“The Body in the Bookstore” is the first book in Ellie Alexander’s newest mystery series, “Secret Bookstore Mystery,” which focuses on Annie, a bookseller and event planner with criminology degree who is trying to save her book shop by planning a Mystery themed book festival involving the entire community.

A love letter to books and all things bookish, particularly the mystery genre, this series is sure to be a hit. Annie is a relatable, intelligent, thoughtful, dynamic and kind-hearted protagonist with stellar coworkers, Hal and Fletcher, best friend Priya, and the delightful Professor Plum, who I hope makes more appearances in future novels. The Agatha Christie connection is sure to make mystery fans smile with hopes everything turns out for Hal. I also enjoyed the interactions between Dr. Caldwell and Annie and can’t wait to see what the future holds for this crime solving duo.

With quirky characters that you can’t help but love, a large cast of secondary characters to draw on for future mysteries, a potential love interest, a quaint community who pulls together to revive their town, and the unsolved murder of Annie’s college best friend still to be solved, “The Body in the Bookstore” delivers in a big way.

I particularly appreciated the nod towards the real Ashland Mystery Festival which I’d love to attend; which, after reading this book, is on the bucket list!

Thanks @netgalley and @stormbooks_co for the advance digital copy of this book. Available for preorder now and on shelves everywhere on June 18, 2024 along with second book “A Murder at the Movies” (I know - two books in a series released on the same day?!?). Now if you’ll excuse me, I’m off to read book two…

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This was one of my most-anticipated books of 2024! I mean, a cozy mystery series with a bookseller protagonist by one of my favorite authors in the genre?! And it did not disappoint!

I loved the setting of the small town of Redwood Grove! Even though this is the first in a new series, the town and the characters quickly felt like friends. And while we don’t bake treats at Torte or brew beer with Sloan, there’s still an abundance of yummy sounding food and drinks.

The bookshop, The Secret Bookcase, is so delightful, I wish it was real so I could visit! I loved that it’s a mystery-focused shop, because the genre and history is woven into conversations between characters and in the mystery festival that fills the pages. Annie, the protagonist, has a backstory that I feel will continue through future books, which has me already looking forward to the next book!

If you are a cozy mystery reader, enjoyed Ellie Alexander’s other cozies, or are looking to give the genre a try, I highly recommend picking this book up on June 19th!

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the e-ARC in exchange for my honest review.

After losing her best friend, Annie Murray escapes to the idyllic little town of Redwood Grove, California, to work in a mystery-themed bookstore. When she organizes a mystery event to draw tourists to the out-of-the-way village, the party is crashed by several people who went to college with Annie and her deceased friend. Annie isn't really happy to see any of them but someone is even less thrilled than she is. When one of them ends up dead, the suspect list is a mile long. Can Annie use everything she learned in college, all the skills she's since set aside, to help solve the case? Or will this case go as cold as her last?

I'm a big fan of Alexander's Bake Shop series so when I saw this I was excited to read it. The setting of this series is really interesting, quaint little town with lots of local shops and restaurants. I liked the characters, though I definitely don't care for Liam. Annie's cottage sounds lovely but we don't learn much about it. Though I was left wanting more, the book certainly had me intrigued so I will definitely be reading the next in the series.

Anyone who enjoys the Bake Shop series should read this as well. Anyone who reads this and likes it should definitely read the Bake Shop series.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Annie has put aside her dream career in criminal justice and is instead working at a local bookstore. The bookstore is struggling, though, and she convinces her employer to back a village-wide mystery festival in an effort to draw more visitors to both the town and their store. When an actual dead body is found in the store, though, Annie must put her investigative skills to work to identify the killer.

I love Ellie Alexander’s other series and was excited to learn that she is working on a new series. I knew she would have created a great group of characters, a fantastic setting and a mystery ready for readers to sink their teeth into, and I got exactly what I expected. The people who will likely make up the recurring characters are fun, each with their own strengths and weaknesses, so they work well together. Annie’s criminal justice training gives her much more insight into solving a murder than most cozy sleuths, and I like that she thinks logically and works with the police rather than going about it on her own.

The murder victim was a visitor to town but was not a stranger, so there were quite a few suspects at first, and the list only seemed to get longer as the investigation began. As more information was uncovered, though, names were crossed off the list until only a few remained. One character seemed a little ‘off’ to me, so I wasn’t surprised when that person was revealed as the culprit, nor at the motive behind the killing.

I have already received an advance copy of the next book in the series, which is scheduled to be released a day after this one, and although I rarely binge-read a series, I can’t wait to start reading it!

Thank you Netgalley for giving me an ARC of this book. This book was everything I wanted in a cozy mystery. I immediately wanted to move to this town and spend my days at the Secret Bookcase bookstore. A festival like the one in the book sounds like every book lovers dream. This kept me guessing and engaged the entire time. I really enjoyed my time reading it!

I've been reading Ellie Alexander books for awhile now. I love all her series, especially the Bakeshop Mystery series. This is an awesome new series just as good as the Bakeshop Mystery series! I'm totally jealous of Annie Murray, being able to work in a bookstore. My problem would be reading all the books instead of helping customers! I think this series will have just as many books as the Bakeshop Mystery series and I look forward to each and every one of them, I can't wait to see what Annie solves next!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. This review is based on an ARC from NetGalley, courtesy of the publisher.

Cute Cozy mystery and it was entertaining, however, I am
not interested in reading sequel. Very scripted and formulaic. Didn’t land with my reading tastes.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for the arc of this book. This is the first book I have read by this author and I love the writing style. This book was a cute whodunit murder mystery. I absolutely loved the main character and her love for the bookstore, the small town and the people in it. This book was a fun light read. It had some twists and turns and I did not see the way it ended coming. I look forward to reading the next book in this series. I highly recommend this to anyone who likes a cozy murder mystery.

I love cozy mysteries, and I enjoyed this one so much! Initially we are introduced to Annie, who works at a bookstore that I think most of us bibliophiles would love to work at. When she comes up with an idea for a Mystery Fest to help the store she works at, the entire town gets involved. What a fun thing to go to! Then, inevitably, there is a body. Suddenly, our little idyllic town becomes one of suspicion and intrigue. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to find out whodunnit. I highly recommend this book, and I'm already waiting on the next one in this series.

The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander is a delightful blend of mystery, charm, and community spirit, earning a solid four stars for its engaging plot and relatable characters. This cozy mystery is a must-read for fans of the genre, offering a perfect mix of suspense and warmth.

The story centers around bookseller Annie Murray, who is overjoyed when the mystery-themed book festival she organized to rejuvenate her bookstore and the small town of Redwood Grove seems headed for success. However, the event takes a dark turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves, and the victim is revealed to be Annie’s old college acquaintance.

Determined to save the festival and protect her town from further harm, Annie dives into the investigation, piecing together clues with the help of her friends. As the list of suspects grows – including a local boutique-owner, a jealous old classmate, and a bitter ex-boyfriend – Annie finds herself drawn deeper into the mystery. With the assistance of her former criminology professor-turned-detective, she must uncover the murderer before the festival becomes a real-life whodunit.

Ellie Alexander excels in creating a cozy, small-town atmosphere that feels inviting and authentic. The setting of Redwood Grove is vividly depicted, with its quaint shops and tight-knit community adding to the story's charm. The book festival, with its literary theme and enthusiastic participants, serves as an appealing backdrop that will delight book lovers.

Annie Murray is a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her passion for books and determination to save her town are commendable, and her sleuthing skills, combined with her supportive friendships, make her a character to root for. The dynamic between Annie and her old criminology professor adds depth to the narrative, blending professional insight with personal history.

The plot is well-constructed, with enough twists and turns to keep readers guessing. Alexander deftly balances the suspense of the murder investigation with the warmth of community interactions, ensuring that the story remains engaging and enjoyable throughout. The suspects are well-developed, each with plausible motives, which keeps the mystery intriguing and the readers on their toes.

However, the pacing occasionally slows, particularly in the middle sections, where some subplots could have been tightened to maintain the story's momentum. Despite this minor flaw, the overall narrative remains compelling, and the resolution is satisfying and well-executed.

In conclusion, The Body in the Bookstore is a charming and engaging cozy mystery that will captivate fans of the genre. Ellie Alexander's skillful storytelling and vivid depiction of small-town life, combined with a relatable protagonist and an intriguing plot, make this a highly enjoyable read. Whether you are a seasoned mystery reader or new to the genre, this book is a delightful addition to your reading list.

I got to read this book as an arc from Net Galley. The past few months I read a few cozy mysteries that revolved around a bookstore. So when I saw this cover and title I was very intrigued . The summary of the book completely caught my attention and so I decided to give it a chance.
This book was very thrilling and mysterious. I didn't know who the killer was till the very end when everything was revealed . For me this book is 4.5 stars only because at the beginning it was very slow and it took a bit for the plot to progress but after the first 100 pages ,everything picked up.  For me it felt like I was watching a movie because we were watching everything from the eyes of the main character, Annie, and it really felt like we were solving the mystery with her. I connected with the character quite a lot by the end of the book and I will for sure pick up the next book when it comes out.  
For those who might wonder. There was also a romance sub plot but we didn't see much of it till the end of the book so I hope that we will see a lot more of it in the next book. I would recommend this to anyone who is looking for a cozy but thrilling mystery.

I was quite excited to start this new series by Ms. Alexander, as I enjoy her other series quite a lot. I was not disappointed. I do find this new series to be a little darker than the others, but I was immediately caught up with Annie, our main character and the bookstore she is desperately trying to save. The Secret Bookcase, a boutique Agatha Christie type bookstore, in off the beaten track, Redwood Grove, California, is a beautiful store in an English type Manor House, in a lovely small town. The job here helped Annie keep moving and find something to be passionate about after the lost of her best friend Scarlet just as they were graduating from college. With her career in criminology blowned up in her face, her love of reading was the thing. With the store struggling, Annie, with the help of her colleague Fletcher, set about getting the whole town involved in the idea of a Mystery Festival. With months of work behind them, the town and book store are ready for the three day event, with author panels and signings, pub crawls, store promotions, and mysteries with clues all over town and prizes Unfortunately what shows up with all the tourists is three of Annie's former classmates, who she hasn't seen since college, and when of them is murdered, it would appear that somehow Annie's past has followed her. Come along for the ride as we see if Annie can help figure out what is happening as her worlds collide. Thanks to #NetGalley and #StormPublishing for the opportunity to read!#TheBodyintheBookstore, #EllieAlexander, #bookreview, #bookideas #retiredreader

"The Body in the Bookstore" was a fabulous read; I enjoyed every page. It's refreshing to start a new series, especially one written by Ellie Alexander. What captivated me immediately were the rich details and vivid descriptions that pulled me right into the lives of each character. Annie Murray became my new best friend, and together, we were set on solving a mystery.

This book evoked a sense of nostalgia with its immersive Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes-inspired bookstore. The characters and festival transported me back to my first love of reading Christie’s novels. I wished I were part of this fictional world—it was that captivating. Can you imagine a Secret Bookcase?

Just when I thought I had figured out the murderer, I found myself right by Annie's side, using my amateur sleuthing skills to piece together the motives and uncover the culprit. I loved how this fictional world intertwined with my love for books. It was a great read, perfectly paced to enjoy each page as though you were part of the storyline.

I really enjoyed the small town setting, the awesome bookstore, and the super cool mystery fest that I would to visit someday (I heard it based on a real event) There were some parts of this that I had a bit of trouble with, one is that the love interest Liam comes off as a huge jerk and I have a hard time seeing how Annie is going to get past his previous treatment of her and the things she loves.
I thought the mystery was good, but it didn't seem like Annie did much investigating. either she would ask questions and the suspects would immediately give answers or they would just come up to her on their own and confess whatever was troubling them and ask her to talk to the cops. Oh, and one of the detectives on the case is her old professor in college and it seems like she is all in on asking Annie to help her with the case. This seems a bit odd considering Annie never did any police work after college.
Those few issues aside I did like Annie a great deal, along with her bestie Priya, the guy she works with, and her boss Hal. The setting was beautiful, and I did enjoy the mystery. I think while this first book wasn't a new favorite it definitely has potential and I will be continuing the series.

A new series for this author draws you immediately into the story. Annie Murray has a criminology degree, but works in a mystery bookstore. The town needs a boost so Annie and her bookstore co-workers decide to host a mystery festival which will involve all the businesses in town who wish to participate. When the festival begins some of Annie's college friends are part of the gathering and when one of them is murdered in the secret bookcase at the bookstore, Annie is the one to discover the body. Annie is enlisted by her former instructor to help find the murderer. An interesting twist in how characters get involved in crime solving. This book grabs your attention and keeps you reading. Well written, nicely paced and strong characters. Looking forward to the next installment of this series!

A new series from Ellie Alexander and what a great start. A cosy small town, a mystery festival and a bookstore…I needed to read it. I just devoured this book. The scene setting in Redwood Grove was charming and like always Ellie has the talent to draw you into this wonderful cosy world. I enjoyed the character development and could especially relate to the FMC. The side characters were great as well. What I also enjoyed was the darker tone of this book with the cosy mystery vibe intact. There were clues, twists and turns, red herrings and enough to let me turn those pages like a mad woman. The only downside of the book is that you have to wait for the next book. I highly recommend this book if you love books, mystery, and small towns.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. Thank you, NetGalley, and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

Well I do share something in common with Ellie Alexander, we both discovered Agatha Christie books in our teenage years. A great idea for a thriller with a bookstore being the focal point of the book and I had not guessed the killer. I am sure the internet has been the ruin of many bookshops in recent years so it was good to see the bookshop featured in this book thrive after some innovative ideas. Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the chance to ARC this book.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellie Alexander for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for The Body in the Bookstore coming out June 19, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

This is the first book I’ve read by this author. I’m obsessed with cozy mysteries, especially when they’re set around books and bookstores! I loved the beginning started off pretty dark with a tragic backstory for the main character. Annie is a strong heroine. I loved that there was a mystery themed festival in the small town. Everything felt very quaint and spooky. I love the whodunnit format of the book. I loved the writing. There’s a slew of interesting characters. I definitely think this will be a favorite series of mine. I already have the second book in the series, so I’m excited to read it!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys bookish cozy mysteries!

This was my first book by Ellie Alexander. She's been on my to be read list for a very long time. And you know what? I wasn't disappointed. I love the twist on Annie being a student in criminology and that in turn being what has her helping in the investigation. Very clever. That way she's not just 'accidentally' falling into being an amateur sleuth. Nothing wrong with that, it's just what a lot of cozies have happen.

I also loved how Annie's friend's murder is something that will be the catalyst for the next book. That is such a great idea. I'm excited to read the next book in the series. I love Annie's friends. They're an eclectic group of people who I would love to hang out with. They all have such big personalities; you can see why they love Annie as well. Especially Hal.

Books have helped me out with difficult things in the past and I am happy that they are the things that have led Annie into being able to start a new chapter in her life and be able to move on from Scarlett's death. I do believe that she will be able to find out what happened in the next book and be able to heal the scar on her heart.

The killer was a genius idea too. I would have never guessed that someone would be so ballsy but dang, I did not see that ending coming. Once it started, I couldn't put the book down, I enjoyed it so much!

I had so much fun reading this book and I will most definitely be reading more from this author. I recommend!

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Ellie Alexander for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are honest and are completely my own.

This is a fun start to a new cozy series. I love when there are likable characters to cheer for. This book has all of the best of the cozy mystery genre. Looking forward to reading more from this author.