Murder by the Book

The Bookshop Detective #1

by Kat Finn

In Millbrook Cove, even the coziest bookshop can harbor deadly secrets...

Olivia Paige thought inheriting her aunt's charming bookstore, The Dusty Tome, would lead to a quiet life surrounded by beloved stories. But when local author Janie Granger is found dead among the shelves, Olivia's world is turned upside down faster than you can say "whodunit."

As Olivia digs into Janie's mysterious death, she uncovers a sinister conspiracy that has been simmering beneath Millbrook Cove's picturesque surface for decades. With a cast of suspects that includes the town's most prominent citizens, Olivia must navigate a maze of lies, betrayal, and long-buried secrets.

Joined by the handsome but skeptical Detective Jack Harper, Olivia races against time to solve the case. But as she gets closer to the truth, the killer sets their sights on her. Can Olivia crack the code hidden in Janie's final manuscript before she becomes the next victim?

"Murder by the Book" is a page-turning tale of small-town intrigue, unexpected romance, and the power of one woman's determination to uncover the truth, no matter the cost. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a thrilling edge, this debut novel will keep you guessing until the very last page.

Step into The Dusty Tome, where every book tells a story – and some secrets are written in blood.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy

164 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 28, 2024

Reviews

[Christine Goodnough · Rating 3 out of 5]

Definitely a dramatic story with thrilling action scenes, though not very realistic. Actually reminds me of a Hardy Boys adventure, where the brothers dash into all kinds of traps and always come out okay.
Thankfully, the bad guys here are pretty lame. They could have offed her dozens of times. Lots of menace but, like the Hardy Boys, she's so clever to avoid/escape and go on investigating.
Overall the story's well written, but there are a few disconnects: cliffhanger chapters that end with Olive being threatened, then the next chapter opens with a completely different scene, leaving you to wonder how she got out of that last danger.
Certain lines are repeated often. Many times Detective Jack tells Olive "This is dangerous! No more amateur sleuthing." She agrees "with her fingers crossed behind her back," determined to solve this case herself, in spite of all the threats. Was he so dumb? Many times they'd think or say, "This scandal is bigger than we ever realized." Readers don't need so many repeats. But if you like drama and action with a brave, invincible sleuth, here's a classic.

[Denise Geelhart · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is not a completed book. While the writing itself is fine, the plot jumps extremely fast within the first 23 pages. By that, I mean, Olivia (the main character) goes from to discovering a murder to being threatened for being snoopy within 12 hours. There was zero exposition of her even snooping. Not only that but there are references to this not being the first murder she’s trying to help solve but no background is given AND this is the first book in the series. Add to it a lack of character development…why would I care about a character who died in the first 3 pages of the book and only a two sentence introduction?

And don’t get me started on jumps in logic and story.

This book feels like a first draft and not a fully plotted out mystery. It has potential but is not ready for publication. I gave it two stars because I liked the concept but it has a long way to go.

[Sabrina Nelson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Book 1 of The Bookshop Detective series. This book is a new type of murder mysteries. The way the story starts it feels like you have almost missed a book somewhere. As the story goes on, it goes into detail of the small town and their secrets that shouldn't come out. Murder happens at the bookstore and the owner starts investigating. It feels like the detective and the bookstore owner have a thing but not to sure. I look forward to see what will happen next for this sleuth investigator.

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

[Judy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Generally speaking I am attracted to cozy mysteries set in bookstores and libraries. This one is the exception to that rule. Since it's the first in the series, I should probably cut the author some slack, but I found the writing somewhat repetitive and the actions of the bookstore owner didn't make much sense. She's in a relationship with a cop, but she can't seem to decide if she should trust him or not, and puts herself in danger more than once. It is a quick read, if that's something you're looking for though.

[jaysonreadinginthedark · Rating 1 out of 5]

The beginning of the book was the author dropping us off in a place unknown, left to figure out who the MC is, what she does, her friends, all by ourselves. No explanations. The middle part of the book is Detective Jack saying “Now Olivia, I need to know everything. No more secrets,” about 5-6 times. The ending was bland, predictable. This was barely a novel, this was just a “thought”. I was so intrigued by how cozy this sounded but I’m glad I curbed that appetite.

[Debbie Benson · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. Olivia looking into the murder of a local author that happened in her shop explodes into a major conspiracy that involved several murders. Olivia and Jack help to expose everything after several threats and an almost fate climax.

[Madison · Rating 1 out of 5]

The story line has potential however it felt complete unfinished. Chapter's end with suspense then the new chapter begins with a totally different setting.
The amount of phrases that were repeated throughout the book were frustrating and unnecessary.

Lucky it was a short book and I didn't waste more time.

[Beth P · Rating 4 out of 5]

Quick, easy and enjoyable read - This was a page turner with lots of action. The characters were interesting and relatable. There was a little bit of everything: suspense, romance, and a mystery to solve.

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

[Barbara · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thought this book was interesting and felt the author used first person to tell the story. It kept my attention as I read on till I finished the book. Olivia was a great character, and I liked the little romance between Jack and her. Recommend reading.

[Lillyvette Ostenson]

I started to read this book thinking it was another book by the same title— wrong author, though. Boy, was I disappointed. This book was incredibly amateurish and terrible. The author repeated herself at least a dozen times and I just got bored. Sooooo bored. Terrible book.

[Mum Barnett · Rating 5 out of 5]

It ropes you in

I love the store line. It ropes you in that you can not put the book down. The caritures were designed just right , I loved it and before even finishing the book I have bought two more and I only have to get one more to make the set.

[Brenda Jordan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing Story

This is a fast paced story sure to please any mystery lover. There’s even a love story along the way. Very enjoyable book.

[Barbara Symons · Rating 5 out of 5]

good book

Yet another brave detective who knew she had to solve the string of murders in her town, even when it meant taking down the entire history of the town.

[Cris · Rating 4 out of 5]

actually thr plot is predicted, and idk why i felt suspicious to the police guy