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The Cambridge Bookshop #2
A Treacherous Tale
Lately, Molly has been feeling that she might have fallen into a fairy tale: she's reinvigorated the family bookshop Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts and Folios, made friends in her new home of Cambridge, England, and is even developing a bit of a romance with the handsome Kieran—a bike shop owner with a somewhat intimidating family pedigree.
Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.
Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour
Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.
Then, when one of Iona’s daughters—an inspiration for the original Strawberry Girls—goes missing, Molly begins to worry this story might be more Brothers Grimm than happily-ever-after. Especially after Molly learns about the mysterious long-ago death of Iona’s husband and co-author of The Strawberry Girls…could past and present crimes be linked? Molly must put the clues together before someone turns this sweet tale sour
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published August 23, 2022
156 people are currently reading
4184 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Penney
89 books546 followersElizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 186 reviews
November 9, 2022
The Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney is a 2022 St. Martin’s Press publication.
Molly is settling into her home in Cambridge, England, learning the lingo, running the family bookshop, and enjoying a romance with a member of royalty, who lives a low-key life running a bike shop.
She has also discovered a children’s classic called ‘The Strawberry Girls’. As it happens, the author of the book, Iona York, lives in Cambridge, and is an old acquaintance of Molly’s mother.
Iona agrees to do a reading at the bookshop in celebration of a new reissue of the book.
Unfortunately, while visiting Iona, Molly discovers a dead body. At first glance it looks like the man may have fallen from the roof, but it seems too big of a coincidence that Iona’s husband died the same way.
To complicate matters even more, Poppy, one of Iona’s daughters went missing at the same time, and it’s beginning to look as if she too could have been a victim of foul play.
Her sister, Rose, has asked Molly to help locate Poppy- which will give her another chance to practice her newly acquired sleuthing skills…
At first this second chapter in the series, seemed to stall. The charm of the bookstore setting wasn’t there, and was simply a backdrop. Molly occasionally entertained some pretty silly motives for the murder, which is a cozy mystery pet peeve of mine, sometimes.
But I’m going to put the blame on myself and my own impatience because it didn’t take long for the plot to start taking shape.
Once the story started to gel, I was completely engaged. I loved the excerpts of the children’s story and enjoyed looking for hidden clues in the passages- and it was sort of a 'story within a story', and had a fairy-tale quality to it, which was a fun and creative way for the mystery to unfold.
The mystery wasn’t exactly a total whodunit as we know there was a criminal enterprise underway involving valuable antiquities. The big reveal wasn't terribly surprising, though, and occasionally Molly's epiphanies were a bit too convenient, but it didn't really distract from the story.
I still got wrapped up in it, and appreciated the original approach, and think the author did a good job with the execution.
Overall, an enjoyable and rather engrossing cozy mystery. The series is still finding its rhythm a little bit, but shows long-term potential and I will definitely be looking out for book three!
4 stars
Molly is settling into her home in Cambridge, England, learning the lingo, running the family bookshop, and enjoying a romance with a member of royalty, who lives a low-key life running a bike shop.
She has also discovered a children’s classic called ‘The Strawberry Girls’. As it happens, the author of the book, Iona York, lives in Cambridge, and is an old acquaintance of Molly’s mother.
Iona agrees to do a reading at the bookshop in celebration of a new reissue of the book.
Unfortunately, while visiting Iona, Molly discovers a dead body. At first glance it looks like the man may have fallen from the roof, but it seems too big of a coincidence that Iona’s husband died the same way.
To complicate matters even more, Poppy, one of Iona’s daughters went missing at the same time, and it’s beginning to look as if she too could have been a victim of foul play.
Her sister, Rose, has asked Molly to help locate Poppy- which will give her another chance to practice her newly acquired sleuthing skills…
At first this second chapter in the series, seemed to stall. The charm of the bookstore setting wasn’t there, and was simply a backdrop. Molly occasionally entertained some pretty silly motives for the murder, which is a cozy mystery pet peeve of mine, sometimes.
But I’m going to put the blame on myself and my own impatience because it didn’t take long for the plot to start taking shape.
Once the story started to gel, I was completely engaged. I loved the excerpts of the children’s story and enjoyed looking for hidden clues in the passages- and it was sort of a 'story within a story', and had a fairy-tale quality to it, which was a fun and creative way for the mystery to unfold.
The mystery wasn’t exactly a total whodunit as we know there was a criminal enterprise underway involving valuable antiquities. The big reveal wasn't terribly surprising, though, and occasionally Molly's epiphanies were a bit too convenient, but it didn't really distract from the story.
I still got wrapped up in it, and appreciated the original approach, and think the author did a good job with the execution.
Overall, an enjoyable and rather engrossing cozy mystery. The series is still finding its rhythm a little bit, but shows long-term potential and I will definitely be looking out for book three!
4 stars
June 14, 2022
A Treacherous Tale is two stories in one. It takes place in Cambridge, England. Molly Kimball is the main character of the story. She and her mother, Nina, who left England when she married an American came back after Nina's husband died to help Molly's great-aunt, Violet Marlowe with her store, Thomas Marlowe=Manuscripts and Folios. Molly is part owner of the store. Kiernan Scott who owns the bike shop called Spinning Your Wheels is Molly'[s boyfriend. The other characters are very important to the story.
Molly and her aunt go to visit Iona York who is an author they are going to feature at their store. Iona wrote a children's book "The Strawberry Girls" from the notes her husband, Nathaniel (Nate) wrote for the story. Nathaniel died from a fall from the tower on the grounds of Thonton Hall which is next door to Strawberry Cottage. Their grown daughters, Rose and Poppy were the inspiration for the book. Nina's brother, Christopher is there putting a new thatch roof on the house.
While touring the garden they come across a body in the bushes. Iona recognizes the person as Robin Jones an old friend and antique dealer. Iona can't figure out why he is there as she has not seen him in a long time.
It appears that he fell off the roof. The police are called. This is the second mysterious fall in the vicinity. Nate's was 20 years ago. Inspector Sean Ryan an Sargent Gita Adhikari arrive. it is the conclusion that Robin is murdered. Rose and Poppy's fiancé Ben Sykes tell Molly that Poppy has disappeared since she never returned to the dig they are working at Thonton Hall.
Christopher tells Molly and Nina that he is getting a divorce as his wife, Janice, who left him for Robin Jones. This makes him a suspect. The police decide that Iona is also a suspect and arrest her.
Iona gives Molly a copy of a revised version of "The Strawberry Girls' to read. This is where the second part of the story is. The story goes back and forth between the book and their present lives. The readers are taken on an adventure of treachery, stolen artifacts, who killed Robin and why as well as where is Poppy. There are other mysteries that are explored to the exciting conclusion of the story.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for this ARC.
Molly and her aunt go to visit Iona York who is an author they are going to feature at their store. Iona wrote a children's book "The Strawberry Girls" from the notes her husband, Nathaniel (Nate) wrote for the story. Nathaniel died from a fall from the tower on the grounds of Thonton Hall which is next door to Strawberry Cottage. Their grown daughters, Rose and Poppy were the inspiration for the book. Nina's brother, Christopher is there putting a new thatch roof on the house.
While touring the garden they come across a body in the bushes. Iona recognizes the person as Robin Jones an old friend and antique dealer. Iona can't figure out why he is there as she has not seen him in a long time.
It appears that he fell off the roof. The police are called. This is the second mysterious fall in the vicinity. Nate's was 20 years ago. Inspector Sean Ryan an Sargent Gita Adhikari arrive. it is the conclusion that Robin is murdered. Rose and Poppy's fiancé Ben Sykes tell Molly that Poppy has disappeared since she never returned to the dig they are working at Thonton Hall.
Christopher tells Molly and Nina that he is getting a divorce as his wife, Janice, who left him for Robin Jones. This makes him a suspect. The police decide that Iona is also a suspect and arrest her.
Iona gives Molly a copy of a revised version of "The Strawberry Girls' to read. This is where the second part of the story is. The story goes back and forth between the book and their present lives. The readers are taken on an adventure of treachery, stolen artifacts, who killed Robin and why as well as where is Poppy. There are other mysteries that are explored to the exciting conclusion of the story.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next in the series.
Thank you NetGalley and St. Martin's Paperbacks for this ARC.
July 18, 2022
This was such a good cozy mystery to get lost in that I just kept reading for hours. I loved the format of including a book within the book. Both stories are enjoyable. This is the second book in the series and I haven't read the first one, but this book is easily read as a stand alone. The book cover drew me in - it's really cute.
Molly works at her family's bookstore, Thoma Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios where she's been working to revitalize it and attract more business. She has a boyfriend, Kieran, who runs a bike shop in town and comes from an intimidating, wealthy family. Molly has discovered a childrens classic, The Strawberry Girls, and discovers the author lives nearby. She sets up a meeting with the author, Iona, to discuss a reading at the bookstore. While visiting Iona, a man is discovered dead in the garden. He seems to have fallen from the roof. However, something is suspicious about his death -why was he on the roof? what was he doing here? Molly's uncle had been working on the roof that morning but was gone when Molly arrived, having been on a break. Had he been involved? Also, on the same day one of Iona's daughters mysteriously disappears. Her daughter had been working on a nearby archological excavation. Had she been involved in the man's death? Has something bad happened to her? Molly also learns of a long ago death of Iona's husband, who died from a suspicous fall from a tower. Had his death been a murder? Could Iona be involved in both?
This was definitely a fun mystery to follow. Molly keeps following clues and is determined to find out, at least, the missing girl, and to clear her uncle of the man's murder. She and her friends dig into every lead they can find trying to solve the mystery. I loved how the book The Strawberry Girls reflected on the present day story. This was definitely a well thought out plot that was complex and kept my attention. The characters were fun and interesting.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 23, 2022.
