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Venus Bixby #3
A Jewel of a Crime: A Venus Bixby Mystery
With green streaks in her hair and “Rock the Shamrock” polish on her nails, Venus Bixby is ready to trade dance recitals for airplane tickets.
After selling her dance studio, she has a brand-new travel the world and recover stolen art. But life deals Venus an unexpected card. When she pulls back a curtain in the studio and finds the new owner dead on the couch, her next adventure becomes a very public nightmare.
With Chatham Crossing’s whisper mill in overdrive, Venus is now a prime suspect (because of course she is). In the process of clearing her name, she discovers her late husband secretly bought an emerald ring—and now it’s missing.
As burglaries ripple through this charming town, Venus wonders if the studio owner’s death and the missing emerald are part of the same glittering crime spree.
Between gossiping neighbors, buried secrets, and one very inconvenient corpse, Venus will need sharp instincts—and maybe a touch of Irish luck—to solve the case before her passport dreams are grounded for good.
A Jewel of a Crime is book three in the Venus Bixby Mystery series. Expect cozy clues, small-town charm, amateur sleuthing, cats, and a mystery that keeps sparkling with surprises.
Includes cookie recipes and an oldies playlist!
After selling her dance studio, she has a brand-new travel the world and recover stolen art. But life deals Venus an unexpected card. When she pulls back a curtain in the studio and finds the new owner dead on the couch, her next adventure becomes a very public nightmare.
With Chatham Crossing’s whisper mill in overdrive, Venus is now a prime suspect (because of course she is). In the process of clearing her name, she discovers her late husband secretly bought an emerald ring—and now it’s missing.
As burglaries ripple through this charming town, Venus wonders if the studio owner’s death and the missing emerald are part of the same glittering crime spree.
Between gossiping neighbors, buried secrets, and one very inconvenient corpse, Venus will need sharp instincts—and maybe a touch of Irish luck—to solve the case before her passport dreams are grounded for good.
A Jewel of a Crime is book three in the Venus Bixby Mystery series. Expect cozy clues, small-town charm, amateur sleuthing, cats, and a mystery that keeps sparkling with surprises.
Includes cookie recipes and an oldies playlist!
322 pages, Paperback
Published June 2, 2026
About the author
Valerie Taylor
6 books354 followersValerie Taylor lives in Connecticut and considers herself a typical "average Jane." She might remind you of the reclusive neighbor who fancies herself a novelist. Unlike many of her peers whom she admires, she does NOT have a degree in literature. But she is the award-winning author of the romantic comedy trilogy: What's Not SAID, What's Not TRUE, What's Not LOST. The roots of those three novels, as well as the first two books in the Venus Bixby Mystery series—A WHALE OF A MURDER and SWITCHED AT DEATH—most likely took hold during her early years watching Carol Burnett, Jack Benny, Red Skelton, and The Twilight Zone. Her love of oldies music stems from hours listening and dancing to Elvis Presley and The Beatles, and being in the Bobby Darin fan club.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
July 11, 2026
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Venus Bixby had big plans: sell the dance studio and jet off on a new career recovering stolen art. With fresh green streaks in her hair and bright green nail polish, she and the owner of the Bay Wash hair salon decide to deliver grand opening gifts from Bea’s Buds to the dance studio’s new owners. When the space appears to be empty, Venus ventures further in and finds co-owner Margo Abbott dead on a couch. As the former owner of the business, Venus is a prime suspect.
Also happening in Chatham Crossing: several burglaries rock the neighborhoods.
Venus starts investigating to find the true killer, and while doing so, finds out her late husband bought her a beautiful emerald ring that she never received and is now missing. When one of her top suspects is killed, Venus pulls out the stops to not only find a killer but also a thief. A little luck of the Irish, along with some help from her friends, would be appreciated to trap the murderer so she can figure out what to do with her life next. That is, if she doesn’t become the killer’s next victim.
Venus Bixby is a woman with her fingers in a lot of pies and is happy to dig into a few more. “Bookseller, song and dance lady, cat lover, aspiring lost art detective,” and amateur sleuth, she can do it all and hates being left out of anything, like the newly formed Moonstone Guild. She is also still grieving her husband, Paul, which holds her back in a new relationship with Budd. She has a great relationship with her sister, Sherrie, who will fly across the country when she knows her sister needs her, even when Venus doesn’t ask. Venus has a huge heart, first helping the victim’s husband tell his adult children about their mother’s death, then opening her home to those children when they come to town. Ms. Taylor’s characters have layers that are peeled away throughout the story, making them feel true to life.
