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Three Tomes Bookshop #2
Purses Curses and Hearses
Jacqueline Finch is a lifelong book lover, which is why it was a literal gift from the Universe when she inherited Three Tomes Bookshop at the ripe old age of forty-eight.
But she’s had a few adjustments to make along the way, including the fact that her bookshop seems to be a haven for literary characters to come alive…and to stick their noses into things that aren’t any of their business—including Sherlock Holmes’s landlady, Mrs. Hudson, who is constantly bickering with the dour housekeeper from Rebecca, Mrs. Danvers.
And then there are the three old ladies down the street, whose resemblance to Macbeth's Witches Three cannot be ignored.
Nevertheless, Jacqueline is happy in her new life and everything seems to be going well…even when she discovers that Dickens’s the Artful Dodger has come to life at Three Tomes Bookshop.
Why Dodger is here and what problem he’s meant to solve for some real-life person is the question—but in the meantime, Jacqueline has to figure out how to keep the light-fingered pickpocket from dipping his hands into her customers’ pockets and purses!
She manages to keep Dodger under wraps until a young woman bursts into the shop claiming her husband is trying to kill her. Jacqueline springs into action, but it turns out the threatened young woman wants a specific kind of assistance that Jacqueline has no idea how to provide…the sort of assistance not found in books…
Things get even worse when Cinderella shows up at the shop and the Artful Dodger falls for her…and neither of them have any intention of returning to their books in a timely manner—if ever.
Jacqueline’s got her hands full, but with the help of the three crones and her two best friends, she’s determined to muddle through…somehow.
But she’s had a few adjustments to make along the way, including the fact that her bookshop seems to be a haven for literary characters to come alive…and to stick their noses into things that aren’t any of their business—including Sherlock Holmes’s landlady, Mrs. Hudson, who is constantly bickering with the dour housekeeper from Rebecca, Mrs. Danvers.
And then there are the three old ladies down the street, whose resemblance to Macbeth's Witches Three cannot be ignored.
Nevertheless, Jacqueline is happy in her new life and everything seems to be going well…even when she discovers that Dickens’s the Artful Dodger has come to life at Three Tomes Bookshop.
Why Dodger is here and what problem he’s meant to solve for some real-life person is the question—but in the meantime, Jacqueline has to figure out how to keep the light-fingered pickpocket from dipping his hands into her customers’ pockets and purses!
She manages to keep Dodger under wraps until a young woman bursts into the shop claiming her husband is trying to kill her. Jacqueline springs into action, but it turns out the threatened young woman wants a specific kind of assistance that Jacqueline has no idea how to provide…the sort of assistance not found in books…
Things get even worse when Cinderella shows up at the shop and the Artful Dodger falls for her…and neither of them have any intention of returning to their books in a timely manner—if ever.
Jacqueline’s got her hands full, but with the help of the three crones and her two best friends, she’s determined to muddle through…somehow.
257 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2022
213 people are currently reading
123 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
105 books1,677 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews
March 15, 2023
Entertaining mystery listening 🎶🔰
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships haunting horror ghost 👻 adventure thriller novel by Colleen Gleason Three Tomes Bookshop book 2. Jacqueline is having another grand opening with goes very well, Paul Bunyan and Cinderella both show up ☝. Amanda Gauthier husband is murdered, but who did it? Egata is still causing problems and announces she is going to open a store. The police investigation leads to Amanda and she is arrested. I would recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of paranormal mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Entertaining paranormal mystery series. Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀
Another will written murder mystery family and friends relationships haunting horror ghost 👻 adventure thriller novel by Colleen Gleason Three Tomes Bookshop book 2. Jacqueline is having another grand opening with goes very well, Paul Bunyan and Cinderella both show up ☝. Amanda Gauthier husband is murdered, but who did it? Egata is still causing problems and announces she is going to open a store. The police investigation leads to Amanda and she is arrested. I would recommend this novel and author to 👍 readers of paranormal mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
Entertaining paranormal mystery series. Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀
December 27, 2022
Diese Reihe ist einfach wundervoll 💫
March 16, 2023
Great series!
Jacqueline has Cinderella and Jack from Oliver Twist join her staff!
Now that she has developed witchy powers from her ancestor Cuddy Stone, customers start coming to her for help. When her former best friend, Wendy, from Chicago travels to Michigan and blames her for putting a curse on her, Jacqueline is appalled. Then she finds out that Egala is behind the curse on her former friend and she goes to the crones for help, they discover that Wendy's purse is cursed.
Two customers come to her for magical help. One, Amanda, claims that her husband is trying to kill her for insurance money. The other is a teenager, Kara, who wants a love potion to put on a jock to make him fall in love with her. That's when Cinderella steps in and jumps into back into her book taking Kara with her, showing her what love potions do to people against their will.
When Jacqueline makes a protection amulet for Amanda, she doesn't realize that the woman manipulated her to kill her husband after reading "Gone Girl." When the crones get their hands on Wendy's cursed purse, they remove the curse, Wendy apologizes for all the trouble she caused and leaves town.
But Egala sets up shop on the street. So Jacqueline knows trouble is just around the corner.
A must read!!
Jacqueline has Cinderella and Jack from Oliver Twist join her staff!
Now that she has developed witchy powers from her ancestor Cuddy Stone, customers start coming to her for help. When her former best friend, Wendy, from Chicago travels to Michigan and blames her for putting a curse on her, Jacqueline is appalled. Then she finds out that Egala is behind the curse on her former friend and she goes to the crones for help, they discover that Wendy's purse is cursed.
Two customers come to her for magical help. One, Amanda, claims that her husband is trying to kill her for insurance money. The other is a teenager, Kara, who wants a love potion to put on a jock to make him fall in love with her. That's when Cinderella steps in and jumps into back into her book taking Kara with her, showing her what love potions do to people against their will.
When Jacqueline makes a protection amulet for Amanda, she doesn't realize that the woman manipulated her to kill her husband after reading "Gone Girl." When the crones get their hands on Wendy's cursed purse, they remove the curse, Wendy apologizes for all the trouble she caused and leaves town.
But Egala sets up shop on the street. So Jacqueline knows trouble is just around the corner.
A must read!!
June 16, 2023
Ok Jaqueline's settling in to her bookshop. But now the Artful Dodger and Cinderella show up and start crushing on each other. People keep coming to the bookshop asking her to make them potions and spells, and her friend from her old life drops in and starts accusing Jaqueline of hexing her. Oy Vey.
We start getting into the technical details of the book characters. Turns out that if Cinderella doesn't go back into her book the book disappears from the world along with all memory of it. Meh they're losing me a bit there. They end up swiping an unimportant character from the Dickens book and put her in as Cinderella. Why hasn't Oliver Twist disappeared with Dodger not going back in.
There is a murder somewhere. One of the customers shows up and says her husband is trying to kill her and she wants to kill him? Or stop him? Jaqueline offers to try a protection charm, which totally works and the lady is protected. Too bad she's actually a bad guy and has been trying to frame her husband this whole time. She ends up killing him and almost gets away with it because of the protection charm.
We start getting into the technical details of the book characters. Turns out that if Cinderella doesn't go back into her book the book disappears from the world along with all memory of it. Meh they're losing me a bit there. They end up swiping an unimportant character from the Dickens book and put her in as Cinderella. Why hasn't Oliver Twist disappeared with Dodger not going back in.
There is a murder somewhere. One of the customers shows up and says her husband is trying to kill her and she wants to kill him? Or stop him? Jaqueline offers to try a protection charm, which totally works and the lady is protected. Too bad she's actually a bad guy and has been trying to frame her husband this whole time. She ends up killing him and almost gets away with it because of the protection charm.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 23, 2022
I enjoyed reading Gleason's Purses, Curses and Hearses. It's the second book in her series called Three Tomes Bookshop so there are several references to major events that occurred in the previous novel, but it is great as a standalone novel as well! (I haven't read the first novel and still enjoyed this one!) The story is a light-hearted, modern-day tale with a swirl of magic and set in a book-lover's paradise (a cozy, enchanted bookshop). There are a ton of literary references which were hard to follow at times, but completely relatable at other times, so there is likely a reference for every reader, so to speak. I recommend this book for a magical, bookshop-centric escape that will leave you dreaming of your own magical bookshop, filled with fireplaces, cozy chairs, hot tea, and baked goods!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2024
We progress...slowly
Diet Culture Trigger Warning
The book had a decent plot. Unfortunately, way too much time and head space about carbs and weight. If you are newly in recovery from restriction, be careful with this one. This is the second book about Jacqueline and her magical book shop. There is a lot in the setup that could be quite good if the author could perhaps just eat something. I'm annoyed 😠 that an otherwise good book needs to have stars removed for such ill informed nonsense. The space given to multiple dietary discussions could have been used on more of her magic.
I'm hoping in future books there will be less diet nonsense, and more information about her circumstances. Although I will admit I am really intrigued by Danvers and Hudson.
Jacqueline is growing on me, though. She is getting more alive, more confident in herself. And she gets a little closure about her old life that is nicely written.
Diet Culture Trigger Warning
The book had a decent plot. Unfortunately, way too much time and head space about carbs and weight. If you are newly in recovery from restriction, be careful with this one. This is the second book about Jacqueline and her magical book shop. There is a lot in the setup that could be quite good if the author could perhaps just eat something. I'm annoyed 😠 that an otherwise good book needs to have stars removed for such ill informed nonsense. The space given to multiple dietary discussions could have been used on more of her magic.
I'm hoping in future books there will be less diet nonsense, and more information about her circumstances. Although I will admit I am really intrigued by Danvers and Hudson.
Jacqueline is growing on me, though. She is getting more alive, more confident in herself. And she gets a little closure about her old life that is nicely written.
March 23, 2022
Just a few weeks ago Jacqueline was living her dull, predictable life as a librarian in Chicago. After her life was unexpectedly turned upside down, she found herself the owner of the Three Tomes Bookshop in Button Cove. To say it is unusual is an understatement! Her “employees “ are characters straight out of books in the shop and there’s a lot more to learn about the shop too. It’s time for the grand opening but some new characters have appeared and now people are coming to her asking for “help!” She’s really going to need the help of her new friends, Nadine and Suzette, who own nearby shops, and the 3 old crones who live nearby who keep popping in if she’s going to make it through all this! If you are a fan of light supernatural and you’re looking for a unique story this is the book for you!
March 21, 2022
Purses Curses and Hearses is a perfect follow-up to Tomes Scones and Crones. If you haven't read the first book in the Three Tomes Bookshop series, go grab it. You'll thank me later. Although this book stands well on its own, I am ever so glad that I read the first book before starting this one. To say I fell in love with this series is an understatement. I sincerely hope there will be more adventures for Jacqueline Finch!
Ms. Gleason has crafted a story that just warms this reader's heart. From the perfectly quirky characters to the nooks and crannies of Three Tomes Bookshop, magic abounds in a way that just might turn this dyed-in-the-wool coffee drinker into a curious tea sipper!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Ms. Gleason has crafted a story that just warms this reader's heart. From the perfectly quirky characters to the nooks and crannies of Three Tomes Bookshop, magic abounds in a way that just might turn this dyed-in-the-wool coffee drinker into a curious tea sipper!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Read
March 29, 2022This book most certainly had me turning the pages from start to finish. The plot was inventive as well as suspenseful wondering what was going to happen next. One of the best things about the story are the amazing characters both real and storybook. I liked that the author did not spend a lot of time referring to the first book, she only did enough to move the plot and the characters along. The other best thing is the setting. The Three tomes bookstore is a wonderful, magical place. I can’t wait to read about what happens next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 15, 2023
Books, Tea and a Big Dose of Fantasy
What could be better than a nice cup of tea and a good book? I read the first Three Tomes Bookshop novel because tea and books are important elements for quality of life as far as I'm concerned. Book 1 was such a fun read, light, cozy, brain candy. I fell in love with the vision of the bookstore as descibed , with its tea room. Of course, I had to read Book 2.
Both novels include characters who have stepped out of the pages of literature as well as a trio of neighborhood witches. You can expect magic and mayhem in both, but Book 2 takes it deeper and harder.
If you are looking for light entertainment in a novel that flows smoothly, add this to your reading list.
What could be better than a nice cup of tea and a good book? I read the first Three Tomes Bookshop novel because tea and books are important elements for quality of life as far as I'm concerned. Book 1 was such a fun read, light, cozy, brain candy. I fell in love with the vision of the bookstore as descibed , with its tea room. Of course, I had to read Book 2.
Both novels include characters who have stepped out of the pages of literature as well as a trio of neighborhood witches. You can expect magic and mayhem in both, but Book 2 takes it deeper and harder.
If you are looking for light entertainment in a novel that flows smoothly, add this to your reading list.
August 21, 2023
It is just a few weeks after Jacqueline inherited the Three Tomes Bookshop in the small town of Button Cove, Michigan and she is adjusting to the oddness of the shop. Still, she is surprised when a woman comes in and says her husband is trying to kill her and only Jacqueline can help her. It seems the previous proprietor had a reputation for helping people. Then a former friend shows up and threatens Jacqueline if she does not help her. The Artful Dodger and Cinderella step out of their stories causing some chaos, when a murder occurs. Readers learn more about the characters and the shop in book two and the murder mystery is secondary. I hope for even more character development in the next in the series.
March 17, 2022
Entertaining and enjoyable tale of a special bookstore and tea room that the new proprietor has inherited and is just learning what the shop itself can do. Although Jacqueline has been there as a child, she doesn't remember it other than her handprint in the basement, but she is learning quickly, and her shop assistants are very special people. Her new friends from other shops in the area just accept everything with ease, but in helpful ways. Fun book to read and kept my interest to see what or who is going to show up next. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2023
I read the first in this series a year or two ago and was happy to find out there were more adventures. In the last book, Jacqueline's life in Chicago went down the toilet but she inherited a bookstore in a small town. It dealt with evil relatives and dealing with the magical aspects of her inheritance and the 3 Crones living down the street.
This book gets more into her relationships in Button Cove, for the good and bad. But more importantly we get to learn more about the characters who come out of the books. Jacqueline is still feeling her way through the magic and annoyed that no one will just tell her what all the rules are.
This book gets more into her relationships in Button Cove, for the good and bad. But more importantly we get to learn more about the characters who come out of the books. Jacqueline is still feeling her way through the magic and annoyed that no one will just tell her what all the rules are.
February 8, 2023
I enjoyed this book. The main character is trying her best to make a success of her quaint bookshop and succeeding quite well. The antagonist of the last book made herself known again with debilitating results. The plot is easily followed and the reader gets to see the main character's anxiety in wondering how she is going to solve the multiple problems in her daily life, especially the people coming to her for help. The characters, both main and supporting are fascinating and the relationships started in the first book continue to grow and prosper. I definitely recommend this book and the first one.
March 8, 2023
Another fun murder mystery. I was happy I solved it early on, and still enjoyed the book. I absolutely love audiobook narrator Jayne Entwistle's voice, and while I was bummed not to hear her English accent, this audiobook made me doubt she was English until I did some Google! I look forward to the next book, and I hope this turns into a nice long series.
I loved the reasons for Cinderella leaving her story, and I continue to enjoy the all of the crones that pop up in this book. Makes me want to read Rebecca.
I loved the reasons for Cinderella leaving her story, and I continue to enjoy the all of the crones that pop up in this book. Makes me want to read Rebecca.
March 12, 2024
Fun addition to the series
This series is a lot of fun and full of supportive female characters who are building a community. Well, and one awful person.
In this story, Jaqueline, the owner of the Three Tomes Bookshop is just starting to experiment with magic but has been inundated by requests for help from several women she doesn’t even know.
There’s a budding romance with a handsome detective, and literary characters who have come from the pages of their books to help Jaqueline. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next book!
This series is a lot of fun and full of supportive female characters who are building a community. Well, and one awful person.
In this story, Jaqueline, the owner of the Three Tomes Bookshop is just starting to experiment with magic but has been inundated by requests for help from several women she doesn’t even know.
There’s a budding romance with a handsome detective, and literary characters who have come from the pages of their books to help Jaqueline. I am really enjoying this series and look forward to the next book!
May 22, 2025
I really like these books because they are just cute and easy and have a really fun classic book element with all of the characters that come through.
But, I find it odd that the author adds in so many comments about the women and their bodies. The characters are all almost exclusively older women and I just don’t understand why we need to hear how fat or old or menopausal they are. It seriously adds nothing to the story. And “I shouldn’t eat this cookie bc I’m so fat already” just throws me out of the magic of the story.
But, I find it odd that the author adds in so many comments about the women and their bodies. The characters are all almost exclusively older women and I just don’t understand why we need to hear how fat or old or menopausal they are. It seriously adds nothing to the story. And “I shouldn’t eat this cookie bc I’m so fat already” just throws me out of the magic of the story.
June 3, 2023
What a fun book.bgreat character development.ibwas worried the crones would take center stage but Jacqueline is holding her own and even the bookstore has a personality. The book and author names dropped throughout only enhance the storyline (librarian owning a book shop).
What is the Chicago library thinking when they fire their best two librarians? We know how and why for Jacqueline and can guess what happened to Wendy.
What is the Chicago library thinking when they fire their best two librarians? We know how and why for Jacqueline and can guess what happened to Wendy.
September 3, 2023
The series continues with the ex-librarian continually challenged as she learns more and more about the mysterious goings-on in her bookstore. Women approach her for help, seeking magical solutions to their problems. The characters out of their books continue to make life interesting. Multiple story threads running simultaneously ensure there's never a dull moment. And the hint of romance with the handsome detective appears to be heating up.
April 6, 2025
Almost as good as the first
As Jacqueline wends her way through learning how to navigate being a magical bookstore owner she is learning more about herself, the world around her, and the back story of fictional characters. Well written and entertaining. Just enough background explanation that if you haven't read the first book you will want to, but enough to explain how she is where she is and how the other characters fit in. I am looking forward to the next book.
As Jacqueline wends her way through learning how to navigate being a magical bookstore owner she is learning more about herself, the world around her, and the back story of fictional characters. Well written and entertaining. Just enough background explanation that if you haven't read the first book you will want to, but enough to explain how she is where she is and how the other characters fit in. I am looking forward to the next book.
March 18, 2022
This isn’t bad, it just didn’t wow me. The MC is too scattered to make for an easy read and some scenes were overly melodramatic for my taste. If it was supposed to be humor, I obviously didn't get it.
I’m giving this three stars mostly for originality.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
I’m giving this three stars mostly for originality.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving my honest review.
March 23, 2022
A charming and fun book where characters come to life in an enchanted book store. I liked that is is owned by a middle aged, independent woman who is trying to find her purpose with the store. The problems with magic and trusting the wrong people and her kind of relationship with the police officer. Very interesting story.
March 23, 2022
I really enjoyed this second book in the series. It was nice to see how characters are adjusting to new circumstances and get some explanations about the book characters who come to life. There were several incidents that further the overall plot of the series. I was glad to see that but it also makes me impatient for new stories!
April 22, 2022
Very good.
Jacqueline Finch inherited a bookstore. This was not just any bookstore it had mysterious goings on in it. Characters from books would appear when a book landed on the floor. It made life very nerve-wracking. Add to that a little magic and a murder and you have the makings of a good story.
Jacqueline Finch inherited a bookstore. This was not just any bookstore it had mysterious goings on in it. Characters from books would appear when a book landed on the floor. It made life very nerve-wracking. Add to that a little magic and a murder and you have the makings of a good story.
April 13, 2023
Enjoyable novel with interesting characters
I truly enjoy reading the Three Tomes Bookshop series and love the characters! I wish there really was a magical book shop like Three Tomes ! The plot was great,
Covering everything from mystery to danger to mayhem. I have read the Gardella Vampire books years ago and knew that I would enjoy these books.
I truly enjoy reading the Three Tomes Bookshop series and love the characters! I wish there really was a magical book shop like Three Tomes ! The plot was great,
Covering everything from mystery to danger to mayhem. I have read the Gardella Vampire books years ago and knew that I would enjoy these books.
April 28, 2023
Just as delightful as the first book, "Purses, Curses, & Hearses" delivers exactly what I want from a cozy mystery/fantasy. We return to Three Tomes Bookshop and all the literary hijinks that take place there. Jacqueline is settling into her role, but she's also confronted with more of Cuddy's past and duties. I was entertained cover to cover, and I'm excited to continue reading.
October 13, 2023
Words
As much as I am enjoying these stories I can't honestly give a higher review because of all the extra words used. Please EDIT. We don't need a description of every wallpaper, chair etc. In every room. More dialogue and less description please. And anyone reading this book would have read the first one so you don't have to explain all the characters completely again.
As much as I am enjoying these stories I can't honestly give a higher review because of all the extra words used. Please EDIT. We don't need a description of every wallpaper, chair etc. In every room. More dialogue and less description please. And anyone reading this book would have read the first one so you don't have to explain all the characters completely again.
February 8, 2024
Another feel good mess
Sometimes I find Jacqueline to be so slow to see the way things are going and I get so mad at her. But when she figures it out I forgive her because this is crazy. Her friends take all these things in stride and I would so love to hear their back stories. Maybe they think she's mad and they humour her. All this just makes me want to read more.
Sometimes I find Jacqueline to be so slow to see the way things are going and I get so mad at her. But when she figures it out I forgive her because this is crazy. Her friends take all these things in stride and I would so love to hear their back stories. Maybe they think she's mad and they humour her. All this just makes me want to read more.
January 7, 2025
The second book in the Three Tomes Bookshop series was another cute and cozy story. In this story we come to understand that more is expected from the Bookshop and the new owner Jacqueline Finch then just an adorable place to buy books. New fairy tale characters, requests for protection and love, and Jacqueline’s ex-best friend has come to town. Really easy read and just enjoyable.
August 20, 2025
A fun and fast read in a paranormal bookshop in which the characters from literature come alive and cause havoc to its former librarian owner. The story is filled with mystery, unexplored witchy potential, three crones and a budding romance. What's not to like? This is the second in the "Three Tomes Bookshop" series.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 71 reviews