What do you think?
Rate this book
Stacked in Suspicion: A Cape Fear Bookshop Mystery Book 1
Former New York book editor Libby Page returns to Southport, North Carolina, for a fresh start with Page’s Bookshop. But during her grand opening celebration, a local resident collapses dead in Libby’s garden—and her dream business is instantly tied to murder.
With customers fleeing and gossip spreading fast, Libby teams up with her sharp-witted assistant Gracie Jean (and one opinionated calico kitten) to find the killer. The victim left behind more than a missing red notebook packed with secrets someone would kill to keep buried.
Between a relentless blogger, a garden party full of suspects and Detective Carter McCrae warning Libby to stay out of it, Libby realizes solving this case may be the only way to save her bookshop.
Settle in with Stacked in Suspicion—book one in the Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries, where the books are beloved, the clues run deep and trouble has a habit of showing up uninvited.
Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries
Stacked in Suspicion
Drafted in Deceit
Shelved in Secrets
Covered in Clues
Booked in Betrayal
Catalogued in Crime
Love small-town sleuthing? Follow Simone Stier on Amazon to find more cozy mystery series.
With customers fleeing and gossip spreading fast, Libby teams up with her sharp-witted assistant Gracie Jean (and one opinionated calico kitten) to find the killer. The victim left behind more than a missing red notebook packed with secrets someone would kill to keep buried.
Between a relentless blogger, a garden party full of suspects and Detective Carter McCrae warning Libby to stay out of it, Libby realizes solving this case may be the only way to save her bookshop.
Settle in with Stacked in Suspicion—book one in the Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries, where the books are beloved, the clues run deep and trouble has a habit of showing up uninvited.
Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries
Stacked in Suspicion
Drafted in Deceit
Shelved in Secrets
Covered in Clues
Booked in Betrayal
Catalogued in Crime
Love small-town sleuthing? Follow Simone Stier on Amazon to find more cozy mystery series.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 9, 2026
42 people are currently reading
48 people want to read
About the author
Simone Stier
29 books77 followersSimone Stier and her husband Peter are the duo behind the bestselling Cafe Crimes cozy mystery series—clean, humorous whodunits filled with small-town secrets, quirky characters and twisty cases to solve.
Blending humor, heart and Southern charm, Simone’s mysteries are perfect for fans who love clean fun, coffee-fueled adventures and amateur sleuths who always find themselves in the middle of trouble. When she and Peter aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re exploring North Carolina with their dog Cali.
Their heroine, Parker Hayes, is a former true-crime podcaster turned cafe owner and amateur sleuth. In the charming town of Magnolia Grove, Parker serves up lattes, laughter and clever sleuthing while stumbling into mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Ready to start your next cozy read? Discover the Cafe Crimes series and sign up for Simone’s newsletter for a free story and author updates..
Blending humor, heart and Southern charm, Simone’s mysteries are perfect for fans who love clean fun, coffee-fueled adventures and amateur sleuths who always find themselves in the middle of trouble. When she and Peter aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re exploring North Carolina with their dog Cali.
Their heroine, Parker Hayes, is a former true-crime podcaster turned cafe owner and amateur sleuth. In the charming town of Magnolia Grove, Parker serves up lattes, laughter and clever sleuthing while stumbling into mysteries that keep readers guessing until the very last page.
Ready to start your next cozy read? Discover the Cafe Crimes series and sign up for Simone’s newsletter for a free story and author updates..
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
February 15, 2026
Great debut to a new series! Looking forward to next story.
February 20, 2026
I loved this satisfying read. Such a great cozy mystery with a bookshop in a lovely small town. I enjoyed trying to solve the murder along with the wonderful characters. I'll be reading book 2 in the series. I purchased a copy.
February 23, 2026
Quick to read, definitely worth reading
I really liked this book. It has a lot of my favorite things between the pages, A bookshop, a cat, A book club, and wonderful characters.
Libby is very easy to like, and the rest of the characters are well written.
I really liked this book. It has a lot of my favorite things between the pages, A bookshop, a cat, A book club, and wonderful characters.
Libby is very easy to like, and the rest of the characters are well written.
February 19, 2026
After garden party full of suspects after Constance is murdered and Detective Carter McCrae warning Libby to stay out of it, Libby realizes solving this case may be the only way to save her bookshop.
February 14, 2026
I just finished reading Stacked in Suspicion, the first installment of the Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries series by Simone Stier, and let me tell you, it's a cozy mystery that truly stacks up! The story takes us to the charming small town of Southport, North Carolina, where Libby Page, a former big-city editor, is hoping for a peaceful new chapter after losing her husband, an NYPD Detective Sergeant. She opens "Page’s Bookshop and Café," dreaming of quiet days among books and coffee. But her grand opening is anything but peaceful when a guest unexpectedly dies in her garden. Talk about a plot twist!
Instead of arranging bestsellers on her shelves, Libby is suddenly knee-deep in a murder investigation that threatens her budding business and her reputation. With rumors flying around town, she knows she has to crack the case to save her dream. Thankfully, she's not alone—her trusty assistant Gracie Jean, her best friend Meredith, and her adorable calico kitten, Cali, are by her side, sniffing out clues and potential motives.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Carter McCrae, a local detective who just so happens to be Libby’s high school sweetheart. He feels she should leave the detective work to him, but Libby’s determination is stronger. She's brave yet cautious, making her an effortlessly relatable protagonist.
What I loved most were the unique skills each character brought to the table, drawing from their past experiences—like being a librarian or married to a detective—to add depth and intrigue to the investigation. And the will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Libby and Carter? I’m definitely cheering for "will they!"
Simone Stier paints such vivid settings; I could almost smell the lemon tarts from Sugar, the 80s-themed bakery owned by Meredith. The sensory details really brought the story to life, and Cali the kitten was a furry delight throughout. Plus, the subtle Easter eggs connecting to the author's previous series added a fun layer for loyal readers.
The pacing was spot-on, with just enough clues to keep me guessing, though I must admit, the big reveal caught me by surprise. The red herrings and suspects kept me glued to the pages, eagerly flipping to find out what happened next. By the end, the mystery was tied up neatly with no loose ends, but a clever subplot hinted at more adventures for Libby. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!
So, fellow book lovers, if you're ready for a page-turner that will have you hooked from the first chapter to the last, don’t shelve this one just yet. "Stacked in Suspicion" is a novel you’ll want to book a spot for in your reading list—it's a real bestseller in the making!
Instead of arranging bestsellers on her shelves, Libby is suddenly knee-deep in a murder investigation that threatens her budding business and her reputation. With rumors flying around town, she knows she has to crack the case to save her dream. Thankfully, she's not alone—her trusty assistant Gracie Jean, her best friend Meredith, and her adorable calico kitten, Cali, are by her side, sniffing out clues and potential motives.
The plot thickens with the arrival of Carter McCrae, a local detective who just so happens to be Libby’s high school sweetheart. He feels she should leave the detective work to him, but Libby’s determination is stronger. She's brave yet cautious, making her an effortlessly relatable protagonist.
What I loved most were the unique skills each character brought to the table, drawing from their past experiences—like being a librarian or married to a detective—to add depth and intrigue to the investigation. And the will-they-won’t-they dynamic between Libby and Carter? I’m definitely cheering for "will they!"
Simone Stier paints such vivid settings; I could almost smell the lemon tarts from Sugar, the 80s-themed bakery owned by Meredith. The sensory details really brought the story to life, and Cali the kitten was a furry delight throughout. Plus, the subtle Easter eggs connecting to the author's previous series added a fun layer for loyal readers.
The pacing was spot-on, with just enough clues to keep me guessing, though I must admit, the big reveal caught me by surprise. The red herrings and suspects kept me glued to the pages, eagerly flipping to find out what happened next. By the end, the mystery was tied up neatly with no loose ends, but a clever subplot hinted at more adventures for Libby. I’m already counting down the days until the next installment!
So, fellow book lovers, if you're ready for a page-turner that will have you hooked from the first chapter to the last, don’t shelve this one just yet. "Stacked in Suspicion" is a novel you’ll want to book a spot for in your reading list—it's a real bestseller in the making!
Review of advance copy received from Author
I am a HUGE fan of the author’s other series, A Cafe Crimes Cozy Mystery Series, so I was thrilled to receive a pre-publication edition of this new series. And happily, I was not disappointed.
In short, I loved it. I honestly thought I would miss Parker, Hazel, and the rest of the Magnolia Grove gang far more than I did. Instead, I found myself quickly charmed by the new setting and cast in Southport. The characters feel fresh, engaging, and full of personality, and I’m already invested in their stories. Gracie Jean in particular has my full attention. There’s clearly more beneath the surface, and I cannot wait to see what secrets her past is holding.
The mystery itself was classic cozy perfection: clever, well-paced, and satisfying without being predictable. The clues felt fair, the twists kept me guessing, and the resolution was rewarding in that “aha!” way that makes you want to immediately recommend the book to a friend. The author’s signature style is very much intact, which made this new series feel both exciting and comfortably familiar.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to a new cozy mystery series. If you’re already a fan of the author, this is an easy yes. And if you’re new, this is a wonderful place to begin. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book the moment it’s available.
In short, I loved it. I honestly thought I would miss Parker, Hazel, and the rest of the Magnolia Grove gang far more than I did. Instead, I found myself quickly charmed by the new setting and cast in Southport. The characters feel fresh, engaging, and full of personality, and I’m already invested in their stories. Gracie Jean in particular has my full attention. There’s clearly more beneath the surface, and I cannot wait to see what secrets her past is holding.
The mystery itself was classic cozy perfection: clever, well-paced, and satisfying without being predictable. The clues felt fair, the twists kept me guessing, and the resolution was rewarding in that “aha!” way that makes you want to immediately recommend the book to a friend. The author’s signature style is very much intact, which made this new series feel both exciting and comfortably familiar.
Overall, this is a fantastic start to a new cozy mystery series. If you’re already a fan of the author, this is an easy yes. And if you’re new, this is a wonderful place to begin. I’ll definitely be picking up the next book the moment it’s available.
February 22, 2026
Lovely cosy mystery
Four Point Four Stars
Libby Page has moved into her hometown giving up her assistant editor job to start a book shop - her dream and she is trying to move on after losing her husband.
Cali, a cat turns up at the appropriate time.
Naturally there is a slight twist in Libby’s romantic life when she meets Detective Carter, her old flame before the grand opening of her bookshop.
Just when things are about to start, Constance ends up dead and Constance’s infamous red notebook is missing.
Libby has no choice but to team up with Gracie Jean and Meredith is always there as they try to solve the murder to open the book shop open again.
The characters were lovely (even Cali) and the mystery was enjoyable. The description throughout the book, of the locations and the food was beautiful. The clues to the mystery were peppered throughout the story and all came together in the end.
Enjoyable page-turner cosy mystery that even had hints about the next book of the series!
https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...
Four Point Four Stars
Libby Page has moved into her hometown giving up her assistant editor job to start a book shop - her dream and she is trying to move on after losing her husband.
Cali, a cat turns up at the appropriate time.
Naturally there is a slight twist in Libby’s romantic life when she meets Detective Carter, her old flame before the grand opening of her bookshop.
Just when things are about to start, Constance ends up dead and Constance’s infamous red notebook is missing.
Libby has no choice but to team up with Gracie Jean and Meredith is always there as they try to solve the murder to open the book shop open again.
The characters were lovely (even Cali) and the mystery was enjoyable. The description throughout the book, of the locations and the food was beautiful. The clues to the mystery were peppered throughout the story and all came together in the end.
Enjoyable page-turner cosy mystery that even had hints about the next book of the series!
https://ok-readingcorner.blogspot.com...
February 23, 2026
Good start to a new series
This first book in a new series, proves that Simone Stiers never disapoints. After the death of her NYC Detective husband, Libby Page quits her publishing job, and moves home to open her own bookstore. When the town busybody drops dead at her grandopening, Libby, with the help of her book club, and friends starts her own investigation. This is a fast paced, well thought out mystery, with Stiers trademark strong characters, and of course there’s a cat. Stiers has the ability to take well worn mystery tropes and breathe new life into them with her plotting and characters. Great start to a new series.
This first book in a new series, proves that Simone Stiers never disapoints. After the death of her NYC Detective husband, Libby Page quits her publishing job, and moves home to open her own bookstore. When the town busybody drops dead at her grandopening, Libby, with the help of her book club, and friends starts her own investigation. This is a fast paced, well thought out mystery, with Stiers trademark strong characters, and of course there’s a cat. Stiers has the ability to take well worn mystery tropes and breathe new life into them with her plotting and characters. Great start to a new series.
February 10, 2026
New series
This is a great start to a new series. I love her Magnolia Grove series, and was excited to get the email about a new series involving an editor turned bookstore owner. Libby comes home from NY, to open a bookstore/café in an historic home. On the grand opening, tragedy strikes. Libby has help from her best friend, and eccentric shop assistant in solving a murder that happened on her doorstep. Can Libby solve the murder and catch the bad guy? Fans of Magnolia Grove won't be disappointed in this new series.
This is a great start to a new series. I love her Magnolia Grove series, and was excited to get the email about a new series involving an editor turned bookstore owner. Libby comes home from NY, to open a bookstore/café in an historic home. On the grand opening, tragedy strikes. Libby has help from her best friend, and eccentric shop assistant in solving a murder that happened on her doorstep. Can Libby solve the murder and catch the bad guy? Fans of Magnolia Grove won't be disappointed in this new series.
February 10, 2026
This book was exciting to read! The author gave us a lot of twists and turns to keep us guessing who the murderer was.
I really liked the friendship of the characters in the story. It was fun to watch the main character work hard to not mess up her relationship anymore than it already was with some of the characters while trying to get her book store going.
Cali, the calico kitten, was such a delight throughout the story.
I also enjoyed that there is a secondary mystery within this book that will continue in the next book.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series!
I really liked the friendship of the characters in the story. It was fun to watch the main character work hard to not mess up her relationship anymore than it already was with some of the characters while trying to get her book store going.
Cali, the calico kitten, was such a delight throughout the story.
I also enjoyed that there is a secondary mystery within this book that will continue in the next book.
I am looking forward to reading more books in this series!
February 12, 2026
A Tough Start to a New Life
Wonderful first book of a new (to me) cozy mystery series! Easy read. Lots going on. Unexpected turns. Lovely town. Lovely characters. Looking forward to the next one.
Wonderful first book of a new (to me) cozy mystery series! Easy read. Lots going on. Unexpected turns. Lovely town. Lovely characters. Looking forward to the next one.
February 18, 2026
Warm and Cozy
Just like her Cafe Crimes Mysteries, Simone Stier invites her readers in to a warm and cozy town, this time to a bookstore and cafe. The characters are believable and immediately feel like friends. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
Just like her Cafe Crimes Mysteries, Simone Stier invites her readers in to a warm and cozy town, this time to a bookstore and cafe. The characters are believable and immediately feel like friends. I can’t wait to read the next installment in this series.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews