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Literary Dining Mysteries #1
Murder on the Page
Featuring twin hooks that cozy readers can’t get enough of—classic books and delicious food—this new series from the Agatha Award-winning, nationally bestselling author of several much loved series, including the Fairy Garden Mysteries and the French Bistro Mysteries, is a delicious treat for mystery lovers, especially fans of Ellery Adams, Krista Davis, and Lauren Elliott. It’s a truth universally acknowledged that a genuinely top-notch party must be in want of a theme. Allie Catt, caterer and personal chef in the beautiful mountain community of Asheville, North Carolina, has devised a winning formula by using her clients’ favorite books as inspiration. Her first themed event is based on Pride and Prejudice (Allie’s cat, Darcy, approves), and it’s so popular that soon she has grand ideas for future parties based on Rebecca, The Great Gatsby, Babette’s Feast and more. Business is booming, and a rival catering company is fuming. But there’s a sting in the tale when the aunt of one of Allie’s clients and best friends, Tegan, is murdered. Tegan is the victim’s sole heir, and quickly becomes the main suspect. Allie has no doubts about her friend’s innocence, but how to prove it? Once again, her love of literature comes to the rescue, and with some guidance from her favorite fictional detectives, including Hercule Poirot and Sherlock Holmes, Allie sifts through the clues. With a little luck—and the kind of pluck that would make Elizabeth Bennett proud—she may be able to stop a killer from serving up a second course of murder . . .
336 pages, Hardcover
First published October 22, 2024
230 people are currently reading
13498 people want to read
About the author
Daryl Wood Gerber
44 books2,481 followersAgatha Award-winning and nationally bestselling author Daryl Wood Gerber writes the Aroma Wellness Mysteries, Literary Dining Mysteries, Fairy Garden Mysteries, Cookbook Nook Mysteries, and French Bistro Mysteries. As Avery Aames, she pens the popular Cheese Shop Mysteries.
In addition, Daryl also writes suspense including the stand-alone novel, THE SON'S SECRET, the Aspen Adams novels of suspense, and two more stand-alone titles, DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN.
She has recently delved into the realm of romance with her first Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!
Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.
In addition, Daryl also writes suspense including the stand-alone novel, THE SON'S SECRET, the Aspen Adams novels of suspense, and two more stand-alone titles, DAY OF SECRETS and GIRL ON THE RUN.
She has recently delved into the realm of romance with her first Christmas romance, HOPE FOR THE HOLIDAYS.
Fun tidbit: as an actress, Daryl appeared in “Murder, She Wrote.” She loves to cook, and she has a frisky Goldendoodle named Sparky who keeps her in line!
Visit Daryl at www.darylwoodgerber.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 223 reviews
October 19, 2024
A brand new series by a favorite mystery author of mine... her latest cozy series, based in North Carolina, where Allie Catt, runs her sorta-pop-up dining establishment and supports a bestie who runs a book shop with her mom, aunt, and sister. Drama ensues when the aunt is killed (sad, I know) and everyone is a suspect. Great way to combine books and baking, plus a lovely town as the backdrop. I enjoyed getting to know new characters, and as a first in series, lots of nuggets dropped. It's got potential, and I will read the next one.
November 1, 2024
What a beguiling ménage à trois of cozy mystery, literary references, and luscious dishes! I really enjoyed book one in A Literary Dining Mystery series, so I will be on the lookout for the upcoming books. Check this out if you enjoy a light mystery featuring intriguing characters in a small-town setting.
September 16, 2024
Just finished - thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing, for providing a prerelease ARC to read and review. This 319-page cozy mystery (Kindle edition) will hit the market 10/22/24.
This is my first read by the experienced cozy mystery author, Daryl Wood Gerber, and the start of a new series, featuring Allie Catt, a baker /caterer in Asheville, NC. Allie stumbles onto the murder of her best friend Tegan's aunt, right in the middle of Tegan's bookstore. The aunt is clutching a copy of Pride and Prejudice - is it a clue?????
We have a whole group of small town characters who have known each other forever. Plus a budding friendship, or is it a romance, with the local detective. Allie is determined to investigate the murder herself, even at the possible expense of this relationship.
This is a charming book and will be well-loved by cozy-mystery fans. There are several recipes included at the end, which sound great. I'm wondering if future books in the series will each feature a different classic novel. 4-stars.
This is my first read by the experienced cozy mystery author, Daryl Wood Gerber, and the start of a new series, featuring Allie Catt, a baker /caterer in Asheville, NC. Allie stumbles onto the murder of her best friend Tegan's aunt, right in the middle of Tegan's bookstore. The aunt is clutching a copy of Pride and Prejudice - is it a clue?????
We have a whole group of small town characters who have known each other forever. Plus a budding friendship, or is it a romance, with the local detective. Allie is determined to investigate the murder herself, even at the possible expense of this relationship.
This is a charming book and will be well-loved by cozy-mystery fans. There are several recipes included at the end, which sound great. I'm wondering if future books in the series will each feature a different classic novel. 4-stars.
October 22, 2024
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Ms. Gerber has set this series in Asheville, North Carolina so before I can even start my review I have to state my heart goes out to the people of Asheville and all the others who have been affected by Hurricanes Helene and the terrible aftermath that his hindered getting these people the aid they desperately need. They have a long road ahead and we need to help in any way we can to bring it back to the town described in this book.
Asheville caterer and personal chef Allie Catt escapes into books and hosts book clubs giving her a unique idea for the themes of her parties. She gets her inspiration from her clients’ favorite books. Pride and Prejudice is the theme for her first event. With a cat named Darcy, you know the book is a fave of Allie’s as well as her client, plus she has a ton of ideas for future parties.
Allie’s best friend Tegan’s Aunt Marigold has hired her to serve a tea at her A Feast for the Eyes bookshop. Marigold is very involved in the community and one of Allie’s favorite people but she has been having some spells that worry her family and friends. When Allie arrives at the shop to set up the tea, it is closed with a line of people is waiting to get in. When another employee opens the door, they find Marigold on the floor but this time there is no helping her. Marigold was dead. Tegan appears to be the only heir which puts her at the top of the list of suspects. Allie knows she needs to prove her BFF had no part in her aunt’s death. She is going to need a little literary assistance and who better than Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot to help her work through all the clues?
With a new series comes a new cast of characters. I appreciate that the author gives us a list at the beginning of the book. It enabled me to escape into the story easily.
Allie is a great protagonist, thoughtful and tenacious. She had an unusual upbringing and was devastated by a bad breakup. However, that breakup allowed her to follow her dream. Her best friend Tegan works for her aunt at the bookstore and she is in the middle of a breakup herself. She and Allie have no secrets but she refuses to open up about what is going on. We meet a variety of Asheville residents but it was the victim, Marigold who grabbed my heart and held on tight. She was a special lady in so many ways. I had tears in my eyes while reading the last few pages of this story.
Ms. Gerber has written a complex mystery with several suspects. There is friction between Allie and Detective Zach Armstrong as she delves into his case. There was romantic tension there too. Tegan wanted to help investigate but Allie had to reel her in more than once. I enjoyed that Allie didn’t give up. I did have an inkling of who the guilty party may be but truthfully I was so caught up in the story and the author’s delightful descriptions of all the happenings it really didn’t register until the exciting showdown.
Daryl Wood Gerber is an awesome storyteller. Her stories set a speedy pace as she blends the mystery with the character’s daily lives. She sets up some fine twists and turns of misdirection to rachet up the suspense. Murder on the Page not only has quotes from Pride and Prejudice to start each chapter but there are several Pride and Prejudice Easter Eggs throughout the story which would make Taylor Swift smile. And yes, it would not be a Daryl Wood Gerber book without recipes so if the food in the book tickles your tastebuds all the details to make your own are at the back of the book.
With Murder on the Page, Ms. Gerber has set the series off to a fantastic start. The engaging characters, a compelling mystery, and a fun theme, set in a vibrant mountain town with a rich history kept me entertained from beginning to end. I loved this story! For me, this was more than a Perfect Escape, it was a Trip to Paradise. Look for this book on my Best Reads of 2024. I am so excited for this series to continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Ms. Gerber has set this series in Asheville, North Carolina so before I can even start my review I have to state my heart goes out to the people of Asheville and all the others who have been affected by Hurricanes Helene and the terrible aftermath that his hindered getting these people the aid they desperately need. They have a long road ahead and we need to help in any way we can to bring it back to the town described in this book.
