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Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #2
Prologue to Murder
After a career working with rare books at the Boston Public Library, Addie Greyborne is back in her seaside New England hometown—where unfortunately, murder is not so rare . . .
Gossip columnists love a bold-faced name—but “Miss Newsy” at Greyborne Harbor’s local paper seems to specialize in bald-faced lies. She’s pointed a finger of suspicion at Addie after librarian June Winslow never makes it home from a book club meeting. And when June’s found at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs, Addie’s not only dealing with a busybody, but a dead body.
It’s a good thing the guy she’s dating is the police chief. But both the case and her love life get more complicated when a lanky blonde reporter from Los Angeles shows up. She’s trying her hardest to drive a wedge between the couple . . . as if Addie doesn’t have enough problems dealing with angry townspeople. Despite all the rumors, Addie doesn’t know a thing about the murder—but she plans to find out. And the key may lie in a book about pirate legends that June published. Now she just has to hunt down the clues before she becomes a buried treasure herself . . .
Gossip columnists love a bold-faced name—but “Miss Newsy” at Greyborne Harbor’s local paper seems to specialize in bald-faced lies. She’s pointed a finger of suspicion at Addie after librarian June Winslow never makes it home from a book club meeting. And when June’s found at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs, Addie’s not only dealing with a busybody, but a dead body.
It’s a good thing the guy she’s dating is the police chief. But both the case and her love life get more complicated when a lanky blonde reporter from Los Angeles shows up. She’s trying her hardest to drive a wedge between the couple . . . as if Addie doesn’t have enough problems dealing with angry townspeople. Despite all the rumors, Addie doesn’t know a thing about the murder—but she plans to find out. And the key may lie in a book about pirate legends that June published. Now she just has to hunt down the clues before she becomes a buried treasure herself . . .
318 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 30, 2019
1627 people are currently reading
4249 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Elliott
14 books1,640 followersLauren grew up devouring the entire Nancy Drew series and then graduated to Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, Barbara Erskine, Lynn Kurland, and Michael Crichton to name a few of her favorite authors. When it came time for post-secondary education, journalism seemed like the logical choice as she had written for as long as she could remember. Soon after graduation, while working for a small publication, she discovered that reporting wasn’t what fueled her writing passions. As someone with an additionally strong background in professional theater who had the love of storytelling and captivating and holding an audience, her fiction-writing career began to take center stage.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 548 reviews
August 24, 2022
Sorry but if you're an author and you think I'm gonna be rooting for a love interest who (twice!) puts his finger on the protagonist's lips and tells her "shush" (TWICE!), then we just have different priorities and it's best if we part ways amicably now and save ourselves the heartache later.
May 15, 2019
Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott is the second installment of the cozy Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. Each book of this series contains it’s own mystery to solve so they could be read as standalones or out of order. However, one would get to know the characters better reading the series in order.
In the first book of this series, Murder by the Book, readers were introduced to Addison Greyborne who had returned to her hometown, a small New England town that had been named for her ancestors back in Colonial times. Addie was still recovering from the murder of her finace, her father dying in a tragic accident and then had found out a long lost aunt had also died but left her whole estate to Addie.
Addie’s inheritance had given her the opportunity to start over and continue to work with books after leaving her job at the Boston Public Library. With her aunt having so many rare books in her collection and the funds to open a shop Addie decided to open Beyond the Page bookstore despite not everyone in town being overly welcoming. And now Addie finds herself in the middle of her second murder mystery when she is accused of the crime by the town gossip.
This series really has a bit of a romantic suspense vibe to it although it’s mostly a cozy with Addie having a relationship formed with the local lawman, Marc. What puts it more towards a cozy though is Addie doing most of the crime solving putting Marc in with the incompetent cozy police category. The characters have been likable enough although this time around we may be headed into love triangle territory, bleh. I also found the mystery to be decent and in the end would give book two 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the first book of this series, Murder by the Book, readers were introduced to Addison Greyborne who had returned to her hometown, a small New England town that had been named for her ancestors back in Colonial times. Addie was still recovering from the murder of her finace, her father dying in a tragic accident and then had found out a long lost aunt had also died but left her whole estate to Addie.
Addie’s inheritance had given her the opportunity to start over and continue to work with books after leaving her job at the Boston Public Library. With her aunt having so many rare books in her collection and the funds to open a shop Addie decided to open Beyond the Page bookstore despite not everyone in town being overly welcoming. And now Addie finds herself in the middle of her second murder mystery when she is accused of the crime by the town gossip.
This series really has a bit of a romantic suspense vibe to it although it’s mostly a cozy with Addie having a relationship formed with the local lawman, Marc. What puts it more towards a cozy though is Addie doing most of the crime solving putting Marc in with the incompetent cozy police category. The characters have been likable enough although this time around we may be headed into love triangle territory, bleh. I also found the mystery to be decent and in the end would give book two 3 1/2 stars.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
March 28, 2019
Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Books for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of PROLOGUE TO MURDER by Lauren Elliott. This is the second book in the series featuring Addie Greyborne, former researcher for Boston Public Library and new resident for Greyborne Harbor. It isn’t necessary to have read the first book in the series to understand this one, and the mystery stands alone in each book. There are some relationship developments with a couple of other major characters that were started in the first book, but Ms. Elliott makes it easy to understand what those are if you start reading the series with this book.
In this novel, Addie is once again confronted with townspeople who are less than pleased that she has moved to the area. Just when she thought she had earned her place by solving the previous murder, she is plunged into a second one courtesy of a new gossip columnist who has just been hired by the local paper and who seems to have targeted Addie for some reason.
There are others around who also have it in for Addie and make her life uncomfortable. Starting off, there is Lacey Davenport, one time girlfriend of Addie’s possible love interest, Chief of Police Marc Chandler. She has come back to town after spending time on the west coast and seems focused on driving a wedge between Addie and the rest of the town, especially Marc. As the book unfolds, her reasons become more clear; although from the beginning the tension and dislike between the two women is evident. There is also Addie’s business neighbor who runs the local bakery. She made it clear in the first book she didn’t like Addie and that seems to have deepened with this novel. She marshals a number of other people in town who seem intent on making Addie miserable.
All of this combines to create a hole in Addie’s business and a rift between both her and Marc as well as her best friend Serena, Marc’s sister. Addie is confused about why she is on the receiving end of such hatred and has no way to combat the problem. The rift between Marc and Addie seems exceptionally mercurial and they go from warming to each other’s company to arguing and going in separate directions in such a short time it feels a bit unnatural.
The mystery is well done. June, the former librarian has been found dead and there are limited clues as to what has happened. The gossip columnist, “Miss Newsy” starts spreading the rumor that Addie commited the murder because she wanted the position of librarian, and although she explains to every one she isn’t a librarian but a researcher and has no interest, her protests fail to sway anyone’s opinion.
The murder takes place as the town is preparing for it’s annual pirate fest. June, the victim, had done extensive research on pirates who settled in Greyborne Harbor until Addie’s ancestor came along and drove them out. Could it be that some of June’s research has information about possible buried treasure? Adding to this theory is the information that Lacey’s ancestor had a feud with Addie’s ancestor over driving the pirates out and the thought that perhaps Lacey is continuing the bad feelings from that distant feud.
Into the midst of all this comes Simon, a new doctor in town who develops an immediate interest in Addie. She is conflicted because she has feelings for Marc, but acknowledges there is something about Simon that draws her to him. There is a setup for a perfect triangle in these relationships that continues throughout most of the book.
The clues and red herrings throughout the book are good, although it was easy early on to determine the identity of the murderer. The book is interesting, but the sudden shifts between attraction and anger between Addie and Marc create some unnecessary tension and serve to bog down some of the rest of the story. It’s as if the book is half mystery and half romance, not fully one or the other.
Overall, I liked most of this book, although I did not like it as much as the first book in the series. I will read then next book in the series before I make a final decision as to whether or not to continue reading the series.
In this novel, Addie is once again confronted with townspeople who are less than pleased that she has moved to the area. Just when she thought she had earned her place by solving the previous murder, she is plunged into a second one courtesy of a new gossip columnist who has just been hired by the local paper and who seems to have targeted Addie for some reason.
There are others around who also have it in for Addie and make her life uncomfortable. Starting off, there is Lacey Davenport, one time girlfriend of Addie’s possible love interest, Chief of Police Marc Chandler. She has come back to town after spending time on the west coast and seems focused on driving a wedge between Addie and the rest of the town, especially Marc. As the book unfolds, her reasons become more clear; although from the beginning the tension and dislike between the two women is evident. There is also Addie’s business neighbor who runs the local bakery. She made it clear in the first book she didn’t like Addie and that seems to have deepened with this novel. She marshals a number of other people in town who seem intent on making Addie miserable.
All of this combines to create a hole in Addie’s business and a rift between both her and Marc as well as her best friend Serena, Marc’s sister. Addie is confused about why she is on the receiving end of such hatred and has no way to combat the problem. The rift between Marc and Addie seems exceptionally mercurial and they go from warming to each other’s company to arguing and going in separate directions in such a short time it feels a bit unnatural.
The mystery is well done. June, the former librarian has been found dead and there are limited clues as to what has happened. The gossip columnist, “Miss Newsy” starts spreading the rumor that Addie commited the murder because she wanted the position of librarian, and although she explains to every one she isn’t a librarian but a researcher and has no interest, her protests fail to sway anyone’s opinion.
The murder takes place as the town is preparing for it’s annual pirate fest. June, the victim, had done extensive research on pirates who settled in Greyborne Harbor until Addie’s ancestor came along and drove them out. Could it be that some of June’s research has information about possible buried treasure? Adding to this theory is the information that Lacey’s ancestor had a feud with Addie’s ancestor over driving the pirates out and the thought that perhaps Lacey is continuing the bad feelings from that distant feud.
Into the midst of all this comes Simon, a new doctor in town who develops an immediate interest in Addie. She is conflicted because she has feelings for Marc, but acknowledges there is something about Simon that draws her to him. There is a setup for a perfect triangle in these relationships that continues throughout most of the book.
The clues and red herrings throughout the book are good, although it was easy early on to determine the identity of the murderer. The book is interesting, but the sudden shifts between attraction and anger between Addie and Marc create some unnecessary tension and serve to bog down some of the rest of the story. It’s as if the book is half mystery and half romance, not fully one or the other.
Overall, I liked most of this book, although I did not like it as much as the first book in the series. I will read then next book in the series before I make a final decision as to whether or not to continue reading the series.
December 18, 2020
Addie Greystone owns a bookstore in Greystone Harbor, named after her family. When the body of town librarian June Winslow is discovered, thanks to the local gossip column, everyone thinks Addie had something to do with it and are now shunning her. She also discovers that police chief Marc, whom Addie has just started seeing, has been visited by his old flame, Lacey Davenport. It doesn't help when Marc's sister wants Addie to back off and let Lacey have him, even though Marc assures her they're done; or that new doctor Simon has shown up and is interested in Lacey himself.
Then June's daughter visited Addie at the bookstore, giving her a box of her mother's things that contain an old treasure map. Addie's convinced that this is the reason June was murdered, and convinces Marc that this is the reason June was killed. Even if he disbelieves it, he wants to stay close to Addie, since Simon is going along with her theories. So the three set out to discover the truth, but someone wants her out of it for good...
This is the second book in the series, and I have to say that it greatly disappointed me. While I might have been interested in the mystery, two things that I absolutely detest occurred to stop it: the entrance of the 'evil nemesis,' in the form of Lacey; and the beginning of a love triangle. I absolutely abhor these things, and from what I can tell of future books, it doesn't get any better. I've quit reading other series because of this. There was no reason to bring in Simon, except to cause tension. I did like Marc; not so much Simon; and unfortunately, this will be my last book in the series. I'm not interested enough to continue because so much time is taken up with the 'will-she-or-won't-she' angle. Let me put it this way: if it were one man stringing along two women, people would think he's a dog, or worse. But for some reason it's fine if a female character does it? No thank you. Not for me.
Because of this, I couldn't even get into the mystery, due to the fact that every time something happened, one or the other would show up, and then the second man would show up right afterward. Good way to ruin the mystery angle. Things like this actually dull my enjoyment of a book.
At any rate, when the ending comes and the murderer is revealed, it didn't really interest me anymore, and I didn't care about the reason why June was killed. Sorry to say it, but it is what it is.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
Then June's daughter visited Addie at the bookstore, giving her a box of her mother's things that contain an old treasure map. Addie's convinced that this is the reason June was murdered, and convinces Marc that this is the reason June was killed. Even if he disbelieves it, he wants to stay close to Addie, since Simon is going along with her theories. So the three set out to discover the truth, but someone wants her out of it for good...
This is the second book in the series, and I have to say that it greatly disappointed me. While I might have been interested in the mystery, two things that I absolutely detest occurred to stop it: the entrance of the 'evil nemesis,' in the form of Lacey; and the beginning of a love triangle. I absolutely abhor these things, and from what I can tell of future books, it doesn't get any better. I've quit reading other series because of this. There was no reason to bring in Simon, except to cause tension. I did like Marc; not so much Simon; and unfortunately, this will be my last book in the series. I'm not interested enough to continue because so much time is taken up with the 'will-she-or-won't-she' angle. Let me put it this way: if it were one man stringing along two women, people would think he's a dog, or worse. But for some reason it's fine if a female character does it? No thank you. Not for me.
Because of this, I couldn't even get into the mystery, due to the fact that every time something happened, one or the other would show up, and then the second man would show up right afterward. Good way to ruin the mystery angle. Things like this actually dull my enjoyment of a book.
At any rate, when the ending comes and the murderer is revealed, it didn't really interest me anymore, and I didn't care about the reason why June was killed. Sorry to say it, but it is what it is.
https://joannesbooks.blogspot.com/202...
March 30, 2024
I’ve read the first book of this series years ago and some of her later releases since then, but I wanted to catch up on the books I’ve missed . In this second book our sleuth Addie Greyborne is still settling in to her new book and curio shop in Grayborne Harbor. Then the librarian goes missing and turns up dead at the bottom of a steep staircase. Did she fall or was she pushed to her death? Marc’s jealous exgirlfriend returns and makes Addie’s life miserable. Addie’s new shop isn’t turning a profit and she wonders if it would be better to close it permanently.
This book just kept getting better and better . Kept me up late reading it and not wanting to put it down till tomorrow. There were a few edge of seat moments at the books ending. Makes for great reading. Will definitely be reading book three.
I recommend Prologue to Murder to readers of cozy mystery . I recommend reading the books in order but as I mentioned earlier in the review that I read them out of order and didn’t feel lost in the story.
I borrowed a copy from Hoopla Library App.
This book just kept getting better and better . Kept me up late reading it and not wanting to put it down till tomorrow. There were a few edge of seat moments at the books ending. Makes for great reading. Will definitely be reading book three.
I recommend Prologue to Murder to readers of cozy mystery . I recommend reading the books in order but as I mentioned earlier in the review that I read them out of order and didn’t feel lost in the story.
I borrowed a copy from Hoopla Library App.
May 26, 2019
Book 2 in the series.
This series should be fun, but I didn't enjoy this one very much. The townspeople are nasty, the boyfriend is a dope, and throw in a love triangle and it's not at all my thing. It seemed a little slow as well, with too much catty junior high school type crap going on throughout.
I think I am done with this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
This series should be fun, but I didn't enjoy this one very much. The townspeople are nasty, the boyfriend is a dope, and throw in a love triangle and it's not at all my thing. It seemed a little slow as well, with too much catty junior high school type crap going on throughout.
I think I am done with this series.
*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*
May 20, 2021
This second installment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore mysteries was fun and full of all the clues and red herrings you could want! I haven’t read this series in order, but that has not lessened my enjoyment in the least. I love Addy and the cast of characters in this world Lauren Elliott has created. I do think in these early volumes that peoples’ emotions and relationships change a bit more rapidly than feels realistic, but the development into those characters is continuous through the whole series.
In this adventure Addy is relieved to have solved the case and cleared her name only to find that the new gossip columnist is not so subtly hinting that she’s been involved in another murder. To add to her difficulties a woman named Lacey has returned and seems dead set on turning all of Addy’s closest allies against her. Addy doesn’t have any other choice but to try to figure out who killed June, and it helps that June was a historian and author. Addy may love the mystery but when she is seen on the case someone clearly isn’t happy.
In this adventure Addy is relieved to have solved the case and cleared her name only to find that the new gossip columnist is not so subtly hinting that she’s been involved in another murder. To add to her difficulties a woman named Lacey has returned and seems dead set on turning all of Addy’s closest allies against her. Addy doesn’t have any other choice but to try to figure out who killed June, and it helps that June was a historian and author. Addy may love the mystery but when she is seen on the case someone clearly isn’t happy.
March 5, 2019
Do you like privates, hidden treasure, romantic history, curses, and feuds? The second installment of this series has all of the themes mention to make for an exciting story. The cover invites you to read it. Beyond The Page Bookstore second book is hard to date, anything from 3 to 4 stars would be correct. I finally settled on 3 1/2 stars and round it off to 3 stars. I felt the flow of writing of the writing was often interrupted due to the addition of many new characters. A love triangle has been added plus a new enemy and a coroner are added.
Addie Greystone's problems with negative reports on her including a next door shopkeeper. The local newspaper is reporting untrue information about her in its gossip columns. She Learned that 300 years ago a Davenport convicted of privacy curses an ancestor of the Gr eystone's family at is hanging. It started a feud between the two family groups. A book about the privates who used the cove for safety is missing. The author of the book is found in one of the underground tunnels they used. The tunnels have been closed for a number of years for safety reasons. Abbie feels she must investigate to clear her family name. It is unclear what is the cause of the death of the author. Addie needs an answer before she disappears in a tunnel. I recommend this book
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
Addie Greystone's problems with negative reports on her including a next door shopkeeper. The local newspaper is reporting untrue information about her in its gossip columns. She Learned that 300 years ago a Davenport convicted of privacy curses an ancestor of the Gr eystone's family at is hanging. It started a feud between the two family groups. A book about the privates who used the cove for safety is missing. The author of the book is found in one of the underground tunnels they used. The tunnels have been closed for a number of years for safety reasons. Abbie feels she must investigate to clear her family name. It is unclear what is the cause of the death of the author. Addie needs an answer before she disappears in a tunnel. I recommend this book
Disclosure: Thanks to Kensington Books for a copy through NetGalley. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 2, 2019
This is the second book in the new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series and I think readers will enjoy this installment. Addie is a likable protagonist. She is independent, smart and a bit stubborn. Unfortunately, there are still those in the town holding on to their suspicion from the first book and the fact that Addie finds herself as the subject of the towns newspaper gossip columnist doesn't help. The plot is well paced and I liked the pirate/buried treasure theme. There were a good handful of suspects to choose from and the author does a good job of laying out clues in a way that makes each of them a viable suspect. I was a bit surprised at the killer's identity because I did fall for some red herrings laid out by the author. The only criticism I have of the books is the potential lovers triangle. I am not a fan of that story ARC and would hope that the author resolves is soon.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author.
March 14, 2019
Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott is the second book in this new cozy series and it definitely hit all the right notes for a fun afternoon read.
Addie Greyborne is a very likable character and I admire her independence and persistence in helping the police to track down the person who murdered the town librarian. Her research skills and eye for details brings a lot of clues to the case for the police chief to consider. Historic family feuds, pirate treasure, and a lost original manuscript are only some of the research Addie has to do in this well woven mystery. The plot is smoothly paced with clues, red herrings and several suspects to be considered while reading the book. Unfortunately, there does seem to be a possibility of a "romantic triangle" in Addie's future which I am not a fan of in cozy mysteries.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Addie Greyborne is a very likable character and I admire her independence and persistence in helping the police to track down the person who murdered the town librarian. Her research skills and eye for details brings a lot of clues to the case for the police chief to consider. Historic family feuds, pirate treasure, and a lost original manuscript are only some of the research Addie has to do in this well woven mystery. The plot is smoothly paced with clues, red herrings and several suspects to be considered while reading the book. Unfortunately, there does seem to be a possibility of a "romantic triangle" in Addie's future which I am not a fan of in cozy mysteries.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
November 24, 2019
Prologue to Murder was an enjoyable read with a solid mystery surrounding pirates, buried treasure, and a hidden manuscript.
Miss Newsy, the gossip columnist at the local paper, is stirring up trouble for Addie Greyborne after she accuses Addie of having something to do with local librarian June Winslow going missing. And after June’s body is found in an underground tunnel in town, Addie is accused by the columnist of being involved in June’s death. Determined to once again clear her name, Addie begins looking into June’s death which in a surprising turn of events leads to legends of buried treasure in town.
The mystery in this book was incredibly well done with several surprising twists and turns. Upon looking into June’s death, Addie discovers the woman wrote a book about local history and legends. After learning the town council blocked certain sections of the book from being published, Addie sets out to uncover the original manuscript. I enjoyed Addie’s quest to find the manuscript and the inclusion of pirates just made everything more exciting. Addie’s murder board returns in this book and I like how Addie uses it to work through her ideas. I thought the reveal of June’s killer was well done and I was surprised by a few things we found out. I definitely think the mysteries in the series are the best part of the books.
Addie is where I had a few problems with this book. I enjoy her love of books and her investigative techniques are fun to follow along with. I mean who wouldn’t want to go to a pirate museum for research? But unfortunately I don’t like how wishy washy Addie is when it comes to keeping her promises. Rather than state her intentions from the start, Addie likes to find creative ways around her promises so she can do what she wants. I think I mainly have an issue with it because her love interest, Marc, is the police chief and so she lies to his face on numerous occasions. I’m hoping this is something Addie works on in future books as it’s a character flaw I can’t seem to get past.
As to the side characters, I was happy we got a bit of background on Martha, the owner of the bakery next to Addie’s shop, that helped shed some light on why she dislikes Addie so much. Knowing her reasoning, even if I found it to be flawed, was infinitely better than her simply hating Addie on sight as was the case in the first book. Addie and Serena’s friendship hits a few bumps in this book, but I was happy to see the pair actually communicate and work things out. A new character, Simon, is introduced and it’s clear right away that he is another love interest for Addie which sets up a love triangle between Addie, Marc, and Simon. Ultimately I found the love triangle to be tiresome and I’m hoping it’s not going to be an ongoing thing throughout the series.
Overall I ended up having the same issues with Prologue to Murder as I did with the first book in the series, but the mysteries in these books are fantastic enough to keep me reading.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Miss Newsy, the gossip columnist at the local paper, is stirring up trouble for Addie Greyborne after she accuses Addie of having something to do with local librarian June Winslow going missing. And after June’s body is found in an underground tunnel in town, Addie is accused by the columnist of being involved in June’s death. Determined to once again clear her name, Addie begins looking into June’s death which in a surprising turn of events leads to legends of buried treasure in town.
The mystery in this book was incredibly well done with several surprising twists and turns. Upon looking into June’s death, Addie discovers the woman wrote a book about local history and legends. After learning the town council blocked certain sections of the book from being published, Addie sets out to uncover the original manuscript. I enjoyed Addie’s quest to find the manuscript and the inclusion of pirates just made everything more exciting. Addie’s murder board returns in this book and I like how Addie uses it to work through her ideas. I thought the reveal of June’s killer was well done and I was surprised by a few things we found out. I definitely think the mysteries in the series are the best part of the books.
Addie is where I had a few problems with this book. I enjoy her love of books and her investigative techniques are fun to follow along with. I mean who wouldn’t want to go to a pirate museum for research? But unfortunately I don’t like how wishy washy Addie is when it comes to keeping her promises. Rather than state her intentions from the start, Addie likes to find creative ways around her promises so she can do what she wants. I think I mainly have an issue with it because her love interest, Marc, is the police chief and so she lies to his face on numerous occasions. I’m hoping this is something Addie works on in future books as it’s a character flaw I can’t seem to get past.
As to the side characters, I was happy we got a bit of background on Martha, the owner of the bakery next to Addie’s shop, that helped shed some light on why she dislikes Addie so much. Knowing her reasoning, even if I found it to be flawed, was infinitely better than her simply hating Addie on sight as was the case in the first book. Addie and Serena’s friendship hits a few bumps in this book, but I was happy to see the pair actually communicate and work things out. A new character, Simon, is introduced and it’s clear right away that he is another love interest for Addie which sets up a love triangle between Addie, Marc, and Simon. Ultimately I found the love triangle to be tiresome and I’m hoping it’s not going to be an ongoing thing throughout the series.
Overall I ended up having the same issues with Prologue to Murder as I did with the first book in the series, but the mysteries in these books are fantastic enough to keep me reading.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
May 16, 2019
My Rating: 3.5 Stars
Addie Greyborne finds herself dead smack in the middle of a gossip column when a "Miss Newsy" points the finger at her after the town's librarian, June Winslow, disappears after a book club meeting. Shockingly, soon after Ms. Winslow is found dead. It is actually a blessing that Addie is involved with the police chief, Marc, or else she just might be in more hot water than she already is.
The gossip has hurt her and her business. Meanwhile a reporter breezes into town. This reporter seems dead set on creating problems for Addie right from the outset. Addie really wants two things: to find Ms. Winslow's murderer, and for business to pick back up. Her skills as a keen researcher come in handy as never before.
Addie begins digging deep and clues lead her to a book June once published. However, the deeper she digs, the more danger she finds herself into. Before moving to the small town, Addie worked for the Boston Public Library and was an exceptional researcher. It is these very skills that will help her now.
I read the first book in this series, Murder by the Book, and enjoyed it a bit better. This read was pleasant, but there were some conflicts that I felt got in the way of the story. Nonetheless, I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Murder in the First Edition, when it is released in September.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Addie Greyborne finds herself dead smack in the middle of a gossip column when a "Miss Newsy" points the finger at her after the town's librarian, June Winslow, disappears after a book club meeting. Shockingly, soon after Ms. Winslow is found dead. It is actually a blessing that Addie is involved with the police chief, Marc, or else she just might be in more hot water than she already is.
The gossip has hurt her and her business. Meanwhile a reporter breezes into town. This reporter seems dead set on creating problems for Addie right from the outset. Addie really wants two things: to find Ms. Winslow's murderer, and for business to pick back up. Her skills as a keen researcher come in handy as never before.
Addie begins digging deep and clues lead her to a book June once published. However, the deeper she digs, the more danger she finds herself into. Before moving to the small town, Addie worked for the Boston Public Library and was an exceptional researcher. It is these very skills that will help her now.
I read the first book in this series, Murder by the Book, and enjoyed it a bit better. This read was pleasant, but there were some conflicts that I felt got in the way of the story. Nonetheless, I look forward to reading the next book in the series, Murder in the First Edition, when it is released in September.
Many thanks to Kensington and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
May 10, 2019
After reading the Blurb, I picked up this book not knowing it was part of the series. This was book 2 of Page Bookstore Mystery. The main character Addie had inherited a bookstore after coming back home.
Some of the townspeople didn't like her and after solving the first murder mystery, she was further disliked. One such person was the newspaper journalist. When librarian June was found dead in the tunnel, fingers were pointed at Addie. She had to solve the murder and prove herself innocent with the help of her boyfriend police chief Marc.
The plot was fun with a lot of twists, the author Lauren Elliott had placed red herrings at strategic points. I liked Addie, she was bold and intelligent. I was not very sure about Marc, he wasn't shown very intelligent. There was a love triangle shown too which I didn't like. The pace was slow, I skim read some parts to get to the bottom of the murder
Overall a good but slow read
Some of the townspeople didn't like her and after solving the first murder mystery, she was further disliked. One such person was the newspaper journalist. When librarian June was found dead in the tunnel, fingers were pointed at Addie. She had to solve the murder and prove herself innocent with the help of her boyfriend police chief Marc.
The plot was fun with a lot of twists, the author Lauren Elliott had placed red herrings at strategic points. I liked Addie, she was bold and intelligent. I was not very sure about Marc, he wasn't shown very intelligent. There was a love triangle shown too which I didn't like. The pace was slow, I skim read some parts to get to the bottom of the murder
Overall a good but slow read
April 23, 2019
Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott is the 2nd book in Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. Addie Greyborne was a librarian at the Boston Public Library, working with rare books. After her fiance was murdered, and her father was killed in a car accident Addie is now living in a small town in New England where she inherited a mansion, Greyborne Manor, from her great aunt. With all the books left in her aunt's home she was able to open her own bookstore. Addie makes quick friends with Serena, who owns a tea shop next door and her brother Marc who is the Chef of Police. Someone is out to get Addie by writing lies about her in the newspaper's gossip column, which leads to a dead body. On top of that Marc's ex fiance, Lacy, is back and determined to win him back. Addie is determined to get to the truth, and keep her bookstore going. I enjoyed this cute book, with all the twists and turns, and I can not wait for the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I recommend this book.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Kensington Publishing. Thank you.
July 8, 2019
Mystery--quite good; characters--cliched and/or annoying; plot--dropped threads, unfulfilled expectations.
The back cover blurb worked to get me to pick this up at my local library. However, once I began reading, the cliched, over-the-top romantic rival of the heroine set my teeth on edge. This character's machinations set up an expectation that is never fulfilled. It's a major disappointment at the end of the book that justice isn't served there. Next, the heroine, who knows better, and shows us that she knows better earlier in the book, displays TSTL (too stupid to live) tendencies in the climax. Finally, while the mystery is quite good, the romance angle doesn't blend seamlessly into the suspense plot but seems to interrupt it. Ultimately, the heroine seems to be victimized rather needlessly in relation to the actual criminal activity, but the author uses that tool to justify the heroine's need to investigate. (If they'd left her alone, they might have gotten away with it.)
The back cover blurb worked to get me to pick this up at my local library. However, once I began reading, the cliched, over-the-top romantic rival of the heroine set my teeth on edge. This character's machinations set up an expectation that is never fulfilled. It's a major disappointment at the end of the book that justice isn't served there. Next, the heroine, who knows better, and shows us that she knows better earlier in the book, displays TSTL (too stupid to live) tendencies in the climax. Finally, while the mystery is quite good, the romance angle doesn't blend seamlessly into the suspense plot but seems to interrupt it. Ultimately, the heroine seems to be victimized rather needlessly in relation to the actual criminal activity, but the author uses that tool to justify the heroine's need to investigate. (If they'd left her alone, they might have gotten away with it.)
June 18, 2019
A gossip columnist says that Addie may be the reason Librarian June doesn’t make it home and later June’s body is found. Addie is dating the chief of police but a reporter from LA is trying to split them up. So with her romance in question and the town people mad at her she gets involved in trying to solve the case. She thinks the answer is in a book that June wrote on the town and tries to find out why the town tried to suppress part of the book.
May 11, 2023
Now I remember why I didn’t like book one, Addie is just not likeable at all
April 23, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book.
This is the second book in the series, but it's already heating up to be a favorite! Of course I love books about books; what reader doesn't? and this one is all about pirates and lost treasure. I did knock it down a star because I felt like the actual mystery wasn't up to snuff; I found the eventual reasoning to be a bit stupid, honestly. Also, I despise love triangles, and that is where this is headed unfortunately :/ Boo.
BUT I did like the friendships, the small town vibe and the writing. I think a different mystery would need to be read so I can properly appreciate this as a series. Just because this mystery was a little off doesn't mean they all will be, so I'll give this a chance. The things I did enjoy, I did so immensely, so there is that to pull me forward.
Hoping to see a little more next time. Four stars.
This is the second book in the series, but it's already heating up to be a favorite! Of course I love books about books; what reader doesn't? and this one is all about pirates and lost treasure. I did knock it down a star because I felt like the actual mystery wasn't up to snuff; I found the eventual reasoning to be a bit stupid, honestly. Also, I despise love triangles, and that is where this is headed unfortunately :/ Boo.
BUT I did like the friendships, the small town vibe and the writing. I think a different mystery would need to be read so I can properly appreciate this as a series. Just because this mystery was a little off doesn't mean they all will be, so I'll give this a chance. The things I did enjoy, I did so immensely, so there is that to pull me forward.
Hoping to see a little more next time. Four stars.
March 15, 2019
When Addie Greybourne, proprietor of a bookstore in Greybourne Harbor, learns that town librarian, June, has been murdered, there are some shady insinuations about Addie's possible involvement by a mysterious columnist who is referred to as "Miss Newsy." Did June find out something about the town's legendary tunnels, and hidden pirate treasure? Who would want her silenced? I don't think I'd want to reside in Greybourne Harbor, where the police get a search warrant based only on an anonymous tip, someone gets away with stealing money from a local business and no one reports it, and a gossipy local newspaper freely libels a resident.
September 10, 2021
I think I enjoyed book 2 more than book 1. I didn't want to put it down, I was totally sucked in. I like Addie & her friend Serena. I feel like the conflict between friends is very relatable. There is a little bit of a love triangle starting, so I am curious to see how that pans out. Like the first book, I had no idea who the killer was and I enjoyed watching the puzzle pieces fall into place.
April 26, 2019
Prologue To Murder is the second book in the Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery series.
Addie Greyborne has recently returned to Greyborne Harbor and still experiencing some of the resident’s displeasure with her return, even so, her recently opened bookstore is doing reasonably well until the disappearance of Jane Winslow, the town’s librarian. Miss Newsy, the gossip columnist of the local newspaper, suggests that Addie wants the librarian’s job and that she might know something about Winslow disappearance. When the body of Winslow is found, Miss Newsy suggests that Addie might have had the one to end Winslow’s life.
Greyborne Harbor is getting ready to celebrate Pirate Days and before Winslow’s body was found, her daughter had brought to Addie her mother notes for the book she had been writing on pirates of the area and the possibility of treasures that might have been buried in the area. When Addie begins to review the notes she finds that only two city officials had read the manuscript and they had refused to fund additional research by Winslow. This raises a flag for Addie and she suspects that Winslow had found some information that points to some valuable treasure might just exist. When Winslow’s notes are stolen, Addie is sure that her book was the reason for her murder. Hopefully, she will find the missing link before the killer makes her the next victim.
Addie romantic life is also in turmoil and is also causing her friendship with Serena, who owns a tea shop near Addie’s bookstore. Addie has been dating the police chief, Marc Chandler, but when his former girlfriend, Lacy returns to town and makes it clear she will do anything to win back his affection. Serena has welcomed back Lacey but at the same time tells Addie she has nothing to worry about Marc taking up with Lacey again. Then when Simon, a new ER trauma surgeon arrives in town and expresses romantic interests in Addie, she is not sure where her romantic interest might lie.
This is another well written and told story from Miss Elliott. I really like the characters in the book, as they are all very interesting and believable.
I am looking forward to the next book, Murder In The First Edition, due in September.
Addie Greyborne has recently returned to Greyborne Harbor and still experiencing some of the resident’s displeasure with her return, even so, her recently opened bookstore is doing reasonably well until the disappearance of Jane Winslow, the town’s librarian. Miss Newsy, the gossip columnist of the local newspaper, suggests that Addie wants the librarian’s job and that she might know something about Winslow disappearance. When the body of Winslow is found, Miss Newsy suggests that Addie might have had the one to end Winslow’s life.
Greyborne Harbor is getting ready to celebrate Pirate Days and before Winslow’s body was found, her daughter had brought to Addie her mother notes for the book she had been writing on pirates of the area and the possibility of treasures that might have been buried in the area. When Addie begins to review the notes she finds that only two city officials had read the manuscript and they had refused to fund additional research by Winslow. This raises a flag for Addie and she suspects that Winslow had found some information that points to some valuable treasure might just exist. When Winslow’s notes are stolen, Addie is sure that her book was the reason for her murder. Hopefully, she will find the missing link before the killer makes her the next victim.
Addie romantic life is also in turmoil and is also causing her friendship with Serena, who owns a tea shop near Addie’s bookstore. Addie has been dating the police chief, Marc Chandler, but when his former girlfriend, Lacy returns to town and makes it clear she will do anything to win back his affection. Serena has welcomed back Lacey but at the same time tells Addie she has nothing to worry about Marc taking up with Lacey again. Then when Simon, a new ER trauma surgeon arrives in town and expresses romantic interests in Addie, she is not sure where her romantic interest might lie.
This is another well written and told story from Miss Elliott. I really like the characters in the book, as they are all very interesting and believable.
I am looking forward to the next book, Murder In The First Edition, due in September.
July 16, 2021
I love this series! Book 2 of the Beyond the Page mysteries is another trip through Greyborne Manor. Another murder to solve for amateur sleuth Addie Greborne. Can she figure it out before she becomes one of the victim’s?
Lauren Elliott has written a fun and easy to read mystery that will keep your attention and keep you reading.
I love cozy mysteries and this is quickly becoming one of my new favorites.
Lauren Elliott has written a fun and easy to read mystery that will keep your attention and keep you reading.
I love cozy mysteries and this is quickly becoming one of my new favorites.
May 31, 2019
Books, pirate legends and murder! What’s not to love in this bookstore-related cozy. Addison Greyborne has settled back in her hometown of Greyborne Harbor and is looking forward to the Founder’s Day celebration. Unfortunately, the local newspaper columnist certainly has it in for Addie, the owner of Beyond the Page Bookstore and Curio Shop which specializes in rare and used books. When the head librarian is reported missing by “Miss Newsy”, she begins to point the finger in Addie’s direction stating that Addie had the most to gain. With Addie’s background in Library Science as well as dealing with rare books, the townspeople begin to have their suspicions about Addie.
I really enjoyed this second installment of this series. As we learn more about Addie (our clever protagonist), we start to see what drives her to solving this murder, as well as, another glimpse at her tragic past. One by one the pieces come together.
Once again, Ms. Elliott sweeps us up in an intriguing plot with numerous suspects. Red herrings abound in this story as you try to figure out who was the suspect that murdered the librarian. I would to thank the author, and NetGalley, and Kensington for the opportunity to review this book.
I really enjoyed this second installment of this series. As we learn more about Addie (our clever protagonist), we start to see what drives her to solving this murder, as well as, another glimpse at her tragic past. One by one the pieces come together.
Once again, Ms. Elliott sweeps us up in an intriguing plot with numerous suspects. Red herrings abound in this story as you try to figure out who was the suspect that murdered the librarian. I would to thank the author, and NetGalley, and Kensington for the opportunity to review this book.
November 18, 2019
4 stelle scarse
Il primo libro della serie mi era piaciuto molto, questo è stato in parte una delusione. Non per la storia gialla in sè, che era interessante e il cui colpevole mi ha colto di sorpresa, ma per il fatto che l'autrice ha cercato di aggiungere un po' di pepe alla vita della protagonista, come se non bastasse il fatto che metà cittadina la vede ancora come una "straniera". E cosa ha usato a questo scopo? Ma un bel (si fa per dire) triangolo amoroso! Ora, io odio in partenza questo tipo di escamotage, soprattutto quando va per le lunghe (come temo accadrà in questa serie...), ma in questo caso l'autrice ha veramente esagerato perché, almeno all'inizio, era così complicato che coinvolgeva ben 5 persone (più il fantasma del fidanzato defunto della protagonista...) che, chi prima e chi poi, chi più e chi meno, alla fine hanno tutte mostrato dei comportamenti da ragazzini del liceo e non certo da persone mature e con professioni di una certo calibro. Non parliamo poi della giornalista che si inventa le notizie per i suoi motivi personali e che, alla fine, la fa franca: capisco che nella vita reale ciò potrebbe accadere, ma almeno nella finzione voglio credere che venga punita...
Il primo libro della serie mi era piaciuto molto, questo è stato in parte una delusione. Non per la storia gialla in sè, che era interessante e il cui colpevole mi ha colto di sorpresa, ma per il fatto che l'autrice ha cercato di aggiungere un po' di pepe alla vita della protagonista, come se non bastasse il fatto che metà cittadina la vede ancora come una "straniera". E cosa ha usato a questo scopo? Ma un bel (si fa per dire) triangolo amoroso! Ora, io odio in partenza questo tipo di escamotage, soprattutto quando va per le lunghe (come temo accadrà in questa serie...), ma in questo caso l'autrice ha veramente esagerato perché, almeno all'inizio, era così complicato che coinvolgeva ben 5 persone (più il fantasma del fidanzato defunto della protagonista...) che, chi prima e chi poi, chi più e chi meno, alla fine hanno tutte mostrato dei comportamenti da ragazzini del liceo e non certo da persone mature e con professioni di una certo calibro. Non parliamo poi della giornalista che si inventa le notizie per i suoi motivi personali e che, alla fine, la fa franca: capisco che nella vita reale ciò potrebbe accadere, ma almeno nella finzione voglio credere che venga punita...
June 28, 2019
This is the second book in the Beyond the Page Bookshop series. I couldn’t put it down...I had to know what happened to June, the Head Librarian. This is one of my favorite books of 2019 (so far).
June 13, 2019
Addison Greybourne has been cleared of ties to a Boston crime syndicate and is eager to finally become a part of the community her ancestor founded 300 years ago. What better time to do it than Founder's Day? Addie is interested in learning more about the town's history but according to a newspaper column by a "Miss Newsy," the local librarian has disappeared and Addie has something to do with it! Addie is incensed at the lies and ready to sue but alas, the gossip column is a longstanding tradition in town. To make matters worse, Marc's ex-fiance shows up in town to claim her rights to him by cozying up to Serena. Lacey seems to have it out for Addie and Addie isn't sure how she feels about Marc but she isn't going to lose him to someone as nasty as Lacey. Then June, the librarian, turns up dead in a utility shed and Addie becomes the chief suspect in the eyes of the locals who read Miss Newsy. Addie is determined to figure out what happened to June and prove Miss Newsy wrong. The more Addie learns about June's research into the town's history, the more Addie is convinced that June stumbled across something important someone didn't want her sharing with the world. Addie enlists the aid of her assistant Paige and a new friend (or is he more?) to help her solve the mystery.
I really liked the premise of this book. Being a researcher myself, I like the way Addie thinks. Unfortunately that means I found the plot super predictable. I knew why June was killed in a broad sense but what she found was at least a mystery. It was rather far fetched and silly. While I liked learning about the town's history, I've lived in New England my whole life and I've never heard anything so outlandish! I do know there were pirates in New England and I have heard Blackbeard's treasure may be located off the coast or on an island somewhere, but I consider that part of the legend a tall tale. Even so, I was eager to read June's book and her major research source. I did not like how Addie treated her inheritance so cavalierly. If I inherited an attic of books that would have been the first thing I looked at after moving in and done an inventory. I'd be over the moon excited and certainly not go around randomly promising to give away the books or stocking my store shelf with them! As a researcher, she should have been more excited about those books.
The cozy part of the book was also not that appealing. A new love interest is introduced for Addie along with the rivalry with Lacey. I really don't like love triangles and I kept mentally screaming at Addie and Marc to talk to each other! When they finally do, he doesn't give her a chance to talk about her feelings. She's confused because she thought David was IT and now he's dead and she's attracted to another man. What does that mean about her true feelings for David? Can there be more than one love for a person? Does she want to pursue a relationship with Marc? He is clearly in love with her and a very sweet guy to boot. Simon pinged my danger radar and I mistrust him. He comes on too strong to Addie and is too rude to Serena. Then there's the rivalry with Lacey. I hate women like that and Lacey just grated on my nerves. How old is Serena that she is not yet a good judge of character? Why do all the older women adore Lacey too when it's obvious what a witch she is? All the women in this town are apparently [not w] *itches too. Being a New Englander, I get the mistrust of strangers but has Lacey done anything to warrant adoration? Has Addie done anything to make people mistrust her? No and No.
Serena is an innocent hippie chick who once again gets drawn into the murder mystery just because she blends herbs TO MAKE TEA PEOPLE! Yes apparently she's the only source for tea in town and if the tea just so happens to contain poisons, she's automatically a suspect. Really? Ever heard of reusing bags and ever heard of the internet? I don't like Serena's flirtatious nature. She annoys me with her antics and she apparently annoys men too. The resolution to her drama is too quick and easy.
Other characters important to the novel are June's daughter Jeanie. Her very name kept confusing me. The author should have gone with something different from her mother's similar sounding name. Jeanie is either up to something, shockingly naive or really dumb. I don't trust her or her "boyfriend." Again, people, Google is your friend and the relationship is weird. June's frenemy Dorothy is a nice, old lady who shared June's passion for the town history but something happened to cause a falling out. Both sound like stubborn old ladies who had different ideas about how to run the library and historical society. Lacey's brother Dean appears late in the novel and only briefly but he's a major part of the plot even when he isn't seen. I can't decide if he's an idiot and a tool plus lazy or if he's devious and clever. Everyone seems to think he's an idiot but he can't be that dumb. Simon seems to be a family man but why does he talk about Addie with his sister so much? I don't like Carolyn because she should not be gossipping since she works at the police station
The plot is pretty predictable by cozy mystery standards. I still stayed up too late reading and was surprised by a plot twist. The author needs to work on her writing skills a bit. She focuses too much on how people look. I don't need to be told every time Paige appears that she has blond, curly hair, etc.
I'm not sure yet if I want to read the third book in the series.
https://www.discoverpirates.com/
http://www.piratemuseum.com/pirate.html
It's a real book!
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40580/...
I really liked the premise of this book. Being a researcher myself, I like the way Addie thinks. Unfortunately that means I found the plot super predictable. I knew why June was killed in a broad sense but what she found was at least a mystery. It was rather far fetched and silly. While I liked learning about the town's history, I've lived in New England my whole life and I've never heard anything so outlandish! I do know there were pirates in New England and I have heard Blackbeard's treasure may be located off the coast or on an island somewhere, but I consider that part of the legend a tall tale. Even so, I was eager to read June's book and her major research source. I did not like how Addie treated her inheritance so cavalierly. If I inherited an attic of books that would have been the first thing I looked at after moving in and done an inventory. I'd be over the moon excited and certainly not go around randomly promising to give away the books or stocking my store shelf with them! As a researcher, she should have been more excited about those books.
The cozy part of the book was also not that appealing. A new love interest is introduced for Addie along with the rivalry with Lacey. I really don't like love triangles and I kept mentally screaming at Addie and Marc to talk to each other! When they finally do, he doesn't give her a chance to talk about her feelings. She's confused because she thought David was IT and now he's dead and she's attracted to another man. What does that mean about her true feelings for David? Can there be more than one love for a person? Does she want to pursue a relationship with Marc? He is clearly in love with her and a very sweet guy to boot. Simon pinged my danger radar and I mistrust him. He comes on too strong to Addie and is too rude to Serena. Then there's the rivalry with Lacey. I hate women like that and Lacey just grated on my nerves. How old is Serena that she is not yet a good judge of character? Why do all the older women adore Lacey too when it's obvious what a witch she is? All the women in this town are apparently [not w] *itches too. Being a New Englander, I get the mistrust of strangers but has Lacey done anything to warrant adoration? Has Addie done anything to make people mistrust her? No and No.
Serena is an innocent hippie chick who once again gets drawn into the murder mystery just because she blends herbs TO MAKE TEA PEOPLE! Yes apparently she's the only source for tea in town and if the tea just so happens to contain poisons, she's automatically a suspect. Really? Ever heard of reusing bags and ever heard of the internet? I don't like Serena's flirtatious nature. She annoys me with her antics and she apparently annoys men too. The resolution to her drama is too quick and easy.
Other characters important to the novel are June's daughter Jeanie. Her very name kept confusing me. The author should have gone with something different from her mother's similar sounding name. Jeanie is either up to something, shockingly naive or really dumb. I don't trust her or her "boyfriend." Again, people, Google is your friend and the relationship is weird. June's frenemy Dorothy is a nice, old lady who shared June's passion for the town history but something happened to cause a falling out. Both sound like stubborn old ladies who had different ideas about how to run the library and historical society. Lacey's brother Dean appears late in the novel and only briefly but he's a major part of the plot even when he isn't seen. I can't decide if he's an idiot and a tool plus lazy or if he's devious and clever. Everyone seems to think he's an idiot but he can't be that dumb. Simon seems to be a family man but why does he talk about Addie with his sister so much? I don't like Carolyn because she should not be gossipping since she works at the police station
The plot is pretty predictable by cozy mystery standards. I still stayed up too late reading and was surprised by a plot twist. The author needs to work on her writing skills a bit. She focuses too much on how people look. I don't need to be told every time Paige appears that she has blond, curly hair, etc.
I'm not sure yet if I want to read the third book in the series.
https://www.discoverpirates.com/
http://www.piratemuseum.com/pirate.html
It's a real book!
http://www.gutenberg.org/files/40580/...
March 28, 2019
The action in this second Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery is quite lively as Addie deals with almost libelous statements in the local newspaper’s gossip column, an old flame coming on to Police Chief Marc Chandler and meeting a new resident, Dr. Simon Emerson, who wants to sleuth with Addie.
Seems the missing librarian, June Winslow, is found dead. Rumors are being spread that Addie may be a suspect. Then there’s June’s book about pirates and the fact that there are hidden tunnels under Greyborne that were used by pirates to stash their loot back in the day.
The red herrings and twists keep interest high. The characters relatable, relationships and dialogue realistic, and the pace strong and steady. Lauren Elliott writes a compelling sequel that is a delightfully fun read. Hope number three is coming soon.
Seems the missing librarian, June Winslow, is found dead. Rumors are being spread that Addie may be a suspect. Then there’s June’s book about pirates and the fact that there are hidden tunnels under Greyborne that were used by pirates to stash their loot back in the day.
The red herrings and twists keep interest high. The characters relatable, relationships and dialogue realistic, and the pace strong and steady. Lauren Elliott writes a compelling sequel that is a delightfully fun read. Hope number three is coming soon.
March 13, 2019
Appealing ~ Relaxing ~ Romantic
tl;dr: loving books can hurt
While this is the second in the series, it was new to me. Picking up mid-series was no problem. Addie, bookstore owner / former librarian, is dating the chief of police and solving crimes. This is a cozy read for sure. And, it is clearly positioned to be about books for book lovers. But, it's also enjoyable. The writing is solid. The story isn't groundbreaking but will keep you turning the page. I liked this book and the characters. I would read more in the series, for sure.
3.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter |
tl;dr: loving books can hurt
While this is the second in the series, it was new to me. Picking up mid-series was no problem. Addie, bookstore owner / former librarian, is dating the chief of police and solving crimes. This is a cozy read for sure. And, it is clearly positioned to be about books for book lovers. But, it's also enjoyable. The writing is solid. The story isn't groundbreaking but will keep you turning the page. I liked this book and the characters. I would read more in the series, for sure.
3.5
Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Seema Rao Write : Instagram| Blog| Twitter |
August 28, 2019
Addy is back in amateur sleuth mode as she needs to figure out who is writing all the disparaging things about her in the newspaper and making it seem like she is once again a criminal in the eyes of her new neighbors. Not to mention a rival has set up shop in town to try and kick her out of the handsome Chief of Police's personal space! Great characters with a very strong development make for an excellent read as the plot takes you through all the various subplots and nuances to lead to a surprising ending! If you haven't read this series yet, you definitely need to as it is quite good. Even better the first 2 books are available via audio and the reader is fantastic!
June 15, 2019
This was an exciting cozy with pirate lore being a fun angle for the mystery. I enjoyed this book overall and enjoyed it more than the first in this set for sure. There were elements that drove me nuts, mainly the way Addie’s friends treated her for a big chunk of the book. My favorite thing about the story was the pirate stuff, that was fun. Looking forward to the next in this series.
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
I received this book from NetGalley and was not required to post a positive review. All thoughts are my own.
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