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A Coastal Bookshop Murder: A Junie Carmichael Cozy Mystery
When snobby candle maker Darcy Bloom ends up dead outside Junie Carmichael's bookshop, all signs point to local antiques dealer Walter Fitch.
But Junie knows he's not the one with a guilty heir.
Junie came to Thistleberry Point to pack up her late aunt's bookstore-not stumble over a dead body during the Midsummer Market.
Darcy Bloom had a fake lineage, a real brooch, and a knack for making enemies.
Now she's dead, and Walter Fitch is the prime suspect. But Junie isn't buying it.
With her chatty parrot Edgar, her aunt's spirited best friend Flo, and a stong cup of local gossip, Junie digs into the tangled lies Darcy left behind.
There's Molly, the overlooked heir with a grudge, and Robert Thorne, the land-hungry opportunist. Each one has faceted motives, and Junie's determined to expose their flaws.
Time's running out. The truth is hiding behind polished emeralds and polished smiles-and if Junie doesn't crack the case, then Walter could be booked for murder.
But Junie knows he's not the one with a guilty heir.
Junie came to Thistleberry Point to pack up her late aunt's bookstore-not stumble over a dead body during the Midsummer Market.
Darcy Bloom had a fake lineage, a real brooch, and a knack for making enemies.
Now she's dead, and Walter Fitch is the prime suspect. But Junie isn't buying it.
With her chatty parrot Edgar, her aunt's spirited best friend Flo, and a stong cup of local gossip, Junie digs into the tangled lies Darcy left behind.
There's Molly, the overlooked heir with a grudge, and Robert Thorne, the land-hungry opportunist. Each one has faceted motives, and Junie's determined to expose their flaws.
Time's running out. The truth is hiding behind polished emeralds and polished smiles-and if Junie doesn't crack the case, then Walter could be booked for murder.
225 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 31, 2025
31 people are currently reading
23 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 28, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.
August 14, 2025
"The best stories are the ones that surprise even their authors."Junie Carmichael has returned to Thistleberry Point after inheriting The Next Chapter, her Aunt Nora's bookshop. She didn't have a specific timeline for her return to New York, as she was unsure how long it would take to pack up the shop. Little did she know that her plans would be interrupted in the most unexpected way. When she opened the side door to let in some fresh air, she made a chilling discovery—a woman's body on the small garden patio. As a writer of murder mysteries, Junie found herself in a situation she had only ever imagined in her books, which was a stark contrast to the cozy comfort she had always associated with the bookshop.
The various motives someone might have to target the victim, a local business owner, kept me guessing about who did it. Was the crime connected to the Midsummer Market, the Historical Society, the town council, or perhaps that intriguing old land trust managing the prime waterfront property?
p.s. I can't wait for the author to introduce you to Edgar! His commentary adds a witty charm, and his helpfulness in contributing to the investigation is accomplished with delightful flair. The bookshop wouldn't be the same without him.
June 10, 2025
Who Killed Darcy Bloom ? . . .
Junie Carmichael arrived in Thistleberry Point to take over her deceased Aunt Nora’s bookshop -- now hers. She found Aunt Nora’s African Grey parrot Edgar still alive—and in rare form, hopping anxiously from perch to perch, wings twitching. Finding a note on Edgar’s cage, Flo wrote that she had been checking on him daily and asked Junie to call her when she arrived. Agitated Edgar continued to repeat, "She knew too much!" and "Not your business!" When she walked to the side door to let in some fresh air, Edgar flapped wildly, squawking, "She had it coming! She had it coming!” Outside was a woman’s body on the brick patio! This trip was to have been simple: clean up, sell off, move on. She'd written six murder mysteries over the years, but never imagined she'd encounter death in real life. Now she had a mystery and she would try to solve it.
Neighbors began to gather and identified the victim as candle maker Darcy Bloom, a very unpleasant person apparently. Chief Hal Crandall arrived to ask questions and get photos of the crime scene. Elaine mentioned Darcy was acting secretive and Lucy Winters from the Thistleberry Gazette said she had wanted Walter Fitch to appraise something for her. Nora’s best friend Flo arrived then as the Medical Examiner seemed to spend additional time examining the neck. A gash on the victim’s head and what looks like a thumbprint on her neck turns an accident into a murder. When Flo and Junie narrow down their suspects to 3 possibilities: Molly wanted her family brooch and inheritance, Walter wanted to hide his dirty professional secrets, and Beau wanted to protect his development plans. Then Edgar ruffled his feather, spoke in a softer voice, and said, "You don't deserve this, Darcy," and Flo immediately recognized it as his mimicking Molly Fletcher… where would he have heard those words unless Molly confronted her that morning? When the antiques dealer, Walter Fitch, becomes the prime suspect, Junie and Flo need to find the real killer before an innocent man is arrested for murder! Can they figure it out in time?
Junie Carmichael arrived in Thistleberry Point to take over her deceased Aunt Nora’s bookshop -- now hers. She found Aunt Nora’s African Grey parrot Edgar still alive—and in rare form, hopping anxiously from perch to perch, wings twitching. Finding a note on Edgar’s cage, Flo wrote that she had been checking on him daily and asked Junie to call her when she arrived. Agitated Edgar continued to repeat, "She knew too much!" and "Not your business!" When she walked to the side door to let in some fresh air, Edgar flapped wildly, squawking, "She had it coming! She had it coming!” Outside was a woman’s body on the brick patio! This trip was to have been simple: clean up, sell off, move on. She'd written six murder mysteries over the years, but never imagined she'd encounter death in real life. Now she had a mystery and she would try to solve it.
Neighbors began to gather and identified the victim as candle maker Darcy Bloom, a very unpleasant person apparently. Chief Hal Crandall arrived to ask questions and get photos of the crime scene. Elaine mentioned Darcy was acting secretive and Lucy Winters from the Thistleberry Gazette said she had wanted Walter Fitch to appraise something for her. Nora’s best friend Flo arrived then as the Medical Examiner seemed to spend additional time examining the neck. A gash on the victim’s head and what looks like a thumbprint on her neck turns an accident into a murder. When Flo and Junie narrow down their suspects to 3 possibilities: Molly wanted her family brooch and inheritance, Walter wanted to hide his dirty professional secrets, and Beau wanted to protect his development plans. Then Edgar ruffled his feather, spoke in a softer voice, and said, "You don't deserve this, Darcy," and Flo immediately recognized it as his mimicking Molly Fletcher… where would he have heard those words unless Molly confronted her that morning? When the antiques dealer, Walter Fitch, becomes the prime suspect, Junie and Flo need to find the real killer before an innocent man is arrested for murder! Can they figure it out in time?
June 2, 2025
Junie Carmichael arrives in Thistleberry Point after the death of her beloved aunt Nora. She has inherited her aunt bookshop and has just arrived in town and heads right there. The bookshop holds so many memories for her, but it also has a surprise. Junie finds a body right outside the back door of the shop. Many of the locals show up to stare since they are all there at the towns Midsummer Market. The police are also called. It turns out to be Darcy Bloom, a newcomer to town. She runs the candle shop, but she was also trying to claim the Henderson inheritance. She had her proof of lineage fabricated by Walter Fitch, who sold her the Henderson brooch and the fake paperwork. She also meets Molly, a shy young lady, who is also of the Henderson lineage, but her proof had been stolen from her family. With the help of Flo, her aunts best friend, and her aunts parrot, Edgar, who has heard a lot of important conversations that are also clues; they investigate the plot that led to Darcy's death.
