Shelved in Secret

Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries #3

by Simone Stier

Libby thought spring in Southport would be a breath of fresh air. A missing person was not the chapter she expected next.

Libby Page has finally found her footing in Southport. Page’s Bookshop is busy, her book club The Plot Thickens is mid-read and life along the Cape Fear is starting to feel almost settled—until Emmerson’s friend vanishes days before a major charity gala.

At first, the disappearance looks like a headline-grabbing stunt. But the more Libby and her sharp-eyed assistant, Gracie Jean, dig in, the more the fashion world’s polished surface starts to crack. Between missing sketches, whispered rumors and a circle of suspects who know more than they’re saying, Libby realizes the truth is being carefully edited out of the picture.

With pressure mounting and the suspect list growing, Libby must untangle the secrets behind the disappearance before the truth vanishes for good.

Shelved in Secrets is the third book in the Cape Fear Bookshop Mysteries—a coastal mystery featuring former book editor Libby Page.

Each book contains a complete mystery, but the first six books are tied together by a larger puzzle. For the full experience, read them in order.

Genres: Mystery

258 pages, Kindle Edition

Published April 20, 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

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby Page is settling in well to managing her book shop, Page's Bookshop, in Cape Fear. When a friend of a friend goes missing Libby, her assistant Grace, and the Book Club members investigate.

This is a fun, easy read with an interesting mystery. I like all the characters especially Gracie Jean who is a terrific offsider for Libby. There is even a tiny bit of romance for Libby with great promise for the future. I am looking forward to continuing with this series.

[Starr Perry · Rating 5 out of 5]

Moody and mysterious

Libby Page and her Southport bookshop are her haven and enjoyment.
Libby even has a book club, As The Plot thickens, that meets weekly.

When Emmerson, Libby’s friend, asks for help with a personal situation after her designer friend goes missing, of course Libby helps her. Libby of course, never anticipated murder, moody and mysterious behavior or the mayhem behind the fashion world scenes, but that is only a small part of what she, coffee shop sidekick and retired librarian Gracie Jean, the book club and naturally detective Carter, Libby’s high school love, learn. Libby’s bestie Meredith, owner of the Sugar bakery, keep Libby, the bookshop and all within content with her delicious treats and tempting pastries.

Cali, Libby’s precious rescue calico, of course is on hand to observe. After she is fed, of course.

The personalities are the bright light and draw in the story for me. Charming, dramatic, and some witty, wise and whimsical personalities all have a place in the story and brought together in a community, create the perfect mix for Libby to piece together the kidnapper, as well as the sequence of events to bring the fashion drama to a close with surprise and completion and absolutely worthwhile read

[Tari · Rating 4 out of 5]

Libby found herself railroaded into attending her friend Emmerson’s gala so she could do some sleuthing since Emmerson’s good friend, a fashion designer named Felicity appeared to be missing. She wasn’t answering calls or texts…was it foul play or was Felicity off playing in the ocean on an island? Leave it to Libby the former editor to crack the case when she gathered her suspects in the end.

While it had a good ending I can’t say this was my fave of the series so far. The next one was hinted at when the book was ending, and it sounds fun, a pirate festival. I’m borrowing that soon!

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the author.

Yet another well-written cozy in this new series. I’m still loving all the main characters (but especially sidekick Gracie Jean). I can never figure out the villain ahead of time—but it always comes together in the end.

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars. This was the best of the series so far; the mystery was the most interestingly rendered with reasonable red herrings. There was also decent progress in the background of this series, and that was fun too.

[Skater · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Mystery of the Missing Fashion Designer

This series is a quick, fast read, filled with intelligent, strong characters. The mysteries themselves, are well thought out and plotted, and don’t insult the readers intelligence.

[Penny Perse · Rating 5 out of 5]

where is she Hiding

Great story and I loved the ending. Wish she and Carter would get together fo all the time. Two words