Molly works at her family's bookstore, Thoma Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios where she's been working to revitalize it and attract more business. She has a boyfriend, Kieran, who runs a bike shop in town and comes from an intimidating, wealthy family. Molly has discovered a childrens classic, The Strawberry Girls, and discovers the author lives nearby. She sets up a meeting with the author, Iona, to discuss a reading at the bookstore. While visiting Iona, a man is discovered dead in the garden. He seems to have fallen from the roof. However, something is suspicious about his death -why was he on the roof? what was he doing here? Molly's uncle had been working on the roof that morning but was gone when Molly arrived, having been on a break. Had he been involved? Also, on the same day one of Iona's daughters mysteriously disappears. Her daughter had been working on a nearby archological excavation. Had she been involved in the man's death? Has something bad happened to her? Molly also learns of a long ago death of Iona's husband, who died from a suspicous fall from a tower. Had his death been a murder? Could Iona be involved in both?
This was definitely a fun mystery to follow. Molly keeps following clues and is determined to find out, at least, the missing girl, and to clear her uncle of the man's murder. She and her friends dig into every lead they can find trying to solve the mystery. I loved how the book The Strawberry Girls reflected on the present day story. This was definitely a well thought out plot that was complex and kept my attention. The characters were fun and interesting.
Thanks to St. Martin's Press through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 23, 2022.
August 2, 2022
Molly has moved to Cambridge, England from Vermont with her mom to help Aunt Violet run the family bookstore. They are planning a reading with a well-loved children's book author, Iona, when there is a sudden death at Iona's home. Could it be related to a local archaeological dig? And is there any connection to a death 20 years earlier, and a recent disappearance? The Cambridge setting and the likable characters make this an enjoyable reading experience for cozy mystery fans--I look forward to reading more by Elizabeth Penny. Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for thee opportunity to review this advance copy.
April 15, 2024
The second in this series finds Molly and her family once again entangled in a murder. As owners of an English bookstore in Cambridge they go to meet with an upcoming guest author at her cottage, where they find a man has fallen from the roof. Detectives soon discover it was murder. The author of the beloved Strawberry Girls children’s book’s daughter is also missing. Since Molly helped solve a previous murder when her aunt was the suspect, she’s asked by the family to see if she can help.
The same delightful characters return, plus some new ones. And of course some suspicious characters… but are they the killer? This really is a fun series that I am completely enjoying! The narration is very engaging.
The same delightful characters return, plus some new ones. And of course some suspicious characters… but are they the killer? This really is a fun series that I am completely enjoying! The narration is very engaging.
August 22, 2022
3 1/2 stars. Fairies, a talking fox, a princess needing rescue and two girls on an adventure. It sounds like a fairy tale. Well it is, sort of. It is a story within a cozy mystery. The story is charming but it is tied to a not so pleasant murder and it is up to Molly and her cohorts to solve it before the author they have lined up for a reading and a signing at the struggling Cambridge bookshop is charged with murder.
A light and fun read. There were some surprise twists, a bit of romance, a bit of adventure, good characters and a touch of whimsy. I would definitely read more of this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
A light and fun read. There were some surprise twists, a bit of romance, a bit of adventure, good characters and a touch of whimsy. I would definitely read more of this series.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in return for an honest opinion.
February 25, 2025
Molly se está instalando en su casa en Cambridge, Inglaterra, aprendiendo la jerga, dirigiendo la librería familiar y disfrutando de un romance con un miembro de la realeza, que vive una vida discreta dirigiendo una tienda de bicicletas.
También ha descubierto un clásico infantil llamado 'Las niñas Strawberry'. Da la casualidad de que la autora del libro, Iona York, vive en Cambridge y es una vieja conocida de la madre de Molly.
Iona acepta hacer una lectura en la librería para celebrar una nueva reedición del libro.
Desafortunadamente, mientras visita Iona, Molly descubre un cadáver. A primera vista parece que el hombre pudo haber caído del techo, pero parece una coincidencia demasiado grande que el esposo de Iona muriera de la misma manera.
Para complicar aún más las cosas, Poppy, una de las hijas de Iona, desapareció al mismo tiempo, y paarece que ella también podría haber sido víctima de un juego sucio.
Regresan los mismos personajes encantadores, además de algunos nuevos. Y, por supuesto, algunos personajes sospechosos... Pero, ¿son ellos los asesinos?
En conclusión, segundo libro de la serie que comenzó con Final de capitulo y que he disfrutado mucho. No hay nada mejor que una tarde de domingo con una buena mantita , una taza de café y un nuevo misterio que resolver, ¿ te apetece este plan?
También ha descubierto un clásico infantil llamado 'Las niñas Strawberry'. Da la casualidad de que la autora del libro, Iona York, vive en Cambridge y es una vieja conocida de la madre de Molly.
Iona acepta hacer una lectura en la librería para celebrar una nueva reedición del libro.
Desafortunadamente, mientras visita Iona, Molly descubre un cadáver. A primera vista parece que el hombre pudo haber caído del techo, pero parece una coincidencia demasiado grande que el esposo de Iona muriera de la misma manera.
Para complicar aún más las cosas, Poppy, una de las hijas de Iona, desapareció al mismo tiempo, y paarece que ella también podría haber sido víctima de un juego sucio.
Regresan los mismos personajes encantadores, además de algunos nuevos. Y, por supuesto, algunos personajes sospechosos... Pero, ¿son ellos los asesinos?
