A Bitter Pill

The Bookshop Mysteries #1

by S.A. Reeves

★★★★★
WINNER of the 2024 Firebird Book Awards in the Cozy Mystery Category
FINALIST for the Reader Choice Awards for Best Adult Book
LONG LIST for the Murder and Mayhem 2024 Awards
★★★★★

When a book signing turns deadly, two bookshop owners turn detectives.

Gemma loves the quiet life of her bookshop, the Bookworm—a haven for book lovers in a quaint town in the heart of Derbyshire. But everything changes when Gemma discovers the body of local author Dominic Westley during the shop’s latest book signing event.

When the police rule the death as an accidental overdose, Dominic’s estranged widow points the finger at one of his past lovers. Gemma and her trusty assistant, Mavis, won’t rest until they uncover the truth. Was it an accidental overdose or something more sinister?

Fans of cozy mysteries will delight in The Bookshop Mysteries - A Bitter Pill, a charming and suspenseful read that will keep you guessing until the very end. If you enjoyed books like The Thursday Murder Club or The Missing Maid, then this is the perfect book for you to curl up with.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Suspense, Audiobook, Whodunit

306 pages, Kindle Edition

Published September 19, 2024

Reviews

[Bridgette Wright · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book was utterly ridiculous. The purveyors of the town bookshop invite the local author in for a reading, he dies in their bathroom, and these two unassuming ladies decide it would be fun to investigate his murder, like it was some cute hobby, even going so far as to make a crime board that consists of 3 names, a mysterious figure in an oversized black hoodie, and a million question marks. They are absolutely giddy and excited about this new pastime and seem to have forgotten that a real person actually died. Their sleuthing consists of taking daily walks to discuss over and over and over the few things they think they know, coming up with lame motives for the three suspects, and somehow happening to be in exactly the right place at the right time. Like how they easily befriend two of the suspects who, with little prodding, pour their hearts out to these two women they’ve never met before. Or when they happen to be with one of the suspects in the dead man’s house (because she can’t be there alone, so why not ask the bookshop owner to come along) when the brash and threatening third suspect bursts in demanding money. Or when they happen to be discussing the murder in front of someone who overhears and knows all about the dark web and bitcoin, information key to cracking the case. Or when they just happen to be walking the dog very close to where the killer is trying to burn all the evidence, and when they confront said killer (in an old abandoned building wearing the requisite dark clothes and oversized hoodie, kneeling by the burning evidence), the person lets out a yelp that “sounds familiar” lol. Oh and we can’t forget the required connection to the local police through a personal relationship, who takes all this speculation and conjecture seriously despite having already closed the case. And finally the unveiling. They invite all the suspects to the bookstore to expose them and all their secrets. Why these three people would agree to this scene simply because the local bookshop owner asked them to come by while she accused them of murder and told all of the intimate details of their relationship with the deceased to a roomful of people is beyond me. But not only did it happen, they all became great friends after the real killer was exposed, who also happened to be in the room, and promptly confessed after being confronted with a few facts. And you could spot this killer from a mile away as they kept coming up in great detail despite seemingly having no connection to the victim, the suspects, nor the crime. Of course it’s all topped off with a picturesque little town, an adorable dog, romantic tension, and a lovely bookshop on the verge of becoming the most sought after venue in town because of its comfy, cozy reading nooks, top tier cafe, ample space for large groups and events, and a coveted liquor license so they can serve wine to the murder mystery and chess clubs, who’ll now be holding all their meetings there. I just can’t LOL!

The characters aren’t particularly interesting, aside from the man who died and as it turns out, the killer. The bookshop owners are extremely superficial - there’s just nothing there! I feel completely indifferent to them and they seemed to just be there to recap the “evidence” over and over. The mystery itself was also very thin. It wasn’t even a mystery nor a murder until one of the suspects happened to mention that she didn’t think it was accidental. Apparently this was enough to propel these two women to start digging in - ie, wildly speculating about the suspects’ motives, which were so basic and made no sense at all. They didn’t even bother to try to figure out how the guy ingested the poison - evidently that wasn’t important to the case lol. Of the three suspects they decided right off the bat that one of them was telling the truth and took her word as fact, for no good reason, but the other two not so much since “just because someone says something doesn’t make it true” lol. I couldn’t wait to be done with this thing and have no interest in continuing the series. I can’t comprehend how this has gotten more than 4 stars.

[Rosie Hatfield · Rating 1 out of 5]

I never write reviews because effort but this one made me (perhaps disproportionately) angry. This book had a decent enough plot despite the murderer's identity and motive being almost immediately obvious. However, the writing was abysmal. Not a hint of an attempt to build atmosphere, create drama or tension and certainly no care taken over developing the characters. The "sleuthing" was just talking to strangers and those strangers being oddly willing to divulge their personal lives to these two random nosy women. All the clues and evidence just fell neatly into their laps at the right moment with no cunning from the two amateurs whatsoever. Also if I had to read the words "steaming cup" or endure another description of someone cradling a hot mug to warm their hands I may have screamed. The characters were dull and under-developed and I was sick of being told the reason for everything. Just tell me she smiled. I don't need constant run-on sentences explaining in excruciating detail why she smiled. Context alone is enough for me to figure that one out. The ending was dreadful and it just dragged on and on tying up loose ends that really didn't matter. I like a good murder mystery but this new genre of "cosy mystery" seems to just be people typing out their bookshop cafe fantasies despite having no discernable writing talent and then calling themselves novelists. Just stick to Wattpad.

[Jackie Timmons · Rating 2 out of 5]

Can't say I loved this book, but I try to finish what I start, so I read it all the way through. I think I figured out who had committed the crime by about a third of the way into the book and the ending proved me right.

I think my biggest complaint with this book was the author’s need to repeat details multiple times. I’m reading the book, I don’t need to read about an event as it plays out, and then have that character replay the event to another character, to then have it summarized yet again at the conclusion.

Also, it was too easy. Characters changed their tune too quickly; and we’re supposed to believe all these people just opened right up to a stranger upon first introduction?

Finally, I realize there’s a cafe, but if I read one more description of steam curling up from the mug someone is holding to infuse warmth and strength into their hands, I might just scream.

[Katy Cameron · Rating 1 out of 5]

I had to DNF this one, unfortunately. Too much purple prose without actually getting anywhere, and so much repetition of things. For example at the start of one day, the various employees set out to ponder how to save the shop, then at the end of the day, they go for a walk and start discussing how to save the shop as if the whole day hadn't happened, and this was a whole new idea, that could only have been come up with on a walk through the woods.

[Miriam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma lives her quiet and simple life in a small town in Derbyshire; she runs her bookshop called the Bookworm, together with her friend Mavis, and Sarah who helps at the cafe. In an attempt to bring more people to the bookshop, they organize an event, with the famous author Dominic Westley as the star. The day of the event, however, becomes a tragedy, when Dominic passes away in what appears to be an accident.
That's what everyone thinks, until Gemma meets with Donna, Dominic's wife, who tells her about her suspicions that someone had a hand in the husband's passing. Being avid mystery readers, Gemma and Mavis decide to meet to discuss the case, as if they were detectives trying to find the culprit.

I don't read a lot of mysteries, but I usually enjoy the ones I pick up. This was no exception. The drama surrounding Dominic's life was just what I like in a mystery book, and following Gemma and Mavis in their little adventure was fun!
The prose is quite smooth, easy to follow and understand. All the characters have their own voice, and of course I loved that the whole thing was set in a bookshop. I so envy Gemma's life! And I am curious to read more of her adventures, and also to see what will happen with the Bookworm.
I wasn't expecting this to be such a pleasant read, but I ended up finishing it in just a couple of days. I would definitely recommend it to anyone who wants a quick read, a cozy book with mystery.