Asheville caterer and personal chef Allie Catt escapes into books and hosts book clubs giving her a unique idea for the themes of her parties. She gets her inspiration from her clients’ favorite books. Pride and Prejudice is the theme for her first event. With a cat named Darcy, you know the book is a fave of Allie’s as well as her client, plus she has a ton of ideas for future parties.
Allie’s best friend Tegan’s Aunt Marigold has hired her to serve a tea at her A Feast for the Eyes bookshop. Marigold is very involved in the community and one of Allie’s favorite people but she has been having some spells that worry her family and friends. When Allie arrives at the shop to set up the tea, it is closed with a line of people is waiting to get in. When another employee opens the door, they find Marigold on the floor but this time there is no helping her. Marigold was dead. Tegan appears to be the only heir which puts her at the top of the list of suspects. Allie knows she needs to prove her BFF had no part in her aunt’s death. She is going to need a little literary assistance and who better than Sherlock Holmes and Hercule Poirot to help her work through all the clues?
With a new series comes a new cast of characters. I appreciate that the author gives us a list at the beginning of the book. It enabled me to escape into the story easily.
Allie is a great protagonist, thoughtful and tenacious. She had an unusual upbringing and was devastated by a bad breakup. However, that breakup allowed her to follow her dream. Her best friend Tegan works for her aunt at the bookstore and she is in the middle of a breakup herself. She and Allie have no secrets but she refuses to open up about what is going on. We meet a variety of Asheville residents but it was the victim, Marigold who grabbed my heart and held on tight. She was a special lady in so many ways. I had tears in my eyes while reading the last few pages of this story.
Ms. Gerber has written a complex mystery with several suspects. There is friction between Allie and Detective Zach Armstrong as she delves into his case. There was romantic tension there too. Tegan wanted to help investigate but Allie had to reel her in more than once. I enjoyed that Allie didn’t give up. I did have an inkling of who the guilty party may be but truthfully I was so caught up in the story and the author’s delightful descriptions of all the happenings it really didn’t register until the exciting showdown.
Daryl Wood Gerber is an awesome storyteller. Her stories set a speedy pace as she blends the mystery with the character’s daily lives. She sets up some fine twists and turns of misdirection to rachet up the suspense. Murder on the Page not only has quotes from Pride and Prejudice to start each chapter but there are several Pride and Prejudice Easter Eggs throughout the story which would make Taylor Swift smile. And yes, it would not be a Daryl Wood Gerber book without recipes so if the food in the book tickles your tastebuds all the details to make your own are at the back of the book.
With Murder on the Page, Ms. Gerber has set the series off to a fantastic start. The engaging characters, a compelling mystery, and a fun theme, set in a vibrant mountain town with a rich history kept me entertained from beginning to end. I loved this story! For me, this was more than a Perfect Escape, it was a Trip to Paradise. Look for this book on my Best Reads of 2024. I am so excited for this series to continue.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Kensington Cozies and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
October 23, 2024
Allie Cat is a caterer in Asheville, NC who uses her clients' favorite books to inspire the food for the event. Her first event is based on Pride and Prejudice. Her business is booming so her rival caterer is her best friend's sister. When she is one of the first on the scene of a suspicious death her rival is quick to point a finger at Allie. Allie has to clerk her name and help solve the murder of her friend's beloved aunt.
This is a great start to a new series by Daryl Wood Gerber. Mrs. Gerber is great a spinning an entertaining unique cozy mystery. The characters are likable, interesting, and have great chemistry. The theme is great mixing food, literature, a bookstore, and an adorable pet. The mystery is well-written with plenty of twists and turns. Mrs Gerber knows how to plot a mystery to keep the storyline moving at a great pace and keep the reader in suspense with well-placed misdirections.
All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
This is a great start to a new series by Daryl Wood Gerber. Mrs. Gerber is great a spinning an entertaining unique cozy mystery. The characters are likable, interesting, and have great chemistry. The theme is great mixing food, literature, a bookstore, and an adorable pet. The mystery is well-written with plenty of twists and turns. Mrs Gerber knows how to plot a mystery to keep the storyline moving at a great pace and keep the reader in suspense with well-placed misdirections.
All thoughts and opinions are my own and have not been influenced by anyone.
November 2, 2024
This is first in a new series by Daryl Wood Gerber who I greatly enjoy. I was instantly inclined to like this amateur sleuth since her name is Allie Catt and she’s a baker and lover of books. This mystery was close to home for Allie which helped get me engaged into the story. There was a bit of a romantic storyline that felt a little clunky, but I think that will smooth out in future books. I did get to who the bad guy was, but it took a little bit. Allie’s dear friend Marigold and owner of the local bookshop dies with some suspicious circumstances Allie is determined to figure out who the killer is and despite what her friend (or more?) the detective thinks she knows it was not her best friend Teagan. But like most amateur sleuths her question asking does not go unnoticed and will she find the killer before they find her? Overall I gave this one 4.5 stars rounded up for the great potential for a new series in this one.
October 6, 2024
Review coming soon.
October 29, 2024
This was a DNF for me. I just could not make any connection that kept me interested in learning more. The story & characters felt "clunky." I am actually very disappointed because I loved previous series by this author.
dnf
October 27, 2024There was just nothing special here. I knew early that this was not for me but because I am DNF-ing it so soon, I am not rating it.
June 30, 2024
Murder on the Page by Daryl Wood Gerber is an entertaining cozy mystery that is the first in a new series: A Literary Dining Mystery.
This is a good start to a new and exciting series. I haven’t read any cozies by Ms. Gerber as of yet, so I am glad this book was penned by such a talented author.
I love cozy mysteries, and anything book store and/or library themed, so this was right up my alley. There are several characters within the town of Asheville, North Carolina, so I had to try to keep all the players straight. However, as the first installment it is sometimes necessary to provide the framework and the cast of characters that the readers will become closer to in the subsequent books. That excluded, I enjoyed the pacing, the murder mystery, and the main characters, Allie Catt (yep that is right).
I also liked the Pride and Prejudice references and quotes…very cute. I look forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies 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 10/22/24.
This is a good start to a new and exciting series. I haven’t read any cozies by Ms. Gerber as of yet, so I am glad this book was penned by such a talented author.
I love cozy mysteries, and anything book store and/or library themed, so this was right up my alley. There are several characters within the town of Asheville, North Carolina, so I had to try to keep all the players straight. However, as the first installment it is sometimes necessary to provide the framework and the cast of characters that the readers will become closer to in the subsequent books. That excluded, I enjoyed the pacing, the murder mystery, and the main characters, Allie Catt (yep that is right).
I also liked the Pride and Prejudice references and quotes…very cute. I look forward to the next book.
4/5 stars
Thank you NG and Kensington Publishing | Kensington Cozies 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 10/22/24.
July 18, 2024
Allie's catering business is going extremely well and all is good in her life. Until her friend Marigold, owner of the local bookstore and aunt to her best friend, is found dead before an event. The hunky police detective she's been talking to is on the case, but Allie doesn't feel things are moving fast enough, so she decides to investigate on her own. With plenty of book talk, both modern and classic, and tons of yummy food descriptions, Murder on the Page is a delicious start to a new series by Agatha winner Daryl Wood Gerber.
So, I read this author's Cheese Shop Mysteries under Avery Aames and liked them. Then I read her first Cookbook Nook book and loathed it so much, I decided to even stop reading the Cheese Shop books. Somehow, this ended up on my ARC TBR, probably because of my terrible memory. I'm happy to say that this was, at least, much better than the first Cookbook Nook book (TOO many rhymes!). But I still didn't love this. There just seemed to be entirely too much going on. Some things were never even addressed by the end, leaving me to wonder what the point of them was. There were a LOT of characters that were hard to keep track of who was who and how they related to each other. I found the police officer to be cold beyond belief, especially considering the ending. Still, I enjoyed this one okay. In the end, I think I won't seek out any more of this series, but I'd probably read more if they wander into the store. 🤷♀️
(Also, this cover is terrible. 👎)
So, I read this author's Cheese Shop Mysteries under Avery Aames and liked them. Then I read her first Cookbook Nook book and loathed it so much, I decided to even stop reading the Cheese Shop books. Somehow, this ended up on my ARC TBR, probably because of my terrible memory. I'm happy to say that this was, at least, much better than the first Cookbook Nook book (TOO many rhymes!). But I still didn't love this. There just seemed to be entirely too much going on. Some things were never even addressed by the end, leaving me to wonder what the point of them was. There were a LOT of characters that were hard to keep track of who was who and how they related to each other. I found the police officer to be cold beyond belief, especially considering the ending. Still, I enjoyed this one okay. In the end, I think I won't seek out any more of this series, but I'd probably read more if they wander into the store. 🤷♀️
(Also, this cover is terrible. 👎)
September 30, 2024
Currently trying to decide if the cozy mystery genre is for me. Can a mystery be too cozy?
There was a lot to love about this book...
- Hundreds of Pride and Prejudice references
- Mouthwatering food descriptions
- The cutest small town setting that made me wish it was a real place so I could visit
But it wasn't quite as devour-able as the cookie recipes at the end. Some problems include...
- Way too many characters. They had to be listed at the beginning. This will probably make for better sequels but was just overwhelming this time around.
- Way too much play-by-play in the protagonist's life. I'm not sure that the recipes at the end are even needed because they were pretty much described line for line in the book. Most of it was filler and not relevant to the plot, which makes me think more time could have been spent on developing characters and motives.
- The romance was extra unbelievable. I was sooo annoyed by Allie trying to tell Zach how to do his job, so I don't know how he could find that attractive. Would be willing to bet her meddling makes their relationship bumpy in future sequels.
But like I said... Maybe I'm too critical for this genre and should just take it as it is since this is the third book this summer that I've felt similarly about.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my e-ARC!
There was a lot to love about this book...
- Hundreds of Pride and Prejudice references
- Mouthwatering food descriptions
- The cutest small town setting that made me wish it was a real place so I could visit
But it wasn't quite as devour-able as the cookie recipes at the end. Some problems include...
- Way too many characters. They had to be listed at the beginning. This will probably make for better sequels but was just overwhelming this time around.
- Way too much play-by-play in the protagonist's life. I'm not sure that the recipes at the end are even needed because they were pretty much described line for line in the book. Most of it was filler and not relevant to the plot, which makes me think more time could have been spent on developing characters and motives.
- The romance was extra unbelievable. I was sooo annoyed by Allie trying to tell Zach how to do his job, so I don't know how he could find that attractive. Would be willing to bet her meddling makes their relationship bumpy in future sequels.
But like I said... Maybe I'm too critical for this genre and should just take it as it is since this is the third book this summer that I've felt similarly about.
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for my e-ARC!
July 3, 2024
#MurderonthePage #NetGalley is the first in a new series by the talented Daryl Wood Gerber. I've read most of the authors other books, so diving into #MurderonthePage was a delight.
Allie and Tegan are bright characters, and their friendship proved strong throughout the book.
When Tegan's Aunt Marigold is found dead in her bookstore, Tegan becomes the main suspect. Allie knows her bestie would never kill, especially her own aunt, so she dives deep to uncover the truth.
I found this book to be well done, especially for the first in a new series. There's always a lot going on, and many characters to meet, but the author made it easy to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to recommending this book to others.
Allie and Tegan are bright characters, and their friendship proved strong throughout the book.
When Tegan's Aunt Marigold is found dead in her bookstore, Tegan becomes the main suspect. Allie knows her bestie would never kill, especially her own aunt, so she dives deep to uncover the truth.
I found this book to be well done, especially for the first in a new series. There's always a lot going on, and many characters to meet, but the author made it easy to follow.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to recommending this book to others.
October 19, 2024
Food, books, and murder. And Jane Austen's Pride & Prejudice.
This new cozy series, set in a small town in North Carolina, was a delight to read. There is a wide variety of characters to like and despise, and I expect to learn more about these characters in future books.
Tegan and Allie are like two peas in a pod. Impulsive and caring, they have gotten into trouble more times than I can count. However, they have the same goal in mind: finding Marigold's killer.
Now, there are a few characters you won't like, and the main one is Vanna. She is Tegan's sister and is just overly rude and greedy. Since she is one of the heirs of Marigold's estate, it is all about the money to her and not the legacy her aunt left behind. There are glimpses that maybe she can bring the attitude down, but it will take some time to get used to that brusque attitude.
I thought the mystery was well hidden. I suspected the killer nearly the entire book, but just because I didn't like this character. Something seemed off. However, some of the other suspects were valid until their motives and alibi cleared them.
There is the beginning of a potential relationship between Allie and Zach. However, their potential relationship hasn't developed yet; it is more surface than depth. But this is only the first book, so I don't expect a full-blown relationship quite yet. I will be interested to see where this goes and if Zach can accept that Allie could help him uncover killers in the future.
I really enjoyed this book and expect great things for the next in the series. We give this book 5 paws up.
This new cozy series, set in a small town in North Carolina, was a delight to read. There is a wide variety of characters to like and despise, and I expect to learn more about these characters in future books.
Tegan and Allie are like two peas in a pod. Impulsive and caring, they have gotten into trouble more times than I can count. However, they have the same goal in mind: finding Marigold's killer.
Now, there are a few characters you won't like, and the main one is Vanna. She is Tegan's sister and is just overly rude and greedy. Since she is one of the heirs of Marigold's estate, it is all about the money to her and not the legacy her aunt left behind. There are glimpses that maybe she can bring the attitude down, but it will take some time to get used to that brusque attitude.
I thought the mystery was well hidden. I suspected the killer nearly the entire book, but just because I didn't like this character. Something seemed off. However, some of the other suspects were valid until their motives and alibi cleared them.
There is the beginning of a potential relationship between Allie and Zach. However, their potential relationship hasn't developed yet; it is more surface than depth. But this is only the first book, so I don't expect a full-blown relationship quite yet. I will be interested to see where this goes and if Zach can accept that Allie could help him uncover killers in the future.
I really enjoyed this book and expect great things for the next in the series. We give this book 5 paws up.
December 19, 2024
You need to read this book! Like a good mystery, then read this book. Like a good cozy mystery, then read this book. Like strong, smart women, then read this book. Like your amateur sleuth to not be the perfect sleuth, but smart and able to follow clues, then read this book! I must confess that I am a fan of this author's other works, but this is the first in a new series and I couldn't be more excited to see where the author takes us. She has crafted unique characters, given us the fabulous settings of a bookshop, bake shop and a B&B style inn all set in a small town. The best part is she crafts a well thought out mystery that keeps you guessing even when you think you know "who did it" while weaving compelling personal stories for the characters involved. You get invested in the personal lives of the characters while also being completely absorbed in the mystery. I can't wait to see what the characters have in store for us in books to come!
October 22, 2024
Caterer and personal chef Allie uses her clients’ favorite books as inspirations for the parties she plans, an idea which pleases her customers but a rival catering company doesn’t like it at all. When the aunt of Allie’s best friend, Tegan, is found dead just before a big event at her store, Tegan becomes the police’s #1 suspect and Allie sets out to prove Tegan’s innocence.
This the first book in a new series by a cozy mystery author whose books I’ve enjoyed for years. I like Allie and Tegan, and love their knowledge of books and most things literary. A few of the other characters rubbed me the wrong way, but some of them came around as the story continued. I would love to visit the bookstore that plays a central role in the story, and explore the rest of the town as well – after the hurricane damage is repaired, of course.
While there were several suspects worth considering for the murder and many of their alibis weren’t quite as rock-solid as they seemed, one character seemed more suspicious than the others, although I couldn’t figure out what their motive might be. I was right about the character, and probably should have worked out the motive before it was revealed.
I look forward to reading more from this series and getting better acquainted with Allie, Tegan and the rest – and learning what classic book will be featured in the next story.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This the first book in a new series by a cozy mystery author whose books I’ve enjoyed for years. I like Allie and Tegan, and love their knowledge of books and most things literary. A few of the other characters rubbed me the wrong way, but some of them came around as the story continued. I would love to visit the bookstore that plays a central role in the story, and explore the rest of the town as well – after the hurricane damage is repaired, of course.
While there were several suspects worth considering for the murder and many of their alibis weren’t quite as rock-solid as they seemed, one character seemed more suspicious than the others, although I couldn’t figure out what their motive might be. I was right about the character, and probably should have worked out the motive before it was revealed.
I look forward to reading more from this series and getting better acquainted with Allie, Tegan and the rest – and learning what classic book will be featured in the next story.
Thank you to Edelweiss and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 7, 2024
Unfortunately this was a DNF for me around 25%. This did not feel like a first in a series for me. We are rushed into the story and so many things are thrown at us at once, but there isn't really any scene setting or introduction to what's going on. The character furiously rushes all around town in just the first few scenes and so many characters and their relationships are throw at us quickly all at once. There is a murder before we even know the character or how we are supposed to feel. I could not get into this one.
Unfortunately this author is just not for me.
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my review and thoughts are my own.
Unfortunately this author is just not for me.
Thanks to the publisher for a free ARC; my review and thoughts are my own.
February 7, 2025
This book had a good timeline and did not drag but it was overall kind of annoying. Everything was too convenient and perfect, which made the story and characters unrealistic. The connection to pride and prejudice was somewhat clever but also really cringey. There was also too much of a focus on that cat which added to its impracticality.
December 30, 2024
A new series from a favorite author. Enjoyable and entertaining. With new characters to meet, a murder to solve , and best of all a cat who likes to make his presence known. Almost forgot, great recipes to try.
April 16, 2025
This book had all the right ingredients for me to love it, but none of the characters acted or talked realistically to situations!
March 19, 2025
3.5 stars! I’ll be so fr, I thought book club was this week, not next week, and binged the shit out of this. This was a pure vibes read, and the vibes were decent while listening in the background and doing other stuff.
January 1, 2026
A cozy mystery in a bookstore, Pride & Prejudice references, a cat main character, friends who are family, just all of my favorite things.
November 10, 2024
I absolutely loved Murder on the Page! Allie Catt is an incredibly likable character from the start. The author does a wonderful job of weaving the mystery into a solid plot: I couldn’t figure out whodunnit, though I had plenty of viable suspects. My favorite cozy mysteries are book-related and food-related and this combines both of those! I loved time spent in the bookstore and also with Allie working her catering business made this so much fun. I’m already looking forward to reading more in this series. Ms. Wood Gerber has quickly become a go-to cozy author for me. I know I can count on a solid mystery, entertaining characters, and just a smidge of romance.
October 22, 2024
This is a great start to this new series. I really liked Allie. She smart and tenacious. Allie is a caterer and an avid reader. When the owner of the bookstore is killed, Allie feels she needs to help find the killer. Allie and Zach are just starting to date. Zach is a detective and when Allie starts helping him solve this mystery, he tries his best to dissuade her. No such luck. It puts a strain on their budding relationship. But Allie won't back down, she is determined to solve this mystery. Can she do it?
November 10, 2024
3.5 stars. I enjoyed the Pride and Prejudice references throughout the book. The mystery was solid. I did bounce back and forth on the whodunnit. It did bog down some for me with so much character introduction and leaving hints about who still have secrets to reveal. Thought the relationship starter was pretty well introduced. I found Allie realistic but she did persist pretty hard with her theories with Zach. I would read subsequent installments since I like the author’s Fairy Garden mysteries
November 15, 2024
I loved this book. It was a great closed door mystery. So many suspects, but I’m happy to say my hunch was correct on who the murderer was (no spoilers here).
I did feel that Allie was a little overbearing on her non-stop hounding of Zach, the detective, but I guess that’s what makes her a good amateur investigator.
Thanks to both the publisher and author for the copy I won in a giveaway.
I did feel that Allie was a little overbearing on her non-stop hounding of Zach, the detective, but I guess that’s what makes her a good amateur investigator.
Thanks to both the publisher and author for the copy I won in a giveaway.
February 1, 2025
Cozy mystery with a slow-moving story. Enjoyed the food and cooking descriptions and the overall plot. I found the main character annoying when she kept trying to tell the local detective how to do his job. Also, I’ve never read Pride and Prejudice, so all the references to this book make no sense to me.
September 8, 2024
This was the first book in a new series and I received an ARC copy. I enjoyed it very much and would recommend it to anyone. If you enjoy book shops and tasty cuisine and a group of colorful characters this book is for you.
April 14, 2025
Such a great book. Reminded me of playing the game clue and trying to pick up on all the Easter eggs dropped on who the killer is.
Not a thriller it is a murder mystery and a great one. I loved everyone's back story and trying to figure out who was the one was so much fun! I wish I didn't wait so long to read it was fast paced and really well written.
Not a thriller it is a murder mystery and a great one. I loved everyone's back story and trying to figure out who was the one was so much fun! I wish I didn't wait so long to read it was fast paced and really well written.
October 23, 2024
Allie Catt, Asheville caterer, has been hired by local bookstore owner, Marigold, who happens to be her best friend Tegan's aunt, to cater a literary themed tea. When Marigold is found murdered in the bookstore Tegan becomes the prime suspect and Allie must uncover the killer to clear her friend.
Murder on the Page is a witty, well written mystery full of twist and quirky characters. A great first in the series mystery that left me looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend Murder on the Page.
Murder on the Page is a witty, well written mystery full of twist and quirky characters. A great first in the series mystery that left me looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend Murder on the Page.
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