What do you think?
Rate this book
Starlit Bookshop Mystery #1
How to Book a Murder
Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Kate Carlisle, in award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn’s series debut, small-town bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is out to close the book on a killer intent on crashing the party.
To help save her family’s floundering Colorado bookstore, Starlit Bookshop, newly minted Ph.D. Emma Starrs agrees to plan a mystery-themed dinner party for her wealthy, well-connected high school classmate Tabitha Baxter. It’s a delightful evening of cocktails and conjecture until Tabitha’s husband, Tip—hosting the affair in the guise of Edgar Allan Poe’s detective C. Auguste Dupin—winds up murdered.
In a heartbeat, Emma and her aunt Nora, a famous mystery writer, become suspects. Emma is sure the party’s over for Starlit events, until celebrated author Calliope Nightfall, whose gothic sensibilities are intrigued by the circumstances, implores the bookseller to create a Poe-themed launch event for her latest tome. Throwing a bash to die for while searching for additional clues is already enough to drive Emma stark raven mad, but another shocking crime soon reveals that Silvercrest has not yet reached the final chapter of the puzzling case.
Someone in this charming artistic community has murder on the mind, and if Emma cannot outwit the killer, she and her beloved aunt will land behind bars, to walk free nevermore.
To help save her family’s floundering Colorado bookstore, Starlit Bookshop, newly minted Ph.D. Emma Starrs agrees to plan a mystery-themed dinner party for her wealthy, well-connected high school classmate Tabitha Baxter. It’s a delightful evening of cocktails and conjecture until Tabitha’s husband, Tip—hosting the affair in the guise of Edgar Allan Poe’s detective C. Auguste Dupin—winds up murdered.
In a heartbeat, Emma and her aunt Nora, a famous mystery writer, become suspects. Emma is sure the party’s over for Starlit events, until celebrated author Calliope Nightfall, whose gothic sensibilities are intrigued by the circumstances, implores the bookseller to create a Poe-themed launch event for her latest tome. Throwing a bash to die for while searching for additional clues is already enough to drive Emma stark raven mad, but another shocking crime soon reveals that Silvercrest has not yet reached the final chapter of the puzzling case.
Someone in this charming artistic community has murder on the mind, and if Emma cannot outwit the killer, she and her beloved aunt will land behind bars, to walk free nevermore.
Audible Audio
First published December 7, 2021
77 people are currently reading
1197 people want to read
About the author
Cynthia Kuhn
11 books498 followersCynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries and Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Literary Mama, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews
December 6, 2021
This was a story about two sisters trying to keep their bookshop viable against great odds. I enjoyed reading about their plans and ideas, especially when they hold a special event at the bookshop which seems to be going extremely well until someone is murdered.
I did not like the inclusion of Tabitha, the mean girl who apparently never grew up. I felt her character was overdone and unbelievable. Other characters were fine especially Calliope Nightfall who actually deserved to be the star of the book.
The mystery was convoluted and took a lot of explanation at the end, plus I was not really convinced by the final identity of the murderer. So some good things and some not so good - I would still read the next book to find out how things progress.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
I did not like the inclusion of Tabitha, the mean girl who apparently never grew up. I felt her character was overdone and unbelievable. Other characters were fine especially Calliope Nightfall who actually deserved to be the star of the book.
The mystery was convoluted and took a lot of explanation at the end, plus I was not really convinced by the final identity of the murderer. So some good things and some not so good - I would still read the next book to find out how things progress.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
December 4, 2021
I love a good cosy mystery, especially one involving books or bookshops, and this one perfectly fills that niche!
Emma Starrs is a literature PhD who, instead of accepting a prestigious academic job, has returned to her home town in Colorado following the sudden death of her parents to help her sister Lucy run the family bookshop. The bookshop is struggling so Emma decides to supplement their income by running literary events.
Emma's first assignment comes by way of Tabitha Baxter, one of the mean girls from Emma's high school days who bullied Emma for being a book worm. Now married to Tip Baxter, the Dean of Arts and Humanities at the local college, she is holding a murder mystery dinner for him. However, when her events’ organiser storms out on her, Tabitha asks if Emma will step in at the last moment. Since Emma and Tip move in the wealthy circles of town and could bring in more business for her, Emma feels she can't refuse. However, when a real-life murder occurs at the dinner, Emma wonders how it will affect her fledgling business. Fortunately, author Calliope Nightfall, a colleague of Emma's Aunt Nora, a lecturer at the college, decides to hold her new book launch at the bookstore so Emma is soon back in business planning a large event.
This was a fun mystery with a host of colourful characters and is an excellent start to a new cosy mystery series. Emma is a great main character with her love of writing and crime fiction and her fun ideas for events and her sister Lucy and Aunt Nora helping her. The bookshop sounds delightful (complete with resident cat) and there is plenty of scope for many more enjoyable mysteries in the future
With thanks to Crooked Lane books and Netgalley for a copy to read
Emma Starrs is a literature PhD who, instead of accepting a prestigious academic job, has returned to her home town in Colorado following the sudden death of her parents to help her sister Lucy run the family bookshop. The bookshop is struggling so Emma decides to supplement their income by running literary events.
Emma's first assignment comes by way of Tabitha Baxter, one of the mean girls from Emma's high school days who bullied Emma for being a book worm. Now married to Tip Baxter, the Dean of Arts and Humanities at the local college, she is holding a murder mystery dinner for him. However, when her events’ organiser storms out on her, Tabitha asks if Emma will step in at the last moment. Since Emma and Tip move in the wealthy circles of town and could bring in more business for her, Emma feels she can't refuse. However, when a real-life murder occurs at the dinner, Emma wonders how it will affect her fledgling business. Fortunately, author Calliope Nightfall, a colleague of Emma's Aunt Nora, a lecturer at the college, decides to hold her new book launch at the bookstore so Emma is soon back in business planning a large event.
This was a fun mystery with a host of colourful characters and is an excellent start to a new cosy mystery series. Emma is a great main character with her love of writing and crime fiction and her fun ideas for events and her sister Lucy and Aunt Nora helping her. The bookshop sounds delightful (complete with resident cat) and there is plenty of scope for many more enjoyable mysteries in the future
With thanks to Crooked Lane books and Netgalley for a copy to read
December 25, 2021
When Emma Starrs returned to her Colorado home to help her sister Lucy with Starlit Bookshop, she declined a new job which she’d wanted and been accepted for. But family was important and with Lucy and their aunt, Nora, a mystery writer, in the large family home together, Emma couldn’t be unhappy she’d returned. Emma was thinking of different ways to help the bookshop bring in more income, so when an old school acquaintance – someone she didn’t particularly like – needed a party planner, Emma offered to help. The money would help the store out, and that was her only reason for putting herself in Tabitha Baxter’s orbit.
The dinner party included a murder mystery, in which the guests were dressed as characters playing a part, but when a real murder occurred, suspicion turned to Nora and Emma. How would they find who the killer was – someone in the group of guests, all friends and colleagues of Tabitha and her husband, it had to be – and Emma was determined to discover who it was…
How to Book a Murder is the 1st in the Starlit Bookshop Mystery series by Cynthia Kuhn and while I enjoyed the bookshop, and Emma, Lucy and Nora, I didn’t like Tabitha or her hoity toity friends at all. The story seemed overly long, while the mystery and reveal dragged considerably. I don’t think I’ll bother with any further in this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
The dinner party included a murder mystery, in which the guests were dressed as characters playing a part, but when a real murder occurred, suspicion turned to Nora and Emma. How would they find who the killer was – someone in the group of guests, all friends and colleagues of Tabitha and her husband, it had to be – and Emma was determined to discover who it was…
How to Book a Murder is the 1st in the Starlit Bookshop Mystery series by Cynthia Kuhn and while I enjoyed the bookshop, and Emma, Lucy and Nora, I didn’t like Tabitha or her hoity toity friends at all. The story seemed overly long, while the mystery and reveal dragged considerably. I don’t think I’ll bother with any further in this series.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 8, 2021
Emma Starrs is looking for ways to expand her family’s bookshop, and she is hoping she can help plan some events that will bring in much needed money. Unfortunately, her first event is for Tabitha Baxter, and old childhood nemesis who hasn’t matured much since they last interacted. Emma is hoping to survive the night, but then she finds a dead body. With rumors that Emma or Emma’s aunt Nora, who was a guest at the party, are responsible for the murder circling around town, can Emma figure out what really happened?
I was pleasantly surprised at who the victim was, and it allowed some great additional conflict for Emma. The pacing did stumble a few times, but overall, this was a fun book that kept me engaged. It helped that some of the sub-plots had me laughing. One did get over the top at times, but it was still fun. There were a plethora of suspects, and they were introduced in group scenes, but as the book progressed, we got to know them better. The main characters really stood out, and I enjoyed meeting them here. The climax was creative and wrapped things up well. This is a fun debut, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Emma next.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was pleasantly surprised at who the victim was, and it allowed some great additional conflict for Emma. The pacing did stumble a few times, but overall, this was a fun book that kept me engaged. It helped that some of the sub-plots had me laughing. One did get over the top at times, but it was still fun. There were a plethora of suspects, and they were introduced in group scenes, but as the book progressed, we got to know them better. The main characters really stood out, and I enjoyed meeting them here. The climax was creative and wrapped things up well. This is a fun debut, and I’m looking forward to finding out what happens to Emma next.
NOTE: I received an ARC of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
January 13, 2022
A great Mystery read
A wonderful bookstore, great cast of characters, engrossing Mystery and town I'd like to move to make for a great launch to a new series.
A wonderful bookstore, great cast of characters, engrossing Mystery and town I'd like to move to make for a great launch to a new series.
December 3, 2021
The first book in the Starlit Bookshop Mystery, this is a promising start to a new cozy mystery series. Engaging and well written, the series is set in Denver, Colorado and I fell in love with the whole feel of the setting. A lot of characters are introduced-- interesting, quirky, eccentric, diva like-- who all blend in well with the ongoing plot. The murder mystery which consists of multiple murders has its share of twists and will keep the reader guessing till the end. Overall, a very enjoyable read and I am excited to read more of the series.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Cynthia Kuhn for the e-Arc of the book.
Publication date for the book is 7th December 2021.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Cynthia Kuhn for the e-Arc of the book.
Publication date for the book is 7th December 2021.
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟💫
October 1, 2024
Halloween Bingo 2024
As cozy mysteries go, this one is middle of the road for me. Emma Starrs isn't an idiot, although she does eavesdrop an awful lot. She doesn't seem to believe the police are bumblers, although she does question their priorities. I think I might feel similarly if I was accused of murder. However I always feel like the police don't behave realistically in this genre either.
What I did like was the family business aspect and her relationships with her sister and aunt. Those felt real and grounded the story. I found the “mean girls" from high school, now thinking that they run the town, a little over the top. I mean, do people really carry teenage grudges that long? I would expect Emma to have grown enough to stand up to them better. She has a PhD, for Pete's sake! She has brains and skills, which her nemesis Tabitha does not.
Thankfully the other cozy tropes were pretty mild: the family bookstore has a cat but it doesn't play a major role. Emma's sister finds a love interest, but Emma hasn't yet. There are hints at the end that a certain author might be interested, but they only have a coffee date. The author isn't hurrying to throw absolutely everything into the bucket right away and I appreciate that restraint.
I'm unsure that I'll pursue the series, but stranger things have happened.
I read this for the Cozy Mystery square on my Bingo Card.
As cozy mysteries go, this one is middle of the road for me. Emma Starrs isn't an idiot, although she does eavesdrop an awful lot. She doesn't seem to believe the police are bumblers, although she does question their priorities. I think I might feel similarly if I was accused of murder. However I always feel like the police don't behave realistically in this genre either.
What I did like was the family business aspect and her relationships with her sister and aunt. Those felt real and grounded the story. I found the “mean girls" from high school, now thinking that they run the town, a little over the top. I mean, do people really carry teenage grudges that long? I would expect Emma to have grown enough to stand up to them better. She has a PhD, for Pete's sake! She has brains and skills, which her nemesis Tabitha does not.
Thankfully the other cozy tropes were pretty mild: the family bookstore has a cat but it doesn't play a major role. Emma's sister finds a love interest, but Emma hasn't yet. There are hints at the end that a certain author might be interested, but they only have a coffee date. The author isn't hurrying to throw absolutely everything into the bucket right away and I appreciate that restraint.
I'm unsure that I'll pursue the series, but stranger things have happened.
I read this for the Cozy Mystery square on my Bingo Card.
August 17, 2021
How to Book a Murder is a great start to a new cozy series from an Agatha-award winning author! I went from laughing to being shocked to laughing again. (My fave was the protest scene.) Can't wait for the next one.
March 15, 2022
⭐⭐⭐
I am finally starting a cozy mystery series from the beginning! 😄
So overall this was an enjoyable start to a new series. I (of course) LOVED the setting. An inherited bookstore set in a quaint small town full of interesting characters. The writing itself was good. The plot was a little all over the place (at times) and needed to be tightened up. The mystery kept me guessing, so that was a positive! There are a ton of characters introduced in this book which made the plot a little convoluted, and some were so over the top they became caricatures. I loved Emma, Lucy, and Nora. However, I found Jake's character odd. I can't really put my finger on why, but it was like the author couldn't decide if he should be just an author or a police officer, so she made him both. Which didn't 100% work for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Basically, this was your standard formulaic first book in a new series. A lot of positive points, and some things that (hopefully) the author will tighten now that everyone has been introduced, and the stage has been set.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I am finally starting a cozy mystery series from the beginning! 😄
So overall this was an enjoyable start to a new series. I (of course) LOVED the setting. An inherited bookstore set in a quaint small town full of interesting characters. The writing itself was good. The plot was a little all over the place (at times) and needed to be tightened up. The mystery kept me guessing, so that was a positive! There are a ton of characters introduced in this book which made the plot a little convoluted, and some were so over the top they became caricatures. I loved Emma, Lucy, and Nora. However, I found Jake's character odd. I can't really put my finger on why, but it was like the author couldn't decide if he should be just an author or a police officer, so she made him both. Which didn't 100% work for me. 🤷🏻♀️
Basically, this was your standard formulaic first book in a new series. A lot of positive points, and some things that (hopefully) the author will tighten now that everyone has been introduced, and the stage has been set.
**ARC Via NetGalley**
July 16, 2021
I really enjoyed How to Book a Murder. Emma, her sister, Lucy owners of the Starlit Book Store as well as their aunt, Nora were wonderful main characters.. The supporting characters made the story even more interesting. The story evolved around a mystery dinner party at the home of Tabitha Louise Saxton which Emma was asked to step in and help with. During the party, Emma found the body of Tabitha's husband, Tip in a lounge chair on the patio. The story took off with many factors contributing to the twists and turns to the surprise ending. I am looking forward to the next in this series and to see if a romance develops between Emma and Jake and the continuing romance between Lucy and Ryan..
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
May 10, 2022
I am a huge fan of cozy mysteries, and when I saw that How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn was not only the start of a new series, but set in Colorado as well, I knew I had to read it. This was a really fun and bookish read that is set in a bookstore (surprise!) and wouldn't have been complete without the cat living in said bookstore. I really enjoyed the mystery, and as the bodies start to pile up, I loved watching Emma sleuth as well. She of course ends up being a suspect which was very humorous and silly, and she plus her aunt Nora were super fun characters. I really had no idea where the story was going to go, and it definitely took a turn I didn't see coming.
I listened to the audiobook and found that to be a great way to go. The narrator Rachel Dulude was perfect for Emma's character, and I really enjoyed listening to her narration and voice. It is a pretty short book and a really short audiobook, and I finished it in basically 2 sittings. I thought Kuhn's writing was so readable and engaging, and it made me want to go back and read her backlist. I also had to bookmark her website in hopes I can eventually catch her at an event! The Starlit Bookshop Mystery series is one I will be buying to keep on my shelves, and I am quite excited to see where Emma's story goes next. It is also fun to note that in the acknowledgments Kuhn thanks Devin at my favorite indie crime bookstore in Minnesota! If you haven't been to Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis, you need to remedy that ASAP.
I listened to the audiobook and found that to be a great way to go. The narrator Rachel Dulude was perfect for Emma's character, and I really enjoyed listening to her narration and voice. It is a pretty short book and a really short audiobook, and I finished it in basically 2 sittings. I thought Kuhn's writing was so readable and engaging, and it made me want to go back and read her backlist. I also had to bookmark her website in hopes I can eventually catch her at an event! The Starlit Bookshop Mystery series is one I will be buying to keep on my shelves, and I am quite excited to see where Emma's story goes next. It is also fun to note that in the acknowledgments Kuhn thanks Devin at my favorite indie crime bookstore in Minnesota! If you haven't been to Once Upon a Crime in Minneapolis, you need to remedy that ASAP.
September 19, 2022
A delightfully fast paced debut cozy with a likeable protagonist, Emma, and her family members, Lucy and Nora. and other secondary characters. The police investigators took the back seat throughout the book which was a pleasant change. The Starlit Bookshop is a busy business, and Emma is branching out into event planning especially for literary events. She hosts a Poe theme party for a strange local author, Calliope Nighfall, which is entertaining. There are multiple murders in the plot, and a very surprising killer is revealed! I recommend this book to those readers who enjoy a great cozy mystery!
December 18, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Colorado’s Starlit Bookshop may be on its last legs so Emma Starrs comes home hoping to save the family store. To help line the store’s coffers Emma agrees to step in to plan a mystery-themed party for one of her high school classmates when the original planner quits. Tabitha Baxter has the kind of friends and acquaintances that may want to host similar events and that would be good for the shop’s bottom line. The hostess’s husband is really into the works of Edwin Allan Poe, so he will be playing Detective C. Auguste Dupin in the game. But he soon finds himself playing the role of the deceased when he is found dead and the murder in the game goes unsolved, This is definitely not good for the host, it could also mean the end of the Starlit Bookshop when Tabitha accuses both Emma and her aunt, a famous author and college professor, of the murder to anyone who will listen. Of course, everyone at the event is on the suspect list including Tabitha Baxter.
While trying to book the real killer, gothic author and colleague of Emma’s aunt, Calliope Nightfall requests a book signing at the Starlit Bookshop to launch her new book that also has a Poe connection. Knowing this may be her chance to pin down a few suspects Emma can’t refuse. But will she push someone too far in her quest to book the murderer? Will the killer have the last word?
In How To Book A Murder we meet Emma Starrs, her sister Lucy and their aunt Nora. All three are trying to save the bookshop but Nora also teaches at the local college. I found all three to be likable and genuine.
Beyond the main characters, readers will find a large supporting cast. What I came to think of Tabitha and her posse – Her 3 BFFs and their husbands. Tabitha calls the shots and they fall in line. We also meet Nora’s college colleagues. They were all at the party when their host was killed so they are suspects. Even the catering team is called into question.
The author has basically written a closed room mystery unless someone snuck onto the patio to do the deed and Emma has to take that into account. She does have a hard time getting anyone to talk. because Tabitha and her friends just keep accusing Emma and Nora even going so far as saying since Nora wrote a cozy mystery with a similar crime she must be guilty. This theory had me giggling. Look out, my cozy author friends!!
I did enjoy the way Ms. Kuhn plotted out this mystery. I had a lot of fun following the clues right along with Emma. My original theory was found false early and I found myself caught up in the whole story and was totally surprised when all was revealed.
I have to tell you that I have come across a few bookstores in my cozy mystery reading history that I would love to visit in real life if that was actually possible. Well, I have added the Starlit Bookshop to that list. The way the place was transformed for Calliope Nightfall’s reading and signing as well as the wonderful shopkeepers really piqued my interest.
There is so much to entertain readers in How To Book A Murder. Unique characters, a marvelous setting and a really stirring mystery all come together for a very intriguing read. I am excited to see where the author takes these characters next after this enjoyable debut.
Colorado’s Starlit Bookshop may be on its last legs so Emma Starrs comes home hoping to save the family store. To help line the store’s coffers Emma agrees to step in to plan a mystery-themed party for one of her high school classmates when the original planner quits. Tabitha Baxter has the kind of friends and acquaintances that may want to host similar events and that would be good for the shop’s bottom line. The hostess’s husband is really into the works of Edwin Allan Poe, so he will be playing Detective C. Auguste Dupin in the game. But he soon finds himself playing the role of the deceased when he is found dead and the murder in the game goes unsolved, This is definitely not good for the host, it could also mean the end of the Starlit Bookshop when Tabitha accuses both Emma and her aunt, a famous author and college professor, of the murder to anyone who will listen. Of course, everyone at the event is on the suspect list including Tabitha Baxter.
While trying to book the real killer, gothic author and colleague of Emma’s aunt, Calliope Nightfall requests a book signing at the Starlit Bookshop to launch her new book that also has a Poe connection. Knowing this may be her chance to pin down a few suspects Emma can’t refuse. But will she push someone too far in her quest to book the murderer? Will the killer have the last word?
In How To Book A Murder we meet Emma Starrs, her sister Lucy and their aunt Nora. All three are trying to save the bookshop but Nora also teaches at the local college. I found all three to be likable and genuine.
Beyond the main characters, readers will find a large supporting cast. What I came to think of Tabitha and her posse – Her 3 BFFs and their husbands. Tabitha calls the shots and they fall in line. We also meet Nora’s college colleagues. They were all at the party when their host was killed so they are suspects. Even the catering team is called into question.
The author has basically written a closed room mystery unless someone snuck onto the patio to do the deed and Emma has to take that into account. She does have a hard time getting anyone to talk. because Tabitha and her friends just keep accusing Emma and Nora even going so far as saying since Nora wrote a cozy mystery with a similar crime she must be guilty. This theory had me giggling. Look out, my cozy author friends!!
I did enjoy the way Ms. Kuhn plotted out this mystery. I had a lot of fun following the clues right along with Emma. My original theory was found false early and I found myself caught up in the whole story and was totally surprised when all was revealed.
I have to tell you that I have come across a few bookstores in my cozy mystery reading history that I would love to visit in real life if that was actually possible. Well, I have added the Starlit Bookshop to that list. The way the place was transformed for Calliope Nightfall’s reading and signing as well as the wonderful shopkeepers really piqued my interest.
There is so much to entertain readers in How To Book A Murder. Unique characters, a marvelous setting and a really stirring mystery all come together for a very intriguing read. I am excited to see where the author takes these characters next after this enjoyable debut.
July 22, 2021
I quickly became a fan of this author, and her debut cozy mystery, How to Book a Murder.
Emma Starrs is a great character, and her sister Lucy and Aunt Nora add such fun to the story.
I always know I'm going to love a book when there's a character that irks me. Tabitha is that character for me, and boy, the author sure created an extremely annoying woman.
The mystery itself was well done and I found myself lost in the story.
I'm excited to recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HowtoBookaMurder #NetGalley
Emma Starrs is a great character, and her sister Lucy and Aunt Nora add such fun to the story.
I always know I'm going to love a book when there's a character that irks me. Tabitha is that character for me, and boy, the author sure created an extremely annoying woman.
The mystery itself was well done and I found myself lost in the story.
I'm excited to recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#HowtoBookaMurder #NetGalley
November 4, 2021
What a fabulous start to a new cozy series!! Love the Colorado setting in a quaint artistic town and, oh, how I wish I could visit Starlit Books! The cast of characters is exceptional, from the compelling protagonist Emma Starrs to her Mean Girl-esque nemesis Tabitha Baxter to the eccentric Calliope Nightfall. With humor expertly woven in and ample twists and turns, this mystery is one for the books!
December 17, 2021
This was a fun read. Lots of stuff going on in this story. Lots of side stories going on which added interest. Loved the ending! Looking forward to the next story in the series!
October 2, 2021
For me, this was a take it or leave it book. There is nothing wrong with it, it just didn't do anything for me. It sounds like it may be the beginning of a series, maybe the next one will be a little better since all the characters are now introduced...and there were a lot of people!
August 29, 2022
HOW TO BOOK A MURDER
Cynthia Kuhn
This series has two sisters, Lucy and Emma Starrs, who own the family bookstore, Starlit Bookshop in Colorado. Lucy has been running the bookshop while Emma completed her Ph.D. in English. The bookshop is going down, so Emma returns home to help out. This help comes in the form of doing literature events in the bookshop, murder mysteries at home, and any sort of event that can be tied to literature.
While doing a party for Tabitha Baxter, her high school nemesis now married to the local college's Dean of English, something terrible happens. The Dean is killed and Tabitha sets off on the path to ruin Emma and as a result the bookshop. You can tell that Emma grew up there because she knows most of the characters in the book from high school. The police detective, Jake Hollister is not only a police officer but also an aspiring author of crime fiction. He invites Emma to join the writer's group he runs.
This cozy murder mystery fell rather short for me. It was rather juvenile what with the "mean girls" from high school still pushing their way into everything by bullying, whining, and matching outfits. A great deal of the book was used to introduce the characters and setting so for me it seemed to take a long time to get back to solving the murder. Maybe the next book will be better.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
Cynthia Kuhn
This series has two sisters, Lucy and Emma Starrs, who own the family bookstore, Starlit Bookshop in Colorado. Lucy has been running the bookshop while Emma completed her Ph.D. in English. The bookshop is going down, so Emma returns home to help out. This help comes in the form of doing literature events in the bookshop, murder mysteries at home, and any sort of event that can be tied to literature.
While doing a party for Tabitha Baxter, her high school nemesis now married to the local college's Dean of English, something terrible happens. The Dean is killed and Tabitha sets off on the path to ruin Emma and as a result the bookshop. You can tell that Emma grew up there because she knows most of the characters in the book from high school. The police detective, Jake Hollister is not only a police officer but also an aspiring author of crime fiction. He invites Emma to join the writer's group he runs.
This cozy murder mystery fell rather short for me. It was rather juvenile what with the "mean girls" from high school still pushing their way into everything by bullying, whining, and matching outfits. A great deal of the book was used to introduce the characters and setting so for me it seemed to take a long time to get back to solving the murder. Maybe the next book will be better.
3 stars
Happy Reading!
September 27, 2024
This was the kind of book I should have read in one sitting.
Alas, I have lacked all motivation to read lately and therefore, did not.
I keep finding cozy books that succeed in the cozy, atmospheric vibes but seem to fall short in all other departments and this was one of them. Most of this book wasn't bad; a bit derivative, Hallmark-y, rife with every surviving petty HS drama available, but the vibes and family relationships could have made up for it.
If I had read this in one sitting, I think I might not have noticed the shortcomings of the book as much as I did - because I would have consumed it the same way I would have a quick Hallmark movie.
Unfortunately, as the book kept going on, the flaws just became really unavoidable. Already, the characterization was similar to playing MySims on the Wii, even with the types of tasks given to Emma as she prepared events. (I understand this might be niche, but imagine Violet ((from MySims)) was an eccentric author and you basically have the vibes) The plot was... a mess. The mystery was laughably absurd and the reveal was not only stupid, but also the most misogynistic way to go about anything.
(I want to clarify: I know a lot of people go into cozy books looking for vibes only and I'm not lessening that. For me though, I think a book should be able to have cozy vibes and a coherent plot, as well as not pitting nearly every female character against each other over extremely petty shit. <3)
Overall, while I didn't hate this, I do kind of feel like it was a waste of my time.
Alas, I have lacked all motivation to read lately and therefore, did not.
I keep finding cozy books that succeed in the cozy, atmospheric vibes but seem to fall short in all other departments and this was one of them. Most of this book wasn't bad; a bit derivative, Hallmark-y, rife with every surviving petty HS drama available, but the vibes and family relationships could have made up for it.
If I had read this in one sitting, I think I might not have noticed the shortcomings of the book as much as I did - because I would have consumed it the same way I would have a quick Hallmark movie.
Unfortunately, as the book kept going on, the flaws just became really unavoidable. Already, the characterization was similar to playing MySims on the Wii, even with the types of tasks given to Emma as she prepared events. (I understand this might be niche, but imagine Violet ((from MySims)) was an eccentric author and you basically have the vibes) The plot was... a mess. The mystery was laughably absurd and the reveal was not only stupid, but also the most misogynistic way to go about anything.
(I want to clarify: I know a lot of people go into cozy books looking for vibes only and I'm not lessening that. For me though, I think a book should be able to have cozy vibes and a coherent plot, as well as not pitting nearly every female character against each other over extremely petty shit. <3)
Overall, while I didn't hate this, I do kind of feel like it was a waste of my time.
December 18, 2021
A Good start to a new series.
September 1, 2021
The storyline just didnt come across as believable for me. It was just too extreme. I also struggled wiith the protagonist, Emma, allowing her peers to treat her, and so many others, so badly. Yes funds were tight but ... the relationship wirh Tabitha, its unhealthy ...hmm
Calliope Nightful is a delightful character and I enjoyed every scene she was a part of. Renaming people being a gift she bestowed on those she favoured, she hosts an extreme launch party that most would envy.
I dont think this my cuppa tea.
My thanks to #Netgalley, Crooked Lane and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
Calliope Nightful is a delightful character and I enjoyed every scene she was a part of. Renaming people being a gift she bestowed on those she favoured, she hosts an extreme launch party that most would envy.
I dont think this my cuppa tea.
My thanks to #Netgalley, Crooked Lane and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.
January 5, 2022
How To Book A Murder is the debut novel in the new “A Starlit Bookshop Mystery” series. Set in a small-town family bookshop, with characters that are completely different from one another, with strong community and family ties, this book was a nice beginning to a series I hope continues. Emma is doing what she can as an event planner and bookseller to keep the family business alive. It may not be as easy as she had thought with the accusation of being a murderer hanging over her head.
Emma has come home after completing her Ph.D. to help keep the family bookshop running. Her sister has done a remarkable job, but things have changed, and the family and the shop need to change as well. This means taking on the job of event planner and general helper. When old school rivalries enter the picture, and a body turns up, Emma has to find a way to save herself, and her aunt Nora who is being accused of the crime, and the bookshop from turning into just a memory.
It’s funny how school issues when we are young can sometimes come back to us when we are older. Those old rivalries still can make us act like sixteen-year-olds at times. Unfortunately, Emma needs to have a more mature outlook on life to get past the trauma of the mean girls from school, save her family’s bookshop, and solve a murder. All delightful additions to the plot. But this is not to say that the story does not have some minor issues; all new series must have room to grow. There are a few too many suspects in this story for my liking. Motives seem to hop out at the reader at every turn, and the killer’s motive isn’t really known or even hinted at until the end of the book; this can be a sticking point for many readers. The investigation into the victim(s) murder(s) seems slow and needlessly complicated. The reveal of the killer feels forced and not a proper resolution.
How To Book A Murder is an enjoyable first book that leaves a lot of room for growth and expansion. The minor issues I had with the story will eventually work themselves out with each subsequent installment. The Starlit bookshop, I hope, stays a feature in this series, and I would love to get more background on Emma’s family and her own life before she returned to her hometown to help run and be the main event planner for the shop. Overall, I feel that readers will enjoy this book, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the next one and the series.
Emma has come home after completing her Ph.D. to help keep the family bookshop running. Her sister has done a remarkable job, but things have changed, and the family and the shop need to change as well. This means taking on the job of event planner and general helper. When old school rivalries enter the picture, and a body turns up, Emma has to find a way to save herself, and her aunt Nora who is being accused of the crime, and the bookshop from turning into just a memory.
It’s funny how school issues when we are young can sometimes come back to us when we are older. Those old rivalries still can make us act like sixteen-year-olds at times. Unfortunately, Emma needs to have a more mature outlook on life to get past the trauma of the mean girls from school, save her family’s bookshop, and solve a murder. All delightful additions to the plot. But this is not to say that the story does not have some minor issues; all new series must have room to grow. There are a few too many suspects in this story for my liking. Motives seem to hop out at the reader at every turn, and the killer’s motive isn’t really known or even hinted at until the end of the book; this can be a sticking point for many readers. The investigation into the victim(s) murder(s) seems slow and needlessly complicated. The reveal of the killer feels forced and not a proper resolution.
How To Book A Murder is an enjoyable first book that leaves a lot of room for growth and expansion. The minor issues I had with the story will eventually work themselves out with each subsequent installment. The Starlit bookshop, I hope, stays a feature in this series, and I would love to get more background on Emma’s family and her own life before she returned to her hometown to help run and be the main event planner for the shop. Overall, I feel that readers will enjoy this book, and I look forward to seeing where the author takes the next one and the series.
December 9, 2021
Her family bookstore's financial status just hit desperate and Emma Starrs plans to generate more cash flow by hosting events there. When her mean girl nemesis from high school loses her party planner the day before her murder mystery dinner party is scheduled, Emma steps up to help. The party was perfect...the characters, the clues were all a big hit. Unfortunately the host was discovered dead by Emma and her aunt. This leads to an harassment campaign organized by the newly widowed mean girl accusing Emma of murder. In order to save her reputation and the bookstore from closing, Emma has to find the real murderer. This series with interesting ideas debut shows real potential with some interesting characters. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 15, 2023
This was a fun book to read. The story brings together a few of my ideas of fun a fun day/night out… a bookstore, murder mystery dinner, and author book signings. The sister and their aunt were interesting and relatable characters you would enjoy getting to know. The other characters well let’s just say some mean girls never grew up. The mystery is well plotted with plenty of surprises. I look forward to more of this series.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and I have not been influenced by anyone.
March 20, 2022
Definitely put-downable.
On short notice Emma is hired as the event planner at a murder mystery party, by old high-school mean girl Tabitha. At the party, Tabitha’s husband Tip is murdered. Fair enough, Tabitha has reason to be upset. But not enough reason to start spreading rumours that Emma and her aunt Nora (who was a guest) are the murderers. If there was any evidence to back up that claim, the police would have arrested them. They would not be walking around freely.
Yet, people are believing Tabitha, because it is hurting Emma and Lucy’s business, a book store. Or perhaps people are not sure what to believe, and are just stepping aside to be on the safe side no matter.
Emma and Nora feel they must investigate. Meanwhile, Emma’s also planning another party: a launch party at her bookstore.
There were too many characters to keep track off, and most of them didn’t seem very nice, so I didn’t want to invest time in remembering them anyway.
I liked Nora, and perhaps I would have liked Emma a little better if she would have stood up to her clients more, rather than remind herself ‘the customer is always right’. No, the customer isn’t. But perhaps that’s easy for me to say; I don’t work as an event planner.
On short notice Emma is hired as the event planner at a murder mystery party, by old high-school mean girl Tabitha. At the party, Tabitha’s husband Tip is murdered. Fair enough, Tabitha has reason to be upset. But not enough reason to start spreading rumours that Emma and her aunt Nora (who was a guest) are the murderers. If there was any evidence to back up that claim, the police would have arrested them. They would not be walking around freely.
Yet, people are believing Tabitha, because it is hurting Emma and Lucy’s business, a book store. Or perhaps people are not sure what to believe, and are just stepping aside to be on the safe side no matter.
Emma and Nora feel they must investigate. Meanwhile, Emma’s also planning another party: a launch party at her bookstore.
There were too many characters to keep track off, and most of them didn’t seem very nice, so I didn’t want to invest time in remembering them anyway.
I liked Nora, and perhaps I would have liked Emma a little better if she would have stood up to her clients more, rather than remind herself ‘the customer is always right’. No, the customer isn’t. But perhaps that’s easy for me to say; I don’t work as an event planner.
December 28, 2021
Author Cynthia Kuhn kicks off her brand new Starlit Bookshop Mystery series with How to Book a Murder.
Emma Starrs, thirty, who has just finished her literature PhD and has turned down a fantastic job returns home to Denver, Colorado to help her sister, Lucy and Aunt Nora run their family bookshop after her parents' untimely deaths and finds the store in a financially precarious position. Organising a mystery-themed dinner party for her well-off high school classmate Tabitha Baxter is a breeze. It’s a delightful evening of cocktail quaffing until Tabitha’s husband, Tip ends up murdered, found on the patio.
In this fun and entertaining tale, the mystery was very well done and I was absorbed in events until the big reveal. I liked the two sisters, Emma and Lucy well enough and I adored Calliope Nightfall who was flamboyant and of a certain age. There were a few good twists and some misdirection to keep the story fizzing and I'm intending to meet up with Emma and hopefully, Jake Hollister, the copper/ detective and school rival again in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
Emma Starrs, thirty, who has just finished her literature PhD and has turned down a fantastic job returns home to Denver, Colorado to help her sister, Lucy and Aunt Nora run their family bookshop after her parents' untimely deaths and finds the store in a financially precarious position. Organising a mystery-themed dinner party for her well-off high school classmate Tabitha Baxter is a breeze. It’s a delightful evening of cocktail quaffing until Tabitha’s husband, Tip ends up murdered, found on the patio.
In this fun and entertaining tale, the mystery was very well done and I was absorbed in events until the big reveal. I liked the two sisters, Emma and Lucy well enough and I adored Calliope Nightfall who was flamboyant and of a certain age. There were a few good twists and some misdirection to keep the story fizzing and I'm intending to meet up with Emma and hopefully, Jake Hollister, the copper/ detective and school rival again in book two.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 5, 2021
Thank you to Crooked Lane and NetGalley for an e-ARC of this novel. All opinions expressed in my review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.
2.5 stars
Emma Starrs has returned to her hometown in Colorado to help her sister Lucy run their family's bookstore, Starlit books. When Emma learns the store is experiencing financial difficulty and may be forced to close, she's heartbroken. Her parents put so much of their lives and love into the store before their retirement and untimely deaths. She would hate to see it close. Quickly, Emma starts brainstorming ways to save the store from ruin and settles on using her event planning expertise from graduate school to help bring more people into the store. Her first client is her high school mean girl, Tabitha Louise Saxton Lyme Harmon Gladstone Baxter (she's been through a lot of husbands) who needs an event planner for a murder mystery party she and her husband are throwing the next day. Emma readily agrees to Tabitha's terms in spite of the woman's animosity and unreasonable demands. Then the murder mystery party turns all too real when Emma discovers Tabitha's husband's dead body lying on a chaise lounge at the end of the party. When Emma's Aunt Nora's fingerprints are found on the chair and her long running feud with Trip, the Dean of Arts and Humanities at the college where Nora teaches writing, becomes known, Tabitha starts accusing Nora and Emma of murder. Tabitha will stop at nothing to ruin Emma and Emma refuses to allow it. She wants to search for clues but another party awaits. Another writing professor, the eccentric Calliope demands Emma plan her an Edgar Allen Poe party for her in-store reading of her latest book. Calliope turns out to be as demanding as Tabitha! Then a newcomer to the space next door makes trouble and Emma finds herself in the thick of another murder investigation. She has an alibi but senses the police don't believe her. It's up to Emma to clear her name and save her family's store.
This book is nothing like Jenn McKinlay's. It lacks the warmth and humor of her novels. The only thing it has in common is books, book-related events and of course it's a cozy mystery. I'm not familiar with Kate Carlisle to speak to any similarities there. This story didn't appeal to me all that much. I wanted to like it, being a bibliophile, a former English major and a former Poe fan. The plot fell short of the mark for me. First I couldn't stand all the mean girl drama. I'm so over that. These women are 30 years old and still act like they're in high school. It's never fully explained exactly WHY Tabitha hates Emma so much. Perhaps because Emma stands up for herself and has accomplished her goals but chosen a different path? For some reason Tabitha is a vindictive *itch to Emma and I got super tired of her and her wannabes. I was also not able to follow the academic side of the mystery. There were too many people involved and they were all suspects in the murder investigation. Finally, I felt the creep factor was too high. Why is this book set at Halloween for a December release and did it have to feature a scary haunted house? There's a REASON I don't go to those things, watch horror movies and read ONLY cozy mysteries. I don't need horror in a cozy mystery. It's not what I would expect either. The body count was too high with no remorse or pause for reflection. It's just mentioned kind of offhand these people were dead. The murderer attempts murder on even more people which is nuts!
A few minor tweaks would make this book stronger. Memo to author and editor: It isn't polite to describe someone by their race or ethnicity. ONE character is referred to as African American, which by the way, should be Black or state the country she immigrated from. NONE of the characters are described as European or Caucasian in any way. How about the woman with the deep chocolate skin and tiny braids? The woman with the blond chingon? for trite descriptions.
I like Emma well enough but she isn't really the most warm person. She's private about her feelings and her business but friendly an outgoing enough to people she feels comfortable with. She's very kind to her sister Lucy. I admire how Emma stands up for herself and doesn't let the mean girls get to her. She knows they must feel insecure about themselves to put down others but she never tries to figure out why Tabitha is such a *itch to her. It's also not entirely explained why she sees Jake as a nemesis. I think he's supposed to be her Gilbert Blythe? Mr. Darcy? (She claims their mother read them L.M. Montgomery's books over and over but any true fan would say Lucy Maud Montgomery and not L.M. or even Maud. Their shop cat's name is Anne Shirley but it's not enough to make me like cats). Lucy is a total sweetheart. She's more shy and more easily overwhelmed than Emma. Lucy didn't have the opportunity to have the life experiences Emma has had. Lucy is an angel for running the shop after their parents were killed but she doesn't seem to have the business experience necessary or the energy needed to do everything by herself. Their Aunt Nora pays the mortgage for them. As a successful mystery writer and a faculty member at Silvercrest College, she seems to have money but isn't wealthy enough to float the store. I wish it was explained better why the store was in trouble. E-books? People moving out of the area? Competition from a big box store in Denver? Amazon?
Tabitha of many names is a world class you know what as I've mentioned before. She seems to think she's living in 19th-century England where she's a Duchess and treats Emma like Emma is a lowly maid. Emma is doing Tabitha a huge favor and the woman doesn't even say thank you! Tabitha doesn't like books so I knew right off the bat she was not going to be a likable character. Also she keeps her dog in her purse and then the dog is dropped from the plot until the final scene. That is NOT someone I'd even want to work for no matter how much the money was needed. Her minions aren't any better. They look and dress just like Tabitha and parrot everything she says. None of them have personalities. Melody's husband, Bruce, is a boor. Ainsley seems OK. She sells scented soap on Etsy (a-choo) and I feel sorry for her because her husband ignores her. I don't think any of them are happily married. Felicity is a one-woman echo but is sadly the nicest of them all. She might be OK if she could grow a brain. Tabitha's husband Trip seemed nice, if a bit of a lush but he may have been up to something shady at the college. Still, he didn't deserve to be murdered. Tabitha doesn't seem to be mourning him one bit. I think she killed him. Ian Gladstone, Tabitha's ex, is a selfish twit stuck in his teen years. He isn't respectful or thoughtful in any way. I suspect he may still be into Tabitha and she has something to do with his appearing on the scene next door. I think he killed Tip to get what he wanted.
Other chief suspects are from the college. Nora's colleagues are on some sort of a committee which isn't explained until later. They're sharply divided on some plan and Tip was in favor of the side opposing Nora's faction. Able Holley is annoying, snippy and always unhappy about something. I don't think he likes change. ANY change, even positive. Why is that? Tip was on his side but something could have changed. Dodd Simpson is just as bad. I think he likes to stir up trouble by being deliberately obtuse. Nora's side includes Bethany Manzano, the department chair, a nice older woman. She's a bit eccentric but DOLLS ARE NOT CREEPY! Some of hers seem a little creepy but on the whole dolls are not creepy and doll lovers don't give away their beloved friends. That part of her personality didn't ring true to me. Because she's a fellow doll lover, I don't suspect her of murder. Katrina Andrews and Farley Jennings are also on Nora's side but neither of them have much to say for themselves. Farley seems nice enough. Prescott and Cornelia Abernathy are married but have opposite personalities. She seems nice and not "woo woo" just because she likes yoga. Prescott is type-A and likes hard facts and figures- data. That's not a bad thing either but he's whiny about it. I don't seem him smothering anyone with a pillow though.
Calliope Nightfall is the most eccentric of the college writing faculty. A goth and Poe enthusiast, her latest book is inspired by Poe's Annabel Lee. At first I liked her. She's eccentric and quirky and seemed fun. Then she turned into author-zilla and was as bad as Tabitha in the way she treated Emma. Her horror-Poe themed event sounds too creepy for my taste.
Caterer Vivi Yang is a lot of fun. She's a whirlwind of energy and has so many creative ideas. Vivi is a big help to Emma but I can't help but be suspicious. She was at the murder mystery party and Tabitha wasn't very nice to her either. A writing group meets at the bookstore and invites Emma to join. Tevo Akina and Alyssa Clarkston seem nice and like positive people but not super reliable. Jake Hollister, their leader, is a successful crime writer, a detective AND Emma's high school writing rival. As her critique partner, he was always critical and made her feel unworthy. She isn't sure how she should feel about him now. He seems a bit egotistical and like he could go on a power trip slashing through manuscripts with a red pen. His new career as a detective comes out of nowhere and he's sneaky about it. Mr. egomaniac dismisses Emma's concerns and thoughts about something that may be connected to the murder. I sense he's going to be Emma's future love interest. Lucy's love interest, Ryan, a theatrical lighting guy, is much nicer. He's kind, listens and is very helpful. Plus he's willing to dress up in Regency costume! Detective Trujillo seems fair. He listens to Emma and listens when Tabitha is rude. Yes he suspects Emma and Nora but the evidence DOES point to Nora and Emma.
I would be open to another book in the series because the conflicts I disliked seem to be resolved. If the author can dial back the body count and creep factor a lot more. How about a nice Jane Austen party for Lucy?
2.5 stars
Emma Starrs has returned to her hometown in Colorado to help her sister Lucy run their family's bookstore, Starlit books. When Emma learns the store is experiencing financial difficulty and may be forced to close, she's heartbroken. Her parents put so much of their lives and love into the store before their retirement and untimely deaths. She would hate to see it close. Quickly, Emma starts brainstorming ways to save the store from ruin and settles on using her event planning expertise from graduate school to help bring more people into the store. Her first client is her high school mean girl, Tabitha Louise Saxton Lyme Harmon Gladstone Baxter (she's been through a lot of husbands) who needs an event planner for a murder mystery party she and her husband are throwing the next day. Emma readily agrees to Tabitha's terms in spite of the woman's animosity and unreasonable demands. Then the murder mystery party turns all too real when Emma discovers Tabitha's husband's dead body lying on a chaise lounge at the end of the party. When Emma's Aunt Nora's fingerprints are found on the chair and her long running feud with Trip, the Dean of Arts and Humanities at the college where Nora teaches writing, becomes known, Tabitha starts accusing Nora and Emma of murder. Tabitha will stop at nothing to ruin Emma and Emma refuses to allow it. She wants to search for clues but another party awaits. Another writing professor, the eccentric Calliope demands Emma plan her an Edgar Allen Poe party for her in-store reading of her latest book. Calliope turns out to be as demanding as Tabitha! Then a newcomer to the space next door makes trouble and Emma finds herself in the thick of another murder investigation. She has an alibi but senses the police don't believe her. It's up to Emma to clear her name and save her family's store.
This book is nothing like Jenn McKinlay's. It lacks the warmth and humor of her novels. The only thing it has in common is books, book-related events and of course it's a cozy mystery. I'm not familiar with Kate Carlisle to speak to any similarities there. This story didn't appeal to me all that much. I wanted to like it, being a bibliophile, a former English major and a former Poe fan. The plot fell short of the mark for me. First I couldn't stand all the mean girl drama. I'm so over that. These women are 30 years old and still act like they're in high school. It's never fully explained exactly WHY Tabitha hates Emma so much. Perhaps because Emma stands up for herself and has accomplished her goals but chosen a different path? For some reason Tabitha is a vindictive *itch to Emma and I got super tired of her and her wannabes. I was also not able to follow the academic side of the mystery. There were too many people involved and they were all suspects in the murder investigation. Finally, I felt the creep factor was too high. Why is this book set at Halloween for a December release and did it have to feature a scary haunted house? There's a REASON I don't go to those things, watch horror movies and read ONLY cozy mysteries. I don't need horror in a cozy mystery. It's not what I would expect either. The body count was too high with no remorse or pause for reflection. It's just mentioned kind of offhand these people were dead. The murderer attempts murder on even more people which is nuts!
A few minor tweaks would make this book stronger. Memo to author and editor: It isn't polite to describe someone by their race or ethnicity. ONE character is referred to as African American, which by the way, should be Black or state the country she immigrated from. NONE of the characters are described as European or Caucasian in any way. How about the woman with the deep chocolate skin and tiny braids? The woman with the blond chingon? for trite descriptions.
I like Emma well enough but she isn't really the most warm person. She's private about her feelings and her business but friendly an outgoing enough to people she feels comfortable with. She's very kind to her sister Lucy. I admire how Emma stands up for herself and doesn't let the mean girls get to her. She knows they must feel insecure about themselves to put down others but she never tries to figure out why Tabitha is such a *itch to her. It's also not entirely explained why she sees Jake as a nemesis. I think he's supposed to be her Gilbert Blythe? Mr. Darcy? (She claims their mother read them L.M. Montgomery's books over and over but any true fan would say Lucy Maud Montgomery and not L.M. or even Maud. Their shop cat's name is Anne Shirley but it's not enough to make me like cats). Lucy is a total sweetheart. She's more shy and more easily overwhelmed than Emma. Lucy didn't have the opportunity to have the life experiences Emma has had. Lucy is an angel for running the shop after their parents were killed but she doesn't seem to have the business experience necessary or the energy needed to do everything by herself. Their Aunt Nora pays the mortgage for them. As a successful mystery writer and a faculty member at Silvercrest College, she seems to have money but isn't wealthy enough to float the store. I wish it was explained better why the store was in trouble. E-books? People moving out of the area? Competition from a big box store in Denver? Amazon?
Tabitha of many names is a world class you know what as I've mentioned before. She seems to think she's living in 19th-century England where she's a Duchess and treats Emma like Emma is a lowly maid. Emma is doing Tabitha a huge favor and the woman doesn't even say thank you! Tabitha doesn't like books so I knew right off the bat she was not going to be a likable character. Also she keeps her dog in her purse and then the dog is dropped from the plot until the final scene. That is NOT someone I'd even want to work for no matter how much the money was needed. Her minions aren't any better. They look and dress just like Tabitha and parrot everything she says. None of them have personalities. Melody's husband, Bruce, is a boor. Ainsley seems OK. She sells scented soap on Etsy (a-choo) and I feel sorry for her because her husband ignores her. I don't think any of them are happily married. Felicity is a one-woman echo but is sadly the nicest of them all. She might be OK if she could grow a brain. Tabitha's husband Trip seemed nice, if a bit of a lush but he may have been up to something shady at the college. Still, he didn't deserve to be murdered. Tabitha doesn't seem to be mourning him one bit. I think she killed him. Ian Gladstone, Tabitha's ex, is a selfish twit stuck in his teen years. He isn't respectful or thoughtful in any way. I suspect he may still be into Tabitha and she has something to do with his appearing on the scene next door. I think he killed Tip to get what he wanted.
Other chief suspects are from the college. Nora's colleagues are on some sort of a committee which isn't explained until later. They're sharply divided on some plan and Tip was in favor of the side opposing Nora's faction. Able Holley is annoying, snippy and always unhappy about something. I don't think he likes change. ANY change, even positive. Why is that? Tip was on his side but something could have changed. Dodd Simpson is just as bad. I think he likes to stir up trouble by being deliberately obtuse. Nora's side includes Bethany Manzano, the department chair, a nice older woman. She's a bit eccentric but DOLLS ARE NOT CREEPY! Some of hers seem a little creepy but on the whole dolls are not creepy and doll lovers don't give away their beloved friends. That part of her personality didn't ring true to me. Because she's a fellow doll lover, I don't suspect her of murder. Katrina Andrews and Farley Jennings are also on Nora's side but neither of them have much to say for themselves. Farley seems nice enough. Prescott and Cornelia Abernathy are married but have opposite personalities. She seems nice and not "woo woo" just because she likes yoga. Prescott is type-A and likes hard facts and figures- data. That's not a bad thing either but he's whiny about it. I don't seem him smothering anyone with a pillow though.
Calliope Nightfall is the most eccentric of the college writing faculty. A goth and Poe enthusiast, her latest book is inspired by Poe's Annabel Lee. At first I liked her. She's eccentric and quirky and seemed fun. Then she turned into author-zilla and was as bad as Tabitha in the way she treated Emma. Her horror-Poe themed event sounds too creepy for my taste.
Caterer Vivi Yang is a lot of fun. She's a whirlwind of energy and has so many creative ideas. Vivi is a big help to Emma but I can't help but be suspicious. She was at the murder mystery party and Tabitha wasn't very nice to her either. A writing group meets at the bookstore and invites Emma to join. Tevo Akina and Alyssa Clarkston seem nice and like positive people but not super reliable. Jake Hollister, their leader, is a successful crime writer, a detective AND Emma's high school writing rival. As her critique partner, he was always critical and made her feel unworthy. She isn't sure how she should feel about him now. He seems a bit egotistical and like he could go on a power trip slashing through manuscripts with a red pen. His new career as a detective comes out of nowhere and he's sneaky about it. Mr. egomaniac dismisses Emma's concerns and thoughts about something that may be connected to the murder. I sense he's going to be Emma's future love interest. Lucy's love interest, Ryan, a theatrical lighting guy, is much nicer. He's kind, listens and is very helpful. Plus he's willing to dress up in Regency costume! Detective Trujillo seems fair. He listens to Emma and listens when Tabitha is rude. Yes he suspects Emma and Nora but the evidence DOES point to Nora and Emma.
I would be open to another book in the series because the conflicts I disliked seem to be resolved. If the author can dial back the body count and creep factor a lot more. How about a nice Jane Austen party for Lucy?
December 7, 2021
Dr. Emma Starrs returns home to help her sister, Lucy run the family bookstore, Starlit Bookshop. They need an influx of cash, so Emma steps in to help mean girl Tabitha with a murder mystery dinner. The event is a hit until Emma finds Tabitha’s husband dead on the patio. Emma’s aunt, Nora becomes the prime suspects with Emma in line behind her. The pair set out to find the truth. The killer, though, is not done with their slaying. Can Emma and Nora identify the guilty party before they end up next on the hit list? How to Book a Murder by Cynthia Kuhn is the debut of A Starlit Bookshop Mystery series. There are a variety of characters in this new cozy mystery. I liked Emma’s sister, Lucy who is a sweetie as well as Emma’s eccentric aunt, Nora. Nora has a lively personality and I like her unique attire. There is a large cast of characters and I found it a challenge to keep them a straight. Emma’s high school nemesis, Tabitha and her gaggle of followers are still in town. They are still mean (worse than in high school because now they have influence) and now they are rich. This might be a trigger for some people who had trouble with mean individuals in high school. The author’s descriptive writing allows readers to envision the characters and the town. Starlit Bookstore sounded like my type of place (where you could spend hours browsing through the books). The murder of Tabitha’s husband, Tip has Emma and Nora becoming amateur sleuths. Tabitha is openly accusing the pair of doing the deed. They have no choice but to search for the killer. They have an extensive list of suspects. Nora and Emma need to whittle down the list to figure out which individual committed the crime. It is a frustrating venture since the mean girl clique is unhelpful and spreading heinous gossip. In the end, all the clues come together for Emma. She needs to step carefully, or she could end up the next victim. I wish the wrap up had been more complete. I was left with a couple of unanswered questions at the end of the book. It also felt more like a recitation of information. There were two secondary characters that I thought were a hit. The caterer, Vivi Yang is a warm, friendly, and upbeat character who creates delectable food. I liked her and I hope we see more of her in future books. I also enjoyed Calliope Nightfall. She is an author with a flair for the dramatic. How to Book a Murder is blithe cozy mystery with a bewitching bookstore, office obstruction, multiple murders, a Poe party, malicious mean females, exquisite culinary cuisine, academic afflictions, and a raven reveal.
November 15, 2021
A cute beginning to a new cozy mystery series by Cynthia Kuhn set in Colorado. Emma Starrs, with a freshly-minted PHD, turns down a teaching position to return home to help her sister run the family business, Starlit Bookshop. It is not doing well financially so Emma jumps at the chance when a customer comes into the store looking for a literary event planner. All goes well with this new venture until the host of the party is found murdered at the end of the evening. Worse, his wife starts spreading the rumor that Emma and her aunt Nora are the most likely suspects! Nora and Emma are forced to become amateur sleuths to clear their names.
Such neat characters! I would love to meet someone like the eccentric author Calliope in real life. She's a rip. The story sparkles with wit and humor and the mystery keeps the reader guessing right up to the conclusion. My main suspect became victim number two--so much for my detective skills! Quite an enjoyable read.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I am grateful for the opportunity.
Such neat characters! I would love to meet someone like the eccentric author Calliope in real life. She's a rip. The story sparkles with wit and humor and the mystery keeps the reader guessing right up to the conclusion. My main suspect became victim number two--so much for my detective skills! Quite an enjoyable read.
I received an arc of this new mystery from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for my honest review. I am grateful for the opportunity.
January 21, 2022
Cynthia Kuhn is one of my favorite cozy writers, so I looked forward to reading How to Book a Murder - book #1 in her new Starlit Bookshop Mystery series. It was a pretty smooth first installment. I liked mostly everything in this mystery: a likable and intelligent sleuth over the age of 30 - Emma Starrs; Emma's gifted mind (She's an aspiring writer with Ph.D. in literature.); the cerebral Starrs family (Aunt Nora is a famous mystery writer and academic.); the old family bookstore (Emma is helping her older sister save Starlit.); and a good nemesis (Tabitha Baxter, Emma's old high school enemy, is formidable.). With a setup like this, the series can't go wrong.
My only quibbles are with the setting of the series (Colorado again? Ugh!) and the dull future boyfriend Jake. These are only lightweight issues, and they won't kill my support for this series. Kuhn will spice things up as the series evolves. That's why she's such a good writer.
3 stars
My only quibbles are with the setting of the series (Colorado again? Ugh!) and the dull future boyfriend Jake. These are only lightweight issues, and they won't kill my support for this series. Kuhn will spice things up as the series evolves. That's why she's such a good writer.
3 stars
Displaying 1 - 30 of 275 reviews