What do you think?
Rate this book
Booktown Mystery #1
Murder is Binding
The streets of Stoneham, New Hampsire are lined with bookstores...and paved with murder.
When she moved to Stoneham, city slicker Tricia Miles met nothing but friendly faces. And when she opened her mystery bookstore, she met friendly competition. But when she finds Doris Gleason dead in her own cookbook store, killed by a carving knife, the atmosphere seems more cutthroat than cordial. Someone wanted to get their hands on the rare cookbook that Doris had recently purchased-and the locals think that someone is Tricia. To clear her name, Tricia will have to take a page out of one of her own mysteries-and hunt down someone who isn't killing by the book.
When she moved to Stoneham, city slicker Tricia Miles met nothing but friendly faces. And when she opened her mystery bookstore, she met friendly competition. But when she finds Doris Gleason dead in her own cookbook store, killed by a carving knife, the atmosphere seems more cutthroat than cordial. Someone wanted to get their hands on the rare cookbook that Doris had recently purchased-and the locals think that someone is Tricia. To clear her name, Tricia will have to take a page out of one of her own mysteries-and hunt down someone who isn't killing by the book.
281 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 1, 2008
638 people are currently reading
15717 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Barrett
22 books1,785 followersThe immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett’s name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lornabarrett.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,423 reviews
September 6, 2017
4 stars to Lorna Barrett's Murder is Binding debut in the Booktown Mystery series. I had my eyes on this one for awhile as a quaint little village full of bookstores in New Hampshire sounds a bit like heaven. And it didn't disappoint!
Story
Trish Miles uses her divorce settlement to move from NYC to a Stoneham, a lovely little village on the New Hampshire and Massachusetts border, where she opens a mystery-focused book shop nestled amongst several other book shops. Soon after, the older sister she's never really been close with decides to show up and build a new relationship after she and her husband also separate.
As Trish gets to know her fellow booksellers and villagers, she's making both friends and enemies. Some of the folks resent the new store owners for bringing too much traffic into Stoneham but some are eager to help re-build the town.
After The Cookery's book shop owner, Doris, is found stabbed to death and her valuable first edition cooking pamphlet is stolen, Trish is the prime suspect. She works to clear her name against the town sheriff who seems to have it out for Trish. She eventually does prove her innocence but nearly dies herself.
Trish also goes on a few dates to see what the men are like in the NH town learning quickly she's got to drop her New York roots in order to survive in New England! Add in a few side stories about a nursing home and a nudist colony, Trish has had more trouble in this small town than she did when she called NYC home!
Strengths
1. Stoneham is an intriguing town with a fine cast of characters. Introducing Trish's sister into the mix gives her some roots which makes it feel right for them to stay. Having the older characters, like Grace and William, gives some depth to the history and the relationships.
2. Writing style is easy. It took me a few hours to get through the book and left me wanting to hear more!
Weaknesses
1. The initial mystery was too easy to solve. It was clear who was mixed up in the shenanigans from the beginning and as the clues started to come forth, readers could easily solve the puzzle half-way through the book. It was more about how would Trish solve rather than what actually happened.
Final Thoughts
A good debut novel. Has many charming highlights. I suspect it will continue to get better.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
Story
Trish Miles uses her divorce settlement to move from NYC to a Stoneham, a lovely little village on the New Hampshire and Massachusetts border, where she opens a mystery-focused book shop nestled amongst several other book shops. Soon after, the older sister she's never really been close with decides to show up and build a new relationship after she and her husband also separate.
As Trish gets to know her fellow booksellers and villagers, she's making both friends and enemies. Some of the folks resent the new store owners for bringing too much traffic into Stoneham but some are eager to help re-build the town.
After The Cookery's book shop owner, Doris, is found stabbed to death and her valuable first edition cooking pamphlet is stolen, Trish is the prime suspect. She works to clear her name against the town sheriff who seems to have it out for Trish. She eventually does prove her innocence but nearly dies herself.
Trish also goes on a few dates to see what the men are like in the NH town learning quickly she's got to drop her New York roots in order to survive in New England! Add in a few side stories about a nursing home and a nudist colony, Trish has had more trouble in this small town than she did when she called NYC home!
Strengths
1. Stoneham is an intriguing town with a fine cast of characters. Introducing Trish's sister into the mix gives her some roots which makes it feel right for them to stay. Having the older characters, like Grace and William, gives some depth to the history and the relationships.
2. Writing style is easy. It took me a few hours to get through the book and left me wanting to hear more!
Weaknesses
1. The initial mystery was too easy to solve. It was clear who was mixed up in the shenanigans from the beginning and as the clues started to come forth, readers could easily solve the puzzle half-way through the book. It was more about how would Trish solve rather than what actually happened.
Final Thoughts
A good debut novel. Has many charming highlights. I suspect it will continue to get better.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
January 12, 2012
Murder is Binding is a great cozy mystery book filled with excitement, twists, and interesting adventures. I certainly look forward to continuing the Booktown Mystery series over the winter, because winter just feels like the perfect time to read cozy books like this one.
Trisha moved to a town in New Hampshire that is considered one of the safest, friendliest places in the U.S. She opened her mystery bookstore named "Haven't Got A Clue" in an area where all bookstores are grouped together and called "Booktown" Next door to her is the cookbook store, and when a murder happens there everyone is shocked that this could happen in their safe little area. Naturally, our mystery lover Trisha, and her bossy sister are on the case.
I love how this book oozes references to the great mystery writers who paved the way for the current mystery writers. Example: Her cat named Miss Marple. You can definitely tell this author truly loves her mysteries...and just reading in general! (Yes, I'm aware most authors probably love reading, but it was just nice to see her pay her respects through her own novel.) As far as cozy mysteries go it had a decent story. The plot seemed very well thought out and not too predictable.
It's weird that I enjoyed this book so much, because I really didn't like the main character, Trisha, too much. She was kind of rude, and I normally like sarcastic characters like her, but she just annoyed me. In fact, I found myself relating more to her sister, and would have probably liked the book more if it was about her sister.
This isn't a book that's going to be very memorable, and although I am going to continue the series I don't feel the urge to read the next book right away. It's just a fun, light book that will be here waiting for whenever I'm in the mood for it.
3.5/5 stars.
Recommended to all cozy mystery lovers. I didn't love it, but maybe you will. At least it's a very quick read so if you don't like it you won't waste too much time.
Trisha moved to a town in New Hampshire that is considered one of the safest, friendliest places in the U.S. She opened her mystery bookstore named "Haven't Got A Clue" in an area where all bookstores are grouped together and called "Booktown" Next door to her is the cookbook store, and when a murder happens there everyone is shocked that this could happen in their safe little area. Naturally, our mystery lover Trisha, and her bossy sister are on the case.
I love how this book oozes references to the great mystery writers who paved the way for the current mystery writers. Example: Her cat named Miss Marple. You can definitely tell this author truly loves her mysteries...and just reading in general! (Yes, I'm aware most authors probably love reading, but it was just nice to see her pay her respects through her own novel.) As far as cozy mysteries go it had a decent story. The plot seemed very well thought out and not too predictable.
It's weird that I enjoyed this book so much, because I really didn't like the main character, Trisha, too much. She was kind of rude, and I normally like sarcastic characters like her, but she just annoyed me. In fact, I found myself relating more to her sister, and would have probably liked the book more if it was about her sister.
This isn't a book that's going to be very memorable, and although I am going to continue the series I don't feel the urge to read the next book right away. It's just a fun, light book that will be here waiting for whenever I'm in the mood for it.
3.5/5 stars.
Recommended to all cozy mystery lovers. I didn't love it, but maybe you will. At least it's a very quick read so if you don't like it you won't waste too much time.
July 27, 2011
The book was okay. I didn't really connect with the protagonist, especially since she was unpleasantly snooty about her sister (although that seems to change over the course of the book). I get that the author is building up backstory and conflict to spice up the relationship, but the conflict is not really clear, just that the protagonist dislikes and judges her sister (there's a lot about her sister's size, and how the protagonist's robe is "a few sizes too small for her" or something like that, and then if I recall correctly the protagonist's dress size is revealed which, adding on a few sizes, means that sis is by no means obese--and so what if she were, anyway?). I like the sis better than I like the protagonist!
Also, as the proprietress of a bookstore, the protagonist is true to her character in being a bit snobby about grammar and word usage and so forth...but the book has several instances of inept phrasing, etc. (It's been a while since I read it, so I don't recall specific examples).
I did like the introduction of a potential love interest, although he was featured so little that I cannot know whether future books will have a delicious unfolding of two adversaries attracted to each other or just fall flat.
I'd be willing to look for more, but free--not worth buying another, even secondhand.
Also, as the proprietress of a bookstore, the protagonist is true to her character in being a bit snobby about grammar and word usage and so forth...but the book has several instances of inept phrasing, etc. (It's been a while since I read it, so I don't recall specific examples).
I did like the introduction of a potential love interest, although he was featured so little that I cannot know whether future books will have a delicious unfolding of two adversaries attracted to each other or just fall flat.
I'd be willing to look for more, but free--not worth buying another, even secondhand.
July 27, 2019
I wanted to like this book, but I have no patience for the casual fat phobia and use of the r word. Not to mention the sexism. Even without those problems, I don’t think it was a strongly written book, many unnecessarily confusing descriptions and use of words to sound smart instead of conveying clear meaning. I read to the end, but I shouldn’t have bothered.
March 22, 2018
Actual Rating: 3.5 - 4 stars
Gosh I wish this town truly existed! I would be THRILLED to live in a small town that has the streets lined with book stores!!
Gosh I wish this town truly existed! I would be THRILLED to live in a small town that has the streets lined with book stores!!
July 14, 2016
Every once in awhile, a nice cozy mystery is exactly what I need to fill a rainy afternoon. And what better way to spend that afternoon than in Stoneham, New Hampshire- a town full of specialty bookstores which draws in tourists and book collectors. *sigh* If only Stoneham were a real place!
Tricia Miles and her cat, Miss Marple, run the mystery bookstore, aptly called "Haven't Got a Clue"- cute, right? Newly divorced and new in town, the village welcomes her- that is until she discovers the murdered body of Doris Gleason, owner of "The Cookery" cookbook shop. As it turns out, Doris hasn't exactly endeared herself to the other booksellers, and there's an abundance of people who disliked her. However, circumstantial evidence points toward Tricia as a suspect and she sets out to clear her name.
I honestly did like this book. It was cute. I loved the booktown setting, and overall I enjoyed the characters. The one thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the fact that the author uses the term "retarded" when referring to a child with Down Syndrome. This was repeated a couple of times, and it annoyed me so much that it just stayed in the back of my mind throughout the rest of the book. As the word is being used by the heroine, I suspect it is the author's own opinion. Doesn't she realize the "R-word" is ugly, and offensive? And no editor challenged this? I really wanted to love this cozy series about a booktown, and I should have, but I won't be able to overlook such ignorance. Ugh!
Tricia Miles and her cat, Miss Marple, run the mystery bookstore, aptly called "Haven't Got a Clue"- cute, right? Newly divorced and new in town, the village welcomes her- that is until she discovers the murdered body of Doris Gleason, owner of "The Cookery" cookbook shop. As it turns out, Doris hasn't exactly endeared herself to the other booksellers, and there's an abundance of people who disliked her. However, circumstantial evidence points toward Tricia as a suspect and she sets out to clear her name.
I honestly did like this book. It was cute. I loved the booktown setting, and overall I enjoyed the characters. The one thing that rubbed me the wrong way was the fact that the author uses the term "retarded" when referring to a child with Down Syndrome. This was repeated a couple of times, and it annoyed me so much that it just stayed in the back of my mind throughout the rest of the book. As the word is being used by the heroine, I suspect it is the author's own opinion. Doesn't she realize the "R-word" is ugly, and offensive? And no editor challenged this? I really wanted to love this cozy series about a booktown, and I should have, but I won't be able to overlook such ignorance. Ugh!
January 25, 2020
Excellent bookish mystery and the first book of which I hope becomes a long running series. How you not love a small town in NH that has been revitalized by turning main street into a group of specialty bookshops.
September 27, 2011
Quit this book 1/3 of the way through. Did not like the main character and did not like the author's writing style at all.
July 3, 2014
My actual rating would be 2.5 stars. I originally had 3 stars, but I knocked off half of one because something that irritated me to no end.
Someone needs to inform the author that a character, especially a protagonist, using the term 'retarded' does not endear the character to others. No, I don't believe the character or the author herself meant anything offensive, and given the ages of both they were likely taught that it was the non-offensive term to use. Times have changed, and that is NOT an appropriate term. Had the character been corrected by another, or had this book been written twenty years ago, I would have tolerated it. For something released in the 2008? No. I very nearly did not continue this series due to this, because if that was allowed, what else would be?
I'm glad to say that I have continued the series with no similar issues thus far.
I know this may seem as an over-the-top fuss, but I can't lie and say it didn't bother me, and I didn't want to give a lower rating without explaining why.
Someone needs to inform the author that a character, especially a protagonist, using the term 'retarded' does not endear the character to others. No, I don't believe the character or the author herself meant anything offensive, and given the ages of both they were likely taught that it was the non-offensive term to use. Times have changed, and that is NOT an appropriate term. Had the character been corrected by another, or had this book been written twenty years ago, I would have tolerated it. For something released in the 2008? No. I very nearly did not continue this series due to this, because if that was allowed, what else would be?
I'm glad to say that I have continued the series with no similar issues thus far.
I know this may seem as an over-the-top fuss, but I can't lie and say it didn't bother me, and I didn't want to give a lower rating without explaining why.
January 18, 2009
First of a new series, for once! Every now and then I read a book and put it down thinking, "That author put a lot of work into coming up with that gimmick." I'm not knocking these gimmick-based mystery series - some of them are quite good, and anyway, what is Miss Marple if not a gimmick transformed into an icon through sheer venerableness? And her author's talent. Anyway - the "Booktown" series features not one but two winning gimmicks - Tricia MIles is owner of a mystery bookstore (in a small New Hampshire town that's established a colony of bookstores), and her sister Angelica is a talented cook. (The cover of this book says "Includes Recipes"!) Seriously, though, this is a pretty good light read - the main characters are interesting, so's the mystery, and if it seems a little bit contrived that Angelica winds up staying in town, that's okay. Just for variety, here, the local sheriff is actively hostile; and the answer to the question "Who done it?" really is difficult to get at. I could've done with one or two fewer coincidences, but it was fun all the same.
October 27, 2015
Despite my dislike of the heroine's artificial Attitude and the unsurprising twist the choice of possible murderers hooks me to the end. I'll try the authors on the back page (Laura Childs - Charleston Tea Shop, Kate Kingsbury - Pennyfoot Hotel) before more Barrett. Familiarity questions: have I read this before, would then have rated higher, or is all just predictable?
Tricia Miles uses last year's divorce alimony from handsome rich despicable Chris for five-months on-track exclusive "Haven't Got a Clue" bookshop. Chamber of Commerce president realtor Bob Kelly rents his Main St properties to rejuvenate downtown Stoneham New Hampshire. On the Massachusett border, he caters to tourist buses from Boston and nearby.
Cookbook store owner Doris Gleason crabs at everyone, especially Bob for the high rents. Her prized antique booklet is stolen, her shop set fire.
Heading to Spoilers ...
A second death totals to two.
Elder sister Angelica swoops in a dense perfume cloud, treats her to meals repeatedly, helps snoop, defends her, gets a lawyer. Trish complains, whines ad nauseum, sets her only employee at odds with her only relative, all from childhood 30+ years' envy. Get over it.
Selectman candidate Mike Harris bats his baby greens, and Trish capitulates. She has no "evil ways to mend" p 86. She has a hate on for her ex, until she wants a friend to talk at 1 am. Who does she call?
"Piqued", she trashes a full coffee cup. I don't get this girl at all, or cute kitty Miss Marple antics. Maybe she improves in the series?
Seems obvious to me. Not a surprise. The device is overused and often impossible.
Typos:
p 201 "This had to (have) just happen(ed)"
p 239 "star(t)ing a reading group"
Tricia Miles uses last year's divorce alimony from handsome rich despicable Chris for five-months on-track exclusive "Haven't Got a Clue" bookshop. Chamber of Commerce president realtor Bob Kelly rents his Main St properties to rejuvenate downtown Stoneham New Hampshire. On the Massachusett border, he caters to tourist buses from Boston and nearby.
Cookbook store owner Doris Gleason crabs at everyone, especially Bob for the high rents. Her prized antique booklet is stolen, her shop set fire.
Heading to Spoilers ...
A second death totals to two.
Elder sister Angelica swoops in a dense perfume cloud, treats her to meals repeatedly, helps snoop, defends her, gets a lawyer. Trish complains, whines ad nauseum, sets her only employee at odds with her only relative, all from childhood 30+ years' envy. Get over it.
Selectman candidate Mike Harris bats his baby greens, and Trish capitulates. She has no "evil ways to mend" p 86. She has a hate on for her ex, until she wants a friend to talk at 1 am. Who does she call?
"Piqued", she trashes a full coffee cup. I don't get this girl at all, or cute kitty Miss Marple antics. Maybe she improves in the series?
Seems obvious to me. Not a surprise. The device is overused and often impossible.
Typos:
p 201 "This had to (have) just happen(ed)"
p 239 "star(t)ing a reading group"
April 29, 2019
I really need to stop raising my expectations when a book has a lot of holds at the library. I think to myself, 'wow, it took me 3 months to get this one. It must be something amazing.'
But then, of course, it isn't and I feel robbed.
Case in point: Murder is Binding. It was a perfectly fine cozy mystery. It follows all the cozy mystery cliches and demonstrates an imaginative love of books that should have won my heart. But mostly...I felt disappointed.
1. The main heroine is an insufferable twat who calls her employees "the help" and whines when her sister comes to town and offers to cook her dinner. She is not always stressing about money (admittedly, a welcome change from the usual cozy mystery heroine who is usually on her last buck) but still weirdly obsessive with it. Maybe the author just intended to channel the feelings of a small business owner, but at the same time, I really did not care about every dollar that went into her register. Great, she sold $300 worth of books. Remind why that is relevant again?
2. The police chief was an offense to women. Again, though, this feeling stems from disappointed expectations. When the sheriff turned out to be a female instead of the usual overweight, incompetent, middle age male police chief (or hot, six-pack toting, very available sheriff/detective) I actually felt quite excited. A female sheriff? Cool! Good representation and good opportunity for a different kind of logistics with the local constabulary.
Except the sheriff is the overweight, incompetent, middle age male stereotype except female so she can behave with petty jealousy and contrast with our lovely, intrepid, insufferable heroine. Talk about a let down.
3. Finally...the villain.
Despite my disappointment, the story did pique my interest enough that I might find the sequel. We'll see.
But then, of course, it isn't and I feel robbed.
Case in point: Murder is Binding. It was a perfectly fine cozy mystery. It follows all the cozy mystery cliches and demonstrates an imaginative love of books that should have won my heart. But mostly...I felt disappointed.
1. The main heroine is an insufferable twat who calls her employees "the help" and whines when her sister comes to town and offers to cook her dinner. She is not always stressing about money (admittedly, a welcome change from the usual cozy mystery heroine who is usually on her last buck) but still weirdly obsessive with it. Maybe the author just intended to channel the feelings of a small business owner, but at the same time, I really did not care about every dollar that went into her register. Great, she sold $300 worth of books. Remind why that is relevant again?
2. The police chief was an offense to women. Again, though, this feeling stems from disappointed expectations. When the sheriff turned out to be a female instead of the usual overweight, incompetent, middle age male police chief (or hot, six-pack toting, very available sheriff/detective) I actually felt quite excited. A female sheriff? Cool! Good representation and good opportunity for a different kind of logistics with the local constabulary.
Except the sheriff is the overweight, incompetent, middle age male stereotype except female so she can behave with petty jealousy and contrast with our lovely, intrepid, insufferable heroine. Talk about a let down.
3. Finally...the villain.
Despite my disappointment, the story did pique my interest enough that I might find the sequel. We'll see.
February 6, 2023
First of all, a town dedicated to specialty bookstores?? Yes, please! Add in colorful characters, a delightful setting, and a mystery with plenty of twists and turns, and you've got Murder is Binding. I couldn't turn the pages fast enough to get to the exciting conclusion! Settle in with a hot beverage, warm blanket, and enjoy the cozy escape. Great first installment of the Booktown Mystery series!
June 21, 2024
"Murder is Binding (Booktown Mystery #1)" by Lorna Barrett is a bit unique in that the whole downtown area of this cape tourist town is bookstores. Each with a different specialty. The main character, Tricia, of course has a mystery bookstore. She's right next to the cooking related bookstore. When she finds her neighbor dead, the sheriff immediately wants to start pinning it on Tricia. What's worse, Tricia's older sister is in town and they never really got along before.
I do have to say that I am glad the sister relationship issues seem to be having a fairly healthy turn going on. Their past problems seem to be gradually working out and as they're actively trying to do better with each other. I'm sure future books will have fights or issues between them brought up, but it seems it will be done in a productive way not a drama ensuing way.
I had two suspects in mind for who the culprit was. I also had 3-4 outcomes in mind as well. As it got further in and closer to the end, it was pretty set towards one more specifically. So, when the reveal happened, I wasn't surprised, but it was for sure satisfying.
Content warning, this book is old enough (barely) now that "R" word is used a couple times to refer to a person with down syndrome. It's used twice, if I remember correctly.
I do have to say that I am glad the sister relationship issues seem to be having a fairly healthy turn going on. Their past problems seem to be gradually working out and as they're actively trying to do better with each other. I'm sure future books will have fights or issues between them brought up, but it seems it will be done in a productive way not a drama ensuing way.
I had two suspects in mind for who the culprit was. I also had 3-4 outcomes in mind as well. As it got further in and closer to the end, it was pretty set towards one more specifically. So, when the reveal happened, I wasn't surprised, but it was for sure satisfying.
Content warning, this book is old enough (barely) now that "R" word is used a couple times to refer to a person with down syndrome. It's used twice, if I remember correctly.
Read
September 7, 2019DNF
From the get go, the main protagonist rubbed me the wrong way.
Cagey and full of her own self-importance. Didn’t wear a pinny to distinguish herself from the “help”. Ginny is her employee... not her domestic staff.
Also, it began in such as fashion as though we should already know things about Tricia, the shop and her relationship with her sister.
Angelica and Tricia aren’t sisterly names either. The author is trying too hard to distinguish the supposedly down to earth Tricia from her high-faluting sister.
When I read the victim’s daughter being described as “retarded”! I actually made an involuntary noise. This book was written in 2008... I’m pretty sure we stopped using that kind of derogatory terminology back in the 90’s.
Not for me and I’m so disappointed! I love books and this should have been a good one.
How do books like these get published???
From the get go, the main protagonist rubbed me the wrong way.
Cagey and full of her own self-importance. Didn’t wear a pinny to distinguish herself from the “help”. Ginny is her employee... not her domestic staff.
Also, it began in such as fashion as though we should already know things about Tricia, the shop and her relationship with her sister.
Angelica and Tricia aren’t sisterly names either. The author is trying too hard to distinguish the supposedly down to earth Tricia from her high-faluting sister.
When I read the victim’s daughter being described as “retarded”! I actually made an involuntary noise. This book was written in 2008... I’m pretty sure we stopped using that kind of derogatory terminology back in the 90’s.
Not for me and I’m so disappointed! I love books and this should have been a good one.
How do books like these get published???
March 20, 2014
In a town devoted to bookstores, Tricia Miles owns the mystery bookstore. When her neighbor, owner of the cook book store, is found murdered, Tricia jumps in to find out who did it. The book was entertaining with interesting characters, but the story was a little weak. I do plan to give the series a second chance.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
May 29, 2018
DNF due to use of 'r' word. Plus the characters are boring.
October 29, 2018
This small town has been revamped as a booksellers’ town. Although locals visit the shops, it is the tourist travel that keeps the town going now. When mystery bookshop Tricia Miles finds the next door store owner of The Cookery dead in her shop, she becomes the sheriff’s number one suspect. It doesn’t help that the sheriff hates her for a reason not readily known to Tricia. But Tricia does know that if she doesn’t get to the bottom of the killing, she will be looking the wrong way through prison bars. Much happens in this novel, the first in the series. While it does introduce the characters, and sets up future books, it is a delightful and intriguing mystery in its own right, and a promising start to the series.
June 15, 2020
Questo romanzo mi intrigava perché è ambientato a Stoneham, una città dei libri (credo fittizia) nel New Hampshire. Basata sulla gallese Hay-on-Wye, Stoneham è una cittadina di provincia nella quale sono presenti numerose librerie, soprattutto antiquarie e dell'usato. Tricia è in città da pochi mesi e ha aperto la Haven't Got A Clue, una libreria interamente dedicata ai gialli. Proprio quando la (non proprio amata) sorella Angelica viene a trovarla, le due scoprono il cadavere di Doris, l'anziana e scorbutica proprietaria della Cookery, una libreria dedicata ai libri di cucina. Starà a Tricia trovare il colpevole, dato che . Sicuramente non è un giallo eccezionale, neanche nel suo genere, ma intrattiene e distrae, quindi dal mio punto di vista ha svolto bene il suo ruolo, dandomi quello di cui avevo bisogno in questo momento.
August 3, 2015
Wow Tricia Miles, the main character, comes off as a real bitch in the first few chapters. She’s judgmental, blames her sister or her mother for why she feels certain ways, and is about as boring as a stick in the mud. Things just get worse from there.
I didn’t like the way Barrett wrote, she was overly descriptive about the surroundings, and seemed to be forcing things to go a certain way. A lot of her terms and word choices seemed really dated and I was surprised to see the book was published in 2008. None of her characters were compelling. The setting and premise were interesting, so interesting in fact that I already have the second book (thankfully it was only $.99) but I do not plan on reading it.
So disappointed in this book and will probably never read anything from this author again.
1/5
Side note: I really think this book was some sort of wish fulfillment for the author and a way for her to live the life she wants. She gets to solve mysteries, own an amazing bookstore, and have men love her. Too bad the character comes off as a c@%*
I didn’t like the way Barrett wrote, she was overly descriptive about the surroundings, and seemed to be forcing things to go a certain way. A lot of her terms and word choices seemed really dated and I was surprised to see the book was published in 2008. None of her characters were compelling. The setting and premise were interesting, so interesting in fact that I already have the second book (thankfully it was only $.99) but I do not plan on reading it.
So disappointed in this book and will probably never read anything from this author again.
1/5
Side note: I really think this book was some sort of wish fulfillment for the author and a way for her to live the life she wants. She gets to solve mysteries, own an amazing bookstore, and have men love her. Too bad the character comes off as a c@%*
September 24, 2018
I love cozy mysteries. I discovered this genre rather recently, but I'm all over it now. Plus a mystery set in book town. How can I ever resist? And that is why I'm now writing this review. Sometimes one just has to share.
So much promise., So much potential. I was so ready to like you. I was ready for us to be friends. But then you kept talking about weight. Kept on it. I get it. People in your world want to be thin, so they keep saying it. But you know what, I was ready to ignore that. And ignore it along with the annoying sister and self-righteous protagonist. But then you had to bring in the word 'retarded' to refer to a child with down syndrome. Oh yes, you did that. And here I was ready to give you benefit of the doubt that maybe you didn't know any better in your times. But then I checked the year of publication - 2008. Yeah, no. There's no excuse for anyone to be saying this in 2008.
So in the end, we are going with 1 star.
I just don't think we are meant to be. It's not you, it's me.
So much promise., So much potential. I was so ready to like you. I was ready for us to be friends. But then you kept talking about weight. Kept on it. I get it. People in your world want to be thin, so they keep saying it. But you know what, I was ready to ignore that. And ignore it along with the annoying sister and self-righteous protagonist. But then you had to bring in the word 'retarded' to refer to a child with down syndrome. Oh yes, you did that. And here I was ready to give you benefit of the doubt that maybe you didn't know any better in your times. But then I checked the year of publication - 2008. Yeah, no. There's no excuse for anyone to be saying this in 2008.
So in the end, we are going with 1 star.
I just don't think we are meant to be. It's not you, it's me.
February 14, 2009
Very good first book in a series. I love the idea of a town with its major tourist attraction different kinds of bookstores. The main character in this one owns the mystery shop (big surprise).
This is one of those series where the sleuth DOESN'T sets out to get involved in a murder mystery, in fact she has to be dragged into the whole thing when it becomes obvious that someone is trying to frame her for the murder.
The whole family dynamics aspect of this is interesting, as in, there is dysfunctional and then there is DYSFUNCTIONAL. Made for some good twists and turns.
I'll be watching for the next book in the series.
This is one of those series where the sleuth DOESN'T sets out to get involved in a murder mystery, in fact she has to be dragged into the whole thing when it becomes obvious that someone is trying to frame her for the murder.
The whole family dynamics aspect of this is interesting, as in, there is dysfunctional and then there is DYSFUNCTIONAL. Made for some good twists and turns.
I'll be watching for the next book in the series.
January 25, 2016
Surprisingly, I enjoyed it more than I thought I would. I had supposed, initially, that it would be one of those books in which the lady turns out to be more than a little stupid, but still gets to live. Not so, Tricia really does some work. She also has a brassy sister that seems to be an Andrea clone from the Hannah Swenson books. But it doesn't matter. I like both sisters better than I like the main character, and Angelica seems to have a little depth to her. The mystery was alright, I liked the direction it took. I'll continue the series.
October 11, 2019
Another cute, cozy murder mystery. Thoroughly enjoyed this cozy town of book stores and it's characters. Can't wait to read more in this series! Narrator did a fabulous job!
December 12, 2018
I was excited to discover this mystery series and while I've watched a lot of cozies comes to life on TV (hello Hallmark Movies & Mysteries!) this is the first true contemporary cozy I've read. I would say it met my expectations with the cozy formula - small town vibes, close knit community, nothing graphic, an amateur sleuth and a happy ending. It was a quick read too, which was prefect since it's one of seven books I picked for a readathon!
Tricia Miles is relatively new to the New Hampshire town of Stoneham where she opens up a mystery bookstore, Haven't Got a Clue. The town is a destination for tourists and her store is one of many book/gift shops on the street. Her neighbor, Doris, who runs a cooking-central bookshop is a bit of a miserable woman, and with her lease coming up for renewal and her inability to pay the new rent, she is trying to get the other merchants on the street to band together against their mutual landlord to fight the rent hike. Since Tricia is new she's not subject to the rent hike....partially because she's paying more as a new tenant. Doris blames her for the hike since now the landlord believes he can get it. Tension mounts between Doris and Tricia and when Tricia returns home one night to find Doris's store on fire...and Doris dead inside...Tricia become the prime suspect in the murder.
The story follows Tricia's attempt to clear her name and solve the murder. She's surrounded by a cast of eccentric and sometimes questionable characters. Her sister Angelica also comes to town for some support and to escape her own life which includes a soon-to-be-ex-husband. Angelica definitely injects some humor and chaos to Tricia's life and becomes the Watson to Tricia's Sherlock.
As a whole I enjoyed this book, but I would be remiss to not mention one thing that really bothered me...to the point that I'm still thinking about it. This isn't a spoiler so don't worry....but there are a few lines that felt flat for me. The town Sheriff, Wendy Adams, is repeatedly described as being overweight and kind of frumpy and how her uniform strains against the size of her body. Fine. Whatever. But at one point there is a discussion about how Wendy is discounting one of the potential suspects since it's a man who she has known her whole life...a man who happens to be handsome and charming and possibly used that to his advantage to win over Wendy's affection. And this is the part that made me nuts:
"As a man skilled in manipulation, he could've said the same thing to Wendy Adams and she, being plain, overweight, and never married chose to believe him."
WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT????? She's plain, overweight and never married and therefore not smart enough or confident enough to read through the lies and manipulations of some guy? Ugh!!!! This made me physically ill. Maybe I'm overreacting, but this really made me angry. And the writer is a woman....so huh??? Do better than this because this just offends me. Ugh. Ok. Rant over.
So that said, I will pick up the next book in the series when I'm looking for some levity. And I think these books are prime for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Just do better with sweet Wendy Adams. (Ok rant not quite over.) She's the town Sheriff. She can certainly fall for a man, but not BECAUSE she's never been married before or because of the number on her scale, but perhaps because she's had a crush on him for years and is nostalgic for their lifelong friendship and she sees the best in him. Sigh.
Tricia Miles is relatively new to the New Hampshire town of Stoneham where she opens up a mystery bookstore, Haven't Got a Clue. The town is a destination for tourists and her store is one of many book/gift shops on the street. Her neighbor, Doris, who runs a cooking-central bookshop is a bit of a miserable woman, and with her lease coming up for renewal and her inability to pay the new rent, she is trying to get the other merchants on the street to band together against their mutual landlord to fight the rent hike. Since Tricia is new she's not subject to the rent hike....partially because she's paying more as a new tenant. Doris blames her for the hike since now the landlord believes he can get it. Tension mounts between Doris and Tricia and when Tricia returns home one night to find Doris's store on fire...and Doris dead inside...Tricia become the prime suspect in the murder.
The story follows Tricia's attempt to clear her name and solve the murder. She's surrounded by a cast of eccentric and sometimes questionable characters. Her sister Angelica also comes to town for some support and to escape her own life which includes a soon-to-be-ex-husband. Angelica definitely injects some humor and chaos to Tricia's life and becomes the Watson to Tricia's Sherlock.
As a whole I enjoyed this book, but I would be remiss to not mention one thing that really bothered me...to the point that I'm still thinking about it. This isn't a spoiler so don't worry....but there are a few lines that felt flat for me. The town Sheriff, Wendy Adams, is repeatedly described as being overweight and kind of frumpy and how her uniform strains against the size of her body. Fine. Whatever. But at one point there is a discussion about how Wendy is discounting one of the potential suspects since it's a man who she has known her whole life...a man who happens to be handsome and charming and possibly used that to his advantage to win over Wendy's affection. And this is the part that made me nuts:
"As a man skilled in manipulation, he could've said the same thing to Wendy Adams and she, being plain, overweight, and never married chose to believe him."
WHAT ON EARTH IS THAT????? She's plain, overweight and never married and therefore not smart enough or confident enough to read through the lies and manipulations of some guy? Ugh!!!! This made me physically ill. Maybe I'm overreacting, but this really made me angry. And the writer is a woman....so huh??? Do better than this because this just offends me. Ugh. Ok. Rant over.
So that said, I will pick up the next book in the series when I'm looking for some levity. And I think these books are prime for Hallmark Movies & Mysteries. Just do better with sweet Wendy Adams. (Ok rant not quite over.) She's the town Sheriff. She can certainly fall for a man, but not BECAUSE she's never been married before or because of the number on her scale, but perhaps because she's had a crush on him for years and is nostalgic for their lifelong friendship and she sees the best in him. Sigh.
April 9, 2011
Murder Is Binding is a definite must for cozy mystery fans.
Lorna Barrett is the pseudonym of author Lorraine Bartlett aka L.L. Bartlett who pens psychological suspense & the Jeff Resnick mystery series.
Let me say, I'd love to visit the charming town of Stoneham, New Hampshire. I mean after all, I'd be living in Kate Borden's incredible Cobbs's Landing so a day trip by bus or a stay @ The Brookside Inn for a four-day weekend would be sheer paradise.
Stoneham is known as "Booktown" & consists of many used bookstores ~ think Hay-On-Wye in Wales. Oh, my deliciousness. Talk about a bibliophile's b spot.
The characters are appealing. An author can write the most gripping mystery, but w/o amiable characters it's going to fall as flat as an undercooked souffle.
Tricia Miles is a welcome addition to the cozy scene, but I must say Tricia's older sister, Angelica, tends to steal some of the spotlight.
Angelica is an amusing character w/ a quirky sense of humor that endears her to you.
Angelica's presence enhances Tricia's character by giving her more depth & allows Ms. Barrett to break free from the emergence of "cookie cutter" mystery scribes.
What I love about the sisters most is they are authentic. Tricia & Angelica have an intricate relationship that will take some time to resolve ~ no "hugs & kisses" all better in time for the ending phony bologna. Which is so refreshing.
Tricia's regular customer, Mr. Everett is an absolute stellar standout.
Tricia's employee Ginny is entertaining. I am champing at the bit to learn more about both of them.
Kudos to Ms. Barrett for layering on some clever twists.
I loved Murder Is Binding but the writing was a bit flawed. I'm a stickler for rhythmic writing.
There were moments of disjointed grammar that aggravated me & I did stop to reread.
I blame this on the proofreader not on Ms. Barrett.
I'm a bit anal about awkward writing & strong writing is unquestionably essential for all of my reading indulgences. It not only makes or breaks the book, it sets the bar on buying anymore of the author's work.
Murder Is Binding is a terrific debut despite the grammatical flaws.
Lorna Barrett is the pseudonym of author Lorraine Bartlett aka L.L. Bartlett who pens psychological suspense & the Jeff Resnick mystery series.
Let me say, I'd love to visit the charming town of Stoneham, New Hampshire. I mean after all, I'd be living in Kate Borden's incredible Cobbs's Landing so a day trip by bus or a stay @ The Brookside Inn for a four-day weekend would be sheer paradise.
Stoneham is known as "Booktown" & consists of many used bookstores ~ think Hay-On-Wye in Wales. Oh, my deliciousness. Talk about a bibliophile's b spot.
The characters are appealing. An author can write the most gripping mystery, but w/o amiable characters it's going to fall as flat as an undercooked souffle.
Tricia Miles is a welcome addition to the cozy scene, but I must say Tricia's older sister, Angelica, tends to steal some of the spotlight.
Angelica is an amusing character w/ a quirky sense of humor that endears her to you.
Angelica's presence enhances Tricia's character by giving her more depth & allows Ms. Barrett to break free from the emergence of "cookie cutter" mystery scribes.
What I love about the sisters most is they are authentic. Tricia & Angelica have an intricate relationship that will take some time to resolve ~ no "hugs & kisses" all better in time for the ending phony bologna. Which is so refreshing.
Tricia's regular customer, Mr. Everett is an absolute stellar standout.
Tricia's employee Ginny is entertaining. I am champing at the bit to learn more about both of them.
Kudos to Ms. Barrett for layering on some clever twists.
I loved Murder Is Binding but the writing was a bit flawed. I'm a stickler for rhythmic writing.
There were moments of disjointed grammar that aggravated me & I did stop to reread.
I blame this on the proofreader not on Ms. Barrett.
I'm a bit anal about awkward writing & strong writing is unquestionably essential for all of my reading indulgences. It not only makes or breaks the book, it sets the bar on buying anymore of the author's work.
Murder Is Binding is a terrific debut despite the grammatical flaws.
January 27, 2016
Just what I needed to break up reading the serious books I'm in the middle of - a worthy cozy.
Stoneham, New Hampshire sounds like an epic little town - a bookish area that is covered with bookstores given by theme. Loved the names of the stores: The Cookery for cookbooks; Haven't got a clue for the mystery store and protagonist, Trish; History Repeats itself for the history; Have a heart for romance. How fun that little town would be.
The protagonist is a likable enough sort - she loves books, so that's already a brownie point. Tricia even has a pet cat, Miss Marple, which is a fun touch. The only issue I held with her is she's a little judgmental about her sister - the woman may be flawed, but it got irritating and not enough plausible reason to carry it that far. Her knowledge of mystery helps her solve crimes and was enjoyable to bring up some famous sleuth books. The theme worked better than the protagonist, although I'm hoping she'll grow on me a little more with sequels.
I guessed one of the culprits a little over halfway through - author threw in too many hints - but it was still a fun book. Not perfect of course, some of these crimes can't be pulled off to full realism and it's not gripping for those who are used to mysteries and solve them easily. The detective who is determined to press the blame on Tricia was a little stereotypical, but for a cozy it worked well enough.
September 5, 2011
This was really 2.5 stars, maybe 3 - for a cozy mystery. It was enjoyable but closely followed the cozy mystery formula: recently divorced woman (because who else has time to solve mysteries) who runs her own business (a mystery book store!) in atmospheric location stumbles on a dead body.
While there was some character development, such as a relationship with her sister, some thoughts about her divorce, etc., there are some things you cannot skip in a book. The only mention of her appearance was that she was thinner than her sister. I don't need to know everything - someone's looks are not essential to the plot, but frankly, a recently divorced female character who is contemplating dating again (as this one is) who NEVER has a thought about her hair or make up or apearance is just downright unrealistic.
Aside from that, the mystery was decent and there was setup of some secondary characters that could make the future books in this series entertaining.
While there was some character development, such as a relationship with her sister, some thoughts about her divorce, etc., there are some things you cannot skip in a book. The only mention of her appearance was that she was thinner than her sister. I don't need to know everything - someone's looks are not essential to the plot, but frankly, a recently divorced female character who is contemplating dating again (as this one is) who NEVER has a thought about her hair or make up or apearance is just downright unrealistic.
Aside from that, the mystery was decent and there was setup of some secondary characters that could make the future books in this series entertaining.
February 22, 2018
This one was decent. I really liked the concept of a book town; that was the real plus for me. The mc's store being a mystery bookstore was cool (though cozies weren't really featured). Then there were things that bothered me, such as the mc being singled out as the main suspect when there was no motive. The characters seemed a bit flat. There was repetition, which seems to be a downfall in many cozies. Being that this is the first in the series I'm more than willing to try the next to see how it develops.
November 13, 2020
An entertaining cozy mystery, and I like the concept, but I admit, the focus on the sibling relationship bugs. Essentially there's friction between the main character and her sister - with good reason or no is hard to say at this point - and I'm just in no mood to be particularly sympathetic to the sister deciding to move to the same small town. I'll likely read the second, but so far I find the sibling dynamics to be the weak point.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 1,423 reviews