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Murder and Mojitos
The Bookshop Detectives are on the case!
Booksellers Garth and Eloise Sherlock (and their cowardly dog, Stevie) have been roped into hosting Murder and Mojitos, a glamorous Art Deco festival event starring Cuba’s queen of crime fiction. Between flapper frocks, rooftop hijinks and competitive cocktail shaking, it should be the bookshop’s biggest break yet.
But when mysterious parcels arrive at the shop and a body turns up on a quiet local beach, every clue points back to Arthur Pinter – the literary-obsessed serial killer from the Sherlocks’ past.
With the mojitos flowing and half of the town in costume, Garth and Eloise must untangle a web of old betrayals, new alliances and international intrigue before the festival’s finale turns into a bloodbath. Can they protect their staff, their small town and their beloved bookshop – or will this be their final chapter?
Booksellers Garth and Eloise Sherlock (and their cowardly dog, Stevie) have been roped into hosting Murder and Mojitos, a glamorous Art Deco festival event starring Cuba’s queen of crime fiction. Between flapper frocks, rooftop hijinks and competitive cocktail shaking, it should be the bookshop’s biggest break yet.
But when mysterious parcels arrive at the shop and a body turns up on a quiet local beach, every clue points back to Arthur Pinter – the literary-obsessed serial killer from the Sherlocks’ past.
With the mojitos flowing and half of the town in costume, Garth and Eloise must untangle a web of old betrayals, new alliances and international intrigue before the festival’s finale turns into a bloodbath. Can they protect their staff, their small town and their beloved bookshop – or will this be their final chapter?
- GenresFiction
325 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 7, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews
August 7, 2026
Another great instalment in the bookshop detectives series. Had me laughing out loud in parts and going no way in parts too! Love the short chapters and engaging storyline
August 16, 2026
Similar to the other books in the series. The familiar charming characters and story telling make it a good book to read.
July 17, 2026
The Bookshop Detectives 3: Murder and Mojitos by Gareth and Louise Ward
I’ve had this one on pre-order for months, probably since I finished The Bookshop Detectives 2. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is my favourite series of cosy mysteries based on a married couple who own a bookstore in Havelock North in New Zealand.
Booksellers Garth and Eloise Sherlock (not to be confused with the authors Gareth and Louise Ward) and their fraidy-cat dog, Stevie, are set to host a book event called Murder and Mojitos, as part of the Art Deco festival. Which surely is also a real thing? But their arch-nemesis, Arthur Pinter, is up to his old hijinks, sending mysterious parcels to the store... and he’s no longer in custody. Could he have made it to New Zealand? Is he the one putting road cones on roofs around town?
Are Garth and Eloise the only ones in danger this time around?
When I met Gareth and Louise Ward at Penguin Noir, I told them that Dead Girl Deirdre was my favourite character. Gareth responded with a twinkle in his eye, “Oh, there’s much more Deirdre in the next one” In that moment, I panicked that Deirdre was going to be the next victim. Is Dead Girl Deirdre still alive? Telling you would be a spoiler.
Thumbs up 👍
I was able to multitask on this one, so I worked on the cockatoo I’d sketched while listening to Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern. I’m not sure I’ve nailed it yet, so I may do another version over the weekend if I have time. It does, however, match the beautiful art deco cover art.
#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf @garethwardauthor @wardinibooks
@penguinbooksaus @penguinrandomhouse #PenguinRandomHouseAustraliaAudio #PenguinBooks
I’ve had this one on pre-order for months, probably since I finished The Bookshop Detectives 2. I’m going to go out on a limb and say that this is my favourite series of cosy mysteries based on a married couple who own a bookstore in Havelock North in New Zealand.
Booksellers Garth and Eloise Sherlock (not to be confused with the authors Gareth and Louise Ward) and their fraidy-cat dog, Stevie, are set to host a book event called Murder and Mojitos, as part of the Art Deco festival. Which surely is also a real thing? But their arch-nemesis, Arthur Pinter, is up to his old hijinks, sending mysterious parcels to the store... and he’s no longer in custody. Could he have made it to New Zealand? Is he the one putting road cones on roofs around town?
Are Garth and Eloise the only ones in danger this time around?
When I met Gareth and Louise Ward at Penguin Noir, I told them that Dead Girl Deirdre was my favourite character. Gareth responded with a twinkle in his eye, “Oh, there’s much more Deirdre in the next one” In that moment, I panicked that Deirdre was going to be the next victim. Is Dead Girl Deirdre still alive? Telling you would be a spoiler.
Thumbs up 👍
I was able to multitask on this one, so I worked on the cockatoo I’d sketched while listening to Every Time She Wakes by Petronella McGovern. I’m not sure I’ve nailed it yet, so I may do another version over the weekend if I have time. It does, however, match the beautiful art deco cover art.
#booksdeevaareads #2026bookshelf @garethwardauthor @wardinibooks
@penguinbooksaus @penguinrandomhouse #PenguinRandomHouseAustraliaAudio #PenguinBooks
July 26, 2026
Murder and Mojitos was one of my most anticipated reads of 2026, because I absolutely loved the first two books in the series. They were cosy, witty, and had me laughing out loud while still delivering engaging mysteries. Unfortunately, this instalment didn't quite capture that same magic for me.
This book leans much more heavily into murder mystery and thriller territory, which wasn't quite what I was hoping for. While there were plenty of well-written moments, it felt like the cosy charm and humour that made the earlier books so special had taken a back seat.
I also felt some of the characterisation, particularly for Prudence and Pinter, was stretched a little beyond what I'd come to expect. Some of the plot developments also required a fair bit of suspension of disbelief. I'm certainly no expert on MI5 or MI6, but several elements still felt a little far-fetched to me.
The addition of another ticking-clock event also felt somewhat formulaic, and there were sections where the pacing slowed noticeably compared with the previous books. I do wonder whether the quick publication schedule may have contributed to that, as I'd happily wait longer for a stronger instalment.
Despite my disappointment, there were still enjoyable moments, and I'll continue with the series because I have such fond memories of the earlier books. This one simply didn't resonate with me in the same way.
This book leans much more heavily into murder mystery and thriller territory, which wasn't quite what I was hoping for. While there were plenty of well-written moments, it felt like the cosy charm and humour that made the earlier books so special had taken a back seat.
I also felt some of the characterisation, particularly for Prudence and Pinter, was stretched a little beyond what I'd come to expect. Some of the plot developments also required a fair bit of suspension of disbelief. I'm certainly no expert on MI5 or MI6, but several elements still felt a little far-fetched to me.
The addition of another ticking-clock event also felt somewhat formulaic, and there were sections where the pacing slowed noticeably compared with the previous books. I do wonder whether the quick publication schedule may have contributed to that, as I'd happily wait longer for a stronger instalment.
Despite my disappointment, there were still enjoyable moments, and I'll continue with the series because I have such fond memories of the earlier books. This one simply didn't resonate with me in the same way.
July 25, 2026
A warm, book‑loving return to Garth and Eloise’s cozy crime world, and a third instalment that leans fully into the charm, literary obsession, and small‑town New Zealand eccentricity that makes this series such an easy and enjoyable read.
This outing brings a sharper edge: Arthur Pinter, the literary serial killer from their past, has escaped prison in the UK and is now far too close to their new life in NZ. His strange connection to the Cuban guest author headlining the Murder and Mojitos Festival adds a thread of tension that sits neatly inside the otherwise light, bookish tone.
The joy of the series remains intact with a community of people who are unabashedly obsessed with stories, reading, and the friendships that grow out of shared literary love. The Sherlock Tomes crew, the locals, and the festival chaos all feel familiar in the best way.
This is very much a continuation. You need the first two books to fully enjoy the character arcs, the ongoing relationships, and the long‑running tension with Pinter.
This outing brings a sharper edge: Arthur Pinter, the literary serial killer from their past, has escaped prison in the UK and is now far too close to their new life in NZ. His strange connection to the Cuban guest author headlining the Murder and Mojitos Festival adds a thread of tension that sits neatly inside the otherwise light, bookish tone.
The joy of the series remains intact with a community of people who are unabashedly obsessed with stories, reading, and the friendships that grow out of shared literary love. The Sherlock Tomes crew, the locals, and the festival chaos all feel familiar in the best way.
This is very much a continuation. You need the first two books to fully enjoy the character arcs, the ongoing relationships, and the long‑running tension with Pinter.
