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Tomes & Tea Mysteries #3
If Books Could Kill
Daisy Swanson’s daughter Jazzi has moved away to the lakeside town of Belltower Landing, but the apple doesn’t fall from the tree. Much like Daisy, she’s running a tea bar and bookshop––and has a knack for getting into hot water…
Town librarian Mathilda has a troublesome new emplROSEoyee, and after Jazzi spots the two of them arguing at the ice-sculpture festival, Mathilda asks Jazzi if she’d mind discussing her workplace woes over a cup of tea. During the visit, Jazzi also finds out about Mathilda’s top-secret stash of valuable first editions.
Soon afterward, those rare books have vanished—and Mathilda is dead. As the police check out suspects and a lawyer searches for the next of kin, Jazzi learns that the librarian’s life was as mysterious as any crime thriller. She’d left home and changed her name as a teenager, and always seemed a little lonely. Oddly, it’s her new employee who seems the most distraught.
It’s the off-season, so the upstate New York town is free of the usual swarm of tourists—but the quiet doesn’t last long. The press is descending as the murder makes national news, and rumors start circulating. With Belltower Landing steeped in suspicion, Jazzi must figure out whether the first editions were the real motive for sending Mathilda to her final resting place…
Town librarian Mathilda has a troublesome new emplROSEoyee, and after Jazzi spots the two of them arguing at the ice-sculpture festival, Mathilda asks Jazzi if she’d mind discussing her workplace woes over a cup of tea. During the visit, Jazzi also finds out about Mathilda’s top-secret stash of valuable first editions.
Soon afterward, those rare books have vanished—and Mathilda is dead. As the police check out suspects and a lawyer searches for the next of kin, Jazzi learns that the librarian’s life was as mysterious as any crime thriller. She’d left home and changed her name as a teenager, and always seemed a little lonely. Oddly, it’s her new employee who seems the most distraught.
It’s the off-season, so the upstate New York town is free of the usual swarm of tourists—but the quiet doesn’t last long. The press is descending as the murder makes national news, and rumors start circulating. With Belltower Landing steeped in suspicion, Jazzi must figure out whether the first editions were the real motive for sending Mathilda to her final resting place…
281 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 31, 2026
About the author
Karen Rose Smith
357 books920 followersAward-winning author Karen Rose Smith was born in Pennsylvania. Although she was an only child, she remembers the bonds of an extended family. Family is a strong theme in her books and she suspects her childhood memories are the reason.
In college, Karen began writing poetry and also met her husband to be. They both began married life as teachers, but when their son was born, Karen decided to try her hand at a home-decorating business.
She returned to teaching for a while but changes in her life led her to writing relationship novels. Now she writes romances as well as mysteries full time. Her first book was published in 1992; her 110th novel will be published in 2024. A winner of New Jersey's Golden Leaf Award in Short Contemporary Romance, Colorado Romance Writers Award Of Excellence for short contemporary, as well as the Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter's Golden Quill for Traditional Romance, she has also been honored with Cataromance.com's award for Best Special Edition and Washington Romance Writers Career Achievement Award. Her romances have made both the USA TODAY list and the Amazon Romance and Contemporary Romance Bestseller lists. Her mysteries have made the USA TODAY and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists.
She has written for Meteor/Kismet, Kensington, Silhouette and Harlequin. Readers can contact Karen through her website, on Facebook (Karen Rose Smith Author) and on Twitter @ Karenrosesmith, on TIKTOK at karenrosesmithauthor and on Instagram. They can also follow her monthly e-zine IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH which has the latest news about her books, recipes and contests.
In college, Karen began writing poetry and also met her husband to be. They both began married life as teachers, but when their son was born, Karen decided to try her hand at a home-decorating business.
She returned to teaching for a while but changes in her life led her to writing relationship novels. Now she writes romances as well as mysteries full time. Her first book was published in 1992; her 110th novel will be published in 2024. A winner of New Jersey's Golden Leaf Award in Short Contemporary Romance, Colorado Romance Writers Award Of Excellence for short contemporary, as well as the Phoenix Desert Rose Chapter's Golden Quill for Traditional Romance, she has also been honored with Cataromance.com's award for Best Special Edition and Washington Romance Writers Career Achievement Award. Her romances have made both the USA TODAY list and the Amazon Romance and Contemporary Romance Bestseller lists. Her mysteries have made the USA TODAY and Barnes and Noble bestseller lists.
She has written for Meteor/Kismet, Kensington, Silhouette and Harlequin. Readers can contact Karen through her website, on Facebook (Karen Rose Smith Author) and on Twitter @ Karenrosesmith, on TIKTOK at karenrosesmithauthor and on Instagram. They can also follow her monthly e-zine IN TOUCH with KAREN ROSE SMITH which has the latest news about her books, recipes and contests.
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Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
October 22, 2025
#IfBooksCouldKill #NetGalley is the newest book featuring Jazzi, the daughter of another character in a different series by this author.
Jazz is settling into her life, living independently and running a bookstore.
During the ice sculpture festival, Jazzi notices the librarian, Mathilda arguing with one of her employees.
Mathilda seeks advice from Jazzi and the two strike up a friendship that includes Mathilda's love of rare books.
When Mathilda is discovered, dead, and her books missing, Jazzi is determined to find out why her life was taken in a brutal way.
I love this series and it's so much fun watching Jazzi grow and become a young woman. Her character has a good sense of right and wrong and her loyalty to her friends shows brilliantly in this book.
Jazz is settling into her life, living independently and running a bookstore.
During the ice sculpture festival, Jazzi notices the librarian, Mathilda arguing with one of her employees.
Mathilda seeks advice from Jazzi and the two strike up a friendship that includes Mathilda's love of rare books.
When Mathilda is discovered, dead, and her books missing, Jazzi is determined to find out why her life was taken in a brutal way.
I love this series and it's so much fun watching Jazzi grow and become a young woman. Her character has a good sense of right and wrong and her loyalty to her friends shows brilliantly in this book.
April 28, 2026
Thank you to Werner Books & Coffee for allowing me to read and review this ARC!
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3.5 ★
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IF BOOKS COULD KILL is the third installment of the Tomes and Tea mystery series, and the first book I have read by this author. As someone who didn’t realize this was a continuation of a series, there was a lot of information given that required context that I simply did not have. Additionally, the book is full of infodumps and traumadumps, and it seemed there was a need to justify every detail given.
Our protagonist, Jazzi, is an inquisitive young woman and a co-owner of a successful bookstore alongside her roommate, Dawn. While she is described to be 25 years old, she is not written that way. I am 25, and to me, she reads as someone who has been written by someone much older—which is true. This surfaces especially while she is interacting with others. She’s also really bad at keeping secrets.
I did enjoy certain aspects of this book. I love the New England states, so this book’s lakeside small-town setting was perfect for me. I loved Jazzi and Dawn’s friendship, the positive messages spread about the importance of community, and the adorable kittens living inside the girls’ apartment. Also, there was a great “will they/won’t they” dynamic happening between Jazzi and her love interest, Oliver, that I enjoyed watching develop.
In terms of the murder mystery aspect of the plot, I clocked the killer pretty early on. But I enjoyed reading the book nonetheless.
If you are into cozy bookstores and libraries, tea, and mysteries with that scenic, small-town feel, this book may be for you!
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3.5 ★
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IF BOOKS COULD KILL is the third installment of the Tomes and Tea mystery series, and the first book I have read by this author. As someone who didn’t realize this was a continuation of a series, there was a lot of information given that required context that I simply did not have. Additionally, the book is full of infodumps and traumadumps, and it seemed there was a need to justify every detail given.
Our protagonist, Jazzi, is an inquisitive young woman and a co-owner of a successful bookstore alongside her roommate, Dawn. While she is described to be 25 years old, she is not written that way. I am 25, and to me, she reads as someone who has been written by someone much older—which is true. This surfaces especially while she is interacting with others. She’s also really bad at keeping secrets.
I did enjoy certain aspects of this book. I love the New England states, so this book’s lakeside small-town setting was perfect for me. I loved Jazzi and Dawn’s friendship, the positive messages spread about the importance of community, and the adorable kittens living inside the girls’ apartment. Also, there was a great “will they/won’t they” dynamic happening between Jazzi and her love interest, Oliver, that I enjoyed watching develop.
In terms of the murder mystery aspect of the plot, I clocked the killer pretty early on. But I enjoyed reading the book nonetheless.
If you are into cozy bookstores and libraries, tea, and mysteries with that scenic, small-town feel, this book may be for you!
June 22, 2026
"If Books Could Kill (Book 3 of A Tomes & Tea Mystery Series)" by Karen Rose Smith is set around Valentine's Weekend. There's several winter activities and a light touch on Valentine's Day activities. Jazzi is getting to know the local library director. The library director shares her rare book collection with Jazzi. So, cozy mystery 101, something happens.
Jazzi gets pulled into investigating what happened and her history with her mom's sleuthing gets revealed to her for sure love interest and her friend that wishes he was a love interest. They're both concerned about her and with good reason. The culprit decides to drug her and leaves her in a freezing cold garage, fairly unprovoked at this point. Jazzi hadn't even really had them on her radar (I thought the person was sus though). In the end, the culprit was a but sloppy.
This book also touches a bit more on lost family. There's more talk about birth families, abuse, and finding bio parents. Overall, an interesting story.
Jazzi gets pulled into investigating what happened and her history with her mom's sleuthing gets revealed to her for sure love interest and her friend that wishes he was a love interest. They're both concerned about her and with good reason. The culprit decides to drug her and leaves her in a freezing cold garage, fairly unprovoked at this point. Jazzi hadn't even really had them on her radar (I thought the person was sus though). In the end, the culprit was a but sloppy.
This book also touches a bit more on lost family. There's more talk about birth families, abuse, and finding bio parents. Overall, an interesting story.
June 12, 2026
Small-town bookstore/tea shop owner follows in her mother's footsteps when she tries to track down the killer of the local librarian, a lady whose mysterious ways may conceal enemies. While this is by and large an inoffensive book, I can't say I'll be seeking out others in the series.
April 1, 2026
I loved visiting Jazzi and Dawn, the owners of a combination tea shop and book store! The best friends have worked hard to open and grow their business, “Tomes and Tea”, with a peaceful atmosphere and special products. On-line sales are growing, as is their unique book club.
Jazzi loves living in Belltower Landing, New York, even though her family is in Pennsylvania. She and Dawn have a pair of adorable kittens, Freya and Zander. Jazzi likes a certain handsome Aussie who owns a local gastropub, while Dawn and her boyfriend may be getting serious. I appreciate the perfect balance of mystery, kitten antics, business, friends, and family.
In their 20s, Jazzi and Dawn appeal to a wide age range. They portrayed so well that I felt as if I were visiting dear friends. They are mature young women who still make time for fun and relaxation. They approach their business responsibly and are open to the wisdom of others.
The Frozen Beauty Weekend just began in this resort-style town that caters to tourists. One can walk almost anywhere in town to appreciate amazing ice sculptures. Jazzi provide tea for those who enter the library tent, overseen by Mathilda, the library director, and her staff.
Mathilda called the police to the library tent twice that day. A stalker, against whom she had taken out an order of protection, wouldn’t stay away. Mathilda seemed willing to tentatively seek Jazzi’s friendship, and asked her help in getting one of her totes to her home.
Mathilda revealed a secret hiding place inside her beautiful, mahogany armoire. Tucked Inside were three rare, first edition books. Mathilda liked to collect, and sometimes read them. She mentioned another book, even more rare and valuable, but did not offer to show it. Jazzi promised to try to not tell anyone about them.
Another time, they discussed a new library employee who didn’t get along well with Mathilda. Other staff members could work with Tinsley. How could she communicate better with her? She likes how Jazzi’s staff works together as if friends or family, but wants to keep professional relationships at the library.
A week later, Mathilda was murdered in her home. The three books she had shown Jazzi were missing. Jazzi and Oscar found Mathilda, and Jazzi was devastated. She told the detective about the special books, and assisted the librarian’s attorney when cataloging her other books. She asked questions around town, wanting justice for her friend.
Jazzi’s mother, Daisy Swanson Groft (from Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries), had solved ten murders in conjunction with her local police department. Until now, none of Jazzi’s friends knew about that. Jazzi reached out to Daisy about her nightmares, and Daisy will visit her soon. How will Jazzi’s friends react when she reveals that to them?
Initially, the only suspect was Mathilda’s stalker. Nobody knew if Mathilda had any family, until a close friend, then a family member came forward, and Mathilda’s attorney found her sister. One by one, suspects were eliminated.
I was fully satisfied with the conclusion of the mystery. I was also happy with Jazzi and Daisy’s relationship, and I am looking forward to the next in series! I highly recommend this and the earlier two cozy mysteries in the series, especially to those who like book stores, tea shops, cats, and well-written cozy mysteries!
Many thanks to the publisher, Kensington, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
Jazzi loves living in Belltower Landing, New York, even though her family is in Pennsylvania. She and Dawn have a pair of adorable kittens, Freya and Zander. Jazzi likes a certain handsome Aussie who owns a local gastropub, while Dawn and her boyfriend may be getting serious. I appreciate the perfect balance of mystery, kitten antics, business, friends, and family.
In their 20s, Jazzi and Dawn appeal to a wide age range. They portrayed so well that I felt as if I were visiting dear friends. They are mature young women who still make time for fun and relaxation. They approach their business responsibly and are open to the wisdom of others.
The Frozen Beauty Weekend just began in this resort-style town that caters to tourists. One can walk almost anywhere in town to appreciate amazing ice sculptures. Jazzi provide tea for those who enter the library tent, overseen by Mathilda, the library director, and her staff.
Mathilda called the police to the library tent twice that day. A stalker, against whom she had taken out an order of protection, wouldn’t stay away. Mathilda seemed willing to tentatively seek Jazzi’s friendship, and asked her help in getting one of her totes to her home.
Mathilda revealed a secret hiding place inside her beautiful, mahogany armoire. Tucked Inside were three rare, first edition books. Mathilda liked to collect, and sometimes read them. She mentioned another book, even more rare and valuable, but did not offer to show it. Jazzi promised to try to not tell anyone about them.
Another time, they discussed a new library employee who didn’t get along well with Mathilda. Other staff members could work with Tinsley. How could she communicate better with her? She likes how Jazzi’s staff works together as if friends or family, but wants to keep professional relationships at the library.
A week later, Mathilda was murdered in her home. The three books she had shown Jazzi were missing. Jazzi and Oscar found Mathilda, and Jazzi was devastated. She told the detective about the special books, and assisted the librarian’s attorney when cataloging her other books. She asked questions around town, wanting justice for her friend.
Jazzi’s mother, Daisy Swanson Groft (from Daisy’s Tea Garden Mysteries), had solved ten murders in conjunction with her local police department. Until now, none of Jazzi’s friends knew about that. Jazzi reached out to Daisy about her nightmares, and Daisy will visit her soon. How will Jazzi’s friends react when she reveals that to them?
Initially, the only suspect was Mathilda’s stalker. Nobody knew if Mathilda had any family, until a close friend, then a family member came forward, and Mathilda’s attorney found her sister. One by one, suspects were eliminated.
I was fully satisfied with the conclusion of the mystery. I was also happy with Jazzi and Daisy’s relationship, and I am looking forward to the next in series! I highly recommend this and the earlier two cozy mysteries in the series, especially to those who like book stores, tea shops, cats, and well-written cozy mysteries!
Many thanks to the publisher, Kensington, who provided a pre-publication copy of this novel through NetGalley. This is my honest review.
March 31, 2026
What should have been a fun Winterfest event in the town of Belltower Landing, complete with ice sculptures and a fun “date night” scavenger hunt, turns into a chilling encounter with death. Jazzi Swanson is no stranger to murder mysteries, she watched her mom, Daisy Swanson Groft, a talented albeit reluctant amateur sleuth, solve or help solve more than her share in Pennsylvania (check out Daisy’s Tea Garden Mystery series). Jazzi never expected to be following in her mom’s footsteps. One of the reasons for going away to college and choosing to live in Belltower Landing was to desire to live somewhere where her mom’s mystery solving reputation didn’t overshadow the person whom Jazzi is trying to become.
Matilda, the thoroughly organized head librarian, met with Jazzi to get advice about friction with a new employee, Tinsley Riva. Matilda and Tinsley were not meshing well at all, there wasn’t animosity per se, but something seemed tense. Matilda respected how Jazzi’s crew at Tea & Tomes seemed to be a friendly bunch who worked really well together. Matilda also respected Jazzi as a fellow bibliophile. Matilda loves really old, really valuable books as well and even gives Jazzi a peak at some rare first editions. Matilda was also experiencing a problem with a romantically inclined yet pushy library patron who was not taking no for an answer, to the point of needing a restraining order. So of course, Matilda is the victim and Jazzi feels the need to uncover the truth. With the disappearance of the hidden books, one has to ask themselves, was this a robbery gone wrong or a stalker related situation, either way Jazzi cannot help but to be drawn into yet another mystery.
Jazzi begins with a suspect list and some insight from members of her reading group which meets at Tea & Tomes. Speaking of the reading group, the format is different from most book clubs. Each person brings a book that they are reading and shares some insight rather than the whole group reading the same book. It exposes a reader to multiple books, one of which might turn out to be their next great read. Much to Detective Milford’s dismay, the locals bless Jazzi with helpful and sometimes not so helpful information. I was happy to see Daisy make an appearance in this book. She reminds Jazzi of the benefits of speaking with a therapist or counselor, which is great advice and it applies to more characters than just Jazzi.
This story does a very good job of broaching some tough topics such as therapy, growing up as an adopted child, growing up in an abusive home, and letting a friend know that you value them but are not attracted to them. As with the preceding books, the clues are laid as to not be obvious, the red herrings are not overdone, and the baked goods make my mouth water just reading about them. I have so many questions based on the ending, but I don’t want to leave any spoilers.
Matilda, the thoroughly organized head librarian, met with Jazzi to get advice about friction with a new employee, Tinsley Riva. Matilda and Tinsley were not meshing well at all, there wasn’t animosity per se, but something seemed tense. Matilda respected how Jazzi’s crew at Tea & Tomes seemed to be a friendly bunch who worked really well together. Matilda also respected Jazzi as a fellow bibliophile. Matilda loves really old, really valuable books as well and even gives Jazzi a peak at some rare first editions. Matilda was also experiencing a problem with a romantically inclined yet pushy library patron who was not taking no for an answer, to the point of needing a restraining order. So of course, Matilda is the victim and Jazzi feels the need to uncover the truth. With the disappearance of the hidden books, one has to ask themselves, was this a robbery gone wrong or a stalker related situation, either way Jazzi cannot help but to be drawn into yet another mystery.
Jazzi begins with a suspect list and some insight from members of her reading group which meets at Tea & Tomes. Speaking of the reading group, the format is different from most book clubs. Each person brings a book that they are reading and shares some insight rather than the whole group reading the same book. It exposes a reader to multiple books, one of which might turn out to be their next great read. Much to Detective Milford’s dismay, the locals bless Jazzi with helpful and sometimes not so helpful information. I was happy to see Daisy make an appearance in this book. She reminds Jazzi of the benefits of speaking with a therapist or counselor, which is great advice and it applies to more characters than just Jazzi.
This story does a very good job of broaching some tough topics such as therapy, growing up as an adopted child, growing up in an abusive home, and letting a friend know that you value them but are not attracted to them. As with the preceding books, the clues are laid as to not be obvious, the red herrings are not overdone, and the baked goods make my mouth water just reading about them. I have so many questions based on the ending, but I don’t want to leave any spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I thought this was a good addition to the series. I love that there is a connection to the previous series (Daisy's Tea Garden) and Jazzy's mom, Daisy, actually shows up in this one briefly. Jazzy misses her mom and her home, but she is settling down in Belltower Landing, loves sharing her apartment and bookshop/tea shop with her best friend and making new friends. One friend she makes is the head librarian, Mathilda. While trying to help Mathilda relate better to her newest young hire, Mathilda reveals a secret compartment in her home where she hides valuable first-edition books. A few days later, Jazzy and her friends are on a scavenger hunt when they hear a gunshot. Jazzy runs toward the shot, followed closely by her boyfriend, Oliver. They discover Mathilda dead and call in the cops, who order Jazzy to stay out of the investigation. But Jazzy is too much like her mother and can't. Unfortunately, delving into who might have done the deed will put Jazzy in serious danger.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well done and the setting puts me right there in the town of Belltower Landing. As for the suspects, I had two in mind and was happy to find that one of *my* suspects was the killer. The ending was satisfying in that they caught the one who was responsible, but the aftermath with Jazzy and Oliver... I wasn't quite as sure about that. But it fit the story.
Overall, definitely a good read and an excellent addition to the series.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Press for providing this ARC.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are well done and the setting puts me right there in the town of Belltower Landing. As for the suspects, I had two in mind and was happy to find that one of *my* suspects was the killer. The ending was satisfying in that they caught the one who was responsible, but the aftermath with Jazzy and Oliver... I wasn't quite as sure about that. But it fit the story.
Overall, definitely a good read and an excellent addition to the series.
Recommended.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising” Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Press for providing this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I have been a fan of Karen Rose Smith for quite a while. I love her previous two cozy series, especially the Daisy Teahouse Garden series, that this one is a spin-off from, but this one may be becoming my favorite of all. Jazzy has really grown on me as a character, and I think that's the author's gift to actually have us feeling this character growing slowly, realisticly book after book. In this new story, Dawn and Jazzy are growing their business, participating in town events, growing their livelihoods, and their circle of friends. With Jazzy helping the library tent at the Valentine's Festival, she realizes something is bothering the main librarian Matilda, who actually asks her to come home with her as she is nervous about a stalker. Once there, Matilda shows Jazzy some of her very valuable first addition books she has hidden away. Unfortunately the next day while Jazzy and Oliver are participants in the town scavenger hunt they hear a gun shot while near Matilda's home and Jazzy rushes to make sure her friend is ok only to find her murdered. What follows is a great mystery with multiple suspects, twists, and turns and a great visit from Jazzy's mom, Daisy! This was a wonderful mystery and heartwarming tale, especially for followers of both series. I strongly recommend this one! Thanks to #Netgally, #KensingtonCozies, and the author for an opportunity to read! #IfBooksCouldKill #TomesandTeaMysteries #KarenRoseSmith #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreaders
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
If Books Could Kill is the third book in the Tomes and Tea mystery series by Karen Rose Smith. I am a big fan of Karen Smith and her series Daisy's Tea Garden Mystery. This series is a spin off from that series.
Jazzi and Dawn own the bookshop and tea bar called Tomes and Tea - which I really need one of these where I live!. Jazzi's love for books brings her to the library and brings the library director to her shop and they formed a friendship. Mathilda, the library director, shares some of her rare books with Jazzi. A few days later, Mathilda is found dead in her home.
Jazzi can't stay out of this case because it involves one of her friends. The rare books start to go missing and Mathilda's home keeps getting vandalized while the murder investigation is going on. Who is the murder? Is it the library worker that Mathilda can't form a relationship with? The stalker she has a restraining order against? Another rare book dealer?
The storyline of Jazzi's life develops further in this book and her mom, Daisy, makes a cameo which I loved! There are other stories that developed too for this specific book which added to the mystery aspect.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Jazzi and Dawn own the bookshop and tea bar called Tomes and Tea - which I really need one of these where I live!. Jazzi's love for books brings her to the library and brings the library director to her shop and they formed a friendship. Mathilda, the library director, shares some of her rare books with Jazzi. A few days later, Mathilda is found dead in her home.
Jazzi can't stay out of this case because it involves one of her friends. The rare books start to go missing and Mathilda's home keeps getting vandalized while the murder investigation is going on. Who is the murder? Is it the library worker that Mathilda can't form a relationship with? The stalker she has a restraining order against? Another rare book dealer?
The storyline of Jazzi's life develops further in this book and her mom, Daisy, makes a cameo which I loved! There are other stories that developed too for this specific book which added to the mystery aspect.
I highly recommend this book!
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I am so happy to read the third installment to the Tea and Tomes series, If Books Could Kill, by Karen Rose Smith. Jazzie is thriving in Belltower, her chosen town. She and Mathilda, the town librarian, are becoming friends and sharing confidences --- including Mathilda's "hobby" and a secret hiding place. Shortly after, Mathilda is murdered.
Jazzie and Dawn, a library employee, join forces to find the killer and missing treasures. Secrets see the light of day when Jazzie investigates the victim's past. I thought the mystery portion was good---I had a couple of suspects but did not guess the culprit until near the end. The character growth and their emotions are very well written and drew me into the plot immediately.
I would recommend this book and the series to others who enjoy mystery/thrillers in the cozy genre.
#IfBooksCouldKill #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #KensingtonCozies #KarenRoseSmith #Tomes&Teas
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Karen Rose Smith for sending an advanced readers copy at my request with no obligation to review. I always review books I love so that others can find them, too.
Jazzie and Dawn, a library employee, join forces to find the killer and missing treasures. Secrets see the light of day when Jazzie investigates the victim's past. I thought the mystery portion was good---I had a couple of suspects but did not guess the culprit until near the end. The character growth and their emotions are very well written and drew me into the plot immediately.
I would recommend this book and the series to others who enjoy mystery/thrillers in the cozy genre.
#IfBooksCouldKill #NetGalley #KensingtonPublishing #KensingtonCozies #KarenRoseSmith #Tomes&Teas
My sincere thanks to NetGalley, Kensington Publishing, and Karen Rose Smith for sending an advanced readers copy at my request with no obligation to review. I always review books I love so that others can find them, too.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jazzi Swanson is feeling settled in Belltower Landing, her tea bar and bookstore is successful, and local bar owner Oliver is definitely making her heart race just a little bit! She is still making new friends, one of whom, Mathilda, the town’s librarian, has recently shown her some first issue books with amazing resale values which, she assures Jazzi, only one or two other people know about. When her body is discovered Jazzi knows she has to find out why her new friend is dead. Did it have something to do with the books or are there more secrets to be discovered before the killer can be revealed?
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and didn't guess whodunnit until it was actually revealed but made perfect sense. The secondary characters and stories filled this book out brilliantly and made it such a good read. Recommended.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Kensington Publishing, Kensington Cozies but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and didn't guess whodunnit until it was actually revealed but made perfect sense. The secondary characters and stories filled this book out brilliantly and made it such a good read. Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Jazzi is becoming friends with Mathilda, the town librarian. Mathilda seeks Jazzi’s advice regarding a younger employee and also shares a secret hiding place that holds several rare first-edition collector’s books. While participating in a scavenger hunt during the ice sculpture festival with her friend, Oliver, Jazzi hears a gunshot in the vicinity of Mathilda’s house and runs there to make sure she’s okay. They discover Mathilda dead.
Shaken, Jazzi is determined to help solve the crime. She uncovers secrets about Mathilda and the new employee and discovers there are several suspects who had motives to kill Mathilda. Can her sleuthing kills help catch the killer without getting herself in harm’s way?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Shaken, Jazzi is determined to help solve the crime. She uncovers secrets about Mathilda and the new employee and discovers there are several suspects who had motives to kill Mathilda. Can her sleuthing kills help catch the killer without getting herself in harm’s way?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
March 31, 2026
This is the third book in the Tomes & Tea Mysteries series. It is set in upstate New York during the off season and their Ice Festival. The town librarian has a new employee that seems to be a pain in everyone’s side.
Jazzi and Mathilda, the librarian strike up a friendship and Jazzi learns of Mathilda’s love of rare books and the small collection she has.
Mathilda has an argument at the Ice Festival with her new employee and is later found dead.
Jazzi needs to suss out who did it and why for her own peace of mind.
This book is well written and plotted but to be fair, I really liked the precursor series with her mother, Daisy, as the sleuth much better.
This book can be read as a standalone.
I was given an advanced readers copy by Netgalley. These are my own opinions. I am not required to leave a positive review.
Jazzi and Mathilda, the librarian strike up a friendship and Jazzi learns of Mathilda’s love of rare books and the small collection she has.
Mathilda has an argument at the Ice Festival with her new employee and is later found dead.
Jazzi needs to suss out who did it and why for her own peace of mind.
This book is well written and plotted but to be fair, I really liked the precursor series with her mother, Daisy, as the sleuth much better.
This book can be read as a standalone.
I was given an advanced readers copy by Netgalley. These are my own opinions. I am not required to leave a positive review.
April 12, 2026
Jazzi doesn't mind lending an ear to town librarian Mathilda whose new employee is giving her fits. While listening she learns the librarian has quite a few first editions hidden away. When Mathilda is found dead and the first editions are missing as well Jazzi knows she wants to figure out what happened. She soon learns the librarian held quite a bit close to the chest one of those things being changing her name as a teenager and leaving home. Rose, the employee she was having trouble with seems to be one of the few people who is upset over her death. Jazzi knows she must find answers soon so Belltower Landing can return to the peaceful place.it was before the press descended upon them.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I’ve really enjoyed this spin-off series from Daisy’s Tea Garden and was happy to see a very special guest as a brief part of this book. Jazzi had her work cut out for her both at the bookstore and trying to find who killed her librarian friend. She managed to make a new friend in the process and help said new friend find someone she hadn’t seen in a long time. After a scary showdown with a killer where Jazzi definitely held her own, I’m sure she’s totally ready to take a nice long vacation.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
May 23, 2026
Mathilda is the towns librarian and she’s been having trouble with a new part-time hire, Tinsley Riva. Jazzi encourages Mathilda to make a comment ion with the new hire and in return Mathilda shares a secret with her. She owned four rare books that are each worth a considerable amount of money. This becomes important when Mathilda is found murdered in her apartment. Jazzi shares what she knows with Detective Milford when they discover that three of the four books are missing.
Even more mysterious is that when the police run a background on Mathilda they discover that she legally changed her name years ago and may have been in hiding. But from what or who? Her next of kin is set to inherit the rare books but who exactly is that? Things get more complicated when Tinsley Riva comes to Jazzi and confesses that she’s actually Mathilda’s niece and her mother was Mathilda’s twin sister.
Although there are many connection to Mathilda’s past that she ran away from no one from her former life is the killer. Turns out the killer is closer to home than anyone thought. Ava is also a local librarian and she killed Mathilda out of jealously and hatred. After Mathilda died, Ava got her job and tried to sell the rare books over the dark web. A classic motive of jealously and the desire to have more than others.
Even more mysterious is that when the police run a background on Mathilda they discover that she legally changed her name years ago and may have been in hiding. But from what or who? Her next of kin is set to inherit the rare books but who exactly is that? Things get more complicated when Tinsley Riva comes to Jazzi and confesses that she’s actually Mathilda’s niece and her mother was Mathilda’s twin sister.
Although there are many connection to Mathilda’s past that she ran away from no one from her former life is the killer. Turns out the killer is closer to home than anyone thought. Ava is also a local librarian and she killed Mathilda out of jealously and hatred. After Mathilda died, Ava got her job and tried to sell the rare books over the dark web. A classic motive of jealously and the desire to have more than others.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I loved the first series by this author with Jazzi’s mother. While it seemed to run its course, I love that Daisy came back in this one and Jazzi is carrying the sleuthing torch forward.
With her own life in New York, all grown up and running a business of her own, Jazzi is one smart cookie. But is she a match for a killer? Those sleuthing skills run deep in the Swanson women and this is a solid entry in this series.
With her own life in New York, all grown up and running a business of her own, Jazzi is one smart cookie. But is she a match for a killer? Those sleuthing skills run deep in the Swanson women and this is a solid entry in this series.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
Fantastic cozy mystery about an interesting main character, Jazzi, and her newfound friend Mathilda, the town librarian. They have tea, Jazzi learns about her collection of rare first editions. Then she dies, and her books kinda vanish as well. then, Jazzi learns about her life and winds up investigating this murder.
5 stars. thanks so much for the ARC, Kensington Publishing and Netgalley.
5 stars. thanks so much for the ARC, Kensington Publishing and Netgalley.
April 2, 2026
I intuited who had done it, but that was a formula guess. The clues remained inconclusive as Jazzi lived her life and people came to or after her.
I have zero idea why people would go to someone other than the police with clues, except maybe that they don't realize they have a clue. Ha. They're clueless! Sorry, bad pun.
Anyway. Cute story, glad to see the series continuing!
I have zero idea why people would go to someone other than the police with clues, except maybe that they don't realize they have a clue. Ha. They're clueless! Sorry, bad pun.
Anyway. Cute story, glad to see the series continuing!
June 19, 2026
3.5 The third book in this cozy mystery series. A fun read plus I liked that the main character is very aware that investigating murders can be hazardous to your health, so unlike a lot of fictional amateur sleuths she doesn’t gratuitously put herself in peril—though she sometimes ends there anyway. Free ebook from the library.
April 4, 2026
I loved it!!!
April 27, 2026
Not bad but Jazzi really is too dumb to live.
June 24, 2026
I enjoyed this book very much. The characters were real enough and the suspense excellent. Will need to go back and read Books 1 and 2.
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