Reading Between the Lies is a great title for a mystery, especially one whose primary character owns a book store. While I won’t claim that Lynn Cahoon’s latest A Survivor’s Book Club Mystery is a great book, it is entertaining with a very likable returning cast of characters. I love that each of her returning characters has a story that continues and evolves in each book. I feel for Shirley who is walking a very difficult path. My biggest issues were that the action in the book seemed to be a bit more far fetched and the ending felt a bit rushed. Though Rarity Cole’s boyfriend is the primary suspect, it never felt like he was in any real danger of being arrested, and it seemed like Rarity spent too much time running off to investigate or interrogate someone. Still, this is a fun read, though I recommend the reader check out earlier books in the series first. Three Stars.

Reading Between the Lies

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

“ Rarity is grateful for many things and people in her new life, including her friend Shirley, who is helping to provide backpacks and supplies for kids going back to school. But Shirley needs a big favor. With her husband in a memory-care home, she wants to attend an art opening with a male friend but fears local gossip. She asks Rarity, her friend Sam, and their boyfriends to come along as cover. It would be fun if not for the fact that the two couples are barely speaking…”

This series is just great. The mystery in this one was a good one. I had a feeling who the killer was early on but didn’t expect how it would end. I am loving the individual characters bigger picture stories. And I want to move to Sedona and live with all my book friends. Highly recommend this series and anything by Lynn Cahoon.

This is the 4th release in the new series "Survivors Book Club" by cozy author Lynn Cahoon. Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley for the opportunity for review. My review opinions are my own. Ms. Cahoon also writes the popular Tourist Trap Mystery series , the Cat Latimer mystery series and the Kitchen Witch Mystery series. The author is a favorite of cozy mystery readers for her engaging characters and wonderful series. .

Rariety is a bookstore owner living in beautiful Sedona Arizona. The store is a success and Rariety enjoys her life in Sedona with many good friends and her boyfriend Archer. She is a breast cancer survivor and holds a survivor book club at her store among other successful events. In this next in series Rariety and Archer are attending a art gallery opening with her elderly friend Shirley and her new beau. The opening is not without drama and the gallery owner is found dead after the event by a arrow. The death is shocking to the community and Rariety is determined to solve this mystery with the help of her friends.

The sleuth was very engaging to conclusion. I loved the way the author builds suspects and red herrings for the reader. The conclusion was surprising . I enjoyed this next in series and look forward to the next adventure of Rariety and friends.

“Reading between the Lies” is an engaging cozy mystery series with Rarity, a cancer survivor and bookstore owner in Sedona, as the main character. This is the fourth in the Survivors’ Book Club Mystery Series, but it worked for me as a standalone book. Filled with beautiful and interesting scenery in Sedona and a loveable cast of characters, as well as enough twists and turns to keep it interesting, I really enjoyed this book by Lynn Cahoon. I enjoyed the local color in the setting of Sedona as well. Looking forward to reading more by this author. Thanks to Kensington Publishing and NetGalley for the eARC.

Our latest adventure has Rarity and Archer checking out a new art gallery recently built and opened in Red Rock. The gallery owner and manager is an old classmate of Archer's. The gallery and a new housing development built for the employees are supposed to be centered near vortexes that add to the appeal. When the day after the Grand Opening, Archer finds the body of his former classmate, in the center of the vortex, with an arrow in his back, he becomes a suspect. You know that Rarity and her investigative book club are going to be on the job. Besides tracking down a murderer, Rarity finds multiple people in her inner circle in relationship transitions, and she and Archer may be among them. Lots going on in this one. Thanks to #NetGalley, #Kensingtonbooks, and author Lynn Cahoon for the opportunity to read. #ReadingBetweentheLies, #LynnCahoon, #bookreview, #bookideas, #retiredreader

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I’d love to be in a book club that solved murders. I also really enjoyed the characters and their backstories and issues. Overall this was another great read and I highly recommend

I enjoyed the fourth installment of the Survivor's Book Club Mystery. The ending was a surprise and I appreciated that as I felt like the last few books had similar dramatic endings which was becoming a bit too predictable. I also liked the elements introduced in this book - lots of potential romantic drama and unclear suspects due to the victim's shadowy past in New York City. The depictions of snooty art gallery folks were also very amusing at times.

This would work as a stand alone book, but it's probably more enjoyable to have the context of all past events and relationships that have been developed through the series.

I am always excited to read one of Lynn Cahoon's books, so I jumped at the chance to read the newest addition to the Survivors Book Club Mystery series, Reading Between the Lines. I enjoy a dive into the Sedona, AZ spirit atmosphere-- this one concerns tarot reading and vortex phenomena, genuine or not.

Rarity, Sam and Shirley gather their dates and go to a viewing at the new art gallery for a fun group date. Unfortunately a series of events, including a murder, causes trouble in the relationships. The mystery portion was light, but interesting to solve. I was sad to witness some of what transpired, but the ending still gives me hope for the relationships in the books to come.

Though I am not a coffee drinker, this series keeps me returning for the cozy friend connections, characters I enjoy, and of course, Killer! The sense of community involvement/interest is also a strong pull.

Rareity gets busy with a new murder when her boyfriend becomes the prime suspect. A new art gallery has opened and while the owner is new to the area he quickly seems to be making enemies. When he's killed the Tuesday night book club gets to work. There are several suspects and a few red herrings to keep you guessing. A good read.

I didn't realize this book was the fourth in a series. It wonder if I would have been more invested in the story if I had read the first three books.
However, I did enjoy parts of the story. I enjoyed trying to figure out who the murderer was. I enjoyed the small town charm and friendly neighbors. I did not enjoy the minute, insignificant details throughout though, all the coffee making and the like. The story didn't seem very plausible. It took me longer to read this book than normal because I wasn't as interested. I probably would have DNF except that I received this as an ARC from NetGalley and felt I needed to finish for that reason.

"Reading Between the Lies" is a good addition to the Survivor's Book Club series, but it blends in with the others almost too much. For this particular book, I read the full series prior to make sure I understood the full concept of the book, but I will try to focus my thoughts specifically to this book. To begin, I adore Rarity as a character. She is smart and self-aware, but also fun and sarcastic. As a reader, I really got a sense for who she is and understand her perspectives. However, I do not know if it is trying to minimize romance in the "cozy mystery" genre or if the relationships were just not pronounced, but I really did not get much sense of emotion from any of the character. Rarity and Archer have had a strong relationship throughout the series, but there were some conflicts that arose that I should have seen more sincerity and emotion arc through the plot rather than brushing the feelings away. It is hard to see how much Rarity cares for Archer at times, whereas you know how much she cares about Sam and Killer pretty consistently. Although Killer seems to slightly change breeds in each book, it is clear there is a strong bond between the pet and owner. Also, I enjoy the mystery that arises in Sedona. However, as much focus the plot has on it, I would like to see more problem-solving and actual satisfaction of solving the mystery in the end, rather than Rarity or Drew just happening upon a confession. Just because it is "cozy" does not mean it has to be subtly mentioned in the background to avoid conflict or gore. As many murders that have occurred in this town, I would expect some more twists and surprises. Something else I would like to see would be tying up loose ends. I have noticed that some of the red-herrings and situations the book club investigates get mentioned with no final conclusion. Now, noticing that there are subtle reflections over previous mysteries, that could be very easily remedied with a big conspiracy in how they are all connected in a later book. Overall, it is a sweet and cozy story that reminds me of a Hallmark movie that is just like a nice hug of a familiar show or movie. There are just small details that I think could take it to the next level and entice more types of readers.

This is the 4th installment in the Survivor’s book club mystery series. Rarity is established in the community of Sedona and is glad to have a good set of friends and employees to work with. When Shirley both her friend and employee asks if she and her friend Sam along with their boyfriends attend an Art gallery opening with her. The issue is Shirley’s husband is in a memory care facility and Terrence who is Rarity’s neighbor has asked Shirley to attend. Shirley does not want anyone to get the wrong idea as she is married. The owner of the gallery Jackson Sanders turns out to be a former classmate of Archer’s (Rarity’s boyfriend) and the evening goes off without a hitch and Jackson even donates $500 to Rarity’s back to school backpack drive at the bookstore and invites them all back for the official opening later that week. The morning after the opening, Archer finds Jackson dead in the “vortex” with an arrow in his back. Due to their past history which was not good, Archer is the prime suspect. The Tuesday night sleuthing club is back in action trying to prove Archer’s innocence. Such a great cast of supporting characters including Drew’s father and former police Jonathan, Shirley, Terrence, Sam, and the rest of that group. Rarity has really developed a good of friends around her and the story kept me entertained from the beginning. Looking forward to the next installment. Highly recommend.

Archer and Rarity go to a new art museum for an open house. Archer knew Jackson, the Manager of the museum from many years ago. When Rarity mentions her backpack drive for school kids, Jackson hands her a $500 donation. Later when Archer goes to pick up Jackson for a hike, he finds Jackson dead, naked with an arrow in his back i the middle of a stone vortex circle. This makes Archer the prime suspect. However, there is the question of two employees, Eleanor and Calliope who both appear to be very close to Jackson. The book club Tuesday night sleuthing club goes to work in Rarity's book store with the help of Jonathan a former police man who is visiting his son the present police man. To make things more interesting, someone is attacking women store owners in the area.

Rarity, the main character and a cancer survivor is a great character and very helpful in the community. This fourth book in the series is a great addition. I thank Netgalley and Kensington Books for giving me a digital ARC in order to read the book before publication.

Thank you NetGalley and Lyrical press/Kensington Publishing Corp. for the opportunity to read "Reading Between the Lies" in exchange for my honest opinion.

This is the fourth book in the Survivor's Book Club Mystery series and it's an exciting addition. Rarity Cole - a cancer survivor and now bookstore owner in Sedona, Arizona is our main character. She has created a special family for herself in Sedona. She has good friends she can count on, her boyfriend Archer Ender and her Yorkie Killer. When Jackson Sanders the new gallery owner is found dead at a stone vortex it actives the Tuesday Night Sleuthing Club. The members gather to share clues and try to solve the case before Drew the local cop does. Archer went to school with Jackson and is immediately a suspect. There is someone breaking into businesses where there are lone owners and attacking them. This has Drew's father Jonathan who is visiting - spend a lot of time writing his novel in Rarity's store while keeping an eye on her.

This story had fun moments and some tense drama, which will have the reader keep turning the pages to find out what will happen next. It is also an uplifting series about survival and the blessing of good friends. As the story had an open ending, hopefully that means that there will be another book in the series soon.

“'Reading Between the Lies” by Lynn Cahoon book 4 in the Survivors Book Club Mystery series. I love this series, it’s entertaining full of loveable characters and a furbaby named Killer. Bookshop owner Rarity Cole is living her best life after surviving cancer—hosting book clubs, classes, and parties at her store, The Next Chapter, and giving back to her community in Sedona, Arizona. But an awkward outing to an art gallery is about to add a dark slant to the picture . . .

Once again the story was engaging, well-written, and I love the setting in the desert town of Sedona Arizona. I love hearing about all the spiritual pursuits in the area, I’m on the fence about lots of them much like Rarity but have friends who swear by a lots of them. This time it centres around energy vortexes or fake ones …

Rarity is someone I would love to be friends with or work at her bookstore, and the friends she made were people I would like to hang out with especially Sam, Shirley, Archer and Drew. I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and I found the 3 romance/life situations making me care even more for the characters as these are things that happen to a lot of us. My mother in law has dementia and I see first hand what it can do to their spouse and the loneliness it can cause. While the ending felt a bit rushed in revealing the killer's identity, I devoured this book and can't wait for the next instalment!

I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends who love a cozy with a strong support system of friends in it.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Lynn Cahoon's Survivors' Book Club series is always packed with emotional content as well as a cozy mystery. Three couples are navigating tumultuous waters, living busy lives and trying to solve a murder. I've become invested in these characters over the last three books and care about them as much as I care about solving the crime. There are a variety of suspects and the author leaves you guessing to the very end.

Reading Between the Lies
(Survivor’s Book Club 4)
Lynn Cahoon


Rarity Cole is a cancer survivor and new bookstore owner located in Sedona, Arizona. She is happily dating Archer Ender, a hiking tour operator. After the messiness of Sam’s brothers case, the gang is enjoying the quiet peace.

For date night Archer takes Rarity to the pre-opening of Moments, an art gallery. The owner Jackson Sanders, is a former schoolmate and upcoming client of Archer’s. Rarity doesn’t think much of meeting Jackson initially. His manner is a bit too much. Upon learning that Rarity is sponsoring a back to school drive, Jackson donates $500 in cash. Afterward, she becomes intrigued by a pre-Civil War painting, information on the painting is nonexistent, except that it was from a Georgia estate sale. While studying the painting she meets Eleanor, Jackson’s second in command. Later that evening upon leaving the restroom, Rarity hears someone threatening Jackson in his office.

Returning to Archer so that they can leave she finds Calliope attempting to kiss him! Calliope is Archer's former assistant who’s been in love with him for years. Turns out she not only recently had lunch with him but she’s also been spending the night at his house. This of course causes problems in their relationship. Archer doesn’t understand why his behavior upsets Rarity so much and he always has one excuse after another for his behavior.

A few nights later the whole gang gets together to attend the official grand opening. Everyone has a lovely time. The following morning Archer shows up to take Jackson on an early morning hike… only to find him dead!

Now with Archer a murder suspect, Rarity and the book club are on the hunt for a killer!

I enjoyed it very much I was totally engrossed from beginning to end. I don’t know what happened but one minute I was reading along and the next minute it was the end and I wondered… how? I just feel like I missed something. Kinda like when you drop a stitch and you don’t notice it’s happened, the end of the book feels incomplete somehow. 4****



#ReadingBetweentheLies #SurvivorsClub #LynnCahoon #bookstore #coffee #mystery #cozy

Thank you to Netgalley, Ms. Cahoon, and the publisher for the ARC.

Rarity Cole, bookstore owner, is living her best life after surviving cancer—hosting book clubs, classes, and parties at her store, The Next Chapter, and giving back to her community in Sedona, Arizona. But an awkward outing to a new art gallery is about to add a dark slant to the picture. I absolutely loved Reading Between the Lies, the fourth installment in the Survivor's Book Club Mystery series by Lynn Cahoon. Rarity and Her murder solving book club are at it again, and this time it seems to be hitting much closer to home for Rarity. The thrill of the investigation, and the reading club digging up dirt is always enjoyable and kept me intrigued. Thank You to Lynn Cahoon, her publisher, and Netgalley for the complimentary egalley in exchange for my review. I can't wait for the next installment!

Thank you, NetGalley and Kensington Publishing for this ARC.

This is the 4th book in the Survivors' Book Club series and I swear that they are getting better and better.

Rarity and her boyfriend, Archer attends an Art Gallery and later the owner is found murdered. Unfortunately, Archer is the one who finds the body and ends up being the main suspect. So of course it is up to the book club to find the real murderer. But it isn't going to be quick or easy which is great for us readers since we get a great mystery out of it.

One of the things I enjoy about this book is that it isn't just about solving a murder, but we also get to know the characters better and be involved in their lives for a little while. A. At least the book club members are. Shirley is back and is still dealing with what is going on with her husband, George. At the same time, she is developing a friendship with Rarity's neighbor, Terrance. I have mixed feelings but she does deserve to be happy. Sam and Drew are going through a very rough patch in their relationship. Not liking that at all.

As for the murder, I kind of figured out who it was early on but I still enjoyed going through the case with the book club. It is always fun when I can't guess who it is but also fun when I can say "yes, I knew it!"

The ending!!!

Summary, great mystery but I think it is secondary to the wonderful characters and their stories.

Charming Setting: Sedona, Arizona, with its red rock formations and mystical energy, becomes more than a backdrop—it’s a character in itself. Lynn Cahoon’s vivid descriptions transport us to cozy bookshops, aromatic coffee corners, and art galleries where secrets lurk behind canvas frames. As readers, we can almost feel the sun-warmed stones under our fingertips and smell the juniper-scented breeze. The setting invites us to linger, to explore, and to unravel mysteries hidden among the crimson cliffs.

Authentic Friendships: Rarity Cole, our bookshop owner and cancer survivor, embodies resilience. Her friendships with Shirley, Sam, and their partners feel genuine—they bicker, laugh, and support each other. As readers, we root for these characters because they mirror our own bonds. Their shared history, inside jokes, and shared cups of chamomile tea create a sense of belonging. We’ve all had those friends—the ones who know our quirks, our fears, and our favorite genres. In Rarity’s circle, we find echoes of our own book clubs and late-night discussions about life, love, and the perfect bookmark.

Whodunit Intrigue: The mystery unfolds like a well-crafted puzzle. Cahoon sprinkles clues, red herrings, and unexpected twists. We become armchair detectives, piecing together fragments of truth while sipping our favorite tea. The art gallery setting adds layers of intrigue—the vibrant canvases hide more than brushstrokes. As Rarity navigates the art world’s secrets, we lean in, trying to decipher the cryptic messages left by the deceased artist. Cozy mysteries should be like a warm hug, and this book delivers—a blend of suspense, curiosity, and the promise that answers lie just around the corner.

So, fellow bookworm, if you seek a mystery that combines charm, suspense, and a dash of the supernatural, dive into “Reading Between the Lies”. May your bookmarks be well-worn, and your tea never grow cold.