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Booked
A despised landlord. A bookstore owner turned accidental sleuth. Can she inventory her books and the suspects in time?
Dena Russo is starting a new chapter of her life in Sugar Springs, Colorado—sinking all her money and energy into launching a bookstore during the Grand Opening of the Sugar Mill Marketplace. She’s near the end of her trope, however, as she attempts to turn her novel idea into reality, especially when faced with the ultimate plot twist. Sure, everyone despises the Marketplace landlord, but nobody expected he’d turn up dead!
Dena uncovers dark secrets and lies, perhaps spelling the end of everything she wanted from her move to Sugar Springs and destroying the Marketplace before it even opens. With unanswered questions and accusations threatening to close the book forever on the Marketplace and perhaps the entire town of Sugar Springs, Dena attempts to decipher who hated enough to murder. Can Dena get the killer booked before the entire Sugar Mill Marketplace gets shelved?
BOOKED is the first book in the Sugar Mill Marketplace Mystery series. If you enjoy laugh-filled cozy mysteries with complex and quirky characters, lots of twists and turns, and pages you can’t stop turning, then you’ll love Becky Clark’s fun, fast fiction. Be sure to read the prequel novella RAT RACE first, as it sets the stage for the first few books in the series.
Be a little bit shelf-ish and buy BOOKED for your Kindle today!
Dena Russo is starting a new chapter of her life in Sugar Springs, Colorado—sinking all her money and energy into launching a bookstore during the Grand Opening of the Sugar Mill Marketplace. She’s near the end of her trope, however, as she attempts to turn her novel idea into reality, especially when faced with the ultimate plot twist. Sure, everyone despises the Marketplace landlord, but nobody expected he’d turn up dead!
Dena uncovers dark secrets and lies, perhaps spelling the end of everything she wanted from her move to Sugar Springs and destroying the Marketplace before it even opens. With unanswered questions and accusations threatening to close the book forever on the Marketplace and perhaps the entire town of Sugar Springs, Dena attempts to decipher who hated enough to murder. Can Dena get the killer booked before the entire Sugar Mill Marketplace gets shelved?
BOOKED is the first book in the Sugar Mill Marketplace Mystery series. If you enjoy laugh-filled cozy mysteries with complex and quirky characters, lots of twists and turns, and pages you can’t stop turning, then you’ll love Becky Clark’s fun, fast fiction. Be sure to read the prequel novella RAT RACE first, as it sets the stage for the first few books in the series.
Be a little bit shelf-ish and buy BOOKED for your Kindle today!
- GenresMystery
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 20, 2023
85 people are currently reading
97 people want to read
About the author
Becky Clark
27 books301 followersBecky Clark is the seventh of eight kids, which explains both her insatiable need for attention and her atrocious table manners. She likes to read funny books so it felt natural to write them too. She surrounds herself with quirky people and pets who end up as characters in her books. Her stout-hearted dog keeps her safe from menacing squirrels, leaves, and deer, but not plastic bags. Those things are terrifying.
Readers say her books are “fast and thoroughly entertaining” with “witty humor and tight writing” and “humor laced with engaging characters” so you should “grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride.” They also say “Warning: You will laugh out loud. I’m not kidding,” and “If you like Janet Evanovich, you will like Becky Clark.”
She writes the Dunne Diehl novels (with Ted Hardwick), the Mystery Writer's Mysteries, and the upcoming Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, as well as some low-calorie cookbooks, and a how-to book about writing a novel, "Eight Weeks to a Complete Novel: Write Faster, Write Better, Be More Organized."
Visit https://beckyclarkbooks.com/ for all kinds of fun. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to her "So Seldom It's Shameful" newsletter. http://beckyclarkbooks.com/subscribe
You'll hear about new releases, maybe win some prizes, find out about book promotions from her and others, read interviews from new-to-you authors, and more. (As you might have gleaned from the title, she won't inundate your inbox, either.)
Join Becky's private group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Becky... for even more shenanigans and at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/author/beckyclark).
If you enjoy her books, she’d swoon if you left a review. Yes, swoon.
Here's a 2014 Q&A interview of her from Pikes Peak Writers in case you haven't overdosed on All Things Becky ... http://pikespeakwriters.blogspot.com/...
Readers say her books are “fast and thoroughly entertaining” with “witty humor and tight writing” and “humor laced with engaging characters” so you should “grab a cocktail and enjoy the ride.” They also say “Warning: You will laugh out loud. I’m not kidding,” and “If you like Janet Evanovich, you will like Becky Clark.”
She writes the Dunne Diehl novels (with Ted Hardwick), the Mystery Writer's Mysteries, and the upcoming Crossword Puzzle Mysteries, as well as some low-calorie cookbooks, and a how-to book about writing a novel, "Eight Weeks to a Complete Novel: Write Faster, Write Better, Be More Organized."
Visit https://beckyclarkbooks.com/ for all kinds of fun. While you're there, be sure to subscribe to her "So Seldom It's Shameful" newsletter. http://beckyclarkbooks.com/subscribe
You'll hear about new releases, maybe win some prizes, find out about book promotions from her and others, read interviews from new-to-you authors, and more. (As you might have gleaned from the title, she won't inundate your inbox, either.)
Join Becky's private group on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/Becky... for even more shenanigans and at Amazon (https://www.amazon.com/author/beckyclark).
If you enjoy her books, she’d swoon if you left a review. Yes, swoon.
Here's a 2014 Q&A interview of her from Pikes Peak Writers in case you haven't overdosed on All Things Becky ... http://pikespeakwriters.blogspot.com/...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
April 20, 2023
Booked, the first installment in a planned 15-book cozy mystery series set at the Sugar Mill Marketplace, is delight to read! Author Becky Clark has created a quaint town full of shops and memorable characters. It is a terrific kick off for her new series!
Dena Russo is the new proprietor of Thrice Sold Tales, a bookstore in the soon-to-be-opened Sugar Mill Marketplace, a shopping mall created from a rehabbed sugar mill. Other stores in the marketplace include a cheese shop, bakery, chocolate shop, and photo studio, each of which are cleverly named. Despite the variety of vendors, all of them share a common dislike of the grouchy landlord. When he is murdered, there are (at least) a marketplace of suspects who could have done the deed. And with several of the shopkeepers pondering whether the Grand Opening will take place on time, it is up to Dena, with a little help from her friends (and a precocious cat named Balaam) to solve the crime.
I really like Dena. She is smart, practical, and imminently relatable, with a refreshing (and sometimes pointed) sense of humor. I will enjoy getting to know her even better in the upcoming books. The other shopkeepers each have an intriguing aspect to them. My favorite is the husband/wife team who runs the photo studio. Their interplay provides some of the most engaging moments of the story. The mystery, as is always the case in Ms. Clark’s books, is intriguing and well-plotted, with a ready list of suspects and a variety of clues, cues, and red herrings that will keep you guessing throughout. The resolution was quite satisfying!
The Sugar Mill Marketplace series is ambitious and unique. It is projected to be a 15-book series, comprised of 5 trilogies, with each trilogy set at one of the shops at the Marketplace. I really like the idea of mixing things up a bit and concentrating on each of the varied (and interesting) shops. Often in cozy mysteries, you are left wondering about the other shops in the town as the focus is always on the protagonist’s store. Speaking of new perspectives, Booked is also unique in that it is not solely focused on Dena’s viewpoint. Instead, chapters are presented from the points of view of the various shopkeepers in the mall. While I’m generally not a fan of head-hopping, Ms. Clark handled this so deftly, titling each chapter with the viewpoint character’s name, that after the first few transitions, I hardly noticed.
Book yourself an afternoon off to enjoy Booked. It is light, entertaining, and well-worth the read. And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up the prequel novella, Rat Race.
Note: I received an ARC of Booked from the author. The above is my honest review.
Dena Russo is the new proprietor of Thrice Sold Tales, a bookstore in the soon-to-be-opened Sugar Mill Marketplace, a shopping mall created from a rehabbed sugar mill. Other stores in the marketplace include a cheese shop, bakery, chocolate shop, and photo studio, each of which are cleverly named. Despite the variety of vendors, all of them share a common dislike of the grouchy landlord. When he is murdered, there are (at least) a marketplace of suspects who could have done the deed. And with several of the shopkeepers pondering whether the Grand Opening will take place on time, it is up to Dena, with a little help from her friends (and a precocious cat named Balaam) to solve the crime.
I really like Dena. She is smart, practical, and imminently relatable, with a refreshing (and sometimes pointed) sense of humor. I will enjoy getting to know her even better in the upcoming books. The other shopkeepers each have an intriguing aspect to them. My favorite is the husband/wife team who runs the photo studio. Their interplay provides some of the most engaging moments of the story. The mystery, as is always the case in Ms. Clark’s books, is intriguing and well-plotted, with a ready list of suspects and a variety of clues, cues, and red herrings that will keep you guessing throughout. The resolution was quite satisfying!
The Sugar Mill Marketplace series is ambitious and unique. It is projected to be a 15-book series, comprised of 5 trilogies, with each trilogy set at one of the shops at the Marketplace. I really like the idea of mixing things up a bit and concentrating on each of the varied (and interesting) shops. Often in cozy mysteries, you are left wondering about the other shops in the town as the focus is always on the protagonist’s store. Speaking of new perspectives, Booked is also unique in that it is not solely focused on Dena’s viewpoint. Instead, chapters are presented from the points of view of the various shopkeepers in the mall. While I’m generally not a fan of head-hopping, Ms. Clark handled this so deftly, titling each chapter with the viewpoint character’s name, that after the first few transitions, I hardly noticed.
Book yourself an afternoon off to enjoy Booked. It is light, entertaining, and well-worth the read. And, if you haven’t already done so, be sure to pick up the prequel novella, Rat Race.
Note: I received an ARC of Booked from the author. The above is my honest review.
August 19, 2023
Becky Clark is a fine writer of light-hearted murder mysteries. In Booked, several quirky small business owners are setting up shop in the Sugar Mill Marketplace. They're having a tough time dealing with the marketplace management, so when the main guy dies (or is murdered), everyone is a suspect. Some of the fun comes when they begin to suspect each other. Booked is a good first book in what promises to be a very enjoyable series. I'm looking forward to reading #2.
June 8, 2023
This book was quite the funny activity to read. The new characters, omg. What a cast. Each one is quirky in their own way, with secrets that are not hidden by the usual suspects. It was entertaining seeing all the character accusations, trust and no trust bouncing around.
I liked the tight setting. Not a lot of filler settings, but I hope to expand a bit through the series outside of the Marketplace.
The pace seemed a bit slow for even a cozy (at least in my opinion), because no one seemed to want to take the lead. Does this mean a major joining of sleuths, or will they all be taking turns?
I guess I need to read the second one to find out! And I will! Worth the read to get to know these characters.
I liked the tight setting. Not a lot of filler settings, but I hope to expand a bit through the series outside of the Marketplace.
The pace seemed a bit slow for even a cozy (at least in my opinion), because no one seemed to want to take the lead. Does this mean a major joining of sleuths, or will they all be taking turns?
I guess I need to read the second one to find out! And I will! Worth the read to get to know these characters.
April 15, 2023
Booked is the first book in the new SugarMill Marketplace series by Becky Clark. It centers on a marketplace with five different shops - used bookstore, chocolatier, cheesemonger, bakery, and old time photography studio. This first installment focuses on Dena Russo, the owner of the bookstore, Thrice Told Tales. When the much hated landlord of the marketplace is found dead and the grand opening of the marketplace is threatened, Dena becomes a reluctant sleuth in an endeavor to save the marketplace.
Dena is a delightful character, with equal parts of practicality and self doubt. Her internal musings about both her own actions and the actions of others are frequently hilarious and entertaining. She also has good common sense, which helps her greatly when detecting. I loved Dena’s marketing ideas for both her bookstore and the marketplace as a whole, and I particularly enjoyed her confusion over the social media terms her children, Charlee and Lance, mentioned to her.
Author Becky Clark has also written several chapters from the point of view of the other merchants in the marketplace. While this is a technique frequently employed in domestic thrillers, it is not often used in cozy mysteries, and I found myself quite intrigued by knowing the points of view of some of the suspects in the midst of the mystery. Since there are future books planned that focus on the other shops and shopkeepers, this was a very good way to get acquainted with the various denizens of the marketplace. So far, my two favorite of the other merchants are Max and Evelyn, who run the old time photography studio.
The mystery was solid and when the killer was revealed, i was completely surprised by the motive.
This book is a great setup for the SugarMill Marketplace mysteries to follow. It introduces the characters and gives the reader a good foundation for further stories. Plus, there are some great recurring situations, such as the haiku poetry that mysteriously appears on the white board in the vendors’ area. There are currently fifteen books planned in the series - a trilogy for each shop. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series, Plotted, and to spending more time with Dena and her new friends.
Dena is a delightful character, with equal parts of practicality and self doubt. Her internal musings about both her own actions and the actions of others are frequently hilarious and entertaining. She also has good common sense, which helps her greatly when detecting. I loved Dena’s marketing ideas for both her bookstore and the marketplace as a whole, and I particularly enjoyed her confusion over the social media terms her children, Charlee and Lance, mentioned to her.
Author Becky Clark has also written several chapters from the point of view of the other merchants in the marketplace. While this is a technique frequently employed in domestic thrillers, it is not often used in cozy mysteries, and I found myself quite intrigued by knowing the points of view of some of the suspects in the midst of the mystery. Since there are future books planned that focus on the other shops and shopkeepers, this was a very good way to get acquainted with the various denizens of the marketplace. So far, my two favorite of the other merchants are Max and Evelyn, who run the old time photography studio.
The mystery was solid and when the killer was revealed, i was completely surprised by the motive.
This book is a great setup for the SugarMill Marketplace mysteries to follow. It introduces the characters and gives the reader a good foundation for further stories. Plus, there are some great recurring situations, such as the haiku poetry that mysteriously appears on the white board in the vendors’ area. There are currently fifteen books planned in the series - a trilogy for each shop. I am really looking forward to the next book in the series, Plotted, and to spending more time with Dena and her new friends.
April 20, 2023
Are you looking for light mysteries that will brighten your day and put a smile on your face? Sugar Mill Marketplace Mysteries is the series for you. The Marketplace is opening in 11 days. The eclectic mix of shop owners have Grand Opening jitters. Dena Russo is overwhelmed by the disarray of books she must organize for her used book store, Thrice Sold Tales. Plus, she needs Norbert Wallace, cantankerous owner of the Marketplace, to correct her lease before opening day. In fact, every one of the tenants has an unresolved issue with the prickly landlord. Complications ensue when the irascible Norbert is zinged with a fatal jolt of electricity. Was it an unfortunate accident? Or was it murder? The newly acquainted entrepreneurs look at each other suspiciously. Did one of them resort to murder to resolve their dispute with Norbert? However, they all agree that the ill-timed death was no accident. Did anyone else in Sugar Springs have a grievance with the crusty property owner? Ask around, and your answer will be…just about everyone. The shopkeepers fear that Norbert’s unresolved demise will scare potential customers away from the Grand Opening. Their fledgling businesses will be doomed before they have a chance to get started. Stop by the newly renovated Marketplace. Slip into the vendors’ lounge and find a corner table from which to watch the drama. There’s usually coffee available, and if you’re lucky, you can snag a free sample of Hugo’s chocolates, Skyler’s locally sourced cheese, or a tasty treat from Kober’s bakery. All the shops plan to be open for business in one more day. The clock is ticking. Can Dena solve the murder and save the Grand Opening? Tick..tick…tick.
April 20, 2023
A clever cozy mystery with unique characters and a fun setting!
Sugar Mill Marketplace is set be the revival the town of Sugar Springs, Colorado desperately needs... if only the tenants can make it to opening day. But as the clock ticks down and problems continue to rise, the chances of a successful launch dwindle. And when their awful landlord turns up dead, every single one of them has a reason to be his killer. With reporters more interested in a logline about a curse, than the truth and helping the Sugar Mill Marketplace get off the ground, the tenants will have to find the murderer in their midst before one of them becomes the next casualty.
This is the first book in the new series, and as such, Clark does a great job setting up the characters, their fun and quirky businesses, and their relationships to each other. Once our foundation is solidly built, the suspense and suspicion grow exponentially with more victims and a wild whodunnit ride that will keep you guessing straight to the end.
A well done cozy with high stakes and a great cast, I can't wait to read the next book.
Sugar Mill Marketplace is set be the revival the town of Sugar Springs, Colorado desperately needs... if only the tenants can make it to opening day. But as the clock ticks down and problems continue to rise, the chances of a successful launch dwindle. And when their awful landlord turns up dead, every single one of them has a reason to be his killer. With reporters more interested in a logline about a curse, than the truth and helping the Sugar Mill Marketplace get off the ground, the tenants will have to find the murderer in their midst before one of them becomes the next casualty.
This is the first book in the new series, and as such, Clark does a great job setting up the characters, their fun and quirky businesses, and their relationships to each other. Once our foundation is solidly built, the suspense and suspicion grow exponentially with more victims and a wild whodunnit ride that will keep you guessing straight to the end.
A well done cozy with high stakes and a great cast, I can't wait to read the next book.
April 19, 2023
Eleven days until the Grand Opening of the Sugar Mill Marketplace. None of the tenants are ready or have organized the various tasks involved in an opening of a business—let alone for the entire enterprises. Dana, owner of the Thrice Sold Tales, is busy organizing her shelves and keeping an eye out for the development owner and manager, Norbert, of the Marketplace who was expected to bring new papers for her lease. But that isn’t going to happen since Dana had talked to Norbert who was doing some electrical work but she later finds him electrocuted. Now begins the search of who was responsible. I find Becky Clark’s books to be thoroughly enjoyable for the witty dialogue and the jargon. I love keeping my iPhone handy to Google her expressions. Thanks to the author for an ARC of this book; the review is my honest opinion. Can’t wait till the next Sugar Mill Marketplace!
April 20, 2023
Booked is the first book in Becky Clark’s new mystery series, Sugar Mill Marketplace. I loved so many things about this book. The setting is a repurposed historical building in a small town. It breaks my heart to see old buildings torn down, so I’m thrilled with this setting. Chapters are devoted to different characters, allowing the reader to know what is going on in the minds of the other characters. I’ve never read anything like this, I really enjoyed it. Characters are quirky, yet relatable. The cleverly plotted mystery kept me guessing. My favorite thing about this book is that it’s funny. Ms. Clark definitely knows how to make people laugh. I’m so anxious to read the next book in the series. If you haven’t already, check out the prequel, Rat Race.
I received an advance digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
I received an advance digital copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 7, 2023
The Sugar Mill Marketplace is an old sugar mill renovated into shops set to open in a week. Dena is one of the shop owners frantically trying to get all her used books shelved and priced before the Grand Opening, along with a number of other shop owners. It seem like everyone is having problems with Norbert, the man who renovated and rents the shops, so when he is found dead there’s no shortage of suspects! The shop owners are now having second thoughts about the success of an opening following a death. This was an entertaining book with a slightly zany group of shops and owners. I loved the fun names of some of the shops like Thrice Sold Tales and Really Grate Cheese! I received a free copy of this book from the author and write this review voluntarily.
April 20, 2023
This was an enjoyable book to read. Dena Russo is getting settled into her new bookstore at the Marketplace in Sugar Springs, Colorado. Her fellow Marketplace vendors are also getting settled into their new businesses. The grand opening of the Marketplace is coming soon. Many of her fellow vendors have questions for Norbert Wallace, their unpopular landlord. Dena goes to confront Norbert about a problem with her Marketplace contract while he is doing electrical work at the Marketplace, only to discover his body sprawled on the floor of the second story of the Marketplace. What happened to Norbert? Was it foul play? Read this engaging book to find out. I highly recommend it to other cozy mystery readers. I received an ARC of this book, and the opinion expressed is strictly my own.
May 18, 2023
I loved the prequel for this series and can now say I also love Dena being on her own with a group of brand new friends at the Marketplace. Obviously being the first book, you have to read and find out who you can trust, but once that was done, I'd say Dena did pretty well for herself as far as friends go. These people had her back much better than her so-called friends in Santa Fe did!
All the fun and predicaments you've come to expect from this author's series is here too with Kober and her kids taking the spotlight for comedy relief. I wasn't sure at first whodunit but I started suspecting someone and ended up being right. The folks at the Marketplace finally got their grand opening, and now I can't wait to borrow the next book when it's out!
All the fun and predicaments you've come to expect from this author's series is here too with Kober and her kids taking the spotlight for comedy relief. I wasn't sure at first whodunit but I started suspecting someone and ended up being right. The folks at the Marketplace finally got their grand opening, and now I can't wait to borrow the next book when it's out!
April 13, 2023
Booked is the first full-length novel in the Sugar Hill Marketplace series. Dena Russo has moved to Sugar Hill and purchased a used book store, kind of her 'retirement plan/3rd act.' The story starts a little slow - there is a lot of character development before the 'action' starts! But, this is a cozy mystery, so you know someone's gonna get murdered (and easy to guess who)! It seems all of the tenants at the Sugar Hill Marketplace have something they resent about the victim. Once we learn about the murder, Ms Clark does a great job of laying down the clues - if you're paying real close attention, you can guess the murderer. Which is how I know it's a great book!
April 20, 2023
Grand Opening Day is approaching for the new Sugar Mill Marketplace. The owners of the 5 new shops are frantically trying to get their stores set up, the kinks worked out and publicity in place before the big day. But a suspicious death on the property is not the sort of publicity they had in mind. What or who is responsible, and can the truth be uncovered before all is lost and the plans for the Marketplace are ruined?
I loved the book! It is as if the book was tailored just for me. I love reading, baked goods, CHEESE, chocolate (but not as much as cheese) and I am an amateur photographer. If this place were real, I would be there daily.
I am sure you will love it too!
I loved the book! It is as if the book was tailored just for me. I love reading, baked goods, CHEESE, chocolate (but not as much as cheese) and I am an amateur photographer. If this place were real, I would be there daily.
I am sure you will love it too!
April 27, 2023
Booked at the Sugar Mill Marketplace is book #1 in the Sugar Mill Marketplace Mysteries series by Becky Clark.
Dena Russo is starting her new life in Sugar Springs by opening her bookstore.
The marketplace characters are very quirky and very different from each other. It is very easy to figure out who the victim would be and there are many suspects who made it clear how they felt about him. It started out slowly, but as the first book in the series, there is a lot of setup that takes place. The pace picks up and it is an enjoyable mystery.
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Dena Russo is starting her new life in Sugar Springs by opening her bookstore.
The marketplace characters are very quirky and very different from each other. It is very easy to figure out who the victim would be and there are many suspects who made it clear how they felt about him. It started out slowly, but as the first book in the series, there is a lot of setup that takes place. The pace picks up and it is an enjoyable mystery.
I received a free copy of the book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
April 16, 2023
Cozey mystery murders are an art form that Becky Clark has definitely concord her array characters are bold, vibrant and colorful drawing you into their personal stories then the intrigue of murder entices you further with its array of suspects and motives slipping in casual clues wrapped up in a plot that carries you through a little past present and dreams of a hopeful future keeping you turning page after wonderful page unable to put it down until you've reached its unexpected and climatic conclusion. Acquire " Booked " for hours of intriguing and enjoyable entertainment. Kat
April 20, 2023
Booked is the 1st book in the Sugar Mill Marketplace Mysteries by Becky Clark in which Dena and the Marketplace crew is greating ready for their grand opening of the Marketplace. Eveyrthing was going great until Norbert ends up dead in the Marketplace. Was he electrocuted or mudered? Dena decides to help the police by investgating the mystery herself. Could one of the others opening their shops be one of the muderer? Everyone is suspect until they aren't. What a great book! Didn't figure out the killer until another murder happen. I love this new series by Becky Clark.
April 21, 2023
The first full length book to feature Dena in her new venture as a bookstore owner. The Marketplace sounds like a great place to visit (apart from the murder!) and the shops' owners unique characters in their own right. Things did move a bit slower, as it's the first in the series and we're getting the setup. But hang in there and we also get mysterious haikus, an adorable cat, and plenty of humor to round out the book. The chapters from other POVs keep things interesting and the storyline moving. Looking forward to where it goes from here.
April 15, 2023
Good start for a new series. It kept me guessing. There are also surprises. Starting a new business is a challenge but toss in a murder or two and it almost becomes impossible. Interesting characters. Some likeable, others not so much. The story moves along from the viewpoint of several of the characters including a cat. I look forward to reading more adventures at the Sugar Mill Marketplace. Thanks to the author for providing a copy. My review is voluntary.
April 17, 2023
Becky Clark has done it again! Booked is the first book in a new series, The Sugar Mill Marketplace mysteries, that introduces us to a group of quirky, boisterous characters surrounding Dena Russo. Dena is the mother of Charlee Russo, a mystery author from the Mystery Writers mysteries. Murders and mysteries abound in this fast-paced, lively book with lots of twists and turns. I just can’t wsait for the next book in the series, Plotted.
August 24, 2023
Part of the reason for only 3 stars is my own personal preference - I really dislike having to reorient my thinking in each new chapter, as the perspective is from a different character. As such, I was halfway through before I was able to get the characters straight in my mind.
Sure, it's book 1, but there are a lot of story lines and backstories that are just left dangling.
SO, it was an okay read, but nothing to cause me to recommend it highly.
Sure, it's book 1, but there are a lot of story lines and backstories that are just left dangling.
SO, it was an okay read, but nothing to cause me to recommend it highly.
September 16, 2023
Murder or an Accident?
The opening of the new Sugar Mill Marketplace brings together a group of first-time shopkeepers of different ages and different backgrounds. Their need for success in this endeavor brings them together, especially when an event occurs that might threaten their grand opening and the future of the Marketplace. That event ... murder.
See how Dena, the bookstore owner, carries out her own investigation in order to save the opening.
The opening of the new Sugar Mill Marketplace brings together a group of first-time shopkeepers of different ages and different backgrounds. Their need for success in this endeavor brings them together, especially when an event occurs that might threaten their grand opening and the future of the Marketplace. That event ... murder.
See how Dena, the bookstore owner, carries out her own investigation in order to save the opening.
April 15, 2023
Well! Dena & the other shop keepers are getting ready for the grand opening of the old Sugar Mill. There are a lot of problems & the landlord is not good to set them right. Guess who gets himself murdered!! The book is written through the eyes/minds(?) of all the people in the shops + the cat! Other deaths do occur off site, so to speak. I stayed up rather too late as I had to finish this book!
April 22, 2023
This is book 1 in the new Sugar Mill Marketplace series and it's a great start. The book is well written, and the characters are quirky. Dena is a great protagonist. She's funny, smart and kind. With plenty of twists to keep you guessing and plenty of humor to keep you laughing, this book is a winner for me. I received a free copy of this book and I'm voluntarily providing an honest review.
April 21, 2023
Becky Clark hits it out of the park with this new series set in an old factory in Sugar Springs, Colorado.
A mixture of characters lend a perfect blend of fun. Dena, the protagonist, is relatable with a sense of humor that the reader catches glimpses of. Her side kicks are Skyler who runs a cheese shop. Hugo who runs a chocolate shop and is obsessed with Skyler. Kober who has four kids and is running a bakery and feeling completely overwhelmed. Evelyn and Max who take pictures of customers in costumes and has a very sassy cat, Balaam. I admit the characters, other than Dena, took time to warm up too, but once that happened, I was enjoying the book so much.
The story moved slow, initially, as the author introduced you to new characters. Eventually, the book moved quicker and was a fantastic read as you started caring about the characters and what was happening to them. The reader was exposed to Balaam’s thoughts which was a hoot. I loved the addition of the characters leaving Haiku’s on the community board. The murder got my attention, and I was fully invested in trying to solve it as I read. I loved how the author ended the book and can’t wait for the next story in the series.
Ms. Clark’s writing style never fails to grab me. Her writing is real to life and quite easy to follow. She knows just how much to give a reader and still keep them on their toes in trying to solve the mystery. Her humor and sarcasm comes through easily and adds a depth to her writing. I enjoyed the way she had each chapter be a characters point of view and yet was able to blend it all together so the reader didn’t feel confused.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
A mixture of characters lend a perfect blend of fun. Dena, the protagonist, is relatable with a sense of humor that the reader catches glimpses of. Her side kicks are Skyler who runs a cheese shop. Hugo who runs a chocolate shop and is obsessed with Skyler. Kober who has four kids and is running a bakery and feeling completely overwhelmed. Evelyn and Max who take pictures of customers in costumes and has a very sassy cat, Balaam. I admit the characters, other than Dena, took time to warm up too, but once that happened, I was enjoying the book so much.
The story moved slow, initially, as the author introduced you to new characters. Eventually, the book moved quicker and was a fantastic read as you started caring about the characters and what was happening to them. The reader was exposed to Balaam’s thoughts which was a hoot. I loved the addition of the characters leaving Haiku’s on the community board. The murder got my attention, and I was fully invested in trying to solve it as I read. I loved how the author ended the book and can’t wait for the next story in the series.
Ms. Clark’s writing style never fails to grab me. Her writing is real to life and quite easy to follow. She knows just how much to give a reader and still keep them on their toes in trying to solve the mystery. Her humor and sarcasm comes through easily and adds a depth to her writing. I enjoyed the way she had each chapter be a characters point of view and yet was able to blend it all together so the reader didn’t feel confused.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
April 12, 2023
A delightful story that will have you smiling with the humour. Dena owns the bookstore in the Marketplace and enjoys it. Unfortunately the landlord is despised to the point that someone murdered him. Dena decides to help investigate. A great beginning to a new series.
April 22, 2023
a really wonderful book! Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem to keep you entertained. The quirky complex and interesting characters are finding a place in my heart. I could not put it down! This is a real page turner and a must must read! I am looking forward to more by this author!
September 26, 2023
great book
I really liked this book. The Sugar Mill Marketplace was a great first book. There were 2 murders and Dena figured out who was involved. She opened her bookstore. I hope there are many more
I really liked this book. The Sugar Mill Marketplace was a great first book. There were 2 murders and Dena figured out who was involved. She opened her bookstore. I hope there are many more
April 23, 2023
A fun start to a new series! Snappy humor, quirky characters, and murders! What more do you need?
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October 9, 2023Cheese
Feta cheese is made of sheep's milk if it had any more than 20 % of goats cheese it is not Feta. Goats cheese is made entirely from goat milk
Feta cheese is made of sheep's milk if it had any more than 20 % of goats cheese it is not Feta. Goats cheese is made entirely from goat milk
April 21, 2023
This book was every good as the prequel. The book was well written and the storyline was interesting. There is a zany cast of characters with unique personalities. This is the beginning of the series and I was really impressed with the author’s ability to have fully developed her characters so early in the series. The mystery was fun to try to solve. This book should be on your TBR list right near the top.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
I received an arc of this book and voluntarily provided a review.
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