All My Bones - Mystery Review

Goodreads:  All My Bones (An Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries #2) by P.J. Nelson

Rating: Really Liked It (4 Stars)
Source:   Publisher

Description:  Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founders upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.

When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren't many people in town who hadn't wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt's best friend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.

Genre: Mystery

Why I Picked This Book:  I read the first book in the series and enjoyed it.  

My Impression:  This has all the hallmarks of a cozy - small town setting, main character owns a bookstore, amateur sleuth, cat sidekick, and a community of unusual characters.  But it doesn't quite read as a cozy to me.  The topics touched on are a bit darker and the setting and characters are a bit grimmer.  As well, while I enjoyed this book, Madeline's world isn't one I'd like to visit nor are the characters people I'd like to be friends with.

The mystery was an interesting one involving a skeleton buried in a front yard, a beloved character maybe not being who they seemed.   There's also some family pressure for a quick arrest that spurs Madeline into investigative action with a little help from her friends.  The pacing was great and kept me engaged from beginning to end.  I wasn't sure just who would end up being the killer - and why but motives and suspects definitely kept me guessing.

This is one you could really start with this one though there is a bit of setup that will help a few non-plot related things make a bit more sense.  If you're looking for a good read somewhere between regular mystery and cozies this would be a good pick.  

Would I Read More of this Series/Author?  Definitely!  I've enjoyed the first two books in the series and look forward to reading more from this author.

Would I Recommend this Book?  If you're a mystery reader this is a good series and a good one to pick up.

* I received this book in exchange for an honest review.  As always my opinions and impressions are completely my own. *