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Booktown Mystery #11
A Just Clause
Just when things are getting back to normal in Booktown, Tricia and Angelica have their lives turned upside down by a shocking visitor from their past in this latest entry in Lorna Barrett’s New York Times bestselling series.
Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, is in for a surprise when her ne’er-do-well father, John, comes to town—and promptly becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a woman with her own scandalous past. Even Tricia’s faith in the old man is shaken when the Stoneham police break the news that her father is a known con man who has done jail time.
But what about bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson? Is it a coincidence that he arrived for a book signing just before the crime or that the victim was found with a signed copy of his latest bestseller?
From merlot to murder, Tricia is determined to clear the family name before another body shows up and ruins Stoneham’s first—and highly anticipated—wine and jazz festival.
Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, is in for a surprise when her ne’er-do-well father, John, comes to town—and promptly becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a woman with her own scandalous past. Even Tricia’s faith in the old man is shaken when the Stoneham police break the news that her father is a known con man who has done jail time.
But what about bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson? Is it a coincidence that he arrived for a book signing just before the crime or that the victim was found with a signed copy of his latest bestseller?
From merlot to murder, Tricia is determined to clear the family name before another body shows up and ruins Stoneham’s first—and highly anticipated—wine and jazz festival.
313 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 13, 2017
316 people are currently reading
1555 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
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 307 reviews
July 22, 2025
A Just Clause is the 11th book in the Booktown Mysteries, a cozy amateur sleuth series that takes place in New Hampshire, written by Lorna Barrett. Sisters Angelica and Tricia are booksellers (and writers, chefs, et al) who are dealing with the drama of their parents' separation. Daddy's visiting their charming town, causing trouble by romancing a few woman on the side and stealing from their friends. Mommy's moved back to Connecticut from their South American home, and she's keen to stay far away, even from her daughters. But when one of Daddy's other women turns up dead, all crazy breaks loose. Tricia's got a new guy (from the cruise) interested in her, and Angelica is fawning over her new grandchild. Great side stories. The murder happened to someone we didn't really know, so the connection was a little lighter than usual... but it ramped up with a second death and connected to a few people in the side stories. By the time the last few chapters arrived, I was betting on the right killer, and it paid off. It also ended an arc within the book and potentially set us up for a new one. I wonder where it might go next!
June 17, 2017
I never tire of a bookish premise of a Booktown Mystery by Lorna Barrett and I never tire of Tricia Miles finding yet another dead body. Tricia's new attitude towards food was refreshing considering all she ever ate in previous books was tuna salad sandwiches.
A cleverly plotted mystery fast paced with heartwarming characters and heartbreaking drama that had me crying. Unbearable parents that I would never wish for and family issues but could there be a promise of a brand new start?
June 9, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
We return to Booktown just in time for bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson’s book signing at Haven’t Got A Clue. Tricia is totally surprised when her dad walks into the signing. He left abruptly his last visit owing a lot of money. Before she has time to worry about him the signing is over and her dad has disappeared. Tricia and Angelica lock up the store and head to the Dog Eared Page for a drink, but see something down the street, a hardcover copy of Steven Richardson’s new book. Tricia picks up the book and looks around and discovers a body. It is Carol Talbot. She was at the signing and had altercations with both her father and Steven. This can’t be good. Both men are going to be prime suspects.
I love this series! Tricia, Angelica, Pixie Poe, and Mr. Everett always make me feel right at home. All the characters are expertly crafted and continue to evolve. Tricia is renovating her space above her store after a fire. Angelica’s businesses are thriving. Pixie Poe is getting married and Mr. Everett and his wife Grace are blissfully happy. The Miles sisters learn more about their dad’s past and their mother comes to visit too. With Tricia and Miss Marple already displaced from their home due to the construction, Angelica just having her loft and most of the other lodging in the town full, it becomes a funny juggling act to accommodate everyone. What I like the best though is the way these sisters work together, take care of each other, and still try to everything they can for their friends and Booktown.
This story is filled with plenty of drama too. The girl’s father goes missing and just when they track him down his is gone again. He really isn’t a nice man. Their mother has taken care of him forever but she had enough and kicked him out. He takes terrible advantage of his daughters and even their friends.
Then, of course, there is the murder and then another murder. Could their father really have killed someone? The victim has a dark past, could the killer know her from then? Twists, turns, spins, this story has it all. The author sets a fast pace and doesn’t let up until all has been revealed.
Lorna Barrett continues to delight me with her writing. Strong characters and fantastic stories. I am excited about the next installment, Poisoned Pages, it releases next month.
We return to Booktown just in time for bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson’s book signing at Haven’t Got A Clue. Tricia is totally surprised when her dad walks into the signing. He left abruptly his last visit owing a lot of money. Before she has time to worry about him the signing is over and her dad has disappeared. Tricia and Angelica lock up the store and head to the Dog Eared Page for a drink, but see something down the street, a hardcover copy of Steven Richardson’s new book. Tricia picks up the book and looks around and discovers a body. It is Carol Talbot. She was at the signing and had altercations with both her father and Steven. This can’t be good. Both men are going to be prime suspects.
I love this series! Tricia, Angelica, Pixie Poe, and Mr. Everett always make me feel right at home. All the characters are expertly crafted and continue to evolve. Tricia is renovating her space above her store after a fire. Angelica’s businesses are thriving. Pixie Poe is getting married and Mr. Everett and his wife Grace are blissfully happy. The Miles sisters learn more about their dad’s past and their mother comes to visit too. With Tricia and Miss Marple already displaced from their home due to the construction, Angelica just having her loft and most of the other lodging in the town full, it becomes a funny juggling act to accommodate everyone. What I like the best though is the way these sisters work together, take care of each other, and still try to everything they can for their friends and Booktown.
This story is filled with plenty of drama too. The girl’s father goes missing and just when they track him down his is gone again. He really isn’t a nice man. Their mother has taken care of him forever but she had enough and kicked him out. He takes terrible advantage of his daughters and even their friends.
Then, of course, there is the murder and then another murder. Could their father really have killed someone? The victim has a dark past, could the killer know her from then? Twists, turns, spins, this story has it all. The author sets a fast pace and doesn’t let up until all has been revealed.
Lorna Barrett continues to delight me with her writing. Strong characters and fantastic stories. I am excited about the next installment, Poisoned Pages, it releases next month.
April 8, 2019
First off, the ending requires a suspension of disbelief that I just can't manage, but more on that later ...
Someone please comment with an explanation of the title, because I sure don't get it. I didn't find a will, or legal document, central to the story at all.
Frankly, the mystery angle here I found frustrating as it seemed a vehicle for Tricia, now that she's "over" judging others' weight, to be priggishly shocked by the sexual hijinks in Dear Old Stoneham! You'd think she had been raised by nuns in a convent, rather than in New York City. Anyone else find it tough to believe that Pixie did time in the state prison for turning tricks? Must have been quite the repeat offender!
Much moaning about the construction noise in her upstairs loft affecting the bookstore. What did she think would happen? Magical soundproofing? A rational person would have closed down for much of the time to take a vacation. But wait ... it's never been mentioned that Tricia has friends to visit, or vacation with. Other than darts nights at the pub, she's either alone, or with her sister. At this point, she's coming across with her bookstore a bit like Marie Antoinette as a Versailles milkmaid, a hobby for someone independently wealthy.
The lack of pushback by Those whom she ran around questioning was a bit surprising. I suppose we are supposed to assume that by now as the town murder jinx getting involved in mysteries is sort of just what she "does"?
I had trouble hearing the sisters were 50-ish. Perhaps, because of hearing how "hot" Tricia is in previous books? I know folks her age can be hot, but her fixation on that was immature. I'm a bit thrown by Angelica's devotion to Antonio as she'd divorced his father, not survived him.
Now, on to the ending, for those of you who have either read the book, or don't care about spoiler details ...
Someone please comment with an explanation of the title, because I sure don't get it. I didn't find a will, or legal document, central to the story at all.
Frankly, the mystery angle here I found frustrating as it seemed a vehicle for Tricia, now that she's "over" judging others' weight, to be priggishly shocked by the sexual hijinks in Dear Old Stoneham! You'd think she had been raised by nuns in a convent, rather than in New York City. Anyone else find it tough to believe that Pixie did time in the state prison for turning tricks? Must have been quite the repeat offender!
Much moaning about the construction noise in her upstairs loft affecting the bookstore. What did she think would happen? Magical soundproofing? A rational person would have closed down for much of the time to take a vacation. But wait ... it's never been mentioned that Tricia has friends to visit, or vacation with. Other than darts nights at the pub, she's either alone, or with her sister. At this point, she's coming across with her bookstore a bit like Marie Antoinette as a Versailles milkmaid, a hobby for someone independently wealthy.
The lack of pushback by Those whom she ran around questioning was a bit surprising. I suppose we are supposed to assume that by now as the town murder jinx getting involved in mysteries is sort of just what she "does"?
I had trouble hearing the sisters were 50-ish. Perhaps, because of hearing how "hot" Tricia is in previous books? I know folks her age can be hot, but her fixation on that was immature. I'm a bit thrown by Angelica's devotion to Antonio as she'd divorced his father, not survived him.
Now, on to the ending, for those of you who have either read the book, or don't care about spoiler details ...
February 3, 2018
What the in fresh hell did I just read?
SO many problems here. I'm glad I got it from the library and didn't shell out any money for this one:
-In the beginning, Tricia tells the Chief about her dad leaving town in January and leaving a lot of debt behind for her sister to take care of. The next time she meets the Chief, HE tells HER about her dad and his debt like they didn't JUST talk about this and Tricia acts embarrassed that he knows.
-How old are Tricia and Angelica? They present like they're in their 50s to me. But they call their father Daddy? Ug.
-When Pixie and Tricia are alphabetizing some Agatha Christie, the author makes a point to tell us how they alphabetized 3 titles and they put a title that has a "The" at the beginning under the Ts. NO!
-On page 87, "flash" is written when it should be "flask."
-On page 110, near the bottom, they refer to the BrookVIEW Inn in one paragraph and by the next paragraph, it's suddenly become the BrookSIDE Inn.
-At one point, the gossipy woman who runs the cookbook store flakes and deposits the cash that should be in the register to start the day with the deposit, leaving them nothing to start the day with. So Angelica asks Tricia if she could loan her $20 in small bills to get started for the day. Tricia gives her a 10 and two 5s. First off, $20 isn't enough change. Second, no $1s?
-Tricia spends ZERO time actually working in her book shop.
-She also does ZERO end of the day closing, so I'm not sure how she knows what the hell is going on in her shop. I work in a book store. Closing up doesn't take long at all, but you do have to DO something! She just turns off the sign and lights and locks the door.
-The vintage nude shots had nothing to do with anything except show how prudish Tricia still is.
-Tricia moaned and moaned about the insurance on her building a few books back and in this one she moaned and moaned about the construction.
-The killer's motive was REALLY thin and wasn't really explained at all.
I liked this series in the beginning. I've never really liked Tricia, but I always liked the side characters and the story. But this was was just awful. I won't buy any more of these for sure. If the library has them, I might continue because I hate to be a quitter and these are REALLY quick, but I don't know guys. This one sucked. Hard.
SO many problems here. I'm glad I got it from the library and didn't shell out any money for this one:
-In the beginning, Tricia tells the Chief about her dad leaving town in January and leaving a lot of debt behind for her sister to take care of. The next time she meets the Chief, HE tells HER about her dad and his debt like they didn't JUST talk about this and Tricia acts embarrassed that he knows.
-How old are Tricia and Angelica? They present like they're in their 50s to me. But they call their father Daddy? Ug.
-When Pixie and Tricia are alphabetizing some Agatha Christie, the author makes a point to tell us how they alphabetized 3 titles and they put a title that has a "The" at the beginning under the Ts. NO!
-On page 87, "flash" is written when it should be "flask."
-On page 110, near the bottom, they refer to the BrookVIEW Inn in one paragraph and by the next paragraph, it's suddenly become the BrookSIDE Inn.
-At one point, the gossipy woman who runs the cookbook store flakes and deposits the cash that should be in the register to start the day with the deposit, leaving them nothing to start the day with. So Angelica asks Tricia if she could loan her $20 in small bills to get started for the day. Tricia gives her a 10 and two 5s. First off, $20 isn't enough change. Second, no $1s?
-Tricia spends ZERO time actually working in her book shop.
-She also does ZERO end of the day closing, so I'm not sure how she knows what the hell is going on in her shop. I work in a book store. Closing up doesn't take long at all, but you do have to DO something! She just turns off the sign and lights and locks the door.
-The vintage nude shots had nothing to do with anything except show how prudish Tricia still is.
-Tricia moaned and moaned about the insurance on her building a few books back and in this one she moaned and moaned about the construction.
-The killer's motive was REALLY thin and wasn't really explained at all.
I liked this series in the beginning. I've never really liked Tricia, but I always liked the side characters and the story. But this was was just awful. I won't buy any more of these for sure. If the library has them, I might continue because I hate to be a quitter and these are REALLY quick, but I don't know guys. This one sucked. Hard.
June 11, 2017
Fans of the Booktown Mysteries will fall in love with this series all over again!
With, A JUST CAUSE, author Lorna Barrett once again takes readers back to Booktown for more mystery, mayhem, and some serious dysfunctional family drama.
I’ve been following this series since the very first book, MURDER IS BINDING (My sister was a fan and asked if I’d like to try it. Well, of course I did! What’s not to love about a town that’s got bookstores everywhere). It’s been fun watching the original cast of characters grow throughout the series, and just as enjoyable to meet and learn more about the characters who have been added throughout the series.
Ms. Barrett certainly knows what it takes to keep her readers engaged. It very was hard to put A JUST CLAUSE down for any length of time. Every aspect of the story was wonderful. From the murder, to the investigation of looking for whodunit and why, to the dynamics of the eclectic characters, it was a fast paced book that that left me a bit breathless. Add to that a satisfying conclusion, and some tasty recipes, you’ve got a cozy mystery you won’t soon forget.
With, A JUST CAUSE, author Lorna Barrett once again takes readers back to Booktown for more mystery, mayhem, and some serious dysfunctional family drama.
I’ve been following this series since the very first book, MURDER IS BINDING (My sister was a fan and asked if I’d like to try it. Well, of course I did! What’s not to love about a town that’s got bookstores everywhere). It’s been fun watching the original cast of characters grow throughout the series, and just as enjoyable to meet and learn more about the characters who have been added throughout the series.
Ms. Barrett certainly knows what it takes to keep her readers engaged. It very was hard to put A JUST CLAUSE down for any length of time. Every aspect of the story was wonderful. From the murder, to the investigation of looking for whodunit and why, to the dynamics of the eclectic characters, it was a fast paced book that that left me a bit breathless. Add to that a satisfying conclusion, and some tasty recipes, you’ve got a cozy mystery you won’t soon forget.
June 12, 2017
A JUST CLAUSE is the eleventh book in the Booktown Mystery series but it’s the first book that I’m trying from this author. I had some pretty high expectations going into this book because it is such a popular series and I have to say that this book is not what I expected.
While I do think the mystery is fun and moves at a good pace, it wasn’t something that I was fully invested in. I think there were two main reasons for this. The first reason is because even though Mysteries can be read as standalones, I wasn’t completely sold on the main heroine of the story. Tricia is a very likeable character but she and her sister can be a little over the top. Tricia finds a dead body and the prime suspect is her father. For some reason, she didn’t seem overly concerned about it. It almost felt like she was just finding out the news about a stranger instead. I didn’t feel the worry or urgency that I would expect a daughter to have when she learns her father is in danger.
The second thing I found disconcerting is the dialogue. I read a lot of books but I honestly never hear anyone talking like they do in this series. It’s quite formal and actually not very believable to me. But since I didn’t find it entirely cringe-worthy, I could ignore it. I guess I just have to get used to the cheery attitude that these characters have because it seems so odd to have that in a murder mystery.
Regardless, I am looking forward to reading more from Lorna Barrett. Perhaps if I start at the beginning of the series, I can come to understand Tricia and the gang a bit better.
August 16, 2017
I have loved this series since book one. Now we are on the eleventh installment and it just keeps getting better and better. Everything that originally drew me to this series was there and more. We find Tricia feeling stressed as she under goes a remodeling project and prepares for Pixie’s bridal shower. Throw in a book signing, the unexpected visit from her con artist father and a dead body or two, and you just start to scratch the surface. Stoneham, New Hampshire is the place to be for murder and mystery. Tricia and her sister Angelica are fun protagonists. Their relationship has grown so much and the bond they share is complex as well as endearing. You quickly feel yourself getting drawn into their interesting lives. I admire and aspire to be a Miles sister. The supporting cast is quirky and entertaining. I really love and appreciate how they have continued to develop over the years. Even the four legged characters, Sarge and Ms. Marple, will make you smile. Every time you read this series, you feel like you are returning home to Stoneham and visiting family. The author has the ability to strengthen favorite characters and still introduce new additions that keep you engaged and intrigued. It was nice to see more of Tricia and Angelica’s parents and continue to unfold insight into their childhood. Lorna Barrett’s writing style and plotting are wonderful. There are several twists and turns that I had not expected and I was truly surprised with the reveal. You will not be disappointed with A Just Clause. I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in the series!
July 25, 2017
Well this was a let down, I usually enjoy this series when it sticks to the book stores or the mystery but
April 23, 2020
Tricia is in the middle of remodeling her store/home and the noise makes her business very slow. Her father shows up in town at a Writers reading she has planned. He is seen getting slapped by a woman, who is later found dead. Tricia and her sister try to cope with their father,who had skipped town earlier in the year owing money and is a thief, and figure out who killed the woman. The book was good but seemed a little long.
June 6, 2017
A Just Clause by Lorna Barrett 's 11th book in what is admittedly my most favorite long running cozy mystery series, is out one week from today on June 13th. There is something so captivating in this cozy series characters whom have become like a second family to me. The characters in this series from main characters Tricia and her sister Angelica, to their friends and employees, and even the new generation of Stoneham, feel so real and so relatable. This series chronicles so much of their lives, struggles, revelations and relations that I often find myself thinking of these characters long after the story is done. I was truly surprised with the direction that Author Lorna Barrett took with A Just Clause, the struggle for Tricia and Angelica was more balanced in this one, I found that where I had felt horrible for Tricia all these years, I also found myself having sympathetic feelings for Angelica for even more deep reasons then I had ever considered in previous books. Lorna created the most wonderful family out of some extraordinary characters for Tricia and Angelica and only in the last few books have we gotten to know their blood relatives. I love the theme in the book of family being who you love and surround yourself with, and I even loved it more when Tricia and Angelica's dysfunctional parents join in the circle....okay it's more of a Venn Diagram but it sure does make for a great story!
When I finished reading it last night, on the last word, out loud I said "Oh no!" Not because of how it ended but because it ended and now I wait in earnest for another visit to Stoneham and a visit with my friends in the Booktown Mystery series.
When I finished reading it last night, on the last word, out loud I said "Oh no!" Not because of how it ended but because it ended and now I wait in earnest for another visit to Stoneham and a visit with my friends in the Booktown Mystery series.
June 9, 2017
*I received a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review from Berkley and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions stated in this review are explicitly my own.*
One of the first cozy series I ever read, and one of my favorites, A Just Clause was a winner!
I love the town of Stoneham and the characters there. Tricia, Angelica, Pixie, and Mr. Everett are all the type of characters that make you feel like you're coming home when reading these mysteries. Pixie, though, is my absolute favorite! I also loved getting to know Tricia and Angelica's parents more throughout this book, and I really hope they reappear in later volumes.
The mystery was excellent, though slightly rushed. The pool of suspects was so small the killer didn't really surprise me, but at the same time, it did. There were a lot of components to the mystery and Tricia investigated without calling herself and investigator, which is a trait I look for in MC's.
Overall an excellent book and a wonderful addition to a series that I highly recommend. Wonderful, simply wonderful!
One of the first cozy series I ever read, and one of my favorites, A Just Clause was a winner!
I love the town of Stoneham and the characters there. Tricia, Angelica, Pixie, and Mr. Everett are all the type of characters that make you feel like you're coming home when reading these mysteries. Pixie, though, is my absolute favorite! I also loved getting to know Tricia and Angelica's parents more throughout this book, and I really hope they reappear in later volumes.
The mystery was excellent, though slightly rushed. The pool of suspects was so small the killer didn't really surprise me, but at the same time, it did. There were a lot of components to the mystery and Tricia investigated without calling herself and investigator, which is a trait I look for in MC's.
Overall an excellent book and a wonderful addition to a series that I highly recommend. Wonderful, simply wonderful!
June 27, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/a-...
A Just Clause
Booktown Mystery, Book #11
By Lorna Barrett
ISBN13: 9780399585913
Author website: http://lornabarrett.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Just when things are getting back to normal in Booktown, Tricia and Angelica have their lives turned upside down by a shocking visitor from their past in this latest entry in Lorna Barrett s New York Times bestselling series.
Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, is in for a surprise when her ne er-do-well father, John, comes to town and promptly becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a woman with her own scandalous past. Even Tricia s faith in the old man is shaken when the Stoneham police break the news that her father is a known con man who has done jail time.
But what about bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson? Is it a coincidence that he arrived for a book signing just before the crime or that the victim was found with a signed copy of his latest bestseller?
From merlot to murder, Tricia is determined to clear the family name before another body shows up and ruins Stoneham s first and highly anticipated wine and jazz festival.”
Review:
A Just Clause is the 11th book in author Lorna Barrett’s “Booktown Mystery” series and I loved it. Everything that drew me to this series was there and more. I was excited when I first found these books because seriously – a town based around bookstores. Yes that is the ticket. Tricia Miles is a fun protagonist with her sister Angelica. They are a hoot these days, not so in the beginning when I was sure I would never like Angelica. These characters have grown and are so enjoyable, along with Mr. Everett and Pixie and the gang. We also see Tricia’s parents in this one. Not sure I enjoyed the parents that much, especially when we hear how the girls were treated as children. Things make more sense though when we get more background.
Tricia’s bookstore Haven’t Got A Clue is hosting a famous author’s book signing and still do renovations on her upstairs living quarters. A surprise guest shows up at the signing – the ladies father. He is about as welcome as the black plague after his last visit which cost the girls (mostly Angelica) a pretty penny. He and the author are both seen being slapped by Carol Talbot right before she is found murdered. Tricia learns her father has a history as a con artist and thief and maybe more and he is now the prime suspect in Mrs. Talbot’s murder, especially after learning the two had an intimate relationship. Tricia will have to work twice as hard to find the answers and murdered this time. At the same time the girls will have to figure out what to do with their dad. Best answer to that, get their parents back together.
Tricia finds out that Carol Talbot was hiding quite a bit and is more than just her biggest rival playing darts. What was going on with Carol and her neighbors? What was this collection she was selling? How does this all play into her murder? Could her father have actually killed her to get money? Well, Tricia is going to find the answers and try to salvage Stoneham’s first Jazz and Wine festival. And hopefully get her home finished so she and Mrs. Marple can finally settle in to one place and be at home. While they are at it, Tricia and Angelica have to work on their mother to take their shameful father back or be stuck with him. The relationships between them and their parents is a tough one, but in this installment I think the reader really gets an insight into the dynamics. That is a nice aside to the wonderful mystery author Lorna Barrett has woven in A Just Clause.
I have been a big fan of “Booktown Mystery” series since the first one. These characters have grown so much and become family with each other and like friends to me. Lorna Barrett’s writing style and plotting are wonderful. Each book is better and that is saying a lot. Each book can also be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading the whole series. If you enjoy a tight mystery, great characters and a pleasant setting, A Just Clause is for you. Add in the family strife and you have a best seller. I love this series and this 11th installment is a winner.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
A Just Clause
Booktown Mystery, Book #11
By Lorna Barrett
ISBN13: 9780399585913
Author website: http://lornabarrett.com/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Kayt
Synopsis:
Just when things are getting back to normal in Booktown, Tricia and Angelica have their lives turned upside down by a shocking visitor from their past in this latest entry in Lorna Barrett s New York Times bestselling series.
Tricia Miles, mystery bookstore owner and amateur sleuth, is in for a surprise when her ne er-do-well father, John, comes to town and promptly becomes a prime suspect in the murder of a woman with her own scandalous past. Even Tricia s faith in the old man is shaken when the Stoneham police break the news that her father is a known con man who has done jail time.
But what about bestselling thriller author Steven Richardson? Is it a coincidence that he arrived for a book signing just before the crime or that the victim was found with a signed copy of his latest bestseller?
From merlot to murder, Tricia is determined to clear the family name before another body shows up and ruins Stoneham s first and highly anticipated wine and jazz festival.”
Review:
A Just Clause is the 11th book in author Lorna Barrett’s “Booktown Mystery” series and I loved it. Everything that drew me to this series was there and more. I was excited when I first found these books because seriously – a town based around bookstores. Yes that is the ticket. Tricia Miles is a fun protagonist with her sister Angelica. They are a hoot these days, not so in the beginning when I was sure I would never like Angelica. These characters have grown and are so enjoyable, along with Mr. Everett and Pixie and the gang. We also see Tricia’s parents in this one. Not sure I enjoyed the parents that much, especially when we hear how the girls were treated as children. Things make more sense though when we get more background.
Tricia’s bookstore Haven’t Got A Clue is hosting a famous author’s book signing and still do renovations on her upstairs living quarters. A surprise guest shows up at the signing – the ladies father. He is about as welcome as the black plague after his last visit which cost the girls (mostly Angelica) a pretty penny. He and the author are both seen being slapped by Carol Talbot right before she is found murdered. Tricia learns her father has a history as a con artist and thief and maybe more and he is now the prime suspect in Mrs. Talbot’s murder, especially after learning the two had an intimate relationship. Tricia will have to work twice as hard to find the answers and murdered this time. At the same time the girls will have to figure out what to do with their dad. Best answer to that, get their parents back together.
Tricia finds out that Carol Talbot was hiding quite a bit and is more than just her biggest rival playing darts. What was going on with Carol and her neighbors? What was this collection she was selling? How does this all play into her murder? Could her father have actually killed her to get money? Well, Tricia is going to find the answers and try to salvage Stoneham’s first Jazz and Wine festival. And hopefully get her home finished so she and Mrs. Marple can finally settle in to one place and be at home. While they are at it, Tricia and Angelica have to work on their mother to take their shameful father back or be stuck with him. The relationships between them and their parents is a tough one, but in this installment I think the reader really gets an insight into the dynamics. That is a nice aside to the wonderful mystery author Lorna Barrett has woven in A Just Clause.
I have been a big fan of “Booktown Mystery” series since the first one. These characters have grown so much and become family with each other and like friends to me. Lorna Barrett’s writing style and plotting are wonderful. Each book is better and that is saying a lot. Each book can also be read as a standalone, but I suggest reading the whole series. If you enjoy a tight mystery, great characters and a pleasant setting, A Just Clause is for you. Add in the family strife and you have a best seller. I love this series and this 11th installment is a winner.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review as part of their ongoing blog tour*
September 12, 2017
While I enjoyed the day to day interactions of bookstore owner Tricia Miles with her supporting cast in this book, I wasn't all that fond of the mystery surrounding them.
It really didn't seem to matter that someone was killed, that was just a springboard for dealing with Tricia's scumbag of a father and bitter shrew of a mother.
I would've been more interested in reading about actually investigating the murdered woman who had a deep dark past instead.
However, in place of that which would've been really fun to tackle as a reader, we got a resolution that came seemingly out of nowhere and a potential reconciliation that rings about as false and unearned as humanly possible.
A big secret that is being kept by a few of the characters in the series is also rather carelessly bandied about in front of people who have shown know ability to be trusted with keeping such life changing news to themselves.
Again, while the interactions of Tricia with her employees and her sister are always fun and intriguing, the rest of the book felt like it was there solely to provide a basis for an underwhelming and somewhat unwelcome turn of events that really had nothing to do with the murder featured in the tale.
It really didn't seem to matter that someone was killed, that was just a springboard for dealing with Tricia's scumbag of a father and bitter shrew of a mother.
I would've been more interested in reading about actually investigating the murdered woman who had a deep dark past instead.
However, in place of that which would've been really fun to tackle as a reader, we got a resolution that came seemingly out of nowhere and a potential reconciliation that rings about as false and unearned as humanly possible.
A big secret that is being kept by a few of the characters in the series is also rather carelessly bandied about in front of people who have shown know ability to be trusted with keeping such life changing news to themselves.
Again, while the interactions of Tricia with her employees and her sister are always fun and intriguing, the rest of the book felt like it was there solely to provide a basis for an underwhelming and somewhat unwelcome turn of events that really had nothing to do with the murder featured in the tale.
June 13, 2017
Tricia is doing renovations to her apartment on top of her bookstore Haven't Got A Clue. How long before they will be finished?
Tricia and Angelica find the body of a woman who had just attended the author book signing at her mystery bookstore.
Tricia also finds out just what a con artist her dad really is, but is he capable of murder as well!? Can her mom and dad find a way to reconcile?
Welcome back to Stoneham where murders seem to occur and Tricia is the one to find the bodies.
A mystery with twists, suspects, more than one murder and layers of information to dig through.
I always feel like I am back with friends during my visit to Stoneham. The writing of Lorna Barrett always makes me feel as if I am right there with Tricia, Angelica and friends flaws and all.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley/Penguin Random House for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Lorna Barrett for another wonderful read!
Tricia and Angelica find the body of a woman who had just attended the author book signing at her mystery bookstore.
Tricia also finds out just what a con artist her dad really is, but is he capable of murder as well!? Can her mom and dad find a way to reconcile?
Welcome back to Stoneham where murders seem to occur and Tricia is the one to find the bodies.
A mystery with twists, suspects, more than one murder and layers of information to dig through.
I always feel like I am back with friends during my visit to Stoneham. The writing of Lorna Barrett always makes me feel as if I am right there with Tricia, Angelica and friends flaws and all.
Thank you NetGalley and Berkeley/Penguin Random House for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
Thank you Lorna Barrett for another wonderful read!
June 30, 2017
Renovations, author signing, bridal shower, wayward father and murder, are all part and parcel of the madness and mayhem that storms the Stoneham village, in this the 11th Booktown mystery.
An enjoyable story, with a closer look at the Miles family dynamics. In this well written and plotted mystery, where Tricia goes head-to-head with a killer.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Berkley Publishing and arranged with Lorna Barrett (aka Lorraine Bartlett) and downloaded via NetGalley.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
An enjoyable story, with a closer look at the Miles family dynamics. In this well written and plotted mystery, where Tricia goes head-to-head with a killer.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. Published by Berkley Publishing and arranged with Lorna Barrett (aka Lorraine Bartlett) and downloaded via NetGalley.
If you like the review and would like to read reviews on other books I have read, visit my blog at www.finalchapterreadersgroup.wordpres...... like, comment and follow.
September 21, 2017
Tricia and Angelica continue their busy lives in Booktown. Tricia’s book signing is shortly followed by the first murder. The women’s father, John, shows up to add to the chaos and mystery as a suspect in the murder.
Find A Just Clause at the Westminster Public Library.
Find A Just Clause at the Westminster Public Library.
June 29, 2017
One of my favorite series. They always keep you guessing until the end about who the killer is. If you're looking for a mystery with family ties, friendships, murders and pets, this is a book/series for you.
July 12, 2020
The 11th book in the Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett. Tricia lives a small town and runs a mystery bookstore. Tricia is also an amateur sleuth when it comes to local crimes. In this book, Tricia gets involved with another local murder mystery. A light and charming cozy mystery.
April 12, 2022
I started this one to get caught up on the series and realized I already read it and the next one in the series, probably a few years ago when my life was in a bit of an upheaval and I just read without logging.
Read
January 4, 2019A Just Clause is book 11 in the Booktown Mystery Series by Lorna Barrett. Although some details about the about the characters can be better understood by reading the previous books in the series this book can be enjoyed as a stand alone mystery. A Just Clause picks up just a few months after book 10 (Title Wave). Tricia once again is involved in finding a dead body, continuing her nickname of the village jinx. While dealing with her living space being renovated, Tricia is having to deal with some new and unsettling information about her father and her parents separation. Can Tricia and her sister Angelica help their parent reconcile? Can the sisters get past finding out about their father’s past and their mother’s refusal to put past issues behind her? Will Tricia once again get involved in the investigation and can she keep out of harm’s way
My favorite characters are the main characters-Tricia and Angelica Miles. The sisters although successful business women do not have perfect lives which makes them more realistic. Their family issues make the sisters more relatable. Mrs. Barrett added enough red herrings in the story to keep you guess until the end of the book. In addition to the mystery of a murder or two, Tricia and Angelica are having to deal with some upsetting new about their father. Angelica continuously has to make restitution for their father’s “borrowing” and their mother has thrown Mr. Miles out and is refusing to take him back. As much as I like the sisters I find it hard to root for a reconciliation between them and their parents. However I was pleasantly surprised at the ending. I can’t wait to to see what happens in the next book with the family and how Tricia’s renovation turns out. I would definitely recommend this book to mystery lovers.
I was provided with a digital ARC of this book by the author through Netgalley . This is my honest review.
My favorite characters are the main characters-Tricia and Angelica Miles. The sisters although successful business women do not have perfect lives which makes them more realistic. Their family issues make the sisters more relatable. Mrs. Barrett added enough red herrings in the story to keep you guess until the end of the book. In addition to the mystery of a murder or two, Tricia and Angelica are having to deal with some upsetting new about their father. Angelica continuously has to make restitution for their father’s “borrowing” and their mother has thrown Mr. Miles out and is refusing to take him back. As much as I like the sisters I find it hard to root for a reconciliation between them and their parents. However I was pleasantly surprised at the ending. I can’t wait to to see what happens in the next book with the family and how Tricia’s renovation turns out. I would definitely recommend this book to mystery lovers.
I was provided with a digital ARC of this book by the author through Netgalley . This is my honest review.
July 18, 2017
Traditionally I've loved the Booktown Mystery series but this one was my least favorite. It might be my frame of mind - having just moved back into my house after living in our travel trailer for 14 months while we did post-house-fire remodeling, it was annoying to read all of Tricia's complaining about living in the bungalow and how slow her contractors were working. I felt like she was overly negative in this book about most everything. In addition, I felt like the ending was wrapped up at warp-speed and almost too hokey, even for a cozy mystery. I'll still read the next one when it comes out, though, as I've invested a lot of reading time into these characters.
June 18, 2017
3.5 stars for this one. I really like this series and its characters but this one annoyed me.
Tricia has renovations going on and is cranky. I get that but it got old. The most annoying was their dealing with their father. I kept thinking enough already! The mystery was fine but the book just felt off for me this time.
That said, I will look forward to the next one.
Tricia has renovations going on and is cranky. I get that but it got old. The most annoying was their dealing with their father. I kept thinking enough already! The mystery was fine but the book just felt off for me this time.
That said, I will look forward to the next one.
July 21, 2017
A booktown mystery is like the comfort food of books for any book lover. The personal and professional lives of this picturesque village always seem to intertwine as readers realize family does not necessarily mean the ones you are born into but the ones who has your back.
August 21, 2017
Lorna Barrett delivers again! Her stories certainly have a familiar pace but I am always surprised at the turn of events. I truly enjoyed all the challenges Trisha and Angelica faced this time around. If you like cozy-mysteries this series should be on your reading list to.
November 16, 2020
If you want to read a good mystery this isn't it. If you want to read a boring story about a book store owner and her interpersonal relationships while complaining about her home renovations then this is the story for you.
August 27, 2017
This is only the second of these I have read, but they're growing on me. I may actually go back and read the first nine that I skipped . This book has a satisfying ending.
March 5, 2019
I adore this series for many reasons. I mean, she runs a mystery bookstore in a little town in New Hampshire where there are lots of different types of bookstores - what's not to like? But I just love the fact that unlike most of these cozy mysteries, the protagonists' family isn't perfect. Dad is a thief and a con-man, and mom is a class A b*tch. I get so tired of the perfect mother whom everybody adores and follows her every whim, even if she can't help but snipe at her daughter and tell her she should be married not owning her own business.
The mystery was interesting, the players lots of fun, but the family issues are what delighted me the most. For whatever that says about me.
The mystery was interesting, the players lots of fun, but the family issues are what delighted me the most. For whatever that says about me.
March 1, 2021
This series just keeps getting better!
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