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The Bookshop Detective #3
Bound By Murder
When a rival bookseller is murdered amidst a string of rare book thefts from her shop, Olivia Paige finds herself framed for the crime and racing to uncover the truth before she becomes the next victim trapped between the covers of this deadly mystery.
When a string of rare book thefts from her beloved bookshop, The Dusty Tome, leads to the brutal murder of a rival bookseller, Olivia Paige finds herself framed for the crime. Determined to clear her name and uncover the true culprit, Olivia launches an investigation that plunges her into the cutthroat world of rare book collecting and a deadly conspiracy to preserve the elite status and astronomical profits of those at the top. Racing against time, Olivia must use her encyclopedic knowledge of mystery novels and burgeoning detective skills to outsmart a ruthless killer before she becomes the next victim trapped between the covers of this deadly bibliophilic mystery.
When a string of rare book thefts from her beloved bookshop, The Dusty Tome, leads to the brutal murder of a rival bookseller, Olivia Paige finds herself framed for the crime. Determined to clear her name and uncover the true culprit, Olivia launches an investigation that plunges her into the cutthroat world of rare book collecting and a deadly conspiracy to preserve the elite status and astronomical profits of those at the top. Racing against time, Olivia must use her encyclopedic knowledge of mystery novels and burgeoning detective skills to outsmart a ruthless killer before she becomes the next victim trapped between the covers of this deadly bibliophilic mystery.
119 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 24, 2025
3 people are currently reading
14 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews
March 24, 2025
Set Up for Murder . . .
Olivia Paige stared in shock at the empty book shelf that had displayed her valuable First Edition books and even an autographed Agatha Christie. How could this theft have happened? She immediately called Detective Jack Harper and the two of them reviewed the black and white security footage showing a figure in dark clothing entering through the back of the shop. Surprisingly, the figure turned and Olivia recognized Ezra Bolton who also has a rare book store. Since the security system did not get triggered, Bolton must have somehow copied her keys. She insisted on talking to the man on her own without Jack, foolishly thinking this could be resolve in person. Of course he denied everything and ordered her to leave. She left, but returned after closing to talk to him again. Since the back door was open, she went into the storage room and immediately smelled the blood. His head had been struck by a heavy bronze bookend -- and ALL of Olivia’s missing First Editions were scattered around his dead body! At that moment, the assistant manager walked in the front door. Olivia knew this was a setup and ran out the back door before she was seen. But just as she got home, Jack called to say Ezra Bolton was murdered and Olivia is the prime suspect. As she waited for Jack to arrive, she made notes on her phone of “real” suspects, details, and who had access to her keys. It was time to think like a detective. And as she recounted events to Jack while they sat on the back steps, she noticed a shadow move across her neighbor’s backyard with deliberate, calculated purpose, obviously trying to listen in to their conversation. They stood up and went inside. As Olivia went through her book records, she found a recently acquired Hemingway first edition had been purchased in Boston… and the owner had been Ezra Bolton’s father! At least now, they had a start on what to look for as she was taken to the police station for questioning.
As her own investigation starts to uncover things that trace back much further than the current situation, pointing toward well established antiquities thieves and imposters, she will find herself in greater danger as something even bigger is going on and the killer can’t afford to have her solve this mystery!
Olivia Paige stared in shock at the empty book shelf that had displayed her valuable First Edition books and even an autographed Agatha Christie. How could this theft have happened? She immediately called Detective Jack Harper and the two of them reviewed the black and white security footage showing a figure in dark clothing entering through the back of the shop. Surprisingly, the figure turned and Olivia recognized Ezra Bolton who also has a rare book store. Since the security system did not get triggered, Bolton must have somehow copied her keys. She insisted on talking to the man on her own without Jack, foolishly thinking this could be resolve in person. Of course he denied everything and ordered her to leave. She left, but returned after closing to talk to him again. Since the back door was open, she went into the storage room and immediately smelled the blood. His head had been struck by a heavy bronze bookend -- and ALL of Olivia’s missing First Editions were scattered around his dead body! At that moment, the assistant manager walked in the front door. Olivia knew this was a setup and ran out the back door before she was seen. But just as she got home, Jack called to say Ezra Bolton was murdered and Olivia is the prime suspect. As she waited for Jack to arrive, she made notes on her phone of “real” suspects, details, and who had access to her keys. It was time to think like a detective. And as she recounted events to Jack while they sat on the back steps, she noticed a shadow move across her neighbor’s backyard with deliberate, calculated purpose, obviously trying to listen in to their conversation. They stood up and went inside. As Olivia went through her book records, she found a recently acquired Hemingway first edition had been purchased in Boston… and the owner had been Ezra Bolton’s father! At least now, they had a start on what to look for as she was taken to the police station for questioning.
As her own investigation starts to uncover things that trace back much further than the current situation, pointing toward well established antiquities thieves and imposters, she will find herself in greater danger as something even bigger is going on and the killer can’t afford to have her solve this mystery!
April 6, 2025
Bound by Murder is part of the Bookshop Detective Series. I really enjoyed this book. I felt like I was in the game clue with a murder mystery of rare books. I couldn't put this book down. I want more, want to see what is going to happen next. I love stories like this, small town, mystery, books, and lets not forget murder.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 22, 2025
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. A theft leads to discovery and exposure of years of crimes. I couldn't put down until the end. Paige, Jack and Elijah make a great team.
December 7, 2025
good book
Yet another in the series involving Olivia, Jack, and all the others mentioned in the book, whether they could be trusted or not.
Yet another in the series involving Olivia, Jack, and all the others mentioned in the book, whether they could be trusted or not.
Displaying 1 - 4 of 4 reviews