Source: Publisher
Description: The quaint warehouse district of Hokes Folly, NC, is hopping despite the drizzly November chill. The occasion? The mountain town's beloved antiquarian bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, is throwing a bash for its grand reopening. But bookseller Jenna Quinn's peace of mind is shattered when the local library's Director of Antique Books turns up dead in the parking lot--his head bashed in by a glittering pair of vintage glass bookends.
As they examine the murder scene, Jenna and her police detective boyfriend happen upon the only witness--the victim's dog, who flees the scene leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind. If only dogs could speak, Jenna might be able to make quick work of the murder case and get back to stocking her bookcases.
Alas, finding the killer won't be so easy, even though this is not Jenna's first murder investigation--indeed, she inherited Twice Upon a Time from her slain uncle. The suspect list is voluminous--the late librarian had not-so-friendly run-ins with numerous guests--but suspicion eventually centers on three unsavory individuals who left the party shortly before the victim did.
Now, Jenna must edit her inventory of suspects from three names to one, before the bloodthirsty bookend-wielder becomes the author of Jenna's demise.
Genre: Mystery - Cozy
Why I Picked This Book: I enjoyed the first book in the series.
My Impression: Who could dislike an Antiquarian book expert? Linus Talbot seems like a guy not many people would have issues with. He loves books and is kind to dogs so what's not to love? Except that he gets into several altercations during Jenna's Grand Opening and is found dead in the parking lot at the end of the event. Jenna's prior nemesis Detective Sutter is back and despite Sutter's partner and Jenna's boyfriend, Keith's assurances that Sutter knows what he is doing Jenna can't help but become involved in the investigation.
While Jenna is an amateur detective she's intelligent and logical and never intentionally withholds information from the police. As well, I love how she, her store manager, Mason, and her friend and neighbor, Rita interact and work together. I can never resist a team effort when it comes to solving a cozy.
The mystery here was solid. There were multiple suspects who were all equally possible and I couldn't make up my mind just who was the killer until the very end. I'm excited by the edition of Eddy and Tish to the cast and am already looking forward to the next book.
This was a fast and entertaining read with likable characters and an entertaining mystery. This wasn't the most standout cozy series but it is a solid one.
Would I Read More of this Series/Author? Yes! While this isn't necessarily a standout for me I have really enjoyed both books in the series so far.
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy bookish cozies you should definitely give this series a try though I recommend starting with the first book.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Would I Recommend this Book? If you enjoy bookish cozies you should definitely give this series a try though I recommend starting with the first book.
* I received this book in exchange for an honest review. As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *
Another series I really want to read. I have so much catching up to do.
ReplyDeleteThis sounds like a series for me! :)
ReplyDeleteI like cozies to be quick reads so this is one I'd read!
ReplyDeleteThis one sounds so good!
ReplyDeleteSounds good although I only note "the really liked its" as ones for me to try!!
ReplyDelete