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Book Club Murder: A Bookish Sleuth And Locked Room Mystery
A locked-room murder. A trail of Agatha Christie clues. And a socially awkward librarian who just might be the next target…
Gabby has spent most of her life hiding behind the stacks of the quaint Maplewood Library, preferring books to people—except for Detective Brandon, who doesn’t respect her Miss Marple-ish knowledge. When a book club member is found dead in a locked room Gabby sees her chance to impress him and shed her reputation as the town recluse. But when the police brush off the case, and a second victim turns up in a crime eerily similar to an Agatha Christie novel, Gabby and her amateur sleuthing group are convinced they have a copycat killer on their hands.
Their investigation takes a deadly turn when Gabby realizes the murders are linked to the book club’s most devout member, and her seemingly innocent gifts. As the killer closes in, Gabby finds herself trapped in the ultimate whodunit—one where she’s the next victim. Can she outwit a murderer using her literary knowledge, or will her first real case be her last?
For readers who love small-town mysteries filled with big secrets, locked-room murder puzzles with Agatha Christie vibes, and a quirky sidekick dog (because every great sleuth needs one). If a slow-burn romance between an amateur sleuth and a grumpy detective intrigues you, and you enjoy a cozy, bookish setting with a tight-knit mystery book club, this is the perfect read. Ideal for fans of Ellery Adams, Jenn McKinlay, and Agatha Christie.
Gabby has spent most of her life hiding behind the stacks of the quaint Maplewood Library, preferring books to people—except for Detective Brandon, who doesn’t respect her Miss Marple-ish knowledge. When a book club member is found dead in a locked room Gabby sees her chance to impress him and shed her reputation as the town recluse. But when the police brush off the case, and a second victim turns up in a crime eerily similar to an Agatha Christie novel, Gabby and her amateur sleuthing group are convinced they have a copycat killer on their hands.
Their investigation takes a deadly turn when Gabby realizes the murders are linked to the book club’s most devout member, and her seemingly innocent gifts. As the killer closes in, Gabby finds herself trapped in the ultimate whodunit—one where she’s the next victim. Can she outwit a murderer using her literary knowledge, or will her first real case be her last?
For readers who love small-town mysteries filled with big secrets, locked-room murder puzzles with Agatha Christie vibes, and a quirky sidekick dog (because every great sleuth needs one). If a slow-burn romance between an amateur sleuth and a grumpy detective intrigues you, and you enjoy a cozy, bookish setting with a tight-knit mystery book club, this is the perfect read. Ideal for fans of Ellery Adams, Jenn McKinlay, and Agatha Christie.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 5, 2025
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
August 16, 2026
Gabby Keats, the librarian in Maplewood, leads a popular book club that is currently reading the Miss Marple mystery A Murder is Announced. She also meets daily in the library with a group of mystery-loving senior citizens, the Sleuths.
On the morning after a book club meeting, one club member is found dead in her home. It turns out she has been poisoned with arsenic. This gives the Sleuths a real live case to consider.
This cozy mystery has a cute dog named Agatha and a cast of zany characters, including a police detective who likes Gabby but formally arrests her at one point---not because he thinks she is guilty, but to ask her to help him with the case.
On the morning after a book club meeting, one club member is found dead in her home. It turns out she has been poisoned with arsenic. This gives the Sleuths a real live case to consider.
This cozy mystery has a cute dog named Agatha and a cast of zany characters, including a police detective who likes Gabby but formally arrests her at one point---not because he thinks she is guilty, but to ask her to help him with the case.
May 9, 2026
Not a fan
I genuinely did not like this book. For starters there is a short book that explains events that happened before this book. Its just over 50 pages. I did not read it because I didn't know about it when u started this book. I didn't like most of the characters in this book. I thought some were dumb and a lot of things in this book seemed so unrealistic. It was very frustrating to read. I've read a decent amount of crime/mystery books and I just felt that this one fell short.
I genuinely did not like this book. For starters there is a short book that explains events that happened before this book. Its just over 50 pages. I did not read it because I didn't know about it when u started this book. I didn't like most of the characters in this book. I thought some were dumb and a lot of things in this book seemed so unrealistic. It was very frustrating to read. I've read a decent amount of crime/mystery books and I just felt that this one fell short.
November 3, 2026
I really enjoyed this book, and Gabby was a big part of what made it such a satisfying read. She’s the kind of protagonist I enjoy spending time with, and I loved following along with her.
Reading this reminded me of the old Nancy Drew books I loved in my youth. It brought back that familiar pleasure of getting caught up in a mystery and enjoying the company of the person trying to solve it. That nostalgic feeling made the experience even better.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and an easy five stars from me!
Reading this reminded me of the old Nancy Drew books I loved in my youth. It brought back that familiar pleasure of getting caught up in a mystery and enjoying the company of the person trying to solve it. That nostalgic feeling made the experience even better.
A thoroughly enjoyable read and an easy five stars from me!
April 9, 2026
books and mystery—who could ask for more?
No one is perfect and that makes for the perfect read in my world. Grab a copy or add to your kindle waiting list (just don’t wait too long😸).
No one is perfect and that makes for the perfect read in my world. Grab a copy or add to your kindle waiting list (just don’t wait too long😸).
July 13, 2026
Book Club Murder
Cute story a out a book club that is trying to solve a murder which h occurred in a locked room. The book club loves Agatha Christie's novels. Wait until you find out who did it!
Cute story a out a book club that is trying to solve a murder which h occurred in a locked room. The book club loves Agatha Christie's novels. Wait until you find out who did it!
June 3, 2025
Well written but no surprises. I needed a “locked room mystery” for a book challenge and wanted something new. Can’t use short story “Murder at Rue Morgue”. Fun characters.
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews