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Mystery Bookshop #9
Murder on Tour
Bookstore owner and Michigander Samantha Washington is thrilled to see her debut historical mystery finally on the shelves, but a killer seems determined to steal away the spotlight . . .
While Sam wraps up her first whirlwind book tour, Nana Jo has kept Market Street Mysteries running smoothly. The last stop is a prestigious book festival in Sam’s hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. But not everyone thinks the guest of honor, bestselling author Judith Hunter, deserves stellar reviews. Sam witnesses nasty arguments between Judith and two different authors—who accuse her of plagiarism and sabotage . . .
When a publicist is poisoned during a cocktail reception, Sam wonders if the killer missed the intended target. It’s a twist that echoes the plot of Sam’s mystery, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. But fact can be stranger—and deadlier—than fiction. How much collateral damage is the killer willing to risk? With feisty Nana Jo and the girls from Shady Acres Retirement Village lending a hand, Sam tries to solve the case before the festival delivers another fatality . . .
While Sam wraps up her first whirlwind book tour, Nana Jo has kept Market Street Mysteries running smoothly. The last stop is a prestigious book festival in Sam’s hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. But not everyone thinks the guest of honor, bestselling author Judith Hunter, deserves stellar reviews. Sam witnesses nasty arguments between Judith and two different authors—who accuse her of plagiarism and sabotage . . .
When a publicist is poisoned during a cocktail reception, Sam wonders if the killer missed the intended target. It’s a twist that echoes the plot of Sam’s mystery, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. But fact can be stranger—and deadlier—than fiction. How much collateral damage is the killer willing to risk? With feisty Nana Jo and the girls from Shady Acres Retirement Village lending a hand, Sam tries to solve the case before the festival delivers another fatality . . .
336 pages, Paperback
First published November 28, 2023
69 people are currently reading
3111 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Burns
20 books1,278 followersValerie (V.M.) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.
Contact Info: author@vmburns.com
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.
Contact Info: author@vmburns.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 107 reviews
September 6, 2023
Murder on Tour is the 9th book in the Mystery Book Series. it takes place in the town of North Harbor, Michigan. Samantha (Sam) Washington is the main character who owns a bookstore, Market Street Mysteries. She has written her first book, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. She is going to speak about her book along with some well known authors at the North Harbor Festival. Before the program starts she goes into a closet to meditate and overhears the other authors, Judith Hunter, Nora Cooper and Scarlet MacDonald having words with Nora accusing Judith of stealing her manuscript for Judith's book Corpse Danced at Midnight. The authors all hate each other. Clark Cunningham is Judith's publishist. Sam is found in the closet after hearing everything. The authors are fighting so loud that they can be heard in the other room. Mrs. Graves, the librarian, comes in to speak to them. As Judith is the main attraction and refuses to go on stage with Nora. she is escorted out. Sam's grandmother, Nana Jo, her sister, Jenna Rutherford and Nana Jo's friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village are all there to support Sam.
That night, Sam and her fiance, Frank Patterson who owns a restaurant go to the banquet. While there they meet another author and his wife, Paul and Olivia West. He is there to accept an award. He has too much to drink and has words with Judith and is escorted out. Clark spills his drink and Judith gives him hers. After drinking his champagne he falls to the floor in spasms and later dies on the way to the hospital from poison. Was the drink meant for Judith? 911 is called and Detective Bradley Pitt from the Special Crimes Unit arrives. After hearing what happened he tells Sam that she can help him by finding out who poisoned Clark. Sam's grandmother and her friends at the retirement home, Rudy Mae Stevenson, Irma Stanczewski, Dorothy Clark and Josephine will help Sam investigate.
There is so much that goes on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting ending. There are two parts to this story. One is the story itself as well as you get another story within the story of the book she is writing.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
That night, Sam and her fiance, Frank Patterson who owns a restaurant go to the banquet. While there they meet another author and his wife, Paul and Olivia West. He is there to accept an award. He has too much to drink and has words with Judith and is escorted out. Clark spills his drink and Judith gives him hers. After drinking his champagne he falls to the floor in spasms and later dies on the way to the hospital from poison. Was the drink meant for Judith? 911 is called and Detective Bradley Pitt from the Special Crimes Unit arrives. After hearing what happened he tells Sam that she can help him by finding out who poisoned Clark. Sam's grandmother and her friends at the retirement home, Rudy Mae Stevenson, Irma Stanczewski, Dorothy Clark and Josephine will help Sam investigate.
There is so much that goes on in the story that I will leave it to the reader to enjoy to the exciting ending. There are two parts to this story. One is the story itself as well as you get another story within the story of the book she is writing.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
April 19, 2024
The mystery is OK although I didn’t care about any of the suspects ! I did not like the book inside the book. It was too confusing for me.
December 2, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Samantha Washington can add another title to her resume, published author. Yes, Murder at Wickfield Lodge has been published and she has been on a book tour to promote her first book. The final stop is right in her hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. Sam isn't sure that she belongs on discussion panels with some very successful authors but she hopes to hold her own. Before the panels even begin Sam overhears some fierce arguments between the guest of honor, Judith Hunter, and two other authors. Sabotage . . . Plagiarism . . . Could it be true?
Later at a cocktail party, a publicist is poisoned, but was he really the target? Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres are more than willing to help Samantha find out. While Sam works on her next book with a plot similar to the one in real life, the ladies from Shady Acres have some ideas of their own to catch the killer. The question is can they do it without anyone else getting killed? or will there be more dead bodies at the North Harbor Book Festival?
_____
I really enjoy this series and was so pleased to see Sam's book published and that she has such a fabulous publicist, heck the woman did the work of two people. Using her writing to help figure out clues in a current mystery makes Samantha an excellent amateur sleuth. Teamed up with her Nana Jo and her friends, Ruby Mae, Irma, and Dorothy, with some assistance from her fiancee' Frank, and her sister Jenna the group is pretty unstoppable which drives Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt” pretty crazy. Dawson is pretty busy with college and football but he still finds time to bake up some delicious treats and help out at the bookstore. Twins, Christopher, and Zaq were home from college for the weekend too so they are able to help with all the extra customers in town because of the book festival and the pop-up special events that randomly happened. All the characters are fun and funny while being true to life and relatable.
Oreo and Snickers are such lovable pups and wonderful canine companions. Snickers is getting up there in age but Oreo still follows Sam wherever she goes. Losing animals is just too hard. I hope Sam can avoid that pain for a very long time.
The great thing about this series is that there are two separate mysteries to solve. The historical one always mirrors the current case in some ways. Writing calms Sam and allows her to look at things from a different perspective which helps her entangle clues in the present-day murder. Lady Elizabeth had her hands full this time but she never loses her cool. She makes keen observations and keeps to ears open. Sam does the same. I was all over the place in my theories for both mysteries. When Detective Pitt shows up to tie up "just a few loose ends" you know things are going to be tense and entertaining. And they do/are and I loved it! The same with Detective Inspector Covington and Lady Elizabeth but with a twist.
While the final chapters wrap up the mysteries, by the end of the book Sam has a revelation of her own and she is absolutely right.
This line was in Chapter 1, but it spoke to me clearly as to how I feel.
". . . don't discount the importance of escapist fiction. Books are subjective, and people read books for different reasons. Given everything that's happened in the world, many of us need to escape to maintain our sanity."
~Nana Jo
I need to put that on a sampler. It's the ideal tagline for a blog entitled Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book.
Murder on Tour is another superb book from V.M. Burns. Thoughtful and engaging characters with not one but two mysteries that will charm readers from beginning to end. With the weather getting chilly, you can make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab a this book and a snuggly blanket, head to that comfy chair, and sit back, get cozy, and escape right into Murder on Tour.
I recommend the entire Mystery Bookshop Series to all cozy readers.
Samantha Washington can add another title to her resume, published author. Yes, Murder at Wickfield Lodge has been published and she has been on a book tour to promote her first book. The final stop is right in her hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. Sam isn't sure that she belongs on discussion panels with some very successful authors but she hopes to hold her own. Before the panels even begin Sam overhears some fierce arguments between the guest of honor, Judith Hunter, and two other authors. Sabotage . . . Plagiarism . . . Could it be true?
Later at a cocktail party, a publicist is poisoned, but was he really the target? Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres are more than willing to help Samantha find out. While Sam works on her next book with a plot similar to the one in real life, the ladies from Shady Acres have some ideas of their own to catch the killer. The question is can they do it without anyone else getting killed? or will there be more dead bodies at the North Harbor Book Festival?
_____
I really enjoy this series and was so pleased to see Sam's book published and that she has such a fabulous publicist, heck the woman did the work of two people. Using her writing to help figure out clues in a current mystery makes Samantha an excellent amateur sleuth. Teamed up with her Nana Jo and her friends, Ruby Mae, Irma, and Dorothy, with some assistance from her fiancee' Frank, and her sister Jenna the group is pretty unstoppable which drives Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt” pretty crazy. Dawson is pretty busy with college and football but he still finds time to bake up some delicious treats and help out at the bookstore. Twins, Christopher, and Zaq were home from college for the weekend too so they are able to help with all the extra customers in town because of the book festival and the pop-up special events that randomly happened. All the characters are fun and funny while being true to life and relatable.
Oreo and Snickers are such lovable pups and wonderful canine companions. Snickers is getting up there in age but Oreo still follows Sam wherever she goes. Losing animals is just too hard. I hope Sam can avoid that pain for a very long time.
The great thing about this series is that there are two separate mysteries to solve. The historical one always mirrors the current case in some ways. Writing calms Sam and allows her to look at things from a different perspective which helps her entangle clues in the present-day murder. Lady Elizabeth had her hands full this time but she never loses her cool. She makes keen observations and keeps to ears open. Sam does the same. I was all over the place in my theories for both mysteries. When Detective Pitt shows up to tie up "just a few loose ends" you know things are going to be tense and entertaining. And they do/are and I loved it! The same with Detective Inspector Covington and Lady Elizabeth but with a twist.
While the final chapters wrap up the mysteries, by the end of the book Sam has a revelation of her own and she is absolutely right.
This line was in Chapter 1, but it spoke to me clearly as to how I feel.
". . . don't discount the importance of escapist fiction. Books are subjective, and people read books for different reasons. Given everything that's happened in the world, many of us need to escape to maintain our sanity."
~Nana Jo
I need to put that on a sampler. It's the ideal tagline for a blog entitled Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book.
Murder on Tour is another superb book from V.M. Burns. Thoughtful and engaging characters with not one but two mysteries that will charm readers from beginning to end. With the weather getting chilly, you can make yourself a cup of hot chocolate, grab a this book and a snuggly blanket, head to that comfy chair, and sit back, get cozy, and escape right into Murder on Tour.
I recommend the entire Mystery Bookshop Series to all cozy readers.
February 23, 2024
Murder on Tour was another amazing installment in the Mystery Bookshop series following Sam as she works to solve a murder at a book festival.
Mystery bookshop owner Samantha Washington has just one more stop on the book tour for her debut novel, Murder at Wickfield Lodge, at a prestigious book festival. And as an added bonus, the North Harbor Book Festival takes place in Sam's hometown. When Sam overhears an argument between the festival's guest of honor, bestselling author Judith Hunter, and two other attendees she tries to distance herself from the drama. But when a publicist is poisoned during a cocktail reception, Sam wonders if the killer's true target was Judith. With help from Nana Jo and the ladies at the Shady Acres Retirement Village, Sam tries to solve the case before someone else ends up dead.
The premise of Murder on Tour was a fun one and I liked that Sam initially had no intention of getting involved. It was amusing that Detective Pitt was actually the one who told Sam to round up the Sleuthing Seniors to solve the case as that's the complete opposite from how he used to act. Starting from the assumption that Judith was the true target of the poisoned champagne, Sam and the others begin digging into why someone would want to kill Judith. Judith has a number of enemies which at first makes it difficult to narrow down the suspect list. But the Sleuthing Seniors do what they do best and divide up the list amongst themselves to figure out the killer's identity. I love watching these ladies work and that they all have specific areas that they specialize in. I liked how the investigation played out and thought the unmasking of the killer was very well done.
Sam's journey from amateur writer to published author has been fun to watch throughout the Mystery Bookshop series. Her debut novel released at the end of the previous book, Bookclubbed to Death, and this book opens with the end of her book tour. Sam has come a long way with her writing and I liked that we got to see her publishing journey. Each book in the series includes an installment in Sam's British historical cozy mystery series and this book was no exception. I personally don't enjoy reading British cozy mysteries but Sam has developed an enjoyable enough series with interesting characters. I primarily enjoy that she uses her writing as a tool to work out theories for the real-life mystery she's trying to solve.
Overall Murder on Tour was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great cozy mysteries.
Mystery bookshop owner Samantha Washington has just one more stop on the book tour for her debut novel, Murder at Wickfield Lodge, at a prestigious book festival. And as an added bonus, the North Harbor Book Festival takes place in Sam's hometown. When Sam overhears an argument between the festival's guest of honor, bestselling author Judith Hunter, and two other attendees she tries to distance herself from the drama. But when a publicist is poisoned during a cocktail reception, Sam wonders if the killer's true target was Judith. With help from Nana Jo and the ladies at the Shady Acres Retirement Village, Sam tries to solve the case before someone else ends up dead.
The premise of Murder on Tour was a fun one and I liked that Sam initially had no intention of getting involved. It was amusing that Detective Pitt was actually the one who told Sam to round up the Sleuthing Seniors to solve the case as that's the complete opposite from how he used to act. Starting from the assumption that Judith was the true target of the poisoned champagne, Sam and the others begin digging into why someone would want to kill Judith. Judith has a number of enemies which at first makes it difficult to narrow down the suspect list. But the Sleuthing Seniors do what they do best and divide up the list amongst themselves to figure out the killer's identity. I love watching these ladies work and that they all have specific areas that they specialize in. I liked how the investigation played out and thought the unmasking of the killer was very well done.
Sam's journey from amateur writer to published author has been fun to watch throughout the Mystery Bookshop series. Her debut novel released at the end of the previous book, Bookclubbed to Death, and this book opens with the end of her book tour. Sam has come a long way with her writing and I liked that we got to see her publishing journey. Each book in the series includes an installment in Sam's British historical cozy mystery series and this book was no exception. I personally don't enjoy reading British cozy mysteries but Sam has developed an enjoyable enough series with interesting characters. I primarily enjoy that she uses her writing as a tool to work out theories for the real-life mystery she's trying to solve.
Overall Murder on Tour was a fantastic read and I would highly recommend this series if you're looking for some great cozy mysteries.
December 14, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/m...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
It was a delight to visit Samantha, her family, fiancé, and friends in North Harbor, Michigan. I was especially happy to see Sam’s first book baby has been released and she is finishing her first ever book tour! Sam’s British historical mystery, “Murder at Wickfield Lodge”, is the first in a hopefully long, successful series. At the end of her scheduled tour, Sam was a last-minute fill-in author at the annual North Harbor Book Festival held at the local university. She would be on several panel discussions, and on each one, Judith Hunter was the featured author. It was a mixed blessing, as her book would not get as much exposure, but she wouldn’t have to answer many off-the-cuff questions.
Before the first panel began, Sam accidentally overheard a private discussion. It included authors Nora Cooper, Scarlet MacDunkin, Judith, and Judith’s publicist, Clark. Nora told Judith – and anyone else in hearing range – that she knew Judith stole her manuscript that Judith published as “author” of the best seller, “The Corpse Danced at Midnight”. Nora threatened Judith, who didn’t seem very concerned.
Sam’s presence was discovered, and she did what her grandmother, Nana Jo, would probably do if it had been her. She also overheard that she was chosen as a replacement because she would draw a local crowd, and they wouldn’t have to pay for her travel or housing. Dr. Peters, a professor and the facilitator of the panel, would occasionally throw a question to Sam.
On the night of the festival banquet, Sam was there with Frank, her fiancé. They were talking with authors Nora and Scarlet, and met another couple, bestselling author Paul West and his wife, Olivia Townsend, popular middle-school aged mystery writer. Olivia was a delightful conversationalist, loved Sam’s book, and was invested in her characters. Paul and Nora were being encouraged by Scarlet to drink more and more champagne. Rumor had it that Paul had left Olivia, had an affair with Judith, and when he planned to divorce his wife, Judith dumped him.
When Judith and Clark joined them, Paul and Nora were very drunk. Within minutes, Paul was escorted out with Olivia following, then after a small mishap, Clark collapsed, had a seizure, and lost consciousness. Frank asked Sam to call 911, then the detective they are too familiar with, Detective Pitt (or Stinky Pitt to his former elementary school peers). Frank had reason to think the publicist, who died enroute to the hospital, was poisoned.
Sam, Nana Jo and her friends, and even Frank have helped her solve murders in the past. Those were mostly because Detective Pitt, in a hurry to close a case, had accused Sam or her loved ones of murder. They have quite a track record and, when recently helping get Pitt off the hook for murder, he gained a bit of respect for them. He wants her to gather all the clues for him as the university wants the murder solved in two days. He’ll come back, do the interviews and arrest the killer, and … he’ll be happy.
Sam’s writing has a surprising side effect for her. When she is stumped about something, especially a real-life murder, she works on her current British World War II era novel. She loves writing, which has not failed to help her find real life solutions as her characters find their fictional solutions.
The author has gifted us with a variety of well-defined, fascinating characters. Opening a new Mystery Bookshop cozy is like visiting old friends. Sam, Nana Jo and her friends, Frank, and Sam’s family are each unique, and this reader enjoys seeing that, in many ways, their lives are just like ours. Pets, family members, the love of books, all added to the pleasure of spending time with them. The authors we met this time were described as needed for their roles.
The glimpse we have been given of writing and publishing this time has added to my reading pleasure. I very much appreciate the story within the story, the WWII mysteries that Sam writes. There are enough twists and turns in both mysteries to keep me engaged, and guessing the bad guys in both stories was not easy. I actually did figure out a good portion of both solutions, but there was still an element I wasn’t prepared for. I highly recommend this novel and series, especially for those who enjoy cozy mysteries and British historical mysteries.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
It was a delight to visit Samantha, her family, fiancé, and friends in North Harbor, Michigan. I was especially happy to see Sam’s first book baby has been released and she is finishing her first ever book tour! Sam’s British historical mystery, “Murder at Wickfield Lodge”, is the first in a hopefully long, successful series. At the end of her scheduled tour, Sam was a last-minute fill-in author at the annual North Harbor Book Festival held at the local university. She would be on several panel discussions, and on each one, Judith Hunter was the featured author. It was a mixed blessing, as her book would not get as much exposure, but she wouldn’t have to answer many off-the-cuff questions.
Before the first panel began, Sam accidentally overheard a private discussion. It included authors Nora Cooper, Scarlet MacDunkin, Judith, and Judith’s publicist, Clark. Nora told Judith – and anyone else in hearing range – that she knew Judith stole her manuscript that Judith published as “author” of the best seller, “The Corpse Danced at Midnight”. Nora threatened Judith, who didn’t seem very concerned.
Sam’s presence was discovered, and she did what her grandmother, Nana Jo, would probably do if it had been her. She also overheard that she was chosen as a replacement because she would draw a local crowd, and they wouldn’t have to pay for her travel or housing. Dr. Peters, a professor and the facilitator of the panel, would occasionally throw a question to Sam.
On the night of the festival banquet, Sam was there with Frank, her fiancé. They were talking with authors Nora and Scarlet, and met another couple, bestselling author Paul West and his wife, Olivia Townsend, popular middle-school aged mystery writer. Olivia was a delightful conversationalist, loved Sam’s book, and was invested in her characters. Paul and Nora were being encouraged by Scarlet to drink more and more champagne. Rumor had it that Paul had left Olivia, had an affair with Judith, and when he planned to divorce his wife, Judith dumped him.
When Judith and Clark joined them, Paul and Nora were very drunk. Within minutes, Paul was escorted out with Olivia following, then after a small mishap, Clark collapsed, had a seizure, and lost consciousness. Frank asked Sam to call 911, then the detective they are too familiar with, Detective Pitt (or Stinky Pitt to his former elementary school peers). Frank had reason to think the publicist, who died enroute to the hospital, was poisoned.
Sam, Nana Jo and her friends, and even Frank have helped her solve murders in the past. Those were mostly because Detective Pitt, in a hurry to close a case, had accused Sam or her loved ones of murder. They have quite a track record and, when recently helping get Pitt off the hook for murder, he gained a bit of respect for them. He wants her to gather all the clues for him as the university wants the murder solved in two days. He’ll come back, do the interviews and arrest the killer, and … he’ll be happy.
Sam’s writing has a surprising side effect for her. When she is stumped about something, especially a real-life murder, she works on her current British World War II era novel. She loves writing, which has not failed to help her find real life solutions as her characters find their fictional solutions.
The author has gifted us with a variety of well-defined, fascinating characters. Opening a new Mystery Bookshop cozy is like visiting old friends. Sam, Nana Jo and her friends, Frank, and Sam’s family are each unique, and this reader enjoys seeing that, in many ways, their lives are just like ours. Pets, family members, the love of books, all added to the pleasure of spending time with them. The authors we met this time were described as needed for their roles.
The glimpse we have been given of writing and publishing this time has added to my reading pleasure. I very much appreciate the story within the story, the WWII mysteries that Sam writes. There are enough twists and turns in both mysteries to keep me engaged, and guessing the bad guys in both stories was not easy. I actually did figure out a good portion of both solutions, but there was still an element I wasn’t prepared for. I highly recommend this novel and series, especially for those who enjoy cozy mysteries and British historical mysteries.
October 8, 2023
It is a celebration party for an author's newly published book. It gives us a chance to meet or meet again all the important characters. This introduction became long and boring. The main character's name is Samantha. Sam is her nickname. One guy named Dawson made a Cupcake cake. I became interested. I have never heard of that kind of cake. He made a chocolate one.Nana Jo is Sam's Grandmother. She and Sam know just about everybody. They believe in having friends. Sam is celebrating the publication of her first book. Yes, the poodles on the covers of the books belong to Sam. She would feel heartbroken if we did not give them a mention.
November 30, 2023
Murder On Tour is the ninth book in the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series by V. M. Burns.
Samantha's (Sam) first historical mystery, Murder At Wickfield Lodge, has just been published, and she will be attending her first-panel discussion and book signing at the North Harbor Book Festival. Sam begins to doubt whether she should be there when she hears she was a last-minute pick when another author could not attend, and she was local and an easy fill-in. Regardless, Sam decides to stay and make the best of it.
Shortly after the start of the first festival, Sam hears an argument between two of the other authors, Judith Hunter, Nora Cooper, and Scarlett MacDonald. Judith accused Nora of stealing her manuscript, which became a best seller for Judith. When threats are made to kill Judith, Sam calls upon her grandmother, Nana Jo, and her posse of friends from Shady Acres Retirement Home to keep an eye out for anyone who might be trying to murder Judith.
At the awards banquet, the authors are gathered around sipping on champagne. When someone bumps into Clark Cunnigham, Judith’s publicist, causing him to spill his drink. Judith hands him her drink, and moments later, he is dead. The police are called, and soon Det. Bradley “Stinky” Pitt arrives. Pitts believes that he was poisoned and asks Sam to recount what had happened that evening. Before the evening is over, Pitt tells Sam that it is her case to solve. Maybe against his better judgment, but with Sam having been involved in previous cases, he informs her it is her case to solve. He’s sure with all the literary people involved, Sam will be able to get more out of them quicker and easier.
Sam will gather Nana Jo and her posse from Shady Acres, her sister, Jenna, and her fiance, Frank, to help her with the investigation.
I love this series because Ms. Burns includes excerpts from Sam’s latest Wickfield Lodge mystery series, set in 1939 England. The book is well-written and plotted and describes the events well. The characters are well-developed and believable and will provide many chuckles. There are many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to the identity of the murderer. I found the book hard to put down.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
Samantha's (Sam) first historical mystery, Murder At Wickfield Lodge, has just been published, and she will be attending her first-panel discussion and book signing at the North Harbor Book Festival. Sam begins to doubt whether she should be there when she hears she was a last-minute pick when another author could not attend, and she was local and an easy fill-in. Regardless, Sam decides to stay and make the best of it.
Shortly after the start of the first festival, Sam hears an argument between two of the other authors, Judith Hunter, Nora Cooper, and Scarlett MacDonald. Judith accused Nora of stealing her manuscript, which became a best seller for Judith. When threats are made to kill Judith, Sam calls upon her grandmother, Nana Jo, and her posse of friends from Shady Acres Retirement Home to keep an eye out for anyone who might be trying to murder Judith.
At the awards banquet, the authors are gathered around sipping on champagne. When someone bumps into Clark Cunnigham, Judith’s publicist, causing him to spill his drink. Judith hands him her drink, and moments later, he is dead. The police are called, and soon Det. Bradley “Stinky” Pitt arrives. Pitts believes that he was poisoned and asks Sam to recount what had happened that evening. Before the evening is over, Pitt tells Sam that it is her case to solve. Maybe against his better judgment, but with Sam having been involved in previous cases, he informs her it is her case to solve. He’s sure with all the literary people involved, Sam will be able to get more out of them quicker and easier.
Sam will gather Nana Jo and her posse from Shady Acres, her sister, Jenna, and her fiance, Frank, to help her with the investigation.
I love this series because Ms. Burns includes excerpts from Sam’s latest Wickfield Lodge mystery series, set in 1939 England. The book is well-written and plotted and describes the events well. The characters are well-developed and believable and will provide many chuckles. There are many twists and turns that kept me guessing until the end of the book as to the identity of the murderer. I found the book hard to put down.
I’m looking forward to the next book in this delightful series.
July 6, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for an advance copy of this cozy novel.
I enjoyed the previous book (Bookclubbed to Death) more than this one. This one had three female writers fighting with each other, over and over, until I was bored with it. I also skipped all the parts of Sam's novel - don't like the writing at all. I have bought a few of the earlier ones in this series and hope they are better than this one. Samantha has had her novel published and is attending a book fair at the local university, when she encounters the three novelists who bicker, snipe and threaten each other. One by one, they're not so bad. Then the publicist for one is poisoned at the awards banquet - one of them did it, or was it someone else. The police detective tells Samantha it's up to her to investigate and find the killer!! She gets her grandma and grandma's friends to help her. So silly and so unrealistic. By the time I finished I didn't care anymore. I like the relationship between Sam and her fiance and the poodles, which is why I didn't give this two stars.
I enjoyed the previous book (Bookclubbed to Death) more than this one. This one had three female writers fighting with each other, over and over, until I was bored with it. I also skipped all the parts of Sam's novel - don't like the writing at all. I have bought a few of the earlier ones in this series and hope they are better than this one. Samantha has had her novel published and is attending a book fair at the local university, when she encounters the three novelists who bicker, snipe and threaten each other. One by one, they're not so bad. Then the publicist for one is poisoned at the awards banquet - one of them did it, or was it someone else. The police detective tells Samantha it's up to her to investigate and find the killer!! She gets her grandma and grandma's friends to help her. So silly and so unrealistic. By the time I finished I didn't care anymore. I like the relationship between Sam and her fiance and the poodles, which is why I didn't give this two stars.
July 23, 2023
What fun to go on a book tour with Sam Washington. Thank you to #NetGalley for a chance to spend time with Sam, finally touring her published book! As exciting as it is to sit on panels at the event you know that trouble is going to follow Sam and everyone supporting her. At what is supposed to be an Awards Ceremony and Dinner, the squabbling Sam had observed between several of her panel mates turns deadly. Who did the deadly deed and did they actually get the victim they were aiming for? Was this about the publishing world or was it more personal? Definitely worth investing time to find out.
January 25, 2025
I cannot say enough good things about this series. It is definitely in my top five. The growth of the main character and the top notch writing make this a must read cozy!
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
July 1, 2023
Samantha Washington, bookseller and former teacher is at a book festival/writer's conference at a university in Michigan. She feels out of place among all the noted authors, but her marvelous Nana Jo, the feisty seniors from the retirement village, and Sam's fiance, Frank, (an ex-military man who is currently a local restauranteur), are close by to support her in her presence at the event (and later in sleuthing). During a gala in the evening an author is poisoned but does not appear to have been the intended target as that honor seems to belong to a pair of contentious authors with personal history. Let the sleuthing begin! It's a great read with plenty of realistic fun characters, plot twists, and red herrings!
Sam’s historical mystery (which she is writing throughout the contemporary sleuthing), Murder at Wickfield Lodge, is set in a country home in 1939 England is also a good cosy mystery that mirrors the other.
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!
#CrimeWritersOfColor
Sam’s historical mystery (which she is writing throughout the contemporary sleuthing), Murder at Wickfield Lodge, is set in a country home in 1939 England is also a good cosy mystery that mirrors the other.
I requested and received an EARC from Kensington Books/Kensington Cozies via NetGalley. Thank you!
#CrimeWritersOfColor
November 30, 2023
Murder on Tour by V.M. Burns is the ninth book in the Mystery Bookshop series, but like most cozy mystery books, you can enjoy it without having read the other books. This is the fourth book I’ve read in the series, and I completely enjoyed it. One of my favorite things about this series is that I get to read two cozy mystery books in one!
Samantha (Sam) Washington owns the Market Street Mysteries bookstore, and she’s a newly published author of the historical cozy mystery book, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. In Murder on Tour, Samantha is asked to join a book tour being held locally. She’s surprised, of course, since she’s a new author, and the others are best-selling, popular authors. When she finds out why she was invited, her happy bubble bursts. When a publicist is murdered at a cocktail reception, Sam finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation.
Sam’s grandma, Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres Retirement Village are ready to start snooping and phoning their contacts as soon as they hear about the murder. Ruby Mae, one of Nana Jo’s friends, is one of my favorite characters. She’s got an extensive number of contacts just because she’s got such an extremely large family. Someone in the family always knows someone who can get the information. I imagine just being in Ruby Mae’s company would calm me. I love how she’s always knitting for one of that huge network of family and family friends. Even if you’ve not read any of the series, you’ll be able to appreciate the characters and the roles they play. Some of the characters that I’ve grown fond of don’t appear much in this book, so I think you should go back and read some more!
I enjoyed how the mystery played out. Being an avid cozy mystery fan, I did figure things out pretty quickly, but I’ve solved a lot of crimes (you know, in books). The secondary story is Sam’s follow-up novel, so she works on it when she needs to escape the real world. The “real” mystery and the one in Sam’s new book mirror each other. I’m a huge fan of the British historical cozy, so I really liked reading about what was going on at the manor house. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that cozy mystery books are all fluff. Sure, there’s some fluff. We want to enjoy that cozy feeling that reading this type of book brings. In one scene, Nana Jo is giving Sam some good advice. She tells her that with all of the bad, messed up stuff going on in the real world, we need an “escape to maintain our sanity.” True, Nana Jo.
I highly recommend Murder on Tour! I think you’ll love the characters, the bookshop setting, and both of the cozy mysteries!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
Samantha (Sam) Washington owns the Market Street Mysteries bookstore, and she’s a newly published author of the historical cozy mystery book, Murder at Wickfield Lodge. In Murder on Tour, Samantha is asked to join a book tour being held locally. She’s surprised, of course, since she’s a new author, and the others are best-selling, popular authors. When she finds out why she was invited, her happy bubble bursts. When a publicist is murdered at a cocktail reception, Sam finds herself smack dab in the middle of another murder investigation.
Sam’s grandma, Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres Retirement Village are ready to start snooping and phoning their contacts as soon as they hear about the murder. Ruby Mae, one of Nana Jo’s friends, is one of my favorite characters. She’s got an extensive number of contacts just because she’s got such an extremely large family. Someone in the family always knows someone who can get the information. I imagine just being in Ruby Mae’s company would calm me. I love how she’s always knitting for one of that huge network of family and family friends. Even if you’ve not read any of the series, you’ll be able to appreciate the characters and the roles they play. Some of the characters that I’ve grown fond of don’t appear much in this book, so I think you should go back and read some more!
I enjoyed how the mystery played out. Being an avid cozy mystery fan, I did figure things out pretty quickly, but I’ve solved a lot of crimes (you know, in books). The secondary story is Sam’s follow-up novel, so she works on it when she needs to escape the real world. The “real” mystery and the one in Sam’s new book mirror each other. I’m a huge fan of the British historical cozy, so I really liked reading about what was going on at the manor house. Don’t ever let anyone tell you that cozy mystery books are all fluff. Sure, there’s some fluff. We want to enjoy that cozy feeling that reading this type of book brings. In one scene, Nana Jo is giving Sam some good advice. She tells her that with all of the bad, messed up stuff going on in the real world, we need an “escape to maintain our sanity.” True, Nana Jo.
I highly recommend Murder on Tour! I think you’ll love the characters, the bookshop setting, and both of the cozy mysteries!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book. All views expressed are only my honest opinion.
March 21, 2024
Two cozy mysteries in One!
I thank author Valerie (V. M.) Burns for selecting me to receive this book in an online giveaway.
I have loved this author’s books, but had not read this mystery.
The storyline and the lovable characters made for an easy, though too quick read. I almost read it in one sitting!
There are two mysteries within this book: The mystery happening in the present, plus the mystery that the protagonist is writing. The setting of that mystery is in England. Both came to a very satisfying end.
I did not guess whodunnit, and it was not until the very end that one finds out who the murderer was. It was very twisted, and when you thought you knew who it was, it turns out it was someone else. Brilliant.
I highly recommend this, and anything that Ms. Burns writes.
I thank author Valerie (V. M.) Burns for selecting me to receive this book in an online giveaway.
I have loved this author’s books, but had not read this mystery.
The storyline and the lovable characters made for an easy, though too quick read. I almost read it in one sitting!
There are two mysteries within this book: The mystery happening in the present, plus the mystery that the protagonist is writing. The setting of that mystery is in England. Both came to a very satisfying end.
I did not guess whodunnit, and it was not until the very end that one finds out who the murderer was. It was very twisted, and when you thought you knew who it was, it turns out it was someone else. Brilliant.
I highly recommend this, and anything that Ms. Burns writes.
November 25, 2023
Samantha Washington is on your for her first published book. She's also writing a book in this book and you get to read it. She is going to a book festival with other authors. She's introduced to some interesting authors who seem to hate each other. They are constantly fighting. Later at a book event, there's more fighting between the authors and then a book publicist dies from drinking champagne. It looks to be poison. Detective Pitt enlists Samantha to help find the killer.
This book didn't quite hook me right away. But I haven't read the beginning of the series. This one is probably best to read in order to truly know what's happening. This wasn't my favorite cozy mystery.
This book didn't quite hook me right away. But I haven't read the beginning of the series. This one is probably best to read in order to truly know what's happening. This wasn't my favorite cozy mystery.
January 24, 2024
Another entertaining read in the series. I love reading about Sam and the gang. I love that this was set at a mystery convention, too, but I hope it doesn't happen at one I attend. Fun story!
February 15, 2024
Just a fun light read.
April 21, 2024
Another wonderful novel.
I enjoy traveling to Michigan and visiting with old friends. I have to admit I miss Sam's mother so I hope she returns soon. I do wish I enjoyed spy cozys, but not my cup of tea, so the novel in the novel is wasted on me, but I know so many love the pre- war story.
I enjoy traveling to Michigan and visiting with old friends. I have to admit I miss Sam's mother so I hope she returns soon. I do wish I enjoyed spy cozys, but not my cup of tea, so the novel in the novel is wasted on me, but I know so many love the pre- war story.
November 29, 2023
Samantha is included in an author’s event and it’s bittersweet since she’s just a filler and there’s also a murder. While sitting on panels and signing books, Sam, Nana Jo and the gang are on the case. Can they figure out who killed one of the authors and why, or will they be the next chapter in the murderer’s story?
I adore VJ Burns books. She also has another series that I adore and they all involve the precious poodles! How can you not love a cozy series with dogs in it? The solid mystery and awesome characters are also great, so give this one a read and then you can binge on the others to catch up.
I adore VJ Burns books. She also has another series that I adore and they all involve the precious poodles! How can you not love a cozy series with dogs in it? The solid mystery and awesome characters are also great, so give this one a read and then you can binge on the others to catch up.
November 30, 2023
Murder on Tour is book #9 in the Mystery Bookshop series by V.M. Burns.
Another entertaining addition to the Mystery Bookshop series. I really enjoy the characters. My favorite part of the series is seeing how the characters grow over time and this does not disappoint. The mystery kept me guessing. Every time I thought I’d figured out who was guilty, there was another twist and I was wrong. It’s an extra treat that we get a book within a book.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Another entertaining addition to the Mystery Bookshop series. I really enjoy the characters. My favorite part of the series is seeing how the characters grow over time and this does not disappoint. The mystery kept me guessing. Every time I thought I’d figured out who was guilty, there was another twist and I was wrong. It’s an extra treat that we get a book within a book.
Thank you to the author, Kensington Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
November 24, 2023
I love these mysteries and enjoying hanging out with Sam and Nana Jo. I wish Irma had been more present in this book though as she is my favorite character. I find myself more drawn to the Wickfield Lodge mysteries mixed in with the cozy as I particularly admired Sam's skill with England on the brink of war and engaging the reader. It was fun getting lost in the story for a while. I figured out whodunit but I still liked the journey to the end. I delight in almost anything VM Burns writes and I look forward to what I hope are many more in this series.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
My thanks to Kensington Cozies and Netgalley for this ARC.
November 28, 2023
Great book. Its always a pleasure to read this series, your getting 2 books in one. Welcome back to Market Street Mysteries and Sam and lets not forget Nana Jo. Fun series with lots of plot twists and turns, quirky characters and just a fun read.
December 3, 2023
"While Sam wraps up her first whirlwind book tour, Nana Jo has kept Market Street Mysteries running smoothly. The last stop is a prestigious book festival in Sam’s hometown of North Harbor, Michigan. But not everyone thinks the guest of honor, bestselling author Judith Hunter, deserves stellar reviews. Sam witnesses nasty arguments between Judith and two different authors—who accuse her of plagiarism and sabotage."
There is a killer among them. Who is it? I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book..
There is a killer among them. Who is it? I received a complimentary copy from the publisher and NetGalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book..
November 12, 2023
Murder on Tour is the ninth cozy mystery in the Mystery Bookshop series. Sam Washington, author and mystery bookshop owner, is asked to sit on a panel at a writers convention in town. This honor sounds great until Sam comes face to face with the drama between her other panelists. When one of the attendees of the conference ends up poised, Sam and her clan of elderly sleuths are on the case.
I have read every book in this series and always love revisiting Sam and her friends. This latest mystery was another great addition to this series. The characters in this series are humorous and fun to follow around and Sam’s deduction skills are on point. I have always enjoyed the way the authors ties two different stories together in this series to make one book. There is always the main, current day, mystery and the mystery set in the past in England that Sam is working on for her next book. This approach is very creative and does wonders for this series.
I always look forward to seeing what’s going to come next I’m this series and I think this was one of my favorite mysteries in this series so far. If you are a cozy mystery fan, give this a try! I can’t wait to see what comes next for Sam and the gang!
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
I have read every book in this series and always love revisiting Sam and her friends. This latest mystery was another great addition to this series. The characters in this series are humorous and fun to follow around and Sam’s deduction skills are on point. I have always enjoyed the way the authors ties two different stories together in this series to make one book. There is always the main, current day, mystery and the mystery set in the past in England that Sam is working on for her next book. This approach is very creative and does wonders for this series.
I always look forward to seeing what’s going to come next I’m this series and I think this was one of my favorite mysteries in this series so far. If you are a cozy mystery fan, give this a try! I can’t wait to see what comes next for Sam and the gang!
Thanks for NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC of this book!
July 17, 2023
A fairly typical cozy from the long running Mystery Bookshop series.
Sam Washington, bookstore owner and new published author, is at the last stop on her book tour at the North Harbor Book festival. The festival is in Sam's hometown making it easy for regular characters to show up. Tensions are high between the guest of honor Judith Hunter and another author Nora Cooper who claims that Judith stole her book, a scene Sam accidently eavesdrops on. Later at the festival's banquet, another guest dies after drinking Judith's poisoned champaign. Sam jumps in to solve the crime.
Overall, I was disappointed in this book. The synopsis sounded great - a bookstore owner who’s written a mystery at a book festival! Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations, in part I'm guessing because it’s part of a long series. I got lost in all the characters, for one, and had trouble keeping track of them. It was also a little irritating the way the main detective was treated – very two-dimensional without much explanation why in the current book. In addition, there's bits of Sam's British cozy included. While I loved the idea of a book within a book, it meant there were another set of characters to keep track plus it felt like Sam's novel took a lot of momentum away from the main story - something interesting would happen in the main story, but then focus would switch to the British cozy. When the action switched back to the main story, I’d have to flip back a few pages to figure out where I was. I did like the quirky characters and their concern for each other, especially how everyone supported Sam when she was feeling inadequate, that she hadn’t written a ‘deep’ book like other authors at the festival.
In general, I think if you've read other stories in the series and have enjoyed them, you'll enjoy this one too. For new readers, I'd recommend starting at the first book instead.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.
Sam Washington, bookstore owner and new published author, is at the last stop on her book tour at the North Harbor Book festival. The festival is in Sam's hometown making it easy for regular characters to show up. Tensions are high between the guest of honor Judith Hunter and another author Nora Cooper who claims that Judith stole her book, a scene Sam accidently eavesdrops on. Later at the festival's banquet, another guest dies after drinking Judith's poisoned champaign. Sam jumps in to solve the crime.
Overall, I was disappointed in this book. The synopsis sounded great - a bookstore owner who’s written a mystery at a book festival! Unfortunately, it didn't live up to my expectations, in part I'm guessing because it’s part of a long series. I got lost in all the characters, for one, and had trouble keeping track of them. It was also a little irritating the way the main detective was treated – very two-dimensional without much explanation why in the current book. In addition, there's bits of Sam's British cozy included. While I loved the idea of a book within a book, it meant there were another set of characters to keep track plus it felt like Sam's novel took a lot of momentum away from the main story - something interesting would happen in the main story, but then focus would switch to the British cozy. When the action switched back to the main story, I’d have to flip back a few pages to figure out where I was. I did like the quirky characters and their concern for each other, especially how everyone supported Sam when she was feeling inadequate, that she hadn’t written a ‘deep’ book like other authors at the festival.
In general, I think if you've read other stories in the series and have enjoyed them, you'll enjoy this one too. For new readers, I'd recommend starting at the first book instead.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.
November 10, 2023
Author crafts a cozy in a cozy
Ms. Burns crafts a tale of a new cozy author trying to write a new book while promoting her last...and trying to solve a murder that occurred in front of her. The clues don't add up...but the body count does. Great cozy. I recommend it highly.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same
Ms. Burns crafts a tale of a new cozy author trying to write a new book while promoting her last...and trying to solve a murder that occurred in front of her. The clues don't add up...but the body count does. Great cozy. I recommend it highly.
I requested and received a NetGalley Arc to peruse gratis and offer my opinion in the same
August 22, 2023
Murder on Tour, the 9th novel in V.M. Burns's Mystery Bookshop series, maintains the high level of humor and intrigue that Ms. Burns brings to every book she writes.
Being invited to participate in a local book festival seems like the perfect end to her first book tour, but things quickly turn shaky when Samantha Washington overhears a conversation filled with threats and accusations. Being the low man on the totem pole as the writer of a historical cozy mystery among suspense authors, including one with a high successful release and a snobby attitude, is daunting enough but having an "in" to their secrets makes her position even more tenuous and that is before the murder. The big question isn't just who did the evil dead, but whether the victim was the person who was supposed to die.
Once again Sam's next historical mystery parallels the main mystery as she uses her writing to work through the twists and turns of the one in her real life.
I adore Sam and Frank as a couple and sure would love for them to get more time together but between his work with his restaurant and the time she spends at the bookstore, on her writing, and as an amateur detective, their time together is greatly limited. She loves that not only is he patient with her investigations, he is more than willing to offer his many assets in supporting her endeavors.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #KensingtonCozies #VMBurns #MysteryBookshop #MurderonTour
Being invited to participate in a local book festival seems like the perfect end to her first book tour, but things quickly turn shaky when Samantha Washington overhears a conversation filled with threats and accusations. Being the low man on the totem pole as the writer of a historical cozy mystery among suspense authors, including one with a high successful release and a snobby attitude, is daunting enough but having an "in" to their secrets makes her position even more tenuous and that is before the murder. The big question isn't just who did the evil dead, but whether the victim was the person who was supposed to die.
Once again Sam's next historical mystery parallels the main mystery as she uses her writing to work through the twists and turns of the one in her real life.
I adore Sam and Frank as a couple and sure would love for them to get more time together but between his work with his restaurant and the time she spends at the bookstore, on her writing, and as an amateur detective, their time together is greatly limited. She loves that not only is he patient with her investigations, he is more than willing to offer his many assets in supporting her endeavors.
#NetGalley #KensingtonBooks #KensingtonCozies #VMBurns #MysteryBookshop #MurderonTour
May 2, 2024
V.M Burns has written another enjoyable novel in the Mystery Bookshop series. Bookshop owner, Samantha Washington has published her first novel and is included in some of the panels at the North Harbor’s annual writers conference. After accidentally eves-dropping on a fight between authors, she is later pulled into their conversation at a banquet. When someone in the group collapses, she finds herself once again in the middle of a murder investigation. This time, the local detective not only tolerates her snooping, but requests her help in the investigation. The plot is well thought out, and the characters are interesting. Unfortunately, with so much time spent at the conference, the author is forced to give the usual troupe of supporting characters short shrift. Samantha’s Grandma Jo and all her colorful friends usually provide fantastic comedy relief. They were included in the book, but not to the usual degree.
In this series, V.M. Burns combines two separate plots. The protagonist always finds that things become clear if she lets her subconscious work through events while she works on her writing. The author alternates chapters between the current day mystery and the 1940’s British cozy that Samantha is writing. The reader gets the bonus of two mysteries in one novel.
I wish to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. I am a fan of this series and thought that this book was one of the best yet.
In this series, V.M. Burns combines two separate plots. The protagonist always finds that things become clear if she lets her subconscious work through events while she works on her writing. The author alternates chapters between the current day mystery and the 1940’s British cozy that Samantha is writing. The reader gets the bonus of two mysteries in one novel.
I wish to thank Kensington Books and NetGalley for a review copy of this book. I am a fan of this series and thought that this book was one of the best yet.
October 29, 2023
VM Burns delivers a complex and twisty mystery, the best in this series so far.
There's a light satire of the world of mystery writer with its rites and events, there's a sharp portrait of the world of writers with the rivalry and scandals
This is not a book that will change the world, those who can change the world are also a bit dangerous if read by the wrong people, but it's an entertaining, compelling, and well plotted story that kept me reading and guessing.
I was surprised by the final twist and thoroughly enjoyed how Samantha dealt with her new role as published writer.
Nana Jo and her friends are as lovely as usual.
I appreciated the character development and the excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
There's a light satire of the world of mystery writer with its rites and events, there's a sharp portrait of the world of writers with the rivalry and scandals
This is not a book that will change the world, those who can change the world are also a bit dangerous if read by the wrong people, but it's an entertaining, compelling, and well plotted story that kept me reading and guessing.
I was surprised by the final twist and thoroughly enjoyed how Samantha dealt with her new role as published writer.
Nana Jo and her friends are as lovely as usual.
I appreciated the character development and the excellent storytelling.
Highly recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
October 3, 2023
This is book nine in one of my favorite cozy series "Mystery Bookshop Series" by the very talented cozy author V.M. Burns. I have enjoyed this entire series and this is a series I recommend to all cozy readers for your reading enjoyment. Thank you to the publisher, the author and Net Galley for the opportunity . My review opinions are my own
This book includes every fun element cozy readers love. We have the wonderful protagnist Samantha on a book tour promoting her debut mystery novel. When she is invited to a elegant book festival she finds a publicist and author arguing in a heated fasion. When the publicist is murdered the crime is done to reflect the murder in Samantha's book. Soon Samantha and others are under suspicion and Samantha must clear her own name and find the rightful suspect.
This is a fun sleuth that kept this reader guessing from beginning to end. The characters are rich and all add to thre fun. Samantha has excellent investigative skills and is a interesting fun sleuth to follow. I look forward to the next in series. Well done to the author.
This book includes every fun element cozy readers love. We have the wonderful protagnist Samantha on a book tour promoting her debut mystery novel. When she is invited to a elegant book festival she finds a publicist and author arguing in a heated fasion. When the publicist is murdered the crime is done to reflect the murder in Samantha's book. Soon Samantha and others are under suspicion and Samantha must clear her own name and find the rightful suspect.
This is a fun sleuth that kept this reader guessing from beginning to end. The characters are rich and all add to thre fun. Samantha has excellent investigative skills and is a interesting fun sleuth to follow. I look forward to the next in series. Well done to the author.
September 7, 2023
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of MURDER ON TOUR (Book 9 of the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries) by V.M. Burns in exchange for an honest review. At the conclusion, of her first book tour, Sam is honored to participate as a panel member at a local book festival in her hometown. However, the headliner’s contentious relationship with the other panel authors is making the experience less pleasant than expected. The festival atmosphere takes another downturn when someone is poisoned at a cocktail reception. With accusations of plagiarism and sabotage to be resolved and with a murder to be solved, it looks like Sam, Nana Jo, and the Shady Acres crew have another case to investigate.
I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, bookshops, authors, WWII intrigues, loyal canine friends, and feisty elderly relatives (real and honorary).
#MurderonTour #NetGalley
I liked this book and enjoy the series. I recommend the series to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, bookshops, authors, WWII intrigues, loyal canine friends, and feisty elderly relatives (real and honorary).
#MurderonTour #NetGalley
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