August 10, 2026
The third book in the series and another great read! Set in New Zealand’s beautiful Hawke’s Bay region, I particularly loved the Art Deco backdrop in this instalment. Having visited the area in April 2026, it was such a treat to recognise the streets and various locations throughout the story—it definitely made the setting feel that much more special.
I also happened to visit both Wardini Books bookshops while I was there, which was a real highlight for this book lover!
I definitely recommend reading this series in order, as Book 3 expands Pinter’s obsession with Eloise.
Another enjoyable mystery with a wonderful New Zealand setting—“All you need in life is good friends, a good book and a good bookshop”’
I also happened to visit both Wardini Books bookshops while I was there, which was a real highlight for this book lover!
I definitely recommend reading this series in order, as Book 3 expands Pinter’s obsession with Eloise.
Another enjoyable mystery with a wonderful New Zealand setting—“All you need in life is good friends, a good book and a good bookshop”’
July 14, 2026
I just love these books so much
Books set in the Bay are rare, books centered around my favorite bookstore rarer still. So to get both is such a treat. This definitely raised the stakes high; there were plenty of edge of seat moments where I wondered what was going to happen next, but this also didn't forget the cozy side. The bookstore and selling books, the interactions with staff that felt so realistic I felt like I was in the bookshop listening to all the banter. This series marries 2 of my favorites thrillers and books about bookshops and selling books which meant I just flew through this and had such a great time reading
Books set in the Bay are rare, books centered around my favorite bookstore rarer still. So to get both is such a treat. This definitely raised the stakes high; there were plenty of edge of seat moments where I wondered what was going to happen next, but this also didn't forget the cozy side. The bookstore and selling books, the interactions with staff that felt so realistic I felt like I was in the bookshop listening to all the banter. This series marries 2 of my favorites thrillers and books about bookshops and selling books which meant I just flew through this and had such a great time reading
July 20, 2026
Another great, complex, twisty and entertaining instalment in the Bookshop Detective series. Set mainly in Havelock North and Napier, Eloise, Gareth, their timid dog, Stevie, and their bookshop staff as well as Tama, their detective friend, become involved when their nemesis, Arthur Pinter, a serial killer from their past, enters their lives again. Secrets, alliances and murder all come together in this compelling New Zealand set mystery.
August 6, 2026
sad that the series is over after 3 books :( i really grown to love garth especially as he was a kindred spirit, but i also enjoyed eloise, the sherlock tomes gang and prudence!
this book was my least liked one only because it was main "bad guy" is someone i just really didnt care for and internally groaned when they were mentioned in books 1 and 2, but i understood why they had to be the main focus.
this book was my least liked one only because it was main "bad guy" is someone i just really didnt care for and internally groaned when they were mentioned in books 1 and 2, but i understood why they had to be the main focus.
July 12, 2026
This third outing for the Bookshop Detectives has everything I’ve loved about the others in the series - laughs, heart, suspense, Stevie and bookselling. Murder and Mojitos sees Garth and Eloise’s mind-games with literary murderer Arthur Pinter come to a thrilling conclusion.
July 24, 2026
An absolute page turner!! I love these books for their cozy vibe, yet their stories that really keep you on your toes. It’s so fun to read something from Aotearoa that really encompasses the vibes of our place.
August 9, 2026
This third installment was definitely more action than I expected. I liked how we got more Pinter in this because I had been very intrigued with the character when he was first mentioned in the first book. But Prudence will also be my favourite character.
July 24, 2026
Fast-paced crime fun full of heartwarming characters. Perfect cosy crime.
July 25, 2026
Can't wait for the next one, absolutely Loved reading this one 😍 but such a cliffhanger. Cozy read with a couple of twists here & there that I sometimes saw coming
July 30, 2026
So fun to be back in Havlock North at our favourite bookshop!
August 15, 2026
Oh dear. Very dull and repetitive and just plain boring!!
August 15, 2026
A bit repetitive being all about Pinter again. I nearly gave up reading it. I won't bother if the next book is about him again.
August 5, 2026
Another enjoyable entry to the series. A bit of a genree shift with the culmination of a trilogy, turning from a murder mystery to more of a thriller, with a killer threat looming instead of a mystery to unravel. This shift made sense for this entry, but made me miss the mystery solving aspect that drew me in in the first place. otherwise, i loved it and am looking forward to the next one!
Displaying 1 - 18 of 18 reviews