Dearly Deleted

by Sarah E. Burr

It's a Copper Bay Christmas for Arwen "Winnie" Lark.For the first time since moving to Copper Bay, Massachusetts, book blogger Winnie Lark is planning to spend the holidays at home. But instead of being curled up with her cat and a good book, Winnie is a bundle of nerves. Her hard-to-please parents are flying in from California for a visit, but thankfully, her twin brother, movie star Strider Lark, will be by her side. And with her bestie, Owen, set to make his acting debut in a local theatre production of A Christmas Carol, it's sure to be a merry ol' time.But when Owen's bookstore suddenly becomes the scene of a shocking murder, Winnie's holiday cheer turns into dread. With Owen's reputation on the line, Winnie and her companions crack open another mystery. As they discover more about the victim, the Copper Bay crew begins to will they solve this case in time for the holidays, or are they in for a nightmare before Christmas?Full of bookish references and cozy, light-hearted fun, Dearly Deleted will have readers saying, "Tis the season to be sleuthing!"Praise for the Book Blogger “Burr proves once again that she is an absolute master at writing twisty whodunnits” - J.C. Kenney, the Allie Cobb Mysteries and the Darcy Gaughan Mysteries"A layered and unique heroine, Winnie Lark is an amateur sleuth that’s easy to root for." - Leah Dobrinska, the Larkspur Library Mysteries"A solid mystery, a budding romance, and a fun setting all contribute to this delightful first book in Sarah E. Burr's new series." - Carol Ayer, author of The HSP Mysteries and The Mother-Daughter Realty Team Mysteries

Genres: Mystery

271 pages, Paperback

Published December 19, 2023

About the author

Sarah E. Burr lives near New York City. Hailing from the small town of Appleton, Maine, she has been dreaming of being Nancy Drew since she was a little girl. After not finding any mysteries in corporate America, Sarah began creating some of her own.

She writes the award-winning Glenmyre Whim Mysteries, the Trending Topic Mysteries, the Book Blogger Mysteries, and the Court of Mystery series. "You Can’t Candle the Truth" was a 2022 NGIBA Best Mystery Finalist and a 2022 Silver Falchion Best Supernatural Mystery Finalist. "Too Much to Candle" was a 2023 NGIBA Best Paranormal Finalist, and "#TagMe for Murder" was a 2024 NGIBA Best Chick Lit Finalist.

Sarah is the co-host of "It's Bookish Time," a live-streamed web series featuring author interviews and book discussions. She writes on the Writers Who Kill blogging team and is a member of Sisters in Crime. When she’s not spinning up stories, Sarah sings Broadway show tunes, plays video games with her husband, and enjoys walks with her rescue dogs, Eevee and Itto.

Stay connected with Sarah and receive free stories, be the first to learn about book news, book deals, and more by signing up for her newsletter: https://bit.ly/saraheburrbookssignup.

Reviews

[Maria · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is fast becoming one of my favorite series! I love Winnie, her brother, Strider, and her friends, Owen and Bex. I was happy to see that Teddy was included in this one, and the introduction of Winnie’s parents added the perfect heartwarming scene at the end. The setting is idyllic already being a small town in Massachusetts, and when you add in the winter wonderland/Christmas aspect, it makes me want to move and be a part of it all. The mystery was well paced and had me guessing the whole time. I loved the mentions of other mystery series, particularly Nell Pratt from Sheila Connolly’s series – I miss her writing so much. Can’t wait to visit with them again!

I received a copy from the author for an honest review.

[Meezan · Rating 5 out of 5]

It's almost Christmas in Copper Bay, Massachusetts and Winnie Lark is preparing to welcome her parents and twin brother into her home. Her friend, Owen, is preparing to make his acting debut, but when someone is murdered his bookstore is the scene of the crime. Winnie, Strider, and their friend group set out to untangle this mystery and save Owen's reputation.

Dearly Deleted is another strong installment in the Book Blogger Mysteries. The setting is delightful. Early in the book there aren't a lot of references to Christmas, but later there are some very merry scenes that gave me all the holiday feels. I also felt a strong sense of community, which is something I love in cozies.

I enjoyed visiting with the Lark family and their friends in December. Winnie has a complicated relationship with her family. She's making progress with her twin brother, Strider, but this is the first time in a while that she's seeing her parents. I would like to have seen more of Winnie's interactions with her parents, but the end left me feeling hopeful that there will be more in future installments.

Winnie's romantic relationship is also evolving, which was wonderful to read. Winnie is fortunate to have such great friendships in Bex, Owen, and Teddy. Teddy especially makes me smile, which is saying a lot because he is someone I had to warm up to in the first installment, Over My Dead Blog. He's become one of my favorite characters in this series.

Another character we learn a little more about in this book is Detective Rosemary Fox. I am intrigued by her character because I think there's a lot we still have to learn about her. And speaking of the detective, I love the way the authorities are portrayed as being competent. It is clear that they are fully capable of doing their job. Winnie, Strider, and their friends certainly do their fair share of amateur sleuthing, but it does not downplay how effective the authorities are.

Although I did correctly identify the whodunnit early in the book, this was still a complex mystery with lots of fun twists and turns. I knew the who, but I did not know the details until all was revealed. I enjoyed the sleuthing that eventually led to the epic reveal. It was jaw-dropping to see it all unfold.

The Book Blogger Mysteries is a series I highly recommend you prioritize on your TBR list. Start with book 1, Over My Dead Blog, then read Dearly Deleted so you can see the characters grow over the two books. I am really looking forward to spending more time in Copper Bay when book 3 is available.

Thank you to author, Sarah E. Burr, for providing me with an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

[bella · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read the first Book Blogger Mystery, Over My Dead Blog, and I was absolutely blown away by it. It's such a unique concept and since I'm a book blogger [although no where in the league of The Wren!] I knew I would thoroughly enjoy this series, and I really do!

The second book, Dearly Deleted, is even better than the first. It builds on all the relationships in the first, and provides more background to the occupants of Copper Bay. This time we visit a Christmas tree farm, see a play and spend more time in Timeless Tomes, Owen's bookstore. It's a fun visit... and what's a visit without a little murder.

I really enjoyed the mystery. It was a tangled web of clues and alibis and I had a difficult time trying to solve it before Winnie.

I just loved every second of this book! I adore the setting, the characters, the mystery... everything is so wonderful in Copper Bay. Sarah E Burr has brought a lot of depth to these characters, and Copper Bay is definitely one of my favourite fictional towns and I can't wait to visit again!!

[Renee Winter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Come along on a tale filled with plot twists that keep you guessing, well developed characters whose relationships are so realistic and a smoothly flowing mystery that I devoured! Winnie, Strider, Bex, Owen and Teddy are back! Return to Copper Bay, this time to Diane Post, a New York Times Bestselling author's visit to Timeless Tomes, ran by Owen. When a body is discovered behind the bookstore after Diane's appearance, Winnie is determined to clear Owen of all suspicion. Filled with red herrings I found myself lost in the read, devouring this fun cozy. The sad thing is now I have to wait for the next. Kudos Sarah!

[Carol · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a really charming addition to the series. I loved that it was set at Christmastime, and I enjoyed going along on holiday adventures with the gang (though I really wish they'd been able to shoot snowballs out of a cannon! LOL). The mystery has its twists and turns, and ultimately, a satisfying climax. I especially love the relationships between Winnie and her brother, and Winnie and her new boyfriend (even if she is hesitant to call him that. Fortunately, he isn't. So cute!). Highly recommended.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really like this series because of the characters. Looking forward to the next book.

[Iris March · Rating 5 out of 5]

The friendships and book references are the best parts of this series and this novel was just as good as the first! I loved the Christmas theme.

[Marcia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Winnie Lark's life has been clipping along quite peacefully, but now she is a bundle of nerves. She invited her family to visit for the holidays and they all said yes! While she is quite comfortable having twin brother, Strider there, her parents are a different story, but for now she has bookstore owner and best friend Owen's anxiety over an author visit to distract her. After a bit of drama at the book reading and signing, Winnie and Strider head back home, only to get a frantic call from Owen when he finds the author's body behind the store when he takes the trash out after cleaning up post-event.
As Winnie and her friends, along with Strider investigate, Detective Rosemary Fox clearly advises them to stay out of the investigation while she contends with not just finding the killer, but also dealing with the state police detective the mayor requested since Rose is friends with Owen, a possible suspect. Needless to say, in true cozy form, Winnie and the crew don't exactly stay out of things!
I love the setting of this series, Copper Bay sounds like the ideal place to spend a Christmas holiday, right on the coast, filled with lots of fun shops and restaurants, even a Christmas Tree farm filled with fun activities, yet still near enough to Boston to get away for a day of shopping. I am also very fond of the characters. I must admit I missed the fact that Winnie's alter ego, The Wren was mostly just a background reference in this entry. I appreciate hearing Winnie create her reviews and seeing what The Wren is reading and writing about.
While there were plenty of suspects and a few twists in this plot, I was pretty sure from the time the deceased was identified what happened, who the killer was and why, but it was fun watching the the gang get there too! What prevents me from giving this book that 5th star is all of the times there are multiple references to other series and authors when one or two would do. I feel like I am reading an advertisement instead of a mystery. I love all of those characters and series, but it just distracts from the story for me.
Overall, a great series and a fun book to enjoy.

[Claudia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christmas came early with the release of Dearly Deleted, the second in the Book Blogger Mystery series by Sarah E. Burr! This is very much a Christmas themed cozy throughout the story.

It's Christmastime in Copper Bay and there is a lot going on. While Winnie nervously awaits the arrival of her parents, her bestie Owen is hosting a cozy mystery author at his bookstore. Things get a bit out of hand at the event, and shortly after someone ends up dead! With the help of her movie star brother and her besties, Winnie seeks justice for the victim who wasn't a very likable person.

In this second book, Winnie has a more of a working relationship with Detective Rosemary Fox. More information is shared between the two to advance the case. Teddy makes an unexpected trip to Copper Bay and helps with the investigation as well.

I enjoyed reading about the holiday themed activities that Winnie and Co. took part in, and used those times to interview potential suspects. Winnie also brings her tech savvy skills to gather information. Owen really brought the humor to the story as he prepared for his part in the community theaters rendition of A Christmas Carol.

The Book Blogger Mysteries are smart, fresh, and add an updated lens to the cozy mystery genre.
Thank you to the author for the Digital Review Copy, and for letting me share my thoughts on Dearly Deleted!

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Winnie Lark is staying in Copper Bay for Christmas, in fact, she’s playing host to her family. She’s nervous about her strained relationship with her parents and all of them fitting in her cottage. But before they even arrive, another murder happens in town. Her friend Owen is hosting a bestselling mystery author at his bookstore, but after the signing, Owen finds a dead body behind his store. Can Winnie save his reputation?

This book doesn’t waste any time before jumping into the mystery, and it kept me guessing until we reached the end, which took me by surprise. I fell in love with the characters in the first book, and that continued here. I also liked seeing how naturally Winnie’s relationship with her brother has developed. I did feel one sub-plot got a little short changed, but I did like how it was resolved. The Christmas setting is fun, and there are some great scenes in the second half of the book. If you can work this book in before Christmas, you’ll be rewarded. But no matter what time of the year you read it, you’ll be glad you did.

NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Short, Sweet and Cozy · Rating 5 out of 5]

friends, family and a fun cozy mystery

Dearly Deleted is the second book in the Book Blogger Mysteries and it was even better than the first book. The characters are likable and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. Arwen (Winnie) Lark lives in Copper Bay, MA and she is a fairly famous book blogger but she keeps her identity a secret. Her twin brother Strider is a famous movie actor and along with their parents are coming for Christmas. Winnie is nervous about their parents visiting. She never felt appreciated and Strider was always the center of attention. It adds to the story but is a little dramatic although the family drama is resolved in a touching scene. Winnie's boyfriend Teddy is also visiting which bothers Strider. Winnie's friend Owen invited author Diane Post to his book store for a book signing event. Someone is found dead after the event. Winnie, Strider and friends want to clear Owen and save his bookstore but then it turns to seeking justice. Strider is a fun character and adds humor. Teddy is also a nice character and they are getting serious. Her parents didn't show up until the end and it added to the story. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery and it kept my interest from beginning to end. #DearlyDeleted #BookBloggerMysteries #SarahEBurrBooks

[J.C. Kenney · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are few things in life one can depend on--death, taxes, and Sarah E. Burr delivering a fantastic cozy mystery. In Dearly Deleted, #2 in her Book Blogger Mysteries, Burr gives us a splendid whodunnit with a twist at the end that is both satisfying and unexpected. Set in the days leading up to Christmas, Darly Deleted brings blogger Winnie Lark, her brother Strider, and her friends Bex and Owen, together to figure out who murdered a woman right behind Owen's bookstore. With a suspect list ranging from the victim's ex-boyfriend to a bestselling author in town for a book signing, Winnie and company find themselves in a race against the clock. To solve the murder before anyone else gets hurt, or worse and before Winnie's demanding parents arrive in town for Christmas.
This is Burr's first story set during the holidays and she excels at bringing the joys of the season right along with the challenges of figuring out who murdered the wannabe writer. I can't wait to visit Winnie and her Copper Bay friends soon!

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fun read. Winnie is preparing for the holiday, her famous brother is visiting, and her parents are coming for Christmas. While I missed her "working" and more on her book blog, she is kept busy helping her buddy Owen host a famous author at his bookstore. When a body is found after the event, behind the store, Owen becomes a person of interest and the gang gets into full gear. This was an interesting book, the mystery very good, the character development was wonderful, I enjoy how Winnie and her brother work on their relationship, Winnie and Teddy are growing a nice bond, and it looks likes Winnie and her parents will share the magic of Christmas by rediscovering a stronger relationship. While I love cozy mysteries, what makes one stand out to me, is the strength of my joy in the characters and their development.

[Ryan Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dearly Deleted is the second in the book blogger mysteries featuring Arwen "Winne" Lark. It takes place at christmas time in the town of Copper Bay, Massachusetts where Winnie and brother Strider and there friends, Owen and Bax live. There is not only a production of a Christmas Carol at the local theater but there is a book signing for a cozy mystery author at Owen's bookstore. Where a body is discovered and Owen is under suspicion by the police. Also Winnies parents show up in Copper Bay for Christmas. It was a fun read and follow up to the first book. It was satisfying.

[Jennifer Kovaleski · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a fun series. The characters are likable and all have depth . Winnie is happy to be spending the holiday in Copper Bay but stressing about her parents visiting for Christmas and dealing with the attention that they give her famous twin brother Strider. Add a murder to the mix and one of her closest friends’ business at sake as well as his innocence she is determined to get to the truth. I enjoy that the sleuthing is a team effort. A strong mystery. Can’t wait for the next in this series

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book Blogger

This is a great mystery set in Cooper Bay a small town in Massachusetts. A well known writer makes an appearance at a book signing at a book store. The signing is disturbed by a devoted fan of the writer. Sometime later there is a body found in the back alley . The victim is the fan Hannah Hamilton. Several suspects emerge. Arwen and her friends investigate to help clear the author. I love the overall investigation and the elimination of each suspect along the way. That this is set a Christmas time is great fun. I wasn't sure who the murderer was.

[Tam Sesto · Rating 5 out of 5]

An entertaining Christmas read. I love the characters in this book series; great relationships. I enjoy the author’s references to other cozy mysteries, and have added to my TBR list just from those references. I get a kick out of Wren having a celebrity brother and all that entails. Fans of the series will be thrilled to see the author addresses the “elephant” in the room in regards to Wren’s parents.

My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

It is Christmas in Copper Bay and with the holiday chaos comes murder. What an entertaining story. So glad to see how things went during Winnie’s parents visit. I seriously thought the murder and motive was something totally different than what was revealed. Although I did have a tiny inkling close to the end where I wondered the same thing as Winnie did. Absolutely loved it. Looking forward to book three.

[Jim Twombly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great break provided by Sarah. Dearly Deleted was just what I needed to change things up after reading some rather heavy nonfiction. This is a fun group of folks to follow on their adventures.

[Paige Ripperger · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’m loving this series! Book 2 was just as good as Book 1! Can’t wait for the next one 😊