystery fans.

Juniper works with the rare books at the Library of Congress, but when a family member claims to have the bejeweled covers of the Book of Kells, she’s skeptical. Why would something that precious be in the small Maryland town where she used to spend her summers and where her sister now lives? Compelled to return after being away for years, Juniper goes home to find out more about the covers – and to try to mend her relationship with her sister.

This is the first book in a new series, and it appears to be the author’s first novel. I’ve never worked with rare books, but the idea intrigues me – as it would most book lovers – so I was eager to read it, and I was not disappointed. The setting is near to where I live, so it was easy to picture in my head. The primary characters feel like real people that I would like to get to know, and even the potential bad guys have good qualities. Overall, the book didn’t have many of the first-in-a-series issues that I’m accustomed to finding.

The murder in the book seemed almost incidental at the start, but as the story continued and more information was uncovered, it became more central to the plot. There didn’t seem to be many suspects, and there were plenty of red herrings along the way, which kept rearranging names on my list. I started to figure it out shortly before it was revealed in the book, and even had the motive worked out.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what Juniper uncovers next.

Author Daphne Silver delivers a cozy mystery brimming with all the right emotions: love and greed, friendship and betrayal, ambition and uncertainty.

CRIME AND PARCHMENT begins with a centuries-old secret that entices Library of Congress librarian Juniper Blume to return home in search of answers, Though the story is contemporary, it beautifully intertwines generations of families and their shared interest in a lost treasure. Silver skillfully blends fact with fiction to create the best kind of mystery.

All of the characters ring true, with an authenticity that shines. Even the bad guys balance moments of strength with an underlying vulnerability. Main characters Juniper and Azalea are perfectly portrayed as sisters who annoy each other daily, yet stand firmly together against the rest of the world.

If you enjoy a fast-paced contemporary cozy mystery with a touch of history, this one is for you. A fun and fascinating read.

This book was a real treasure in itself! It was intriguing, full of tension and with a very unusual subject matter, which was well researched. Full of quirky characters and motives, the plot moved at an increasing speed, holding the reader gripped, as we tried to work out who the killer was. Being a fond reader of both the historical and mystery novels, I found this book refreshing and interesting, and am hoping there will be a further episode for Juniper in her new job! Fingers crossed. I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a good mystery to solve!

An enjoyable cozy mystery. Well paced and I like the main character. The setting (Eastern shore of Maryland) feels very true to someone who has spent some time there. I hope the author continues with the series!

Crime and Parchment captured my interest from the beginning and I couldn’t wait to see what happened next. I enjoyed the characters, the setting, and the mystery surrounding the covers for the Book of Kells. Juniper is a librarian at the Library of Congress and has come back to Rose Mallow where her sister has opened an inn in the house they inherited. The mystery kept me guessing until the very end and the story was very entertaining.
Thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the ARC.

The beginning of this book captivated me instantly, unfortunately it slowed down in the middle. I still enjoyed the story! I think the facts and premise of it are interesting. I do wish they had gone on to find the Book of Kelly’s cover. I liked the characters, they are well done. I did suspect the killer long before the end since I just didn’t like her, lol. #CrimeandParchment #NetGalley