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The Cambridge Bookshop #1
Chapter and Curse
In Chapter and Curse, Molly Kimball is used to cracking open books . . .but when a poetry reading ends in murder, she must use her skills to crack the case.
Librarian Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina, need a change. So when a letter arrives from Nina’s Aunt Violet in Cambridge, England requesting their help running the family bookshop, they jump at the chance.
Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, is one of the oldest bookshops in Cambridge, and—unfortunately—customers can tell. When Molly and Nina arrive, spring has come to Cambridge and the famed Cambridge Literary Festival is underway. Determined to bring much-needed revenue to the bookstore, Molly invites Aunt Violet’s college classmate and famed poet Persephone Brightwell to hold a poetry reading in the shop. But the event ends in disaster when a guest is found dead—with Molly’s great-aunt’s knitting needle used as the murder weapon. While trying to clear Violet and keep the struggling shop afloat, Molly sifts through secrets past and present, untangling a web of blackmail, deceit, and murder.
Librarian Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina, need a change. So when a letter arrives from Nina’s Aunt Violet in Cambridge, England requesting their help running the family bookshop, they jump at the chance.
Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, is one of the oldest bookshops in Cambridge, and—unfortunately—customers can tell. When Molly and Nina arrive, spring has come to Cambridge and the famed Cambridge Literary Festival is underway. Determined to bring much-needed revenue to the bookstore, Molly invites Aunt Violet’s college classmate and famed poet Persephone Brightwell to hold a poetry reading in the shop. But the event ends in disaster when a guest is found dead—with Molly’s great-aunt’s knitting needle used as the murder weapon. While trying to clear Violet and keep the struggling shop afloat, Molly sifts through secrets past and present, untangling a web of blackmail, deceit, and murder.
9 pages, Audible Audio
First published September 28, 2021
266 people are currently reading
3445 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Penney
94 books526 followersElizabeth 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.
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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 405 reviews
September 19, 2021
I don’t read many English Cozy Mysteries, and I am not sure why since I always end up enjoying them. And Chapter and Curse, the first book in The Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney is very enjoyable!
Penney really shines in all three areas that are essential to cozies; the well developed community, the wonderful descriptions of the town/job, and an engaging mystery with lots of suspects and some red herrings.
Penney has lots of fantastic characters so I’m sure readers will find at least one to be a favorite, if not all of them. Sir Jon, a former spy, is definitely high up on my list. But I really like the patience of George, and Daisy too, who is becoming the fun BFF to Molly. There’s also the wonderful family aspect with her mother, Nina, and her Aunt Violet. Along with the bookstore’s cat, who is a perfectly written cat, there’s Puck, the new shop cat, who is a curious little bugger.
And, of course, we can’t forget the love interest, Kieran. I really enjoy the twist that Penney has given the romantic partner being from high society while Molly is not. I’m looking forward to seeing how his connections play out in future books.
As for the descriptions of Cambridge, the bookstore, local pub, and other shops, they make me want to go for a month-long trip to England. Penney adds in details not only of the architecture, but includes bits of history and nods to various books that will have any book lover very happy. It seems like such a charming place (besides the murder) with people riding bicycles everywhere, stopping in to accuse people of murder and still being offered a spot of tea, and pubs where everyone really does know your name.
Penney offered up lots of suspects for the mystery, even having me wonder for a brief moment if it could have been the aunt! The blackmail aspect of the crime provided lots of motives for the various suspects and showed what a truly horrible person the murder victim was.
I highly recommend the new Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
Penney really shines in all three areas that are essential to cozies; the well developed community, the wonderful descriptions of the town/job, and an engaging mystery with lots of suspects and some red herrings.
Penney has lots of fantastic characters so I’m sure readers will find at least one to be a favorite, if not all of them. Sir Jon, a former spy, is definitely high up on my list. But I really like the patience of George, and Daisy too, who is becoming the fun BFF to Molly. There’s also the wonderful family aspect with her mother, Nina, and her Aunt Violet. Along with the bookstore’s cat, who is a perfectly written cat, there’s Puck, the new shop cat, who is a curious little bugger.
And, of course, we can’t forget the love interest, Kieran. I really enjoy the twist that Penney has given the romantic partner being from high society while Molly is not. I’m looking forward to seeing how his connections play out in future books.
As for the descriptions of Cambridge, the bookstore, local pub, and other shops, they make me want to go for a month-long trip to England. Penney adds in details not only of the architecture, but includes bits of history and nods to various books that will have any book lover very happy. It seems like such a charming place (besides the murder) with people riding bicycles everywhere, stopping in to accuse people of murder and still being offered a spot of tea, and pubs where everyone really does know your name.
Penney offered up lots of suspects for the mystery, even having me wonder for a brief moment if it could have been the aunt! The blackmail aspect of the crime provided lots of motives for the various suspects and showed what a truly horrible person the murder victim was.
I highly recommend the new Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries and can’t wait for the next book in the series!
October 6, 2021
Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina relocate to Cambridge, England after receiving a letter from Nina’s Aunt Violet Marlowe. Violet needs help getting the bookshop back in the black. During a poetry reading at the shop during the Cambridge Literary Festival, a local woman is murdered using Aunt Violet’s knitting needle. Molly with help from some new friends works to prove Aunt Violet’s innocence. Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney is the debut of The Cambridge Bookshop Series. Elizabeth Penney captured Cambridge with the vivid descriptions. I could envision the beautiful old buildings of the area. The author created some great characters that live within a cozy community. Molly is a smart woman who loves books. She has great ideas for revitalizing the bookstore. I like Nina, Molly’s mother. I think she needed a change to help her recover from the death of her husband. Aunt Violet, George, Daisy, Sir John, Kiernan, and the other people living on Magpie Lane are charming. They are a friendly bunch who are welcoming. The mystery was well-plotted. We get to follow Molly as she conducts her investigation (you feel like you are in her shoes). There are breadcrumbs for readers to follow to help them solve the crime. I like how the mystery was laid out. The reveal was unique and entertaining. All the details regarding the whodunit were wrapped up so I was not left with lingering questions. I thought Chapter and Curse was well-written with slower pacing. I loved the book descriptions (like Molly, I love books) and meeting Puck. There is some romance in the book as well. I enjoyed my visit to Cambridge, and I look forward to returning in the next book. Chapter and Curse is a charming English cozy mystery with a precious Puck, an abating bookshop, a deadly poetry reading, a purloined knitting needle, a crafty cousin, good pub grub, and stealthy sleuthing.
July 16, 2021
I enjoyed reading Chapter and Curse, a first in a new series by Elizabeth Penney.
The book introduces us to Molly Kimball and her mother, who are summoned to England to help with the family bookstore.
When a sudden death unleashes a series of secrets, Molly can't resist getting involved in the investigation.
I loved all the aspects of this book and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ChapterandCurse #NetGalley
The book introduces us to Molly Kimball and her mother, who are summoned to England to help with the family bookstore.
When a sudden death unleashes a series of secrets, Molly can't resist getting involved in the investigation.
I loved all the aspects of this book and I'm looking forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ChapterandCurse #NetGalley
September 17, 2021
**This book was provided to me by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.**
1.5 stars
I really did not enjoy this book. Cozy mysteries are hit and miss for me, but I really thought this one (murder! Old ladies! Cambridge! Bookshop! Cats!) would be a hit for me; alas, it was one of the biggest misses I’ve read.
Firstly, I felt condescended to the entire book, as if, despite being an adult mystery, it was actually written for young American teens who have a romantic view of England but have never actually read any books set outside of the U.S. before. The first-person narrator ‘helpfully’ informed her readers about such obscure bits of Anglophile trivia as “‘mate’ is slang for ‘friend’” and “they really like tea here.”
The heroine herself was also deadly dull. I spent much of the book wishing that she, and her contrived “American cousin who comes in to save the bookshop with such Quirky, Modern Ideas as ‘using social media to drive engagement’” persona, were cut out entirely. Because part of the real tragedy of this book is that the actual murder plot is really interesting! An old woman who is blackmailing a truly fascinating cast of characters is murdered at a busy event. If Daisy—the young woman who runs the nearby café, and is directly related to a mysterious death from fifty years prior that seems suddenly relevant in this new case—had been the sleuth to tackle the mystery, I would have been much more invested. Instead we got Molly Kimball, who is just… bland.
I just did not have a good time with this story, and I wish that the mystery had been packaged differently—with more adult writing and a more engaging sleuth.
1.5 stars
I really did not enjoy this book. Cozy mysteries are hit and miss for me, but I really thought this one (murder! Old ladies! Cambridge! Bookshop! Cats!) would be a hit for me; alas, it was one of the biggest misses I’ve read.
Firstly, I felt condescended to the entire book, as if, despite being an adult mystery, it was actually written for young American teens who have a romantic view of England but have never actually read any books set outside of the U.S. before. The first-person narrator ‘helpfully’ informed her readers about such obscure bits of Anglophile trivia as “‘mate’ is slang for ‘friend’” and “they really like tea here.”
The heroine herself was also deadly dull. I spent much of the book wishing that she, and her contrived “American cousin who comes in to save the bookshop with such Quirky, Modern Ideas as ‘using social media to drive engagement’” persona, were cut out entirely. Because part of the real tragedy of this book is that the actual murder plot is really interesting! An old woman who is blackmailing a truly fascinating cast of characters is murdered at a busy event. If Daisy—the young woman who runs the nearby café, and is directly related to a mysterious death from fifty years prior that seems suddenly relevant in this new case—had been the sleuth to tackle the mystery, I would have been much more invested. Instead we got Molly Kimball, who is just… bland.
I just did not have a good time with this story, and I wish that the mystery had been packaged differently—with more adult writing and a more engaging sleuth.
April 5, 2024
A fun new-to-me cozy mystery series. Molly and her mum Nina move to Cambridge, England after her father’s death. This is Nina’s home, and her Aunt Violet asks for their help in running the bookshop that has been in the family for generations. A fresh start is what they need so if they go!
The bookstore needs some updates and Molly works on getting their social media more active. They host a poet reading… which ends in Molly and neighbor Keegan finding a murdered body in the garden. As Molly makes friends, they all start looking at suspects.
3-1/2 rounded up to 4 stars. Fun characters and I’m looking forward to the next one.
The bookstore needs some updates and Molly works on getting their social media more active. They host a poet reading… which ends in Molly and neighbor Keegan finding a murdered body in the garden. As Molly makes friends, they all start looking at suspects.
3-1/2 rounded up to 4 stars. Fun characters and I’m looking forward to the next one.
July 23, 2022
I guess “cozy” means “plot with no friction”?
This mystery was a miss for me. I feel like I could really go into it…. Hmm… let’s go.
- I don’t remember any of the characters except for Molly, her mom, love interest, and her aunt. There were like 20 other characters and they all felt the same.
- Everyone in this book, including the prose itself, sounds like a middle aged woman. No one yells “Stop! Stop I say!” in the middle of a chase.
- Protag is American and explains every British slang/phrase to the reader… Why couldn’t an actual British person have explained it to the character instead? This was really cringey and you know what, the words “fit” and “mate” don’t need an explanation… please give us readers a little bit of credit.
- Book feels like the entire world revolved around Molly. She gets her way every time, her suggestions go universally accepted and unchallenged, makes friends with and is trusted by everyone instantly, tags along with people or to events that she doesn’t have a natural reason to be there… it’s kinda crazy
- This author has the weirdest writing style where things are overly and unnecessarily described: “I slurped my beer to lower the level”, “I uploaded the photos to the cloud, for easy access”, “Keiran showed up with my beer and we stood at one of the high tables to drink them.”
- Murder mystery was kind of boring, and the reveal and Scooby-doo monologue from the culprit explaining their motive and confessing to everything they did REALLY took me out if it.
- Insta love from Keiran, despite Molly being really boring.
- Not sure if intentional or not but there are times when Molly would say something pretty blunt or rude, and it really gave this feeling of “American in another country not caring about social norms”. If this was intentional, than touche, author.
2/5, not really interested in another book by this author
This mystery was a miss for me. I feel like I could really go into it…. Hmm… let’s go.
- I don’t remember any of the characters except for Molly, her mom, love interest, and her aunt. There were like 20 other characters and they all felt the same.
- Everyone in this book, including the prose itself, sounds like a middle aged woman. No one yells “Stop! Stop I say!” in the middle of a chase.
- Protag is American and explains every British slang/phrase to the reader… Why couldn’t an actual British person have explained it to the character instead? This was really cringey and you know what, the words “fit” and “mate” don’t need an explanation… please give us readers a little bit of credit.
- Book feels like the entire world revolved around Molly. She gets her way every time, her suggestions go universally accepted and unchallenged, makes friends with and is trusted by everyone instantly, tags along with people or to events that she doesn’t have a natural reason to be there… it’s kinda crazy
- This author has the weirdest writing style where things are overly and unnecessarily described: “I slurped my beer to lower the level”, “I uploaded the photos to the cloud, for easy access”, “Keiran showed up with my beer and we stood at one of the high tables to drink them.”
- Murder mystery was kind of boring, and the reveal and Scooby-doo monologue from the culprit explaining their motive and confessing to everything they did REALLY took me out if it.
- Insta love from Keiran, despite Molly being really boring.
- Not sure if intentional or not but there are times when Molly would say something pretty blunt or rude, and it really gave this feeling of “American in another country not caring about social norms”. If this was intentional, than touche, author.
2/5, not really interested in another book by this author
July 16, 2021
Chapter and Curse is the first book in Elizabeth Penny's new Cambridge Bookshop Series and I found it to be a wonderful start. We meet Molly Kimball and her mother Nina, who move from Vermont to Nina's native England. Molly's father has passed away and Nina receives a request for help from her aunt to run the family bookstore. These women make for very likable protagonists. The storyline moves along at a solid pace and I thought the author did an excellent job of balancing the amount of backstory mixed in with the current mystery. Once in Cambridge, Ms. Penny surrounds her protagonists with a cast of secondary characters that add dimension and enjoyment to the story.
I found the mystery to be complex enough to keep me engaged. The author provides enough information and clues that the reader is able to make an educated guess as to the killer's identity. While I did figure out the killer and motive by about 2/3rds of the way into the book, I enjoyed the journey as Molly reached the same conclusion. I am so rarely correct in my guesses that the fact that I was right this time did not take away from the enjoyment of the book. The story and the characters kept me engaged.
I am looking forward to more to come in this series. I loved the location and the fact that the series involves a bookstore that is a national treasure in small-town England. I will be back for future installments.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
I found the mystery to be complex enough to keep me engaged. The author provides enough information and clues that the reader is able to make an educated guess as to the killer's identity. While I did figure out the killer and motive by about 2/3rds of the way into the book, I enjoyed the journey as Molly reached the same conclusion. I am so rarely correct in my guesses that the fact that I was right this time did not take away from the enjoyment of the book. The story and the characters kept me engaged.
I am looking forward to more to come in this series. I loved the location and the fact that the series involves a bookstore that is a national treasure in small-town England. I will be back for future installments.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own.
December 21, 2021
I loved Chapter and Curse, the first in the Cambridge Bookshop Series. Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina Marlowe leave their home in Thorndike, Vermont to move to Hazelhurst England to help Nina's aunt, Violet with the running of The Thomas Marlowe Book Store, a family business. The reader is introduced to Daisy Watson, owner of the tea shop, Kieran Scott, owner of the bike shop the rest of the cast of characters that make this series so interesting. The book store has a reading of a famous poet, Persephone Brightwell, During the reading Molly and Kieran find her aunt's friend, Myrtle's body in the back garden. This is when the story gets really interesting with family treachery, blackmail, suspense and romance. It was such a joy to read this story and .I can't wait for the second in the series to see what is the next adventure for Molly and her friends
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for this ARC.
July 11, 2021
Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney is an excellent cozy mystery that is the start of what is sure to be an excellent new series. I really loved it.
This is a great start to this new series. We get to meet Molly Kimball and her mother when they move back to her mum’s childhood stomping grounds of Cambridge, England. They find out that they are included into the ownership of a historic book store that is owned by her Aunt Violet and by her beloved and recently passed uncle Tom. There are additional mysteries and questions regarding her estranged family that add another fascinating layer of complexity to the development of the characters and to the wonderful plot. After losing her Dad a few months earlier, both Molly and her Mum have nothing to lose by escaping Vermont and trying it all out.
After arriving, they are caught up in some tight financial issues with the struggling bookshop and a murder of a not extremely pleasant neighbor in their own backyard during a book reading. Molly’s Aunt Violet is a prime suspect and it is up to the rag-tag bunch that includes neighbors and fellow business owners George, Daisy, Tom and Kieran, and Sir Jon to help discover the true culprit.
I loved the complex murder/mystery and the amazing character cast. Everyone was truly likable, realistic, and had great chemistry. The setting is perfect, and there is plenty of material to use for future books.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press 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.
This is a great start to this new series. We get to meet Molly Kimball and her mother when they move back to her mum’s childhood stomping grounds of Cambridge, England. They find out that they are included into the ownership of a historic book store that is owned by her Aunt Violet and by her beloved and recently passed uncle Tom. There are additional mysteries and questions regarding her estranged family that add another fascinating layer of complexity to the development of the characters and to the wonderful plot. After losing her Dad a few months earlier, both Molly and her Mum have nothing to lose by escaping Vermont and trying it all out.
After arriving, they are caught up in some tight financial issues with the struggling bookshop and a murder of a not extremely pleasant neighbor in their own backyard during a book reading. Molly’s Aunt Violet is a prime suspect and it is up to the rag-tag bunch that includes neighbors and fellow business owners George, Daisy, Tom and Kieran, and Sir Jon to help discover the true culprit.
I loved the complex murder/mystery and the amazing character cast. Everyone was truly likable, realistic, and had great chemistry. The setting is perfect, and there is plenty of material to use for future books.
I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for the next one!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press 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.
April 26, 2022
This charming introduction to the Cambridge Bookshop series had me itching for a visit to England! The setting was so picturesque and so perfectly described that I could envision every scene as if I were there. I fell totally in love with Molly. Her devotion to her family, along with her keen insight into human motivation, propelled the mystery forward to a satisfying conclusion. I’m anxious for another helping of Cambridge Bookshop murder, so bring on the next installment!
November 28, 2024
Viajamos a Cambridge juntos con nuestra protagonista Molly y su madre Nina que tras recibir una carta de su tía Violet deciden mudarse con ella para ayudarla a llevar la librería familiar.
La trama comienza cuando a Molly se le ocurre organizar un recital de poesía para promocionar la librería y para ellos contarán con una antigua compañera de Violet, una conocida escritora de poemas. Un acontecimiento que se vera empañado cuando encuentran a una de las invitadas sin vida en el jardín.
La investigación comienza y ni Molly ni las personas que rodean a la familia van a quedarse al margen ya que Violet es la principal sospechosa de la policía.
La ambientación en este tipo de lecturas sin duda es un plus y que mejor si lo acompañamos de libros y de un misterio donde varios de los personajes tenían más o menos motivos para acabar con la vida de la víctima.
Me ha gustado como se aprecia la evolución del personaje de Molly a lo largo de la lectura, así como el de otros personajes, pero especialmente su empeño por descubrir al culpable y de paso alguna que otra sorpresa más.
Con respecto al final me ha gustado bastante, me ha sorprendido y queda bien cerrado.
Sin duda un libro muy recomendable para disfrutar cualquier tarde.
La trama comienza cuando a Molly se le ocurre organizar un recital de poesía para promocionar la librería y para ellos contarán con una antigua compañera de Violet, una conocida escritora de poemas. Un acontecimiento que se vera empañado cuando encuentran a una de las invitadas sin vida en el jardín.
La investigación comienza y ni Molly ni las personas que rodean a la familia van a quedarse al margen ya que Violet es la principal sospechosa de la policía.
La ambientación en este tipo de lecturas sin duda es un plus y que mejor si lo acompañamos de libros y de un misterio donde varios de los personajes tenían más o menos motivos para acabar con la vida de la víctima.
Me ha gustado como se aprecia la evolución del personaje de Molly a lo largo de la lectura, así como el de otros personajes, pero especialmente su empeño por descubrir al culpable y de paso alguna que otra sorpresa más.
Con respecto al final me ha gustado bastante, me ha sorprendido y queda bien cerrado.
Sin duda un libro muy recomendable para disfrutar cualquier tarde.
September 19, 2021
"Chapter and Curse” is the first instalment in The Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Cambridge, England. What a great start to a new series!
Molly Kimball is used to cracking open books . . . but when a poetry reading ends in murder she must use her skills to crack the case.
I absolutely loved this story, and it has made me want to visit Cambridge on my next trip to England.
I really like the bond between Molly, her mum and aunt Fiona it just felt real and the way they talk to each other and not strained in any way. Makes 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 two!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Molly Kimball is used to cracking open books . . . but when a poetry reading ends in murder she must use her skills to crack the case.
I absolutely loved this story, and it has made me want to visit Cambridge on my next trip to England.
I really like the bond between Molly, her mum and aunt Fiona it just felt real and the way they talk to each other and not strained in any way. Makes 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 two!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 19, 2022
This is me, totally in love with a new-to-me series! A librarian who moves to Cambridge, England to run a bookshop that has been in her family for centuries????!!!! Yes please! New life experience comes complete with a murder, a curious black cat and host of intriguing characters...and a romantic interest. The mystery is cunning and the way Molly goes about investigating is clever. And bless my heart, a heroine who knows when to call the police! So refreshing. Extra bonus points for the wonderful descriptions -- both the setting and the culture. Made me feel like I was right there, experiencing it all. Rushing back to my library to get the second book asap.
July 26, 2021
What a fantastic start to a new bookish cozy series! Loved the Cambridge setting, cast of characters, hints of romance, and intriguing mystery that sprawled over decades. Excited to read the next installment!
September 28, 2021
I just knew I'd love this book when I saw it in NetGalley and noticed who the author was. I enjoyed her writing and characterization in the Apron Shop series so much. This book definitely didn't disappoint and had characters I took to immediately. The key characters were all really awesome, but I think my favorites were Aunt Violet and Sir Jon. Sir Jon might've been a retired MI6, but he could still do the job when he needed to as we see toward the end. Everyone needs an aunt like Violet. I hope she and Sir Jon can get together sometime, 'cause from talk about all their college days, I think he's always had a little thing for her. Molly didn't waste any time in finding a handsome and genuinely nice guy as well in Kieran. And Molly's mother Nina, well there might be some love interest going on for her eventually too.
Another favorite character was George, a local landlord and good friend of Violet's as well as her handyman for the bookshop sometimes. He's another friend that everyone should have one of. I honestly couldn't quite figure out whodunit until Molly did, and it was obvious at the showdown which by the way, was a really good one! But I thoroughly enjoyed how Violet, Molly, Nina and Sir Jon sort of teamed up to solve the murder. They knew if they relied on the evidence only, poor Violet would end up in jail. Their investigations always turned up something useful for the police, and I think Sir Jon's respected status helped as well.
I'm so hoping these books might come out more than once a year. I just enjoyed the characters so much I hated to see the book end!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Another favorite character was George, a local landlord and good friend of Violet's as well as her handyman for the bookshop sometimes. He's another friend that everyone should have one of. I honestly couldn't quite figure out whodunit until Molly did, and it was obvious at the showdown which by the way, was a really good one! But I thoroughly enjoyed how Violet, Molly, Nina and Sir Jon sort of teamed up to solve the murder. They knew if they relied on the evidence only, poor Violet would end up in jail. Their investigations always turned up something useful for the police, and I think Sir Jon's respected status helped as well.
I'm so hoping these books might come out more than once a year. I just enjoyed the characters so much I hated to see the book end!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin's Press, via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
August 10, 2023
Too much cringe.
Molly Kimball and her mother Nina move to Cambridge, England to help out their aunt Violet in running her bookshop. The bookshop has been in the family for over 400 years, but it seems aunt Violet has forgotten to get with the times. The back-catalogue hasn’t been updated since the Great War.
Molly makes fast friends with Daisy who runs a tea room across the street and Kieran and Tim who run a bike shop or are builders or servers, the story is a bit unclear on that point.
A lot of things happen fast in this story. One evening plans for the bookshop are made to host events, the next morning a wall is knocked through to make an entrance to the backroom where those events will be hosted. With the help of Myrtle - an old friend - the first event is hosted two weeks later. At the end of which Myrtle is found in the backyard, stabbed to death with a knitting needle.
Aunt Violet is an easy suspect - it appears the knitting needle came from her knitting bag. Certain that her aunt - who she has know all of two weeks - cannot have committed this crime, Molly sets out to investigate.
Well, investigate. People seem to fall over themselves to present alternative suspects, motives and other clues to Molly.
It’s all too easy. Is it too much to ask to have a MC that has to struggle at least a little bit?
The only problem Molly seems to have is that she knows nothing of her mother’s background and family. This is an issue for her, otherwise she would not get so riled up by someone asking about it. And while, yes, it seems strange that Molly knows so little about her mother’s side of the family (considering how close she and her mother are), but such things do happen and a comment as “Maybe Americans don’t place the same importance on family as we Brits do.” is uncalled for. (And rather laughable since plenty of Brits still send their kids off to boarding school.)
And yet, I did not hate the book. At least not until the author thought it fit to explain the concept of advanced reader copies and gave Fiona the same nervous tick as Ruth earlier in the book.
Other reviewers have commented on the author’s need to explain British customs to the reader, but none have mentioned the cringe worthy dialogue that results from the author’s desire to show off her knowledge. When Molly tells Kieran a picture of her went viral, Kieran asks if it was on page three (enabling the author to explain page three photos). Please, dear author, if you want me to think sympathetically of your MC’s love interest do not have him ask “so were you ever topless in a national newspaper?” Particularly not on a first date.
I wish there was less focus on a knitting needle as a murder weapon, ‘cause every time it was mentioned my mind fluttered off to the thought how unlikely a knitting needle is as a murder weapon: it has a blunt point, is relatively thin. You’d probably need considerable force to pierce the skin with one. Particularly, if you have to go through several layers of clothing, including a (thick winter)coat.
The scene where the murderer confesses is laughable. And of course, the missing will is found. Tidy Tom had used it as a bookmark.
That was the last cringe.
Molly Kimball and her mother Nina move to Cambridge, England to help out their aunt Violet in running her bookshop. The bookshop has been in the family for over 400 years, but it seems aunt Violet has forgotten to get with the times. The back-catalogue hasn’t been updated since the Great War.
Molly makes fast friends with Daisy who runs a tea room across the street and Kieran and Tim who run a bike shop or are builders or servers, the story is a bit unclear on that point.
A lot of things happen fast in this story. One evening plans for the bookshop are made to host events, the next morning a wall is knocked through to make an entrance to the backroom where those events will be hosted. With the help of Myrtle - an old friend - the first event is hosted two weeks later. At the end of which Myrtle is found in the backyard, stabbed to death with a knitting needle.
Aunt Violet is an easy suspect - it appears the knitting needle came from her knitting bag. Certain that her aunt - who she has know all of two weeks - cannot have committed this crime, Molly sets out to investigate.
Well, investigate. People seem to fall over themselves to present alternative suspects, motives and other clues to Molly.
It’s all too easy. Is it too much to ask to have a MC that has to struggle at least a little bit?
The only problem Molly seems to have is that she knows nothing of her mother’s background and family. This is an issue for her, otherwise she would not get so riled up by someone asking about it. And while, yes, it seems strange that Molly knows so little about her mother’s side of the family (considering how close she and her mother are), but such things do happen and a comment as “Maybe Americans don’t place the same importance on family as we Brits do.” is uncalled for. (And rather laughable since plenty of Brits still send their kids off to boarding school.)
And yet, I did not hate the book. At least not until the author thought it fit to explain the concept of advanced reader copies and gave Fiona the same nervous tick as Ruth earlier in the book.
Other reviewers have commented on the author’s need to explain British customs to the reader, but none have mentioned the cringe worthy dialogue that results from the author’s desire to show off her knowledge. When Molly tells Kieran a picture of her went viral, Kieran asks if it was on page three (enabling the author to explain page three photos). Please, dear author, if you want me to think sympathetically of your MC’s love interest do not have him ask “so were you ever topless in a national newspaper?” Particularly not on a first date.
I wish there was less focus on a knitting needle as a murder weapon, ‘cause every time it was mentioned my mind fluttered off to the thought how unlikely a knitting needle is as a murder weapon: it has a blunt point, is relatively thin. You’d probably need considerable force to pierce the skin with one. Particularly, if you have to go through several layers of clothing, including a (thick winter)coat.
The scene where the murderer confesses is laughable. And of course, the missing will is found. Tidy Tom had used it as a bookmark.
That was the last cringe.
February 14, 2022
The absolute best part of this mystery is Magpie Lane and its community and businesses. The second best part is Cambridge, England, itself. The third is the shop and its cats, Clarence and Puck. Those are special and have me wanting to add Cambridge and its lanes and old shops to my ever-expanding travel wish list.
That's about it. I was so encouraged when the first paragraph started off with an atmospheric description of snowy Vermont (Molly and her Mum live in Vermont initially) that charmed and used reasonably sophisticated phrasings: Spring was much later than usual this year. The huge old maples in front of our farmhouse remained bare, their limbs shivering with each blast of cold northern wind. Only a few daffodils had dared to raise yellow, nodding heads, and these brave souls were soundly scolded for their impertinence when snowed upon. And inside the white farmhouse, which had hunkered low against storms and seasons and sorrows for more than two hundred years, all was quite grim. Howeever, as the story evolved, with Molly and her Mum moving to Cambridge, England to help save the family rare book business and shop, there was a real lack of sophistication and complexity to the plot and sub-plots, writing style and even the characters. The main mystery revolves around the murder of an old Cambridge college friend of Aunt Violet, the owner of the rare book shop, that happened in the courtyard of the shop during a poetry reading by another of Aunt Violet's Cambridge college friends. The murderer and the reason for it was so obious from so early in the book, the mystery was how was the author going to spin it out. A couple of interesting subplots were given short shrift, which could have added great dimension to the story. The ending is rushed as well, afte rmeandering through days on Magpie Lane and around Cambridge, we suddenly barrell along to a conclusion and resolution of all the plots and subplots, all nice and tidy.
The style is particularly irritating. It's written in the first person from Molly's POV - which is fine. However, the author, whose bio describes her as growing up in England and France but now living in New Hampshire, has chosen to have Molly tell the story in the first person. That's also fine, BUT.... she keeps having the American Molly insert fourth-wall breaking comments explaining British vocabulary and such. One particularly irritating example at the end during an in quotation marks comment by her Uncle Chris: ...When I came later, I saw the panda cars.” Meaning the police. “I was in the alley when a young bloke shouted at me and chased me off.”
Instead, we get more of a pleasant romance novel with a side dish of cozy mystery, and a not particularly well-crafted one either. What is wonderful is the location and background.
That's about it. I was so encouraged when the first paragraph started off with an atmospheric description of snowy Vermont (Molly and her Mum live in Vermont initially) that charmed and used reasonably sophisticated phrasings: Spring was much later than usual this year. The huge old maples in front of our farmhouse remained bare, their limbs shivering with each blast of cold northern wind. Only a few daffodils had dared to raise yellow, nodding heads, and these brave souls were soundly scolded for their impertinence when snowed upon. And inside the white farmhouse, which had hunkered low against storms and seasons and sorrows for more than two hundred years, all was quite grim. Howeever, as the story evolved, with Molly and her Mum moving to Cambridge, England to help save the family rare book business and shop, there was a real lack of sophistication and complexity to the plot and sub-plots, writing style and even the characters. The main mystery revolves around the murder of an old Cambridge college friend of Aunt Violet, the owner of the rare book shop, that happened in the courtyard of the shop during a poetry reading by another of Aunt Violet's Cambridge college friends. The murderer and the reason for it was so obious from so early in the book, the mystery was how was the author going to spin it out. A couple of interesting subplots were given short shrift, which could have added great dimension to the story. The ending is rushed as well, afte rmeandering through days on Magpie Lane and around Cambridge, we suddenly barrell along to a conclusion and resolution of all the plots and subplots, all nice and tidy.
The style is particularly irritating. It's written in the first person from Molly's POV - which is fine. However, the author, whose bio describes her as growing up in England and France but now living in New Hampshire, has chosen to have Molly tell the story in the first person. That's also fine, BUT.... she keeps having the American Molly insert fourth-wall breaking comments explaining British vocabulary and such. One particularly irritating example at the end during an in quotation marks comment by her Uncle Chris: ...When I came later, I saw the panda cars.” Meaning the police. “I was in the alley when a young bloke shouted at me and chased me off.”
Instead, we get more of a pleasant romance novel with a side dish of cozy mystery, and a not particularly well-crafted one either. What is wonderful is the location and background.
March 26, 2025
While I hadn't been reading many cozy mysteries recently, the premise of the story sounded very intriguing and I definitely was not disappointed. Many years ago I had visited Cambridge so it brought back fond memories of my trip and I may have visited a bookstore very similar to this one. I love old bookstores with a feel of history to them. This did not disappoint, great characters, good mystery, good flow of mystery, along with just enough history to keep the story flowing. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters interactions and the promise of learning more of each one. The mystery was well paced and I'm definitely looking forward to reading more of everyone.
January 9, 2023
Sono davvero contenta di aver deciso di leggere questo libro! Dei bei personaggi, una buona storia e un'ambientazione favolosa: già avevo valutato una visita a Cambridge, ma ora voglio proprio andarci. Spero che questa serie continui a lungo.
October 12, 2021
This book was fun to read! I really enjoyed getting to know the story from this author.
