What do you think?
Leafwood Falls #5
The Bookshop of Secrets
Every book in the Leafwood Falls series can be read as a standalone.
What happens when a simple bookshop project to help people face their fears goes viral, and reveals that someone in your small town is achingly, desperately invisible?
Charlie Whitmore thought she'd finally figured out life in Leafwood Falls. Two years after trading her Manhattan law career for the Oak & Ink Bookshop, she's settled into a rhythm of cozy fall mornings, community book clubs, and only occasional sabotage by Hemingway, the imperious orange bookshop cat who expresses his literary opinions through destruction and hairballs.
Then her assistant Mia has the perfect idea for Halloween.
The Fear Jar starts drop in your anonymous fear, take a personalized book recommendation. A small Halloween project for the bookshop. But this is Mia, purple-haired, endlessly enthusiastic, physically incapable of doing anything halfway, and within days the jar goes viral. Confessions flood in. Social media explodes. The whole town is suddenly writing down their deepest terrors and trusting Charlie to answer with the perfect story.
Until Charlie notices something heartbreaking. Someone in Leafwood Falls is drowning in invisibility, writing their loneliness over and over, hoping someone will notice.
Charlie wants to respect anonymity. Mia wants to solve the mystery, in a dramatic reveal at the Halloween masquerade party. And Hemingway has his own, feline opinions. And as October winds toward its witching hour, the cozy bookshop mystery becomes something more complicated, because in a small town where everyone knows everyone, discovering who's been writing those fears means unraveling secrets people have spent years keeping hidden.
Curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and let this Halloween bookshop mystery work its magic. You'll laugh at Mia's chaotic sleuthing, fall in love with fall in Leafwood Falls, and find yourself believing that bookshop cats know more than they're letting on. Perfect for readers who love their mysteries cozy, their small towns quirky, and their October evenings full of twinkle lights and possibility.
What readers are saying
“I’d like to live in a town like Leafwood Falls” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Do yourself a favor and read the book!” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Nothing like being cozy inside, reading a book by Brooke Skie.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Kept me captivated guessing crying, laughing. A must read for all ages.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“I can’t say it enough. I just love her books. They always contain the best of everything.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Compassion, caring, forgiveness. What an amazing story.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“A great addition to a wonderful series.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“This was a fun fall read, as well as all the other book in this series.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
What happens when a simple bookshop project to help people face their fears goes viral, and reveals that someone in your small town is achingly, desperately invisible?
Charlie Whitmore thought she'd finally figured out life in Leafwood Falls. Two years after trading her Manhattan law career for the Oak & Ink Bookshop, she's settled into a rhythm of cozy fall mornings, community book clubs, and only occasional sabotage by Hemingway, the imperious orange bookshop cat who expresses his literary opinions through destruction and hairballs.
Then her assistant Mia has the perfect idea for Halloween.
The Fear Jar starts drop in your anonymous fear, take a personalized book recommendation. A small Halloween project for the bookshop. But this is Mia, purple-haired, endlessly enthusiastic, physically incapable of doing anything halfway, and within days the jar goes viral. Confessions flood in. Social media explodes. The whole town is suddenly writing down their deepest terrors and trusting Charlie to answer with the perfect story.
Until Charlie notices something heartbreaking. Someone in Leafwood Falls is drowning in invisibility, writing their loneliness over and over, hoping someone will notice.
Charlie wants to respect anonymity. Mia wants to solve the mystery, in a dramatic reveal at the Halloween masquerade party. And Hemingway has his own, feline opinions. And as October winds toward its witching hour, the cozy bookshop mystery becomes something more complicated, because in a small town where everyone knows everyone, discovering who's been writing those fears means unraveling secrets people have spent years keeping hidden.
Curl up with a pumpkin spice latte and let this Halloween bookshop mystery work its magic. You'll laugh at Mia's chaotic sleuthing, fall in love with fall in Leafwood Falls, and find yourself believing that bookshop cats know more than they're letting on. Perfect for readers who love their mysteries cozy, their small towns quirky, and their October evenings full of twinkle lights and possibility.
What readers are saying
“I’d like to live in a town like Leafwood Falls” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Do yourself a favor and read the book!” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Nothing like being cozy inside, reading a book by Brooke Skie.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Kept me captivated guessing crying, laughing. A must read for all ages.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“I can’t say it enough. I just love her books. They always contain the best of everything.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“Compassion, caring, forgiveness. What an amazing story.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“A great addition to a wonderful series.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
“This was a fun fall read, as well as all the other book in this series.” ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️ ⭐️
184 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 19, 2025
Ratings & Reviews
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
January 17, 2026
Bit of a Spoiler
I think this is the most well written and heartfelt of the three Leafwood Falls books that I have read. The ending brought me to tears. With that said, the Mia character distracts from the bookshop stories and especially Charlie’s story. Her “investigation” was over the top and so annoying that it was almost enough for me to put the book down and not finish it. Really takes away from the meaningfulness of the narrative. One other note, Agnes’ character and depth is only teased through the bookshop stories; I hope you have plans to develop that more into the core stories.
I think this is the most well written and heartfelt of the three Leafwood Falls books that I have read. The ending brought me to tears. With that said, the Mia character distracts from the bookshop stories and especially Charlie’s story. Her “investigation” was over the top and so annoying that it was almost enough for me to put the book down and not finish it. Really takes away from the meaningfulness of the narrative. One other note, Agnes’ character and depth is only teased through the bookshop stories; I hope you have plans to develop that more into the core stories.
October 26, 2025
I'm not completely sure what to think about this book. It kinda felt like therapy rather than Halloween. I just wanted more small town fall/Halloween and less about mental health.
I just wanted a fun, easy holiday read. I did like the investigative route, I just wish it had more mystery and unfortunately less Mia. The 1st book of the series made Mia sound really cool, but I kind of think each book makes her more and more crazy amd honestly too much.
I do love that each book introduces us to new characters though. We're slowly getting to know the community.
I just wanted a fun, easy holiday read. I did like the investigative route, I just wish it had more mystery and unfortunately less Mia. The 1st book of the series made Mia sound really cool, but I kind of think each book makes her more and more crazy amd honestly too much.
I do love that each book introduces us to new characters though. We're slowly getting to know the community.
January 2, 2026
Great idea
The idea of this book is great. The whole experiment gave such insight into many of the lesser characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Throughout the last book in the series and this one, though, I really came to be annoyed with the character of Mia. She was fun and quirky in the first books, but jeez, why doesn't anyone firmly tell her NO! Charlie tries and then wimps out. I get she has a soft heart, but to me, it's just way too much. I mean really - who owns that store? Maybe Charlie's own insecurity leads her to let Mia take control of everything?
On the other hand, the quiet wisdom of a few characters was very welcome.
Overall, the story is good and highlights that we really need to SEE people, not just notice them or take them for granted. As always I love the sense of the community coming together.
The idea of this book is great. The whole experiment gave such insight into many of the lesser characters, which I thoroughly enjoyed.
Throughout the last book in the series and this one, though, I really came to be annoyed with the character of Mia. She was fun and quirky in the first books, but jeez, why doesn't anyone firmly tell her NO! Charlie tries and then wimps out. I get she has a soft heart, but to me, it's just way too much. I mean really - who owns that store? Maybe Charlie's own insecurity leads her to let Mia take control of everything?
On the other hand, the quiet wisdom of a few characters was very welcome.
Overall, the story is good and highlights that we really need to SEE people, not just notice them or take them for granted. As always I love the sense of the community coming together.
Read
May 21, 2026🍂📚✨ This book felt like stepping into the coziest small town imaginable — autumn leaves, a charming bookstore, a chaotic orange cat, and secrets hidden behind every friendly smile.
Charlie left behind her high-powered Manhattan life for a quieter existence running Oak & Ink Bookshop in Leafwood Falls, and honestly… I wanted to move there immediately. Between community book clubs, Halloween energy, and Hemingway the judgmental bookstore cat causing absolute havoc, the atmosphere was peak cozy season. 🐈🧡
But underneath all the warmth is a story that hits surprisingly deep. What begins as a fun little “Fear Jar” project — where people anonymously confess their fears and receive book recommendations — slowly transforms into something heartbreaking. One anonymous voice keeps returning, pouring loneliness onto scraps of paper, hoping someone, anyone, will finally notice them.
That’s what made this story so special to me. Beneath the mystery and small-town charm is a powerful reminder about how invisible people can feel even when surrounded by others. The book balances humour, heart, and emotional depth so beautifully that I found myself laughing one moment and completely emotional the next.
And the Halloween masquerade vibes? Absolutely immaculate. 🎃✨
This is the kind of story that feels like a warm drink on a chilly October night — comforting, magical, a little mysterious, and full of heart. Perfect for anyone who loves cozy mysteries, found family, bookshop settings, and stories about human connection. ⭐️🍁
Charlie left behind her high-powered Manhattan life for a quieter existence running Oak & Ink Bookshop in Leafwood Falls, and honestly… I wanted to move there immediately. Between community book clubs, Halloween energy, and Hemingway the judgmental bookstore cat causing absolute havoc, the atmosphere was peak cozy season. 🐈🧡
But underneath all the warmth is a story that hits surprisingly deep. What begins as a fun little “Fear Jar” project — where people anonymously confess their fears and receive book recommendations — slowly transforms into something heartbreaking. One anonymous voice keeps returning, pouring loneliness onto scraps of paper, hoping someone, anyone, will finally notice them.
That’s what made this story so special to me. Beneath the mystery and small-town charm is a powerful reminder about how invisible people can feel even when surrounded by others. The book balances humour, heart, and emotional depth so beautifully that I found myself laughing one moment and completely emotional the next.
And the Halloween masquerade vibes? Absolutely immaculate. 🎃✨
This is the kind of story that feels like a warm drink on a chilly October night — comforting, magical, a little mysterious, and full of heart. Perfect for anyone who loves cozy mysteries, found family, bookshop settings, and stories about human connection. ⭐️🍁
January 19, 2026
How blessed I was when I stumbled onto Brook Skie as an author. I just read a few reviews of this book and while, overall i love this series and its writing so much, i must agree that Mia’s character has taken a strong turn into annoying. She’s an avalanche that cant be stopped and if i was facing an avalanche of any kind, i would fear it.
I like that others suggest expanding the persona of some of the other characters and I would be all for that. But this morning I received an email that you are starting a new series. I’m sure that will be fun but I hope you haven’t finished with Leafwood Falls. There are so many more stories to come from there. And that’s just from the characters I already know!
Because of the comfortable way you write, I know I will enjoy each one of your books. Thank you!
I like that others suggest expanding the persona of some of the other characters and I would be all for that. But this morning I received an email that you are starting a new series. I’m sure that will be fun but I hope you haven’t finished with Leafwood Falls. There are so many more stories to come from there. And that’s just from the characters I already know!
Because of the comfortable way you write, I know I will enjoy each one of your books. Thank you!
March 21, 2026
I like reading this series, about a bookshop in Leafwood Falls which has a resident cat, Hemingway. Charlie has taken over the shop from her Aunt and Mia helps her.
In this book, for Halloween the shop has a Fears Jar, people who come into the shop drop their fears into the jar and Charlie suggests books to help those fears. However, she notices and pattern and Mia, enthusiastic as ever takes things too far in trying to find the writer.
The jar goes missing, but why?
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
In this book, for Halloween the shop has a Fears Jar, people who come into the shop drop their fears into the jar and Charlie suggests books to help those fears. However, she notices and pattern and Mia, enthusiastic as ever takes things too far in trying to find the writer.
The jar goes missing, but why?
I've enjoyed all the books in this series. The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and wider storyline.
November 4, 2025
I didn’t like this book in the series nearly as well as I liked the other books in the series mainly because the idea of the secret fears being anonymous turned into an investigation that I felt was really anything but private and anonymous. Mia’s behavior and determination to figure out who dropped certain fears was extremely annoying and just rubbed me wrong. Mia definitely crossed a line in my opinion and no one called her back, they just seemed to humor her and go along with her invasive behavior.
June 9, 2026
Lovely
What a fun, funny,mysterious,sweet, romantic book 📚 My favorite character in the entire book is of course Hemingway 🐱🐈What a character 👏 he turned out to be. Over all I do appreciate the fact that this is a clean book 📖 This author had to actually write a book with real people in it without the use of smutt, graphic sex scenes & nasty language. The majority of women get the gist of private relationships between 2 people & hopefully a few men do to but ah well one can only hope 🤔😉🤪
What a fun, funny,mysterious,sweet, romantic book 📚 My favorite character in the entire book is of course Hemingway 🐱🐈What a character 👏 he turned out to be. Over all I do appreciate the fact that this is a clean book 📖 This author had to actually write a book with real people in it without the use of smutt, graphic sex scenes & nasty language. The majority of women get the gist of private relationships between 2 people & hopefully a few men do to but ah well one can only hope 🤔😉🤪
February 18, 2026
The Bookshop of Secrets
Visiting Leaf wood Falls is such a pleasure .This is one more book you don't want to end because you don't want to leave this wonderful community.Each book has a special message that resonates inside your heart and mind. I loved the premise of the story and how the mystery developed. It was wonderful and touching, with a happy ending that was unpredictable.😅
Visiting Leaf wood Falls is such a pleasure .This is one more book you don't want to end because you don't want to leave this wonderful community.Each book has a special message that resonates inside your heart and mind. I loved the premise of the story and how the mystery developed. It was wonderful and touching, with a happy ending that was unpredictable.😅
October 27, 2025
The Bookshop of Secrets
This was a fun fall read, as well as all the other book in this series. A fantastic idea turns to chaos that gets slightly out of had but something beautiful come from within everyone's fears. The characters are likeable funny, supportive. I have enjoyed this series and I hope there will be more to read. Enjoy
This was a fun fall read, as well as all the other book in this series. A fantastic idea turns to chaos that gets slightly out of had but something beautiful come from within everyone's fears. The characters are likeable funny, supportive. I have enjoyed this series and I hope there will be more to read. Enjoy
December 23, 2025
Bookstore and a cat: two of my favorites
This story was an easy read with characters that you can easily relate to. The town and shops were re
Wmarkable and brought back memories from years ago! I highly recommend this story.
This story was an easy read with characters that you can easily relate to. The town and shops were re
Wmarkable and brought back memories from years ago! I highly recommend this story.
January 7, 2026
so Very Leafwood Falls!
I’d like to live in a town like Leafwood Falls so I could put my fears in a jar! Such a delightful concept and another great book in the series. Mia made me itchy in this one, though, a bit over the top!
I’d like to live in a town like Leafwood Falls so I could put my fears in a jar! Such a delightful concept and another great book in the series. Mia made me itchy in this one, though, a bit over the top!
May 16, 2026
Another thoughtful healing gem...
This whole series has been a delight ... revealing the healing magic of community where people learn to accept and to be accepted ... where blessings are found in our imperfections.
This whole series has been a delight ... revealing the healing magic of community where people learn to accept and to be accepted ... where blessings are found in our imperfections.
July 13, 2026
I love Brooke’s books and I usually listen to them on Audible. This one was read by AI and took away from the story considerably. Her previous books were read by humans. From now on will have to read her books until she returns to human narrators.
August 10, 2026
I finished it and thought it was fine, but it didn’t really stick with me afterward. I liked it enough to get through it, but I haven’t felt any pull to continue the series yet. Overall, it was an okay read, just not one that stood out for me.
August 10, 2026
This was a lovely quick read which was emotional in parts and introduced new characters to the series as well as telling the stories and fears of the customers visiting the bookshop. Such a nice series to read!
November 2, 2025
Mystery without Murder
How refreshing to have a mystery to solve without it being about a murder. Compassion, caring, forgiveness. What an amazing stoey.
How refreshing to have a mystery to solve without it being about a murder. Compassion, caring, forgiveness. What an amazing stoey.
November 7, 2025
Cat
Loved the series. I hope there will be more.
Keep them coming. One of the best series I have read.
Loved the series. I hope there will be more.
Keep them coming. One of the best series I have read.
November 27, 2025
beautifully written
Nothing like being cozy inside, reading a book by Brooke Skie. Appreciate her style and this was another great story line!
Nothing like being cozy inside, reading a book by Brooke Skie. Appreciate her style and this was another great story line!
February 18, 2026
This was my least favorite of the series, but still cute. The whole drama around the fear jar just seemed a bit forced to me.
March 13, 2026
I have enjoyed this series. I thought this story ended well but Mia’s craziness was over the top. I liked her in the other books but not this one.
July 31, 2026
Secret Fears
Good read with humor, community caring and love. Very enjoyable cozy reading with a cup of coffee! I want to live in this town!
Good read with humor, community caring and love. Very enjoyable cozy reading with a cup of coffee! I want to live in this town!
June 30, 2026
This one was just okay for me. I didn't love it, but I didn't dislike it either. The story had its moments, and I liked the idea behind it, but I never fully connected with the characters. I think what held it back for me was the small-town personalities. They felt a little over-the-top, and instead of adding charm, they became a distraction. Because of that, I had a harder time getting invested in the story. Overall, it was a decent read, but not one that will stick with me.
October 21, 2025
A Terrific Read
If you write down your fear and put it in a jar, does it go away? Do you overcome that fear? Or are you just getting some practice in handwriting?
In this book, a Fear Jar is placed in the book store. People are invited to write their fears down and put them in the jar. Later, recommended books appear for that particular fear. Anonymous. Helpful. Caring.
See what happens when someone goes overboard with this concept. (I think Mia Amazing is just that and am a bit surprised she isn’t looking for another job.) Do yourself a favor and read the book!
If you write down your fear and put it in a jar, does it go away? Do you overcome that fear? Or are you just getting some practice in handwriting?
In this book, a Fear Jar is placed in the book store. People are invited to write their fears down and put them in the jar. Later, recommended books appear for that particular fear. Anonymous. Helpful. Caring.
See what happens when someone goes overboard with this concept. (I think Mia Amazing is just that and am a bit surprised she isn’t looking for another job.) Do yourself a favor and read the book!
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews