What do you think?
Rate this book
Bibliophile Mystery #13
The Book Supremacy
Newlyweds Brooklyn and Derek are enjoying the final days of their honeymoon in Paris. As they're browsing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect gift for Derek, a first edition James Bond novel, The Spy Who Loved Me. When they bump into Ned, an old friend from Derek's spy days, Brooklyn shows him her latest treasure.
Once they're back home in San Francisco, they visit a spy shop Ned mentioned. The owner begs them to let him display the book Brooklyn found in Paris as part of the shop's first anniversary celebration. Before they agree, Derek makes sure the security is up to snuff—turns out, the unassuming book is worth a great deal more than sentimental value.
Soon after, Derek is dismayed when he receives a mysterious letter from Paris announcing Ned's death. Then late one night, someone is killed inside the spy shop. Are the murders connected to Brooklyn's rare, pricey book? Is there something even more sinister afoot? Brooklyn and the spy who loves her will have to delve into the darkest parts of Derek's past to unmask an enemy who's been waiting for the chance to destroy everything they hold dear.
Once they're back home in San Francisco, they visit a spy shop Ned mentioned. The owner begs them to let him display the book Brooklyn found in Paris as part of the shop's first anniversary celebration. Before they agree, Derek makes sure the security is up to snuff—turns out, the unassuming book is worth a great deal more than sentimental value.
Soon after, Derek is dismayed when he receives a mysterious letter from Paris announcing Ned's death. Then late one night, someone is killed inside the spy shop. Are the murders connected to Brooklyn's rare, pricey book? Is there something even more sinister afoot? Brooklyn and the spy who loves her will have to delve into the darkest parts of Derek's past to unmask an enemy who's been waiting for the chance to destroy everything they hold dear.
322 pages, Hardcover
First published June 4, 2019
345 people are currently reading
4178 people want to read
About the author
Kate Carlisle
97 books2,817 followersGolden Heart and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author Kate Carlisle spent over twenty years working in television production as an Associate Director for game and variety shows, including The Midnight Special, Solid Gold and The Gong Show. She traveled the world as a Dating Game chaperone and performed strange acts of silliness on The Gong Show. She also studied acting and singing, toiled in vineyards, collected books, joined a commune, sold fried chicken, modeled spring fashions and worked for a cruise ship line, but it was the year she spent in law school that finally drove her to begin writing fiction. It seemed the safest way to kill off her professors. Those professors are breathing easier now that Kate spends most of her time writing near the beach in Southern California where she lives with her perfect husband.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews
February 1, 2025
The Book Supremacy is the 13th book in the Bibliophile Mysteries written by Kate Carlisle, an author whose Fixer-Upper Mysteries is one of my faves. I'm almost current in this one now, too, and looking forward to the latest release. In this installment, Brooklyn returns from her honeymoon with Derek, only to land smack in the middle of another homicide investigation. But she's a bookbinder, you note while stamping your foot... how can one woman find all these bodies? Truthfully, that's just part of this sub-genre, and you must look the other way. It's as much about each individual mystery as it is the on-going side stories for all the supporting characters. Just forget that the protagonist is a dead body magnet. The mystery in this one was a bit too light for me, but the rest of the book made up for it, hence the good rating. The first 50% of the pages were side story... then the murder happened, and you had to figure out how it connected to Paris, Derek's work troubles, and the new book Brooklyn discovered. The plot focused on a spy shop that contained several escape rooms. Totally fun! Learned a lot, got to meet a few new characters, and enjoyed a couple of days visiting Paris.
May 25, 2019
Delightful! It's been a long time since I've read a book with so many characters as engaging as these - starting with book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright. That probably won't come as a surprise to those who found her long ago - this is the 13th book in the series - but she's new to me. And for sure I'll be following her from now on.
The story begins as Brooklyn is with her newly minted hunky former spy husband, Derek, in Paris (she'd met him on a murder case, apparently a book or two ago. Turns out she loves Ian Fleming's James Bond books (another reason I love her), so while Derek chats with a friend they bumped into as they browsed street vendors, she finds and buys a first-edition copy of "The Spy Who Loved Me." As she joins Derek and Ned to show them the book, she spots a suspicious character wearing a hoodie; nothing bad happens, but Ned clearly is upset.
Back home in San Francisco, they visit with another of Derek's spy-days cohorts, Owen, who runs a shop called "Spectre" that sells all kinds spy-related things and manages several very popular escape rooms. There, she meets a group of young would-be writers, a couple of whom work at Spectre. Brooklyn also offers her newly purchased book for a display that might help boost Owen's business - and he snaps up the offer.
Owen then puts the book on display under lock and key. Not long after that, though, there's a break-in - and one of the young writers ends up dead (several items have been stolen, but thankfully, the book is safe). Derek gets a sad letter from Ned, who refers to a "list" in a "book." But what book? Could it be he's referring to Brooklyn's rare find and, if so, was it the real target of the break-in? Even more important, can Brooklyn and Derek figure out what's going on before someone else gets killed?
I can't give out the details, but I can say it was great fun learning the answers to those questions. For the record, I also enjoyed reading the details of Brooklyn's book-binding and restoration work, and the recipes at the end of the book sound yummy even though anything with more than three ingredients isn't likely to get made in my kitchen. Loved this one, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
The story begins as Brooklyn is with her newly minted hunky former spy husband, Derek, in Paris (she'd met him on a murder case, apparently a book or two ago. Turns out she loves Ian Fleming's James Bond books (another reason I love her), so while Derek chats with a friend they bumped into as they browsed street vendors, she finds and buys a first-edition copy of "The Spy Who Loved Me." As she joins Derek and Ned to show them the book, she spots a suspicious character wearing a hoodie; nothing bad happens, but Ned clearly is upset.
Back home in San Francisco, they visit with another of Derek's spy-days cohorts, Owen, who runs a shop called "Spectre" that sells all kinds spy-related things and manages several very popular escape rooms. There, she meets a group of young would-be writers, a couple of whom work at Spectre. Brooklyn also offers her newly purchased book for a display that might help boost Owen's business - and he snaps up the offer.
Owen then puts the book on display under lock and key. Not long after that, though, there's a break-in - and one of the young writers ends up dead (several items have been stolen, but thankfully, the book is safe). Derek gets a sad letter from Ned, who refers to a "list" in a "book." But what book? Could it be he's referring to Brooklyn's rare find and, if so, was it the real target of the break-in? Even more important, can Brooklyn and Derek figure out what's going on before someone else gets killed?
I can't give out the details, but I can say it was great fun learning the answers to those questions. For the record, I also enjoyed reading the details of Brooklyn's book-binding and restoration work, and the recipes at the end of the book sound yummy even though anything with more than three ingredients isn't likely to get made in my kitchen. Loved this one, and I heartily thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review an advance copy.
June 4, 2019
THE BOOK SUPREMACY is book number thirteen in the Bibliophile Mystery series. This is a series I've wanted to read for a long time (I love book-themed cozies), so I decided to just jump in with this latest installment.
Brooklyn Wainwright is a San Francisco-based book restorer, and she and new husband Derek are just starting married life after a romantic Paris honeymoon. Little did she know that a rare copy of The Spy Who Loved Me from a Paris street vendor would pull her into the world of international espionage.
I enjoyed the mystery in this book very much. It was interesting and multi-layered with a cast of intriguing characters. What began as a murder in a San Francisco spy shop turned out to be so much more. It did take some time for the action to get going, but once it did it was an exciting ride. Looking forward to catching up with Brooklyn & Derek's backstory in the previous books!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Brooklyn Wainwright is a San Francisco-based book restorer, and she and new husband Derek are just starting married life after a romantic Paris honeymoon. Little did she know that a rare copy of The Spy Who Loved Me from a Paris street vendor would pull her into the world of international espionage.
I enjoyed the mystery in this book very much. It was interesting and multi-layered with a cast of intriguing characters. What began as a murder in a San Francisco spy shop turned out to be so much more. It did take some time for the action to get going, but once it did it was an exciting ride. Looking forward to catching up with Brooklyn & Derek's backstory in the previous books!
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
June 23, 2019
A cozy mystery series based around old books and spies is a pretty hard-to-turn-down combination!With outstanding characters a film-like feel, readers will have a great time with this one!
About the Book
Brooklyn Wainwright and her new husband Derek are enjoying the last few days of their honeymoon in Paris experiencing the food, wine, and sites. While perusing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect wedding gift for her former-MI6 husband—a beautiful first edition copy of vintage James Bond novel The Spy Who Loved Me.
But soon after showing the book to Derek and an old colleague Ned who he bumped into on the street, Brooklyn notices a mysterious figure in a hooded sweatshirt watching them. Certain she is seeing things, Brooklyn does her best to put it out of her mind while they celebrate their last night in Paris.
Back in San Francisco, Brooklyn and Derek visit Owen, a former spy who has retired and opened a spy shop. For the celebration, Owen asks to display the first edition James Bond novel—with proper security in place, of course. The book turns out to be worth quite a lot more than Brooklyn paid for it!
When Derek receives a mysterious letter informing him of Ned’s sudden death, and a break-in at the spy shop results in murder, Brooklyn and Derek realize more may be going on than meets the eye. And the key to it all may lay in the vintage spy novel Brooklyn purchased. Now, they must solve the mystery before anyone else ends up dead!
Reflection
I had so much fun with this cozy mystery—it felt very movie-like, with a mix of the authentic core-cast characters and a few larger than life archetype characters.
From the first chapter where Brooklyn realizes that French Toast is probably not referred to by the same name when you are in France, to the conversation overheard by a group of people explaining how they would plan different murders (they are writers)—there are lots of funny moments that kept this feeling light despite the dead bodies!
Brooklyn and Derek are sweet together, and despite Derek’s obvious connection to this case, this very much felt like Brooklyn’s mystery. The book didn’t suffer from losing track of the mystery, though it did seem to take a bit for the action to pick up in the story. Once it did, this was quite exciting!
I really loved reading about Brooklyn’s work restoring the old books. I think every book lover will find the process and care that goes into piecing a book back together to be fascinating!
I’m guessing that if you are a fan of cozy mysteries, you won’t mind a bit of suspension of disbelief, and this mystery does ask for that a bit. It is so entertaining and it is grounded enough in reality to make it a fun read with great settings!
Also—fans of escape rooms and puzzles will find the spy shop escape room descriptions to be a lot of fun. I know I did!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
About the Book
Brooklyn Wainwright and her new husband Derek are enjoying the last few days of their honeymoon in Paris experiencing the food, wine, and sites. While perusing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect wedding gift for her former-MI6 husband—a beautiful first edition copy of vintage James Bond novel The Spy Who Loved Me.
But soon after showing the book to Derek and an old colleague Ned who he bumped into on the street, Brooklyn notices a mysterious figure in a hooded sweatshirt watching them. Certain she is seeing things, Brooklyn does her best to put it out of her mind while they celebrate their last night in Paris.
Back in San Francisco, Brooklyn and Derek visit Owen, a former spy who has retired and opened a spy shop. For the celebration, Owen asks to display the first edition James Bond novel—with proper security in place, of course. The book turns out to be worth quite a lot more than Brooklyn paid for it!
When Derek receives a mysterious letter informing him of Ned’s sudden death, and a break-in at the spy shop results in murder, Brooklyn and Derek realize more may be going on than meets the eye. And the key to it all may lay in the vintage spy novel Brooklyn purchased. Now, they must solve the mystery before anyone else ends up dead!
Reflection
I had so much fun with this cozy mystery—it felt very movie-like, with a mix of the authentic core-cast characters and a few larger than life archetype characters.
From the first chapter where Brooklyn realizes that French Toast is probably not referred to by the same name when you are in France, to the conversation overheard by a group of people explaining how they would plan different murders (they are writers)—there are lots of funny moments that kept this feeling light despite the dead bodies!
Brooklyn and Derek are sweet together, and despite Derek’s obvious connection to this case, this very much felt like Brooklyn’s mystery. The book didn’t suffer from losing track of the mystery, though it did seem to take a bit for the action to pick up in the story. Once it did, this was quite exciting!
I really loved reading about Brooklyn’s work restoring the old books. I think every book lover will find the process and care that goes into piecing a book back together to be fascinating!
I’m guessing that if you are a fan of cozy mysteries, you won’t mind a bit of suspension of disbelief, and this mystery does ask for that a bit. It is so entertaining and it is grounded enough in reality to make it a fun read with great settings!
Also—fans of escape rooms and puzzles will find the spy shop escape room descriptions to be a lot of fun. I know I did!
Thank you to Berkley for my copy. Opinions are my own.
November 13, 2021
Charming cozy mystery with well-developed primary characters and interesting secondary ones. Set in Paris and San Francisco, the descriptions are quite vivid including details of book preservation. Incorporating a unique spy shop added to the humorous dialogue and plot. An enjoyable read. Thanks to my local thrift shop for the free book.
June 10, 2019
This is the 13th book in the Bibliophile Mystery series by Kate Carlisle. In this latest addition to the series, Brooklyn and Derek are on their honeymoon when Brooklyn finds the perfect gift for Derek – a first edition James Bond spy novel. When they return home, they visit a spy shop owned and operated by an old friend of Derek. The shop is celebrating it’s first anniversary and the owner asks to display the spy novel. Being a spy shop, security is top notch, so Brooklyn and Derek loan out the book. Soon after it goes on display, someone attempts to steal it and commits murder in the process. Brooklyn is on the case to sleuth and discover who is after the book and why.
As mentioned, this book falls later in the series. I’ve only read the first book in this series, Homicide in Hardcover, so I’ve missed out on a good portion of the books. Anyway, this one was easy to follow and could be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this book and the first one in the series, so it’s a series on my list to go back and catch up on.
I love that this series focuses on books, and the main character, Brooklyn, is a bookbinder and interested in books both professionally and personally. A great series for book lovers who enjoy cozy reads. Likable characters, fun plot, and entertaining setting. Light and charming.
I received a free eARC of this book from Penguin’s First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
As mentioned, this book falls later in the series. I’ve only read the first book in this series, Homicide in Hardcover, so I’ve missed out on a good portion of the books. Anyway, this one was easy to follow and could be read as a standalone. I enjoyed this book and the first one in the series, so it’s a series on my list to go back and catch up on.
I love that this series focuses on books, and the main character, Brooklyn, is a bookbinder and interested in books both professionally and personally. A great series for book lovers who enjoy cozy reads. Likable characters, fun plot, and entertaining setting. Light and charming.
I received a free eARC of this book from Penguin’s First to Read program in exchange for an honest review.
April 4, 2025
Brooklyn and Derek are on their honeymoon in Paris, when Brooklyn finds a first edition James Bond Novel, of The Spy Who Loved Me. She buys it for Derek as a memento of their honeymoon. But things change after they encounter Ned a friend from Derek’s MI6 days. Ned tells them about Owen, another friend of Derek’s and the spy shop he owns in San Francisco. When they visit the spy shop they give in to his requests to allow him to display the book as part of the shop’s first anniversary. But then death enters the scene and it becomes a case of tracking down a murderer. Brooklyn and Derek will have to unmask an old enemy of Derek’s who is seeking to destroy all they hold dear.
This was just an okay read that never captivated me. I found the main characters not engaging. I know they were recently wed, but Brooklyn drove me crazy with her continual blathering on about how gorgeous Derek was. And the action takes too long to get going. Things like the inclusion of the escape rooms seemed more filler than anything else to me.
This is number 13 in the Bibliophile Mystery series but I don’t think I missed anything by not having read the other books.
A cosy mystery that I never quite cosied up to. But there will no doubt be plenty of people who will enjoy it more than I did.
This was just an okay read that never captivated me. I found the main characters not engaging. I know they were recently wed, but Brooklyn drove me crazy with her continual blathering on about how gorgeous Derek was. And the action takes too long to get going. Things like the inclusion of the escape rooms seemed more filler than anything else to me.
This is number 13 in the Bibliophile Mystery series but I don’t think I missed anything by not having read the other books.
A cosy mystery that I never quite cosied up to. But there will no doubt be plenty of people who will enjoy it more than I did.
July 17, 2019
I picked up this book yesterday from my library and once I got home I could not put in down. I love this series and Ms. Carlisle drew me in from the first page. Brooklyn and Derek have quite a case to solve in this one with many twists and turns and very few suspects. Derek's past as a British agent has come back and I was delighted to meet some of his friends from that time. A swift and well-crafted plot with more insight into Brooklyn's book expertise as a restorer and a glimpse of Brooklyn and Derek's Parisian honeymoon made this a very enjoyable afternoon read.
November 18, 2019
This is the 13th in the series, but will probably be my last to read. Maybe it's my frame of mind, but the storyline of Brooklyn and Derek's relationship just seemed too "perfect" to be believed with too many "perfect" friends. Factor in that the mystery didn't really get started until page 206 and seemed to be rushed is why I rated this a 1 star.
"Newlyweds Brooklyn and Derek are enjoying the final days of their honeymoon in Paris. As they're browsing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect gift for Derek, a first edition James Bond novel, The Spy Who Loved Me. When they bump into Ned, an old friend from Derek's spy days, Brooklyn shows him her latest treasure. Once they're back home in San Francisco, they visit a spy shop Ned mentioned. The owner begs them to let him display the book Brooklyn found in Paris as part of the shop's first anniversary celebration. Before they agree, Derek makes sure the security is up to snuff—turns out, the unassuming book is worth a great deal more than sentimental value. Soon after, Derek is dismayed when he receives a mysterious letter from Paris announcing Ned's death. Then late one night, someone is killed inside the spy shop. Are the murders connected to Brooklyn's rare, pricey book? Is there something even more sinister afoot? Brooklyn and the spy who loves her will have to delve into the darkest parts of Derek's past to unmask an enemy who's been waiting for the chance to destroy everything they hold dear."
"Newlyweds Brooklyn and Derek are enjoying the final days of their honeymoon in Paris. As they're browsing the book stalls along the Seine, Brooklyn finds the perfect gift for Derek, a first edition James Bond novel, The Spy Who Loved Me. When they bump into Ned, an old friend from Derek's spy days, Brooklyn shows him her latest treasure. Once they're back home in San Francisco, they visit a spy shop Ned mentioned. The owner begs them to let him display the book Brooklyn found in Paris as part of the shop's first anniversary celebration. Before they agree, Derek makes sure the security is up to snuff—turns out, the unassuming book is worth a great deal more than sentimental value. Soon after, Derek is dismayed when he receives a mysterious letter from Paris announcing Ned's death. Then late one night, someone is killed inside the spy shop. Are the murders connected to Brooklyn's rare, pricey book? Is there something even more sinister afoot? Brooklyn and the spy who loves her will have to delve into the darkest parts of Derek's past to unmask an enemy who's been waiting for the chance to destroy everything they hold dear."
June 7, 2019
Oh, man! Can I just say how much I enjoyed this book? Will that suffice enough?
No?
Well, let me explain a little bit more then.
I’ve always been a fan of Kate Carlisle’s writing and this series. But this one really captured my interest because of the spy theme. The beginning was always particularly refreshing because it’s set in Paris where Brooklyn and Derek are on their honeymoon. I loved that Carlisle was able to add that personal storyline into the novel without slowing down the book or making it feel out of place. The French language was done really well and I was really happy that my knowledge of the culture and language came in handy with this book.
The other thing that made this book standout was the fact that it gave a nod to James Bond. The spy theme throughout was so well-thought-out and exciting that I read through this book so quickly. Brooklyn’s narration was just so fun and engaging, making the book fly by so quickly. I even liked Derek’s involvement as well.
So all in all, this book was a total win for me. I think it might even be my new favorite book in the series! So if you haven’t read this series already, I would definitely start with this book to try it!
May 24, 2019
"The Book Supremacy" is a cozy mystery. This novel is the 13th in the series. You don't need to read the previous novels to understand this one, and this story didn't spoil the whodunit of the previous books.
This story contained a lot of filler--details about Brooklyn and Derek's honeymoon, the spy store and the scary-fun escape rooms, her work repairing books, etc. Not saying the filler was boring, just that there wasn't much to the mystery. They even kept having the same conversation, with little variation.
They did ask questions and follow up on clues, but whodunit was pretty obvious to me. It didn't take them too long to figure out, either, but the trick was to prove it. Yet despite knowing how dangerous and sneaky this person was, Brooklyn set a trap and forgot to stay out of danger. To create a suspenseful ending, of course, but it's hard to take "smart" heroines seriously when they do things like this.
There was no sex. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
This story contained a lot of filler--details about Brooklyn and Derek's honeymoon, the spy store and the scary-fun escape rooms, her work repairing books, etc. Not saying the filler was boring, just that there wasn't much to the mystery. They even kept having the same conversation, with little variation.
They did ask questions and follow up on clues, but whodunit was pretty obvious to me. It didn't take them too long to figure out, either, but the trick was to prove it. Yet despite knowing how dangerous and sneaky this person was, Brooklyn set a trap and forgot to stay out of danger. To create a suspenseful ending, of course, but it's hard to take "smart" heroines seriously when they do things like this.
There was no sex. There was some bad language. Overall, I'd recommend this interesting mystery.
I received this book as a review copy from the publisher.
June 4, 2019
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Oh, man! Can I just say how much I enjoyed this book? Will that suffice enough?
No?
Well, let me explain a little bit more then.
I’ve always been a fan of Kate Carlisle’s writing and this series. But this one really captured my interest because of the spy theme. The beginning was always particularly refreshing because it’s set in Paris where Brooklyn and Derek are on their honeymoon. I loved that Carlisle was able to add that personal storyline into the novel without slowing down the book or making it feel out of place. The French language was done really well and I was really happy that my knowledge of the culture and language came in handy with this book.
The other thing that made this book standout was the fact that it gave a nod to James Bond. The spy theme throughout was so well-thought-out and exciting that I read through this book so quickly. Brooklyn’s narration was just so fun and engaging, making the book fly by so quickly. I even liked Derek’s involvement as well.
So all in all, this book was a total win for me. I think it might even be my new favorite book in the series! So if you haven’t read this series already, I would definitely start with this book to try it!
*ARC provided by publisher
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
July 14, 2019
While Brooklyn and Derek are enjoying the last few days of their honeymoon, Brooklyn find the perfect gift for Derek, a first edition of a novel. She shows it to Ned a friend of Derek’s spy days, he recommends a spy store when they get back home. The owner wants then to display the book she bought and promises that it will be well guarded. They get a letter saying Ned is dead and several others on a list are dead also. One night someone is murdered in the spy store, using several cameras they are determined to find the killer and save Derek’s life. Derek is also dealing with a very unpleasant employee,who threatens to sue if he fires her. The book sounded a lot better than it was.
March 10, 2023
Mi piace davvero tanto questa serie! E sono contenta che il colpevole sia risultato essere una persona davvero anticipata che avevamo già incontrato in precedenza.
June 5, 2019
In this next book of the series Brooklyn and Derek are at the end of their honeymoon in Paris. On their last day they are doing one of Brooklyn's favorite activities, browsing through book stalls looking for treasures. While browsing Brooklyn finds a first edition James Bond novel that make her think of Derek and she can't help but purchase it for him as a gift. As they are shopping Derek runs into Ned, a friend from back in the days when he worked as a spy. After returning home and getting settled back into a routine the two decide to visit a spy shop owned by a mutual friend of Ned and Derek's. During their conversation with the owner of the spy shop he learns of Brooklyn's recent book purchase and asks her if she would be willing to display it for a couple of weeks during the shops anniversary celebration. Derek gives the okay after looking of the shops security, turns out the book is work a bunch of money and Brooklyn doesn't want anything to happen to it. Not long after their visit they learn that Ned has died and has asked Derek to look into his untimely demise. When a murder takes place at the spy shop Brooklyn wonders if it is in anyway related to Ned's death. Follow along as Brooklyn delves into figuring out who killed the young man in the spy shop and tries to figure out if it was related to Ned's death in anyway. This is a wonderful series that always includes one or more great books that Brooklyn is restoring. I love all the facts on book restoration the author includes. learning something new while reading makes the book that much better. Now that Brooklyn and Derek are married I can't wait to see what direction the author takes them into next!!!
May 30, 2019
The Book Supremacy is the thirteenth delightful installment in A Bibliophile Mystery series. I have been a fan of this book themed mystery series since the very beginning. I eagerly await each new installment and then devour it quickly. The Book Supremacy is a charming story with well-developed characters that takes us to France, wine country, and San Francisco. Kate Carlisle has a charming writing style that engages the reader and keeps them engrossed until the very last word. The descriptions of Paris transported me to the location. I could envision the green book stalls, the Seine, and the streets of Paris. The same can be said for Dharma and San Francisco. I especially loved SPECTRE with the various spy gadgets, books, café and escape rooms. I found the escape rooms to be intriguing and they sound like an hour of good fun. It is always fascinating to learn more about Brooklyn’s book restoration work and the lovely creations she makes from paper. The mystery is complex, and I like how everything tied together. There is action, suspense, a twist or two with the added touch of espionage. The mystery can be solved by armchair sleuths before the reveal, but that did not hinder my reading experience. While The Book Supremacy can be read alone, I heartily recommend reading the series in order (you will not be disappointed). It allows you to learn about Brooklyn, her work, friends and how she and Derek came to be together. I could not wait to get to the end of the story to find out what happened, but then I was sad that I had finished it (and must wait a year for another installment). There are recipes at the end of the book (Brooklyn does love good food and chocolate). The Book Supremacy is a story for fans of the series, the characters, and those who truly love books. The Book Supremacy has good food, intrigue, spy gadgets, a plethora of books, former spies, a cute cat named Charlie, a murder, escape rooms and one curious book restorer plus her dashing English husband.
November 21, 2019
I like this series a great deal, best thing is the quality hasn't diminished over the course of the series. Brooklyn still has her book binding scenes which drew me to the series in the 1st place and the mystery itself is as good as any in the series so far. I hope Kate has another book in the pipeline because now I'm all caught up.
June 6, 2019
I feel bad giving this book only three stars the storyline is fabulous but the relationship between the two in the book is more than I can handle !!
July 4, 2021
I love this series, the characters, the setting,the mysteries, but most of all I love reading about book restorations. Somehow I missed #12, since I just put it on hold ( there are now 6 waiting for me on Tuesday!!) This book starts out on Brooklyn and Derek's honeymoon in Paris, so I guess I missed the wedding.
I do know that if I ate as much as Brooklyn does I would weigh a ton, but it is fun to read what she eats, and there are recipes in the back. There are always murders when Brooklyn is around, and this book is no different. Also, the setting is San Francisco and the author takes good advantage of that fact. If you like cozy mysteries, this fits the bill.
I do know that if I ate as much as Brooklyn does I would weigh a ton, but it is fun to read what she eats, and there are recipes in the back. There are always murders when Brooklyn is around, and this book is no different. Also, the setting is San Francisco and the author takes good advantage of that fact. If you like cozy mysteries, this fits the bill.
December 1, 2021
Another fantastic book in this fun series. Brooklyn and Derek start off the book on their honeymoon in Paris and that is enough to win me over. I adore Paris and the descriptions of their last day there had me so ready to go back! I loved reading about the books Brooklyn purchased and subsequently restored. This book also had me furious with the way Brooklyn was treated by one of Derek's sleezy employees. I am full on emotional about Brooklyn and Derek and this book had my blood boiling frequently. I absolutely loved reading about the Spy shop and all the detail was fantastic to describe the Escape Room, so that you felt like you were inside! This story itself was well done and though it was a tad predictable, the ending was oh so sweet!
August 9, 2024
Brooklyn Wainwright Stone is a newlywed. She is happily married to Derek and, as the story begins, they are returning about to return home from their honeymoon. They are shopping and Brooklyn is searching for the perfect gift for Derek. It is while shopping that they bump into Ned, an old spy friend of Derek's. This is appropos because the book that Brooklyn found is a first edition of one of Derek's favorite spy novels.
They decided to visit a spy shop that was recommended by Ned. The owner is eager and quite impressed with the find of the first edition that Brooklyn found for Derek and begs them to let him display the book in his shop. In all actuality, the book is worth quite a lot, and thus Brooklyn is reticent to allow it to be displayed.
Meanwhile, Derek receives a strange letter from Paris that announced that Ned is dead. How shocking and terrible. Then, another man is killed inside of Ned's spy shop. Brooklyn cannot help but wonder if the murders are connected and if that very same book that Ned wanted to display has anything to do with things.
Brooklyn was quite impressive and is uniquely gifted at restoring books. I found this part of the story to be so very interesting. Not only is Brooklyn exceptionally knowledgeable about books, but she also a knack for sleuthing. As this is the first read in this series, I hadn't had the opportunity to see Brooklyn grow as an amateur detective.
I must say that I was so impressed with this book by Kate Carlisle that I went to my online libraries and discovered that each title in this series is actually available. Not only did I make a list of the books in order to read, but will be doing so with another of her series. Indeed, she is an excellent author and I am eager to continue reading her books.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
They decided to visit a spy shop that was recommended by Ned. The owner is eager and quite impressed with the find of the first edition that Brooklyn found for Derek and begs them to let him display the book in his shop. In all actuality, the book is worth quite a lot, and thus Brooklyn is reticent to allow it to be displayed.
Meanwhile, Derek receives a strange letter from Paris that announced that Ned is dead. How shocking and terrible. Then, another man is killed inside of Ned's spy shop. Brooklyn cannot help but wonder if the murders are connected and if that very same book that Ned wanted to display has anything to do with things.
Brooklyn was quite impressive and is uniquely gifted at restoring books. I found this part of the story to be so very interesting. Not only is Brooklyn exceptionally knowledgeable about books, but she also a knack for sleuthing. As this is the first read in this series, I hadn't had the opportunity to see Brooklyn grow as an amateur detective.
I must say that I was so impressed with this book by Kate Carlisle that I went to my online libraries and discovered that each title in this series is actually available. Not only did I make a list of the books in order to read, but will be doing so with another of her series. Indeed, she is an excellent author and I am eager to continue reading her books.
Many thanks to Berkley and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
June 23, 2019
Love this series! Kate Carlisle’s The Book Supremacy (Bibliophile Mystery, #13) adds another confounding mystery for bibliophile newlywed Brooklyn and her new husband, Derek, to solve, but before that may happen, Brooklyn and Derek, in Paris on their honeymoon, when Derek runs into an old friend and former operative, and they have a short reunion. This short meeting leads Brooklyn and Derek into a mystery with new characters, an intriguing location, and one vile female employee (Derek’s)! Now one might think that since Brooklyn is married, she would stay out of trouble, but trouble has no intention of letting Brooklyn off the hook! I laughed. I cried. I rooted for Brooklyn and Derek to win this round! The author has a huge amount going on in this mystery that kept me turning pages to discover what happens! An escape room-that is in this mystery too. Well done, Ms. Carlisle! Looking forward to #14. 5 stars!
March 14, 2020
The book is 314 pages long (12 of those are blank) but the murder doesn't happen until page 154. The first 150 pages are travelogue, my husband is adorable, I eat food, I like Paris, I can do witty banter with my husband, trans-Atlantic flights are no fun, and I have a cat.
February 22, 2022
Nothing special about this book in this series. It's getting a little tired. I was almost nauseated from the MANY times Brooklyn gushed about how gorgeous her husband was.
May 29, 2019
Series: Bibliophile Mystery #12
Publication Date: 6/4/19
Number of Pages: 288
This lovely story and the series are wonderful love notes to books. The writing is excellent, the mystery isn’t so much in the ‘who did it’ as in the ‘how we’ll catch him/her’, and the romance just gets lovelier with every new book in the series.
Brooklyn Wainwright is a bookbinder specializing in rare book restoration. She loves books – the feel of them, the smell of them – just being near them. Her passion is taking a book that has fallen on hard times and restoring it to its former glory. Oh – and she also has a penchant for stumbling over dead bodies. She’s married to a handsome, super sexy, ex-spy, Derek, who helps her solve the crimes.
Brooklyn and Derek finally had their wedding at the end of the previous book, Buried In Books. Now, as their honeymoon in Paris draws to a close, they spend time browsing in the lovely Bouquinistes (bookstalls that lined both sides of the Seine River). Brooklyn finds two lovely old books that she wants to restore – One is a perfect gift for Derek and another that is perfect for the mother of her friend Inspector Janice Lee, SFPD homicide detective.
Mysterious things begin to happen before they ever leave Paris. Derek meets an old colleague that he hasn’t seen in years – and their hotel room is broken into. Those mysterious things continue after they return to San Francisco. Then, there is the murder that is somehow connected to the book Brooklyn bought for Derek.
The times are tense at Derek’s company because somebody is creating strife in the workplace – and they have a murder on their hands – actually, maybe more than one murder. Are Derek and/or Brooklyn in danger as well? What would someone want with the book?
I highly recommend this book and this series. We have visits from the ongoing supporting characters like Alex and Gabriel and Brooklyn’s parents as well some new characters – Tinker, Soldier and Drummer Girl, also known as The Jackals. They are a fun addition to the story and you’ll like them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 6/4/19
Number of Pages: 288
This lovely story and the series are wonderful love notes to books. The writing is excellent, the mystery isn’t so much in the ‘who did it’ as in the ‘how we’ll catch him/her’, and the romance just gets lovelier with every new book in the series.
Brooklyn Wainwright is a bookbinder specializing in rare book restoration. She loves books – the feel of them, the smell of them – just being near them. Her passion is taking a book that has fallen on hard times and restoring it to its former glory. Oh – and she also has a penchant for stumbling over dead bodies. She’s married to a handsome, super sexy, ex-spy, Derek, who helps her solve the crimes.
Brooklyn and Derek finally had their wedding at the end of the previous book, Buried In Books. Now, as their honeymoon in Paris draws to a close, they spend time browsing in the lovely Bouquinistes (bookstalls that lined both sides of the Seine River). Brooklyn finds two lovely old books that she wants to restore – One is a perfect gift for Derek and another that is perfect for the mother of her friend Inspector Janice Lee, SFPD homicide detective.
Mysterious things begin to happen before they ever leave Paris. Derek meets an old colleague that he hasn’t seen in years – and their hotel room is broken into. Those mysterious things continue after they return to San Francisco. Then, there is the murder that is somehow connected to the book Brooklyn bought for Derek.
The times are tense at Derek’s company because somebody is creating strife in the workplace – and they have a murder on their hands – actually, maybe more than one murder. Are Derek and/or Brooklyn in danger as well? What would someone want with the book?
I highly recommend this book and this series. We have visits from the ongoing supporting characters like Alex and Gabriel and Brooklyn’s parents as well some new characters – Tinker, Soldier and Drummer Girl, also known as The Jackals. They are a fun addition to the story and you’ll like them.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 22, 2020
3.5 stars
spies, escape rooms, villainous women, want to be writers...ooh my...lots of intriguing things going on.
but come on, did anyone doubt that somehow there'd be a book & a dead body associated w/their honeymoon in Paris???
another good one.
glad that Gabriel & Alex are still together. that's a good couple.
my one negative is that the writer didn't explain why Lark was mean to Brooklyn? where/why did it come from?
spies, escape rooms, villainous women, want to be writers...ooh my...lots of intriguing things going on.
but come on, did anyone doubt that somehow there'd be a book & a dead body associated w/their honeymoon in Paris???
another good one.
glad that Gabriel & Alex are still together. that's a good couple.
my one negative is that the writer didn't explain why Lark was mean to Brooklyn? where/why did it come from?
June 4, 2020
I think this would have been a lot better had I started from the beginning of the series. There wasn't enough background to make me invested in the two leads. I understand that as loyal readers wouldn't want to rehash things they had read in the previous books. It was just hard for a newbie. My fault for not checking to see if this was a series first!
November 15, 2020
Loved the mystery and the group of would-be writers in Owen's store. The only thing that really got on my nerves was Brooklyn's constant telling of how handsome and perfect her husband is. I hope in the next book the author tones that down a bit.
April 9, 2019
The Book Supremacy is the thirteenth book in the Bibliophile Mystery Series. I don't usually read a book this far in a series if I haven't read any of the previous books, but I decided to take a chance. I love cozy mysteries, and I kept hearing wonderful things about this series.
Indeed the plot was great! The mystery was good and not at all predictable. The pacing was just right with a narrative full of dynamic dialogues that made the story flow really smoothly. Brooklyn and Derek were great characters. Their relationship was cute--I just wished I knew more about their back story. I loved the fact that this book started in Paris and for the first chapters, I was really hooked. Having just visited Paris, it was a bit bitter-sweet for me, but Carlisle's excellent descriptions of la Ville des Lumières really transported me back to one of my favorite cities in the world. Unfortunately, as the story went on, I just wasn't as invested. The book has so many characters, friends, co-workers, and family members that had already been introduced in other installments, and since I'd never got to know these characters before, I had a hard time picturing them. I see why some people think this can be a standalone book. This book is a not a continuation of a previous story, per se, but I believe that for you to get into the story and appreciate these characters, you should read the earlier books in the series.
I received an early copy of this book for free from Penguin Random House First To Read in exchange for my honest review.
Indeed the plot was great! The mystery was good and not at all predictable. The pacing was just right with a narrative full of dynamic dialogues that made the story flow really smoothly. Brooklyn and Derek were great characters. Their relationship was cute--I just wished I knew more about their back story. I loved the fact that this book started in Paris and for the first chapters, I was really hooked. Having just visited Paris, it was a bit bitter-sweet for me, but Carlisle's excellent descriptions of la Ville des Lumières really transported me back to one of my favorite cities in the world. Unfortunately, as the story went on, I just wasn't as invested. The book has so many characters, friends, co-workers, and family members that had already been introduced in other installments, and since I'd never got to know these characters before, I had a hard time picturing them. I see why some people think this can be a standalone book. This book is a not a continuation of a previous story, per se, but I believe that for you to get into the story and appreciate these characters, you should read the earlier books in the series.
I received an early copy of this book for free from Penguin Random House First To Read in exchange for my honest review.
August 2, 2024
This entry in the series captivated me for so many reasons: reading about Paris, bringing back memories of my own trip there, all while watching the Paris Olympics, added to the honeymoon in Paris, the eventual discovery and subsequent solving of a murder, interactions of characters, all the quirky people that I've come to love, just an absolute delight to be in these pages!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 404 reviews