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Killer Prose: An Addictively Suspenseful Cozy Murder Mystery
Poetry night at Jordan & Walsh Books was supposed to feature local talent and lava lamps—not a dead body.
When Grace Jordan's Aunt Lyla transforms the bookstore into a groovy seventies wonderland for Poetry Open Mic Night, Grace expects amateur poets and questionable fashion choices. What she doesn't expect is murder. Another one.
As Grace navigates suspicious carnival performers, wounded egos, and cryptic clues hidden in poetry submissions, she discovers the victim harbored secrets that gave half the town motive for revenge. Between a harsh literary critic terrorizing aspiring writers, a sleight-of-hand artist with nimble fingers, and bookstore regulars with grudges to spare, everyone seems to be a suspect.
With Detective Sherwood under pressure from the sheriff, a mysterious Amish stranger in her yard, and a killer who seems to have disappeared into thin air, Grace must use every ounce of her analytical training to crack the case.
Because in Sweet Cove, even poetry can be lethal.
Sweet Cove Series Books in
A Fatal Footnote
Murder by the Book
Booked for Death
If Books Could Kill
Grounds for Murder
Killer Prose
When Grace Jordan's Aunt Lyla transforms the bookstore into a groovy seventies wonderland for Poetry Open Mic Night, Grace expects amateur poets and questionable fashion choices. What she doesn't expect is murder. Another one.
As Grace navigates suspicious carnival performers, wounded egos, and cryptic clues hidden in poetry submissions, she discovers the victim harbored secrets that gave half the town motive for revenge. Between a harsh literary critic terrorizing aspiring writers, a sleight-of-hand artist with nimble fingers, and bookstore regulars with grudges to spare, everyone seems to be a suspect.
With Detective Sherwood under pressure from the sheriff, a mysterious Amish stranger in her yard, and a killer who seems to have disappeared into thin air, Grace must use every ounce of her analytical training to crack the case.
Because in Sweet Cove, even poetry can be lethal.
Sweet Cove Series Books in
A Fatal Footnote
Murder by the Book
Booked for Death
If Books Could Kill
Grounds for Murder
Killer Prose
154 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 19, 2026
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
Review of advance copy
Killer Prose is the seventh book in the Sweet Cove Cozy Mystery series and it is a fantastic addition to the series! Grace's Aunt Lyla is having an open poetry mic night with a 70s theme. All would have been well if a very mean, and very cruel literary critic attacked the aspiring poets' work. And when the Critic is found dead, Grace decides she has to investigate and find a murderer. Since Detective Sherwood is in trouble with the Sheriff, he doesn't want to have Grace's help. But that doesn't stop her. And who is the Amish man in her backyard? With so many possible suspects, Grace has a real job ahead of her. Can she find a murderer through all the cryptic clues and is she being watched? This is a fast paced, book that keeps you on a roller coaster ride guessing until the end. I not only highly recommend this book, but I highly recommend the entire series. I received an ARC of this book, but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Life is back to normal in Sweet Cove. Lyla is setting up her next event, then the ugly twist happens. Grace takes it upon herself to solve "by any means necessary". She feels forced into it when "Sweet, eccentric Lyla who’d raised her, who’d never hurt anyone, who was being framed for something she didn’t do."
The strange events "The weird figure in her yard. The Puzzler’s riddles. Prudence’s writings, her venom." keep coming at her. She delves into the past for revelation that she can take to heart: “We need ethical people to train these systems, shape their development".
When it's over "maybe, just maybe, for once in her life, she’d stop trying to solve what came next and simply stand still in this moment and enjoy it."
It's a solid story for Grace's investigation techniques and includes an emotional reunion that will really grab you.
The strange events "The weird figure in her yard. The Puzzler’s riddles. Prudence’s writings, her venom." keep coming at her. She delves into the past for revelation that she can take to heart: “We need ethical people to train these systems, shape their development".
When it's over "maybe, just maybe, for once in her life, she’d stop trying to solve what came next and simply stand still in this moment and enjoy it."
It's a solid story for Grace's investigation techniques and includes an emotional reunion that will really grab you.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Killer Prose is an awesome book in a phenomenal series. Grace's Aunt Lyla is having a poetry open mic night at her bookstore. It is a 70's theme, and Grace is reluctant to attend, but she has to since she works there. Most of the attendees are very supportive of each other, but there's always one in every crowd that has to cause trouble. Another murder happens in the bookstore, and Grace once again wants to help out Detective Sherwood. Detective Sherwood is being very careful because he is in hot water with the Sherriff, and he wants no part of Grace's help. Grace is not deterred and investigates in her own way. This was a fantastic, quick read, with some surprises that I never saw coming, and I highly recommend this book and series!
Review of advance copy received from Author
So many suspects!
A seventies-themed Poetry Open Mic Night at Aunt Lyla’s bookstore comes to an abrupt end when an attendee is murdered. The victim, a literary critic, had made many enemies with cruel critiques of their works. As Grace investigates an abundance of suspects, she finds herself being watched and the target of cryptic warnings. Is the Amish man, silently watching her, a killer or a guardian?
Mystery lovers will enjoy this book as much as I did. The way Grace is slowly opening up to the world is like watching a flower bloom. It adds a new level to her character. I received an advance copy of the book, but my review is honest and voluntary.
A seventies-themed Poetry Open Mic Night at Aunt Lyla’s bookstore comes to an abrupt end when an attendee is murdered. The victim, a literary critic, had made many enemies with cruel critiques of their works. As Grace investigates an abundance of suspects, she finds herself being watched and the target of cryptic warnings. Is the Amish man, silently watching her, a killer or a guardian?
Mystery lovers will enjoy this book as much as I did. The way Grace is slowly opening up to the world is like watching a flower bloom. It adds a new level to her character. I received an advance copy of the book, but my review is honest and voluntary.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Things don’t go as planned at the bookstore’s Poetry Open Mic Night when one of the attendees dies in front of everyone. When it’s determined to be murder instead of natural causes, it becomes clear that there are plenty of suspects who wanted the woman dead. As usual, Detective Sherwood doesn’t want Grace involved in the investigation, but that doesn’t stop her. Grace receives a warning from a mysterious man, help from an unlikely source, secrets are revealed, and Grace lightens up a little more.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 25, 2026
Jordan and Walsh bookshop is not long getting over the past murder when Layla comes up with a bright idea of holding a poetry night in the Bookshop that Grace heartily disapproves of and not just because it involves dressing up in 70's gear.
Another exciting adventure from Joy, When the worst happens Grace is desperate to help find out who dunnit but Detective Nathan Sherman is even more determined to do it himself this time! The atmosphere is tense, the list of suspects is long and the tension rises steadily. The plot keeps you hanging right to the end on this one and to add to the fun there's a special surprise for Grace at the end
Another exciting adventure from Joy, When the worst happens Grace is desperate to help find out who dunnit but Detective Nathan Sherman is even more determined to do it himself this time! The atmosphere is tense, the list of suspects is long and the tension rises steadily. The plot keeps you hanging right to the end on this one and to add to the fun there's a special surprise for Grace at the end
Review of advance copy received from Author
Killer Prose is a Superb story and series about Grace Jordan who goes to work at her Aunt Lyla 's Bookstore after she lost her Analysts job. There is a Poetry Open Mic Night at the bookstore and someone collapses. Detective Nathan Sherwood starts to investigate. Grace also looks into the mystery unofficially. There are many twists and turns throughout and some surprising events. But can the mystery be solved and the truth discovered?
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.
I enjoyed reading this story very much and I highly recommend that you read this book.
May 22, 2026
Poetry and lava lamps!
Aunt Lyla decides to harken back to the seventies with a poetry reading and LOTS of lava lamps. It'll be fun, right? With a nasty critic, a pickpocket that picks Detective Sherwood's pocket, and a strange Amish gentleman, things ramp up quickly. Oh, and there is another body in the bookstore. But this one fell down the stairs. Or did she? A few new characters and lots going on makes this another fun read. And a surprise or two!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Aunt Lyla decides to harken back to the seventies with a poetry reading and LOTS of lava lamps. It'll be fun, right? With a nasty critic, a pickpocket that picks Detective Sherwood's pocket, and a strange Amish gentleman, things ramp up quickly. Oh, and there is another body in the bookstore. But this one fell down the stairs. Or did she? A few new characters and lots going on makes this another fun read. And a surprise or two!
I received an ARC. This is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Poetry Open Mic Night provides the setting which answers “What could possibly go wrong?” A mean literary critic interrupts Aunt Lyla’s carefully developed mood at the bookstore. After she is murdered, Grace again looks for patterns to solve the crime. Add more quirky characters and she is on the case. I enjoy this series as Grace develops from an unemotional security analyst to a feeling member of the Sweet Cove community.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was so utterly juicy, suspenseful , and gripping to read. I kept going to revenge or payback, but I'm rarely right. Lol. It seemed personal to me. The notes to Grace were frightening! The characters kept me guessing, reading, and invested to the max, and I was.
The ending felt very impactful, meaningful, and needed. The last chapters are hopeful and heartwarming after all the cloak and dagger. A compelling read.
The ending felt very impactful, meaningful, and needed. The last chapters are hopeful and heartwarming after all the cloak and dagger. A compelling read.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Determined to Find Answers
Grace is at it again when a murder occurs at the bookstore during a themed night. Detective Sherwood does what he can to deter her from going off on her own to solve this mystery but as we all know she is determined to find the answers. The back and forth between Detective Sherwood and Grace is fantastic and makes this an entertaining read. It was absolutely delightful.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Grace is at it again when a murder occurs at the bookstore during a themed night. Detective Sherwood does what he can to deter her from going off on her own to solve this mystery but as we all know she is determined to find the answers. The back and forth between Detective Sherwood and Grace is fantastic and makes this an entertaining read. It was absolutely delightful.
I am voluntarily leaving this review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This was another fun read from Joy Patrick. Who knew an entertaining poetry reading with a '70s theme would turn to murder. Grace inserts herself into the investigation once again but this time to protect her Aunt Lyla and others whom Grace is sure are just not capable of such a thing. A nice tight cozy that can be picked up and read in an afternoon.
I received a copy of this read from the author and I leave my voluntary opinion of the tale.
I received a copy of this read from the author and I leave my voluntary opinion of the tale.
May 25, 2026
This is another fantastic book in this series - with some unexpected twists and turns.
Honestly, one would think Aunt Lyla would stop having events at the bookstore as it seems to be deadly! At a 70s themed event at the bookstore, a really nasty woman ends up deceased and we are back into investigation mode.
Apart from not having much of Chuck in this book, there were some very fun twists.
I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.
Honestly, one would think Aunt Lyla would stop having events at the bookstore as it seems to be deadly! At a 70s themed event at the bookstore, a really nasty woman ends up deceased and we are back into investigation mode.
Apart from not having much of Chuck in this book, there were some very fun twists.
I received a free advance copy and this is my honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
This series just gets better and better. Another murder in her aunt's bookstore, requiring Grace to step in and help the police detective. In addition to solving the murder, there is movement toward resolving the back story.
Due to a powerful back story, I would recommend reading the series in order.
Due to a powerful back story, I would recommend reading the series in order.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fast paced, couldn't put down book by Joy Patrick.
Once again, we're with Grace and Lyla as they embark on a themed event at the bookstore when unfortunate things happen.
This book takes us through how Grace, still ever wanting to work with Sherman, does what she does best and in the end befriends a someone new.
I encourage you everyone to read it today.
Once again, we're with Grace and Lyla as they embark on a themed event at the bookstore when unfortunate things happen.
This book takes us through how Grace, still ever wanting to work with Sherman, does what she does best and in the end befriends a someone new.
I encourage you everyone to read it today.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A brilliantly crafted read with an amazing and gripping plot and an abundance of twists. Grace is awesome, as always. I loved it when she realized that she wasn’t an outcast, but that she belonged. Delilah is another favourite of mine, she is so much fun.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
A review copy of this book was sent to me by the author. All of the above opinions are my own.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Poetry Open Mic night at Lyla’s bookstore turns deadly.
Grace, of course, sets out to investigate. It’s very interesting to whom she turns to for help, albeit somewhat illegally. Then she has more clues to unravel! Detective Nathan Sherwood is not happy. There’s so many suspects who all had the opportunity. Another fun and entertaining read from Joy. Recommend
Grace, of course, sets out to investigate. It’s very interesting to whom she turns to for help, albeit somewhat illegally. Then she has more clues to unravel! Detective Nathan Sherwood is not happy. There’s so many suspects who all had the opportunity. Another fun and entertaining read from Joy. Recommend
May 19, 2026
Another great book in the Sweet Cove Cozy Mystery series. As Grace and Detective Sherwood investigate, strange clues appear. How do they fit in to the murder and who is guilty? Fast-paced, entertaining book.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
I read this book as part of an advance reader team. I am voluntarily writing this review.
May 22, 2026
Maybe the pen really is mightier?
This one had some very unexpected and surprising twists. I mean I never would’ve expected we’d go from hippie poetry reading to well you’ll have to read to find out lol. But I will say it’s a great ride. Lots of interesting and intriguing characters, a ghost and lots of small town charm. Great mystery very surprising solution. Loved it!
This one had some very unexpected and surprising twists. I mean I never would’ve expected we’d go from hippie poetry reading to well you’ll have to read to find out lol. But I will say it’s a great ride. Lots of interesting and intriguing characters, a ghost and lots of small town charm. Great mystery very surprising solution. Loved it!
Review of advance copy
An easy-to-read, engaging story that will charm you by the diverse and entertaining characters MS. Patrick has created. A charming novel that will surely please you. A killer of a story.
Highly Recommended.
Highly Recommended.
Review of advance copy received from Author
I love seeing how Grace sees the world and is so very observant. The characters are realistic and really drew me into the story. The mystery was challenging and kept me wondering whodunnit. Loved the ending! These are my thoughts after enjoying an advance copy of the book.
May 16, 2026
I really enjoyed this story. I really liked the characters. The mystery kept my interest until the end. I couldn't quit reading. I received an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
Another fab read by Joy Patrick. I got this book as a arc via the author and this is my review, i enjoyed reading about Grace and Layla and the bookshop , loved how grace always helps Sherwood . Good storyline and loved the ending
Review of advance copy received from Author
This is such an interesting series with diverse characters. Great storyline. The character development is a top feature.
May 19, 2026
I received an ARC of this book. I really enjoy these stories! I love the small town bookstore setting. There are very interesting characters and awesome mysteries to be solved. Highly recommend!
May 20, 2026
This is an incredibly moving story that fascinated me and kept me guessing. There is so much heart and depth to the story that I was spellbound. This was a most wonderful read!!!!!
May 23, 2026
Great series
I have read all of the books in this series. I look forward to the newest ones. Murder mystery, Grace changing her life, the friendships…. I like it all
I have read all of the books in this series. I look forward to the newest ones. Murder mystery, Grace changing her life, the friendships…. I like it all
Review of advance copy received from Author
Ahhhh, this was a great story! I read in a few hours' time and enjoyed every bit of it.
Lila is having an open mic poetry and prose night at the bookstore and a heckler in the upper floor alcove suddenly ends up dead after making mean and nasty comments on everyone's readings.
Is this a case of mosquito allergies? Or is it something worse?
Grace wants badly to help Sherwood with this case as she has information that might help him. And after much prodding, he finally lets her. She has information obtained in a way that wasn't quite....legal.
Is this all a case of mistaken identity? And who is the man who keeps appearing outside Grace's house? Is he there to harm or help?
You'll have to read this book to get the full story. You'll be glad you did.
I can't wait for the next story to come along this summer!!
I received an ARC of this story and am leaving my voluntary review.
Lila is having an open mic poetry and prose night at the bookstore and a heckler in the upper floor alcove suddenly ends up dead after making mean and nasty comments on everyone's readings.
Is this a case of mosquito allergies? Or is it something worse?
Grace wants badly to help Sherwood with this case as she has information that might help him. And after much prodding, he finally lets her. She has information obtained in a way that wasn't quite....legal.
Is this all a case of mistaken identity? And who is the man who keeps appearing outside Grace's house? Is he there to harm or help?
You'll have to read this book to get the full story. You'll be glad you did.
I can't wait for the next story to come along this summer!!
I received an ARC of this story and am leaving my voluntary review.
Review of advance copy received from Author
A poetry evening in the book store leads to the death of it's fiercest critic. A typical small town cozy mystery that is entertaining and has fun characters
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews