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St. Marin's Cozy Mystery #8

Epilogue of an Epitaph

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Everyone loves getting mail—just not when it’s clutched in cold, dead hands.

Harvey Beckett has heard the rumors about the postmistress steaming open envelopes to entertain her nosy customers. But when she is murdered, Harvey discovers the town’s mail carrier may have been doing more than sharing idle gossip.

Now, along with her father, Harvey must navigate a web of secrets and deception to uncover the truth behind the murder—a truth that might just send her dad into cardiac arrest.

Can they untangle fact from fiction before they become footnotes in their own mystery?

190 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 27, 2021

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A.C.F. Bookens

45 books279 followers

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5 stars
153 (39%)
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146 (38%)
3 stars
71 (18%)
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10 (2%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews
Profile Image for Juliet Minerva Swift.
852 reviews14 followers
September 8, 2023
I am very sad to say, I was very angry when reading this book. Not because of life making me angry (that’s in the background of every book I read so I can normalise my rating taking that into account) but because this book made me so furious!!

The whole premise is ridiculous. A post office woman tells you she opens mails constantly and shares the content with malicious intent, and also shows you exactly how, and you don’t report her? Dude this is a federal offence, she could go to prison for a long time like this is extremely serious. And Harvey instead, who is so high and mighty when it comes to other crimes, is really not phased by this terrible invasion of privacy that could have potentially outed two LGBT people??? HARVEY???

The rest of the book was also so stupid, just like every character was.

And I think I was so irked by everything happening and being stupid, that when they mentioned Symian sleeping on Mart’s couch I almost lost it. I get that this is a cosy book so there shouldn’t be any explicit scenes, but come on! There’s nothing wrong in making the characters have sex off the page!!! Or even *gasp* sleep in the same bed. Like that’s so not scandalous. I really don’t find it believable that Harvey was going to marry Daniel without having fucked him once to the point she was worried he would see her underwear, and Mart is also going to marry this dude but they don’t even sleep together like is this the 1800?? Are they Mormon or part of some other weird uber-religious movement but it was never mentioned? Do contraceptives not exist in this universe?

I just really had no fun with this. I am happy there’s like one book left before I caught up with publication, because I think it’s time for me to change series.
293 reviews4 followers
October 6, 2021
Harvey Beckett, the owner of the local bookstore, has learned from her father that Margie Riordan, the post mistress is streaming open peoples mail and spreading gossip about them. Her father and a friend of his decide to write some fake letters to prove what she is doing. Even being found out, she refuses to stop her snooping and gossip. A few weeks later, Margie is murdered and several people are suspects, including Harvey's father and several others. The police are investigating and Harvey and her friends are trying to find out who is the killer. They have a meeting and list the people who Margie's gossip has hurt. Soon, everyone who was at the meeting is receiving threats and vandalism. Things progress and Harvey's father and her roommate Mart's friend are kidnapped. The hunt is on for the killer and kidnappers. Can the sheriff and his deputy find them before someone else dies?

I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving it free from the Book Funnel.
Profile Image for dnsyl57.
681 reviews12 followers
October 8, 2021
Epilogue of an Epitaph is book #8 in the St. Marin Cozy Mystery series by ACF Bookens.

Harvey Beckett has learned that her father and his friend Thomas have set out to prove that the local postmistress is steaming open mail and spreading rumors and gossip about local townspeople. The plan works and she does admit to it but a few days later, she is found dead at the post office. Harvey's dad Burt, Thomas and Mart's boyfriend Symeon and a few others have all had arguments with her and are questioned. Harvey is concerned but more focused on her store and planning an expansion thanks to her dad. Things change when two people she is close to go missing and may have been kidnapped! Demands are made and things get a bit dicey as lives are in danger with a killer on the loose.

On the plus side, Harvey may have found a new love as she begins a new relationship!

A fun read with the always interesting characters of St Marin! A few minor typos but not enough to really effect the plot or the overall content of the story.
358 reviews
October 8, 2021
Much better than the last couple books. But the many typos and grammatical errors continue to distract. The author really needs to learn when to use ‘me’ and ‘I.’
Profile Image for Lola.
2,112 reviews280 followers
June 29, 2026
I really like this series and when I was in the mood for a comforting read I knew it was time to pick up the next book in this series. It was nice to be back in this small town and spend time reading about Harvey and her friends and family. It's such a fun group of characters to read about and it was a joy to be back in this series.

There is a lot going on in this book. There another mystery ofcourse, although Harvey mostly tries to stay away from investigating, but still get's involved in some way. Then there is a big recycling event that Harvey is helping with. And she has some new plans for the shop, which was exciting to see it all play out. Harvey also has a new romance developing in this book and I liked seeing that progress and them doing their first dates. I like Harvey and Jared together so far. I really liked reading about all the daily life scenes and seeing what Harvey got up to in this book.

The mystery however didn't really work for me. The murdered women was the post office lady who was known to be a big gossip and opened people's mail. Harvey tried to stay out of this mystery, after brainstorming a bit with her friends about who are possible suspects. I felt the mystery took a bit of a backseat till later in the book, which was fine by me as I liked the other elements, but the mystery just felt a bit rushed due to that. Then at the end there is suddenly all this danger and suspense despite everyone trying to be careful. And it just didn't really work for me. The reveal wasn't too surprising either as there weren’t really many suspects and it felt kinda obvious and anti-climactic.

To summarize: I enjoyed being back in this small town and reading about Harvey and her friends. There is something so fun and comforting about this series. I really liked reading about Harvey and her friends and family seeing what they get up to in this book. There is a recycling event, as well as some new shop plans and Harvey starts dating Jared, which were all fun things to read about. The mystery didn't fully work for me tough, it wasn’t as interesting to me and it took a backseat for most of the book. Harvey wasn’t as involved this time, but then there is a bunch of danger and suspense toward the end and I didn't really like that vibe. And the reveal just felt kinda obvious. I still had a good time with this book, just the mystery and later part of this book was less good for me.
96 reviews
November 6, 2021
Harvey is a hard worker in her bookstore and has visions of expanding it. She also has lots of friends who are there when she needs help especially when she finds a dead body in the post office. Rumors are flying around while Harvey and her friends start receiving threatening notes. Harvey digs right in to find out who the murderer is.

This book just kept me reading to find out what was going to happen next as people began disappearing. If you love a good mystery, this is the one for you.

I really enjoyed reading this book and am looking forward to the next book in the series. Thanks for a great plot and interesting characters.
Profile Image for Kristen.
2,709 reviews94 followers
June 24, 2026
I really enjoy this series and this book was no exception. One of my favourite cozy series that just keeps satisfying!

I like pretty much everything about the series. I love that MC Harvey owns a bookshop and loves to read, I love that the small town with the main street is full of delightful supporting characters, all of whom I like almost as much as Harvey, and I enjoy the cleverness of each new murder mystery for the "Scooby-gang" here to investigate.

The only thing that would make these books even better is if I could get them at my library. But at least they aren't super expensive to buy and I definitely plan to keep reading this series.
Profile Image for Nikki.
1,483 reviews13 followers
October 18, 2021
Well, what an absolutely wonderful, exciting and unputdownable book in this cozy mystery series! If you need to stay awake, then I recommend this book, I just couldn't put it down.

Harvey is running her bookstore as usual and just happens to get involved in another murder, this time of the nosy post mistress who thinks nothing of opening other people's mail, and when someone decides to play her at her own game, she gets murdered. A couple of Harvey's nearest and dearest are in the frame for the murder, but, the mystery is only just beginning.

Harvey's dating scene is non existent, but the new police officer in town seems to have caught her eye, and she has certainly caught his.

A brilliant cozy mystery series, easy to read, with book and music recommendations contained within its pages.

Best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters.

I'm now having to wait til the next book is released!!!
Profile Image for Jeanne.
2,001 reviews6 followers
October 7, 2021
Epilogue of an Epitaph is book #8 in the St. Marin Cozy Mystery series by ACF Bookens.

Rumor has it that the postmistress is opening mail. She’s called out about it and then she is found dead. Was it someone unhappy with her bad behavior? Harvey and her friends try to help find the killer which leads to danger for them.

My goodness, there was a lot going on in this book! Harvey is so strong and positive, so when she cried, I was in tears too. The mystery was good, but Harvey and her friends are what draw me to this series. They are so supportive of each other and helping others as well. It is a feel good series.

I received a copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
Profile Image for Trick Wiley.
961 reviews5 followers
September 28, 2021
This is the continuing story of Harvey and her friends where again another murder has happened! For a very small community,there sure are a lot of murders! A new man appears in Harvey's life,wonder where this relationship will lead! Following the clues,the leads where will it take everyone to solve this latest murder and to think it may be one of their own! Enjoy this suspense murder that really does have you guessing who did this murder and why! This is one of the books in this series but it can be read alone but if you do,it will catch you up on all things in this small town..Received this in advance !!
216 reviews2 followers
September 29, 2021
This is another wonderful book in this series. The characters are wonderfully interesting and really make the story come alive. The plot is involved and involving, with enough twists, turns and mystery to keep you turning the pages. I know that's what happened to me!

I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this entertaining and imaginative mystery and loved it so much that I bought a copy for myself. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a good story!
Profile Image for Barbara.
570 reviews17 followers
December 12, 2021
Very Disappointing (Spoiler filled review)

Not at all on a par with the previous books In the series, which could have been seen as almost overly politically correct. We don't actually meet Thomas until the end of the book, although we are told almost at the very beginning that Thomas' preferred pronoun is they. The author then uses he several times. The sting Harvey's father and Thomas set up is childish; the town's protection of a postmisstress who snoops through mail and gossips about it is barely credible; the chances that a couple in their 30s (?) who have been dating seriously for months don't share a bed is exceedingly low, and so on. That a character who is seriously mentally ill focuses her energy on eliminating gossip and commands a bookseller to burn any stock that isn't written from direct experience strains credulity. The strangest thing to me (aside from the fact that a dozen or so people make the main character the center of their lives), is that an author who is almost stridently PC casts a nonbinary character as a murderer. Add in do-gooders who can magically organize successful events at the drop of a hat, and you have lost me.

Oops, almost forgot the ethically challenged realtor named Eugene Levine, a name that can easily be construed as Jewish. Seriously?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Andrea.
1,994 reviews27 followers
September 15, 2021
This is defintely a mystery Harvey stumbles into. She isn't even focusing on solving this one, but she gets drawn into the middle of it anyway. I always appreciate when a cozy series can vary the methods that a sleuth finds their way into the mystery. This one does a good job of making the who mysterious even though you kinda know who it is. The perpetrator in this one is one of those sad and frustrating perpetrators, but it is nice to see that there is a variation in perpetrator. And the path to discovering this perpetrator is a wild ride and I'm glad we have a new man to help Harvey through it. I am excited about the character of Jared and where this relationship could be going.
If you are looking for a cozy that is a little different than your average cozy and makes you really think about people, then pick up this one.
Profile Image for Christine.
83 reviews
September 8, 2023
This plot was just all over the place. Also convinced that the author does not keep notes or cares for continuity with the characters she has developed.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Loretta TheMoodyRedhead.
1,171 reviews4 followers
May 28, 2023
Intense in the Best Way

"... That's the plan..."
First while I'm thinking of it, this book references A LOT of actual books you can buy (or borrow from a library, if your town still has one.) The good thing about that is all books recommended by Harvey and Marcus are in one list at the back if each book in this series.

Now, onto what I think if this read. Well, it was intense and pretty terrifying. Some people were bonked over the head and two were abducted. I had the feeling I knew who did the kidnapping, but I wasn't certain. I had to stay up the rest of the night to find out! It is currently 3:18 a.m. lol.

I admit I didn't quite understand the reasoning behind the murder and abductions, but the last thing I want is to grasp the concept of a person's "reason" to kill another human.

Some amazing things are happening for Harvey and I'm totally stoked for her! She does so many things for other people and I'm glad that the goodness is coming back tenfold to her. We'll see the affects of those changes in future St Marin books. ☺️

Something wonderful happens with Mart also and I'm excited for her, too. She deserves the good news, especially after what happens with her boyfriend Symeon.

As usual (but not in every book of this series), someone is murdered and a domino effect of bad things happen due to the murder, but slowly things look up and all is well for Harvey and her herd of friends. And my goodness does she have tons of friends! She is a blessed woman, indeed. I'm not going to forget to mention her furry four-legged friends either, because they play a huge role in this read and for what they did I'll give them virtual steak bones. Go Taco and Mayhem! Doggie kissees to both!

Next is Hardcover Homicide (St. Marin's Cozy Mystery Series Book 9)".

Now to get some shut eye!
Profile Image for Thereadingbell.
1,433 reviews39 followers
May 18, 2023
Epilogue of an Epitaph by A.C.F. Bookens

We return again to St. Marins with Harvey and friends with a new mystery. In this one Harvey Beckett has learned that her father and his friend Thomas have set out to prove that the local postmistress is steaming open mail and spreading rumors and gossip about local townspeople. The plan works and she does admit to it but a few days later, she is found dead at the post office. Harvey's dad Burt, Thomas and Mart's boyfriend Symeon and a few others have all had arguments with her and are questioned. Harvey is concerned but more focused on her store and planning an expansion thanks to her dad. Things change when two people she is close to go missing and may have been kidnapped. Demands are made and things get a bit dicey as lives are in danger with a killer on the loose.

Always a fun read and I really like the characters in the book.
Profile Image for Shelly Mendenhall.
79 reviews3 followers
February 26, 2022
Absolutely loved this book. Once again Harvey Beckett finds herself in the middle of a mess. The local post mistress seems to love to steam open everyone’s mail and spread rumors about the recipients. Harvey’s dad and a friend concoct a scheme to teach the woman a lesson a lesson. But shortly there after, the postmistress is found dead. But who killed her and why.

This cozy mystery was so good and quite full of twists and turns. You literally can’t figure out who did it until the couple of pages. A must read.
Profile Image for Larry.
3,271 reviews19 followers
August 19, 2022
I have thoroughly enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one. This author is amazing. She talks about human issues, most don't want to face, and does it with compassion and a bit of humor. The plot is easily followed and yet has all the twists, turns, and switchbacks all good cozy mysteries have. The main and supporting characters are wonderful and the feeling of family and close friendship is very special to this reader. I highly recommend this book and all seven other books in this wonderful series.
1,354 reviews17 followers
October 1, 2021
Is love in the picture for Harvey and Jared? And what is all the excitement regarding Harvey's father and his friend Thomas? As the questions evolve the problems become more critical and Harvey is more determined to find the answers. Added to our usual cast of enthralling characters are some crazy, mixed-up people who throw St. Marin's into a whirlwind of doubt, confusion and guilt. An entertaining, enjoyable, and easy-to-read story. Highly Recommended.
Profile Image for Lucia.
732 reviews3 followers
September 27, 2025
Mail, murder, and a dash of small-town gossip—this mystery keeps things lively without ever getting too dark.

As with the rest of the series, the charm is in the balance: serious themes slip in, just enough to spark thought, but never so much they weigh the story down.

It’s light, warm, and full of love, friendship, and community—exactly the kind of cozy mystery that leaves you smiling when you turn the last page.
506 reviews7 followers
September 11, 2021
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I really enjoyed this book. Harvey and all of her friends are targeted, so they have to keep banding together. This book had so many twists and turns I could not put it down. As usual, Bookens did not disappoint and I recommend this book.
Profile Image for Dwayne Keller.
1,059 reviews12 followers
November 3, 2021
Harvey is pulled into another murder mystery. Her Dad is accused of murder this time and she has to prove his innocence and find the true killer. The usual group of friends help her track down clues while trying to expand her store and hold a fund raiser. Enjoy the usual cast of characters, like returning to a small town of friends.
Profile Image for Lori.
1,870 reviews5 followers
July 29, 2024
I have enjoyed this entire series in audio format and this one was no exception.

Who killed the town gossip?

I would love to live in this town and be part of Harvey's group of friends, as long as I don't die!

Also, I am very intrigued by this peanut butter popcorn!! I think I need some in my life, tonight!
13 reviews
August 30, 2025
“that’s what friends are for”

The friends / fellow sleuths feel like friends to me after enjoying this wonderful series. Great character development and a plot twist I didn’t see coming. And of course I really love the celebration of diversity - it keeps me coming back for more stories in St Marin. Thank you!
1,105 reviews5 followers
September 30, 2021
This book keeps you guessing who the murderer is until the end. You'll be surprised! If you like cozy mysteries, you will definitely want to read this.

I received an ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
36 reviews1 follower
December 10, 2025
Not so good

I have engineer books up until. The use of all this blushing with women and men of middle age is not at all entertaining. Feel like the author is using as a filler. Sadly, if the next one is like this, then will no longer read these books.
929 reviews4 followers
September 4, 2021
A fun couldn't put down story. Love the friendships, family and new romance. the murder of a gossipy postal worker has many suspects. I love how Harvey works with her friends to solve it
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
809 reviews18 followers
September 9, 2021
This is a fun and enjoyable story. There is a murder of postal worker and lots of suspects. Harvey works with her friends to solve this case. I received an advanced reader copy of this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 43 reviews