En conclusión, segundo libro de la serie que comenzó con Final de capitulo y que he disfrutado mucho. No hay nada mejor que una tarde de domingo con una buena mantita , una taza de café y un nuevo misterio que resolver, ¿ te apetece este plan?
August 24, 2022
This is a delightful cozy mystery, with a complex plot. I particularly enjoyed the emphasis on finding treasure from Britain’s Anglo-Saxon history, in combination with a lovely story-within-the-story of a children’s book. I’ve always been interested in archaeology so that theme was a plus for me. The main mystery is: Why did a local man climb up onto a cottage roof and fall to his death? Was he pushed? And if so, why? Then there’s a whole other subplot involving the text of a beloved children’s book written by the owner of said cottage.
The main character, Molly, is a former research library from Vermont, who has moved to Cambridge, England with her mother, to help her great-aunt Violet run the family’s 500-year-old bookshop. She gets involved because they discover the body while visiting the author at her cottage. The author includes lovely descriptions of Cambridge and its nearby countryside - this sort of thing always increases my urge to travel!
A Treacherous Tale is the second in this series, but the first one I’ve read and I had no trouble jumping in, so you could definitely read this as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
The main character, Molly, is a former research library from Vermont, who has moved to Cambridge, England with her mother, to help her great-aunt Violet run the family’s 500-year-old bookshop. She gets involved because they discover the body while visiting the author at her cottage. The author includes lovely descriptions of Cambridge and its nearby countryside - this sort of thing always increases my urge to travel!
A Treacherous Tale is the second in this series, but the first one I’ve read and I had no trouble jumping in, so you could definitely read this as a standalone.
Thank you to NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read an advance readers copy of this book. All opinions are my own.
June 8, 2022
A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney is a great cozy mystery set in Cambridge and is the second book in the wonderful The Cambridge Bookshop Series.
I just love this adorable series. It has so much potential. Molly Kimball is also an excellent lead female character. Joining her again in this book is her Mother, Aunt Violet, the super awesome Sir Jon, Daisy, Tim, and Kieran. I just love how the characters are developing…their own characteristics, their relationships, and their places within the community of Cambridge.
I love the author’s descriptions of the town, the countryside, and just the daily culture in general…I love England.
I enjoyed the murder/mystery plot and the adorable inclusion of The Strawberry Girls into the overall plot and it was dispersed perfectly.
I just love this series and can’t wait to see where this goes!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/23/22.
I just love this adorable series. It has so much potential. Molly Kimball is also an excellent lead female character. Joining her again in this book is her Mother, Aunt Violet, the super awesome Sir Jon, Daisy, Tim, and Kieran. I just love how the characters are developing…their own characteristics, their relationships, and their places within the community of Cambridge.
I love the author’s descriptions of the town, the countryside, and just the daily culture in general…I love England.
I enjoyed the murder/mystery plot and the adorable inclusion of The Strawberry Girls into the overall plot and it was dispersed perfectly.
I just love this series and can’t wait to see where this goes!
5/5 stars
Thank you NG and St. Martin’s Press for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.
I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/23/22.
August 28, 2022
What a fun and well written story! I love how our mystery is wrapped around a children's fairy tale, a story within a story. Molly is such a delightful character, she is learning her family heritage and making a new life for herself in England. When she gets involved with an author and her family and the reissue of a classic children's fairytale, who knew there would be murder and a missing person. This is a logical yet intriguing story. I love this book because our main character is smart, doesn't do stupid things, and figures things out with a little help from her friends. Highly enjoyable!
February 1, 2023
Really good series!
I’m really enjoying this series and hope there are many more books to come! The characters are great, the mystery was well done and the ending exciting.
I’m really enjoying this series and hope there are many more books to come! The characters are great, the mystery was well done and the ending exciting.
August 24, 2022
A dark fairy-tale of a cozy mystery. And an absolute pleasure to read.
This is the second book in The Cambridge Bookshop Series by Elizabeth Penney and I was so excited to read it, especially after enjoying Book 1 – Chapter and Curse. They both have their charm and Book 2 was an absolute delight to read. I loved learning about the mysteries that cat lover and bookshop part-owner Molly Kimball gets pulled into along the way.
This time, Molly is meeting with Iona York, co-author of The Strawberry Girls to discuss her latest book, The Strawberry Girls. While visiting, a family acquittance of Iona’s, Robin, has tumbled off her roof to his demise. Additionally, Iona’s daughter suddenly goes missing and is nowhere to be found. Was Robin’s death an accident? Or could there be a link between the two events, and perhaps to a crime committed in the past that still leaves questions to this day? Molly, yet again, is left to uncover the truth.
This book will have you hooked and wanting to know more after the very first chapter. In fact, every chapter leaves on a bit of a cliff-hanger, encouraging you to keep reading which I absolutely love. Molly is a character that truly seeks to support her friends and family and is fiercely loyal to them, and I think that acts a powerful driving factor as to why she is so invested in helping to investigate these cases, despite not being a formal investigator herself.
I loved the mysteries in this book, which had a scavenger hunt feel to them at times, but I truly loved one element which is the incorporation of a story-within-a-story. The Strawberry Girls was co-written by Iona’s former, Nate, who also had a similar suspicious death to that of Robin. Passages of the book are incorporated into the novel, and I absolutely loved that! It really helped set the stage and evoked mystery and intrigue in the story, while also making you feel as if the real-life characters of the book were in their own dark fairy tale.
Cats Puck and Clarence are always a joy to read, and we hope to see much more of them in future instalments!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced eGalley of this book. All opinions are my own.
For Full Review, check out our blog :
Where to find us:
Blog | Bookstagram | Twitter | Booktube | BookTok | Storygraph
This is the second book in The Cambridge Bookshop Series by Elizabeth Penney and I was so excited to read it, especially after enjoying Book 1 – Chapter and Curse. They both have their charm and Book 2 was an absolute delight to read. I loved learning about the mysteries that cat lover and bookshop part-owner Molly Kimball gets pulled into along the way.
This time, Molly is meeting with Iona York, co-author of The Strawberry Girls to discuss her latest book, The Strawberry Girls. While visiting, a family acquittance of Iona’s, Robin, has tumbled off her roof to his demise. Additionally, Iona’s daughter suddenly goes missing and is nowhere to be found. Was Robin’s death an accident? Or could there be a link between the two events, and perhaps to a crime committed in the past that still leaves questions to this day? Molly, yet again, is left to uncover the truth.
This book will have you hooked and wanting to know more after the very first chapter. In fact, every chapter leaves on a bit of a cliff-hanger, encouraging you to keep reading which I absolutely love. Molly is a character that truly seeks to support her friends and family and is fiercely loyal to them, and I think that acts a powerful driving factor as to why she is so invested in helping to investigate these cases, despite not being a formal investigator herself.
I loved the mysteries in this book, which had a scavenger hunt feel to them at times, but I truly loved one element which is the incorporation of a story-within-a-story. The Strawberry Girls was co-written by Iona’s former, Nate, who also had a similar suspicious death to that of Robin. Passages of the book are incorporated into the novel, and I absolutely loved that! It really helped set the stage and evoked mystery and intrigue in the story, while also making you feel as if the real-life characters of the book were in their own dark fairy tale.
Cats Puck and Clarence are always a joy to read, and we hope to see much more of them in future instalments!
Thank you to NetGalley and St Martin’s Press for an advanced eGalley of this book. All opinions are my own.
For Full Review, check out our blog :
Where to find us:
Blog | Bookstagram | Twitter | Booktube | BookTok | Storygraph
August 27, 2022
"A Treacherous Tale” the 2nd instalment in The Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Cambridge, England. What a great follow-up to book one! Luckily my dog Lindi bought me a copy for my birthday to add to my collection, I can see myself rereading this series over the years.
Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.
I absolutely loved this story, and seeing how Molly and her mum have settled into Cambridge, England.
I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom makes you wish you were part of their little community or street.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book three!
Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.
I absolutely loved this story, and seeing how Molly and her mum have settled into Cambridge, England.
I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom makes you wish you were part of their little community or street.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book three!
June 13, 2022
A Treacherous Tale is a strong second book in this cute cozy mystery series.
Molly is a strong character and I am enjoying getting to know her. Molly’s mom and aunt are quite likable and they bring some colorful fun to this series.
I really enjoyed the story of the Strawberry Girls and how it was incorporated into the book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Molly is a strong character and I am enjoying getting to know her. Molly’s mom and aunt are quite likable and they bring some colorful fun to this series.
I really enjoyed the story of the Strawberry Girls and how it was incorporated into the book. I’m looking forward to reading the next book in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 7, 2022
I received an ARC of, A Treacherous Tale, by Elizabeth Penney. This book is no fairy tale. Strange things are happening around Molly, just when she thought she was getting her life back together. Can Molly solve a murder and find a missing girl?
August 20, 2022
I wasn't completely sure how I felt about the first book in the series but felt it was worth pressing on when the second came out. But I think I can better express why I probably won't continue on after this. To start with, the main character, Molly, is just so weak. Personally, I prefer my mystery detectives to be less papery-thin and more willing to push through disturbing situations. She all but falls apart every time she has a sudden flash of inspiration about the case. Her friends and family are always noticing the unhappy expression on her face and coddling her as she tells them the sudden realization.
And speaking of those realizations, half the time they are pretty obvious things for her to suddenly realize. Like Molly herself, the mystery was also weak, especially to me as the reader, because the narrator practically spoon-fed me every bit of information, even making detailed connections for me (some of them more than once), so I certainly couldn't help but follow along (or, in some cases, get ahead of her). And including the entire text of the fictional book involved in the story was a good idea in theory, but in the end, I didn't see how it really added to the story. I kept expecting it to provide some kind of major insight for both Molly and me. I also kept expecting some kind of surprise twist about what was REALLY going on, because it was pretty bland and simple overall. This makes it all the more unrealistic that the police can't figure out who really did it and need Molly to lead them to the bad guys. Even the brilliant ex-MI-5 agent needs Molly to tell him that they should keep a discovery a secret, so as not to alert the bad guys to the discovery (after which Molly proceeds to tell everyone she knows about it).
In the end, what I did like about the first book didn't give me as much enjoyment this time. Everyone that Molly likes is almost too perfect (especially her boyfriend), and the few people she doesn't like are mostly alike in their flaws and are thrown under the bus. The descriptions of every meal or snack eaten and every outfit worn dragged the story down for me. I am confident in saying that there are a lot of people who will enjoy the setting, characters, and mystery in this book/series more than I do, but for me, it's over.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy of this book to review.
And speaking of those realizations, half the time they are pretty obvious things for her to suddenly realize. Like Molly herself, the mystery was also weak, especially to me as the reader, because the narrator practically spoon-fed me every bit of information, even making detailed connections for me (some of them more than once), so I certainly couldn't help but follow along (or, in some cases, get ahead of her). And including the entire text of the fictional book involved in the story was a good idea in theory, but in the end, I didn't see how it really added to the story. I kept expecting it to provide some kind of major insight for both Molly and me. I also kept expecting some kind of surprise twist about what was REALLY going on, because it was pretty bland and simple overall. This makes it all the more unrealistic that the police can't figure out who really did it and need Molly to lead them to the bad guys. Even the brilliant ex-MI-5 agent needs Molly to tell him that they should keep a discovery a secret, so as not to alert the bad guys to the discovery (after which Molly proceeds to tell everyone she knows about it).
In the end, what I did like about the first book didn't give me as much enjoyment this time. Everyone that Molly likes is almost too perfect (especially her boyfriend), and the few people she doesn't like are mostly alike in their flaws and are thrown under the bus. The descriptions of every meal or snack eaten and every outfit worn dragged the story down for me. I am confident in saying that there are a lot of people who will enjoy the setting, characters, and mystery in this book/series more than I do, but for me, it's over.
Thank you to Netgalley and St. Martin's Press for providing me a copy of this book to review.
October 22, 2022
I love, love, loooovvvveeee this series! So sad that I'm caught up and I have no idea when book 3 comes out but I'll be anxiously awaiting its release Especially beguiled by the centuries old English bookshop in Cambridge -- part of Molly's family heritage. She and her mom have moved from the states to help Aunt Violet turn the struggling bookshop around. They haven't been there long and they've become enmeshed in two murders already. lol Thankfully, Molly has a great group of friends who have her back. :-) Love the balance between cozy and mystery. Great characters and just enough description to make you feel like you're living every second along with Molly but it's not overdone so doesn't bog down the story. And the mystery kept me sleuthing right to the gasp out loud ending. Phew! I'm a happy cozy mystery reader.
November 21, 2024
Molly Kimball works in a family owned bookshop, the Thomas Marlowe. With her Aunt Violet and her mum. They are going to have the author Iona York do a reading of her book, The Strawberry Girls. They go to meet up with her at the cottage. During a tour of the gardens they happen upon a dead body.
A mystery unfolds between the murder, a found Anglo-Saxon crown and the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The setting and the characters. Reading the excerpts of the Strawberry Girls Book. This is the second book in the series and my first. I was able to read it as a standalone but I'll definitely go back and read the first. I can't wait to see what happens next for Molly.
A mystery unfolds between the murder, a found Anglo-Saxon crown and the book.
I really enjoyed this book. The setting and the characters. Reading the excerpts of the Strawberry Girls Book. This is the second book in the series and my first. I was able to read it as a standalone but I'll definitely go back and read the first. I can't wait to see what happens next for Molly.
November 13, 2022
A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney is the 2nd book in The Cambridge Bookshop series.
This story revolves around Molly, her mother Nina and her great aunt Violet. In book one, after the death of Molly’s dad she and her mother moved from Vermont is the USA to Cambridge England to help Aunt Violet in the family bookshop, Thomas Marlow Manuscripts and Folios. Nina was originally from the area.
Thomas Marlowe’s is planning a book reading/signing by a renowned children’s book author, Iona York.
The book weaves the fairytale/children’s book story in with the mystery story which made it even more delicious to read. Molly’s love interest Kieran, Kieran’s business partner/friend Tim and Molly’s best friend Daisy are seamlessly woven into the storyline along with a few new found friends.
I listened to the audiobook for this and the narrator was really good. My only teeny-tiny negative would be that Molly was born and raised in Vermont so for me it was a little disconcerting when she slipped in and out of an American accent and wasn’t entirely successful in keeping the British access from Molly’s words. With the book being written from Molly’s POV it threw me a little. Otherwise 4.75 stars.
This story revolves around Molly, her mother Nina and her great aunt Violet. In book one, after the death of Molly’s dad she and her mother moved from Vermont is the USA to Cambridge England to help Aunt Violet in the family bookshop, Thomas Marlow Manuscripts and Folios. Nina was originally from the area.
Thomas Marlowe’s is planning a book reading/signing by a renowned children’s book author, Iona York.
The book weaves the fairytale/children’s book story in with the mystery story which made it even more delicious to read. Molly’s love interest Kieran, Kieran’s business partner/friend Tim and Molly’s best friend Daisy are seamlessly woven into the storyline along with a few new found friends.
I listened to the audiobook for this and the narrator was really good. My only teeny-tiny negative would be that Molly was born and raised in Vermont so for me it was a little disconcerting when she slipped in and out of an American accent and wasn’t entirely successful in keeping the British access from Molly’s words. With the book being written from Molly’s POV it threw me a little. Otherwise 4.75 stars.
