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St. Marin's Cozy Mystery #5
Tome To Tomb
A dead body in Santa's lap is not what Harvey Beckett wanted for Christmas.
The streets of St. Marin’s are decorated for Christmas, and Harvey Beckett has decided that she’ll host Santa Claus at her bookstore, reviving a town’s long-standing tradition. But on the first day of the holiday season, a man stumbles into Santa’s lap and dies, threatening the holiday spirit . . . and bringing a slew of questions that Harvey can’t resist trying to answer.
Will Harvey’s queries land her, her friends – and their dogs – in a load of trouble?
The streets of St. Marin’s are decorated for Christmas, and Harvey Beckett has decided that she’ll host Santa Claus at her bookstore, reviving a town’s long-standing tradition. But on the first day of the holiday season, a man stumbles into Santa’s lap and dies, threatening the holiday spirit . . . and bringing a slew of questions that Harvey can’t resist trying to answer.
Will Harvey’s queries land her, her friends – and their dogs – in a load of trouble?
186 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 6, 2020
148 people are currently reading
195 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
January 25, 2024
Tome to Tomb is the fifth book in this cozy mystery series. I had a migraine and just wanted to read something in a series I already knew and picked this one up. Just like the previous books it's a great read, I like reading about the characters and how they interact as well as Harvey's bookstore.
Where I struggled with this book a bit is especially the later part. The mystery somehow felt a bit heavier and sadder than most with how the victim is suspected to be an Angel of Mercy and how somehow took their revenge on him. The confrontation scene felt uncomfortable tense and scary.
Then there was the whole part with a real life author making an appearance in this book, which just felt off to me. He actually interacts with the characters and that mix of a real life author in fiction was just weird as well as the fact that the author of this book came up with how this real life author and their publisher would act. And on top of that I felt it shook up the balance of the books being recommended, with extra focus on this specific author, while I like the mix and variety of recommend books titles throughout. Oh and the side character Max is really starting to annoy me.
Besides those points I did have a great time reading this one. It's always a joy to return to this series and read about the characters and the bookstore. I like reading about Harvey and her friends and family and how they all are there for each other. This one had a bit of Christmas spirit as well. I also thought it interesting how Harvey is involved in the mystery and still gets clues, without actually going out and investigating. I did manage to guess who the murderer was and there weren't as many twists in this mystery, but it was still interesting seeing how it progressed. I preferred the daily life parts in this book though over the mystery.
To summarize: I really like this series and this was another solid read. I like returning to this town and reading about the characters and Harvey's bookstore. I did struggle a bit with the later part of this book was the mystery has some dark and heavy undertones and the confrontation scene felt uncomfortable tense. There also is an appearance of a real life author in the book, that just felt off to me. It felt strange to read about a real author and I felt it upset the balance of recommending a variety of books with so much focus on this author. Despite that I still mostly enjoyed this book, especially the first half or so. I managed to predict who the murderer was, but it still was interesting to see it play out. The daily life and bookstore scenes were my favorite of this one and I look forward to the next book!
Where I struggled with this book a bit is especially the later part. The mystery somehow felt a bit heavier and sadder than most with how the victim is suspected to be an Angel of Mercy and how somehow took their revenge on him. The confrontation scene felt uncomfortable tense and scary.
Then there was the whole part with a real life author making an appearance in this book, which just felt off to me. He actually interacts with the characters and that mix of a real life author in fiction was just weird as well as the fact that the author of this book came up with how this real life author and their publisher would act. And on top of that I felt it shook up the balance of the books being recommended, with extra focus on this specific author, while I like the mix and variety of recommend books titles throughout. Oh and the side character Max is really starting to annoy me.
Besides those points I did have a great time reading this one. It's always a joy to return to this series and read about the characters and the bookstore. I like reading about Harvey and her friends and family and how they all are there for each other. This one had a bit of Christmas spirit as well. I also thought it interesting how Harvey is involved in the mystery and still gets clues, without actually going out and investigating. I did manage to guess who the murderer was and there weren't as many twists in this mystery, but it was still interesting seeing how it progressed. I preferred the daily life parts in this book though over the mystery.
To summarize: I really like this series and this was another solid read. I like returning to this town and reading about the characters and Harvey's bookstore. I did struggle a bit with the later part of this book was the mystery has some dark and heavy undertones and the confrontation scene felt uncomfortable tense. There also is an appearance of a real life author in the book, that just felt off to me. It felt strange to read about a real author and I felt it upset the balance of recommending a variety of books with so much focus on this author. Despite that I still mostly enjoyed this book, especially the first half or so. I managed to predict who the murderer was, but it still was interesting to see it play out. The daily life and bookstore scenes were my favorite of this one and I look forward to the next book!
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May 4, 2022Well, this one's got some stupid in it.
August 22, 2022
I really enjoyed reading A. C. F. Bookens a really recommended series!
December 30, 2022
I enjoy this series. It is fun with a good cast of characters who are likable and interesting.
The small town main street setting is also fun and offers lots of opportunities for situations that add to the entertainment of the stories.
The murder mysteries are well-conceived and well told with plenty of suspense. I liked this and will keep going with this series.
The small town main street setting is also fun and offers lots of opportunities for situations that add to the entertainment of the stories.
The murder mysteries are well-conceived and well told with plenty of suspense. I liked this and will keep going with this series.
September 13, 2020
I read this ARC on a hot September day after months of social distancing and making, the election was looming with divisions growing . I needed this book-An ingenious plot, small town ambiance, delightful characters and DOGS. I was suddenly transported with Christmas spirit to a better world.
October 30, 2021
3.75 stars
February 11, 2022
It’s Christmas time in St. Marin’s , Maryland. Harvey Beckett bookshop owner, is trying to determine both how to set up for a Christmas display for her front windows to incorporate Santa Claus and prepare for an author event and book signing. On the first night of Santa’s visits, a man accused of killing patients in the local hospital dies in Santa’s lap. But who killed him and why?
I loved this book. I didn’t realize I’d put it down almost a year ago and forgotten to pick it back up. But that had everything to do with the busyness of my life and nothing to do with the book. I love the characters in all the Harvey Beckett stories and this book is just as good if not better than the others. While they are a series, each book is independent and can stand alone. Please read if you love a great cozy mystery.
I loved this book. I didn’t realize I’d put it down almost a year ago and forgotten to pick it back up. But that had everything to do with the busyness of my life and nothing to do with the book. I love the characters in all the Harvey Beckett stories and this book is just as good if not better than the others. While they are a series, each book is independent and can stand alone. Please read if you love a great cozy mystery.
September 15, 2020
Another fantastic story. As soon as I got my ARC I started reading and wasn’t disappointed. A man dies sitting on Santa’s lap in the middle of the bookshop and it turns out he was murdered. He was an Angel of Mercy and someone was getting their revenge. Even when Jemma is incapacitated with a broken ankle she still pursues her goal of finding the killer.
Once again A. F. C. Bookens brings to the fore issues which may we may find distressing but have to be highlighted. As the story revolves around Hospice she shows that people should discuss and understand issues involved in end of life care and how important it is to support your local Hospice. She explores the joy to be had as well as the inevitable sadness at losing a loved one.
It’s a great mystery story with the usual warm characters that make you wish you lived in a cosy atmosphere like St. Marins. Roll on the next book!.
Once again A. F. C. Bookens brings to the fore issues which may we may find distressing but have to be highlighted. As the story revolves around Hospice she shows that people should discuss and understand issues involved in end of life care and how important it is to support your local Hospice. She explores the joy to be had as well as the inevitable sadness at losing a loved one.
It’s a great mystery story with the usual warm characters that make you wish you lived in a cosy atmosphere like St. Marins. Roll on the next book!.
January 19, 2023
I had to giggle several times at Harvey's absolutely fangirl-ing about John Green since I would totally being doing the same thing as he's also one of my favorite authors. I hope John Green has had the chance to read this, I think he'd find it amusing.
At this point, I'm all about the cast of characters that make up St. Marin's and less about the murders that seem to happen all the time in this supposedly sleepy Eastern Shore town. The same way I fell in love with Doctor Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger and the rest of Cabot Cove. After all, I was raised on cozy mysteries; Murder, She Wrote and Matlock and it's no wonder I grew up to continue to enjoy those as well as more intense criminal dramas like Law & Order. :)
At this point, I'm all about the cast of characters that make up St. Marin's and less about the murders that seem to happen all the time in this supposedly sleepy Eastern Shore town. The same way I fell in love with Doctor Seth Hazlitt and Sheriff Mort Metzger and the rest of Cabot Cove. After all, I was raised on cozy mysteries; Murder, She Wrote and Matlock and it's no wonder I grew up to continue to enjoy those as well as more intense criminal dramas like Law & Order. :)
May 7, 2023
Another one I remember next to nothing about. Definitely doesn’t sound like I enjoyed these books when I can’t remember much after a couple months, but I really listened to them as audiobook back to back so they start to melt together.
I might have a bit more of a recollection of this one as it was short and about Christmas, and since the
The conversation around end of life care was important and handled well, even if at surface level, and the Christmas atmosphere was definitely visible and made me wish I had planned this better so I could have read this in December!
I might have a bit more of a recollection of this one as it was short and about Christmas, and since the
The conversation around end of life care was important and handled well, even if at surface level, and the Christmas atmosphere was definitely visible and made me wish I had planned this better so I could have read this in December!
November 10, 2020
Tome to Tomb is book #5 in the St. Marin Cozy Mystery series by ACF Bookens.
I love this series. Harvey and her friends are a wonderful, diverse group of people. In these times, it is refreshing to escape to a place where people are there to help each other.
A man dies in Harvey’s bookstore and they find there is a lot more to the story as they investigate. Harvey then has an accident, an unexpected guest, and hosts a charity event with the help of family and friends.
I can’t wait to see what is up next for Harvey and her family and friends.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
I love this series. Harvey and her friends are a wonderful, diverse group of people. In these times, it is refreshing to escape to a place where people are there to help each other.
A man dies in Harvey’s bookstore and they find there is a lot more to the story as they investigate. Harvey then has an accident, an unexpected guest, and hosts a charity event with the help of family and friends.
I can’t wait to see what is up next for Harvey and her family and friends.
I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
September 29, 2024
The book? It's nice , dealt with the subject matter well. Mystery was a bit predictable but fine.
The problem? Max sucks. There's a scene here Max just all of sudden comes up behind Harvey startling her she slips and falls and sprains her ankle and gets hurt.
Why does the author not do something? I understand she probably still wants conflict but you can have conflicts without having side characters be so creepy.
Max even constantly dismisses her opinion when he wants it.
This cozy mystery focuses on cozy meaning we have to get along with the characters as well. I don't understand why this character is the way he is.
The problem? Max sucks. There's a scene here Max just all of sudden comes up behind Harvey startling her she slips and falls and sprains her ankle and gets hurt.
Why does the author not do something? I understand she probably still wants conflict but you can have conflicts without having side characters be so creepy.
Max even constantly dismisses her opinion when he wants it.
This cozy mystery focuses on cozy meaning we have to get along with the characters as well. I don't understand why this character is the way he is.
September 19, 2020
I think this is the best yet of the Harvey books! Harvey, Daniel and all their friends make the most wonderful group! A mystery with ins and outs with more than one suspect! The book starts with a group of murders and ends with revenge! An author shows up to sign books, receptions and speeches abound! I am an advocate for Hospice and was thrilled it was so well advertised during a fundraiser! I so much enjoyed every minute of this book. Andi has hit this one out of the park! I received an ARC for this book! I’m ready for the next one!🤗👍
October 3, 2020
Received this book as an ARC and this is my honest review given freely.
I loved this book. It was fast paced and I loved that I couldn’t put it down. Daniel, Harvey, Tuck and friends were drawn into helping solve a murder. I thought several times I had figured out who the murderer was but I was wrong and was surprised when the murderer was caught. This book is fantastic, and I believe the best one yet. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
ACF Bookens is a great author. Try this series I know you will like it.
I loved this book. It was fast paced and I loved that I couldn’t put it down. Daniel, Harvey, Tuck and friends were drawn into helping solve a murder. I thought several times I had figured out who the murderer was but I was wrong and was surprised when the murderer was caught. This book is fantastic, and I believe the best one yet. I can’t wait for the next book to come out.
ACF Bookens is a great author. Try this series I know you will like it.
November 11, 2020
As a family we have benefited from the good work of hospice more than once
It is very helpful to have the support once the patient has made choices about their life and their death
I gratefully read the fictional efforts for fundraising for hospice
Sadly, the issue of unwelcome so called angels of death who act regardless of the wishes of patient or family was also addressed. Vengeful acts taken against the death angel brought darkness to Harvey and friends
A moving and thought provoking book
It is very helpful to have the support once the patient has made choices about their life and their death
I gratefully read the fictional efforts for fundraising for hospice
Sadly, the issue of unwelcome so called angels of death who act regardless of the wishes of patient or family was also addressed. Vengeful acts taken against the death angel brought darkness to Harvey and friends
A moving and thought provoking book
November 6, 2020
Another great read,where they never,Harvey runs out of trouble and again another murder! Here it's Christmas,no time for this and the bookstore and raising money. Follow all of Harvey's friends help solve this murder mystery and hopefully no one will get hurt in the process..Now that Harvey's parents have moved to town,will it never end?? Follow the leads and wait til you find out what the two dogs have been up to!!
December 2, 2020
After a man died on Santa’s lap, Harvey and her friends set out to find the murderer. Harvey and her friends are a diverse and interesting group. There is no obvious prime suspect and no straight forward path to solving the crime. This book kept my interest throughout as I tried to (unsuccessfully) guess the murderer. I highly recommend this book.
Disclosure: I was given a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
Disclosure: I was given a free ARC and am voluntarily leaving this unbiased review.
January 12, 2021
Admittedly, I figured out who done it (and pretty much why) well before the reveal, BUT it was fun to read "Tome To Tomb" and see Harvey & friends adapt to the twists and turns along the way. Harvey and her friends are a refreshingly diverse and supportive group. I'd love to hang out with this group! The causes they work towards are important and relevant. The book recommendations are a nice addition.
September 15, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. Harvey and friends start a fund raiser for hospice after an alleged "angel of mercy" is killed. Harvey is her usual clumsy self and breaks her ankle, but this doesn't stop her. This is a great book and I recommend it.
November 4, 2020
An entertaining read, this story has wonderful characters, a charming location and a plot twisted enough to give a pretzel a run for its money. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a great mystery.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can definitely recommend it to anyone who loves a great mystery.
November 4, 2020
I love reading about Harvey! I would love to live there and spend all my time in her bookstore eating those luscious cinnamon rolls! Spending my days reading, petting the dogs, getting to know all of her fantastic family ( everyone is family) sounds like heaven on earth.
Max is a hoot, but very stubborn.
Max is a hoot, but very stubborn.
November 11, 2020
Its Christmas time and Santa is hearing wishes at Harvey's bookstore. But of course it doesn't go as planned A man drops dead at Santa's feet. Was it murder? With ins and outs twists and turns Harvey gathers up the clues This story line keeps you reading and guessing to the surprise ending
I reviewed an ARC from the author
I reviewed an ARC from the author
December 28, 2020
I didn’t have plans to read this, but the title was impossible to pass. This was a fun murder mystery with a main character who’s obsessed with books. Honestly, the perfect mixture. The cast was amazing and the plot was a lot of fun to follow. I also was surprised at how nice the writing was. I highly recommend to fans of mysteries and bookstore owners.
April 22, 2021
Angel of Mercy
It's Christmas season and Harvey decides to restore the Santa tradition at her bookstore. When a man dies in Santa's lap, Harvey tries to stay away from the investigation. The theme of this book is hospice and end of life. This is becoming my favorite series with the underlying threads of friendship, acts of kindness, and interracial friendships .
It's Christmas season and Harvey decides to restore the Santa tradition at her bookstore. When a man dies in Santa's lap, Harvey tries to stay away from the investigation. The theme of this book is hospice and end of life. This is becoming my favorite series with the underlying threads of friendship, acts of kindness, and interracial friendships .
August 17, 2022
What a great story. This book was about another dark subject, but definitely relevant. The main and supporting characters are becoming dearer to this reader's heart with each book, and this book was no exception. The plot is easy to follow and the tension and revelations are both easy and hard to swallow at times. I can definitely highly recommend this book.
September 26, 2020
MS. BOOKENS' ENTERTAINING AND MEMORABLE CHARACTERS ARE SET IN A RIVETING, TWISTED AND TRAGIC ADVENTURE. EMOTIONAL AND INTENSE AND ALL THE THINGS WE LOVE IN A BOOKENS BOOK.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
AN ARC BOOK, THIS IS MY FREELY GIVEN AND HONEST REVIEW.
HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
AN ARC BOOK, THIS IS MY FREELY GIVEN AND HONEST REVIEW.
October 1, 2020
i absolutely loved this book! Lots of quirky and interesting complex characters! The story had lots of twists and turns and kept me turning the pages. I cannot wait for more from this author! A must must read!
January 4, 2021
Very Cozy Mystery
I enjoy the characters in this series, appreciate all the book recommendations, am also a fan of John Green and all the work he does with you g people, and thought the plot blended so many elements beautifully, but most of all the sense of community.
I enjoy the characters in this series, appreciate all the book recommendations, am also a fan of John Green and all the work he does with you g people, and thought the plot blended so many elements beautifully, but most of all the sense of community.
January 26, 2021
Tome to Tomb
Still loving the St.Marin's series. Harvey has Santa at her bookstore and of course somebody turns up dead. Once again ACF Bookens' cast of characters is so likeable you just want to visit their small town.
Still loving the St.Marin's series. Harvey has Santa at her bookstore and of course somebody turns up dead. Once again ACF Bookens' cast of characters is so likeable you just want to visit their small town.
February 10, 2024
I just didn't care for this one at all. Disappointing, since I loved the first one. They seem to have gotten less and less appealing as they go on. If the next one, which I already have from the library, is not good, I am probably done with this series. Sad...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews