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Back Room Bookstore #3
A Staged Murder
A new meaning to the phrase “Break a Leg”
A paranormal cozy mystery from Author Susan Harper
Monica attempts to integrate into her new community by taking in a play. When another murder interrupts her, she’s not on the trail of another killer. Will her sleuthing skills, and a little bit of magic, be enough to bring a killer to justice?
A paranormal cozy mystery from Author Susan Harper
Monica attempts to integrate into her new community by taking in a play. When another murder interrupts her, she’s not on the trail of another killer. Will her sleuthing skills, and a little bit of magic, be enough to bring a killer to justice?
110 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 9, 2018
144 people are currently reading
66 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 34 reviews
January 19, 2019
Back Room Bookstore Series:
I have read other series by Ms. Harper and they were more substantial than this series. The writing style is juvenile, simplistic, predictable and too much liberties taken with actually investigative procedures. A simpleton cop wanting a civilian to help him with murder investigations, sorry can't run with that theme. There's a lot of repetition which is probably for word count because I know the author doesn't consider her readers to be simpletons that forget what was just said.
My impression is that books 2 - 3 were written by a preteen for the children's genre. The storylines aren't well thought out but Hollywood to fit the outcome without logic. While the author likes to rant about not being prejudice against others, she repeatedly has Monica berate her familiar Abigail for her past and demean her by ignoring Abi's request not to call her kitty cat, cat, etc. Some of the word choices used are not correct: ghoulish and clamoring, for examples (books 2 and 3). With ghoulish and others, why label anyway the reader can tell the difference, unless we're simpletons? Assorted ratings for the first four books of this series and I contacted Fairfield to do reviews.
Books And Brews #1- The cute cover caught my eye, even though I like this author, having read several of her books already. This well written quick read is full of naivety, humor and interesting characters. Monica and Abigail have a rocky relationship but there are reasons. The bookstore is actually two, human and magical. A good introductory story about the sisters and their magic, which is well done. There's a developing friendship between the witch and the simpleton policeman, which may blossom into a romance. The murder part of the story is rather silly, Monica is investigating alongside Brian? The murderer is easy to figure out early in the investigation. This part of the book didn't work too well and I was disappointed with the farce of an investigation. I contacted Fairfield to do reviews. 3.5*
A Guilty Party #2 - This book starts a week after Books and Brews end. Holly gets a more active part and she has an unknown to all secret. This story has a lot of preaching about stereotypes and prejudice, yet Monica still treats Abi disrespectfully. Practice what you preach, witch. The ghoulish label is incorrectly used, unless all mystics are evil. This book is heavy with the unrealistic, plastic and juvenile dialog; there is a heavy impression of a preteen writer. I love Holly and Abi's characters, not counting Monica, the others are OK but not developed or used enough. This is a stereotypical cozy with no substance and certainly not written for adults. Simplistic. 2 stars.
A Staged Murder #3 - The timeframe for this book is in the same month. There's a bit of a cliffhanger with the Council not releasing the truth for the fear of the consequences. Finally something original and worthy of reading, the last part of the book. The is a lot of unprofessionalism on the part of Officer Brian: Monica helping with interviews; calling for an ambulance too late (done while he's rushing); and the way he spoke to a woman, "Chill, lady, we're..." (location 246).
Monica oversteps herself, in my opinion, with equating what was done in Abi's past by forcing A to a play based on what happened to A over 300 years ago, which is factually incorrect. Then M decides not to read fake mystic books, yet she goes to The Crucible and loves it and ignores A? There's a lot of redundancy with M berating A; gee, is that a prejudicial and judgmental attitude happening here? M does one nice thing for A, but still keeps up berating her. For an interesting, unexpected twist: why build a new murder weapon when the old could have been modified? Spoiler if I explain how to modify. For the interesting, few pages of the ending, this book gets 3 stars.
A Gruesome Goal #4 - Picks up where A Staged Murder ended. Since ASM ended on an interesting note, I depended on this book to overcome the problems with the previous two books. The writing style had changed back to Ms. Harper's usual style, I was relieved to find Goal interesting. The storylines actually made sense and were thought out. The characters added to the depth of the story. I was glad the murder was in the mystic realm, so no stupidity with Monica and Officer Bryan working together. There's a bit of a cliffhanger with the name of Holly's father, but I'm interested in the next book. Hopefully, Susan will be the writer instead of the preteen idiot that wrote books #2 and #3. 4 stars.
Back Room Bookstore Series end.
I have read other series by Ms. Harper and they were more substantial than this series. The writing style is juvenile, simplistic, predictable and too much liberties taken with actually investigative procedures. A simpleton cop wanting a civilian to help him with murder investigations, sorry can't run with that theme. There's a lot of repetition which is probably for word count because I know the author doesn't consider her readers to be simpletons that forget what was just said.
My impression is that books 2 - 3 were written by a preteen for the children's genre. The storylines aren't well thought out but Hollywood to fit the outcome without logic. While the author likes to rant about not being prejudice against others, she repeatedly has Monica berate her familiar Abigail for her past and demean her by ignoring Abi's request not to call her kitty cat, cat, etc. Some of the word choices used are not correct: ghoulish and clamoring, for examples (books 2 and 3). With ghoulish and others, why label anyway the reader can tell the difference, unless we're simpletons? Assorted ratings for the first four books of this series and I contacted Fairfield to do reviews.
Books And Brews #1- The cute cover caught my eye, even though I like this author, having read several of her books already. This well written quick read is full of naivety, humor and interesting characters. Monica and Abigail have a rocky relationship but there are reasons. The bookstore is actually two, human and magical. A good introductory story about the sisters and their magic, which is well done. There's a developing friendship between the witch and the simpleton policeman, which may blossom into a romance. The murder part of the story is rather silly, Monica is investigating alongside Brian? The murderer is easy to figure out early in the investigation. This part of the book didn't work too well and I was disappointed with the farce of an investigation. I contacted Fairfield to do reviews. 3.5*
A Guilty Party #2 - This book starts a week after Books and Brews end. Holly gets a more active part and she has an unknown to all secret. This story has a lot of preaching about stereotypes and prejudice, yet Monica still treats Abi disrespectfully. Practice what you preach, witch. The ghoulish label is incorrectly used, unless all mystics are evil. This book is heavy with the unrealistic, plastic and juvenile dialog; there is a heavy impression of a preteen writer. I love Holly and Abi's characters, not counting Monica, the others are OK but not developed or used enough. This is a stereotypical cozy with no substance and certainly not written for adults. Simplistic. 2 stars.
A Staged Murder #3 - The timeframe for this book is in the same month. There's a bit of a cliffhanger with the Council not releasing the truth for the fear of the consequences. Finally something original and worthy of reading, the last part of the book. The is a lot of unprofessionalism on the part of Officer Brian: Monica helping with interviews; calling for an ambulance too late (done while he's rushing); and the way he spoke to a woman, "Chill, lady, we're..." (location 246).
Monica oversteps herself, in my opinion, with equating what was done in Abi's past by forcing A to a play based on what happened to A over 300 years ago, which is factually incorrect. Then M decides not to read fake mystic books, yet she goes to The Crucible and loves it and ignores A? There's a lot of redundancy with M berating A; gee, is that a prejudicial and judgmental attitude happening here? M does one nice thing for A, but still keeps up berating her. For an interesting, unexpected twist: why build a new murder weapon when the old could have been modified? Spoiler if I explain how to modify. For the interesting, few pages of the ending, this book gets 3 stars.
A Gruesome Goal #4 - Picks up where A Staged Murder ended. Since ASM ended on an interesting note, I depended on this book to overcome the problems with the previous two books. The writing style had changed back to Ms. Harper's usual style, I was relieved to find Goal interesting. The storylines actually made sense and were thought out. The characters added to the depth of the story. I was glad the murder was in the mystic realm, so no stupidity with Monica and Officer Bryan working together. There's a bit of a cliffhanger with the name of Holly's father, but I'm interested in the next book. Hopefully, Susan will be the writer instead of the preteen idiot that wrote books #2 and #3. 4 stars.
Back Room Bookstore Series end.
December 13, 2018
Oh what fun this series is! This is the third book and I am dying for more, not to mention a cliff-hanger in the end. Monica and Mona, twin sisters are running their Aunt's bookstores, one on the mortal side and one on the supernatural side with a portal between them. Monica and her employee Holly decide to take in a play, The Crucible, much to her cat familiar, Abigail's chagrin. It is funny when you find out why. There is a murder at the play and Monica wants to help solve it and the outcome is a surprise to the end. But add to that, trying to Monica tries get her familiar's sentence to being a familiar lessened with the Supreme Council at the same time trying to discover what type of supernatural Holly is. No one s her through the portal and introduce her to the supernatural side. Written with a great deal of humor, since Monica sometimes misconstrues the idioms and quirks of the mortal world in sometimes inopportune times. Doesn't hurt that Brian, a police officer in town seems to like her and she likes him too and he is a mortal. So many fun things together with a murder mystery makes this series a must read! I received an ARC but the opinions expressed here are strictly my own.
August 18, 2020
A Staged Murder is part of the Back Room Bookstore Cozy Mystery series. If you like fun paranormal mysteries, you will love Monica and her friends, both human and supernatural.
At the last 2 books, I feels like it rather boring, predictable. I keep going because I like the writing style, how every chapters was carefully plotted and the story was on point, by going to the right direction.. definitely suitable for younger reader. As for me, I'm looking for a book series that have light story lines and I found it interesting.
This book is about another crime happened on a play related to Monica's familiar whon Kevin the wizard was the culprit, then Monica tried to help her familiar able to reduce her sentence by giving a somewhat a recommendation to the council. Then, about Holly Harp origin in the end of the book I found quite intriguing. Can't wait to know more especially what so mystery about Holly.
At the last 2 books, I feels like it rather boring, predictable. I keep going because I like the writing style, how every chapters was carefully plotted and the story was on point, by going to the right direction.. definitely suitable for younger reader. As for me, I'm looking for a book series that have light story lines and I found it interesting.
This book is about another crime happened on a play related to Monica's familiar whon Kevin the wizard was the culprit, then Monica tried to help her familiar able to reduce her sentence by giving a somewhat a recommendation to the council. Then, about Holly Harp origin in the end of the book I found quite intriguing. Can't wait to know more especially what so mystery about Holly.
March 14, 2019
This is the third book in a series about a witch, Monica, her employee Hazel and Monica's familiar, Abigail, a cat that is being punished for something she did in the past.
A play is being produced in the town, The Crucible, which seems right along the lines of the witches. The problem is that one of the actors is murdered. Abigail was actually alive in the original Salem so this is quite significant for her.
Then there's the Council (there's always a Council in books like these.) Monica is going to try to get Abigail's sentence reduced so that's another problem they have to face.
The murderer, though, turns out not to be the kind of person expected at all. It's a story that is interesting not just as a story but for its reference to a real historic event that was very, very dark and gave Justice a really bad rep.
A play is being produced in the town, The Crucible, which seems right along the lines of the witches. The problem is that one of the actors is murdered. Abigail was actually alive in the original Salem so this is quite significant for her.
Then there's the Council (there's always a Council in books like these.) Monica is going to try to get Abigail's sentence reduced so that's another problem they have to face.
The murderer, though, turns out not to be the kind of person expected at all. It's a story that is interesting not just as a story but for its reference to a real historic event that was very, very dark and gave Justice a really bad rep.
July 5, 2020
This was the best in the series so far. A great mystery set in the theatre and all linked seamlessly to Abigail, Monica's familiar who was the "real" Abigail as depicted in the play, The Crucible.
Monica and Abigail are getting on better especially after Monica asks the Sorcerer's Council to review Abigail's sentence (for her part in the Salem Witch Trials).
Of course, nothing goes as planned.
The other subplot featuring Holly, Monica's new assistant at the bookstore, and a newly-revealed mystic is even more fascinating. Raised a mortal, Holly is excited to learn of her true mystic identity, and awaits news from the Council ... again, there's a huge surprise in store and an even bigger cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
Monica and Abigail are getting on better especially after Monica asks the Sorcerer's Council to review Abigail's sentence (for her part in the Salem Witch Trials).
Of course, nothing goes as planned.
The other subplot featuring Holly, Monica's new assistant at the bookstore, and a newly-revealed mystic is even more fascinating. Raised a mortal, Holly is excited to learn of her true mystic identity, and awaits news from the Council ... again, there's a huge surprise in store and an even bigger cliffhanger.
I can't wait for the next in the series!
December 20, 2018
Monica, Holly and Abigail go to a play, The Crucible, it is about Abigail's life when she was a young witch living in Salem during the witch trials. Just as the play ends one of the actors is killed. Can Monica and Officer Brian find the killer and why? There is also the Sorcerers' Council meeting. Monica is trying to get Abigail's sentence shortened or revoked all together. Holly wants to know if they can find out exactly what kind of mystic she is. Will they do anything about Abigail's punishment and help Holly? The answers are in all in the book to find. I voluntarily read a free ARC of this book from Fairfield Publishing.
September 14, 2020
There's not a lot to say about the Back Room Bookstore series. They're short, fluffy mysteries about witch Monica Montoya helping the police solve crime while adjusting to living her life running the family bookstore in the mortal world. The best part of the series is her snarky familiar Abigail, a witch-turned-cat whose pithy comments are always welcome.
This book is no different from the rest of the series. Monica joins the community theater, finds a body, and helps solve the crime. Nothing special, but it's still fairly well written and an entertaining way to spend an hour or two.
This book is no different from the rest of the series. Monica joins the community theater, finds a body, and helps solve the crime. Nothing special, but it's still fairly well written and an entertaining way to spend an hour or two.
May 25, 2020
Monica and Holly go to see the stage play The Crucible after learning that Monica's familiar, Abigail, is the actual Abigail portrayed in the book.
While at the play, the lead male character is accidentally killed at the end of the play. Or was it an accident after all.
The Witches Council does a test to determine what kind of mystic Holly is. The results terrify the council and they decide not only to keep an eye on her but to tell her the test was inconclusive.
Another good story with defined characters, some humor, and solid plotline.
While at the play, the lead male character is accidentally killed at the end of the play. Or was it an accident after all.
The Witches Council does a test to determine what kind of mystic Holly is. The results terrify the council and they decide not only to keep an eye on her but to tell her the test was inconclusive.
Another good story with defined characters, some humor, and solid plotline.
December 13, 2018
Monica and Holly are definitely like fish out of water. Their adventures in both the mystic and mortal worlds are hilarious. Of course, Abagail is the star of the story. She has a lot to be thankful for. For example, having Monica as her witch. Love the interaction between Monica, Holly and Abagail throughout the book. A very pleasing reading experience. Really enjoy reading this series and looking forward to the next book.
December 21, 2018
Having just finished reading A Staged Murder by Susan Harper I must declare - the plot thickens! The book brings readers further into Monica's world giving them the opportunity to connect with the main characters and better understand their personalities and individual "charms" so to speak. Highly recommend.
A Staged Murder is a great story with an excellent plot. I am anxiously awaiting the fourth book in this series!
A Staged Murder is a great story with an excellent plot. I am anxiously awaiting the fourth book in this series!
December 31, 2018
In this the third addition to this wonderful new series, Holly and Monica along with Abigail, go to see the Crucible. This is the story of Abigail Williams and the Salem witch trials. At the end of the play there is a murder. You've got to read this book to find out who did it. You won't figure it out, I promise. Another mystery is just what kind of mystic Holly is.
I received a copy of this book and chose to review it.
I received a copy of this book and chose to review it.
January 13, 2019
Unbelievable
Who is Holly? What could have scared the Council so badly? Can’t wait to read the next book to see who she really is. I enjoyed learning more about Abigail and her background. Very surprised that Kevin was a wizard! How can twins be so different with Mona being a”natural “ witch and Monica being an “unnatural” witch? Hopefully the next books will explain. Great series 😊👍
Who is Holly? What could have scared the Council so badly? Can’t wait to read the next book to see who she really is. I enjoyed learning more about Abigail and her background. Very surprised that Kevin was a wizard! How can twins be so different with Mona being a”natural “ witch and Monica being an “unnatural” witch? Hopefully the next books will explain. Great series 😊👍
November 19, 2021
I started this series as a quick and simple read because I needed something to read on night shifts that I can easily put down at a moments notice - and this was it! So far I'm enjoying it immensely, but I'm giving this third book 3.5*.
It's a great read, but I noticed a small mistake that is kinda bothering me? In the first book Monica is confused by a computer, and in this one turns out that the have computers in the mystic world as well? Anyone else?
Either way, a lovely read!
It's a great read, but I noticed a small mistake that is kinda bothering me? In the first book Monica is confused by a computer, and in this one turns out that the have computers in the mystic world as well? Anyone else?
Either way, a lovely read!
December 18, 2018
I received a free copy in exchange for an honest review.
I am bothered by the way the policing is written. They seem unaware of basic rules of investigation. However, the mystic parts are amazing. I really love them. I liked the solution to the mystery and the way it furthers an overall narrative. And the cliff hanger! That one really got to me. I can’t wait to see what is next.
I am bothered by the way the policing is written. They seem unaware of basic rules of investigation. However, the mystic parts are amazing. I really love them. I liked the solution to the mystery and the way it furthers an overall narrative. And the cliff hanger! That one really got to me. I can’t wait to see what is next.
March 24, 2019
Back room bookstore and multiple mysteries
Liked the storyline and the continued character development. Hated the sloppy editing and proofreading, much worse than usual (reduced rating by a star). Interesting new concepts and characters were introduced in the mystic realm that, along with the cliffhanger ending, made things a little more interesting.
Liked the storyline and the continued character development. Hated the sloppy editing and proofreading, much worse than usual (reduced rating by a star). Interesting new concepts and characters were introduced in the mystic realm that, along with the cliffhanger ending, made things a little more interesting.
July 7, 2020
Just as good if not better than the other two! Easy five stars! You can read this independent but will get more out of it if you read I order. And you WILL want to have book four on hand after finishing this one!
I welcome my recommendations for my advanced reading preteen friends they would greatly enjoy this
I welcome my recommendations for my advanced reading preteen friends they would greatly enjoy this
September 16, 2021
Another great addition to the Back Room Bookstore series. This one is about a murder during a play, was the actor murdered for his role, or was it jealousy.
Poor Abigail though, that didn't end too well for her. Cannot wait to read more growth on these characters and to learn more about Holly's mystic side!
Poor Abigail though, that didn't end too well for her. Cannot wait to read more growth on these characters and to learn more about Holly's mystic side!
March 23, 2019
Holly is What?
Apparently Monica's assistant at the bookstore, Holley, is such a fearsome breed of mystic that it scares the pants off The Council! Great fun read, fast paced action, lots of witchy oops, I loved it!
Apparently Monica's assistant at the bookstore, Holley, is such a fearsome breed of mystic that it scares the pants off The Council! Great fun read, fast paced action, lots of witchy oops, I loved it!
April 3, 2019
Who am I?
All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players, or is it murderers? First let me whip out my wand and do a test. Finders and seekers may find out who I am. Read this wonderful series.
All the world is a stage and all the men and women merely players, or is it murderers? First let me whip out my wand and do a test. Finders and seekers may find out who I am. Read this wonderful series.
October 15, 2025
ok. now I have to read more
Monica and Holly go to the play Crucible and see a murder. As she and Brian investigate, Holly convinces the Mystic Council to make investigate what kind of mystic she is. A bit of a twist in our murderer and a cliffhanger at the end.
Monica and Holly go to the play Crucible and see a murder. As she and Brian investigate, Holly convinces the Mystic Council to make investigate what kind of mystic she is. A bit of a twist in our murderer and a cliffhanger at the end.
December 11, 2018
I really enjoyed this book! The idea of a bookstore in the human realm that has a portal into the magical realm is great!! Loved the characters and the whole book!
December 14, 2018
Well, I wasn’t expecting this outcome!
This book continues the story of both mortal and mystic worlds. I find the story well worth reading and sometimes hard to put down
This book continues the story of both mortal and mystic worlds. I find the story well worth reading and sometimes hard to put down
December 19, 2018
A Staged Murder
Love Monica and all the characters in Bankston and Wisteria! They get into such great escapades. Please keep the adventures coming!
Love Monica and all the characters in Bankston and Wisteria! They get into such great escapades. Please keep the adventures coming!
December 21, 2018
That was an exciting mystery! There are multiple layers to the mystery and it was fun to read!
January 26, 2019
All Monica wants to do is see a play. Unfortunately there’s always something to stop her from having a night off. Will her skills be enough to solve the murder.
January 29, 2019
Another fun episode in life at Back Room Bookstore! Ends with a great twist that'll make you want to keep reading.
February 25, 2019
Very repetitive at times and a couple spelling errors which kind of bugged me, but not enough to stop ready the series. Its a cute story that is easy to read and fun.
March 4, 2019
Both action and adventure are fu!I bloom in this witty adventure. I enjoyed it very much.
August 28, 2019
Summer days and a cosy mystery
September 9, 2019
I somehow didn't like this book as much as books 1 and 2 ... Though I liked the concept of a murder during a play.. I felt maybe the ending could have been different. I feel certain parts could have been left out from the book... Loved the cliffhanger at the end... It's a good book but I liked the first and second more than this
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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