The Body in the Bookstore (A Secret.Bookcase Mystery) is a wonderful new cozy mystery by Ellie Alexander. The characters are likable and interesting. The cozy mystery is intriguing and kept me guessing. Annie Murray works at The Secret Bookcase Bookstore in Redwood Grove, CA. Hal Christie owns the mystery bookstore and Fletcher is a good friend. The bookshop is having major financial problems and will close if they can't improve profits. Annie comes up with the idea of a Mystery Festival Weekend. Almost all of the town businesses are excited about the idea. Everyone except Liam Donovan who owns the Stag Head Pub. He constantly annoys Annie and their conversations are rather adversarial. Annie's friend Priya (Pri) Kapoor thinks they could get along if given the chance. In college, Annie's best friend Scarlet was killed and the case was never solved and it still haunts her. As people arrive for the Mystery Festival, Annie runs into Kayla Mintner who Annie went to college with although they weren't close. Kayla is helping a local business woman with their website. Then Annie runs into Monica and Seth, both of whom also went to college with Annie and Kayla. Small world? Annie is a little suspicious. Monica is representing author Eli Ledger. The Mystery Festival is going well until someone ends up dead in the secret bookcase at the bookstore. There are several arguments, secrets and suspicions. It kept me guessing until the end. It makes for a great cozy mystery that was enjoyable and hard to put down! #TheBodyInTheBookstore #ASecretBookcaseMhstery #NetGalley #StormPublishing

This is the first book in the new series by the prolific Ellie Alexander who is clearly a contender for the crown of modern cosy mystery Queen. I've wanted to read her books for a while but struggled with a starting point so this was the perfect introduction for me and I wasn't disappointed.
Set in the chocolate box town of Redwood Grove, California, our protagonist Annie puts together a mystery themed literary festival to reignite the failing fortunes of her workplace The Secret Bookcase and the other cute but quiet businesses in the town. Of course, not everything goes smoothly when the title of the book comes true and they discover a body in the bookstore.
I found the characters interesting and sufficiently detailed that I could keep track of who was who. I found the description of the book festival really sumptuous, especially the food and the bookish merchandise they were selling - I need to buy book themed socks after reading this.
This was a quintessential cosy mystery, the goodies were good, the baddies were bad and the violence was muted. Perfectly pitched as an antidote for a scary world.
This was my first Ellie Alexander, but definitely not my last. Thank you #netgalley for letting me have an early read.

This is the first in a new series by Ellie Alexander. I felt it was off to a slow start but it was necessary to lay a foundation of recurring characters. I see the potential of A Secret Bookcase Mystery becoming a cozy I equate to the Bakeshop Mystery series. I’m sure I’ll grow to love Annie as I do Jules.

The book is well-written and plotted. We had a few suspects and twists and turns. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series. I rate this initial book a 3.5

Netgalley gave me an advanced readers copy and I am not required to leave a positive review.

Literary Cozy Mystery about a CA Agatha Christie inspired mystery bookshop clerk turns sleuth after an old college classmate's found dead in the store's hidden bookcase nook.

5/5 stars: Alexander's an all-time favorite author and this newest book doesn't disappoint. This is the first entry in Alexander's Secret Bookcase Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place is California and features a bookseller, with a criminology degree, who works at an Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookstore. She winds up investigating a murder when a old college acquaintance turns up dead hidden inside the store's eponymous Secret Bookcase during immersive town wide mystery festival she organized to save the bookshop from closure. With plenty of twists and turns, Alexander has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I also really enjoy the inclusion of the cold case murder of Annie's best friend Scarlet that will be an overarching plot. Additionally, Alexander's writing and character work is stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Annie's a great character who's still dealing with the grief over her best friend's unsolved murder and is determined to uncover the truth. I really like Annie friends and colleagues, especially Fletcher... he's lovely, and the eclectic townsfolk of Redwood Grove. And I very much look forward to seeing where the “I hate him but boy is he hot” relationship with Liam, the bar owner, goes. Oh and I simply adore the name of Annie's cat, Professor Plum. Alexander touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. This is a great start to a new series and I can't wait to read more, highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

This book is a great introduction to a new series by Ellie Alexander. I found Annie to be an interesting character right from the start. Her best friend was murderer in college and the murder remains unsolved all these years later. This made this book feel like I was getting a two for one with this book.

Annie had studied criminology in college but now works at a bookstore, but that background helps her solve the murder of a college acquittance whom she hasn't seen in years. She is also able to reconnect with her college mentor, so it was interesting to see the person she was in college and the person she is now.

I couldn't figure out who the murderer was which made this book more entertaining. I was pretty much drawn into the story and getting to know the characters and the town.

The murder also happened during a mystery festival which sounded like fun. Not the murder but the festival itself. I think that added to the story and entertainment. I would have loved to participate in some of the activities.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series especially if they are like this one.

Annie Murray was concerned that The Secret Bookcase, the charming bookstore where she worked, was in serious financial difficulty. An idea for a Mystery Fest weekend to revive the store and the small town of Redwood Grove might help. Almost all of the shops in the town got invoked in the event, and it was a great hit. However, Kayla, a former college classmate of Annie’s, turned up murdered in the bookstore. Annie, along with her college professor in criminology Dr. Caldwell and her friend Pri were soon knee deep in the mystery-solving with no shortage of suspects. I enjoyed the mystery themed events throughout the town that were quite were creative, making it sound like a fun festival to attend. It was a good story, if a little predictable.

I love the premises in this book, the quaint little town with its quirky people, the lovely mystery lit fest, as well as the bookstore, of course. This is a fast read with lots of characters. Otherwise I like the plot, but sometimes many things happened too fast and then the ending came quite quickly as well. Looking forward to reading more books in this series!

Another winner from this author. Exciting, intriguing, great characters. There's a wonderful town and festival, no doubt inspired by the author's own mystery event, one I'd love to attend someday.
It's fun to see a sleuth with a criminology background. Not only is it an interesting field anyway, but definitely lends something to the investigation. It's a departure from the cozy protagonist having no affiliation with the law, and I like it. It also works nicely with the ongoing mystery of the cold case assignment and Scarlet's murder. I'm excited to delve into that case. And Liam's backstory is another unknown I can't wait to find out.
Only because I've read the author's other books that I'm secretly hoping for recipes. Lots of good sounding food and drinks created for the fictional event that I'd like a real taste of for myself.
Anxiously awaiting the next in the series!

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Bookseller renovates her store to help drum up more business when a dead body is discovered behind some old shelves. The body is an old college acquaintance which makes her a suspect. Can she manage to find a killer as the suspect list grows larger and save the festival from going downhill? A delightful new series set in a bookstore.

Annie works in The Secret Bookcase Bookstore and in an effort to save the business, they sponsor a Mystery Fest and inolve the entire town. The fest is a huge success, but a body is found in the secret bookcase. The victim is someone Annie knew in college and Annie is soon involved in the investigation.
As a student, Annie was studying criminology. She and her friend and study partner were investigating a cold case. Her friend, Scarlet was murdered, and Annie game up her dream of being a private investigator. Her former professor happens to be the investigator on this latest death and Annie believes it is connected to Scarlet’s death.
This is an excellent mystery with lots of turns and twists. It is well-written and the characters are well-rounded.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the ARC.

This was a proper Who Done It murder mystery for me. A lot of suspects, an odd murder and a victim that was pretty much despised by all. The clues kept pointing to the villagers in turn with Annie and friends debunking the myths and getting new clues. It was a bit like following the bread crumbs from person to person until the very end. A few odd moments but nothing scary and a good romp of a mystery that feels safe to read. Quite lovely.

Annie plans for a weekend Mystery Fest involving the whole town are a success. Unfortunately the murder at the Secret Bookcase only adds to the festivities excitement. Annie works to find out who the killer is to make the festival a success.
Goodreads

A Veritable Mystery..
The first outing a new series of cosy mysteries finds bookseller Annie, determined to save the beloved bookstore and her employer, setting up a mystery themed festival in her delightful small town. The last thing she expects is a bizarre influx of acquaintances from her college days - but the discovery of a very dead body in the secret room that lurks behind the book shelves sets into motion a veritable mystery which Annie is determined to solve. A solid and enjoyable cosy mystery with a well drawn cast of characters and a well imagined, attractive setting. A promising start to a new series.

"The Body in the Bookstore (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #1)" by Ellie Alexander is the first book of a new cozy mystery series. However, this one seems a smidge darker than the typical ones I remember from this author. It could partially because of the sub plot mystery around the cold case of the main character's college best friend. That plot line may drag out for a few books. Hopefully, not too many though. Sub plots like that have a tendency to get old fast if not flushed out well.

The main mystery for me was why did so many people from Annie's college days suddenly decide to shop in this town she's living it. It was practically a reunion. Of course, cozy mysteries a d reunions seem to always end up in a certain way. This was no different. Annie put to use some of her college criminology degree to help figure out what happened, while trying to run a city wide mystery event for the weekend.

The Secret Bookcase is an olde worlde bookstore not located in an English village but instead in the small town of Redwood Grove, California. Run by owner Hal Christie and booksellers Fletcher and Annie things are not going well and it could  have to close. Annie had never planned to work in anything other than law enforcement but a tragic loss changed everything and now she wouldn't want to live or work anywhere else.

Setting up a book festival to try and turn the shop's fortunes around could be Annie's only chance to keep the bookshop open and she persuades almost the whole town to pitch in and, to everyone's relief, it seems to be an amazing success. No one is more surprised than Annie when three of her old college classmates turn up, especially as she has shut every one of them out since the fateful end of her graduation year. Then, to Annie's horror, a body is discovered, the police are in attendance, and her carefully laid plans to save the bookstore could be ruined.

Choosing the first book in a new series is always a bit of a leap of faith but I am pleased I chose this one. There isn't anything which makes it stand out but it has everything you could want in a cosy crime which is always good. Annie Murray is a personable main protagonist with a tragic past who lives in a quaint town with friends who are happy to help her investigate and discuss the clues. She is also, fortunately, friends with the local police detective which definitely helps! The murder and back stories set the scene for more books in the future and if Annie's tragic past is sorted reasonably quickly this will be a fun series to look out for.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. This new series is definitely worth taking a chance with. 3.5 rounded up to 4 stars.

The Body In The Bookstore is a cosy mystery novel by Ellie Alexander.
I really enjoyed this book. The story was interesting and at a good pace and I loved the characters. I couldn't put it down. I highly recommend it.
💖 Thank you to storm publishing, the author and netgalley for my arc ebook copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this story, it was a fun read! Annie is working at The Secret Bookcase, a bookshop in a converted manor house in Redwood Grove. I really want to find a bookshop like this. All the rooms on the ground floor have been converted into different book spaces with cozy reading spots and rooms for events. It sounds like just the place for a bookworm! Anyway, Annie has a criminology degree but the day before her graduation, her best friend was murdered and the case went cold. Annie never used her degree and has instead spent nearly 10 years working at the bookshop instead. Until several ex-collegemates turn up at the Mystery Fest that Annie has organised and one of them is found dead in the bookshop. Annie finally gets to use her criminolgy knowledge trying to solve the case, together with the detective (who is Annie's criminology professor from college). There were several suspects who had good reason to want the victim gone. The Mystery Fest involved the whole town and added to the feel of the story. The mystery of who killed the victim was well written and the clues keep pointing to different suspects until all the pieces fall into place. The story takes place over about 3 days all during the Mystery Fest, so no long drawn out case! I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing and Ellie Alexander for the free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Ellie Alexander's The Body in the Bookstore, the first book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series, introduces readers to a charming small-town setting and a gripping whodunit that promises to delight mystery enthusiasts. Set against the quaint backdrop of The Secret Bookcase, a bookstore where classic crime novels fill the shelves, this debut novel masterfully intertwines suspense, intrigue, and a love for literature.

The plot centers around bookseller Annie Murray, who has organized a mystery-themed book festival in a bid to revive the fortunes of her beloved bookstore in Redwood Grove. What begins as a celebration of the genre quickly turns dark when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves. The victim, shockingly, is revealed to be an old college acquaintance of Annie's, thrusting her into a real-life murder mystery. Determined to save the festival and her town from the shadow of a killer, Annie dives into the investigation, uncovering clues with the help of her friends and an old criminology professor turned detective.

Alexander crafts a tightly woven plot that keeps readers guessing. The narrative is peppered with twists and turns, as Annie navigates a growing list of suspects, including a local boutique owner, an envious old classmate, and a bitter ex-boyfriend. The pacing is brisk, ensuring that the tension remains high throughout the story, and the unraveling of the mystery is both satisfying and cleverly constructed.

Character development is a key strength of The Body in the Bookstore. Annie Murray is an endearing and relatable protagonist. Her passion for books, coupled with her sharp intellect and determination, makes her a compelling character. The supporting cast, from her friends to the enigmatic criminology professor, are well-drawn and contribute significantly to the story's richness. Each character brings their own quirks and secrets, adding depth to the narrative and keeping readers engaged.

Fans of the mystery thriller genre will find much to love in this book. Alexander’s writing is evocative, capturing the cozy yet suspenseful atmosphere of The Secret Bookcase and the town of Redwood Grove. The integration of the book festival into the plot is a delightful touch, adding an extra layer of charm and relevance for bibliophiles. The setting itself becomes a character, with its cozy nooks and crannies playing a pivotal role in the unfolding mystery.

Moreover, the novel's exploration of themes such as friendship, loyalty, and the pursuit of justice adds emotional weight to the thrilling narrative. Annie’s journey from bookseller to amateur sleuth is both believable and inspiring, showcasing her growth and resilience. The collaboration with her criminology professor adds a touch of procedural authenticity to the amateur sleuth genre, making the investigation feel grounded and credible.

The Body in the Bookstore is a captivating and well-crafted start to the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. Ellie Alexander has penned a novel that is not only a compelling mystery but also a heartwarming tribute to the love of books and small-town life. With its engaging characters, intricate plot, and charming setting, this book is sure to appeal to fans of the genre and leave them eagerly anticipating the next installment in Annie Murray's sleuthing adventures. Alexander’s debut is a true page-turner that promises to be a standout in contemporary mystery fiction.

#TheBodyintheBookstore #NetGalley is the first in a new series by favorite author Ellie Alexander.
Annie Murray is struggling to find ways to increase revenue and foot traffic for the bookshop she works at.
An idea begins to form and before long, Annie is planning a mystery lovers weekend, which sounds amazing.
Annie is also trying to deal with the murder of her best friend, and Annie blames herself for her death.
I love this new book and I'm so excited to read the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

The Body in the Bookstore
by Ellie Alexander
Pub Date: June 19, 2024
Thanks to the author, publisher, and Netgalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for my honest opinion.
Cozy mystery- my go to when I need a break from the heavy emotional books I read.
Full of lovable, quirky characters and small-town charm, The Body in the Bookstore serves up an irresistible blend of intrigue for fans of cozy crime including Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.
The Body In The Bookstore is a cute, cozy whodunit murder mystery and the first book of the new series, A Secret Bookcase Mystery. It has several elements that make a murder mystery good, including a quiet town setting and characters with motive. This book has several potential suspects, and I had fun piecing clues together with the main character to find out who committed the murder!
I loved this book!