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Castle Bookshop Mystery #2
Death on the Page
Thousand Islands bookstore owner Shelby Cox sleuths the slaying of a true-crime writer who may have learned too much about a murder case that should have stayed shut.
There are a thousand stories in New York's scenic Thousand Islands, and Bayside Books co-owner Shelby Cox stocks them all. But lately, the Blye Island bookseller's life is more about investigation than inventory. True-crime writer Savannah Page caps off two successful signings at Bayside Books with a night in Blye Castle. She's there to research Joe Cabana, a colorful Prohibition-era mobster who owned the castle—until he was found dead in the island Grotto.
But crime becomes all too true for Savannah. Her body turns up the next morning, in a secret passage at the bottom of the stairs. The last thing Shelby Cox wants is to sleuth another murder, but she's intrigued about how a killer could have reached the island after hours. She's not at a lack for suspects either. It could have been anyone from Savannah's fiancé, Liam Kennelly, who argued with her the evening before, to island caretaker Matthew Kessler, recently cleared of his wife's murder. Can Shelby keep regular store hours, elude the police chief, and assemble the clues into a hard-bound case without getting permanently shelved?
There are a thousand stories in New York's scenic Thousand Islands, and Bayside Books co-owner Shelby Cox stocks them all. But lately, the Blye Island bookseller's life is more about investigation than inventory. True-crime writer Savannah Page caps off two successful signings at Bayside Books with a night in Blye Castle. She's there to research Joe Cabana, a colorful Prohibition-era mobster who owned the castle—until he was found dead in the island Grotto.
But crime becomes all too true for Savannah. Her body turns up the next morning, in a secret passage at the bottom of the stairs. The last thing Shelby Cox wants is to sleuth another murder, but she's intrigued about how a killer could have reached the island after hours. She's not at a lack for suspects either. It could have been anyone from Savannah's fiancé, Liam Kennelly, who argued with her the evening before, to island caretaker Matthew Kessler, recently cleared of his wife's murder. Can Shelby keep regular store hours, elude the police chief, and assemble the clues into a hard-bound case without getting permanently shelved?
330 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 10, 2020
69 people are currently reading
586 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 178 reviews
November 4, 2019
DEATH ON THE PAGE by Essie Lang is a well-written cozy mystery novel that is the second book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series. The story takes place in Alexandria Bay and Blye Island, New York and the main character is Shelby Cox.
Shelby is co-owner of two bookstores and she is finishing her first season at the annex store located in a historic castle. She and her aunt Edie arrange to host a true crime author including book signings at both bookstores. The author, Savannah Page, is spending one night in the castle for research for her next book. The next morning Savannah is found dead in the castle. With this interesting setting, the entertaining and absorbing plot unfolds.
The author did a great job of pulling the reader into the setting and characters. Her writing is very picturesque. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings. Shelby’s character is well developed and the writing is such that the reader experiences her emotions. I would like to see more character depth in the secondary characters as the series progresses.
While this is the first book I have read by Essie Lang I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Overall, it was engaging, expressive and compulsively readable.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, Essie Lang and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
Shelby is co-owner of two bookstores and she is finishing her first season at the annex store located in a historic castle. She and her aunt Edie arrange to host a true crime author including book signings at both bookstores. The author, Savannah Page, is spending one night in the castle for research for her next book. The next morning Savannah is found dead in the castle. With this interesting setting, the entertaining and absorbing plot unfolds.
The author did a great job of pulling the reader into the setting and characters. Her writing is very picturesque. There were plenty of suspects and red herrings. Shelby’s character is well developed and the writing is such that the reader experiences her emotions. I would like to see more character depth in the secondary characters as the series progresses.
While this is the first book I have read by Essie Lang I look forward to reading the other books in the series. Overall, it was engaging, expressive and compulsively readable.
Many thanks to Crooked Lane Books, Essie Lang and Net Galley for a digital ARC of this novel in exchange for an honest review. Opinions are mine alone and are not biased in any way.
January 4, 2020
Thousands Islands bookstore owner Shelby Cox is hosting a book signing event for best-selling author Savannah Page. Savannah is working on a new true crime book and plans to spend the night at Blye Castle to learn more about the original owner's mysterious death. When she is found dead the next morning, Shelby decides to do some sleuthing of her own, much to the dismay of her boyfriend and the police chief.
Death on the Page is a fun, enjoyable read. The beautiful and unique setting quickly drew me into the story. The plot is well-written, engaging, and keeps a steady pace. The main character Shelby is easy to like and I found her to be a very good sleuth. The secondary characters are well-developed. This is the first book I have read in this series, and I found it very easy to keep up with everyone and their backstories. I enjoyed getting to know the residents of Alexandria Bay and look forward to seeing more of them in the upcoming books. The murder mystery has plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep readers guessing until the reveal. I will definitely be reading the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Death on the Page is a fun, enjoyable read. The beautiful and unique setting quickly drew me into the story. The plot is well-written, engaging, and keeps a steady pace. The main character Shelby is easy to like and I found her to be a very good sleuth. The secondary characters are well-developed. This is the first book I have read in this series, and I found it very easy to keep up with everyone and their backstories. I enjoyed getting to know the residents of Alexandria Bay and look forward to seeing more of them in the upcoming books. The murder mystery has plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep readers guessing until the reveal. I will definitely be reading the next book.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
January 25, 2020
Shelby Cox loves co-owning two bookshops with her Aunt Edie. One of the shops is on the mainland in Alexandria, NY and the other is in on nearby Blye Island. The island is a popular tourist location because of historic Blye Castle. I love this cozy series for the setting alone -- can you imagine running a bookshop on an island with a castle? :) Too awesome!
Death on the Page is the 2nd book in this series. A bestselling author comes to visit. Shelby is a bit worried when she finds out that Savannah Page is actually going to be spending the night at the castle. While the committee that oversees the historic landmark has discussed setting up a suite for guests in the castle, Shelby is concerned about problems like damage to the property, liability, etc.
And she wasn't wrong.
The visiting author is found dead in a secret passage inside the castle. Uh oh. Shelby is soon on the case to do some amateur sleuthing to discover what happened to Savannah Page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining cozy mystery. I would love, love, love to spend the night in a historic castle! Now, I draw the line at being killed in a secret passage....but everything up to that point, I'm totally willing! I like Shelby and Edie as characters. Edie is a strong personality, but not too overbearing about it. Shelby loves her job, her aunt and Blye Island. The two characters just work well together. I love the setting and the side characters are quirky and enjoyable. The mystery moved at a nice pace with quite a few suspects and twisted developments. All in all, a very entertaining cozy mystery! I will definitely keep reading this series!
I look forward to the next book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
Death on the Page is the 2nd book in this series. A bestselling author comes to visit. Shelby is a bit worried when she finds out that Savannah Page is actually going to be spending the night at the castle. While the committee that oversees the historic landmark has discussed setting up a suite for guests in the castle, Shelby is concerned about problems like damage to the property, liability, etc.
And she wasn't wrong.
The visiting author is found dead in a secret passage inside the castle. Uh oh. Shelby is soon on the case to do some amateur sleuthing to discover what happened to Savannah Page.
I thoroughly enjoyed this entertaining cozy mystery. I would love, love, love to spend the night in a historic castle! Now, I draw the line at being killed in a secret passage....but everything up to that point, I'm totally willing! I like Shelby and Edie as characters. Edie is a strong personality, but not too overbearing about it. Shelby loves her job, her aunt and Blye Island. The two characters just work well together. I love the setting and the side characters are quirky and enjoyable. The mystery moved at a nice pace with quite a few suspects and twisted developments. All in all, a very entertaining cozy mystery! I will definitely keep reading this series!
I look forward to the next book!
**I voluntarily read a review copy of this book from Crooked Lane. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
September 14, 2019
Death on the Page by Essie Lang is the second book in her Castle Bookshop series and was a good addition to the series.
Ms. Lang's descriptive writing always makes me feel like I'm quite at home both in Alexandria Bay and Blye Island. I enjoyed getting to know more about Shelby and Edie in this one. The characters are developing well and the secondary characters are also growing in this second book. The plot is smoothly paced but did lag some in the middle. There were a few twists and several suspects that Shelby just "had" to question to satisfy her curiosity. The reveal was a dramatic and I enjoyed Erica rescuing Shelby. Girl Power!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Lang's descriptive writing always makes me feel like I'm quite at home both in Alexandria Bay and Blye Island. I enjoyed getting to know more about Shelby and Edie in this one. The characters are developing well and the secondary characters are also growing in this second book. The plot is smoothly paced but did lag some in the middle. There were a few twists and several suspects that Shelby just "had" to question to satisfy her curiosity. The reveal was a dramatic and I enjoyed Erica rescuing Shelby. Girl Power!
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
September 8, 2019
This book did not engage me at all, no matter how much I tried. I admit, I skimmed most of it just to get to the bloody end. Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and review this ARC.
February 6, 2020
Shelby works in a bookstore with two locations, one in the 1000 Islands town of Alexandria Bay, New York and one in Bly Castle. The town is abuzz with anticipation of the arrival of an author who will be doing a book signing and staying overnight in the castle as part of her research for a future book. When she is found dead the next morning, her fiancé and agent both claim they had no reason to cause her harm. But Shelby can't help but think that there is more to her death than an accidental fall, especially when several items are discovered missing from the castle.
