Madrigals and Mayhem

The Cambridge Bookshop #4

by Elizabeth Penney

In Madrigals and Mayhem, the fourth in Elizabeth Penney's charming Cambridge Bookshop series, Molly Kimball finds that even the holidays can come with a healthy dose of mystery.

Molly is eager to experience her first English Christmas with family and friends now that she's adjusted to her move to Cambridge and her restoration of her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios. When local toyshop Pemberly’s Emporium reopens, Molly is excited to meet the new owner, Charlotte Pemberly, who is determined to make the toy store a success after unexpectedly becoming her grandfather Arthur’s sole heir.

Arthur's new wife Althea Winters and her unpleasant family loathe Charlotte for inheriting what they believe was theirs and have set their sights on a valuable Madame Alexander doll that's gone missing. When Althea's grandson is poisoned by cakes from Tea & Crumpets, Charlotte becomes the top suspect. Molly believes Charlotte was the intended victim and investigates the Pemberly’s home, only to discover that Arthur had been murdered.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Christmas, Cozy, Holiday, Fiction, Books About Books

282 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 26, 2024

About the author

Elizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.

Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.

She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.

Reviews

[Christina O’Keefe · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Read if you like:
🎄 Christmas murder
🎄 quirky characters
🎄 small town (Christmas) setting
🎄 family drama

This is marketed as a cozy mystery, but honestly it read more like a thriller to me! So much stuff happened and it was super twisty and exciting…. I literally could not put it down! I was sucked into the story right from the very beginning.
One of the most important things about cozy mysteries is the group of characters…. and these ones were wacky 🤪🤪 I really enjoyed all of these characters and would definitely love to live in town with them 🤣
The only negative I can possibly say about this book is that it just didn’t feel very Christmasy.
I did not see the end coming! That’s the one thing I really ask for in a mystery story. There was also a bit of romance in here which only added to the story 🙃
I had not heard of this author before but I really enjoy her writing style and can’t wait to read more by her in the future 💕

[BookLover · Rating 5 out of 5]

Giving a five star rating to counteract the one star rating. This book is set to be published in 11 months and ARCs aren’t out yet. Ratings are so important and it’s unfair to give a negative rating without cause.

I will update this once I’ve read the book.

I just finished book one and thought it was great (4 stars).

I checked out the account that left the one star rating and it appears that all they do is leave one stars. It’s pages and pages of them.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

I always enjoy a visit to Thomas Marlowe, the bookstore in Elizabeth Penney's Cambridge Bookshop series. Add that we are visiting Molly and company during the holiday season, and it just adds wonderful charm to an already delightful series. Molly, her mother and great aunt, are decorating for the holidays, enjoying increased sales, and looking forward to the holiday season. Molly is charmed to see that the toy store across the street, that has been closed since she arrived, looks like it's ready to open. Molly and Daisy meet Charlotte, the new owner and granddaughter of the previous owner, the only problem is that someone had broken into the toy story, and Molly and Charlotte find Charlotte's grandfather's step grandson sick and possibly dying inside the shop. What follows is several interesting mysteries, a treasure hunt, and much family drama. In order to help her new friend, Molly even joins in for the holidays Madrigal and Mayhem performances. With the holidays swirling around them can Molly, with her family and friends, figure out what's going on and stop a killer so everyone can enjoy Christmas? It's definitely a read that will help any mystery lover get ready for the holiday season! Many thanks to #Netgally, #Minotaur, and the author for a chance to read. #MadrigalsandMayhem #CambridgeBookshopMysteries #ElizabethPenney #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader

[Stephanie Schindler · Rating 2 out of 5]

I don't think cozy mysteries are for me any longer. So with that, I found it hard to finish. I was more worried about what happened to her mom's Sascha doll than anything...and I even figured out where that went.
At least this one had a bit more intrigue than the last cozy mystery I read.

[Tanya · Rating 3 out of 5]

Perfectly festive cozy mystery. I had fun, which is all I really wanted from it. The first half was better than the second, but overall a good time.

[Michelle Holland · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5
In all fairness, I'm not typically a huge fan of cozy mysteries, but read this for book club.

[Spencer Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

wow these are so fun and cute, the ending of this one slew me with glee

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney is a great cozy mystery that is the fourth book in The Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series.

I have really enjoyed this series thus far. Set in the historic academic town of Cambridge, the author really brings the feel of the town into the novel.

I have always liked the character cast and Molly is a fun MC and amateur sleuth to hang around with.

I liked the Christmas and festive feel and the murder/mystery was an easy thread to follow. I will continue to read this series.

5/5 stars

Thank you NG and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 11/26/24.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Madrigals and Mayhem” the 4th instalment in The Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Cambridge, England. I love this series and always preorder Elizabeth’s books. Molly Kimball finds that even the holidays can come with a healthy dose of mystery.

I absolutely loved this story, and read in one day! I liked seeing how Molly and Kieran’s relationship has progressed. I love the addition of Charlotte Pemberly owner of toyshop Pemberly’s Emporium and she really fits into the streets family. I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom it’s enough to make you wish you were part of their little community or street.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 5!

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Marsha · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've cut back on reading as many cozy mysteries as I've read in the past... this is not one of them. First off, there's a centuries old bookstore, old Cambridge (which I've had the good fortune to have visited), likeable characters and interesting stories about old books. The mystery is always intriguing and moves along well with my favorite characters getting involved. Old and new characters are mixed and move the mystery along at a fast pace. An extra plus is the holiday setting. An old toy store is finally reopening after the death of the previous owner. His granddaughter has inherited, much to the anger of his ex wife and her family. A very valuable doll is missing and "accidents" start happening. But, Molly and company are determined to solve the crimes... Kept me involved to the last page!

[Christine · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 stars - This is the first book I've read in this series, but I really enjoyed it. It is a great cozy mystery for the holidays!

[Krista · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy this series. Well plotted with great mysteries that leave me guessing

[Christy · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved it! I really like the characters and I hope Charlotte is in future books, she was a good addition. The setting is fun and the mystery was entertaining.

[Nadine Augustyn · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars

[Kimberly Lou · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was given this as a Secret Santa gift, and I'm excited to go back and read the first three. A mystery set in the backdrop of a bookstore in England with lovable characters. 3.75/5

[Colleen · Rating 3 out of 5]

**Note:** I have NOT currently read the first 3 in this series. I read this one for Suspish Book Club. Normally reading cozies out of order is not an issue, but it did affect this one some. I may revise my views some after reading the first 3.

**Synopsis:** It is the holiday season at Thomas Marlowe, the bookshop near Cambridge University owned by Aunt Violet, Molly’s mum, and our protagonist, Molly Kimball. The toy shop next door, which has sent dormant for several months (possibly a year?) shows signs of life again. Molly soon learns that Charlotte, granddaughter of the shop’s former owner Arthur, is taking over. Molly and her friend Daisy (who runs the local Tea Room) quickly set out to make Charlotte feel welcome. Charlotte shares that there has been family drama as her grandfather left her not only all of his properties (both his home and shop) but also a rare Madame Alexander doll, worth quite a fortune. Molly & Daisy quickly see the drama for themselves when they find Charlotte’s step-cousin (?) Barnaby in the back of the store, clearly poisoned.

The police suspect both Charlotte and Daisy (as a card from her Tea Room was found, though due to the use of blue icing, which Daisy detests, she’s certain it didn’t come from her place) but Molly thinks Charlotte was the more likely target than Barnaby. She sets out to help Charlotte both figure out who really poisoned her cousin and also where her grandfather hid the Madame Alexander doll. After a search of her grandfather’s home, Molly, Daisy, and Charlotte become convinced that the grandfather was poisoned (and killed) with a cream containing aconite (monkshood or wolfsbane).

Molly’s suspects range from Althea Winters (Arthur’s wife at the time of his death and grandmother of Barnaby), Dorcas (Althea’s daughter-in- law, mother of Barnaby), Barnaby himself (though not for poisoning himself), Tori (Barnaby’s adopted sister), Reece (Barnaby’s roommate and Tori’s boyfriend) , and Andre (owner of Mistletoe Tree farm who is awfully cozy with Dorcas and whose father had been married to Althea). She joins the *Madrigals & Mayhem*’s cast to get closer to the family as Althea is directing and Dorcas (supposedly) wrote the show. She sees Tori and Reece breakup. She later goes to talk to Reece but he’s been killed.

Molly reads *Charlotte’s Dollhouse*, an old book left to Charlotte by her grandfather, and she and Charlotte figure out scavenger hunt clues to find the doll. It is eventually revealed that Althea did all of the poisoning but tricked various family members into delivering the poison. Kieran (Molly’s boyfriend) tells her he loves her and Aunt Violet gets engaged to Sir Jon (who used to work for MI6). Molly’s mum also reconciles with her sister-in-law Janice so all is happyish in the end.

**Thoughts:** This book’s plot is a total mess. I will acknowledge that I am not a fan of books where more than max 2 people are involved in the deaths as I feel that is sort of a cop out on the writer’s part (Hey- they ALL did it). But there are so many other issues here.

First of all- the only reason we like/side with Charlotte is we meet her first. I was actually kind of hoping the author was going to be a bit clever here and make Charlotte the killer because that would have been surprising and teach an audience not to jump to conclusions. There’s nothing really inherently likeable about Charlotte- she badmouths everyone in the family, she allowed the grandfather’s wife to keep her from seeing him, she seems to kind of bully her way into wherever she wants to go.

Moreover- the whole family is a mess. It’s never clear WHY Dorcas puts up with Althea now that her kids are adults and her husband died years ago. Althea had 2 other husbands die before Arthur and NO ONE thought it was strange? I’m supposed to think DI Ryan is good, but surely missing that is problematic? Molly doesn’t really investigate at all- she mostly finds herself in random situations. (Which for a first book is okay but Molly SAYS she’s going to investigate.) Somehow everyone but Althea is innocent but they all agreed to take her various food items to various people even as people died and/or got sick. They assume the cream was tampered with because it had aconite but aconite is used in pain relievers (acknowledged by the author).

Here’s what I think happened- the author was pushed to do a holiday book as this was the fourth in the series. Holiday cozies sell better than the others and I’m going to wager she was under deadline. I also am going to wager that she had the idea for the Madrigal part first and then needed it to fit in but never solidified a great plot.

Things that were good-

- *Charlotte’s Dollhouse* and the scavenger hunt were fun to follow.
- Molly is a fun and more realistic protagonist in some ways. She goes to the pub, she curses on occasion, she isn’t absurdly sweet to everyone all the time. I like my cozy protagonists but I also want them to feel like real people. She actually stays over at her boyfriend’s house. Molly passes that test.
- Side characters seemed fun, but I haven’t gotten to know them as I haven’t read the first 3. That one is on me.
- Puck is great- always love a good mystery cat.
- The scene where Kieran says I love you is swoonworthy.
- The cover (as are all the covers) is gorgeous.

I’m going to read the first 3 to see if it’s good otherwise. I do know cozy authors are under a crazy amount of pressure to produce books regularly and quickly and often with seasonal vibes. So if this is the only mediocre/dud of the group, I won’t hold it against her.

Overall a messy holiday bookshop cozy mystery, but with some fun characters and a nice subplot.

[Jill · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Kimball is excited to be spending her first English Christmas in Cambridge, since she and her mother had moved from Vermont to help with the family bookshop. But when a toy store reopens down the street, she is doubly excited. When she goes to the local bakery to get some coffee and a scone, she meets the new owner of the toy store, Charlotte Pemberly.

Charlotte had inherited the shop from her grandfather, who had passed. His will had given Charlotte everything, but he had been married for a short while to a woman named Althea Winters, and she is contesting the will, along with her grandchildren, especially since the inheritance is not just for the toy store but it includes a rare Madame Alexander doll worth half a million pounds. But the doll has gone missing, and Charlotte thinks that Althea or maybe her family members had been breaking into the stop to look for it.

Charlotte invites Molly over for a tour of the shop, and Molly readily agrees along with her best friend and the owner of the bakery, Daisy. Molly in particular had been taken with a dollhouse that Charlotte had put in the store window, and she couldn’t wait to get a closer look. But as they’re looking around the store, Charlotte finds Althea’s grandson in the breakroom. He was on the sofa, not looking at all well, with a cake box in his hands. The women call an ambulance and take a look at what he’d been eating. It was in a box and with a card from Daisy’s shop, but she’s quick to say that she didn’t make the cake. It had blue frosting, and she refuses to use blue frosting.

