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Booktown Mystery #18
A Controversial Cover
When a famous children's author is murdered at the library, Tricia Miles has to find the killer before it's too late in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.
Tricia Miles is ready to close the book on all her amateur sluething—she's tired of finding dead bodies and being accused of murder. But even the best laid plans often go awry.
Stoneham is all abuzz when Lauren Barker, a famous children's book author, arrives for an event at the local library. Lauren is a Stoneham native, and her new book strikes some members of the town as controversial. But when Lauren is found strangled to death after an altercation at the event, the plot twist throws Tricia right back into the middle of things.
Who could possibly have wanted Lauren dead? Was it Dan Reed, who had to be thrown out of the signing for spouting conspiracy theories and causing a disturbance? Stella Kraft, Lauren’s high school teacher, who thought of the author as a protégé—something Lauren violently disputed? Or the mystery man who spoke to Lauren just before she was found dead? With the suspect count climbing higher and more information about Lauren's past coming to light, will Tricia be able to give this story a happily ever after?
Tricia Miles is ready to close the book on all her amateur sluething—she's tired of finding dead bodies and being accused of murder. But even the best laid plans often go awry.
Stoneham is all abuzz when Lauren Barker, a famous children's book author, arrives for an event at the local library. Lauren is a Stoneham native, and her new book strikes some members of the town as controversial. But when Lauren is found strangled to death after an altercation at the event, the plot twist throws Tricia right back into the middle of things.
Who could possibly have wanted Lauren dead? Was it Dan Reed, who had to be thrown out of the signing for spouting conspiracy theories and causing a disturbance? Stella Kraft, Lauren’s high school teacher, who thought of the author as a protégé—something Lauren violently disputed? Or the mystery man who spoke to Lauren just before she was found dead? With the suspect count climbing higher and more information about Lauren's past coming to light, will Tricia be able to give this story a happily ever after?
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 16, 2024
90 people are currently reading
750 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Barrett
24 books1,791 followersThe immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett’s name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lornabarrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 145 reviews
March 25, 2025
Welcome back to Booktown, where A Controversial Cover is the 18th installment in the series. As the count increases, the plots get lighter, and I find myself continuing to read mostly to keep up with the characters. Leaving them now would feel like a premature death. Lorna Barrett has imagined a world filled with wonderful, cranky and in-betweeners who sometimes delight me and sometimes annoy me. Dan Reed has got to go! Tricia's new boyfriend is a keeper. Anjelica needs a real love interest. In terms of the mystery, it moved really slow and quickly, and the solution was mostly obvious tho some dots had to be connected. A quickish 3-hour read and a must for fans of the series. Don't start with this one, newbies!
July 22, 2024
Quirky. Preachy. Unlikable. Why do I keep reading this series? Because I took the time to get to know the characters and even if I dont like them its easier to keep going than learn a new set of characters.
April 13, 2024
There's been another murder in Stoneham, aka Booktown, and Tricia is on the case, as usual. Tricia's boyfriend is the new children's librarian and has managed to score a visit from a well-known children's author who happened to grow up in Stoneham. But she leaves a lot to be desired as a guest. However, that's no reason for someone to kill her! When they find her in her rental car after the event, Tricia vows not to get involved, but soon finds herself wrapped up in another investigation.
I keep telling myself I'm done with these, but then I see the ARC and I'm sucked back in. Tricia still comes across as someone MUCH older than she is. She's supposed to be around 45, I think, but she's always struck me as someone in their 60s or 70s. And that's why her relationship gives me the ick. Plus, he sounds a bit kooky...did he really wear a pirate shirt to a funeral? 😒 There's also quite a bit of repetition here, including things happening twice in a row. Seems like a LOT more editing is needed. Also, everyone has a sour look in this book. It felt so entirely overused. And do we need to know the status of the dog Every time Tricia visits her sister? The actual mystery was okay, but once you eventually hear the backstory of the culprit, you know they're going to end up being the guilty one. 🤷♀️
I keep telling myself I'm done with these, but then I see the ARC and I'm sucked back in. Tricia still comes across as someone MUCH older than she is. She's supposed to be around 45, I think, but she's always struck me as someone in their 60s or 70s. And that's why her relationship gives me the ick. Plus, he sounds a bit kooky...did he really wear a pirate shirt to a funeral? 😒 There's also quite a bit of repetition here, including things happening twice in a row. Seems like a LOT more editing is needed. Also, everyone has a sour look in this book. It felt so entirely overused. And do we need to know the status of the dog Every time Tricia visits her sister? The actual mystery was okay, but once you eventually hear the backstory of the culprit, you know they're going to end up being the guilty one. 🤷♀️
November 7, 2023
When Tricia and David find the body of famous children author, Tricia dives into the investigation. Tricia is asked by a former school teacher to prove her innocence. Tricia is determined to solve the murder but she may have some personal reasons to solve the murder too.
I rated this a 4.5 but rounded up to a 5 for posting purposes. The mystery is well plotted to plenty of twists and turns. The suspect were so different in their motives I could see really any one of them killing the author. However, I really didn’t suspect the actual killer at anytime. I really enjoyed that Tricia is doing what makes Tricia happy despite what some might think. David, though the age difference is significant, seems to bring out Tricia’s personality. Tricia does need to gain some confidence in herself.
One negative for me is once again, Angelica’s attitude towards Tricia. She wants to control Tricia, and if Tricia doesn’t do what Angelica wants her to she is unreasonable and mean. Also I think Angelica needs to stop thinking she can own every business she wants and stop trying to steal Tricia’s employees.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans, especially fans of the series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
I rated this a 4.5 but rounded up to a 5 for posting purposes. The mystery is well plotted to plenty of twists and turns. The suspect were so different in their motives I could see really any one of them killing the author. However, I really didn’t suspect the actual killer at anytime. I really enjoyed that Tricia is doing what makes Tricia happy despite what some might think. David, though the age difference is significant, seems to bring out Tricia’s personality. Tricia does need to gain some confidence in herself.
One negative for me is once again, Angelica’s attitude towards Tricia. She wants to control Tricia, and if Tricia doesn’t do what Angelica wants her to she is unreasonable and mean. Also I think Angelica needs to stop thinking she can own every business she wants and stop trying to steal Tricia’s employees.
I recommend this book to cozy mystery fans, especially fans of the series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.
July 17, 2024
A Controversial Cover is the eighteenth book in the A Booktown Mystery by Lorna Barrett.
Tricia has a new love interest, David Price, who has recently been appointed head of the Children’s Department at the local public library. One of the first things Price accomplished for the Children's Department was to invite the children's book author Lauren Barker, author of the popular Cuddly Chameleon series. It was initially planned that Barker would have a reading and sign copies of her books, but when she arrived, she stated that she would just be doing a signing with no personalization. An attendee at the signing, Dan Reed, a conspiracy fanatic, started saying that Barker’s books were provocative and were poisoning the youths that were reading them. This controversial turn of events at the book signing event adds an intriguing element to the plot.
Tension escalated at the event when a retired school teacher, Stella Kraft, praised the school system and teachers for supporting the author. This accusation led to a heated argument, with Barker eventually claiming that the school system had done nothing to help her, further fueling the conflict. As the mystery unfolds, the true nature of the conflict becomes more intriguing.
The signing ends, and after everyone has left the building, Tricia and David head for their car and notice that Barker’s rental car is still parked in the parking lot. When they got up to the car, they could see that Barker was in her car, dead.
Stella Kraft is sure she will become a person of interest and asks Tricia to investigate the case and clear her name. Tricia will find several suspects to check out.
I’ve been reading this series since book one and love it. It is well-written and plotted, and I feel I am right there as the book progresses. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end.
Deliciou-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
Tricia has a new love interest, David Price, who has recently been appointed head of the Children’s Department at the local public library. One of the first things Price accomplished for the Children's Department was to invite the children's book author Lauren Barker, author of the popular Cuddly Chameleon series. It was initially planned that Barker would have a reading and sign copies of her books, but when she arrived, she stated that she would just be doing a signing with no personalization. An attendee at the signing, Dan Reed, a conspiracy fanatic, started saying that Barker’s books were provocative and were poisoning the youths that were reading them. This controversial turn of events at the book signing event adds an intriguing element to the plot.
Tension escalated at the event when a retired school teacher, Stella Kraft, praised the school system and teachers for supporting the author. This accusation led to a heated argument, with Barker eventually claiming that the school system had done nothing to help her, further fueling the conflict. As the mystery unfolds, the true nature of the conflict becomes more intriguing.
The signing ends, and after everyone has left the building, Tricia and David head for their car and notice that Barker’s rental car is still parked in the parking lot. When they got up to the car, they could see that Barker was in her car, dead.
Stella Kraft is sure she will become a person of interest and asks Tricia to investigate the case and clear her name. Tricia will find several suspects to check out.
I’ve been reading this series since book one and love it. It is well-written and plotted, and I feel I am right there as the book progresses. The characters are well-developed, engaging, and believable. There were enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end.
Deliciou-sounding recipes are also included in the book.
I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 24, 2024
Chameleons and Murder
Well let’s start with the ending…SHOCKER.
I can say Angelica frustrated me a few times with her “I want what I want and I will get what I want” attitude. I really thought we were past that stage with her. Although I guess a leopard can’t change its spots completely.
I’m still in the fence with Tricia and her boyfriend David. The age difference is a bit shocking but I’m not sure if he is the one.
The mystery was good and kept me guessing most of the way through the book but I did figure it out before hand. Even with that it did not ruin the book for me.
A series that has picked back up in interest for me.
Well let’s start with the ending…SHOCKER.
I can say Angelica frustrated me a few times with her “I want what I want and I will get what I want” attitude. I really thought we were past that stage with her. Although I guess a leopard can’t change its spots completely.
I’m still in the fence with Tricia and her boyfriend David. The age difference is a bit shocking but I’m not sure if he is the one.
The mystery was good and kept me guessing most of the way through the book but I did figure it out before hand. Even with that it did not ruin the book for me.
A series that has picked back up in interest for me.
June 26, 2024
Thanks to #Berkley Prime Crime and #NetGalley for letting me read and review this galley copy of a forthcoming book in return for my honest review.
I had not read a book by Ms. Barrett before, though obviously I've missed 17, and a lot of dead folks in "Booktown" a mythical New Hampshire town where all the businesses have book themed stores. This kept my attention, though I'm not likely to read another.
A children's book author comes to town, but nothing about the signing goes the way the new Children's Librarian hoped it would...and now his girlfriend and the owner of the mystery bookstore needs to find out why.
I had not read a book by Ms. Barrett before, though obviously I've missed 17, and a lot of dead folks in "Booktown" a mythical New Hampshire town where all the businesses have book themed stores. This kept my attention, though I'm not likely to read another.
A children's book author comes to town, but nothing about the signing goes the way the new Children's Librarian hoped it would...and now his girlfriend and the owner of the mystery bookstore needs to find out why.
July 24, 2024
I've read all the Booktown series, therefore I'm invested in the characters
If I wasn't I'd have quit 3 books ago. The early books were good, the last few definitely NOT! They've grown stale, and I quite frankly don't care any more.
ALSO, Tricia's obsession with this 20 yr old is ridiculous and ICK!
IF I read anymore in the future it will be from the library only. Not buying another one.
This was so dull
If I wasn't I'd have quit 3 books ago. The early books were good, the last few definitely NOT! They've grown stale, and I quite frankly don't care any more.
ALSO, Tricia's obsession with this 20 yr old is ridiculous and ICK!
IF I read anymore in the future it will be from the library only. Not buying another one.
This was so dull
August 2, 2024
This book started pretty weak and I was worried it was going to continue go downhill. However, it did pick up and the ending especially was quite good. I will say again that I found the constant reminder about a new relationship to get really old and annoying. Also, there is clear foreshadowing for something else to happen and I am not sure what the point of that is. Regardless this was much better than book 17.
October 25, 2024
I enjoyed this but didn't feel the plot line was as solid as in previous books in the series. Trisha is dating a much younger man much to all the gossip's delight in town. When she and her boyfriend happen upon a body in a car in the library parking lot, Trisha is compelled to get to the bottom of it.
January 5, 2026
Tricia has gotten flat out unlikable in this 18th book. Her relationship with her current BF, who is 20 years younger, gives me the ick. Angelica is simply annoying. Worse, for some odd reason I now feel compelled to read book 19, thankfully the last book in the Bookshop series.
February 10, 2025
Quite a few crazies are uncovered in this latest story. The "family" takes David into the circle, so this aspect of life in town is pleasant. The ending is a bit of a shock.
August 29, 2024
My least favorite of all in this series. Angelica has become almost unbearable & it makes no sense that Tricia would put up with it. I thought it was very inconsistent with the last book when David was excited about helping solve the murder but acted as though he didn't want Tricia mixed up with this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 9, 2025
Best one yet!
April 13, 2025
The mystery is fine, but I’m not a fan of the May-August romance between Tricia and David. It’s not the age difference. It just doesn’t feel right for some reason. Maybe it’s Tricia’s whining about it all the time. David seems more mature than she does.
August 27, 2024
Absolutely ridiculous. The worst book in the series. I'm so over how preachy this author is with her characters, how she details every thing they do with absolutely no depth to them. I'm sick of Tricia and her holier than thou attitude. She's so sanctimonious that it's so cartoonish! Her and her sister act like puppet masters moving people around to suit their own interests. And the mystery! What mystery?! There wasn't one! Everything worked out fine for Tricia and her boy toy David. Like seriously? Her obsession with him was bordering on the disturbed. She's old enough to be his mother! And yes, if the genders were swapped I still wouldn't like it. I think I'm done with this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️.5
overall, i enjoyed this read. there was nothing too spectacular about it, but it was a fun time. i’m thinking maybe i shouldn’t ready a cozy mystery if i’m looking to actually have a page turning thrill. i found myself a little bored with the fact that we were focused on tricia and her boyf for so long. i think the controversial topic of her being a cougar took too much of the plot away from the actual mystery.
it also just felt unnecessary for her to be having this crisis about her use of microplastic and then for her to be upset when angelica was going to send her home with plastic tupperware. like ???? i’m a little lost queen!
i also don’t like how her past feelings about the officer and OBVIOUS jealousy of him with another woman wasn’t really tied up. like yes we find our that boyf is staying in town even if her loses his job (yay) but i don’t think her feelings were resolved with the officer. i was waiting for them to get together the whole time.
lastly, it was tied up way too quickly. like yeah a cozy mystery is more slice of life vibes, but i feel like all of a sudden i turned the page and this woman is confessing that she committed the crime. & then it was over in the next 10 pages.
anywho! it kept me engaged and i liked it. maybe cozy mystery isn’t for me?
overall, i enjoyed this read. there was nothing too spectacular about it, but it was a fun time. i’m thinking maybe i shouldn’t ready a cozy mystery if i’m looking to actually have a page turning thrill. i found myself a little bored with the fact that we were focused on tricia and her boyf for so long. i think the controversial topic of her being a cougar took too much of the plot away from the actual mystery.
it also just felt unnecessary for her to be having this crisis about her use of microplastic and then for her to be upset when angelica was going to send her home with plastic tupperware. like ???? i’m a little lost queen!
i also don’t like how her past feelings about the officer and OBVIOUS jealousy of him with another woman wasn’t really tied up. like yes we find our that boyf is staying in town even if her loses his job (yay) but i don’t think her feelings were resolved with the officer. i was waiting for them to get together the whole time.
lastly, it was tied up way too quickly. like yeah a cozy mystery is more slice of life vibes, but i feel like all of a sudden i turned the page and this woman is confessing that she committed the crime. & then it was over in the next 10 pages.
anywho! it kept me engaged and i liked it. maybe cozy mystery isn’t for me?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 13, 2025
This series started out so good and still would be a good series if they just took Tricia out of the story. She is so irritating and self absorbed. It is hard to enjoy a book when you don’t like the main character.
December 31, 2024
A CONTROVERSIAL COVER, the 18th installment of author Lorna Barrett's Booktown mystery series, opens with the Stoneham townspeople gathering for an author signing put on my the local library.
Children's author Lauren Barker was once a resident of the town and with her popular Cuddly Chameleon series releasing a new book, she's returning to town for an appearance that brings out adoring kids and plenty of adults claiming to have known her "when".
Bookstore owner Tricia Miles is on her hand with her niece. But things don't go quite as planned. The author is more than a bit out of sorts and refuses to do the planned reading for the event and when the signing portion of the night happens, she's rather rude.
But a confrontation with an old teacher only deepens the problems with the event while local conspiracy theorist Dan Reed has plenty of ignorant things to say about the books as well.
Tricia notices Lauren talking to a man after the event that she doesn't recognize but that can't prepare her for when her boyfriend, the children's librarian David Price stumbles upon Lauren's body in her car as they are leaving for the evening.
Tricia once again finds herself stuck in the middle of another murder case to her chagrin. And when the library director threatens the job of her boyfriend to try and blame him for the evening being a disaster, Tricia has no choice but to ask questions.
But while the dead woman may not have been the most charming person the night of the event, who could've wanted her dead? The teacher she argued with? Dan Reed, whose ignorant opinions about imagined meanings behind the book series? The mysterious man Tricia saw Lauren talking to?
As the new police chief continues to settle into his role and the town, Tricia's nosing around has plenty of people on edge as well.
When you add in all the goings-on in her professional and personal life, Tricia has plenty on her plate. While worrying about losing David if his job goes away (admittedly, my least favorite part of the story), she has to push forward to bring a killer to justice.
I liked the way Lorna Barrett worked in the battle going on in real public libraries regarding what books are on the shelves but in such a way that it didn't overwhelm the story as a whole. The small town politics regarding David's job security rang true but I was disappointed that Tricia would backslide into being so distraught over losing David.
One of the smaller details in the smaller plotlines was Tricia coming to the realization that her vintage bookstore has to change a bit as finding saleable vintage copies of mysteries is becoming harder to do. Incorporating more modern day mysteries will keep the store alive as a business entity. And I like the character development going on with her staff. Pixie's growing responsibilities in the job, the new details about the kind of music that Mr. Everett likes...it all made for new ways to burnish their individual stories.
It was funny how at one point in the book, Tricia mentioned it didn't seem like anyone was too invested in finding out who killed Lauren. I say funny because it was about the same time that I had the same kind of thought, wondering why there wasn't more movement on Tricia finding the murderer. Of course, right after that that A-plot picked up and went crashing headlong into getting to the big reveal.
I enjoyed A CONTROVERSIAL COVER quite a bit. Considering I'm a big fan of the series, that isn't much of a surprise. But the way Lorna Barrett keeps refreshing the series by growing the characters makes me eager to keep coming back to Stoneham, MA., the mystery genre's Booktown!
Children's author Lauren Barker was once a resident of the town and with her popular Cuddly Chameleon series releasing a new book, she's returning to town for an appearance that brings out adoring kids and plenty of adults claiming to have known her "when".
Bookstore owner Tricia Miles is on her hand with her niece. But things don't go quite as planned. The author is more than a bit out of sorts and refuses to do the planned reading for the event and when the signing portion of the night happens, she's rather rude.
But a confrontation with an old teacher only deepens the problems with the event while local conspiracy theorist Dan Reed has plenty of ignorant things to say about the books as well.
Tricia notices Lauren talking to a man after the event that she doesn't recognize but that can't prepare her for when her boyfriend, the children's librarian David Price stumbles upon Lauren's body in her car as they are leaving for the evening.
Tricia once again finds herself stuck in the middle of another murder case to her chagrin. And when the library director threatens the job of her boyfriend to try and blame him for the evening being a disaster, Tricia has no choice but to ask questions.
But while the dead woman may not have been the most charming person the night of the event, who could've wanted her dead? The teacher she argued with? Dan Reed, whose ignorant opinions about imagined meanings behind the book series? The mysterious man Tricia saw Lauren talking to?
As the new police chief continues to settle into his role and the town, Tricia's nosing around has plenty of people on edge as well.
When you add in all the goings-on in her professional and personal life, Tricia has plenty on her plate. While worrying about losing David if his job goes away (admittedly, my least favorite part of the story), she has to push forward to bring a killer to justice.
I liked the way Lorna Barrett worked in the battle going on in real public libraries regarding what books are on the shelves but in such a way that it didn't overwhelm the story as a whole. The small town politics regarding David's job security rang true but I was disappointed that Tricia would backslide into being so distraught over losing David.
One of the smaller details in the smaller plotlines was Tricia coming to the realization that her vintage bookstore has to change a bit as finding saleable vintage copies of mysteries is becoming harder to do. Incorporating more modern day mysteries will keep the store alive as a business entity. And I like the character development going on with her staff. Pixie's growing responsibilities in the job, the new details about the kind of music that Mr. Everett likes...it all made for new ways to burnish their individual stories.
It was funny how at one point in the book, Tricia mentioned it didn't seem like anyone was too invested in finding out who killed Lauren. I say funny because it was about the same time that I had the same kind of thought, wondering why there wasn't more movement on Tricia finding the murderer. Of course, right after that that A-plot picked up and went crashing headlong into getting to the big reveal.
I enjoyed A CONTROVERSIAL COVER quite a bit. Considering I'm a big fan of the series, that isn't much of a surprise. But the way Lorna Barrett keeps refreshing the series by growing the characters makes me eager to keep coming back to Stoneham, MA., the mystery genre's Booktown!
January 22, 2026
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
A Controversial Cover is the eighteenth book of the Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett and the second in the series that I have read. The amateur sleuth of the story, Tricia, is the owner of Haven’t Got a Clue bookstore. I get a chuckle out of these small-town catchy names for local stores/businesses J. Much to my dismay, previously I read book #8 in the series and indicated I wanted to start the series from the beginning. Well, I have not as of yet, and here I am jumping into the series again at book #18! Luckily, what little I knew of Tricia and her life in Stoneham came right back to me. Though I do actually encourage a newbie to the series to start at the beginning!
This edition of the series is centred around the murder of Lauren Barker, a famous children’s book author, who is also a former resident of Stoneham. Lauren was brought to Stoneham by the new head of the Children’s Department at the local public library, David Price (who also happens to be the new boyfriend of Tricia and is considerably younger than her). During Lauren’s reading, we get a glimpse of many local residents who do not have fond memories of Lauren… So we have many suspects to vet through. The main suspect is a former teacher of Lauren’s (Stella Kraft), who asks Tricia to help prove her innocence.
As always with cozy mysteries, the amateur sleuth slogs her way through the myriad of potential suspects. And as usual with this reader in particular – I usually must read right to the end to figure out ‘whodunit’, and A Controversial Cover is no exception.
There was some predictability, but that, in a way, is what I like about cozy mysteries. They feel like visiting old friends. I always enjoy book covers with cats and books on them, and this jacket cover is no exception.
I do wonder if this series is a bit long? Eighteen books (well, now 19), so I wonder, can an author keep it fresh for these many stories? I did find that from the first book in this series that I read (#8) to this title (#18), that I found the story not quite as exciting. However, I still reserve the right to actually go back and start this series from book #1.
If you enjoy cozy mystery books with cats and a homey small town feel (aren’t they all, though) and an interesting main character…settle down with your favourite libation in a comfy chair and get reading A Controversial Cover.
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
A Controversial Cover is the eighteenth book of the Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett and the second in the series that I have read. The amateur sleuth of the story, Tricia, is the owner of Haven’t Got a Clue bookstore. I get a chuckle out of these small-town catchy names for local stores/businesses J. Much to my dismay, previously I read book #8 in the series and indicated I wanted to start the series from the beginning. Well, I have not as of yet, and here I am jumping into the series again at book #18! Luckily, what little I knew of Tricia and her life in Stoneham came right back to me. Though I do actually encourage a newbie to the series to start at the beginning!
This edition of the series is centred around the murder of Lauren Barker, a famous children’s book author, who is also a former resident of Stoneham. Lauren was brought to Stoneham by the new head of the Children’s Department at the local public library, David Price (who also happens to be the new boyfriend of Tricia and is considerably younger than her). During Lauren’s reading, we get a glimpse of many local residents who do not have fond memories of Lauren… So we have many suspects to vet through. The main suspect is a former teacher of Lauren’s (Stella Kraft), who asks Tricia to help prove her innocence.
As always with cozy mysteries, the amateur sleuth slogs her way through the myriad of potential suspects. And as usual with this reader in particular – I usually must read right to the end to figure out ‘whodunit’, and A Controversial Cover is no exception.
There was some predictability, but that, in a way, is what I like about cozy mysteries. They feel like visiting old friends. I always enjoy book covers with cats and books on them, and this jacket cover is no exception.
I do wonder if this series is a bit long? Eighteen books (well, now 19), so I wonder, can an author keep it fresh for these many stories? I did find that from the first book in this series that I read (#8) to this title (#18), that I found the story not quite as exciting. However, I still reserve the right to actually go back and start this series from book #1.
If you enjoy cozy mystery books with cats and a homey small town feel (aren’t they all, though) and an interesting main character…settle down with your favourite libation in a comfy chair and get reading A Controversial Cover.
May 18, 2024
A Controversial Cover by Lorna Barrett is the eighteenth A Booktown Mystery. The author provides the background information needed for new readers (which will bore those who have read the other books in the series). A Controversial Cover is easy to read, but it is lackluster. Tricia Miles, I believe, is in her mid-forties, but she comes across as older (and stodgy). Tricia is dating David, a twenty something children’s librarian which is raising more than a few eyebrows in the town. His attire to a funeral consisted of a shirt with ruffles at the cuffs and cascading from the collar. He topped it with a velvet waistcoat and his hair pulled back in a ponytail (he was either going for pirate or regency gentleman). There is quite a bit of repetition in A Controversial Cover. I lost track of how many times it was mentioned that Tricia (well, technically, her assistant manager) is having trouble tracking down vintage mysteries. We get an update on Angelica’s dog each time Tricia goes over (which is usually twice a day). Food is a big topic in the book. I believe food (as well as David and Tricia’s romance) overshadows the whodunit (Tricia going grocery shopping, Tricia’s bare cupboards, Tricia and Angelica’s having lunch or dinner). The mystery was simple. The killer can be identified long before the reveal once Tricia begins asking questions. By the halfway point, I was beginning to doubt there would be any investigation. I felt bad for the teacher that Tricia left dangling in the wind. The reveal was less than satisfactory. I was not a fan of the addition of foul language (there was a mild amount, but I would prefer that there be none). There were some odd sentences in the story as well. (such as, “quiet money in the collection containers”). I like Booktown (I cannot resist a bookshop and a town full of them is nirvana), but this visit ranks low on the happiness meter.
October 8, 2024
I have read this series from the start and always enjoy returning to Booktown. However this one fell flat for me. In this next addition Tricia is dating a younger man and her sister is not happy. Her relationship with Angelica is at odds and they are not getting along at all. This relationship strife has gone on for 18 books now and Angelica still does not have respect for her sister. Often her manner of speaking to Tricia is cruel and Tricia never defends herself. Angelilca makes a lot of judgements and remarks that are unkind to Tricia. Tricia has a lot of self doubt and no self confidence. I would like to see growth in the character after 18 books. A large part of her character is her self doubt and wishing she had spoken up for herself. She recants conversations and has terrible lack of confidence. It speaks to a character in depression who is not leading her own life.
The booktown bookstores are not featured much here. A murder occurs and Tricia becomes once again involved even as she vows not to be involved. The mystery left me wondering what loose ends would be tied together? The sisters remain at odds and Tricia is a sad character without much joy or happieness in her life. I hope Tricia will find her true happieness before the series ends and be a stronger person to stand up to her sister and demand respect. Its time for Tricia to have her happy ending for we devoted readers of the series. I enjoy all the authors works and look forward to the next in series.
The booktown bookstores are not featured much here. A murder occurs and Tricia becomes once again involved even as she vows not to be involved. The mystery left me wondering what loose ends would be tied together? The sisters remain at odds and Tricia is a sad character without much joy or happieness in her life. I hope Tricia will find her true happieness before the series ends and be a stronger person to stand up to her sister and demand respect. Its time for Tricia to have her happy ending for we devoted readers of the series. I enjoy all the authors works and look forward to the next in series.
July 15, 2024
A famous children’s book author who has ties to Stoneham has agreed to hold an event at the local library, but things don’t go as planned. The author is surly and confrontational, and dashes out of the library as soon as she has finished. When her body is found in her car soon after, Tricia can’t resist the temptation to once again get involved in the investigation.
This is the 18th (!!) book in this series, and while I enjoyed the earlier books, the series has been hit and miss for me over the past few years. I still like the idea of a village filled with book-related shops, and I would love to browse Tricia’s store and meet Pixie and Mr. Everett while I’m there. Tricia’s character, however, has changed, and not for the better.
She can’t be more than in her mid 40’s, but she acts like someone much older – despite the much younger boyfriend. In the current day, how many of us would encounter a friend seated in a bar and stand there waiting for an invitation to sit down? She takes offense way too easily when people ask about her young man, cringing at the word ‘young’ every time it comes up. She and Angelica are still sniping at each other on nearly every page. I used to like the relationship between the sisters, but not anymore, and it’s not all Tricia’s fault.
There was a lot of repetition in the book as well. How many times do we need to hear how Sarge, Angelica’s dog, greets Tricia every time she arrives at Angelica’s place? Or that the sisters have happy hour and dinner together every day and nothing can interfere with that time? Or that they usually meet at Angelica’s place because Angelica is such a control freak? Or that Pixie loves to shop at estate sales for the town’s shop owners? Long-time readers of the series, and probably even those who only read this book, already know those tidbits.
The murder occurred relatively early in the book, so there wasn’t much background provided about the victim, except that she grew up in Stoneham and didn’t like the town or its residents. At first there were only a handful of suspects, but as the investigation continued, more possibilities were uncovered. One thing I liked about Tricia was how she turned over what she learned to the police, rather than keeping it all to herself like many other amateur sleuths do. I’m not sure why, but one character jumped out at me as the most likely culprit, and although I wasn’t sure, that person stayed near the top of my list until the confrontation scene, when my instinct was confirmed. The motive went with the character, but it hardly seemed like something worth killing over.
I am undecided about continuing this series. If I do, I will most likely wait until my library has a copy of the next book, rather than jumping on an ARC or, even less likely, spending my limited reading budget on buying a copy of it.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This is the 18th (!!) book in this series, and while I enjoyed the earlier books, the series has been hit and miss for me over the past few years. I still like the idea of a village filled with book-related shops, and I would love to browse Tricia’s store and meet Pixie and Mr. Everett while I’m there. Tricia’s character, however, has changed, and not for the better.
She can’t be more than in her mid 40’s, but she acts like someone much older – despite the much younger boyfriend. In the current day, how many of us would encounter a friend seated in a bar and stand there waiting for an invitation to sit down? She takes offense way too easily when people ask about her young man, cringing at the word ‘young’ every time it comes up. She and Angelica are still sniping at each other on nearly every page. I used to like the relationship between the sisters, but not anymore, and it’s not all Tricia’s fault.
There was a lot of repetition in the book as well. How many times do we need to hear how Sarge, Angelica’s dog, greets Tricia every time she arrives at Angelica’s place? Or that the sisters have happy hour and dinner together every day and nothing can interfere with that time? Or that they usually meet at Angelica’s place because Angelica is such a control freak? Or that Pixie loves to shop at estate sales for the town’s shop owners? Long-time readers of the series, and probably even those who only read this book, already know those tidbits.
The murder occurred relatively early in the book, so there wasn’t much background provided about the victim, except that she grew up in Stoneham and didn’t like the town or its residents. At first there were only a handful of suspects, but as the investigation continued, more possibilities were uncovered. One thing I liked about Tricia was how she turned over what she learned to the police, rather than keeping it all to herself like many other amateur sleuths do. I’m not sure why, but one character jumped out at me as the most likely culprit, and although I wasn’t sure, that person stayed near the top of my list until the confrontation scene, when my instinct was confirmed. The motive went with the character, but it hardly seemed like something worth killing over.
I am undecided about continuing this series. If I do, I will most likely wait until my library has a copy of the next book, rather than jumping on an ARC or, even less likely, spending my limited reading budget on buying a copy of it.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
March 22, 2024
For those readers who love cozy mysteries, one of the key characteristics is that they are an "easy read". Most are solved with relative ease. The eighteenth novel in A Booktown Mystery series, Lorna Barrett has reconnected us with Tricia, Angelica, the various book themed shops and eateries, etc. The murder of an award-winning children's author after a book signing at the local library brings introduces readers to new characters while Barrett ensures that steadfast characters remain. There are twists and turns that provide red-herrings to who is the murderer that may throw readers. What made this novel stand out was the time Barrett takes to discuss the dangers of the use of plastics and the need for bees and beekeeping. At times, her writing veered into preaching on these subjects, which is not the norm for a cozy mystery. That in not way means I won't look forward to reading the next in the series on NetGalley. Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
March 22, 2024
For those readers who love cozy mysteries, one of the key characteristics is that they are an "easy read". Most are solved with relative ease. The eighteenth novel in A Booktown Mystery series, Lorna Barrett has reconnected us with Tricia, Angelica, the various book themed shops and eateries, etc. The murder of an award-winning children's author after a book signing at the local library brings introduces readers to new characters while Barrett ensures that steadfast characters remain. There are twists and turns that provide red-herrings to who is the murderer that may throw readers. What made this novel stand out was the time Barrett takes to discuss the dangers of the use of plastics and the need for bees and beekeeping. At times, her writing veered into preaching on these subjects, which is not the norm for a cozy mystery. That in not way means I won't look forward to reading the next in the series on NetGalley. Thanks to publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity.
March 26, 2024
𝑨𝒍𝒕𝒉𝒐𝒖𝒈𝒉 𝒊𝒕 𝒘𝒂𝒔 𝒂 𝒄𝒍𝒊𝒄𝒉𝒆, 𝑻𝒓𝒊𝒄𝒊𝒂 𝒃𝒆𝒈𝒂𝒏 𝒕𝒐 𝒃𝒆𝒍𝒊𝒆𝒗𝒆 𝒕𝒉𝒂𝒕 𝒕𝒓𝒖𝒍𝒚 𝒏𝒐 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒅𝒆𝒆𝒅--𝒐𝒓 𝒑𝒊𝒆𝒄𝒆 𝒐𝒇 𝒈𝒐𝒐𝒅 𝒂𝒅𝒗𝒊𝒄𝒆 𝒈𝒊𝒗𝒆𝒏 𝒂𝒏𝒅 𝒊𝒈𝒏𝒐𝒓𝒆𝒅--𝒘𝒆𝒏𝒕 𝒖𝒏𝒑𝒖𝒏𝒊𝒔𝒉𝒆𝒅.
In book 18 of this long running series, bookstore owner Tricia Miles is tired of finding bodies. But when a beloved children's author is murdered after a book signing at the local library, Tricia knows she's back on the case.
I've read this series since the beginning, and the village in the book feels like home. I especially appreciate the character development as some authors allow their characters to grow stagnant. Tricia is dating a much younger man, and she's starting to have some questions about her sister's desire to buy another business in the village. The best part of all was the ending because I have so much anticipation to see where the next book goes!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy. This book will publish July 16, 2023.
In book 18 of this long running series, bookstore owner Tricia Miles is tired of finding bodies. But when a beloved children's author is murdered after a book signing at the local library, Tricia knows she's back on the case.
I've read this series since the beginning, and the village in the book feels like home. I especially appreciate the character development as some authors allow their characters to grow stagnant. Tricia is dating a much younger man, and she's starting to have some questions about her sister's desire to buy another business in the village. The best part of all was the ending because I have so much anticipation to see where the next book goes!
Thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the early copy. This book will publish July 16, 2023.
May 20, 2025
I started reading the book after this and wasn't remembering some of the characters and events they talked about. Somehow I missed a book. I also had to go back and read the end of the previous book because I had apparently blocked out an important character. Ha!
I have to admit while I give zero fs about their age difference I am not liking David. He has some odd interests for a 25 year old heterosexual male.
Also as a librarian multiple times it is said that the library board is in charge of hiring (and firing) of staff. At least in the 3 states I've worked in the library board is ONLY involved in the hiring (and firing) of the library director. Yes, I've had experiences with the library board not quite understanding that. The library director has the final say on the library staff. And in a multi branch system the branch manager actually does the hiring at their branch. The library director does have to approve it but normally have hardly anything to say about it. The only hiring the library director actually handles are the branch managers.
I have to admit while I give zero fs about their age difference I am not liking David. He has some odd interests for a 25 year old heterosexual male.
Also as a librarian multiple times it is said that the library board is in charge of hiring (and firing) of staff. At least in the 3 states I've worked in the library board is ONLY involved in the hiring (and firing) of the library director. Yes, I've had experiences with the library board not quite understanding that. The library director has the final say on the library staff. And in a multi branch system the branch manager actually does the hiring at their branch. The library director does have to approve it but normally have hardly anything to say about it. The only hiring the library director actually handles are the branch managers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 23, 2025
Another awful book in the series - David & Tricia's relationship was just ridiculous. And the author trying to justify it by repeatedly stating that if it was an older man with a younger girl then it would be acceptable - Heck NO! There's a 20+ year age gap and there's no way I saw these two as compatible. It threw an extra ick factor on the story that already had a bad murder mystery to deal with. Additionally, the author goes off again to preach to readers/listeners about social topics she cares about (last book was guns, this time the evils of using plastic, how women are treated so poorly, etc etc). If you can't write a decent mystery and need to fill it with this junk then just stop writing. The murder was too easy to figure out and once again, a murderer just confesses to Tricia then wants to kill her (which I was hoping might happen). I'm more than done with this series and the author.
July 27, 2024
Tricia is struggling with what everyone else thinks about her younger boyfriend. To support him she attends a signing of a children's book at the library. When the author is later found strangled in her car by Tricia and David, Tricia begins to involve herself in asking questions of who would want this woman dead. While I enjoy this series, I grow weary of some of the continued things the author focuses on for her characters. Maybe Tricia should spend some time in therapy to deal with her issues? Maybe Angelica could come clean to the community that has figured out her alter ego? I feel torn about this series. I like it and yet, I find it beginning to be fairly predictable. The ending of this book though, does offer some excitement for the next installment. I can only hope that it will continue to grow and expand Pixie and Mr. E's pieces in the story.
November 2, 2024
This was probably my least favorite book of the series.
PSA- do NOT listen to the audio. I think it made the book 10 times worse. The narrator does not understand these characters whatsoever. The voices she used were absolutely terrible, especially for Angelica and Pixie. . Antonio didn’t even have an accent.
There wasn’t much of a mystery. I figured out the killer pretty early on and the reasoning was weak.
The relationship between Tricia and David is so odd and uncomfortable. If she is so worried about their age gap and it makes her feel weird then break up. I don’t like how the author uses her books to preach about various topics that she feels strongly about. If I want to learn more about those things, I’ll read a book about those things.
Tricia and her sister have become more unlikable if that’s even possible.
PSA- do NOT listen to the audio. I think it made the book 10 times worse. The narrator does not understand these characters whatsoever. The voices she used were absolutely terrible, especially for Angelica and Pixie. . Antonio didn’t even have an accent.
There wasn’t much of a mystery. I figured out the killer pretty early on and the reasoning was weak.
The relationship between Tricia and David is so odd and uncomfortable. If she is so worried about their age gap and it makes her feel weird then break up. I don’t like how the author uses her books to preach about various topics that she feels strongly about. If I want to learn more about those things, I’ll read a book about those things.
Tricia and her sister have become more unlikable if that’s even possible.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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