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Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries #3
Murder Unabridged: An Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery
Not yet published
Expected 1 Dec 26The 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.
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.
- GenresMysteryCozy Mystery
Kindle Edition
Expected publication December 1, 2026
About the author
P.J. Nelson
4 books206 followersP.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
source: Amazon
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
May 6, 2026
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!
May 15, 2026
“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.
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.
April 24, 2026
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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
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
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
May 22, 2026
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This book was a solid cozy mystery. It had cute and quirky characters, an unexpected murder, and a main character desperately trying to prove that she wasn’t the murderer (yet again).
While the book itself was overall enjoyable, it didn’t grab me the way I hoped that it would. It took me longer to read than a mystery book typically would. It was a well written book, but the plot itself didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat, per se. I solved the mystery earlier in the book than I typically would, so it left a lot to be desired for me.
The ending was definitely left open for a sequel and I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to reading the next one. This one was solid; it just wasn’t quite all that I hoped.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
While the book itself was overall enjoyable, it didn’t grab me the way I hoped that it would. It took me longer to read than a mystery book typically would. It was a well written book, but the plot itself didn’t keep me on the edge of my seat, per se. I solved the mystery earlier in the book than I typically would, so it left a lot to be desired for me.
The ending was definitely left open for a sequel and I wouldn’t necessarily be opposed to reading the next one. This one was solid; it just wasn’t quite all that I hoped.
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is book three in this series. I have read books one and two, but honestly, it really was not necessary to enjoy this book. I find this series a cozy read, not too little action and not too much. We find out a little more about Madeline Brimley and the Brimley family, or I should say Madeline does. Of course, there is death inside Old Juniper Bookshop that needs to be looked into, and in doing so, Maddy finds out a little more about the house/shop and her family. We get to spend more time with Philomena, Gloria, and Billy, getting to know them a little more, too. David Madison is off in California for most of the story, but we still manage to get to know him a bit better as well.
Thank you, P.J. Nelson, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for this ARC.
Thank you, P.J. Nelson, NetGalley, St. Martin's Press, and Minotaur Books for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
That you NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the chance to read this ARC of Murder Unabridged. My own poor sleuthing was unable to uncover the identity of the writer PJ Nelson but what a mystery this story turned out to be. I have not read any previous books from this author but intend to, especially if they are set in quirky rural Georgia. Enigma, Georgia , where this story is set (it’s a real place, apparently) is centered around, —what else, a book shop inherited by a former actor,.The town is filled with stage-worthy characters and a murky history that keep the bookshop-owner-actor-amateur sleuth almost too busy to run a bookshop but not so to have an interesting love life. With so many characters to keep track of, one needs a notepad handy to jot down names as they come up.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Back to Enigma! I have loved following Maddy, Phil, and Reverend Gloria through their adventures. The characters are thoughtfully written, and I am enjoying following their story as they grow.
Although I figured out whodunnit earlier on, the unfolding of all the details why was well-written and made for a great story. I also love the underlying mystery of Maddy trying to unravel her family history, and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
Thank you to #NetGalley #StMartinsPress and #MinotaurBooks for an ARC
Although I figured out whodunnit earlier on, the unfolding of all the details why was well-written and made for a great story. I also love the underlying mystery of Maddy trying to unravel her family history, and I cannot wait to read what happens next!
Thank you to #NetGalley #StMartinsPress and #MinotaurBooks for an ARC
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
The Juniper Bookshop Mysteries are such fun!
Welcome back to Enigma and ANOTHER dead body 🤣
When an old man comes into the bookshop and confesses to murder, Maddy shows her southern hospitality by inviting him to stay the night.
But by morning, he's dead and Maddy is a suspect.
With Phil and Gloria, Maddy is off to solve the murder and clear her name.
Maddy learns more about her family and FINALLY learns where she stands with David.
A page turning cozy mystery for sure!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy for review!
Welcome back to Enigma and ANOTHER dead body 🤣
When an old man comes into the bookshop and confesses to murder, Maddy shows her southern hospitality by inviting him to stay the night.
But by morning, he's dead and Maddy is a suspect.
With Phil and Gloria, Maddy is off to solve the murder and clear her name.
Maddy learns more about her family and FINALLY learns where she stands with David.
A page turning cozy mystery for sure!
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for an early copy for review!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Review of an advanced copy received from NetGalley. I have read one of the other Old Juniper Bookshop books and this one was just as cute! I like the small town setting, and being from the Atlanta area, I also like the references to places that I’ve been before. I also enjoy the references to different aspects of culture, including musicians and theatre. This was very cozy, and the characters are well developed, if a little impulsive at times. The ending was fairly open ended, so I hope there will be another book! Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the advanced copy.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
While I have enjoyed the books in this series, this one really was a hit for me. I enjoyed the tie to family and family history in this one. I mean, we always have a tie to Maddy’s Aunt who left her the bookshop, but it was extended in h entry and tied in so well to the storyline and mystery.
I’ll keep coming back for another visit to Enigma, GA as long as the author keeps inviting us back with each and every new entry in the series.
I’ll keep coming back for another visit to Enigma, GA as long as the author keeps inviting us back with each and every new entry in the series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
A finely crafted and enjoyable story and I like the author’s subtle wit. Maddie’s involvement in the investigation is a natural development and her relationship with Billy the sheriff is easy and mutually respectful. It makes a lovely change from busybodies and adversarial dynamics that are so often found in cosies. I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This is quickly becoming one of my favorite series. I love getting to know the characters, and how this book opens up so much more to learn about Maddy and the Brimely family. The mentions and visits to Doerun made my giggle and share with my husband, as he once had a run in with the law in Doerun while a student at Valdosta State, complete with shared biscuits with said Doerun law officers. I will be eagerly awaiting the next installment in this series.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Just what I needed…
A small town cozy mystery with some good laughs.
Maddy is the FMC that inherits a bookstore along with the death of a man she lets stay the night.
The death turns into a murder investigation with Maddy at the top of the suspect list. Can Maddy clear her name and find the murderer?
This book was easy to read without lots of violence, no profanity, and light on romance.
Overall fun cozy mystery read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC.
A small town cozy mystery with some good laughs.
Maddy is the FMC that inherits a bookstore along with the death of a man she lets stay the night.
The death turns into a murder investigation with Maddy at the top of the suspect list. Can Maddy clear her name and find the murderer?
This book was easy to read without lots of violence, no profanity, and light on romance.
Overall fun cozy mystery read.
Thank you to NetGalley and the author for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As soon as I read the first few lines of Murder Unabridged, I knew I was in for a whirlwind ride.
Maddy has a late night visitor, unaware that his visit is a catalyst for bizarre events.
Murder Unabridged is an intriguing story, which helps answer some of Maddy's questions about her family.
Gloria and Phil are colorful characters who make the story come alive.
Maddy has a late night visitor, unaware that his visit is a catalyst for bizarre events.
Murder Unabridged is an intriguing story, which helps answer some of Maddy's questions about her family.
Gloria and Phil are colorful characters who make the story come alive.
May 18, 2026
I love the characters in this town! While I was able to figure out the culprit pretty quickly, the mystery isn't the whole story here. It's good for my self esteem to be able to solve these every now and then anyway! Anyone else rooting Madeline to have a little romance with Billy!?
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
We’re back in Enigma and there’s yet another body in the Old Juniper Bookshop. This series is perfect for fans of books set in bookshops, cozy mysteries, and stories set in the South.
We’re back in Enigma and there’s yet another body in the Old Juniper Bookshop. This series is perfect for fans of books set in bookshops, cozy mysteries, and stories set in the South.
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