August 7, 2024
Violet Marlowe values the contributions of Nina Kimball and her daughter Molly, who all work together at Thomas Marlowe—Manuscripts & Folios bookshop and live together on the property. Their presence has injected new energy, skills, and innovative ideas into the bookshop. An upcoming event will honor a new edition of "Strawberry Girls" with a reading by local author Iona York. However, there is a possibility that the event may be canceled as Iona becomes a person of interest in a death that occurred on her property.
The first delight of this series is the setting of a captivating bookshop in Cambridge, England, where felines also reside. The family relationships between aunt, niece, and great-aunt, Nina’s renewed relationship with her long-estranged brother and his interactions with his niece, and the rekindling of friendships, including with a former MI6 agent, add a heartwarming layer to the story. Romance is in the air as Nina and Molly have new romantic interests, and Aunt Vi and an old friend have their sparkles. The mystery is intriguing, surrounding a suspected author and her missing daughter, stirring reminders of a past loss and an archaeological dig. The treasure of the cozy is the story within a story as Molly reads the new edition of the beloved children’s book.
The first delight of this series is the setting of a captivating bookshop in Cambridge, England, where felines also reside. The family relationships between aunt, niece, and great-aunt, Nina’s renewed relationship with her long-estranged brother and his interactions with his niece, and the rekindling of friendships, including with a former MI6 agent, add a heartwarming layer to the story. Romance is in the air as Nina and Molly have new romantic interests, and Aunt Vi and an old friend have their sparkles. The mystery is intriguing, surrounding a suspected author and her missing daughter, stirring reminders of a past loss and an archaeological dig. The treasure of the cozy is the story within a story as Molly reads the new edition of the beloved children’s book.
October 27, 2022
This is the 2nd in the Cambridge Bookshop Series and it was a delight to be back with the characters again.
Molly and her Mum are settling well into life in Cambridge, helping Aunt Violet run the bookshop. They are having a reading of the book The Strawberry Girls by the author Iona soon.
Molly and her Aunt go to visit Iona at her cottage and whilst touring the garden find a body. This man, Robin, is an old friend of Iona’s and her deceased husband. When one of Iona’s daughters goes missing from an archaeological dig nearby Molly is asked to help find her and also who killed Robin. The more Molly investigates the more she finds out about not only about Iona’s husbands’ death but about the dig as well. Are the murders linked and what is going on at the dig?
As well as this, Molly has been invited to a garden party by her boyfriend Kieran at his titled parents’ house. She is nervous about meeting them. It was nice to see the dynamic between Molly and Kieran and to see their relationship grow. I also liked that Molly spends time with her friends, getting to know more about life in Cambridge. It was also nice to see her Mum go back to the village she lived in as a child and to meet someone with whom she was friends as a child.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book.
Molly and her Mum are settling well into life in Cambridge, helping Aunt Violet run the bookshop. They are having a reading of the book The Strawberry Girls by the author Iona soon.
Molly and her Aunt go to visit Iona at her cottage and whilst touring the garden find a body. This man, Robin, is an old friend of Iona’s and her deceased husband. When one of Iona’s daughters goes missing from an archaeological dig nearby Molly is asked to help find her and also who killed Robin. The more Molly investigates the more she finds out about not only about Iona’s husbands’ death but about the dig as well. Are the murders linked and what is going on at the dig?
As well as this, Molly has been invited to a garden party by her boyfriend Kieran at his titled parents’ house. She is nervous about meeting them. It was nice to see the dynamic between Molly and Kieran and to see their relationship grow. I also liked that Molly spends time with her friends, getting to know more about life in Cambridge. It was also nice to see her Mum go back to the village she lived in as a child and to meet someone with whom she was friends as a child.
I really enjoyed this book and look forward to the next book.
May 15, 2024
DNF
✨
I hate not finishing books, but I don't have time to get through this, and honestly I don't care enough to keep putting in the effort.
After reading 50% of this cozy it's sad that I don't find it compelling enough to continue, but it's got too many flaws.
This book is written like someone much older than the main character is trying to write 'young people' along with all their "lingo". There is actually a scene where "obvs" is used instead of "obviously". As someone who uses the former in conversation I cannot imagine ever putting it in a book, even for verisimilitude. Additionally our mc has a serious case of 'not like other girls', though kudos to the author, it's not in a mean way.
My other major issue with these mysteries are the logic gaps. There are so many leaps of logic, and decisions that truly strain belief, that I can't suspend my personal disbelief anymore.
I'm glad that people seem to find these books cute and fun reading. Unfortunately I can't recommend them since not even the mystery was compelling enough to keep me engaged.
✨
I hate not finishing books, but I don't have time to get through this, and honestly I don't care enough to keep putting in the effort.
After reading 50% of this cozy it's sad that I don't find it compelling enough to continue, but it's got too many flaws.
This book is written like someone much older than the main character is trying to write 'young people' along with all their "lingo". There is actually a scene where "obvs" is used instead of "obviously". As someone who uses the former in conversation I cannot imagine ever putting it in a book, even for verisimilitude. Additionally our mc has a serious case of 'not like other girls', though kudos to the author, it's not in a mean way.
