Literary Larceny

Shelf Indulgence #6

by S.E. Babin

When a colleague asks Dakota for help investigating a series of unexplained thefts, she jumps at the opportunity. What she doesn't expect is to land in a whirlwind of murder, mayhem, and a mystery that might take everything from her.

Still reeling from the revelations about Hardy, Dakota wants to be anywhere but her bookstore. Escaping to another town seems like a great way to take a breather from her own crazy life, but when she arrives, Hardy is already investigating the theft allegations.

While trying to avoid him, Dakota stumbles over a body lying in the business section. Unfortunately, this is normal for her these days, but this time the victim is someone from her past, and Dakota quickly realizes the thefts aren't ones of opportunity.

The criminal is looking for something specific.

It's only a matter of time before he realizes Dakota is the one who has it.

Genres: Cozy Mystery

205 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 27, 2024

About the author

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

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

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Reviews

[Tari]

I was really glad the author decided to continue this series because I was sad at how the last book ended and just knew it couldn't end there without more explanation. And even though it's been almost two years since I read the last book, it was easy to get reacquainted with the characters. As unhappy as I was with the ending of the previous book, I was getting happier reading this one since I know there's some hope. I'm not saying for what because some might've not read those other books yet.

I get the feeling they were re-edited or something changed since the release dates are later than the dates I show in Goodreads that I completed the books. And it's not even showing I read that first book, so its title must've been really different.

This was a super tangled up case that ended up with something extremely life-changing for Dakota and now I can't wait for the next book!

[Tanvi]

3.5/5

This book is a fun and short read, the writing smooth, making it easy to relate to the characters and understand the scenes.

I love a strong female character and that is what Dakota is, a strong intelligent bookstore owner who solves mysteries, though I am unable to comment on the character development since I started in the middle of the series.

The book can be read as a standalone, but I would recommend starting from the beginning so as to understand the characters and their backgrounds better.

Recommended for all cozy mystery lovers.

I received an advance copy of the book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Terri]

Valuable books are missing from a friend's bookstore and Dakota has stepped in to help with the investigation. It gets even worse when Dakota stumbles on a body in the bookstore. It becomes even more personal when books go missing from Dakota's bookstore! It soon becomes obvious that the thief is wanting something specific and Dakota becomes the target! Well written mystery with a touch of romance that draws you in and won't let go! Filled with a very charming group of characters! I highly recommend this book and I hope there's more to come in this series!

[Erica]

I enjoy this series, but the author really takes liberty with the storyline. Now Hardy and Dakota are heartbroken from their "breakup", which is interesting because I have no idea what they are talking about. This book makes several references to their breakup, although the previous book goes in painstaking detail to state they never dated, not even one date. Now they are actually like they lived together and had to sever their lives. So that part is pretty ridiculous. Luckily the mystery is more interesting and fun enough to keep you engaged regardless of the romantic plot problems.

[Laura]

This is an entertaining, fun read. I enjoyed the mystery and the various characters that made up the story. They all added a uniqueness to the story and gave it a smalltown vibe with some big city aspects. I love the role that Dakota’s cat played in the story. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. The book is easy to read and get into.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Michelle]

This was a great read. It dragged a bit in the middle but made up for it with a doozy of an ending. Part of a series but for the most part it stands alone well, I would recommend reading in order for the character stories and developments but you can pick up the major stuff fine without having done so. I love the bookstore owner/possible PI that Dakota is. She’s spunky, resilient, intelligent and giving. Her friends are varied and kooky but lovable. ,y first book in the series but I will definitely be going back and reading more!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Monica]

This is part of a series. I have not read any of the others. However, that did not affect my enjoyment of the book. I still enjoyed the mystery and the characters. I do think I will go back and look for the earlier ones.

The 4 stars is because the ending was a bit confusing. I would have liked more clarification.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Whitney K.]

I have been provided with a review copy of Literary Larceny from Booksprout for an impartial review. I was just drawn into this wonderful story and I just couldn’t get enough of it. It was just so easy to get lost in this great story. I just didn’t want it to end. I just lost myself in it and I just couldn’t get enough of these interesting characters. I can’t wait to see what’s next from this author.

[Dallass]

So far in the series, Dakota's fortunes have gone from just managing to feeling a little comfortable. However, this mystery definitely has some high financial stakes when the renovations on the adjoining office space seem to tie in with the seemingly unrelated spate of book thefts from a friend's nearby bookshop. Dakota is on the case, and what she discovers will change her life - forever.

4 stars

[Annarella]

An entertaining and pleasanty cozy mystery. Dakota is a clever character and the mystery kept me guessing.
A solid plot, likable characters
It can be read as a stand-alone even if it's better read the rest of the series
Recommended.
Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine

[Melissa Urbina]

The best!!!!

I love this book so much! I anxiously waited for this book to come out because I was dying to know what happened after the last book! I was afraid to read it but I was not disappointed! This book was so good and absolutely what I was hoping for! Dakota is such an amazing character with great support characters! I cannot wait for the next book!!!!!

[Kate]

so worth the wait

I love this series, okay, I love all of her series, but there is something so comforting about this one. I missed these characters so much and was so delighted on where this book went with it. I cannot wait for the next one - already doing my countdown!

[Krosby]

hardy is the worst...i wish his whole character was removed from this series

[Pat Lazeren]

Love the story.