Brought to Book

Magical Bookshop #2

by Liz Hedgecock

Not all new brooms sweep clean…

Business is booming at Burns Books — so much so that Jemma and Raphael hire a new assistant. And that’s when things start to go wrong.

Luke’s helpful, he’s knowledgeable, and the customers like him. So why is the shop up to its old tricks, and a few new ones? And what's the matter with Folio?

Jemma and Carl take it upon themselves to investigate, and end up finding out a lot more than they bargained for. Will working at the bookshop ever be the same again?

Brought To Book is the second in the Magical Bookshop humorous mystery series, set in modern London.

Genres: Fantasy, Books About Books, Urban Fantasy, Cozy Mystery, Supernatural, Fiction

160 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 10, 2020

About the author

I grew up in south London, did an English degree, and then took forever to start writing. The stories started to grow longer...and then the murders began!

I tend to write Victorian mysteries of a not-too-scary nature. I've somehow managed to have 3 separate Sherlock Holmes-themed series (why make things easy?). I also co-wrote the Caster & Fleet mystery series with Paula Harmon, and my Maisie Frobisher Mysteries series is a spinoff from that.

I write a modern cozy mystery series, Pippa Parker Mysteries, and my newest series, The Magical Bookshop, is a cozy mystery series with a touch of fantasy and magic.

Visit my website for book info, links to stories, and my blog, in which I ramble on about all sorts of things. Hope to see you soon.

Reviews

[William · Rating 4 out of 5]

Entertaining relationships listening 🎶🔰

This kindle e-book novella is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 2 of 6

The book shop is doing very well. They hire a new employee who is having issues. It turns out that he is a vampire. She finds herself in a fantasy world 🌎.

I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic fantasy British 🏰 novels 👍🔰. 2024

[Chantelle Marshall · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.75 stars (Audible Plus Catalog). Entertaining + light. Definitely cozy, not a major mystery, but when set in a bookshop, who cares!

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Raphael Burns, owner of Burns Books & Jemma, employee extraordinaire, are ready to open a new section of the bookshop. Unknown to anyone, the entry to a lost cathedral crypt below the shop had been walled up for about 500 years. Its discovery had led to Jemma persuading Raphael to move the fiction section there along with a mini version of Rolando’s Deli, their favourite stop for coffee, paninis & baked goods. Burns Books is not your typical bookshop. The shop seems to have a mind of its own sometime & though none of the boxes of books in the storeroom are labelled, they always seem to be the right choice. Folio, the shop cat, also has a mind of his own & not to be trifled with at times. But then, he is a cat.
Opening day is such a success, extra help is needed. Luke, an intense, pale guy all dressed in black is hired. He seems a bit weird, preferring to stay downstairs most of the time. When books are being found in the wrong section, Luke offers to scan into a database all the books in the storeroom. Jemma senses something is off kilter. When Luke doesn’t show up one morning, chaos ending in a power cut reigns downstairs. When Raphael returns and learns about it, he uncharacteristically throws everyone out. What’s going on with the bookshop, why does Folio look smaller and how will Jemma fix this? Or can she? The Magical Bookshop series continues to intrigue & enthrall readers in this second entry with more about the bookshop & its caretakers being revealed. Take a trip to Charing Cross Road, London & find this magical place.
To get the whole backstory, read Book One, Every Trick in the Book.

[JACKIE K · Rating 5 out of 5]

Having enjoyed the first book in the series, I looked forward to reading the second. I was not disappointed. While the first book set the stage for the unique canvas of a magical used bookstore, this sequel drew me further into the tale. After passing her trial period, Jemma James is happily settling into her job at Burns Books. Having discovered another amazing entire floor underneath the shop, Raphael has expanded and decided to hire another assistant. However, the shop doesn’t seem happy with their choice and takes on a very heavy and dark atmosphere. Strange things begin to happen, books are misplaced and customers are ill-tempered and argue with each other and the staff. Even Carl, who manages the cafe annex at the store with a friendly smile, is uncomfortable and confused. Does Raphael know more than he is willing to share? Can Jemma and Carl find a way to restore the former calm and pleasant shopping experience and will the secret that Luke, the new assistant, is hiding be revealed? Why is Folio, the shop cat, reverting to his previous bad attitude? As the danger increases and the shop can no longer remain open, they all must confront a threat that could result in a permanent closure and change their lives forever. They must find a way to work together to solve the mystery and save themselves. This is a fast read and I was quickly caught up in the storyline. I recommend you set aside some time to enjoy because you probably won’t want to stop reading.

[Elentarri · Rating 3 out of 5]

Brought to Book is a continuation of the story begun in the previous novella Every Trick in the Book.  You really do need to read them in order.  This is a light-hearted, charming and cozy mystery novella with likeable characters (+ one cat and one temperamental bookshop) and an interesting twist.  A lovely, entertaining continuation to the Magic Bookshop series.

[Rebel · Rating 3 out of 5]

I did not read the first book yet but after reading the second I am definitely looking forward to starting over and reading the first book. Great setting with wonderful characters.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Brenda Barber · Rating 5 out of 5]

Imagine working in a magical bookstore!! They just found a part of the building that had been walled up for over 500 years, it was once a crypt. Raphael who is the owner of the bookstore and his super employee Jemma decide to make it part of the store. Jemma talked Raphael to open a mini cafe in the downstairs too. Rolando's will be supplying the food and drinks plus Carl to run it too. Finally everything is ready!! Grand opening begins, masses of people come to it.Raphael and Jemma are run ragged that day. It's time to hire another person to help. So they start interviewing candidates for the job. At the end they decide to give the job to Luke, is a young man that is very pale, wears all black and sunglasses. Luke seems a little weird but he gets along with the customers and knows a lot about books. Suddenly strange things start to happen at the bookstore, books in wrongs areas, can't find books and bunch of little things. It seems that the store doesn't like Luke. But the questions are why?? Who is Luke??
Need to discover the secrets that people are keeping you need to read and find the magic of the bookstore plus the characters themselves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Carol · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jemma James works at Burns Book
store. It is a second-hand bookstore.
The owner is a quirky dressed man.
The store is also the home of Folio.
He is a chubby, marmalade cat.
The downstairs has been re-modeled.
It was discovered to be the entry to
a lost cathedral crypt walled up for
about 500 years. The fiction section
plus a mini version of their favorite
coffee shop will be in the downstairs.
Carl from Roloando’s Deli will work
the shop.
After the opening of the downstairs,
it is decided the shop needs to hire
another worker.
Since the bookshop has a mind and
personality of its own, will it approve
of the new employee? Will Folio approve?
The workings of the bookshop kept
me spellbound. I enjoy how the unlabeled
boxes of books contain the ones the
shop need.
I was caught up in the antics of the
characters.
This was an interesting, intriguing and
magical read.
I volunteered to read Brought to Books.
Thanks to the author via Booksprout for
the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary
and my own.

[Cair-Paravel De Loulay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Did you think the bookshop was magical? Did you? Well, I did. Turns out though, even that is a magical surprise. 

Jemma works at Burn's Books. This little shop has a life of its own. The business is bigger and getting better every day. They have had the ability to expand to a downstairs area and things are going well. Then the need for more help arises and Luke comes on.

Then things start to get strange...stranger than the typical strange. Books are disappearing, shelves are mixed up and Folio the cat seems to be unwell.

When facts are revealed, Jemma learns that everything that had her curious was actually a thing and the world is seen from a new perspective. 

The first book was good, but this one is spectacular. It goes from a cozy mystery to a cozy, with a dash of supernatural without leaving any of the charm in its glorious wake. I absolutely loved it and cannot wait to see what she has planned for the now double dose of bookshops. 

[Penny Hickman · Rating 4 out of 5]

"Brought to Book" is another great addition to "The Magical Bookshop" series. Business has escalated to the point that Raphael has to hire another employee just to keep up. In addition to the increased book sales, a cafe, that is ran by Carl, another new addition, has been installed in the bottom floor and is flourishing as well. The bookshop seems to have a problem with the new employee, Luke, and is causing mayhem. Turns out the bookshop has every reason to question him. His actions lead to a competition that will result in the winner being the new bookkeeper. Will Raphael still own the magical shop when all is said and done? Looks like romance is in the air for Jemma and Carl. The story flowed nicely and was hard to put down.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Busy days and odd goings-on in the Magical Bookshop.

The grand opening of the newest section of the bookshop is a rousing success, with Jemma, Carl and Raphael run off their feet.
How will they manage if every day is this busy? They can't, so Raphael sets about hiring a new employee.
Enter Luke, a very polite young man who turned up to the re-opening. He's a great fit at the shop, but has a few, shall we say quirks.
As Jemma starts to learn more and more about the shop from Raphael, the shop starts behaving unusually.
What is causing these strange oddities in the shop? Read on to find out.

*This is book 2 in the series, I have not read book 1 but feel I would have enjoyed this book more having read book 1 first.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avis Witter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great follow on from the first book. Mysterious and un-nerving goings-on in the bookshop when a new member of staff is introduced. Why does Luke look as he does and why are all these odd things happening? The relationship between Jemma and Carl is explored a little more and the history of the bookshop and Raphael is expanded. Chapter 20 is my favourite where explanations of Raphael’s choice of books following his win in a competition with Brian for ownership of the shop are told. No spoilers here you must read it to appreciate it. If you liked the first Magical Bookshop story you will love this one. A most satisfying read and I highly recommend it. I look forward to book three.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

This fairly short book follows on from the adventures in 'Every Trick in the Book', the first book in the series and explains why the bookshop (Burns Books) is so special and why the rather strange things happened there.
In this book we are introduced to some new characters, who turn out to be anything but ordinary and also learn more about Raphael and his story.
A very clever and original story, well told and an engaging read, but I would advise reading 'Every Trick in the Book' first to get some quite important background.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

A ling time frenemy to Raphael challenges him to the mutual loss of their bookstores to each other in the latest book challenges

The Burns Books shop seems hopping with the addition of the downstairs room. A cafe enhances the space with buy in from a local merchant and a few new and unusual characters join the staff - for a while at least

Can the magic of books, reading and respect for the books and workers transform their endeavors?

A delicately crafted magical book and personal growth adventure

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Agna · Rating 5 out of 5]

After reading the first book in this series, I was really looking forward to this second one, and I was not disappointed at all.
The bookstore has been expanded and the grand opening is such a success that Raphael decides to hire an extra assistant, Luke. Unfortunately, the bookstore seems to disagree and weird things start to happen while the atmosphere gets heavier by the day... Until all hell breaks loose, and Luke and Raphael are forced to reveal their secrets.
I really loved the development of all these beautiful and weird characters, and the second half of the book ties everything together beautifully! I can't wait for book #3 !
I received a free copy for an honest review.

[Nancy S Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

Our protagonist, Jemma, has been encouraging her boss to broaden the appeal of the old bookshop. In the course of book 1 a threat to the bookshop and owner emerges, but is met by the bookshop itself!with the assistance of the owner and Jemma. The result is the discover of a hidden area of the bookshop. The expansion results in new amenities and new staff. Things are moving along nicely they aren't.

The end result is the discovery or rediscovery of a hidden area of the bookshop. The subsequent bookshop expansion leads to new amenities, new books and new staff. Things are moving along well--until they aren't. It's a new threat to the bookshop and owner. Keep reading!

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Again, another book in the Magic Book Shop series. It is every bit as good, if not better, than the first. Jemma is working as the manager of Burns Books and the downstairs,once a closed up celler has been refurbished and it is opening day for the downstairs and for the second Renaldo's cafe. Opening day is hetic and by the following day, they are considering hiring another person to help. After interviewing several applicants, hire Luke. Within a few weeks, it is becoming clear that the shop is becoming unhappy with the new employee. Several things happen and it is revealed that someone is trying to take Raphael's, the owner's place. What happens next is up to you, the new reader, to find out. Great book, cant wait for the next one.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nothing better than to loose yourself in a story so full of magic, happiness, treachery and beautiful characters. The bookshop is all a book lover would want to walk in to and a business of one´s dreams. It´s also a beautiful promise of seeing people for what they are without judgement and accepting them for what they are - either good or bad.
Truly enjoyable reading that transports you to the fantasy realm!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic of the bookstore and Folio, the store cat, are having a fit regarding the new hire. Raphael and Jemma had just opened up an addition to the bookstore, using a cathedral cellar they found under the store. The characters (including the store) are terrific and their backstories round them out. The banter and hijinks continue amid twists and surprises as they try to figure out what is going on with the bookstore. The ending is worth the read and the whole story will delight your senses.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Loomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful magical bookstore.

This is the most fascinating and magical bookstore I have ever had the privilege of being inside. The staff, all four of them plus Folio couldn't be more different but they are all very interesting in their own way. It is fascinating to see what the bookstore will do next and it is one of the best mysteries I have had the privilege of read that isn't about murder. These books are almost impossible to put down and I can't wait to start the next one. Hope to see you there as well.

[FeedMyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

With things going so well in the bookshop it has become clear that they need a new staff member and when they come across Luke it is clear that he is likeable, friendly, knowledgeable and a good worker but the shop seems to be up to its old tricks again, can Jemma and Carl get to the bottom of things to ensure it doesn't end up becoming a major problem?

With characters who are likeable, a setting that works well and a story that is worked perfectly, this is another great piece of writing from the clearly talented author and I look forward to reading much more in this series.

[Lindatugby81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Not All New Brooms Sweep Clean …

Business is booming at Burns Books - So much so that Jemma and Raphael hire a new assistant.And that’s when things start to go wrong.

Luke’s helpful, he’s knowledgeable , and the customers like him. So why is the shop to its old tricks , and a few new ones ? And what’s the matter with Folio?

Jemma and Carl take it upon themselves to investigate , and end up finding out a lot more than they bargained for . Will working at the bookshop ever be the same again?

[Bobbi · Rating 5 out of 5]

A touch of magic, a little mystery and wonderful characters will this book to the brim. A magical bookshop that holds wondrous books of all types. You will find very old and precious books as well as the latest best-selling paperbacks. Wonder through the story at your own pace and enjoy the magic that will entice you to keep reading. This is a wonderful series, and I highly recommend to all mystery lovers.

[Stephanie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma and Raphael open up the downstairs area of his bookstore. With the greater number of customers they hire 2 additional personnel. We learn about the different backgrounds and personalities of the characters in this story including the store cat. There are references to certain magical aspects of this store which are a bit whimsical which I like and a but scary which is intriguing. I enjoyed this book. I was given a free ARC at my request and this is my honest review.

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

A interesting second in the Magical Bookshop series, More intrigue, more books, more staff and definitely more magic!

If you enjoyed book 1 you’ll love this too. Weird things are happening in Burn’s Books and it’s not simply because of the improvement or the new member of staff.

Too much plot revelation will spoil the story. Jump in and join Jemma , Raphael, Carl, Luke and Folio on the next stage of the adventure.

[Neveah · Rating 4 out of 5]

More secrets are revealed in this cosiest of rainy day reads. Gemma thinks about moving out, the new recruit has an aversion to daylight, the coffee is delicious and Brian looms large in everyone’s thoughts. Plus Folio gets centre of attention and plenty of fussing, as he deserves. These novellas are sweet, harmless and just adorable. Will Gemma cook a decent meal? Will the prophetic lady in the corner shop sell her last egg sandwich, and what’s really in the storeroom?

[Terry · Rating 4 out of 5]

second book in the series

The story continues. The characters are for the most part likeable. Jemma having found her feet and started to have an affect on Burns Books. Rafael flits in and out of the shop and the story but suspicions are confirmed as secrets are revealed. The newer character confirm their places in the story and in Jemma’s life.
All in all a good read and more than enough reason to keep reading the series to find out what happens next.

[Bill · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma and Rafael hire a new assistant at Burns Books, but something is off. The Bookstore is misbehaving and even Folio the Cat is hostile to Luke, the new assistant. It turns out that Luke is a spy, and a vampire to boot. Rafael tells Jemma and Carl that he is a Keeper, and has to defend his position against rival Brian in a magical book dual. Rafael wins, and acquires an additional magical bookstore, which Jemma now manages.

[Roger · Rating 4 out of 5]

Brought To Book (The Magical Bookshop 2), my second read from author Liz Hedgecock is a 180-page-turning, delightful, original read that draws you in deeper and deeper with every word read! I look forward to the next book, Double Booked (The Magical Bookshop Book 3) in the series. "I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review." (RIP Marley January 20, 2014 - July 24, 2018).

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second of the Magical Bookshop series, this is another light, breezy, fun read. The bookstore has become successful after the opening of the crypt room, so Raphael and Jemma hire Luke as an assistant - a pale, peculiar young man, whose presence disturbs the bookstore and begins to cause chaos. Raphael's role as a Keeper of Knowledge is revealed when he is challenged for his job, but, of course, he triumphs. And next Jemma will have the new challenge of a second bookstore.