Rating: Very Good
Source: Publisher
Description: Newlyweds Brooklyn and Derek are enjoying the final days of their honeymoon in Paris. As they're browsing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect gift for Derek, a first edition James Bond novel, The Spy Who Loved Me. When they bump into Ned, an old friend from Derek’s spy days, Brooklyn shows him her latest treasure.
Once they're back home in San Francisco, they visit a spy shop Ned mentioned. The owner begs them to let him display the book Brooklyn found in Paris as part of the shop's first anniversary celebration. Before they agree, Derek makes sure the security is up to snuff—turns out, the unassuming book is worth a great deal more than sentimental value.
Soon after, Derek is dismayed when he receives a mysterious letter from Paris announcing Ned’s death. Then late one night, someone is killed inside the spy shop. Are the murders connected to Brooklyn's rare, pricey book? Is there something even more sinister afoot? Brooklyn and the spy who loves her will have to delve into the darkest parts of Derek's past to unmask an enemy who's been waiting for the chance to destroy everything they hold dear.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I've really enjoyed this series in the past and this one involves book shopping in Paris!
My Impression: One of my favorite things about this series is how the characters talk about books. Brooklyn is a reader which I always enjoy but even better is that she describes books with as much detail and affection as the most die hard foodie might describe a meal cooked by an amazing chef. Not only do I want to read the books but I want to study every detail of the gorgeous binding and exquisite illustrations.
The mystery is good too and I loved that we got to dive into Derek’s past for a change. It was fun have having him a bit more front and center than the likable side character that he usually plays. The pacing was good and it was a lovely escape book that I just fell into as soon as I opened it. This is a cozier cozy with a big community which can make it a bit difficult for readers starting here with the series. It’s not so much that the characters are hard to keep straight but more that you just might not care as much about the neighbor’s life if you aren’t already a little invested.
If you’re looking for a fun escapist mystery series that makes you want to go on a book buying spree hoping for a rare and valuable book than this is a must read!
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Absolutely! I really enjoy this series and will be looking for anything Kate Carlisle writes.
Would I Recommend this Book? I would definitely recommend this series but if you’re new to this series you might want to start on an earlier book for the reasons I mentioned above.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
I love the cover and would probably like the book but I'd want to start at book #1 and that's too many books to add to my long list of tbr's.
ReplyDeleteI swear, almost every time you feature a cozy it's like I have to read it. I haven't read this series yet.
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh book shopping in Paris but also James Bond references and The Spy Who Loved Me? How fun!
ReplyDeleteI want to read this series but I have to start at the beginning!! :)
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