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Booktown Mystery #20
A Critical Conjunction
Not yet published
Expected 29 Sep 26A 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.
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.
320 pages, Hardcover
Expected publication September 29, 2026
About the author
Lorna Barrett
23 books1,804 followersThe 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
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
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.
Thank you to NetGalley and the Publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Review of advance copy received from Author
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.
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.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
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!
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!
April 22, 2026
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
Overall an enjoyable read. Thank you to #NetGalley and #BerkeleyPublishingGroup for an ARC
Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews