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Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #7
To the Tome of Murder
Three weeks before Thanksgiving, bookshop owner Addie Greyborne already has a full plate—and a killer on her case...
Addie’s determined to turn a seemingly ordinary November in coastal Greyborne Harbor into one for the books. The windows of her shop display carefully curated works by American writers, including a rare selection of traditional holiday recipes from the influential 19th-century publication Godey’s Ladies Magazine. And then there’s the town’s Civil War-era themed cooking and baking competition, with a hefty cash prize and free publicity going to the winning dish...
But when she finds her cousin’s boyfriend murdered, a stunned Addie reluctantly realizes she may be the only person who can blow the cover off a grisly crime. With so many unanswered questions surrounding the victim’s death, Addie must figure out the strange connection between a mysterious vintage briefcase, the disappearance of a first edition copy of Sarah Josepha Hale’s famous nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and a dangerously well-read culprit...
Addie’s determined to turn a seemingly ordinary November in coastal Greyborne Harbor into one for the books. The windows of her shop display carefully curated works by American writers, including a rare selection of traditional holiday recipes from the influential 19th-century publication Godey’s Ladies Magazine. And then there’s the town’s Civil War-era themed cooking and baking competition, with a hefty cash prize and free publicity going to the winning dish...
But when she finds her cousin’s boyfriend murdered, a stunned Addie reluctantly realizes she may be the only person who can blow the cover off a grisly crime. With so many unanswered questions surrounding the victim’s death, Addie must figure out the strange connection between a mysterious vintage briefcase, the disappearance of a first edition copy of Sarah Josepha Hale’s famous nursery rhyme, “Mary Had a Little Lamb,” and a dangerously well-read culprit...
316 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published October 26, 2021
542 people are currently reading
3481 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Elliott
14 books1,640 followersLauren grew up devouring the entire Nancy Drew series and then graduated to Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, Barbara Erskine, Lynn Kurland, and Michael Crichton to name a few of her favorite authors. When it came time for post-secondary education, journalism seemed like the logical choice as she had written for as long as she could remember. Soon after graduation, while working for a small publication, she discovered that reporting wasn’t what fueled her writing passions. As someone with an additionally strong background in professional theater who had the love of storytelling and captivating and holding an audience, her fiction-writing career began to take center stage.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 273 reviews
April 16, 2024
To the Tome of Murder by Lauren Elliott is the seventh book in the cozy Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. Each book of this series contains it’s own mystery to solve so they can be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. Of course there is some character development that carries over from book to book for those that follow the series from the beginning.
In the first book of this series, Murder by the Book, readers were introduced to Addison Greyborne who had returned to her hometown, a small New England town that had been named for her ancestors back in Colonial times, Greyborne Harbor. Addie had been still recovering from the murder of her fiance, her father dying in a tragic accident and then had found out a long lost aunt had also died but left her whole estate to Addie.
Addie’s inheritance had given her the opportunity to start over and continue to work with books after leaving her job at the Boston Public Library. With her aunt having so many rare books in her collection and the funds to open a shop Addie decided to open Beyond the Page bookstore. Now as Addie is preparing for Thanksgiving that is quickly approaching she stumbles into yet another murder. Addie is the one that finds her cousin’s boyfriend murdered and with a rare edition book as part of the clues Addie feels she may be again the only one to be able to track down the murderer.
I have been following the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series from the beginning and enjoy each trip back to Greyborne Harbor. I wouldn’t say this series is quite as humorous and over the top quirky as some I enjoy but being an avid reader I love the main character’s knowledge of books and that books are involved yet again in another mystery. Of course there’s yet another twisty murder plot to follow and that always keeps the pages turning too.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
In the first book of this series, Murder by the Book, readers were introduced to Addison Greyborne who had returned to her hometown, a small New England town that had been named for her ancestors back in Colonial times, Greyborne Harbor. Addie had been still recovering from the murder of her fiance, her father dying in a tragic accident and then had found out a long lost aunt had also died but left her whole estate to Addie.
Addie’s inheritance had given her the opportunity to start over and continue to work with books after leaving her job at the Boston Public Library. With her aunt having so many rare books in her collection and the funds to open a shop Addie decided to open Beyond the Page bookstore. Now as Addie is preparing for Thanksgiving that is quickly approaching she stumbles into yet another murder. Addie is the one that finds her cousin’s boyfriend murdered and with a rare edition book as part of the clues Addie feels she may be again the only one to be able to track down the murderer.
I have been following the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series from the beginning and enjoy each trip back to Greyborne Harbor. I wouldn’t say this series is quite as humorous and over the top quirky as some I enjoy but being an avid reader I love the main character’s knowledge of books and that books are involved yet again in another mystery. Of course there’s yet another twisty murder plot to follow and that always keeps the pages turning too.
I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.
For more reviews please visit https://carriesbookreviews.com/
October 29, 2021
This is one of my favorite cozy mystery series! I absolutely love the world the author has created and how much the characters have grown throughout the series. I did think this particular mystery was a bit more obvious to me than some of the rest have been and I was surprised the amateur heroine wasn’t putting together all the same clues I was. Regardless I enjoyed this book. Addie’s cousin dies in her dress shop and Addie is determined to prove her cousin’s innocence. Despite the usual warnings to mind her own business from the police Addie investigates others who may have had motive to kill Jared. I did like the historical ties to this one and found some of the mentioned antiques very intriguing.
June 27, 2022
I have really been enjoying reading cozies recently and this is one of my favorite cozy mystery authors.
This is the seventh book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series.
It's almost Thanksgiving and there is a Civil War era cooking and baking contest. The contestants are looking to get a leg up on the competition so vintage cookbooks are rapidly selling at Addie's bookshop. I didn't particularly like Addie's character but I did enjoy the aspect of the Civil War cooking contest taking place at Thanksgiving. I also enjoyed the setting. The mystery was fairly obvious but I will continue to read more in this series.
Pub Date: 26 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
This is the seventh book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series.
It's almost Thanksgiving and there is a Civil War era cooking and baking contest. The contestants are looking to get a leg up on the competition so vintage cookbooks are rapidly selling at Addie's bookshop. I didn't particularly like Addie's character but I did enjoy the aspect of the Civil War cooking contest taking place at Thanksgiving. I also enjoyed the setting. The mystery was fairly obvious but I will continue to read more in this series.
Pub Date: 26 Oct 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
January 30, 2023
Addie Greyborne is preparing the bookshop for Thanksgiving and the upcoming annual Make It and Bake It Food Market cooking and baking competition. The theme for the competition is authentic Civil War Thanksgiving dinner dishes and desserts. Addie gets a distressed call from her cousin, Kalea which has her rushing to the dress shop. Addie finds a crying Kalea and Kalea’s boyfriend, Jared Munroe dead in the dress shop. Unfortunately, evidence points to Kalea as the guilty party. Addie has more questions than answers regarding Jared’s death. Addie needs to work quickly if she is going to prove her cousin’s innocence and unmask the true killer. To the Tome of Murder by Lauren Elliott is the seventh A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery. I suggest starting with Murder by the Book which will give you Addie Greyborne’s background. I thought To the Tome of Murder contained good writing and the story moved along at a steady tempo. My main problem with the series is Addie Greyborne. She is not the most likeable character nor her cousin, Kalea (I am not a fan of her at all). Addie acts like she is entitled to information on the case from the police and she treats Marc terribly (Police Chief Marc Chandler is lucky to have escaped Addie’s clutches). Addie does not take it well when no one from the force will share details with her. Kalea is a snake in the grass who I would not trust with my boyfriend or husband. I like Addie’s assistant manager, Paige Stringer. She is a friendly woman who does a wonderful job at the bookstore. I enjoyed the Civil War themed cooking competition (very original) and learning more about Sarah Josepha Hale. Sarah was a remarkable woman who has several key accomplishments. The whodunit is straightforward. I found there to be a lack of suspects which made the guilty party stand out. I kept hoping for a twist so I would be surprised. The reveal answers any lingering questions regarding the crime. I would have liked more action in the book to give it a little more pep. I enjoyed the descriptions of Greyborne Harbor. They really bring the scenery alive. To the Tome of Murder will have you craving Thanksgiving dinner with all the fixings with the Civil War culinary competition, the slain suitor, a crying cousin, beautiful bookmarks and bookends, an unendurable expert, and a curious crime.
January 26, 2022
To the Tome of Murder is the seventh book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore mystery series. Addie Greyborne owns the successful bookshop Beyond the Page. Addie is a bibliophile who occasionally helps solve crimes. As everyone in town prepares for Thanksgiving, Addie finds herself involved in another mystery. Her cousin’s boyfriend is killed, and Addie jumps in to help clear her cousin’s name from the suspect list.
As a fan of this series, I have enjoyed watching the characters grow. While To the Tome of Murder can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order. The characters and setting make this a delightful cozy mystery series.
One of the things that I like about this series if that the mysteries have a connection to books. Addie is drawn to help because of her knowledge of books. Plus, she often knows the victim and/or the suspect.
To the Tome of Murder is a charming cozy mystery. This cozy series is one I enjoy keeping up with, and look forward to each new addition. A great read for fans of cozies who enjoy bookish themes set in a small town.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
As a fan of this series, I have enjoyed watching the characters grow. While To the Tome of Murder can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading this series in order. The characters and setting make this a delightful cozy mystery series.
One of the things that I like about this series if that the mysteries have a connection to books. Addie is drawn to help because of her knowledge of books. Plus, she often knows the victim and/or the suspect.
To the Tome of Murder is a charming cozy mystery. This cozy series is one I enjoy keeping up with, and look forward to each new addition. A great read for fans of cozies who enjoy bookish themes set in a small town.
I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 29, 2021
It's time to return to Greyborne Harbor in the seventh book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. This is one of my favorite series and from my perspective, the author just keeps getting better with each book. To the Tome of Murder has a well-written plot that has just the right pace to keep the reader engaged with both the characters and the mystery. Addie is a multi-dimensional character and I have really enjoyed how the author has developed and grown her character throughout the series. She has softened a bit but still has some walls and emotional baggage she carries. I love how intuitive she is when it comes to clues and investigation, even when Marc brushes off her theories. She will need those skills, as this time around she needs to prove that her cousin Kaylea did not kill her boyfriend.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout the story. Personally, I thought the prime suspect was too convenient, but I was not able to really piece together the clues in a way that led me to a particular suspect as my guess for the killer. The victim had some less than friendly dealing with merchants in town so the author sets up a host of suspects for Addie to wade through. Once again, with her intuition, Addie is able to pinpoint the motive and the killer's identity is revealed in the end. I do have to say that the killer was a surprise to me, but it made sense when everything was revealed.
I very much enjoy this series. It has wonderful mysteries, a great cast of characters that the author continues to develop and grow, and it's set in a bookstore. What more could I ask for.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
The mystery kept me engaged throughout the story. Personally, I thought the prime suspect was too convenient, but I was not able to really piece together the clues in a way that led me to a particular suspect as my guess for the killer. The victim had some less than friendly dealing with merchants in town so the author sets up a host of suspects for Addie to wade through. Once again, with her intuition, Addie is able to pinpoint the motive and the killer's identity is revealed in the end. I do have to say that the killer was a surprise to me, but it made sense when everything was revealed.
I very much enjoy this series. It has wonderful mysteries, a great cast of characters that the author continues to develop and grow, and it's set in a bookstore. What more could I ask for.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Kensington, through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are my own.
January 27, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
Having read book 1 and book 3 of this series, I kind of knew what to expect with this one. I enjoyed it. Did it blow me away? No. I still struggle with how unlikable Addie is. I honestly don't get what Marc or Simon see in her. 🤷🏻♀️ I also thought the mystery in this one was fairly obvious. However, I enjoy the setting. I loved the historical aspect of the civil war cooking competition and Sarah Josepha Hale. And there are quite a few likable side characters. So a bit of a mixed bag, but I am still onboard with this series, especially since the next book features a missing first edition of Robert Louis Stevenson’s A Child’s Garden of Verses. #intriguedpartyofone
**ARC Via NetGalley**
August 26, 2021
Good mystery. Feel bad for poor Marc. I would like to see him find a girl, forget about Addie and not look back. The guy deserves some happiness.
November 11, 2021
This isn’t the first time with this series that readers have to dig deep to figure out the why of a crime; even when you think you know the motive, you will second guess yourself several times, and by the time you figure who did it, you will realize how easy it was all along. To The Tome Of Murder is the seventh book in this series and maybe the best one yet. But then again, you can’t go wrong with a beautiful bookstore, a civil war-themed cooking competition, and good friends.
Addie is scrambling to make the holiday perfect for everyone, family, friends, and bookstore customers alike, and trying to enjoy the civil war baking competition. But she is once again thrown into a murder investigation and ends up over her head. But even though her cousin is a pain in the behind, she is family, and Addie doesn’t want to believe that her cousin is a killer, no matter what the police say. Why would anyone suspects her cousin would kill her boyfriend over an argument about an old briefcase? The clues don’t add up, and suspects come out of the woodwork at every turn.
To The Tome Of Murder is a delightful mystery with all the ingredients needed to keep you guessing and coming back for more. The characters are lively, entertaining, and from time to time, complicated, but all of them add enough action and chaos to thrill readers. Suspects are wonderfully deceitful; there is no such thing as an innocent bystander. The setting of a bookstore is a common location but add in the retail side of selling vintage memorabilia, old rare books, then throw in a civil war-themed baking competition, and you have readers hooked. Once the killer is revealed, it doesn’t come as a surprise, but this killer isn’t what readers are expecting. I enjoyed this installment in the series and know others will too.
Addie is scrambling to make the holiday perfect for everyone, family, friends, and bookstore customers alike, and trying to enjoy the civil war baking competition. But she is once again thrown into a murder investigation and ends up over her head. But even though her cousin is a pain in the behind, she is family, and Addie doesn’t want to believe that her cousin is a killer, no matter what the police say. Why would anyone suspects her cousin would kill her boyfriend over an argument about an old briefcase? The clues don’t add up, and suspects come out of the woodwork at every turn.
To The Tome Of Murder is a delightful mystery with all the ingredients needed to keep you guessing and coming back for more. The characters are lively, entertaining, and from time to time, complicated, but all of them add enough action and chaos to thrill readers. Suspects are wonderfully deceitful; there is no such thing as an innocent bystander. The setting of a bookstore is a common location but add in the retail side of selling vintage memorabilia, old rare books, then throw in a civil war-themed baking competition, and you have readers hooked. Once the killer is revealed, it doesn’t come as a surprise, but this killer isn’t what readers are expecting. I enjoyed this installment in the series and know others will too.
October 25, 2021
To the Tome of Murder, the seventh Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery, is a wonderful addition to the series. Full of murder, historical details, friendship, family, and holiday spirit, it is entertaining and an engrossing puzzle to solve.
I really enjoy this series and have come to love the characters. They have grown so much since the first book, especially protagonist Addie. Addie has baggage and grief to work through, and I feel like she is finally coming into her own. Her flaws make her relatable and interesting, and her curious and intuitive nature, as well as her knack for eavesdropping, makes her an admirable sleuth. I feel for her ex Marc and hope he gets his own HEA someday. Addie’s boyfriend Simon is a great guy, and I like seeing him more in this story. Addie’s friends round out the cast and are endearing. Addie’s cousin Kalea annoys me, but since she is the prime suspect this go around she is prominently featured.
There are not many Thanksgiving cozies out there so this mystery is a welcome seasonal addition. The town of Greyborne Harbor is gearing up for the holiday by holding a Civil War-era cooking competition. The town is abuzz, and this provides author Lauren Elliott the opportunity to sprinkle historical tidbits about Sarah Josepha Hale, of Mary Had a Little Lamb and Godey’s Ladies Magazine fame, and incorporate her into the mystery. Things are going well for Addie until her cousin Kalea finds her boyfriend Jared murdered in her dress shop. The police’s attention soon focuses on Kalea so Addie feels obligated and invested in finding the real killer. Was Jared mixed up with bad business? Something personal? Something to do with his recently acquired vintage briefcase that is the only thing missing from the scene of the crime? Or something else entirely.
I enjoyed every step of this investigation with Addie. The mystery is well thought out and executed. The pace is steady, and the story builds to and exciting, dangerous climax. I did not figure out the killer’s identity ahead of Addie, and the killer’s motive is ultimately quite sad. The subplots come together with the main murder mystery to make a satisfying read. I feel there are great things ahead for Addie and her friends; I look forward to reading many more adventures. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
I really enjoy this series and have come to love the characters. They have grown so much since the first book, especially protagonist Addie. Addie has baggage and grief to work through, and I feel like she is finally coming into her own. Her flaws make her relatable and interesting, and her curious and intuitive nature, as well as her knack for eavesdropping, makes her an admirable sleuth. I feel for her ex Marc and hope he gets his own HEA someday. Addie’s boyfriend Simon is a great guy, and I like seeing him more in this story. Addie’s friends round out the cast and are endearing. Addie’s cousin Kalea annoys me, but since she is the prime suspect this go around she is prominently featured.
There are not many Thanksgiving cozies out there so this mystery is a welcome seasonal addition. The town of Greyborne Harbor is gearing up for the holiday by holding a Civil War-era cooking competition. The town is abuzz, and this provides author Lauren Elliott the opportunity to sprinkle historical tidbits about Sarah Josepha Hale, of Mary Had a Little Lamb and Godey’s Ladies Magazine fame, and incorporate her into the mystery. Things are going well for Addie until her cousin Kalea finds her boyfriend Jared murdered in her dress shop. The police’s attention soon focuses on Kalea so Addie feels obligated and invested in finding the real killer. Was Jared mixed up with bad business? Something personal? Something to do with his recently acquired vintage briefcase that is the only thing missing from the scene of the crime? Or something else entirely.
I enjoyed every step of this investigation with Addie. The mystery is well thought out and executed. The pace is steady, and the story builds to and exciting, dangerous climax. I did not figure out the killer’s identity ahead of Addie, and the killer’s motive is ultimately quite sad. The subplots come together with the main murder mystery to make a satisfying read. I feel there are great things ahead for Addie and her friends; I look forward to reading many more adventures. Highly recommended!
I received an ARC of this title from the author and Kensington Books and voluntarily shared my thoughts here.
November 28, 2023
The series IS getting better, but Marc's policing style still needs a lot of help. Addie still runs around doing what and when she wants, regardless of police protocol.
There were plenty of twists and red herrings in this installment, but if you haven't read the previous books in the series, you will be lost.
There were plenty of twists and red herrings in this installment, but if you haven't read the previous books in the series, you will be lost.
December 7, 2021
The book blurb contains spoiler clues! Read it at your own risk.
More than 3, less than 4 stars
Addy Greyborne is swaped with people entering her shop searching for Civil War cookbooks. Ever since the historical society announced a Civil War cooking competition for the Thanksgiving season, in honor of New England native Sarah Josepha Hale, people have been going crazy! It would be nice to have some help but Addie's cousin Kalea is preoccupied with her dress shop which is proving to be popular. When Kalea calls in hysterics, Paige and Addie roll their eyes thinking Kalea is going to be whining about something trivial but when Addie hears her cousin's voice, she knows something is terribly wrong. The only word she can make out is - MURDER! Addie discovers her cousin in shock after finding her boyfriend, Jared, dead in the shop. Addie knows her cousin and she can tell Kalea is honestly upset but Marc seems to think Kalea is the murderer! Addie is determined to clear her cousin's name and help point the police in the right direction! Help comes from the most unlikely source, Martha, the baker and Addie's former nemesis. She means well but is ruining Addie's reputation once again. A clue comes from another unexpected source, leaving Addie to question her feelings for Simon. Meanwhile, Serena decides to enter the cooking contest too but is acting strange and forgetting commitments. Addie thinks she knows why but does Serena?
I liked the tie-in to Thanksgiving and Sarah Josepha Hale. I especially liked the complete set of Aunt Jo's Scrapbag: My Boys, Etc., which is highly unlikely because I've only seen them in Concord. Separately they're not worth a huge amount of money and even the set won't pay off Addie's credit card after spending a fortune on Christmas gifts! I did want to tell the citizens of Greyborne Harbor that Civil War cookbooks and recipes can be found online for free and if they visit the historical society, they are likely to find reproduction hardcover cookbooks for sale. There are also Little Women inspired cookbooks that take foods mentioned in the books and use them as inspiration for modern recipes. I have to critique the Civil War fashion plates though. If the women are wearing bustles, those fashion plates are from the 1870s, post Civil-War. In the 1860s women wore corsets and crinolines, petticoats and drawers but not bustles. Think Gone With the Wind hoopskirts. As usual, the author makes up wildlu inflated prices for rare books. She underestimated Wind in the Willows and was right on with Hale's cookbook and with Northwood; Or, Life North and South: Showing the True Character of Both. by Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale.(MAYBE at auction? and yes insurance prices would be higher but still...) Other than that, I found the details fun and charming. I also liked browsing the antique shop with Addie and Serena and like Serena, going crazy over the antique tea pots and cups! The rest of the cozy stuff was OK. I didn't like Serena's plot much and the romantic drama coming to a head wasn't all that appealing anyway. I think there might be some inconsistencies in the story. I don't remember Addie finding her fiance dead in their apartment. I thought he had died in a car crash but I could be wrong. I also wondered why Paige's dad was out of the picture permanently. I thought he was going to stick around.
Mystery-wise, this one is easy to put the puzzle together. I figured out who the murderer had to be when the clues were dropped. I was in 100% agreement with Addie about the red herrings and knew what must have happened. The details were a little bit of a surprise. Addie figures it out too. She just has to find the murderer and doesn't get the right person. She was on the right track though.
Addie has finally grown on me. She's become integrated into the fabric of Greyborne Harbor life and people finally like and respect her. I was happy to read she let her appraisal certificate lapse and she won't appraise anything officially anymore. Thank goodness because she was so unethical when she did that. Addie is a good friend and employer. She's settled into a relationship with Simon with no regrets but she's still haunted by her past and unable to admit her true feelings. I didn't like how jealous she got every time another woman flirted with Simon. I can see being mad at Kalea but not the older women and not Simon! It's not his fault! Addie is way too nice to Kalea though. At first when I saw Jared had been killed I was happy. He did not sound like a good person when we first met him and he comes across as even worse once Kalea explains her side of the story. Jared was a ruthless businessman and his personality was like Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. There were plenty of people in town who hated Jared. Then as the events unfolded, I saw how horrible Kalea felt. She was in shock and pain. Jared was the first man she ever truly loved. I do believe she loved him- in her own way. It was terrible to watch her grieve. I did feel bad for her-up to a certain point. Pippi, the YorkiePoo, is the sweetest little pup and a great comfort to Kalea but I don't like how spoiled she is. Her constant need to be picked up and have all the attention is too babyish for me. However, her sweet and loving personality helps out here and she's necessary to the story.
The secondary characters are feeling a little more fleshed out now. Paige has a lively personality and a sense of humor. She's still sweet and dedicated but not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. Serena annoyed me. She kept forgetting things, seemed distracted, acted obsessive and strange and sad all at the same time. Of course it's obvious what's going on but she doesn't seem to want to know. She's been married for a few months now and moved into her own home with Zac. I like how much time has gone by. It makes the story seem more realistic. I don't like how she's stepped back from her shop and I suspect Vera is running it without telling Serena what she's up to and Serena is too preoccupied to notice.
Marc has loosened up a bit now Ryley is in Salem. He's a good detective and he HAS to go by the evidence. It doesn't make a lot of sense to pin the crime on Kalea though. The evidence really does not point to her at all. At least he lets Addie know and when he sees her murder board he doesn't go ballistic. Still, there's a sense of loss here and it's sad. He can't move on and it's heartbreaking. There are more changes at the station too with Jerry promoted to Lieutenant, he can't go around sharing information with Addie anymore and Carolyn has moved on to advance her own career as well. She's still mischievous and a teasing, loving sister. Simon is lovely as always and Addie doesn't deserve him.
Martha turns out to be a major surprise. She still doesn't seem to like Addie for some reason but she gets along well with Kalea of all people! She's kind to Bill, the formerly homeless man who is a total sweetheart.Catherine got herself a makeover now she has the silver foxes fighting for her attention. She's stretched so thin but her kindness and devotion to Addie's family makes her want to pitch in and help. What she decides about the contest is a little unethical so I hope she sticks around.
New characters include Picker, a woman who lives way out in the woods and picks up other people's trash to sell. She brings something to Addie that may be a huge clue but Picker is wary of Addie and runs off. Does she know something that will solve the murder? She's a prickly woman probably because of her vagabond life. Addie does push but I would have asked the same questions. Picker softenes up around Simon. Can he get her to reveal the big clues to the mystery? Nick and Ivy Walker co-own the local antiques shop. They're both nice but I don't quite trust them. Nick is too much of a pushy salesman and Ivy keeps saying she's traveling out of town the next day ... and the next... and then doesn't leave. Gwendolyn Bucannan is the grande dame of the historical society. She's the type that makes my mom NOT want to join one of those societies. Gwendolyn thinks she's awesome because she's a descendant of Sarah Josepha Hale. Big whoop. This is New England! Gwendolyn is also snooty towards Ivy for having obvious southern European heritage as opposed to her own northern European. Newsflash! This is New England! We ALL have Yankee and Italian blood or Portuguese ... My mom is northern European and Western European and her grandfather's blood was bluer than Gwendolyn's. My dad is southern Italian. It's totally not obvious what my heritage is so Gwendolyn can take that and stuff it! She's AWFUL! She has Ivy at her beck and call to find items related to Sarah Jospeha Hale just for HER but she isn't giving Ivy the money in advance to fund her buying trips. Typical cheap, snooty old lady. She's rude to Addie, which I wouldn't be, if I were her, just because she feels she was misled about something Addie had. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up dead next! She has a chauffeur who runs her errands for her and picks up purchases at the antique shop. Could he be a killer?
Suspects include numerous townspeople who did business with Jared. Clay Diggens of the bait shop and boat rental seems like a good choice for murderer. He's cranky enough and seems suspicious. What about Bev and Bin who run the B&B down by the marina? They're snippy with Addie and charmed by Simon. Maybe they killed Jared for business reasons and framed Kalea because she's Addie's cousin? There are several other people on the suspect list and they're all fighting and causing trouble. Who killed Jared and why? It's not looking good for Kalea!
I enjoyed this latest entry in the series more than some of the previous ones and look forward to the next one.
More than 3, less than 4 stars
Addy Greyborne is swaped with people entering her shop searching for Civil War cookbooks. Ever since the historical society announced a Civil War cooking competition for the Thanksgiving season, in honor of New England native Sarah Josepha Hale, people have been going crazy! It would be nice to have some help but Addie's cousin Kalea is preoccupied with her dress shop which is proving to be popular. When Kalea calls in hysterics, Paige and Addie roll their eyes thinking Kalea is going to be whining about something trivial but when Addie hears her cousin's voice, she knows something is terribly wrong. The only word she can make out is - MURDER! Addie discovers her cousin in shock after finding her boyfriend, Jared, dead in the shop. Addie knows her cousin and she can tell Kalea is honestly upset but Marc seems to think Kalea is the murderer! Addie is determined to clear her cousin's name and help point the police in the right direction! Help comes from the most unlikely source, Martha, the baker and Addie's former nemesis. She means well but is ruining Addie's reputation once again. A clue comes from another unexpected source, leaving Addie to question her feelings for Simon. Meanwhile, Serena decides to enter the cooking contest too but is acting strange and forgetting commitments. Addie thinks she knows why but does Serena?
I liked the tie-in to Thanksgiving and Sarah Josepha Hale. I especially liked the complete set of Aunt Jo's Scrapbag: My Boys, Etc., which is highly unlikely because I've only seen them in Concord. Separately they're not worth a huge amount of money and even the set won't pay off Addie's credit card after spending a fortune on Christmas gifts! I did want to tell the citizens of Greyborne Harbor that Civil War cookbooks and recipes can be found online for free and if they visit the historical society, they are likely to find reproduction hardcover cookbooks for sale. There are also Little Women inspired cookbooks that take foods mentioned in the books and use them as inspiration for modern recipes. I have to critique the Civil War fashion plates though. If the women are wearing bustles, those fashion plates are from the 1870s, post Civil-War. In the 1860s women wore corsets and crinolines, petticoats and drawers but not bustles. Think Gone With the Wind hoopskirts. As usual, the author makes up wildlu inflated prices for rare books. She underestimated Wind in the Willows and was right on with Hale's cookbook and with Northwood; Or, Life North and South: Showing the True Character of Both. by Mrs. Sarah Josepha Hale.(MAYBE at auction? and yes insurance prices would be higher but still...) Other than that, I found the details fun and charming. I also liked browsing the antique shop with Addie and Serena and like Serena, going crazy over the antique tea pots and cups! The rest of the cozy stuff was OK. I didn't like Serena's plot much and the romantic drama coming to a head wasn't all that appealing anyway. I think there might be some inconsistencies in the story. I don't remember Addie finding her fiance dead in their apartment. I thought he had died in a car crash but I could be wrong. I also wondered why Paige's dad was out of the picture permanently. I thought he was going to stick around.
Mystery-wise, this one is easy to put the puzzle together. I figured out who the murderer had to be when the clues were dropped. I was in 100% agreement with Addie about the red herrings and knew what must have happened. The details were a little bit of a surprise. Addie figures it out too. She just has to find the murderer and doesn't get the right person. She was on the right track though.
Addie has finally grown on me. She's become integrated into the fabric of Greyborne Harbor life and people finally like and respect her. I was happy to read she let her appraisal certificate lapse and she won't appraise anything officially anymore. Thank goodness because she was so unethical when she did that. Addie is a good friend and employer. She's settled into a relationship with Simon with no regrets but she's still haunted by her past and unable to admit her true feelings. I didn't like how jealous she got every time another woman flirted with Simon. I can see being mad at Kalea but not the older women and not Simon! It's not his fault! Addie is way too nice to Kalea though. At first when I saw Jared had been killed I was happy. He did not sound like a good person when we first met him and he comes across as even worse once Kalea explains her side of the story. Jared was a ruthless businessman and his personality was like Dr. Jeckyll and Mr. Hyde. There were plenty of people in town who hated Jared. Then as the events unfolded, I saw how horrible Kalea felt. She was in shock and pain. Jared was the first man she ever truly loved. I do believe she loved him- in her own way. It was terrible to watch her grieve. I did feel bad for her-up to a certain point. Pippi, the YorkiePoo, is the sweetest little pup and a great comfort to Kalea but I don't like how spoiled she is. Her constant need to be picked up and have all the attention is too babyish for me. However, her sweet and loving personality helps out here and she's necessary to the story.
The secondary characters are feeling a little more fleshed out now. Paige has a lively personality and a sense of humor. She's still sweet and dedicated but not afraid to ask for help when she needs it. Serena annoyed me. She kept forgetting things, seemed distracted, acted obsessive and strange and sad all at the same time. Of course it's obvious what's going on but she doesn't seem to want to know. She's been married for a few months now and moved into her own home with Zac. I like how much time has gone by. It makes the story seem more realistic. I don't like how she's stepped back from her shop and I suspect Vera is running it without telling Serena what she's up to and Serena is too preoccupied to notice.
Marc has loosened up a bit now Ryley is in Salem. He's a good detective and he HAS to go by the evidence. It doesn't make a lot of sense to pin the crime on Kalea though. The evidence really does not point to her at all. At least he lets Addie know and when he sees her murder board he doesn't go ballistic. Still, there's a sense of loss here and it's sad. He can't move on and it's heartbreaking. There are more changes at the station too with Jerry promoted to Lieutenant, he can't go around sharing information with Addie anymore and Carolyn has moved on to advance her own career as well. She's still mischievous and a teasing, loving sister. Simon is lovely as always and Addie doesn't deserve him.
Martha turns out to be a major surprise. She still doesn't seem to like Addie for some reason but she gets along well with Kalea of all people! She's kind to Bill, the formerly homeless man who is a total sweetheart.Catherine got herself a makeover now she has the silver foxes fighting for her attention. She's stretched so thin but her kindness and devotion to Addie's family makes her want to pitch in and help. What she decides about the contest is a little unethical so I hope she sticks around.
New characters include Picker, a woman who lives way out in the woods and picks up other people's trash to sell. She brings something to Addie that may be a huge clue but Picker is wary of Addie and runs off. Does she know something that will solve the murder? She's a prickly woman probably because of her vagabond life. Addie does push but I would have asked the same questions. Picker softenes up around Simon. Can he get her to reveal the big clues to the mystery? Nick and Ivy Walker co-own the local antiques shop. They're both nice but I don't quite trust them. Nick is too much of a pushy salesman and Ivy keeps saying she's traveling out of town the next day ... and the next... and then doesn't leave. Gwendolyn Bucannan is the grande dame of the historical society. She's the type that makes my mom NOT want to join one of those societies. Gwendolyn thinks she's awesome because she's a descendant of Sarah Josepha Hale. Big whoop. This is New England! Gwendolyn is also snooty towards Ivy for having obvious southern European heritage as opposed to her own northern European. Newsflash! This is New England! We ALL have Yankee and Italian blood or Portuguese ... My mom is northern European and Western European and her grandfather's blood was bluer than Gwendolyn's. My dad is southern Italian. It's totally not obvious what my heritage is so Gwendolyn can take that and stuff it! She's AWFUL! She has Ivy at her beck and call to find items related to Sarah Jospeha Hale just for HER but she isn't giving Ivy the money in advance to fund her buying trips. Typical cheap, snooty old lady. She's rude to Addie, which I wouldn't be, if I were her, just because she feels she was misled about something Addie had. I wouldn't be surprised if she ends up dead next! She has a chauffeur who runs her errands for her and picks up purchases at the antique shop. Could he be a killer?
