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Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries #8
De libro e castigo
A poisoned pen drops Mina into a world of trouble when she attends the writers' retreat at Meddleworth House. Luckily she’s got Quoth, Morrie, and Heathcliff on hand to solve the case in the next Nevermore Bookshop Mystery, Crime and Publishing.
244 pages, Paperback
First published March 3, 2023
428 people are currently reading
1697 people want to read
About the author
Steffanie Holmes
94 books1,428 followersSteffanie Holmes is the author of steamy historical and paranormal romance. Her books feature clever, witty heroines, wild shifters, cunning witches and alpha males who get what they want.
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD
Before becoming a writer, Steffanie worked as an archaeologist and museum curator. She loves to explore historical settings and ancient conceptions of love and possession. From Dark Age Europe to crumbling gothic estates, Steffanie is fascinated with how love can blossom between the most unlikely characters.
Steffanie lives in New Zealand with her husband and a horde of cantankerous cats. Learn more about Steffanie at her website: www.steffanieholmes.com. She also writes dark science fiction under the name S C Green.
Want to be informed when the next Steffanie Holmes paranormal romance story goes live? Sign up for the mailing list! http://eepurl.com/ZrowD
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 74 reviews
July 4, 2024
I just loved this, and I'm sad because the next book is the last!
October 4, 2023
This book didn't work as well as the others. It was bizarre to see my own criticism of this series in the book itself in the guise of others criticing the book Mina is writing. Writing a book about a character writing what is obviously the series they are part of is a tall ask. The whole story within a story and breaking of the fourth wall nonsense isn't something I think really works. I could kind of dig that the author understands that they might not be creating literary genius, but they are entertaining readers nonetheless.
May 16, 2023
Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries. When people ask me what my favorite series is I always reply with Nevermore Bookshop mysteries. It combines so many elements I love. Fictional characters coming to life, a sweet reverse harem, bookshops and some murder mysteries to add a little bit of danger. I will therefore be really sad that the series ends with the ninth book. I will also enjoy these last two books to the fullest. Especially since I got an arc for this book via BookSprout.
This book has everything one can possibly want in this series. Of course our four heroes are at the centre of everything. I like how established this relationship is. How they can be honest with each other, even when thoughts might not be the kind of thoughts the other wants to hear. There is no doubt anymore that these people love each other and that they're willing to do everything to fight for that love and its right to exist.
This book also rekindled my own love for writing, for the process, for telling your own story. I love how Mina wrote all her own adventures down and is now trying to get them published and I love how the author put so much of her own love for writing in the story. And I don't even doubt that the dirt and mean comments in this story are just as real. The writing and publishing world isn't perfect, after all. It does lead to loads of delicious secrets and characters.
And that's what you need when you write a closed room mystery. You want to create a situation where everyone in that room has a motive, an opportunity and the knowledge to get it done. It took the author some time to build everything up, to introduce these characters and to show us who they are, but it's absolutely and totally worth it in the end. The mystery is solved in a very satisfying and surprising way and the last few chapters were just warming my heart.
In a way I don't want to next book to be released, because it will be the last one, and in a way I can't wait to read it!
This book has everything one can possibly want in this series. Of course our four heroes are at the centre of everything. I like how established this relationship is. How they can be honest with each other, even when thoughts might not be the kind of thoughts the other wants to hear. There is no doubt anymore that these people love each other and that they're willing to do everything to fight for that love and its right to exist.
This book also rekindled my own love for writing, for the process, for telling your own story. I love how Mina wrote all her own adventures down and is now trying to get them published and I love how the author put so much of her own love for writing in the story. And I don't even doubt that the dirt and mean comments in this story are just as real. The writing and publishing world isn't perfect, after all. It does lead to loads of delicious secrets and characters.
And that's what you need when you write a closed room mystery. You want to create a situation where everyone in that room has a motive, an opportunity and the knowledge to get it done. It took the author some time to build everything up, to introduce these characters and to show us who they are, but it's absolutely and totally worth it in the end. The mystery is solved in a very satisfying and surprising way and the last few chapters were just warming my heart.
In a way I don't want to next book to be released, because it will be the last one, and in a way I can't wait to read it!
January 4, 2024
I liked the set up for this murder mystery a lot. The setting, the suspects, all the writers who could have done it, the stakes that the boys could have done it and the conclusion. This one was really clever. Loved the view of a closed and dark room murder from a blind persons view, cause Mina could see a lot but not enough to know anything.
Also loved the little side story told through texts from Bree.
I'm excited for the last book in the series. The characters have grown on me a lot and I'm sad to know that we will only see them in one more book (at least as main characters) but I'm happy that they will get their (hopefully happy) ending.
Gonna read the novella (#3.5 in the mysteries according to Goodreads) next and will then dive into Bree's story I guess.
Also loved the little side story told through texts from Bree.
I'm excited for the last book in the series. The characters have grown on me a lot and I'm sad to know that we will only see them in one more book (at least as main characters) but I'm happy that they will get their (hopefully happy) ending.
Gonna read the novella (#3.5 in the mysteries according to Goodreads) next and will then dive into Bree's story I guess.
July 17, 2023
Poor Mina can't seem to have a vacation without a murder popping up. Her simple writers retreat has turned into a nightmare in more than one way. It's up to her and her boyfriends to solve the crime again. I really love these characters and the surprise in the story was amazing.
September 8, 2024
Enjoyment level: 4.5 ⭐
Plot: 4 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I love this series so incredibly much. They are such quick, easy, happy reads and for why choose are remarkably low on spice!
This one starts with a bang, and is typically funny. It slows down for a bit, but then really gets into the locked room murder mystery vibe. I worked out who the murderer was before the murder happened, but the how took me by surprise.
It's a really fun story and honestly, whenever I feel sad, I read one of these books for the absurdity and silliness and fun of them!
Plot: 4 ⭐
Characters: 5 ⭐
Spice: 🌶️🌶️
I love this series so incredibly much. They are such quick, easy, happy reads and for why choose are remarkably low on spice!
This one starts with a bang, and is typically funny. It slows down for a bit, but then really gets into the locked room murder mystery vibe. I worked out who the murderer was before the murder happened, but the how took me by surprise.
It's a really fun story and honestly, whenever I feel sad, I read one of these books for the absurdity and silliness and fun of them!
February 24, 2025
I loved this one!!
December 15, 2023
The penultimate in the series, I enjoyed it like the others. This cozy little mystery/fantasy series has been a nice way to begin to wrap up the year’s reading.
August 19, 2024
This book feels very similar to a book that was already done in this series. An author giving a seminar is killed… versus a publisher giving a seminar at a retreat is killed… Honestly, I was frustrated reading the same thing over again.
I complained once about Mina turning against Healthcliff in the holiday novella, and I have the same issue here. The girl has literally no faith in these guys that she loves. Just assume right off the bat they're the killers, like she doesn't even know them at all. It feels silly to me. She also spends a lot of time wallowing about people not liking her book and feeling like a failure, which kind of ruined her character growth and development over the last 7 books.
The one thing that absolutely KILLED this book for me is the shameless, SHAMELESS self plugs of trying to get me over to read Bree's books. It bothered me so much. It also really bothered me that Mina was writing the first book in this series. It just felt wrong. It didn't really feel like it fit for me, and it wasn't all that cohesive.
It feels a little weird reviewing a book negatively when the author spent several chapters negatively reviewing her own work in this book, I won't lie.
I complained once about Mina turning against Healthcliff in the holiday novella, and I have the same issue here. The girl has literally no faith in these guys that she loves. Just assume right off the bat they're the killers, like she doesn't even know them at all. It feels silly to me. She also spends a lot of time wallowing about people not liking her book and feeling like a failure, which kind of ruined her character growth and development over the last 7 books.
The one thing that absolutely KILLED this book for me is the shameless, SHAMELESS self plugs of trying to get me over to read Bree's books. It bothered me so much. It also really bothered me that Mina was writing the first book in this series. It just felt wrong. It didn't really feel like it fit for me, and it wasn't all that cohesive.
It feels a little weird reviewing a book negatively when the author spent several chapters negatively reviewing her own work in this book, I won't lie.
August 10, 2025
It's hard to not repeat myself when it comes to describing just how much I'm enjoying this series. And this one is my new favourite (although I'm going to hazard a guess that my sappy heart will burst for the next one). A locked room mystery, set outside the village and the bookshop for the first time, and no real 'fantastical' elements save our three fictional men, who are now absolutely at home in the 'real' world. This feels like the absolute definition of cozy crime, and I absolutely LOVE it!
Where the storyline is based around the writing and publishing process, there is a confidence there that shows the author's knowledge of the points being described. I can't know if any of the critiques being thrown at Mina (or indeed some of the other issues raised) are based on the author's experiences, stuff she's heard about from fellow writers or if it's truly fictional, but the vast majority has a ring of 'this could actually be true' about it. And when you throw in the comments about self-publishing (which also harks back to an earlier book in the series) and GenAI (*spits*), it does give the reader strange yet believable insights.
By this point in the series, you are used to the formula and know what to expect where Mina and her boys are involved. Except this time, they aren't just suspects because the local constabulary are a bit inept. The is a real possibility that one or more of them may be the perpetrator, and I love the sense of unease this brings to the tale. You keep telling yourself that it couldn't possibly be, but the intrigue just keeps stacking up and there's a part of you that wonders... and you'll just have to read the book to find out whether they do or not!
As for the other suspects, we have our usual selection of slightly random personalities who all have motive, but this felt like the most grounded selection to date. Sure, a couple of them do have some elements of 'extra' in their personality, but this just meant the author could have fun with them while making sure they had clear and sensible motives. Likewise, the victim was made so unlikeable that I certainly thought they had it coming!
Equally, we're at the point in their relationship where the characters work like a well-oiled machine. They still have their fallings out, disagreements and spats, but ultimately it's in this book that you really see how each of the individual relationships within the polycule strengthens the whole. The only thing that I need to see more of is a sated and satisfied post-coital Morrie and Heathcliff... they butt heads and clash in the best way, but I would love to see them all snuggly and soft with eachother in the afterglow. But of course, they're only like that when it's just them... 😊
I also adored the fact that we got more of an insight into Quoth's raven side. Obviously he spends a lot of his time in bird form, but to get to see him interact with others of his kind and start to understand why he might prefer spending his time on the wing is just beautiful. I fear a Quoth plushie raven may shortly make its way onto my bookshelf, because he's definitely and firmly on my book boyfriend list.
Finally, although a big moment of this book was (more than) hinted at in a previous book, to actually see it come to fruition was glorious. It's not unexpected by the reader, and yet it comes in a very unexpected point, but it totally fits within the plotline and definitely gives you a sense of what Mina must be feeling!
Oh, and I'm even more intrigued by the next series of Steffanie Holmes' work after reading this one! But right now, I'm skipping merrily to go pick up book nine and hope to report back later with a melted heart and a huge smile.
Where the storyline is based around the writing and publishing process, there is a confidence there that shows the author's knowledge of the points being described. I can't know if any of the critiques being thrown at Mina (or indeed some of the other issues raised) are based on the author's experiences, stuff she's heard about from fellow writers or if it's truly fictional, but the vast majority has a ring of 'this could actually be true' about it. And when you throw in the comments about self-publishing (which also harks back to an earlier book in the series) and GenAI (*spits*), it does give the reader strange yet believable insights.
By this point in the series, you are used to the formula and know what to expect where Mina and her boys are involved. Except this time, they aren't just suspects because the local constabulary are a bit inept. The is a real possibility that one or more of them may be the perpetrator, and I love the sense of unease this brings to the tale. You keep telling yourself that it couldn't possibly be, but the intrigue just keeps stacking up and there's a part of you that wonders... and you'll just have to read the book to find out whether they do or not!
As for the other suspects, we have our usual selection of slightly random personalities who all have motive, but this felt like the most grounded selection to date. Sure, a couple of them do have some elements of 'extra' in their personality, but this just meant the author could have fun with them while making sure they had clear and sensible motives. Likewise, the victim was made so unlikeable that I certainly thought they had it coming!
Equally, we're at the point in their relationship where the characters work like a well-oiled machine. They still have their fallings out, disagreements and spats, but ultimately it's in this book that you really see how each of the individual relationships within the polycule strengthens the whole. The only thing that I need to see more of is a sated and satisfied post-coital Morrie and Heathcliff... they butt heads and clash in the best way, but I would love to see them all snuggly and soft with eachother in the afterglow. But of course, they're only like that when it's just them... 😊
I also adored the fact that we got more of an insight into Quoth's raven side. Obviously he spends a lot of his time in bird form, but to get to see him interact with others of his kind and start to understand why he might prefer spending his time on the wing is just beautiful. I fear a Quoth plushie raven may shortly make its way onto my bookshelf, because he's definitely and firmly on my book boyfriend list.
Finally, although a big moment of this book was (more than) hinted at in a previous book, to actually see it come to fruition was glorious. It's not unexpected by the reader, and yet it comes in a very unexpected point, but it totally fits within the plotline and definitely gives you a sense of what Mina must be feeling!
Oh, and I'm even more intrigued by the next series of Steffanie Holmes' work after reading this one! But right now, I'm skipping merrily to go pick up book nine and hope to report back later with a melted heart and a huge smile.
May 12, 2023
Stephanie does warn us that we should have read the previous Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries before reading this book. But this reviewer knows better than the writer - not!
I should have listened and gone back and run through the series from the beginning so that I fully appreciated the characters and their stories properly to better enjoy the start of this book.
But an open book is not something I can put down!
It was very hard for the first few chapters to read, only because I did not understand the history and sub plots running through the story so far, but I am so glad I kept going. Like a light turned on, suddenly it all clicked, and like a sprint race, we were off. And 'IT' was all there, all the traits of a Steffanie Holmes story, wonderful characterization, a full on plot, full of twists and turns, a location you just would kill to be in, one of the unnamed guests at this hotel, witnessing all the events first hand, and the smut was mighty, strong, full on and morish. But it would not be a Steff book without numerous alphas all getting just what they were after in such an enjoyable way.
If you have read Steffanie's bio, you will see that there is an awful lot of her and her life within the pages. It is so nice to see, its lovely to read a book where the author is comfortable and at one with themselves and allows themselves to slip amongst the pages.
So, this is a great, fun, steamy and totally enjoyable read. Should you have read the previous books - yes. But can this be read as a stand alone? If you are willing to work at it and accept you may miss out on a lot at the beginning, until the story comes to you - also a yes.
It is up to you, but be warned, when you reach The End -for now - you will be waiting for the next adventure, and probably be off to read the previous volumes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I should have listened and gone back and run through the series from the beginning so that I fully appreciated the characters and their stories properly to better enjoy the start of this book.
But an open book is not something I can put down!
It was very hard for the first few chapters to read, only because I did not understand the history and sub plots running through the story so far, but I am so glad I kept going. Like a light turned on, suddenly it all clicked, and like a sprint race, we were off. And 'IT' was all there, all the traits of a Steffanie Holmes story, wonderful characterization, a full on plot, full of twists and turns, a location you just would kill to be in, one of the unnamed guests at this hotel, witnessing all the events first hand, and the smut was mighty, strong, full on and morish. But it would not be a Steff book without numerous alphas all getting just what they were after in such an enjoyable way.
If you have read Steffanie's bio, you will see that there is an awful lot of her and her life within the pages. It is so nice to see, its lovely to read a book where the author is comfortable and at one with themselves and allows themselves to slip amongst the pages.
So, this is a great, fun, steamy and totally enjoyable read. Should you have read the previous books - yes. But can this be read as a stand alone? If you are willing to work at it and accept you may miss out on a lot at the beginning, until the story comes to you - also a yes.
It is up to you, but be warned, when you reach The End -for now - you will be waiting for the next adventure, and probably be off to read the previous volumes.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 13, 2024
Come detto in precedenza, Mina Wilde potrebbe essere la Jessica Fletcher delle nuove generazioni! Non tanto per quanto Jessica sia amata e sia un pilastro della mia infanzia e adolescenza, uno dei guilty pleasures delle mie oziose domeniche, quanto perche' ovunque Mina vada, spuntano cadaveri!!!
In questo caso la nostra protagonista ha ottenuto l'ammissione ad un prestigioso ritiro di scrittori che si svolge in una tenuta isolata e che permettera' ad uno ed un solo scrittore di quelli presenti di ottenere un contratto di pubblicazione con una rinomata casa editrice. Ovviamente c'e' competizione ma la nostra Mina, di animo buono, si approccia all'esperienza con certo la speranza di essere scelta ma la certezza di potere imparare tanto sia dai suoi colleghi neo scrittori, sia da quello che sara' il loro mentore. Purtroppo pero' le cose non vanno come si aspettava e il mentore si rivela un uomo spregevole, maschilista e arrogante, losco, subdolo e viscido. Talmente viscido che scivola, cade e muore. No scherzo, viene ammazzato e ovviamente Mina ed i suoi uomini devono darsi da fare per trovare il colpevole mentre fuori infuria una tempesta!
Ancora una volta lo humor dell'autrice rende la storia piacevole e divertente, anche se un po' ripetitiva. La trama e' abbastanza originale ma soprattutto e' ben sviluppata sia la storia principale che le storie secondarie che a questa si legano, con un maggiore insight sulle insicurezze di Mina. Il finale e' davvero inatteso e ben riuscito, cosi' come i vari personaggi che continuano a svilupparsi nel corso della storia
In questo caso la nostra protagonista ha ottenuto l'ammissione ad un prestigioso ritiro di scrittori che si svolge in una tenuta isolata e che permettera' ad uno ed un solo scrittore di quelli presenti di ottenere un contratto di pubblicazione con una rinomata casa editrice. Ovviamente c'e' competizione ma la nostra Mina, di animo buono, si approccia all'esperienza con certo la speranza di essere scelta ma la certezza di potere imparare tanto sia dai suoi colleghi neo scrittori, sia da quello che sara' il loro mentore. Purtroppo pero' le cose non vanno come si aspettava e il mentore si rivela un uomo spregevole, maschilista e arrogante, losco, subdolo e viscido. Talmente viscido che scivola, cade e muore. No scherzo, viene ammazzato e ovviamente Mina ed i suoi uomini devono darsi da fare per trovare il colpevole mentre fuori infuria una tempesta!
Ancora una volta lo humor dell'autrice rende la storia piacevole e divertente, anche se un po' ripetitiva. La trama e' abbastanza originale ma soprattutto e' ben sviluppata sia la storia principale che le storie secondarie che a questa si legano, con un maggiore insight sulle insicurezze di Mina. Il finale e' davvero inatteso e ben riuscito, cosi' come i vari personaggi che continuano a svilupparsi nel corso della storia
May 4, 2023
One of my top favorite series ever and Steffanie Holmes has not disappointed with this current book.
If you have read the series from the start you have to be as awestruck at her use of writing this story about a story that encompasses Mina and her men along with a great mystery.
If you haven't, I highly recommend you start from the beginning so you know get to know the characters along with the background information. It really makes for some wonderful reading.
This book was a lot less steamy than previous books yet it shines with a wonderful mystery among mystery writers. As with all her books, she gives us a bit of education on different subjects and this time Quoth has a great storyline with a flock of unkindness. Mina is smart and once again proves that seeing with our eyes isn't always seeing the whole picture.
It will be a sad day for me when the finale book is out there but till that day comes I will praise this author and her intelligence for not only offering us a series that has heat (there are a lot of those out there) but a series that is intelligent with some great literary characters and a heroine who may be blind but sees better than most of us.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
If you have read the series from the start you have to be as awestruck at her use of writing this story about a story that encompasses Mina and her men along with a great mystery.
If you haven't, I highly recommend you start from the beginning so you know get to know the characters along with the background information. It really makes for some wonderful reading.
This book was a lot less steamy than previous books yet it shines with a wonderful mystery among mystery writers. As with all her books, she gives us a bit of education on different subjects and this time Quoth has a great storyline with a flock of unkindness. Mina is smart and once again proves that seeing with our eyes isn't always seeing the whole picture.
It will be a sad day for me when the finale book is out there but till that day comes I will praise this author and her intelligence for not only offering us a series that has heat (there are a lot of those out there) but a series that is intelligent with some great literary characters and a heroine who may be blind but sees better than most of us.
HIGHLY RECOMMEND!
May 13, 2023
Mina was thrilled to receive and invitation to a well-known writer’s retreat with writer workshops and attended by a famous editor of mysteries. Unfortunately, from the moment she walks into the first workshop the other writers will do nothing but harshly criticize her work and she begins to question her chances of becoming a successful author. Her dream of an educational retreat and publishing her first novel goes from bad, when the newly licensed Morrie insists on driving them all to the historic castle, to worse when the famous editor is murdered.
I love these characters and the steamy, evolving relationship between Mina and her sexy men, their interactions are always engaging, and sometimes laugh out loud funny. All the characters are well written and Ms. Holmes’ portrayal of their possible motives for this mysterious, or not, murder are absolutely fascinating. The castle’s owner, the other writers, and even some members of the staff all have motives, and they are all absolutely fascinating. I highly recommend this fun and funny murder mystery with plenty of steam, unexpected twists, magical beings, and an end I did not see coming. Definitely a must read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
I love these characters and the steamy, evolving relationship between Mina and her sexy men, their interactions are always engaging, and sometimes laugh out loud funny. All the characters are well written and Ms. Holmes’ portrayal of their possible motives for this mysterious, or not, murder are absolutely fascinating. The castle’s owner, the other writers, and even some members of the staff all have motives, and they are all absolutely fascinating. I highly recommend this fun and funny murder mystery with plenty of steam, unexpected twists, magical beings, and an end I did not see coming. Definitely a must read.
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book.
December 13, 2025
🌶️ Another fun romp, though this time our Mina and her three boyfriends are out of town at a writer’s retreat that Mina won a spot to… but is she there for her talent, or is she just there to fill diversity quotas?
The man leading the retreat is a real piece of work, and the boys are steaming mad at his attitude, but Mina is determined to not let it stop her from learning as much as she can during the week-long retreat.
But when the jerk winds up dead in a closed-room scenario with the authors front and center, it’s a real whodunnit as to the who/why and how the dastardly deed was done.
There is no better time to find out if the pen is mightier than the sword as our gang works to figure out who the murderer is, and will Quoth find a way to free the ravens held in the small aviary on the property?
The story comes to a satisfying end, even if there are a few plot points that are questionable. Who cares, are we REALLY along for the murder or are we just hopelessly in love with the main characters and their chemistry?
Off to the last full book in the series… though I still have the Christmas novella and some shorts to enjoy. I’m not going to lie… I am going to miss this series once I’m through… especially Quoth! ❤️
The man leading the retreat is a real piece of work, and the boys are steaming mad at his attitude, but Mina is determined to not let it stop her from learning as much as she can during the week-long retreat.
But when the jerk winds up dead in a closed-room scenario with the authors front and center, it’s a real whodunnit as to the who/why and how the dastardly deed was done.
There is no better time to find out if the pen is mightier than the sword as our gang works to figure out who the murderer is, and will Quoth find a way to free the ravens held in the small aviary on the property?
The story comes to a satisfying end, even if there are a few plot points that are questionable. Who cares, are we REALLY along for the murder or are we just hopelessly in love with the main characters and their chemistry?
Off to the last full book in the series… though I still have the Christmas novella and some shorts to enjoy. I’m not going to lie… I am going to miss this series once I’m through… especially Quoth! ❤️
December 15, 2025
“You have our hearts, Mina, and we’ll spend every moment of every day treating you like the heroine of a romance novel”
This may end up being my favourite book in the series. It was chaotic, but also very sweet.
One of the things I like about this series is that wherever Mina and the men go, murder would follow. Even when they hope it won’t happen this time, you already know it will.
This book felt different from the others, mainly because so many of the signs pointed toward her men as being suspects. I actually might have believed it was them😶🌫️Especially when they have said over and over again they would do murder for Mina🥵I may have even wished it was them because it would have been a perfect TWIST to the story 🫣
The proposal scene stood out the most. It happened in the middle of the chaos, which somehow made it more emotional (or maybe it was just me, I'm a sucker for proposals). The ring and the line “All the stones should be in your ring because you are our center” made me SOB😭 Like I also want to be the center of someone😭😭
I only have one book left in the series, and I’m really not ready to be done with these characters yet!!!
This may end up being my favourite book in the series. It was chaotic, but also very sweet.
One of the things I like about this series is that wherever Mina and the men go, murder would follow. Even when they hope it won’t happen this time, you already know it will.
This book felt different from the others, mainly because so many of the signs pointed toward her men as being suspects. I actually might have believed it was them😶🌫️Especially when they have said over and over again they would do murder for Mina🥵I may have even wished it was them because it would have been a perfect TWIST to the story 🫣
The proposal scene stood out the most. It happened in the middle of the chaos, which somehow made it more emotional (or maybe it was just me, I'm a sucker for proposals). The ring and the line “All the stones should be in your ring because you are our center” made me SOB😭 Like I also want to be the center of someone😭😭
I only have one book left in the series, and I’m really not ready to be done with these characters yet!!!
May 3, 2023
Mina and her guys head for the famous Meddleworth House Crime Writers Retreat where Mina hopes to get some pointers to polish up the the book she has written (based on her own experiences with solving crimes and loving three men who are characters from fiction novels). There is a little problem when a shortcut goes awry (tee-hee) and the entire group is rescued by Meedleworth's grounds keeper. Mina will find that her work is, um, not appreciated by the Retreat's publishing expert or most of the other participants. Her three guys are insulted on her behalf and when a locked room murder occurs she finds herself wondering if one, or all of them, took matters into their own hands. Can she clear her lovers and solve the case before the killer strikes again?
I love the antics of Morrie and Heathcliff. Quoth is a real sweetie and Oscar is always ready to play his part. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I love the antics of Morrie and Heathcliff. Quoth is a real sweetie and Oscar is always ready to play his part. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 16, 2026
The previous book in this series I wasn't a fan of, but this one book nine of ten pulled me right back in, reminding me of why I feel in love with this series in the first place.
Mina and her men, with Oscar in tow, have left the bookshop, the village and all the drama (her mother included in that) to join a writers retreat. Spa days for Morrie, art classes for Quoth and a library which will satisfy even Heathcliff - all designed to keep the boys happy while Mina joins a group of fellow writers for lively debate about their works.
Well, that's the plan. A run-in with the retreat's organiser leaves Mina feeling wrong footed and wondering if her work is good enough. But instead of being deterred, Mina decides to stay - a change in the weather means their stuck anyway. She knows she's good and she'll prove it...but a murder, which seems to follow Mina and her men, unknown murderer and a rage storm has other plans.
Mina and her men, with Oscar in tow, have left the bookshop, the village and all the drama (her mother included in that) to join a writers retreat. Spa days for Morrie, art classes for Quoth and a library which will satisfy even Heathcliff - all designed to keep the boys happy while Mina joins a group of fellow writers for lively debate about their works.
Well, that's the plan. A run-in with the retreat's organiser leaves Mina feeling wrong footed and wondering if her work is good enough. But instead of being deterred, Mina decides to stay - a change in the weather means their stuck anyway. She knows she's good and she'll prove it...but a murder, which seems to follow Mina and her men, unknown murderer and a rage storm has other plans.
February 22, 2024
Crime and Publishing: a steamy cozy fantasy by Steffanie Holmes is part of the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries series and a definite must read for anyone that loves a good paranormal romcom from the fabulous Steffanie Holmes!
When Mina Wilde is invited to one of the most prestigious writers' retreats of all times she’s beyond thrilled at what that means for her—however, I don’t even think she was prepared for all the craziness that was about to ensue because when a violent storm disrupts the tranquil beauty of her retreat things quickly turn deadly and mysteries, murder, deceit and tons of secrets will soon keep everyone on their toes! The question is can she trust her men or are Morrie, Quoth, and Heathcliff to blame….
Read on for yourself to discover all the madness our group gets into in yet another amazing adventure!
When Mina Wilde is invited to one of the most prestigious writers' retreats of all times she’s beyond thrilled at what that means for her—however, I don’t even think she was prepared for all the craziness that was about to ensue because when a violent storm disrupts the tranquil beauty of her retreat things quickly turn deadly and mysteries, murder, deceit and tons of secrets will soon keep everyone on their toes! The question is can she trust her men or are Morrie, Quoth, and Heathcliff to blame….
Read on for yourself to discover all the madness our group gets into in yet another amazing adventure!
May 21, 2023
I've really enjoyed this whole series and this one set in a castle was a must read.
I really liked who ended up being the murderer in this one and was just as if not more so clever than the other stories.
It was nice how the banalities of letting Oscar, Mina's guide dog go out to the toilet on a short walk was written into the book as it sort of made the characters feel more real as well as the raven keeping.
It was fun in this one, the reminder of how Mina's guys were the villains in their stories and how far they are willing to go to protect her but curb themselves because of how she'd feel about it.
This series have such enjoyable, easy to read writing and it's been a nice feel good read inbetween some other heavier fantasy books.
I really liked who ended up being the murderer in this one and was just as if not more so clever than the other stories.
It was nice how the banalities of letting Oscar, Mina's guide dog go out to the toilet on a short walk was written into the book as it sort of made the characters feel more real as well as the raven keeping.
It was fun in this one, the reminder of how Mina's guys were the villains in their stories and how far they are willing to go to protect her but curb themselves because of how she'd feel about it.
This series have such enjoyable, easy to read writing and it's been a nice feel good read inbetween some other heavier fantasy books.
August 4, 2025
Well, the Americanisms are getting worse, with characters using phrases such as “cutting him off without a cent,” “on his ass” and “going to the bathroom.” Also American spellings of words like “neighbor” instead of “neighbour.” I wouldn’t mind any of this if the books were not set in England and if the American language wasn’t interspersed with UK phrases and spellings. Grr. Come on Steffanie, you’re better than this.
I enjoyed this book less than the previous ones, partly because of the above and partly because it was an entirely new location. I am autistic and struggle with sudden change, which probably explains this. It was a good mystery though and I loved the twists and turns in the plot.
I enjoyed this book less than the previous ones, partly because of the above and partly because it was an entirely new location. I am autistic and struggle with sudden change, which probably explains this. It was a good mystery though and I loved the twists and turns in the plot.
May 12, 2023
Mina and her Men expect to enjoy a weekend away, Mina for a chance to learn more and get feedback on her book, the guys for some relaxation. But when things go sideways starting with the car, a murderer is nestled amount the mystery writers in attendance.
Another great story, that pulls you back into the lives of Nevermore Bookshop residents. I loved seeing Heathcliff finally relaxing, and two wonderful surprises await the reader towards the end. Mystery, murder, and 3 men who always have your back, I never can resist an escape into another world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Another great story, that pulls you back into the lives of Nevermore Bookshop residents. I loved seeing Heathcliff finally relaxing, and two wonderful surprises await the reader towards the end. Mystery, murder, and 3 men who always have your back, I never can resist an escape into another world.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 20, 2023
Mystery and Spice at the Writers Convention
Steffanie Holmes writes in such a way that you feel that you are part of the story. Another mystery to solve but did her guys do it to protect her? While this was my first book from this author, I had the opportunity to go back and quick read some of her other Nevermore books for character references. The main character Mina was wonderful, and I loved her relationship with her 3 guys, they each completed her in various ways. The plot itself was intriguing and had me guessing what was going on. It was great!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Steffanie Holmes writes in such a way that you feel that you are part of the story. Another mystery to solve but did her guys do it to protect her? While this was my first book from this author, I had the opportunity to go back and quick read some of her other Nevermore books for character references. The main character Mina was wonderful, and I loved her relationship with her 3 guys, they each completed her in various ways. The plot itself was intriguing and had me guessing what was going on. It was great!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 27, 2024
Oh boy, oh boy....and we are off on an adventure.
This is the 8th book in the series and I have been enjoying the ride (although I am a bit miffed with Morrie - he should've known better - batteries and water do not mix).
The four main characters get to get away from their village if not murder (who were they kidding). It is fun to see them elsewhere, even if there are secret plans afoot.
I totally knew what plagued grandma dearest.
Now onto book 9.....as I binge read more shenanigans.
This is the 8th book in the series and I have been enjoying the ride (although I am a bit miffed with Morrie - he should've known better - batteries and water do not mix).
The four main characters get to get away from their village if not murder (who were they kidding). It is fun to see them elsewhere, even if there are secret plans afoot.
I totally knew what plagued grandma dearest.
Now onto book 9.....as I binge read more shenanigans.
July 4, 2024
I took a break before continuing this series. I like a series that follows the same characters throughout but after book 4 I am usually getting burnout. This one was a really cute whodunnit. The literary posse threw a wrench in the writers week and it was so adorable. I was surprised who the killer ended up being and I always get a little sad when it's a character that I think is a good person ( generally speaking ). This was a nice easy read full of the twists and turns that you expect from the Nevermore series.
May 1, 2023
Fantastic
I absolutely loved Crime and Publishing! Every time I dive back into the world of Nevermore bookshop, I always feel so intrigued. I never know what grand adventur or crime Mina will be apart to help solve. I seriously can't get enough of this series!
Reason I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Great world building
Page turner
Steamy
Witty
Original
Haunting
I absolutely loved Crime and Publishing! Every time I dive back into the world of Nevermore bookshop, I always feel so intrigued. I never know what grand adventur or crime Mina will be apart to help solve. I seriously can't get enough of this series!
Reason I enjoyed this book:
Entertaining
Great world building
Page turner
Steamy
Witty
Original
Haunting
May 7, 2023
i love this series.
You ever find an incomplete series and your so excited when a new book comes out that you should probably reread the series to remember what happened but your so excited you just start reading and hope you remember what happened? Ya thats this book! And it was soooo good! Lots of humor and love and action and mystery. I’m sad i finished the book too fast but will probably start the whole series over now! 🤣🤣
You ever find an incomplete series and your so excited when a new book comes out that you should probably reread the series to remember what happened but your so excited you just start reading and hope you remember what happened? Ya thats this book! And it was soooo good! Lots of humor and love and action and mystery. I’m sad i finished the book too fast but will probably start the whole series over now! 🤣🤣
May 20, 2023
Mina just wanted to attend the writer's retreat, and do some writing of her own, unfortunately the feedback she gets isn't a good as she wanted. Luckily Mina's boyfriends came along because plans have changed as Mina and her men (Morrie, Quoth, and Heathcliff) have another case to solve. I enjoyed the suspense, mystery, secrets and reading about Mina and her men in action again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 25, 2023
this was a strong eighth book in the Nevermore Bookshop Mysteries series, it had everything that I enjoyed from the first seven. It had everything that I enjoyed from Steffanie Holmes writing style, it was a great murder mystery and I was engaged with the story. It left me wanting to read more from the author and this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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