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Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries #1
Stacked in Suspicion
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.
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 9, 2026
About the author
Simone Stier
27 books96 followersSimone Stier writes humorous cozy mysteries with coffee shops, bookshops, small towns and clever twists.
With humor, heart and plenty of small-town gossip, Simone’s books follow amateur sleuths as they uncover murder, secrets and scandal in charming Southern communities. Her Cafe Crimes series features a former true-crime podcaster turned barista and delivers binge-worthy mysteries filled with wit, charm and clever twists.
Simone lives in North Carolina with her husband and writing partner, Peter. When they aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re probably cold plunging.
For fans of Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander and Tonya Kappes.
Join the newsletter for free short story + recipes simonestier.com
With humor, heart and plenty of small-town gossip, Simone’s books follow amateur sleuths as they uncover murder, secrets and scandal in charming Southern communities. Her Cafe Crimes series features a former true-crime podcaster turned barista and delivers binge-worthy mysteries filled with wit, charm and clever twists.
Simone lives in North Carolina with her husband and writing partner, Peter. When they aren’t plotting their next fictional crime, they’re probably cold plunging.
For fans of Cleo Coyle, Ellie Alexander and Tonya Kappes.
Join the newsletter for free short story + recipes simonestier.com
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
February 15, 2026
Great debut to a new series! Looking forward to next story.
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 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!
February 28, 2026
"Stacked in Suspicion" is a delightful cozy. Living in Southport, NC, it was fun reading about this quaint town on the Cape Fear River.
Libby has moved back to her hometown after living in New York City and working as an editor. The death of her police officer husband made her yearn for small-town life and reconnecting with her old friends. Now, she is pursuing her dream of opening her own bookstore/cafe that is located downtown in a historic home where she has turned the upstairs into her apartment.
Nervous about her grand opening, she has the help of retired librarian, Gracie Jean, who wants to help her, though she knows Libby cannot afford an employee at this time. Libby's best friend, Meredith owns the bakery across the street and supplies the bookstore with mouth-watering treats for the customers.
Opening day arrives and Libby and Gracie Jean are ready to take on the public, along with Cali, the adorable calico kitten that adopted Libby. Many show up to peruse the new shop and partake of the beverages and sweets offered, when all of a sudden a scream comes from the back garden. They discover that Constance, the town's busybody and historical preservationist, is lying dead, and it doesn't look like it's from natural causes either.
Now, what can Libby do? Will this cause problems with her shop? Detective Carter of the Southport PD, who also happens to be Libby's high school sweetheart, comes on the scene to investigate. Libby knows she still has feelings for him, even though it's been years since they parted.
Gracie Jean decides she and Libby will do some sleuthing on their own, and they uncover many mysterious facts about Constance that they hope will lead them to the killer.
Not only is this a charming cozy, but it is filled with romance and mystery. I only give this novel four stars because most of the narrative displayed the characters spending a lot of their time drinking tea or coffee, which to me, as an avid reader, slowed down the suspense.
Libby has moved back to her hometown after living in New York City and working as an editor. The death of her police officer husband made her yearn for small-town life and reconnecting with her old friends. Now, she is pursuing her dream of opening her own bookstore/cafe that is located downtown in a historic home where she has turned the upstairs into her apartment.
Nervous about her grand opening, she has the help of retired librarian, Gracie Jean, who wants to help her, though she knows Libby cannot afford an employee at this time. Libby's best friend, Meredith owns the bakery across the street and supplies the bookstore with mouth-watering treats for the customers.
Opening day arrives and Libby and Gracie Jean are ready to take on the public, along with Cali, the adorable calico kitten that adopted Libby. Many show up to peruse the new shop and partake of the beverages and sweets offered, when all of a sudden a scream comes from the back garden. They discover that Constance, the town's busybody and historical preservationist, is lying dead, and it doesn't look like it's from natural causes either.
Now, what can Libby do? Will this cause problems with her shop? Detective Carter of the Southport PD, who also happens to be Libby's high school sweetheart, comes on the scene to investigate. Libby knows she still has feelings for him, even though it's been years since they parted.
Gracie Jean decides she and Libby will do some sleuthing on their own, and they uncover many mysterious facts about Constance that they hope will lead them to the killer.
Not only is this a charming cozy, but it is filled with romance and mystery. I only give this novel four stars because most of the narrative displayed the characters spending a lot of their time drinking tea or coffee, which to me, as an avid reader, slowed down the suspense.
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 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!
March 24, 2026
I loved this! It's always exciting starting a new series, but it can be a little nerve-wracking too. You never know what kind of characters and writing you'll be getting. I can guarantee, if you love clean cozy mystery books, this is a book you should try. I loved the characters and the mystery! The setting is beautiful as is the old home that the bookstore is housed in. I can't wait to see what this fun group of quirky characters gets up to next!
March 27, 2026
Libby moves back home to open a bookstore after her husband death. At the opening of her bookstore the town busybody drops dead. Follow Libby and her assistant Gracie as they try to figure out who the murderer is even if Detective McCrae tells them to stay out of it. The characters grow as the story develops. Cali (the cat) is an extra bonus to book. There a second mystery in the storyline leaving the readers wanting the second book in the series. Highly recommend this book.
April 8, 2026
Libby Page has returned to her hometown of Southport, North Carolina. After needing a fresh start, Libby's dream of opening a bookstore is coming to reality. A local resident drops dead during the grand opening tying her new business to murder. Teaming up with her eccentric assistant, Gracie Jean, Libby pulls out her detective hat in order to clear her name. When the victim has multiple enemies, it proves to be harder than she thinks.
March 22, 2026
I enjoyed this book far more than I expected to. The characters are vivid, interesting, and quirky. The plot is easily followed and the premise is finding out who killed the strict rules woman, and why. The answers were as convoluted as you would expect from any good mystery writer and I am duly impressed. Keep an eye out for the ex library lady, she is a corker!
April 17, 2026
I really enjoyed meeting Libby and her awesome friends Meredith and Gracie Jean. Gracie Jean cracked me up with how much of a help she was and didn’t require any direction at all. She was a retired librarian, but she almost seemed military or police like in some ways. She’s not a huggy type friend but one that’s faithful and always had Libby’s back. I can’t wait to read the next book now!
May 21, 2026
Good,very good!
Not the "usual" cozy mystery, softer! Still a positive resolution of a MURDER. An amateur sleuth or two, a professional cop, helpful friends and a successful arrest. But slower pace, relationships hesitant, a gentle hint of romance but just enough to spark curiosity . . . the progression ??? ???
Not the "usual" cozy mystery, softer! Still a positive resolution of a MURDER. An amateur sleuth or two, a professional cop, helpful friends and a successful arrest. But slower pace, relationships hesitant, a gentle hint of romance but just enough to spark curiosity . . . the progression ??? ???
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.
February 28, 2026
I liked it once I was about 60% of the way through the book. I figure now that the characters are developed and the next book will be faster at getting to charts I can't put down. I can't wait to see what happens next! I preordered the next book. 🙂
March 23, 2026
delightful
I loved reading this book. It was truly enjoyable and I felt like I was right beside Libby and Gracie Jean solving the murder. I love that the main character doesn’t go off on her own and doesn’t try to solve the crime all by herself. Truly a delight to read!
I loved reading this book. It was truly enjoyable and I felt like I was right beside Libby and Gracie Jean solving the murder. I love that the main character doesn’t go off on her own and doesn’t try to solve the crime all by herself. Truly a delight to read!
March 27, 2026
Cozy town, cozy bookstore setting and a cat! Definition of a cozy. The characters are likable and relatable. The mystery kept me guessing and had a satisfying ending. I like the underlying mystery. A great start to a new series
April 3, 2026
3.75 stars! I really love the setting of this book. It took me a little time to warm up to Libby, but I'm super excited to see where her future books take her. Gracie Jean and Emerson are incredible characters that bring so much to the story. I look forward to reading more!
May 5, 2026
A fun, lighthearted read!
Loved all the sensory details in this book and the memorable characters. It felt like I was truly visiting the town. A solid option for cozy mystery readers!
Loved all the sensory details in this book and the memorable characters. It felt like I was truly visiting the town. A solid option for cozy mystery readers!
March 15, 2026
Cute quick read
April 23, 2026
Stacked in Suspicion
I hadn’t read this author before and throughly enjoyed everything about this story. Will read more of these books. Maybe two.
I hadn’t read this author before and throughly enjoyed everything about this story. Will read more of these books. Maybe two.
May 25, 2026
An enjoyable lighthearted cozy mystery to read when you need a break from the more complicated mystery storylines.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews