Annie is hosting a gingerbread contest at the Secret Bookcase when the guest baker turns up dead. Someone has poisoned her, but who could want her head? Well... everyone, actually. Good luck figuring out who killed the woman who had given pretty much everyone a reason to want to see the end of her!

As much as I love Alexander's Bakeshop series, this one is just kind of flat for me. I can't really connect with Annie. She's fine, she's a nice woman and she's got a very interesting resume and all the other things I look for in a main character, fun friends, exciting job, adorable cottage in a sweet neighborhood. Redwood Grove sounds idyllic. I don't really know what I'm missing. I do not like Liam at all. He just comes across as kind of a jerk and I don't understand how Annie can be attracted to him, especially so soon after she really hated him. Maybe it's that connection that I don't really care for. I also don't find Pri all that charming, but she has definitely grown on me over the last two books.

Overall, I'm enjoying the series, but as much as I love Alexander's writing, this series is not among my favorites. I will definitely keep reading though!

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

Thank you so much to NetGalley and the publishers of this book, I appreciate you accepting my request to read this.

Unfortunately, this one didn’t hit an interest with me as I thought it would. I stopped reading at 32%, I tried to really let myself just flow with the story but some parts felt just flat for me. On the other hand, I feel this is great book for someone who enjoys mystery, solving mysteries and would like something festive and easy to read. It just wasn’t the one for me and that’s totally okay. I’m happy to see so many others enjoyed it and I know a few people in my life who would as well. Thank you again for this opportunity, I’m so grateful!

Literary Cozy Mystery which finds a CA Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookstore's events organizer turning sleuth after a celebrity baker's killed during a gingerbread-baking challenge.

5/5 stars: Alexander's a favorite author and once again doesn't miss with this fourth entry in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in California and features a bookseller and event organizer for an Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookstore, who also has a criminology degree. When a social media star and celebrity baker's killed during a gingerbread-baking competition, she teams up with her loyal bookstore colleagues and her pub-owner new boyfriend to solve this murder mystery before the killer strikes again and makes this her last Christmas. 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 enjoy the overarching plot of the cold case murder investigations and seeing Annie moving forward in her career. Heartfelt and humorous, Alexander's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's so much fun to catch up with Annie, her friends, her found family at the Secret Bookcase bookshop and the eclectic townsfolk of Redwood Grove. Annie's a great character, who's toughness and determination are admirable. And I really like seeing her relationship with the ever so handsome bar owner and chef, Liam, starting to bloom. And of course one mustn't forget Annie's aptly named cat, Professor Plum. Additionally, I adore the small town holiday-filled atmosphere and cheery vibes throughout the book; Alexander always know how to set the scene. Alexander touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, The Body in the Bookstore.

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

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Ellie Alexander for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for A Holiday Homicide coming out November 20, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I really love this series! Cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres. Christmastime mysteries are so fun. I can really relate to Annie with her love of Christmastime and mysteries. I loved the plot of this one. I would definitely watch this book series as a movie series. I love Liam’s character and his support for Annie. I’ll definitely check out the next book.

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

This is the latest installment in new series by Alexander. It is phenomenal. I can't wait for book five to come out. 5 stars!!!

A Holiday Homicide was such a fast, cozy read. Lily Hawthorne, a very famous influencer, turns up dead at the Secret Bookcase which is a bookstore in Redwood Grove. Annie, her co-worker Fletcher and the store owner Hal are all distraught and must help find the killer before all of Lily's fans and sponsors find out she is dead. There are too many suspects and very little time before someone discovers that Lily is gone and that her assistant Becca has been posting as Lily on her social media. I enjoyed the settings, the characters, even Redwood Grove sounds like a town from a story book. A must read for these cold months.

4.5 stars
This is the fourth book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series and if you have been following this series, you are in for a treat with this one. Annie Murray is full of ideas on how to draw more customers to the Secret Bookcase bookstore owned by Hal Christie. The latest event is a gingerbread house contest, partnering with popular baking influencer Lily Hawthorne. On a personal note, Annie is at a crossroads in her life - should she take Hal up on his offer for her and her friend and co-worker Fletcher to take on a larger role in the bookstore or should she use her criminal justice degree to pursue a career in law enforcement? When a suspicious death takes place during the competition, maybe Annie's assistance with the investigation will help her decide.

This book is my favorite in the series so far. It has a holiday-related plot, progress in Annie's relationship with bar owner Liam Donovan, and new information on the death of her high school best friend, an overarching storyline through all the books. I've included all four of the books in my photos, because they all go together so well. They are all quick, fun reads with interesting characters in a fun setting. I love the ending and look forward to more in this series.

I was provided a review copy of this ebook from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

oh this was fun. looking for a silly little mystery? look no further. i had a great afternoon reading this. the cover also makes me feel nostalgic and i love that! pacing was pretty decent and easy to follow!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the ARC of Ellie's Alexander's newest Nobel A holiday Homicide.

This was the perfect cozy room mystery to get me back from a reading slump. Although, I have not read the other 3 books in the series A Secret Bookcase Mystery, works well it can be read as standalone for the majority of the book.

Thank you again NetGalley and to Storm Publishing

The flow of this installment was a bit choppy, and I wished for more of a backstory on Becca. At one point, I was guessing who the killer was.
Another good installment and looking forward to the next.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from Storm Publishing through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own

A Holiday Homicide is the 4th book in A Secret Bookcase Mystery, by Ellie Alexander. The setting is a small town in Northern California. I do not think I have ever read a cozy bookshop mystery situated in Northern California. Most of these mysteries are set in the UK, Ireland or Scotland, or in New England. This CA setting was a refreshing change. There are two murders in this series, one is older, a so-called cold case that haunts protagonist Anne, and another is a new murder that happens early in A Holiday Homicide.

Alexander does a good job with descriptions, which definitely bring the setting to life. All the main characters are fleshed out, which distinct personalities. The murder, which occurs early in A Holiday Homicide, is not a surprise, It does make sense in a cozy mystery to have a character, whose behavior seems to scream murder, but I do wish that an author would be brave enough to murder a well-liked character, or perhaps I don't? A Holiday Homicide can stand alone, but at the same time, reading the first 3 novels in order would enhance the understanding of these characters. A Holiday Homicide is my first novel in this series, and while there was a lot of background detail, I do wish I understood these characters better.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. I do recommend this series.

THis is a GREAT COZY MYSTERY READ. Murray is the amateur sleuth and she stops a nothing to figure out who done it as she went to college to be a private investigation. Murray also works at the Secret Bookcase Bookstore. This weekend they are sponsoring a Gingerbread house competition and Sugar who owns a bakery has brought in Lily, a social influencer ,who has around 500,000 followers. There is so much going on and so many suspects it would spoil it if I started . So this is one that you will have to read.

Book 4 in the secret bookcase series and it doesn’t disappoint. Lily is an influencer who is a guest at a gingerbread themed event at the bookstore, but she is soon found dead. As Annie investigates, she is also trying to decide her future professional path and work on solving the death of her friend Scarlet. The ending of this book is different from the previous ones but it works.

Thanks Netgalley for allowing me to read this book. Annie loves the holidays. She is working a case, that will take everything she has to solve a murder. This book grabbed my attention from the start.

The perfect holiday mystery. It’s a the boom equivalent of sipping a hot chocolate, eating gingerbread as the snow falls on the local Christmas lights!

I’m loving this secret bookcase series and the small town feel to it. It’s probably less cosy, with a more CSI feel to it with the main protagonist being an old criminology student. The characters get your attached and the plot of prompt and enjoyable.

Thank you to NetGalley for the early opportunity.

This cozy mystery series is addictive. I’ve enjoyed all, and this holiday themed addition is one of my favorites of the four so far..

The setting is a Northern California town with a vibrant and caring community. The main character, Annie Murray, came to the town to heal after her best friend was murdered. She works at a mystery bookstore that is in an old estate. She has successfully initiated events to help sustain the bookstore, and this holiday-themed entry into the series features a gingerbread contest. As in all the books, a murder occurs, and Annie helps the police figure out the culprit.

I loved the description of the decorations in the store and the town. In the best sense, this is across between a Hallmark Christmas movie and the old tv series, Murder She Wrote. The overarching theme of solving her best friend’s murder is picking up steam as is her budding romance with Liam, the town’s cafe owner. There is also a hint of an intriguing back story of Liam’s past that (so far), we know nothing about. Annie is also moving forward with starting a private detective agency, and taking over the bookstore, along with a partner.

I always enjoy returning to the charming town of Redwood Grove and trying to solve the murder mystery, along with Annie. However, I really appreciate that some of the ongoing plot lines are moving forward.

Thank you netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc.
Book 4 in Redwood Grove with Annie and the gang. This time it is Christmas and the Secret Bookcase is hosting a gingerbread competition with an influencer. When Annie once again finds a dead body, will they solve the case and not ruin the holidays?

I am really enjoying this series of cozy mysteries. It is fun to get to keep following along and learning more about the characters. I did find that this one started a little slower than the last 3 with more of a recapping of who people are and what has happened, but given it's book 4 I guess that makes sense. I'm glad we are getting deeper into the Scarlett subplot, really looking forward to Annie eventually getting justice for her.

These just feel like a Hallmark murder and mystery series in the making to me. Can't wait for book 5!

This is another wonderful read in this new series by Ellie Alexander. Annie is going all out to celebrate the holidays in the bookstore by hosting a gingerbread house contest being sponsored by a new local bakery owner and a famous baking influencer. The influencer and bakery owner display amazing concoctions they have made, and over 90 locals have houses to be entered in the judging. With the glorious decorations, samples by local student bakers, and holiday carolers, the atmosphere is wonderful until Annie comes across the social influencer, passed out on the floor and though she tries, fails to resuscitate her. Was it a heart attack or something more sinister? Did the influencer have enemies? Who is missing the holiday spirit? While Annie deals with this, she is also dealing with questions about her professional future, her relationship with Liam and her upcoming meeting with the man who maybe able to shed some light on what happened to her friend Scarlet. Annie and friends are straight out in this holiday page turner. Perfect holiday cozy read. Thank you to #Netgally, #StormPublishing, and the author for the opportunity to read. #AHolidayHomicide #EllieAlexander #ASecretBookcaseMystery #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

This is the 4th book in the series. You could read it as a stand alone, but would miss a good bit of the backstory.
It's almost Christmas and The Secret Bookcase is hosting a Gingerbread competition. Annie Murray and her boss Hal Christie and co-worker Fletcher are excited to have the event in their store. Influencer Lily Hawthorne is livestreaming with her assistant, Becca. There are lots of creative gingerbread constructions from Kindergarteners to seniors. Just as the event gets underway, Lily "accidently" smashes the very detailed gingerbread replica of Redwood Grove by local baker, Sugar Lester. Then, Shane Briggs, labeled a stalker by Becca, gives an expensive pen to Lily. And Kari Harris wants Lily to sign a contract with Queen Mary Flour and is showing up at events.
It should surprise no that Lily is found dead at the event. Becca thinks it is Lily's heart condition, but the police suspect poison.
Annie has another crime on her mind; the ten year old murder of her best friend and fellow criminalist student, Scarlett. She hopes she will finally get some answers when Mark, an employee at the company where Scarlett was investigating.
As Annie and her friends sift through the clues and her relationship with pub owner Liam Donovan deepens, danger lurks but is it from the past or present?
It is always a pleasure to visit Redwood Grove and see how old and new relationships grow and change. As an amateur baker, I enjoyed the descriptions of the gingerbread creations. I also would really like to visit The Secret Bookcase and explore the different rooms while sipping a cup of tea. The book draws you into the little town and makes you want to visit it in the real world.
I highly recommend this book and the whole series.

Though I enjoyed the whole book as a whole, the story was so heavily based on social media presence that it bordered on overbearing.

The writing of the book flows easily, but has a lot of details regarding the competition, which I personally feel could have been avoided. Also the background story of Scarlett feels way too old though I am glad there was finally progress.

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