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Cottonwood Springs #3

Murder at the Bookstore

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Dreams have always been a refuge for Brigid. A place of escape, of solace. But when one of her dreams turns into a chilling premonition and her sister's bookstore becomes a crime scene, there's no hiding from the reality. A murder has been committed, and the victim was not the intended target.

The usually tranquil town of Cottonwood Springs is rocked by the disturbing fact that someone wanted her sister, Fiona, dead. With a list of potential enemies and motives, each one more intricate than the last, Brigid is thrust into a maze of deceit and danger.

Between the shadows of rivalries and suspicions, she encounters unexpected allies and potential foes – from a bitter bookstore competitor and a fervent religious proselytizer to an enigmatic psychic and a secretive landlady. Are they part of the sinister web entangling Fiona, or can they be trusted?

Thankfully, Brigid isn't alone in her quest. By her side is her faithful Newfoundland, a giant in stature and courage, especially when the stakes are as perilous as the rushing currents of the nearby creek.

Enjoy Murder at the Bookstore and lose yourself in a world where dreams merge with reality, where deception masks as innocence, and where justice seeks its rightful place. Another captivating tale in the Cottonwood Springs series by a two-time USA Today Bestselling Author that promises suspense, emotion, and a touch of humor.

179 pages, Kindle Edition

Published December 27, 2018

671 people are currently reading
249 people want to read

About the author

Dianne Harman

296 books615 followers

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5 stars
396 (57%)
4 stars
178 (25%)
3 stars
89 (12%)
2 stars
18 (2%)
1 star
8 (1%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews
146 reviews2 followers
January 9, 2019
Quick read

I really love this new series. Interesting setting and characters. I like how their relationships are evolving. I look forward to the next book.
218 reviews7 followers
May 12, 2019
This was my first book by Dianne Harman and I really enjoyed it! I picked it because I really love murder mysteries set in bookstores. I would have rated this book higher except for the story structure. The prologue contains the actual murder with no concrete suspect clues at the beginning of the book. Then in chapter 1, the author goes slightly back in time to explain the main characters, the Colorado setting, and eventually the possible suspects. I found this prologue structure device more jarring, than enhancing to the story. I wish it had been written in a straight time line. However, the story and solution were enjoyable enough to justify reading more from this author. It was a very pleasant way to spend an afternoon. Happy reading!
Profile Image for Julie Howard.
Author 2 books31 followers
March 28, 2021
I enjoyed this book. The story starts with the murder and then goes back in time and only happens with two hours left to listen. However this works well because while you are waiting for the murder to happen a lot is going on, such as Holly solving her own mystery, introduction to suspects and a little romance or should I say good news. Even though the murder doesn't start until later in the book I still really enjoyed it because of the characters. They are all such like able people with big hearts, who else could befriend someone who they thought might have tried to kill them?. A fun cozy mystery that keeps you guessing.
Brigid is worried about her sister and when spending time with her, getting to know her better and what interests her a medium gives them a dire warning. It is only when Fiona's new assistant is found stabbed to death in the back of the book store that the sisters take the threat seriously. If the wrong person was killed does that mean Fiona is still in danger? Will her sister's life on the line Brigid isn't going to sit around and let the killer get again. Even if it means investigating a greedy landlord, a jealous book store owner, a grumpy hermit or even the medium who warned them. But just who will prove to be the killer and what was the murder weapon?
I liked the narrator. She uses different voices for each character, so you had no problems telling which character was talking and made it a fun listen.
I was given this free review copy audiobook at my request and have voluntarily left this review
2,224 reviews44 followers
November 1, 2020
There is a murder at Read it Again, the bookstore that Brigid's sister Fiona owns in Cottonwood Springs. The victim is Shelly Logan a recently hired part time employee. Someone stabbed her repeatedly with a metal bookmark. But was she the intended target or was it Fiona? Sheriff Davis tells Brigid to stay out of this investigation because it involves her sister, but Brigid can't just sit by and do nothing. Luckily she has her loyal dog Jett to keep them safe. There are a lot of things happening in this third book of the Cottonwood Springs Cozy mystery series by Dianne Harman. Holly helps figure out who created an unflattering cartoon of the high school guidance counselor, Mrs. Epstein; Brigid, Linc, and Holly continue to "bond", and a friend of Fiona's--Melanie, seems to really be a psychic. This is an entertaining book that updates the lives of the main characters and makes me want to read book 4!
486 reviews
October 30, 2021
It has been some time since I last read book # 1 and 2. In this book Brandi has Holly living with her and is happy having both Holly and Linc in her life. Her sis Fiona is close by too. Fiona has a part time employee who looks very much like Brandi from the back: same red hair. One day, as Shelly is working in the bookstore with earphones in her ears and the back door open , she is murdered by an unknown assailant. The sheriff and Brandi is afraid that the murderer really wanted Fiona killed. Both Brandi and Fiona visit each suspect to find the culprit. As in Dianne Hartman’s other books, one can almost guess who the killer is. Still I find the “cozy” mystery very appealing. This book has a cute plot, the characters are realistic and there is suspense! Jett the dog saves the day! Dianne Hartman seems to always have a hero canine which I love! I will definitely read book #4 and not wait so long.
Profile Image for Shelley.
114 reviews3 followers
February 12, 2022
If you've never read Dianne Harmon or one of her Cottonwood Springs Mysteries, don't start with this one. If you are reading them, you can skip this one. Unfortunately, this reads like 4 short stories put together. It's all over the place. You have romance - confessions of love and a proposal. You get a high school mystery - solved by a 9th grader. (Why are administration and staff freely sharing info with a student and her sidekick?) Let's not forget the medium and the women's circle that meets twice a month during the new moon and the full moon. Add the suspects - disgruntled landlord, rival bookstore owner and a recluse. When you finally get to Fiona's interactions with the suspects, there is no real mystery. You know who or why?
Profile Image for Michele.
1,852 reviews63 followers
January 1, 2019
Have you ever been mistaken for a different person--from the back? Well that is what got Fiona's new employee murdered!! The Sheriff told her to stay out of this one. Now you know her sister Brigid is not going to just sit back and wait for someone else to figure this out--and neither is Fiona!

Without giving the whole story away--I will say one more thing--Thank heavens for that big goofy black Newfoundland dog!!

Okay--one more thing--the recipes are to die for as usual--but there is one that I REALLY want to try--carnivore that I am!!
162 reviews7 followers
May 28, 2020
Murder at the Bookstore

This is a fantastic book! It is packed with emotions and every day struggles. A new worker is found brutally murdered in the bookstore. Brigid gets into trying to solve the murder. There are suspects, motives...but what was the weapon and who did it? I love cozy mysteries and this one was great. I especially liked Jett, Brigid's dog. I gave it 5 stars. I recommend this book to everyone who likes cozy mysteries.
Profile Image for Gena - My Book Reviews for You.
578 reviews20 followers
February 3, 2021
This story really hits home for Brigid when there’s a murder that involves her sister’s bookstore. There are a lot of possible suspects. There’s so many different parts to this story. Brigid is worried about her sister. But she’s also building a new relationship with a young woman who is living with her. And she has a blossoming relationship with her neighbor. And on top of all of that Brigid is determined to find out who the murderer is.
7 reviews
October 25, 2021
Sisters

I have enjoyed this series very much!!

I love to cuddle up in bed with my hot chocolate and read this story!! I typically
read the book in two nights!!

The characters are every day peole, and their lives are interesting, we can imagine it being us being part of the tale!! Maybe a neighbour?? or a friend? or a customer at the book store? Tomorrow, the next book! Can't wait to read about the next adventure! Dianne, bravo!! Keep writing!!
Profile Image for Donna Fasano.
Author 82 books273 followers
January 21, 2019
The characters in this book—Brigid, Holly, Linc, Fiona, etc—simply sparkle on the pages. The mystery is filled with unexpected twists that keep the story both interesting and entertaining. The pace is fast and keeps the reader turning those pages. Any reader who enjoys cozy mysteries should read this book and others written by Dianne Harman.
7,762 reviews50 followers
May 18, 2019
Rivalry and greed come into play with owners of other bookstores. The hermit who seldom comes to town lashed out about books she had in the bookstore. A new employee that looked similar to the owner, was in the wrong place. A friend who was also a medium relates a dream. An action filled story to the end, that was a delight to read.
810 reviews2 followers
May 30, 2020
So-so cozy mystery - pretty much a carbon copy of the other Cottonwood Springs mystery I read - several suspects wanted to hurt the victim (in this case they killed a lookalike by mistake). The suspects are eliminated as quickly as they are questioned, and the last suspect is the killer. Still like the dog a lot.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,161 reviews7 followers
June 6, 2020
This is the 3rd in the series. The main character is still Brigid and this time her sister Fiona. There is a murder at Fiona's bookstore and the victim looks just like Fiona from the back. Brigid and her sister start to investigate who might have wanted her dead. They come up with some pretty weird ideas. Can one of the be the person behind the murder ?
Profile Image for Linda Rainey.
2,348 reviews21 followers
December 30, 2018
I Really Like This New Series

I really like this new series with Brigid and her friends.
The storyline was very interesting with plenty twists,turns and intriguing characters.
This book is highly recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
667 reviews7 followers
January 13, 2019
Murder at the Bookstore

This is another winner. I have read most of her books and they never disapoint. I highly recommend all her books to everyone who love cozy mysteries, dogs, and wonderful recipes. She writes wonderful characters and great storylines. Diana Romano
Profile Image for Kerrie A Summers.
158 reviews3 followers
January 15, 2019
Murder at the bookstore

Threats, a medium, and murder. A mystery that surprises at the end. The two sister's Bridget and Fiona start the inquiry for looking for the killer.
Also recipes at the end!
Profile Image for June.
309 reviews3 followers
January 17, 2019
Mistaken identity can be dangerous to your health

A few different suspects make the hunting for a murderer a bit interesting but everyone's reasons are very strange and that is what makes this cozy mystery different from others.
Profile Image for Patricia White.
293 reviews3 followers
January 24, 2019
Good third book

I’m liking this series. It’s a little different in the way it’s told. I like the characters. Plot was good. Brigid tried something out for the first time to please her sister and liked it. We also find out more about Brigid and her past. Very insightful.
Profile Image for Judy Roberts.
88 reviews
March 17, 2019
Genius interweaving of events pertaining to the characters

As I began reading, I could not figure out the connection between the characters. Then it skillfully fell into place. The conclusion leaves one wondering what is to come next for the family.
516 reviews4 followers
May 24, 2020
Good book.

I really enjoy reading Dianne Harman's stories. They keep me interested to the end. This book has lots of suspects from different areas of life. I also like the romance .
1,033 reviews2 followers
May 27, 2020
Luc proposes to Brigid

Someone attempts to kill Fiona, but kills her new employee instead. Naturally Brigid must investigate. Luv is out of town -- and it's only a day after he proposed. Jett is the hero.
Profile Image for Lee Brothers.
1,371 reviews14 followers
September 8, 2020
I like the subject matter of this book and I like The tone of compassion. For me this was very moving and it touched me very deeply. I like it when an author is not afraid to touch upon subjects that are sensitive. Ms Harman is a very good writer and I like the storyline in this one.
Profile Image for Alice.
174 reviews4 followers
November 1, 2020
Good

Another fun read. A little romance, A little sisterly love, and murder all blended into A delightfu story.





A Good easy read. Wonderful mix of romance

, family,and murder. I love the that the main characters are







t

Another in















Profile Image for Kris.
540 reviews
April 2, 2021
As usual I enjoy Dianne's books. This one was a good story. Quick and easy read/listen. Narrator did a great job. I have come to enjoy listening to her. Pick up a Dianne Harmon book and get lost in the story.
Profile Image for Robin Resch.
651 reviews5 followers
April 26, 2021
Seeing double

They say everyone has a twin, but what if you and your twin work together? When it is a case of mistaken identity and a killer kills the wrong person can Bridget find the killer before the killer finds her sister?
1,081 reviews7 followers
August 4, 2023
3rd book in this series, this one finds Brigid helping solve the murder of another woman, and the working theory is the murderer thought he was killing her sister, Fiona. There are several folks who hold a grudge against Fiona and it’s up to them to figure out who the culprit is.
Profile Image for Sandee.
965 reviews97 followers
August 12, 2024
Danger Close By

I just finished this book, and really enjoyed all the characters, as well as the mystery. I loved Fiona and Bridget, two sisters who owned a bookstore, and both were pretty fiesty ladies, as well as very loving.
I will definitely be reading more of these cozy mysteries, along with the great recipes.
Profile Image for Tina Simmons.
763 reviews7 followers
August 20, 2024
corny

Corniest of corneys. Cozy, yes. Full of cliches, yes. Predictable, yes. Not my jam at all. The characters were flat, the setting was rarely described, and the pacing was weird.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 57 reviews

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