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St. Marin's Cozy Mystery #7
Proof of Death
The murders in St. Marin’s Library’s mystery section just got very real.
When the local librarian is found dead among the stacks, the rumors about her reputation reach a fever pitch, but Harvey Beckett can’t let a fellow book-lover’s name be sullied. But when she drags her friends and her dogs into the investigation, she finds that it’s more than just rumors she has to contend with.
Will Harvey’s curiosity be the end of her this time?
When the local librarian is found dead among the stacks, the rumors about her reputation reach a fever pitch, but Harvey Beckett can’t let a fellow book-lover’s name be sullied. But when she drags her friends and her dogs into the investigation, she finds that it’s more than just rumors she has to contend with.
Will Harvey’s curiosity be the end of her this time?
185 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 21, 2021
87 people are currently reading
178 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
January 23, 2022
Harvey is back - and she has a lot on her plate.
Running her bookstore, mending her broken heart, welcoming a famous author for a book signing, investigating the murder of one of the librarians.
Everyone is a suspect. Well, not everyone, but there are a few that are at the top of Harvey's list.
Can she effectively run her bookstore, move on from her broken engagement, run a heavily-attended book signing, and help save the day?
Well, it's Harvey, so...probably.
My favorite part of this entire book was the confrontation with the killer. My heart was pounding just waiting to see how that was going to play out.
While I enjoy this series, this one was a little harder to hold my attention. I was disappointed to see how fast it seemed Harvey "forgot" about Daniel. I could feel Daniel not being a part of Harvey's journey, and the casual mention of him was a let down for me, especially since Harvey has "adopted" his pup as her own. I just didn't feel closure with their characters' relationship in the previous book, not in the way I usually experience in a cozy mystery, so I was hoping it would happen in this one.
This gets 3.5 stars for me.
Running her bookstore, mending her broken heart, welcoming a famous author for a book signing, investigating the murder of one of the librarians.
Everyone is a suspect. Well, not everyone, but there are a few that are at the top of Harvey's list.
Can she effectively run her bookstore, move on from her broken engagement, run a heavily-attended book signing, and help save the day?
Well, it's Harvey, so...probably.
My favorite part of this entire book was the confrontation with the killer. My heart was pounding just waiting to see how that was going to play out.
While I enjoy this series, this one was a little harder to hold my attention. I was disappointed to see how fast it seemed Harvey "forgot" about Daniel. I could feel Daniel not being a part of Harvey's journey, and the casual mention of him was a let down for me, especially since Harvey has "adopted" his pup as her own. I just didn't feel closure with their characters' relationship in the previous book, not in the way I usually experience in a cozy mystery, so I was hoping it would happen in this one.
This gets 3.5 stars for me.
January 21, 2026
I wanted a comforting and familiar feeling cozy read and decided it was the perfect time to continue this series. I picked it up and was immediately hooked. It was so nice to be back reading about Harvey, her friends and family and the bookstore she runs. I just love this series, it's so cozy and fun and was exactly what I was in the mood for. I hope to get caught up with this series this year or at least make some good progress.
Harvey stumbles upon a dead body in the library in this book. The mystery felt like a pretty straightforward one at first, but there was still plenty going on and then toward the end there was a great twist. I liked seeing it all play out and hear what was going on and caused the librarian's death. It was quite sad when the truth comes to light.
I really like reading about Harvey, her friends, family and pets. The town and her bookstore are so cozy and I really enjoy reading about it. And this one was set in spring which I loved as I want to read spring while we're dealing with winter here. Harvey is such a likable and realistic character. I liked all the cozy and fun scenes she spends with her friends and family and how everyone is there for each other. There's a big fundraiser and book signing in this one as well. It did feel a bit odd how a real author visits the store and stays with Harvey for a signing. I do like the book mentions, but actually having a real author be part of the story felt a bit off to me.
I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the romance took or more accurately which direction it didn't take as I wasn't sure what to think about the new potential love interest as I didn't like that character so far. I am glad she didn't end up with him and toward the end of this book there might be a hint of a new possible romance. We'll see. The romance was on the back-burner in this one, which worked well as she just came out of a relationship.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this one. I wanted a cozy and comforting familiar read and this was the perfect pick for my mood. I really enjoyed returning to St. Marin's and reading about Harvey, her friends and family and her bookstore. There are so many cozy and fun scenes in this one. Harvey is a likable and realistic character and I really enjoy reading about her. The mystery was a solid one, it felt quite straightforward at first, but there was a great twist at the end and I liked seeing it all play out. It was sad at times. I also liked the direction the romance took with Harvey not ending up with a certain character and the romance taking a backseat in this one with a hint of a possible new romance toward the end. All in all I had a great time reading this one and look forward to the next book.
Harvey stumbles upon a dead body in the library in this book. The mystery felt like a pretty straightforward one at first, but there was still plenty going on and then toward the end there was a great twist. I liked seeing it all play out and hear what was going on and caused the librarian's death. It was quite sad when the truth comes to light.
I really like reading about Harvey, her friends, family and pets. The town and her bookstore are so cozy and I really enjoy reading about it. And this one was set in spring which I loved as I want to read spring while we're dealing with winter here. Harvey is such a likable and realistic character. I liked all the cozy and fun scenes she spends with her friends and family and how everyone is there for each other. There's a big fundraiser and book signing in this one as well. It did feel a bit odd how a real author visits the store and stays with Harvey for a signing. I do like the book mentions, but actually having a real author be part of the story felt a bit off to me.
I was pleasantly surprised by the direction the romance took or more accurately which direction it didn't take as I wasn't sure what to think about the new potential love interest as I didn't like that character so far. I am glad she didn't end up with him and toward the end of this book there might be a hint of a new possible romance. We'll see. The romance was on the back-burner in this one, which worked well as she just came out of a relationship.
To summarize: I really enjoyed this one. I wanted a cozy and comforting familiar read and this was the perfect pick for my mood. I really enjoyed returning to St. Marin's and reading about Harvey, her friends and family and her bookstore. There are so many cozy and fun scenes in this one. Harvey is a likable and realistic character and I really enjoy reading about her. The mystery was a solid one, it felt quite straightforward at first, but there was a great twist at the end and I liked seeing it all play out. It was sad at times. I also liked the direction the romance took with Harvey not ending up with a certain character and the romance taking a backseat in this one with a hint of a possible new romance toward the end. All in all I had a great time reading this one and look forward to the next book.
October 7, 2022
A very excellent book. I have one dislike about the stories in the series but it is a personal objection.
June 24, 2021
Really enjoyed it, as I have enjoyed all the books in this series so far. Harvey and friends once again band together to solve a murder, help their fellow citizens, and recommend good books to the reader by way of the bookstore setting. They also succeeded in making me hungry with the descriptions of foods served in certain scenes (e.g., food trucks, cafe in the bookstore, etc.). I appreciate that each book in this series gives visibility to issues that hurt society and demonstrates through the characters' actions what people can do to help.
(I volunteered to read an advanced copy of this book.)
(I volunteered to read an advanced copy of this book.)
August 1, 2021
Bookstore owner Harvey Beckett is checking out the local library's annual book sale when she comes across the the dead body of the head librarian in the stacks. The librarian could be tough when it came to overdue or damaged books but who would want to kill him? Harvey's natural curiosity leads her to want to find the killer but she also knows that is really the job of Sheriff Tuck Mason. Even so, she and her friends join forces to track down leads and try to help the sheriff catch the killer!
Admittedly, I strongly suspected "who done it" long before the actual killer was revealed but that didn't deter me from enjoying the storylines to get there. Harvey and her friends are such a diverse, interesting mixture of ages, backgrounds and professions yet they work together so well. Their get togethers - whether for crime solving, strategizing a project or just to enjoy a meal or party - always come across as the kind of friends you'd want to have your back. Various relationships are also explored (and thankfully clarified/resolved in one case).
I love that Ms Bookens always add a bit of a theme to each book. This one included literacy which is a struggle for many. The information given, the fundraiser and the overwhelming response of those who attended gives us hope that the real world struggles of literacy can be overcome if we all worked together.
