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The Bookshop Mysteries #2
A Murder at the Church
When a craft fair turns deadly, Gemma and Mavis investigate a local man’s murder, unearthing many secrets.
In the peaceful town of Belper, Derbyshire, Gemma, the owner of the Bookworm bookshop and café, and her trusted assistant Mavis are exhibiting books at the town’s annual fair. But the tranquillity of the town is shattered when the body of a local man is found in the church.
A man is arrested amidst the chaos, and the evidence against him is compelling but Gemma and Mavis don’t buy it and set out to clear his name and uncover the truth. As they delve deeper, they uncover startling secrets hidden behind the town’s picturesque facade.
Gemma and Mavis must tread carefully as they race against time to uncover the actual killer. But will they go too far? Will their relentless pursuit of justice put them in harm’s way?
The Bookshop Mysteries - A Murder at the Church, the thrilling sequel to A Bitter Pill is a must-read for anyone who loves cozy mysteries. A Murder at the Church is perfect for readers who enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club and The Body in the Bookstore.
In the peaceful town of Belper, Derbyshire, Gemma, the owner of the Bookworm bookshop and café, and her trusted assistant Mavis are exhibiting books at the town’s annual fair. But the tranquillity of the town is shattered when the body of a local man is found in the church.
A man is arrested amidst the chaos, and the evidence against him is compelling but Gemma and Mavis don’t buy it and set out to clear his name and uncover the truth. As they delve deeper, they uncover startling secrets hidden behind the town’s picturesque facade.
Gemma and Mavis must tread carefully as they race against time to uncover the actual killer. But will they go too far? Will their relentless pursuit of justice put them in harm’s way?
The Bookshop Mysteries - A Murder at the Church, the thrilling sequel to A Bitter Pill is a must-read for anyone who loves cozy mysteries. A Murder at the Church is perfect for readers who enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club and The Body in the Bookstore.
344 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 21, 2025
338 people are currently reading
271 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews
February 27, 2025
Author over uses the phrase 'my dear'...
... for Mavis; otherwise I enjoy this cozy set in a small bookshop. I look forward to the next book in the series!
... for Mavis; otherwise I enjoy this cozy set in a small bookshop. I look forward to the next book in the series!
January 23, 2025
S.A. Reeves delivers a delightfully gripping cozy mystery in The Bookshop Mysteries: Murder at the Church. Book 2 is still set in a charming small town packed with clever twists, and an atmospheric setting that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Gemma and Mavis are at it again and they are both relatable and engaging, bringing heart and humor to the tale. Reeves masterfully crafts suspenseful clues and red herrings, making the mystery both challenging and satisfying to unravel. Plus, the unexpected plot twist that changes the whole direction of the story entirely.
Fans of cozy mysteries and bookish adventures will adore this page-turner. A must-read for anyone who loves intrigue with a literary twist. Five stars all the way!
Fans of cozy mysteries and bookish adventures will adore this page-turner. A must-read for anyone who loves intrigue with a literary twist. Five stars all the way!
February 14, 2026
Book 2 Gemma and Mavis are back at the bookshop. But once again live in a small town are upended when a bully is found murdered in the church. A homeless man is arrested. But is he the real murderer or being framed? Gemma and Mavis are determined to find out.
February 12, 2025
The Bookshop Mysteries: A Murder at the Church by S.A. Reeves is a delightful blend of cozy charm and suspenseful intrigue that keeps readers hooked from start to finish. Set in the quaint town of Belper, Derbyshire, the story follows Gemma and Mavis, the beloved duo from A Bitter Pill, as they find themselves tangled in yet another murder mystery during the town’s annual craft fair.
Reeves masterfully balances the warmth of small-town life with the darker undercurrents of secrets and betrayal. The characters are richly developed, particularly Gemma and Mavis, whose chemistry and complementary traits make them a joy to follow. Gemma’s sharp intuition and Mavis’ wisdom create a dynamic partnership that feels authentic and heartwarming.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its pacing. Reeves expertly unfolds the mystery, dropping clever clues and red herrings that keep even seasoned mystery lovers guessing. The town itself becomes a character, with its cozy bookshop, bustling fair, and close-knit community providing both comfort and tension as the plot thickens.
What elevates this cozy mystery is its subtle depth. Beneath the surface of the murder investigation lies a poignant exploration of community, trust, and the hidden facets of seemingly ordinary lives. The dialogue is crisp and engaging, and the light touches of humor perfectly balance the story's darker moments.
While the mystery’s resolution is satisfying, a slightly more unexpected twist could have made it perfect. Nevertheless, A Murder at the Church is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and The Body in the Bookstore.
If you’re looking for a cozy yet compelling whodunit with charming characters and a vivid setting, this book is a must-read.
Thanks
Happy Reading!
Reeves masterfully balances the warmth of small-town life with the darker undercurrents of secrets and betrayal. The characters are richly developed, particularly Gemma and Mavis, whose chemistry and complementary traits make them a joy to follow. Gemma’s sharp intuition and Mavis’ wisdom create a dynamic partnership that feels authentic and heartwarming.
One of the standout aspects of the novel is its pacing. Reeves expertly unfolds the mystery, dropping clever clues and red herrings that keep even seasoned mystery lovers guessing. The town itself becomes a character, with its cozy bookshop, bustling fair, and close-knit community providing both comfort and tension as the plot thickens.
What elevates this cozy mystery is its subtle depth. Beneath the surface of the murder investigation lies a poignant exploration of community, trust, and the hidden facets of seemingly ordinary lives. The dialogue is crisp and engaging, and the light touches of humor perfectly balance the story's darker moments.
While the mystery’s resolution is satisfying, a slightly more unexpected twist could have made it perfect. Nevertheless, A Murder at the Church is a thoroughly enjoyable read, perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and The Body in the Bookstore.
If you’re looking for a cozy yet compelling whodunit with charming characters and a vivid setting, this book is a must-read.
Thanks
Happy Reading!
February 6, 2025
An intriguing mystery
Reeves delivers another engaging cozy mystery, blending the charm of small town life with an undercurrent of secrets waiting to be unearthed. What makes this book stand out isn’t just the whodunit aspect, but how it plays with the expectations of the cozy mystery genre.
The book thrives on its ability to layer intrigue beneath the surface of everyday interactions. The tension isn't just about solving the crime, it's about what the crime reveals about the town and its people.
What’s particularly enjoyable is how the town itself becomes a character. The picturesque setting hides cracks in its foundation, much like the best cozy mysteries do. The fair, the cafe, the bookshop, they all provide a false sense of comfort that makes the mystery feel more intense when things start to unravel.
Reeves also does a great job of pacing. The narrative never drags, nor does it rush to its conclusion. Each reveal feels well placed, giving readers the satisfaction of piecing things together without spoon feeding the answers. There’s also an element of real danger that makes the stakes feel a little higher than the usual cozy fare.
Reeves delivers another engaging cozy mystery, blending the charm of small town life with an undercurrent of secrets waiting to be unearthed. What makes this book stand out isn’t just the whodunit aspect, but how it plays with the expectations of the cozy mystery genre.
The book thrives on its ability to layer intrigue beneath the surface of everyday interactions. The tension isn't just about solving the crime, it's about what the crime reveals about the town and its people.
What’s particularly enjoyable is how the town itself becomes a character. The picturesque setting hides cracks in its foundation, much like the best cozy mysteries do. The fair, the cafe, the bookshop, they all provide a false sense of comfort that makes the mystery feel more intense when things start to unravel.
Reeves also does a great job of pacing. The narrative never drags, nor does it rush to its conclusion. Each reveal feels well placed, giving readers the satisfaction of piecing things together without spoon feeding the answers. There’s also an element of real danger that makes the stakes feel a little higher than the usual cozy fare.
August 8, 2025
"A Murder At The Church" is book #2 in "The Bookshop Mysteries" by S.A. Reeves.
Gemma and Mavis are an unlikely pair of amateur sleuths, but their combined knowledge of the town as well as a love of mystery books does give them an advantage.
Chaos erupts at a crafts fair at the church when a body is discovered in the belfry and not long after, a local homeless man is arrested. Despite overwhelming evidence, the women are convinced that he is being framed and set out to find some answers.
Proving his innocence would be difficult but slowly the pair gather some information that lead them in a surprising direction. A few dramatic incidents before the ultimate reveal - which proved to be far more complex and dangerous than what the pair had anticipated!
Admittedly, I had figured out who the killer was long before Gemma and Mavis got to it but I didn't see the final twists coming! Well done!
Along the way, there was also the subplot of who was sabotaging the entrants to the annual gardens contest and how, with some help from a friend, Gemma and Mavis also got to the bottom of that mystery.
Overall, this was a really good cozy mystery read.
Gemma and Mavis are an unlikely pair of amateur sleuths, but their combined knowledge of the town as well as a love of mystery books does give them an advantage.
Chaos erupts at a crafts fair at the church when a body is discovered in the belfry and not long after, a local homeless man is arrested. Despite overwhelming evidence, the women are convinced that he is being framed and set out to find some answers.
Proving his innocence would be difficult but slowly the pair gather some information that lead them in a surprising direction. A few dramatic incidents before the ultimate reveal - which proved to be far more complex and dangerous than what the pair had anticipated!
Admittedly, I had figured out who the killer was long before Gemma and Mavis got to it but I didn't see the final twists coming! Well done!
Along the way, there was also the subplot of who was sabotaging the entrants to the annual gardens contest and how, with some help from a friend, Gemma and Mavis also got to the bottom of that mystery.
Overall, this was a really good cozy mystery read.
January 26, 2025
A mystery that you can still read before bed
This is the second book in the Bookshop Mystery series. These books are cozy mysteries where you get to know and love all the quirky characters. If you are a Miss Marple or Murder She Wrote fan, these mysteries will be up your alley.
A Murder at the Church brings back many of the same characters we met in the first book, as well as introduces us to several new inhabitants of the town.
The author does a good job of providing enough info for the reader to solve the mystery themselves without giving too much away. The book is also not so suspenseful that you can't read it before bed.
These mysteries are like comfort food for the mind. I can't wait for the next one.
This is the second book in the Bookshop Mystery series. These books are cozy mysteries where you get to know and love all the quirky characters. If you are a Miss Marple or Murder She Wrote fan, these mysteries will be up your alley.
A Murder at the Church brings back many of the same characters we met in the first book, as well as introduces us to several new inhabitants of the town.
The author does a good job of providing enough info for the reader to solve the mystery themselves without giving too much away. The book is also not so suspenseful that you can't read it before bed.
These mysteries are like comfort food for the mind. I can't wait for the next one.
January 28, 2025
I really enjoyed the dialogue in this story, and it really made it hard to put the book down. It made me feel like I was part of the action. The characters are all great, and the story has a mysterious feel throughout.
I found myself genuinely puzzled and actively trying to solve the mystery and was surprised by several of the twists and turns that occurred throughout, which almost made it game-like. I definitely wouldn’t mind reading more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great mystery. It’s not too far-fetched, and when you look back at the story, you can see it’s possible to solve. Maybe you will!
I found myself genuinely puzzled and actively trying to solve the mystery and was surprised by several of the twists and turns that occurred throughout, which almost made it game-like. I definitely wouldn’t mind reading more.
I highly recommend this book to anyone who likes a great mystery. It’s not too far-fetched, and when you look back at the story, you can see it’s possible to solve. Maybe you will!
February 4, 2025
I really enjoy this series, they’re a wonderful, easy read to delve into. I fell in love with Mavis and Gemma in the first book and I was eager to continue their story in this one.
The plot was wonderfully complex and had be turning pages long into the night as we investigated the murder that had taken place the local church. One of the things I love most about these books is the slice of small village life you get, it’s very cozy. The tension is often balanced out with a sprig of humour which lends a lightness to what could be a heavier topic.
Overall if you are looking for something, fun and easy to read this is definitely your book!
The plot was wonderfully complex and had be turning pages long into the night as we investigated the murder that had taken place the local church. One of the things I love most about these books is the slice of small village life you get, it’s very cozy. The tension is often balanced out with a sprig of humour which lends a lightness to what could be a heavier topic.
Overall if you are looking for something, fun and easy to read this is definitely your book!
February 13, 2025
Another very cosy, quick read. I like the analysis of the cosy crime genre in the book club discussion. The reader’s psychological safety is an important component of crime writing and reading. Plenty goes wrong in this village but the stability and integrity of the sleuths is a key part of the reader’s relaxation and security. The maturity of the relationship between Gemma, Mavis and David is a real strength to this series.
Again, the repetition of key points, as progress is explained to a variety of people, could become tedious, but is certainly helpful to both quick readers and those who read in short grabs. A great escape.
Again, the repetition of key points, as progress is explained to a variety of people, could become tedious, but is certainly helpful to both quick readers and those who read in short grabs. A great escape.
May 31, 2025
these books welcome you in like an old friend
Another wonderful book in the series. Gemma and Mavis are front and center trying to solve a gruesome murder. John, a homeless man, was arrested with mountains of evidence against him. Gemma and Mavis can't accept that this gentle man could have done this horrible thing. As they talk to people, collect clues and suspects, the reader is part of it all.
If you like the good old gathering of all of the suspects together in one final reveal, you will enjoy these books. Gemma did the same thing in the first book. Only this time, the reveal surprised Gemma and Mavis too. Very nicely done.
Another wonderful book in the series. Gemma and Mavis are front and center trying to solve a gruesome murder. John, a homeless man, was arrested with mountains of evidence against him. Gemma and Mavis can't accept that this gentle man could have done this horrible thing. As they talk to people, collect clues and suspects, the reader is part of it all.
If you like the good old gathering of all of the suspects together in one final reveal, you will enjoy these books. Gemma did the same thing in the first book. Only this time, the reveal surprised Gemma and Mavis too. Very nicely done.
January 8, 2026
The bookshop mysteries are an amazing collection of books; get a lens into crime in the comfort of a cosy bookshop with a side of coffee shop.Gemma, the owner of the bookshop, has a great sense for solving murder mysteries, and with the help of Mavis, nothing can skip their attention.They, however, become so good at solving murder-related crimes, and this catches the eye of the town. They quickly become the best murder crime solvers in their little town.I really love how nostalgic this book feels. If you love small-town mysteries, then get yourself this collection. The pace of the book quickly captures you; before you know it, you're buying the next book in the series.
January 29, 2026
Halfway through this second of the Bookworm mysteries, I became uncomfortable at reading so cloyingly cosy a mystery where the dramatics of the personalities were so ordinarily predictable, in a bookshop that seemed merely a stage set rather than an asset. But then there was a scene with a group of readers discussing at some length the virtues of cosy mysteries over the usual crime stories. Feeling chastised by the author, I then continued reading, as the last several chapters became stereotypically engaging.
January 27, 2025
I think this would fall in the cozy mystery category. It���s a little more slow and friend-like rather than intense and compelling. It’s interesting, but I struggled to find it very engaging at times.
I did find it more interesting as the story went along. I appreciated that the author didn’t delve too deep into adult themes, so that teens and up can read it, and kept a lot of the tone conversational. I think anyone who likes cozy mysteries will likely find this story a treat.
I did find it more interesting as the story went along. I appreciated that the author didn’t delve too deep into adult themes, so that teens and up can read it, and kept a lot of the tone conversational. I think anyone who likes cozy mysteries will likely find this story a treat.
June 26, 2025
This is the second book in the Bookshop Mysteries series and the main storyline was good, but there was too much other activity which could've been left out. For example, the book club had its weekly meeting at the book store and the author spent an extensive amount of a chapter where the book club members were discussing which was better.... cozy mysteries or murder mysteries.... which didn't add anything to the main story and I just skimmed over that part because it wasn't necessary.
July 6, 2025
Fun cozy mystery
This was a good story overall. The authors need to know when to use correct verb tenses, though, and maybe step back from some repetition (and therefore somewhat tedious) phrasing, such as Mavis constantly saying “my dear,” and both Mavis and especially Gemma pushing their glasses up the bridge of their noses.
There were some great quotes about the importance of literature and in particular about cozy mysteries. Overall a decent read.
This was a good story overall. The authors need to know when to use correct verb tenses, though, and maybe step back from some repetition (and therefore somewhat tedious) phrasing, such as Mavis constantly saying “my dear,” and both Mavis and especially Gemma pushing their glasses up the bridge of their noses.
There were some great quotes about the importance of literature and in particular about cozy mysteries. Overall a decent read.
September 28, 2025
an enjoyable book where Gemma and Maves team up to solve a murder. A drunk is charged but they don't believe he did it. Then we have the garden competition to solve where a few gardens are trashed Of course as always in a murder you have a list of people who did it....but this one came as a big surprise. And did I mention love is in the air? Gemma and David broke up but they hook up in this book and take their relationship one step at a time. So grab a cup of tea and enjoy the mystery
February 15, 2025
Lovely little mystery. This is the second ive read in this collection.
Our detectives are owners of a book/coffee shop based in Belper. Its a good read, good characters, and keeps you reading.
Im now looking forward to the third addition.
Our detectives are owners of a book/coffee shop based in Belper. Its a good read, good characters, and keeps you reading.
Im now looking forward to the third addition.
August 1, 2025
It is a good mystery story and would have been five stars, except for overuse of cliched and hackneyed sayings. Just a little more original use of descriptions, would have made it more enjoyable. The author could probably do it easily, if more aware of it.
November 5, 2025
Wonderful suspense.
Once again, I couldn't put it down! The author S.A. Reeves presents wonderful characters. This is my fourth in the series. I am looking forward to the 5th.
I will begin right now!!!!
Once again, I couldn't put it down! The author S.A. Reeves presents wonderful characters. This is my fourth in the series. I am looking forward to the 5th.
I will begin right now!!!!
January 1, 2026
Great read
I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was exciting and worrisome, with so many red herrings. I didn't guess the killer until the reveal at the end. I can't wait to start the next one.
I enjoyed reading this book. The storyline was exciting and worrisome, with so many red herrings. I didn't guess the killer until the reveal at the end. I can't wait to start the next one.
January 11, 2026
Good story!
I confess that I knew the bad’uns the second we met them. Hate when I do that. Good news is, I missed one. That kind of surprise is always fun. I was also expecting a delivery, but alas I was wrong about that, it never came. Next book for sure!!
I confess that I knew the bad’uns the second we met them. Hate when I do that. Good news is, I missed one. That kind of surprise is always fun. I was also expecting a delivery, but alas I was wrong about that, it never came. Next book for sure!!
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February 2, 2025dnf
February 13, 2025
a great cozy mystery with lots of twists and turns
I enjoyed reading this book a great read that keeps you guessing until the end. Looking forward to more in the series
I enjoyed reading this book a great read that keeps you guessing until the end. Looking forward to more in the series
April 5, 2025
A nice cozy murder mystery. Good characters and a nice setting
April 20, 2025
Dragged
Very slow moving
Was an effort to finish
Very slow moving
Was an effort to finish
May 5, 2025
Great Cozy!
If you are missing Agatha Raisin or Hamish Macbeth by the late MC Beaton, then you will love this line of cozy mysteries!
If you are missing Agatha Raisin or Hamish Macbeth by the late MC Beaton, then you will love this line of cozy mysteries!
May 31, 2025
Second in the series and very similar to the first. Okay but nothing to get too excited about.
June 10, 2025
great story
Displaying 1 - 30 of 42 reviews