I was pretty excited when Netgalley granted me early access to this cozy mystery, which is the start of a new series. I would actually rate this book at a 3.5-star read. It is set in Enigma, Georgia, and revolves around Madeline who inherits an old bookstore from her Aunt Rose. I really can't say that I cared much for the main character until about the last quarter of the book. She was cocky and a little self-righteous in the beginning but by the end, we started to understand why she had become the way she was. Madeline jumps to conclusions faster than an Olympic hurdler and it gets frustrating as it is a bit too repetitive throughout the story. The "murder" mystery was a little anti-climatic but by then everyone but Madeline had figured out who did the deed. However, the town and its townspeople are charming and since we know that small towns in the South are full of BIG secrets, I can honestly say that I'm looking forward to the next installment of this series. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Minotaur Books, and P.J. Nelson for the chance to read this book in advance of its publication.

I recently read "Booked For Murder" by P.J. Nelson, and it was a fun and enjoyable cozy mystery. The story follows Madeline Brimely as she inherits her aunt's bookstore and gets tangled up in small-town secrets and death threats. While I was hooked from the beginning, there were a few slower parts, and some aspects felt predictable. I wish the characters were more developed. Overall, I would recommend it to mystery fans.

This was such a fun book!! I love a book about books and the mystery was a fun twist. I enjoyed all the different characters in this one. I will need to check out other books by this author.

Booked for Murder starts with Madeline Brimley inheriting and moving into her aunt Rose's house/bookstore. Right away, things happen and we start seeing our main characters. And when Madeline reopens the bookstore, we meet Tandy, who in Madeline speaks to her, reminds Madeline of her younger self. As things continue to happen, a murder takes place,and Madeline is determined to solve it! In her quest, we learn history and antics in a small town. With false starts and being told many times to stop being involved, Booked for Murder is a fast-reading and entertaining book that kept my interest regarding people in small towns.

Booked for Murder is a great book for mystery lovers who particularly like mysteries taking place in small towns where everyone has a connection with everyone else.

Cute, cozy murder mystery that takes place in a bookstore? Sign me up! This was a quick, fun read and I enjoyed Madeline's character. The depths of the characters and overall writing style had me looking up more books by this author.

This is a quick, fun read with lots of characters that you quickly latch on to. There is a murder (obviously), potential love interests, strong females and a cathartic relationship arc. There is little cliffhanger at the end so there is a setup for the next book.

3 stars!

I have so many mixed thoughts on cozy mysteries because sometimes I love them, and other times I'm so bored. This was unfortunately one of the boring books and the story was just kinda boring and I really didn't care. The conclusion to the mystery was unsurprising and unfortunately it just didn't work for me. A quick read though!

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review!

Bookstores and murder? Sign me up. I really enjoyed this cozy murder mystery. The characters kept me guessing and the plot kept me on the edge of my seat. I’d definitely recommend this book.

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson promises a captivating mystery set in the world of books, but unfortunately, it falls short of delivering a compelling read. While the premise is intriguing, the execution leaves much to be desired.

The plot revolves around a series of murders linked to a quaint bookstore, which should provide ample opportunity for suspense and intrigue. However, the storyline is marred by predictable twists and a lack of depth. The mystery unfolds in a rather formulaic manner, making it easy to guess the outcome long before the final reveal.

The characters, while initially interesting, lack the development needed to make them truly engaging. The protagonist comes across as one-dimensional, with motivations and actions that feel superficial and unconvincing. Similarly, the supporting cast fails to add much-needed complexity to the narrative.

Nelson’s writing style is straightforward, but it often lacks the vivid descriptions and evocative language that could bring the setting and characters to life. The pacing is uneven, with some sections dragging while others rush through key plot points, leaving readers feeling disconnected from the story.

Despite these shortcomings, there are a few redeeming qualities. The bookstore setting is charming and has the potential to be a character in its own right, though it is underutilized. There are moments of genuine intrigue and tension, but they are too few and far between to maintain a consistent level of engagement.

Overall, Booked for Murder was a disappointing read that failed to fully capitalize on its promising premise. While it may appeal to readers looking for a light, uncomplicated mystery, those seeking a more immersive and well-crafted story may find it lacking. P.J. Nelson has the foundation for a great mystery, but this particular effort doesn’t quite hit the mark.

A solid, enjoyable cozy small town mystery! While this isn’t my usual genre, I enjoyed it as an easy poolside read. Mystery fans should absolutely give it a try!

Madeline Brimley's acting career has stalled, leaving her at loose ends until she receives word that she has inherited her Aunt Rose's Victorian mansion and the unusual bookstore it houses. Her return to Enigma, the small town she grew up in, does not go smoothly, and soon she is dealing with arson, threats and ultimately a murder.

Determined to solve the murder in order to remove any suspicion from herself, Madeline teams up with her aunt's long-time companion Philomena and the local Episcopal priest, Father Gloria. Together they work to get to the bottom of all the mysteries surrounding Madeline and her new home. Madeline is no super-sleuth, but she is determined. She perseveres as she pursues several false leads, until she finally gets to the bottom of the mystery. Along the way we encounter a whole host of colorful local characters and learn a little about life in Enigma.

I enjoyed Booked for Murder. Madeline is an interesting character, and the supporting cast is more than just a collection of cliched stereotypes. I particularly enjoyed Father Gloria and her colorful background. The mystery was not formulaic - I didn't guess the identity of the murderer before time, but the conclusion was not so far-fetched that it defied belief. The book ends with hints of things to come. I look forward to reading more about Madeline and her new life in Enigma as she comes to terms with returning to the small town where she grew up.

The first time reading this author. I loved this book from beginning to end. It was emotionally, and when I thought I knew who did it I was so wrong.
The book starts off Madeline Brimley comes to Enigma, Georgia, because her aunt Rose passes away. She leaves her home, and the Old Juniper Bookshop to her. She finds out later there are stipulations in the will. The first day she arrives something happens, and she’s stunned to say the least. Then other things happen. Buy the book you will love it.

Release date is 12/10/24
I thank Netgalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.

Two of my favorite things: bookstores and murder. Booked for Murder is a cozy mystery in a great setting. Thanks to NetGalley for the advanced readers copy.

Madeline inherits her aunt's bookstore in her small hometown in Georgia. As soon as she arrives, chaos begins, and shortly after she finds a body in the bookstore. Madeline takes the investigation into her own hands, with a little help. Booked for Murder was a "cozy" mystery (I have a hard time calling anything with murder "cozy" but it's not exactly a thriller) with some sweet characters.

I base my books on two things : if they grabbed and kept my attention and predictability.
Unfortunately this book failed on both of those scales. It was so ridiculously easy to predict the killer and was so slow that it never grabbed my attention. It’s clear this authors passion is in theater and should probably be redirected and kept there.
Also the whole mention of Faye and nothing??? Truly poor writing

If you love cozy mysteries and a quick read, then I would highly recommend this book!

Thank you NetGalley for my ARC! All opinions are my own.

"Booked for Murder" by P.J. Nelson is a captivating read that skillfully blends mystery, suspense, and well-developed characters into an unforgettable narrative. From the very first page, Nelson draws readers into a world of intrigue and deception, crafting a plot that is both intricate and engaging.

The protagonist, a determined and resourceful investigator, is vividly portrayed, making it easy to empathize with her quest for truth amidst a sea of secrets. Nelson's ability to build tension is commendable, with each chapter leaving you eager to uncover the next twist in the story.

The writing is sharp and evocative, painting scenes with a clarity that makes the book hard to put down. The author’s knack for detail and pacing ensures that the story never lags, maintaining a perfect balance between action and suspense.

"Booked for Murder" stands out not just for its gripping plot, but also for the depth of its characters and the realism of its setting. It is a must-read for fans of the mystery genre and a testament to P.J. Nelson's talent as a storyteller. Highly recommended for anyone looking for a thrilling and immersive reading experience.

I genuinely struggled through this book. I typically love a cozy mystery but the main character, Madeline, was so unlikeable that I struggled to connect with the story. She had moved away from this small town nearly 20 years ago and expected to return as if nothing had changed. She stepped on the toes of the local police because she used to babysit him even though he seemed to be doing his job just fine.
Then there was the climax which was completely ridiculous to me for some reason and I could barely get through it.
I do however find myself looking forward to the next book anyway because I want to know what the heck is up with “Joy” and what’s going on with the financials, because obviously something is going on there.
Thank you to NetGalley for my e-ARC!

What a great mystery read! Mystery has always been a favorite of mine and this book was spot on. I couldn’t put it down. There were twists and turns. Not what I was expecting

Booked For Murder is a phenomenal story that will keep you on the edge of your seat! The small town of Enigma and its many fun and crazy characters is the perfect place for a murder-mystery. The leading lady, Maddy inherits a bookstore from her oddball, but fun and caring aunt. Of course right away things start going wrong. From arson and mysterious phone calls to straight up murder, this is a book you won’t be able to put down. The dramatic endings to chapters keep you longing to read more and the plot twists swing at you left and right. I loved this book and highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good murder-mystery (and bonus it’s in a bookstore)!!!