As I read this book, I laughed, smiled, cheered, jeered and shed a few tears but I loved it all! Well done Ms Bookens! Can't wait till I can read the next book and spend more time with the folks in St Marin!
Admittedly, I strongly suspected "who done it" long before the actual killer was revealed but that didn't deter me from enjoying the storylines to get there. Harvey and her friends are such a diverse, interesting mixture of ages, backgrounds and professions yet they work together so well. Their get togethers - whether for crime solving, strategizing a project or just to enjoy a meal or party - always come across as the kind of friends you'd want to have your back. Various relationships are also explored (and thankfully clarified/resolved in one case).
I love that Ms Bookens always add a bit of a theme to each book. This one included literacy which is a struggle for many. The information given, the fundraiser and the overwhelming response of those who attended gives us hope that the real world struggles of literacy can be overcome if we all worked together.
As I read this book, I laughed, smiled, cheered, jeered and shed a few tears but I loved it all! Well done Ms Bookens! Can't wait till I can read the next book and spend more time with the folks in St Marin!
September 30, 2024
So this book redeemed itself by removing Max from the equation. Thank god! Now on with the rest of the book.
The mystery was really interesting . BTW if you've read the previous books in the series you might remember another character called Cagle, I'm surprised the author didn't callback to that character only if in a line like "Oh no he's not related to that Cagle or something." I liked who the ultimate perpetrator was and the fact that everyone in this book takes precautions all the time.
Most books have reckless protagonists who have plot armour, at least this one has a sensible one. She really should get a better security system tho.
There was a plotline about the photo which was not addressed I think. At least I don't remember if it was properly addressed.
The plot structure is getting a bit too repetitive for me. It's like Murder - Call police- Learn about victim - Throw a charity party for related social cause- Mystery continues - Everyone confides in Harvey- The charity thing includes a random successful real life author turning up for it- Harvey and friends including the sherriff figure out everything- The assailant breaks into Harvey's house or attacks her- the culprit is caught- mystery solved- Oh and the charity whatever is a success.
You know?
Daniel was barely mentioned, I would have liked if it was Harvey recovering from the relationship or something but I can deal with it.
Still I will be taking a break from these books, because this is getting repetitive. The book is good though as a standalone.
The mystery was really interesting . BTW if you've read the previous books in the series you might remember another character called Cagle, I'm surprised the author didn't callback to that character only if in a line like "Oh no he's not related to that Cagle or something." I liked who the ultimate perpetrator was and the fact that everyone in this book takes precautions all the time.
Most books have reckless protagonists who have plot armour, at least this one has a sensible one. She really should get a better security system tho.
There was a plotline about the photo which was not addressed I think. At least I don't remember if it was properly addressed.
The plot structure is getting a bit too repetitive for me. It's like Murder - Call police- Learn about victim - Throw a charity party for related social cause- Mystery continues - Everyone confides in Harvey- The charity thing includes a random successful real life author turning up for it- Harvey and friends including the sherriff figure out everything- The assailant breaks into Harvey's house or attacks her- the culprit is caught- mystery solved- Oh and the charity whatever is a success.
You know?
Daniel was barely mentioned, I would have liked if it was Harvey recovering from the relationship or something but I can deal with it.
Still I will be taking a break from these books, because this is getting repetitive. The book is good though as a standalone.
January 22, 2024
This is one of my favourite cozy series' and I enjoyed this book just as much as all the others I've read so far.
This series has all the aspects of a cozy mystery that I enjoy: a likable cast of varied characters, a great small town setting, good writing, plenty of excitement and suspense about the murder and the investigation to catch the murderer . . . oh, and dogs and cats!
I enjoy Harvey as a main character. She is the busybody who pokes her nose into other people's business, but that is a part of all cozies, and Harvey is a smart, capable and very caring person who as a small business owner (of a bookstore, so I'm already predisposed to like it, and her) in a small-town main street really makes her community better with her butting in so it comes across as a positive rather than annoying.
I really enjoy all the supporting characters here as well. All of them are unique and diverse and together they make for a great group of people a reader can like and root for.
Each book has a murder, and of course that is unfortunate but the way the author spins out the plot always keeps me fully engaged throughout the story.
This is definitely a series I plan to keep reading. It's a favourite.
This series has all the aspects of a cozy mystery that I enjoy: a likable cast of varied characters, a great small town setting, good writing, plenty of excitement and suspense about the murder and the investigation to catch the murderer . . . oh, and dogs and cats!
I enjoy Harvey as a main character. She is the busybody who pokes her nose into other people's business, but that is a part of all cozies, and Harvey is a smart, capable and very caring person who as a small business owner (of a bookstore, so I'm already predisposed to like it, and her) in a small-town main street really makes her community better with her butting in so it comes across as a positive rather than annoying.
I really enjoy all the supporting characters here as well. All of them are unique and diverse and together they make for a great group of people a reader can like and root for.
Each book has a murder, and of course that is unfortunate but the way the author spins out the plot always keeps me fully engaged throughout the story.
This is definitely a series I plan to keep reading. It's a favourite.
June 11, 2021
Harvey Beckett is the owner of All Booked Up in Saint Martins. She has gone to the library on her day off and finds the body of Sidney Scott, the head librarian. She notifies the Sheriff and two of her friends to help keep everyone away until the sheriff arrives. While talking to everyone, they realize Joe Cable just ran out the back door of the library. While they were unable to catch him, he was later found and put in protective custody as he was acting terrified and refused to talk. Meanwhile, Linda, one of the librarians has gone missing after trying to get rid of a note to her. Harvey and her friends start looking for suspects as well as setting up a fund raiser in honor of Stanley. Joe's attorney asks Harvey to try and talk to Joe, but when they reach the jail, a man named Reese was there trying to get in to see Joe. He was refused and left everyone worrying whether or not he was the killer. Joe is moved to an unknown location and Harvey feels like she is being followed. The sheriff decides she is not to be by herself until the killer is caught. A great book, keeps you guessing until the end.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving it free.
I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving it free.
August 11, 2021
Surprises await those doing good deeds expecting nothing in return.
Harvey and her friends always get together to help one another. She has discovered the body of Sidney, the head librarian. Now she tries to discover who killed him and gets herself and her friends involved in police business. Lucky for Harvey it is an election year and the sheriff needs all the help he can get. Now for the big event - the library fundraiser - to honor Sidney Scott. Harvey’s mom and Lu were the organizers and everyone had their part. Other than trying to discover who killed Sidney, now they have a fundraiser to organize by the weekend - no pressure - Ha-Ha! The literacy program that Sidney had been planning was a big surprise to Harvey. You’ll have to read to find out what the program is all about. Now to get back to Sidney’s murder, Lucy, the librian that is in charge of the children’s section has some disturbing news but isn’t ready to speak. She feels that she can handle her own problems and doesn’t want to involve her friends. To late, the murder is already stalking her. Must read for a surprise ending. Loved this book, a little long, but a good read.
Harvey and her friends always get together to help one another. She has discovered the body of Sidney, the head librarian. Now she tries to discover who killed him and gets herself and her friends involved in police business. Lucky for Harvey it is an election year and the sheriff needs all the help he can get. Now for the big event - the library fundraiser - to honor Sidney Scott. Harvey’s mom and Lu were the organizers and everyone had their part. Other than trying to discover who killed Sidney, now they have a fundraiser to organize by the weekend - no pressure - Ha-Ha! The literacy program that Sidney had been planning was a big surprise to Harvey. You’ll have to read to find out what the program is all about. Now to get back to Sidney’s murder, Lucy, the librian that is in charge of the children’s section has some disturbing news but isn’t ready to speak. She feels that she can handle her own problems and doesn’t want to involve her friends. To late, the murder is already stalking her. Must read for a surprise ending. Loved this book, a little long, but a good read.
May 27, 2023
He Got Clotheslined! Bwahaha!!
This is a sweet series that is so full of friendship and people helping one another. I like the cast of characters so much.
In this one Harvey finds a body while shopping for books. Tuck is well past trying to get her to mind her business and stay out out is investigations. Harvey is just too curious... nosey really, but not annoying so like some other cozy mystery main characters.
Even the dogs and a cat in this book are unique with their own personalities and it is exactly them that helps to alert Harvey and her entourage out something going down in the hood. Lol.
And then someone is clotheslined which is always funny too me as long as the person deserves it - he did.
All is well at All Booked Up and justice has been served!
Next is book 8 Epilogue Of An Epitaph.
This is a sweet series that is so full of friendship and people helping one another. I like the cast of characters so much.
In this one Harvey finds a body while shopping for books. Tuck is well past trying to get her to mind her business and stay out out is investigations. Harvey is just too curious... nosey really, but not annoying so like some other cozy mystery main characters.
Even the dogs and a cat in this book are unique with their own personalities and it is exactly them that helps to alert Harvey and her entourage out something going down in the hood. Lol.
And then someone is clotheslined which is always funny too me as long as the person deserves it - he did.
All is well at All Booked Up and justice has been served!
Next is book 8 Epilogue Of An Epitaph.
August 16, 2021
I loved this book, half way through I was smiling so hard, later I was crying...
St Marins book shop is thriving, Harvey has built a family in the town, and everyone loves her. When she finds a body in the library she has to get involved, much to the consternation of the Sheriff who needs everyone to stay safe.
So well written with fabulous book recommendations, I find myself reading the book on my kindle, pausing it to look a book up on my phone and either download it or save it to my ever growing need to read list on Amazon, then continuing the reading of the book on my kindle.
The books are standalone mysteries but are best read in order as the backstory develops across all the books.
A must read!!!
St Marins book shop is thriving, Harvey has built a family in the town, and everyone loves her. When she finds a body in the library she has to get involved, much to the consternation of the Sheriff who needs everyone to stay safe.
So well written with fabulous book recommendations, I find myself reading the book on my kindle, pausing it to look a book up on my phone and either download it or save it to my ever growing need to read list on Amazon, then continuing the reading of the book on my kindle.
The books are standalone mysteries but are best read in order as the backstory develops across all the books.
A must read!!!
May 7, 2023
I really am struggling to remember anything about this book. I have a few details in my mind and that’s all. And I’m really sad about that, I hate that I didn’t take good enough notes!
I can remember the killer
I can remember the killer
July 5, 2023
Harvey is the owner of a bookstore in a small town. One day at the local library book sale she comes across the dead body of the librarian. Was he murdered…..most likely with the way she finds him. Now it’s a race to find out who did it and why.
This was okay. Narrator was good. The story has a lot of characters, but not too confusing. This is part of a series. It’s really not needed to start from the beginning.
What I didn’t like. Too much going on, but at the same time not enough. Very murder she wrote vibes. Everyone but the law is in on solving this crime because the sheriff needs help. Reminds me of Amos Tupper. Some parts emphasized race. A little odd.
Overall it was alright. I’ll read another to see if I like it enough to continue series.
This was okay. Narrator was good. The story has a lot of characters, but not too confusing. This is part of a series. It’s really not needed to start from the beginning.
What I didn’t like. Too much going on, but at the same time not enough. Very murder she wrote vibes. Everyone but the law is in on solving this crime because the sheriff needs help. Reminds me of Amos Tupper. Some parts emphasized race. A little odd.
Overall it was alright. I’ll read another to see if I like it enough to continue series.
June 22, 2021
I received my ARC and, once again, was not disappointed. Ms. Bookens always writes a good cozy mystery with characters that everyone would wish to live beside. These may be idealised stories but there is always a subject involved that should be brought to our attention. The fact that there is always a murder involved makes the mystery even more interesting in the way it is handled. Don’t we all wish we had friends like Harvey and the gang and live in a community that cared as much as they do.
An enjoyable read with the usual good characters and fun events. High recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
An enjoyable read with the usual good characters and fun events. High recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
July 23, 2021
I enjoyed reading an advance copy of this book
Harvey and her motley crew of small town characters and unique artists, creative cooks, and otherwise just plain cool folks help to unravel the mysteries surrounding the death of head librarian Sydney
What happened to cause someone to kill a man who was quirky and kind?
This is an especially fun book, as we get more insights into several of the people Harvey calls friends, and others who are business or town neighbors
Some motives just are not straightforward- and guilt and motives not always obvious, or apparently sufficient to match the act of murder
Touching tribute to love of reading, neighbors and books.
June 21, 2021
The librarian at St. Marin's is found murdered during a book sale. A note is found referring to a book that is missing. Who killed the librarian? Who is one of the assistant librarians missing? Why did Cagle run from the library and elude the police? Join in while Harvey and her friends try to uncover what really happened. While all of that is happening, they set up a fund raiser for the library in honor of the dead librarian, but there is a surprise to be revealed and Laura Lippman is going to do a reading from her books.
August 1, 2021
Wonderful!
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this excellent story. I love greeting the familiar characters and meeting new ones. The plot is engaging and brings in some serious issues. They're handled well and sensitively.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this terrific book and couldn't resist adding it to my collection. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this excellent story. I love greeting the familiar characters and meeting new ones. The plot is engaging and brings in some serious issues. They're handled well and sensitively.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this terrific book and couldn't resist adding it to my collection. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good mystery.
August 19, 2022
I was already impressed with this author's writing, but with this book, my esteem skyrocketed. Her story is very good, the plot is easily followed, and the story itself is quite rewarding. However, the icing on the cake is the fact this author plugged a multitude of other authors and even made a complete list of those authors at the end of her book. I definitely highly recommend this book and it's author! This series has been one of the best I have read, this year.
June 14, 2021
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. When Harvey goes to a book sale at the library, she finds more than she is looking for. And she then gets involved in a fund raiser that surprises her. As usual, Bookens did not disappoint, I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it.
July 29, 2021
This stand alone book is part of a series. I absolutely recommend all of the books as you will enjoy learning about the characters throughout! However, you can read this without reading the others. The author provides a good review of the important characters! Another great cozy mystery that I couldn't put down! I received an advance copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review!
August 31, 2021
Enamoured with this series
I am enjoying the ongoing tales of every woman weight extra Beckett. As with many series, the editing gets lax with each successive book, so I do wish the editors would catch and correct the typographical and grammatical errors before release. Still highly recommend!
I am enjoying the ongoing tales of every woman weight extra Beckett. As with many series, the editing gets lax with each successive book, so I do wish the editors would catch and correct the typographical and grammatical errors before release. Still highly recommend!
August 8, 2025
Proof of Death is a charming cozy mystery that kept me hooked from start to finish. The story moves at a good pace, with a fun mix of suspense and humor. I enjoyed how the main character’s curiosity leads the investigation, bringing friends and dogs along for the ride. It also touches on meaningful topics in a light, relatable way. A great, easy read for cozy mystery fans!
June 10, 2021
The gang's all here and Harvey is leading the way. Join in the fun and enjoy another mystery filled with intriguing characters and lively events that will have you guessing "who dun it?" and relishing every word of it. Highly Recommended.
June 13, 2021
I love the way these books are written. They have the same characters so we get to learn their personalities and who they are. If you are into cozy mysteries, these are definitely the books for you.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
July 22, 2021
This series has been a wonderful read. All the books have made me think, trying to figure out who did it and if Harvey will survive this time. In each book, Harvey confronts a different social topic. Each topic is presented as an integral aspect of the plot line, handled in a very respectful way.
July 28, 2021
I really enjoy reading this whole series. I love Harvey & the gang and the way the town works together to solve the mystery.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 9, 2021
It always makes my day to receive an ARC of a St. Marines Cozy Mystery.
This one does not disappoint. Harvey and friends are at it again. Finished it in one reading.
This one does not disappoint. Harvey and friends are at it again. Finished it in one reading.
June 17, 2021
Its a warming book with a little intrigue but people are just not quite that chummy wishing I knew friends that have pot luck every time lol
July 22, 2021
I loved this book. Revisting this town always makes me happy. The twists and turns this case takes are wonderful.
July 28, 2021
a fun read, lots of twists and turns, interesting and quirky characters and a good storyline, make this a page turner. a must read
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews