Rating: Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, is in for a surprise when her ne’er-do-well father, John, comes to town—and promptly becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a woman with her own scandalous past. Even Tricia’s faith in the old man is shaken when the Stoneham police break the news that her father is a known con man who has done jail time.
But what about bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson? Is it a coincidence that he arrived for a book signing just before the crime or that the victim was found with a signed copy of his latest bestseller?
From merlot to murder, Tricia is determined to clear the family name before another body shows up and ruins Stoneham’s first—and highly anticipated—wine and jazz festival.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've read this series since the beginning though I have missed a few books.
My Impression: Stoneham is one of those fictional places I really wish were real. A whole town filled with bookstores? How amazing would that be! I did miss the real bookish atmosphere of previous books. Between the renovation at Tricia's mystery bookstore and her spending most of her time at either Angelica's inn or running after characters who didn't live in Stoneham there was only one visit to any of the local bookstores and not much real community feel.
The mystery was interesting with some startling revelations and an unexpected ending. I would have liked both the motivations and the reveal to be a bit more developed. There is quite a bit going on with Tricia and Angelica's parents, Tricia's assistant's upcoming marriage, and the mammoth renovation being done to Tricia's apartment. With all that it felt like the ending of the actual murder investigation.
While I did have some issues with the book this was an enjoyable read. Barrett's writing pulled me in from the beginning and I read the book in just two sittings. I liked Tricia and Angelica as well as Pixie, Fred, and Mr. Everett and enjoyed spending time in their world. I'm already looking forward to revisiting them!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? I would. I already have the next book in the series and am hoping for some more bookish fun and of course a murder or two.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy cozy mysteries than I think this is a series that you'd enjoy however starting with an earlier book so you can get the full bookish feel might be better.
This one sounds a lovely holiday read, Katherine. I love visiting towns where there are plenty of bookstores - there is always something a bit special about them, I think. A great review and have a lovely weekend:)
ReplyDeleteCould you imagine a town filled with bookstores?! I want to go :) It does sound like there is a lot going on in this one but I am glad it turned out to be an enjoyable read.
ReplyDeleteOh Oh! A town full of bookstores, maybe not too viable but sounding like a reader's heaven! So not all the things you like in a book, but I guess it holds its place enough to have you reading on.
ReplyDeleteOnly one left in our town. Too sad. I'm just starting this series with the first, looks to be a good cozy.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of a whole town full of bookstores. I haven't read this series yet, but I think I may have one book from it somewhere around here. It does sound good!
ReplyDeleteI love the cover! I want to sit and have a martini there. 🍸
ReplyDelete