[Agnes Odek · Rating 3 out of 5]

A murder takes place in the bookworm. Starting out as a conspiracy, Gemma and Mavis find themselves investigating the murder of Dominic. S.A. Reeves, in this bookshop mystery, A Bitter Pill, had a well-executed plot that could have been developed more. For someone who reads mysteries, it was easy for me to see where the narrative was heading. Reading this story had a cozy feel to it instead of the tension most mysteries have. I enjoyed reading it.

[Sharon · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 Stars

This was a lot of fun; however, unfortunately, I figured out who the killer was around the fourth chapter. All the other suspects either had solid alibis or had no real motive for killing the victim. With that being said, I did enjoy the book and like the characters.

[Ann · Rating 4 out of 5]

First in a new to me series. The setting is a small town in Derbyshire, specifically a small bookshop run by Gemma with assistant Mavis. Brainstorming ideas to get more customers they decide to have an author reading and invite a local author to read from his book which was a bona fide best seller. And, indeed, it does bring notice to the shop, especially when the fellow dies during the event. It's initially ruled accidental, or even suicide, but the man's semi-estranged wife isn't so sure. So Gemma and Mavis decide to make some discrete inquiries.

The characters are likable, if not particularly deeply drawn, but the story was well put together and the writing is solid. There are some fairly obvious tropes, but you pretty much expect that with this sort of book. If you like cozy mysteries, especially set in Britain, this is a good choice for a relaxing read. I'll be continuing the series.

[SkyFerret · Rating 1 out of 5]

Garbage.

Characters like cardboard cutouts, dialogue from a bad film noir, and a plot straight off a high-school blackboard. Don't waste your time.

[Ryan Hausfeld · Rating 4 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this book. Made me want to sit in front of a fire with a nice cuppa.

[Madison Knight · Rating 1 out of 5]

I’m pretty sure this is AI… even if it’s not the writing is really bad. Skip this one.

[Jill · Rating 2 out of 5]

a very cozy murder mystery but saw the twist coming from a mile away

[Emily john · Rating 3 out of 5]

IT WAS SARAH

I can’t say I expected this book to be a literary masterpiece, considering it was a shorter read, but I still feel like the plot was maybe lacking in some areas? Like I didn’t feel much connection to the setting or the characters (e.g the death of Mavis’ husband is a key part to her character, but it only mentions that he dies, no background information is given. I’m not saying their whole marriage story should’ve been written, but just a little more depth into this could’ve filled the plot out more).

The conversations seemed to repeat a few times, and I feel like Gemma and Mavis were the same character! You could’ve covered the name off one of their sentences and I could never guess who said it. They were both just excited and using exclamation marks all the time.

Even though it seems like I’ve ranted a lot about the book, I did really enjoy it; it had a nice cozy feel, the pacing was good for me and I loved the mystery part within the book, the investigation was nice.

The only thing is I could sort of see from early on that Sarah was acting suspiciously, and around the point that the condom was discovered I guessed instantly where she fit into the story.
That didn’t take away from the suspense, like the ending where Gemma sat everyone down, summarised, and final revealed was my favourite scene.
I guess I just felt there could’ve been more characters involved, more going on in Dominic’s life, so you suspected more people.

[Alessandra Durham · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nice little murder mystery for beginners who haven’t read one before. One thing, no little clues as to who the murderer was up until right towards the end, which it’s a bit left field. But a nice little read all the same.

[Mjthebookishmarauder · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun little cozy mystery that's a quick read

[Deb Mervold · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the story and the connections to the book shop.

[Lindsey · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 rounded up

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Author S.A. Reeves is the pen name of husband and wife writing duo Stephen and Amanda Haunts. This is the first installment of their series called “The Bookshop Mysteries” which currently has four volumes. Having read and enjoyed the third installment I was anxious to see how this series began. The story starts off in the small English town of Belper where the owner of a small bookshop/café, Gemma, is trying to stir up business. After brainstorming with her assistants Mavis and Sarah (who runs the café) they decide to have some authors come in for book signings and ask local author Dominic Westley to be the first author. When Westley arrives, he becomes noticeably ill while speaking, excuses himself, hurriedly leaves the area when he collapses. Westley dies of an apparent overdose of his heart medication. However, after meeting with the widow, Gemma and Mavis begin to think that he was poisoned by someone and they start their own investigation into what happened. This leads to a series of events that has Gemma visiting her former boyfriend David Haynes, a detective in the local police force, explaining what she has learned about the situation and enlists his help in having the police take another look at the case. I won’t give away plot points, but I will say that the conclusion is interesting, and I enjoyed the story. Is it a runaway best seller? No, but I wasn’t looking for that kind of story. This is a laid back, mild mystery, set in the English countryside, that moves at its own pace, and is an enjoyable story for an afternoon read. Yes, there are times when the story is a bit slow, and when it repeats itself, but I’m not looking for perfection. I’m looking for a diversion, and that is provided in the friendship and adventures of Gemma and Mavis while walking the dog, working at the Bookworm, or solving a mystery. I could see this as a movie on the Hallmark channel.

[Jane · Rating 2 out of 5]

As someone who reads a lot of bloodless murder, this didn’t really stand up for me. I like to finish books once started hand it was a quick read but I won’t be reading the rest of the series. I found the writing a bit cliched and I had worked out the plot in the first third of the book - it was so predictable and unrealistic - people don’t speak in the way the dialogue was written, nor was the characters’ behaviour credible - for me.

[Holly · Rating 2 out of 5]

While a quick read and a cute premise, the plot and writing were mediocre. It was pretty easy to figure out whodunnit. It was a low investment so I’m glad I gave it a try, but I won’t continue with the series.

[Veronique · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice to read, but a bit predictable. Not sure I'm going to read the rest of the series.

[Alejandro Soto · Rating 4 out of 5]

Whispering before the silence of the bookbinder

S.A. Reeves' The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill: A Small Town Cozy Mystery delivers a tempting entry into the cozy mystery genre, set in the charming atmosphere of a small-town bookshop in Derbyshire. The story follows Gemma, a bookshop owner, and her assistant, Mavis, as they stumble into a murder mystery after local author Dominic Westley is found dead during a book signing event. What begins as a presumed accidental overdose quickly escalates when Westley's estranged wife accuses a former lover of foul play, prompting Gemma and Mavis to take on the role of amateur detectives.

Reeves skillfully captures the genre's hallmarks through a blend of lighthearted sleuthing, a quaint setting, and affable characters. With its armchairs and warm ambience, the bookshop is a perfect setting for Gemma and Mavis’ investigative adventures, drawing readers into a world where murder mysteries are solved over tea and pastries. The conversational tone and the charming interplay between the protagonists keep the narrative alluring, even as the darker elements of the story, such as the suspicion of suicide and personal betrayals, unfold. Reeves balances the atmosphere with a steady unravelling of clues, maintaining intrigue without veering into overly grim territory.

While the novel provides a delightful read, its limited number of suspects may undermine the complexity of the mystery for seasoned readers of the genre. Although the characters’ investigations lead to various twists, the identity of the murderer might become apparent prematurely, detracting from the element of surprise. However, A Bitter Pill remains a pleasurable and immersive read, perfect for those seeking light mystery. One could foresee new fans already eager for the upcoming instalment.

[Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill by S.A. Reeves. Set in the charming town of Belper, UK, the story revolves around Gemma Curtis, the owner of a cozy bookstore called The Bookworm, and her witty shop assistant turned sleuthing partner, Mavis Rawlings. Together, they’re brainstorming ways to revitalize their business, and a book signing with local author Dominic Westerly seems like the perfect idea—until Dominic unexpectedly dies upon arriving at the shop. What starts as a promotional event quickly turns into a mystery, with Gemma and Mavis attending Dominic’s funeral and finding themselves drawn deeper into the secrets of his life and untimely death.

While I found the core mystery compelling, there were times when the sheer number of subplots and characters felt overwhelming. Alongside Gemma and Mavis's sleuthing, there are multiple storylines involving characters like El Amir and Elena, Annie and Ramone, and Sarah and Hans. The abundance of secondary characters made it challenging to keep track of everything, and at times, I felt lost in the complexity of their intertwined lives. However, I did appreciate the depth of Elena's character, particularly her strength and independence as she navigated her personal journey. The romance in the book also added an interesting dynamic, especially the relationship between El Amir and Elena, whose love story brought a heartwarming element to the mystery. El Amir’s willingness to risk his life for Elena gave the story a touch of drama that I enjoyed, and seeing love triumph in the end was satisfying.

The ending of A Bitter Pill wraps up many of the key storylines neatly, yet it leaves just enough intrigue to suggest there could be more mysteries to come. Overall, while the multiple threads made the story occasionally hard to follow, I loved how everything came together in the end, and the book delivered a satisfying conclusion that left room for future adventures. For fans of cozy mysteries with a dash of romance, this one is worth the read.

[Literary Reviewer · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.A. Reeves’ The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill delivers an engaging tale of intrigue, friendship, and unexpected twists in the charming town of Belper. At the heart of the story is Gemma, a passionate bookshop owner with a love for mystery novels, whose life takes an unexpected turn when a real-life mystery falls into her lap. Her companion in crime-solving is Mavis, a sharp-witted older woman grieving the recent loss of her husband yet equally drawn to the allure of a good mystery. Together, they make a delightful sleuthing team, eager to crack the case that, unexpectedly, might be more dangerous than they anticipated.

Gemma and Mavis make a refreshing detective duo—Gemma, the dog-loving, quick-thinking bookshop owner, and Mavis, an elderly woman full of wisdom and surprising cleverness. Their unique talents complement each other perfectly, and readers will find themselves cheering for these two as they dive headfirst into Belper’s secrets. The town itself adds an irresistible layer to the plot, with its sleepy ambiance concealing an undercurrent of suspense that keeps readers on edge. Each page introduces new suspects, from the unassuming Ellie to the financially struggling Donna, all of whom keep you guessing. Memorable moments abound: the charming friendship between Gemma and Mavis, the shocking death of an author in Gemma’s shop, and the fast-paced unraveling of a mystery full of twists. Reeves masterfully balances lighthearted camaraderie with gripping suspense, resulting in a page-turner you won’t want to put down. The storyline is clever, the characters vibrant, and the world is one you’ll easily get lost in, eagerly guessing until the very last page.

For mystery lovers, A Bitter Pill is a must-read. It’s an addictive tale of crime, community, and the kind of unexpected twists that make a mystery unforgettable. I highly recommend this book, not just for the thrill of the mystery but for the compelling story that keeps you on the edge of your seat. Looking forward to more from S.A. Reeves!

[Beatrice Manuel · Rating 3 out of 5]

A Bitter Pill is a cozy mystery that leans heavily into its genre's charm: a quaint English bookshop, a quiet village, and a murder that interrupts the hum of teapots and book signings. While not without its flaws, it offers a light and engaging read perfect for a lazy afternoon or a comfort pick between heavier books.

Gemma, the gentle-hearted owner of the Bookworm bookshop, and her ever-faithful assistant Mavis make for a likable amateur detective duo. When an author drops dead during a signing event, the setup is instantly intriguing—and suitably dramatic. Reeves builds a cozy yet suspicious atmosphere around the murder mystery, mixing in the usual gossip, eccentric locals, and just enough personal stakes to keep the story ticking along.

That said, the mystery itself feels a little too transparent. I had a solid guess at the culprit before the halfway point, and the narrative never quite managed to throw me off the trail. It’s not a dealbreaker—many cozy mysteries favor tone and character over a complex whodunnit—but if you're someone who enjoys trying to crack the case, this one may feel a bit too easy.

The prose also tends toward repetition. Certain scenes or lines—particularly those involving warm mugs, curling steam, and internal monologues—are revisited more than necessary, and some dialogue reads like exposition rehashed for a third time. A little editing and tighter pacing would have gone a long way to smooth the experience.

Still, there’s something endearing about Gemma and her quiet determination to get to the truth, especially as more is revealed about the victim's tangled relationships. While some character arcs resolve a bit too neatly or quickly, the story carries a warm, almost old-fashioned sense of community. And while it may not reinvent the cozy genre, the book simply settles into it.

If you enjoy murder mysteries without the grit and gore, and you’re looking for an easy read with a familiar, comforting tone, this book fits the bill. Just don’t expect too many surprises.

[Slmarie · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill by S. A. Reeves is a light mystery that feels more like a comfort read than a tense crime story. It’s the kind of book you pick up when you want something calm, familiar, and easy to follow, not something that will keep you up all night biting your nails.

The story centers on a quiet bookshop in a small town, where everyday life is suddenly interrupted by something very serious. Instead of focusing only on danger, the book spends a lot of time with routines, conversations, and the cozy feel of the shop and café. That’s really the heart of this book. The setting and the slow, gentle pace are what give it its charm.

Gemma and Mavis, the two main characters, are more like curious neighbors than bold detectives. Their “investigation” feels casual and friendly, almost like two people trying to make sense of town gossip rather than chasing criminals. This makes the story easy to read and relaxed, but it also means the mystery itself isn’t very hard to figure out. I had a strong idea of where things were going pretty early on.

Another thing you’ll notice is that the book likes to remind you of things that already happened. Sometimes scenes or thoughts come back more than once, which can slow the story down. Still, if you’re reading this for the mood rather than the puzzle, that might not bother you too much.

Where the book does well is in creating a safe, cozy world. The small town, the shop, the walks, and the café moments make it feel like a quiet place you could visit for an afternoon. It’s not trying to be dark or shocking. It’s more about giving you a gentle mystery with familiar faces and simple clues.

Overall, I’d give this book 3 stars. I didn’t love it, but I didn’t hate it either. The mystery is pretty easy, and the story repeats itself at times, but it’s a calm, quick read that fits the cozy mystery style. If you’re new to mysteries or just want something light and comfortable between heavier books, this one does the job.

[Valery · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill by S.A. Reeves

S.A. Reeves delivers another charming and suspenseful entry in The Bookshop Mysteries series with A Bitter Pill, a cozy tale set in a small town where secrets never stay hidden for long. At the heart of the story is Gemma, the dedicated owner of a beloved bookshop, and her sharp-witted assistant, Mavis. When a suspicious death unsettles their quiet community, the duo quickly finds themselves drawn into the mystery, piecing together clues others dismiss.

Reeves has a gift for creating a warm, inviting atmosphere while maintaining just enough tension to keep readers eagerly turning the pages. The town—with its coffee shops, nosy locals, and cozy bookshop hub—feels like a character in its own right, providing both comfort and a backdrop for intrigue.

Gemma makes for a highly relatable amateur sleuth: thoughtful, intuitive, and deeply rooted in her community. She’s not a flawless detective but a determined and empathetic observer, which makes her all the more engaging. Mavis, with her practical outlook and occasional flashes of humor, is the perfect foil—balancing Gemma’s earnest curiosity with grounded common sense. Together, they form an appealing investigative partnership that cozy mystery fans will quickly grow attached to.

The mystery itself is neatly crafted, full of red herrings and well-placed twists. Reeves never overcomplicates the plot but ensures that suspicion shifts often enough to keep readers guessing until the satisfying reveal.

A Bitter Pill embodies everything cozy mystery readers love: a charming setting, a sleuthing duo worth cheering for, and a puzzle that is both accessible and compelling. Fans of Ellery Adams or Vicki Delany will find this a delightful addition to their shelves.

Verdict: A warm, witty, and suspenseful cozy mystery with a memorable sleuthing pair at its heart.

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bookworm is Gemma’s prized bookshop where she spends her days. Ambitious to catapult her business to success, Gemma invites local literary genius, Dominic Westley, to a book signing event. But when Dominic’s body is discovered, Gemma’s life takes a dark and mysterious turn. Falling into a tangled web of secrets and deceit, Gemma and her friend Mavis take on the daunting task of uncovering the truth. Was it a tragedy? Or murder?

Set in a small town in the heart of Derbyshire, A Bitter Pill is an engaging read with colourful characters and an intriguing mystery full of twists and surprises.

Throughout the book, the mystery and suspense are cleverly woven intricately into the story with artful hints and clever distractions. As the reader, it was enjoyable putting the clues together, and I appreciated how the information was slowly revealed to the reader. The characters are charming and yet diverse, and the protagonists work well together. Gemma and Mavis are amateur sleuths with only their impressive collection of murder mystery books as experience. The Bookworm serves as the backdrop to the story, essentially their base of operations.

The mystery of the plot is written well. I didn’t work out who had done it until I was close to the end. It definitely isn’t an obvious reveal, and I enjoyed how the clues are hidden throughout the story. The writing is also well done, though I did spot one or two writing errors. The dialogue is good between the characters. I can tell the intent was to deliver a realistic daily conversation between characters, which I thought was successful for the most part. The writing pulls you into the story, and it is very easy to get lost within the pages.

Overall, A Bitter Pill is a cosy read that is engaging and enjoyable. It’s definitely a book you can curl up and pass an afternoon away with!

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill, written by S.A. Reeves, is a very intriguing and cozy mystery novel. The novel follows Gemma, who owns a bookshop named The Bookworm. It also follows Mavis, who is Gemma's assistant as well as her partner when it comes to solving mysteries. When a semi-famous author comes into the Bookworm for a reading of his next book, things take a tragic turn. Gemma and Mavis must put the pages together and find out if what happened was accidental or intentional.

I've always enjoyed reading cozy mystery stories like this one. It was fun to read and try to figure out what the outcome would be. When it comes to solving mysteries, Gemma and Mavis make a great duo. They would have definitely given Sherlock Holmes and Watson a run for their money. I never would have expected that I would admire their camaraderie as much as I did. Their personalities and the way that they bounced ideas off of each other were a pleasure to read.

I also enjoyed the story as a whole. From the plot to the conflict, I just couldn't stop reading. I honestly did not let go of this novel until I finished it. As far as the mystery goes, if any reader took notes of every little detail, it would seem to be predictable.

The only thing I didn't like about the novel was the fact that Mavis only got one chapter that was her point of view. Out of 36 chapters, just one chapter by herself was a bit absurd. It would have been better if Mavis had a few more chapters or if each chapter had both of the women's points of view. I will never understand why that was so.

Overall, this novel was enjoyable to read. I would definitely recommend this novel to all of my cozy mystery lovers. I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[Antony Wairiuko · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gripping Whodunit

“He kept coughing, stopped a few times, took a swig of coffee—a special brew—from his flask, tried to carry on, excused himself rather abruptly, and rushed to the toilet; hours later, Sergent Nicholls picked up the flask gingerly and slipped it into a plastic evidence bag, sealing Dominic’s last sip away from the world.”

This paraphrased excerpt should have been the opening line of the 246-page A Bitter Pill, which is book one of The Bookshop Mysteries by S. A. Reeves. Set in the fictitious The Bookworm Bookshop and Café—located in Belper, Derbyshire, in the U.K.—the 36-chapter, September 2024 book predominantly features the bookshop’s proprietor Gemma Curtis and her assistant Mavis Rawlings; the duo’s daring quest to unravel a mystery revives a closed investigation, culminating in a suspenseful whodunit whose denouement lies within their beloved facility.

The plot conflict is the death of Dominic Westley—a celebrated local writer—invited to attract foot traffic in the struggling, cash-strapped bookshop; the facility and its mysterious lot are at the center of a foul play ideation whose be-all and end-all singles out the black sheep.

Assisted by the proprietor's ex-fiancé detective David Haynes and dog Baxter, the amateur sleuths' criminal profiling focuses on a string of shady characters that include vengeful/love-lorn lovers and a claimant, all seeking to exonerate themselves. The ensuing investigation's dark web connection and insight into a deadly love triangle unmasks the identity of an ambitious perpetrator who may have been within earshot/eyeshot all along.