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St. Marin's Cozy Mystery #1-3
St. Marin's Cozy Mystery Series Box Set #1-3
- GenresCozy Mystery
690 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 30, 2020
428 people are currently reading
135 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews
September 30, 2020
I figured out the surprise
I figured out the surprise long before it was said. I truly enjoy this series, I just wish the author did not tell the need to announce what color everyone is! There are other ways to let the reader know someone's race without saying " the sixth something white man".
I figured out the surprise long before it was said. I truly enjoy this series, I just wish the author did not tell the need to announce what color everyone is! There are other ways to let the reader know someone's race without saying " the sixth something white man".
July 12, 2020
I really enjoyed this 3 book series! I read a lot of cozy mysteries. A LOT. So many, in fact, that I've read over 200 books since I bought my Kindle and joined Kindle Unlimited in early February 2020. Most of the books I've read have been cozy mysteries.
St. Marin's series has, so far, been a feel-good trio of enjoyment! I only read the first 3, but am looking forward to the next 3.
In some of the previous "Cozies" I've read, I've felt just caught up in wondering when I'd finish just so I could move on to the next new series with the hope of finding something that kept me up at night in suspense of what was to happen next. St. Marin made me feel at home and amongst good true friends. I wanted to sit back and have a glass or 2 with Harvey and Rocky!
This series really made the reader get to know the characters and didn't focus primarily on solving the crime. In fact, the ONLY thing I didn't like about these reads was that Harvey was SO overly "curious". She would never mind her business and I found that halfway through the third book I kinda wanted her to get murdered!! Then she'd finally have learned her lesson about being a snoop! However, I also found myself biting my nails toward the end when she, yet again, got herself in a position where the killer was going to rid St. Marin of her and I honestly cheered for her to escape!
And since Harvey owned a bookstore, there are numerous recommendations of other well written books that can be found in the kindle library.
Regardless of the main characters nosiness, the other characters were very real, very likeable, and made up for what the main character lacked. I liked all of the different breeds of dogs and their very unique personalities, too. I did enjoy these reads. 5 Stars and Two thumbs up!
St. Marin's series has, so far, been a feel-good trio of enjoyment! I only read the first 3, but am looking forward to the next 3.
In some of the previous "Cozies" I've read, I've felt just caught up in wondering when I'd finish just so I could move on to the next new series with the hope of finding something that kept me up at night in suspense of what was to happen next. St. Marin made me feel at home and amongst good true friends. I wanted to sit back and have a glass or 2 with Harvey and Rocky!
This series really made the reader get to know the characters and didn't focus primarily on solving the crime. In fact, the ONLY thing I didn't like about these reads was that Harvey was SO overly "curious". She would never mind her business and I found that halfway through the third book I kinda wanted her to get murdered!! Then she'd finally have learned her lesson about being a snoop! However, I also found myself biting my nails toward the end when she, yet again, got herself in a position where the killer was going to rid St. Marin of her and I honestly cheered for her to escape!
And since Harvey owned a bookstore, there are numerous recommendations of other well written books that can be found in the kindle library.
Regardless of the main characters nosiness, the other characters were very real, very likeable, and made up for what the main character lacked. I liked all of the different breeds of dogs and their very unique personalities, too. I did enjoy these reads. 5 Stars and Two thumbs up!
October 27, 2020
Great Story with book recommendations added bonus!
Reading a book set of Cozy Mysteries is a nice change of pace to romantic suspense, fantasy and paranormal romance. When that box set features the Maryland shore, a small town bookstore and lots of dogs, it's even better! ACF Bookens, really understands the mind of a bookworm. She writes in such a way that a person literally disappears into the story, transported through words to the Chesapeake Bay area and a cozy bookstore with quirky neighbors, shop owners, and family. Her main character, Harvey Beckett, the bookstore owner is a woman, I could easily picture as one of my best friends. Her supporting cast of characters from Harvey's best friend, Mart, and her love interest Daniel, to. every friend you are introduced to as time moves on in St. Marin, make you feel as though you are surrounded by love and goodwill. I can see why all of Harvey's West Coast friends move to St. Marin. I wanted to move there by the time I finished book 1! Though as with all cozy mysteries one has to wonder how such an idllyic town could have so much violent crime! In a town where the village grapevine knows things about you, even before you do, how can anyone hope to get away with murder. And the only luck the poor town sheriff has with his deputies is bad luck! Yet I think the icing on the cake has to be all the great book recommendations that Ms. Bookens includes in each of her novels. If I can ever get through my to be read list, I will be picking up book 4-6 of ACF Bookens St. Marin series!
Reading a book set of Cozy Mysteries is a nice change of pace to romantic suspense, fantasy and paranormal romance. When that box set features the Maryland shore, a small town bookstore and lots of dogs, it's even better! ACF Bookens, really understands the mind of a bookworm. She writes in such a way that a person literally disappears into the story, transported through words to the Chesapeake Bay area and a cozy bookstore with quirky neighbors, shop owners, and family. Her main character, Harvey Beckett, the bookstore owner is a woman, I could easily picture as one of my best friends. Her supporting cast of characters from Harvey's best friend, Mart, and her love interest Daniel, to. every friend you are introduced to as time moves on in St. Marin, make you feel as though you are surrounded by love and goodwill. I can see why all of Harvey's West Coast friends move to St. Marin. I wanted to move there by the time I finished book 1! Though as with all cozy mysteries one has to wonder how such an idllyic town could have so much violent crime! In a town where the village grapevine knows things about you, even before you do, how can anyone hope to get away with murder. And the only luck the poor town sheriff has with his deputies is bad luck! Yet I think the icing on the cake has to be all the great book recommendations that Ms. Bookens includes in each of her novels. If I can ever get through my to be read list, I will be picking up book 4-6 of ACF Bookens St. Marin series!
October 9, 2021
I love boxed sets!
They make digging into a new series effortless AND binge-able.
Harvey fell in love with St Marin after a summer spent there as a child. When a divorce and join loss mean she needs to start over, it makes sense that she finally follows her dream and opens a book shop in that same small Maryland town.
In the first three volumes of this series we meet Harvey and Mayhem in the days before the Grand Opening of All Booked Up where, on the eve of the long-awaited day, she finds a dead body in her storage room!
And the excitement, intrigue, and investigation commence.
Bookens crafts her characters well, giving glimpses that make us fully invested, right from the start. As you make your way through these first three volumes, she will introduce townspeople who will become friends, but also you will learn about the people Harvey has left behind in San Francisco - some willingly - and why they ultimately make St Marin their home.
Great characters, unique and intriguing plots; these all come together to form the basis of a series of mysteries that I guarantee will soon become favorites!
They make digging into a new series effortless AND binge-able.
Harvey fell in love with St Marin after a summer spent there as a child. When a divorce and join loss mean she needs to start over, it makes sense that she finally follows her dream and opens a book shop in that same small Maryland town.
In the first three volumes of this series we meet Harvey and Mayhem in the days before the Grand Opening of All Booked Up where, on the eve of the long-awaited day, she finds a dead body in her storage room!
And the excitement, intrigue, and investigation commence.
Bookens crafts her characters well, giving glimpses that make us fully invested, right from the start. As you make your way through these first three volumes, she will introduce townspeople who will become friends, but also you will learn about the people Harvey has left behind in San Francisco - some willingly - and why they ultimately make St Marin their home.
Great characters, unique and intriguing plots; these all come together to form the basis of a series of mysteries that I guarantee will soon become favorites!
September 6, 2022
I am a big fan of cozy mysteries! There is no better escape from the trials and tribulations of modern life than to curl up with a cup of tea and a good story. I am really enjoying the many characters in these books and find it easy to remember who she is talking about when she mentions Cate and Lucas, or any other characters. My only problem is with her best friend and housemate, Mart (short for Martha); each time I read her name I read Matt and start trying to figure out who Matt is. Just my problem but I wished she had given this character a different name.
ACF Bookens is no Louise Penny (my personal favorite author), but these books were so good, I have started on Volume 2: Books 4-6)
ACF Bookens is no Louise Penny (my personal favorite author), but these books were so good, I have started on Volume 2: Books 4-6)
August 11, 2020
Very enjoyable stories. I really needed these. They are so upbeat and characters entertaining. I love how Harvey is so positive despite all the murders - lol She is a ray of light in this small town and I will absolutely continue with this series.
At the end of each chapter the author lists the books that are mentioned in each story, which I loved, she says that she has read them all - commendable, as I have not. I did add some to my TBR list.
At the end of each chapter the author lists the books that are mentioned in each story, which I loved, she says that she has read them all - commendable, as I have not. I did add some to my TBR list.
September 1, 2020
These cozy mysteries were just the relief I needed
In times of Covid—good friends who have each other’s backs; small businesses working together to thrive in a small, coastal town; families and friends who pull together; a bit of romance and our heroine-detective who can’t help getting involved. I also enjoyed the book recommendations made throughout.
In times of Covid—good friends who have each other’s backs; small businesses working together to thrive in a small, coastal town; families and friends who pull together; a bit of romance and our heroine-detective who can’t help getting involved. I also enjoyed the book recommendations made throughout.
September 5, 2020
Really enjoyed these books. Great stories and characters, I recommend this set.
January 15, 2021
Loved all 3
I stayed up half the night reading books 2&3. I couldn't stop reading. The main characters are so likeable. I really want to visit St.Marin
I stayed up half the night reading books 2&3. I couldn't stop reading. The main characters are so likeable. I really want to visit St.Marin
November 8, 2021
I loved all of these stories. The town is full of quirky people and the mysteries keep on happening. I never saw the ends coming.
October 27, 2022
Great mystery twist
Would definitely recommend this series to anyone that enjoys great book references, wonderful characters, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages.
Would definitely recommend this series to anyone that enjoys great book references, wonderful characters, and a mystery that keeps you turning pages.
April 23, 2025
Life in St. Marin’s will pull you in
I didn’t want to take a break from reading this series - but I did need to sleep sometime! Enjoy the people, the pets and life in St. Marin’s.
I didn’t want to take a break from reading this series - but I did need to sleep sometime! Enjoy the people, the pets and life in St. Marin’s.
Displaying 1 - 12 of 12 reviews