Murder on the Square: A Claire Hastings Cozy Mystery Book One

by Bonnie Blume

Buried family secrets and murder—Claire Hastings never expected her antique shop’s grand opening to end in crime scene tape.

After inheriting her grandmother’s estate in Lake Everly, Virginia, Claire opens Relics & Riches, hoping for a fresh start in the town she once called home.

When a local historian is found dead inside her shop, suspicion swirls faster than sweet tea in summer. He’d been uncovering secrets—and Claire soon discovers her own family is at the center of it all.

As whispers stir and town leaders squirm, Claire's sharp instincts and museum-trained eye shift into overdrive.

The clues a forged deed, a silk scarf, a missing map. And at the heart of it all? A truth someone would kill to protect.

But who? The suspicious librarian, the obnoxious Councilman, the evasive Town Hall employee? So many possibilities.

With her sassy best friend, Ruby, and her loyal rescue pup, Murphy, Claire digs deep into Lake Everly’s history to expose a killer hiding behind polite smiles.

As the Founders’ Day festival approaches, so does a showdown that could expose decades of secrets—or make Claire the next victim.

Murder, history, and southern charm collide in this small-town cozy with heart, humor, and just enough edge to keep you turning the pages.

129 pages, Kindle Edition

Published June 16, 2025

Reviews

[Bobbi · Rating 3 out of 5]

I tried to get into this book, I really did but after a week and only being 50% through, I just couldn’t do it anymore so I DNF’d the book.

I just couldn’t get past all the inconsistency for example I read this book that she inherited her aunts estate, big house full of antiques and a guest cottage/house. I then read that she was turning her aunts house into an antiques store. A few chapters later she is driving home from work!?!?! WHAT? how could she be driving home if it’s her aunts house? But then someone says to her oh I saw your shop in the square. So I’m guessing at some point it went from the house to a brick and mortar store? Or did I read it wrong from the get go?

Then when Ruby brings up going to Sonny to get more answers about the key, when they get there it’s Claire who takes over like she’s the one who knows Sonny when right before you told us it was Ruby who knew Sonny.

Either you didn’t have beta readers or they did you wrong.

This is so sad because I loved your prequel book to this series and couldn’t wait to see what happens next. I still remember the prequel which is rare that a book stays with me this long. But that tells me you do have it in you to write a decent book. But this one needed more editing and with my brain I couldn’t go on, it took too much away from the story. Sorry

[Wendy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Claire Hastings has retuned to Lake Everly to be with her ill grandmother and decides to stay after she inherits her grandmother’s estate. Her plan to open “Relics & Riches” hits a bump when a local historian is found dead in the shop. Claire learns that he was investigating suspicious lakeside land deeds and her family is in the center of the controversy. Can Claire and her friend Ruby expose the killer before they strike again?

There are both positives and drawbacks with this book. On the plus side, I felt the author did a nice job of developing the 2 main characters (Claire and Ruby) and showcasing their supportive friendship. The interjection of humor was well-timed and added charm to the story. On the downside, some parts of the plot felt repetitive and stretched out longer than necessary. I would rate this 3.5 stars if I could because I think this author shows real promise and I look forward to watching her skills grow in future books.

*I received an ARC of this book. All opinions expressed in this review are mine.

[Erica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I give this 4 1/2 Stars!

I want to start by saying I received an ARC of this book. This is the first book in the series A Claire Hastings Cozy Mystery. Claire reached Lake Everly in just enough time to tell her grandmother bye. Claire now owns her grandmother’s estate. She decides to stay in town and open up an antique shop. What she didn’t expect is to come in one day and find a dead body. The more she investigates she realizing her grandmother had been investigating stuff as well as another person. Can she continue that investigation and figure out the truth? Can she find who the killer is? With the help of her friend Ruby, the librarian Eleanor, and Allison who works at city hall can they bring the truth out? I really enjoyed this book. I loved the side characters. It kept me invested until the end. I do wish I could’ve seen Tom and SnoopDog from the prequel in this book. Overall, this was a great book.

[Marietta · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the first book I have read by Bonnie Blume and it won't be the last. Claire Hastings comes home to be with her grandmother for the last time. Her grandmother passes away and leaves Claire with everything in her estate. Now she must decide if she will stay and she decide that there is nothing left for her back Illinois so she decide to open a antique shop. On the day of the grand opening she find a dead body in her shop. This makes her want to find out what is going on and someone is breaking into home & shop and leaving warnings. Her friends are trying to help her find out what is going on. There are lots of twist and turns before she figure it all out. I am looking forward to her next book. If you enjoy a good mystery and trying figure who is behind it all then this the book to read.

[G. Lynne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Just finished this book and it was really good. You have your villain, your hero and a town that rather stick their noses in the sand than listen to the truth. Claire Hastings just came back to town. Her Aunt past away recently and she left notes for Claire to dig deep and find the truth. Not knowing what her Aunt was talking about was a puzzle, but she knew her Aunt would not lead her astray. With the help of her childhood friend Ruby and finally 2 other ladies from the town helped Claire unravel the truth to not only finding and piecing all the appropriate documents together for the theft of her Aunts waterfront land but also to solving who killed Clarence. Go grab this book and walk with Claire through the town and the dark woods to find everything she needed to set everything in place. Happy reading.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

Historical Data Matters

Murder on the Square is the first book in new series, by author Bonnie Blum. Returning to the small lake town her family has called home for death of her Grandmother. Claire finds death, mystery, and old documents. As she is drawn deeper into solving the mystery , we met strong women and make stronger friendships. This fast moving, well thought out, and plotted, has all the hallmarks of a great mystery and I look forward to more to come. What was missing? A romantic interest, and I found I appreciated that. The lack of a romantic interest, highlighted our heroines strength. Well done, author, well done

[J.E. Grace · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder on the Square is the first book by this author I have read. It was an enjoyable read.

I admired Claire's resolve to not give up, even when threatened. Relics and Riches was an interesting shop. The clues had me on the edge of my seat. So many possible suspects.

The characters were well-developed with lots of layers. The ending wrapped everything up nicely and I like how the author solved the mystery. Some surprises along the way.

I received a complimentary copy from the author; a positive review is not required. All opinions are my own.

[Gail Minter · Rating 5 out of 5]

Definitely a “can’t put it down” story!

As I read, I felt I was right in the middle of the mystery! I enjoyed the relationship of Claire and Ruby very much, similar to my years of reading Nancy Drew. Claire’s memories of her grandmother’s guidance were well done. I also loved the small town relationships. There was definitely suspenseful moments but not to the point I couldn’t read at night when I was alone and I appreciated that. In all, I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy mystery!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

As Claire Hastings says good bye to her grandmother, an idea to open an antiques shop forms. A new start is what she needs. However, things don't always go as planned. Claire must solve a murder and find the long held secrets in order to move forward. I loved how the author was able to develop her story and characters. Both pulled the reader in and made the pages turn. I look forward to reading more from this author. I received an advanced copy. A review was not required.

[Kimberly Heck · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was great! Claire realizes as she says goodbye to her beloved Grandmother that there is a mystery and a lot of deception that started years ago and her and her friends are going to do everything they can to right many wrongs. She is determined to solve this mystery and right these wrongs for her Grandmother no matter what comes her way. This book is definitely worth reading.

[Doreen Farrar · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the story of Claire. The story opens with a murder, with very few details, but Claire's drawn to investigate, and all is revealed in time. The story is definitely a cozy mystery, with a sentence structure that evokes an air of suspense and caution. Someone who likes traditional mysteries will love this book.

[Cyndi Taylor · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a new author and series for me. I'm pleasantly surprised. I really like the town. The 2 bffs being ride or die is great. The mystery unfolded nicely. I plan to go back to book 1 now. Would say this is closer to 4.5 star but there are no half star here.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Charlene · Rating 5 out of 5]

an unpredictable small town cozy mystery, fast paced, filled with complex interesting quirky characters. Lots of twists and turns, murder and mayhem making this a real page turner and a must read!

[Anne Pyles · Rating 5 out of 5]

I thoroughly enjoyed this book! Claire, Murphy, and friends follow the clues to find out who murdered the man in her new antique shop. Don’t miss it!

[Rowan Creech · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a delightful murder cozy mystery that was an enchanting read from beginning to end.