The ambulance shows up and takes him to the hospital, and not too long after that, the police show up. They believe that he was poisoned by the cakes, and it looks like Daisy was set up to take the fall. Molly immediately thinks that Charlotte was the one who was supposed to eat the cake, and she can’t help but think it had to do with Althea. As Molly tries to unravel what’s goin on, trying to keep both Daisy and Molly from the danger she thinks is around them, she also starts to wonder if maybe something nefarious had befallen Charlotte’s grandfather. Could he have been poisoned also?

As Molly enjoys the Christmas season, decorating the bookshop and even lending her singing voice to a madrigal celebration, she also tries to figure out what is going on with Charlotte and her family. As she gathers a list of suspects and tries to figure out who was where and when, who has a motive, and who is cold enough to try to murder someone, she finds herself in the sights of a murderer. Will she survive to see the new year?

Madrigals and Mayhem is the fourth book in Elizabeth Penney’s gentle Cambridge Bookshop mystery series. This one blends a murder mystery with Christmas traditions, a treasure hunt, and a book within a book. The use of the dollhouse and the book about the dollhouse add a layer of intrigue to the crimes happening to Charlotte and her toy store, and it adds a texture to the story that is unexpected and lovely. I really enjoyed this book and thought that it adds an intriguing set of crimes to a lovely setting for a Christmas themed mystery.

Egalleys for Madrigals and Mayhem were provided by Minotaur Books through NetGalley, with many thanks.

[Cornerofmadness · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an arc of this via the publisher (thank you) but I haven't read the first three. Honestly in most mystery series you can catch up easily and that is true here. Molly Kimball (the point of view character) came to England with her mother after the death of her father. They're reuniting (uneasily) with Mom's family as they disowned her for falling in love with an American and moving there, except I'm assuming for Aunt Violet who is part owner of Thomas Marlowe, a family book store with a few hundred years of operation under its belt.

Molly and Mom are gearing up for Christmas (including trying to get on with Mom's brother who isn't too bad and his maybe-soon-to-be-ex wife who is). Molly has made friends in this historic Cambridge shopping area including Daisy the baker and now Charlotte, who like Molly is inheriting the family toy shop after the death of her grandfather. As if that isn't trauma enough for Charlotte, her father had married a gold digging woman, Althea, with a string of dead husbands, her daughter Dorcas and her children (teens/early 20s) and they're trying to steal the store out from under her not to mention find this antique doll before Charlotte does (worth half a million).

When Althea's grandson is nearly killed eating poisoned cakes both Daisy and Charlotte come under fire. Molly has to prove her friends innocent and help Charlotte find that doll. One problem for me is I'm not a huge fan of the amateur sleuth NOT getting along with the detectives and we sort of have that here. The detectives don't want her interfering (makes sense) but aren't overly hostile so I could handle it.

There are more break ins and then there's the titular Christmas madrigal show run by Althea that Molly auditions for because a) it's a way for her to get in with the family to investigate b) her boyfriend, Kieran (part of the aristocracy) has been roped into it. So we have a couple of investigations, a couple of attempted and accomplished murders and several suspects.

I did like this a lot. Molly and her friends are fun characters. I was less enthusiastic about the children's book story within a story as it seemed to go on overly long. At least Molly has Mom and Aunt Violet helping her at the shop. That's the thing for me with cozies, how easily these amateur sleuths walk away from their day jobs (which are becoming harder to swallow in the era of everyone buying everything online) Having them there made it a bit more believable.

I did like it quite a lot and if this is all the more hostile the police are to Molly (as one of them is seeing her mother kinda/sorta) then I would probably get more of these. If they get more hostile probably not (but again that's a my preference sort of thing and not a comment about the quality of the writing)

[Karen (BaronessBookTrove) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the Publisher. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.


Molly is celebrating her first English Christmas in Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney and solving a mystery or two along the way.

Will Molly clear Charlotte's name before one of them is next?

Molly Kimball
Molly Kimball is our sleuth and point-of-view character. She is enjoying her new life in Cambridge with her mom and Aunt Violet. Molly loves being at the bookstore and especially spending time with her boyfriend. I have to say that Molly is a great character, and I adore how she embraces life in England. Molly relishes spending time with her maternal family but is also carving out a spot for herself in the town and with her boyfriend, Kiernan.

The Mysteries
Molly's new friend, Charlotte Pemberly, is the new owner of the toy store across the street from their bookstore called Pemberly’s Emporium. The first mystery that Molly gets wrapped up in is finding a Madame Alexander doll that is rightfully Charlotte's, which her grandfather hid so that his new wife's family couldn't get it. The second mystery is Charlotte's step-cousin, the grandson of her grandpa's new wife, was poisoned at her toy store, and the police think that Charlotte did it. Molly decides to help prove Charlotte innocent while also helping her find the doll before her step-grandma's family can. Along the way, Molly uncovers more than she should, which makes the killer anxious. I had an idea of who did it, and I was right.

Five Stars
My rating for Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney is five stars, and I love the whole holiday feel it brought. Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney is my first book by this author. Since I first saw the series, I've wanted to try it out, and I'm glad I did. Ms. Penney did an excellent job of transporting me to Cambridge, England. I also felt like I was helping Molly solve the case. I recommend it to all cozy mystery fans out there.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney.

Until the next time,



Happy Holiday Reading!This review was originally posted on Baroness' Book Trove

[June Price · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dolls and doll houses and not-so-nice family members are dominate themes throughout. A new toy store is opening near Molly's bookshop and Molly is determined to make Charlotte, the store's owner, welcome. Molly and her mother operate the Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios bookstore and she's quick to see where she can tie her shop into not only the Christmas season but with Charlotte Pemberly's shop, which she inherited from her grandfather. Molly is immediately charmed by an intricate dollhouse which comes to play a role of sorts in the story. She's not so happy to stumble across and nearly dead man in the toy shop's back room. Seems Barnaby has been poisoned by sweet treats supposedly from Molly's friend Daisy's shop. Needless to say, both Charlotte and Daisy are suspects. As it turns out, there's a long list of suspects, many related to Charlotte's grandfather, Arthur.

I won't detail the plot, which seems to focus on the disappearance of a valuable collector's doll, and the hostility of the family to Charlotte. They believe she's stolen their inheritance. Of course, there is much more to the story, including family squabbles, budding romances, playful pets, and the delightful scenes of Cambridge during the holiday season. Heck, Molly, despite some initial stage fright, even gets involved in a madrigal. She has an alternative motive, however. Well, beside doing it with boyfriend, Kieran. In the process of trying to sort of the murders, yes, plural, you'll learn quite a bit about not just Christmas in England but the history of doll houses. For instance, Queen Mary's Doll House in Windsor dates to the early 1920's and was a gift at a time doll houses were not cheap. Think pre-mass production methods.

Bottom line, while a bit mystified by Molly's immediate obsession with the investigation since she'd barely met Charlotte, I enjoyed the book. Loved their secret code. Grin. The characters, even the not-so-nice ones, are fairly well-rounded and the regulars, of course, continue to evolve and become only more likable. Molly's family ties are complicated but we see that relationship evolving, too. The pets are even nicely rounded although I won't share their antics here. As for whodunit, I sort of knew but didn't know, which makes little sense until you read the book. Give it a read. It flows and is well written with great characters in a lovely setting. My thanks to #St.Martin'sPress - #Minotaur for giving me an early peek at Molly and Kieran's first Christmas in Cambridge. Heck, we even got to spend some time hobnobbing with students at college.

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book four of the Cambridge Bookshop series starts out with Molly Kimball decorating the Thomas Marlowe – Manuscripts and Folios bookstore for the Christmas holiday. Taking her inspiration from the dollhouse at the Pemberly Toy Shop down the street, Molly makes a display of dollhouse related books. Dolls figure prominently in this cozy mystery, from a VERY rare Madame Alexander to the story book, Charlotte’s Dollhouse, which we get to read right along with Molly. Interestingly enough, Charlotte is the name of the girl who has inherited the Pemberly Toy Shop. Not only did Charlotte’s grandad leave Charlotte the shop but also a scavenger hunt that is supposed to lead to the rare Madame Alexander doll. In addition to the scavenger hunt there are a few poisonings, some toxic relationships, an engagement, a Madrigal song experience, a little mayhem, and a happy ending.

Molly is an American of many talents who has joined her English mom and great aunt in running the family bookstore located in Cambridge, England. Things to know about Molly, she can research books and help run the family bookstore, she can think fast on her feet especially when asking tricky questions, and she apparently she can sing quite well. Molly is also a fast friend as demonstrated by her desire to help Charlotte not even an hour after meeting her. Poor Molly has a broad of vipers for a family, well a stepfamily of vipers, and they aren’t even that nice to each other.

Elizabeth Penney has done a superb job of creating such unlikeable people that you instantly empathize with Charlotte and can’t wait to see how Molly will get to the bottom of the shenanigans. Shenanigans that include break-ins and messing with the toy store dollhouse. Molly knows that Detective Inspector Sean Ryan is more than capable of hunting down the clues and getting the bad guy, but Molly can’t help it if she seems to always be in the right place at the right time. Molly has the ability to pay close attention and she notices things, things that most people don’t notice. It is this attention to detail that has helped Molly in the past (I can attest to how enjoyable the previous books are) to solve more than one mystery.

Between the hidden doll mystery and the murder mystery you can’t help but to keep turning the pages of this holiday who-done-it that takes place in this picturesque English town. The clues are well laid out and the misdirection had me second and third guessing. The only thing missing is the recipe for Daisy’s cranberry white chocolate scone.

[boogleloo · Rating 5 out of 5]

British Literary Cozy Mystery featuring an American librarian who works at her family's English ancestral bookshop who turns sleuth to catch a killer bent on ruining Christmas

5/5 stars: This is the fourth entry in Penney's Cambridge Bookshop Series, which is a British Literary Cozy Mystery that's set in Cambridge, England and features an American librarian who works at her family's English ancestral bookshop with her British mother and Great Aunt as she turns sleuth after the local toy store's new owner's accused of poisoning her former step-cousin. She soon discovers the woman's former step family is fighting over the inheritance, that a valuable doll has gone missing and worst of all the shop owner may have been the intended victim and her grandfather was likely murdered. She'll have to figure out who in this family's a killer before her first English Christmas is her last. With plenty of twists and turns, Penney has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Penney's writing and character work are stellar; the main characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's so much fun to catch up with Molly and her family at Thomas Marlowe and the friends on Magpie Lane. I especially adore her relationship with her boyfriend Kieran. Oh and there are two of the best cats around: Molly's black stray, Puck, and her Aunt Violet's tabby, Clarence. Additionally, I adore the lovely English holiday-filled atmosphere and cheery vibes throughout the book and the inclusion of snippets from a children's book and the scavenger hunt that helps solve part of the mystery. Penney touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Chapter and Curse. A great holiday literary read, highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

[Annie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.

Madrigals and Mayhem is the fourth Cambridge Bookshop cozy by Elizabeth Penney. Released 26th Nov 2024 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in mass market paperback (library), audio, and ebook formats. Regular retail paperback due out from the same publisher in Feb 2025. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.

This is a fun and engaging bookstore cozy set in Cambridge (England). This installment follows on from the earlier books, though it can be read as a standalone with the understanding that some character development and interrelationships will be slightly spoiled if read out of order. The characters are a mix of well rendered (protagonist Molly) and quirkily outlandish (most of the secondary characters). Some of the plot developments in the early part of the book were a bit over-the-top, but probably not too outlandish given the genre setting and characters.

The book's admittedly formulaic, but it is quite well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. Molly's enthusiasm and honesty are appealing and well done. There were a few twists on the way, and cozy readers will enjoy the ending. There are tie-ins and title name-drops to antique toys and books, and readers who enjoy those hobbies will find a lot to like here.

Four stars, entertaining and full of whimsy. Fans of Ellie Alexander, Kate Carlisle, Laura Child, et. al. will be right at home. With four books extant in the series, and a fifth due out 4th quarter 2025, this would also make a nice binge/buddy read.

Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.

[Shaina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Elizabeth Penney for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Madrigals and Mayhem coming out November 26, 2024. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Molly is eager to experience her first English Christmas with family and friends now that she's adjusted to her move to Cambridge and her restoration of her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe―Manuscripts and Folios. When local toyshop Pemberly’s Emporium reopens, Molly is excited to meet the new owner, Charlotte Pemberly, who is determined to make the toy store a success after unexpectedly becoming her grandfather Arthur’s sole heir.

Arthur's new wife Althea Winters and her unpleasant family loathe Charlotte for inheriting what they believe was theirs and have set their sights on a valuable Madame Alexander doll that's gone missing. When Althea's grandson is poisoned by cakes from Tea & Crumpets, Charlotte becomes the top suspect. Molly believes Charlotte was the intended victim and investigates the Pemberly’s home, only to discover that Arthur had been murdered.

To get closer to this treacherous family, Molly and her boyfriend Kieran go undercover by volunteering to act and sing for a madrigal dinner directed by Althea and her daughter at St. Hildegard’s College. Molly must help her new friend clear her name while searching for the missing doll and wrangling her own family during the chaotic holiday festivities at the bookshop.

I have a couple books in the series, but this is the first one I’ve read. Christmastime cozies are my favorite! Molly is a really fun character and her boyfriend Kieran is really great for her. I love the setting in Cambridge. It’s fun she gets to run the bookstore. I love the Austenesque references. I loved the mystery. I would definitely read more books by this author!

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy Christmasy books!

[Anne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney takes us to Magpie Lane in historic Cambridge, England, where Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina, have moved to help Molly’s great-aunt Violet in the family bookstore, Thomas Marlowe. She had noticed that the toy store down the way appeared to be reopening and there was the most wonderful antique doll house in the window. It inspired her to create a display of books featuring doll houses at Thomas Marlowe. Then she met the owner, Charlotte Pemberly and recognized her as a kindred spirit the moment Daisy, the owner of Tea & Crumpets and her best friend, introduced them. At that point she and Daisy both got sucked into Charlotte’s family drama which included the search for a doll which was worth an untold amount of money. That turned out to be a scavenger hunt which was right up Molly’s alley. Then things began to turn to murder.

Molly’s father had died and she and her mother felt at loose ends. This has turned out to be a great move. Molly loved her job and had a lovely boyfriend, Tristan, who was the second son of the local lord. Her mother, Nina, not sure if she was ready, had attracted the attention fo the local lead detective, Sean, and was experimenting with that. Aunt Violet had a beau her own age that she had had for years. They were leading a good life on Magpie Lane and really didn’t need any of the nonsense going on with Charlotte, but the woman was quickly becoming a good friend. An additional perk was Molly auditioning for and being accepted into the Madrigals and Mayhem performance marking the Christmas season. It was a good book with appealing characters, a good mystery, and the perfect setting.

I was invited to read Madrigals and Mayhem by St Martin’s Press. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #StMartinsPress #ElizabethPenney #MadrigalsAndMayhem

[Aymee · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly Kimball is in the thick of it again!  Even though she hardly knows Charlotte, she's certain that her new friend and fellow business owner is innocent.  Not to mention her long-time friend, Daisy.  The way Molly bands together with her friends - as well as her mom and Aunt Violet - to get to the truth is inspiring.  What's even better is that Molly isn't afraid to doubt herself, knowing she might have jumped to a conclusion or is having mixed feelings about a suspect.  It's something I don't always see in a cozy, but makes for a good character.  

I also really enjoyed the fact that Molly wasn't dating a member of the police force, even if her mom might be in the future.  While I don't mind that particular scenario, it seems like the main character in every cozy is, so Molly having a boyfriend not on the force was refreshing. This series definitely has a fun bunch of characters, all of whom I'd love to get to know better.

The mystery was intriguing as well.  I rarely figure things out before the big reveal, but I can often pinpoint the doer, if not the reason why.  This time, I had my suspicions, but I wasn't quite right, either.  But that's okay - figuring it out is all part of the fun.

Although this is the fourth book in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone.  Which is nice since I keep requesting books, not realizing the series is already several books deep.  The author does a good job of quickly recapping anything you might need to know without spoiling any of the previous books.  It definitely makes me want to go back to book #1 and start the series fresh.  I'd recommend this series to anyone who loves quaint English towns, old bookstores, and fun family dynamics.

*Thanks to Netgalley, the author, and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for a fair review. 

[Jae · Rating 4 out of 5]

Molly is excited to experience Christmas in England for the first time. She's especially pleased when she learns the toyshop not far from her family's bookshop is reopening. Molly is even more delighted to find out the new owner, Charlotte Pemberly, is around her age. When Charlotte offers to give Molly and her friend, Daisy, a quick tour, they come across Charlotte's cousin, Barnaby, who is deathly ill. Later, it's determined that Barnaby was poisoned by fairy cakes, and Molly can't help but wonder if Charlotte was the intended victim. After all, the family of her recently-deceased grandfather's widow are angry that Charlotte inherited everything, including the toyshop, Arthur's house, and a very valuable doll. Not even Charlotte knows where the doll is. After a series of break-ins, it becomes apparent that someone besides Charlotte is searching for the doll. Molly soon finds herself in the thick of things as she strives to clear Charlotte of any wrong doing and help her find the doll.

The story was delightful. I enjoyed the setting, both the physical location and the season. Characters are superb, even the odious ones. Once again, we get a book-within-a-book, as Molly spends some time reading a children's book that may hold clues to the doll's whereabouts. However, like previous books in the series, the narrative is almost fully taken up with Molly's investigation. Even when she's out having fun, she often pauses to eavesdrop on a pertinent conversation or ask some questions. Let the girl enjoy some down time! I was somewhat disappointed that a few items were never resolved. For instance, it was never explained why the poisoned cakes were made to look like they'd come from Daisy's tea shop.

Lovely book, solid four.

[Nancy · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book should have been a DNF by chapter three. I was convinced that it had to get better. There had to be an unpredictable twist. Nope.

From the moment an object is mentioned twice in rapid succession, any seasoned amateur sleuth reader already knows where this is headed. And as for the grand "whodunit" reveal? Let’s just say narrowing down the culprit required about as much effort as finding the salt shaker on the kitchen table. Predictability doesn’t always spell disaster, but when the story treats it like a twist, well… that’s where things start to crumble.

Then there’s the fluff—oh, the fluff. Chapters padded with unnecessary detours, characters who seem to exist purely for window dressing, and the utterly exhausting "book within a book" gimmick that quickly loses its charm. And let’s not forget the romantic subplot. The main character’s relationship with a spare heir, blessedly free from the weight of actual aristocratic responsibility, tries to convince readers he’s just a regular guy who just so happens to own the bicycle shop next door. Except, no, he isn’t. The effort to make him relatable feels forced, making the whole thing more tedious than intriguing.

Which brings me to the bigger question: Why do authors in this genre keep writing protagonists who assume their readers are as oblivious? The logic leaps, the conveniently ignored clues, the way characters constantly need things spelled out—it’s enough to make a mystery lover want to grab a red pen and start fixing things mid-read.

Maybe my tastes have evolved, or maybe some books just aren’t meant for certain readers. Either way, continuing this series isn’t in the cards. This book is best left to those who enjoy yawning with their predictability.

[Kristina Anderson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Madrigals and Mayhem by Elizabeth Penney has Molly eager to experience her first Christmas in Cambridge with her family and friends. An attempted murder, though, was not on Molly’s Christmas wish list nor is a murder. I found Madrigals and Mayhem to be easy to read. I like the cast of characters as well as the setting. I just love Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios. The shop is rich in history and full of fabulous books. I also enjoyed the descriptions of the toy shop. I wanted Charlotte’s dollhouse, and I like how it played into the story. I was not a fan of the lengthy excerpts from the dollhouse book. They took me away from the story. The mystery was interesting but simple to solve. I wish the guilty party had not been so obvious. There were several suspects and more than one crime (which I liked). I did not like the repetitive details. Molly learns something or finds a clue, she shares it with someone, and then they go to the pub and share it with their circle of friends (and so on). The treasure hunt was a fun addition. There is a good reveal and wrap up at the end. There is romance in the story as well. I liked a special announcement at the end. I enjoyed the book references and bookmarked a couple of them. The story needed more Christmas. Madrigals and Mayhem can be read as a standalone for those new to The Cambridge Bookshop Series. Take a trip to Cambridge in Madrigals and Mayhem for a dollhouse display, poisoned pastries, greedy relatives, a treasure hunt, rough rehearsals, and a cheery Christmas.