The mysteries were complicated. Are the burglaries connected to the murders? Venus is a clever investigator. She is very observant and uses her daily connections to pick up on local gossip, asks pointed questions, and relies on her instincts as she follows each clue. She also has a strong connection with Detective Oscar Donovon. They know each other well and trust each other. I had a delightful time following along with Venus as she unraveled every twist of the mysteries.
A Jewel of a Crime is a marvelous mystery filled with humor and small-town charm. Venus is a determined protagonist surrounded by an eclectic supporting cast. Fun, entertaining, with a comfortable pace makes this An Enjoyable Gewaway! A strong 4-star read!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Venus Bixby had big plans: sell the dance studio and jet off on a new career recovering stolen art. With fresh green streaks in her hair and bright green nail polish, she and the owner of the Bay Wash hair salon decide to deliver grand opening gifts from Bea’s Buds to the dance studio’s new owners. When the space appears to be empty, Venus ventures further in and finds co-owner Margo Abbott dead on a couch. As the former owner of the business, Venus is a prime suspect.
Also happening in Chatham Crossing: several burglaries rock the neighborhoods.
Venus starts investigating to find the true killer, and while doing so, finds out her late husband bought her a beautiful emerald ring that she never received and is now missing. When one of her top suspects is killed, Venus pulls out the stops to not only find a killer but also a thief. A little luck of the Irish, along with some help from her friends, would be appreciated to trap the murderer so she can figure out what to do with her life next. That is, if she doesn’t become the killer’s next victim.
Venus Bixby is a woman with her fingers in a lot of pies and is happy to dig into a few more. “Bookseller, song and dance lady, cat lover, aspiring lost art detective,” and amateur sleuth, she can do it all and hates being left out of anything, like the newly formed Moonstone Guild. She is also still grieving her husband, Paul, which holds her back in a new relationship with Budd. She has a great relationship with her sister, Sherrie, who will fly across the country when she knows her sister needs her, even when Venus doesn’t ask. Venus has a huge heart, first helping the victim’s husband tell his adult children about their mother’s death, then opening her home to those children when they come to town. Ms. Taylor’s characters have layers that are peeled away throughout the story, making them feel true to life.
The mysteries were complicated. Are the burglaries connected to the murders? Venus is a clever investigator. She is very observant and uses her daily connections to pick up on local gossip, asks pointed questions, and relies on her instincts as she follows each clue. She also has a strong connection with Detective Oscar Donovon. They know each other well and trust each other. I had a delightful time following along with Venus as she unraveled every twist of the mysteries.
A Jewel of a Crime is a marvelous mystery filled with humor and small-town charm. Venus is a determined protagonist surrounded by an eclectic supporting cast. Fun, entertaining, with a comfortable pace makes this An Enjoyable Gewaway! A strong 4-star read!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the author for providing me with an ARC.
Review of advance copy
The wife of a opulent man is poisoned and who is responsible for her death? When her husband is killed too there is a person responsible for a double murder.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 28, 2026
I really enjoyed this newest addition to the Venus Bixby series! Venus is an appealing protagonist: colorful, resourceful, and human. I really appreciated how Taylor skillfully lays out clues for Bixby, and us, to try to figure out who the culprit is. This time it is not only a murderer (or murderers?) to find, but also a thief. Are they connected? Taylor keeps us guessing. A bonus pleasure are the delightfully cozy names given to the businesses in the small town, of Chatham Crossing, such as Bay Wash for the hair salon, and The Daily Drip for the coffee shop. This novel keeps you guessing until the very end. As with all good mysteries, once the solution is revealed, you realize that you, too, could have gathered the clues, if only you were as clever as the sleuth.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Jewel of a Crime
This is a pleasant cozy mystery set in a Rhode Island town with a historic district and a newly developed upscale commercial district. Venus, the protagonist, reorganized her businesses after the unexpected death of her husband. She sold their dance studio and changed her business to focus on her book and record store, among others. Many of the new upscale business owners are women who have been her friends for years. Since St. Patrick's Day was approaching, her stylist suggested she add a streak of green to her hair and shiny green nail polish, so she did to give herself a pick-me-up.
Before her husband's sudden death, he had purchased an expensive emerald ring, which she never received and which was not found among his effects, so Venus had doubts about the relationship; could her husband have had a secret romance?
The dance studio was holding an open house, so Venus and a friend stopped by with welcoming flowers, only to find the co-owner, Margo, dead in the studio and her partner, Sam, away at a dance contest with his lover and employee. When Sam returns, seemingly at a loss about how to tell his adult children, who all live far away, about their mother's death, Venus offers to help and sets up a Zoom-type call for the next day.
During the call, the children made plans to fly into Boston the next day, and Venus agreed to help them with transportation. Later, Sam is found stabbed to death, and his safe is opened. The children worked with Venus and try to learn why their parents were killed. They searched the house and found jewels hidden inside toy trucks and in another secret safe. The detective in charge wonders if Sam had been behind several jewel heists in the area and tries to track them down.
Meanwhile, the new business owners try to band together to stay safe and wear matching scarves. Venus feels left out and worries that she needs to have her tarot cards read as there is so much negativity going on. Her twin sister flies in from California for support, so there are many investigators about. Eventually, as mysteries do, the culprit is unmasked.
So please read this tale to learn more. Was the missing emerald ever found? Did the accountants’ books hold a clue? Does the jewelry store owner possess a secret? Does her sister add ideas for the sleuths? Will Venus ever get her dream job on the arts commission?
I enjoyed this low-key mystery and think you will as well.
I received an advance review copy and have reviewed it honestly.
This is a pleasant cozy mystery set in a Rhode Island town with a historic district and a newly developed upscale commercial district. Venus, the protagonist, reorganized her businesses after the unexpected death of her husband. She sold their dance studio and changed her business to focus on her book and record store, among others. Many of the new upscale business owners are women who have been her friends for years. Since St. Patrick's Day was approaching, her stylist suggested she add a streak of green to her hair and shiny green nail polish, so she did to give herself a pick-me-up.
Before her husband's sudden death, he had purchased an expensive emerald ring, which she never received and which was not found among his effects, so Venus had doubts about the relationship; could her husband have had a secret romance?
The dance studio was holding an open house, so Venus and a friend stopped by with welcoming flowers, only to find the co-owner, Margo, dead in the studio and her partner, Sam, away at a dance contest with his lover and employee. When Sam returns, seemingly at a loss about how to tell his adult children, who all live far away, about their mother's death, Venus offers to help and sets up a Zoom-type call for the next day.
During the call, the children made plans to fly into Boston the next day, and Venus agreed to help them with transportation. Later, Sam is found stabbed to death, and his safe is opened. The children worked with Venus and try to learn why their parents were killed. They searched the house and found jewels hidden inside toy trucks and in another secret safe. The detective in charge wonders if Sam had been behind several jewel heists in the area and tries to track them down.
Meanwhile, the new business owners try to band together to stay safe and wear matching scarves. Venus feels left out and worries that she needs to have her tarot cards read as there is so much negativity going on. Her twin sister flies in from California for support, so there are many investigators about. Eventually, as mysteries do, the culprit is unmasked.
So please read this tale to learn more. Was the missing emerald ever found? Did the accountants’ books hold a clue? Does the jewelry store owner possess a secret? Does her sister add ideas for the sleuths? Will Venus ever get her dream job on the arts commission?
I enjoyed this low-key mystery and think you will as well.
I received an advance review copy and have reviewed it honestly.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Jewel of a Crime by Valerie Taylor drops readers back into Chatham Crossing with Venus Bixby, a bookseller, cat lover, former dance-studio owner, and aspiring lost-art detective whose life is already in a state of personal renovation when a celebratory visit to SAM’s Studio turns grim. The death of Margo Abbott pulls Venus into a case tangled with stolen jewelry, old loyalties, witchy shopkeeper rituals, marital secrets, and a local business community that can turn gossip into weather. What begins with green nail polish, a grand opening, and a Peace Lily becomes a nimble mystery about ownership, grief, reinvention, and the dangerous things people hide in plain sight.
I enjoyed the way Taylor lets the mystery bloom out of ordinary errands. Venus does not stumble into danger because the plot needs her to; she arrives through hair appointments, lunch plans, flowers, book club obligations, and the stubborn civic pulse of Chatham Crossing. That gives the story a lived-in texture. The town is not merely a backdrop with a cute sign out front. It has rival shopping districts, business alliances, old grudges, new storefronts, and enough social static to make every conversation feel like it might be evidence.
What I liked most was Venus herself. She is funny without being lacquered in quips, sentimental without turning syrupy, and nosy in a way that feels earned rather than performative. Her grief over Paul, her wary affection for Budd, her sisterly back-and-forth with Sherrie, and her fascination with art and memory give the book more ballast than the usual cozy puzzle. The Moonstone Guild adds a pleasingly peculiar shimmer, and the jewelry thread gives the mystery its best glint: pretty objects, ugly motives.
This book is for readers who like cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth fiction, light paranormal fiction, and crime fiction stories with humor, community, and a heroine who notices everything from a missing purse to a badly timed social media post. Fans of Joanne Fluke’s village-scale mysteries or Richard Osman’s warm ensemble sleuthing will feel at home here, though Taylor’s Venus Bixby brings her own briny New England snap. A Jewel of a Crime sparkles because its brightest gem is not the stolen emerald, it's Venus Bixby’s sharp, bruised, and irrepressible heart.
I enjoyed the way Taylor lets the mystery bloom out of ordinary errands. Venus does not stumble into danger because the plot needs her to; she arrives through hair appointments, lunch plans, flowers, book club obligations, and the stubborn civic pulse of Chatham Crossing. That gives the story a lived-in texture. The town is not merely a backdrop with a cute sign out front. It has rival shopping districts, business alliances, old grudges, new storefronts, and enough social static to make every conversation feel like it might be evidence.
What I liked most was Venus herself. She is funny without being lacquered in quips, sentimental without turning syrupy, and nosy in a way that feels earned rather than performative. Her grief over Paul, her wary affection for Budd, her sisterly back-and-forth with Sherrie, and her fascination with art and memory give the book more ballast than the usual cozy puzzle. The Moonstone Guild adds a pleasingly peculiar shimmer, and the jewelry thread gives the mystery its best glint: pretty objects, ugly motives.
This book is for readers who like cozy mysteries, amateur sleuth fiction, light paranormal fiction, and crime fiction stories with humor, community, and a heroine who notices everything from a missing purse to a badly timed social media post. Fans of Joanne Fluke’s village-scale mysteries or Richard Osman’s warm ensemble sleuthing will feel at home here, though Taylor’s Venus Bixby brings her own briny New England snap. A Jewel of a Crime sparkles because its brightest gem is not the stolen emerald, it's Venus Bixby’s sharp, bruised, and irrepressible heart.
June 30, 2026
A Jewel of a Crime by Valerie Taylor is a lively cozy mystery that blends small town intrigue, amateur sleuthing, humor, and a touch of glamour into an engaging whodunit centered around an unexpected murder and a missing emerald.
One of the book’s strongest elements is Venus Bixby herself. Her bold personality, creative background, and willingness to reinvent her life give the story an energetic and modern tone that stands out within the cozy mystery genre.
The initial discovery of the body immediately sets the stage for a personal and high stakes investigation. Venus is not just solving a mystery, she is also forced to defend her reputation as suspicion quickly falls on her.
The small town setting of Chatham Crossing adds warmth and texture to the narrative. Gossip, relationships, and hidden tensions within the community help build a layered environment where everyone seems connected to the central mystery.
The subplot involving the missing emerald ring introduces an additional thread of intrigue. As burglaries begin to surface, the story builds momentum by suggesting deeper connections between the crimes and the central murder.
The tone balances suspense with charm, allowing the mystery to unfold in a way that emphasizes character interaction, personal stakes, and gradual discovery rather than intense procedural detail.
The inclusion of lighthearted elements such as recipes and music references adds personality and reinforces the cozy atmosphere of the story.
For readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, amateur detectives, small town secrets, humorous investigations, and character driven storytelling, A Jewel of a Crime offers a sparkling and entertaining mystery experience.
One of the book’s strongest elements is Venus Bixby herself. Her bold personality, creative background, and willingness to reinvent her life give the story an energetic and modern tone that stands out within the cozy mystery genre.
The initial discovery of the body immediately sets the stage for a personal and high stakes investigation. Venus is not just solving a mystery, she is also forced to defend her reputation as suspicion quickly falls on her.
The small town setting of Chatham Crossing adds warmth and texture to the narrative. Gossip, relationships, and hidden tensions within the community help build a layered environment where everyone seems connected to the central mystery.
The subplot involving the missing emerald ring introduces an additional thread of intrigue. As burglaries begin to surface, the story builds momentum by suggesting deeper connections between the crimes and the central murder.
The tone balances suspense with charm, allowing the mystery to unfold in a way that emphasizes character interaction, personal stakes, and gradual discovery rather than intense procedural detail.
The inclusion of lighthearted elements such as recipes and music references adds personality and reinforces the cozy atmosphere of the story.
For readers who enjoy cozy mysteries, amateur detectives, small town secrets, humorous investigations, and character driven storytelling, A Jewel of a Crime offers a sparkling and entertaining mystery experience.
June 19, 2026
A Jewel of a Crime By Valerie Taylor is about a bunch of very interesting characters. One lady is named Venus, who sold her dance studio, which was located inside the Chatham Crossing, to a couple named Sam and Margo Abbott. Who ended up naming it SAM’s Studio inside the bustling local shopping center? They were sure it would be an easy switch of ownership. While on a casual visit to drop off flowers welcoming the couple to the area, Venus finds Margo dead behind the curtain. What happened to Margo? Where was her husband when it happened? What does this mean now for Venus’s plans… to take the money from the sale and travel the world as an investigator to locate stolen art? The story takes you on the journey as Venus uses her investigative skills to unravel who did it. One day while getting ready, she realizes a ring her late husband gave her is missing, backtracking to figure out where it may have gone. The emerald ring may have something to do with the crimes happening in her city. What an interesting trip you go on to figure it all out! Toss some tarot card readings into the mix; it made me question it all even more when I thought I had figured it out. Received this as an ARC reader and am leaving my unbiased review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A Jewel of a Crime is book three in the Venus Bixby Mystery series by Valerie Taylor.
I read and loved the first two books in the series, and I was so excited to see what Venus was up to next.
Venus Bixby has sold her dance studio with hopes of traveling the world and saving art that has been stolen. Seems like a good plan. You know what they say about plans?
When she finds the new owner of her studio dead, she is the prime suspect. While doing her amateur sleuthing and trying to prove her innocence she find out her husband (who had passed) bought an emerald ring she knew nothing about.
And the ring is... you guessed it... MISSING!
Is there a connection between the murder and a string of burglaries in town?
Venus is on the case!
I absolutely LOVED this cozy mystery. The characters are well written and fleshed out.
The mystery keeps you guessing and I love the vibes of the small town.
Don't miss this one!!! It is so fun with lots of St. Patrick's Day charm!
I read and loved the first two books in the series, and I was so excited to see what Venus was up to next.
Venus Bixby has sold her dance studio with hopes of traveling the world and saving art that has been stolen. Seems like a good plan. You know what they say about plans?
When she finds the new owner of her studio dead, she is the prime suspect. While doing her amateur sleuthing and trying to prove her innocence she find out her husband (who had passed) bought an emerald ring she knew nothing about.
And the ring is... you guessed it... MISSING!
Is there a connection between the murder and a string of burglaries in town?
Venus is on the case!
I absolutely LOVED this cozy mystery. The characters are well written and fleshed out.
The mystery keeps you guessing and I love the vibes of the small town.
Don't miss this one!!! It is so fun with lots of St. Patrick's Day charm!
Review of advance copy received from Author
This book delivers everything a cozy mystery reader could want. Chatham Crossing is a town rich in intrigue, gossip, secrets, and mysteries. Its citizens are well drawn and come to life on the page. I’ve read all three of Ms. Taylor’s books in this series, and this one definitely doesn’t disappoint. Our heroine, Venus Bixby, begins the novel as she starts a new chapter. Having recently sold her dance studio, she discovers that one of the new owners is dead, and the book takes off from there. I loved Venus’ relationship with her boyfriend and her sister. The story delivers not only the mystery of who killed Margo but also adds an emotional layer as Venus tries to find out what happened to a missing emerald ring tied to her late husband. This book is such a fun read! If you enjoy cozy mysteries with a strong female lead, this book and the whole series are for you.
June 2, 2026
Valerie Taylor has mastered the cozy mystery genre with her third installment in the Venus Bixby series. It's wildly entertaining and impossible to put down! After selling her dance studio, Venus is making plans to travel the world to recover stolen art. But those plans quickly implode when she finds the new owner of her former studio dead. Now a prime suspect, Venus must solve a complicated murder mystery that reveals secrets about her late husband, a mysterious emerald ring, and a very peculiar guild. Taylor has crafted an addictive story filled with secrets, gossip, plot twists, and plenty of St. Patrick's Day fun. I never tire of returning to Chatham Crossing to watch Venus sleuth her way out of trouble. A delightful read!
June 3, 2026
If you're a fan of cozy mysteries filled with small-town charm, colorful characters, and plenty of twists, A Jewel of a Crime is a delightful addition to your reading list. Venus Bixby finds herself at the center of a mystery involving a suspicious death, a missing emerald ring, and a town buzzing with gossip, creating the perfect setup for an engaging whodunit. The combination of amateur sleuthing, hidden secrets, and a touch of humor makes this story especially appealing for cozy mystery fans. Add in a charming setting, lovable cats, and an intriguing puzzle to solve, and you have all the ingredients for an entertaining read. I look forward to seeing where Venus's adventures take her next.
June 3, 2026
I absolutely loved this book. The main character, Venus Bixby, was funny and quirky with a bit of sarcasm. I could actually picture her eye rolls, especially when she was dealing with her sister. He beau. Budd Nickerson was charming and just as engaging. I adored that this book was fast paced and an easy read. It kept me engaged throughout even though I guessed who the culprit was early on. The mix of murder and thievery added an additional layer to the story that was very engaging.
The town of Chatham Crossing is located outside of Boston. I especially loved the creative names that were used in the story. The jewelry store called Velvet Clasp. The tattoo salon called Ink & Anchor. The hair salon named Bay Wash. The Daily Drip was the coffee shop. This creativity was very endearing.
I had not read the previous two books in the series but you can bet I'm going back to read them now.
The town of Chatham Crossing is located outside of Boston. I especially loved the creative names that were used in the story. The jewelry store called Velvet Clasp. The tattoo salon called Ink & Anchor. The hair salon named Bay Wash. The Daily Drip was the coffee shop. This creativity was very endearing.
I had not read the previous two books in the series but you can bet I'm going back to read them now.
June 10, 2026
Is the weight of the world getting you down? Do daily headlines make you want to dive for cover? Why not dive into Valerie Taylor's latest Venus Bixby cozy mystery, A Jewel of a Crime, instead? Venus and the other colorful characters who inhabit Chatham's Crossing are at it again. When Venus sells her dance studio so she can travel the world in search of lost art, and the studio's new owner is found dead and a valuable ring is missing, any of the town's denizens could be suspect, even amateur sleuth Venus herself. With its plot twists, snappy dialogue, local gossip and an unforgettable main character, A Jewel of a Crime is a perfect escape for our times.
June 13, 2026
Chatham Crossing has a jewel thief! Since the last time we visited, the quiet town has been having jewelry thefts that the police are struggling to stop. And then Venus stumbles across not one, but two bodies and finds herself involved in another investigation. She’s not alone, though. Budd, Oscar, her sister, and even the mayor get involved to help solve these murders.
This is the third book in the Venus Bixby Mystery series. I only recently found this series, and I love it. The characters are a lot of fun and occasionally snarky. Give this cozy mystery series a try – you won’t regret it!
This is the third book in the Venus Bixby Mystery series. I only recently found this series, and I love it. The characters are a lot of fun and occasionally snarky. Give this cozy mystery series a try – you won’t regret it!
June 25, 2026
Venus Bixby is a popular gem in her town. This book contains plenty of residents and their variety of unique shops. So many that the author has included guides for "Who's Who " and "Places of Interest". I loved the short, action- packed chapters. Following all the clues and people involved seemed less complicated by the way the chapters are organized. Chatham Crossing's friends and relatives and shop owners always seemed to want to chat and share the news of the day! There is also a playlist of songs included along with cookie recipes submitted by readers in the back of the book. 5 stars and perfect for book club discussions
Review of advance copy
This was a twisted path to the truth and the jewels. People were so mercenary and greedy for possessions and money. It seemed like people were disposable and without consequences.
I had no idea whodunit and it was reprehensible what was done for money and possessions.
Venus was quite unique and interesting, and as a character she added depth and dimension to the story.
This is an entertaining and riveting read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
I had no idea whodunit and it was reprehensible what was done for money and possessions.
Venus was quite unique and interesting, and as a character she added depth and dimension to the story.
This is an entertaining and riveting read. I voluntarily read a free copy of this book provided by book sirens and am giving an honest review.
June 10, 2026
This was an intriguing murder mystery with many amusing characters in it.
I enjoyed the relationship between the protagonist Venus and her twin sister Sherrie.
I also enjoyed the complexity of the crime.
I look forward to reading another book with these characters in it.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed the relationship between the protagonist Venus and her twin sister Sherrie.
I also enjoyed the complexity of the crime.
I look forward to reading another book with these characters in it.
I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 10, 2026
A Jewel of a Crime Book 3 in Venus Bixby Mystery series by Valerie Taylor is a cute paranormal cozy with an interesting storyline, good mystery and lovely characters especially Venus I just love her!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 5, 2026
The third book in the series . What mystery has Venus got herself into now . So many suspects
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews