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Bookbinding Mystery #1
To Kill a Mocking Girl
Bookbinder Quinn finds herself in trouble when her ex's fiance turns up dead and if she's not careful, her days might be numbered.
Quinn Victoria Caine is back in her quirky town of Vienna, Virginia, starting her new life as a bookbinder in her family-owned, charm-for-days bookshop, Prose & Scones. With her trusty German Shephard RBG-'Ruff Barker' Ginsburg by her side, what can go wrong? Okay, sure, bumping into her ex, Scott, or her former high school nemesis, Tricia, is a drag. It certainly doesn't help they have acquired the new hobby of shoving their recent engagement in her face every chance they get. But that doesn't mean Quinn wanted to find Tricia dead in the road. So why does half the town think she may have done it?
Quinn is determined to find Tricia's killer, even if it means partnering with her cousin-turned-nun, Sister Daria, and Detective Aiden Harrington, her older brother's too-movie-star-handsome-for-his-own good, best friend. They believe she's innocent, but of course that doesn't influence the police, who peg her as their prime suspect. Or, at least until she's poisoned.
But there is no way Quinn is going to stop now. Vienna is her town and-for better or worse-Tricia was one of their own. Someone may have killed the mocking girl, but no one's going to stop the notorious QVC.
Quinn Victoria Caine is back in her quirky town of Vienna, Virginia, starting her new life as a bookbinder in her family-owned, charm-for-days bookshop, Prose & Scones. With her trusty German Shephard RBG-'Ruff Barker' Ginsburg by her side, what can go wrong? Okay, sure, bumping into her ex, Scott, or her former high school nemesis, Tricia, is a drag. It certainly doesn't help they have acquired the new hobby of shoving their recent engagement in her face every chance they get. But that doesn't mean Quinn wanted to find Tricia dead in the road. So why does half the town think she may have done it?
Quinn is determined to find Tricia's killer, even if it means partnering with her cousin-turned-nun, Sister Daria, and Detective Aiden Harrington, her older brother's too-movie-star-handsome-for-his-own good, best friend. They believe she's innocent, but of course that doesn't influence the police, who peg her as their prime suspect. Or, at least until she's poisoned.
But there is no way Quinn is going to stop now. Vienna is her town and-for better or worse-Tricia was one of their own. Someone may have killed the mocking girl, but no one's going to stop the notorious QVC.
Chirp Audio
First published May 12, 2020
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About the author
Harper Kincaid
9 books443 followersA woman with the heart of a revolutionary,
The mind of a pragmatist,
And the inappropriate humor of your tipsy BFF.
The mind of a pragmatist,
And the inappropriate humor of your tipsy BFF.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 325 reviews
May 19, 2020
Well, I must say this was one of the best cozy mysteries I've read in a while. To Kill A Mocking Girl is the first in the new Bookbinding Mystery series by Harper Kincaid, set in Virginia. We follow the antics of bookbinder Quinn Caine, her trusty German Shepherd RBG, her cousin Sister Daria, and their family and friends in the small town of Vienna.
Quinn is fronted by her high school frenemy Tricia, waving a new engagement ring in Quinn's face, Tricia has just become engaged to Quinn's ex, and wants to rub the fact in. When Tricia dies soon after the whole town sees Quinn as the number one suspect. Quinn has a fight on her hands to clear her name, especially as a new cop in town seems desperate to convict her of the crime. With the backing of her family and friends Quinn sets out to find the real culprit, before they kill again.
I found this book to be an engaging read and hard to put down. Full of wonderful characters, and dogs, the town comes to life between the pages, and we have fun solving the mystery alongside Quinn and co. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all lovers of cozy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Quinn is fronted by her high school frenemy Tricia, waving a new engagement ring in Quinn's face, Tricia has just become engaged to Quinn's ex, and wants to rub the fact in. When Tricia dies soon after the whole town sees Quinn as the number one suspect. Quinn has a fight on her hands to clear her name, especially as a new cop in town seems desperate to convict her of the crime. With the backing of her family and friends Quinn sets out to find the real culprit, before they kill again.
I found this book to be an engaging read and hard to put down. Full of wonderful characters, and dogs, the town comes to life between the pages, and we have fun solving the mystery alongside Quinn and co. I will definitely be on the lookout for the next book in the series and I have no hesitation in recommending it to all lovers of cozy mysteries.
My thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 6, 2020
Quinn Caine had returned from her travels, ready to settle down in her hometown of Vienna, Virginia. Her love of books; working in her family’s bookshop Prose & Scones and repairing all manner of loved books in her job as bookbinder would keep her busy. She also volunteered at the local nunnery where her cousin, Sister Daria was a novitiate, bringing dog food for the animals which were cared for out the back. Her latest drop off saw her encountering her nemesis, Tricia, who told both Quinn and Daria of her engagement to Quinn’s ex-boyfriend, Scott.
Quinn lived alone with her dog baby, German Shephard RBG and it was after getting up to her that Quinn and RBG discovered a dead body by the side of the road. After the police arrived and Quinn was immediately a person of interest, she was determined that with Daria’s help, she will find the killer. Detective Aiden Harrington, long time friend of the Caine family, was doing his utmost to find who murdered Tricia and warned Quinn to “not endanger herself”. But would that stop Quinn? Probably not…
To Kill A Mocking Girl is the 1st in the Bookbinding Mystery series by Harper Kincaid and I loved it. An excellent, highly entertaining cozy mystery with well fleshed out characters – Quinn and her family were so real. The laugh out loud moments were dotted throughout the book; I found I couldn’t put the book down. Twists, turns, and a result I hadn’t seen coming make To Kill A Mocking Girl one that is definitely worth recommending. I’ll be looking out for book 2 as soon as it comes out.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Quinn lived alone with her dog baby, German Shephard RBG and it was after getting up to her that Quinn and RBG discovered a dead body by the side of the road. After the police arrived and Quinn was immediately a person of interest, she was determined that with Daria’s help, she will find the killer. Detective Aiden Harrington, long time friend of the Caine family, was doing his utmost to find who murdered Tricia and warned Quinn to “not endanger herself”. But would that stop Quinn? Probably not…
To Kill A Mocking Girl is the 1st in the Bookbinding Mystery series by Harper Kincaid and I loved it. An excellent, highly entertaining cozy mystery with well fleshed out characters – Quinn and her family were so real. The laugh out loud moments were dotted throughout the book; I found I couldn’t put the book down. Twists, turns, and a result I hadn’t seen coming make To Kill A Mocking Girl one that is definitely worth recommending. I’ll be looking out for book 2 as soon as it comes out.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
April 22, 2023
This is a reread. It was so good the first time that I immediately purchased it. I am anxiously waiting to pick up the next volume from the library next week.
I love the characters, especially Quinn, Aiden, Sister Daria and Bash. I anxiously await what happens between Bash and Rachel and Quinn and Aiden.
Overall, it was an excellent book with great character development and an entertaining mystery. I recommend it to all mystery fans, especially cozy mystery fans.
I love the characters, especially Quinn, Aiden, Sister Daria and Bash. I anxiously await what happens between Bash and Rachel and Quinn and Aiden.
Overall, it was an excellent book with great character development and an entertaining mystery. I recommend it to all mystery fans, especially cozy mystery fans.
January 5, 2021
Totally charming! TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL kicks off the new Bookbinding Mystery series by Harper Kincaid. Though it breaks one of my rules for cozy mysteries, I ended up really enjoying it. My rule is that the mystery needs to be the main focus of the book, and in Mocking Girl, the mystery got lost at times in the wonderful "other" stuff — intriguing characters and their entangled relationships. I felt like I got to know everyone on a personal level.
Every chapter begins with a quote, and I was so impressed with the choices!
“Most everything you think you know about me is nothing more than memories.” ― Haruki Murakami
So what's the mystery? Main character Quinn Caine has returned to her hometown in Virginia to work in her family's bookshop. She gets thrown into a police investigation when her "frenemy" from high school is murdered. Quinn's sidekick in sleuthing is her quirky cousin Sister Daria, an Anglican nun in training. I enjoyed how the mystery wrapped up. Not what I was expecting! If you're into cozies with lots of witty dialogue and fun pop culture references, then I'd recommend giving TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL a try.
“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” ― Flannery O'Connor
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
Every chapter begins with a quote, and I was so impressed with the choices!
“Most everything you think you know about me is nothing more than memories.” ― Haruki Murakami
So what's the mystery? Main character Quinn Caine has returned to her hometown in Virginia to work in her family's bookshop. She gets thrown into a police investigation when her "frenemy" from high school is murdered. Quinn's sidekick in sleuthing is her quirky cousin Sister Daria, an Anglican nun in training. I enjoyed how the mystery wrapped up. Not what I was expecting! If you're into cozies with lots of witty dialogue and fun pop culture references, then I'd recommend giving TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL a try.
“The truth does not change according to our ability to stomach it.” ― Flannery O'Connor
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
March 25, 2020
Right away I knew I was going to like Vienna, Virginia and that started with connecting with Quinn Caine. She had just moved back from teaching English abroad, and well we just clicked. Working in a bookstore, traveling abroad, and her dog...it just seemed this was the beginning of a beautiful friendship. As I was helping her drop dog food off at the abbey...we were interrupted by Tricia Pemberley. She and Quinn went to high school together, and neither she nor her twin sister Trina would be what you called friendly...actually they seem to be quite the opposite. Tricia sought Quinn out to announce her engagement to fellow classmate Scott Hauser. Quinn dated him “all of five minutes” her words not mine. Despite this Tricia was convinced that Quinn wanted Scott back, and she was stating her permanent claim. I can assure you... Quinn did not want to reconcile her relationship with Scott...it lasted all of three weeks for goodness sake. Fast forward to later that night...
Quinn’s german shepherd Ruff barker Ginsberg or RGB for short woke both us up in the middle of the night insisting to go out. Quinn was adamant she would go by herself, but what the hey...I was already awake. Should have known nothing good happens after midnight. By nothing good I mean...finding the body of Tricia. So of course Quinn, and I felt an obligation to figure out what happened…..
My thoughts:
I thought this was a really strong first book in a series! I enjoyed the charming small town of Vienna with its community comradery. I was also delighted by the cast of characters we were introduced to. I loved Quinn's cousin/best friend turned nun sister Daria, RBG, hunks Aiden and Bash (Quinn doesn’t like me to say that about her brother, but it’s true), and the clink and drink gals. I know they (the clink and drink ladies) had a very small part, but offer great potential moving forward! The writing was fast paced, and there were plenty of twists and turns in the mystery.
I did think Quinn made some poor decisions, and the outcomes of those decisions were pretty outlandish and unrealistic. The recipes at the end of the book felt out of place and unnecessary.
Cozy fans should check this book out...it’s a barking good time!
check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Harper Kincaid, and the publisher for this opportunity.
Quinn’s german shepherd Ruff barker Ginsberg or RGB for short woke both us up in the middle of the night insisting to go out. Quinn was adamant she would go by herself, but what the hey...I was already awake. Should have known nothing good happens after midnight. By nothing good I mean...finding the body of Tricia. So of course Quinn, and I felt an obligation to figure out what happened…..
My thoughts:
I thought this was a really strong first book in a series! I enjoyed the charming small town of Vienna with its community comradery. I was also delighted by the cast of characters we were introduced to. I loved Quinn's cousin/best friend turned nun sister Daria, RBG, hunks Aiden and Bash (Quinn doesn’t like me to say that about her brother, but it’s true), and the clink and drink gals. I know they (the clink and drink ladies) had a very small part, but offer great potential moving forward! The writing was fast paced, and there were plenty of twists and turns in the mystery.
I did think Quinn made some poor decisions, and the outcomes of those decisions were pretty outlandish and unrealistic. The recipes at the end of the book felt out of place and unnecessary.
Cozy fans should check this book out...it’s a barking good time!
check out my blog at: http://beachbumbookworm.com/
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review. I would like to thank Netgalley, the author Harper Kincaid, and the publisher for this opportunity.
January 24, 2020
Great debut of a new cozy series with a younger character vibe going for it! I found myself immersed in the characters’ lives and enjoyed the quirkiness of protagonist, Quinn Caine and her best friend, Daria. They have fun together! The mystery is light and character antics keep it animated and interesting. The author pens some unexpected plot surprises and some chuckles, which I also enjoyed. The 4-legged supporting characters are great! I also liked Quinn’s work in the family bookstore, and her bookbinding knowledge. I’m looking forward to future stories in this series. Tasty recipes follow the story.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane. Thank you.
May 4, 2020
My rating is reflective of my enjoyment of this book as an adult woman who loves cozy mysteries, but I've come to the conclusion that this book was probably not intended for my demographic. Consequently, my rating may seem unfair, but I took the book as it was advertised; a mystery novel for a general readership.
Instead, I found it to be an awkward melange of overly aggressive dialogue, and VERY contemporary pop-culture references that will feel hopelessly dated in a few short years. The pandering tone, pacing, and the protagonist's complete disenfranchisement from traditional adult responsibilities all suggest that the book is intended for someone with a short attention span who may not yet have a great deal of life experience. I'm in my 30s, this book felt like it was intended for someone half my age. Aside from my lifelong interest in this genre, I work professionally as a bookseller and bookbinder, and I live in close proximity to the geographic location used for the story, and I still can not relate to a single character in this book.
I've always thought that I had a high tolerance for the inconsistencies and silliness inherent in the cozy mystery genre. I was excited about this book, and fully prepared to enjoy any campiness or whimsy. After all, this has everything that I want in a cozy mystery: clearly defined "unique" occupational framework, adult female protagonist, and overlap with the world of antiquarian books. There's almost no way that this book could have let me down had it actually contained any of these advertised elements.
But... no. None of these features were included in the book. The protagonist spoke and acted like a teenager, and her "job" was so completely inconsequential to the story, it simply did not figure into the plot. She rarely engaged in any aspect of her work, and it otherwise was not discussed or relevant to the story. She may as well have been a dog groomer, or a daycare worker, or a dental hygienist. Her abilities as a bookbinder were only referenced once by another character directly, and the author assured us that the character in question was "bored" while doing so. Is this really how you wish to establish a new mystery series built around the "hook" of a bookbinder and book conservationist? By avoiding all discussion of the subject? This was extremely frustrating, and suggests that Harper Kincaid is perhaps unfamiliar with the occupation chosen for her main character. Perhaps Kincaid was shoehorned into this particular plot framing device simply on the basis of a shared first name with the legendary Harper Lee. The selected title of this series' first novel reinforces that opinion in my mind.
The pacing was quite brisk, but this seemed more of a function of the break-neck speed at which the author wished to drop references to Game of Thrones and Harry Potter rather than in any service to the storyline. The pop culture quotes are just insufferable at the volume used by Kincaid. They aren't employed in a logical or subtle way, and to make matters even worse, the author insists upon explaining most of these references to the reader. Make no mistake: all of the allusions are very obvious and require no explanation. Even if someone needed to be told what "Ruff Barker Ginsburg" referenced, they shouldn't be told AFTER the name and variations of it have been used at least 5 times in the story.
And, I don't say this to be cruel, but it's really hard to read a book of this quality and see so many over-eager references to much better books interspersed at every turn.
This novel suffers from something that I may start calling "Post-Gilmore Girls Syndrome". Aside from the incessant references to literary and cultural works, the majority of the characters communicate by barking snappy one-liners at each other. They move spastically from one location to the next, having petty arguments and making off-hand inflammatory remarks that are then immediately forgiven/resolved in the next encounter, often over boutique coffee and snacks. None of this matters, none of it is pertinent to the plot (other than some extremely generic "mean girl" character building in the beginning), and none of it was appealing to read. Instead, the sense of disenfranchisement that I felt when I began the book steadily grew until it just lost me. With no relatable dialogue, character, plot device, or appealing framework for the story, there just wasn't anything left to enjoy.
I very rarely rate books this low, and this isn't even a bad book in the conventional sense! It's not poorly written, and there are many features of sophistication that hint at something promising. But it utterly fails at its stated premise. I sincerely trust that the people rating this at 5 stars loved it as much as they say, but as much as I tried, I just couldn't find a way to enjoy this book.
Instead, I found it to be an awkward melange of overly aggressive dialogue, and VERY contemporary pop-culture references that will feel hopelessly dated in a few short years. The pandering tone, pacing, and the protagonist's complete disenfranchisement from traditional adult responsibilities all suggest that the book is intended for someone with a short attention span who may not yet have a great deal of life experience. I'm in my 30s, this book felt like it was intended for someone half my age. Aside from my lifelong interest in this genre, I work professionally as a bookseller and bookbinder, and I live in close proximity to the geographic location used for the story, and I still can not relate to a single character in this book.
I've always thought that I had a high tolerance for the inconsistencies and silliness inherent in the cozy mystery genre. I was excited about this book, and fully prepared to enjoy any campiness or whimsy. After all, this has everything that I want in a cozy mystery: clearly defined "unique" occupational framework, adult female protagonist, and overlap with the world of antiquarian books. There's almost no way that this book could have let me down had it actually contained any of these advertised elements.
But... no. None of these features were included in the book. The protagonist spoke and acted like a teenager, and her "job" was so completely inconsequential to the story, it simply did not figure into the plot. She rarely engaged in any aspect of her work, and it otherwise was not discussed or relevant to the story. She may as well have been a dog groomer, or a daycare worker, or a dental hygienist. Her abilities as a bookbinder were only referenced once by another character directly, and the author assured us that the character in question was "bored" while doing so. Is this really how you wish to establish a new mystery series built around the "hook" of a bookbinder and book conservationist? By avoiding all discussion of the subject? This was extremely frustrating, and suggests that Harper Kincaid is perhaps unfamiliar with the occupation chosen for her main character. Perhaps Kincaid was shoehorned into this particular plot framing device simply on the basis of a shared first name with the legendary Harper Lee. The selected title of this series' first novel reinforces that opinion in my mind.
The pacing was quite brisk, but this seemed more of a function of the break-neck speed at which the author wished to drop references to Game of Thrones and Harry Potter rather than in any service to the storyline. The pop culture quotes are just insufferable at the volume used by Kincaid. They aren't employed in a logical or subtle way, and to make matters even worse, the author insists upon explaining most of these references to the reader. Make no mistake: all of the allusions are very obvious and require no explanation. Even if someone needed to be told what "Ruff Barker Ginsburg" referenced, they shouldn't be told AFTER the name and variations of it have been used at least 5 times in the story.
And, I don't say this to be cruel, but it's really hard to read a book of this quality and see so many over-eager references to much better books interspersed at every turn.
This novel suffers from something that I may start calling "Post-Gilmore Girls Syndrome". Aside from the incessant references to literary and cultural works, the majority of the characters communicate by barking snappy one-liners at each other. They move spastically from one location to the next, having petty arguments and making off-hand inflammatory remarks that are then immediately forgiven/resolved in the next encounter, often over boutique coffee and snacks. None of this matters, none of it is pertinent to the plot (other than some extremely generic "mean girl" character building in the beginning), and none of it was appealing to read. Instead, the sense of disenfranchisement that I felt when I began the book steadily grew until it just lost me. With no relatable dialogue, character, plot device, or appealing framework for the story, there just wasn't anything left to enjoy.
I very rarely rate books this low, and this isn't even a bad book in the conventional sense! It's not poorly written, and there are many features of sophistication that hint at something promising. But it utterly fails at its stated premise. I sincerely trust that the people rating this at 5 stars loved it as much as they say, but as much as I tried, I just couldn't find a way to enjoy this book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 19, 2023
Wow! This book took me three days to finish; unless it's a really thick novel, I can usually get through any piece of literature in no more than a day or two, sometimes less than an hour!
However, this whodunit was worth it. A captivating mystery that left me guessing, it gripped me from the beginning.
The only thing that keeps me from giving this a perfect score were some profanities and sexual references. While not as egregious as the average "R" comedy, discerning readers may take issue with such content.
However, this whodunit was worth it. A captivating mystery that left me guessing, it gripped me from the beginning.
The only thing that keeps me from giving this a perfect score were some profanities and sexual references. While not as egregious as the average "R" comedy, discerning readers may take issue with such content.
May 19, 2022
The book started off slow for me. I was drawn to the fact that the book was set in VA so I kept on. I did end up finishing the book but it wasn't really my favorite. Then the author threw in the non-binary "gender" and that kind of finished it for me. I will not continue with this series.
April 22, 2020
I finished this bookbinding series debut but it just didn't click for me. On the positive side, I enjoyed the close relationship and banter between main character Quinn and her close cousin, now known as Sister Daria, who is a noviate nun living at the local convent. But it wasn't enough to sustain my interest in the story. The mystery didn't grab me, the police work was shoddy, and I thought there could have been more focus on her craft of bookbinding-just a few snippets. However, I would consider reading the second book in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an ARC of this book. My review is voluntary.
May 13, 2020
I really enjoyed this new entry into the cozy mystery world from a new to me author. It's definitely an interesting business for a main character, and the book itself was well plotted and written. I can't say that I'm a huge fan of Quinn's yet though. There were times when I just wanted to headslap her for being so dense in affairs of the heart. She was crazy smart as far as learning and intelligence went, but she sure needed to learn something about love lol. There was just the right mixture of romance though, and I thought Aiden was the sweetest guy in the world for being incredibly patient with her. I got the biggest kick out of Quinn's cousin, Sister Daria who was still deciding if being an Anglican nun was her forever calling. Quinn and Daria made a good sleuthing pair. Daria even got her own side story. Bash was an awesome big brother and just the kind that anyone would love to have. He also had a side story that ended nicely.
I never had any idea as to the killer's identity. The showdown was fairly quick but especially awesome when the dogs got involved in the take down. Quinn may have done crazy things, but in the end which was very sweet, I was thinking she might have learned a thing or two. I'm super anxious to read more in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I never had any idea as to the killer's identity. The showdown was fairly quick but especially awesome when the dogs got involved in the take down. Quinn may have done crazy things, but in the end which was very sweet, I was thinking she might have learned a thing or two. I'm super anxious to read more in this series!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
August 27, 2020
My first cozy mystery book was a success! I watch the cozy mysteries on Hallmark so I’m a little familiar with cozies. However, as a book lover I’ve been dying to read a cozy book. This is the perfect book to start with in my opinion! I really enjoyed this story and I was completely wrong on who the killer was! I’m looking forward to reading more from Harper Kincaid and this genre.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 17, 2020
It's always a load of fun to start a brand new cosy mystery series and this one, To Kill a Mocking Girl written by Harper Kincaid, certainly did not disappoint!
The reader is soon introduced to the star of the show, bookbinder Quinn Caine, who has just finished teaching abroad and has moved back to her sleepy hometown of Vienna, Virginia. She now spends her days working in Prose & Scones, her family's bookshop, along with her dog, trusty German Shephard 'Ruff Barker' Ginsburg (aka RBG). Things are ticking along nicely until her ex boyfriend's fiancée, Tricia Pemberley turns up dead... Unfortunately, the deceased also happened to be Quinn's former high school nemesis, thereby making her the number one suspect.
I thought this was an excellent, really solid start to the series. I enjoyed reading about the quaint small town of Vienna with its strong community vibe. Harper Kincaid has laid the the foundations of a delightful set of characters to whom the reader was gradually introduced. Apart from Quinn herself who I found to be intelligent and smart, though not always very wise, I also liked her cousin, Sister Daria for her spirit and vivacity.
The writing was fast paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with abundant red herrings and twists to sustain my interest. All in all, a brilliant opening instalment and I will certainly be returning to Vienna to see what Quinn is getting herself into next.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
The reader is soon introduced to the star of the show, bookbinder Quinn Caine, who has just finished teaching abroad and has moved back to her sleepy hometown of Vienna, Virginia. She now spends her days working in Prose & Scones, her family's bookshop, along with her dog, trusty German Shephard 'Ruff Barker' Ginsburg (aka RBG). Things are ticking along nicely until her ex boyfriend's fiancée, Tricia Pemberley turns up dead... Unfortunately, the deceased also happened to be Quinn's former high school nemesis, thereby making her the number one suspect.
I thought this was an excellent, really solid start to the series. I enjoyed reading about the quaint small town of Vienna with its strong community vibe. Harper Kincaid has laid the the foundations of a delightful set of characters to whom the reader was gradually introduced. Apart from Quinn herself who I found to be intelligent and smart, though not always very wise, I also liked her cousin, Sister Daria for her spirit and vivacity.
The writing was fast paced, and the mystery itself was very well executed, with abundant red herrings and twists to sustain my interest. All in all, a brilliant opening instalment and I will certainly be returning to Vienna to see what Quinn is getting herself into next.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this review is my unbiased opinion.
May 16, 2021
Quinn and her brother Sabastian( Bash) came back to Vieannia Virginia. Quinn was a teacher for other countries and Bash was a firefighter. Quinn was working with her mother Adele and her father Finn in a bookstore Pros and Scones. She was a bookbinding for them Before Quinn came home she found out her cousin Sister Daaria was wanting to become a nun. Quinn did not understand why.And wanted to get a house (to try to win back his ex girlfriend Rachel) the realities were Tricia and Trina mean twin sisters that No one especially Quinn did not like.Trisha was engaged to Scott (who Quinn dated along time ago) Tricia thought Quinn wanted him. But Quinn had eyes only still for Aiden a cop one of Quinn bro Bash best friend in school for along time. But Quinn thought Aiden just thought of her as a little girl still. Something happened to Trivia Quinn German shepherd dog ENG found her body in road. This new cop Renyolds was trying to frame Quinn but come to find out Reynolds knew Tricia awhile ago. There are all kinds of suspects but someone did it but who. I Loved that the Author Harper Kincaid had The80' movies and bands in this serious. I grew up in the 80's and loved the movies and bands of that era.
July 17, 2020
This Cozy has it all - books, bookbinding, food (including, recipes at the end), beloved animals (German Shepherd - RBG (Ruff Barker Ginsburg) and a Rottweiler), and supportive family to help Quinn Caine when she needs them most.
It's well written and I could not put this down - as a matter of fact, it kept me up during the better part of the night, as I worked to finish it!
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
It's well written and I could not put this down - as a matter of fact, it kept me up during the better part of the night, as I worked to finish it!
Looking forward to the next book in this series!
February 17, 2020
To Kill a Mocking Girl is a promising start for this new cozy mystery series by author Harper Kincaid. The author has crafted a well-rounded story with a charming small-town setting, likable characters, and a puzzling mystery. I liked the characters in this book right from the outset. Quinn is a quirky, intelligent bookworm who has returned home after experiencing the adventures of the world. Her cousin, Sister Daria, is a terrific character as well. While they are cousins, their relationship reads like that of sisters. Even though Daria is a novitiate she still has a bit of a way to go as evidenced by her sometimes snarky and wise-cracking remarks. The cast of characters is rounded out nicely by Quinn's parents, her brother Bash, Daria's parents and Bash's best friend Aiden, the local PD and love interest for Quinn. Although, when talking about the cast of secondary characters I can't forget to add Quinn's German Shepard Ruff Barker Ginsburg (RBG). I mean the name alone is enough said.
The mystery was really well done and quite the puzzle to unravel. Quinn does get herself in some trouble while she and Daria try to solve the murder of a former classmate. However, Quinn is not what I would call reckless and she does own up to her mistakes when called on them by Aiden. The author did a great job of dropping hints and red herrings along the way. I was totally surprised by the identity of the killer.
This was a terrific first book in a new series. It has a great pace, steady plot and the story moves along nicely. The characters and mystery will pull the reader in and keep them guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. The opinions are my own.
The mystery was really well done and quite the puzzle to unravel. Quinn does get herself in some trouble while she and Daria try to solve the murder of a former classmate. However, Quinn is not what I would call reckless and she does own up to her mistakes when called on them by Aiden. The author did a great job of dropping hints and red herrings along the way. I was totally surprised by the identity of the killer.
This was a terrific first book in a new series. It has a great pace, steady plot and the story moves along nicely. The characters and mystery will pull the reader in and keep them guessing. I look forward to the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. The opinions are my own.
May 15, 2020
To Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid is the first A Book Binder Mystery. Quinn Caine has spent the last three years teaching English abroad. Quinn is happy to return home where she rents a converted barn from her aunt and uncle. She is working a book binder at her parent’s bookshop, Prose & Scones in Vienna, Virginia. Quinn is also an avid reader who is currently enjoying cozy mysteries. I like that the author took the time to establish the characters and set the stage for the series. We learn about the businesses in Vienna and meet various townspeople. I liked Quinn’s cousin, Sister Daria who is a novitiate living at Guinefort Home where they raise and train German Shepherds. Sister Daria and Quinn have a close relationship and I enjoyed their banter. I wish we had gotten to spend more time at Prose & Scones as well as learn more about bookbinding. There were just small snippets of Quinn’s craft. Quinn has a habit of sharing book and movie quotes. I had to laugh at one that referenced a magical invisibility cloak. The mystery seemed to fade into the background most of the time. I wanted it to be the feature with sleuthing and action. I thought the method of murder was clever. I found there to be too much romance for my liking. I wanted less flirting and more snooping. I do want to make readers aware that this book does contain mild foul language. My favorite line from To Kill a Mocking Girl is, “Curses like chickens come home to roost.” To Kill a Mocking Girl is a blithe cozy mystery with a clever canine, a snippy sister, dog donations, a mean-spirited mother, a debonair detective, and a busy bookbinder.
April 11, 2020
This book was not for me, quite literally. I think the target audience was American millenials, and I am neither. The plot was a bit thin as were the cardboard characters, but I wouldn't have minded that in a cosy mystery. The setting was okay, The romance was a boring cliche I mostly skipped over. Still, I would have been okay with it.
There were other things that really annoyed me.
First of all the totally irrelevant quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Second, the inner commentary of the main character, which gave me the impression the author thought the readers must be terribly stupid and they need an extra explanation of every action and thought. Third, everyone behaved as if they were characters in a mediocre family TV show. And finally, the most annoying thing which made it almost unreadable: the endless number of movie quotes, pop culture references and even mentions of hashtags and OMGs. This was not a novel, it was a tumblr post.
There were other things that really annoyed me.
First of all the totally irrelevant quotes at the beginning of each chapter. Second, the inner commentary of the main character, which gave me the impression the author thought the readers must be terribly stupid and they need an extra explanation of every action and thought. Third, everyone behaved as if they were characters in a mediocre family TV show. And finally, the most annoying thing which made it almost unreadable: the endless number of movie quotes, pop culture references and even mentions of hashtags and OMGs. This was not a novel, it was a tumblr post.
September 22, 2020
Quinn Caine has travelled the world teaching English in remote locations but there's really no place like home. Home being Vienna, Virginia, the bedroom community outside of Washington, DC where Quinn grew up and where her parents own Prose & Scones, a bookstore. Quinn is happy to be back and eager to help her parents at the store working as a bookbinder. She's also excited to reunite with her former hell-raising cousin, now a novitiate in an Anglican convent. To be honest with herself, Quinn is the most excited about seeing her childhood crush, Aiden Harrington. Aiden, now a Vienna PD detective, is her big brother's best friend and has always treated Quinn like a little sister. Will he continue to see her that way now she's grown? While volunteering delivering dog food with her trusty German Shepherd dog, RBG (Ruff Barker Ginsberg), Quinn runs into her former high school nemesis, mean girl Tricia Pemberley. Tricia doesn't miss a chance to announce her engagement to Scott Hauser, Quinn's ex. Quinn could care less. When RBG senses something wrong late one night and drags Quinn out to the park they discover Tricia's lifeless body tossed like garbage and a car speeding away. Unfortunately for Quinn, the first officer on the scene accuses her of doing the dirty deed! Quinn may not have liked Tricia but there's no way she'd kill someone, let alone over Scott, someone she only dated for like 3 weeks. Aiden has Quinn's back but it's going to take a lot of work to find out who did this and make the community trust Quinn again.
The mystery portion of this novel, albeit small, was interesting but not enough to keep me reading all night long. I was able to put the book down and not worry about whodunit. I thought it was obvious. I was wrong. I did figure out the big clue that pointed to the murder weapon but never did realize who the murderer was. The way Quinn figures it out is a bit contrived. I was surprised but the villain's motive was super weak. It would have been better if There's another suspect that does something weird and crazy that isn't fully explained either. I would have liked more mystery. There was too much else going on in this novel.
I think it was a mistake for the author to use a real city as her setting. It's limiting and it also makes the suspect pool too wide. Small towns are fun because the authors can be creative and quirky while limiting the number of people who live there. Vienna is close to DC and the murderer could be anyone! Northwest Vienna sounds like a nice place but I was appalled by the casual reference to white people living on land that once belonged to free blacks. Cringy! I assumed there'd be some Black people in the community but there's apparently very few and only one named Black person. Not that these mysteries are known for their diversity but still, it's Virginia outside of DC and surely there are Black people living there? (Guess not, according to the 2010 census statistics). The people sound very southern and I was confused at first, thinking perhaps I misremembered where Vienna is, but then it's explained that Quinn's Mama comes from farther south in Virginia and is real southern. Still, it's confusing to have Quinn call people Ms. ____, Miss___, Mrs/Mr..___ but have the third-person narration refer to these people by their first names. There's a lot of real southern cooking in this story making it sound like the story is set in the deep south.
There's a lot going on in this story besides sleuthing and that doesn't including bookbinding. Prose & Scones sounds amazing and I'd love to visit there, even within the pages of the novel but not much of the story takes place in the store. Quinn doesn't do a lot of work either. She spends most of her time hanging out with her cousin and brother. She pulls all-nighters to get the jobs done but doesn't really talk much about her craft or how she learned to do what she does. The book quote epigraphs are random and don't have anything to do with the story but I thought they were fun and reflected Quinn's taste in books.
I wanted to like Quinn because she's a big reader and has a curious mind like me. I ended up not really connecting with her that well. I feared I was too old to read about a 20-something until I read the other reviews complaining about the same thing. I kept thinking Quinn was 23 and not 25 because she's a little immature for her age. She's had all this worldly experience and comes home and acts like she's still in college. I think it's difficult for the author to write in the voice of someone closer to her daughters' ages than her own.
Quinn is very quirky. She loves reading sci-fi/fantasy books like Harry Potter Series Box Set, A Game of Thrones and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The only one of those I like is Harry Potter but I can relate to wanting to find a portal to a magical land in the back of a wardrobe! Quinn, like most millennials, enjoys her pop culture but she also loves mix-tapes and vinyl. Quinn worked as a college DJ. Do college radio stations even use vinyl anymore? How did she find a cassette player in this day and age? I'd really like to know because I don't have one and I have a million tapes! Everyone says Quinn is so smart but she's not really, she just reads a lot and retains a lot of useless knowledge. (hmm sounds like someone you know?) She might be musically talented but I don't think she's that smart. She misses a lot of big clues and puts her loved ones in danger. For all she says she loves her dog baby, RBG, she doesn't spend a lot of time with her dog baby. RBG is not cute, cuddly sort of dog. She was bred by nuns from trained police dogs and service dogs. She's more of working dog in a pet situation. She needs a job to do instead of hanging around with her dumb human.
The way Quinn deals with her relationships is not the way adults do things. She doesn't stop to consider anyone's feelings but her own. Her cousin, formerly Elizabeth, now Sister Daria, is a former hell-raising teenager and now a spunky adult. She's mature enough to know what she wants and pursue it. She's not perfect and is still a spitfire. I love Daria even though I ran screaming from my Catholic upbringing. Daria is fun and funny. However, Quinn doesn't understand the choices Daria has made and while I don't either, Quinn doesn't stop to consider and listen to what Daria is telling her. Daria is happy in her new life. While I would have the same concerns as Quinn, Daria proves she's able to balance modern values with Anglican values. They agree to disagree. Quinn has some growing up to do and needs to work things out with Daria. Their relationship is fun but it takes too much time away from the mystery.
Quinn's relationship with Aiden is not good either. She goes off sleuthing on her own even though there's no reason to. Officer Wyatt Reynolds has a bug up his butt and assumes Quinn is a murderer but Aiden deals with him right away. Quinn wants to clear her name with the community yet there's a murderer on the loose and Aiden has the tough job of catching that person. He doesn't need Quinn's help. These cozy mysteries work better when the detective is in over his head and needs help. Aiden knows what he's doing. However, Quinn stumbles across the final clue and Aiden probably wouldn't have caught the killer otherwise. Quinn has romantic feelings for Aiden but won't talk about her feelings with him or anyone really. She counsels her brother on his love life but doesn't take her own advice.
Aiden is a great guy. I was a bit put off by his manly man description, being huge, all muscle, tough guy, etc. but he seems kind and caring. He doesn't know what Quinn wants and how to treat her except as a friend because she's too immature to communicate with him. I suspect he feels strongly about her more than as a kid sister but his difficult and demanding job makes it hard to be in a relationship. I think he could at least tell her that!
Quinn's brother Sebastian "Bash" is also back home after time away. He wants to rekindle his relationship with his former girlfriend Rachel Slingbaum who wants nothing to do with him. I understand where Rachel is coming from but I also think Bash did the right thing in college. I would rather have my boyfriend break up with me to sow wild oats than marry a man who isn't done sowing wild oats and always worry he's going to cheat on me or leave me. She's still worried about that, apparently, even though he moved back home and is in line for an excellent job. He's proven steady and trustworthy I think. The romantic drama takes up too much of the story and could have been saved for later. They also have a problem because Rachel is Jewish and that would have made a better obstacle for them than just immaturity.
Now we get to the actual murder investigation. (See, there's too much else going on). Tricia and Trina Pemberley are the mean girls in town. Power hungry realtors, they're quick to step on and crush everyone in their way. They're always together and never nice. Trina is the more forceful of the two. Tricia seems like she has potential to be nice but then she's killed. Quinn suspects Trina may be involved but who would kill their own twin? Tricia wasn't nice but she didn't deserve to die. Tricia's fiancé, Scott Hauser, seems like a person of interest. He's a spoiled rich boy who lets his overbearing mother run his life. Millie Hauser should be on a reality show about desperate housewives or real housewives whatever it's called. She's snobby, nasty and mean. She didn't like Tricia because Tricia was "only" in "sales" without an advanced degree! She turns her nose up at the local diner and doesn't like Quinn much either but Quinn is better than Tricia, apparently. I think Millie is the murderer! She seems like the type who would stop at nothing to keep her son under her thumb.
Officer Wyatt Reynolds, a transfer from Baltimore, has it out for Quinn for some reason. He reacts violently and against policy when he discovers her at the scene of the crime. The more Quinn learns about him the more she's convinced he should not be on the police force so how did he pass his psychological exam? He does something completely horrible and crazy without explanation. What Quinn does next is reckless and could have gotten people killed. I suspect he could have killed Tricia but it doesn't seem likely.
There are some secondary characters that may play a role in the mystery as well. Ms. Eun and Greg Hutton run the local diner. While Greg is a great cook and sticks to the job, Eun is nosy and likes to gossip. She may know something about the motive for Tricia's murder. Maxie, the barista, didn't like Tricia and Trina very much. She seems to have known them both well or at least from observation. What does she know and could she be a murderer? Her friend, Lorenzo, "Ren" Diamond is also a person of interest. He has the means but what about motive? Is he the type who would let Mrs. Hauser hire him to bump off her rival? That is just crazy but it doesn't look good for him. What happened to Dr. Levine, Rachel's uncle who died mysteriously shortly after moving to town? Because he was Modern Orthodox Jewish his family respected his wish not to perform an autopsy. What the heck? There's been another murder and someone died in the same way and they don't allow an autopsy? The murder could have been solved a lot faster if the police had ordered it. It's one thing to respect someone's beliefs if they die of natural causes but murder is a different story!
The Reverend Mother at Guinefort House is tough but fair. The scene where she asks to meet Quinn is reminiscent of The Sound of Music and I expected her to break out into song. Sister Theresa is no-nonsense and balances out Daria's rebellious side. Quinn's dad belongs to a Mycological society that goes foraging for mushrooms in the woods. This group includes an allergist, Dr. Franklin, who makes a study of things that could harm people who might have an allergy to it. (Hmmm?) The Clink-and-Drink gals are middle aged ladies who get together to gossip and drink wine. They're fun but not people I want to hang out with. They don't seem to know the right gossip to figure out who killed Tricia unless they're hiding something. Lucas Diaz, the mechanic, is a great character. He feels really authentic and is a whiz at knowing all things car-related. He's also an overprotective brother and a good friend. I really like him a lot, better than most of the other characters.
While I liked parts of this book, I'm not sure I want to read more about Quinn. Everything seems wrapped up nicely and there's no need for a series. I'd probably give a book 2 a chance but it wouldn't go on the top of my list.
The mystery portion of this novel, albeit small, was interesting but not enough to keep me reading all night long. I was able to put the book down and not worry about whodunit. I thought it was obvious. I was wrong. I did figure out the big clue that pointed to the murder weapon but never did realize who the murderer was. The way Quinn figures it out is a bit contrived. I was surprised but the villain's motive was super weak. It would have been better if There's another suspect that does something weird and crazy that isn't fully explained either. I would have liked more mystery. There was too much else going on in this novel.
I think it was a mistake for the author to use a real city as her setting. It's limiting and it also makes the suspect pool too wide. Small towns are fun because the authors can be creative and quirky while limiting the number of people who live there. Vienna is close to DC and the murderer could be anyone! Northwest Vienna sounds like a nice place but I was appalled by the casual reference to white people living on land that once belonged to free blacks. Cringy! I assumed there'd be some Black people in the community but there's apparently very few and only one named Black person. Not that these mysteries are known for their diversity but still, it's Virginia outside of DC and surely there are Black people living there? (Guess not, according to the 2010 census statistics). The people sound very southern and I was confused at first, thinking perhaps I misremembered where Vienna is, but then it's explained that Quinn's Mama comes from farther south in Virginia and is real southern. Still, it's confusing to have Quinn call people Ms. ____, Miss___, Mrs/Mr..___ but have the third-person narration refer to these people by their first names. There's a lot of real southern cooking in this story making it sound like the story is set in the deep south.
There's a lot going on in this story besides sleuthing and that doesn't including bookbinding. Prose & Scones sounds amazing and I'd love to visit there, even within the pages of the novel but not much of the story takes place in the store. Quinn doesn't do a lot of work either. She spends most of her time hanging out with her cousin and brother. She pulls all-nighters to get the jobs done but doesn't really talk much about her craft or how she learned to do what she does. The book quote epigraphs are random and don't have anything to do with the story but I thought they were fun and reflected Quinn's taste in books.
I wanted to like Quinn because she's a big reader and has a curious mind like me. I ended up not really connecting with her that well. I feared I was too old to read about a 20-something until I read the other reviews complaining about the same thing. I kept thinking Quinn was 23 and not 25 because she's a little immature for her age. She's had all this worldly experience and comes home and acts like she's still in college. I think it's difficult for the author to write in the voice of someone closer to her daughters' ages than her own.
Quinn is very quirky. She loves reading sci-fi/fantasy books like Harry Potter Series Box Set, A Game of Thrones and The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe. The only one of those I like is Harry Potter but I can relate to wanting to find a portal to a magical land in the back of a wardrobe! Quinn, like most millennials, enjoys her pop culture but she also loves mix-tapes and vinyl. Quinn worked as a college DJ. Do college radio stations even use vinyl anymore? How did she find a cassette player in this day and age? I'd really like to know because I don't have one and I have a million tapes! Everyone says Quinn is so smart but she's not really, she just reads a lot and retains a lot of useless knowledge. (hmm sounds like someone you know?) She might be musically talented but I don't think she's that smart. She misses a lot of big clues and puts her loved ones in danger. For all she says she loves her dog baby, RBG, she doesn't spend a lot of time with her dog baby. RBG is not cute, cuddly sort of dog. She was bred by nuns from trained police dogs and service dogs. She's more of working dog in a pet situation. She needs a job to do instead of hanging around with her dumb human.
The way Quinn deals with her relationships is not the way adults do things. She doesn't stop to consider anyone's feelings but her own. Her cousin, formerly Elizabeth, now Sister Daria, is a former hell-raising teenager and now a spunky adult. She's mature enough to know what she wants and pursue it. She's not perfect and is still a spitfire. I love Daria even though I ran screaming from my Catholic upbringing. Daria is fun and funny. However, Quinn doesn't understand the choices Daria has made and while I don't either, Quinn doesn't stop to consider and listen to what Daria is telling her. Daria is happy in her new life. While I would have the same concerns as Quinn, Daria proves she's able to balance modern values with Anglican values. They agree to disagree. Quinn has some growing up to do and needs to work things out with Daria. Their relationship is fun but it takes too much time away from the mystery.
Quinn's relationship with Aiden is not good either. She goes off sleuthing on her own even though there's no reason to. Officer Wyatt Reynolds has a bug up his butt and assumes Quinn is a murderer but Aiden deals with him right away. Quinn wants to clear her name with the community yet there's a murderer on the loose and Aiden has the tough job of catching that person. He doesn't need Quinn's help. These cozy mysteries work better when the detective is in over his head and needs help. Aiden knows what he's doing. However, Quinn stumbles across the final clue and Aiden probably wouldn't have caught the killer otherwise. Quinn has romantic feelings for Aiden but won't talk about her feelings with him or anyone really. She counsels her brother on his love life but doesn't take her own advice.
Aiden is a great guy. I was a bit put off by his manly man description, being huge, all muscle, tough guy, etc. but he seems kind and caring. He doesn't know what Quinn wants and how to treat her except as a friend because she's too immature to communicate with him. I suspect he feels strongly about her more than as a kid sister but his difficult and demanding job makes it hard to be in a relationship. I think he could at least tell her that!
Quinn's brother Sebastian "Bash" is also back home after time away. He wants to rekindle his relationship with his former girlfriend Rachel Slingbaum who wants nothing to do with him. I understand where Rachel is coming from but I also think Bash did the right thing in college. I would rather have my boyfriend break up with me to sow wild oats than marry a man who isn't done sowing wild oats and always worry he's going to cheat on me or leave me. She's still worried about that, apparently, even though he moved back home and is in line for an excellent job. He's proven steady and trustworthy I think. The romantic drama takes up too much of the story and could have been saved for later. They also have a problem because Rachel is Jewish and that would have made a better obstacle for them than just immaturity.
Now we get to the actual murder investigation. (See, there's too much else going on). Tricia and Trina Pemberley are the mean girls in town. Power hungry realtors, they're quick to step on and crush everyone in their way. They're always together and never nice. Trina is the more forceful of the two. Tricia seems like she has potential to be nice but then she's killed. Quinn suspects Trina may be involved but who would kill their own twin? Tricia wasn't nice but she didn't deserve to die. Tricia's fiancé, Scott Hauser, seems like a person of interest. He's a spoiled rich boy who lets his overbearing mother run his life. Millie Hauser should be on a reality show about desperate housewives or real housewives whatever it's called. She's snobby, nasty and mean. She didn't like Tricia because Tricia was "only" in "sales" without an advanced degree! She turns her nose up at the local diner and doesn't like Quinn much either but Quinn is better than Tricia, apparently. I think Millie is the murderer! She seems like the type who would stop at nothing to keep her son under her thumb.
Officer Wyatt Reynolds, a transfer from Baltimore, has it out for Quinn for some reason. He reacts violently and against policy when he discovers her at the scene of the crime. The more Quinn learns about him the more she's convinced he should not be on the police force so how did he pass his psychological exam? He does something completely horrible and crazy without explanation. What Quinn does next is reckless and could have gotten people killed. I suspect he could have killed Tricia but it doesn't seem likely.
There are some secondary characters that may play a role in the mystery as well. Ms. Eun and Greg Hutton run the local diner. While Greg is a great cook and sticks to the job, Eun is nosy and likes to gossip. She may know something about the motive for Tricia's murder. Maxie, the barista, didn't like Tricia and Trina very much. She seems to have known them both well or at least from observation. What does she know and could she be a murderer? Her friend, Lorenzo, "Ren" Diamond is also a person of interest. He has the means but what about motive? Is he the type who would let Mrs. Hauser hire him to bump off her rival? That is just crazy but it doesn't look good for him. What happened to Dr. Levine, Rachel's uncle who died mysteriously shortly after moving to town? Because he was Modern Orthodox Jewish his family respected his wish not to perform an autopsy. What the heck? There's been another murder and someone died in the same way and they don't allow an autopsy? The murder could have been solved a lot faster if the police had ordered it. It's one thing to respect someone's beliefs if they die of natural causes but murder is a different story!
The Reverend Mother at Guinefort House is tough but fair. The scene where she asks to meet Quinn is reminiscent of The Sound of Music and I expected her to break out into song. Sister Theresa is no-nonsense and balances out Daria's rebellious side. Quinn's dad belongs to a Mycological society that goes foraging for mushrooms in the woods. This group includes an allergist, Dr. Franklin, who makes a study of things that could harm people who might have an allergy to it. (Hmmm?) The Clink-and-Drink gals are middle aged ladies who get together to gossip and drink wine. They're fun but not people I want to hang out with. They don't seem to know the right gossip to figure out who killed Tricia unless they're hiding something. Lucas Diaz, the mechanic, is a great character. He feels really authentic and is a whiz at knowing all things car-related. He's also an overprotective brother and a good friend. I really like him a lot, better than most of the other characters.
While I liked parts of this book, I'm not sure I want to read more about Quinn. Everything seems wrapped up nicely and there's no need for a series. I'd probably give a book 2 a chance but it wouldn't go on the top of my list.
September 22, 2020
This was a great book! Enjoyable characters and witty banter. I love the dog side kick, I loved the best friend/cousin who is a novice Anglican nun. And a strong female character who didn’t need a man to save the day! What a win! Also loved the bookish quotes at the beginning of each chapter. This is a fabulous beginning to a new series!
December 18, 2020
First off, I have to say that the blurb is off. Quinn isn't really suspected of murder, and no one poisons her. I just wanted to make that clear.
