Fictional Fatality

Shelf Indulgence #4

by S.E. Babin

A Shelf Indulgence Novella!

Dakota and Poppy are back in this next cozy installment of the Shelf Indulgence series, but this one might be a case even their book smarts can’t handle!When a man drops dead in the middle of town, no one expects foul play. Except Poppy. My grumpy Persian won’t stop yowling about the murder until I agree to take a quick peek into it.

Nothing seems out of the ordinary, so I’m having trouble finding anything hinting at foul play until a slip of paper floats out of the book the man had just purchased. A book from my shop.

The paper has a name and a phone number scrawled across it.

My name and phone number.

Soon I’m hip-deep in a mystery with so many dangling threads I feel like I’m trapped in a yarn store.

But this one might end up with me all tangled up with a murderer.

Genres: Cozy, Cozy Mystery

101 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 18, 2021

About the author

S.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.

Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!

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Reviews

[SKP · Rating 3 out of 5]

I didn’t like this book as much as the first three in the series, as I felt like I was missing something. Even at the end when the killer was revealed, I felt like I had missed some details along the way & couldn’t quite make sense of everything. I still like the characters, although I’ve never read about a character having so many love interests without actually dating anyone. It is kind of like the author wasn’t sure who she wanted to match Dakota up with so she gave her a bunch of male friends. Also Poppy seemed to disappear halfway through the book and we never saw her again. Found a couple of typos. Still having trouble with the similarity between Hardy and Harper’s names. So, no, I didn’t enjoy this one as much. I’ll read the next (last?) book, but am hoping for it to return to the quality of the first three.

[Kathy Mayer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hemingway & diamonds kill.

Hardy just can't seem to treat Dakota right. You don't agree to date someone & then give them the cold shoulder. Plus she was forward with Daniel & asked to do a friend date. In pajamas no less. Highly inappropriate for new friends. In this one Dakota tries to save a guy with CPR. Unfortunately, he dies. Turns out he was wealthy & the wife wants to hire her to solve the case. Cole & Dakota patch up their friendship. And everything seems to revolve around this book. It was sold to Dakota who sold it to Daniel. Who happens to be a rich author. Dakota gets to see his house & the book again. She wants to find out why a man died over it.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dakota had another crazy mystery to solve and somehow found herself using Hardy's guest house during the process. At least someone appreciated her mystery-solving talents and compensated her for her time especially after what Dakota discovered for the woman. That was the wildest dreams part lol.

The perp came as no surprise to me and I'd honestly wondered about this person earlier. The showdown was good, quick and effective. Meanwhile, Hardy had some life altering news which made Dakota back off, but I'm still holding out hope for those two! I borrowed the next from KU to read soon!

[Dallass · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've been enjoying my time with this series, and I flew through this book. I'm having a lazy day just mooching on the couch, reading as much as I want (love a rainy day that gives me a reprieve from having to mow the lawn), and I'm happy to have stumbled across this cozy series. Loving the characters and their developing storylines over the series. This mystery was fun to read. The books, so far, have been fast paced and entertaining, so happy to continue on with the series.

[Gloria Markus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Secrets in a book

Dakota sells a rare book, a Hemingway and shortly thereafter the client drops dead in the street. She agrees to look into the book for the man’s widow. As she digs deeper into the book, she discovers some info about mineral rights. Follow rthe story until its conclusion.

[Gskm · Rating 5 out of 5]

loved it

I like these characters and the way the plot unfolds. There is always a murder but the how and why are so cleverly unique. It was such an enjoyable read that I am disappointed that it ended. Highly recommend this book and the series. Personally, I believe the whole series should be read in order so that the reader can become captivated by the characters. Enjoy.

[Erica · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoy this series, but it is a little hard to review simply because they are quick, short books that go by fast. Dakota does meet a new friend in this story, but we only greet him for a few moments and I'd love to have more of him in the story as well as more of Everett. Still, this one was a better murder mystery than the last.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fun

Fun series about a book store owner solving mysteries. The characters are well developed and the plot and subplots move quickly. Almost as fun as the mystery is who Dakota will form a romantic relationship with. I can’t wait for the next book!

[David St. Lawrence]

A wonderful feel-good cozy murder mystery!

Reading this story is as satisfying as feasting on an exotic pastry while sipping on a mocha latte with whipped cream topping. Filling and deeply satisfying and no regrets whatsoever. I think I will have another please. 😁😁

[Colby Woodring · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fun Cozy Mystery to read. I enjoyed the plot, I learned new things, and met new people, which made it interesting, adventurous, and satisfying. My takeaway is to be true to yourself, do what feels right even if it's hard, and it's good to have friends.

[JANE VAN HORN · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book

This is a great book in the Shelf Indulgence series by S E Babin. I can't wait for the next book.

[Natalie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute Mystery

I have no idea how this protagonist meets so many handsome, eligible bachelors who are interested in her, but hey, suspend the disbelief and it’s a fun mystery.

[Kressie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Amazing!

I LOVE these books! I just can't put them down! Cute and funny and always needing to know what comes next!

[Michelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75/5⭐: Another good read in this series. In my opinion though the ending felt extremely rushed.

[Frances A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Stories

The characters are so real and interesting. I have one book more to read and I can't wait. All of the books are well written.

[jeanie c. riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with a secret inside!

A man fell in street and died is it a hear t attack!? Why would someone kill him!? Dakota is at it again! Enjoy!

[Joanne Gundling · Rating 5 out of 5]

Remember to read!

I don't have to remember to get the next book. I'm going to my Kindle right now to get it!

[Ruth Kevghas · Rating 3 out of 5]

Too short and too many typos

[anthony Lang · Rating 5 out of 5]

I like all of them

PLEASE keep them coming... I love them. The dialog, the sets, the characters, the suspense.
This is a really good series.
Thank you.