A Novel Way to Die

Bookish Cafe Mysteries #6

by Harper Lin

Maggie never imagined she would be the prime suspect in a murder case.

When a lavish party hosted by her landlady, Mrs. Peacock, ends with a dead body in front of Maggie's cottage, the quiet life she cherished is shattered. The body belongs to Matthew Spencersmith, Fair Haven’s youngest city councilman. Whispers spread quickly, suggesting Maggie was his secret mistress who snapped upon learning of his engagement to a high-society woman.

Meanwhile, Joshua, Maggie's boss, faces relentless harassment from Roger Hawkes, a local determined to take over their beloved bookstore. Could this be connected to the murder somehow?

Though the townspeople have always seen Maggie as a reclusive wallflower, she must show how bold she is by standing up for herself and clearing her name.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

264 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 19, 2024

About the author

Harper Lin is the 3x USA Today Bestselling Author of several popular cozy mystery series—8 and counting!

When she’s not reading or writing mysteries, she loves going to yoga class, hiking, and baking with friends and family. 


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www.harperlin.com

Reviews

[Diane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy contemporary mystery. Although Maggie is very shy and considers herself to be a wallflower when it comes to life, she is growing and changing as the series continues.

[Linda Lundy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this novel as an ARC to read and give an honest review. Maggie is no longer a wallflower and has come into her own. After being set up as the prime suspect in a murder, Maggie has to jump into the middle of all of this and prove her innocence. Such a wonderful cast of characters: Gary the local policeman (big and handsome), Joshua who is the owner of the bookstore that Maggie works at (charming and handsome). Mrs. Peacock the owner of the bungalow that Maggie lives in. So much happening in this one: Someone is trying to take the property where the bookstore is and the murder she is being framed for. There is such a beautiful and unexpected ending to this one. I will have to reread this one because it has become one of my favorite books.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is a little rebellious when her landlady asks her to vacate her rented home so she won't spoil a party. Reading about her defiance and results made me like Maggie more than ever. She really emerged from her shell and it seemed like she investigated better than ever before. I loved her romantic awareness, her trust in strangers, and her constant drive to do the right thing, A delightful character and an interesting series, with a mystery that doesn't disappoint makes this a book that I couldn't stop reading. Terrific series!

[Melissa Borsey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have been loving this cozy mystery series since being introduced to Maggie Bell, the quiet, introverted bookseller. Slowly we have watched as Maggie begins to come out of her shell so to speak and in this book, Maggie has finally found her voice and thank goodness because she is being linked to a murder that occurred outside of the little cottage where Maggie lives. There are quite a few twisty surprises that made for a very suspenseful investigation. I highly recommend this fun bookish cozy mystery series.

[Juliet Minerva Swift · Rating 4 out of 5]

I believe I liked this more than the previous books. Maggie is really growing into a much stronger woman, considering that just a short time ago she was avoidant, shy and barely spoke up.
Maybe she’s not the smartest since she’s getting book-related threats and has no idea who could be behind it. I wonder, is it the bookworm or the nearly illiterate idiot? So hard to figure out!
But the story was fun nonetheless, and I love how in the end even the landlady softens and becomes a true friend.

[Afsheen · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Peacock has a party and Maggi is not only not invited but asked to make her self scares, but she turns off all the lights and ppl watch in her candle light house.

But when some rude party goer first tries to break in and then are going to pee in her garden, she is fill off rage. and She shouts out.

Imagine her surprise when he is found dead on her property.

Maggi like her own company, and prefer he books and her solitude.

But in this book she takes small steps to change, invite more ppl in. But beware off who you invite in .....

[Nicki · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie is such an introvert. She spends so much time fretting and stewing. So when she lets her temper get the best of her we see a whole different character. I was impressed to see her show so much backbone. Friendships should not be so hard but the book has several examples of how hard it is to make and maintain friends. Sometimes it is ones we take for granted that surprise us the most. I liked the story.

[E · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have really enjoyed this series. It has been great to see the main character Maggie's personality grow over the last few books. This one is the best in series so far & they are all good. The writing is fantastic, the storyline flows and keeps you guessing until the author is ready to reveal the secrets. I highly recommend. I look forward to see what Maggie does next.

[Kelly Methey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is another great one by Harper Lin. I have been a fan of her books for years and she never disappoints. Maggie, Joshua, Gary and Mrs. Peacock are interesting, quirky characters in this latest installment in the series. Lots of new suspects and twists and turns kept me guessing. I can’t wait for the next one.

[Joann Theede · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hammer, rock, book.

Mrs. Peacock has a garden party, and Maggie isn't invited. Instead, she is asked to stay elsewhere. Maggie doesn't. Next morning, there's a dead body on her lawn. Someone is after Maggie, but why? This is a really quick good read.

[Leish · Rating 3 out of 5]

I liked this one more than the others just cos it was more exciting. There are still a few things that could be improved upon thought. Was hoping this would be the last one but looks like there’s at least one more

[Tena · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love visiting with these characters. As always the mystery starts as soon as you open the book. Maggie seems to have found a friend. Friendship can be tricky. Things seem normal and it’s nice for a change. When things don’t add up, the mystery will keep you turning the pages.

[Bev · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed every one of the stories in this series, and this one is no exception. If you haven't read any of these books you're missing out. I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book.

[Erica · Rating 5 out of 5]

fun read

Love the characters…I relate to Maggie! Can’t wait for the next book in this series. I’m a fan of this author!

[Kevin · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐⭐⭐⭐

[Alisha Carderella · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

[TaxusNocturnus · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great cosy mystery about a not so wallflowery bookstore saleswoman Maggie. Harper Lin never disapoints

[Allison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Finished this in a short plane ride. Quite entertaining. I had suspicions as to the murderer but it was an entertaining read so it didn’t matter.

[Marie Wikle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another fabulous cozy mystery

[Paula · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maggie while still herself showed a boldness I didn't expect but loved. Lots going on in this book and in a way brought this series full circle. I do wish there had been more romance but loved the mystery and interactions with previous characters as well as new ones. Great series.