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St. Marin's Cozy Mystery #6
Scripted To Slay
Snow days aren't supposed to end with dead bodies.
Harvey Beckett has just finished a quiet meal after shoveling the sidewalks around Main Street when the body of the new bartender in town is discovered behind the bar. When Harvey begins to look into the victim's pseudonym, she finds out far more than she bargained, enough to put her in real danger.
Can she and her friends find the murderer before they become victims themselves?
Harvey Beckett has just finished a quiet meal after shoveling the sidewalks around Main Street when the body of the new bartender in town is discovered behind the bar. When Harvey begins to look into the victim's pseudonym, she finds out far more than she bargained, enough to put her in real danger.
Can she and her friends find the murderer before they become victims themselves?
212 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 19, 2021
120 people are currently reading
191 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 69 reviews
January 20, 2021
Scripted to slay
This will be the first time I have to announce SPOILER ALERT!
I loved almost everything about the story but was horrified when Harvey broke up with Daniel and started to have feelings for Max. Max had been made to appear as a disgusting person in previous books. Daniel was always a good guy. I hope this new interest disappears as fast as it came on.
This will be the first time I have to announce SPOILER ALERT!
I loved almost everything about the story but was horrified when Harvey broke up with Daniel and started to have feelings for Max. Max had been made to appear as a disgusting person in previous books. Daniel was always a good guy. I hope this new interest disappears as fast as it came on.
January 26, 2022
I found this book to be disappointing. The ending of the last book was totally ignored which was a huge let down as someone who was pumped about giant breed dogs being in this series in the future, certain relationship changes (spoilers are at the end) where made way too fast, and in an attempt to not view a disabled woman as simply disabled her life was talked about almost exclusively through the lense of her disability.
While I appreciate the care that was taken in the way disabilities were handled in this book it still fell short. As a woman with disabilities I would have loved to see person first language mixed in with he disability first language used throughout the book. Secondarily I felt that once again the author hit us over the head with the education , in this case about disabilities, that she was trying to provide. I've held my tongue about this complaint previously as I feel that it's important for the diversity within the cozy mystery genre to increase and that there is a need to discuss hate crimes in more cozy mysteries. I appreciate that these books contain so many characters who are marginalized, that they discuss homelessness, sexual assault, disabled characters & the often violent realities faced by those marginalized individuals but it shouldn't borderline on interfering with the story line the way it does here.
My other major complaint is the huge shift in Harvey's relationship with Max. I was not at all upset about the break up with Daniel (I literally had to look up his name because I've found him to be that boring while the other characters weren't) because they were a terrible match, but MAX(!)??? Why put her with the man who has been lightly stalking her all the way through the series? Harvey even refers to him as a stalker through out this series!!!! As a victim of stalking I can tell you that it's at best obnoxious and is typically a horrifying situation which you aren't sure if you will survive. No one is turning around ad suddenly developing feelings for their stalker as anything other than a coping method. Max doesn't respect her bodily autonomy, thoughts, feelings, or relationships and yet her friends and family seemingly support this abrupt 180° into his arms? That's ridiculous and especially agregeus considering that just two books ago the social justice issue was assault & sexual harassment with RAINN as the highlighted charitable organization!!!! I found that aspect of the book to be terribly disturbing especially since one of the friends seemingly in support of this relationship is the sheriff (ACAB even apparently in cozy mysteries) who should recognize the red flags and potential for abuse in the relationship.
I will be reading the next book but I suspect that I will be breaking up with this series.
While I appreciate the care that was taken in the way disabilities were handled in this book it still fell short. As a woman with disabilities I would have loved to see person first language mixed in with he disability first language used throughout the book. Secondarily I felt that once again the author hit us over the head with the education , in this case about disabilities, that she was trying to provide. I've held my tongue about this complaint previously as I feel that it's important for the diversity within the cozy mystery genre to increase and that there is a need to discuss hate crimes in more cozy mysteries. I appreciate that these books contain so many characters who are marginalized, that they discuss homelessness, sexual assault, disabled characters & the often violent realities faced by those marginalized individuals but it shouldn't borderline on interfering with the story line the way it does here.
