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Borrowed Pages Cozy Mysteries #7
A Leaf of Murder
Sometimes leaves…
Aren’t the only things falling.
It’s September in Oliver’s Crossroads, North Carolina, and the first hint of autumn is in the air. Librarian and amateur sleuth, Helen Bennet, is busy at the library getting ready for the Harvest Festival, which will feature lots of fun activities and end with the official opening of the new stargazing deck.
Things are going smoothly—until a couple of uninvited guests arrive in town. When a body is found in the woods around Lake Sneed, and Helen’s ex-husband and his new wife get tangled up in the murder investigation, Helen and friends will have to follow the clues and discover the killer’s identity.
Can they crack the case in time for the festival? Curl up with a slice of Harvest Apple Pie (recipe included!) and find out!
Aren’t the only things falling.
It’s September in Oliver’s Crossroads, North Carolina, and the first hint of autumn is in the air. Librarian and amateur sleuth, Helen Bennet, is busy at the library getting ready for the Harvest Festival, which will feature lots of fun activities and end with the official opening of the new stargazing deck.
Things are going smoothly—until a couple of uninvited guests arrive in town. When a body is found in the woods around Lake Sneed, and Helen’s ex-husband and his new wife get tangled up in the murder investigation, Helen and friends will have to follow the clues and discover the killer’s identity.
Can they crack the case in time for the festival? Curl up with a slice of Harvest Apple Pie (recipe included!) and find out!
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
150 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 16, 2023
52 people are currently reading
31 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
December 31, 2023
"A Leaf Of Murder" is book #7 in the "Borrowed Pages Cozy Mystery" series by Maggie Benton.
"Sometimes leaves…Aren’t the only things falling. It’s September in Oliver’s Crossroads, North Carolina, and the first hint of autumn is in the air. Librarian and amateur sleuth, Helen Bennet, is busy at the library getting ready for the Harvest Festival, which will feature lots of fun activities and end with the official opening of the new stargazing deck.Things are going smoothly—until a couple of uninvited guests arrive in town. When a body is found in the woods around Lake Sneed, and Helen’s ex-husband and his new wife get tangled up in the murder investigation, Helen and friends will have to follow the clues and discover the killer’s identity. Can they crack the case in time for the festival? Curl up with a slice of Harvest Apple Pie (recipe included!) and find out!"
My thoughts:
Helen and her fellow birders find themselves trying to solve yet another murder. The biggest twist in this one is that her ex-husband and his new wife are in town and appear to be suspects. Helen isn't happy to see them of course but does want justice served.
Annie's parents are also back in town and that has both her and her boyfriend Walter a bit on edge.
Despite attempts to throw readers off the trail, I had figured out "who done it" well before the reveal.
Some predictable character and relationship developments but overall it was a quick, entertaining read.
"Sometimes leaves…Aren’t the only things falling. It’s September in Oliver’s Crossroads, North Carolina, and the first hint of autumn is in the air. Librarian and amateur sleuth, Helen Bennet, is busy at the library getting ready for the Harvest Festival, which will feature lots of fun activities and end with the official opening of the new stargazing deck.Things are going smoothly—until a couple of uninvited guests arrive in town. When a body is found in the woods around Lake Sneed, and Helen’s ex-husband and his new wife get tangled up in the murder investigation, Helen and friends will have to follow the clues and discover the killer’s identity. Can they crack the case in time for the festival? Curl up with a slice of Harvest Apple Pie (recipe included!) and find out!"
My thoughts:
Helen and her fellow birders find themselves trying to solve yet another murder. The biggest twist in this one is that her ex-husband and his new wife are in town and appear to be suspects. Helen isn't happy to see them of course but does want justice served.
Annie's parents are also back in town and that has both her and her boyfriend Walter a bit on edge.
Despite attempts to throw readers off the trail, I had figured out "who done it" well before the reveal.
Some predictable character and relationship developments but overall it was a quick, entertaining read.
October 26, 2025
Wow!!
So much happened in this one.
There is a thief at the gym. Annie's parents are coming for a visit. Helen's ex and his wife show up. Of course, a murder occurs.
The fall festival will be starting soon and Helen is excited about it. She can't believe it when her ex and his wife walk in. When she goes to the diner later, she sees the protestors. They are protesting a building going up in protected areas.
Annie is nervous about her parents coming. She is afraid her dad won't approve of the renovation.
Then there is the murder victim. Helen's ex and his wife are suspects.
Adam is who keeps Helen centered through it all.
Do they find the killer? Will Annie's dad like the renovation?
So much happened in this one.
There is a thief at the gym. Annie's parents are coming for a visit. Helen's ex and his wife show up. Of course, a murder occurs.
The fall festival will be starting soon and Helen is excited about it. She can't believe it when her ex and his wife walk in. When she goes to the diner later, she sees the protestors. They are protesting a building going up in protected areas.
