Drafted in Deceit

Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries #2

by Simone Stier

Libby thought her new chapter in Southport was finally falling into place. A body in the Cape Fear River changed the story fast.

Libby Page is finally settling into life in Southport. Page’s Bookshop is thriving, her book club The Plot Thickens is a local hit and life is starting to feel almost normal—until she spots a body floating in the Cape Fear River.

The victim is tied to a controversial waterfront development that has the town split down the middle, and suddenly everyone has a motive, an opinion or something to hide. When Libby and her quick-thinking assistant, Gracie Jean, start pulling at threads, the case leads close to home … and straight to a secret involving her best friend’s new romance.

With suspects piling up and tensions rising all over town, Libby realizes this murder is tangled up with loyalty, ambition and secrets some people in Southport will do anything to keep buried.

Genres: Mystery

274 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 16, 2026

About the author

Simone 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

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was lucky enough to receive this book as an ARC from the author — plus she told me she 𝙉𝘼𝙈𝙀𝘿 𝘼 𝘾𝙃𝘼𝙍𝘼𝘾𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝘼𝙁𝙏𝙀𝙍 𝙈𝙀!! Say what now? 😳🤯 That said, I thought it was just going to be my first name and a random non-important character...but it was my full name and Jennifer actually had motive for the murder! There were the usual twists and turns, some advancement with the secondhand-mystery, more fun with Gracie Jean, and a final twist I didn’t guess! I’m loving this new series!

[Linda Langford · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story was an easy read. I love the calico kitten. I like the coziness of the bookshop.

[Tambi Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Drafted in Deceit, we return to the picturesque docks of Southport, North Carolina, where the breeze usually carries the scent of delicious baked treats and the sea salt of the rippling water. However, the peace is abruptly shattered when a body is discovered in the Cape Fear River. Author Simone Stier masterfully contrasts the serene beauty of the coast with the rising tension of a community divided over a controversial new waterfront development project. It is the quintessential "small town, big secrets" setup that serves as the perfect escape for readers looking for a twisty puzzle wrapped in Southern hospitality.
Libby Page is settling into her role as a bookstore owner, but she hasn't left her New York City editing roots behind. What makes Libby such a sharp amateur detective is her "editor’s eye"—she hunts for inconsistencies in a suspect’s story the same way she would a messy manuscript. In this sequel, I was able to see Libby’s wonderful personal growth. Libby is no longer an outsider looking in; she is a woman protecting her "found family." Whether she’s worrying about her shop, navigating a slow-burn romance, or fretting over her adorable kitten, Cali, Libby feels remarkably real. She isn't a superhero—she gets overwhelmed and at times she may even second-guesses herself—but her strong moral compass ensures she pursues justice, even when it puts her at odds with the local authorities or even friends.
The mystery hits a fever pitch when the investigation leads uncomfortably close to Libby’s inner circle, involving a new romance in her best friend’s life. Between hosting the Plot Thickens Book Club (that feels like a front for a detective agency lol) and managing the daily grind of a small business, Libby must untangle a web of greed and local politics. The "town progress vs. town tradition" trope is used effectively here, showing the lengths people will go to for a piece of the waterfront. With the perfect amount of suspects and red herrings, Simone Stier certainly kept me guessing and eagerly turning pages.
The supporting characters in Southport are built like a perfect puzzle. Gracie Jean: The sharp-witted assistant every editor dreams of having and a great friend to Libby. Cali: The calico kitten and unofficial bookshop mascot who steals every scene she’s in but is also the perfect emotional support friend for Libby. And I can’t forget to mention Detective Carter McCrae with the "will-they-won't-they" tension between him and Libby that continues to simmer, bridging the gap between official police work and amateur sleuthing. The locals provide the "who" and the "why"—the decades of grudges that a newcomer like Libby wouldn't know—while Libby provides the "what." This dynamic creates a rhythm that makes me feel like a member of the fantastic cast, anchored by shared cups of coffee and the comfort of the book club.
Overall, Drafted in Deceit is a delightful adventure with captivating characters and a cleverly woven plot, that truly deserves 5 out of 5 Gold-Leafed Pages. If you’re ready to dive into an unputdownable story, this book will "edit" your expectations and "rewrite" the meaning of a cozy mystery. Don’t "shelve" this adventure—grab your copy and get swept away!

[Tracy Condie · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a thoroughly enjoyable stand-alone cozy mystery! I am not sure which I liked better, the characters or the plot. I was fortunate enough to be provided the series starter as well as book #2 to read for review. While I liked being able to read the series from the beginning, I can tell you that each book can stand its own. There is plenty of background and character development that the reader is never out of step with the overall story arc. This series has the usual murder mystery plus there is also the history of what happened before Libby returned home to the town of Southport, North Carolina to open Page's Bookshop & Cafe. Libby was living in New York, working as a copy editor, married to a police detective who died under unusual circumstances leaving behind Libby with questions. Libby has the case files and for the past three years, she has looked through them searching for answers.

From the Big Apple to Southport, which is a perfectly cozy southern Cape Fear River town, with a variety of locals and locales. And let me just say that there are some interesting characters, starting with Libby's employee, Gracie Jean, who is a lady of leisure and a force of nature with hidden talents. Gracie Jean has a way with words and a mind like a steel trap, in fact, one has to wonder, based on Gracie Jean's unique choice of words, if maybe she isn't really just a retired librarian but maybe she was more of an analyst for one of the government's alphabet agencies (CIA/FBI). In addition to opening a bookstore, Libby also starts a book club called The Plot Thickens. The book club ladies make for a great discussion group, giving suggestions as Gracie Jean adds index cards to a "Coincidences That Ain't" murder board. The core members are equally different with a gossipy reporter, an author who likes conspiracy theories, and a sophisticated Southern belle, who have known Libby forever and are a super supportive group. The only person who is more supportive of Libby is her bff and favorite baker, Meredith, who supplies fresh baked goods to the bookstore cafe, not to mention the tantalizing lemon tarts that Meredith keeps Libby supplied with on a daily basis. The last core character I want to mention is Detective Carter McCrae, Libby’s high school sweetheart, who is single, handsome, as well as charming, and willing to share some information when possible.

The mystery itself was good. Sleuth spies dead land developer floating in the river. There are plenty of people who did not want the condos eroding the soil or their picture-perfect views while others were for progress if it could help them. Both the tide and tempers rise as Libby uses her superpower aka disarming awkwardness to help solve crimes. The plot twists are well done, and I quickly found myself at the end of the story craving the next book and a lemon tart. So, I got myself one of each.

[Tari · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gracie Jean continues to crack me up sometimes and make me wonder if she was ever either military or law enforcement, or possibly both. She’s pretty darn organized when it comes to making murder boards and doing research. Maybe she was the head librarian for one of those letter agencies! Either way, she’s a super fun character and probably my fave.

When murder struck close to the bookshop again at the Riverwalk, the book club ladies all wanted some of the action, so Libby was once more herding cats to keep their attention on the book which of course she eventually gave up trying to do. The showdown was a peaceful one, and I also enjoyed Meredith’s little story about getting a new guy friend. Danny’s case got a little more interesting too so I’m looking forward to reading the next book.

[Catrina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Back in Southport, North Carolina with Libby Page, her assistant Gracie Jean and of course Cali the cat. Libby’s bookshop and book club are thriving. Libby decided to go down to the Cape Fear River to read before heading into the bookshop. When she gets up from reading she see something floating the river which turns out to be a body. The person isn’t well like so the suspects start to mount up. Once again Libby and Gracie are trying to solve the murder. We also learn little more about secondary mystery in the book. I can’t say enough about this series.

[Amy Marie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved this! I enjoyed book one, but book 2 was fantastic! Libby really develops more as a character, and I'm looking forward to more adventures with her and the amazing cast of characters in this series. The mystery really surprised me, too!

[Christy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I'm loving this series! The characters are so much fun, and I just hope that the side characters continue to be involved. I'd like to see more of them too. The author describes the settings and bookstore so well that I can picture being there. I enjoyed solving the mystery with the characters!

[Jennifer Kovaleski · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story with a dual story

The characters and the town setting have traditional cozy vibes. Lots of misdirection kept me guessing. I enjoy the underlying story as well

[Skater · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun, Fast,

This second book in the Cape Fear Bookstore series doesn’t disappoint. The result is a well written story that’s a quick read, with strong characters.