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Survivors' Book Club Mystery #6
Sleuthing with the Stars
Sedona, Arizona’s New Chapter bookstore is a haven for Rarity Cole, who’s survived cancer and started an exciting second act in her life. With a film festival about to open in town, she has two big author events lined up—but after a live appearance, one of them winds up very unalive . . .
Business is booming as an Olympic cyclist and a famous filmmaker come to town for a film festival and schedule signings at Rarity’s bookshop. Luckily, her former employee Darby is back from Scotland and ready to help out. The vivacious young staffer catches the eyes of both authors and accepts a date with the filmmaker. Unfortunately, when she goes for popcorn and returns to her seat, she finds him dead. . .
Rarity is naturally an introvert who prefers escaping into a good book with her affectionate Yorkie by her side. But her bout with serious illness has taught her that life is precious. With help from her friends, her coworkers, and her sweetheart, Archer, she’s determined to untangle the web of secrets and lies surrounding the director’s death, and find out who wanted him out of the picture . . .
Business is booming as an Olympic cyclist and a famous filmmaker come to town for a film festival and schedule signings at Rarity’s bookshop. Luckily, her former employee Darby is back from Scotland and ready to help out. The vivacious young staffer catches the eyes of both authors and accepts a date with the filmmaker. Unfortunately, when she goes for popcorn and returns to her seat, she finds him dead. . .
Rarity is naturally an introvert who prefers escaping into a good book with her affectionate Yorkie by her side. But her bout with serious illness has taught her that life is precious. With help from her friends, her coworkers, and her sweetheart, Archer, she’s determined to untangle the web of secrets and lies surrounding the director’s death, and find out who wanted him out of the picture . . .
225 pages, Paperback
Published February 24, 2026
55 people are currently reading
3770 people want to read
About the author
Lynn Cahoon
102 books2,427 followersNYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
March 7, 2026
An enjoyable quick edition to this series. Always enjoy this cozy murder mystery survivors book club.
March 11, 2026
Another series I enjoy and recommend by Lynn Cahoon.
audiobook: 7h 8m
audiobook: 7h 8m
February 26, 2026
Once again Lynn tells a great story. Also love the narrative by C.S.E. Cooney!
March 12, 2026
I am always happy to catch up with Lynn Cahoon's characters. This series takes us to Sedona, where we get to spend time at the Next Chapter bookstore. Besides our usual book groups, this volume finds Rarity and company doing book signings with two well-known people, first an Olympic cyclist who has written a book and then the next day the signing and showing of a film from a well-known filmmaker as part of Sedona's two week film festival. Everything flows well with the first event, unfortunately after Max Pike's talk and signing proceed as planned, as he is finishing signing some books for the store and while the film is showing outside someone decides to end the Attack of the Venus Spiders filmmaker. This immediately gets the usual crew into action! While Drew warns the group to concentrate on the film festival, you know Rarity, Sam, Archer, and the book group are going to try and find some answers to what actually happened in the bookstore. With Jonathan around to ride herd on the team, can answers be found before the festival is over or anyone gets hurt? It's worth your time to find out! I really enjoy spending time with the family Rarity and Killer have made for themselves! #SleuthingWiththeStars #ASurvivorsBookClubMystery #LynnCahoon
#bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
#bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
February 28, 2026
Sleuthing with the Stars, the fifth book in Lynn Cahoon's outstanding Survivors' Book Club Mystery, continues the first-rate series with the same quality of writing as the first four book, and her other series. Film festival week brings a busy time for New Chapter bookstore and its crew. Not only are they working both the store and the festival, but they have two mysteries to solve. A noted producer is murdered in the bookstore, and one of their own is being stalked. The standout characters and intricate plot worked together to make Sleuthing with the Stars another must read Lynn Cahoon cozy mystery. The bits of romance add the feel-good nature that each book brings.
Ms. Cahoon became one of my early must buy authors and I have been happy with that decision ever since.
Ms. Cahoon became one of my early must buy authors and I have been happy with that decision ever since.
April 8, 2026
Good cozy series set in the beautiful town of Sedona, AZ, where it seems there is always a murder, and they always seem to involve the local bookstore and the owner and her friends.
April 3, 2026
🎧 Listened in audio
📢 Narrated by: CSE Cooney
⏱ Duration: 9 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Tantor Media and Kensington Cozies
Six books in and Rarity Cole still has the power to make me root for her like it's the first time. There's something genuinely refreshing about a protagonist whose entire arc is built on gratitude, in a quiet, lived-in way that makes you think. Rarity remains a woman whose second act feels refreshingly grounded in resilience rather than reinvention. Her quiet strength and warmth give the series the emotional backbone that makes each mystery hit a little deeper. In Sleuthing with the Stars, Lynn Cahoon balances the glamour of Sedona's film festival with the everyday charm of a small-town bookstore, creating a backdrop both picturesque and relatable.
The film festival backdrop is a fun shake-up for Sedona, with a lot of glitz, gossip, and people with their agendas wrapped up in charm. the murder mystery itself clips along at a pace that feels earned rather than rushed, with enough red herrings to keep you second guessing without feeling manipulated. Darby is the friend in need this time. Her return from Scotland adds a lovely layer of warmth and chaos in equal measure. She's magnetic in the best way, and watching her inadvertently stumble into the centre of a murder investigation is exactly the kind of deliciously cozy setup I'm here for. The mystery unfolds with the trademark Cahoon coziness, with no wild car chases, but plenty of intrigue, secrets, and character-driven twists.
And then there's CSE Cooney. Honestly, if you're sleeping on the audiobook version of this series, you are doing yourself a disservice. She brings Rarity's world to life with this warm, effortless command over the cast. Every character feels distinctly themselves, and she never lets the energy sag even when the plot takes a breath. The narration doesn't just complement the story, it elevates it. Nine hours in her hands felt like a gift.
Would I recommend it?
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with genuine heart, the kind where friendship and resilience sit right alongside the whodunit, Sleuthing with the Stars delivers on every front. It's warm, witty, and Rarity Cole continues to be the protagonist this genre deserves. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or looking for your next comfort read, this one will sit well for you. Heartwarming, gently suspenseful, and perfect for your next weekend listen.
📢 Narrated by: CSE Cooney
⏱ Duration: 9 hours
🏷️ Publisher: Tantor Media and Kensington Cozies
Six books in and Rarity Cole still has the power to make me root for her like it's the first time. There's something genuinely refreshing about a protagonist whose entire arc is built on gratitude, in a quiet, lived-in way that makes you think. Rarity remains a woman whose second act feels refreshingly grounded in resilience rather than reinvention. Her quiet strength and warmth give the series the emotional backbone that makes each mystery hit a little deeper. In Sleuthing with the Stars, Lynn Cahoon balances the glamour of Sedona's film festival with the everyday charm of a small-town bookstore, creating a backdrop both picturesque and relatable.
The film festival backdrop is a fun shake-up for Sedona, with a lot of glitz, gossip, and people with their agendas wrapped up in charm. the murder mystery itself clips along at a pace that feels earned rather than rushed, with enough red herrings to keep you second guessing without feeling manipulated. Darby is the friend in need this time. Her return from Scotland adds a lovely layer of warmth and chaos in equal measure. She's magnetic in the best way, and watching her inadvertently stumble into the centre of a murder investigation is exactly the kind of deliciously cozy setup I'm here for. The mystery unfolds with the trademark Cahoon coziness, with no wild car chases, but plenty of intrigue, secrets, and character-driven twists.
And then there's CSE Cooney. Honestly, if you're sleeping on the audiobook version of this series, you are doing yourself a disservice. She brings Rarity's world to life with this warm, effortless command over the cast. Every character feels distinctly themselves, and she never lets the energy sag even when the plot takes a breath. The narration doesn't just complement the story, it elevates it. Nine hours in her hands felt like a gift.
Would I recommend it?
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries with genuine heart, the kind where friendship and resilience sit right alongside the whodunit, Sleuthing with the Stars delivers on every front. It's warm, witty, and Rarity Cole continues to be the protagonist this genre deserves. Whether you're a longtime fan of the series or looking for your next comfort read, this one will sit well for you. Heartwarming, gently suspenseful, and perfect for your next weekend listen.
March 1, 2026
"Sleuthing with the Stars" is book #6 in the "Survivors' Book Club Mystery" series by Lynn Cahoon.
A book signing event during the Sedona Film Festival leaves the author dead. Add to that, Rarity's employee Darby had been hit on by the aging lothario and also may be being stalked by someone else. The Survivor's Book Club is on the case to figure out if the murder and the stalking are related.
The two cases seemed to overlap but Rarity and friends weren't so sure. I wasn't convinced they were related but it did get a bit confusing at times given that some of the same suspects may have been part of one or both. The murder case was more difficult to solve as some answers were much harder to find. In the end, I wasn't overly surprised at the outcome.
I do enjoy the core characters of this series. The subplots of this series are always interesting. Shirley is struggling with her feelings for Terrance while her husband George is nearing the end in hospice/memory care. Romance for Rarity & Archer, as well as Sam & Drew continues to evolve. The younger characters lead interesting lives outside of work and the book club. They act as a chosen family - caring, supporting, helping and also tossing in some playful teasing and banter. Add in a couple of adorable four legged furry companions for extra love and entertainment!
Overall, an entertaining cozy mystery.
A book signing event during the Sedona Film Festival leaves the author dead. Add to that, Rarity's employee Darby had been hit on by the aging lothario and also may be being stalked by someone else. The Survivor's Book Club is on the case to figure out if the murder and the stalking are related.
The two cases seemed to overlap but Rarity and friends weren't so sure. I wasn't convinced they were related but it did get a bit confusing at times given that some of the same suspects may have been part of one or both. The murder case was more difficult to solve as some answers were much harder to find. In the end, I wasn't overly surprised at the outcome.
I do enjoy the core characters of this series. The subplots of this series are always interesting. Shirley is struggling with her feelings for Terrance while her husband George is nearing the end in hospice/memory care. Romance for Rarity & Archer, as well as Sam & Drew continues to evolve. The younger characters lead interesting lives outside of work and the book club. They act as a chosen family - caring, supporting, helping and also tossing in some playful teasing and banter. Add in a couple of adorable four legged furry companions for extra love and entertainment!
Overall, an entertaining cozy mystery.
May 10, 2026
Rarity Cole survived cancer and started a second phase of life by opening a bookstore called Next Chapter in Sedona, Arizona. There's currently a film festival in town and Rarity had two author events going on. Sadly, after one of those events, the author winds up dead. The man was also a filmmaker who had come for the festival. His movie was playing at the bookshop when Rarity found his body. With help from her boyfriend, Archer, and her sleuthing group, Rarity begins to investigate. She's determined to unwind the webs of secrets and lies that surround the case so she can find the killer.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception. It was a fantastic read. The book was well-written and the characters were well-rounded while the plot was fast-paced. I was drawn into this engaging story and kept hooked from start to finish. The mystery was intriguing and fun to solve while the sense of family and friendship is strong within the story. I loved the book and hope there are many more to come. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order so you'll get the most out of things.
I've really enjoyed this series and this book was no exception. It was a fantastic read. The book was well-written and the characters were well-rounded while the plot was fast-paced. I was drawn into this engaging story and kept hooked from start to finish. The mystery was intriguing and fun to solve while the sense of family and friendship is strong within the story. I loved the book and hope there are many more to come. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order so you'll get the most out of things.
March 21, 2026
(3.75 rounded to 4.0)
Rarity Cole is a recent transplant to Sedona, Arizona as the owner of the local bookshop called a New Chapter. As a recovering breast cancer patient, Rarity has assembled a group of supportive friends who became the Survivors’ Book Club with each woman recovering in some way from a physical or emotional crisis. With a rescued Yorkie named Killer and a new romance with the owner of a guide service for hikes and climbing outings, she has settled in happily.
Sedona has achieved a win being named as the site of a weeklong indie film festival and this year they will have a celebrity guest now a retired Olympic cyclist turned filmmaker. After kicking off his book tour with a signing at Rarity’s bookshop, he turns up dead at a live festival event. The Survivors’ Club kicks into motion to investigate the murder and to protect one of their own who is a lookalike for one of the featured stars.
This is number 6 in a popular cozy mystery series with a solid fan base. With likable characters, an attractive location, a good premise for the series of mysteries makes it a popular series. I have enjoyed the series and recommend to readers of cozy mysteries, books-about-books and an enjoyable afternoon read.
Rarity Cole is a recent transplant to Sedona, Arizona as the owner of the local bookshop called a New Chapter. As a recovering breast cancer patient, Rarity has assembled a group of supportive friends who became the Survivors’ Book Club with each woman recovering in some way from a physical or emotional crisis. With a rescued Yorkie named Killer and a new romance with the owner of a guide service for hikes and climbing outings, she has settled in happily.
Sedona has achieved a win being named as the site of a weeklong indie film festival and this year they will have a celebrity guest now a retired Olympic cyclist turned filmmaker. After kicking off his book tour with a signing at Rarity’s bookshop, he turns up dead at a live festival event. The Survivors’ Club kicks into motion to investigate the murder and to protect one of their own who is a lookalike for one of the featured stars.
This is number 6 in a popular cozy mystery series with a solid fan base. With likable characters, an attractive location, a good premise for the series of mysteries makes it a popular series. I have enjoyed the series and recommend to readers of cozy mysteries, books-about-books and an enjoyable afternoon read.
April 15, 2026
Sleuthing with the Stars is the 6th book in Lynn Cahoon's A Survivors' Book Club Mystery and it is a nice addition to the series. Rarity Cole owns a bookstore in Sedona, AZ. Her employees and friends are Shirley, Darby, Katie and Jonathan, Rarity is dating Archer and their best friends are Samantha (Sam) and Drew who is the Police Chief. There is a Film Festival and Rarity invited two authors to do book signings. The first one went well but the second resulted in a death. Darby has a stalker and they need to keep her safe. That added to the story but was resolved midway through the book. Rarity and their book club do some investigating and have to sort through clues and lies to find out what happened. Rarity is smart and sensible and there isn't a perilous conclusion which makes it a relaxing story. The characters are what make this series so enjoyable and upbeat. #SleuthingWithTheStars #ASurvivorsBookClubMystery #Kensington #KensingtonCozies
March 4, 2026
This is the sixth book in the Survivors' Book Club Mystery. What I like about the series is the sleuthing club are close friends, they chose to be a family. Shirley’s husband is failing during this story. His dementia and heath drive him into the hospital. He is in a skilled nursing facility as Shirley can’t care for him herself.
A local author is found dead during the showing of a film at the book store. Unfortunately, this author went on a date with Darby. Darby has an older doppelgänger in town. There are many twists, turns, and misdirections in this book. I enjoyed all of it.
There is a surprise ending which I found endearing.
I listened to this via Libby from my library. Narrated by C.S.E. Cooney!
A local author is found dead during the showing of a film at the book store. Unfortunately, this author went on a date with Darby. Darby has an older doppelgänger in town. There are many twists, turns, and misdirections in this book. I enjoyed all of it.
There is a surprise ending which I found endearing.
I listened to this via Libby from my library. Narrated by C.S.E. Cooney!
March 26, 2026
I think the murder was done well, and I find the supporting cast amazing, but the further I get into this series. The more I dont enjoy the romance between Rarity and Archer or romance between Sam and Drew.
I don't feel like it is a mixup or anything, but I feel no attachment or enjoyment from their relationships. Side relationships with no llbarely a mention seem steamier or more interesting.
The relationships dont have a spark and the relationship for Sam and Drew looks like it should have ended before it began. The push in the relationship really ruined the book for me. It just feels placed and not developed or real.
then archer and Rarity feel like meh.
I am having a strong debate on reading the next one. I guess I want a redemption for the series
I don't feel like it is a mixup or anything, but I feel no attachment or enjoyment from their relationships. Side relationships with no llbarely a mention seem steamier or more interesting.
The relationships dont have a spark and the relationship for Sam and Drew looks like it should have ended before it began. The push in the relationship really ruined the book for me. It just feels placed and not developed or real.
then archer and Rarity feel like meh.
I am having a strong debate on reading the next one. I guess I want a redemption for the series
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 9, 2026
Rarity has a book signing party for an author which is followed by a movie which is shown outside the store. The man was still signing books when everyone went out to the movie. When Rarity goes back inside, the man is dead at his signing table. The author tried hitting on more than one person while signing including her employee Darby. Rarity makes believes someone is staulking Darby, and makes sure that someone is with Darby at at all times; several friends are staying at her home. They all go to a film festival and find there is a woman there who looks exactly like Darby. Shirley's husband George has severe Alzheimers, and Terrence is very interested in her. Rarity appears to be happy with her hiker friend Archer, and her friend Sam and the local policeman Drew appear to be in love. The murder of the book signer finally seems to be resolved and all well at the end.
March 8, 2026
I really enjoy this series set in Sonoma. This time it’s Film Festival time with book signings for two authors. The second one had made a fantasy film about spiders and unfortunately was killed in the bookstore back room while the movie was being shown outside.
There are several clever devices that make the plot more complicated and interesting. I had my suspicions of who the killer might be but was surprised at the end.
I really enjoy the characters in this series. They are likable and I love how they are always there for each other.
I listened to the audiobook which brought the story to life.
There are several clever devices that make the plot more complicated and interesting. I had my suspicions of who the killer might be but was surprised at the end.
I really enjoy the characters in this series. They are likable and I love how they are always there for each other.
I listened to the audiobook which brought the story to life.
March 8, 2026
This is the 6th book of the Survivors' Book Club Mysteries series. Rarity Cole prepares her Sedona, AZ, bookstore for a 2-week long film festival, bringing lots of Hollywood people to town. The director of a cult classic spider horror movie ends up dead in her store. Also, Derby has returned from Scotland and seems to have a stalker. Lots of fun and hijinks ensue as the book clubbers/sleuthers try to solve the murder. This series is a lot of fun to read. Different types of people of all different ages, all living in a fascinating town.
April 18, 2026
Lynn Cahoon writes another good book in the Survivors' Book Club series. Rarity owns the bookstore in Sedona Arizona and runs the book clubs. The city is having cycling and movie screening. Rarity has a author give a talk and sign books at her store. There is a murder and one of her friends becomes a suspect. With the help of club members they are out to find who did it. Well written and to me a surprise ending.
March 12, 2026
This is the sixth in the series and was totally worth the wait. I thoroughly enjoyed the book. I always enjoy the characters and there is always enough to keep you guessing as to who the culprit is. If you have t read the series, you are really missing out. I’m already looking forward to the next one!
March 27, 2026
I think each new installment reminds me of how nice a group of friends is. This is a tight knit group and they look out for each other. This one saw one of their own targeted but they banded together and figured out the problem. Nice to see a wedding in the works and finally one character is moving on from a sad situation. Let’s see what happens next …
April 19, 2026
It was sooooooo good to reconnect with my girl Rarity Cole and Co. back in to solve another murder mystery. This time the death revolves around a filmmaker in town for a festival. Great to see some past characters like Darby comeback into the fold , definitely need my lil hallmark Channel books to me adapted into something light!
April 12, 2026
another winner for the series! Lynn Cahoon is a wonderful author.
April 18, 2026
Not as great as the previous ones in the series but I will still happily read the next one!
April 29, 2026
Absolutely loved the book and everyone of the characters...Had me guessing the whole book.
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews