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Autumn & Alibis
When Harper Whitmore inherits her great-aunt’s beloved bookstore in the picturesque town of Fall, Michigan, she thinks she’s found the perfect place to start over. Hearth & Quill Bookstore is everything Harper dreamed it would be: warm, brimming with charm, and hiding a few surprises—including secret passageways. But her fresh start unravels when Prudence Sherman, the town’s most notorious (and merciless) pie contest judge, is found dead at the start of the Apple Harvest Festival.
Drawn into the investigation, Harper relies on her sharp intuition, a stubborn streak, and the help of her new friends, quirky Maggie, and handsome apple orchard owner, Gabe. The deeper she digs, the more she uncovers a tangle of lies, a stolen golden-tipped quill, and history that someone is desperate to rewrite.
As crimson and gold leaves swirl through the streets, Harper must piece together clues hidden in her aunt’s old journals and outsmart a killer—before the final chapter ends with her. Brimming with small-town charm, autumn magic, and page-turning intrigue, Autumn & Alibis is the perfect mystery to curl up with under a blanket and a pumpkin spice latte.
Drawn into the investigation, Harper relies on her sharp intuition, a stubborn streak, and the help of her new friends, quirky Maggie, and handsome apple orchard owner, Gabe. The deeper she digs, the more she uncovers a tangle of lies, a stolen golden-tipped quill, and history that someone is desperate to rewrite.
As crimson and gold leaves swirl through the streets, Harper must piece together clues hidden in her aunt’s old journals and outsmart a killer—before the final chapter ends with her. Brimming with small-town charm, autumn magic, and page-turning intrigue, Autumn & Alibis is the perfect mystery to curl up with under a blanket and a pumpkin spice latte.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 30, 2025
13 people are currently reading
231 people want to read
About the author
Jules Motschall
2 books21 followersJules Motschall writes the kind of books she loves to read: twisty, cozy mysteries with a dash of wit and plenty of heart. Her debut novel, Autumn & Alibis, kicks off the Hearth & Quill Mystery series, and she’s already brewing up the next adventure—fueled, of course, by copious amounts of coffee.
Originally from Michigan, Jules has hopscotched her way through Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Detroit before settling in Chicago with her husband, two kids, and one slightly spoiled Goldendoodle. A fall enthusiast year-round, she can usually be found juggling her TBR pile, experimenting with new hobbies, and buying more planners (and pens!) than one person could ever use.
Jules is also working on a spicy romance series, proving she can’t resist writing about love—be it tangled up with murder, or tangled up in the sheets.
Originally from Michigan, Jules has hopscotched her way through Los Angeles, New York, Atlanta, and Detroit before settling in Chicago with her husband, two kids, and one slightly spoiled Goldendoodle. A fall enthusiast year-round, she can usually be found juggling her TBR pile, experimenting with new hobbies, and buying more planners (and pens!) than one person could ever use.
Jules is also working on a spicy romance series, proving she can’t resist writing about love—be it tangled up with murder, or tangled up in the sheets.
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
September 25, 2025
Probably the most fall core book I've ever read! Between the fall themed town, a bookshop, the baked goods, an apple orchard, loads of coffee, and of course, a mystery involving a writing quill, this was a pretty magical read for me. I loved the characters and wish I lived in a town like this. I will definitely read the next book.
*There was no cussing or spice.
*There was no cussing or spice.
October 9, 2025
The quintessential cozy Hallmark Murder Mystery, that did actually have me fooled on who the killer was. I've tried to read a similar vibed book before and I DNF'D that at 5% because the writing was atrocious. This one on the other hand has fabulous descriptions...like how the light is *just* the right golden color in the fall (I know my fellow fall lovers know). This will make you want to light a fall candle and grab a PSL, but you'll find you dont even have to...the descriptions triggered memories in my brain of small towns I've visited in my past during the fall, that it was just like I was there again with a warm coffee in hand.
It left me wanting to know more about our main character, her friends, and budding romance. I can't wait to continue with the series.
It left me wanting to know more about our main character, her friends, and budding romance. I can't wait to continue with the series.
September 1, 2025
Let’s just start off with the fact that I read the last 40% of this book in one sitting because I had to know the ending!
Autumn & Alibis is the perfect cozy mystery book located in a town called Fall, Michigan. I began reading it right when the weather turned a little chilly and I was transported right into all the warm and cozy feels of fall! The descriptions of all the different fall treats/food/drinks had my mouth watering. My only complaint is that I am on the keto diet while reading this book because I wanted every single thing described 🤣
The mystery kept me guessing and the small town romance sprinkled in kept me intrigued the whole book. I loved that Harper was starting her life over in a small town because I always dreamed of doing that when I was younger. I can’t wait to read more about all of the characters we met in this town and look forward to reading more books written by Jules!
Autumn & Alibis is the perfect cozy mystery book located in a town called Fall, Michigan. I began reading it right when the weather turned a little chilly and I was transported right into all the warm and cozy feels of fall! The descriptions of all the different fall treats/food/drinks had my mouth watering. My only complaint is that I am on the keto diet while reading this book because I wanted every single thing described 🤣
The mystery kept me guessing and the small town romance sprinkled in kept me intrigued the whole book. I loved that Harper was starting her life over in a small town because I always dreamed of doing that when I was younger. I can’t wait to read more about all of the characters we met in this town and look forward to reading more books written by Jules!
October 27, 2025
"Autumn & Alibis (The Hearth & Quill Mysteries #1)" by Jules Motschall is the first book in a new cozy mystery series. Harper Witmore inherits a unique bookstore and apartment from her great aunt in the Michigan town of Fall. Luckily it has come at a time she was loosing her boyfriend and job back in Atlanta. So she leaves the warm south for the perpetual autumnal town that lives up to its name.
Once there she meets lots of people in her process to get the bookstore back up and running. Unfortunately, an antique quill from her aunt's collection goes missing at the grand opening party. A few weeks later, Harper comes across a woman's body with the quill having been the murder weapon. Being the true crime junkie she is, along with her new bff, they jump into "helping" investigate the crime. They do solve it revealing a bit of an unusual cozy mystery twist.
This definitely feels like a first book. Lots of getting to know the characters and flushing out a writing style. There were just a couple paragraphs that could have been done without due to continuity things and an occasional perspective change. I think this series could really do well in the cozy mystery reader circles. I will happily keep up with this series.
Once there she meets lots of people in her process to get the bookstore back up and running. Unfortunately, an antique quill from her aunt's collection goes missing at the grand opening party. A few weeks later, Harper comes across a woman's body with the quill having been the murder weapon. Being the true crime junkie she is, along with her new bff, they jump into "helping" investigate the crime. They do solve it revealing a bit of an unusual cozy mystery twist.
This definitely feels like a first book. Lots of getting to know the characters and flushing out a writing style. There were just a couple paragraphs that could have been done without due to continuity things and an occasional perspective change. I think this series could really do well in the cozy mystery reader circles. I will happily keep up with this series.
October 18, 2025
I loved everything about this book! The Fall setting and descriptions of the town Fall, Michigan are perfection. All the characters are so likable. Love the found family feeling as well as the true friendship support from Harper’s friends back in Atlanta. The meet cute with Gabe was so sweet and I love their slow burn attraction that’s sure to continue on in the series. The bookstore is probably my favorite thing about this series and I enjoyed learning about the history of the quills on display there and the secrets of the bookstore. I’m excited to continue in the series and get to know these characters more. Definitely recommend picking this one up!
August 31, 2025
Imagine curling up with a cozy fall mystery and being transported straight into Fall, Michigan. The perfect town where autumn isn’t just a season, but a way of life. Autumn & Alibis is the perfect blend of intrigue, charm, and those warm fall vibes. The story wrapped me in the comfort of small-town routines, right before it unsettles that peace with a murder that shakes the community. Just when you think Fall is the most idyllic place to live, secrets begin to surface and that’s when the real mystery begins. Autumn & Alibis is Jules Mostchall’s first book, and it’s hard to believe with how confidently she writes. I'm already counting down the days until the next installment in the series!
September 2, 2025
I loved this book. Perfect cozy book for fall! The town of Fall, MI felt very real, with SO many fall themed ideas and enthusiasts… wishing now I could visit! The story was full of intrigue, fast friends, on-theme events, and that slow burn romance. I was on the edge of my seat by the end! Excited for the next chapter!
September 1, 2025
A Must Read!
If you love cozy mysteries, you’ll love Autumn & Alibis! A quick read full of charm, twists, and cozy fall vibes—I couldn’t stop reading.
If you love cozy mysteries, you’ll love Autumn & Alibis! A quick read full of charm, twists, and cozy fall vibes—I couldn’t stop reading.
September 1, 2025
A perfect Fall read!
It has everything I could hope for… a cozy mystery, all the Fall vibes, and a slow-burn romance! I absolutely loved it!!
It has everything I could hope for… a cozy mystery, all the Fall vibes, and a slow-burn romance! I absolutely loved it!!
October 20, 2025
I loved the atmosphere of this book. I was looking for a cozy fall read, and this one absolutely delivered—with warm pumpkin spice lattes and baked apple pies on every page, it was genuinely mouth-watering to read.
However, the reason I’m only giving it 2.5 stars is the plot. The blurb teases a murder (which I expected to be the inciting incident), yet the murder doesn’t even happen until after page 115—and the book is only 260 pages long. That means over 100 pages of pure atmosphere and setup before anything major actually happens.
For those first 115 pages, everything is just too perfect. And while the cozy setting was lovely, perfection alone isn’t interesting. What makes a story compelling to me, are the troubles, doubts, romantic tension, messy friendships, and interpersonal drama—and there just wasn’t enough of that. We spend so much time with Harper, the main character, repeatedly thinking how perfect this place is, how much everyone loves her, how it already feels like home. That’s fine for a few chapters, but that message gets repeated over and over, and it stalls the story.
I really wish the murder had happened much earlier. I also would’ve loved to see characters from Harper’s past show up—friends, her ex, anything to shake things up. More conflict, more plot, and much more character development would have made this a stronger read. As it is, it felt too tame. It had a Hallmark movie vibe, which is great if that’s what you’re in the mood for—but it wasn’t what I was expecting based on the description. (I also wanted more romance).
That said, I did really love the atmosphere. So, if you're looking for a light, cozy fall book without a heavy plot, you might really enjoy this one.
However, the reason I’m only giving it 2.5 stars is the plot. The blurb teases a murder (which I expected to be the inciting incident), yet the murder doesn’t even happen until after page 115—and the book is only 260 pages long. That means over 100 pages of pure atmosphere and setup before anything major actually happens.
For those first 115 pages, everything is just too perfect. And while the cozy setting was lovely, perfection alone isn’t interesting. What makes a story compelling to me, are the troubles, doubts, romantic tension, messy friendships, and interpersonal drama—and there just wasn’t enough of that. We spend so much time with Harper, the main character, repeatedly thinking how perfect this place is, how much everyone loves her, how it already feels like home. That’s fine for a few chapters, but that message gets repeated over and over, and it stalls the story.
I really wish the murder had happened much earlier. I also would’ve loved to see characters from Harper’s past show up—friends, her ex, anything to shake things up. More conflict, more plot, and much more character development would have made this a stronger read. As it is, it felt too tame. It had a Hallmark movie vibe, which is great if that’s what you’re in the mood for—but it wasn’t what I was expecting based on the description. (I also wanted more romance).
That said, I did really love the atmosphere. So, if you're looking for a light, cozy fall book without a heavy plot, you might really enjoy this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 26, 2025
Autumn & Alibis is just the most adorable cozy fall mystery. The book is set in a town call Fall, Michigan and I was charmed from the first chapter. The cozy vibes and fall colors transported me right into the town square where I could feel the chill in the air and smell the pumpkin spice.
The story follows Harper Witmore, she has inherited a very unique bookstore and apartment from her great aunt. She recently broke up with her boyfriend and after losing her job in Atlanta she decides a change of scenery is needed. Harper quickly starts making friends and enthusiastically becoming a member of the community. During the bookstore opening celebration, Harper discovers that a quill from her aunt's collection is missing. Then weeks later it was used as the murder weapon of an older woman. Harper is a true crime junkie so she and her new best friend decide to help and investigate the crime themselves. This is the quintessential Hallmark Murder Mystery. It was intriguing without being stressful and a perfect read for the cold autumn nights.
I can't wait to see what other secrets the bookstore has to reveal.
The story follows Harper Witmore, she has inherited a very unique bookstore and apartment from her great aunt. She recently broke up with her boyfriend and after losing her job in Atlanta she decides a change of scenery is needed. Harper quickly starts making friends and enthusiastically becoming a member of the community. During the bookstore opening celebration, Harper discovers that a quill from her aunt's collection is missing. Then weeks later it was used as the murder weapon of an older woman. Harper is a true crime junkie so she and her new best friend decide to help and investigate the crime themselves. This is the quintessential Hallmark Murder Mystery. It was intriguing without being stressful and a perfect read for the cold autumn nights.
I can't wait to see what other secrets the bookstore has to reveal.
November 3, 2025
This cozy mystery was a fun fall read that really chewed on the scenery and made you wish you lived in this amazing bookstore in this beautiful small town.
I felt like this book would have been so much more my speed if the "big events" had happened earlier in the book. That being said, I feel like this book almost makes you forget that you are in the middle of a murder mystery, which may have been this author's goal. I feel like if you are someone who loves a good atmosphere read and wants to get lost in a cozy mystery, this book could well be perfect for you. I like my cozy with a side of excitement and violence, so it wasn't exactly my cup of tea.
I felt like this book would have been so much more my speed if the "big events" had happened earlier in the book. That being said, I feel like this book almost makes you forget that you are in the middle of a murder mystery, which may have been this author's goal. I feel like if you are someone who loves a good atmosphere read and wants to get lost in a cozy mystery, this book could well be perfect for you. I like my cozy with a side of excitement and violence, so it wasn't exactly my cup of tea.
November 10, 2025
2.5 ⭐️ very cool that this author lives in my hometown! Loves the vibes of this hallmark town. And I actually liked the main characters too. But beyond that I feel like this book had an identity crisis. Was it a romance? Was it a mystery? Was it a hallmark movie? I can’t say yes to any of it. I wanted it to be all three rolled into one but it didn’t ever feel spooky and I didn’t get the romance that was so clearly being alluded to…stop alluding and give it to us! Also, could do without the group chat text sections. Lastly, this book had so many editorial errors like quotation marks in the wrong places and a few misspellings it was driving me crazy.
September 15, 2025
The plot twist!!! From the first page the book wraps you in the most golden, flannel, cinnamon stick smelling, autumn hug you can imagine. It is a hallmark movie feeling with a sense of intrigue!
I thought I had the killer a couple of times but was sooo wrong. The ending was thrilling, exciting and forced you to keep reading cause you had to know what happens!
I can’t wait for the second, and third, book in the series! I am so privileged to say I know Jules from our book club and it’s amazing to see someone with such a passion for books and writing finally publish something of her own!
I thought I had the killer a couple of times but was sooo wrong. The ending was thrilling, exciting and forced you to keep reading cause you had to know what happens!
I can’t wait for the second, and third, book in the series! I am so privileged to say I know Jules from our book club and it’s amazing to see someone with such a passion for books and writing finally publish something of her own!
September 24, 2025
This book blends Baking Show foodies, all the fall vibes, supportive women friendships with a sweet start to a romance and ends with a murder mystery that keeps you guessing til the end. A little bit for everyone!
What makes it extra special are the real life day-to-day details. You will feel like you’ve been in Harper’s shoes in some moments mixed with scholarly writing that will make you want to enter into the parts of the story you haven’t experienced before. Relatable, yet lets your imagination run too.
Highly recommend and can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us…
What makes it extra special are the real life day-to-day details. You will feel like you’ve been in Harper’s shoes in some moments mixed with scholarly writing that will make you want to enter into the parts of the story you haven’t experienced before. Relatable, yet lets your imagination run too.
Highly recommend and can’t wait to see where book 2 takes us…
October 6, 2025
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️✨ 4.5 Stars – Cozy Mystery Magic at Its Finest!
Autumn & Alibis is everything I want in a fall read—charming, atmospheric, and filled with just the right blend of mystery and warmth. When Harper Whitmore inherits her great-aunt’s bookstore in the idyllic town of Fall, Michigan, it feels like the start of a heartwarming second-chance story. But beneath the golden leaves and cinnamon-scented air, secrets are waiting to be uncovered—and the murder of the town’s most feared pie judge kicks off a deliciously twisty mystery.
Autumn & Alibis is everything I want in a fall read—charming, atmospheric, and filled with just the right blend of mystery and warmth. When Harper Whitmore inherits her great-aunt’s bookstore in the idyllic town of Fall, Michigan, it feels like the start of a heartwarming second-chance story. But beneath the golden leaves and cinnamon-scented air, secrets are waiting to be uncovered—and the murder of the town’s most feared pie judge kicks off a deliciously twisty mystery.
November 12, 2025
I just moved to a small town, just like Fall. Jules describes the atmosphere and scenery perfectly. I thought the cover and layout were beautifully done and this is the first time, in a long time, that I hadn't figured out who dunnit in a long time! So many mysteries have become so predictable and this one had me guessing!
November 29, 2025
Atmospheric is the word that comes to mind when thinking about this book! I loved this book and flew through it. If you're looking for a fall cozy, this is it. This first book is more of a slow-burn, but the mystery had a satisfying conclusion, and I'm excited to see where book two will go.
Thank you to the author for sending this book my way! All opinions are my own.
Thank you to the author for sending this book my way! All opinions are my own.
September 7, 2025
Perfect fall cozy murder mystery! Be transported to the best fall destination and become submerged into the characters lives. Find out that that the perfect town also has its own dirty secrets that will be unburied if you search hard enough.
October 14, 2025
The definition of a cozy, Fall mystery. It made me want redecorate my house with fall color accents while drinking a chai latte and eating a cinnamon roll. Loved the mystery storyline and the end has me looking forward to the next book.
September 22, 2025
Cozy Mystery
This book was set in a picturesque town with a cast of heart warming characters. I had no idea who the killer it was revealed. Can't wait for the 2nd one in December!
This book was set in a picturesque town with a cast of heart warming characters. I had no idea who the killer it was revealed. Can't wait for the 2nd one in December!
October 14, 2025
Great detail, puts you in the mood to decorate for fall, I see lots of potential! I did feel this was written for a younger audience.
October 19, 2025
The perfect fall Mystery! I was so hooked and found myself wishing I could live in Fall, Michigan too. The suspense was great and I kept changing who I thought did it. Can't wait for book 2!
November 7, 2025
I really enjoyed this book! Cute little mystery with a small town feel and great friendships!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews