La librera detective

The Bookstore Mystery #2

by Sue Minix, Isabel Murillo Fort (Translator)

Jen, la escritora de novelas de misterio convertida en detective aficionada, se ha hecho cargo de la gestión de la librería de Riddleton, su pequeña ciudad natal.

Pero conseguir que cuadren las cuentas de Lectores Voraces no es nada en comparación con cumplir la fecha de entrega de su nueva novela.

Sin embargo, la tarea de eludir las llamadas de su editora pasa a ocupar un segundo plano cuando el jefe de la policía local muere víctima de un presunto envenenamiento.

Para resolver el asesinato, Jen debe desempolvar una vez más su sombrero de detective.

Con todos los habitantes de la ciudad convertidos en posibles sospechosos, y con diversas evidencias que apuntan a incriminar a Eric, un agente de policía local íntimo amigo de Jen, la detective aficionada se ve obligada a trabajar contra reloj. ¿Podrá encontrar al asesino y superar su bloqueo como escritora antes de que sea demasiado tarde?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Crime, Cozy, Ebooks, Mystery Thriller

377 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 25, 2023

Reviews

[Deborah Almada · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to #NetGalley for a chance to read this book. This is the first book I have read by this author and I did think it was the first in the series, but it is the second and I didn't feel lost. I liked a lot about the main character, that she was a mystery author, that she owned the bookstore, I really enjoyed that she doesn't pretend to run it, and of course her adorable pup. This was an interesting mystery and I was compelled to keep reading to figure out who done it! The big problem I had with this book is the moments, and there are several, where Jen just does things that qualify as TSTL! Her actions are often beyond reckless and just stupid. It's hard to really respect a main character that challenges the credibility of what she does, here it happens too often, which is a shame as the series has potential.

[Inès · Rating 4 out of 5]

For some reason I liked this one a lot more than the first one. However it does irk me that Greg gets introduced pretty late in the story, even though he plays an important part in the murders. This means no reader can figure out the plot of the murders.
My heart when Jen gives Eric an honest chance 🥰
The struggle of Jen and Brittany’s friendship hit close to home and felt so real. It honestly made me feel less alone. I understand now that it’s something that happens, it doesn’t mean that the friendship is over. It just changes.

I will not be reading any more books from the Bookstore Mystery series because I’ve noticed the formula is always the same and I wish they would change it up. Jen is always a suspect, the police/Havermayer doesn’t believe her, she gets threatened etc. I wish they would drop the whole Jen is the only suspect thing.

[Carmen · Rating 3 out of 5]

Como el primer libro puedo decir que es entretenido. ¿A vosotros os pasa que hay momentos que vuestro cerebro quiere cosas que no requieran mucho esfuerzo? Como esos momentos en los que quieres ver una peli de "no pensar", como digo yo. Pues estos dos libros han sido para mí eso, necesitaba leer algo para "no pensar". Han cumplido su cometido.

[Los libros de Baker Street · Rating 4 out of 5]

Me gusta mucho esta serie y tiene unos personajes muy carismáticos y bien construidos. Buen misterio. El único fallo sigue siendo que la ambientación literaria brilla por su ausencia.

[Nadieh · Rating 2 out of 5]

I am only continuing this series because the next part is a Christmas book. ✨️

[Sheila · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received a free copy of, The Murderous Type, by Sue Minix, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Jen has taken over the local bookstore Ravenous Reads, (I love the name), and has a mystery to solve, unless she gets herself killed in the process. A good read, great characters I enjoyed Jen and Brittany, and of course Savannah.

[Joop · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great mystery and thought out well. But Jesus Christ Jen is annoying

[Kirsten · Rating 1 out of 5]

1.5ish⭐️
I will admit I bought the book because of the cute and cosy cover, but I love a good cosy murder mystery every now and then. Emphasis on good. This just wasn't what it could have been.

The story follows Jen, a crime writer and amateur detective, who is struggling to write the sequel to her debut novel. In the meantime she is juggling taking care of her puppy and managing her bookstore. Life gets even more complicated when the police chief gets killed; her friend and police officer Eric being accused of the killing. Jen believes there is no way he has killed the chief, but if he didn't, then who did?

Let's start with the fact that this is the second book in a series, which is not a problem at all; the book can be read as a standalone. What did bother me was that every other page it was mentioned that Jen almost died in the previous book. Like, we get it, once is enough. If most of these reference had been removed from the book it would have been significantly shorter. Jen, I don't need to know that your jacket was destroyed in the previous book, and that you would have loved to wear it right now. You've already told me about your previous adventure a thousand times.

"Two cups of coffee short of complete brain function, my caffeine-deprived body was camped out on the sidewalk in front of the town hall, at the finish line."

Believe me you don't have to tell me about the wonders coffee can accomplish, but let's be honest here: Jen has a coffee addiction and the author made it her entire personality (together with the fact that she almost died in the prequel...) There was so much potential for this character: a 29-year old writer and bookshop owner solving a murder in her small town, trying to save her friend. What we got was an annoying main character, whose love for coffee is mentioned at least once every chapter. Also, she is suppossed to be 29-years old but to me she felt really old...

Now on to the problem with every character; they are just there for the plot. They were flat, and changed during the story to fit exactly where the story was going. I honestly could not believe or imagine these characters having their own life. It feels like they were simply there to serve Jen.

The plotlines were underdeveloped to my taste. Things just were resolved instantly or out of nowhere. Zach's part in the story, for instance, just did not feel finished. To me it felt like he could have been way more involved in the story, and eventually even play a significant role in the solution to the mystery. The second body being found 80 percent into the story, and it then barely playing a role. But most importantly, the romance. Jen and Eric are friends, but at start of the book he confesses his feelings to her. The whole book she goes on about how she doesn't want love in her life right now, and then at the end of the book they are kissing. I called it at the start of the book, and in the meantime there wasn't any tension, or Jen having conflicted feelings. It was all brushed over very quickly. The last thing that irritated me about the plotlines was that Jen kept considering the same arguments about why someone could have wanted to kill the chief, with absolutely no evidence. So much repetition in this book... And then suddenly everything was resolved.

List of other things that made me sigh:
- The writing style (simplistic, trying to be quirky and cool by using YOLO... It just wasn't it, but made a quick read for sure.)
- Using the term D-hour unironically, instead of D-Day. Sigh...
- One character had twins named Peter and Parker, which the author tried to make a little joke about but if just felt uninspired.
- If I randomly ask a Medical Examiner (who I just met...) if I can join the postmortem of the murder victim because I need the information to write my book, I'm not gonna get a yes...
- And again repetition; the constant references to the unfinished book. Again, every new character we met asked about the book.

Honestly, the .5 star is for the potential this book had, not for what I actually read.

[Karen Stallman · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Murderous Type by Sue Minix the 2nd instalment in the "A Bookstore Mystery" series. What a great follow up to book one. I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 3.

I really enjoyed visiting Riddleton again and love the addition of Savanna the German shepherd puppy to the family at Ravenous Readers. I also like the budding romance between Jen and Eric…

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story.

I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins/Avon and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Debra Jo Reads · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so enjoying this series.

While I did enjoy the storyline of the first book better (totally just a preference), this was a fun character and relationship building book with mystery and murder.

I can’t wait for December for book 3.

I’ve been enjoying the audio version of the books and highly recommend this series.

[Larissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed this one as much as the prequel! Again, crime writer Jen Dawson gets entangled in a series of mysterious deaths, with all evidence pointing to innocent people. Or is it possible they could have done it? Solving a crime in real life is much more exciting than writing her second novel, and now her friend’s job, or even freedom, is on the line. Will she figure it out this time?

[Karthik · Rating 4 out of 5]

I stumbled upon this book entirely by chance, drawn in by its captivating title and cover. Little did I know it was the second installment in a series! The thrilling plot consumed me completely, and I devoured it during my daily commute. Beyond the edge-of-your-seat investigation, I was also captivated by Jen's character – a coffee-loving, dog-adoring crime thriller writer with a sharp mind. The cozy bookstore setting and the heartwarming portrayal of friendship added depth to the story.

