If you’re looking for a great cozy read for this weekend then this is the book for you. It is on the smaller side than what I’m used to. The book grabs you almost instantly within the first chapter and that is something I need in a book. This book has a small town feel to it as well as a cozy aspect because of the mystery. There are parts that kinda seemed to drag on with filler information but I’m talking about only a couple pages. I could see myself reading this again on a weekend getaway.

Thanks to NetGalley for the free arc for an honest opinion about the book

Like other reviewers, I did find this book to slog slowly in the first third. But the more time I spent with these characters the more I liked them. One big thing that irks me about a lot of recent titles is that the character who seems the most interesting is dead (to begin with), in case the protagonist’s aunt Rose, a former Broadway actress who loved jazz LPs and ran a profitable bookshop in a backwater Georgia village. It’s telling that I can’t even remember the name of the main character without looking it up, but I definitely remember aunt Rose. Despite that, I will probably read more if this does become a series. Thank you for the ARC.

A nice relaxing cozy. If you are looking for a quick relaxing read, then this book is for you. The cozy bookstore setting, filled with books, is great. The mystery itself has enough twists and turns to keep you guessing.

This story isn't long at all but it took me all week to get through. The cover is what drew me to the book in the first place and I just hate that I didn't enjoy it like I'd hoped I would. The story fell kind of flat to me, but there were some bits I liked. What really ruined my enjoyment was the main character. She was too cocky (in the annoying way where she felt that she was superior to those in the small town because she at least got out for a while) and was all-around insufferable. There was a time (that time being a majority of the book) that I'd wished the killer had gotten her instead so I could be done with this. Needless to say, I don't believe I'll continue this series.

I truly try to give everything I read a fair shot but I hate that I wasted my time with this one. So these two stars are for the cover, the characters I DID like, and the fact that I guessed the killer correctly.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Booked for Murder: A Delightful Escape with a Touch of Intrigue (3.5 out of 5 stars)

P.J. Nelson's "Booked for Murder" is a charming cozy mystery perfect for curling up with on a rainy afternoon. Madeline Brimley, our protagonist, inherits her aunt's bookstore and house in the quaint town of Enigma, Georgia. Little does she know, small-town life isn't all charming facades and friendly neighbors. When a suspicious fire breaks out at a rival bookstore, followed by a shocking murder, Madeline finds herself drawn into the heart of the mystery.

Nelson expertly crafts a world that book lovers will adore. The cozy bookstore setting, filled with the scent of old paper and the promise of adventure within each book's cover, is simply delightful. The mystery itself unfolds at a satisfying pace, with enough twists and turns to keep you guessing until the very end. The inclusion of some truly outlandish situations adds a touch of humor and keeps the story from feeling predictable.

The characters in "Booked for Murder" are a quirky and colorful bunch. Madeline is a relatable protagonist, and her journey of self-discovery adds another layer to the story. However, Madeline's personality might be a sticking point for some readers. She can be a bit too confident and defensive for someone who's background as an unsuccessful actor doesn’t suggest this personality trait. This may turn some people off from the character. The townsfolk of Enigma are a delightful mix of eccentrics and potential suspects. However, the romantic subplot between Madeline and a local detective felt a bit rushed. A bit more development of their relationship would have made their connection more believable.

Overall, "Booked for Murder" is a delightful read. It's the perfect blend of cozy mystery, small-town charm, and a touch of the unexpected. While the characters could have benefited from a bit more depth, the story itself is engaging and the setting is a winner. If you're looking for a quick and light read that will leave you with a smile, "Booked for Murder" is a must-add to your bookshelf.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for the allowing me to read and review

This book was not for me. I found the protagonist unlikable and the fact that she didn’t have a cell phone unbelievable. I found the relationships between characters to be clunky and unnatural. I didn’t solve the mystery so that was a good thing!

Pretty Good, but Not Amazing

I just finished "Booked for Murder" by PJ Nelson, and it was pretty good! It's about this lady who owns a bookstore in a small town, and she gets caught up in a murder mystery. The plot has lots of twists, which kept me guessing.

The main character is super relatable and nice. Plus, the small town where the story happens sounds so cozy and cute. I could totally picture everything!

But, there were a few things that bugged me. The middle part of the book was kind of slow, and some of the conversations felt like they went on forever. Also, some clues were too obvious, so it wasn't as surprising as I hoped.

The writing was okay, but sometimes it felt a bit awkward. If it had been edited better, it might have been more exciting to read.

Overall, "Booked for Murder" is a decent mystery book. If you like cozy mysteries and small-town vibes, you'll probably enjoy it. It's not the best I've ever read, but it's good for a chill weekend read.

I’m not gonna lie I guessed the killer since the beginning, it was just obvious but I really enjoyed this book. I felt so sad for Tandy because she had such a bright future ahead of her, but I’m glad she got some justice. I would really like to hear more about this inherited bookstore and the more adventures. I do feel like the story dragged on for a little too long, at some point it was like get to the point? But at the same time I didn’t want it to end.

All the goodness you expect from a cozy mystery! Author, P.J. Nelson does a great job of setting the stage for a charming southern mystery. We begin with the likeable main character, Madeline Brimley returning to her hometown of Enigma, Georgia upon the passing of her dear Aunt Rose. Madeline has inherited her aunt’s home and Old Juniper Bookstore located together in an old Victorian house. Madeline’s barely arrived in town when we dive right in with a crime to solve!

This was a quick read with a delightful cast of characters. The author shined the spotlight on the small-town of Enigma, full of quirky citizens, which I expect we’ll get to know better in future editions as this has hints of a book series. I enjoyed the story and look forward to future books!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. It has a great cast of characters and an interesting setting. I hope there will be more books to come.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from St. Martin’s Press through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, St. Martin’s Press.

The book caught my attention from the beginning, but I did find it predictable and slow in spots. Still recommend giving it a try, it's a quick read.

Thanks Netgalley!!

I really enjoyed the characters, the storyline and the small town setting of ‘Booked for Murder’. I look forward to the next book in this series.

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press/Minotaur Books for the ARC for an honest review.

Madeline left small town Georgia in search of success as an actor - success that alluded her. At a time when she isn’t sure what her future will bring, she unexpectedly inherits her aunt’s home and bookstore in the small town she left behind at 17. Madeline encounters old friends who help her get the bookstore back up and running, but encounters a slew of problems: arson, threatening phone calls, and a murder that was clearly meant for her. Madeline can’t seem to sit back and let the police do their job without intervening, so she pulls on her overconfident acting skills to help her solve the mystery. Happy endings abound!

There were several elements of this story that bothered me, but I just could not let go of the very first major issue: after a murder and arson occur in the shop, while Madeline and the victim are alone, and Madeline is really a newcomer to the town, no one stops to block off a crime scene or identify Madeline as a suspect? Maybe she was right not to trust the police, because clearly they have no idea what they are doing. And the death of this victim, well loved and known across the small town, seems to be no big deal to the characters. It just, happened, and there are brief moments of characters expressing sadness, but no grief, no outrage, it’s very… a point to move the plot along. And it really tainted the whole story for me.

Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

This book reminded me of movies I have seen on the Hallmark channel that were filled with cliché and improbable plot challenges. It was hard work for me to get through to the end of the book, but I had agreed to write a fair review for the privilege of reading the book. Perhaps a younger demographic could enjoy some of the outlandish challenges the heroine is faced with from page one when she moves to Georgia to take up residence in the house left to her by a favorite aunt. Quite a number of bad things happen from the start when the young woman moves in such as major fires and life threats.

Thanks to Macmillan for this advance reader copy

What a fun read! I loved the characters in this story! Mystery kept me interested from the very start. I can’t wait for more of this series. Thanks so much for the opportunity to read!

A special thank you to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

A gripping tale with an impeccable writing style that would keep you on the edge of your seat. The plot twists are brilliantly executed, and kept me guessing until the very end. I love how the author builds tension and delivers a satisfying conclusion. A true page-turner that deserves all the 5 stars!

Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson on Netgalley (on sale 12/10/24, Minotaur Books)

Mystery, spirited story, and a little sleuthing.

I love mysteries that take place in bookstores, especially some where there are chairs and sofas for lounging, and mostly antiques that had been in the house for more than a hundred years. Where books are everywhere and music is in the air.

A perfect story, a perfect murder, a perfect partnership and a perfect ending. Buy it in December and enjoy!

This book had an enjoyable story with a mystery in a small southern town. I found it entertaining and an enjoyable short read

The first book in a new series always seems to be hard to read. There's a lot to know while trying to understand the dynamics of the characters. While there were parts that seemed a little slow, I did like the story and I'm eagerly waiting for the next book.

Booked for Murder is the debut of a new series, featuring Madeline Brimley, a college graduate whose life in the theatre is coming to an end.
Madeline finds out her aunt has died, leaving her The Old Juniper Bookstore, but her inheritance comes with some conditions.
Finding herself involved in a murder investigation wasn't part of her plan, but now it's up to Madeline to uncover the secrets and settle in to her new life.

My review is 3.75/5.00 stars
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

Where do I even begin? This debut novel promised an atmospheric southern cozy mystery but somehow manages to miss the mark. The setting, however, does have potential. The idea of an old Victorian mansion housing an eccentric bookstore is wonderfully atmospheric. However, even this charming backdrop cannot save a story so poorly constructed.

Madeline Brimley, our protagonist, returns to her small hometown to inherit her aunt’s bookstore and immediately finds herself embroiled in a series of "mysteries." Unfortunately, calling them mysteries is being generous. The story meanders without purpose, dragging the reader through a series of predictable and uninspired events. Fires, threats, and a murder that’s about as thrilling as finding a typo in a dusty old book—none of it manages to build any real suspense or intrigue.

If you're a fan of awkward, stilted conversations that sound like they've been plucked from a badly scripted daytime soap, then you're in for a treat. The dialogue is so wooden that every interaction feels painfully forced and unrealistic. The conversations lack the natural flow that makes characters come alive.

As for the execution of the mystery itself, there’s no clever build-up, no carefully placed clues, and certainly no satisfying payoff. The twists are telegraphed so far in advance that they might as well come with neon signs. The pacing is sluggish, with long stretches where nothing of consequence happens, making it difficult to stay engaged. Clues are scattered haphazardly, red herrings are more annoying than misleading, and the ultimate resolution is so poorly executed that it feels like an afterthought. Instead of a cleverly woven tapestry of suspense, we get a disjointed mess of missed opportunities.

This book fails to deliver on every front. The dialogue is cringe-worthy, the plot is a snooze-fest, and the mystery is so poorly constructed that even the most novice of sleuths will see right through it. If you’re looking for a gripping southern cozy mystery, keep browsing the shelves. This one isn’t worth your time or your library card.