My other major complaint is the huge shift in Harvey's relationship with Max. I was not at all upset about the break up with Daniel (I literally had to look up his name because I've found him to be that boring while the other characters weren't) because they were a terrible match, but MAX(!)??? Why put her with the man who has been lightly stalking her all the way through the series? Harvey even refers to him as a stalker through out this series!!!! As a victim of stalking I can tell you that it's at best obnoxious and is typically a horrifying situation which you aren't sure if you will survive. No one is turning around ad suddenly developing feelings for their stalker as anything other than a coping method. Max doesn't respect her bodily autonomy, thoughts, feelings, or relationships and yet her friends and family seemingly support this abrupt 180° into his arms? That's ridiculous and especially agregeus considering that just two books ago the social justice issue was assault & sexual harassment with RAINN as the highlighted charitable organization!!!! I found that aspect of the book to be terribly disturbing especially since one of the friends seemingly in support of this relationship is the sheriff (ACAB even apparently in cozy mysteries) who should recognize the red flags and potential for abuse in the relationship.
I will be reading the next book but I suspect that I will be breaking up with this series.
May 29, 2022
Total shift from the previous book - last book ended all lovey dovey and 2 new puppies for Christmas and this one starts with no puppies and a total about face on the love interest! And to a character that has been totally self-obsessed, dismissive and, well, quite misogynistic really - I don't think I'll bother reading any more of these.
December 29, 2021
*SPOILERS* (I am on my phone so I am using my texting grammar, dont judge. Lol)
Overall, I love this series because of the hard topics it tackles and how "woke" the main character is to making the world a better place but this one (for other reasons) was just not it. First off, it immediately forgot the ending of the previous book and just acted like *spoiler* the couple getting 2 more puppies for christmas just didnt happen and never brought it up. Which is good based on where the relationship went I guess. (And then there was the whole Max issue which was a complete 180 out of nowhere) And the more important thing is this book tried to make it seem like Harvey was just super smart and in tune and the sheriff/FBI agent were very impressed but in reality there is no way they would not have found out or noticed certain details themselves so instead of making Harvey look smart, it just made the people whose actual job it is to do the detective work look super incompetent. Also, as someone who knows a lot about the disabled community this book kind of missed a lot of marks such as when Harvey mentions she had unknowingly committed an act of hate against disabled people by assuming they had 2 arms (I can explain why if anyone comments but I dont want this to be a mile long). Next, the reason for the murder didnt seem very realistic. It would have made more sense for the perpetrator to harm and severely disable the victim, not kill them... I hope the next books in the series are more up to par with the others because I would like to continue the series but not if the books become less thought off each time which seems to be happening.
Overall, I love this series because of the hard topics it tackles and how "woke" the main character is to making the world a better place but this one (for other reasons) was just not it. First off, it immediately forgot the ending of the previous book and just acted like *spoiler* the couple getting 2 more puppies for christmas just didnt happen and never brought it up. Which is good based on where the relationship went I guess. (And then there was the whole Max issue which was a complete 180 out of nowhere) And the more important thing is this book tried to make it seem like Harvey was just super smart and in tune and the sheriff/FBI agent were very impressed but in reality there is no way they would not have found out or noticed certain details themselves so instead of making Harvey look smart, it just made the people whose actual job it is to do the detective work look super incompetent. Also, as someone who knows a lot about the disabled community this book kind of missed a lot of marks such as when Harvey mentions she had unknowingly committed an act of hate against disabled people by assuming they had 2 arms (I can explain why if anyone comments but I dont want this to be a mile long). Next, the reason for the murder didnt seem very realistic. It would have made more sense for the perpetrator to harm and severely disable the victim, not kill them... I hope the next books in the series are more up to par with the others because I would like to continue the series but not if the books become less thought off each time which seems to be happening.
January 27, 2022
Warning: The following is more of a rant than a review as I need to vent my feeling about this book.
It's the end of the road for me with this series. I love that the author advocates for so many things and educates with every novel. But the Daniel breakup? WTF? And that he left behind a successful business to be an employee? Not unheard of true, but the speed was ridiculous. He and Harvey went from having a supportive relationship with deep feelings to being buddies so she could pursue something with Max? The same Max who she disliked? The one who gifted her a wheelchair in the last book? And caused her to smash her head on the kerb? No, no and no.
Not to mention that at the end of Book 5, Daniel gifts Harvey, a puppy that they'll pick up in 3 weeks. He also adopted a puppy for himself. So, where are the dogs? They aren't in Book 6, but we can assume it's more than three weeks later as Harvey is no longer in a cast for her broken ankle.
It wasn't just the Max/Daniel situation but also how an FBI agent and the small-town sheriff ask a civilian to do undercover work.
I understand that cozy mysteries suspend logic, but this is too much. Harvey isn't Batman. I have enjoyed this series to date, but this book pushed everything in a direction that felt wrong and ridiculous.
It's the end of the road for me with this series. I love that the author advocates for so many things and educates with every novel. But the Daniel breakup? WTF? And that he left behind a successful business to be an employee? Not unheard of true, but the speed was ridiculous. He and Harvey went from having a supportive relationship with deep feelings to being buddies so she could pursue something with Max? The same Max who she disliked? The one who gifted her a wheelchair in the last book? And caused her to smash her head on the kerb? No, no and no.
Not to mention that at the end of Book 5, Daniel gifts Harvey, a puppy that they'll pick up in 3 weeks. He also adopted a puppy for himself. So, where are the dogs? They aren't in Book 6, but we can assume it's more than three weeks later as Harvey is no longer in a cast for her broken ankle.
It wasn't just the Max/Daniel situation but also how an FBI agent and the small-town sheriff ask a civilian to do undercover work.
I understand that cozy mysteries suspend logic, but this is too much. Harvey isn't Batman. I have enjoyed this series to date, but this book pushed everything in a direction that felt wrong and ridiculous.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 19, 2021
I have loved this series but I am so disappointed in this one. It’s my least favorite cozy mystery I’ve read this year.
2.5 stars for me on this one.
I did not enjoy the story; I did not enjoy where she took the characters. It was a slog to read.
I may give the next one just a few chapters of my time to see if the series is redeemed, but it may be time for me to let this series go.
2.5 stars for me on this one.
I did not enjoy the story; I did not enjoy where she took the characters. It was a slog to read.
I may give the next one just a few chapters of my time to see if the series is redeemed, but it may be time for me to let this series go.
January 24, 2021
I always enjoy a trip to Harvey's bookstore and an adventure with her friends, this novel comes on a bit to strong about advocating for people with disabilities. While I whole heartedly aupport the cause I felt I was being preached to instead of entertained.
July 30, 2021
Bookens almost always makes a point of including politically correct stances in her novels. This doesn't normally affect my appreciation of her books: it never hurts to be reminded, after all. But in Scripted to Slay, I felt as if I were being clubbed over the head with it.
That, coupled with a town actively mourning a woman they didn't know, just made this sixth entry in the series problematic for me. Add in a 180° behavior change by one of the prominent secondary characters and this becomes a three star rating from me.
That, coupled with a town actively mourning a woman they didn't know, just made this sixth entry in the series problematic for me. Add in a 180° behavior change by one of the prominent secondary characters and this becomes a three star rating from me.
January 30, 2022
2.5 Stars
Really disappointed in this installment of the series.
Too many loose ends and decisions made that seemed so out of character( I don’t want to spoil anything).
Really disappointed in this installment of the series.
Too many loose ends and decisions made that seemed so out of character( I don’t want to spoil anything).
August 6, 2024
I had a bad migraine when I decided to pick this one up as this series is a comfort read to me. This was such a great read, it had a good mystery with some interesting twists and raises the topic of disability advocacy. I enjoyed reading more about Harvey, her shop as well as her friends and pets.
In this book Harvey gets again involved in another mystery. I like how she got involved and how the sheriff asked for her help. I liked how the mystery developed and there were some interesting twists. I thought it was interesting to get to know the victim through what they discover throughout the investigation, but it also made me sad that she died as she sounded like a great person. I kept guessing for a while and then figured out who had done it, the motive made sense, but also made me sad.
I liked reading about Harvey and her life. There are always things going on and this book was no exception, everything from the mystery to her personal life. There are some things going on romance wise as well, I didn't really I like that part so far, but we'll see how it plays out in future books. I like how realistic and real Harvey feels as well as likable and compassionate. It was great to see how she got involved with learning more about disabled people. I also enjoyed seeing her interact with her friends and family in this book and how they are always there to help her, it's so great to see her have such a good group around her who care.
I thought it was well done how this book brings up the topic of disabled people. I liked learning a bit more about it and I could definitely relate to parts. I am not physical disabled, so I can't speak to that experience, but I am neurodivergent and am disabled because of how my brain works and there were parts that were pretty relatable. I liked how thoughtful and sensitive the author addressed the topic throughout the story.
To summarize: I was in the mood for a comfort read when I picked this up and I had a great time reading it. I liked the mystery and the way it kept me guessing for a bit and then I figured out who did it. I liked reading more about Harvey and her daily life as well as seeing her interact with her friends and family and how they are there for her. There is some development romance wise that I didn't like, but we'll see how that develops in future books. This book also addresses the topic of disabled people and it was interesting to read about that topic and I thought the author handled it in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. All in all another great read in this series!
In this book Harvey gets again involved in another mystery. I like how she got involved and how the sheriff asked for her help. I liked how the mystery developed and there were some interesting twists. I thought it was interesting to get to know the victim through what they discover throughout the investigation, but it also made me sad that she died as she sounded like a great person. I kept guessing for a while and then figured out who had done it, the motive made sense, but also made me sad.
I liked reading about Harvey and her life. There are always things going on and this book was no exception, everything from the mystery to her personal life. There are some things going on romance wise as well, I didn't really I like that part so far, but we'll see how it plays out in future books. I like how realistic and real Harvey feels as well as likable and compassionate. It was great to see how she got involved with learning more about disabled people. I also enjoyed seeing her interact with her friends and family in this book and how they are always there to help her, it's so great to see her have such a good group around her who care.
I thought it was well done how this book brings up the topic of disabled people. I liked learning a bit more about it and I could definitely relate to parts. I am not physical disabled, so I can't speak to that experience, but I am neurodivergent and am disabled because of how my brain works and there were parts that were pretty relatable. I liked how thoughtful and sensitive the author addressed the topic throughout the story.
To summarize: I was in the mood for a comfort read when I picked this up and I had a great time reading it. I liked the mystery and the way it kept me guessing for a bit and then I figured out who did it. I liked reading more about Harvey and her daily life as well as seeing her interact with her friends and family and how they are there for her. There is some development romance wise that I didn't like, but we'll see how that develops in future books. This book also addresses the topic of disabled people and it was interesting to read about that topic and I thought the author handled it in a thoughtful and sensitive manner. All in all another great read in this series!
August 9, 2022
Another good book by A. C. F. Bookens. Have enjoyed all so far. Well worth a read!
April 9, 2024
Of the 6 books I’ve read in the series so far, I liked this one the least.
SPOILER: The reason for the murder made very little sense (admittedly even to the characters in the book).
But what really took me out of it was the Harvey, Max, Daniel triangle. The H-D relationship went from being described as intuitive and supportive at the start, to being completely over within the space of a week. I feel like the author just got bored of Daniel’s character and wanted to write him out (but maybe he returns in future stories?). I don’t begrudge the reason the relationship ended (I can even identify with it), but it came out of no where and was even uncharacteristic of Daniel.
As far as Max goes - he was described as creepy, overbearing, dismissive and generally awful. Either Harvey had a completely wrong view of him from the outset (which leads me to distrust her assessment of other characters, good or bad), or we’re now led to believe this man has suddenly put all those bad characteristics aside over night?
It also smacks of the “If she says no, just keep asking until you wear her down” trope. Which for a series that strives to be woke about overlooked or hard topics, seems naive to overlook the misogyny of being worn down by a man and finding his insecurity and brokenness attractive. That’s quite an unhealthy take on relationships, and leaves a bad taste in my mouth for this new romance.
It’s a shame because I’ve really found this series of books a calming, cozy and easy place to slip in to. This book just left me uncomfortable for many reasons. Hoping this hasn’t set a precedent for the remaining books in this series.
SPOILER: The reason for the murder made very little sense (admittedly even to the characters in the book).
But what really took me out of it was the Harvey, Max, Daniel triangle. The H-D relationship went from being described as intuitive and supportive at the start, to being completely over within the space of a week. I feel like the author just got bored of Daniel’s character and wanted to write him out (but maybe he returns in future stories?). I don’t begrudge the reason the relationship ended (I can even identify with it), but it came out of no where and was even uncharacteristic of Daniel.
As far as Max goes - he was described as creepy, overbearing, dismissive and generally awful. Either Harvey had a completely wrong view of him from the outset (which leads me to distrust her assessment of other characters, good or bad), or we’re now led to believe this man has suddenly put all those bad characteristics aside over night?
It also smacks of the “If she says no, just keep asking until you wear her down” trope. Which for a series that strives to be woke about overlooked or hard topics, seems naive to overlook the misogyny of being worn down by a man and finding his insecurity and brokenness attractive. That’s quite an unhealthy take on relationships, and leaves a bad taste in my mouth for this new romance.
It’s a shame because I’ve really found this series of books a calming, cozy and easy place to slip in to. This book just left me uncomfortable for many reasons. Hoping this hasn’t set a precedent for the remaining books in this series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2022
I'm sorry I just can't wrap my mind around Harvey hating a particular character since the book started and now falls head over heals for the same person and EVERYBODY is okay with that?! Yeah sorry not pleased with that.
Good story overall even though the murder didn't make heads or tail sense to me. Shrug
Good story overall even though the murder didn't make heads or tail sense to me. Shrug
January 6, 2021
I loved this book. I love Harvey the heroine and book seller. I enjoyed how the author cleverly included book reccomendations just like you would recieive in a real book shop. I loved Harvey's friends and family.It was enjoyable to see not only a murder solved but a look into disability and perceptions. I truly couldn't put the bookdown.
January 6, 2021
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. A great read. So many twists, turns and surprises you can't put it down. I really liked this book and recommend it.
January 14, 2021
I enjoyed this great cozy mystery.. It is well-written and has lots of twists and turns. I felt like I was part of the action and I will be looking for more books by this author!
June 25, 2024
Nice cozy mystery. These are fun reads.
January 2, 2021
I loved this cozy mystery! Lots of twists and turns kept me guessing to the last page. I love the complex interesting and quirky characters. Very good story with a good plot. I thoroughly enjoyed this book and cannot wait for more! I received an arc copy from the author.
December 29, 2020
Another great mystery in a little town. A young woman had recently moved into town and worked her first day as a bartender in the French restaurant. She was found murdered at her place of employment by her boss, Max. Harvey was also there. For the people who have read ACF Bookens' books know that Harvey always gets involved trying to help solve the murder. This one follows suit.
November 27, 2020
Another in the St. Marin mystery series and back at Harvey’s book store. I like series books because of the opportunity to watch the characters grow and change. This is no different. An intriguing mystery set around Harvey confronting her ideas about disability. At times the subject seemed a little forced to me, but I still enjoyed the book as a whole.
November 23, 2020
Snow has brought the little town to a halt. Harvey is helping shovel the sidewalks and takes a break for a meal at the restaurant. Before she leaves, the bartender is found dead behind the bar. The mystery also deals with people with disabilities and how they are viewed. Was the bartender killed because of the bar or was it somebody from her past, as she was new in town. Did it have something to do with the fact she had a prosthetic arm and it was missing. Join Harvey as she and her friends investigate the mystery, while Harvey deals with some personal issues.
November 21, 2020
Another book in the series bringing to the fore an aspect of life that we should be paying attention to. Weaving a murder plot around disabilities appears to be unusual but surely this is the point. Nothing should be unusual about disability. The story of the murder of a girl with a prosthetic arm explores views and feelings of what we tend to call disability. Who killed her and why? The culprit is not who you would expect it to be with reasons we may never have thought of. A well researched topic and I am wondering what the lesson will be in the next book. As usual the characters interact well although Harvey has a decision to make about one of them. Recommended reading.
December 23, 2020
I enjoy how the characters in this series grow and change from one book to the next. This one features the subject of people with disabilities which seemed a bit forced at times but not enough to take away from the story. Beware though, the the main character Harvey, in her roll as a bookstore owner, recommends books throughout the story. I ended up adding a number of them to my TBR list.
November 18, 2020
You never go wrong with a Bookens book. Dynamic and charismatic characters prove to be charming and savvy. Informative and educational, Ms. Bookens always has lessens to teach and she does it so well. This is an addictive, entertaining and thought-provoking series.
Very Highly Recommended.
Very Highly Recommended.
April 8, 2021
Another A.C.F. Story at Harvey's bookstore,and again,another murder mystery and guess who's involved,that's right,Harvey and guess who's there to help,all of Harvey's friends and the town.. Follow the clues that are laid out for them and us,the readers,to find out what's going on and see if we can figure out who is behind all of this crime and why! Love the characters in this series,the more I read the better you get to know the town's people and you just Start to fit right in as if you live there yourselves. Even the dogs help out! I really enjoy these series of stories and look forward to the next one,can't come fast enough.. I do know you will enjoy and you can read from the beginning of them or can be read as stand alone stories,they get you caught up on what you may or not have missed. One question I have,Dan and Harvey break up but why and Will it be for ever?? Read and find out all!!
February 23, 2021
I have absolutely loved every book in this series, and although I continued to adore the main character and her friend group, I was very disappointed by the turn of events in her love life. :( It seemed to come really out of the blue since everything was perfect at the end of the previous book. One of my favorite things about this series is that Bookens draws attention to real-life situations, which continued beautifully in this book. I'll still be excited to read the next chapter!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 7, 2023
The saving grace was the treatment of the main subject of disabilities. I did not understand Harvey’s motivations with anything regarding her personal life. I guess easy to write out Daniel. Does the writer keep notes on her storylines and characters? Why doesn’t Rocky’s mom have a name? What happened to the Christmas dogs? Harvey reflects on the years she was with Daniel but how much time really has passed in St. Marins?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 18, 2024
I never did a spoiler before but this book made me sad and confused . I’m prior books Harvey didn’t care for Max and avoided him , now this book she has changed with her feelings. The prior book she was head over heals for Daniel and one book later they break up so suddenly . None of it made sense to me.
Perhaps later on there will be a better explanation but for Daniel who was a huge part of the prior story line to just up and move was strange to me .
Perhaps later on there will be a better explanation but for Daniel who was a huge part of the prior story line to just up and move was strange to me .
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 4, 2024
I stopped reading 6 chapters in. After just spending several books building up the importance of standing up against sexual assault, the only action towards Max should have been a restraining order, not to start falling for him and, looking at other reviews, dating him. It makes all his horrendous actions so far seem okay, which they definitely are not.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 20, 2022
It kind of bothered me that two different times in this book Harvey took credit for finding the body when it was actually Max. Also, quite a few typos, most likely autocorrect, example: “when he got hear it I was ready to go.”
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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