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Shelf Indulgence #3
Copycat Killer
In my next case, imitation isn’t the sincerest form of flattery when it leads to murder…
Mary Ruth Steinman is a magnet for controversy, but she’s good for business. At least until my grumpy Persian meets her and tries to bite her. Soon, it’s all I can do to keep my business running and my cat happy.
But when the author is found dead in the bushes outside my bookstore after a signing, Tattered Pages is thrust into the news once again. And as much as I’d like to blame my cat, Poppy is no murderer. Plus, she doesn’t have opposable thumbs.
So… who in Silverwood Hollow held a grudge big enough for murder this time?
Mary Ruth Steinman is a magnet for controversy, but she’s good for business. At least until my grumpy Persian meets her and tries to bite her. Soon, it’s all I can do to keep my business running and my cat happy.
But when the author is found dead in the bushes outside my bookstore after a signing, Tattered Pages is thrust into the news once again. And as much as I’d like to blame my cat, Poppy is no murderer. Plus, she doesn’t have opposable thumbs.
So… who in Silverwood Hollow held a grudge big enough for murder this time?
- GenresCozyMysteryCozy Mystery
107 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 11, 2021
95 people are currently reading
91 people want to read
About the author
S.E. Babin
87 books394 followersS.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
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Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews
August 12, 2021
Such a fun series!
Dakota somehow manages to get sucked into a murder investigation and butts heads with Hardy and Cole. She’s a fierce independent woman but I’m ready for some real romance. I’d love to see that in the next one.
Dakota somehow manages to get sucked into a murder investigation and butts heads with Hardy and Cole. She’s a fierce independent woman but I’m ready for some real romance. I’d love to see that in the next one.
November 17, 2022
In this third installment, my guess for killer turned out to be right. Dakota had a real mess on her hands after the guest author doing a signing in her store was killed at the B&B. The author wasn't a nice person at all and had a very pesky habit of ripping off other authors. She was probably better at plagiarism than she was at actual writing, but she didn't care because she had the money and fame she was after.
Poppy the cat once again used her crazy good instincts to help Dakota with clues. The showdown was a good one even though poor Dakota had to spend some time at the hospital. But her friendship with Cole which took a little dive during this book might've just got its start to being repaired during that showdown. I like that Dakota's brain's getting more geared toward Hardy, although I really wish they'd stop the bickering and just get along, lol! I borrowed the next one from KU right away and am working on reading it next.
Poppy the cat once again used her crazy good instincts to help Dakota with clues. The showdown was a good one even though poor Dakota had to spend some time at the hospital. But her friendship with Cole which took a little dive during this book might've just got its start to being repaired during that showdown. I like that Dakota's brain's getting more geared toward Hardy, although I really wish they'd stop the bickering and just get along, lol! I borrowed the next one from KU right away and am working on reading it next.
March 15, 2024
Third man vies for Dakota's attention.
This one has two murders. And that sweet cat, Poppy helps save the day. Unfortunately, lines are crossed and Cole betrays Dakota's trust. And Hardy can't quit yelling and lecturing Dakota for trying to help a fellow town person. Poppy gets weird. Trudy opens another location. Jen starts serving cafe food. Dakota starts inviting authors in to talk & sign books. Unfortunately, she gets more than she bargained for. The woman turns out to be arrogant & entitled. Plus she brings a dog with her. Things heat up when someone accuses her of stealing her book. There had been allegations of plagiarism against her several times. However, none had ever stuck. Wait till you find out why. The new handsome guy Dakota meets she spills coffee all down his pants. It's a hilarious scene. And Dakota gets hurt at the end. She needs to take some self defense classes & buy a gun!
This one has two murders. And that sweet cat, Poppy helps save the day. Unfortunately, lines are crossed and Cole betrays Dakota's trust. And Hardy can't quit yelling and lecturing Dakota for trying to help a fellow town person. Poppy gets weird. Trudy opens another location. Jen starts serving cafe food. Dakota starts inviting authors in to talk & sign books. Unfortunately, she gets more than she bargained for. The woman turns out to be arrogant & entitled. Plus she brings a dog with her. Things heat up when someone accuses her of stealing her book. There had been allegations of plagiarism against her several times. However, none had ever stuck. Wait till you find out why. The new handsome guy Dakota meets she spills coffee all down his pants. It's a hilarious scene. And Dakota gets hurt at the end. She needs to take some self defense classes & buy a gun!
September 28, 2022
This quick-read Cozy series seems to consistently feature interesting plots and great characters. I’ve enjoyed all of them so far. I especially enjoy when the cat, Poppy, leads Dakota to clues. Some people might scoff at the idea, but I believe it is entirely possible for a cat to do the things Poppy does!
I’m still irritated by the similarity in the names Hardy and Harper, because I keep getting them mixed up and have trouble even remembering Harper’s name sometimes. Also the overuse of the verb “snort” is really annoying. And this particular volume had several glaring typos such as using the name Molly where it should have been Martha’s name. Still these don’t stand in the way of my enjoyment of the book, or my intention to finish reading the series.
I’m still irritated by the similarity in the names Hardy and Harper, because I keep getting them mixed up and have trouble even remembering Harper’s name sometimes. Also the overuse of the verb “snort” is really annoying. And this particular volume had several glaring typos such as using the name Molly where it should have been Martha’s name. Still these don’t stand in the way of my enjoyment of the book, or my intention to finish reading the series.
January 13, 2024
wild, wacky and wonderful
When a small publishing group reaches out and asks Dakota to host a writer and a new release event, she has no idea of the trouble that will come her at as a result.
Dakota seems to have strange situations and people swirling around her, usually with murder involved, and someone she knows Involved who needs her help.
This is a wild, wacky and wonderful novel in this cozy mystery series and a totally worthwhile read
When a small publishing group reaches out and asks Dakota to host a writer and a new release event, she has no idea of the trouble that will come her at as a result.
Dakota seems to have strange situations and people swirling around her, usually with murder involved, and someone she knows Involved who needs her help.
This is a wild, wacky and wonderful novel in this cozy mystery series and a totally worthwhile read
March 21, 2025
Dakota agrees to host a book signing for a new author and quickly regrets that decision when the woman is accused of stealing someone else's work. When the author in question is found dead and Dakota's friend Martha is accused of the crime, Dakota decides to investigate. There are humorous moments throughout the story, the killer reveal is well plotted, and a new guy who may end up being a love interest.
December 13, 2021
Mary wrote a book or did she?
Dakota agreed to have a book signing with a new author and it turned into a grudge fest. Then Mary Ruth turned up dead and a friend, Martha is accused of the murder and asks Dakota to look into the investigation. Follow Dakota’s adventures in this intriguing tale of plagiarism and murder.
Dakota agreed to have a book signing with a new author and it turned into a grudge fest. Then Mary Ruth turned up dead and a friend, Martha is accused of the murder and asks Dakota to look into the investigation. Follow Dakota’s adventures in this intriguing tale of plagiarism and murder.
January 15, 2026
I just love a cozy mystery set in a bookstore, and this one is no different. Having binged all three books so far today, I found this mystery to be very entertaining and I still find myself drawn to the characters and the story. Can't wait to dive into book 4 to see where the story goes.
3.5 stars
3.5 stars
December 1, 2021
Cant Put These Books Down!
Do not open either of these two books if you have work to do! These cozy bookstore murder mysteries are so addictive I will need intervention in order to get my regular work done.
Do not open either of these two books if you have work to do! These cozy bookstore murder mysteries are so addictive I will need intervention in order to get my regular work done.
April 2, 2024
such a good read
I love these quirky characters. As always there is a murder and then an investigation as to the killer. I like that the investigation has humorous moments and that the killer reveal is well plotted. I really enjoyed this one.
I love these quirky characters. As always there is a murder and then an investigation as to the killer. I like that the investigation has humorous moments and that the killer reveal is well plotted. I really enjoyed this one.
April 8, 2024
Poppy is one smart cat! Dakota is one lady who loves to help! They go great together!
There sure are a lot of murders going on in this small town! How can a bookstore owner possibly find all the killers!? Cute little mystery series! Enjoy!
There sure are a lot of murders going on in this small town! How can a bookstore owner possibly find all the killers!? Cute little mystery series! Enjoy!
April 12, 2024
I enjoyed this cozy book. I've grown attached to the characters. It was easy to invest my time into this fun read. It proved to be suspenseful, showed support from family and friends, and there's an awesome bookstore cat!
August 14, 2021
Great book
This is a great book in the Shelf Indulgence series by S E Babin. I love the characters and the small town setting.
This is a great book in the Shelf Indulgence series by S E Babin. I love the characters and the small town setting.
April 18, 2022
Cute Mystery
Found a typo but other than that it’s another cute and cheeky mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a lovely setting.
Found a typo but other than that it’s another cute and cheeky mystery that doesn’t take itself too seriously and has a lovely setting.
April 27, 2023
3.5/5⭐: Another cute and funny mystery. The ending felt a bit rushed though.
July 5, 2023
Copycat Killer is a fun and interesting cozy mystery. I like the characters. This mystery has many twists and surprises to keep you guessing until the end. I really enjoyed this book.
March 22, 2024
Copycat Killer
Àwell she's still not with the detective. Maybe the next book. How is this new guy going to be envolved
Àwell she's still not with the detective. Maybe the next book. How is this new guy going to be envolved
April 8, 2024
Fun read, like that the cats don't talk.
April 25, 2024
OK 👍
Another one bites the dust! It is hard to say, but I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
Another one bites the dust! It is hard to say, but I can't wait to see what's going to happen next.
October 25, 2024
Hot chocolate and guns
I had no clue this would end as it did. Sleuthing seems to get more dangerous as time goes on.
I had no clue this would end as it did. Sleuthing seems to get more dangerous as time goes on.
December 1, 2024
Another murder solved!
I liked the characters. The plot kept you in suspense until the end. Could Dakota have a new beau? I would recommend the book.
I liked the characters. The plot kept you in suspense until the end. Could Dakota have a new beau? I would recommend the book.
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October 8, 2024Ch70 P13
And the ones who preserve their trust and oaths, and the ones who stand by their testimony, and the ones who attend to their prayer, those will be honored in gardens.
And the ones who preserve their trust and oaths, and the ones who stand by their testimony, and the ones who attend to their prayer, those will be honored in gardens.
Displaying 1 - 22 of 22 reviews