I love this series. In this book Penny buys the Wentworth property and is struggling to finance the restoration and Annie suggests a mystery dinner. .
The night of the dinner, it just starts , when Curtis Wright drops dead at dinner. They call for emergency vehicles to get there but the road is blocked. Annie, the amateur sleuth has a degree in criminology and studied with Dr. Caldwell takes charge. They have to move the body first, so the dinner can continue and after that the sleuthing begins. After a couple hours the emergency vehicles get there a long with Dr. Caldwell and here staff.
See what happens and see how it ends. A VERY GOOD COZY MYSTERY.

Annie Murray to the rescue once again! As Annie and her friends plan a murder mystery dinner to raise money, everything seems to be going to plan. Until there's a real murder. Annie once again takes us all on a thrill ride to solve the murder, have coffee at Cryptic Coffee, and luxuriate in the Secret Bookcase. I can't say enough good things about Ellie Alexander and her wonderful cast of characters. Read this book!

I thought this was another good addition to this series.
It’s fast moving and kept me guessing to the end.
The characters have all grown as the series goes on. I can’t wait to see what Annie gets into next.

Annie’s friend Penny needs to raise money to restore the farmhouse she just purchased, and Annie convinces her to host a murder mystery dinner party. Everything goes well until one of the dinner guests drops dead at the table. Everyone in the group had reason to dislike the man, but the police zero in on Penny as their primary suspect. Annie and Pri are determined to clear her name.

This author is one of my favorite cozy authors, and this series is quickly becoming a favorite. I like Annie and her friends – and her cat, Professor Plum :) – and I like the relationships that are developing as the series progresses. I loved the idea of having local actors involved in the dinner party, and having a murder mystery dinner party at Halloween. Although Annie has a degree in criminal justice, I still have a hard time accepting that she is given so much leeway during the investigation, even if the lead detective is her old college professor.

The murder victim was not very well liked, so there were plenty of suspects to think about. Many of the motives were similar, so that didn’t help much in narrowing the field. I didn’t figure out who the actual culprit was until just before the confrontation scene, when it was hard to put the book down. The motive was not quite what I’d expected, but it made sense.

I have an ARC of the next book in this series, and I’m eager to read it to see how Annie, Pri, Liam and the rest celebrate the holidays.

Ellie Alexander’s Death at the Dinner Party delivers a delightful blend of charm, suspense, and classic cozy mystery appeal. Set against the backdrop of a historic farmhouse and filled with plenty of small-town intrigue, this installment from The Secret Bookcase series offers everything fans of cozy mysteries crave: an eccentric cast of characters, a puzzling murder, and a determined amateur sleuth with a knack for stumbling into danger.

The story centers around Annie Murray, an affable character with a passion for books and a knack for hosting. When her friend Penny expresses financial worries about restoring the Wentworth farmhouse—a local property steeped in history and rumors—Annie seizes the opportunity to throw a murder mystery-themed dinner party at the picturesque location. With its mysterious aura and whispers of a hidden fortune, the farmhouse provides the perfect spooky setting for the party. What starts as a fun, immersive evening soon takes a darker turn when Curtis Wright, a local landowner notorious for bullying the townsfolk, drops dead at the dinner table.

Alexander crafts an intriguing mystery with just the right amount of suspense. Curtis’ death is instantly suspicious, and while Annie didn’t add arsenic to her carefully curated menu, it quickly becomes apparent that someone did. The question is: who? The story unfolds with a slow burn of clues and red herrings, pulling readers deeper into the web of secrets surrounding Curtis’ demise and the Wentworth family history. Every guest at the dinner party seems to have a motive for wanting Curtis gone, especially Penny, who was under pressure to sell her land to him.

Annie’s involvement in solving the crime feels natural, driven by her loyalty to Penny and her need to clear her friend’s name. What follows is an engaging investigation where Annie must navigate not just the recent crime, but also uncover long-hidden family secrets, shady deals, and even secret passageways in the historic home. Each revelation brings her closer to the truth, but also closer to danger as the killer becomes more desperate to protect their identity.