My other major issue with these mysteries are the logic gaps. There are so many leaps of logic, and decisions that truly strain belief, that I can't suspend my personal disbelief anymore.
I'm glad that people seem to find these books cute and fun reading. Unfortunately I can't recommend them since not even the mystery was compelling enough to keep me engaged.
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September 6, 2022A Treacherous Tale is the second book in Elizabeth Penney’s Cambridge Bookshop series. It can be read as a standalone. The setting is historic Cambridge, England. Vivid descriptions bring the setting to life. Characters are well developed with distinct personalities. The authors writing style flows easily, making this a quick read. The cleverly plotted mystery with its twists and turns kept me guessing to the very end. This is very enjoyable read that I recommend to all cozy readers, especially those with a love of historic locations.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
Thanks to Netgalley for providing a digital copy in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
Really about a 3.8. Solid follow-up with likable characters and a plot that involves a children's book. The romance with a member of the aristocracy is an Anglophile's dream, though too good to be true. A quibble about one plot line: the children's book is supposed to be a favorite of Our Heroine's but there's a bit of a struggle to try to portray her as a fan and yet not familiar enough with the book that she is anxious to read it to see what happens next. There was an easier, more sensible solution; at times the author attempted to address the contradiction with varied success. But a minor thing. Overall a good sequel.
August 13, 2023
Molly and her mother are settling into their new lives in Cambridge in this second entry in the cozy mystery series. Things are going well at the bookstore, they're making more friends, and are becoming more involved with the community. I continue to like the characters in the series, and enjoyed the mystery -- or mysteries. This time in addition to a murder, we have stolen antiquities, and a missing young archaeologist. Additionally, we get a story within a story, featuring excerpts from a children's tale written by a local author.
I listened to this in audio and liked both the narration and the story.
I listened to this in audio and liked both the narration and the story.
September 5, 2022
Easily a 3.5. Not quite a 4 mainly because the first half of the book dragged and was filled with simplistic minutia and stilted sentences. I almost stopped reading but really wanted to give it a try. The second half flows much better. Overall characters are likeable and conversational. The story takes while to get there. A quick simple cozy read. Even though part of a series it is easily read as a standalone.
I was provided an advanced reader copy at my request and was under no obligation to provide a review. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me go read this book.
I was provided an advanced reader copy at my request and was under no obligation to provide a review. Thanks to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me go read this book.
June 20, 2022
Molly moved with her mother to her mum’s childhood home in Cambridge. As part owner of the family’s bookshop, she has settled into her new life and is revitalizing the family shop. When she discovers the author of a children’s book she adores is local, she is thrilled to meet the woman. But the visit turns into a tragedy and it seems to mirror the death of the book’s co author…Iona’s husband.
As the present tragedy is investigated, the past is also brought to light, making this a book that takes two paths as it is investigated. Can the mystery of both tragedies be solved or will a killer go free?
The second book in this super cozy series is just as good as the first! I loved cozies set in England, there’s something even cozier about them and this one does not disappoint. With the protagonist being an American in England, it makes my yearn for my own chance to experience life on the other side of the pond. I’ll have to settle for the books, but I do enjoy the time spent with the series and solving a whodunit along with Molly.
As the present tragedy is investigated, the past is also brought to light, making this a book that takes two paths as it is investigated. Can the mystery of both tragedies be solved or will a killer go free?
The second book in this super cozy series is just as good as the first! I loved cozies set in England, there’s something even cozier about them and this one does not disappoint. With the protagonist being an American in England, it makes my yearn for my own chance to experience life on the other side of the pond. I’ll have to settle for the books, but I do enjoy the time spent with the series and solving a whodunit along with Molly.
July 17, 2022
A Treacherous Tale by Elizabeth Penney is the second book in the Cambridge Bookshop cozy mystery series. I really enjoyed this book. Amateur sleuth Molly Kimball and her mother visit a local author and find the deceased friend of the author in the garden. Molly has no plans to get involved but... Yep, she does. It was quite interesting to follow along as Molly and her friends discovered clues to eventually solve the mystery. This is a great addition to the series.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
September 8, 2022
2022 bk 267. Another very enjoyable read - and as well put together as the first of the series. It is hard to lose with a classic children's book, hidden treasure, and old friends. The characters are doing the subtle life changes that we almost never notice happening in our own lives, but which make us. I'm looking forward to the third in the series and am going to check out the other books by this author.
August 6, 2022
A Treacherous Tale left me yearning for a visit to the Cambridge bookshop, Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts & Folios. Seriously, this setting is so idyllic…I feel as though I stepped into a fairytale! Just so happens within book 2, a fairytale plays a prominent role in the plot. I couldn’t turn the pages fast enough because I did not want to leave Molly, Mum, Aunt Violet, Kieran, and company or the streets of Cambridge that eventually lead to yes, a charming, thatched cottage in the woods.
Book 2 is just so delightfully cozy and gentle. I already long for book 3!
Book 2 is just so delightfully cozy and gentle. I already long for book 3!
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