This debut novels follows Madeleine as she goes back to her hometown after her aunt dies. She inherits her bookstore, but soon after trouble starts brewing when she receives death threats. The beginning of the novel initially hooked me. I thought the author did a great job mixing small town gossip and crime to create an accurate setting. I did enjoy this book, but wish there were more big plot surprises instead of some of the more predictable ones. It felt slow at times, but was overall a nice mystery read. I was left with some questions at the end specifically relating to character development, which is why I rated this three stars.

This book was slow for me to get into but I really enjoyed the pacing, the depth of the characters and how the author wove the story together!

This is such a cozy, wholesome murder mystery which would be perfect for fall. (I believe it releases October so that’s absolutely perfect) The writing style absolutely stuck out to me first. The author had me hooked from the start of the first chapter all the way until I was considering my choices when I shut off my kindle a day later. This book will go places, and I can say that confidently.

✨ARC Review✨

I haven’t read many cozy mysteries, but I do enjoy them when I do. What is it about them that makes it feel low-stakes when we’re talking about *murder*?!

Booked for Murder takes place in a small, south Georgia town (I imagined it taking place in my husband’s hometown of Hahira, GA).

Madeline has been called back home after her beloved aunt died, leaving her the local, oddball bookshop. On the day she arrives, someone sets fire to the gazebo and we’re off to the races.

There’s the “you can’t go home again” feelings, the grieving of family and newfound friends, a hint of a romantic triangle(?), and a murder to solve. I think it’s everything one wants in a cozy mystery. I’ll definitely read the next one in the series.

I received an arc via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine alone.

#mystery #smalltownmystery #arc #netgalley #smp

I enjoyed the book but will not be providing a full review due to the St. Martin’s Press bias and failure to hold employees accountable for their racism and Islamophobia, as well as support of genocide.

3.5/5 stars. Theatre kid turned book shop owner in a murder mystery? What’s not to love? I liked this a lot. I loved the small town feel and was able to figure out some parts of the mystery but I feel like there were two many little mini plot points going on and it was hard to keep them all straight. But still a solid read.

3.5/5. This was a good debut cozy mystery. I really enjoyed the cast of characters we were introduced to. The characters were pretty distinct from one another. Our main character, Madeline, was a good choice for us to follow as she processes grief and the crazy events unfolding in her life since moving into the Old Juniper Bookstore. There is also a bit of romance potential in the story. I am definitely rooting for one love interest over another, but I would be satisfied with either one ending up with Madeline in the end.

As for the mystery, it was a bit predictable and slow in the middle. The ending was explosive and did explain the events of the crime well. I loved the characters and would continue to read more in this series.

Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for an eARC in exchange for a review!

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an advanced copy of Booked for Murder by P. J. Nelson!

Madeline returns to her hometown of Engima, Georgia after her aunt passes away and leaves her bookstore/home to her. The beginning of the book starts off strong with immediate intrigue and mystery; and even better that it’s happening in a bookstore! Quickly following is a series of threatening phone calls and a murder in the middle of the night, the perfect makings of a good mystery. I was a fan of Madeline bonding together with a somewhat motley crew of her aunt’s best friend and a preacher to try to solve the mystery. Here is where the book lost me a little. Madeline was WAY too confident with every single one of her theories and was quite disparaging of others’ opinions even when they had good evidence. When she perceived someone admitted to the murder (and they definitely didn’t) she went around telling everyone, including the police, that they were responsible. She purposely didn’t listen to friendly advice or what the nice police officer Billy who she used to babysit asked her not to do. I’m all for a relatively foolhardy main character who defies all odds to solve a mystery, but Madeline was not it. She really seemed to be making more problems than she solved. The sort of developing side love story was also out of place here. I did like how everything unfolded in terms of who did what and why but I feel like we could have gotten to the same place without Madeline being quite so meh. What I did love were the interludes of descriptive writing: “The air was a little chilly and very delicious; the tree frogs and crickets were wildly alive. The moon was generous with its silver, ladled it over everything…” I wish there was more of this throughout the book as I felt the plot and Madeline’s internal dialogue started to take over and that wasn’t as fun to read. I love the setting of the book and some of the characters. I think simplifying everything and really focusing on excellent writing and character development could have made this better overall. That said, I will certainly continue the series and I recommend this as a fun, quick read if you can handle being in Madeline’s head for the ride!

It was difficult for me to finish this book, at time I had to go back and reread passages. I would read something and I had no idea how they character had gotten their or when a character enter the scene. Several time throughout the story anytime the author mention what century they were in it was a complete different script and it was smaller then all of the other test. Almost like the word was superscripted. I also hope there would be another story in the same universe because there was so many things left unanswered for me. I did have it figured out that Phil had done something bad she was acting very weird.

To be honest this was a book that I might have picked up in the airport or from my grandmothers house.

I had to dnf @25%. I was honestly enjoying it at first but then ended up forcing myself to keep going. I just couldn’t get into the stories or characters. Ultimately decided I didn’t need to know who the murderer was. I usually don’t dnf this early but I’m trying to not make reading a chore.

“Booked for Murder" by PJ Nelson is a captivating novel that expertly navigates the complexities of family relationships while contrasting the charm and challenges of small-town life with the glitz and superficiality of Hollywood.

From the first page, Nelson draws you into a world where the troublesome inner workings of family life are laid bare. The characters are richly developed, each with their own flaws and redeeming qualities, making them relatable and engaging. The protagonist's journey towards finding a true sense of home and belonging amidst familial strife is both heartwarming and poignant.

Nelson's portrayal of small-town life is both affectionate and realistic. The close-knit community offers a sense of warmth and support that is often missing in the bustling, high-stakes world of Hollywood. Yet, this idyllic setting is not without its drawbacks—gossip, lack of privacy, and a slower pace of life can be stifling for some characters. In contrast, Hollywood is depicted as a land of opportunity and glamour, but also one of superficial relationships and relentless pressure.

The novel's plot is well-paced, with enough twists and turns to keep readers engaged without overshadowing the central themes of family and self-discovery. Nelson's writing style is vivid and evocative, painting clear pictures of both the scenic small town and the flashy Hollywood scenes.

Overall, "Booked for Murder" is a delightful read that balances mystery and emotional depth. PJ Nelson has crafted a story that not only entertains but also explores the importance of understanding one's roots and finding a place to call home, no matter how imperfect it may be. Highly recommended for readers who enjoy a blend of family drama and mystery.

I did have a hard time getting into this book. I feel like it was a well written book but maybe just not my type of mystery. I tend to read more thriller murder mystery books.

This is the enjoyable debut of a new mystery series set in a southern bookshop. Madeline Brimley had already inherited a sense of adventure and love of drama from a beloved aunt. Now she inherits her aunt's beloved bookstore, and all of the secrets that come along with it.

I like the idea of a cozy mystery but I'm not quite sure if they're for me, I really wanted to snuggle up with a blanket in front of a fire reading this. Although I am from Florida I still found this book very cozy and loved the storyline

I like the idea of a cozy mystery but I'm not quite sure if they're for me, coming from more thriller-y murder mysteries. I think I was expecting a bit more character development to make up for the lower intensity and slower pace. The plot was interesting though, and the idea of this was fun, I just don't think the pacing was for me.

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.