A Critical Conjunction

Booktown Mystery #20

by Lorna Barrett

A new business isn't the only thing going belly-up in the newest mystery in Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.

When Tricia Miles's sister, Angelica, announces to their chosen family that they're going into business together, it's news to Tricia. But rejuvenating Stoneham Stoneware, a struggling kitchen and home goods store, is something the sisters know they can do. It's a win-win situation.

But right after they take possession, they find the store trashed and the previous owner dead.

Leona sold the enterprise to Angelica because she needed the money, but tried to renege on the deal after it had gone through. Not one to back down, Angelica refused to cancel, which made Leona bitter, leading to strained discussions witnessed by others. But it turns out plenty of others had issues with the recently deceased as well. Tricia will have to crack the case before the murderer destroys not only the fledgling business, but more lives as well.

Genres: Mystery

Kindle Edition

Expected publication September 29, 2026

About the author

The immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett’s name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lornabarrett.com

Reviews

[Shauna · Rating 4 out of 5]

A Critical Conjunction, the latest installment in Lorna Barrett’s long-running Booktown Mystery series, delivers the familiar charm and intrigue fans expect from this cozy mystery world. Set once again in the literary haven of Stoneham, New Hampshire, the novel follows Tricia Miles and her sister, Angelica Miles, as they navigate the demands of running their businesses and a new mystery that upends the town’s usual rhythm.

Tricia and Angelica have recently become the owners of Stoneham Stoneware, which they acquired from Leona Ferguson. Leona is unhappy and wants her business back, and that is where the trouble begins. Tricia, known as the town jinx, and Angelica discover Leona dead in their new store, and the chase is on. The mystery unfolds at a steady pace, with multiple suspects and motivations that keep readers engaged without becoming overly complex. The small-town setting continues to serve as both a strength and a source of tension, as long-standing relationships and hidden conflicts play a central role in the investigation.

Tricia and Angelica remain consistent and recognizable protagonists, as do their family and friends. Readers familiar with Tricia and Angelica will appreciate their persistence and attention to detail, while newer readers may find the sisters’ personalities, particularly Angelica's, occasionally firm or opinionated. That said, their commitment to uncovering the truth drives the story forward.

Overall, A Critical Conjunction is a solid addition to the Booktown Mystery series. It will especially appeal to established fans who enjoy revisiting Stoneham and its residents, as well as to readers seeking a cozy mystery with a “smashing” twist.

[Liz · Rating 4 out of 5]

Another foray into Booktown to see what those crazy characters are up to. This is one of the cozy mystery series I actually follow, so I was really excited to get an advanced copy of it. These are good and quick reads, just enough mystery to keep you interested, but not so much that you feel like you have to work for this book. I prefer these as my mid-week reading, it helps me relax and sort of zone out. The characters are well written, after all, there are some I just don't like at all. And they keep coming back. It's sort of annoying, but it does keep me reading, so there's that.

For those that do read, Trisha has stumbled on yet another dead body. This time in a business she owns along with her sister, and once again she ends up solving the crime. In the middle of all this, she has a store to run, a wedding that she doesn't want anything to do with (and she's a bridesmaid), the pressure of getting another business up and running, her love life, her sisters love life, and the usual small town drama. She also tongue and cheek states that she lives in the murder capital of the state, so at least we acknowledge the likelihood of this as a real life situation, but the fantasy is what's so fun about these. I am a bit upset there were a couple recipes that weren't included in the end, feel like the author did us dirty, demand a cookbook.

I received an advanced reader copy of this title from NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#ACriticalConjunction #NetGalley
Visiting Booktown is one of my favorite things to do.
I always have so much fun catching up with these old friends and reading this book did exactly that.
Tricia and her sister Angelica are now partners in Stoneham Stoneware, a struggling shop once owned by local resident Leona.
Angelica believes her and Tricia can rejuvenate the shop, bringing in more tourists and offering different types of dishware.
Tricia is known as a jinx in her town, as she seems to find dead bodies a little too often. When Tricia and Angelica happen upon Leona's body, it seems everyone thinks it's their fault.
Amid the investigation, Tricia is beckoned to reach out to Becca, a once famous tennis player who seems to be struggling emotionally. Personally I don't like Becca, so I hope we won't have to deal with her much longer.

This is a long running series and I really do love it. I'm so happy that Tricia adopted Poirot, and I think it's great that Miss Marple is happy with the new family addition.

[Melanie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adore this series. This time we find Tricia and Angelica deep into their new business, Stoneham Stoneware. Too bad the old owner is still working for the store she sold to the sisters and she is causing major problems when she is trying to buy it back. When the store is trashed and Leona is found dead, Tricia works to figure out who did it out of respect for their employee, even if she was a pain. All throughout the store, there are lots of scenes with the rest of our favorite residents of Stoneham, and all the drama they bring. I particularly liked the story of Becca and Ian's wedding. I am also curious to see how Angelica addresses the issues with Antonio. I really like this series and am excited for whatever comes next! Thank you to Netgalley and Berkley for the advanced copy.

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Tricia and her sister have taken on yet another business, this time the store is selling dishware, not books. While they are trying to determine how best to run the store and deal with the former owner, they find her murdered and the store in shambles. Tricia goes into sleuth mode, finding a way into the victim's home, and accidentally adopts her cat, while getting to know the neighbors and finding the time to play tennis against her former frenemy Becca. It's a busy time for Tricia and Angelica and there are rifts in friendships and relationships along the way.

Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Debbie Lyon · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this latest Booktown mystery, there's lots going on. Becca is getting married to Ian, Angelica and Tricia purchase the Stoneham Stoneware store, Tricia and David are still going strong, and shocker (NOT) Tricia gets involved in another murder in town.

After Tricia and Angelica purchase the Stoneham Stoneware store, they discover the previous owner murdered in the store. Is Tricia going to figure out the reason and who did it? She soon finds out there are plenty of suspects.

Another fun read.

[Katie K · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC of this book through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I absolutely love this series and haven’t missed a single book. That said, the last couple of books didn’t quite hit the mark for me. However, Lorna Barrett is back on track with this one - it was a great read! I loved the overlapping storylines and the continued development of the beloved characters. I already can’t wait for the next book in the series!

[Bob Connolly · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Critical Conjunction was another wonderful entry into the Booktown mystery series. Barrett does a great job continuing characters that readers have grown to love. Here the mystery surrounds the death of the former owner of Stoneham Stoneware who recently sold her business to sisters Tricia and Angelica. The mystery is a good one and each of the characters gets a chance to shine. This 20th entry is just as fresh as when it first started.

[Jess Hunter · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love Booktown! This series is always a treat because the characters are so wonderful. From Tricia and her sister Angelica to the lovable Mr. E and eccentric Pixie. This was another good installment, but the mystery itself felt very rushed, particularly at the end.

Overall an enjoyable read. Thank you to #NetGalley and #BerkeleyPublishingGroup for an ARC