I live about four hours away from the area and have visited Boldt and Singer Castles many times. The author does a wonderful job of describing 1000 Islands and the local scenery. I just couldn't connect with Shelby's character. She speaks first too much and thinks after the fact. Her dating relationship with Zack seems very immature. Her relatives, friends, the police chief and Zack repeatedly order her to stay away from the investigation but she continues in her quest. In Shelby's defense, I didn't read the first book so I don't know if they are just very well-intentioned. However, it felt like this was overkill (pardon the pun). Since I liked the setting, I plan to read the first book, which I already purchased, and will also look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
I live about four hours away from the area and have visited Boldt and Singer Castles many times. The author does a wonderful job of describing 1000 Islands and the local scenery. I just couldn't connect with Shelby's character. She speaks first too much and thinks after the fact. Her dating relationship with Zack seems very immature. Her relatives, friends, the police chief and Zack repeatedly order her to stay away from the investigation but she continues in her quest. In Shelby's defense, I didn't read the first book so I don't know if they are just very well-intentioned. However, it felt like this was overkill (pardon the pun). Since I liked the setting, I plan to read the first book, which I already purchased, and will also look forward to the next installment in this series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
March 21, 2020
Death on the Page by Essie Lang is the second novel in A Castle Bookshop Mystery series. It can be a standalone if you have not read Trouble on the Books. Shelby Cox co-owns Bayside Books in Alexandria Bay, New York with her aunt, Edie Cox. They have an auxiliary location in Blye Castle on Blye Island which is one of the Thousand Islands. It is the 35th anniversary of their bookstore and Savannah Page has agreed to do a signing of her latest true crime novel. Savannah also got the board of directors of Blye Castle to allow her to stay at the castle over the weekend. The author plans on researching Joe Cabana, a prohibition mobster, whose murder was never solved. Shelby arrives to open the bookstore on Sunday to learn that Savannah is dead at the bottom of a staircase in a secret passage. Shelby is curious about the secret passages and the author’s death, so she begins asking questions. There are a variety of suspects from the castle’s caretaker to the author’s fiancé. Shelby asks questions of people involved in the case despite being told by her aunt, boyfriend and Chief Stone to stop being a nosey parker. The mystery is straightforward, and readers will have no problem solving the whodunit before the solution is revealed. When Shelby is not sleuthing, she is working at the bookstore, visiting friends or her aunt, spending time with Zach Griffin (the Coast Guard agent she is dating), or indulging in coffee at Chocomania. I wish the story had contained more action. I found the pace to be on the slow side (for me). I would like to see Shelby become more mature especially with regards to her relationship with Zach. It would be nice is the author fleshed out the main characters (Erica, Matthew, Aunt Edie, Zach). I also wanted more sleuthing at the castle. I felt the author lost out on an opportunity to make this an intriguing mystery with Shelby sneaking around the castle and finding clues in the secret passages. The ending seemed abrupt and lacking in a solid conclusion to the mystery (I have questions). Those readers who prefer more cozy than mystery will enjoy reading Death on the Page. Death on the Page has secret stairs, chocolate coffee, pocketed objects, injured individuals, tricky thieves, and a cagey killer.
March 3, 2020
New from Essie Lang (AKA. Erika Chase/Lina Wiken) comes the second book in the "A Castle Bookshop Mystery" book store cozy series, Death on the Page published by Crooked Lane Books.
Shelby has begun to think of the Castle bookshop and Blye Island as home. She doesn't want anything to ruin her newfound happiness, and even though she doesn't go looking for trouble, it ends up practically on her doorstep. In this latest book store cozy, the main character finds herself asking questions that could lead her into danger, or worse. Shelby is a wounded character, a quiet and isolated childhood, with a father who didn't trust anyone made for a lonely life until she moved to Blye Island. It takes a lot of patience and love to gain her trust and friendship. But slowly, she is beginning to grow emotionally and realizes that she loves having friends and family around.
The characters in this book store cozy are everything a reader would want, with just a hint of weirdness we all need in our lives. Some are lovable, some are quirky, and some are stubborn, but they all keep readers wanting to know more. Blye Island is a perfect setting for a book store and a murder. The suspects are sparse but enough to keep readers guessing. The investigation seems to be a little on the lite side and motives slim. I did not wholly believe the ending. The killer did not seem likely, and this took away some of my enjoyment, but not so much that I don't want to read the next book in the series. Death on the Page is an enjoyable read that won't take up too much of the reader's time. The characters are fun, the plot, although done many times in murder mysteries, is still interesting.
Shelby has begun to think of the Castle bookshop and Blye Island as home. She doesn't want anything to ruin her newfound happiness, and even though she doesn't go looking for trouble, it ends up practically on her doorstep. In this latest book store cozy, the main character finds herself asking questions that could lead her into danger, or worse. Shelby is a wounded character, a quiet and isolated childhood, with a father who didn't trust anyone made for a lonely life until she moved to Blye Island. It takes a lot of patience and love to gain her trust and friendship. But slowly, she is beginning to grow emotionally and realizes that she loves having friends and family around.
The characters in this book store cozy are everything a reader would want, with just a hint of weirdness we all need in our lives. Some are lovable, some are quirky, and some are stubborn, but they all keep readers wanting to know more. Blye Island is a perfect setting for a book store and a murder. The suspects are sparse but enough to keep readers guessing. The investigation seems to be a little on the lite side and motives slim. I did not wholly believe the ending. The killer did not seem likely, and this took away some of my enjoyment, but not so much that I don't want to read the next book in the series. Death on the Page is an enjoyable read that won't take up too much of the reader's time. The characters are fun, the plot, although done many times in murder mysteries, is still interesting.
December 3, 2019
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!
I really loved the setting for this book, it is just so unique and beautiful that you can almost see it as you read! Of course the books help immensely with my enjoyment; I always love a cozy with books as the theme. Shelby was a good sleuth too; thorough but not too professional in her search for justice. Even though this is book two, you can easily fall into the plot and understand the characters and their struggles as the book progresses. It's a good mystery with enough turns to keep us amateur sleuths guessing too. I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read more from this author!
Five stars.
I really loved the setting for this book, it is just so unique and beautiful that you can almost see it as you read! Of course the books help immensely with my enjoyment; I always love a cozy with books as the theme. Shelby was a good sleuth too; thorough but not too professional in her search for justice. Even though this is book two, you can easily fall into the plot and understand the characters and their struggles as the book progresses. It's a good mystery with enough turns to keep us amateur sleuths guessing too. I really enjoyed this book, and can't wait to read more from this author!
Five stars.
August 26, 2020
Location, location, location. The setting of this story had me checking a map and dreaming of a vacation. Alexandria Bay sounds like a charming place both in the book and in the real world. Beyond that it was an easy to read mystery with a touch of romance that I enjoyed.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
March 10, 2020
This was a fun visit to a new place that I had first read last year, and it was great catching up with Shelby and her aunt Edie. I love the character of Edie to begin with and the sweet but tough caretaker Matthew who really liked Edie. I'm sure the feeling was mutual.
After the police found a visiting author dead in one of the castle's secret passageway staircases, Shelby couldn't help but get involved. She'd met and liked this author, but the more she snooped and ended up hearing that suspects were cleared, the more confusing it got. The showdown with the killer was exciting, especially when Shelby noticed that someone hiding had her back during it. I had been suspecting the person but wasn't really sure why. I'm definitely happy with where Shelby and Zack are in their dating life and the sweet ending the book had. Here's to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
After the police found a visiting author dead in one of the castle's secret passageway staircases, Shelby couldn't help but get involved. She'd met and liked this author, but the more she snooped and ended up hearing that suspects were cleared, the more confusing it got. The showdown with the killer was exciting, especially when Shelby noticed that someone hiding had her back during it. I had been suspecting the person but wasn't really sure why. I'm definitely happy with where Shelby and Zack are in their dating life and the sweet ending the book had. Here's to the next book!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
February 2, 2020
This is the second book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series by Essie Lang. The mystery is complete within the novel and there are some continuing relationships between the characters from the first book in the series. It is not necessary to have read the first book in the series as the author gives enough clues for the reader to understand the relationships between the characters and their current situations.
The book is well written, although the characters come across as more generic than individual including the young protagonist, the wise and individualistic aunt, the unattached best friend, and the maybe boyfriend in a growing relationship along with the gruff police chief who wants nothing more than for the amateurs to leave the investigation to the police. They are all entertaining enough, although there is nothing that makes them stand out as unique in the genre of cozy fiction.
I had hoped to have more atmosphere from the castle that is part of this series. Instead, it is very much in the background, a place where the murder occurs, but there is little in the book to allow the reader to see and feel what being inside the castle is like.
Shelby, the protagonist who is possessed of an overwhelming curiosity, can’t help but become embroiled in the investigation. Despite assuring people she is not getting involved in the investigation, she continues to ask vaious suspects questions about their personal connections to the murder. It is easy to determine who the murderer is, and becomes more of a question of how long Shelby is going to be able to run around questioning people before the murderer steps in and tries to stop her.
If you want a book that is easy to pick up and put down, as well as having characters who feel familiar for the most part, this may be one to consider. It’s an easy to follow, easy to interrupt book for the casual reader.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
The book is well written, although the characters come across as more generic than individual including the young protagonist, the wise and individualistic aunt, the unattached best friend, and the maybe boyfriend in a growing relationship along with the gruff police chief who wants nothing more than for the amateurs to leave the investigation to the police. They are all entertaining enough, although there is nothing that makes them stand out as unique in the genre of cozy fiction.
I had hoped to have more atmosphere from the castle that is part of this series. Instead, it is very much in the background, a place where the murder occurs, but there is little in the book to allow the reader to see and feel what being inside the castle is like.
Shelby, the protagonist who is possessed of an overwhelming curiosity, can’t help but become embroiled in the investigation. Despite assuring people she is not getting involved in the investigation, she continues to ask vaious suspects questions about their personal connections to the murder. It is easy to determine who the murderer is, and becomes more of a question of how long Shelby is going to be able to run around questioning people before the murderer steps in and tries to stop her.
If you want a book that is easy to pick up and put down, as well as having characters who feel familiar for the most part, this may be one to consider. It’s an easy to follow, easy to interrupt book for the casual reader.
My thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced digital read copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased, honest review.
September 23, 2019
A bookstore in a castle ....what could be better? Add in a mystery that keeps you guessing and you have an entertaining cozy mystery!
The mystery kept me reading and the writing was fast-paced. There were so many red herrings (and I loved that!) and twists. I enjoyed the development in the main character and her interactions with friends and family. The romance, in the book, did not overwhelm the mystery.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of the book.
The mystery kept me reading and the writing was fast-paced. There were so many red herrings (and I loved that!) and twists. I enjoyed the development in the main character and her interactions with friends and family. The romance, in the book, did not overwhelm the mystery.
I received an ARC from NetGalley for a fair and honest review of the book.
October 22, 2019
This is an enjoyable story. I liked the plot and the characters. I felt like the middle was a little slow as it didn't really move the mystery along very much. It ended rather abruptly, but I felt like the killer had been hinted at for most of the book. . I would definitely read the next book in the series.#DeathOnThePage #NetGalley
February 16, 2020
4.5 stars
This is the second book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series by Essie Lang.
Shelby Cox runs two bookshops in Alexandria Bay, New York. One is on an island inside Blye Castle and the other is on the mainland. At the Castle location Shelby has a book signing with popular author Savannah Page. The Heritage Society even allows the author to stay the night inside the facility. A day later they discover the author dead at the bottom of the stairs. Shelby had previously been a book editor and came to the store to help out her friend. Now she has made the position permanent. The author had been researching a local by the name of Joe Cabana who had been murdered in the island decades before.
All sorts of people come out of the woodwork on this one and look like likely suspects. Two different authors accuse Savannah of stealing their story ideas and even her agent had at one time been dating his client. Shelby had her work cut out for her on this one and Police Chief Stone does not appreciate Shelby horny in on her case.
The mystery was well-crafted and all the quirky and charming characters were easy to distinguish from one other. Plus, I think This castle setting will have a slew of possibilities when more secret passages and castle history are uncovered.
This book was quite a roller coaster ride. I couldn't read fast enough to discover the identity of true killer. I look forward to reading all future books in this series.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out! You won't be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC(Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in the Castle Bookshop Mystery series by Essie Lang.
Shelby Cox runs two bookshops in Alexandria Bay, New York. One is on an island inside Blye Castle and the other is on the mainland. At the Castle location Shelby has a book signing with popular author Savannah Page. The Heritage Society even allows the author to stay the night inside the facility. A day later they discover the author dead at the bottom of the stairs. Shelby had previously been a book editor and came to the store to help out her friend. Now she has made the position permanent. The author had been researching a local by the name of Joe Cabana who had been murdered in the island decades before.
All sorts of people come out of the woodwork on this one and look like likely suspects. Two different authors accuse Savannah of stealing their story ideas and even her agent had at one time been dating his client. Shelby had her work cut out for her on this one and Police Chief Stone does not appreciate Shelby horny in on her case.
The mystery was well-crafted and all the quirky and charming characters were easy to distinguish from one other. Plus, I think This castle setting will have a slew of possibilities when more secret passages and castle history are uncovered.
This book was quite a roller coaster ride. I couldn't read fast enough to discover the identity of true killer. I look forward to reading all future books in this series.
If you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out! You won't be disappointed.
I received this as an ARC(Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank the author, the publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to read this title.
March 24, 2021
I enjoyed it from cover to cover! I enjoyed the story, the character development and the setting. Looking forward to reading the third book in the series when it becomes available to me.
February 27, 2022
Good dialogue and characters. Believable scenes with make sense action, tho lacking severely in background, unless you read the first book in this series. But I enjoyed the book and found the climactic ending both exciting and humorous (you will too.) But left with the question of why the savior was there?
Given it’s set around a bookstore, I’m sure I’ll be reading more, including the first book.
Given it’s set around a bookstore, I’m sure I’ll be reading more, including the first book.
September 26, 2019
Whew, I felt like this took forever to read. I just never really got into it. I love cozy mysteries. I'm aware that the heroines in them are nosy and the things that they do would never fly in the real world, and I'm ok with that, I just didn't connect with this story or the characters at all. I will say though, that the book DID pick up at about 84% of the way through. I had to work hard to keep reading this one though. My hope is that the author is working on finding their voice so I'll pick up book 3 before deciding if I'm going to pass on this writer going forward.
3 1/2 stars
Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.
3 1/2 stars
Thank you Netgalley for an advance copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are mine and mine alone.
March 10, 2020
How I love coming back to Blye Island and Blye Castle in the beautiful Thousand Islands of upstate New York! When reading the first novel in this delightful Castle Bookshop Mystery series, Trouble on the Books, I fell in love with the castle, its bookstore, the characters, and JT, the cat. The people of Alexandria Bay are personable and well-defined, and the mystery is tough to solve!
Edie and her niece Shelby, co-owners of Bayside Books, are prepared for a special book signing by best-selling true crime author, Savannah Page. One signing will be in the original store that Edie runs with her best friend and long-time employee, Trudy. The next afternoon, Savannah will sign books at the Blye Castle location. The board approved her special request, so Savannah will spend the night at the castle, which has never been done before. Matthew, caretaker of the island and castle, lives on the island and is available in an emergency, and Frank, retired from the local “mainland” hotel, has been hired to be a butler for the night to see to the author’s needs.
The book signings are a huge success with one notable exception. Jenna, a local, came into the main store, very upset with the author. She claimed that Savannah took her ideas and research for a book Jenna had planned to write and discussed with Savannah earlier that year. It was going to be about Joe Cabana, a reputed mobster in the days when rumrunning was big, especially on Blye. He was murdered on the island he called home and the crime never solved, so Savannah wants to write about this cold case. The atmosphere of staying overnight in the castle might help her research.
Savannah’s fiancé Liam is in town with her, but he will stay alone at their hotel that night as Savannah didn’t want any distractions when she worked. They were seen arguing at the dock where the boat going to and from the island would pick her up.
When Shelby arrives at the castle the next day, the daytime security guards are searching the castle and grounds. Savannah is missing, not having been seen since the prior evening. Shortly after, Shelby heard they found Savannah. She was dead at the bottom of the stairs of one of the hidden passageways Shelby thought was the stuff of rumors. It is determined she was murdered.
Despite her best intentions, the orders of Police Chief Stone, and request of Zack, the protective guy she is dating, Shelby gets involved in the investigation. After all, it took place at the castle where she works. She met, had dinner with, and liked the fascinating author. Clues and theories simply keep dropping into her lap! Matthew, the caretaker, is also one of the chief’s suspects, albeit a reach, but Shelby isn’t willing to let her beloved aunt’s dear friend be railroaded.
This exciting mystery has several plot twists that increase the suspects. I followed my “pet” suspect throughout, then came up with a second choice. I was somewhat surprised to discover which of the two “pet suspects” it really was, and very surprised at the why! The end is completely satisfactory, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with unique settings, bookstores, and engaging characters. This is a series I really enjoy!
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Edie and her niece Shelby, co-owners of Bayside Books, are prepared for a special book signing by best-selling true crime author, Savannah Page. One signing will be in the original store that Edie runs with her best friend and long-time employee, Trudy. The next afternoon, Savannah will sign books at the Blye Castle location. The board approved her special request, so Savannah will spend the night at the castle, which has never been done before. Matthew, caretaker of the island and castle, lives on the island and is available in an emergency, and Frank, retired from the local “mainland” hotel, has been hired to be a butler for the night to see to the author’s needs.
The book signings are a huge success with one notable exception. Jenna, a local, came into the main store, very upset with the author. She claimed that Savannah took her ideas and research for a book Jenna had planned to write and discussed with Savannah earlier that year. It was going to be about Joe Cabana, a reputed mobster in the days when rumrunning was big, especially on Blye. He was murdered on the island he called home and the crime never solved, so Savannah wants to write about this cold case. The atmosphere of staying overnight in the castle might help her research.
Savannah’s fiancé Liam is in town with her, but he will stay alone at their hotel that night as Savannah didn’t want any distractions when she worked. They were seen arguing at the dock where the boat going to and from the island would pick her up.
When Shelby arrives at the castle the next day, the daytime security guards are searching the castle and grounds. Savannah is missing, not having been seen since the prior evening. Shortly after, Shelby heard they found Savannah. She was dead at the bottom of the stairs of one of the hidden passageways Shelby thought was the stuff of rumors. It is determined she was murdered.
Despite her best intentions, the orders of Police Chief Stone, and request of Zack, the protective guy she is dating, Shelby gets involved in the investigation. After all, it took place at the castle where she works. She met, had dinner with, and liked the fascinating author. Clues and theories simply keep dropping into her lap! Matthew, the caretaker, is also one of the chief’s suspects, albeit a reach, but Shelby isn’t willing to let her beloved aunt’s dear friend be railroaded.
This exciting mystery has several plot twists that increase the suspects. I followed my “pet” suspect throughout, then came up with a second choice. I was somewhat surprised to discover which of the two “pet suspects” it really was, and very surprised at the why! The end is completely satisfactory, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend this to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with unique settings, bookstores, and engaging characters. This is a series I really enjoy!
From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
August 18, 2020
3.5 stars. This is the second book in the Castle Bookshop series. Shelby runs Thousand Islands bookstore in Alexandria Bay, New York. They are hosting a book signing for author, Savannah Page. Savannah plans to spend the night at Blye Castle for research for her new book. Towards the end of her book signing, Savannah is confronted by another author who claims Savannah stole her idea. The next day after Savannah's night at the castle she is found dead. Shelby decides to investigate. This was a good, enjoyable read. The characters are good. Shelby is a strong likeable character. I like how she is more flushed out in this book as opposed to book one. I would have liked to see more of her aunt though. Overall this was a good book and I probably will read book three when it comes out.
March 11, 2020
Death On The Page is the second book in the A Castle Bookshop Mystery series.
Shelby Cox is co-owner with her Aunt Edie of two bookstores. Edie manages the store in Alexandria Bay and Shelby the store in Blye Castle on Blye Island. Shelby is excited when Edie tells her that crime writer Savannah Page is coming for a book signing of her latest book. She is also surprised when she is also told that Savannah will be staying overnight at the castle. Normally the Alexandria Bay Heritage Society is very protective of the castle and has never allowed anyone to stay there overnight. Savannah’s next book will center around Joe Cabana, reputedly a mobster and smuggler who had owned the castle before being murdered, and she hopes to get a sense of his life while living in the castle.
Savannah arrives for the book signing and has a very successful book signing until the end when a lady confronts Savannah, saying that she stole her idea for the story about Cabana. After having dinner with Savannah and her boyfriend, Shelby escorts her to the castle.
The next morning Shelby goes to open the bookstore and to see how Savannah night in the castle has gone. But when Shelby goes to Savannah's room she isn’t there. She goes in search of Savannah and soon finds her dead at the foot of the staircase in a hidden passage.
Shelby will be some investigation of her own, as she wants to know why the security guard didn’t hear anything, how the killer got in, and who wanted Savannah dead.
The story is well-written and plotted and has an interesting and a cast of believable and likable characters. The book reads at an even pace and there are enough red-herrings that kept me guessing until the end.
I will be watching for the next book in the series.
Shelby Cox is co-owner with her Aunt Edie of two bookstores. Edie manages the store in Alexandria Bay and Shelby the store in Blye Castle on Blye Island. Shelby is excited when Edie tells her that crime writer Savannah Page is coming for a book signing of her latest book. She is also surprised when she is also told that Savannah will be staying overnight at the castle. Normally the Alexandria Bay Heritage Society is very protective of the castle and has never allowed anyone to stay there overnight. Savannah’s next book will center around Joe Cabana, reputedly a mobster and smuggler who had owned the castle before being murdered, and she hopes to get a sense of his life while living in the castle.
Savannah arrives for the book signing and has a very successful book signing until the end when a lady confronts Savannah, saying that she stole her idea for the story about Cabana. After having dinner with Savannah and her boyfriend, Shelby escorts her to the castle.
The next morning Shelby goes to open the bookstore and to see how Savannah night in the castle has gone. But when Shelby goes to Savannah's room she isn’t there. She goes in search of Savannah and soon finds her dead at the foot of the staircase in a hidden passage.
Shelby will be some investigation of her own, as she wants to know why the security guard didn’t hear anything, how the killer got in, and who wanted Savannah dead.
The story is well-written and plotted and has an interesting and a cast of believable and likable characters. The book reads at an even pace and there are enough red-herrings that kept me guessing until the end.
I will be watching for the next book in the series.
May 25, 2020
“Death on the Page” the 2nd instalment in the “A Castle Bookshop Mystery” series by Essie Lang.
I love the setting of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region. I liked the idea of two bookstores and having a book signing, then overnight stay in the castle. But there were several side plots that distracted me from the murder without adding a interest to the story. I am hoping the characters will be developed more as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series, and I look forward to the next instalment to see where it goes.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through Netgalley/Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest opinion.
I love the setting of Alexandria Bay, nestled in upstate New York’s breathtaking Thousand Islands region. I liked the idea of two bookstores and having a book signing, then overnight stay in the castle. But there were several side plots that distracted me from the murder without adding a interest to the story. I am hoping the characters will be developed more as the series progresses.
I enjoyed this one more than the first book in the series, and I look forward to the next instalment to see where it goes.
I voluntarily reviewed a free copy of this book through Netgalley/Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest opinion.
February 14, 2020
Thanks to the publisher, via Netgalley, for an advance e-galley for honest review.
This is shaping up to be a really great cozy series! Death on the Page, the second Castle Bookshop mystery, features a mysterious death of a guest at Blye Castle, and of course the author had just completed a signing at Shelby's castle bookstore. This second book in the series has Shelby settling into her new life and relationships in her small town, and she's made connections with some entertaining and interesting characters. Great setting and a solid mystery story made for a great cozy.
This is shaping up to be a really great cozy series! Death on the Page, the second Castle Bookshop mystery, features a mysterious death of a guest at Blye Castle, and of course the author had just completed a signing at Shelby's castle bookstore. This second book in the series has Shelby settling into her new life and relationships in her small town, and she's made connections with some entertaining and interesting characters. Great setting and a solid mystery story made for a great cozy.
March 8, 2020
Death on the Page is the second book in The Castle Bookshop Mystery Series by Essie Lang. This was a quick, enjoyable read. I found that the book while a mystery was not gruesome at all but simply a nice "who did it." Lang kept my attention until the end and wanting to find out who committed the crime. While I had my suspicions from the long list of potential suspects, I was not completely sure until the end.
I had not read the first book in this series. I found that Death on the Page can be read as a stand-alone book. However, Lang does include frequent allusions to the first book. As such, being familiar with the first book and thus knowing more about the main character would make Death on the Page that much more enjoyable.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
I had not read the first book in this series. I found that Death on the Page can be read as a stand-alone book. However, Lang does include frequent allusions to the first book. As such, being familiar with the first book and thus knowing more about the main character would make Death on the Page that much more enjoyable.
I received a complementary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley.
February 3, 2020
This was not my favorite cozy mystery though I did thoroughly enjoy the setting of the book. Perhaps because I started the series with book 2. I just found the story hard to get into and a bit lacking at times. I’m going to try the first book and see if this changes.
August 15, 2020
This story takes place in the autumn. The story involves an author, a castle, theft, fraud, and a murder. The main character also meets a friend of her mother's with whom she also begins a friendship with. There is also a bit of romance. This includes an ex that causes trouble.
December 15, 2021
This was a bit slow for me at the start but by the end I thoroughly enjoyed this second entry in the Castle Bookshop mystery series. There were a LOT of potential suspects for the murder, and I really wasn't sure who had done it. I look forward to reading more in this series.
October 11, 2020
I’m sorry to say this one just never grabbed me. Didn’t grow to care about the characters and I was bored :/
March 10, 2020
Death on the Page is a great cozy mystery that bibliophiles would love to read. The main character, Shelby, is a strong woman who is building her life as co-owner to a set of bookstores. I love her determination, strength, and of course, her curious nature. The plot was crafted with enough twists and suspects to keep me turning the pages until the end. I received an advanced reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
September 13, 2019
Shelby Cox is wrapping up her first full season of running the family bookstore annex at historic Blye Castle and has settled into life in Bayside rather well. When the store is set to celebrate their anniversary, they host a true crime author with book signings at both the castle and main stores. The signing seems to be a hit all around and the author is spending the night at the castle in order to research her next book, based on the mobster, Joe Cabana, who ran a smuggling business from the island during Prohibition.
When the visiting author is found dead in the castle’s secret passages, Shelby has to wonder who had it in for the author. There seem to be no loss for suspects, from the author’s agent on down to a local who came in during one of the signings and accused the author of stealing her idea for a book. Things just aren’t settling in Shelby’s mind and she can’t help but ask questions and try to find out whodunit. But will Shelby’s luck run out before the murdered is caught or will this be yet another cold case for another author to write about in the future?
Adore this series and the setting. Shelby has some trust and personal relationship issues to work through and the raw emotions are bared as she works through them. We all have our own challenges and the characters in this series are so well developed that you find yourself empathizing and relating to them. Looking forward to more entries in this series and seeing what the future hold for Shelby and the gang.
When the visiting author is found dead in the castle’s secret passages, Shelby has to wonder who had it in for the author. There seem to be no loss for suspects, from the author’s agent on down to a local who came in during one of the signings and accused the author of stealing her idea for a book. Things just aren’t settling in Shelby’s mind and she can’t help but ask questions and try to find out whodunit. But will Shelby’s luck run out before the murdered is caught or will this be yet another cold case for another author to write about in the future?
Adore this series and the setting. Shelby has some trust and personal relationship issues to work through and the raw emotions are bared as she works through them. We all have our own challenges and the characters in this series are so well developed that you find yourself empathizing and relating to them. Looking forward to more entries in this series and seeing what the future hold for Shelby and the gang.
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