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Curious Bookstore Cozy Mystery #2
The Witching Place: Murder by Manuscript
When Alexis is dispatched to scout out some books in an estate sale in a gothic mansion, she finds something she does not expect: one book is incredibly rare, the only one of its kind in existence, worth millions of dollars.
She also soon finds something else she does not expect: a dead body.
Thrust in the middle of the crime, will Alexis be able to clear her name?
And will she discover the mystery at the heart of her very own store?
She also soon finds something else she does not expect: a dead body.
Thrust in the middle of the crime, will Alexis be able to clear her name?
And will she discover the mystery at the heart of her very own store?
170 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 16, 2020
282 people are currently reading
478 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Love
95 books316 followersA lifelong fan of the romance genre, Sophie Love is thrilled to release her debut romance series: FOR NOW AND FOREVER (THE INN AT SUNSET HARBOR—BOOK 1). Sophie would love to hear from you, so please visit www.sophieloveauthor.com to email her, to join the mailing list, to receive free ebooks, to hear the latest news, and to stay in touch!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews
December 24, 2023
Lex is such a bad detective, it’s frustrating. Also, I want to get to the witchy part!
March 27, 2025
Alexis Blair is still working in A CURIOUS BOOKSTORE. This time her boss Montgomery, the bookstore owner, sends her off to an estate sale to find some antique books that might be good purchases for their store shelves.
She does find one book in particular, the book with the white cover, she’s not certain what is actually in the book but when another buyer aggressively tries to take that book from her, she knows it must be something important.
Later on as the title of this book implies, there’s a murder… Actually there possibly could be two murders. Is Alexis involved? One wouldn’t think so… But how come the police department are holding her as a suspect?
Once again, a cozy mystery. One worth the read.
She does find one book in particular, the book with the white cover, she’s not certain what is actually in the book but when another buyer aggressively tries to take that book from her, she knows it must be something important.
Later on as the title of this book implies, there’s a murder… Actually there possibly could be two murders. Is Alexis involved? One wouldn’t think so… But how come the police department are holding her as a suspect?
Once again, a cozy mystery. One worth the read.
December 13, 2021
Very cute with unexpected twists. Enjoyed this more than the first.
July 12, 2024
Cozy clean audiobook
February 4, 2023
Another great read, although wondering when she will find out about her gift ...
January 15, 2024
I was hoping this book would’ve answered the questions I had from book 1. It’s a good mystery story that kinda mirrors the same plot line as the first book. Overall it’s good, but I wish we would find out more about the main character’s (Lex) dad. He’s been a mystery since book 1 and I just gotta know what’s going on there. A character by the name of Mrs. Sanderson does know of Lex’s father, but that’s as far as we go before she shuts down the whole convo. I also need Lex and Noah (love interest) to finally have their moment. These two have been a cute side quest since book 1.
February 10, 2024
A charming witch cozy
I enjoyed this novel as a quick and pleasant read. The setting and characters were interesting, and I always like a story revolving around books.
Recommended for those who like an easy afternoon read in the genre.
I enjoyed this novel as a quick and pleasant read. The setting and characters were interesting, and I always like a story revolving around books.
Recommended for those who like an easy afternoon read in the genre.
September 21, 2022
Will post my review later, after work
It was okay
So I went into this book a) not knowing that this was book 2 of a series. But luckily you can read them basically as standalones. Yes, some events and people will be mentioned, but nothing important really. And b) i thought this would be more mysterious.
The plot itself isn’t the worst, it’s just, i was waiting and waiting and then checking the synopsis again to see if I misremembered something, because the murder she’s supposed to investigate happens after like, half of the book? At the earliest. And I thought it would be more about that. And less about a stolen book that some people are looking for.
Idk, mismatched expectations I suppose.
Lex as a Protagonist was okay, though not particularly exciting. She does some investigating, some painfully awkward, does some stupid stuff, and yeah, solves the riddle. I wasn’t even that invested in her friendship with Noah, not in any other character tbh
The setting was nice enough and kinda hilarious. I liked Hecate the Cat especially. The style was okay, though not special. Some seemed awkward, though I liked how she managed to give Montgomery a distinct way of speaking and acting. It’s lovely. Some other parts were a little bland.
All in all, entertaining enough but not a mesmerising masterpiece
It was okay
So I went into this book a) not knowing that this was book 2 of a series. But luckily you can read them basically as standalones. Yes, some events and people will be mentioned, but nothing important really. And b) i thought this would be more mysterious.
The plot itself isn’t the worst, it’s just, i was waiting and waiting and then checking the synopsis again to see if I misremembered something, because the murder she’s supposed to investigate happens after like, half of the book? At the earliest. And I thought it would be more about that. And less about a stolen book that some people are looking for.
Idk, mismatched expectations I suppose.
Lex as a Protagonist was okay, though not particularly exciting. She does some investigating, some painfully awkward, does some stupid stuff, and yeah, solves the riddle. I wasn’t even that invested in her friendship with Noah, not in any other character tbh
The setting was nice enough and kinda hilarious. I liked Hecate the Cat especially. The style was okay, though not special. Some seemed awkward, though I liked how she managed to give Montgomery a distinct way of speaking and acting. It’s lovely. Some other parts were a little bland.
All in all, entertaining enough but not a mesmerising masterpiece
September 3, 2021
Books for a change
At last, a series that doesn't feature food or hospitality as the main theme but instead concentrates on books. The second in the series featuring Lexi, who has always had the dream of owning her own second hand book shop. After leaving Boston for a new job as assistant to the owner of a second-hand book shop which often has rare, esoteric books and a number of rather odd, secretive customers Lexi gets the chance to attend an estate sale featuring lots of books. After an accident, not her fault, Lexi manages to snag the one book that lots of others would like to own, including an obnoxious dealer from a nearby town. After discovering yet another murder victim as well as promising her boss to locate the new book which was stolen from the shop, Lexi works hard to clear both her name but also her bosses name of the crime.
An excellent series, each book is a standalone story although there is an over reaching storyline which gets explained in each book, along with a range of odd customers, a very strange cat, an unusual boss, and new friends. Very enjoyable and I look forward to reading more in this series.
At last, a series that doesn't feature food or hospitality as the main theme but instead concentrates on books. The second in the series featuring Lexi, who has always had the dream of owning her own second hand book shop. After leaving Boston for a new job as assistant to the owner of a second-hand book shop which often has rare, esoteric books and a number of rather odd, secretive customers Lexi gets the chance to attend an estate sale featuring lots of books. After an accident, not her fault, Lexi manages to snag the one book that lots of others would like to own, including an obnoxious dealer from a nearby town. After discovering yet another murder victim as well as promising her boss to locate the new book which was stolen from the shop, Lexi works hard to clear both her name but also her bosses name of the crime.
An excellent series, each book is a standalone story although there is an over reaching storyline which gets explained in each book, along with a range of odd customers, a very strange cat, an unusual boss, and new friends. Very enjoyable and I look forward to reading more in this series.
October 24, 2021
I enjoyed the book, the 2nd in the series. However, there’s not a lot of character development and there are parts of the story that don’t move ahead at all. It’s hyper focused on the mystery. Like:
One date with Noah in 2 books and it gets cut short by Lex having to chase down a killer.
Her dad - she came here hoping to look for her dad and all we get is Mrs Sanderson knew him but won’t talk about it. So no progress there.
Her bookstore dream - she found a beautiful church and loved the setting but that’s it
The 2 books at he center of each of the stories, we find nothing out about them. In this book, the white covered book that people are stealing and dying over - what is it? It would help to know (in both books) what the books are and mean so we know what is so important.
The Curious Bookstore - there’s something weird about it and Monty - but we find out nothing there either. Is it supernatural? What’s the mystery? 2 books in we know no more than we did before.
I’ll read book 3 if it becomes a free book through Book Bub but I’m not paying for it. They were both quick, light reads though, nice for a weekend read by the pool.
One date with Noah in 2 books and it gets cut short by Lex having to chase down a killer.
Her dad - she came here hoping to look for her dad and all we get is Mrs Sanderson knew him but won’t talk about it. So no progress there.
Her bookstore dream - she found a beautiful church and loved the setting but that’s it
The 2 books at he center of each of the stories, we find nothing out about them. In this book, the white covered book that people are stealing and dying over - what is it? It would help to know (in both books) what the books are and mean so we know what is so important.
The Curious Bookstore - there’s something weird about it and Monty - but we find out nothing there either. Is it supernatural? What’s the mystery? 2 books in we know no more than we did before.
I’ll read book 3 if it becomes a free book through Book Bub but I’m not paying for it. They were both quick, light reads though, nice for a weekend read by the pool.
May 13, 2022
A “betwitching” second book in this cozy mystery series.
In this second book in the “Curious Bookstore Cozy Mystery” series, Love continues the journey of Lex as she finds her bearing in the strange and wonderful town of Incanton. When a seemingly valuable book is stolen from her place of work, and her rival for the book murdered, can Lex find the killer and the thief before they find her?
The spell of the town of Incanton continues to grow with this second installment. A bit reminiscent of Salem, MA, it is a main character in the series. The author’s use of description of scenery is mesmerizing: a particular scene describing a Midsummer maze was particularly wonderful.
I also appreciated the expanded role of the bookstore’s feline friend Hecate, as a prime catalyst for solving the mystery. And the shift to kindness of Montgomery the bookstore owner was refreshing, as he was, quite honestly, a bit unlikable in the first novel.
This book was a fun jaunt into a seaside escape into mystery and books: some of my favorite things.
In this second book in the “Curious Bookstore Cozy Mystery” series, Love continues the journey of Lex as she finds her bearing in the strange and wonderful town of Incanton. When a seemingly valuable book is stolen from her place of work, and her rival for the book murdered, can Lex find the killer and the thief before they find her?
The spell of the town of Incanton continues to grow with this second installment. A bit reminiscent of Salem, MA, it is a main character in the series. The author’s use of description of scenery is mesmerizing: a particular scene describing a Midsummer maze was particularly wonderful.
I also appreciated the expanded role of the bookstore’s feline friend Hecate, as a prime catalyst for solving the mystery. And the shift to kindness of Montgomery the bookstore owner was refreshing, as he was, quite honestly, a bit unlikable in the first novel.
This book was a fun jaunt into a seaside escape into mystery and books: some of my favorite things.
March 1, 2025
I am listening to this series on audio and I don't know if it is the narrator, the writing, or both, but it is slow and somewhat juvenile. I like the eclectic town and characters. The storyline is good but could be better. In some situations, Lex comes off as a teenager, rather than a 30 something woman. When Montgomery asks her to open the store and she finds the door hanging open, she "rationalizes" going in. Her logic makes no sense to anyone but her. Most people would have immediately called the police. She doesn't own the bookstore.
The other issue is the questions keep piling up with less and less answers. Mrs. Sanderson ran across Lex's dad years ago. She got an attitude when she was asked about him. She later apologizes, but we are still left without answers and even more questions about her dad. There's also so many "witchy" things that happen and coincidences and Lex never really questions or gives much thought to it.
I hope the next book is better and we get some answers instead of trying to wrap up all the loose ends in the last book.
The other issue is the questions keep piling up with less and less answers. Mrs. Sanderson ran across Lex's dad years ago. She got an attitude when she was asked about him. She later apologizes, but we are still left without answers and even more questions about her dad. There's also so many "witchy" things that happen and coincidences and Lex never really questions or gives much thought to it.
I hope the next book is better and we get some answers instead of trying to wrap up all the loose ends in the last book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
October 13, 2023
The Witching Place: Murder By Manuscript (A Curious Bookstore Cozy Mystery — Book 2)— Sophie Love/Narrator: Valarie Falken (32 chapters) June 28, 2023
The continuing story of the fired book publisher and her lifelong dream of opening her own bookstore and locating her missing father. In the meantime, she is working in a small bookstore by the sea and doing odd errands for the owner, a mysterious and magical man.
In this one, she has accepted a job looking for books, and in finding a rare, one-of-a-kind book, never did she dream that a dead body would be a part of that equation. But here she is, and now she is accused of killing the person.
A very good story with a great narrator.
I am enjoying this supernatural series. The characters are charming and make me want to keep coming back.
Three stars.
The continuing story of the fired book publisher and her lifelong dream of opening her own bookstore and locating her missing father. In the meantime, she is working in a small bookstore by the sea and doing odd errands for the owner, a mysterious and magical man.
In this one, she has accepted a job looking for books, and in finding a rare, one-of-a-kind book, never did she dream that a dead body would be a part of that equation. But here she is, and now she is accused of killing the person.
A very good story with a great narrator.
I am enjoying this supernatural series. The characters are charming and make me want to keep coming back.
Three stars.
August 30, 2021
Not awful, but there was too much unnecessary confusion. Why give two of your misdirectional men the names Ian and Eli? There are so many other names that would have made them more distinguishable from one another. And Montgomery's penchant for repeating himself made me think the author was trying too hard to bump up her word count. Cozy mysteries are hard to write, and most of them fall short on delivery. This one is no exception.
October 10, 2021
3.5 stars!
A cute cozy mystery with a hint of the supernatural.
I definitely flubbed up on this as this is book two and I didn’t read book one. Despite that it was easy to follow along and I didn’t feel like I missed much by not reading book one. I don’t think I will continue with the series but I enjoyed this book as a nice palate cleanser and would consider reading the next in the series if the mood hit because I would’ve liked to get more supernatural elements in this one!
A cute cozy mystery with a hint of the supernatural.
I definitely flubbed up on this as this is book two and I didn’t read book one. Despite that it was easy to follow along and I didn’t feel like I missed much by not reading book one. I don’t think I will continue with the series but I enjoyed this book as a nice palate cleanser and would consider reading the next in the series if the mood hit because I would’ve liked to get more supernatural elements in this one!
September 19, 2022
The second book drew me in as much as the first! I love that Noah and Alexis advance their relationship, while at the same time mysterious Eli is introduced for a possible love triangle? Hecate’s importance to the plot is slowly being built, and Montgomery is growing more trusting of Alexis. I HAVE to start book 3 and find out how poorly Miranda’s visit is going to go. I don’t want her to talk to Noah AT ALL.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 11, 2021
Review of The Witching Place: Murder by Manuscript; book2
I rated this book higher than the first one, because the author has upped her tempo the story line is flowing much easier. My guess is once you create this place where another reality exist, It easier to spin a tale once your mind already imagines this world.
I rated this book higher than the first one, because the author has upped her tempo the story line is flowing much easier. My guess is once you create this place where another reality exist, It easier to spin a tale once your mind already imagines this world.
July 27, 2021
Wonderful
I’m glad I read this second book in the series with Lex because I enjoyed it so much more than the first book. The protagonist, Lex could be somewhat annoying at times, but she appears to have matured more in this book. Nevertheless, the plot had me guessing again and I just loved it! Of course, I will read book #3 here soon!
I’m glad I read this second book in the series with Lex because I enjoyed it so much more than the first book. The protagonist, Lex could be somewhat annoying at times, but she appears to have matured more in this book. Nevertheless, the plot had me guessing again and I just loved it! Of course, I will read book #3 here soon!
December 27, 2022
Decent story and likeable characters
I enjoyed reading this book. It's complete and the story was told well. Lex is a likeable protagonist and doesn't do a lot of stupid stuff. There is no bad language or sex so it's appropriate for everyone. It's a fast read for a chilly winter day.
I enjoyed reading this book. It's complete and the story was told well. Lex is a likeable protagonist and doesn't do a lot of stupid stuff. There is no bad language or sex so it's appropriate for everyone. It's a fast read for a chilly winter day.
September 29, 2023
Lightweight cozy
Read all the way through this lightweight cozy mystery and didn’t get invested with any of the characters. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series, and then the rest of the books, it may fit into a grander story arc, but it just doesn’t stand on its own.
Read all the way through this lightweight cozy mystery and didn’t get invested with any of the characters. Perhaps if I had read the first book in the series, and then the rest of the books, it may fit into a grander story arc, but it just doesn’t stand on its own.
November 18, 2023
These books are fun, quick reads that I am enjoying. I like the characters and the little mysteries. I do wish there was a bit more character development, especially surrounding the obvious "magic" that's going on, but I like the mystery and getting things wrapped up in a couple hundred pages or less. :) Looking forward to starting book three soon.
May 20, 2025
I’m enjoying this fun series. The characters are likable and interesting and the stories are written with humor on a light note, even though each story does involve a missed mystery. The narrator’s voice and intonation can make or break a story for me. Valerie Falken is a master at narration. Highly recommend giving this book a read, or a listen.
February 8, 2021
Fun reading, good series!
Couldn’t put it down, ready to start book 3Love the plot twists, the black cat ( which is why I ordered these books in the first place!) I love witchy and cat books🐾
Couldn’t put it down, ready to start book 3Love the plot twists, the black cat ( which is why I ordered these books in the first place!) I love witchy and cat books🐾
February 21, 2021
Fun!
Fun and clever and just really an enjoyable book. I like that they’re engaging but not complicated. They keep you interested but you don’t have to stand there and try to figure out the whole storyline. Some books are like that and it’s just too hard sometimes.
Fun and clever and just really an enjoyable book. I like that they’re engaging but not complicated. They keep you interested but you don’t have to stand there and try to figure out the whole storyline. Some books are like that and it’s just too hard sometimes.
February 27, 2021
The witching place, book two
This is a good book with great character s. I still remember them after I have finished reading them. I will get the next book, because t story isn't finished.
This is a good book with great character s. I still remember them after I have finished reading them. I will get the next book, because t story isn't finished.
August 23, 2021
Fluffy beach read
Inoffensive quick read. Characters need more depth and plotting needs more detail but nothing glaringly bad or jarring. Not sure if I care enough about the protagonist to read more in the series.
Inoffensive quick read. Characters need more depth and plotting needs more detail but nothing glaringly bad or jarring. Not sure if I care enough about the protagonist to read more in the series.
August 26, 2021
Cute story
I liked the decency of the characters, and wished. That they had a bit more substance to them. All in all, the story hints of witches, and hints of romance, and has a modestly villainous villain.cute little beach read.
I liked the decency of the characters, and wished. That they had a bit more substance to them. All in all, the story hints of witches, and hints of romance, and has a modestly villainous villain.cute little beach read.
August 29, 2021
curious
Once again the thirty-two year old investigates crimes without training and against police wishes. She puts herself in risky positions. Some of her thinking seems off since she has only lived in that small town for a month.
Once again the thirty-two year old investigates crimes without training and against police wishes. She puts herself in risky positions. Some of her thinking seems off since she has only lived in that small town for a month.
August 30, 2021
The Witching Place "Murder by Manuscript" was the second book in the series by Sophie Love. Just like the first it had potential, it was like watching a car crash, you know it's bad but you can't look away.
Way to many times characters smoothed out pieces of clothing.
Way to many times characters smoothed out pieces of clothing.
September 4, 2021
Good story
The story was good, but I had some problems with the grammar. I don’t know when I have seen so many sentences that ended in a proposition. Most of them could have been improved by simply not writing the proposition. It really was annoying,
The story was good, but I had some problems with the grammar. I don’t know when I have seen so many sentences that ended in a proposition. Most of them could have been improved by simply not writing the proposition. It really was annoying,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 62 reviews