Annie is nervous about her parents coming. She is afraid her dad won't approve of the renovation.
Then there is the murder victim. Helen's ex and his wife are suspects.
Adam is who keeps Helen centered through it all.
Do they find the killer? Will Annie's dad like the renovation?
November 22, 2023
This book got the better of me again, lol. I had a person in mind for killer that I was just so sure was right, but I didn’t have it right. That showdown was really cool since two friends got to be heroes and help take down the perp. And Det. George was always so grateful for his friends’ help on a case. The ending was so darn sweet and another fave couple was headed for a happily ever after! I can’t wait for the next book!
November 17, 2023
It’s harvest festival and the opening of the new stargazing deck. Librarian Helen will get more than fall harveset to view when a body is found and some uninvited guests that she could do without. Her ex husband and wife arrival also clouds suspicion on them.
Not a typical Harvest Festival for this small town cozy. A quick delight read.
Not a typical Harvest Festival for this small town cozy. A quick delight read.
November 24, 2023
I love visiting Oliver's Crossroads and joining Helen, Annie, Hazel, Harry and Walter as they once again help George to solve a murder. Plenty of twists, well developed characters, and a limited suspect pool provided a full afternoon of entertainment. I never guessed who the culprit was until just before the dramatic reveal. Well done Ms. Benton!
May 3, 2024
Another great addition to the series
Helen and the library staff are getting ready for the town festival and the dedication of the libraries new telescope. Things are going very well until Helen’s ex husband and his new wife walk into the library. From there the intrigue takes off with many twists and turns and a surprise ending. A fun read.
Helen and the library staff are getting ready for the town festival and the dedication of the libraries new telescope. Things are going very well until Helen’s ex husband and his new wife walk into the library. From there the intrigue takes off with many twists and turns and a surprise ending. A fun read.
June 7, 2024
A book with a happy ending
You really can’t help but become invested in the characters in Ms. Benton’s cozy mystery. While short (I can polish off two a day) they are full of friends who have each other’s back and no one character is a hero but a combination of all the characters working together that get to the final conclusion. Good Books. Enjoy, off the the next
You really can’t help but become invested in the characters in Ms. Benton’s cozy mystery. While short (I can polish off two a day) they are full of friends who have each other’s back and no one character is a hero but a combination of all the characters working together that get to the final conclusion. Good Books. Enjoy, off the the next
October 24, 2025
Harvest festival time can be murder
Well you can never be completely prepared for everything that can happen during the festival. Like your former husband and wife showing up. And then some drama involving a possible land deal with protests. But don't forget the murder too. And there's also some really nice stuff that will make you smile!
Well you can never be completely prepared for everything that can happen during the festival. Like your former husband and wife showing up. And then some drama involving a possible land deal with protests. But don't forget the murder too. And there's also some really nice stuff that will make you smile!
November 20, 2023
Awesome!!
It’s always great to have another visit to Oliver’s Crossroads. Helen and friends are great characters. The storyline was great and it has a beautiful setting. I hope there will be many more.
It’s always great to have another visit to Oliver’s Crossroads. Helen and friends are great characters. The storyline was great and it has a beautiful setting. I hope there will be many more.
November 20, 2023
Wow lots going on in this book along with lots of fun! There is a murderer, a thief, Annie’s parents, and worst of all Helen’s ex and new wife. A well written story with lists of mysteries that need to be solved, and these characters are just the ones to solve them all!
January 18, 2024
the series only gets better
I have read all of this series —- to this point in just two. I love the fact that the books are an easy, fun, and entertaining read. The characters continue to develop with each read. If you want a feel good read, these books are for you.
I have read all of this series —- to this point in just two. I love the fact that the books are an easy, fun, and entertaining read. The characters continue to develop with each read. If you want a feel good read, these books are for you.
March 18, 2024
I have read all 12 books of this series in three days! I love these mysteries! They are cozy and not gory. The storylines are entertaining, and the characters are delightful. I highly recommend every book in this series. Start reading them in order because it will make more sense that way.
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September 13, 2025Literary intrigue
Small town library group solves mysteries and this murder has the librarian's ex in the hot seat as a suspect. Well crafted, multiple suspects, humor and a bit of romance. I enjoyed it.
Small town library group solves mysteries and this murder has the librarian's ex in the hot seat as a suspect. Well crafted, multiple suspects, humor and a bit of romance. I enjoyed it.
December 3, 2023
A not so welcome visitor from the past arrives and throws everything into chaos. What a great storyline. Loved it.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher.
I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book from the publisher.
August 20, 2024
love this town and these people
I always find myself tearing up at the end of these charming books! They are so sweet and really dial up the coziness!
I always find myself tearing up at the end of these charming books! They are so sweet and really dial up the coziness!
August 30, 2025
I found the book a bit two dimensional. Couldn’t find connection with protagonists. Maybe I should’ve read previous books first.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews