Murder Outside the Lines: Pen & Ink, Book 3

Pen & Ink Mysteries #3

by Krista Davis

With Halloween just around the corner, the fall colors in Georgetown are brilliant. As manager of the Color Me Read bookstore, coloring book creator Florrie Fox has arranged for psychic author Hilda Rattenhorst to read from Spooktacular Ghost Stories. But the celebrity medium arrives for the event in hysterics, insisting she just saw a bare foot sticking out of a rolled-up carpet in a nearby alley. Is someone trying to sweep murder under the rug? Florrie calls in her policeman beau, Sergeant Eric Jonquille, but the carpet corpse has disappeared without a trace.

Then in the middle of her reading, Hilda chillingly declares that she feels the killer's presence in the store. Is this a publicity stunt or a genuine psychic episode? It seems there's no happy medium. When a local bibliophile is soon discovered missing, a strange mystery begins to unroll. Now it's up to Florrie and Jonquille to expose a killer's true colors . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Cozy, Audiobook, Halloween, Holiday

Audible Audio

First published September 28, 2021

About the author

Krista Davis lives in the Blue Ridge Mountains of Virginia where she writes mysteries. She lived in Northern Virginia for many years and resided for a time in Old Town Alexandria where her Domestic Diva Mysteries take place.

Krista also writes the Paws and Claws Mysteries, which debuted with MURDER, SHE BARKED. Her Pen & Ink Mysteries featured covers that can be colored! Read the book and have fun coloring the cover.

WEBSITE: https://www.kristadavis.com

NEWSLETTER: https://bit.ly/3Wi0jcR

FACEBOOK: http://www.facebook.com/KristaDavisAu...

INSTAGRAM: www.instagram.com/kristadavisauthor

Reviews

[Kay · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5⭐ Bumping up for the festivities! 🎃🕷️🕸️

Yes! What a delightful Halloween theme cozy! Murder Outside the Lines really brings out the spirit of autumn and Halloween. Pumpkin spice latte and apple cinnamon pancakes...yum! A mysterious human skull, faux cobwebs, witches, or a headless walking corpse, and a load of unfortunate crimes.

Florrie Fox is an artist of adult coloring books and manager at "Color Me Read", a bookstore in Georgetown. Store owner, Prof. Maxwell is very into historic relics and has an office upstairs.

"Color Me Read" store event features Hilda, a ghost stories author and psychic. She claims to speak to the dead and felt a killer's presence at the event. I enjoyed the mysteries, a body wrapped in a rug and a mysterious skull. This installment has a wonderful spooky feel.👻🪦

Although this is book three in Pen & Ink series, it can be read by itself. Currently available on KU and Hoopla.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis is the third book in the cozy Pen & Ink Mysteries series. This series has the unique set up of the protagonist being an artist who draws adult coloring books so to celebrate that the publisher has made the cover of physical copies a drawing to be colored in by the reader. Each book in this series does have it’s own mystery to be solved so books may be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. There of course is character building carried over from book to book though for those who follow the series from the beginning.

In the first book readers were introduced to Florrie Fox who by day manages the Color Me Read bookstore in Georgetown, Washington D.C.. After work Florrie draws adult coloring books creating images from things she sees that inspire her. Florrie lives in the carriage house that is owned by her boss Professor Maxwell and has settled into her new life while even started a new romance. With Halloween quickly approaching the town is getting ready for the holiday with spooky decorations and activities galore. However, for Florrie she could have done without the actual dead body she stumbled upon under a fake coffin in a yard.

I have been following the Pen & Ink Mysteries series from the beginning and was excited to dive into book three after a long wait between installments. As always I will again mention I love what the author created with an adult coloring artist as the protagonist and the covers being blank to color. It did take a minute to familiarize myself with the cast of characters again but once I did I completely enjoyed this quirky bunch yet again. This one had a slight paranormal feel with all the Halloween hijinx which I also enjoyed and will happily return to this series yet again in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/

[Barbara · Rating 3 out of 5]

This review was first posted on Mystery and Suspense. Check it out for features, interviews, and reviews. https://www.mysteryandsuspense.com/mu...


This is the third book in Krista Davis's 'Pen and Ink' cozy mystery series, but it works fine as a standalone.

*****

Amateur sleuth Florrie Fox is the manager of the Color Me Read bookstore in the Georgetown neighborhood of Washington, DC.



This is the perfect job for Florrie, because she loves to read mysteries AND she creates her own line of adult coloring books. The bookstore's owner, Professor John Maxwell, has an office on the building's third floor, where he entertains his erudite friends.



It's the Halloween season, which is serious business in Georgetown. Residents compete to have the most elaborate decorations, stores have seasonal events, and ghost sightings increase dramatically.



For Color Me Read, Florrie has scheduled a reading by psychic author Hilda Rattenhorst, who says she can speak to the dead.



To heighten the ghoulish atmosphere, Professor Maxwell has received a package containing a human skull, with a note claiming the sender, Ellis Willoughby, is in a dangerous situation.



When clairvoyant Hilda Rattenhorst arrives at Color Me Read to give her reading, she's disheveled and flustered, claiming to have seen a rolled up rug with a foot sticking out. Hilda says she feels the vibes of a murderer in the room, and - as if to reinforce Hilda's observations - a loud shriek reverberates through the building.

Florrie and Professor Maxwell don't believe in ghosts or psychics, and think Hilda is just putting on a show. However, a body in a rolled up rug is soon found in Georgetown.....



.....and the victim is identified as a Washington, DC resident named Manny, who works at the bakery where Florrie shops.



The police, including Florrie's boyfriend Sergeant Eric Jonquille, launch a murder investigation, and Florrie takes an interest in the proceedings.



There are numerous suspects for Manny's murder because he had disreputable friends; was accused of cheating in a judo competition; and was generally disliked.

Georgetown seems to be experiencing a crime wave because Florrie's delivery man is bitten by a snake; Professor Maxwell's friend is attacked and almost killed; Florrie's acquaintance is knocked out in his apartment; and a private detective is found dead. Florrie suspects these incidents may be connected, and makes her own inquiries, bringing pastries and pumpkin cookies to loosen people's tongues.



On a more personal level, Florrie helps a friend with marital problems and she and her cat Peaches provide comfort to the Professor's butler, who's afraid of ghosts.

In between shifts at the bookstore, detective work, and assisting her friends, Florrie is enjoying the Halloween season. She walks her dog Frodo past the decorated Georgetown houses to look at the vampires, witches, corpses, coffins, giant spiders, and skeletons; hears ghost stories from Professor Maxwell's friends; goes on a ghost tour with her colleagues; sees a headless spirit walk through a cemetery;



and gets dressed up for Halloween.



The story has numerous threads and a large cast of characters, but the diligent reader will be rewarded with an entertaining mystery filled with surprises. There are also recipes for Russian tea, cinnamon apple pancakes, pumpkin cupcakes, and French apple cake.


Russian Tea


Cinnamon Apple Pancakes


Pumpkin Cupcakes


French Apple Cake

Though this is a Halloween themed book, it's a fun read for any time of year.

You can follow my reviews at http://reviewsbybarbsaffer.blogspot.com/

[Linda Langford · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bestselling Author Krista Davis weaves a haunting Halloween tale in the long-awaited third installment of the Pen & Ink cozy series. Florrie Fox will need to sharpen her sleuthing skills to solve the murder of an acquaintance of her employer, Professor John Maxwell. The Professor’s friend entrusted him with an odd item for safekeeping, and it seems to have special powers!

The cast of characters is fabulous and the storytelling splendidly spooky. With bodies piling up just before Halloween, Florrie and her beau, Sargeant Eric Jonquille, must work fast to expose this killer before he disposes of Florrie.

Author Davis is a pro at writing a story that immerses one’s attention from beginning to end. There are humorous moments and surprises galore for readers! Delicious recipes included.

I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. All opinions are my own. Thank you.

[Gloria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This third book of the Pen & Ink series is finally here and not a disappointment. It is Halloween time and Color Me Read Bookstore in Georgetown in Washington, DC is getting into the spirit with a guest speaker, Hilda Rattenhorst, a medium and author. But the scary times really start when people are attacked and the bodies start showing up, seeming to fulfill some of Hilda's predictions. Store manager and coloring book artist, Florrie Fox, is in the thick of things trying to solve the crimes, even though her boyfriend, Sergeant Eric Jonquille, tries to get her to stay out of it. The victims are all known to Florrie and the store staff and friends so the killer must be someone close to them. There are a lot of people in this small close neighborhood so everyone knows those involved. This is a story with action and suspense, twists and turns to unravel and secrets to expose. It was fun to read and return to the series with the quirky group of friends and acquaintances in a great setting and a little bit of a complicated mystery to solve. I am looking forward to the next book in the series.
i received a complimentary copy to read in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Outside the Lines is a delightful cozy mystery that grips the reader from the very beginning, taking them on a bizarre roller-coaster ride until the final page.
Florrie Fox is a fun character, there is something truly unique about her, which really makes the story more intriguing.
When Florrie organizes an author reading at Color Me Read, she has no idea that it will set off a series of odd events, including murder.
Krista Davis is an excellent author and I'm always happy to recommend any of her books.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

#MurderOutsidetheLines #NetGalley

[Jennifer Brown · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good one by this author! I don't know why, but I still am not a big fan of the name Florrie as a lead. I think a stronger name should've been chosen. I always picture an old lady solving these crimes! 🤣🤣 But the story itself was pretty good. I can honestly say the author had me all over the place with the culprit...and I still didn't guess all that was revealed in the final moments. The spookiness was perfect for this Halloween season and I'm glad I read the book now!

[Mark Baker · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fall is in the air with Halloween fast approaching. Florrie Fox has a special author appearance planned for Color Me Read, author and psychic Hilda Rattenhorst. However, when Hilda shows up, she claims to have seen a carpet wrapped up with a foot sticking out of it in a nearby doorway. Florrie and her boyfriend, Eric, who is also a police officer, head out to check it out only to find nothing when they arrive. Then, during her talk before signing books, Hilda claims to feel a killer’s presence in the audience. As Florrie is trying to figure out if it is a publicity stunt, one incident after another begins to happen. What is going on?

Even for a Halloween themed cozy, I was a little surprised at the number of potential supernatural elements we got at the beginning of the book. As the crimes took center stage, that began to recede a bit. I did feel the plot could have used better focus. There are quite a few elements to the story, and it felt like it was wandering in the middle. But things came together for a satisfying climax. I was once again charmed by the Georgetown neighborhood where Florrie lives and works. It was great to get reacquainted with the characters and see the next chapter in their lives. This book is for you if you are looking for a charming fall cozy.

NOTE: I received an ARC of the book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

The perfect Halloween read! Ghosts, skulls, a missing child and murders going bump in the night to provide the perfect backdrop to our intelligent and creative sleuth to unravel the latest series of events in order to calm the chaos that is wrecking havoc on her friends' lives before one of them is the next body to turn up! An old mystery gets interwoven with the current events to make this story the perfect Halloween read! I love that our main character is not only pretty, smart, accomplished and creative, but also caring and with a strong sense of right and wrong. Toss in a cast of unique and varied friends as well as coworkers and you will also find yourself falling in love with this series! Do you love adult coloring books? Then you definitely want to buy this book or rather the entire series as each cover is an adult coloring page that allows you to create the cover that best appeals to you! I can't wait to read what happens next to my favorite creative bookstore group!

[Mallory · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the first I’ve read but the third in this series. I love that the covers are adult coloring pages, it is such a fun and unique tie in to the story. I liked the main character Florrie who works in a bookstore and creates adult coloring books that she sells there. Bodies start to pile up and of course the amateur sleuth is in the thick of things both in discoveries and her own efforts to solve the mystery. There is a good spooky feeling with his book which was perfect for Halloween. I did think he mystery was interesting and the cast of characters in the town were delightful. I didn’t find huge shocks in the mystery’s solution, but I found the whole thing engaging and enjoyable.

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

It’s almost Halloween and strange things are happening in Georgetown where Florrie Fox manages the Color Me Read bookstore. For starters, Florrie witnesses an assault, a psychic author doing a reading of her new book claims there is a murderer in the shop, and then rumors go around that a ghost attacked someone in the store. When Florrie discovers a murder victim, she gets involved in the investigation as well as some potentially supernatural events.

This is the third book in the Pen and Ink series and the third I’ve read. I think each book stands on its own fairly well. Krista Davis’s Domestic Diva series is one of my favorites, but I haven’t warmed to Florrie and her friends in the same way. Florrie is likable, but with the exception of her boyfriend, Eric, her friends aren’t compelling to me. I love the premise that Florrie designs coloring books for adults and although a coloring book provides an important clue in the murder, i was disappointed they didn’t play as big of a part as in the prior book. I felt that was one of things that made the series so unique. Florrie also enjoys sketching people she has encountered each day which is not only interesting to read about, but also gives Florrie something to refer back to in order to investigate the case.

Sometimes the descriptions in the book and the plot got confusing to me. There are also so many conversations among the characters on whether or not ghosts are real that the debate starts to overshadow the actual investigation. I was happy that the latter parts of the book got a lot better. Just when it seems the case has been solved, a couple of twists occur before the very end that really surprised me. Some aspects of the story such as a screaming human skull that keeps changing locations in Florrie’s shop, possible ghost sightings, and an eerie nighttime cemetery walk make this an entertaining, spooky read for Halloween. I don’t love everything about the book but the mysterious things going on in Georgetown, Florrie’s sense of humor, and the surprising ending help make this an entertaining cozy mystery overall, and I would rate it 3.5 stars.

I received this ebook from NetGalley through the courtesy of Kensington Books. An advance copy was provided to me at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased. This review will also appear on the Smitten Review Site and Blog.

[Cheryl · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another good book in the series

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

This was my first taste of this author, and I quite enjoyed this book. It held up well as a standalone. Had plenty of festive Halloween atmosphere. Nothing annoys me more than a book advertising itself as a "holiday cozy" and then there is barely a peep about the actual holiday. 🤬 Not the case here, thankfully! The plot was intriguing with plenty of red herrings. That said, I found it a tad confusing keeping everyone and how they were connected straight at times. The characters themselves were likable (and plenty), and the ending satisfactory. I'll definitely check out that next book in the series! 👍🏻

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Mary · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lots going on in this book. Fascinating characters. A few ghost stories and murder abound.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Outside the Lines by Krista Davis is the 3rd A Pen & Ink Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Fans of the series will be happy to finally get this new installment (we have been waiting so long). There is a great cast of characters in this engaging series. I like the variety of quirky characters with the majority of them being book lovers. Florrie Fox will need to keep her wits about her if she is to solve the latest whodunit. The book starts with the arrival of a skull and then we have the psychic who believes she saw a foot sticking out of rolled up carpet. When Florrie and her beau, Sergeant Eric Jonquille arrive at the location, they find nary a thing. On her way back to the bookstore, Florrie overhears a disturbance inside a home. When she finally gets inside, she finds one of the store’s customers bleeding out on the floor. This is just the beginning. There are plenty of incidents to keep this book hopping. This was a fun whodunit to solve. It was complex with plenty of twists, surprises, whirls, and turns. The reveal was complete and answered all of my lingering questions. Murder Outside the Lines is well-written with developed characters. I love that Florrie is not only the manager of a bookstore but that she designs adult coloring books. There are several different elements happening in the beginning of the book. It had me feeling like I was in the middle of something. I just needed to be patient. It all comes together with a great reveal. There were a few too many conversations for my liking on whether ghosts were real. It began to feel repetitious. I like that the author gave us a list of characters at the beginning so readers can reacquaint themselves with the cast (it has been some time since the last book). I enjoyed the authors descriptions of the Georgetown neighborhood, Florrie’s cozy cottage, and the bookstore. The author was able to strike a balance between too much and not enough. I like the spooky Halloween atmosphere in the story with my favorite being the skull that did not stay in one place. There are tasty recipes at the end. I look forward to Florrie’s next adventure in A Colorful Scheme. Murder Outside the Lines is an eerie cozy mystery with a screaming skull, a prophetic psychic, a disappeared rug, ghost quarrels, tasty treats, and Halloween hijinks.

[Shawn · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this series. I love Florrie, the professor, everyone.

[Readaholic Jenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Such a great series. Krista Davis is an amazing author.

[The Cozy Review · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder Outside The Lines is a delightfully convoluted mystery that will have readers confused and longing for more. This one is a definite head-scratcher but in a good way. The readers’ inner sleuth will rear its head as they try to keep the evidence in order, the suspects and the killer insight, the red herrings contained, and the book store from being haunted. There is plenty of action and more than a touch of Halloween mischief in this third installment in the “A Pen & Ink Mystery” series. There is intrigue, mystery, a hint of the paranormal, and even a ghost or two. This book has exactly what every cozy reader is looking for during the spooky season.

It’s almost Halloween, and Florrie arranges for a local psychic to do a reading at the bookstore, only things don’t go according to plan. There’s a mysterious delivery, a psychic vision, a disappearing body in a rolled-up rug, and a murderer underfoot. This story is a ride readers will adore. Florrie is one of those characters readers either love or hate, it’s easy to do both, and the suspects in this book agree. Most of the characters from this series are likable and relatable, but some are just odd enough to keep the audience guessing every time.

The victim isn’t in the least sympathetic, the suspects are varied, and some are even scary; at times, there are more suspects than Halloween ghosts in a graveyard. The bookstore plays a pivotal part in the story, and many of the clues and suspects can be found within its walls. The evidence is peppered throughout the story, but many readers will have no idea who the killer is until the very end. Things come together as Florrie and friends question everyone and find answers that lead to more questions. In the end, they come to the correct conclusion, but not without a bit of danger and intrigue. Murder Outside The Lines is a wonderful cozy for the holiday season and throughout the year.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh this was such a fun and awesome Halloween read! I already knew this author was a champ when it came to telling Halloween stories with just the right amount of creepiness, so this mystery definitely didn't disappoint! One of the side stories that was pretty hilarious at times involved a human skull named Harry that was sent to Prof. Maxwell. There were a couple other side stories, and it seemed like everyone had some type of secret, but was it worth killing over it?

The showdown was exciting and very Halloween appropriate. I loved how things were explained yet some left just a teensy bit of doubt. The murders and any attempts were all cleared up though. And yes, Harry lived happily ever after too! ;)

I won a copy of the paperback of this book, and also voluntarily read and reviewed a digital ARC of the book provided by the publisher via NetGalley. My opinions are my own.

[Ell · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you are a cozy mystery fan and you haven’t read anything by Krista Davis, do yourself a favor and pick up one of her many books. She is the author of the Domestic Diva Mysteries, Paws & Claws Mysteries, and Pen & Ink Mysteries. Murder Outside the Lines is the third installment of the Pen & Ink Mysteries, but it can stand alone. It’s a great book to pick up for relaxed autumn reading. There’s Halloween festivities, a celebrity psychic, and of course, a murder in a small town. The body, however, mysteriously disappears without a trace. Get out your hot chocolate or spiced apple cider and enjoy finding out how and why the mysterious corpse goes missing and guess whodunnit!

[Christy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I new this read was about Fall and Halloween and I didn't mind the descriptive Halloween house decorations but the heavy laden references to curses, seances, conjuring the dead, talking to the dead, ghosts and premonitions and communicating with evil spirits was just way more secular reading than I wanted to entertain!

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dollycas's Thoughts

It's almost Halloween in Georgetown and there is a special event at the Color Me Read bookstore. Store manager and coloring book creator Florrie Fox has invited Hilda Rattenhorst, a psychic author to read from Spooktacular Ghost Stories. When Hilda arrives everyone knows something is wrong but when she announces she saw a bare human foot sticking out of a rolled-up rug not far from the bookstore they are all taken aback. Florrie dials up Sergeant Eric Jonquille who also happens to be her boyfriend and tells him what the psychic claims she saw. When he arrives at the supposed scene there is no sign of the rug or the foot. 

As Hilda gets to the middle of her reading she tenses, and declares "There's a killer in the building!" and collapses to the floor. Florrie thinks it may just be a stunt but fears it is the truth. When bodies start dropping Florrie realizes the psychic may have been right.

In another spooky development, the owner of the bookstore, Professor Maxwell has received an unexpected package that contains an eerie object.

It's time for Florrie to grab her sketch pad and try to make sense of all the clues so she can help her beau catch a killer. She also needs to help her boss get the full story about the "gift" he has received.

_____

I was very happy to reconnect with these characters and at the perfect time, Halloween.

I love that Florrie is a coloring book creator and she uses her creative side to help understand what is happening around her. It doesn't happen fast but when a doodle helps all the clues start to fall into place it is just so cool. I love the relationship she has with Sergeant Eric Jonquille. He tries to keep her out of his cases but he knows her and that her insights can be helpful. The rest of the core characters bring the quirkiness required in a cozy series. They are all cleverly created and interesting. 

The mystery has several light paranormal elements, which is fun in a Halloween mystery. An old mystery gets twisted up with the new one and Florrie is in the middle of it all. She notices things other people miss and she even happens to be in the right place at the right time to prevent an event from becoming dire in the nick of time. There are several twists to unwind and secrets to reveal. She follows clues to uncover a surprising component and that sets up a heck of a scary showdown.

Ms. Davis is a marvelous storyteller. I have no trouble escaping into her mysteries. The characters are fun and relatable. The settings are always picturesque. The mysteries are so well-plotted and intriguing. As I expected Murder Outside the Lines sucked me in and held on tight. It was definitely A Perfect Escape.

The unique coloring book covers in this series are an added bonus. Be sure to grab markers, colors, or colored pencils when you get the books.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book is an excellent Halloween read with ghosts, cemeteries, and dead bodies. I enjoyed following the clues with Florrie and no clue who the killer was until the end.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's Halloween season in Georgetown and everyone is going crazy! First, there's a scream on the phone line no one can trace. At the same time, Florrie's boss, Maxwell, recieves a human skull named Harry in the mail from a friend. Then the delivery guy, who swore the package creeped him out moaning and wailing, is bitten by a poisonius snake! Next, Hilda Rattenhorst, a psychic and author hired to speak at the bookstore, arrives at the store terrified out of her mind because she saw, or thought she saw a vision of a human foot sticking out of a rug! When Florrie and her boyfriend Sgt. Eric Jonquille go to check out the alley where the foot supposedly was, there's nothing there but on the way home, Florrie interrupts a murder! A local bibliophile and friend of Maxwell, Cyril Oldfield had his throat slit in his own kitchen. What else can possibly happen? Add in Hilda sensing evil in the bookshop, the foot in the rug turning up where it was least expected, another murder, a 200 year-old curse, some ghosts and possibly a missing husband! Florrie doesn't believe in ghosts but there is someone evil out there. What does she know that can help the police solve all these mysteries? Will her hometown ever feel safe again?

Oooh this one was goood! I stayed up well past 2 AM to finish the mystery. It's the best of the three so far but also rather creepy. I had some bad dreams that night. It's not as dark as The Diva Haunts the House but I will stay away from any future Krista Davis Halloween themed books. (The Ghost and Mrs. Mewer is cute though). I picked up on the clues but I couldn't put them all together. I didn't care for the 200 year old mystery subplot. That didn't make ANY sense whatsoever. Yes Aaron Burr killed Alexander Hamilton in a duel and yes it was legal but the story just didn't ring true to me. The clothing styles attributed to Natalia are way off too. As much as I love historical mysteries, this one needed some work and wasn't necessary. The main mystery would have been stronger without it. I didn't like how some of the mysteries were explained at the end. Some mystique there would have been better.

Florrie is not the most appealing heroine. While I can relate to being an introverted book lover, I don't really FEEL anything for Florrie. She narrates the story but is mainly a character in the plot as if someone else is telling the story. She passes judgement on people based on their looks and that's mostly the only time her personality is shown and not told. She tells us how she can't believe the very good looking Eric would be into her (twice) and how her looks and personality can't compare to her sister. She does come to recognize a fault of hers at least. Florrie is also incredibly dim and naive. The ghost stories Coralue tells her are not new. I think everyone knows the White House is haunted by Abraham Lincoln and he had a vision of his own death. I also think many people know Mary Todd Lincoln held seances at the White House trying to contact her dead son. Since Florrie is not new to DC, I'm sure she would know those stories as well. The new-to-me story is the one Krista Davis made up about the Russian Ambassador but I bet Jacquie or Mr. Dubois would have told Florrie that story already too. One more thing I found odd about Florrie is how she didn't connect the skull, Harry, to the person. Why doesn't she know Harry is a nickname?

There are soooo many people in this book and so many odd things going on. I really like Mr. Maxwell. He's an interesting character- a character indeed. He's so eccentric and fascinating. I agree with his ex-wife though- how can he believe in things like the lost city of Atlantis but not ghosts? He lives in a haunted mansion! I'd like more of him on page. His ex-wife Jacquie Liebhaber, a romance writer, is the complete opposite. She's eccentric in a different way and enjoys mischief and matchmaking. Jacquie is apparently a super duper amazing matchmaker because she does a great service to poor Bob, the store's most awkward geeky employee. Veronica, Florrie's sister, has really matured. She still loves money but I like her better than Florrie now. Veronica is more social and knows how to talk to people and get information without them realizing they're being interrogated. She's a kind friend and excellent at customer service as well. I guess like my sister and I, Veronica and Florrie are too close and too different to truly be friends.

Jacquie's personal assistant, Roxie Oldfield Brimble, is introduced twice, unnecessarily. She's apparently "plump" and smiling. How old is she? She sounds like she looks middle aged or older but acts like a 20-something. Roxie is friendly, happy and caring but she has her suspicions about her husband Finley. Finley is a drop dead gorgeous Englishman who attracts women like bears to honey and therefore Roxie doesn't trust him. He seems to have a stalker and isn't telling the woman to go away. He's oblivious which I think means Roxie should trust him more. Yet his backstory is prepostrous and probably easy enough to check. Chalk it up to cozy mystery territory or should the reader be suspicious of him? I don't quite trust him or like him but I could be trying to make paralells to a subplot that just don't exist. I won't spoil it for you! Roxie's father, Cyril, has GOT to be a victim of the 200-year-old curse- if you believe in such things. I don't but he sure has had extraordinary bad luck. He seems very kind, bookish and scholarly but overprotective of his only child. What he did to her back in the day is uncalled for and if she finds out, she'll hate him forever or at least until she matures enough to understand why he did what he did. Still, Cyril doesn't deserve to be murdered! He has also been robbed but of one specific item which seems weird. Did he get in the way of a botched robbery or did someone try to kill him on purpose? I feel bad for him that this is one more bad thing to happen and horrible for Roxie if she were to lose her father too.

There are some eccentric women in this book as well as the eccentric bibliophile old men! Hilda Rattenhorst claims to be a psychic medium. She may or may not have witnessed the aftermath of murder. If she did, she can't tell the difference between reality and a vision. Did she imagine it? She does seem like the type to let her imagination run away with her. Then she senses an evil male presence in the bookstore and is so spooked she has to go home with Jacquie? Hmm. Is she frightened because she saw the murderer or is she trying to bilk money out of Jacquie who desperately wants closure in the case of her long-lost daughter. Another unusual woman is Coralue Trockmorton. While having an interest in local history is fabulous, I would love to hear some ORIGINAL stories I haven't heard a billion times before, her interest is a little bit too intense. She's also obsessed with Halloween and loves scaring people. I would have been terrified just to walk by her house when I was a kid. Her house may or may not be haunted by an actual ghost. That's enough for me.

Gene Germain, Coralue's next door neighbor, seems too interested in her business. They previously had a rivalry and now he's suddenly coming over and checking on her, inviting her out and advising her on legal affairs? I think he knows something about one of the mysteries and is trying to find out what Coralue knows and if she unwittingly witnessed him doing something the police may be interested in.

Who is Ellis Willoughby IV, private detective? All we know is he's a friend of Maxwell's who sends Harry for safe keeping. He seems like a nice person but a lousy detective. Someone was on to him and it didn't end well for Ellis. Why did he send Harry to Maxwell? Did he know who Harry was in life? Why didn't he say so? Or is this another mystery for Maxwell to figure out? We learn much more about Manny Metz, the bakery employee. He's a kid with too much imagination. He loves to brag and make himself seem important. Sure Manny wasn't the greatest guy and did some bad things but did that mean he deserved to be killed? Was he up to something way out of his league-something that got him killed? I think he was smuggling drugs or doing something related to the DeGamma pharmaceutical company. His girlfriend, Kaya, works for Nola and Steve Boyle, owners of the Curiosity Shop. They seem suspicious and creepy to me. I think they were using Manny for illegal purposes and he paid the price for his knowledge. Balthus DeGamma, a scion of the wealthy pharmaceutical family also has something mysterious and bad happen to him which is why I think Manny was involved with shady business there. Balthus seems like a nice young man, he's friendly to everyone and comes in the bookshop once in awhile. Was he in the wrong place at the wrong time or is there a connection to the murder/s?

There's a whole lot going on here. How is it all connected? Is there a connection to the early 1800s curse as well? If you like slightly spooky, creepy Halloween murder mysteries, read the book to find out.

I wanted more Frodo the dog. He plays a big role in the first half of the book, drops off page and then goes home unceremoniously. I like him best of all characters.

[K.A. Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

MURDER OUTSIDE THE LINES, the third book in the Pen & Ink Mysteries by Krista Davis, is a hauntingly great story that provides just the right amount of shivers to put me in the mood for Halloween! A spooky ambiance via decorations is created, not only in Color Me Read, the bookstore where protagonist Florrie Fox works, but around the neighborhood as well. The author’s descriptive voice brings the ghosts, ghouls, skeletons, and witches to life as neighbors try to outdo each other in creating creepy tableaus. Adding to the spirit of the holiday, Ms. Davis weaves in an element of ghost stories and the paranormal into the mystery. Florrie Fox is a delightful character. She’s inquisitive yet is unobtrusive in her quest for finding answers. Her cheery helpfulness endears her to friends and customers alike. Surrounding her are a cast of entertaining and downright quirky characters. How about a mysterious skull, named Harry, that seems to move about on his own when no one is around? Or Hilda Rattenhorst, a psychic author, who “sees” a foot sticking out of a carpet on her way to the bookstore? These, and many more, make the story a page turner.

Hilda’s insistence that a murder has taken place, leads Florrie on a search to find out if Hilda is merely trying to create publicity for herself, or if in fact, a crime was actually committed. Twists, turns, and shivers abound as the clues unfold. The plot is well-paced and when the body(s) turn up, Florrie delves into who could have done the dastardly deed. With the victims well-known to Florrie and her friends, it seems like the killer might be someone they know. This opens up a list of suspects for Florrie to weed through and readers will be kept on their toes as they follow the clues. With a heart stopping reveal, the spider webs of the plot come together to create a story that’s perfect for a frighteningly good Halloween read!

One of the things you can count on when reading a book penned by Krista Davis is that there will be mouthwatering mentions of food and delightful recipes at the back of the book. Ms. Davis doesn’t disappoint and has included several autumn-themed recipes in Murder Outside the Lines.

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jerri Cachero · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's almost Halloween in Georgetown and Florrie Fox, manager of the charming Color Me Read bookstore, is surrounded by mystery, ghosts and murder. When a psychic visits the bookstore to read from her new book, she has more than predictions for her audience. Now, Florrie must use her sleuthing skills to stop a very determined murderer.

Mysteries set in Georgetown are among my favorites and this one is so much fun! I'm a fan of Krista Davis's Domestic Diva series and, in both books, she weaves a "keep you reading mystery" with lush descriptions of Georgetown that make you feel as if you were there. Florrie is a thoughtful sleuth who doesn't rush into danger. Her boyfriend, Police Sgt. Eric Jonquille makes the perfect partner. There were twists and turns and red herrings galore in the book, which I loved!

If you're looking for a perfect Halloween or Autumn mystery, be sure to put this book on your list!

I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

This third installment featured a Halloween theme, which I (of course) greatly enjoyed!
I also really like the pace of this series.

It's cosy, but not without some serious parts as well.
The mystery might be a tad on the very contrived side of the scale, but it's fun.
Solid, cosy fun!

[Kellene · Rating 4 out of 5]

A nice kickoff to the upcoming Halloween season. I really like this series. The characters are still so much fun, and the Georgetown setting is great. This book contains a storyline that centers around whether or not ghosts are real, which was especially fun for the investigator in me. Does learning whether or not a historical story, connected to a possible haunting, is true make the haunting more believable? Maybe. The mystery itself was well written and fast paced, and full of red herrings. I had the culprit pegged fairly early, but the whole story and motive were shocking. But made for a great read! Looking forward to the next in the series and hoping there are more to come.

[Melmo2610 · Rating 4 out of 5]

A fun Halloween cozy with a good mystery. Lots of twists and turns held my attention and the ending was really good. I really enjoy this series, can't wait for the next one!

[Darinda · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in the Pen & Ink series. Delightful characters. Charming cozy mystery.