Quinn has returned home, working as a bookbinder in her parents' bookstore after three years overseas teaching English in other countries. It seems everyone in the town welcomes her back with open arms. After one of the high school 'mean girls', Tricia, makes a point to show Quinn her engagement ring - from Quinn's ex-boyfriend, Quinn assures her it's fine and she's happy for her. But when she comes across the body of Tricia, she's suspected of murdering the girl out of jealousy...for a heartbeat only. Now Quinn thinks she needs to find the real killer so her life can get back to normal...only if she can keep her mind off the hot detective and the real killer doesn't get too close...
I will say that I really, really, wanted to like this book. The writing is very good, which is why I gave it any stars at all. But there were things that bothered me:
✻An officer of the law does not accuse someone of murder without proof, nor physically grab a witness to 'haul them in'.
✻Why would Quinn just get up and go out in the middle of the night with her dog (who apparently can tell when a crime is about to be committed, but can't control their own bladder). Trained police dogs can search for suspects, but they don't jump out of the police car on their own because they 'know' a crime is occurring. (Especially since they're kept in the back seat with the windows up, and there's bars between the front and back, so unless the dog was capable of doing a magic act, it would be impossible for the dog to jump out on their own).
✻Everyone kept saying how smart Quinn was, but she thought it was okay to find information then keep it from the police.
✻How did she take pictures with her phone when the police had it and then they didn't give it back to her until the next day?
✻The police would not arrive with lights and siren on just because someone found a piece of evidence.
✻Police dogs are trained to go for a limb, not the throat. They use all their teeth - both top and bottom - and it rips into the skin because they need to hold on, so if they went for the throat they would probably kill the suspect, which is something the officer does not want to happen. I also thought it was ridiculous when she said that Reuger would chase criminals on his own. How did he know? Did he chase someone running and assume it was a criminal? So this wasn't believable to me.
These are just a few things that are wrong with this book, and since the author doesn't do her homework as far as how police officers work, I won't be reading any more of these books. Sorry.
Quinn has returned home, working as a bookbinder in her parents' bookstore after three years overseas teaching English in other countries. It seems everyone in the town welcomes her back with open arms. After one of the high school 'mean girls', Tricia, makes a point to show Quinn her engagement ring - from Quinn's ex-boyfriend, Quinn assures her it's fine and she's happy for her. But when she comes across the body of Tricia, she's suspected of murdering the girl out of jealousy...for a heartbeat only. Now Quinn thinks she needs to find the real killer so her life can get back to normal...only if she can keep her mind off the hot detective and the real killer doesn't get too close...
I will say that I really, really, wanted to like this book. The writing is very good, which is why I gave it any stars at all. But there were things that bothered me:
✻An officer of the law does not accuse someone of murder without proof, nor physically grab a witness to 'haul them in'.
✻Why would Quinn just get up and go out in the middle of the night with her dog (who apparently can tell when a crime is about to be committed, but can't control their own bladder). Trained police dogs can search for suspects, but they don't jump out of the police car on their own because they 'know' a crime is occurring. (Especially since they're kept in the back seat with the windows up, and there's bars between the front and back, so unless the dog was capable of doing a magic act, it would be impossible for the dog to jump out on their own).
✻Everyone kept saying how smart Quinn was, but she thought it was okay to find information then keep it from the police.
✻How did she take pictures with her phone when the police had it and then they didn't give it back to her until the next day?
✻The police would not arrive with lights and siren on just because someone found a piece of evidence.
✻Police dogs are trained to go for a limb, not the throat. They use all their teeth - both top and bottom - and it rips into the skin because they need to hold on, so if they went for the throat they would probably kill the suspect, which is something the officer does not want to happen. I also thought it was ridiculous when she said that Reuger would chase criminals on his own. How did he know? Did he chase someone running and assume it was a criminal? So this wasn't believable to me.
These are just a few things that are wrong with this book, and since the author doesn't do her homework as far as how police officers work, I won't be reading any more of these books. Sorry.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 20, 2020
My Highly Caffeinated Thought: The perfect mix of small-town quirkiness, amateur sleuthing, and mystery.
Oh, how I love a good cozy mystery. In the first book of the Bookbinding Mystery series, Kincaid gifts her readers with a positively addictive read. From the beginning of TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL, I was instantly invested in Quinn, her parents, and Sister Daria. Then you throw into the mix a murder you know Quinn is going to stick her nose into, a dog that seems to be on the case with her, and all the quirkiness of a small-town. What more can you ask for?
What made this book even better is that the author’s writing just flows from one scene to the next. As the momentum builds within the investigation, so does the story. She manages to give weight to the more serious parts while still sprinkling the dialog with humor and sass. So good!
In full disclosure, I was nervous when Harper said she was writing a mystery. I have liked her romance novels in the past, but to tackle a cozy mystery is a different thing. I wanted to enjoy the book but had no idea know what to expect. What I didn’t think would happen is that I would become obsessed with the story. I wanted to finish it but didn’t want to see it end.
TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL was incredibly wonderful. Just the right amount of everything. I cannot wait to take my next trip to Vienna, Virginia.
Reviewer Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, I purchased the eBook and the audiobook versions of this amazing book!
Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Follow the Highly Caffeinated Victoria Colotta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter @vcolotta | Instagram | Goodreads
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Oh, how I love a good cozy mystery. In the first book of the Bookbinding Mystery series, Kincaid gifts her readers with a positively addictive read. From the beginning of TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL, I was instantly invested in Quinn, her parents, and Sister Daria. Then you throw into the mix a murder you know Quinn is going to stick her nose into, a dog that seems to be on the case with her, and all the quirkiness of a small-town. What more can you ask for?
What made this book even better is that the author’s writing just flows from one scene to the next. As the momentum builds within the investigation, so does the story. She manages to give weight to the more serious parts while still sprinkling the dialog with humor and sass. So good!
In full disclosure, I was nervous when Harper said she was writing a mystery. I have liked her romance novels in the past, but to tackle a cozy mystery is a different thing. I wanted to enjoy the book but had no idea know what to expect. What I didn’t think would happen is that I would become obsessed with the story. I wanted to finish it but didn’t want to see it end.
TO KILL A MOCKING GIRL was incredibly wonderful. Just the right amount of everything. I cannot wait to take my next trip to Vienna, Virginia.
Reviewer Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. However, I purchased the eBook and the audiobook versions of this amazing book!
Highly Caffeinated Rating of… ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕ ☕
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
Follow the Highly Caffeinated Victoria Colotta:
Website | Facebook | Twitter @vcolotta | Instagram | Goodreads
✦ ✦ ✦ ✦
June 25, 2020
From Crooked Lane Books comes the debut first in a new book based series, “A Bookbinding Mystery,” To Kill A Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid.
Quinn is a wonderfully stubborn and adventurous character who lacks confidence when it comes to the man she desires. This is not an unusual trait, even with real people. She wants to help her community, friends, and her family but also wants to be independent. Coming home from her world travels, she goes to work at the family book business as a bookbinder. Although business is good, it leaves her plenty of time to find herself in trouble. Other characters encourage Quinn when they should be telling her not to stick her nose in a murder investigation.
The murder of an old school mate leaves Quinn as a prime suspect. Granted, she and the victim did not like each other all that much, but murder is a step too far! Suspects range from young to old, and from all backgrounds. The clues like the suspects have a broad range, and it behooves readers to pay attention, or they may miss something important. Trying to solve a murder, clear her name, and work at the book store, plus finding out that her best friend has been angry with her for many years, takes a toll on Quinn, and before you know it, she almost becomes a victim herself.
To Kill A Mocking Girl is a good beginning for a new series. I found some slight issues, such as finding Quinn to be a little too whiny about the love interest and her lack of consideration of her family and friends feelings when she packed up and moved across the globe. I also found that the police were portrayed as a bit too biased. The detective, who also happens to be the man Quinn wants in her life, is happy to share information with her that no detective would do even in a small-town setting. I found there was not enough about the book store setting or her job as a bookbinder involved in the story. I did not understand why there were recipes included at the back of the book as the “scones” part of the store did not play a role in the story. Overall, this was an enjoyable story. I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters, the book store, and the bookbinding business.
Quinn is a wonderfully stubborn and adventurous character who lacks confidence when it comes to the man she desires. This is not an unusual trait, even with real people. She wants to help her community, friends, and her family but also wants to be independent. Coming home from her world travels, she goes to work at the family book business as a bookbinder. Although business is good, it leaves her plenty of time to find herself in trouble. Other characters encourage Quinn when they should be telling her not to stick her nose in a murder investigation.
The murder of an old school mate leaves Quinn as a prime suspect. Granted, she and the victim did not like each other all that much, but murder is a step too far! Suspects range from young to old, and from all backgrounds. The clues like the suspects have a broad range, and it behooves readers to pay attention, or they may miss something important. Trying to solve a murder, clear her name, and work at the book store, plus finding out that her best friend has been angry with her for many years, takes a toll on Quinn, and before you know it, she almost becomes a victim herself.
To Kill A Mocking Girl is a good beginning for a new series. I found some slight issues, such as finding Quinn to be a little too whiny about the love interest and her lack of consideration of her family and friends feelings when she packed up and moved across the globe. I also found that the police were portrayed as a bit too biased. The detective, who also happens to be the man Quinn wants in her life, is happy to share information with her that no detective would do even in a small-town setting. I found there was not enough about the book store setting or her job as a bookbinder involved in the story. I did not understand why there were recipes included at the back of the book as the “scones” part of the store did not play a role in the story. Overall, this was an enjoyable story. I look forward to seeing where the author takes these characters, the book store, and the bookbinding business.
February 14, 2020
Bookbinding Mystery #1
The first book in a new series is always exciting. This one takes place in Vienna, Virginia.
Quinn Caine is happy to be home in Vienna. She has been teaching overseas for a bit and is now working as a bookbinder in her family business Prose and Scones. She's happy to be home, but not everyone is happy to see her. Old rivalries never seem to die. But this one turns up dead.
The characters are really well done. Her cousin, the nun, is a hoot. And of course, there is a hunky love interest. There were some really good twists and turns and some screw-ups, but Quinn and her friends are my next go-to cozy!
NetGalley/ May 12th, 2020 by Crooked Lane Books
The first book in a new series is always exciting. This one takes place in Vienna, Virginia.
Quinn Caine is happy to be home in Vienna. She has been teaching overseas for a bit and is now working as a bookbinder in her family business Prose and Scones. She's happy to be home, but not everyone is happy to see her. Old rivalries never seem to die. But this one turns up dead.
The characters are really well done. Her cousin, the nun, is a hoot. And of course, there is a hunky love interest. There were some really good twists and turns and some screw-ups, but Quinn and her friends are my next go-to cozy!
NetGalley/ May 12th, 2020 by Crooked Lane Books
August 3, 2020
Delightful new cozy series featuring bookbinder Quinn Caine in Vienna, VA. Quinn has returned home to work in her parents' store, Prose and Scones. What's not great about coming home is running into a mean girl from her high school days who's determined to flaunt her engagement to one of Quinn's exes. Quinn becomes a suspect when she finds said mean girl dead. Quinn's a great character, and so are many subsidiary characters, including a cousin who has decided to become a nun. Mystery is well-plotted with realistic red herrings and a fair, but not obvious, murderer. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
March 20, 2023
After spending three years teaching English in other countries, Quinn Caine returns to her hometown of Vienna, Virginia. She decides to work at her parents’ bookshop Prose & Scones. Quinn is a bookbinder and is thrilled to be back home. She’s not alone, though. She brings her beautiful German Shephard (RBG - “Ruff Barker’ Ginsburg) with her.
Quinn connects with old friends - renewing some good relationships and some not so good relationships. One of the first people she meets up with is a high school enemy, Tricia Pemberley. Tricia’s fiancé happens to be Quinn’s ex-fiancé. Tricia is more than delighted to taunt Quinn with her engagement. Not that Quinn cares since she's over her ex anyway.
Then, tragedy strikes. Quinn and her faithful companion, RBG, are shocked to discover Tricia’s dead body on the road. Everyone, except Quinn’s family, thinks she killed Tricia in a jealous rage. Quinn is determined to prove her innocence. With the help of her cousin, Sister Daria, who is now on her way to becoming a nun, she sets out to find a killer.
This is the first book in the Bookbinding Mystery series and it’s off to a solid start. It did take me a little time to warm up to the characters, but it didn’t take too long. The mystery is an intriguing jigsaw puzzle. I enjoyed trying to figure it out. The author sends you in a few different directions in the quest for the truth.
Quinn is an interesting character, but I admit I found her cousin to be even more interesting. Sister Daria is fun and their rapport really adds to the humor of the story. Another aspect I liked is Quinn’s closeness to her parents and brother. The support of her family is really sweet.
There are hints at a possible romance that I’m guessing will carry over to the next book. While the main mystery is solved within the pages of this book, there are personal issues for some of the characters that will probably be a continuing thread through the series. I’m anxious to see where it all leads.
I already started book #2 and it’s looking to be a good one, too.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
Quinn connects with old friends - renewing some good relationships and some not so good relationships. One of the first people she meets up with is a high school enemy, Tricia Pemberley. Tricia’s fiancé happens to be Quinn’s ex-fiancé. Tricia is more than delighted to taunt Quinn with her engagement. Not that Quinn cares since she's over her ex anyway.
Then, tragedy strikes. Quinn and her faithful companion, RBG, are shocked to discover Tricia’s dead body on the road. Everyone, except Quinn’s family, thinks she killed Tricia in a jealous rage. Quinn is determined to prove her innocence. With the help of her cousin, Sister Daria, who is now on her way to becoming a nun, she sets out to find a killer.
This is the first book in the Bookbinding Mystery series and it’s off to a solid start. It did take me a little time to warm up to the characters, but it didn’t take too long. The mystery is an intriguing jigsaw puzzle. I enjoyed trying to figure it out. The author sends you in a few different directions in the quest for the truth.
Quinn is an interesting character, but I admit I found her cousin to be even more interesting. Sister Daria is fun and their rapport really adds to the humor of the story. Another aspect I liked is Quinn’s closeness to her parents and brother. The support of her family is really sweet.
There are hints at a possible romance that I’m guessing will carry over to the next book. While the main mystery is solved within the pages of this book, there are personal issues for some of the characters that will probably be a continuing thread through the series. I’m anxious to see where it all leads.
I already started book #2 and it’s looking to be a good one, too.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
February 8, 2022
Quinn comes back home after teaching abroad and is now settling down and finding her space. She is enjoying the bookbinding business and taking her dog out for walks. One night her dog is up late at night and she ends up going out with him for a short walk. Unfortunately she hears a noise and goes to investigate and finds Tricia out on the side of the road dead. She soons finds out that this is technically a second murder within 6 months. As she investigates will she and her dog become a target as well. Something is going on in her hometown and Quinn with her inquisitive nature will not stop till the murder is picked up.
June 26, 2023
Rating: 5 Stars!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Harper Kincaid so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one. It was more Cozy reading then it was Mystery but still loved it.
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. It was hard to pick just one as my favorite since i seemed to enjoy all the characters.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Library Cozy Mystery Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Harper in the future!!
Review:
This was my first time reading a Cozy Mystery by Harper Kincaid so i wasnt sure what to expect but i have to say i really enjoyed this one. It was more Cozy reading then it was Mystery but still loved it.
The Characters were fun and interesting to read about. It was hard to pick just one as my favorite since i seemed to enjoy all the characters.
The Setting was beautifully described which made me feel like i was actually in the book while reading, especially when the scenery was described.
Overall a Good Book 1 in this Library Cozy Mystery Series!! Can't wait to read more in this series and by Harper in the future!!
December 25, 2020
Il libro non è male, ma ho trovato i continui riferimenti all'interno della storia a libri, canzoni e film alquanto fuorvianti. Adoro la cagna, però.
January 17, 2020
To Kill a Mocking Girl by Harper Kincaid was an engaging read that I couldn't put down.
Ms. Kincaid has written a clever and well crafted mystery with likable characters and a small community background that was well described throughout the story. The twists and turns kept me guessing as Quinn often pursued clues that got her into trouble. However, Quinn would own up to her mistakes and I appreciated her honesty about those mistakes. Aiden, her brother's best friend and now a police detective, was swoon worthy who did not pull punches when it came to Quinn and the investigation. I was totally mystified about who the killer was until the reveal and I love that about a mystery. I'm excited to read more in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Ms. Kincaid has written a clever and well crafted mystery with likable characters and a small community background that was well described throughout the story. The twists and turns kept me guessing as Quinn often pursued clues that got her into trouble. However, Quinn would own up to her mistakes and I appreciated her honesty about those mistakes. Aiden, her brother's best friend and now a police detective, was swoon worthy who did not pull punches when it came to Quinn and the investigation. I was totally mystified about who the killer was until the reveal and I love that about a mystery. I'm excited to read more in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
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