The Bookshop Mysteries: A Legacy of Lies: A Small Town Cozy Mystery

The Bookshop Mysteries #3

by S.A. Reeves

Gemma never expected to be invited to a total stranger’s will reading, and she’s even more baffled when she receives a vintage set of encyclopaedias and a letter with strict instructions to read it in private

The letter contains a cryptic code; a long sequence of numbers. Wanting to keep a promise to his late wife, but also unburden his conscience, the deceased man wanted to expose a long-hidden family secret connected to a decades old unsolved murder. Gemma, the owner of The Bookworm Bookshop and her sharp-witted business partner, Mavis, must solve the code and uncover the truth. As they follow the clues, they uncover a legacy of lies from a family desperate to protect its past.

Set in the picturesque English countryside, The Bookshop Mysteries – A Legacy of Lies is a cozy mystery filled with twists, puzzles and the charm of small-town intrigue. Will Gemma and Mavis uncover the truth, or will this family’s deadly legacy remain buried?

The Bookshop Mysteries – A Legacy of Lies, the gripping sequel to A Bitter Pill and A Murder at the Church, is a must-read for anyone who loves cozy mysteries. A Legacy of Lies is perfect for readers who enjoyed The Thursday Murder Club and The Body in the Bookstore.

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery

360 pages, Paperback

Published May 4, 2025

Reviews

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I typically like mysteries that are more graphic and violent in nature, so I wasn’t sure about this book at all. I was hesitant to begin reading it, but it was only 288 pages, so I decided to give it a chance. I am very happy that I did because now I want to read the other books in the series. The premise is that a group of amateur sleuths, led by a bookshop owner, unravels the mystery of a headless body found 40 years ago, at the behest of a dead man that none of the group knew. The storyline involves ciphers, a set of identical twins, and an organized crime syndicate set in the beautiful English countryside with a picture-perfect little bookshop and café as their main hub. The main characters are interesting, Gemma, the bookshop owner is someone you would want as a friend. She is not the saccharine sweet character that I had anticipated, she goes toe to toe with the villain and shows that she is made of stronger stuff than expected. David, an older police officer and group member, is quick witted and not afraid to take risks to help his friends. Mavis, Gemma’s friend and group member, is sharp and wields a menacing umbrella. Why I originally thought this book was about a group of retired armchair detectives is beyond me. I genuinely liked these characters. I enjoyed their group discussion on Agatha Christie and have been inspired to give her material another try. I really liked how the book explores the world of money laundering through the art world, which I thought was very clever and new to me. I was upset when Gemma’s bookstore and café were anonymously maligned on Facebook. I came to care about these characters! This is not what I had expected. Also, I thought I knew how this was going to end, but I was completely delighted to be wrong. I was totally taken by surprise. In fact, the last few chapters (33-48) I couldn’t put down. I was utterly on the edge of my seat waiting to see what happened next. I truly enjoyed this book. Another great feature of this book is that I can share this book with my 13-year-old niece and 86 year old aunt and not worry about them encountering inappropriate material. I finally found a series that I can read with the other bibliophiles in my family. This book is a win-win for me and I highly recommend it.

[Caroline Musyoka · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma and her friends are keen on decoding some messages that were left behind by Ernest. This was in order to bring to book the people involved in a murder that had taken place years before. These friends work together as a team and this is what especially Gemma and her friend Mavis relish to do, solving murder mysteries. At the beginning, no one had envisioned the turn of events because it was pretty scary when Mr. York is murdered. This was a clear and straightforward message that no one was safe if they chose to keep digging in order to get more information. However, this did not dampen their spirits. Ernest’s desire, whom initially the team thought was dead but he wasn’t was to see justice served. And he lived to see this take place. The Bookshop Mysteries: A Legacy of Lies by S.A Reeves is a read that encompasses different events that will keep you on the edge. It will whet your appetite to want to continue reading. This book comprises of very short chapters. Each character in the book has a different role-play, reflecting their personalities and hence making the read engaging and unique. A spirit of camaraderie can also be seen especially as the friends unite for a common cause and also in the library setting where people come to get a hold of their favorite read as well as some tasteful coffee! The ability of the author to build on the plot by including vivid imagery is exceptional and evokes varying emotions in the reader. This was an enthralling read that I can highly recommend to people who enjoy mystery and suspense!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Legacy of Lies is a tale of murder, intrigue, secrecy and crime. Gemma is confused when she's invited to a will reading of a deceased man she never knew. Confusingly, she receives a set of vintage encyclopaedias and a private letter. Now armed with a cryptic note and a dead man's wish for justice, Gemma finds herself in the middle of a decades-old cold case revolving around an unsolved murder. With the help of her business partner, Mavis, and her friends, Gemma is determined to uncover the plot that has been kept secret for years.

