Murder Unabridged: An Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery

Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries #3

by P.J. Nelson

The Old Juniper Bookstore is the scene for an unexpected mystery when a late night visitor confesses to a long-ago unsolved murder, then turns up dead by morning.

Madeline Brimley is still getting used to running The Old Juniper Bookstore in Enigma, Georgia. When she inherited it from her aunt, it came at an opportune time. Madeline's acting career had slowed down to the point that it was exhibiting no signs of life so returning home to the small Georgia college town of Enigma actually sounded like a good idea. And, except for a murder, arson, and a long-dead body found in the front garden, it's actually turned out well.

But when an old man, claiming to be a distant relative named Trilby, shows up in the middle of the night, then confesses to an unremembered murder that happened in the Victorian house that is now The Old Juniper Bookstore, Madeline is. . . to put it mildly. . . poleaxed. Given the inclement weather and time of night, Madeline puts him up for the night, hoping to turn him over to the local police in the morning. A plan that goes wrong when, next morning, Trilby is found to have died overnight. And not of natural causes - he was poisoned.

Now the bookstore is a crime scene and Madeline a possible suspect. Now Madeline has both an old and a new mystery to solve is she is to clear her own name before she finds herself taking the fall for this unusual and unexpected death.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Books About Books

352 pages, Hardcover

Expected publication December 1, 2026

About the author

P.J. Nelson is the pseudonym of an award-winning actor, dramatist, professor, and novelist (among many other professions) who has done just about everything except run a bookstore. He lives in Decatur, Georgia.

source: Amazon

Reviews

[Sheri | HawksNestReads · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Murder Unabridged was a quick and easy read with a cozy atmosphere and an engaging cast of characters. Although I suspected the culprit fairly early in the story, the mystery still held my interest and kept me turning the pages to see how everything would unfold.

While the writing style wasn’t entirely to my personal taste, I appreciated the light, enjoyable tone and found several of the characters particularly likable. Readers who enjoy cozy mysteries with a bookish setting may find a lot to enjoy here.

I haven’t read the previous books in the series, but I had no trouble following the story, and it works well as a standalone. Overall, an entertaining mystery that will likely appeal to fans of the genre.

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charming southern story with genealogical roots and a murder mystery nearly fifty years old. Brings the whole town together. Enjoyed the hospitality, romance, honesty, and drama. Good read!

[Alexis Armour · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my third time reading An Old Juniper Bookshop mystery, and I hope it won’t be my last! Murder Unabridged is the third murder mystery novel by P.J. Nelson set in Enigma, Georgia. This time, Madeline (Maddy) Brimley, our FMC finds herself in quite the pickle when she’s accused of murder! As I continue to enter her world, I so enjoy Maddy and the supporting characters around her. They’ve become quite the found family — and we can’t forget Cannonball!! I appreciate the cat continuity :) As well, I so appreciate the literary references sprinkled in throughout the novel and how self aware the characters are with themselves and their small town, like when Sheriffs quote Shakespeare or Sir Arthur Conan Doyle! Even more so, it’s so amusing when characters know there’s a murder and they tell themselves not to think about the ones they’ve seen in media because this is “real life” (well, it is for them!). With every chapter, I was enthralled from page to page. I knew who the killer was about halfway through the story, but I still couldn’t piece out the motive fully until the end! Also, I still very much appreciate the southern colloquialisms and mannerisms. If you like a cozy murder mystery set in a small southern town, this one’s for you. And if you’ve read the first two in the series, just wait until you’ve read this one! Special thanks to NetGalley for the ARC. Murder Unabridged comes out December 1st, 2026!

PS — With this series, I‘ve learned so much about jazz, and with that, I give a hearty thanks to P.J. Nelson for adding to my ever growing playlist!
PPS — Nelson is very well in tune with Southern culture and how nostalgia plays a role in people’s memory. While Rose is no longer physically there, her memory is ever present for Maddy and others. Not only Rose, but with this novel specifically, Nelson looks at how nostalgia, memory, and long lost love play together to drive one’s motive for their actions — whether that be murder or otherwise 😉🤫

[Marissa C · Rating 2 out of 5]