Suspects include numerous townspeople who did business with Jared. Clay Diggens of the bait shop and boat rental seems like a good choice for murderer. He's cranky enough and seems suspicious. What about Bev and Bin who run the B&B down by the marina? They're snippy with Addie and charmed by Simon. Maybe they killed Jared for business reasons and framed Kalea because she's Addie's cousin? There are several other people on the suspect list and they're all fighting and causing trouble. Who killed Jared and why? It's not looking good for Kalea!
I enjoyed this latest entry in the series more than some of the previous ones and look forward to the next one.
October 10, 2021
When your troublesome cousin is accused of murder, do you believe her guilty or innocent? The facts of the case seem to be adding up quickly against Addie's cousin, but Addie can't just let her last living relative twist in the wind. Let the sleuthing begin! If you have read any of this series yet, you absolutely should. It is an outstanding cozy mystery series with wonderfully likable characters, a fabulous bookstore to dream of and plots that will keep you entertained for hours on end. This addition to the series definitely enhances the series and may be my favorite yet. Although to be fair, I believe I say that after each book in the series that I have read and I do mean it at the time! The author just keeps weaving stories that draw me in and make me love each book more!
July 1, 2021
Addie Greyborne is back again in this latest addition to this fantastic series by Lauren Elliot.
I simply love this series as the characters are on point, colorful, and some of them are just too cute.
As owner of Beyond the Page bookstore, Addie is happy with her life, preparing for Thanksgiving, and spending time with her boyfriend Simon. It isn’t until Addie receives a frantic telephone call from her cousin Kalea, and through the muffled tears and screams, she hears it…the word murder.
Addie and Kalea have a Rocky relationship, but she is family and Addie is going to do all she can to help her.
I was really surprised by the reveal, I was definitely wrong about whodunnit.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series by one of my favorite authors.
I recommend this book and series who enjoys a well written cozy mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#TotheTomeofMurder #NetGalley
I simply love this series as the characters are on point, colorful, and some of them are just too cute.
As owner of Beyond the Page bookstore, Addie is happy with her life, preparing for Thanksgiving, and spending time with her boyfriend Simon. It isn’t until Addie receives a frantic telephone call from her cousin Kalea, and through the muffled tears and screams, she hears it…the word murder.
Addie and Kalea have a Rocky relationship, but she is family and Addie is going to do all she can to help her.
I was really surprised by the reveal, I was definitely wrong about whodunnit.
I’m looking forward to reading more in this series by one of my favorite authors.
I recommend this book and series who enjoys a well written cozy mystery.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
#TotheTomeofMurder #NetGalley
July 17, 2021
Well, Addie and Kalea still annoy me, but less so in this book! Besides Addie, I enjoyed the mystery and all the plot lines. I do think that it’s starting to get a bit convoluted though and wonder how things will progress in the next book. And, this love triangle is starting to irk me as well.
December 3, 2021
It is always exciting to me when a new mystery in this series comes out. Seventh in the series, it had quickly become one of my favorite “bookish” series. The characters are very well defined and likable. Despite a rocky beginning in Greyborne Harbor, she has become a welcome businesswoman and friend. She had even become friends with Martha, the crabby baker next door, who had once spread vicious rumors about Addie. This time, Martha might be reverting to her old self, a challenge since her daughter Paige is Addie’s assistant manager at Addie’s book and curio shop, Beyond the Page.
Addie will be hosting Thanksgiving at her home for some of her friends who don’t have family to celebrate, knowing that family is about more than blood relations. Her only living relative, a cousin, moved to town a couple years ago. Kalea always wanted to find a guy who had sufficient money to support her in the manner she wanted to become accustomed to. She had been dating Jared, who invested in Kalea’s start-up designer dress shop and several other local businesses. A “reformed” voracious flirt, she had thought Jared to be the first man she loved. That’s why his murder in her shop was such a shock, especially when she is the only suspect.
Kalea lived in her apartment above her designer dress shop. Jared had to leave early that morning, so when she went in to open it and found Jared dead on the floor, it was doubly horrifying. She called Addie, who came straight over. When Kalea finally let her in and she saw the condition of her cousin and Jared, she immediately called the police. They determined that he was murdered and took Kalea in for questioning. They had noted there was no sign of the shop being broken into. When they heard that she and Jared had a loud fight the night before and found blood on his clothing that wasn’t his, she was at the top of their list.
Since coming to Greyborne Harbor, Addie has been involved with several murder investigations that involved her friends in one way or another. Despite the overwhelming evidence and Kalea’s past, Addie will not let her be arrested for something she didn’t do. She usually has the assistance of her friends with her homemade murder board, but this time her bestie, Serena, has not been feeling well, and Martha, thinking she was being helpful, told some tall tales around town. This time, Addie talks with people from the woman who thinks she is the local VIP socialite to a homeless woman called Picker.
The author gives us a wonderfully crafted mystery that presented quite the challenge! There is a good balance this time between Addie’s relationship with Simon, her friendships, and the mystery. I particularly appreciated the challenges with the Civil War era collectibles and recipes and how Paige was able to help in a huge way to address those. The characters continue to grow and change through their circumstances which is a great hallmark of a successful series. Whodunit was mystifying, and while I finally began to suspect the person, it was still a surprise for a couple reasons. I highly recommend this mystery, and this series, to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, bookstores, engaging characters, and a gorgeous New England setting.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
Addie will be hosting Thanksgiving at her home for some of her friends who don’t have family to celebrate, knowing that family is about more than blood relations. Her only living relative, a cousin, moved to town a couple years ago. Kalea always wanted to find a guy who had sufficient money to support her in the manner she wanted to become accustomed to. She had been dating Jared, who invested in Kalea’s start-up designer dress shop and several other local businesses. A “reformed” voracious flirt, she had thought Jared to be the first man she loved. That’s why his murder in her shop was such a shock, especially when she is the only suspect.
Kalea lived in her apartment above her designer dress shop. Jared had to leave early that morning, so when she went in to open it and found Jared dead on the floor, it was doubly horrifying. She called Addie, who came straight over. When Kalea finally let her in and she saw the condition of her cousin and Jared, she immediately called the police. They determined that he was murdered and took Kalea in for questioning. They had noted there was no sign of the shop being broken into. When they heard that she and Jared had a loud fight the night before and found blood on his clothing that wasn’t his, she was at the top of their list.
Since coming to Greyborne Harbor, Addie has been involved with several murder investigations that involved her friends in one way or another. Despite the overwhelming evidence and Kalea’s past, Addie will not let her be arrested for something she didn’t do. She usually has the assistance of her friends with her homemade murder board, but this time her bestie, Serena, has not been feeling well, and Martha, thinking she was being helpful, told some tall tales around town. This time, Addie talks with people from the woman who thinks she is the local VIP socialite to a homeless woman called Picker.
The author gives us a wonderfully crafted mystery that presented quite the challenge! There is a good balance this time between Addie’s relationship with Simon, her friendships, and the mystery. I particularly appreciated the challenges with the Civil War era collectibles and recipes and how Paige was able to help in a huge way to address those. The characters continue to grow and change through their circumstances which is a great hallmark of a successful series. Whodunit was mystifying, and while I finally began to suspect the person, it was still a surprise for a couple reasons. I highly recommend this mystery, and this series, to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, bookstores, engaging characters, and a gorgeous New England setting.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
July 9, 2021
Lauren Elliott welcomes fans back to Greyborne Harbor in the 7th installment of the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series!
Thanksgiving can be a busy time, but add in a baking contest and a side of murder, well... Addie Greyborne has a full plate! Book 7 lets the reader enjoy even more from their favorite characters in previous books. I enjoyed seeing more from all the interpersonal relationships: family, friends, romances... I've always enjoyed the overarching theme with each book that family is what you make it and that people aren't always what they seem on the exterior. This series and these characters have always felt like coming home to me, and I love to see the growth each character experiences within each book Elliott writes.
Perfect read for the holiday season coming up! We normally don't see a Thanksgiving cozy too often, but this was as sweet as pumpkin pie!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for my honest review.)
Thanksgiving can be a busy time, but add in a baking contest and a side of murder, well... Addie Greyborne has a full plate! Book 7 lets the reader enjoy even more from their favorite characters in previous books. I enjoyed seeing more from all the interpersonal relationships: family, friends, romances... I've always enjoyed the overarching theme with each book that family is what you make it and that people aren't always what they seem on the exterior. This series and these characters have always felt like coming home to me, and I love to see the growth each character experiences within each book Elliott writes.
Perfect read for the holiday season coming up! We normally don't see a Thanksgiving cozy too often, but this was as sweet as pumpkin pie!
(I received an ARC from NetGalley and Kensington Publishing in exchange for my honest review.)
October 28, 2021
To the Tome of Murder by Lauren Elliott is the 7th book in Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. Addie Greyborne lives in a small town in New England where she inherited a mansion, Greyborne Manor, from her great aunt. Addie than opened her own bookstore. In this adventure Addie cousin's boyfriend is murdered, and her cousin becomes the prime suspect. Addie is determined to get to the truth, and save her cousin. I enjoyed this book, with all the twists and turns, and I can not wait for the next book in the series. If you love cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book\series.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
April 5, 2022
Addie is just so annoying
As usual Lauren has delivered a super fun cozy mystery. The gang is all there and ready to solve the mystery.
As usual Lauren has delivered a super fun cozy mystery. The gang is all there and ready to solve the mystery.
May 20, 2025
Finally one that I guessed who done it 😆
October 26, 2021
To The Tome Of Murder is the seventh book in the Beyond The Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.
Greyborne Harbor’s Historical Society is sponsoring a cooking and baking competition whose recipes come from the Civil War period. The winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a story in the historical society’s December newsletter. Addie has ordered extra copies of cookbooks from that period, and she and Paige have been busy putting them on display in the front window.
The following day, Addie gets a frantic phone call from her cousin, Kalea, asking her to come to her shop right away. When Addie enters the shop, she finds a tearful Kalea, who shows her the body of Jared Munroe, her boyfriend. Inventory is scattered all over, and Addie’s first thought is a robbery gone wrong. Addie has had some difficult times with Kalea in the past but doesn’t feel Kalea is capable of murder. When Addie’s ex-boyfriend, chief of police Marc Chandler, finishes his initial investigation, Kalea will be his prime suspect. The only thing that seems to be missing from the shop is Jared’s briefcase. Jared arranged financing for some businesses in Greyborne Harbor, and some of those businesses have expressed displeasure with his business practices. Addie feels that if they can find that briefcase, it may lead to the killer.
There are several subplots in this book, and Ms. Elliott skillfully weaves them together for Addie to find the killer.
It’s always enjoyable to Greyborne Harbor to visit with the residents and see what Addie and her bookshop are doing. Most of the regular characters are back once again, even Pippi, Addie’s adorable YorkiePoo. The book is well-written and plotted, and enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end of the book. The characters are well-developed and interesting.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, A Margin For Murder, due April 2022, to see if Addie and Simon had a good Christmas.
Greyborne Harbor’s Historical Society is sponsoring a cooking and baking competition whose recipes come from the Civil War period. The winner will receive a cash prize of $5,000 and a story in the historical society’s December newsletter. Addie has ordered extra copies of cookbooks from that period, and she and Paige have been busy putting them on display in the front window.
The following day, Addie gets a frantic phone call from her cousin, Kalea, asking her to come to her shop right away. When Addie enters the shop, she finds a tearful Kalea, who shows her the body of Jared Munroe, her boyfriend. Inventory is scattered all over, and Addie’s first thought is a robbery gone wrong. Addie has had some difficult times with Kalea in the past but doesn’t feel Kalea is capable of murder. When Addie’s ex-boyfriend, chief of police Marc Chandler, finishes his initial investigation, Kalea will be his prime suspect. The only thing that seems to be missing from the shop is Jared’s briefcase. Jared arranged financing for some businesses in Greyborne Harbor, and some of those businesses have expressed displeasure with his business practices. Addie feels that if they can find that briefcase, it may lead to the killer.
There are several subplots in this book, and Ms. Elliott skillfully weaves them together for Addie to find the killer.
It’s always enjoyable to Greyborne Harbor to visit with the residents and see what Addie and her bookshop are doing. Most of the regular characters are back once again, even Pippi, Addie’s adorable YorkiePoo. The book is well-written and plotted, and enough twists and turns that I was kept guessing until the end of the book. The characters are well-developed and interesting.
I am anxiously awaiting the next book in the series, A Margin For Murder, due April 2022, to see if Addie and Simon had a good Christmas.
November 11, 2021
The setting of this series is so idyllic that I am upset that I can’t visit it. I love the vintage bookstore with the tea shop next door; the idea of curling up with a good book and a cup of tea is my idea of perfection. The mysteries are always well crafted and keep me guessing to the very end. And I loved the Civil War recipes contest; what a neat idea! Where this series loses points is in the characters. It's Addie that is unlikeable. Her presumption that she is entitled to privileged information relating to the investigation is probably her most annoying trait; she demands information from the police chief as if she is better than him and he would be lost without her. Her cousin, Kalea, is just as insufferable and if it weren’t for these two, this series would probably be one of my favorites. Still, they’re written so well that I keep coming back for more.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received a copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2021
This is a outstanding cozy mystery series and this next in series is one of my top 3 favorite cozies of 2021. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. My review opinion is my own.
We return to the picturesque coastal town of Greyborne Harbor and our favorite protagnist and top crime solver Addie . This is book 7 in the series and features a Fall Thanksgiving time theme. Addie is the owner of Beyond the Page Bookshop a successful bookstore . She receives a frantic call from her troubled cousin Kayla and runs to her only to find Kayla standing over the body of her boyfriend. Kayla is primary suspect number one to the police and Addie is determined to solve this murder and free her cousin from suspicion. She moves Kayla in with her and finds this one of her most challenging cases to solve. Her tradition of making a crime board is fascinating and helps her solve the crimes with clues the police never fine.
I loved the way the author sweeps her readers into the story. Addie is a brilliant investigator who does not suffer fools. She works with the local police officer well who she once was in love with in spite of his continued feelings for her. Her relationship with Simon is on solid ground and merging into a future. Addie has developed as a wonderful charcter over the series into someone we wish we were friends with. The sleuth includes civil war history, historical cookbooks and a wonderful antique store full of treasures. I loved this next in series that kept me turning pages to conclusion. I cannot wait for the next in series.
We return to the picturesque coastal town of Greyborne Harbor and our favorite protagnist and top crime solver Addie . This is book 7 in the series and features a Fall Thanksgiving time theme. Addie is the owner of Beyond the Page Bookshop a successful bookstore . She receives a frantic call from her troubled cousin Kayla and runs to her only to find Kayla standing over the body of her boyfriend. Kayla is primary suspect number one to the police and Addie is determined to solve this murder and free her cousin from suspicion. She moves Kayla in with her and finds this one of her most challenging cases to solve. Her tradition of making a crime board is fascinating and helps her solve the crimes with clues the police never fine.
I loved the way the author sweeps her readers into the story. Addie is a brilliant investigator who does not suffer fools. She works with the local police officer well who she once was in love with in spite of his continued feelings for her. Her relationship with Simon is on solid ground and merging into a future. Addie has developed as a wonderful charcter over the series into someone we wish we were friends with. The sleuth includes civil war history, historical cookbooks and a wonderful antique store full of treasures. I loved this next in series that kept me turning pages to conclusion. I cannot wait for the next in series.
August 10, 2021
Ok, so another interesting romp with Addie and company. Addie is busy with Paige setting up a Thanksgiving book display about what women cooked for Thanksgiving during the Civil War period when she gets a hysterical call from her cousin Kalea, it seems she has found her boyfriend dead in her dress shop.
Of course we know with Kalea at the center of the police investigation, there is no way Addie is not going to be involved. As always this is an interesting mystery, there is always a different
twist to this author mysteries that keep them from becoming cozy cookie cutter.
What I really enjoy about this mystery and this series, though, is the character development. It finally looks like Addie is going to start realizing the affect her actions have on others. She is not so self absorbed, and realizes she maybe wrong, about people, their motives and their emotions. All this makes this one of my favorite books, in a series I have really come to enjoy!
Of course we know with Kalea at the center of the police investigation, there is no way Addie is not going to be involved. As always this is an interesting mystery, there is always a different
twist to this author mysteries that keep them from becoming cozy cookie cutter.
What I really enjoy about this mystery and this series, though, is the character development. It finally looks like Addie is going to start realizing the affect her actions have on others. She is not so self absorbed, and realizes she maybe wrong, about people, their motives and their emotions. All this makes this one of my favorite books, in a series I have really come to enjoy!
November 13, 2023
Slow start, but strong finish
Admittedly it took me a bit to get into this one. I think I came in at a disadvantage having coming into series that has been established already. It was hard, in the beginning of the story, to figure out the relationships of everyone. It took me awhile to get my bearings on that front. Plus I wasn’t connecting to the characters, and was a bit iffy about them.
However once the historical society, the books, and hidden compartments came into play, the book got so much better. It took about 60% to get there, but it got there, which was the most important thing. I really started liking it. I became more invested in the story. I was engaged in the mystery. I just thought it became a real solid read. I was glad that I stuck with it and read it until the end.
Admittedly it took me a bit to get into this one. I think I came in at a disadvantage having coming into series that has been established already. It was hard, in the beginning of the story, to figure out the relationships of everyone. It took me awhile to get my bearings on that front. Plus I wasn’t connecting to the characters, and was a bit iffy about them.
However once the historical society, the books, and hidden compartments came into play, the book got so much better. It took about 60% to get there, but it got there, which was the most important thing. I really started liking it. I became more invested in the story. I was engaged in the mystery. I just thought it became a real solid read. I was glad that I stuck with it and read it until the end.
October 25, 2021
To the Tome of Murder is the 7th book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery. I had not read any of the previous books in this series. While I was able to follow along, It would have been better if I had started at the beginning or at least read a couple of the other books first in order to gain a better relationship with everyone in the town. That said, I enjoyed this cozy mystery quite a bit. The author clearly has mastered a writing style that makes for a good mystery. The main character, Addie, is balanced well in her snooping/questioning of the locals as she tries to solve the recent murder. She even has a very good and believable reason for being involved which doesn't always happen in a cozy.
Thank you Goodreads and Kennsington mystery for the giveaway copy.
Thank you Goodreads and Kennsington mystery for the giveaway copy.
October 21, 2021
"To the Tome of Murder” the 7th instalment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott.
Three weeks before Thanksgiving, bookshop owner Addie Greyborne already has a full plate—and a killer on her case...
I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the series! I liked that we had two mysteries to solve, the murder and the stolen books. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, although I did figure out who the killer was early on it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Plus I liked the surprise ending and I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens next!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait to read "A Margin for Murder” book 8!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Three weeks before Thanksgiving, bookshop owner Addie Greyborne already has a full plate—and a killer on her case...
I really enjoyed this latest instalment in the series! I liked that we had two mysteries to solve, the murder and the stolen books. The mystery is interesting and well plotted, although I did figure out who the killer was early on it didn’t detract from my enjoyment.
Plus I liked the surprise ending and I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens next!
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait to read "A Margin for Murder” book 8!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 21, 2024
In the seventh book of the series, we see many changes and surprises happening to regular characters. The mystery was average but the author kept the story moving. I listened to the audiobook and was disappointed that the woman who had been reading the previous books of the series was not reading this one. The new reader didn’t bring the excitement the previous reader did. And to be honest, I’m sure that’s what took some of my enjoyment from the book though I tried not to let it.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
My review is voluntary and all comments and opinions are my own.
October 3, 2021
It's November and Addie Greyborne is getting her bookshop ready for the upcoming Thanksgiving holiday. She has several books of traditional holiday recipes that fly out of the store due to the upcoming Civil War era baking and cooking competition. Things take a deadly turn when her cousin's boyfriend is found murdered. Who wanted him dead? What does a vintage briefcase and a missing first edition book have to do with it? I love all the characters and the way the author describes them. The mystery is very well written and had me turning the pages! Definitely recommend this book!
November 24, 2021
This might be the seventh book in this series, but it was easy to read as the first book I've read in this series. Addie, Kalea, and other characters are believable, and the setting cozy, in spite of murder. I enjoyed it from the first page, and it only got better. I'll definitely check into the other books in this series. I'll also be recommending it to everyone I know who enjoys mysteries.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
I won this book in a Goodreads giveaway.
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