The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit: A Small Town Cozy Mystery

The Bookshop Mysteries #4

by S.A. Reeves

Some marriages end in court while others end at the morgue. When Gemma agrees to uncover one man’s secrets, she never expected to stumble onto a killer who thinks that some lies are worth killing for…

When Penelope, the wife of a bestselling thriller author, walks into the Bookworm Bookshop and Café, she makes Gemma an offer she can’t to work for her as a private investigator.

Penelope suspects that her husband is cheating on her and wants physical evidence before she files for divorce. Gemma agrees to help, but her investigation quickly leads her and her sidekick, the ever-curious Mavis into a web of literary egos and secrets that should have stayed between the pages of a bestseller, and not real life.

When Penelope’s husband turns up dead, it’s clear that someone wanted to close the book on him for good. Gemma must uncover the truth before the killer gets to their final chapter.

Set in the charming Derbyshire town of Belper, The Bookshop Mysteries – A Deadly Deceit is perfect for fans of The Thursday Murder Club and The Body in the Bookstore . Cozy, clever, and wickedly twisty—this is one mystery book you’ll find hard to put down.

Genres: Mystery

392 pages, Paperback

Published August 17, 2025

Reviews

[Steve · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read the first four in this series over the last two weeks. From an okay start they are improving with each episode. This latest is definitely the best plotted story so far. If you like cosy crime then these are certainly worth a try!

[Ryan Hausfeld · Rating 3 out of 5]

Great start but it kind of dragged on. About 50 pages too long.

[Valery · Rating 5 out of 5]

S.A. Reeves’ The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit is a delightfully engaging cozy mystery that effortlessly blends intrigue, humor, and small-town charm. From the very first page, you are drawn into the quaint town of Belper, where life seems peaceful—but appearances can be deceiving.

The story centers on Gemma Curtis, a resourceful and clever bookshop owner, and her spirited friend Mavis Rawlings. When a local author’s wife suspects foul play, Gemma finds herself tangled in a case that quickly escalates from infidelity to murder. Reeves has a talent for crafting plots that are both intricate and accessible, keeping readers guessing while never losing sight of character development and warmth.

One of the book’s strongest aspects is the rich characterization. Gemma’s sharp intuition and Mavis’ endearing wit create a dynamic duo that carries the story with charm and humor. The interactions feel authentic, and their friendship adds a comforting layer to the suspense. Meanwhile, Reeves’ vivid portrayal of Belper makes the town itself feel alive, from cozy bookshop corners to bustling village streets, immersing the reader fully in the setting.

The mystery itself is clever and tightly constructed. Twists and turns appear at just the right moments, maintaining tension without overwhelming the reader. It’s the kind of story where you’ll find yourself rooting for the mystery to be solved with each small revelation alongside the characters, while flipping pages to uncover the next clue.

For fans of cozy mysteries, this book hits all the right notes: engaging plot, likable protagonists, and an atmospheric small-town setting. It’s a story that invites you in, entertains thoroughly, and leaves you eagerly anticipating the next installment. I love this warm and cozy book; it's a perfect escape and is highly recommended.

[Stacy Croushorn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have now read four in this series, and all I can say is that they get better and better. This has been my favorite so far. I think it is because I have become so familiar with the characters. Reading about them comes with such an air of familiarity that I can easily picture their interactions in my mind. I can see Gemma at the Bookworm, talking with Mavis about the recent meeting of the murder book club and if Holmes could solve cases as easily in modern times as he did in Victorian England. I loved the quip where someone calls Gemma “Miss Marple.” I also love the fact that books are mentioned throughout the story. I actually bought “Atomic Habits” on Gemma’s recommendation. This time the story is set in the world of publishing. A famous author and publisher is found murdered by foxglove or digitalis. The investigation uncovers that he was having multiple affairs, and any of his mistresses or wife could have committed the deed. As usual, Gemma gets caught up in the investigation and falls into the hands of the murderer, but this time she is an official “consultant” for the police. Thanks to the resourcefulness and quick wit of a friend who is a postal worker they are saved to solve another case. I really liked the look into the world of publishing. As an author, myself, I could relate to this part easily. Hopefully there will be more trouble for Gemma and the gang to get into soon. Oh, I also bought, “The Art of Character.” Keep recommending these great books!

[Naomi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Deadly Deceit is the fourth instalment of The Bookshop Mysteries. Gemma and Mavis return to solving mysteries when Penelope, the wife of a bestselling thriller author, asks Gemma to become her private investigator. Penelope suspects her husband of cheating and wants evidence. Gemma agrees, but her investigation veers wildly off course when a murder takes place. Now Gemma and Mavis must unwind the clues and solve the mystery of this clever and elusive murderer.

A Deadly Deceit is another thrilling addition to this series with a brilliantly interwoven plot. Throughout the story, there are multiple suspects and red herrings thrown in by an unusually clever murderer. This approach kept me guessing until the end, and I found it added immensely to my reading enjoyment because I kept changing my theories. I would say this is my favourite book in this series so far.

The characters are all well-written with diverse characteristics. I found them realistic and lifelike, which carried over into the dialogue, which flowed well without awkwardness or stilted sentences. There are quite a few returning characters, which build upon the established Bookshop Mysteries world.

This is definitely a book you can curl up with on a rainy day. It is a very enjoyable read with many twists and turns. I highly recommend.

[Aditya · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit by S.A. Reeves is a wonderfully crafted cozy mystery that perfectly balances intrigue, charm, and small-town warmth. Set in the picturesque town of Belper, the story follows Gemma Curtis, a clever and determined bookshop owner, who finds herself drawn into yet another unexpected investigation. What begins as a simple case of suspected infidelity quickly spirals into something far darker when a bestselling author is found dead. With her quick wit and the loyal support of her inquisitive friend Mavis, Gemma dives headfirst into a web of secrets, betrayals, and literary rivalries.

Reeves has a gift for blending suspense with humor, keeping the mystery layered and unpredictable while also creating a cast of characters that feel instantly familiar and endearing. The bookshop setting adds to the cozy atmosphere, making readers feel as though they’re right alongside Gemma and Mavis as they piece together the clues. Each twist and turn is cleverly placed, ensuring that the reveal is both surprising and satisfying.

For fans of The Thursday Murder Club or classic whodunits, this is an absolute delight. A witty, clever, and thoroughly enjoyable mystery that will leave readers eagerly awaiting the next installment.

Thank you,
Happy Reading

[dnsyl57 · Rating 5 out of 5]

"A Deadly Deceit": is book #4 in "The Bookshop Mysteries" by S.A. Reeves.

Penelope Hall-Browne believes her husband, Dean is having yet another affair, so she hires Gemma and Mavis to prove it so she can file for divorce. They quickly find the proof but before they can present the evidence, he is found dead. She was out of town, but was it one of his lovers or perhaps one of the authors that their publishing company had under contract?

Several suspects to sort through as well as understanding motives and opportunity - especially once the method was uncovered. At least a couple of the suspects seemed far to obvious to me but I did have doubts about two characters. Something just felt off but I couldn't quite put my finger on why. Well placed misdirection and some surprising tidbits of info finally clued me in just before a very dangerous and dramatic showdown that could have gone terribly wrong! Well played S. A. Reeves!

I do enjoy the core characters of this series. The relationships and dialogue feel realistic. Gemma and Mavis make a great sleuthing team. They quickly share their findings with Gemma's boyfriend, DI David Haynes but also get assists from Mavis's boyfriend Barry and younger couple Jack and Lily.

An entertaining English cozy mystery!

[Adrienne · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gemma and Mavis are at it again! This is such a fun duo, especially given their age differences, you almost forget Mavis is like 70 years old. Like the first novel, this one dives right into the story and doesn't waste time getting to the mystery that needs to be solved. I liked seeing familiar characters and getting introduced to new ones, which led the reader on a merry chase of trying to figure out who was the guilty party. The author did a great job of not making it seem so obvious and I was both surprised and not surprised by the end. I think Gemma and Mavis make a great team and manage to solve mysteries in a tactful way without straying beyond who they are as your regular, run-of-the-mill Belper townfolk. This was a quick, fun read that I would highly recommend if you like mysteries that are lighthearted so that you won't be awake all night thinking about it, but still engaging in that it has you racing to get to the end of the book too see the mystery solved. Well done.

[Octavia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I needed a novel to read while I relax, and The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit, written by S.A. Reeves, was just that. Gemma and Mavis are at it again in this novel, where things get really interesting. Gemma and Mavis are the new Sherlock Holmes and Watson, and I'm here for it. Their interactions with each other and different characters made me love them more. I can relate to Gemma in many ways, especially in her love of murder/mystery novels. I enjoyed the novel's plot and the twists that came with it. The climax was so intense that I was truly and highly thrilled. Although there were times when I felt like certain chapters were unnecessary and there were a couple of grammatical errors, I did enjoy the details that S.A. Reeves put into the novel. For anyone who enjoys a cozy murder/mystery story, I recommend this novel to you. I rate it 4 out of 5 stars.

[Gauri · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit is a charming and addictive read that will delight fans of classic cozy mysteries. Bookshop owner Gemma and her sidekick Mavis are a fantastic duo, bringing a familiar warmth and sharp wit to their amateur sleuthing. When a bestselling author turns up dead, their investigation leads them through a tangled web of literary secrets and personal betrayals. The author expertly crafts a story full of clever twists and turns that keep you guessing until the very end. With its delightful small-town setting, engaging characters, and a plot that perfectly balances charm and suspense, this book is a truly satisfying escape. It’s no wonder readers keep coming back to this series.

[Constance · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Penelope Hall-Brown walks into the Bookworm Bookstore and requests that Gemma Curtis investigate their cheating husband Dean, Gemma and her sidekick Mavis could not have expected that they were getting themselves into a complex murder mystery.

The pair were prepared for a standard reconnaissance investigation, but when they find Dean dead in his bedroom, they now have to discover who the killer was.

This is the second time I’m reading SA Reeves’ Bookshop Mysteries series, with the first being “A Bitter Pill”. SA Reeves once again shines in their use of tension. They manage to create a mystery that’s gripping from page to page, and I’m here for it!

[Donna Emperador · Rating 5 out of 5]

Exciting cozy mystery

These book shop mysteries are reminiscent of Miss Marple, set in a small town in England, where a bookshop owner and her friend mistakenly end up solving crimes.

However, due to past successes, Gemma gets the ok from the police department to help her detective boyfriend solve cases in A Deadly Deceit.

As usual, in this novel, there are lots of plot twists leaving the reader guessing until the very end.

I have read several books in this series, and I keep coming back for more. Enjoyable for all mystery lovers, especially fans of cozy mysteries.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Each book gets more exciting as Gemma and Mavis solve crimes. David now has them official doing work with him which is an honor besides Gemma and Mavis really good at this crime solving.
This book had a character who deceived Gemma and Mavis about her marriage and it was getting better with each chapter. An enjoyable book

[Delores Johnson · Rating 4 out of 5]

the actual story line to solve the murder was good and I wasn't able to figure out who the murderer was. HOWEVER, there were WAY too many pages devoted to the interview session with the guest authors at the bookstore, which had nothing to do with the storyline of the murder. Fortunately, since the book is on my Kindle, I was able to scroll past that section of the book.

[Theresa Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Addicted to this series!!!

[Ashley Klann · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have loved the entire series thus far, they are amazing books to read when you want to snuggle up with a cozy mystery, I highly recommend these books to anyone who loves cozy mysteries!

[Katherine Wacker · Rating 4 out of 5]

In S.A. Reeves, The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit, amateur sleuth Gemma is asked to investigate whether a husband is cheating on his wife. Gemma reluctantly agrees. Things go from bad to worse when the husband is found murdered. Will Gemma be able to follow the clues to find the culprit before she and her friends become victims themselves?

The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit is the fourth in the series of The Bookshop Mysteries. It is an intriguing and entertaining read. The plot has incredible twists and turns with plenty of red herrings that would make Agatha Christie proud. It is a well-written tale, and the characters are interesting, well-developed, and empathetic. There are places in the narrative where the dialogue is trite, but overall, The Bookshop Mysteries: A Deadly Deceit is a great cozy read full of literary allusions and wonderful surprises.

[Jill Stirling · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not too bad.

[Pamela Parks Fenn · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely fabulous. I couldn't put it down!

I finished all 5 books in 1 week. Highly recommend for captivating thrills. And, the characters are great.
I want more, please.

[Ray Kiefer · Rating 5 out of 5]

You might figure it out, but the plot is intriguing, and you won't be sure until the end.

[Jenice Herzog · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is an absolutely delightful series with wonderful twists and turns.

[Jenna Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wonderfully cosy mystery series, I thoroughly enjoy the centring around the bookworm bookshop.
This book had a great twist, only 4 stars as I did figure it out quite early on.