The small-town setting is vividly brought to life with Alexander’s writing, and fans of the cozy mystery genre will appreciate the warm, community-driven backdrop that contrasts with the murder mystery at its heart. The quaintness of the town adds charm, but it also hides layers of darkness, including old grudges and shady business dealings, which make for a more intricate plot than a simple whodunit.

Alexander’s signature style shines through with well-placed twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you’ve figured out who the killer is, another clue throws everything into question. The pacing is steady, with enough intrigue to maintain the tension without becoming overwhelming, making it an ideal read for fans who enjoy a slow-building mystery with satisfying payoffs.

The strength of Death at the Dinner Party lies not only in its clever plot but in its characters. Annie is a relatable and likable protagonist—sharp, curious, and loyal, but not without her moments of vulnerability. The secondary characters, from the guests at the party to the town’s locals, are richly developed, each with their own distinct personalities and potential motives for murder. Curtis Wright, though only briefly alive in the story, casts a long shadow, and the exploration of his relationships with others provides key insights into why he was such a universally disliked figure.

Final Thoughts:
Death at the Dinner Party is a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery, filled with intrigue, layered secrets, and just the right amount of danger. Ellie Alexander has crafted a captivating story that will keep readers engaged, with well-placed clues, quirky characters, and a suspenseful plot that unfolds beautifully. Fans of the genre will love the charming small-town atmosphere and the twists that keep them guessing until the final reveal. If you enjoy mysteries that mix a lighthearted tone with a compelling investigation, this book is a deliciously satisfying treat.

I'm really enjoying this series! The mystery in this one was good, but I find myself quite invested in the other big picture storylines in this series - Scarlett's death, Annie's career path, the romance between Annie + Liam, etc. I really love Ellie Alexander's writing style and find her series to be some of my favorites in the cozy genre. Thank you so much to the publisher and author for this ARC - can't wait for the next one!

Easily another good one to add to my locked room murder obsession.
This was also more cozy then uh traditional thriller murder mystery but I love those too.

What I loved about this, is it was cozy but serious, the author didn't make our FMC some silly twit who makes some real dumb choices and has to dig herself out of them.
This is cozy meets dark thriller, if that's even a thing.

I need the next one, this pleased my little Agatha Christie heart.

The book started great and immediately drew me in, the plot was good and I liked the characters, especially the FMC. Giving her a degree in criminology was a great touch and I liked that for all the confidence she exuded, she was still nervous inside.

But the book just turned another leaf as soon as it hit the 50% mark, and became slow and started focusing on a lot of things not relevant to the story as such.

It actually felt like it was written by two different people, where the first half was so awesome, but the second half really let me down.

Despite this, I would still like to give the next book in the series a chance.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

Death at the dinner party is the third book in Ellie Alexander’s Secret bookcase mystery series. The storyline is full of mystery and is an enjoyable read. Just as in the previous books our main character Annie uses her amateur detective skills to solve the latest mystery in her small town, this time a death at a murder mystery dinner party. Plot elements from the previous two novels carry forward into this book, Annie is still working to solve the mystery of her best friend’s murder and a growing connection with bartender Liam.

I absolutely loved this book! I’m still waiting to find out what happened with her friends death, it would be nice to be given some answers in the next book. Thanks to NetGalley for this advanced readers copy.

In Death at the Dinner Party, Ellie Alexander delivers another tantalizing installment in *The Secret Bookcase Mystery* series, weaving together a blend of culinary charm, small-town intrigue, and a gripping murder mystery. As the third book in the series, this story finds bookstore owner Annie Murray once again at the heart of a murder investigation—this time during a murder mystery–themed dinner party that takes a chillingly real turn when a guest unexpectedly dies.

What sets Death at the Dinner Party apart is Alexander’s skill in building suspense against the backdrop of a cozy setting. Fans of the series will appreciate how the picturesque yet secret-laden town of Redwood Grove continues to serve as a character in itself, with its historic locations, quirky townspeople, and long-buried secrets. The Wentworth farmhouse, a dilapidated mansion with a shadowy past, adds an eerie, atmospheric layer to the story that will delight fans of gothic-inspired mysteries.

Annie’s development as a character takes center stage, especially in this installment. Her growing confidence in sleuthing is complemented by her loyalty to her friends, particularly Penny, whose financial troubles set the mystery in motion. Annie’s determination to clear her friend’s name adds emotional weight to the plot, creating a deeper connection with readers who have followed her journey from previous books. The relationships between the recurring characters are further developed here, adding richness and depth to the narrative.

Plot-wise, Death at the Dinner Party strikes a perfect balance between cozy charm and dark intrigue. The slow unraveling of Curtis Wright’s unsavory history and the secrets surrounding the Wentworth family keeps readers turning the pages. The story’s pacing, filled with twists and red herrings, ensures that readers will stay engaged until the very end. Alexander’s use of hidden passageways and secret business dealings gives the plot a thrilling, classic mystery vibe that will appeal to fans of both cozy mysteries and traditional whodunits.

Ultimately, Death at the Dinner Party satisfies both as a stand-alone and a continuation of Annie’s crime-solving adventures. With well-drawn characters, an immersive setting, and a plot full of surprises, this novel will captivate mystery lovers who enjoy a blend of culinary flair, historical intrigue, and good old-fashioned detective work.

Annie helps her best friend, Pri and Pri's girlfriend Penny plan a fund raising dinner to raise the money Penny needs to finish renovating Wentworth Farm which Penny recently purchased and is trying to restore the property to its former glory. The trio have planned a dinner and an improv murder mystery for the paying guests to the dinner. When a real murder occurs everyone is shocked and upset that due to a storm having moved in none of them can leave the property until the first responders and the police arrive. It takes a few days but the actual killer is a surprise to all.

This has been my favorite book of the series. I think the cast of major characters really gelled in this book in very natural way. The cast has always complimented each other well but it just felt like it really all came together in this story. The beginning of the book was superb from the description of the mouth watering food to the atmospheric setup to the planned fake murder. I've been to a few murder mystery dinners and could easily picture myself in this story as the author did a nice job of bringing it to life with her words. The victim of the real murder was pretty easy to guess allowing the author to throw out an obvious suspect and multiple red herrings. I will admit to suspecting a member of the team but no spoilers so I won't tell you who. The book was also very easy to read. You felt yourself turning the pages but were lost in those pages. I was at 40% of the story before I realized it because the book just flowed so smoothly.
Of course, there is a lot more going on then just the murder at the dinner party. It did take center stage, deservedly so but Annie has much more going on. She has changed since book 1 and now has three paths before her for her future so we get a bit of soul searching (or spreadsheets) in this book. Again, confession time for me, I would have approached the soul searching exactly as Annie was with a spreadsheet. Her analytical mind and her need to solve the puzzles put before her made her very relatable. One more note about Annie's personality. She displayed a lot of tact when she handled the impossibly arrogant real estate developer with class and poise.
Annie also made progress on the Natalie & Scarlett case. I feel like that case if being built for a major milestone book coming soon, I hope. Speaking of milestones we had some relationship shakeup in this book. Annie and Pri have always been close. Her relationship with Fletcher and her pseudo grandfather Hal have always been part of the story. However, in this book, one relationship blooms in a way we would not have expected in book 1. Annie's relationship with Liam is a sweet slow burn story. It was super cute that he read a book he knew was in her genre secretly but also for her. It was even cuter, how she fantasized about him in the perfect domestic kitchen scene. They make a fabulous couple both when solving crime and when not.
I would recommend this book. It has romance, mystery, friends and a touch of good humor. It was especially funny when the one character thought she was in mortal danger because she had been locked in the bathroom alone (or had she.) Again, this book is well worth reading and with more book going, I know I will continue this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellie Alexander for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Death at the Dinner Party coming out September 30, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! It’s so cozy and fun! I loved the old house setting and the spooky interactive dinner idea. Each book offers a new fun setting in the town. Annie is a really awesome character! There was definitely a lot of plot going on in this one. I don’t want to give anything away, but the stakes were high! I already have the next book, so I’m definitely excited to keep reading this series!

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

We’re back in Redwood Grove where Annie is helping to host a murder mystery dinner to help fund the restoration of an old estate…except an actual murder takes place before the dinner is finished. With the help of her friend Pri and her enemy turned friend Liam, they work to solve the case given several people at the dinner had motive. This book felt a little different given Caldwell, Hal, and Fletcher had a reduced presence. There was also probably the most significant development in the subplot related to Scarlet’s death. I look forward to reading how this develops in the next book and what Annie decides about her career. Ellie Alexander has made Redwood Grove a place I want to visit often and a place I would love to live in….as long as the murders stop beforehand.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the arc.

This is the book 3 in the Secret Bookcase series with the main character, Annie Murray. Her friend, Priya (Pri) asks Annie to help organise a fund raising event for Pri's girlfriend, Penny. Annie gets Liam Donovan, the local bar owner to do the cooking for the event, which Annie has called a Murder Mystery Night. Annie calls on a local am-dram group to play the parts from her play. However, the evening does not go smoothly when Curtis Wright becomes the victim. Annie and her friends start to investigate and this leads them on a wild goose chase involving long lost treasure, secret passageways....to find out more, you will need to read this book.

This is the third in the series featuring Annie Murray and her will they won't they relationship with Liam in the town of Redwood Grove. When friend Priya's girlfriend, Penny purchases Wentworth Manor, Annie has the bright idea of staging a murder mystery to raise much needed funds. But, surprise surprise, it all goes wrong when someone actually dies and Annie gets caught up investigating. I found the murder's identity to be very obvious early on but still enjoyed reading the book to its conclusion. A pleasant example of cosy fiction which is certainly worth a read.

Are you ready for a new mystery with Annie Murphy and her friends in Redwood Grove? I know I am. I absolutely devoured the first two books in this series [The Body in the Bookstore and A Murder at the Movies] and I was so excited for a new book in what is fast becoming my favourite series!

Annie and her friend Priya are helping Priya's girlfriend, Penny, hold a fundraising night to help renovate Wentworth Manor. It's supposed to be a fun night with a murder mystery theme, but what starts out as a fictional murder ends up as a real one, when one of the guests turns up dead. Suddenly Annie and all the guests are stuck inside the manor, during a storm, with a killer amongst them and it's up to Annie to find out who did the crime.

This series has everything I love - a cozy town, a bookstore setting and a tantalizing whodunnit. This one was perfect Agatha Christie style... a locked room mystery, a storm brewing outside a manor house. Of course I was ready to "read" it up! I loved the mystery. It is an absolute thrill a minute as Annie tries to solve the mystery while she has everyone under one roof. Despite a few red herrings thrown the reader's way, I was able to solve the mystery just before Annie!

I love the characters in this series, especially Annie and Priya. They make quite the crime fighting duo in this story with the bookstore "The Secret Bookcase" still remaining headquarters for all their crime fighting planning! I mean a bookstore that literally has a secret bookcase. When can I move to Redgrove Woods?

If you like cozy mysteries with a bookish setting, or you are a big fan of golden age mysteries you need to read this series. It's a modern spin on Agatha Christie mysteries and I can't get enough of them!

Ellie could never disappoint!

First of all, I know this isn't a romance book, but still, the progress of Annie and Liam's relationship was just so adorable. I wasn't ready for it, to be honest!

Now the mystery part was a little predictable but good nonetheless because, just like I said, Ellie. Could. Never. Disappoint.

4.5 stars

Death at the Dinner Party by Ellie Alexander the 3rd instalment in the "A Secret Bookcase Mystery" series. I loved returning to the charming town of Redwood Grove and the Secret Bookcase bookstore. In this instalment Annie is hosting a a spooky, immersive dinner party at the old Wentworth farmhouse, and the evening is a roaring success – until neighboring landowner Curtis Wright drops dead at the dining table…

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Annie did..
Overall, I'm thoroughly invested in this series and excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters next!

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I didn’t completely guess whodunnit until Annie did..
Overall, I'm thoroughly invested in this series and excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters next!

I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 4 to come out!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.