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Bibliophile Mystery #16
The Paper Caper
San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is back with an intriguing new mystery in the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series.
Joseph Cabot is a very popular wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt and now the man and his wife are friendly with Derek and Brooklyn. The friendship is helped along by the fact that Joseph is a big book lover and contributes lavishly to the Covington Library. His favorite author is Mark Twain (another newspaperman) and he’s underwritten the first annual Mark Twain Festival at the Covington.
As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. There will be events all week, all around town, celebrating the time Twain spent in the city. But the biggest event is being run by Joseph’s newspaper: a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes! Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues all over their beloved city to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.
Joseph Cabot is a very popular wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt and now the man and his wife are friendly with Derek and Brooklyn. The friendship is helped along by the fact that Joseph is a big book lover and contributes lavishly to the Covington Library. His favorite author is Mark Twain (another newspaperman) and he’s underwritten the first annual Mark Twain Festival at the Covington.
As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. There will be events all week, all around town, celebrating the time Twain spent in the city. But the biggest event is being run by Joseph’s newspaper: a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes! Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues all over their beloved city to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.
336 pages, Hardcover
First published July 26, 2022
159 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Kate Carlisle
97 books2,817 followersGolden Heart and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author Kate Carlisle spent over twenty years working in television production as an Associate Director for game and variety shows, including The Midnight Special, Solid Gold and The Gong Show. She traveled the world as a Dating Game chaperone and performed strange acts of silliness on The Gong Show. She also studied acting and singing, toiled in vineyards, collected books, joined a commune, sold fried chicken, modeled spring fashions and worked for a cruise ship line, but it was the year she spent in law school that finally drove her to begin writing fiction. It seemed the safest way to kill off her professors. Those professors are breathing easier now that Kate spends most of her time writing near the beach in Southern California where she lives with her perfect husband.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 295 reviews
August 6, 2025
The Paper Caper is the 16th book in the Bibliophile Mysteries written by Kate Carlisle. This is the second series by the author that I've read in its entirety, tho she's still publishing books in both collections, which is a good thing. This installment takes us through a newspaperman's troubles as his butler is murdered. The man was an old friend of Dylan's, and Brooklyn is puzzled by the newspaperman's new wife and mother-in-law. Someone is keeping a secret but she can't figure out who the liar is... until she's almost too late. A good story that kept me interested the whole way through. Carlisle has an easy tone to her writing style but it also offers complexity and dynamic characters. Looking forward to the next one.
July 15, 2022
I have either read or listened to this entire series and I think it might be coming to the time for me to be done with it. This story wasn’t really bad but it wasn’t great either. Really, I have never learned to love Derek. I think he is just a bit overbearing and sometimes treats Brooklyn like a child rather than a partner.
As for this particular story, the ending was just a bit ridiculous and totally over the top.
This is a new narrator and that is always hard to accept after listening to someone else for more than ten books. Also, she mispronounces Covington and since it is repeatedly in the story, it was a bit annoying.
Even so, thanks to Netgalley for this early read.
As for this particular story, the ending was just a bit ridiculous and totally over the top.
This is a new narrator and that is always hard to accept after listening to someone else for more than ten books. Also, she mispronounces Covington and since it is repeatedly in the story, it was a bit annoying.
Even so, thanks to Netgalley for this early read.
July 18, 2022
The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle has Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone enjoying the first annual Mark Twain Festival sponsored by Joseph Cabot. The event includes a lookalike contest with the winner looking amazing like Joseph. Joseph and the winner switch places for the rest of the festival. When someone close to Joseph ends up dead, Brooklyn and Derek wonder if the murdered killed their intended target. The Paper Caper is the sixteenth A Bibliophile Mystery. While it can be read as a standalone, you will be missing out on some background information. I have read every book in this series for booklovers. I look forward to a new A Bibliophile Mystery each year. Brooklyn Wainwright is a book restorer and lover of books. She is one of my favorite fictional characters (if she was real, I could see us being friends). I did find her to be a little off in this book. She seemed squeamish which is unexpected for someone who has been involved in over a dozen murders. She also became scared and paranoid at one of the events. Brooklyn is normally levelheaded. Derek Stone is her strong, handsome husband who is protective. There are times when I feel that Derek treats Brooklyn like a child. It is infrequent, but I found it irritating. Brooklyn is a clever, talented woman who has helped Derek solve many cases. She is observant with good deductive skills. Brooklyn and Derek are a cute couple (still very much in love). I enjoyed the first annual Mark Twain Festival which benefited the Covington Library. There were some fun events. The Prince and the Pauper is the book featured in The Paper Caper. Brooklyn restores a copy for the Covington Library. I love learning about Brooklyn’s trade as a book restorer. The mystery was straightforward. It does not begin until almost the halfway point. By the time the murder occurs, I already knew the solution. I admit that I enjoyed how the deed was done. It is certainly unique. We get to catch up with Brooklyn’s family as well as Ian and his partner. Detective Lee, of course, is in charge of the case. There is rumor that she will be getting a new partner. There is humor sprinkled throughout the story. There is some mild foul language (just to let you know). I hope the next A Bibliophile Mystery will have more substance and a trickier whodunit. I like Kate Carlisle’s casual writing style. It is like you are visiting old friends when you open A Bibliophile Mystery. The Paper Caper is a delightful tale with a pulsating prince, a pleasant pauper, an animated marketing maven, a Swedish bombshell, a disagreeable butler, a malicious mother, a debonaire Derek, and a busy Brooklyn.
April 5, 2022
Brooklyn and company are back to solve their 16th murder in The Paper Caper. This time, amidst a Mark Twain festival, someone is killed and it's up to Brooklyn and Derek to figure out who and why. Carlisle brings you right back into Brooklyn's world of books and intrigue as we follow along with her sleuthing.
Y'all. I've liked this series, and Carlisle's other one, a lot. But this was just not good! It was a mess! The lookalike thing was a weird idea for a Mark Twain festival. The characters were just over-the-top, like cartoons. This book also needs a new editor. Either the first or the second day of the story, Brooklyn takes 3 showers! For no real reason. And she and Derek are nauseating. I just don't know on this one guys.
Y'all. I've liked this series, and Carlisle's other one, a lot. But this was just not good! It was a mess! The lookalike thing was a weird idea for a Mark Twain festival. The characters were just over-the-top, like cartoons. This book also needs a new editor. Either the first or the second day of the story, Brooklyn takes 3 showers! For no real reason. And she and Derek are nauseating. I just don't know on this one guys.
July 10, 2022
Brooklyn is back and entertaining as always! I love the entire cast of regulars in this series and can't get enough of them. I would love to be friends with the book loving characters and hang out in the Covington Library at will in real life, alas, it doesn't work that way, so I am stuck spending brief snippets of time with the characters each time a new book drops in the series! The Mark Twain festival is in full swing and so is a murderer or two which puts Brooklyn and Derek firmly in the middle of things. Lots of potential suspects and while I did figure this one out very early on, it was still a fun and entertaining read or rather listen in my case. The narrator did a great job of helping to bring this wonderful story to life and I can't wait to listen to the next book in the series!
August 3, 2022
I'll start by saying this bibliophile mystery series is one of my favorite cozy series. I devoured the first ten or 12 books when I discovered it and have faithfully preordered each new one, and reading them as soon as possible. Usually I get through them in less than 24 hours. This one took me three days.
There was a new audiobook narrator I didn't like, following the previous narrator. In a series, I wish narrators would take the time to listen to the previous narrator and use a similar style so the change isn't jarring for the serious fan. I know changes are necessary for many reasons, but it really takes a listener out of the moment when characters, pronunciation, accent, or all three are different than the previous 16 books. End rant.
There was a new audiobook narrator I didn't like, following the previous narrator. In a series, I wish narrators would take the time to listen to the previous narrator and use a similar style so the change isn't jarring for the serious fan. I know changes are necessary for many reasons, but it really takes a listener out of the moment when characters, pronunciation, accent, or all three are different than the previous 16 books. End rant.
August 3, 2022
San Francisco, CA. Present day. Kate Carlisle’s The Paper Caper (Bibliophile Mysteries, #16) is gearing up for the first annual Mark Twain Festival which is being held at the Covington Library, a favorite haunt of Brooklyn Wainwright-bookbinder extraordinaire. A good friend of Brooklyn and Derek’s, Joseph Cabot, an extremely wealthy patron of the Covington Library, will exchange places with a look-a-like person for three days which is similar to the main characters in The Prince and the Pauper, but often where Brooklyn goes, a body appears. This festival is no different. This is one of my favorite series, but this installment seems choppy and less ‘up’ than the others. A few of the new characters are gone by the end of the story, and that is a plus for me. I still love Brooklyn’s “book nerds” and her enthusiasm for books and fixing old or ruined books! 4 stars.
August 21, 2022
Another winner in the Bibliophile series!! This time around, Brooklyn is caught up in the Mark Twain Book Festival, with demonstrations and children's workshops. Derek's good friend Joseph Cabot, billionarie, is sponsoring the festival. But he and his family been getting threatening phone calls for the past few weeks. Is someone out to kill him, his wife? And why?
The buildup to this mystery was a bit slow, with the murder not taking place till almost halfway through the book. While the first half of the book was interesting, it probably could have been shortened. That said, the action packed second half more than made up for the slow but steady pace of the first. I know I have the better part of a year to wait for the next book, but I am eagerly anticipating the next Brooklyn story!
The buildup to this mystery was a bit slow, with the murder not taking place till almost halfway through the book. While the first half of the book was interesting, it probably could have been shortened. That said, the action packed second half more than made up for the slow but steady pace of the first. I know I have the better part of a year to wait for the next book, but I am eagerly anticipating the next Brooklyn story!
July 29, 2022
A Prince and the Pauper story/mystery!
This is a light mystery that relates books and the prince and the pauper classic storyline.
I ended up liking the book in the end even if the mystery was predictable. I think it's because I love all the book tie ins this story has, including some Mark Twain quotes on every chapter.
The big drawback was that this book to a long time to get to the mystery part since that was almost halfway in. What happened to the classic mystery style with finding a body in the first few chapters? Since this book is part of a series, too much background and explanation early on wasn't needed.
This is a fun mystery if you start just before the halfway point.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
This is a light mystery that relates books and the prince and the pauper classic storyline.
I ended up liking the book in the end even if the mystery was predictable. I think it's because I love all the book tie ins this story has, including some Mark Twain quotes on every chapter.
The big drawback was that this book to a long time to get to the mystery part since that was almost halfway in. What happened to the classic mystery style with finding a body in the first few chapters? Since this book is part of a series, too much background and explanation early on wasn't needed.
This is a fun mystery if you start just before the halfway point.
Thank you to Dreamscape Media and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this Audiobook for my honest review.
July 7, 2022
AUDIOBOOK, 9 h 4 m Sara Young narrator
I'm a long time Kate Carlisle fan but this is my first time listening to one of her books on audio. Even better, it's one I hadn't read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Narrator Young does an excellent job not only bringing the characters to life but differentiating the voices. Chapter changes are simply announced and Young even handles various accents with aplomb. It was interesting to hear the minor but distinct changes in the Swedish accents utilized, too, both showing character traits in a subtle way. Kudos to both author and narrator.
As for the mystery, it opens with Brooklyn's security team chief husband, Derek, on the job protecting Joseph Cabot, a wealthy San Franciscan. Cabot is a huge supporter of the Covington Library and is sponsoring and hosting a Mark Twain related festival as a fundraiser. One of the big draws is a contest to select someone who looks like Joseph, not Twain. There are also children's activities, a riverboat casino cruise, and even a frog jumping contest. Brooklyn, a book restoration expert, is on site giving presentations on her restoration of a copy of Twain's "Prince and the Pauper", the book that inspired the look-alike contest, as well as mingling with guests and, ultimately, suspects in the murder of Cabot's long-time butler. Derek and his team are top-notch and Brooklyn, well, she's snoopy and has the knack of being in the right place at the right time to see and overhear things.
They, along with Detective Lee, follow clues and hunches, many courtesy of Brooklyn, to solve the problem. Complications arise, of course, as Brooklyn and the rest deal with crowds, rowdy children, and two "blond bombshells", Joseph's wife and his mother-in-law. Could they be involved? Where did the killer get the idea for the murder weapon? Who had the skill to make it work? Why does Ella tolerate her mother's treatment of her? How does Brooklyn get so lucky at casino night? Should we all remember her numbers? Why were Joseph and his butler arguing? Was the butler even the intended victim? Why is someone afraid of look-alike winner Tom's presence? Would you risk your own life for a friend like Wyatt did for Tom?
And...oh, so much more. I liked watching the wheels turn in Brooklyn's mind even if, well, they did tend to ping and zing and zip off in different, unexpected ways at times. I mean, I sorta related as my own mind often works that way. Like, her random thought about frog handlers made me wonder what sort of qualifications such a worker must have. That detail seemed irrelevant but others weren't, making it all the more interesting. Throughout it all, of course, we book people were treated to a flood of fascinating information about books, printing, book restoration, and, of course, Mark Twain. Btw, Derek and Brooklyn have only been married for a year, so, yes, lots of sweet lovey-dovey moments but nothing that distracted either them or the reader from the plot.
Thanks #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMeida for inviting me to the Mark Twain Festival to hang out with Brooklyn, Derek, and friends. I'm thinking the ending perhaps gave us a foreshadowing of big news to come? Can't wait!
I'm a long time Kate Carlisle fan but this is my first time listening to one of her books on audio. Even better, it's one I hadn't read. I thoroughly enjoyed it. Narrator Young does an excellent job not only bringing the characters to life but differentiating the voices. Chapter changes are simply announced and Young even handles various accents with aplomb. It was interesting to hear the minor but distinct changes in the Swedish accents utilized, too, both showing character traits in a subtle way. Kudos to both author and narrator.
As for the mystery, it opens with Brooklyn's security team chief husband, Derek, on the job protecting Joseph Cabot, a wealthy San Franciscan. Cabot is a huge supporter of the Covington Library and is sponsoring and hosting a Mark Twain related festival as a fundraiser. One of the big draws is a contest to select someone who looks like Joseph, not Twain. There are also children's activities, a riverboat casino cruise, and even a frog jumping contest. Brooklyn, a book restoration expert, is on site giving presentations on her restoration of a copy of Twain's "Prince and the Pauper", the book that inspired the look-alike contest, as well as mingling with guests and, ultimately, suspects in the murder of Cabot's long-time butler. Derek and his team are top-notch and Brooklyn, well, she's snoopy and has the knack of being in the right place at the right time to see and overhear things.
They, along with Detective Lee, follow clues and hunches, many courtesy of Brooklyn, to solve the problem. Complications arise, of course, as Brooklyn and the rest deal with crowds, rowdy children, and two "blond bombshells", Joseph's wife and his mother-in-law. Could they be involved? Where did the killer get the idea for the murder weapon? Who had the skill to make it work? Why does Ella tolerate her mother's treatment of her? How does Brooklyn get so lucky at casino night? Should we all remember her numbers? Why were Joseph and his butler arguing? Was the butler even the intended victim? Why is someone afraid of look-alike winner Tom's presence? Would you risk your own life for a friend like Wyatt did for Tom?
And...oh, so much more. I liked watching the wheels turn in Brooklyn's mind even if, well, they did tend to ping and zing and zip off in different, unexpected ways at times. I mean, I sorta related as my own mind often works that way. Like, her random thought about frog handlers made me wonder what sort of qualifications such a worker must have. That detail seemed irrelevant but others weren't, making it all the more interesting. Throughout it all, of course, we book people were treated to a flood of fascinating information about books, printing, book restoration, and, of course, Mark Twain. Btw, Derek and Brooklyn have only been married for a year, so, yes, lots of sweet lovey-dovey moments but nothing that distracted either them or the reader from the plot.
Thanks #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMeida for inviting me to the Mark Twain Festival to hang out with Brooklyn, Derek, and friends. I'm thinking the ending perhaps gave us a foreshadowing of big news to come? Can't wait!
July 6, 2022
THE PAPER CAPER is the sixteenth book in the Bibliophile Mysteries by Kate Carlisle. Every time I see that a new book is being released in this series, I can’t wait to find out which classic book and author will be showcased for the theme. In this newest release, it’s Mark Twain’s The Prince and the Pauper, and Ms. Carlisle, as always, puts her own twist on the classic tale. Her storytelling expertise has had me racing to read the original classic several times after finishing her books, and The Paper Caper was no exception. I also loved that she starts each chapter with a quote from Mark Twain, which adds to the theme’s appeal.
With protagonist Brooklyn, and her husband, Derek, involved in the Covington library’s Mark Twain Festival, the mystery is set up quickly when a generous benefactor announces a look-alike contest with a hefty monetary prize. Since Derek is in charge of the benefactor’s security and Brooklyn is in charge of restoring a rare first edition of The Prince and the Pauper, the pair land in the thick of things when the look-alike winner is targeted with violence. Along with writing a well-plotted and fast-paced mystery that kept me intrigued, the author does an admirable job in bringing the details to life. It was easy to visualize the streets of San Francisco, feel the pages of the old book between my finger, hear the happy chatter of the kids taking part in Brooklyn’s library craft, and taste the wine from Brooklyn’s parents’ winery. It brings the characters and the setting to life, and keeps fans coming back to find out what happens next in Brooklyn and Derek’s exciting life!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
With protagonist Brooklyn, and her husband, Derek, involved in the Covington library’s Mark Twain Festival, the mystery is set up quickly when a generous benefactor announces a look-alike contest with a hefty monetary prize. Since Derek is in charge of the benefactor’s security and Brooklyn is in charge of restoring a rare first edition of The Prince and the Pauper, the pair land in the thick of things when the look-alike winner is targeted with violence. Along with writing a well-plotted and fast-paced mystery that kept me intrigued, the author does an admirable job in bringing the details to life. It was easy to visualize the streets of San Francisco, feel the pages of the old book between my finger, hear the happy chatter of the kids taking part in Brooklyn’s library craft, and taste the wine from Brooklyn’s parents’ winery. It brings the characters and the setting to life, and keeps fans coming back to find out what happens next in Brooklyn and Derek’s exciting life!
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 29, 2022
I cannot express how happy I was to get the notice from my library that this book was ready for me to borrow. I immediately checked it out and sat down to read. Ms. Carlisle has done it again with a another captivating mystery. Brooklyn and Derek are involved with a city wide Mark Twain festival sponsored by a friend of Derek's; but unfortunately, it sparks more than just enthusiastic reading of Mark Twain's The Prince and The Pauper. A creative and swiftly paced story line, several people who may be suspects but are definitely characters who I love to hate and Inspector Lee is on the scene (for once) during the dramatic conclusion. Plus, I got a quick visit to Dharma in the epilogue which always makes me smile. I honestly could not put the book down until I finished it.
August 31, 2022
I love this series and this book felt a bit different (maybe without any trips to Dharma and few our of usually side characters), but I enjoyed it. I liked seeing more of Ian and his husband Jake! I also really enjoyed seeing Derek is high security mode and appreciated how he and the inspector kept Brooklyn in the loop. There was a cast of highly unlikable characters with a few endearing ones, but I was completely stumped by the whole situation, when even the intended victim wasn't entirely unclear. The idea around the look a like contest seemed a bit farfetched at first, but I grew more comfortable with it as it continued. I loved the book festival idea and everything about the Covington Library.
Note: I did not listen to the audio for this one. I tried, but the narration was not well done. Everyone had a strange accent ESPECIALLY Ian and Derek and I couldn't do it.
Note: I did not listen to the audio for this one. I tried, but the narration was not well done. Everyone had a strange accent ESPECIALLY Ian and Derek and I couldn't do it.
August 7, 2022
I felt this was the weakest in the series so far. It started off really interesting and I liked the new characters, but it was squandered by the lack of development with Brooklyn. She was way more clingy and annoying. It distracted from the central mystery.
September 19, 2022
There are so few books I will make a point to grab as a new release (we'll quantify 'new release' as read within the first six months), mainly because I hate being on a long waiting list, as well as being under pressure to finish quickly because more people are waiting behind me, but my favorite cozy mystery series are often exceptions. Which is to say that I was on my library's wait list for the newest Bibliophile Mystery while it was still in pre-release status, somewhere around 19 people deep. Was it worth the wait? Let's see...
What I liked about The Paper Caper:
It recovered nicely from an unexpectedly slow start - These books almost never fail to hook me in from page one. For some reason, this one took me a couple of chapters before I felt in the groove with it. The problem might just have been me, though, because once I got going, I was all in as usual, turning pages and trying to figure out the culprit at brain churning speeds.
A humdinger of a case - So many players, so many moving parts. And yet at no point was it too much for me. By the end, it worked, and the "whodunnit" was actually pretty clever and satisfying.
The event and the cast of characters - The level of detail Kate comes up with really impresses me and reels me in. I can picture scenes unfolding before me, whether at the Covington, at Joseph's mansion, or in Dharma. And her characters just pop right to life off the pages, charming and likeable.
What I didn't care for:
One possible unanswered question - There was one incident I am not convinced was explained. I feel like Brooklyn had theories about it, but I am not sure her theories were ever confirmed or denied. Either way, it doesn't affect the outcome of the case. I just like all the threads to be wrapped up nice and tidy.
What left me conflicted:
The Twain quotes - For the life of me, I could not figure out if the quote at the start of each chapter was supposed to foreshadow what was coming next in the story or if they were just a fun way to include Mark Twain quotes, given the theme of the Festival. ::face palm:: (Yes, I overthink, why do you ask?)
Am I ready for the next Bibliophile Mystery? You bet I am! Even if it means a waitlist. Because let's face it: I want my next visit with Brooklyn, Derek, and the gang, and I usually race right through them, so the pressure is negligible. I hope there are many more Bibliophile Mysteries to come!
What I liked about The Paper Caper:
It recovered nicely from an unexpectedly slow start - These books almost never fail to hook me in from page one. For some reason, this one took me a couple of chapters before I felt in the groove with it. The problem might just have been me, though, because once I got going, I was all in as usual, turning pages and trying to figure out the culprit at brain churning speeds.
A humdinger of a case - So many players, so many moving parts. And yet at no point was it too much for me. By the end, it worked, and the "whodunnit" was actually pretty clever and satisfying.
The event and the cast of characters - The level of detail Kate comes up with really impresses me and reels me in. I can picture scenes unfolding before me, whether at the Covington, at Joseph's mansion, or in Dharma. And her characters just pop right to life off the pages, charming and likeable.
What I didn't care for:
One possible unanswered question - There was one incident I am not convinced was explained. I feel like Brooklyn had theories about it, but I am not sure her theories were ever confirmed or denied. Either way, it doesn't affect the outcome of the case. I just like all the threads to be wrapped up nice and tidy.
What left me conflicted:
The Twain quotes - For the life of me, I could not figure out if the quote at the start of each chapter was supposed to foreshadow what was coming next in the story or if they were just a fun way to include Mark Twain quotes, given the theme of the Festival. ::face palm:: (Yes, I overthink, why do you ask?)
Am I ready for the next Bibliophile Mystery? You bet I am! Even if it means a waitlist. Because let's face it: I want my next visit with Brooklyn, Derek, and the gang, and I usually race right through them, so the pressure is negligible. I hope there are many more Bibliophile Mysteries to come!
August 14, 2022
Joseph Cabot is a very wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn Wainwright’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt. Since Joseph’s favorite author is Mark Twain, he’s endorsed the first annual Mark Twain Festival. As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Covington Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. The biggest event is a citywide contest to find someone who looks like Joseph. The two men will trade places for a week as part of a publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs. Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.
This was a great cozy mystery read. I love reading about Brooklyn and Derek, and their exploits catching killers. The mystery was very puzzling, with red herrings that confounded me. I was surprised by the identity of the culprit. The setting, San Francisco, was so wonderfully described that I could envision the Covington Library and the parks. I love this series and can’t wait to read the next one.
This was a great cozy mystery read. I love reading about Brooklyn and Derek, and their exploits catching killers. The mystery was very puzzling, with red herrings that confounded me. I was surprised by the identity of the culprit. The setting, San Francisco, was so wonderfully described that I could envision the Covington Library and the parks. I love this series and can’t wait to read the next one.
July 21, 2022
I enjoyed this one so much more than the last one. I think it's because this one went back to basics - there was no more jet-setting off in private planes with Brooklyn acting as a spy. Brooklyn is back at the Covington and working with books. This is what made me fall in love with the series and I am glad it is back. As usual, the mystery is well written and keeps you intrigued the whole way through (although I did figure out who the guilty party was early on). I can't wait to see what they get up to next.
Narration was well done, although there were some pronunciation issues (French).
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
Narration was well done, although there were some pronunciation issues (French).
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #DreamscapeMedia for an honest review.
August 29, 2024
It is the 16th book in Bibliophile Mystery serie and it is a good read. I like the story and also the plot is interesting. It kept me guessing till the end. I intend to read also other books from this serie.
June 8, 2022
Kate Carlisle is one of my favorite Cozy Mystery authors and with THE PAPER CAPER, she proves once again why she is.
I really enjoyed this book. This one involves one of Derek’s friends, Joseph Cabot. He’s a wealthy man who owns several radio and TV stations as well as the main newspaper in town. Derek had rescued Joseph from an assassin attack years ago, so they remain on friendly terms. But when a campaign goes wrong, Brooklyn and Derek have their hands full with trying to catch a killer.
I can’t say I’ve read such an original concept before, but Carlisle did such an amazing job of bringing this story to life. I love Derek’s involvement with this story because it not only brings in that suspenseful aspect due to his job, but it strengths Brooklyn’s relationship with him as well.
THE PAPER CAPER is brilliant! It’s definitely one of my favorite books from the series and I cannot recommend this series enough. It’s definitely a must-read for Cozy Mystery fans.
I really enjoyed this book. This one involves one of Derek’s friends, Joseph Cabot. He’s a wealthy man who owns several radio and TV stations as well as the main newspaper in town. Derek had rescued Joseph from an assassin attack years ago, so they remain on friendly terms. But when a campaign goes wrong, Brooklyn and Derek have their hands full with trying to catch a killer.
I can’t say I’ve read such an original concept before, but Carlisle did such an amazing job of bringing this story to life. I love Derek’s involvement with this story because it not only brings in that suspenseful aspect due to his job, but it strengths Brooklyn’s relationship with him as well.
THE PAPER CAPER is brilliant! It’s definitely one of my favorite books from the series and I cannot recommend this series enough. It’s definitely a must-read for Cozy Mystery fans.
July 31, 2022
While I love this series and really enjoyed visiting with Brooklyn and Derek again this was definitely not my favorite book in the series. I loved the premise of Mark Twain's The Prince and the Pauper, and time spent in the Covington Library but this was a sad mystery and all the potential villains were so nasty you wanted all of them to be guilty. While I liked the intended victim it was hard to believe that anyone that smart could be so unaware on another level. The setting and time frame made this pretty fast and furious but just not really satisfying. Looking forward to our next adventure.
July 12, 2022
Title: The Caper Caper
Series: Bibliophile #16
Author: Kate Carlisle
Audiobook Narrator: Sara Young
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: July 26, 2022
My Rating: Stars 3.7 rounded up
This is #16 in the series, so I had a lot of caching up to do. Read several of the reviews of the other books in this series and decided this looked like a fun cozy.
Brooklyn Wainwright is book-restoration expert in San Francisco.
Joseph Cabot is a wealthy man who owns several radio and TV stations as well as the main newspaper in town.
Brooklyn and Derek had rescued Joseph from an assassin attack years ago, so have established a friendship.
Joseph’s newspaper is organizing a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library.
The prize is $100,000.00 Hmm I thought I would hire a good make-up artist!
But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes!
I enjoyed this and the characters were great.
Additionally, narrator Sara Young did a great job performing all the characters!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this early Audio eGalley.
Publishing Dare scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 2022
Series: Bibliophile #16
Author: Kate Carlisle
Audiobook Narrator: Sara Young
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pub Date: July 26, 2022
My Rating: Stars 3.7 rounded up
This is #16 in the series, so I had a lot of caching up to do. Read several of the reviews of the other books in this series and decided this looked like a fun cozy.
Brooklyn Wainwright is book-restoration expert in San Francisco.
Joseph Cabot is a wealthy man who owns several radio and TV stations as well as the main newspaper in town.
Brooklyn and Derek had rescued Joseph from an assassin attack years ago, so have established a friendship.
Joseph’s newspaper is organizing a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library.
The prize is $100,000.00 Hmm I thought I would hire a good make-up artist!
But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes!
I enjoyed this and the characters were great.
Additionally, narrator Sara Young did a great job performing all the characters!
Want to thank NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for this early Audio eGalley.
Publishing Dare scheduled for Tuesday, July 26, 2022
July 20, 2022
Narrator: First person
Series #: Bibliophile Mystery 16
Main sleuth(s): Brooklyn Wainwright, bookbinder
Animals: Fluffy calico cat
Location: San Francisco, California
Theme: Bookbinding
Sub-location: Covington Library during the Mark Twain Festival
Notes on the puns of the title: It's has to do with the murder AND it rhymes! I'm not sure that it's a pun, but I do enjoy it.
Mystery notes: Twists! Turns! I really enjoyed this one, I love it when it ends up being the character I hated most. This one hinged on being about Cars, which I cannot tell apart, but I'm glad that the characters of the book can.
Recipes: No :<
Copaganda/police involvement: Bumbling, not useful. Big plus! Unfortunately Brooklyn's husband/boyfriend, Derek is a Secret Agent of Some Kind, which really feels like it should be investigated (but I bet it was the plot of some other book in the series).
Further Notes: I read this on audiobook and I LOVED the narrator.
Four stars! I’m definitely going to be looking for another Bibliophile Mystery.
Series #: Bibliophile Mystery 16
Main sleuth(s): Brooklyn Wainwright, bookbinder
Animals: Fluffy calico cat
Location: San Francisco, California
Theme: Bookbinding
Sub-location: Covington Library during the Mark Twain Festival
Notes on the puns of the title: It's has to do with the murder AND it rhymes! I'm not sure that it's a pun, but I do enjoy it.
Mystery notes: Twists! Turns! I really enjoyed this one, I love it when it ends up being the character I hated most. This one hinged on being about Cars, which I cannot tell apart, but I'm glad that the characters of the book can.
Recipes: No :<
Copaganda/police involvement: Bumbling, not useful. Big plus! Unfortunately Brooklyn's husband/boyfriend, Derek is a Secret Agent of Some Kind, which really feels like it should be investigated (but I bet it was the plot of some other book in the series).
Further Notes: I read this on audiobook and I LOVED the narrator.
Four stars! I’m definitely going to be looking for another Bibliophile Mystery.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 13, 2022
Brooklyn Wainwright is a book binder specializing in rare books. Her gorgeous British husband Derek Stone is a former MI 6 agent and now a security agent. His friend Joseph Cabot is a wealthy newspaper owner who is in charge of a Mark Twain festival. This year they are having a Prince & pauper theme. Brooklyn is in charge of restoring a first edition. They did a contest to find a look alike to Joseph Cabot. Joseph Cabot hires Derek's security company to handle security at the festival. Then the butler is killed and Derek and Brooklyn are trying to find out who did it.
This is the 16th book in the Bibliophile Mystery Series. I have read the previous books and was super excited to get my hands on the audiobook before its release date. The book could be read as a stand alone but the series is so good that it's best to read in order. To fully appreciate and get to know all the fun characters. I'm excited to see what happens next. Kate Carlisle is one of my favorite authors.
This is the 16th book in the Bibliophile Mystery Series. I have read the previous books and was super excited to get my hands on the audiobook before its release date. The book could be read as a stand alone but the series is so good that it's best to read in order. To fully appreciate and get to know all the fun characters. I'm excited to see what happens next. Kate Carlisle is one of my favorite authors.
July 20, 2022
What a fun concept! Brooklyn is a book restorer and she just happens to be at the wrong/right place at the wrong/right time for a murder and cannot help by investigate. Her fiance, Derek, owns a security firm and together they are a "power" couple when it comes to saving the day. Joseph Cabot is the billionaire who owns several media outlets including the newspaper in San Francisco and he is underwriting the festivities for the Mark Twain festival celebrating the Prince and the Pauper is the theme of the contest looking for his look alike. When they find someone who looks like him then mayhem starts happening and the butler is murdered, hit and run, and gunshots. Who is behind it and is anyone safe? I do have to say this was my first read/listen in this series and I loved it and cannot wait for another!
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
**Received this ARC for review in audio from the publisher via NetGalley**
January 2, 2025
I just love this series. I learn a lot about book binding. Brooklyn is involved in a Mark Twain Festival. Specifically, she will be refurbishing a copy of The Prince and the Pauper. There will be a contest where a very rich man, Jospeh, will trade places with a look alike. The man they find could be Joseph's twin. Immediately, it seems that someone is trying to kill the look alike. Or is Joseph the target? When Joseph's butler dies, Brooklyn and Derek are there to help find the killer. He was poisoned in an unusual way, and they have to find the person responsible. It is an old way of poisoning someone but could be simple to do if you can do the process. When more attempts are made on the look alike, Brooklyn starts looking harder at her long list of suspects. Can they find the killer before it is too late?
July 10, 2022
I don't usually read cozy mysteries, but I was drawn to this one because it revolves around books. Joseph, a wealthy media mogul, and publisher who loves Mark Twain novels, decides to support the Covington Library yet another way – by organizing a Mark Twain-themed book festival. There will be "Tom Sawyer and Huckleberry Finn's" based painting a fence or "The Prince and the Pauper's" inspired look-alike contest with a generous prize. Brooklyn – the returning character in Kate Carlisle's "Bibliophile" series – will do a public demonstration restoring an old copy of Mark's Twain novel. However, murder destroys the joyful mood of celebration. Did the exhibition of poisoned papers in the library give ideas to the murderer on how to proceed? Once more, Brooklyn, using her observation skills and logic, together with her handsome British husband, Derek, who now is on an assignment to protect Joseph during the festival, follows the trails to bring the murderer to justice.
I enjoyed listening to the mystery, mainly for the background of book restoration and the feeling of the book lover community in the library. The characters are lively, especially the perky Brooklyn is adorable as a newly-wed wife with her admiration of Derek and slightly jealous of a statuesque Swedish-born wife of Joseph. There is some light humor and although solving the mystery was a bit predictable, it was still an enjoyable story.
I enjoyed listening to the mystery, mainly for the background of book restoration and the feeling of the book lover community in the library. The characters are lively, especially the perky Brooklyn is adorable as a newly-wed wife with her admiration of Derek and slightly jealous of a statuesque Swedish-born wife of Joseph. There is some light humor and although solving the mystery was a bit predictable, it was still an enjoyable story.
July 17, 2022
The opinions expressed in the review are my own, and I thank NetGalley for the ARC.
I have never read anything by Kate Carlisle but have wanted to read her Bibliophile series. A mystery featuring a bookbinder and quotes from well-known authors is very cool! What's not to love?
In this mystery, Joseph Cabot, an influential and wealthy individual, hosts a Mark Twain event in the SF Bay area. Brooklyn, our main character, and her husband, Derek, who has a security firm, are hired to assist at the event and are friends with Joseph Cabot. The event starts wonderfully, with Cabot swapping places with the winner of the raffle, relating to the Mark Twain story, The Prince and the Pauper. This does not go over well with Cabot's new wife, mother-in-law, or his butler. But, Cabot does not allow that to deter him. Unfortunately, while Cabot is living the life of Mark, the raffle winner, a murder occurs. And this is where Brooklyn and her husband get involved, trying to determine who is placing their friend at risk and solving the crime.
There are a few suspects and limited red herrings, and I thought it was an easy crime to solve.
But, I loved the use of Mark Twain quotes, and the whole literary event was well thought out and developed in the story.
The narration was well done, but I cannot say that I liked the narration of Derek.
I would recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries and Kate Carlisle.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
I have never read anything by Kate Carlisle but have wanted to read her Bibliophile series. A mystery featuring a bookbinder and quotes from well-known authors is very cool! What's not to love?
In this mystery, Joseph Cabot, an influential and wealthy individual, hosts a Mark Twain event in the SF Bay area. Brooklyn, our main character, and her husband, Derek, who has a security firm, are hired to assist at the event and are friends with Joseph Cabot. The event starts wonderfully, with Cabot swapping places with the winner of the raffle, relating to the Mark Twain story, The Prince and the Pauper. This does not go over well with Cabot's new wife, mother-in-law, or his butler. But, Cabot does not allow that to deter him. Unfortunately, while Cabot is living the life of Mark, the raffle winner, a murder occurs. And this is where Brooklyn and her husband get involved, trying to determine who is placing their friend at risk and solving the crime.
There are a few suspects and limited red herrings, and I thought it was an easy crime to solve.
But, I loved the use of Mark Twain quotes, and the whole literary event was well thought out and developed in the story.
The narration was well done, but I cannot say that I liked the narration of Derek.
I would recommend this book to fans of cozy mysteries and Kate Carlisle.
⭐⭐⭐⭐
August 20, 2022
I really enjoyed this one. I wasn't surprised as I loved every book in this series... and it did not disappoint and is my favorite one, so far.
Brooklyn and Derek were at their finest as they investigated and worked to keep their friend safe during the Mark Twain Festival. We got to learn more tips on book restoration as well as Mark Twain while searching for the killer.
I'm so glad to we got to visit with both of them as well as many friends and family members along the way. They mystery was well-written with twists and turns that kept me up very late reading.
I can't wait for the next one.
Note: I received a copy with no expectation of a positive review.
Brooklyn and Derek were at their finest as they investigated and worked to keep their friend safe during the Mark Twain Festival. We got to learn more tips on book restoration as well as Mark Twain while searching for the killer.
I'm so glad to we got to visit with both of them as well as many friends and family members along the way. They mystery was well-written with twists and turns that kept me up very late reading.
I can't wait for the next one.
Note: I received a copy with no expectation of a positive review.
December 24, 2025
I received this book as a Good Reads giveaway and though I’d not read the previous books in the series, this entry can stand alone.
What a fun read - set in San Francisco the main character, Brooklyn, is a book conservator so much of the plot centers around books, restoration and libraries. Plus this story encompasses a Mark Twain festival with each chapter opening with a quote from Twain or one of his works. Lots of humor, a good plot, and fun characters makes this a great read. I’d recommend the book and the series!
What a fun read - set in San Francisco the main character, Brooklyn, is a book conservator so much of the plot centers around books, restoration and libraries. Plus this story encompasses a Mark Twain festival with each chapter opening with a quote from Twain or one of his works. Lots of humor, a good plot, and fun characters makes this a great read. I’d recommend the book and the series!
August 31, 2022
Brooklyn is getting ready for the town’s first Mark Twain festival, where she will be rebinding one of his books. Reading how they rebind books is interesting but it does make you wonder why if the book isn’t a rare one why do they spend all that time on it. The head of the festival has a contest for a look a like with himself. Several attempts on made on his life so Brooklyn and her husband look for the guilty party.
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