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A Cozy Bookshop Mystery #1
Murder on the Books
Newly retired mystery writer Charley James returns to her small hometown only to find herself amidst a real-life murder mystery in this first book in the brand new Cozy Bookshop mystery series by award-winning and national bestselling author T.C. LoTempio.
“I was hooked from start to finish!” Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop mysteries, on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books.
Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind.
Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila’s body in a chest in the store’s basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila’s murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!
Fans of Jenn McKinlay, Ellery Adams, Lucy Connelly, Lauren Elliott, and Ellie Alexander will love this "Hallmark Mystery movie in book format!" (Cozy Crime Mystery).
“I was hooked from start to finish!” Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop mysteries, on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead
Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books.
Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind.
Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila’s body in a chest in the store’s basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila’s murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!
Fans of Jenn McKinlay, Ellery Adams, Lucy Connelly, Lauren Elliott, and Ellie Alexander will love this "Hallmark Mystery movie in book format!" (Cozy Crime Mystery).
233 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 1, 2025
9 people are currently reading
295 people want to read
About the author
T.C. LoTempio
26 books760 followersBorn in New York City, T. C. LoTempio is the national bestselling author of Meow If It’s Murder, the first in the Nick and Nora Mystery series.
She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade.
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper.
Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few!
Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!
Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!).
She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York
She has been a staff reporter at the young adult magazine Susabella Passengers and Friends for more than a decade.
While Toni LoTempio does not commit – or solve – murders in real life, she has no trouble doing it on paper.
Her lifelong love of mysteries began early on when she was introduced to her first Nancy Drew mystery at age 10 – The Secret in the Old Attic. She lists among her favorite mystery/suspense writers Erle Stanley Gardner, Mary Higgins Clark and James Patterson, as well as EJ Copperman, Steve Hockensmith, Victoria Laurie, Ali Brandon, Rita Mae Brown, Miranda James and Sofie Kelly to name only a few!
Toni is also passionate about her love for animals, as demonstrated with her four cats: Trixie, Princess, Maxx and, of course, ROCCO, who not only provided the inspiration for the character of Nick the cat in the Nick and Nora mystery series, but who also writes his own blog and does charity work for Nathan Fillion’s charity, Kids Need to Read!
Toni’s also devoted to miniseries like The Thorn Birds, Dancing with the Stars, reruns of Murder She Wrote and Castle (of course!).
She (and ROCCO, albeit he’s uncredited) pen the Nick and Nora mystery series from Berkley Prime Crime.
She, Rocco and company make their home in Clifton, New Jersey, just twenty minutes from the Big Apple – New York
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 92 reviews
July 6, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What happens when a bestselling author of a long-running series gets burned out/writer’s block and relocates to her hometown? First, her agent freaks out. Then, not being independently wealthy, there has to be a plan.
Well, C.J. Barrett (Charley James) needs a break after 12 years and 15 books she has written in her Steve Sheppard mystery series. She decides to head home to Austin, Pennsylvania, to figure things out. Yes, her agent freaked out because she said it may take a year or more before she will be ready to smash out another book. She also plans to keep her writing career as C.J. Barrett a secret. The last thing she needs are fans asking about her next book.
She quickly meets up with her friend, Zane, who tells her that her plan of opening a bakery/cafe in a double storefront with Sheila Crowder’s bookstore is falling apart. Sheila suddenly left town, leaving Zane with few options. Charley needs something to do, so she offers to take on the bookstore side of the business. She then finds out Sheila didn’t leave town when she finds her dead body in a chest in the store’s basement.
Charley can solve a murder; she has done it several times in her books, but Detective Grant and Officer Donaldson would prefer she leave the case to them. But that isn’t going to happen. Charley is going to follow each and every clue to “assist” Detective Grant throw the book at the killer.
I really enjoyed meeting the characters in this first Cozy Bookshop Mystery. Charley needed a break from writing mysteries and had the courage to say so. Her curious nature and all she has learned penning mysteries make her a very capable amateur sleuth. She stole my heart when she adopted Poe, a large black cat with a white spot on his nose and white under his chin. Zane is a great friend. She opens up her home to Charley and Poe while continuing to work full-time at another bakery until her bakery is ready to open. Charley is surprised that Barbara Jeanne Donaldson is a police officer. In high school, she was called Barbie, like the doll, never a blonde hair out of place, fashion model figure, usually found on the arm of a football jock. She is a competent officer. Rumor has it she is trying to become a detective. With the murder, she calls in Detective Ian Grant from Philadelphia to help with the case. When he arrives, it is easy to see that Officer Barbie has a crush on the tall, dark, and handsome detective. Charley is also a little smitten. All the characters have room for growth as the series continues.
Ms. LoTempio has plotted out a marvelous mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Charley can’t help but to get involved in the case, taking some sizeable risks with only Poe and sometimes Zane for backup. We do meet some interesting residents of Austin, each added to the story in meaningful ways. There were literally puzzling clues that brought new things to light, and I found that very entertaining. I wish Charley had been more open with Ian. She did try, but was frustrated when her calls went to voicemail. Her desire to check things out on her own with her frisky feline leads to an A-ha moment at the wrong time and place. Who knew a copy of The Stand by Stephen King could come in so handy?
Murder on the Books has set this series off to a fine start. There are engaging characters with ample room for growth, a great home base in Austin that brings the history of the characters, a puzzling mystery that keeps everyone on their toes, and you can’t go wrong with a small-town bookstore and bakery as a place for people to gather. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author. T.C. Lotempio doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait for the next book in what I hope will be a long-running series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
What happens when a bestselling author of a long-running series gets burned out/writer’s block and relocates to her hometown? First, her agent freaks out. Then, not being independently wealthy, there has to be a plan.
Well, C.J. Barrett (Charley James) needs a break after 12 years and 15 books she has written in her Steve Sheppard mystery series. She decides to head home to Austin, Pennsylvania, to figure things out. Yes, her agent freaked out because she said it may take a year or more before she will be ready to smash out another book. She also plans to keep her writing career as C.J. Barrett a secret. The last thing she needs are fans asking about her next book.
She quickly meets up with her friend, Zane, who tells her that her plan of opening a bakery/cafe in a double storefront with Sheila Crowder’s bookstore is falling apart. Sheila suddenly left town, leaving Zane with few options. Charley needs something to do, so she offers to take on the bookstore side of the business. She then finds out Sheila didn’t leave town when she finds her dead body in a chest in the store’s basement.
Charley can solve a murder; she has done it several times in her books, but Detective Grant and Officer Donaldson would prefer she leave the case to them. But that isn’t going to happen. Charley is going to follow each and every clue to “assist” Detective Grant throw the book at the killer.
I really enjoyed meeting the characters in this first Cozy Bookshop Mystery. Charley needed a break from writing mysteries and had the courage to say so. Her curious nature and all she has learned penning mysteries make her a very capable amateur sleuth. She stole my heart when she adopted Poe, a large black cat with a white spot on his nose and white under his chin. Zane is a great friend. She opens up her home to Charley and Poe while continuing to work full-time at another bakery until her bakery is ready to open. Charley is surprised that Barbara Jeanne Donaldson is a police officer. In high school, she was called Barbie, like the doll, never a blonde hair out of place, fashion model figure, usually found on the arm of a football jock. She is a competent officer. Rumor has it she is trying to become a detective. With the murder, she calls in Detective Ian Grant from Philadelphia to help with the case. When he arrives, it is easy to see that Officer Barbie has a crush on the tall, dark, and handsome detective. Charley is also a little smitten. All the characters have room for growth as the series continues.
Ms. LoTempio has plotted out a marvelous mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Charley can’t help but to get involved in the case, taking some sizeable risks with only Poe and sometimes Zane for backup. We do meet some interesting residents of Austin, each added to the story in meaningful ways. There were literally puzzling clues that brought new things to light, and I found that very entertaining. I wish Charley had been more open with Ian. She did try, but was frustrated when her calls went to voicemail. Her desire to check things out on her own with her frisky feline leads to an A-ha moment at the wrong time and place. Who knew a copy of The Stand by Stephen King could come in so handy?
Murder on the Books has set this series off to a fine start. There are engaging characters with ample room for growth, a great home base in Austin that brings the history of the characters, a puzzling mystery that keeps everyone on their toes, and you can’t go wrong with a small-town bookstore and bakery as a place for people to gather. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author. T.C. Lotempio doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait for the next book in what I hope will be a long-running series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
June 22, 2025
Really enjoyed this one. A super cosy mystery with a thriller writer opening a mystery book store, a cute cat and a cuter detective. What's not to like?
Had no clue who the killer was but never tried to guess. Just enjoyed the story and the dynamics of Charley and Ian. I hope there's a sequel!
Had no clue who the killer was but never tried to guess. Just enjoyed the story and the dynamics of Charley and Ian. I hope there's a sequel!
July 10, 2025
This is my first read from the author, and it delivers a solid start to what looks to be a promising cosy series. The mystery is set up fast, always a plus, and while the red herrings aren’t the strongest, following the protagonist as she pieced things together kept me engaged. I especially liked the inclusion of a secret code. There’s something satisfying about codes and ciphers in books. Love it!
The return to hometown added depth, allowing character history to build upon interactions and character development in a way that felt natural. There are several characters given space in the book, which suggests we’re being set up for more mysteries to come. The small town bookstore setting is charming, and I’d be happy to see it serve as the recurring backdrop.
The cat may be a bit too human-like for my taste, but in a cosy that’s par for the course. Not a deal breaker in the least. Overall, this hits the cosy mystery sweet spot and makes me curious about what’s next for Charley and company.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
The return to hometown added depth, allowing character history to build upon interactions and character development in a way that felt natural. There are several characters given space in the book, which suggests we’re being set up for more mysteries to come. The small town bookstore setting is charming, and I’d be happy to see it serve as the recurring backdrop.
The cat may be a bit too human-like for my taste, but in a cosy that’s par for the course. Not a deal breaker in the least. Overall, this hits the cosy mystery sweet spot and makes me curious about what’s next for Charley and company.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
March 1, 2025
#MurderontheBooks #NetGalley is a fun first in a new series by one of my favorite authors.
Charley is a solid character, I love that she's an author, but is keeping that a secret. Charley needs a break, even though she loves writing, she feels burnt out.
When her friend Zane finds herself in a business dilemma, Charley quickly decides to help, and from there things get interesting.
Charley befriends a stray cat, who she names Poe, and I have to say that he brings the story to life.
This story is full of puzzles, mystery, and intrigue, I loved every minute of it.
This style of cozy mystery is one of my favorites and it was a pleasure reading #MurderontheBooks.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Charley is a solid character, I love that she's an author, but is keeping that a secret. Charley needs a break, even though she loves writing, she feels burnt out.
When her friend Zane finds herself in a business dilemma, Charley quickly decides to help, and from there things get interesting.
Charley befriends a stray cat, who she names Poe, and I have to say that he brings the story to life.
This story is full of puzzles, mystery, and intrigue, I loved every minute of it.
This style of cozy mystery is one of my favorites and it was a pleasure reading #MurderontheBooks.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
March 29, 2025
Charlotte James, a very successful but secretive mystery author, is taking a break from writing and returned to her hometown to decide what to do next. She arrives back in Austin, Pennsylvania, to discover her lifelong best friend, Zane, a successful baker, who was about to open her own bakery in a double store front is in trouble. Her business partner has skipped town leaving the book store half of the new venture dead in the water and suddenly Charley knows exactly what she's doing next; she knows all about books, how hard could it be? Of course, that was before she found a dead body and turned her store into a crime scene! Can Charley solve the mystery, get the shop ready, and stop thinking too much about the new Homicide Detective as well as opening on time?
I love T C LoTempio's two other series but came to them late, so was excited to be able to read this right from the beginning, and I wasn't disappointed. I like Charley, Zane, and Poe the cat, all of whom will, I'm sure, have great adventures together. The will they, won't they, relationship between Charley and the detective is also fun and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Severn House, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great start and is recommended.
I love T C LoTempio's two other series but came to them late, so was excited to be able to read this right from the beginning, and I wasn't disappointed. I like Charley, Zane, and Poe the cat, all of whom will, I'm sure, have great adventures together. The will they, won't they, relationship between Charley and the detective is also fun and I'm looking forward to reading more.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Severn House, but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a great start and is recommended.
March 4, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this cosy mystery and look forward to reading more in the series. It has almost a ‘twilight’ feel to it - in particular the relationship between the main character and the senior detective. Will romance blossom in later books - I certainly hope so!
Someone what predictable in terms of the puzzle, but it is a ‘cosy’ mystery so to be expected, I always think. Definitely worth reading.
I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for this honest review
Someone what predictable in terms of the puzzle, but it is a ‘cosy’ mystery so to be expected, I always think. Definitely worth reading.
I’m grateful to the author, publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC in return for this honest review
December 27, 2025
Thankyou Severn House and Netgalley for providing an e-ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Unfortunately I found this book hard to immerse myself in. Perhaps cozy mysteries are not for me but I felt like I read alot of pages with not much happening that was relevant or was a little slow for my personal tastes.
This just wasnt for me and I think my final rating comes down to personal likes and dislikes in the end.
Unfortunately I found this book hard to immerse myself in. Perhaps cozy mysteries are not for me but I felt like I read alot of pages with not much happening that was relevant or was a little slow for my personal tastes.
This just wasnt for me and I think my final rating comes down to personal likes and dislikes in the end.
Want to read
February 27, 2025ARC received! Thank you, Severn House!!
I love jumping in on a new Cozy Mystery series from the start and this one sounds great! I also love the cover choice for this cover. I need it!!
I love jumping in on a new Cozy Mystery series from the start and this one sounds great! I also love the cover choice for this cover. I need it!!
July 5, 2025
This cozy mystery ticks all the boxes cozy mystery fans have come to expect. Small town atmosphere, friendship, amateur sleuthing, murder/mystery to be solved, potential love interest and a furry sidekick. This is a well written, entertaining series debut!
March 1, 2025
ARC received, thanks NetGalley and Severn House!
I have to admit I don't read many cozy mysteries, but the cover and title caught my eye (I mean, cats, books, and a murder mystery, what's not to love) I'm happy I did, I really enjoyed this book!
The story draws you in from the first page, with likeable (and some less likeable) characters, great pacing, and enough mystery and suspense to make you keep reading. In my opinion the book doesn't give a whole new twist to murder mysteries, but it is an enjoyable one. Very easy read, the type of book you'll gladly finish in one sitting.
The story wraps up nicely, with enough unfinished business to make me look forward to the next book in the series.
I have to admit I don't read many cozy mysteries, but the cover and title caught my eye (I mean, cats, books, and a murder mystery, what's not to love) I'm happy I did, I really enjoyed this book!
The story draws you in from the first page, with likeable (and some less likeable) characters, great pacing, and enough mystery and suspense to make you keep reading. In my opinion the book doesn't give a whole new twist to murder mysteries, but it is an enjoyable one. Very easy read, the type of book you'll gladly finish in one sitting.
The story wraps up nicely, with enough unfinished business to make me look forward to the next book in the series.
May 21, 2025
This was a mostly fun introduction into a new series. I like Charley, her best friend Zane and of course the charming Poe. I always enjoy when an amateur sleuth seems to have a real reason and aptitude for being curious about an unfortunate death, as a mystery writer Charley has done a lot of research and knows more then the average person. Although she is home and not writing, Charley's takeover of a soon to open mystery bookstore seems natural and when a body is found in her new location, she wants things cleaned up as quickly as possible so she can get to work! Also refreshing is that neither Charley nor her best friend and business partner Zane are really suspects. I am also happy to report that the police are actually competent, which makes it one of the flaws in this book that Charley doesn't share all she learns with them and even withholds evidence she finds. Besides that very annoying circumstance, I found this to be a good mystery with likable characters and lots of potential. I definitely look forward to more in the series. Thanks to #Netgally, #SevernHouse, and the author for a chance to read. #MurderontheBooks #TCLoTempio #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
September 2, 2025
This was a typical cozy mystery. Small town setting with books, cats and coffee and some potential romantic interest leading into the next book in the series. For me, I found it difficult how someone could easily step into someone else's abandoned business and update licenses etc. I was amazed at how inexpensive it is to eat in Austin! Fans of the Second Chance Cat Mystery series would enjoy this series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eArc.
July 28, 2025
Basic, mundane. I mean, it was a cozy mystery…. Very clean, you could let your teen read it without worries. Just didn’t do much for me personally. 🤷♀️
July 15, 2025
4.5 stars
Charlotte ‘Charley’ James… aka bestselling thriller writer C.J. Barrett (but don’t let that slip because she’s been keeping it under wraps all these years)… does what any author does when they suffer from writer’s block. She trades the hustle and bustle of NYC for her small Pennsylvania hometown and opens a ‘mainly’ mystery bookstore next door to her best friend’s new bakery. Okay, so maybe that’s not what most authors do but in this case I’m glad it’s what author T.C. LoTempio had Charley do in Murder on the Books because we get this delightful new series out of it! I loved Charley right away and easily embraced her as a new fictional friend, and the more we get to know her, the more I liked her. Her inner circle includes her BFF Zane (she makes a great sidekick and I hope we get to explore her character more in future books) and new rescue cat (with a big personality) aptly named Poe, and I enjoyed the support they provide for Charley.
Speaking of enjoying Charley’s relationships… can I talk about Detective Ian Grant for a moment. He gives off a bit of a Mr. Darcy vibe and I’m here for it. Especially when it becomes clear that he’s attracted to Charley and whew, somebody bring me my fan. These two spark and sizzle with romantic tension that stole my breath a couple of times and had me wishing they could hear me if I hollered, “KISS HER ALREADY!” In fact, if they don’t get to kissing in the next book, YOU might hear me hollering that at them anyway haha. (Although, based on Ian’s comments at the end of Murder on the Books, I don’t think I’ll have to wait too long for that first smooch.)
The mystery has lots of intriguing layers that unfold at the perfect pace and kept me on my armchair-sleuthing toes. Zane’s business partner Sheila skipping town may have been advantageous for Charley, who was feeling a bit at loose ends with newly-acquired time on her hands, but that didn’t mean she wanted to find Sheila’s body in the basement. What’s a mystery writer to do except try to solve the case too? And if the lead detective happens to be competent too AND super swoony, all the better. I had a suspect in mind right away and believed it was going to be this person right up until Charley proved it wasn’t. My second ‘I’m sure it’s this person’ theory went about the same way, but I finally started connecting the right clues about the same time Charley did. Not only did trying to figure out the murderer hold my attention, but so did exploring all the nuanced facets to the victim. LoTempio made Sheila a complex character in her own right, and I enjoyed sorting through all the layers.
Bottom Line: I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read so far by T.C. LoTempio, but I think this new Cozy Bookshop Mystery series may end up becoming my favorite. Murder on the Books was a lot of fun and everything I want in a cozy mystery. The aforementioned murder had me all over the map as far as people I suspected to be the killer, and I kept pace with Charley as she put the clues together. Speaking of, I immediately loved protagonist Charlotte ‘Charley’ James and all the various layers that make up her character including ‘bestselling thriller author C.J. Barrett’, an identity she’s successfully continued to keep secret … for now (though I think swoony Detective Grant at least suspects something). The small town mystery bookstore setting, Charley’s friendship with BFF (and now business partner) Zane, her adorable new rescue cat Poe, and yes the romantic tension sparking between her and Ian Grant – all of it has me eager for more books to come!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
Charlotte ‘Charley’ James… aka bestselling thriller writer C.J. Barrett (but don’t let that slip because she’s been keeping it under wraps all these years)… does what any author does when they suffer from writer’s block. She trades the hustle and bustle of NYC for her small Pennsylvania hometown and opens a ‘mainly’ mystery bookstore next door to her best friend’s new bakery. Okay, so maybe that’s not what most authors do but in this case I’m glad it’s what author T.C. LoTempio had Charley do in Murder on the Books because we get this delightful new series out of it! I loved Charley right away and easily embraced her as a new fictional friend, and the more we get to know her, the more I liked her. Her inner circle includes her BFF Zane (she makes a great sidekick and I hope we get to explore her character more in future books) and new rescue cat (with a big personality) aptly named Poe, and I enjoyed the support they provide for Charley.
Speaking of enjoying Charley’s relationships… can I talk about Detective Ian Grant for a moment. He gives off a bit of a Mr. Darcy vibe and I’m here for it. Especially when it becomes clear that he’s attracted to Charley and whew, somebody bring me my fan. These two spark and sizzle with romantic tension that stole my breath a couple of times and had me wishing they could hear me if I hollered, “KISS HER ALREADY!” In fact, if they don’t get to kissing in the next book, YOU might hear me hollering that at them anyway haha. (Although, based on Ian’s comments at the end of Murder on the Books, I don’t think I’ll have to wait too long for that first smooch.)
The mystery has lots of intriguing layers that unfold at the perfect pace and kept me on my armchair-sleuthing toes. Zane’s business partner Sheila skipping town may have been advantageous for Charley, who was feeling a bit at loose ends with newly-acquired time on her hands, but that didn’t mean she wanted to find Sheila’s body in the basement. What’s a mystery writer to do except try to solve the case too? And if the lead detective happens to be competent too AND super swoony, all the better. I had a suspect in mind right away and believed it was going to be this person right up until Charley proved it wasn’t. My second ‘I’m sure it’s this person’ theory went about the same way, but I finally started connecting the right clues about the same time Charley did. Not only did trying to figure out the murderer hold my attention, but so did exploring all the nuanced facets to the victim. LoTempio made Sheila a complex character in her own right, and I enjoyed sorting through all the layers.
Bottom Line: I’ve really enjoyed the books I’ve read so far by T.C. LoTempio, but I think this new Cozy Bookshop Mystery series may end up becoming my favorite. Murder on the Books was a lot of fun and everything I want in a cozy mystery. The aforementioned murder had me all over the map as far as people I suspected to be the killer, and I kept pace with Charley as she put the clues together. Speaking of, I immediately loved protagonist Charlotte ‘Charley’ James and all the various layers that make up her character including ‘bestselling thriller author C.J. Barrett’, an identity she’s successfully continued to keep secret … for now (though I think swoony Detective Grant at least suspects something). The small town mystery bookstore setting, Charley’s friendship with BFF (and now business partner) Zane, her adorable new rescue cat Poe, and yes the romantic tension sparking between her and Ian Grant – all of it has me eager for more books to come!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower
May 19, 2025
An incognito mystery writer moves back to her ol' home town to get away from all things mystery and the pressures of writing. Instead, she lands in the middle of a real-life murder mystery. She discovers her friend Zane's new business is endangered before it even opens. Business partner to-be, Sheila has gone missing, leaving Zane stretched financially. Charley/Charlotte agrees (volunteers, really) to be her new partner. While checking out the basement of the two shared businesses, Charley finds Sheila's body hidden in a chest. She didn't disappear. She was murdered.
Thus begins a brand new mystery series. I won't detail the plot but it was an interesting one with lots of twists and turns and several suspects. Enter Barbie, er, Detective Barbara Johnson, a former classmate of both Charley and Zane. Let's just say they were not friends. Fortunately, a much more interesting character soon enters, Detective Ian Grant, who seems to be in town temporarily from a neighboring town. Cozy mystery fans will see where this is going, I'm sure. Of course, Charley doesn't make things easy, sticking her nose in the case and, in general, putting herself in danger multiple times. You'd think a mystery writer would know better, huh, but finding a read dead body was new to Charley and she seems compelled to follow leads....no matter where they lead. I have to admit, I found it rather unrealistic that townspeople would open up and be so forthcoming with a virtual stranger, hometown girl or not, but, it did move the plot along quickly.
Bottom line, while I had a minor quibble, I enjoyed the book and will be looking forward to the next. .Quibble, you say? Yes. For instance, I'm a dog person and make sure my dog is secured in the car when I travel with her. Charley, in contrast, after finding a stray cat she calls Poe, simply put cat into the car loose and even leaves Poe alone there for extended times. Despite this, I found myself liking her and the surrounding cast of characters. Heck, I didn't even dislike Barbie, er, Detective Johnson as we don't get much of the backstory yet. For that matter, we don't get to know even Charley well but, hey, this is the first in a hopefully long series, so that's normal. I definitely liked how the author handled the issue of PTSD/mental issues via Nancy and her service dog. I hope we see a lot more of them in future books, especially since it gave insight into Charley. Thanks #SevernHouse for this early look at a promising new series. I wonder how long Charley can keep her author status hidden. Something tells me Ian Grant will figure it out when he sets his mind to it. Charley isn't real good at hiding her unusual knowledge of murder investigations.
Thus begins a brand new mystery series. I won't detail the plot but it was an interesting one with lots of twists and turns and several suspects. Enter Barbie, er, Detective Barbara Johnson, a former classmate of both Charley and Zane. Let's just say they were not friends. Fortunately, a much more interesting character soon enters, Detective Ian Grant, who seems to be in town temporarily from a neighboring town. Cozy mystery fans will see where this is going, I'm sure. Of course, Charley doesn't make things easy, sticking her nose in the case and, in general, putting herself in danger multiple times. You'd think a mystery writer would know better, huh, but finding a read dead body was new to Charley and she seems compelled to follow leads....no matter where they lead. I have to admit, I found it rather unrealistic that townspeople would open up and be so forthcoming with a virtual stranger, hometown girl or not, but, it did move the plot along quickly.
Bottom line, while I had a minor quibble, I enjoyed the book and will be looking forward to the next. .Quibble, you say? Yes. For instance, I'm a dog person and make sure my dog is secured in the car when I travel with her. Charley, in contrast, after finding a stray cat she calls Poe, simply put cat into the car loose and even leaves Poe alone there for extended times. Despite this, I found myself liking her and the surrounding cast of characters. Heck, I didn't even dislike Barbie, er, Detective Johnson as we don't get much of the backstory yet. For that matter, we don't get to know even Charley well but, hey, this is the first in a hopefully long series, so that's normal. I definitely liked how the author handled the issue of PTSD/mental issues via Nancy and her service dog. I hope we see a lot more of them in future books, especially since it gave insight into Charley. Thanks #SevernHouse for this early look at a promising new series. I wonder how long Charley can keep her author status hidden. Something tells me Ian Grant will figure it out when he sets his mind to it. Charley isn't real good at hiding her unusual knowledge of murder investigations.
August 4, 2025
DNF @ 33%
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All words and opinions are my own.
I really wanted to like this book. And I would have continued, honestly, but the FMC is such a pick me that it's nauseating. Charlotte James, secret writer of a bestselling thriller series, goes back to her hometown when struck by writer's block to recoup. There, she meets her old school friend Zane who's in a bind when her business partner ups and leaves town suddenly, leaving her in the lurch. Charlotte makes a snap decision to become her business partner and run a bookshop, and suddenly discovers Zane's former business partner stuffed in a dresser in the basement of the tenancy they were about to move into.
This book started off so good but quickly lost favour with me once Charlotte started exhibiting pick me behaviour. She seems to have a problem with a female police officer who she used to go to high school with because she's.....pretty? Is blonde? Happens to have chalked out her own path? What exactly her problem was with her, we'll never know because all this police officer does is....her job. There's no history mentioned of the police officer ever having been awful to Charlotte in high school or any sort of antagonistic history between them. And yet Charlotte constantly tries to undermine said police officer's authority, call her Barbie (which is obviously meant as a derogatory term), and roll her eyes at her constantly because clearly she's never gotten over her own insecurities about herself and keeps projecting them onto other women. There's also this iffy subplot about a new investigating police officer in town whom she starts a flirtation with which, of course, Barbie being a villain, can't stand because she has designs on him (was the author binge watching crappy 90s soaps while writing these plot points, I wonder). The cherry on top, however, is when Romantic Interest Police Officer tells our Charlotte (and I paraphrase) "Most other women would have been very scared to see a dead body in their basement" to which our fearless Charlotte says "I'm not like other women", which.......umm, HELLO, the LITERAL definition of Not Like Other Girls???
That was the point at which this book lost me. In the year of our Lord 2025, are we still writing this drivel? Are we really writing female lead characters because we want to cash in on feminism but making them pick mes because we've never truly delved into feminism and learned about true feminism?
If the author decides to expand this series, then the lead character needs a lot of work. Till then, I'm out.
2 stars/5
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. All words and opinions are my own.
I really wanted to like this book. And I would have continued, honestly, but the FMC is such a pick me that it's nauseating. Charlotte James, secret writer of a bestselling thriller series, goes back to her hometown when struck by writer's block to recoup. There, she meets her old school friend Zane who's in a bind when her business partner ups and leaves town suddenly, leaving her in the lurch. Charlotte makes a snap decision to become her business partner and run a bookshop, and suddenly discovers Zane's former business partner stuffed in a dresser in the basement of the tenancy they were about to move into.
This book started off so good but quickly lost favour with me once Charlotte started exhibiting pick me behaviour. She seems to have a problem with a female police officer who she used to go to high school with because she's.....pretty? Is blonde? Happens to have chalked out her own path? What exactly her problem was with her, we'll never know because all this police officer does is....her job. There's no history mentioned of the police officer ever having been awful to Charlotte in high school or any sort of antagonistic history between them. And yet Charlotte constantly tries to undermine said police officer's authority, call her Barbie (which is obviously meant as a derogatory term), and roll her eyes at her constantly because clearly she's never gotten over her own insecurities about herself and keeps projecting them onto other women. There's also this iffy subplot about a new investigating police officer in town whom she starts a flirtation with which, of course, Barbie being a villain, can't stand because she has designs on him (was the author binge watching crappy 90s soaps while writing these plot points, I wonder). The cherry on top, however, is when Romantic Interest Police Officer tells our Charlotte (and I paraphrase) "Most other women would have been very scared to see a dead body in their basement" to which our fearless Charlotte says "I'm not like other women", which.......umm, HELLO, the LITERAL definition of Not Like Other Girls???
That was the point at which this book lost me. In the year of our Lord 2025, are we still writing this drivel? Are we really writing female lead characters because we want to cash in on feminism but making them pick mes because we've never truly delved into feminism and learned about true feminism?
If the author decides to expand this series, then the lead character needs a lot of work. Till then, I'm out.
2 stars/5
July 9, 2025
This started with the main character deciding she needs a break from writing the thriller books she’s done for the last 12 years and deciding to move home and then she jumps in to run a bookstore as 1/2 of an enterprise with an old school chum who will run the bakery 1/2. No mention is made on if she’s dumped her agent mid-contract (but he clearly disapprove last of her choices) or whatever arrangements lets her off the hook of not writing any more best sellers. Or does she plan to write part time? We don’t know. Nor is there any reasoning that because she’s written and published thrillers, that’s she’s qualified to run a bookstore. But whatever. Go with it. (-1*)
Then of course things start to happen. She finds the woman who was the precious co-partner in the bookstore/bakery duo who was murdered. She finds that the police investigator is a high school frenemy, so old rivals surface. Then because she’s written thrillers, the main character decides to solve it before the police. Why? Because “she’s competitive”, says her school chum, but we don’t hear her reason. Again, whatever, it’s hardly a good reason for how she treats the police and people she interviews: she hides evidence, lies to everyone, and annoys the lead, visiting detective while also making goo-goo eyes at him; gets hurt by the killer (most likely) and ignores it or heals awfully fast; and goes to an abandoned cabin in the woods to meet the potential killer with a fake ploy just for information (TSTL). And when she solves the mystery and murder, she’s almost killed but saved by the very detective she’s shunned the whole time. It’s amazing he didn’t just leave her to her fate, rather than ask her out on a date. (-2*)
And the cat appears to be an easy prop to move the plot along. That proves annoying to someone who has cats and sees them as more than life props.
I wanted to like this book: I like bookstore tropes; authors tropes; cat helper tropes. I didn’t like this one. There was no reason to antagonize the police, relive high school drama and flames, compete with a high school drama queen to see who will “get the man” — ugh! The last lines in the book told me that if there’s another in this as a series, I won’t be reading it.
Then of course things start to happen. She finds the woman who was the precious co-partner in the bookstore/bakery duo who was murdered. She finds that the police investigator is a high school frenemy, so old rivals surface. Then because she’s written thrillers, the main character decides to solve it before the police. Why? Because “she’s competitive”, says her school chum, but we don’t hear her reason. Again, whatever, it’s hardly a good reason for how she treats the police and people she interviews: she hides evidence, lies to everyone, and annoys the lead, visiting detective while also making goo-goo eyes at him; gets hurt by the killer (most likely) and ignores it or heals awfully fast; and goes to an abandoned cabin in the woods to meet the potential killer with a fake ploy just for information (TSTL). And when she solves the mystery and murder, she’s almost killed but saved by the very detective she’s shunned the whole time. It’s amazing he didn’t just leave her to her fate, rather than ask her out on a date. (-2*)
And the cat appears to be an easy prop to move the plot along. That proves annoying to someone who has cats and sees them as more than life props.
I wanted to like this book: I like bookstore tropes; authors tropes; cat helper tropes. I didn’t like this one. There was no reason to antagonize the police, relive high school drama and flames, compete with a high school drama queen to see who will “get the man” — ugh! The last lines in the book told me that if there’s another in this as a series, I won’t be reading it.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 25, 2025
Great start to this new cozy mystery series featuring a retired thriller writer who discovers the body of a real murder victim in the basement of her new bookstore.
Murder on the Books is the first book in veteran author Toni (T.C.) LoTempio’s excellent new Cozy Bookshop Mystery series and combines many of my favorite cozy mystery themes: a bakery, bookstore, a writer as the amateur sleuth, an engaging store cat, and an initially grumpy potential love interest. When thriller author Charley James, known as CJ Barrett to her leagues of fans, returns to her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania, she’s in dire need of a vacation from her fictional world of intrigue, mystery, and murder. But when she finds out her best friend since childhood has been left high and dry by her new business partner right before the grand opening of her own bakery, she gladly steps into the void to take up the reins of the partner’s bookstore, which shares the bakery’s space (and the expenses). However, before much progress is made toward getting the bookstore ready, Charley discovers the body of Zane’s former partner stuffed into the trunk in the bookstore basement; she hadn’t left town as her hasty note had indicated. But when the police start eyeing Zane as their best suspect, Charley must put her detective mindset back in place and find the real murderer and clear her friend’s name.
Charlotte “Charley” James is the likable main character and a successful novelist going through a spot of writer’s block. A failed romance on top of her burnout has led her to return to her hometown, hoping the comfortable, familiar surroundings and old friends will heal her soul and rejuvenate her spirit. Naturally, while some things have stayed the same, others have definitely changed, including the transformation of one of her high school classmates from prom queen to local cop and soon-to-be thorn in Charley’s side.The murder is discovered early in the story, so the focus of the book is mainly on the investigation, with world-building happening organically. Officer Barbara Donaldson is not at all secure in her role and compensates with unnecessary power plays directed toward Charley and Zane. The detective-in-charge on loan from Philadelphia, Ian Grant, starts out as a big ol’ jerk but quickly does an about-face once he’s gotten to know Charley better. Even with his rough start, I still rooted for them to develop a relationship.
I loved that Charley blatantly uses the town gossips to obtain information and to catch up on what’s going on in their little town. There are few secrets these ladies don’t know about, and Austin has the typical small-town vibe where everyone knows you, your family, and what everyone is up to. I also enjoyed the anthropomorphic cat, Poe, and his antics.The story progresses quickly, and the grand opening deadline is breathing down the women’s necks; so much is riding on the businesses proving to be successes and soon. While there are some alternate suspects besides Zane, the resolution may still come as a surprise, and it makes sense. The story was entertaining, the characters engaging, and I was immersed in Charley’s debut story from start to finish.
I recommend MURDER ON THE BOOKS to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy bookstore or bakery settings, writers as amateur sleuths, and fun romantic subplots.I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.
August 30, 2025
Charlotte “Charley” James, bestselling thriller author under the pen name C.J. Barrett, is in desperate need of a reset. Burnt out, blocked, and still nursing a bruised heart, she trades the chaos of New York City for the comfort of her hometown in Austin, Pennsylvania. She’s barely settled in when her childhood best friend Zane ropes her into helping with a new joint venture: Zane’s bakery paired with a charming bookstore. But before Charley can dust the shelves and prep for opening day, she stumbles across the body of Zane’s missing business partner hidden in the shop’s basement.
With Zane immediately landing on the police’s suspect list, Charley knows she has to put her mystery-writing skills to work to clear her friend’s name. Alongside her newly adopted black cat, Poe (whose feline intuition is not to be ignored), Charley dives headfirst into small-town secrets, sharp gossip networks, and more than a few suspicious locals. Detective Ian Grant—gruff, guarded, and more than a little intriguing—makes things complicated, especially as sparks fly between them while the case heats up.
This is a cozy mystery that ticks all the right boxes: a bookstore and bakery setting, a clever amateur sleuth with insider mystery knowledge, a delightful animal sidekick, and a simmering romantic subplot. The mystery unfolds quickly, with short chapters, multiple suspects, and plenty of red herrings to keep armchair detectives engaged. I especially loved the small-town dynamics—high school acquaintances grown up, gossip passed along like currency, and local grudges that make everyone look guilty at some point.
Charley is a protagonist readers will root for—smart, witty, and resilient. Her friendship with Zane is warm and believable, and her banter with Detective Grant adds just the right amount of tension. By the final reveal, I was both surprised and satisfied, and eager to spend more time in Charley’s cozy corner of Austin.
A promising start to the new Cozy Bookshop Mystery series, Murder on the Books is perfect for fans of bookish cozies, strong female sleuths, and a little romance with their whodunit.
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
With Zane immediately landing on the police’s suspect list, Charley knows she has to put her mystery-writing skills to work to clear her friend’s name. Alongside her newly adopted black cat, Poe (whose feline intuition is not to be ignored), Charley dives headfirst into small-town secrets, sharp gossip networks, and more than a few suspicious locals. Detective Ian Grant—gruff, guarded, and more than a little intriguing—makes things complicated, especially as sparks fly between them while the case heats up.
This is a cozy mystery that ticks all the right boxes: a bookstore and bakery setting, a clever amateur sleuth with insider mystery knowledge, a delightful animal sidekick, and a simmering romantic subplot. The mystery unfolds quickly, with short chapters, multiple suspects, and plenty of red herrings to keep armchair detectives engaged. I especially loved the small-town dynamics—high school acquaintances grown up, gossip passed along like currency, and local grudges that make everyone look guilty at some point.
Charley is a protagonist readers will root for—smart, witty, and resilient. Her friendship with Zane is warm and believable, and her banter with Detective Grant adds just the right amount of tension. By the final reveal, I was both surprised and satisfied, and eager to spend more time in Charley’s cozy corner of Austin.
A promising start to the new Cozy Bookshop Mystery series, Murder on the Books is perfect for fans of bookish cozies, strong female sleuths, and a little romance with their whodunit.
Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
November 16, 2025
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder on the Books is the first book in a cozy shopfront mystery series by T.C. Lotempio. Released 1st July 2025 by Severn House, it's 233 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 1st quarter 2026 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a warm and quirky smalltown bookstore cozy with a female amateur sleuth, who's taking a hiatus from her successful career as a mystery writer to try to get over crippling writer's block. Set in rural Pennsylvania, the author does a good job with both setting and descriptive prose. As with nearly all smalltown cozies, it's full of eccentric characters and light-hearted dialogue.
The setup and murder are over-the-top, but not unusually so for a cozy mystery. As for the genre, the violence occurs mostly off-page, and the language is clean throughout. She acquires a cat called Poe along the way who also proves integral to the story. Happily, it's full of bookish mystery genre Easter eggs and name-drops, both classic and more modern for readers to chase down at their leisure.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours, 49 minutes and is read by Christa Lewis. She has a warm and smooth alto voice and although her voice in some characters was a bit rough (abrasive?) it doesn't overpower the read. She does a fair job of delineating the different characters; they're easy to keep distinct from one another. Sound and production quality were high throughout the read.
Four stars. It would make a good bus/commute read or a buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder on the Books is the first book in a cozy shopfront mystery series by T.C. Lotempio. Released 1st July 2025 by Severn House, it's 233 pages and is available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats. Paperback format due out in 1st quarter 2026 from the same publisher. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a warm and quirky smalltown bookstore cozy with a female amateur sleuth, who's taking a hiatus from her successful career as a mystery writer to try to get over crippling writer's block. Set in rural Pennsylvania, the author does a good job with both setting and descriptive prose. As with nearly all smalltown cozies, it's full of eccentric characters and light-hearted dialogue.
The setup and murder are over-the-top, but not unusually so for a cozy mystery. As for the genre, the violence occurs mostly off-page, and the language is clean throughout. She acquires a cat called Poe along the way who also proves integral to the story. Happily, it's full of bookish mystery genre Easter eggs and name-drops, both classic and more modern for readers to chase down at their leisure.
The unabridged audiobook has a run time of 7 hours, 49 minutes and is read by Christa Lewis. She has a warm and smooth alto voice and although her voice in some characters was a bit rough (abrasive?) it doesn't overpower the read. She does a fair job of delineating the different characters; they're easy to keep distinct from one another. Sound and production quality were high throughout the read.
Four stars. It would make a good bus/commute read or a buddy read.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
March 21, 2025
If you’ve ever wondered what it would be like to read a Hallmark Mystery movie in book format, wonder no more. Murder on the Books from best-selling author T.C. LoTempio is as close as you will ever get.
By the way, that is not a bad thing. In fact, from a cozy mystery perspective, it’s a great thing!
I could practically see the movie play out in my mind's eye as I read it. And I loved it.
The story goes that Charley James is a best-selling author who writes under the pseudonym CJ Barrett - but only her best friend knows that.
Tired and needing a break, she has returned to her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania, after more than a decade in New York.
When her best friend's business partner, Sheila, ups and disappears, Charley steps in to take over the lease on her bookshop.
It's only then that Charley makes a grim discovery - Sheila's body in the basement of the bookstore.
Now she's on a mission to find the killer - much to the frustration of Detective Ian Grant.
But can she find out whodunit before the culprit strikes again?
--------------------------------
I loved this book. It's a quintessentially cozy mystery that ticks all of the right boxes. Great characters, plotting, and enough clues to keep you engaged in trying to guess the killer.
There are a lot of chatty townsfolk who are happy to give Charley all the info she needs, which is highly unrealistic, but it's a plot device, and it works to move the story along.
There's a budding romance, lovely friendships, and an impending bookstore opening in a quaint town - what's not to love?
Perfect for cozy mystery fans, maybe not so much if you prefer something a little grittier.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Murder on the Books by T.C. LoTempio in exchange for my honest opinion.
By the way, that is not a bad thing. In fact, from a cozy mystery perspective, it’s a great thing!
I could practically see the movie play out in my mind's eye as I read it. And I loved it.
The story goes that Charley James is a best-selling author who writes under the pseudonym CJ Barrett - but only her best friend knows that.
Tired and needing a break, she has returned to her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania, after more than a decade in New York.
When her best friend's business partner, Sheila, ups and disappears, Charley steps in to take over the lease on her bookshop.
It's only then that Charley makes a grim discovery - Sheila's body in the basement of the bookstore.
Now she's on a mission to find the killer - much to the frustration of Detective Ian Grant.
But can she find out whodunit before the culprit strikes again?
--------------------------------
I loved this book. It's a quintessentially cozy mystery that ticks all of the right boxes. Great characters, plotting, and enough clues to keep you engaged in trying to guess the killer.
There are a lot of chatty townsfolk who are happy to give Charley all the info she needs, which is highly unrealistic, but it's a plot device, and it works to move the story along.
There's a budding romance, lovely friendships, and an impending bookstore opening in a quaint town - what's not to love?
Perfect for cozy mystery fans, maybe not so much if you prefer something a little grittier.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read Murder on the Books by T.C. LoTempio in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 3, 2025
I've just finished reading "Murder on the books" by T. C. LoTempio. This book is set to be released on the first of juli this year.
This book is a general fiction / murder mystery. I had the pleasure to ARC read this book. When I saw the cover and the cat I was sold.
I have to say, this book is more for those who don't like gore, smut, or a real good crime. It's a bit meek, it's a story I would actually let my 10 year old daughter read since there are no gruesome details in the book. Suspenseful twists? No, not really. I did find the way the cat (Poe) was portrayed kind of annoying, it's a cat.. Not a dog. You don't take cats on rides and leave them in the car for hours without water, food and a litter box.
In this story we follow Charley, a writer with writers block who wants to take a break and is moving back to her hometown. After meeting her friend Zane and hearing about a business opening idea, she steps up. A bookstore with mainly mysteries and thrillers, yes please! They find a stray cat in the alleyway out back and decide to adopt him and call him Poe. Former business partner of Zane just up and left, leaving an opening.
Fast forward. After finding a body, that of none other than the missing businesspartner the mystery begins. Who was she? Why was she killed? Who killed her? Charley, who has written about 15 thrillers decides to look into things, hoping to uncover the one that did the deed.
Again, I would recommend to those who want to read a mystery for the first time, those who like cozy mysteries, or just teens that would like to read mystery. There is 0 smut, no romance, no kissing.. (which if fine by me!) there are no graphic details. Also, nothing really suspenseful, plottwist.. Not really, saw it coming.
It's a 2,5 star for me.
This book is a general fiction / murder mystery. I had the pleasure to ARC read this book. When I saw the cover and the cat I was sold.
I have to say, this book is more for those who don't like gore, smut, or a real good crime. It's a bit meek, it's a story I would actually let my 10 year old daughter read since there are no gruesome details in the book. Suspenseful twists? No, not really. I did find the way the cat (Poe) was portrayed kind of annoying, it's a cat.. Not a dog. You don't take cats on rides and leave them in the car for hours without water, food and a litter box.
In this story we follow Charley, a writer with writers block who wants to take a break and is moving back to her hometown. After meeting her friend Zane and hearing about a business opening idea, she steps up. A bookstore with mainly mysteries and thrillers, yes please! They find a stray cat in the alleyway out back and decide to adopt him and call him Poe. Former business partner of Zane just up and left, leaving an opening.
Fast forward. After finding a body, that of none other than the missing businesspartner the mystery begins. Who was she? Why was she killed? Who killed her? Charley, who has written about 15 thrillers decides to look into things, hoping to uncover the one that did the deed.
Again, I would recommend to those who want to read a mystery for the first time, those who like cozy mysteries, or just teens that would like to read mystery. There is 0 smut, no romance, no kissing.. (which if fine by me!) there are no graphic details. Also, nothing really suspenseful, plottwist.. Not really, saw it coming.
It's a 2,5 star for me.
March 27, 2025
Who ever said that working in a bookstore is a safe job?
In what I hope to be the first of many in a series, we meet author turned bookstore proprietress Charley James. A successful thriller author that writes under a pseudonym, she takes a break by going back to her hometown of Austin and catches up with her best friend Zane. Zane's business partner recently backed out of their dual bookshop-bakery property and thinks she'll have to forfeit her dream until Charley takes over the literary side. As the two women prepare to open the business, they make a gruesome discovery that brings question upon question along with it.
This book does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to a new cast of characters, while also establishing the cozy vibes that one often associates with their own hometown. Charley is very likeable, and I kept waiting for someone to figure out her writer identity. The introduction of a cat always helps a book for me, so Poe is a sassy and welcome addition to the entirety of the story.
The mystery itself kept me guessing for quite awhile, thinking that I had nailed down the killer early on. The author does a great job of providing legitimate suspects, instead of trying to convince readers to fall for an obvious red herring. The chemistry between Charley and a character (whose name I will not mention to prevent spoilers) is that exciting sizzle, providing room for future romance building.
The way that the author also deals with mental health is honest and doesn't shy away from discussing it as real people would. Bravo for this!
I for one hope that this isn't the last I've read about Charley, Poe and company.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
In what I hope to be the first of many in a series, we meet author turned bookstore proprietress Charley James. A successful thriller author that writes under a pseudonym, she takes a break by going back to her hometown of Austin and catches up with her best friend Zane. Zane's business partner recently backed out of their dual bookshop-bakery property and thinks she'll have to forfeit her dream until Charley takes over the literary side. As the two women prepare to open the business, they make a gruesome discovery that brings question upon question along with it.
This book does a wonderful job of introducing the reader to a new cast of characters, while also establishing the cozy vibes that one often associates with their own hometown. Charley is very likeable, and I kept waiting for someone to figure out her writer identity. The introduction of a cat always helps a book for me, so Poe is a sassy and welcome addition to the entirety of the story.
The mystery itself kept me guessing for quite awhile, thinking that I had nailed down the killer early on. The author does a great job of providing legitimate suspects, instead of trying to convince readers to fall for an obvious red herring. The chemistry between Charley and a character (whose name I will not mention to prevent spoilers) is that exciting sizzle, providing room for future romance building.
The way that the author also deals with mental health is honest and doesn't shy away from discussing it as real people would. Bravo for this!
I for one hope that this isn't the last I've read about Charley, Poe and company.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read this book for free in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 17, 2025
Oh my goodness what a fun cozy mystery debut in a new series. As usual, TC LoTempio has created a fun female protagonist and an adorable feline companion in Poe. However, that is where her similarities to her other books comes to a halt.
Best-selling author CJ Barrett, AKA Charlotte James, is going on a hiatus and returning to her hometown of Austin, PA from the Big Apple. She needs a change of scenery as she has finally hit writer's block. She spends time with her BFF, Zane, who is opening a bakery in conjunction with a business partner who is opening a bookstore next door, except Zane shares the news that her partner backed out at the last second and she is afraid of losing her dream bakery. Charlotte, or Charley, steps in and thinks taking over the bookstore is exactly the distraction she needs for a while. In prepping for their opening, Charlotte literally stumbles across a chest in the basement, knocking it over and out tumbles a human hand... attached to an arm, and so forth. Zane's partner didn't exactly take off, she got herself killed.
You can read the rest of the delicious plot details for yourself. Charley, a mystery writer and puzzle afficionado, wants to find out whodunit both for her curiosity and to save she and Zane's businesses. Add the charming addition of adopted stray kitty, Poe, who has a nose for finding clues and you have one crazy adventure.
Poe is clearly the star of this book. I found myself looking forward to reading it after a day at work. It is a light, cute read for an afternoon in your favorite chair in the summer sun. I highly recommend this cozy for cat lovers and cozy fans everywhere.
My thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Best-selling author CJ Barrett, AKA Charlotte James, is going on a hiatus and returning to her hometown of Austin, PA from the Big Apple. She needs a change of scenery as she has finally hit writer's block. She spends time with her BFF, Zane, who is opening a bakery in conjunction with a business partner who is opening a bookstore next door, except Zane shares the news that her partner backed out at the last second and she is afraid of losing her dream bakery. Charlotte, or Charley, steps in and thinks taking over the bookstore is exactly the distraction she needs for a while. In prepping for their opening, Charlotte literally stumbles across a chest in the basement, knocking it over and out tumbles a human hand... attached to an arm, and so forth. Zane's partner didn't exactly take off, she got herself killed.
You can read the rest of the delicious plot details for yourself. Charley, a mystery writer and puzzle afficionado, wants to find out whodunit both for her curiosity and to save she and Zane's businesses. Add the charming addition of adopted stray kitty, Poe, who has a nose for finding clues and you have one crazy adventure.
Poe is clearly the star of this book. I found myself looking forward to reading it after a day at work. It is a light, cute read for an afternoon in your favorite chair in the summer sun. I highly recommend this cozy for cat lovers and cozy fans everywhere.
My thanks to Severn House and Netgalley for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 22, 2025
Famous mystery author Charley James, aka C.J. Barrett, is taking a break from writing after facing burnout. Returning to her hometown she gets the opportunity to take over the bookstore her childhood friend Zane’s business partner abandoned. Sheila left suddenly leaving only a note behind. Soon her body is found in the basement of the bookstore.
T.C. LoTempio’s Murder on the Books certainly lives up to its claim as a cozy mystery. The book is a fun and easy read, that requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. The mystery itself is not something innovating and new, but it is still fun. A classic whodunit that takes you from murder to stalking, missing collectibles, secret meetings and everything in between. As it is a cozy mystery there is not a lot of action and what exists is low stakes.
Most of the characters feel real and relatable, the way that Charley handles her burn out is refreshing to see in a book. But some of the characters feel flat and like they are placed only to move the plot forward. My favourite character is Poe the cat. Charley and Zane find him in the alley behind the bookstore, and he has almost more personality than Charley. All the way through the book Poe helps Charley find the clues she needs to keep working on the mystery.
It could have been a five-star read, but I feel like the relationships between the characters need to be more fleshed out and involved for me to reach that level.
If you like cozy mysteries this could be the book for you, and it is my hope that we get to see more from Charley and Poe in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
T.C. LoTempio’s Murder on the Books certainly lives up to its claim as a cozy mystery. The book is a fun and easy read, that requires a certain amount of suspension of disbelief. The mystery itself is not something innovating and new, but it is still fun. A classic whodunit that takes you from murder to stalking, missing collectibles, secret meetings and everything in between. As it is a cozy mystery there is not a lot of action and what exists is low stakes.
Most of the characters feel real and relatable, the way that Charley handles her burn out is refreshing to see in a book. But some of the characters feel flat and like they are placed only to move the plot forward. My favourite character is Poe the cat. Charley and Zane find him in the alley behind the bookstore, and he has almost more personality than Charley. All the way through the book Poe helps Charley find the clues she needs to keep working on the mystery.
It could have been a five-star read, but I feel like the relationships between the characters need to be more fleshed out and involved for me to reach that level.
If you like cozy mysteries this could be the book for you, and it is my hope that we get to see more from Charley and Poe in the future.
Thank you to NetGalley and Severn House for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.
March 21, 2025
I received an ARC copy of this book from the publishers Severn House via NetGalley.
This is the first in a new series of books by the author.
We meet Charley, retired author of mystery books, going by the pen name C. J Barrett. Charley returns to her hometown and soon agrees to go into business with her best friend Zane. We learn that Zane is opening a bakery and is in need of someone to take over the bookstore that was planned for the second part of the building alongside it. Sheila, who was due to be her business partner, has disappeared after leaving a message pulling out. Charley comes across an antique trunk in the basement of the bookstore, and inside is the dead body of Sheila. Charley and newly adopted cat Poe set out to uncover the mystery behind what's happened to Sheila. Will she uncover the truth, or will the killer get her first?
This is a great book for those looking for a small town cosy murder mystery rather than a thriller. Theres no overly detailed parts of the murder that could be seen as too gruesome or scary.
Aside from the murder we have the difficult relationship between the BFFS and the towns Police officer, which relates back to their school days. A possible future romance brewing between Charley and the detective called in to help on the case. Along with friendships, old and new.
I felt like I had a good intro to the characters, and I look forward to seeing how they progress in the next instalment. The perfect book for those who prefer a murder mystery to a thriller.
This is the first in a new series of books by the author.
We meet Charley, retired author of mystery books, going by the pen name C. J Barrett. Charley returns to her hometown and soon agrees to go into business with her best friend Zane. We learn that Zane is opening a bakery and is in need of someone to take over the bookstore that was planned for the second part of the building alongside it. Sheila, who was due to be her business partner, has disappeared after leaving a message pulling out. Charley comes across an antique trunk in the basement of the bookstore, and inside is the dead body of Sheila. Charley and newly adopted cat Poe set out to uncover the mystery behind what's happened to Sheila. Will she uncover the truth, or will the killer get her first?
This is a great book for those looking for a small town cosy murder mystery rather than a thriller. Theres no overly detailed parts of the murder that could be seen as too gruesome or scary.
Aside from the murder we have the difficult relationship between the BFFS and the towns Police officer, which relates back to their school days. A possible future romance brewing between Charley and the detective called in to help on the case. Along with friendships, old and new.
I felt like I had a good intro to the characters, and I look forward to seeing how they progress in the next instalment. The perfect book for those who prefer a murder mystery to a thriller.
June 23, 2025
Charley James is a famous mystery/thriller author (under a penname to keep her identity private), but after 12 books in 10 years she is burned out and uninspired. She decides to move back to her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania for a fresh start and reconnects with her childhood friend, Zane. She arrives just after Zane's business partner in her almost opened bakery/bookstore, Sheila bails on the business and leaves town. Charley takes it as a sign to take over the bookstore business and put down roots in Austin once again.
Unfortunately, while prepping the store Charley finds that Sheila never actually left town in is in fact dead in the basement of the store. With her friend under suspicion Charley uses what she's learned writing her mystery series to try and track down the killer. She also spends time getting to know the Philly detective helping with the case.
A fun new cozy series with lots of suspects to keep you intrigued. I did guess the murderer by the end, but I still enjoyed the read and would continue the series.
My two critiques would be that I loved Poe the cat, but it was strange that Charley kept him locked in her car multiple times. I don't think most cats would enjoy that experience. I also thought it was strange that a best selling author of a dozen books that everyone seems to have heard of, is worried about her money running out in 18months and needing to find a job. I'm not saying she should be a millionaire, but she thinks 300$ a month to rent a room is a rip off - the money talk seems a bit off.
Unfortunately, while prepping the store Charley finds that Sheila never actually left town in is in fact dead in the basement of the store. With her friend under suspicion Charley uses what she's learned writing her mystery series to try and track down the killer. She also spends time getting to know the Philly detective helping with the case.
A fun new cozy series with lots of suspects to keep you intrigued. I did guess the murderer by the end, but I still enjoyed the read and would continue the series.
My two critiques would be that I loved Poe the cat, but it was strange that Charley kept him locked in her car multiple times. I don't think most cats would enjoy that experience. I also thought it was strange that a best selling author of a dozen books that everyone seems to have heard of, is worried about her money running out in 18months and needing to find a job. I'm not saying she should be a millionaire, but she thinks 300$ a month to rent a room is a rip off - the money talk seems a bit off.
July 11, 2025
MURDER ON THE BOOKS by T.C. LoTempio
The First Cozy Bookshop Mystery
Burn out and a case of writer's block cause Charlotte (Charley) James to turn her back on New York City and life as bestselling author C.J. Barrett, much to the dismay of her agent. Deciding on an extended stay in her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania Charley is delighted to spend time with her good friend Zane. When Charley learns Zane's business partner left abruptly she offers to take over the bookstore portion of the business allowing Zane to open her dream bakery. But when a trip to the basement leads to the discovery of a body and Zane becomes a suspect, Charley puts her mystery knowledge to use while getting closer to the grumpy and taciturn detective on loan to the town.
I really enjoy when the protagonist of a mystery happens to be an author of mysteries and such is the case in the first Cozy Bookshop Mystery. Not only that, she's going to own a bookstore! It's fun seeing the insider knowledge come out, but what makes it even more fun in this book is that hardly anyone knows that Charley is an author. I can't wait for people discover the truth and I have a feeling she won't be able to hide this fact from Detective Grant for long. I love the dynamic of high school acquaintances grown up and forced to deal with each other for better or worse and it's especially fun to see Barbie as a police officer and watch her attempt to rise in the ranks while keeping her man hunter ways. The addition of Poe is delightful and I hope Charley pays attention to his opinions of other characters. I appreciated how the mystery played out, especially the ending.
A smart protagonist, an intriguing detective, and a lucky black cat make MURDER ON THE BOOKS a delightful series opener. I can't wait to see the new shops flourish and watch Charley and Ian get cooking, both literally and figuratively!
The First Cozy Bookshop Mystery
Burn out and a case of writer's block cause Charlotte (Charley) James to turn her back on New York City and life as bestselling author C.J. Barrett, much to the dismay of her agent. Deciding on an extended stay in her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania Charley is delighted to spend time with her good friend Zane. When Charley learns Zane's business partner left abruptly she offers to take over the bookstore portion of the business allowing Zane to open her dream bakery. But when a trip to the basement leads to the discovery of a body and Zane becomes a suspect, Charley puts her mystery knowledge to use while getting closer to the grumpy and taciturn detective on loan to the town.
I really enjoy when the protagonist of a mystery happens to be an author of mysteries and such is the case in the first Cozy Bookshop Mystery. Not only that, she's going to own a bookstore! It's fun seeing the insider knowledge come out, but what makes it even more fun in this book is that hardly anyone knows that Charley is an author. I can't wait for people discover the truth and I have a feeling she won't be able to hide this fact from Detective Grant for long. I love the dynamic of high school acquaintances grown up and forced to deal with each other for better or worse and it's especially fun to see Barbie as a police officer and watch her attempt to rise in the ranks while keeping her man hunter ways. The addition of Poe is delightful and I hope Charley pays attention to his opinions of other characters. I appreciated how the mystery played out, especially the ending.
A smart protagonist, an intriguing detective, and a lucky black cat make MURDER ON THE BOOKS a delightful series opener. I can't wait to see the new shops flourish and watch Charley and Ian get cooking, both literally and figuratively!
July 8, 2025
Murder on the Books by T.C. LoTempio
Successful mystery writer Charley James returns to her quaint hometown while struggling with writer's block, only to find herself in the middle of a real-life murder mystery - side note, as someone who comes from a small town, I find it hard to believe that no one in town knows she's a famous author but with disbelief suspended.
Zane had been about to open her bakery in one half of a double-store front with her buisness partner Sheila, until Shelia leaves town suddenly, leaving only a note. So within days of her arrival, Charley is set to open a bookshop, having been talked into it by longtime friend, Zane. While getting the bookshop ready to open, Charley discovers Sheila's body in the basement.
There's a slow burn romance included, adding to conflict and adding both tension and lightness to the plot. I think you'll like this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries, that include bookshops, bakeries or with a touch of romance ... or if you enjoy books that have a cat with main character energy (for example The Widows' Guide to... series by Amanda Ashby)
Thank you to Netgalley and Severn for this ARC.
Thumbs up.
Body Count = 1
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Successful mystery writer Charley James returns to her quaint hometown while struggling with writer's block, only to find herself in the middle of a real-life murder mystery - side note, as someone who comes from a small town, I find it hard to believe that no one in town knows she's a famous author but with disbelief suspended.
Zane had been about to open her bakery in one half of a double-store front with her buisness partner Sheila, until Shelia leaves town suddenly, leaving only a note. So within days of her arrival, Charley is set to open a bookshop, having been talked into it by longtime friend, Zane. While getting the bookshop ready to open, Charley discovers Sheila's body in the basement.
There's a slow burn romance included, adding to conflict and adding both tension and lightness to the plot. I think you'll like this book if you enjoy cozy mysteries, that include bookshops, bakeries or with a touch of romance ... or if you enjoy books that have a cat with main character energy (for example The Widows' Guide to... series by Amanda Ashby)
Thank you to Netgalley and Severn for this ARC.
Thumbs up.
Body Count = 1
@severnhouseimprint #severnhouseimprint @netgalley #NetGalley
#Bookstagram #booksdeevaareads #2025bookshelf #goreadabook #allthebooks #booknerd #Designer #GraphicDesign #DesignNerd #designdeevaa #CreativeLife #DesignInspiration #ArtAndDesign #Designer #Grapicdesign #DesignNerd #FashionDesign #AustralianAuthor #Melbourne #NewRelease #ArtAndCulture #SupportArtists
April 7, 2025
Murder on the Books is your fairly standard, cosy mystery. Books, a cat, a stubborn female protagonist, and a brooding romantic interest - it ticks all the usual boxes.
The story is narrated by Charlotte (Charley) James, who is tired of writing bestselling crime novels and decides to take a break and move back to her hometown. For some reason no one in her home town knows she became an author (she writes under a pseudonym) and she decides to lie when anyone asks what she did for work in New York, also for further unknown reasons. However, mysteries can't seem to stay away from Charley when she discovers a body and sets out to solve the crime.
The mystery is fairly basic and easy to follow, not much brain power required, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why Charley decided to investigate. It's not like the police aren't also investigating, and at some points, she hinders their efforts by stealing and withholding evidence and important information. I genuinely hoped she would be arrested for interfering in police business. The reasons she gives for not trusting the police I think is that one of the officers is hot and the other one she didn't get on well at school with? There's also a bit of "I'm not like other girls" going on. Charley actually says this at one point when the hot detective comments on her drinking black coffee, something which no woman has done before ever.
I've been quite harsh in this review, but Murder on the Books still kept me entertained. If you like a cosy mystery, then you'll enjoy this. If you don't, you won't.
The story is narrated by Charlotte (Charley) James, who is tired of writing bestselling crime novels and decides to take a break and move back to her hometown. For some reason no one in her home town knows she became an author (she writes under a pseudonym) and she decides to lie when anyone asks what she did for work in New York, also for further unknown reasons. However, mysteries can't seem to stay away from Charley when she discovers a body and sets out to solve the crime.
The mystery is fairly basic and easy to follow, not much brain power required, but for the life of me, I couldn't figure out why Charley decided to investigate. It's not like the police aren't also investigating, and at some points, she hinders their efforts by stealing and withholding evidence and important information. I genuinely hoped she would be arrested for interfering in police business. The reasons she gives for not trusting the police I think is that one of the officers is hot and the other one she didn't get on well at school with? There's also a bit of "I'm not like other girls" going on. Charley actually says this at one point when the hot detective comments on her drinking black coffee, something which no woman has done before ever.
I've been quite harsh in this review, but Murder on the Books still kept me entertained. If you like a cosy mystery, then you'll enjoy this. If you don't, you won't.
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