Murder at the Bookstore, a Shadow Sisters Paranormal cozy mystery

by Wynnie Harlowe

Story is about two sisters Isabel who owns a bookstore and hee sister Freda who is jobless at start of book but a baker. They live in a small town of Willowdale. A murder is committed in the bookstore.

Genres: Paranormal, Mystery, Cozy Mystery

135 pages, ebook

First published July 10, 2023

Reviews

[Rick Molitor · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought that this was a cute little cozy mystery. It leads you gently into the fact that our heroes are witches and how they discover that they are. It flows along quickly and smoothly. It was a very entertaining read.

[Gina Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

Phenomenal! This book delivered pure cozy magic. From the moment I started reading, I was completely immersed in this captivating bookstore murder mystery.
The characters, especially the sisters, were fantastic – I love the sister relationship theme and their supportive bond. I loved the quirky town setting, with its charming local shops and intriguing residents. And who can resist loving a fun magical bookstore!
Cozy, fun, and full of mystery, this book has that special something that makes you crave more. If you're a fan of charming magical small-town mysteries, this one is a must-read!

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a very interesting storyline. Isobel finds a dead body and her store so she phoned her sister Freya while is waiting for the police to arrive at the store. After the all clear has been give so that Isobel can go back to her store, she is having trouble adjusting to everything and she trys to read a book that she has in the store that is called This History of Witches which interest her and she find her grandmother name in the book regarding the Salem Witch Trials. They know that family member did take the name of past family names so Isobel as surprise to see Lilibeth Shadow. Of course that made her wonder if they were witches and how she could find out. But she thought she had to solve the murder the the man who was found in her store. There were so many things going at the smae time and it was very hard for Isobel to think of anything else beside the murder. The author has done a great job keeping everyone interesting what was going on and it was very hard to put the book down until it was finished. I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys paranormal mystery stories. I am looking forward to her next book to see how the two sister are getting along with both of their new adventures.

[Jeffrey Aitken · Rating 4 out of 5]

This novella is a charming and atmospheric cozy mystery that blends small-town charm with an undercurrent of paranormal intrigue.

The plot is engaging from the first page, with a swift inciting incident and a fascinating mystery layered with gossip, secrets, and possible magic.

Harlowe’s writing is clean, warm, and immersive—rich in detail without being overwhelming.

The sisterly bond between Isobel and Freya is the heart of the story and brings emotional depth to the narrative.

The supporting cast adds flavour, though some characters feel more like cozy archetypes than developed individuals.

A touch of over-explanation of the backstory and paranormal elements in early chapters slows the pacing.

Still, the book’s biggest delight is its setting: the cozy bookstore, the quirky book club, and the sleepy town full of secrets.

It’s a perfect autumnal read for fans of witchy mysteries and strong female leads.

[Barbara Kelley · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Murder at the Bookstore" is Book 1 of The Shadow Sisters Paranormal Mystery series, written by Wynnie Harlowe. I must say that I absolutely loved this book. My favorite Cozy Mystery author is J. A. Whiting, and this book reminded me a lot of her writing. This book is about two sisters, Isobel and Freya Shadow, a bookstore owner, and a baker, respectively, who find out in their twenties or thirties, current age never specifically mentioned, discover they are witches, descended by a long line of witches dating back before the 1692 witch trials in Massachusetts. This first book is about a murder that happens inside Isobel's bookstore in the middle of the night. It looks like the victim was a warlock. Could his murder be about being a supernatural being? Or was it for some other entirely different reasons? I really like Isobel and Freya, as well as members of the book club. I gave this book 5 stars. I received an advanced reader's copy via BookFunnel and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Laure · Rating 4 out of 5]

Isobel Shadow is living her dream as a bookstore owner in the small town of Willowdale, Rhode Island, but when she discovers a dead body in her store. When she and her sister Freya are considered the prime suspects in the murder of a man they didn't even know, she decides that she will start her own investigation.
Quick and easy read with unexpected twists and a little magic made this and enjoyable read. I especially liked the relationship between the sisters and their closeness. I thought the author did a wonderful job of portraying not only their close bond, but also the more difficult nature of a relationship between siblings no matter how close they may be. A must-read.

I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary ARC of this book.

[Brandi Conico · Rating 3 out of 5]

These sisters have potential. I'm all for a cozy mystery, but if they're going to be this short, then they need to be released as 2 or 3 books together- at least until you get invested. Because right now, after one book, I don't really care about the characters, so I might pick up the second, but I might not.

So- this could use a whole lot of character development. I liked it, but I didn't love it enough to be invested. I think two or three more books and I'd probably be a lifer, because they are relatively likeable and interesting. I'm just not drawn in yet.

I think I got this one as an ARC, but I really don't remember- obviously, didn't affect my opinion at all.

[Lynda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Shadow sisters are in the town of Willowdale. Isobel has a bookstore that has a small apartment upstairs that is perfect for her and her sister Freya has moved into a small apartment of her own while looking for a bakery job. A body is found in the bookstore and brings out the fact that this small town is a little different than others. It happens to have a large amount of magical people in it. Things are a little unusual while the murder is being solved. You just never know about the people all around you.

[Catherine · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. Sisters Isobel and Freya are well written and as you read each sister's chapter you can feel their individuality and yet their closeness. The other characters are are also well defined and the magic, when introduced, was extremely intriguing to me. Not forgetting the murdered victim, even he had personality and his demise was well planned and well solved! The ending felt a little rushed to me but overall this was a delightful book and I look forward to following the complete series!

[Jacquelyn Schingeck · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this story and will look forward to learning about how Freya does moving away to start her own bakery with a friend. The other issue I had reading this one was I thought the relationship between the sisters was a little over the top. It seemed as though they could not get through the day or even an hour without at least talking to each other - that seemed a bit unrealistic to me but then I never had a sister so perhaps this is perfectly normal.
I thought the mystery murder part was clever and well done.

[Sabrina Nelson]

Trying to keep the bookstore from going out of business in a small town. All she needed was a murder in the store. While the sisters were trying to find out who murdered the man, they were looking at the group of witches and the paranormal group. While they were looking into it, they find out that they are witches. Now what do they do and are they in more danger now. This is a great book and look forward to reading more into the series.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Roger · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder at the Bookstore: A Shadow Sisters Paranormal Cozy Mystery, my first enjoyable 151-page supernatural cozy mystery from author Wynnie Harlowe. “I received a Kindle copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." The gifting of this book did not affect my opinion of it. I look forward to reading more from this author with Murder at Astor Manor: A Charmed Circle Cozy Mystery (A Charmed Circle Paranormal Cozy Mystery Book 1) next on my TBR list. (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018.

[Donna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A cute, cozy, paranormal mystery. One of the mysteries of the story is that the sisters didn't even know they were witches! Imagine finding that out while you're in the middle of trying to figure out who killed someone in your bookstore!
A quick read that has a couple of twists thrown in for good measure. A nice local story for me - love a New England setting.
I listened to the audiobook version of this book, and enjoyed the characters alternating telling the story (Isobel and Freya). I do hope there will be more stories involving these sisters. They make a great team.

[James · Rating 3 out of 5]

The story is a typical cozy mystery murder and readers who enjoy this type of story will feel right at home. The characters are clearly defined but could gave used further development. I assume this will happen in future books in this series. The paranormal additions to the characters and town do not overwhelm the storyline. The mysterious murderer seemed a bit obvious, but, as a story more focused on character development, rather than storyline plot it is an enjoyable read.

[Lizz Taylor · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded to 5. This is the start to what I hope is a new series about two sisters who just found out they were witches. I am sure we will discover more about their gifts in subsequent books in the series. This book is 1/2 general fiction and 1/2 murder mystery. Honestly, there is something one of the sisters did that I think I would have un-alived for her actions and there wouldn't have been any mystery about it! I look forward to reading more from this author.

[Sue Rae Buck · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at the Bookstore: A Shadow Sisters Paranormal Cozy Mystery Series by Wynnie Harlowe where we meet Isolbel and Freya. Isolbel is the owner of Willowdale Books and recently her sister, Freya was living with her until she found her own apartment. Isolbel finds a dead body in her bookstore! The girls find out they are witches. What a great read with lots twist and turns for Isolbel and Freya. Can't wait until the next book in the series!

[The Literary Chimera · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is so satisfying!

I absolutely adored this book. Who doesn't love witches, a gorgeous bookstore, friendships, and murder? Oh, and don't forget baking, coffee, and a cute cat! I loved getting to know the small town of Willowdale even more along with it's cast of interesting characters. Wynnie Harlowe managed once again to do a marvelous job writing out a mystery that I could follow along and piece together. It is such a satisfying read.

[Stacie · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is easy reading. A new series I hope for the sisters. Living in a small town, one owns a bookstore and the other is a baker. A murder happens in the bookstore and one sister is accused. In the meantime, they both find out they are witches. Sisterly love and affection are tops in this book. I’m waiting anxiously for the next. Great read.

[Nicki · Rating 4 out of 5]

How awful to have someone die in your bookstore! Not the way to drum up business. Yet the store is closed while the police check for clues. The sisters relationship is part of the story as Freya and Isobel discover who they are and how a small town with Paranormal issues play a part in their lives. Entertaining story

[Shelly Neinast · Rating 5 out of 5]

Obsessive love turns deadly

Murder at the bookstore was a fun and enjoyable read for a cozy mystery. I liked the two sister characters, especially after finding out they were witches living in a paranormal town that also had an anti-paranormal group who lived there.
This was a short read and was nice to read in between longer novels.

[Liza · Rating 4 out of 5]

A murder happens in Isobel's bookstore. Isobel knows that she was on the phone with her sister when her security system glitched.

When the police view the security video, it shows the sister at the store during the time of the murder.

Investigation takes a turn when the sisters discover they are witches.

Fun story

[Juanita E. Arp · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book, it has a well written plot and the characters are entertaining. It makes me want to continue reading the series. I received this book as an Free copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.

[Lorraine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting short read. A murder takes place at a small town bookstore. This bookstore is newly inherited by the main character. The story goes on to detail how the killer is discovered. A quick read.

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a story. This book is fun and entertaining. You will love Isobel and Freya. Join them as they walk a shaky path between what is real and what is being planned to frame them. Highly recommend that you add this book to your TBR pile today.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the start to this new series and can’t wait for more! The change of each character with each chapter change was a little confusing in the beginning, but I got used to it. Should be interesting as the sisters develop their magic.

[Myra McCulloch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great characters in a setting that lends great background.
The Shadow Sisters, their lives upended as a murder happens where Isobel works and lives, leading to the knowledge they are witches.
What next for these two?
Thank you for the opportunity to read your book

[Tony · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written plot. Good character structure. It makes me want to continue reading the series. Will recommend to others.

[Karin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Who killed Ares Henshaw and why??? Unrequited love??? I enjoyed this story and recommended the book.

[Joline Buechler · Rating 3 out of 5]

I guess I'm not a paranormal reader. Couldn't get into it and there was never any real magic. To many characters and not at all realistic. Not something I see myself reading again.

[Carol Giacoletto-Brooks · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cute paranormal cozy mystery.