Loved the setting and the characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Loved the setting and the characters. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
July 6, 2025
The author does another excellent job telling a story about murder and get you to think about who it could be. When Junie Carmichael come back to Thistleberry Point to pack up her aunt's book store before she heads back to New York Junie comes across the dead body of Darcy Bloom on Nora's patio at the side of her bookshop. With Nora's best friend the two of them start to investigate who could of murdered Darcy. Aunt Nora's Parrot Edgar just keeps repeat what he has heard and it make it more interest as he has heard some very interesting thing while at the bookshop. There so many suspect and some have alot money and influence which make it even more dangerous for Junie & Flo or anyone else who helps them solve this mystery. Tracy Auten does a great job of keeping you on your toes will she lays out the plot. I can't wait until her next book comes out. So enjoy this book and keep on reading more of this author books as they come out.
June 1, 2025
Mystery author Junie Carmichael returns to Thistleberry Point after her Aunt Nora passes away. Her plan was to pack up and close Nora’s bookstore but her plans change when she comes across a dead body at the store. Junie, along with Nora’s best friend Flo and chatty parrot Edgar, attempt to unravel the mysterious death. They find that there are several suspects in the town and work to find the true killer.
The author does a bang-up job of telling an engaging story that feels like a roller coaster ride. The suspects all have plausible motives and the plot keeps the reader guessing until the end. I admit that I was surprised by the ending (in a good way). Mystery readers will enjoy Auten’s work.
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
The author does a bang-up job of telling an engaging story that feels like a roller coaster ride. The suspects all have plausible motives and the plot keeps the reader guessing until the end. I admit that I was surprised by the ending (in a good way). Mystery readers will enjoy Auten’s work.
*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed are my own.
August 11, 2025
Chock full of intrigue in a compact read
Greed, blackmail, and corruption power this small town mystery concerning an inheritance . There are some notably memorable characters that will develop more over the series. Junie returns to the small town to inherit her aunts bookstore as well this mystery also shows a maturation and acceptance of her new life. Flo is a gem with her sage homespun wisdom and quick witty repartee. Edgar is an interesting feathered addition that dispenses key phrases culminating in the successful conclusion! There are a number of secondary characters and businesses that are essential to the running of Thistleberry Point adding the rustic touch of this quaint setting.
Greed, blackmail, and corruption power this small town mystery concerning an inheritance . There are some notably memorable characters that will develop more over the series. Junie returns to the small town to inherit her aunts bookstore as well this mystery also shows a maturation and acceptance of her new life. Flo is a gem with her sage homespun wisdom and quick witty repartee. Edgar is an interesting feathered addition that dispenses key phrases culminating in the successful conclusion! There are a number of secondary characters and businesses that are essential to the running of Thistleberry Point adding the rustic touch of this quaint setting.
June 6, 2025
Starting a new life.
Junie Carmichael laments not being there more for her Aunt Nora. Her bookshop was Junie's happy place growing up and now it's hers after her aunt's sudden passing. Edgar the gray parrot and Flo her aunt's good friend are there to help her when she finds the body of candle maker Darcy Bloom on the patio of the shop. With the long list of people she has offended and her claims for an expensive tract of land there are many suspects to sift through. A very good plot and many interesting characters make this a fun easy read that was hard to put down. A fine first in series book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Junie Carmichael laments not being there more for her Aunt Nora. Her bookshop was Junie's happy place growing up and now it's hers after her aunt's sudden passing. Edgar the gray parrot and Flo her aunt's good friend are there to help her when she finds the body of candle maker Darcy Bloom on the patio of the shop. With the long list of people she has offended and her claims for an expensive tract of land there are many suspects to sift through. A very good plot and many interesting characters make this a fun easy read that was hard to put down. A fine first in series book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 2, 2025
3,5
I enjoyed this book. It was like a cozy little break from all the intense thriller mysteries I usually read. It was still intriguing and had that nice mysterious vibe, just softer and more laid-back.
That said, I honestly didn’t see the point of the last 4 or so chapters. Everything had already been solved, and it really felt like the story should’ve wrapped up there. But I checked and realized I was only about 80% through, so I expected another twist… but nothing happened. It kind of dragged a bit toward the end for me.
Still, it’s a nice cozy read if you’re looking for something light but still a little mysterious.
I enjoyed this book. It was like a cozy little break from all the intense thriller mysteries I usually read. It was still intriguing and had that nice mysterious vibe, just softer and more laid-back.
That said, I honestly didn’t see the point of the last 4 or so chapters. Everything had already been solved, and it really felt like the story should’ve wrapped up there. But I checked and realized I was only about 80% through, so I expected another twist… but nothing happened. It kind of dragged a bit toward the end for me.
Still, it’s a nice cozy read if you’re looking for something light but still a little mysterious.
June 1, 2025
I need to broach this subject...
FYI: You'll get the joke in my headline once you've read this book, and it's okay to groan when you do.
I love stories with a coastal vibe, so the author had me at her mention of a lighthouse. It gets better, though.
The characters, including Edgar, are well described and plausible. The plot has just enough twists to engage the reader, and the outcome is quite satisfying.
I highly recommend that you grab a tea or coffee and a treat and open this story immediately!
FYI: You'll get the joke in my headline once you've read this book, and it's okay to groan when you do.
I love stories with a coastal vibe, so the author had me at her mention of a lighthouse. It gets better, though.
The characters, including Edgar, are well described and plausible. The plot has just enough twists to engage the reader, and the outcome is quite satisfying.
I highly recommend that you grab a tea or coffee and a treat and open this story immediately!
June 22, 2025
Junie, a mystery author comes upon a dead body as she is planning on closing up the bookstore she inherited from her aunt. With few clues and little help from law enforcement, Junie with help from her aunt's friend Flo work together to solve what happened to the person she found on her doorstep. Local gossip and a chatty parrot she also inherited point them in the right direction. Definitely different than the usual mysteries where dogs or cats are helping decipher the clues. Truly enjoyed this book.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
I received an ARC of this book and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 2, 2025
Great book!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can easily recommend it to others. The clues are fascinating as are the genealogy research as Junie builds a picture of the rightful heirs to the Henderson estate. Junie, her Aunt Flo and the parrot, Edgar, are great characters, as are the characters that Junie investigates. A well written, entertaining story.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and can easily recommend it to others. The clues are fascinating as are the genealogy research as Junie builds a picture of the rightful heirs to the Henderson estate. Junie, her Aunt Flo and the parrot, Edgar, are great characters, as are the characters that Junie investigates. A well written, entertaining story.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
July 7, 2025
Junie return to take care of her late Aunt Nora's bookstore not find a dead body on her first day back. Through twists and turns and buried deep within the town's history, Junie and Flo found themselves in the line of fire and danger. Edgar, Aunt Nora's bird, kept repeating things he heard in similar voices to the people who said them. This was such a fun book and I look forward to reading more from this author!
June 7, 2025
Slightly quirky, but well developed characters and a small town storyline that has you guessing until the end will make you enjoy this book. A really fun easy read. I am already looking forward to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
June 7, 2025
Junie comes home to close out her aunt's bookshop but instead gets pulled into a mystery. She jumps right in and works to determine the guilty party. There are some good characters in this book and I can see the series progressing in a good way.
June 15, 2025
A Coastal Bookshop Murder: A June Carmichael Cozy Mysyery
A mystery writer returns home to her Aunt's bookstore after her death. Finds a dead body and walks into a real live mystery that has so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing.
A mystery writer returns home to her Aunt's bookstore after her death. Finds a dead body and walks into a real live mystery that has so many twists and turns it keeps you guessing.
July 11, 2025
I loved this cozy mystery, the beginning of the Junie Carmichael series. All the fun tropes are here: smart woman protagonist, inherits bookshop with an apartment upstairs, ends up in middle of (and ultimately helps solve) a murder, then decides to stay. Can't wait for the next one!
September 8, 2025
Just finished reading, another book I just could not put down. This was really good, gives you an idea of Junie's arrival and first days at the bookshop. Very filling days of mystery and intrigue with a side of confusion. Go pick it up, and find out for yourself what Junie finds. Happy reading.
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews