Murder on the Half Shelf - Review

Murder on the Half Shelf by Lorna Barrett
Rating: 3 Stars
Source: Purchased

Description:  Stoneham, New Hampshire is a haven for bookstores, including Tricia's own mystery shop, Haven't Got A Clue, but is sadly lacking in Bed and Breakfasts.  Pippa and Jon Comfort's Sheer Comfort Inn opens its doors to the public in a week and the couple has offered some locals a free night as a trial run
But what should have been a pleasant overnight stay for Tricia becomes a nightmare when she makes two startling discoveries: Pippa's murdered body in the backyard and the fact that her husband Jon is actually Harry Tyler, a man Tricia loved - and believed dead - for nearly twenty years.
Now Harry is the prime suspect, but Tricia doesn't believe him capable of murder, regardless of her own feelings toward him.  And even though Harry's led a life of lies, Tricia's learning that Pippa had her share of secrets that some people may have not wanted revealed... (from Goodreads)

Genre: Mystery

Why I Picked This Book: I've been reading this series for awhile and always get the newest one when it comes out.  Plus, who can resist a town of bookstores?

My Impression:
Pro:  I always love visiting Stoneham and visiting the different bookstores.  Can you imagine a bookstore that just focuses on mysteries right next door to a cookbook store?  It just sounds fabulous.  The mystery, as always, was well done.  There were a number of red herrings, false leads and very valid suspects.  I did kind of suspect the who but watching it unravel was fun.  The introduction of Pixie has a lot of potential and I'm definitely looking forward to seeing more of her character in the future.  I always enjoy seeing Tricia in the store and Angelica trying to run her budding cookbook empire.

Con: Every resident of Stoneham needs to relax.  This is a group of seriously prickly people.  There's a scene with Nikki, who owns a bakery, that seemed unnecessarily antagonistic.  With Tricia's relationships with Angelica and Grant already fairly fragile and the reappearance of Jon Comfort/ Harry this kind of seemed like piling on where it wasn't needed.  There is a lot going on with the actual mystery and side plots featuring Mr. Everret and Grace, Angelica, Tricia's past, strange things that are arriving in the mail, and small town politics.  Sometimes it can be a little difficult keeping track of who does what.

Overall:  This wasn't my favorite in the series but it was still a fun read.

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?: Yes, despite it's flaws this is a series I always enjoy.

Would I Recommend this Book?:  If you like cozies this is a fun series but this might not be the book I'd start with.