A Legacy of Lies is the third instalment of The Bookshop Mysteries. While this series is all related and has continuing characters, I believe this book can be read as a standalone. There are references to the earlier books, but the story is easily understandable and enjoyable as a single book. However, I encourage readers to check out all the books as the storytelling is vibrant and detailed, with complex layering to the mystery.

From the get-go, I found this book to be immersive and intriguing. The plot is set up well, with the mystery interwoven seamlessly, keeping the reader guessing and adjusting their theories throughout. I enjoyed the slow reveal. There were moments of clarity where I thought I had it figured out, but I'm pleased to report the twists had me going until the reveal.

I very much enjoyed this read. It is the perfect book for a lazy afternoon, and I highly recommend it!

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Legacy of Lies" is book #3 in "The Bookshop Mysteries" by S. A. Reeves.

Gemma Curtis is invited to a will reading of a man she never met and is stunned to receive a vintage set of encyclopedias along with a letter containing a cryptic code. Cracking the code is a challenge, but once the code is cracked, the message leads her and her friends to an unsolved cold case from forty years ago. With help from her boyfriend DI David Haynes, her friend and business partner Mavis, Mavis's boyfriend Barry, as well as their young tech friend Jack the team finds themselves deep in a complex criminal case that also brings intimidation and threats to Gemma and her bookshop/café.

This story took a number of dramatic turns and stunning twists that I didn't see coming. The lengths that were taken to stop Gemma would have stopped a lot of people but these only made her want to get to the truth even more. Ultimately, the mastermind behind the operation made themselves known to her which placed her in mortal danger!

Jack was brilliant at code cracking and getting tech detail. David did all he could legally do to get information and keep Gemma safe. Mavis was a standout in this book. She had to come to grips with some things from her late husbands past but her ability to help the team when push came to shove was amazing!

Overall, this was a page turning cozy English mystery! Well done S. A. Reeves!

[Delaney · Rating 3 out of 5]

The Bookshop Mysteries: Book Three A Legacy of Lies

A Legacy of Lies is part of The Bookshop Mysteries series but can be read as a stand alone novel as well, which is what I did. For those who want an easy read, but also like a murder mystery, this book is for you. From the beginning the reader can relate to the main character, Gemma, a book lover who owns a bookstore and café. This is a book that I didn’t want to put down because you want to know what’s going to happen next.

Gemma is mysteriously invited to the reading of a will for a person she did not even know existed, where she is gifted with antique encyclopedias. Before she can leave the reading, the executor of the will pulls Gemma aside and gives her a letter that he instructs her to read in private. This is where the fun begins. Gemma rushes back to her bookshop to finish setting up for her Halloween Party and relays what happened to her partner Mavis. At the end of their party, Gemma, Mavis, and their closest friends read the letter and learn that the deceased wants Gemma to solve a cold case from years and years ago. The encyclopedias are the key to solving the code on how to move forward.

The clues lead to one family, and how twins were separated at birth, and this was the key to everything. Money, greed, and resentment played a major role in why these murders and tragedies happened in the first place. When Gemma is taken due to her involvement with the case, her friends must race against the clock to save her. Gemma keeps the killer talking and gets a full confession, which is being recorded. Gemma’s detective boyfriend shows up in the nick of time to save the day. They successfully but the killer behind bars and take down his illegal empire in the process.

This book is perfect for a light read on a nice rainy day. It is a quick read that can easily be read in one sitting. It is not a literary masterpiece, but for someone who loves mystery and wants a light read, this is perfect! I cannot wait to dive into the other books in the series!

