Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC!

This is a great cozy mystery to pick up this summer. Unfortunately, I struggled to connect to the FMC, and I found her to be rather annoying. The writing was a bit too wordy and didn't flow as well as I would have liked. Overall it was just fine, but I did have to DNF, at least for now. Bonus points for the cute cover, though!

I love cozy mysteries but this one didn’t feel so cozy. Madeline has inherited a bookstore/victorian house from her aunt. Immediately yes for me! But they almost immediately lose me. Right away, they introduce us to a very likable character that you think you’re going to root for, but she gets murdered! In cozy mysteries, I prefer the murder victim be a stranger or an obnoxious character, not someone sweet that you assume will be sticking around. Then there’s a fight with a bunch of men at a church. It felt very threatening for a “light read” and I didn’t care for any of the living characters, so I decided to pass on finishing it. Had potential, but just not for me.

I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for a review and opinions are my own.

The author portrays the main character as prickly, aggressive, acerbic, short-tempered, and sometimes lacking social skills. While she may not be likable, her complexity makes her somewhat interesting. At times, it seems like she fails to examine her psyche and instead reacts from an actor's pov due to her profession, which provides an unusual perspective. The absence of introspection, however, results in an unconventional story. It's also surprising that she doesn't use a cell phone as an actress. Many of the characters in the book are unconventional and not designed to be endearing, often displaying blunt and humorless qualities. The author's comment, "I get it intellectually, but I don't feel it," seems apt. The character Father Coleman serves as a redeeming presence in the story.

P. J. Nelson should be proud of this Debut Novel. Add Booked for Murder to your future TBR.

Madeline moves back after inheriting her Aunt's house and bookstore. On her first night, there's a fire in the Gazebo. Now the local fire inspector suspects arson. Making Madeline look like the prime suspect. After that things just get weirder, leading to a murder and fire at the bookstore. What has Madeline walked into? Is someone targeting her, or is there more going on?

Maybe her Aunt's BFF Philomena and Gloria (the new Episcopalian Pastor) can help. Too bad they have their own. Madeline finds out more than she expected.

This is a nice, cozy mystery you can pick up and read on an afternoon.

Thank you to NetGalley, P. J. Nelson, and Minotaur Books for a chance to read this ARC.

Madeline’s Aunt Rose’s will reveals that Madeline has inherited the Old Juniper Bookstore in Enigma, Georgia with the condition she live there for 6 months before she can sell it. The gazebo is burnt down, she receives threatening phone calls, and Tany Fletcher, who she has befriended is killed when spending the night at the bookstore and home. Madeline unites with Philomena, her aunt’s best friend, and Gloria, the Episcopalian minister, to solve the mystery. It was an interesting read due to the quirky characters and the small town atmosphere. I enjoyed this book and recommend it to others.

After inheriting her Aunt's home and bookstore Madeline finds herself tangled up in arson and murder. The premise of this book seemed intriguing and felt that the author set the reader up for some dark secrets, and twisty plot lines. Unfortunately for me that didn't happen. I wished for deeper character development and felt there were several parts of the storyline that were either dropped or left unfinished.

Madeline Brimley returns to Enigma, Georgia after inheriting the Juniper Bookstore from her beloved Aunt Rose. Set in a small Georgian town, in an old Victorian with likable yet quirky characters this new cozy mystery has the makings of a great series.

The mystery had good twists and turns; there was good character development, and lots of room for character growth.

And I always love a bookshop cat.

I’m looking forward to the next book.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an advanced copy.

3.5 stars

For this to be a murder mystery it sure felt cozy! I really enjoyed this read and loved the gaggle of characters involved in the story (especially cannonball 🐈‍⬛)! True to the theatrical nature of our FMC Madeline, her aunt’s best friend Phil, and Gloria the priest; these ladies were jumping through HOOPS to figure out who is up to some nefarious activities in their small town.

Such a fun read with quite a lot of ✨ Drama ✨, and will be the perfect cozy read to curl up with when it releases at the end of the year!

This review will also be posted on my book Instagram on 5/31 at the link below.

A decent debut cozy murder mystery. You easily fall into feeling like you “know” the characters and the story is spot on with small town references. Ultimately it left me wanting more from both the current storyline and from the characters themselves. Maybe there will be a second book? After great build up of the plot the finalization of the story felt rushed. Beautiful book cover.

Thank you MacMillan publishing, NetGalley, and the author for the advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

Books and murder mystery?? Count me in. This book was funny yet gripping at the same time. The cozy scenery of the old timey southern bookstore makes you feel so immersed in the story and the characters feel like friends. I was hooked until the very last page.

Book for Murder by P.J Nelson is a murder mystery novel set in a small town. When former actress Madeline Brimley is left her late aunts home and bookstore, she is forced to move back to her home town of Enigma, Georgia. Not long after her arrival, a gazebo on her property is burnt down and she receives threatening calls. Madeline tries to ignore them, but it leads to another fire, another call, and a murder.

Rating: 4/5 stars ⭐️

I enjoyed reading this. It’s been a while since I’ve read a murder mystery where I was interested to from the beginning to the end. I thought the mystery was tied together well and ended nicely with no questions left to ask.

This could have been five stars for me if Madeline wasn’t insufferable from time to time. She ignores a lot of things that she shouldn’t and it was slightly frustrating.

I loved that a bookstore was the setting for this, however I would have liked to see more of it before jumping into the murder mystery. Even seeing it at the end would have been nice.

All in all, I recommend checking this book out!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s press for the ARC in exchange for an honest review! 💕

I love any type of cozy set in a bookstore or that has a book theme so this first in a series by P.J. Nelson was on my to be read list. This is a wonderful start to a new series. I love the bookstore element of the story. The author does a really nice job of capturing the feel of a small town and she populates it with interesting characters that kept my attention. I'm looking forward for more stories in this series.

This is a cozy mystery with interesting characters in a small Georgia town. Madeline is brought back to her hometown after the death of her beloved Aunt Rose. She has inherited a large Victorian home with a bookshop on the main level. Before she can unpack her suitcase a fire destroys the historic gazebo in her backyard. Then another fire at the front door and the murder of a sweet hometown girl in the bookstore has Madeline wondering if she should have stayed in Atlanta. Dr. Philomena Waldrop, her aunt’s best friend, is there to comfort her and help find a handsome handyman to rebuild the structure. Many suspects and secrets are revealed with the help of a police officer and female Episcopalian priest.

"Booked for Murder" by P.J. Nelson is a masterfully crafted mystery novel that kept me on the edge of my seat from start to finish. This book is a must-read for any fan of the genre, combining a gripping plot, well-developed characters, and unexpected twists that leave you guessing until the very last page.

From the moment I picked up "Booked for Murder," I was hooked. Nelson's writing is engaging and immersive, pulling you into the world of the protagonist, Detective Emma Thornton. Emma is a relatable and compelling character, whose determination and keen instincts make her the perfect lead for this thrilling tale. Her personal struggles and professional challenges are portrayed with such depth that you can't help but root for her throughout the story.

The plot of "Booked for Murder" is intricately woven and full of surprises. Nelson has a knack for building suspense, and just when you think you have figured out the mystery, another layer is added, keeping you thoroughly engrossed. The setting of the quaint yet ominous town adds to the atmospheric tension, making every page turn an exciting experience.

One of the standout aspects of this book is the cast of secondary characters. Each one is vividly drawn and adds richness to the narrative. The interplay between these characters, and their individual backstories, are expertly integrated into the main plot, providing depth and context to the unfolding mystery.

Nelson's attention to detail is impeccable, particularly in the way she describes the investigative process. The procedural elements are realistic and well-researched, adding authenticity to the story without bogging down the pace. The dialogue is sharp and natural, enhancing the dynamic between characters and driving the plot forward.

The resolution of the mystery is both satisfying and thought-provoking. Nelson ties up the various threads of the narrative with skill, ensuring that all questions are answered and leaving the reader with a sense of closure. The final twist is both surprising and fitting, a testament to Nelson's talent for storytelling.

In conclusion, "Booked for Murder" is a stellar addition to the mystery genre. P.J. Nelson has crafted a novel that is not only entertaining but also intellectually stimulating. This book is perfect for readers who love a well-plotted mystery with complex characters and plenty of suspense. I highly recommend "Booked for Murder" to anyone looking for a thrilling and satisfying read. It deserves every one of its five stars. All thoughts and opinions are mine, and my own only.

Thank you NetGalley and P.J. Nelson for the ARC read.

Booked For Murder is P.J Nelson’s debut novel. The story follows former star, Madeline Brimely back to her hometown in Enigma, GA. After Madeline’s aunt dies, she inherits her bookstore. Not too long after she arrives does she begin to receive death threats. Trouble and her seem to mix as small town secrets begin to unfold.

I really loved the concept of Booked for Murder. P.J. Nelson does a good job of hooking the reader in the beginning scenes of the book. The author truly nails the depiction of small town live when things such as crime and gossip start to arise.

There were a couple of slower spots in the book for me where I was expecting something bigger to happen, but it never came. I did enjoy the book but wish there was a little more suspense to the book. I know it is a cozy mystery, but some of the parts were a little predictable. I wish some of the characters were a developed a little more throughout the story as well. We got pieces of people’s story, but I was still left with some questions toward the end. I’m guessing there will be more as it says mystery #1, I hope so because I would love to see how the rest of the story develops.

Overall, this was a good book that I did enjoy reading and would recommend it if you enjoy myseries.

3.5 stars rounded down | Simply put, this book is fine. It's not great, it's not terrible. I love mysteries, thrillers and suspense, but will admit I don't read too many cozy mysteries. Because cozy mysteries often don't have the suspense element, they usually make up for it in plot and interesting character. This book fell flat in both areas. Though there were some interesting characters, there was simply too many of them. The plot was intriguing in theory but was too slow and drawn out. This might be a good read for someone who enjoys a slower mystery, but it wasn't right for me.

I wanted to like this book. I really did. I loved the cover and the synopsis, but the writing just felt so juvenile and rushed.
The characters were basically hormonal 12 year olds, and the setting (which could have been so beautiful and eerie) felt lackluster. The plot was rushed, unbelievable, and read like something out of a middle school book.

Thank you Netgalley for the ARC.

This was a cozy mystery that I would have loved to read in the fall since in takes place in October (but still enjoyed reading it)!! It was a quick, but interesting read. I liked the little twist and character development throughout the book. I do wish the romance you feel brewing would have developed a bit more. There was one part at the end that I wish would have been revealed and story would have finished being told. I feel like it just abruptly ended on that conversation. I would read the second book to get that missing piece, but I don't feel like it's going to make the second book, so it definitely could have been included in the first book. Overall I liked the book and would read the next in the series.

Many thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for a digital ARC copy.

This was the first book I’ve read from P.J. Nelson. This is a cozy small town murder mystery that takes place in October.

Madeline inherits a book store from her aunt and begins to run it, but someone keeps threatening her to leave town. The gazebo is set on fire when she first moves in. Then someone is murdered inside the bookstore and the entrance is set on fire to cover it up. Maddy then gets into detective mode to find out who murdered her friend and who is trying to run her out of town.

Overall, this was a solid read that kept me entertained even though some parts were predictable. I love reading books about books, so if you’re into that with a hint of murder mystery pick this one up.

This one feels like a trip through home (with a dash of mystery of course). The feeling of the humidity and heat. The pop up storms turning into sunny days and small town gossip circles. There is no such thing as road names in directions. They exist, don't get me wrong. But, if you don't have someone giving directions based on landmarks you haven't talked to a small town person yet. Nothing is secret and everyone knows when something happens regardless of the time of day. This isn't me saying all little towns in GA are gossip mills or feels like the belly of Hell at some points in the year. I'm sure there are a number of y'all who can also declare that too for your own towns. The beginning of this story and throughout most of it really just spoke to the little towns I grew up in in the south. Also, before I jump into the big part of the review, Enigma, GA IS a real place in this state. And just like she says in the book, feel free to check a map! 

The writing for this one was alright. There was smooth conversations amongst the characters. The descriptions were clear and set the scenes fairly well. I think there were a few jokes that fell short for me or maybe came across trying to land. The characters actually comment on them to giving us "tough crowd" moments. Get ready to increase your vocabulary with this one though. There are a few characters who are very well educated and the author scatters their academic vocab words throughout the whole book. So keep a dictionary nearby, because dang. I don't quite understand times when the author over explained scenes. One that stands out is when a character talks to us about writing a letter to another. It goes on and on about the feelings pouring onto the pages, waiting to hear back, etc. etc. It could very well be my age speaking, but that whole moment just felt like I was being talked down to in that whole monologue. It could have been a quick "you all and this instant gratification" shtick, but instead I read about the entire mailing process, and I mean that literally, for a couple of pages.

I personally found Maddie to be abrupt, rude, and a tad self-centered. She was incredibly quick to judge everyone around her and held tightly onto that judgement until something irrefutable slammed into her. The grudges this woman can hold and create would make a priest proud with the level of dedication she commits. There is very little respect for others and their jobs. One example of this is her interactions with the officer helping her the whole time. He is someone she use to babysit, which means he is forever a kid in her eyes. Fuck what he is capable of as an officer or the fact it's been 20+ years and he's a grown adult - wife and family now too. She approaches every conversation and interaction as if he's a kid and doesn't know squat and she can do better. And then the moments when she gets all butt hurt over the little stuff! Like when the fire fighter thought she might have caused a fire because he simply doesn't know her, and it's his JOB to look at all suspects. Or when people aren't taking her seriously with the theories she has. Not to mention that she is changing her "absolutely correct" accusations every other phone call. Or how about when someone else is talking, she cuts them off to talk about her thoughts, then tunes out what they are saying, to find out later they were right and she's upset she was wrong. As a MC, she was annoying to me. I liked that she certainly spoke her mind to everyone. She wasn't afraid to jump into conversations and just jumped straight into every situation that came up, which was nice - no fluff or waiting around, straight doing. But damn, her nosiness was almost on the aggressive side of poking around. That's saying something for a mystery novel too.

It was a cute mystery story for sure despite my conflicts with the MC and some writing choices. The fact we got such an in your face murder and so suddenly (not that murder ISN'T sudden) caught me off guard. It didn't follow the traditional path of a cozy mystery, which isn't a bad thing - nice change of pace. But to happen to someone who seemed like was a developing character was kind of crazy. It had a good little twist and the reveal wasn't badly done either. You can probably guess the "who dunnit" once you've met everyone, so the ending wasn't a big surprise. There was of course a romantic interest, but was strictly flirting and seemed to even drift to a close at the end. There were a few conversations that never concluded and I was hung up on them - there's a joke the reverend kept trying to tell us half of the book that we never got the punch line and who the heck Faye is/was/who knows. So, that complaint is probably is probably putting me in minority opinion there. I am absolutely a person who gets caught on uncompleted conversations, especially if they keep continuously popping up and snagging my attention. Overall, I'm quite happy that I gave this one a chance and read it. If you are looking for a little mystery novel to read, I'd say give it a try. It at least gives you a little look into small town life and has a decent mystery scooting along in the background.