“Because some people drown in love, and don’t know that everything about them is dead except a dull, unquenchable fire that won’t completely consume them but won’t ever let them go.” Crime of passion is explored in P.J. Nelson’s third iteration of “An Old Juniper Bookstore Mystery” series, entitled “Murder Unabridged”. I had not previously read any books from this series and jumped into it fairly easily (though there were some references that I assumed would have made more sense if I had read the previous two). I was attracted to the name of the book and was not disappointed to its many references to both literature and theater throughout the novel. The perpetrator was fairly easy to figure out, and there were times of which I felt like I was having deja vu, as some of the conversations had in the book seemed to be repeated. I think my favorite character was Phil, as she provided a sweetness and comedy throughout the book. I disliked the relationship between David and Maddy. It felt unrealistic and immature.
Overall, this is definitely an easy, cozy read, but just seemed to be missing the draw for me. It didn’t really pull me in and make me want to find out the ending. When I found out whodunnit and why, I wasn’t surprised nor have an aha! moment.
There is still some mystery left at the end, so I suspect another novel will be on the horizon for this series.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

[Sarah Patrice · Rating 3 out of 5]

If you love Hallmark Channel mysteries, you’re going to love this cozy small-town murder mystery.

Madeline owns a bookshop in Georgia which is quickly becoming known as an ongoing murder scene. An old man shows up at her doorstep one night and she finds him dead in the morning! He didn’t die of old age… nope 🙂‍↔️ He was poisoned! It is believed that Madeline is the murderer and she must prove her innocence before it’s too late.

I have not read the other novels in this series, but it’s clear that this can act as a standalone. I’m looking forward to continuing with this series as I really enjoyed it. For mood readers, it’s a perfect read for a rainy day or to curl up with in the dead of winter.

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with this eARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Chrisg · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review of advance copy received from Netgalley

Welcome back to Enigma, Georgia and the Old Juniper Bookshop! From the first pages, we are right into another fast paced cozy mystery with the residents of Enigma and it just kept me turning the pages - I really enjoy these cozy mysteries from P.J. Nelson, the characters are well written, the history continues to be revealed of Maddy Brimley, Phil, Rev. Gloria and the rest of the characters of the town. Although I did get a feeling of who-done-it a bit before it was revealed, I was still so interested in finding out WHY and it did not disappoint! I especially liked what I hope is a lead in to more stories to come.

[Amanda Stiller · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley and to the publisher for an advance copy of this book.

This book was such a cozy little mystery. I loved the banter between the characters and their general desire to help Maddie.
Have not read the first two books in this series, I did not feel that took away from the story.
This book wasn’t completely predictable, but it wasn’t one full of unexpected plot twists either. I thought it was a perfect read for sitting on the sofa by the fire with a cup of tea. Nothing too intense, but not boring either. Made me want to go read the first 2 books.

[Serena · Rating 4 out of 5]

I gave Murder Unabridged by PJ Nelson a solid 4 stars. This is firmly in my “laughed more than I eye-rolled” category, and exactly the kind of cozy mystery I reach for when life gets busy but I still want something fun and engaging.

The story follows Maddy, who inherits a bookshop from the previous owner and distant relative, Rose. When an elderly man arrives claiming to have known and loved Rose, Maddy reluctantly lets him stay the night ... only for him to turn up dead the next morning. What initially seems like an unfortunate natural death quickly turns into a murder investigation with Maddy as the only obvious suspect. With few options, she takes matters into her own hands and begins investigating to clear her name.

The plot is classic cozy mystery with a fun twist. It is a locked-room style situation that kept me guessing. I didn’t see the culprit coming, and the motivation behind it added an extra layer of intrigue without getting too heavy for the genre.

The characters were one of the highlights for me. From Billy, the small-town cop who’s sharper than he first appears, to Tanya, the local conspiracy theorist who adds just the right amount of craziness, the cast felt lively and entertaining. Maddy herself is a strong, likable main character, and her humor really carries the story. There were multiple moments where I had to stop myself from laughing out loud. Never over-the-top, but perfectly timed.

What I appreciated most was how easy this book was to pick up and get lost in. As a teacher nearing the end of the school year, my reading time is scattered at best, but this was the kind of story I could jump back into anytime and immediately feel pulled in. It played out vividly in my head, which always makes for a more immersive read.

In terms of content, this is very much a traditional cozy mystery: no profanity, no explicit content, very light romance, and minimal on-page violence. The only potential content note (outside of the central murder) is that Maddy’s parents passed away when she was young, but it’s not handled in a heavy or distressing way.

If I had one small critique, it’s that my practical brain occasionally popped in to ask questions, like how Maddy is managing everyday life while running around investigating, but that’s a minor quibble and pretty easy to set aside in a story like this. The focus here is clearly on the mystery and the characters, and both deliver.

Overall, Murder Unabridged is a cozy, entertaining read with a strong cast, a clever mystery, and just the right amount of humor. It’s perfect for fans of lighthearted whodunits, especially those who love bookish settings and small-town charm.

This is a “curl up with a blanket on a rainy evening” kind of book, and I’d happily read more if this turns into a series. A special thank you to St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley.

[Elaina · Rating 3 out of 5]

I just finished my ARC of Murder Unabridged by P.J. Nelson, and I have mixed feelings.

In full transparency, it took me several attempts to really get into this one. That may have been partly on me, but the opening chapters felt a bit confusing and whimsical in a way that left me struggling to get my bearings. I wasn't quite sure what was happening, who I was supposed to be focused on, or where the story was headed. Once I pushed through that, things became clearer and I was able to settle into the story.

One thing I can say without hesitation is that P.J. Nelson is a talented writer. The prose itself is well written, and I have no real criticism of the author's writing style.

Where the book fell short for me was in the characters and world-building. The story primarily takes place in the Old Juniper Bookstore, and while I later learned this is part of a series, I never felt particularly connected to the setting or invested in the people inhabiting it. In fact, after finishing the book, I realized I could easily remember Phil, Gloria, and Detective Jordan, but had to stop and think about the main character's name. There were several mentions of murders happening in the house, previously, and that was a bit confusing and pulled me out. I suppose this would be a non-issue for someone who had read the previous two books of this series, but I felt that P.J. could have elaborated a bit on those two instances of murders to get a new reader up to speed in what would have only taken a paragraph or two.

For me, the entire book felt very light emotionally. Not necessarily in a cozy way, but in a way that never gave me a reason to become attached to anyone. The character development felt surface-level, and I never found myself rooting for or deeply caring about any of the relationships.

The romantic subplot was probably my biggest disappointment. There were hints of a potential love interest throughout the story, but it ultimately seemed to fizzle out in favor of a relationship that spent most of the book off-page. The resolution felt abrupt and unsatisfying, and I was left wondering why so much attention had been given to building one possibility only to abandon it so quickly.

Overall, this isn't a bad book. It's an easy, light read that many readers may enjoy, especially if they're already invested in the series. For me, though, it was a bit forgettable. I wasn't emotionally invested, I wouldn't be likely to reread it, and I probably won't remember much about it a few months from now after I've read another twenty books.

That said, I do think P.J. Nelson is a strong writer. This particular story just never fully came to life for me. It wasn't bad. It was simply a little too flat and a little too forgettable to leave a lasting impression.

[Jess · Rating 5 out of 5]

"Silence the angry man with love, " he said softly. "Silence the ill-natured man with kindness. Silence the miser with generosity. Silence the liar with the truth"

In the spirit of book reviewer transparency, I adored the prior two books in this series. I find the characters to be original, quirky, refreshing in their literary and music hobbies, and completely endearing. So, sinking back into the world of Enigma, Georgia and the Old Juniper Bookshop has begun to feel like a homecoming when my eyes hit the first sentence of the page. Each book has little annotations and highlights of quotes and references P.J. Nelson cleverly sprinkles into the pages that strike me. This might sound odd to some readers, but I have the same fondness for this series as I do for Alan Bradley's (who I dearly miss already) Flavia de Luce series. They are completely different in every way except for how the characters seem to burrow into you and you genuinely find yourself loving them and rooting for them all.

The blurb from the publisher does the book justice in what it is about. I will say, technically yes, it can be read as a standalone. But if you choose to start here, you'll have missed on character development, relationship development, and some really great jazz references to build an incredible playlist. Thank for education on jazz, songs, and artists- PJ Nelson!

Why Will You Like This Book:
-if you like a cozy mystery set in a small-town atmosphere with local characters contributing both drama, murder, and a bit of comedic relief: this book checks all those boxes
-a sheriff that will surprise you each novel with being a solid supporting character
-not the focus of the story but the slow burn romance that has built for two books gets moved forward a bit... but does it last? Hoping for more info in book 4!
-as the main mystery is solved, another rises in Madeline Brimley's past (this seems to happen in each novel as we learn more about her aunt Rose and her family)
-college town with thriving English and Horticulture departments, along with college students running and interacting in the bookstore
-Southern atmosphere, food, and culture
-the town Episcopalian priest helps solve crime and utterly not the sort of priest you expect!
-the dead guy: how he ends up where he is and dead is completely in keeping with the scrapes Madeline Brimley finds herself embroiled in
-the writing is just genuine, and the reader can appreciate the depth of knowledge that PJ Nelson brings to the page with all the literary and author references.

This is a series I've already begun to recommend to others. My many thanks to St. Martin's Press Minotaur Books and Netgalley for kindly allowing me to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

[SD · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not sure how I would handle waking up to a dead guest. I should back up and say that I am not sure I would even invite a stranger who shows up at night with a gun and announces they killed someone in my house years ago to stay the night. Good that Maddy locked herself in her bedroom.

The story provided a good vehicle for exploring family history and for bringing Maddy and Phil closer. Phil seems lonely, unsure of her place now that Rose has passed and feels a bit left out when Maddy and Gloria go investigating. Maddy had not been about family, and we know from earlier stories that Phil and Rose had some challenges with their relationship. The house has a deep history that is itching to get out—especially the green napping couch. 

I admit to wanting a bit more of Santa Buddha, the nickname I gave Ben Dillard aka Tucker Benson. The stories he could tell. The way he turned his life around is a story of its own. 

Interesting that a bit of a love triangle was introduced. It was a nice light story relief. The description of Maddy and David’s relationship as “glacial” and “applying high school relationship statuses” is most accurate. I like Captain Confidence and hope he is around in the next story.  

Billy is not a bumbling police chief, and he proves it several times. I forget that Maddy used to babysit him. I think in the next story he will really outshine the Tilton detectives.

There were several questions that didn't get answered at the end. I fully accept I am probably the only one who cares about them. Why did the coroner/medical examiner dislike Maddy? There is a story behind that. There are a few more that I won't spoil for others. 

What about the murder? Instead of a locked-room mystery, it was more of a locked-house mystery. At times, it felt like a secondary plot to the quirky characters Maddy and friends talk to (I did mention Santa Buddha earlier). For me, the solving of the murder felt a bit rushed, and I could not savor the resolution.  The epilogue helped.  I am looking forward to the next story.

Thank you, #NetGalley and #MinotaurBooks for the opportunity for an early read.

Happy Reading!

[Emily Duran · Rating 4 out of 5]

I read this as an ARC without realizing it was the third book in a series, but honestly, I still had a really enjoyable time with it.

This was a charming cozy mystery with a strong literary atmosphere. My favorite part of the book was all of the literary references woven throughout the story. It felt like every chapter introduced a new classic or literary connection, but it never came across as intimidating because everything was explained in a way that made the reader feel included.

One of my favorite characters was the college student helping run the bookshop. I love how honest she was about being left behind to manage things while everyone else ran around trying to solve a murder. It was realistic and grounding and definitely made me laugh.

The mystery itself was well done. I actually convinced myself the murderer was someone completely different because I expected the reveal to be something shocking or over-the-top. Instead, the story leaned into the more obvious answer, which cozy mysteries don't always do. Even though some clues threw me off, I found the reveal satisfying.

Since I jumped in the series midway through, I do think I missed some context surrounding David. That was probably the one part where prior knowledge from earlier books would have helped. Still, I never felt completely lost, and the book was accessible enough that I could still enjoy the mystery, characters, and overall atmosphere.

The pacing stayed consistently cozy without dragging, even with all the road trips and investigating. By the end, I felt invested in the world, and I want to go back and read the previous books in the series!

If you enjoy cozy mysteries, bookstores, literary references, and small-town investigations, I think you'd have a fun time with this one.

⭐⭐⭐⭐/5

[TheMandara Giri · Rating 3 out of 5]

P.J. Nelson can write. That much is clear from the opening pages of Murder Unabridged, the third installment in the Old Juniper Bookstore Mystery series, and as someone coming to this world for the first time, the prose itself is never the issue.
The issue is everything being asked to happen within it. The premise opens with a serious credibility problem: Madeline Brimley, a woman living alone, allows a stranger claiming to be a long-lost relative into her home in the middle of the night simply on the basis of his claim. That alone strains belief, but the book asks considerably more — when the stranger then brandishes a gun and confesses to a murder committed in that very house with that very weapon, Madeline still lets him stay the night. It is the kind of setup that requires the reader to suspend not just disbelief but basic self-preservation instincts, and it creates an uphill climb for the story to recover from right out of the gate.
Unfortunately, the middle section never quite earns back the goodwill that opening asks the reader to extend. The pacing sags noticeably, and the characters, while pleasant enough, never develop the depth or specificity needed to make their fates feel urgent. Madeline's romantic subplot is particularly underdeveloped — conducted largely off the page, it leaves the reader wondering not just where the relationship stands but why these two people are drawn to each other at all.
As a first introduction to this series, Murder Unabridged doesn't make a compelling case for continuing. The Southern atmosphere and bookstore setting that fans of the series clearly love are present, and the writing itself is genuinely solid. But a cozy mystery needs more than competent prose to keep a new reader invested — it needs a premise that holds up and characters worth following, and this entry falls short on both counts for this reader.

[Jen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I will start off by saying that I did not realize this was the third book in a series when I received the arc, so I was a little confused for a bit at the beginning as I oriented myself in this world. The story starts out with a stranger showing up on the front porch of Madeline Brimley’s bookshop, claiming to be a distant relative and confessing to a decades old murder. She invites him in to stay (questionable decision making) and chaos almost immediately ensues when he is found dead in his room the next morning, and Maddie is the number one suspect.

Having gone into it without any connection to the characters from the previous books, I’m not sure if I would have felt differently, but I never quite fell into the rhythm of their dynamics. The dialogue felt a little more focused on being quick and snappy, rather than giving depth or insight to the characters or their relationships, and I often felt like I was missing something. While the mystery itself was interesting, the pacing felt a little jumpy and uneven, and there was a lot of telling, rather than showing which kept me from feeling connected to anything that was happening. In a cozy mystery I personally need someone to root for, but Maddie as the main character was frustrating to me. Her decisions were confusing and felt impulsive and irrational, and she came across as feeling smarter than everyone around her.

While this book, unfortunately, wasn’t for me, it was an easy book to spend an afternoon with, and I would still recommend that anyone who enjoys a quick, small town cozy mystery give it a try.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read an advanced copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Julianne · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an incredulous introduction! If you know Shakespeare, you'll love the references in the first chapter. This whole book is very reminiscent of Tom Stoppard's Rosencrantz and Guildenstern Are Dead. I absolutely recommend Googling words and phrases you don't know to discover why Nelson included specific references and for what reason. When Trillby mentioned he'd acted as Rosencrantz multiple times, I immediately thought of the aforementioned comedy (thank you Mr. Clague!), which made reading Tom Stoppard's mention later even sweeter!! The intellectual allusions and fun banter keep you dialed in and turning pages before you can question the absurdity too much.

The cover is apt, but its grandma-core illustration belies just how intellectually stimulating and humorous this cheeky murder mystery is! Light on the scary, heavy on the fun, Madeline's investigation will be best appreciated by English majors, drama kids, and well read erudites world round!

Murder Unabridged is the third cozy mystery in (current) trilogy "Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries". If you haven't read the first two- Booked for Murder and All My Bones- this third is a true standalone, but the first two are similar treasure troves of joy, so get all three! Murder Unabridged has a protracted denouement with continued character development and storyline build up, which hopefully means there will be a fourth in the series!

Troupes: small town, cozy setting, unreliable narrator, amateur sleuth, big reveal
Spice: 0/5 🌶️
Gore: 1/5 🩸 implied
Language: 0/5 👀

Thank you to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC!

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Murder Unabridged by P.J. Nelson is the third book in the series, though this was my first book out of the series I read. While there were a few references to events and relationships from the previous books, I never felt completely lost reading this as a standalone. In fact, those references initially made me curious about the first two books

The story centers around a murder in a bookshop, with the owner quickly becoming entangled in the investigation despite being asleep only rooms away when the murder occurred. Along the way, family secrets begin surfacing, adding another layer to the mystery. The premise, title, and cover were what first drew me in, and they definitely fit the cozy mystery atmosphere the book aims for.

I didn’t love this one… One of my biggest frustrations was the author’s tendency to refer to a character interchangeably by both first and last name. Normally that might not bother me as much, but in a mystery where there are already aliases and multiple characters to keep track of, it became distracting and unnecessarily confusing.

I also felt the pacing dragged quite a bit. The author made the culprit almost too obvious early on, which took away much of the suspense and left little room for speculation. By the final chapters, I found myself wondering how much more there was left to wrap up.

Overall, this was an okay cozy mystery — cute and easy enough to read, but not one that had me eager to keep turning pages or rush to continue the series. While I appreciated the setting and premise, this book ultimately didn’t leave me feeling compelled to go back and read the first two books.

[Samma · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third installment in the Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery series, and having read the first two books, I was already familiar with the characters and ongoing storylines. Readers jumping into the series here may find themselves a little confused by references to events from the previous books, as there isn't a lot of backstory provided.

The familiar residents of Enigma are back, along with a few new faces, and once again Maddie finds herself caught up in a murder investigation—this time as the prime suspect. As in the previous books, I found Maddie and David's relationship somewhat awkward and immature, feeling more like a high school romance than a relationship between adults. I'm hoping future installments will finally resolve some of that tension.

One thing I continue to wish for is more history surrounding the bookshop and the house itself. It feels like there are countless stories hidden within those walls, and I keep expecting a few ghosts to make an appearance. The setting remains one of the most intriguing aspects of the series, and I'd love to see it explored in greater depth.

As a cozy mystery, this one delivers what readers expect. I figured out the identity of the culprit fairly early on, but the motive caught me by surprise, which helped keep the mystery engaging. The ending leaves plenty of unanswered questions surrounding several characters, so I fully expect there will be another visit to Enigma in the future.

I'd like to thank NetGalley, St. Martin's Press/Minotaur Books, and the author for the opportunity to return to Enigma ahead of the book's publication on December 1, 2026.

[Kate Baxter · Rating 4 out of 5]

What would you do if a geriatric distant relative showed up at your doorstep late at night and informed you that he murdered his own parents in your front parlor? Well, you might just invite him in for the night. What?!! NO! Why would you even consider such a thing? Perhaps bookshop owner, Madeline Brimley, is a bit too naïve for her own good as she soon has another body on the premises and has a lot of explaining to do. So many questions and such a short period in which to track their answers. The inspector is looking to close this case as quickly and easily as possible and Madeline may be the perfect patsy...over her dead body, she mutters!

P. J. Nelson has done a superb job of engaging readers in this small town bookshop mystery. The writing is solid and charming. The scenes are well described and, of no surprise given the author's background, are cinematic in scope. The red herrings are plentiful and relationships among characters - endearing. I eagerly await the next installment in this charming mystery series.

I am grateful to author P. J. Nelson and his publisher, Minotaur Books, for having provided a complimentary uncorrected digital galley of this book through NetGalley. Their generosity, however, has not influenced this review - the words of which are mine alone.

Publisher: Minotaur Books
Publication date: December 1, 2026
Number of Pages: 352
ISBN: 978-1250421135

[Casey Wright · Rating 4 out of 5]

*NetGalley ARC Review

What happens when murder, mystery, and a string of unsettling events begin unfolding in a charming small-town bookstore? Murder Unabridged by P.J. Nelson takes readers on an exciting adventure alongside a bookstore owner, a local priest, and a professor as they work together to solve the mystery surrounding the murder of a short-term visitor.

Murder Unabridged explores family secrets, hidden connections, and the events that ultimately lead to murder. Everyone seems like a suspect until the truth slowly begins to emerge and the missing pieces finally fall into place. Along the way, readers grow attached to the characters and become invested in seeing how they develop throughout the story. As the mystery unfolds, the important relationships and connections between characters become clearer, adding depth to the investigation.

I found Murder Unabridged to be a fun and engaging read without the graphic gore that can sometimes accompany books in this genre. The story stands out because of its interesting, well-developed characters, which help maintain the pace and keep readers eager to discover what happens next. The novel also leaves a lasting impression about life in a small town and how quickly people can jump to conclusions based on personal biases and experiences.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a fast-paced murder mystery with strong characters and an engaging plot.
Rating: 4/5 stars

[Jason Lavoie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for the Advanced Reader’s Copy of Murder Unabridged by P.J. Nelson. This is to be published on December 1, 2026. Murder Unabridged is the third in the series of the Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries and it does read as a standalone.

As with the others in the series, this is a quaint, cute and cozy murder mystery with the same eccentric cast of characters. Those characters: Madeline Brimley, who inherited the bookstore from her aunt Rose; Dr. Philomena Waldrop; Gloria Coleman, the Episcopal priest; and Sheriff Billy Sanders.

In this story, an elderly relative, Trilby, shows up in the middle of the night confessing to the murder of his parents back in the sixties. Maddy gives him a place to sleep for the night and by the next morning he’s dead. Yep – Another dead body at the Old Juniper Bookstore and Maddy is suspect number one. Due to the circumstances surrounding the death, Maddy and the others have to solve the mystery to clear her name.

The story is absurd and that’s what makes it such a fun read. The characters are so endearing and lovable that it makes you turn a blind eye to the implausibility of some of the plot. That’s just the nature of small town. The dialogue is natural between the characters which isn’t always easy for an author to do. Here, it’s effortless and it drives the story forward. An absolutely heartwarming story.

[Chevonnika · Rating 3 out of 5]

'Murder Unabridged' is the third book in the Juniper Bookstore mysteries, it is also the first book I have read in the series. As someone who has sort of jumped into the middle, I can say thay you dont need to much background information from the previous books as you get a bit of a summary of the relationships between the main and side characters.

We follow Madeline Brimley who has inherited her aunts bookstore, after she takes over there is now a total of 3 murders that have taken place. Currently, A mystery visitor arrives claiming to be a relative of Madelines, after he is invited to spend the night he tragically passes away. The only thing is that it seems to be a murder and is being pinned on Madeline who must now prove her innocence by finding the real killer.

The story itself is very cozy for a murder mystery, we have cute familial and friend relationships. We also get to see some long lost relatives and secrets that Madelines aunt had before she passed away.

Mystery wise it was quite easy to deduce who the actual killer was, but it was still interesting to see how the cast eventually got there.

Overall it was a quick and easy read, its a good cozy mystery but atleast in this entries case...not a very hard mystery to solve.

Would recommend to those looking for a tame mystery they can read casually.

[Misty (Reds Romance & Mystery Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Madeline Brimley inherited the The Old Juniper Bookstore from her late aunt, and since taking it over she has found the place to be equal parts delightful and challenging. She's dealt with arson, a long buried body, murder... and now there is a man standing before her claiming to be a distant relative with a long buried secret to share. It's a secret that might just have her in trouble with the law once again...

Murder Unabridged is a well crafted cozy mystery that is certain to have you flying through the pages to see how Madeline fairs with an old family mystery and a mysterious poisoning on her hands. This book welcomed me with open arms and had me hooked by the first chapter, it was impossible to put down!

This is my first visit to the series and it didn't take long to see why so many readers were raving about it. The characters are well drawn and easy to connect to, almost feeling like friends, and the story line was packed with drama, suspense, and shenanigans to keep you enthralled! I loved the time I spent with these characters and I am planning to revisit very soon! Highly recommend!!

I requested an advanced copy of this title from the publisher, via NetGalley request, and I am voluntarily leaving my honest and unbiased opinion.

[S Mille · Rating 5 out of 5]

Maddy Brimley inherited a house / book store from her aunt, about the time her fledgling acting career had lost its wings. In the first book in the series, she moves from Atlanta back to Enigma, a small town in south Georgia that’s actually closer to Tallahassee than it is to Atlanta; since then, she’s discovered several bodies, some of her aunt’s secrets, and new friends.

When this book opens, a stranger walks in, claiming to be a distant relative. He also claims to have killed his parents on his parents on the sofa many decades earlier. As he’s rather frail, she allows him to spend the night, only to find his body the next morning. And of course, it’s not a natural death - he was poisoned by some of the berries on a bush next to the back door.

I’ve enjoyed the books in this series, although this one is my favorite. I’m a Southern, so I love setting and seeing places I’ve been. the relationship Maddy has with the police (she used to babysit him) is lovely, and I’m enjoying growing relationships she has with other characters.


Highly recommend. I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.

[The Starbound Girl✨ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thank you Netgalley and publishers for the opportunity to read this ARC for honest feedback.

Murder Unabridged is out December 2026.

I was so happy to get the opportunity to visit Enigma, Georgia again in this ARC. I had the pleasure of reading the first two in the Juniper Bookshop Mystery series as ARCs, too. These are such fun, cozy mysteries. The eclectic cast of characters makes for some humorous adventures.


Once again, there has a been a murder. And once again, Madeline Brimley and her bookshop are right in the middle of it. This time, she's the only possible suspect, as the victim was killed in her home, and they were the only two there. The coroner doesn't like her for some reason, and is out to pin this murder on her. Thankfully, she has her friends and the town sheriff on her side to help her.

This third installment really goes into more of the Brimley past. Out of the three, this is absolutely my favorite to date, and I cannot wait for the next one to be available.

5/5 star read. If you like a cozy mystery with a fun group of characters, this is the series for you.

[Just D · Rating 3 out of 5]

It Had Me Early, Then Lost Me

The setup for this one was so good.
An old man shows up in the middle of the night, confesses to a murder, and then turns up dead by morning. I was immediately invested and ready to see where the story was going.
The Georgia setting was a highlight for me too. Seeing places like Tifton and Atlanta mentioned gave me an extra connection to the story and made the world feel familiar.
Unfortunately, somewhere around the middle, the mystery started losing me. The story took a few turns that felt disconnected from the momentum it built early on, and I found myself less invested as it went on.
The writing has a quirky style that will probably work well for some readers, but for me it occasionally felt disjointed and made it harder to stay fully engaged with the mystery.
I really wanted the ending to pull everything back together, but it never quite got there for me. Even so, that opening was strong enough to keep me reading and made me curious to see how everything would play out.

[M Steinbrink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder Unabridged is the third book in the Old Juniper Bookshop mystery. I have really enjoyed this series and I think this book was the best one yet. Now that settings and characters are established, it is really interesting to watch those relationships grow and change as they learn more about each other and their town. This mystery dove into the history of main character Madeline’s family and home. There were lots of strange happenings in this book and a very hard to solve murder mystery. I enjoyed finding out about the bookshop’s history and a little more about the town’s history. It was fascinating to read about what people will do for love and how love can change to obsession. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series and hope it will answer some questions brought up in this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.

[Cedy Redcay · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m so happy to have revisited the Juniper Bookshop series. This series is so fun and cozy!

This cozy mystery follows bookstore owner Madeline Brimley after a late night visitor confesses to a past crime and is later found poisoned inside her shop. When Madeline becomes the prime suspect, she must uncover the truth before the killer strikes again.

My jaw was in the floor within the first couple of chapters of this book. I knew it would be a mystery but Tilby’s confession in the beginning made me physically say “WHAT”. I did chuckle at the fact that hearing this, Maddy still invited him to stay for the night. I will forever adore the found family relationship between Maddy, Phila, and Gloria. I was also presently surprised that we got to see more Billy in this book! I’ve really enjoyed getting to know him as the series has gone on.

I’m hoping this ending means more books and a better look into Maddy’s family history! Overall such a fun and easy read.

[Sara Loves Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the ARC in exchange for my honest review. 3.5 Stars!

Give me a bookstore, a mystery, and a cast of quirky characters, and I’m always willing to give it a try.

Murder Unabridged was a quick, cozy read with a fun bookish setting and characters I enjoyed spending time with. I did figure out the culprit pretty early, but I was still interested enough to keep turning the pages and see how everything came together.

The writing style wasn’t completely my favorite, and I think that kept me from connecting with it more, but I can definitely see cozy mystery lovers enjoying this one.

I also haven’t read the previous books in the series and had no problem jumping in — it works well as a standalone.

A light, easy mystery perfect for readers who want a little murder with their bookstore vibes. 😉

Life is crazy — go enjoy some fiction. 📚

[IngallsTurnsThePage · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you, NetGalley for an advanced reader copy. This novel is set it Georgia with a cozy cast of characters ranging from a college student, a young county sheriff, a former actress-turned-bookshop owner, her maternal figure in the shape of a local professor, and a bestie lady priest. Picking one word for this book would be “charming” especially in the early chapters. I moved quickly through about 50% of the book and really enjoyed it. 50-75% felt slower and a bit repetitive with not much advancement of the story. The “bad guy” had a good backstory and motivation, but I wouldn’t call it a twist. The tone reminded me a lot of Lucy Score’s Riley Thorn series (of course a compliment). Overall, a digestible mystery with pockets of comic relief and southern quirkiness. The ending set up the series for another installment.

[BOOKSPICE DRUMMERGIRL (RACHEL) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sometimes a mystery lands right on your doorstep. Sometimes it even knocks. And that's exactly how Maddy gets into trouble. The old man knocking at her door is looking for her Aunt Rose and claims to be family. And then he confesses to two murders from over 50 years ago. Maddy doesn't know what to believe, but when the old man is murdered in her bookstore, she finds she is now the prime suspect. With the assistant of her "Aunt" Phil, Grace the minister and the local police, Maddy has to solve not one, but three murders. And stay alive in the process.

This was a fun, cozy mystery with very likeable characters and a great bookshop setting. The story was quick paced and interesting. While the ending was a little fuzzy, overall, it was a good story and the mystery wrapped up exactly as expected.