Pride and Premeditation

Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries #3

by Steffanie Holmes

It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune will be gruesomely murdered at the ball.
Mina's excited to attend the annual Argleton Jane Austen Experience at the stately Baddesley Hall. It's just what she needs after all the recent murders - a whole weekend of dancing with Morrie, attending poetry readings with Quoth, and helping Heathcliff field marriage proposals from adoring fans.
But murder and intrigue follow Mina everywhere. When an eminent Austen scholar is run through with his own sword, Mina and her boys must solve the mystery before the killer claims another victim.
The Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries are what you get when all your book boyfriends come to life. New from USA Today bestselling author Steffanie Holmes, this book bursts with petticoats and plots, steamy scenes and scandalous liaisons, manners and mystery, magical books and time-traveling rooms, and a healthy dose of Jane Austen humor. Read on only if you believe one hot book hero isn't enough!

Genres: Romance, Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Paranormal Romance, Audiobook, Why Choose

332 pages, Paperback

First published April 25, 2019

About the author

Steffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.

Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.

Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.

Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD

Reviews

[Namera [The Literary Invertebrate] · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is LOVELY. It's funny, and well-written, and far more emotionally complex than most of the other RH books out there. The fact that I - the biggest fan of Wuthering Heights imaginable - could read this portrayal of Heathcliff without cringing honestly says a lot about Steffanie's skill.

I'm slightly concerned that the next book will feature M/M content, which I don't really like in my RH books so I hope not, but otherwise the relationships are perfect.

[Blog] - [Bookstagram]

[Miftahul · Rating 3 out of 5]

It has been 2 days and i cant stop reading this series!!! ( summary ) so this story is about Mina who gets job in a book shop where fictional characters come to life, there she meets James Moriarty, Heathcliff and Poe’s raven who can transform into a human. Together they solve murders that has been happening around them and they are also trying to find the mystery that how are fictional characters coming into life?

So in the last 2 books we see that Mina along with the guys solved the murder that happened in their bookshop but in this one we see that Mina has been invited to a Jane Austen gathering or smtg where people dress up and talk about Jane austen’s book! Did i mention that Lydia Bennet from pride and Prejudice comes out of the book? Yes, and then she along with Mina and the guys solve the murder of Professor Hathaway who was the VIP guest of that Jane Austen weekend. And now the murder targeted Lydia Bennet and thats why Mina has to solve the case and find the killer before Lydia gets harmed.

Okay so when i read a book i like it and enjoy reading it but this series, I had FUN reading it. I mean i dont know how to explain but its just I HAD SO FUN solving the murder with the characters and reading all the details carefully which might lead to the killer. There is romance and suspense in this series, THATS ALL I NEED. Morrie is the big bad criminal but he has a soft heart where Heathcliff finally confessed his love for Mina, and Quoth on the other hand was always there to support her. They all share a special bonding i just....i love it so much!

This whole plot is so amazing and each book has a different murder case which the main characters solve. There are some really funny scenes and even tho I absolutely love this book, the chemistry between Mina and the guys are lacking. I liked them when they were flirting or fighting and its not like there is not at all chemistry between them, there is but its just there is no WOW chemistry. Its like 5% of chemistry between them.

In this book Lydia Bennet appears out of Pride and Prejudice and she annoys Morrie and Heathcliff so much it was hilarious! I am gonna read the 4th book now cuz i CANT STOP!

[Cat H · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.3 stars.
Finally their emotional relationships are progressing more to catch up with their sexual ones.
I had a bit of a hard time keeping my eyes to this book. I had to take a break a little over 2/3s of the way in and go read a few other books before I could come back to finish this. And mostly that’s because the relationship aspect and the overarching mystery of the book shop takes second place in each of these books to the mystery of the moment. Whichever dead body they stumble across in town, they always seem to use as a distraction from the biggest mystery around them since Mina’s ex bestie died in the first one and made her a suspect.

I don’t know.
I’ll probably keep reading the series sporadically when I run out of other books to occupy my time, I just wish we would get more of the romance in each book, and that the FMC would stop being so hesitant about everything.
It would probably help my opinion of the books if we got POVs from the men, truthfully. I think that’s a pretty significant reason for why I’m having trouble focusing here.

[Dr. Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is so bloody fun. I am a sucker for murder mysteries and reverse harems. I am so glad I picked this book up.

After receiving terrifying news about her vision, Mina wants to think about anything but her dwindling eyesight. Luckily, the bookstore, her father, the Argleton jewel thief and the Annual Jane Austen experience are ready to distract Mina. And a new character is spit out of their story to torment Mina and her boys.

The murder aspect of the book took a while to get to, but I was pleasantly distracted by everything else going on in this series to care much. I loved the Jane Austen experience. It was such a cool event and I loved seeing all the academic people it brought to the town. Plus Mina making Heathcliff leave the store and Morrie prancing around in breeches, priceless.

My favorite part of these books is seeing Mina grow closer and interact with the guys. It never fails to bring a smile to my face. Especially whenever Heathcliff starts to get grumpy. The murder mystery in each book just gets better, I never suspected the killer at all. I hope we get more answers about the bookstore and Mina's father soon!

[Annette · Rating 5 out of 5]

When I started this series, I really couldn't know that I would fall in love with it so quickly and so badly. After reading the third book I can really hit myself for not picking up a book by Holmes sooner. Because this was what I was looking for and these are the kind of books I am waiting for and longing for. And it's most of all the disability representation I'm so needing and craving.

In the last book Mina slowly going blind hasn't been much of a topic, but in this book Mina has to take a few very hard steps. She has to visit a doctor and she has to admit that she needs to start learning how to take care of herself when she DOES go blind. Holmes describes that process and Mina's coping and not coping brilliantly. You feel that she knows what she's talking about and knows how it's done.

And yet it never takes over the entire story or the entire plot. We get to see a little more of the bigger mystery, the mystery of the bookshop itself, and just like in the previous books there is another delicious mystery to sink my teeth in. I have to admit, I really should catch up with my classics to get all the references, but it also really works without understanding all the inside jokes. Especially because the mystery is gripping and well done. It's easy to sense a direction, but not too easy to pinpoint it down.

Last but not least, I have developed a huge crush on all three of the guys too. Although, maybe especially on Morrie. I'm no criminal mastermind and yet I recognize so much of me in him. Always wanting to be in control, afraid to lose my heart, having a brain that works just too fast. And watching him learn and grow and thaw is one of the best things of this series. Although, I also really love Quoth and his development. He's so kind and understanding and sweet and supportive. I really want a boyfriend like him one day. And Heathcliff? Well, he's Heathcliff. And yes, I guess my heart is warming up to him too.

Is it next week already? I want to read the next book!

[Rebecca · Rating 5 out of 5]

Out of all of the characters to randomly jump out of the books, Lydia Bennett??? 😲 Loved this one so much. Lydia Bennett trying to convince James Moriarty that they should get married was so funny.

[Alandra (Fosa Comun de Ideas) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Progress! Plot wise and romance wise.
Mina had a clue of who her father is and why it's tied to the bookstore.
Finally she claims the hearts of all her gents, so now we can have some shenanigans of the sharing I guess.

The mystery this time was interesting in the setting but plenty easy to guess.

Still, it was an enjoyable read... What can I say, I am hooked and will take no judgments.

[Hermioneginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

* Mentre Morrie e Hathcliff avevano almeno i ricordi delle loro vite nei libri, QUoth non aveva altro che l'ottametro trocaico, che - per inciso - tra tutte le metriche poetiche era la meno utile.
* Mia madre scosse la testa. "È un criminale, Mina. Probabilmente ha fatto arrabbiare le persone sbagliate. Se ti scrive di nuovo, allora diventerò io il suo pericolo." Non mi avevi mai detto che era un artista e uno scrittore. Che era un lettore. Per tutta la vita ero stata l'opposto di mi amadre. Lei non aveva nessuna immaginazione. Pensava che i libri fossero stupidi e non aveva quasi mai messo piede nella Libreria Nevermore (se non quando ero piccola, per trascinarmi via, oppure quando aveva cercato di piazzare i suoi dizionari per animali), mentre io in pratica ero stata cresciuta da quei personaggi di fantasia. Era stata lei a dissuadermi dal laurearmi in inglese a Oxford perché pensava che avessi più possibilità di sfondare come stilista che come scrittrice. Anche quando ero vittima di bullismo e mi odiavo e mi sentivo completamente sola, non mi aveva mai detto che c’era qualcuno come me: mio padre.
* C’era il modo in cui Heathcliff si scatenava quando eravamo insieme, come se stare con me lo portasse sull’orlo della follia. C’era la gentilezza impossibile di Quoth e la sua disperata, silenziosa richiesta di essere amato, e la battaglia di Morrie per tenere sotto controllo le sue emozioni e nascondere la sua doppia natura. C’era il modo in cui loro tre mi facevano sentire invincibile, come se potessi fare qualsiasi cosa. Quando ero con loro, non ero la povera Mina senza amici, la ragazza triste che stava diventando cieca. Ero una dea. E, per Astarte, era una bella sensazione.
* «Oh, stai per fare qualcosa di illegale,» esclamò Morrie lanciandomi il telefono. «Non sarò io quello che si oppone.»
* «Questo fine settimana ci ha dimostrato il motivo per cui questa cosa folle che stiamo facendo sembra funzionare davvero. Tutti noi abbiamo dei punti di forza. Il cervello di Morrie è incredibile. La lealtà e la passione di Heathcliff ci proteggono tutti. La gentilezza di Quoth ci fa desiderare di essere persone migliori. Vi amo tutti. Davvero.»
* Quello che conta non è ciò che ci rende diversi (razza, religione, occhi poco affidabili), ma ciò che ci unisce: il nostro amore, la nostra umanità, la nostra forza.
Spero, desidero, credo… che con più amore nel mondo, possiamo essere tutti liberi.

[Alyson Walton · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️ for Mina and her boys 😊 This series is reverse harem and I understand that some people will not like it that the characters catch so many feels in the way they do, but this didn't bother me. I loved seeing the characters develop in this way. Another murder mystery to solve ( i found it easy to spot the culprit), but this seems to be getting in the way of the overriding plot, which is all about The Nevermore bookshop in general. Definitely will be completing this series.

[Dominique · Rating 5 out of 5]

This just keeps getting better and better

[Angel G · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm really loving this series for the most part.
I really liked the introduction of another literary character that arrived through the bookshop; Lydia Bennett was such a fun character and she was so whiny and obnoxious in the best way. Morrie was starting to annoy me a bit too much and Quoth remains my favorite. I always try my best to guess who the killer is at the first murder and I was so happy to have my first guess turn out to be right though my guess was challenged a few times :)

[Michelle · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars really.

[Elizabeth · Rating 4 out of 5]

It was refreshing that the story moved outside the bookshop, even though it still has its mystery(ies) to be solved. In the latter half of the book, we leave Nevermore and are taken to a stately residence that is being used as a Jane Austen convention of sorts.

We'll come back to that. The first half addresses the Tardis room (what's the time-traveling room called?) and highlights that Morrie is having issues (like being a complete d!ck to everyone). I still have questions on how that room worked, because the time-specific woman was in the room when they exited in the morning back into their correct time.

ANYWAY, Mina gets news in regard to her absent father and her degenerative eyesight. The only reason I'm not five-starring this is that the relationship between Mina and her mother is toxic - her mother is quite manipulative and narcissistic. And then Mina goes back to apologize to her mother, for what? I don't know if this is how the mother was expected to be viewed because it seems like it's glossing it over as if it's normal behavior.

Oh, they find a new fictional character after their night trip in the Tardis. Due to the title, I don't think it's a spoiler to say that it's Lydia Bennet from Pride and Prejudice - and she's the same spoiled brat, only add becoming a blackmailer.

The Jane Austen Experience was fun to read. The murder and sussing out the murderer were interesting.

The cliffhanger wasn't bad, just makes you want to read the next book to find out what's going on (again) - which is easier to do since the next book is already out.

[Caitlin · Rating 3 out of 5]

It wasn’t until I reached 60% that there was finally murder - luckily it was somewhat entertaining until then?

I remain in a pickle however. It’s a fun enough read: the mystery behind the bookshop and characters, and now a connection between Mina’s father and Nevermore is interesting. But there are moments where this book draaaaaags.

The introduction of Lydia Bennet I felt was a little underwhelming, and I wish there had been more? We had the most emotional exploration in the series so far between the leads which was nice, but also: it is book three.

Contrary to some, I tend to think mysteries should have some degree of predictability, if outlined correctly. However, I’m not sure if I am able to describe this book as anything but “cringe” at times. While I’m a big supporter of living your dream - reading this series does still feel like reading self-insert fanfiction of the author sometimes 😂

I think 3 books into 10 I need a break! And MAYBE come back!

REVIEW FIRST POSTED: 22 December 2025
EDITED: 23 December 2025 for spelling/punctuation.

[Michael Anderson · Rating 2 out of 5]

More like 2.5 stars, but in this case I'm rounding DOWN to remind myself to never read one of these again. I really liked the first book in the series last year, so when there was a sale I bought the next two ... read book 2 In January and finally got around to the third in May. I was reminded WHY I was reluctant - and what I enjoyed about the series.

What I liked:
- Fun characters and interactions with some cute banter. The basic setup of the main characters provides some built-in fun. I love murder mysteries and bookshop-based stories.

Problems:
- The new addition was there for obvious reasons but added nothing of value.
- For the first time Mina's vision felt like an afterthought that had a couple of scenes but was otherwise bolted on inconsistently.
- I have no issue with the spice or RH (wouldn't be reading the series if I did), but again they get bolted on almost like the outline had forgotten the sex scenes so they just had to be bolted on.
- There were TWO mysteries, one was totally UNsatisfying and the other was blindingly obvious.

Overall the book was fine but disappointing - we know the author can do better, but the end result here is not just disappointing but off-putting for the remainder of the series.

[frey_aace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I did enjoy this, although it took me longer to get into it then it did with the previous two stories in the series (I believe this to be the hot weather’s fault, not the book itself). It was a great read, quite funny at times (especially with the arrival of Miss Lydia Bennet), but I do also appreciate the horror Mina has whenever she stumbles across a dead body: I shall never understand characters who seem to ‘get used’ to bodies over time, I think they’d be just as horrifying even if you did see them more than the average person. Great writing, amazing smaller plots (like side quests), overall, a good book.

[Alberta · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tapping Out at Book 3

I made it to the third book in this series, and honestly, this has been the hardest one to get through. As I glance at the reviews and see the other books lined up in the series, I realize I just can’t do it anymore. It’s too much — a murder mystery, a polyamorous relationship, extra characters constantly being introduced — all crammed into one book and stretched across too many others. With 10 books in the series and me already feeling this overwhelmed by book 3, I just don’t see myself continuing. It’s trying to do too much at once, and I’m tapping out.

[Mae · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

The books in this series are supposed to be murder mysteries but I've been able to identify the killer(s) at the beginning of all the murder plots. I'm not the smartest crayon in the box with mysteries so for my guesses to be correct tells me the mystery was either intentionally not so mysterious or the plot wasn't complex enough. The previous two books I still enjoyed but this one I just couldn't enjoy because I was so frustrated with the main characters' cluelessness.

There are also other pet peeves with this book:
-Moriarty isn't actually a criminal mastermind or even evil as the author keeps suggesting
-Not enough Quoth and Mina page time, as opposed to her time w her other two beaus, and
-Not much headway was made on the running plot of Nevermore Bookshop

It was still altogether entertaining. Most notably:
-the page time Quoth and Mina did get alone was sweet and lovey dovey and my favorite bits
-the steam scenes were just that, steamy!
-some of the supporting characters both new and returning were endearing or intriguing

[Hollie Aldridge · Rating 4 out of 5]

Clever mystery that had me sure (and wrong) several times throughout regarding fingering the baddie. The underlying sub plot seems to move by at a snail's pace. *this would be the who is my daddy and what's going on with the damn bookshop*
I have the next book and hope to start reading asap. Good reading!

[Olivia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I hate myself a little bit more every time I finish one of these books but it’s like the author wrote a fanfic about herself and her favourite book villains who she can change and make love her wrapped up in a murder mystery and it’s hilariously stupid.

I did like that this one started to get into the time travelling room and her father but wanted more of that

[Purple Color · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love the series they are sexy, witty, gothic and fast paced with a good mystery. My only problem is that the sex scenes are far too emotional for my liking. But I'm trying to convince myself that not everything is about sex.

[Madu Gonçalves · Rating 3 out of 5]

2,5⭐️ It wasn’t so predictable like the first one, but there were some plot holes I believe. Once again, I wish it focused more on the bookshop, but the characters are fun so I will probably keep reading.

[Hannah Wenna · Rating 5 out of 5]

better and better

This series just keeps getting better and better. I’m loving the characters and how Mina is adjusting and evolving throughout the story.

[Imee Benzon · Rating 5 out of 5]

***THE PLOT THICKENS***

Oh wow, I never giggle so much. Reading this book is very satisfying. I loved mystery and romance, and this series delivers in spade. I want more.

[mary ❀ · Rating 1 out of 5]

someone free me from this wattpad-esque saga

[Amber A. · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is how is how I like my classics fed to me.
Consuming this series one audiobook at a time. Gabrielle Baker is the perfect Mina.

[Courtney Saba · Rating 2 out of 5]

And things are going downhill. How disappointing.

The murder-mystery here is boring. I was bored with everything having to do with the murder. Now, Mina's father, the time traveling room, the RH romance...that's what kept me from DNFing.

Also, I noticed it in the first 2 books, but it was tolerable then, but not in this one:
1) everyone over explains themselves and talks too much. I wanted more action. More showing than telling. 2) sometimes I question their foursome. Sometimes I feel like the characters were forced together by the author, and I don't understand their feelings for each other. 3) the murder after murder are becoming too unbelievable. One murder in the first book, understandable. But the sequel's mystery wasn't all that great, and this one was even worse. In a tiny town, this many murders is questionable.

The only reason I kept reading was for the overarching theme and mystery of Mina and the bookshop. It took me a long time to get through this book. It was exasperating, boring, and too tame. Moriarty is the Napoleon of Crime. He's supposed to be a darkly clever and charming character, and the author tries her best, but the result isn't all that great. Quoth is basically a doormat without much of a personality. Heathcliff is always growling. Anything he says is always growled. It never says "he said," but "he growled." I get it, but no one growls that much, if they growl at all. The love declarations seemed to come out of nowhere, too. Why do they love Mina? I'm always questioning it now.

Before, I could shove these complaints to the back of my mind and enjoy the story, but now, in the third book, it's annoying and obvious.

Overall, I was mildly entertained, especially in the beginning and during the smutty moments. I wouldn't recommend it or re-read it, though. Maybe if you want to figure out the bookshop mystery and read the smut parts, but you could skip the murder mystery and miss nothing.

Happy reading, Goodreads fiends.

[Tansy Roberts · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another fun entry in this bonkers, chaotic series of paranormal mysteries. It's Jane Austen obsessives all the way down this time, with the extra glorious introduction of the real Lydia Bennet.

[Noemi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mina, Morrie, Quoth and Heathcliff receive three VIP tickets to go to the Jane Austen Event that it is taking place in town. Austen's scholars from all over the country came and things didn't exactly stay quite with Mina around. That she likes it or not, she's a magnet for crimes, and a prominent scholar gets stabbed with a sword. Oh, and Lydia Bennett is the new character coming out from Nevermore Bookstore. Mina, now has a murder to solve, a spoiled teenager to take care of and a man threatening to sell him the bookstore or lose their lives.
The book ends in a cliffhanger, so be ready to dive into book 4.

[Valeria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Just like in TV Series a love me a Jane Austen (or for that matter any book or history themed) episode and it really fit the story and universe of these books perfectly. It's crazy and stupid and so exaggerated which I just love.
I also like that in this book the emotional relationships and also the bookshop's own mystery took center stage at least in the beginning but also throughout the story. Finally the characters feel like they get more and more personality and aren't as flat as in the first or even the second book.

I thought I would pause the series after this book and read something different for a bit, but I'm so hooked that I just can't stop and thanks to kindle unlimited I don't have to. Guess the last books to fill my reading challenge are going to be from this series.