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A Gallery Cafe Mystery #1

Murder in the Gallery

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An art gallery cafe, a dream, and…..murder.

Lola has been working in the Gallery Cafe for her Uncle Iggy for a long time. She loves working in this business and dreams that she will one day be able to take it over from her Uncle. The small town of Fawnwood is the perfect location for this quaint bit of art and coffee.

Lola loves working for her Uncle. She made arrangements with him to allow her best friend, Polly, to display some of her own artwork. When Uncle Iggy turns up dead, it turns the town upside down. Everyone loved Uncle Iggy, or so they say. Lola didn’t want to take over the business like this, but this murder meant that someone was trying to take over the gallery.

Investigating with Polly and with the help of Tetley, her pet rabbit, Lola uncovers old secrets, and unexpected suspects, which could put all their lives in danger.

177 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 6, 2023

40 people are currently reading
71 people want to read

About the author

Sydney Tate

18 books31 followers

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5 stars
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39 (35%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews
Profile Image for Dafne .
80 reviews1 follower
October 24, 2025
It was a simple and short thriller, ... As, the plot progressed we learn more about the character and the situation.
It was medium - paced. Only thing is it led me to believe there is more to it, like the big reveal. There was one but it was a short one, but the book kept me hooked from the beginning.

I kinda of needed this to rebound, cause I felt myself slipping into a slump.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,151 reviews76 followers
September 3, 2023
Great setting , the characters are solid with depth and the descriptions are enough to feed the imagination. Lola gets to the Gallery Cafe for her shift to find her Uncle Iggy dead . With her flatmate Polly she tries to investigate after Polly tells her she can’t be her alibi as she wasn’t home last night but with Detective Harry and Chief Crust forbidding her from interfering in a police investigation as it is a felony to do so, they need to tread very carefully…secrets and lies? It seems to Lola that there’s a lot she didn’t know… Lots of surprises and suspects aplenty ,the amateur sleuths have their work cut out for them. A wonderful cosy mystery that ticks all the boxes thanks to this amazing mystery Author’s writing style .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
335 reviews6 followers
April 6, 2023
Secrets and suspicions

Loia works at the Gallery Cafe, a cafe that displays local artists works. When she arrives at work one morning she finds her beloved Uncle Izzy dead. Detective Harry arrives a few seconds behind her and informs her that the death is not from natural causes. He tells her she must leave the pemises and most importantly not do any kind of investigating of her own. Of course that means she will do the opposite and with her BFF and roommate Polly she looks into her uncle's death and his dealings. Suspects abound in their small town as many secrets about her friendsand neighbors are revealed.
Disclaimer
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
1,021 reviews9 followers
April 7, 2023
Superb mystery!

I loved this story and was totally captivated from start to finish never knowing what to expect next. This is the second book I’ve read by Sydney Tate and I can’t wait to read more.

I read this book as part of an advance reader team and am providing my honest opinion.
961 reviews4 followers
April 8, 2023
A Murder With Many Suspects!

by Barbara Kelley

"Murder in the Gallery" is Book 1 of A Gallery Cafe Mystery series, written by Sydney Tate. This book follows Lola, a 20 something young woman who is apprentice to her artist uncle, Uncle Iggy. He owns the Gallery Cafe, a cafe and art gallery all-in-one. Uncle Iggy is loved by everybody, but when his niece, Lola, finds his murdered body in the cafe, she realizes that there is at least one person in Fawnwood who apparently didn't love him. With the help of her best friend and roommate, Polly, who wants to be the next Miss Marple, only younger, Lola sets out to find out who murdered her beloved uncle. She is warned by the Chief of Police in Fawnwood, as well as by Police Detective "Handsome" Harry, to leave the detective work to the police department, but the department has a habit of arresting the wrong person in a crime. They currently have a suspect in jail, but won't tell Lola and Polly who that suspect is. While disobeying the police chief and Detective Harry, the two amateur sleuths find several suspects, including a rival coffee cafe owner, several local artists for the upcoming gallery art symposium, and even Uncle Iggy's wife. Who could have killed Uncle Iggy, and why would they? I gave this book 5 stars because it kept my interest. There was only one paragraph that didn't make since: how could one of the character's be reading a magazine, if he had his hands folded behind his head? Anyway, I look forward to reading book 2 in the series when it arrives.

I received a copy via booksprout and this is my voluntary honest review.
Profile Image for Jane litherland.
4,151 reviews76 followers
September 3, 2023
Great setting , the characters are solid with depth and the descriptions are enough to feed the imagination. Lola gets to the Gallery Cafe for her shift to find her Uncle Iggy dead . With her flatmate Polly she tries to investigate after Polly tells her she can’t be her alibi as she wasn’t home last night but with Detective Harry and Chief Crust forbidding her from interfering in a police investigation as it is a felony to do so, they need to tread very carefully…secrets and lies? It seems to Lola that there’s a lot she didn’t know… Lots of surprises and suspects aplenty ,the amateur sleuths have their work cut out for them. A wonderful cosy mystery that ticks all the boxes thanks to this amazing mystery Author’s writing style .

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
145 reviews1 follower
April 8, 2023
Lola arrives for work thinking it will a great day working with her Uncle Iggy. She had no idea she would find him dead just as Detective Harry was coming for his morning coffee. Lola and her friend/roommate Polly begin trying to figure out what happened even though Lola promised the police she would not interfere in any way with their murder investigation. Lola and Polly find the Iggy had a lot of secrets and also that he had left the business and a sizable sum of money to Lola. Polly and Lola do find the killer and in doing so find themselves in danger. Detective Harry arrives with his co-workers just in time.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Robin Smith.
316 reviews3 followers
April 6, 2023
Upon opening the Gallery Cafe one morning, Lola finds her Uncle Iggy murdered. With the help of her roommate Polly, and against the advice of the police, Lola asks questions and tries to find out what happened. Likeable and relatable characters, lots of twists and turns, and a compelling mystery. I enjoyed trying to figure out what was really going on amidst all of the secrets. This was a new to me author, and I will definitely continue with this series! I received an ARC of this book from the author, and this is my honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Michelle.
1,558 reviews15 followers
April 7, 2023
Great mystery

This book starts a little slow with some of the prose being overly simplistic. By that I mean things are explained in detail that is unnecessary. As the story goes on you get drawn into the world and find a really good book. The plot is intricate without being over complicated. There are lots of suspects and clues to ponder, even a red herring or two to throw you off your detective game. The ending is unexpected and satisfying. All in all an enjoyable book.
I received an ARC from the author. This is my honest review.
347 reviews
April 9, 2023
Poor Uncle Iggy, such a nice guy, but boy did he have secrets. How many and which one got him killed, only time and reading this great book will solve that riddle. Murder in the Gallery has wonderful characters and lots of twists and turns with layer upon layer of secrets intertwining and developing into another secret. It should take you quite some time to ferret out this killer and the mystery behind Uncle Iggy's murder, but that is the fun of a great mystery book. Isn't it?.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Shelly Joyce .
1,534 reviews12 followers
April 8, 2023
Murder in the Gallery is the first book in the
Gallery Cafe Mystery series. The mystery was complicated and very well-plotted. I really enjoyed the artist theme and all the background provided about the work entailed to pull off a successful gallery and business. The mystery is a puzzling one, and you will enjoy following the clues and solving the mystery with Lola and Polly.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
444 reviews5 followers
April 10, 2023
When she comes to work one morning Lola finds her uncle murdered in his gallery-cafe-combo. Since the police seems to be in the dark she decides to investigate herself with the help of her best friend Polly.
There are a lot of possible suspects and the more questions are asked the more people act suspicious. There were some things that didn't make sense to me but all in all an entertaining read.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Diana.
711 reviews6 followers
June 21, 2023
Lola wants to find her uncle's murderer. The police keep trying to get her to stay out of the investigation but Lola and her friend Polly just can't help themselves when there are so many questions that need answers. Detective Harry likes Lola A LOT. He wants to solve this case and he wants to keep Lola safe, but Lola has a mind of her own. A real thriller with cute appearances by Tetley, the pet rabbit. I liked how the book kept you guessing until the end.
1,281 reviews10 followers
December 5, 2023
When a coffee shop/art gallery is murdered, his niece won’t sit still and let the police solve it. She and her best friend, Polly, work really hard to find out who the murderer is. With a lot of suspects, it’s not an easy job to do. Plus they have to be careful so they don’t get in the way of the police…they have been warned about interfering with their investigation.
Looking forward to reading more by this author. Good, clean, and no profanity in this murder mystery!
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,009 reviews13 followers
April 5, 2023
Lola works for Uncle Iggy at the Gallery Café. Her best friend, Polly, is going to display some of her artwork. But Uncle Iggy turns up dead. Lola looks forward to taking over the gallery, but not like this. She, Polly, and her pet rabbit Tetley are determined to solve the case. There are plenty of suspects and clues to track down. Enjoy.
967 reviews8 followers
April 7, 2023
Murder in the gallery

When Lola’s Uncle Iggy is murdered. I really like Lola and her best friend’s relationship! It’s not perfect which makes it so perfect!
I really enjoyed this book. I loved the mystery, red herring and enjoyed the fact that I didn’t figure it out until the end!
Sydney Tate is fast becoming a favorite author of mine! I highly recommend this book and this author!
35 reviews25 followers
June 17, 2023
Lola discovers the body of her Uncle Iggy at his cafe, he has been murdered. Lola and her roommate and best friend, Polly, decide to investigate. It turns out Uncle Iggy had been keeping secrets from Lola. Did one or more of those secrets get him killed? Are Lola and Polly putting themselves in danger by investigating the murder? A great mystery.
244 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2023
Lola discovers the body of her Uncle Iggy at his cafe, he has been murdered. Lola and her roommate and best friend, Polly, decide to investigate. It turns out Uncle Iggy had been keeping secrets from Lola. Did one or more of those secrets get him killed? Are Lola and Polly putting themselves in danger by investigating the murder? A great mystery.
Profile Image for Nadine.
833 reviews9 followers
August 17, 2023
This was better than I thought. Cute characters, great mystery! The only thing I didn’t like was dear old uncle Iggy!! I think he deserved what he got!!! What a very very selfish character. Yes he looked out for Lola… but didn’t care about anyone else, wife included. If he was my husband I would’ve killed him!!! Happy Reading:)
46 reviews
May 26, 2024
Murder in the Gallery

Finding a body is a bad way to start the day. Finding your uncle’s dead body is an absolutely rotten way to start the day.
And Lola is not about to put up with someone killing her Uncle Iggy. In spite of the possibility that she might be next on the killer’s list, she is determined to see justice done. And so it begins. Enjoy the story, I certainly did.
311 reviews
April 21, 2023
Murder in the Gallery

A quick enjoyable read. Lola and Polly are best friends, however their friendship is tested after Lola's discovery of her Uncle's dead body. Lots of mystery and deception in this cozy mystery.
Profile Image for Nathan.
160 reviews5 followers
May 23, 2023
This book was highly fun and entertaining. I would recommend it to anyone,who likes interesting cozy mysteries.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Mom2three.
2,030 reviews16 followers
April 16, 2023
I really enjoyed this one. The characters are fun and likeable and the mystery had twist and turns that kept me guessing. It's a clean cozy mystery that everyone can enjoy.
Profile Image for Bonnie Moore.
277 reviews4 followers
April 22, 2023
Art and Death

Another first for me my this author. I really enjoyed how she was able to keep my attention going from start to finish.
4,417 reviews43 followers
June 6, 2023
Who killed Uncle Iggy and why??? Family??? i enjoyed this story and recpmmended the book.
1,394 reviews5 followers
July 17, 2023
A wonderful who done it by author Sydney Tate.
I loved reading this awesome book with really wonderful characters. I highly recommend it...
1,415 reviews9 followers
April 14, 2024
Who killed Uncle Iggy and why??? They found the phone??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.
1,232 reviews11 followers
April 7, 2023
Lola works with her Uncle Iggy at the Gallery Cafe, but goes in one morning to find him murdered, just as Det. Harry walks in for his morning coffee! But in the aftermath, Lola discovers strange things going on. Uncle Iggy was behaving oddly the week before his death, his wife Bree immediately stars packing to leave town, and it turns out he’s left everything to Lola, including a to of money she never knew he had! Frank and his wife, Iggy’s good friend are also acting strange. Detective Harry is not happy with the circumstances and Lola winds up investigating to prove her innocence. I definitely enjoyed this book , which I received a free ARC of from the author, and I leave this review v.
229 reviews5 followers
August 4, 2023
Lola loves working at the Gallery Cafe her Uncle Iggy owns, however, when tragedy strikes, she finds herself struggling to run the cafe on her own and solve the murder of someone she loved very much. Helping her investigate is her artist best friend and roommate, Polly. I loved the small town of Fanwood as well as its quirky residents and I loved the relationship between Lola and Polly. Finding new to me authors is always wonderful and I'm looking forward to reading about the continued adventures of Lola and Polly! Happy Reading!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
638 reviews8 followers
April 6, 2023
Lola and her friend Polly traipse through town investigating the murder of Lola's uncle, Iggy. Both women have been instructed to cease and desist by local law enforcement, and yet they cannot seem to stop themselves.

A seriously good murder mystery. Great characters. A potential love interest. Lots of secrets to be revealed. This was easy to read, and you want more [much more] when it gets to the end. If you like a good mystery, this is a sweet cozy.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 46 reviews

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