The Murderous Type (#2) - Sue Minx

Sue Minx's The Murderous Type is a delightful blend of cozy mystery and witty banter. Jen Dawson, our amateur sleuth and bookstore owner, is a character you can't help but root for. Her sharp wit and unwavering determination to uncover the truth make her an engaging protagonist.

The plot is cleverly constructed, with red herrings aplenty to keep readers guessing until the final reveal. Minx deftly balances the cozy atmosphere of the bookstore with the darker undertones of the murder investigation. The supporting cast of quirky characters adds depth and humor to the story.
While the mystery itself is entertaining, it's Jen's love for coffee, her adorable German Shepherd puppy, Savannah, and her genuine friendship with those around her that truly shine. The cozy bookstore setting provides a warm and inviting backdrop for the story.

Overall, The Murderous Type is a fun and engaging read that will appeal to fans of the cozy mystery genre. It's a perfect escape from reality, filled with clever clues, lovable characters, and a satisfying conclusion.

[Tracy Wood · Rating 5 out of 5]

Running her own bookstore wasn't something best selling author Jennifer Dawson had ever planned to do, but circumstances have a habit of changing things without warning. She hadn't planned on struggling quite so much with her second novel either, but at least the store gives her something else to focus on!

Jen has also been helping organise the annual library fundraising auction and dinner and is horrified when one of the guests collapses into their meal. Determined to stay away from any investigation, especially after the problems she encountered last time, Jen decides to concentrate on her writing problems instead. When it seems her friends might be held responsible for what has happened, however, she reluctantly finds herself drawn in once again.

This is the second in Sue Minix's Bookstore Mystery Series, and once again, she pushes the boundaries of what you would expect in a cosy crime story. You can never be sure of the main protagonists safety, and I love the edge this gives her books. The characters have begun to become familiar, and the addition of her new dog adds a warmth to Jen, which surprised even her!

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, but the opinions expressed are my own. I really enjoyed this and happily recommend it. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.

[Sandra Garcia · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hace exactamente un año, salía publicado en español el primer libro de esta saga, y tuve el placer de leerlo y engancharme a Sue Minix 😍
Ahora salió el segundo y no puedo estar más enamorada de esta autora y sus personajes 🥰

Aquí seguimos con la prota (a la que adoro) metiéndose en líos y metiendo el "fuciño" (como decimos en Galicia 🤣) en todo. Sí es cierto que, esta vez, se ha resistido más, pero es algo que en ella es superior, sobre todo cuándo se trata de proteger a un "amigo" 😏💗

¿Qué os cuento que no sepáis? Me lo he leído del tirón porque engancha que no veas 🙈 Los personajes son adorables y, aunque se intuye quién es el mata-killer, no le quita emoción a la lectura.

Un libro con unos toques de humor muy buenos y con una forma de escribir de Sue que te lleva a los cielos de la lectura rápida 😌💓

Estoy deseando que salgan publicados más en español para seguir disfrutando de las aventuras de esta escritora-librera que está como unas maracas 😂💓

[Ciel Rombouts · Rating 2 out of 5]

The expression ‘YOLO’ was used in this book and that’s all you need to know.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable cozy mystery

Jen, Brittany and the town of amateur sleuths are at it again when the library auction takes a terrible turn. Jen has her follow up novel to finish, but trouble seems to have found her again. Many twists and turns will find her true friends by her side throughout the deaths being solved. Curl up,and follow along with Jen and Savannah, her trusted four-legged partner as they once again become embroiled in murder.

[Zahra · Rating 2 out of 5]

de storyline is wel prima, maar het is gewoon slecht geschreven

[shannon✨ · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5 stars

Enjoyable enough story, but I don’t really like the characters.

[Edmundo Otero Holgado · Rating 3 out of 5]

Observar a la gente es una actividad necesaria para un escritor. Me asomé al escaparate de la librería y estudié a los transeúntes. Sus movimientos, sus interacciones. Las expresiones de sus caras ¿Son personajes potenciales? ¿Víctimas, tal vez Mejor aún, asesinos.

No hay mucho que decir que no dijese ya con el libro anterior. Sigue siendo un libro bastante descafeinado aunque considerablemente entretenido. Su mayor virtud es mejorar a su predecesor en cuanto a complejidad de la trama. Sin llegar a ser una trama muy compleja al menos no te lanzan todas las respuestas a la cara, yo al menos solo adiviné una parte del misterio.

No creo que llegue a comprar nunca estos libros, pero si siguen metiendo los audiolibros en las plataformas entre las que alterno terminaré escuchándolos seguro.

[quinnster · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jen is even more rude in this installment and treats her best friend like crap. She doesn't get why she's mad at her despite being a complete jerk the last time they talked. Also, I have a really hard time remembering anyone's name in this book.

[Eva · Rating 3 out of 5]

A cosycrime by Sue Minix about writer Jen Dawson who gets involved in a murderinvestigation. Jen is a coffee addict, insecure, hyperactive and extremely cynical. Dialogue is funny and quirky. I read 2 of het books in one day: Murder at the bookstore (1) and The murderous type (2). In the first book Jen's friend Aletha, bookshopowner, is murdered, while Jen suffers form a writers block. In the second book police chief Tobias Vick dies of cyanide poisoning. Two nice holiday reads. Funny, relaxing but a bit predicatable.

[Beth Lint · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a free audiobook and I started at #2 in the series. 😳 Cute little village with murder abound! She owns a bookstore, nuf said! ⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Ann Dudzinski · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sue Minix is back with Book 2 in The Bookstore Mystery Series, a bookish cozy mystery series that hit the shelves earlier this year. (That might be a record for how many uses of “book” I shoved into one sentence.)

In this installment, mystery author Jen Dawson’s biggest problems are dodging calls from her agent (how many deadlines has she missed on her second murder mystery?), trying to keep the bookstore afloat, and training her overgrown German Shepherd puppy, Savannah. Until the Chief of Police falls dead at a fundraising dinner from apparent poisoning. Jen is determined to stay out of this mystery seeing as she isn’t a suspect, and she’d like to keep it that way. And she succeeds, until her friend Eric is framed for removing evidence that turns up in his police locker. If there’s one person Jen knows didn’t kill the Chief, it’s Eric. After she starts asking questions and someone threatens to hurt Savannah unless she butts out, the game is on.

But even though Jen isn’t sleuthing to prove her own innocence this time, the stakes are just as high because someone doesn’t like her getting too close to the truth, and they won’t stop at taking her out of the picture permanently.

Here’s what I love about this series - Jen. She’s klutzy, charges into situations without thinking about the outcome, and is a trouble magnet while trying to juggle real-world problems. In other words, she’s totally ordinary and that’s refreshing. She’s also got a great arc that’s subtle and believable - trying to navigate her changing relationship with her best friend, appeasing her difficult mother, and realizing she’s not alone in trying to sort it all out. That she has people in her life that care about her and won’t let her down. Those supporting characters have their own lives and we’re starting to see more of them now, which only adds to the quaintness and dynamics of this town. Personally, I’m waiting for Charlie to show up at the bookstore dressed like Superman or a marvel hero. It could happen.

If you’re not terribly concerned about character arcs, the mystery aspect throws in plenty of red herrings and, just like in Book 1, I had no idea what the motive was until the end. In this one, I also had no idea who the murderer was. The author did a good job putting in enough doubt with every viable suspect that I guessed wrong. Not to mention a few tense, nail-biting scenes near the end that had me mentally applauding Jen’s gumption for seeing her investigation through to the end. If I were her, I think I’d have given up and let the police handle it after everything she went through in this book.

If you haven’t read the first book, this one could stand alone but I suggest hopping back and starting from the beginning. They’re both well worth the read.

Final rating: A solid 4/5 stars ⭐⭐⭐⭐

I’m looking forward to Book 3 due out later this year.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon Books UK for providing the ARC ebook. I’ve left my review honestly and voluntarily.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

The first book was fun with a few problems (hello extremely creepy neighbour whose behaviour is never addressed!), and this is more fun with fewer problems. If book 3 continues to show such improvement I'm all here for it!

I think this gets the balance mostly right on the cosy v. mystery elements, and with a bit of suspension of disbelief (authorities being all "Oh no, don't get involved... but we do sort of need you to do this dangerous thing to solve our case for us!" Hmm!) at times, then this is a fun read.

You can read more of my waffly thoughts about it all on my blog, LittleFrogScribbles.

[bec · Rating 2 out of 5]

Honestly the story of the first book got me hooked, at least enough to make me get the second book. I never write reviews but I talked to my partner about this book so much, that I felt the need to.

The side characters were likable and I wish we got to know them a bit more, since everything revolved around Jen. And not in the “cute main character” way but quite literally. I was already questioning if I liked her character in the first book since she was mainly very annoyed and negative about everything, but my opinion about her didn’t get any better in this one. She only talks to people when she needs something and manipulates them into giving her information, she shows zero interest in her friend’s wellbeing or personal lives and is shocked when people don’t immediately jump up to help her. I felt extremely sorry for Brittany for being tied to such an emotionally immature person and having to hop into the role of the responsible adult all the time.
Jen made dumb decisions and at some point I thought she deserved the harm that was coming her way cause she could’ve easily solved it if she dropped her attitude and let the detectives do their job... She took everything they did or said personally and wasn’t self aware enough to realize that she was “the citizen getting in the police officer’s way” as she claimed Zach to be.
I’m glad she had her furry friend to make up for her exhausting personality, though I wish she hadn’t talked about her dog’s routines 24/7, it was not that interesting and slurred me out of the flow from the actual excitement of the case.

The plot itself was alright, tho it felt a bit rushed at the end and I really don’t understand why Leonard would pull a “prank” on Eric by literally framing him for murder. The book ended fast too, there was no moment to breathe after solving the case and actually talk about all the traumatic things that happened to the people involved, I wish that was included more.

[Esmee Schoenmakers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Prima voor dit genre. Vooral gekocht door de cover haha. Maar deze keer had ik het einde niet goed, maar toen het eenmaal bekend was vond ik het niet zo meer. Maar veel beter dan deel 1 en wil nu toch deel 3 lezen.

[Aylavella · Rating 2 out of 5]

2,5

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 3 out of 5]

Book Review: The Murderous Type by Sue Minix

⭐⭐.5 out of 5 stars

The Murderous Type, written by Sue Minix, is the second book in the mystery series featuring Jen, a crime writer turned amateur sleuth. In this installment, Jen finds herself running a local bookstore in her hometown of Riddleton while also trying to meet the deadline for her new novel. However, things take a dark turn when the local police chief is poisoned, and Jen must once again put on her detective hat to solve the murder.

What makes The Murderous Type an interesting read is the way Minix combines the challenges of managing a bookstore with the pressures of being a crime writer. The backdrop of this murder mystery is unique and adds an extra layer of complexity to the story. As Jen races against time to find the killer, the author keeps readers on the edge of their seats with a sense of urgency and suspense that lasts until the very end.

One of the highlights of the book is its ability to keep readers guessing. With everyone in town becoming a suspect, Minix cleverly plants evidence that points towards Jen’s close friend and local police officer, Eric. This twist adds depth to the story, as Jen not only has to solve the murder but also clear Eric’s name before it’s too late.

Moreover, Minix’s writing style is engaging and captivating, allowing readers to easily immerse themselves in the story. The vivid descriptions of Riddleton and its inhabitants bring the town to life, making it feel like a place readers can truly envision. The pacing of the novel is also well-balanced, with a steady progression of clues and revelations that keeps readers hooked from beginning to end.

However, it’s worth mentioning that The Murderous Type may not appeal to every reader. In my personal opinion, I found Jen, the main character, to be quite unlikable. Her behavior towards her friends was often arrogant and dismissive, which made it difficult for me to connect with her. Additionally, her tendency to shift blame onto others rather than taking responsibility for her actions made it challenging for me to root for her throughout the story.

In conclusion, The Murderous Type by Sue Minix offers an intriguing murder mystery set in a small town, filled with interesting characters and a unique blend of bookstore management and crime writing. While some readers may find Jen’s character flaws and development intriguing, others may struggle to connect with her. Therefore, I would recommend reading a few other reviews to get a more diverse range of opinions before deciding whether this book is right for you.

**ARC Via NetGalley**

[Belinda (Belle) Witzenhausen · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received a complimentary ARC copy of The Murderous Type (The Bookstore Mystery #2) by Sue Minix from Net Galley and Avon Books UK in order to read and give an honest review.

…an abundance of red herrings, nail-biting moments along with the relatable and dynamic characters which made this book a fun read, and I will be on the lookout for more books in this series. …

When the newly transplanted Crime author Jen Dawson is finally settling into her new life after the events of book one, she finally feels the peace and quiet small-town life offers…perhaps a little too much.

Lacking the hustle and bustle of her old life, she is desperately trying to overcome writers’ block and complete the deadline for the second book in her series before her publisher drops her. Add on the stress of trying to keep her recently inherited bookstore afloat and raise a cute but rambunctious puppy Savannah, she is completely overwhelmed.

When a local fundraiser takes a deadly turn with the murder of the cantankerous police chief the suspects are in abundance including Jen’s dear friend and Eric. When evidence is found in his locker at the police station, he is relieved of duty and moved to the top of the suspect list. Jen having made enemies in the police department in book one is warned to stay out of the investigation this time around but when it appears Eric may have been set up by a fellow officer, she has no choice but to dive right in putting herself and her friends (human and furry) in danger.

Not having read the first book did put a damper a bit on the book but it did hold its own as a standalone. What I loved about this book was the protagonist, being a writer, I love the little glimpse of the process and the angst that comes along trying to meet a deadline but also Jen’s total addiction to coffee which I can sympathize with. I also love the quirks of the character, the clumsiness, the self-deprecating humor makes the character feel relatable. Although I felt the book dragged on for the first half (some things felt repetitive i.e., the constant mention of her next book) the second half of the book did pick up with an abundance of red herrings, nail-biting moments along with the relatable and dynamic characters which made this book a fun read, and I will be on the lookout for more books in this series.

[Rebecca Graf · Rating 5 out of 5]

A small town writer is on a deadline to finish her next book, but a local mystery has her attention anywhere but on her manuscript. It starts with nothing more than a local fundraiser turned deadly. From there, Jen begins to question what the police are reporting and gets into trouble as she puts her nose where it doesn’t belong.

Cozy mysteries are so much fun, especially when the characters are well-written. And these are characters that jump off the page. Told in a first person style, the main character is one I can honestly relate to. She had weaknesses, faults, and trouble seems to find her wherever she is. All she wants to do is enjoy writing, eating chocolate, drinking coffee, and spending time with her dog. But trouble won’t let her. She has a police detective that doesn’t like her and wants to blame Jen for every death in the county. She has people lying to her when she asks questions concerning the death which very well could be murder. There are even events that put her life in danger. Then there are the times she recklessly digs deeper even if it is breaking the law.

That’s just the main character. There are others who made me laugh or just piqued my curiosity. They were real. In fact, I can’t wait to visit them again and see what is happening in their lives.

As for the mystery… I nearly got it. I was so close to figuring out who was behind all the shenanigans. But I wasn’t quite on the mark. The author did a great job in throwing in a few red herrings and wild goose chases to keep me on my toes. Great job!

Oh, and I wanted to note that the author gives a unique glimpse into the struggles of an author. Since the main character is a writer, the reader is invited into her story as she struggles to create the plot just right and develop complex characters. It helps to break up the story pace and gives the reader a tiny bit of down time just to enjoy and not burn your brain cells on figuring out whodunit.

An enjoyable read that will have you wanting more. This is one author I will be following.