In particular, I liked the fact that it is a little different from other cozies I have read and that it took place in a bookshop in England. The characters were interesting and the plot kept me interested.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
In particular, I liked the fact that it is a little different from other cozies I have read and that it took place in a bookshop in England. The characters were interesting and the plot kept me interested.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
August 3, 2021
Through NetGalley, I received a free copy of CHAPTER AND CURSE (Book 1 of the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries), by Elizabeth Penney, in exchange for an honest review. Molly Kimball and her mother Nina leave their life in Vermont to help Nina’s Aunt Violet run the family bookshop, Thomas Marlowe--Manuscripts & Folios. When they arrive, they find out that they’ve upended their lives for an uncertain future; the bookshop is in financial trouble and may soon be sold to a bookstore chain. Molly and Nina work together with Aunt Violet to attract more business to the store so they can meet exorbitant loan payments. One of the first new ventures is a book signing and reading by a treasured poetess. When one of the guests is murdered at the shop with one of Aunt Violet’s knitting needles, Aunt Violet becomes suspect number one. In order to save Aunt Violet and preserve their new future, Molly and Nina work with Aunt Violet’s friends to uncover clues missed by the detectives. Can they solve the mystery while salvaging the business?
I liked this book and look forward to the second in the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, blackmail, bookshops, and historic towns.
I liked this book and look forward to the second in the series. I recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries featuring murder, blackmail, bookshops, and historic towns.
July 17, 2021
After her father passes away, Molly Kimball and mother move from Vermont to her mother’s homeland of England. Her Aunt Violet has asked for their help in running the family business, one of the oldest bookshops in Cambridge, and they answered the call.
During their book club m meeting, an ornery neighbor is murdered in their backyard and Aunt Violet is at the top of the suspect list, so Molly can’t help but trying to clear her Aunt’s name. Molly works together with her neighbors and other business owners to figure out whodunit without become the next victim.
WOW! This is a great debut in this series and I cannot tell you how exciting it is to have a new series to add to my must read list. The setting and characters are perfect and the whodunit its well written with enough clues and red herrings to keep you working right along with Molly and the gang to solve it. I’m looking forward for the next entry in this series!
During their book club m meeting, an ornery neighbor is murdered in their backyard and Aunt Violet is at the top of the suspect list, so Molly can’t help but trying to clear her Aunt’s name. Molly works together with her neighbors and other business owners to figure out whodunit without become the next victim.
WOW! This is a great debut in this series and I cannot tell you how exciting it is to have a new series to add to my must read list. The setting and characters are perfect and the whodunit its well written with enough clues and red herrings to keep you working right along with Molly and the gang to solve it. I’m looking forward for the next entry in this series!
November 16, 2022
I’ve been really lucky with new series and new authors this year and am adding this one to the list. This was a great first entry in the series and I hope there are many more books to come. Molly moves to Cambridge, England to help with her family’s bookstore and we get a wonderful setting and even better characters. This book was fun to read, the story flowed well and I even guessed both culprit and motive. The only thing that disappointed me was that there was not a recipe for Daisy's butterfly cakes at the end.
June 22, 2025
4 stars
Chapter and Curse is the first installment of Cambridge Bookshop located in, you right, Cambridge. However the small town that become the setting is fictional while some places like Trinity College was describe from the Author's perspective. Since I never once in my life set foot in England, this book give me some glimpse into the wonderful world of Cambridge.
This book strike some of cozy mysteries trademark. A tight-knit small community, a victim who actually hide some secrets of her own and maybe deserve her death and our heroine playing amateur sleuth to clear her aunt's name from suspects list. Chapter and Curse also have a little romance where the heroine, Molly Kimball catch the local hottie's attention, Kieran Scott who happen to be part of nobility himself. But Kieran just want to live a normal life, although Molly have her doubts about dating Kieran because how her world is different from him. She also half American, in world full of Brits, so while narrate the story, Molly also kinda explained some Brit terms. Since English is not my native as well, I just kind of let it go but I know that those part can become a pet peeves.
Mystery is solid and well written. Molly discovered that the victim's past play important part and become the murderer's motive to kill her. I'm also glad there's no scene when the heroine catch by the killer and therefore endanger herself, one of my pet peeve in mystery/thriller books, lol. I enjoy Molly's interaction with people in her new hometown, her business & marketing savvy regarding the future of her aunt's bookshop named 'Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts & Folios', her budding romance with Kieran and the Author's description for Cambridge and its surrounding. Will continue to read what next in the future for Molly and her new sleuthing career.
Chapter and Curse is the first installment of Cambridge Bookshop located in, you right, Cambridge. However the small town that become the setting is fictional while some places like Trinity College was describe from the Author's perspective. Since I never once in my life set foot in England, this book give me some glimpse into the wonderful world of Cambridge.
This book strike some of cozy mysteries trademark. A tight-knit small community, a victim who actually hide some secrets of her own and maybe deserve her death and our heroine playing amateur sleuth to clear her aunt's name from suspects list. Chapter and Curse also have a little romance where the heroine, Molly Kimball catch the local hottie's attention, Kieran Scott who happen to be part of nobility himself. But Kieran just want to live a normal life, although Molly have her doubts about dating Kieran because how her world is different from him. She also half American, in world full of Brits, so while narrate the story, Molly also kinda explained some Brit terms. Since English is not my native as well, I just kind of let it go but I know that those part can become a pet peeves.
Mystery is solid and well written. Molly discovered that the victim's past play important part and become the murderer's motive to kill her. I'm also glad there's no scene when the heroine catch by the killer and therefore endanger herself, one of my pet peeve in mystery/thriller books, lol. I enjoy Molly's interaction with people in her new hometown, her business & marketing savvy regarding the future of her aunt's bookshop named 'Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts & Folios', her budding romance with Kieran and the Author's description for Cambridge and its surrounding. Will continue to read what next in the future for Molly and her new sleuthing career.
August 9, 2023
This is the first entry in a cozy mystery series set in Cambridge featuring a family bookshop. I quite enoyed both the mystery and the primary characters: Molly (an American), her mother, and their Aunt Violet. After the death of Molly's father, Molly and her mother are both floundering in the U.S. When their Aunt Violet reaches out, the two uproot themselves and head to Cambridge to help run the family bookstore.
Of course, being a cozy mystery, a murder occurs at a book event at the bookstore. We're left with a lot of potential villains, and learn that the victim was a rather nasty character. I guessed the killer fairly quickly, but still enjoyed the mystery.
I listened to this in audio, and for the most part liked the narration. It took me awhile to settle in, as the narrator used an English accent for the narration -- including when Molly was thinking about things -- and then switched to an American accent when Molly actually spoke. However, I soon settled in and just went with it. It did help me know if Molly was "thinking out loud" or just thinking.
I liked this enough that I'm going to head off and download the second in the series, and immediately begin listening to it.
Of course, being a cozy mystery, a murder occurs at a book event at the bookstore. We're left with a lot of potential villains, and learn that the victim was a rather nasty character. I guessed the killer fairly quickly, but still enjoyed the mystery.
I listened to this in audio, and for the most part liked the narration. It took me awhile to settle in, as the narrator used an English accent for the narration -- including when Molly was thinking about things -- and then switched to an American accent when Molly actually spoke. However, I soon settled in and just went with it. It did help me know if Molly was "thinking out loud" or just thinking.
I liked this enough that I'm going to head off and download the second in the series, and immediately begin listening to it.
September 26, 2021
Spring was much later than usual this year.
The first book in the Cambridge Bookshop series introduces us to Molly and her mom Nina. The pair moves from Vermont to Nina's hometown in England after a request Aunt Violet who runs the family bookstore. As a librarian, Molly has lots of ideas to bring the 400 year old shop into the 21st century. The first being a poetry reading by a acclaimed poet who happens to be a college friend of Aunt Violet. A murder occurs during the reading and Molly steps in to clear her aunt's name.
This is a wonderful start to the series. The characters are well written and relatable. I really like the easy friendship that develops between Molly and Daisy, the local tea shop owner. Kieran is a wonderful male lead. (And my new book boyfriend!). He owns a bike shop even though he is a part of high society. I look forward to seeing where his relationship with Molly goes. Sir Jon adds a bit of flair to the story as a retired spy.
The murder victim was also a former college mate to Aunt Violet. We quickly learn that she was not a nice person and seemed to be blackmailing or scamming pretty much all of her friends.
I love when authors write and animal into the story. It is quite obvious from the descriptions that the author is owned by a cat or two. I was particularly taken with Puck as I had a black cat by that name when I was in college.
This book had it all-books, cats, tea, a quaint village and a good mystery. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The first book in the Cambridge Bookshop series introduces us to Molly and her mom Nina. The pair moves from Vermont to Nina's hometown in England after a request Aunt Violet who runs the family bookstore. As a librarian, Molly has lots of ideas to bring the 400 year old shop into the 21st century. The first being a poetry reading by a acclaimed poet who happens to be a college friend of Aunt Violet. A murder occurs during the reading and Molly steps in to clear her aunt's name.
This is a wonderful start to the series. The characters are well written and relatable. I really like the easy friendship that develops between Molly and Daisy, the local tea shop owner. Kieran is a wonderful male lead. (And my new book boyfriend!). He owns a bike shop even though he is a part of high society. I look forward to seeing where his relationship with Molly goes. Sir Jon adds a bit of flair to the story as a retired spy.
The murder victim was also a former college mate to Aunt Violet. We quickly learn that she was not a nice person and seemed to be blackmailing or scamming pretty much all of her friends.
I love when authors write and animal into the story. It is quite obvious from the descriptions that the author is owned by a cat or two. I was particularly taken with Puck as I had a black cat by that name when I was in college.
This book had it all-books, cats, tea, a quaint village and a good mystery. I look forward to reading more in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me with a copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 6, 2022
2022 bk 263. What a wonderful read for a rainy day. The author put everything I like in a cozy - clues that were not too obvious, but not obscured, an interesting setting, and upbeat attitude in the face of adversity, and interesting characters. This one would make a good "made for tv' movie (ah, the good old days) or even, a Hallmark Channel film. Seriously though, it was well plotted, well designed, and movement occurred at a consistent pace with no lengthy stops to explain issues that were not important to the plot. Best of all - the sequel is supposed to be arriving at more door by 10 p.m. tonight.
November 3, 2021
I really enjoyed this debut to what looks to be a promising new series. The mystery was good, and I love the setting of Cambridge England and the main characters running a bookstore. Molly is a likable heroine and the friends she makes upon moving to England are charming and fun. The ending was good, and even though I figured out the culprit, there were still surprises to be had. Fun cozy!
December 31, 2023
12-31-23 Really good - a great English cozy mystery. Molly and her mother, Nina, end up moving to Cambridge to help Aunt Violet with the Cambridge Bookshop. The town, shops, pubs, and the characters are so cozy! The whole mystery is involved and Molly plus family and friends help solve the various situations going on around the mystery. Lots of suspects! Especially liked the character, Daisy!
August 24, 2025
Το Σκοτεινό Κεφάλαιο” είναι μια απολαυστική επιλογή για όσους αγαπούν τα μυστηριακά βιβλία με ήρεμη, ζεστή ατμόσφαιρα. Η συγγραφέας δημιούργησε ένα cozy σκηνικό (βιβλιοπωλείο, Κέιμπριτζ, συγγενικές σχέσεις), φιλόξενη ατμόσφαιρα και ένα θάνατο, χωρίς ωμές περιγραφές. Η υπόθεση αν και απλή, κρατά το ενδιαφέρον, και το συνολικό αποτέλεσμα είναι ένα– θα έλεγα– «comfort read» με σασπένς.
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