[John Kamande · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Legacy of Lies by S.A. Reeves was a phenomenal read. I have read other titles from Reeves and I enjoyed them too. I love the way the writer takes different plot lines which are very intentional to help build the story. They connect together seamlessly and steer the story in a particular direction which is pretty awesome. Another highlight is that the read is very simple yet very deep. This is evident in the events that unravel as you continue to delve deeper. I also enjoy the setting which is mainly a bookshop. This is the place that the story unfolds and creates a specific atmosphere, directs the plot and plays a part in the overall impact and meaning of the read. Gemma and her friend Mavis are buddies and they operate a bookshop together due to their love for books. Their interest in solving murder mysteries cannot also go unmentioned. One day, Gemma is invited to a will reading of a person that she didn’t know and that was the beginning of her and her friends getting involved in a murder case that had taken place years prior. This is a narrative that will keep you glued and desiring to know how the characters’ story develops. I can recommend it to people who fancy thrill, suspense and mystery!

[Glynis Neely · Rating 5 out of 5]

As the third book in the Bookshop Mysteries series, I deeply enjoyed diving into this existing world, despite not having read the first two books in the series. I followed along with excitement as bookstore owner Gemma, her friend Mavis, and their close friends tried to solve another mystery and keep their bookstore, The Bookworm, in business.

A surprise invite to the reading of a will for a man she’d never met kicks off an adventure for Gemma and her friends. A cryptic mystery follows involving long lost twins, a local crime syndicate and even Mavis’ late husband Fred. The characters felt truly lived in and the mystery was full of twists and turns that I enjoyed trying to piece together.

A delightful read, the third installment of this series was a lot of fun and sets up even more adventures in the future. I would absolutely recommend reading them all in anticipation for the upcoming fourth entry, as I plan on doing. If you enjoy a cozy, small town mystery with plenty of whimsy and a dash of real danger, this is the series for you!

[Allison Mattice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cozy Mystery Novel

This was the first book I’ve read in the Bookshop Mysteries series and I really enjoyed it. I found the entire story endearing and really attention grabbing. Gemma owns a coffee shop with her friend Mavis and receives and invitation to a will reading of a stranger. Leading up to the first clue, we are introduced (or reintroduced depending on if you’ve read the other books) to the rest of the gang: David (who’s a detective! Great addition to the story), Barry, and Jack. The initial clue with the encyclopedias and the storage locker left me reeling. I loved the references to other mystery authors like Agatha Christie, Tom Clancy, and even the reference to the authors themselves. I thought it made the characters more personable being that they all had authors they admired. It is a great, fast-paced page turner that is excellent if you want mystery with a touch of hometown sweetness.

[Kayleigh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read A Legacy of Lies on a rainy afternoon with a coffee and a blanket, which was exactly what I needed. The story pulled me in right away. It was a proper page-turner, full of twists and turns that kept me guessing without ever feeling confused. The pacing was spot on. Things kept moving, but there was still enough time to enjoy the small-town setting and all its little details as the puzzles and secrets slowly unfolded.

Gemma and Mavis made a great team, and I liked how natural their dynamic felt; their friendship made the mystery even more enjoyable to follow. The little clues and the old encyclopaedias were such a clever touch. It all felt very atmospheric, the kind of book that makes you feel like you’re wandering through a quiet village full of hidden stories. I didn’t try to guess the ending, I just let the mystery carry me, and I really enjoyed the ride.

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 3 out of 5]

In S.A. Reeves’, The Bookshop Mysteries: Legacy of Lies, Gemma is invited to a will reading of a total stranger. Then, she is given a set of encyclopedias which contain secret messages about a decades-old murder that must be decoded. True to form, Gemma, along with the help of her friends, set out to find answers. However, the quest proves dangerous and deadly. Will Gemma solve the mystery before she falls victim herself?

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Legacy of Lies, is the third installment of the series but can be read as a stand-alone novel. The plot has several interesting twists and turns, fitting for a who-dun-it.
The pastoral setting transports the reader to the English countryside, complete with picturesque scenery. The story seems to be an homage to Agatha Christie, including but not limited to, a discussion of her contributions as a writer. The narrative holds the reader’s attention sufficiently. There is a surprise at the end which makes it quite satisfying. The only drawback of the book is the dialogue, which seemed artificial in places and distracts from the novel itself.

All in all, The Bookshop Mysteries: Legacy of Lies, is an enjoyable read.

[Lucy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma & Crime Investigating Team's 3rd Huge Adventure

An awesome addition to this series; has more twists & turns than a car race! Begins when Gemma is invited to the reading of a Will--but she has no idea who her benefactor was. She inherited a pristine set of leather-bound Encyclopedia Brittanica, circa 1926. In the elevator, she's also given a sealed letter, which the attorney says also came from his client--with strict instructions to deliver it in Private...
The crew are all involved with figuring out codes, following clues in bits & pieces. Danger lurks all around them!
Excellent read which I highly recommend...but need to be read in proper series. This is book 3, with #4 soon to follow.

[Misty Knapp · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was my first introduction to Gemma, Mavis, and her sleuthing team. I have always wanted to own a bookstore and a cafe so this was a plus. Gemma gets an invitation to a will reading of a person she's never met and receives an impeccable set of encyclopedias from the deceased. Included was a letter, along with a cryptic puzzle. And, the team is off... who was the headless man, found many years ago? What is the puzzle pointing at? Is there a connection to the adoption that took place 25+ years ago? Can Gemma and the gang solve the puzzle before Gemma becomes the next victim? This book was a page-turner, and I'm looking forward to reading the other books in the series.

[Phin Ejike · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma, owner of the Bookworm bookstore, is confused when she's invited to the funeral of a complete stranger and gifted a set of encyclopedias and a cryptic letter. Upon reading the letter though, she's sent on a mission to solve a decades-old crime.

This is the third book in the series that I've had the opportunity to read, and as usual, SA Reeves did not disappoint. Its a page turner from start to finish, and there is a wild twist at the end that I definitely did not expect. The story keeps you hooked because the author understands the art of pacing, giving you just enough at the end of each chapter to be interested in the next. I think that this may be my favorite of the series yet.

[Jillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sets a good pace, drew me into its world and held my interest. The plot is just about plausible, giving enough information to keep the reader speculating ahead of the plot. There is a strong community element, a whiff of geezer lit and an ever-present danger of stereotyping. There is also a tendency to add unnecessary adjectives. A good edit would help.
Having said that, the book is a winner. I believe in these people, want them to win, have no doubt they will, and rejoice when they do. I look forward to my next visit.

[Diane K. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely Delightful!

The characters, the writing style, the plot…all are well developed. The characters work well together and I enjoy their development over the three novels I’ve read. I like their author’s writing style and the plot is believable and intriguing. Now…on the the fourth book in the series!

[Lynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Gemma is left a bequest by a gentleman she has never met. It’s a set of encyclopaedias and a letter, including a page of code. It refers to an unsolved murder from years ago, and of course, Gemma and her friends can’t wait to get involved.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

This cozy mystery has a few twist and turns. A lot of dead bodies.....and secrets from the past.
Gemma and Mavis have a interesting case to solve along with the team and David. You won't be able to put this one down.

[Theresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great series!

This installation was hard to put down , as were the first two. Gemma, Mavis & their friends are delightful!
Looking forward to the next installment.

[Eileen s connelly-kelly · Rating 5 out of 5]

An excellent read!

I thoroughly enjoyed this story. It kept you involved, wondering what was next. For cosy mystery lovers it was a delicious read!

[Vickie Richens · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this

[DonHSr · Rating 2 out of 5]

Wasn't particularly impressed with this series. Okay but nothing I would go out of my way to recommend to a friend. Lots better cozy mystery series out there to enjoy.

[Donna · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.4

[Delores Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

this book #3 in this series was quite good. I THOUGHT I had the plot figured out but was wrong till the last few chapters when the real suspect appeared.

[Ray Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I returned to a group of old friends at a local bookshop. Fun and comfortable.

[MS M ADAMS · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another good story.

A bit more danger and excitement than some cozy mysteries but still likeable characters and a satisfactory ending. Really enjoyable.

[Elizabeth Bailes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Convoluted

Just my kind of story! This is the third Bookshop Mysteries book I have read and enjoyed all of them.