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Antique Bookshop Mystery #3
Bound by Murder
For fans of Ellery Adams and Paige Shelton, the wedding can’t go on when the bride is found murdered—but can love still win the day in this third installment of Laura Gail Black’s cozy series.
The birds are singing, books are selling, and the Hokes Bluff Inn has begun to host weddings on its property. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn loves the romance in the air—until her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson, walks in with his bride-to-be, Missy Plott. Blake continues to profess his love for Jenna if she’ll have him back, no matter the consequences. And the consequences are grave, indeed, when Missy turns up dead.
All evidence points to Blake, who was the last one to see her alive. He begs Jenna to help him clear his name. Blake’s mother, Gwendolyn, is also bent on exonerating her son. Jenna doesn’t believe Blake could have killed Missy, and she starts digging for suspects. It could have been Missy’s ex-boyfriend, who proclaims a love for her he says only death could sever. Or might it have been Missy’s bitter little sister, who was secretly besotted with Missy’s ex.
Evidence turns up that links Missy's death to embezzlement and another murder—crimes that had falsely implicated Jenna herself less than a year ago. As Gwendolyn continues to beg Jenna to help prove her son’s innocence, Jenna wonders if Blake could truly be innocent.
Jenna has to choose whether to risk it all—her reputation, her growing relationship with her boyfriend, and maybe her life—or let a possibly innocent man go to prison.
The birds are singing, books are selling, and the Hokes Bluff Inn has begun to host weddings on its property. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn loves the romance in the air—until her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson, walks in with his bride-to-be, Missy Plott. Blake continues to profess his love for Jenna if she’ll have him back, no matter the consequences. And the consequences are grave, indeed, when Missy turns up dead.
All evidence points to Blake, who was the last one to see her alive. He begs Jenna to help him clear his name. Blake’s mother, Gwendolyn, is also bent on exonerating her son. Jenna doesn’t believe Blake could have killed Missy, and she starts digging for suspects. It could have been Missy’s ex-boyfriend, who proclaims a love for her he says only death could sever. Or might it have been Missy’s bitter little sister, who was secretly besotted with Missy’s ex.
Evidence turns up that links Missy's death to embezzlement and another murder—crimes that had falsely implicated Jenna herself less than a year ago. As Gwendolyn continues to beg Jenna to help prove her son’s innocence, Jenna wonders if Blake could truly be innocent.
Jenna has to choose whether to risk it all—her reputation, her growing relationship with her boyfriend, and maybe her life—or let a possibly innocent man go to prison.
288 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 6, 2022
50 people are currently reading
579 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 206 reviews
September 3, 2022
Jenna Quinn was reasonably new to town but had made some good friends and her antique bookstore was doing well. She was grateful she had her manager Mason helping her out. The nearby Hokes Bluff Inn hosted weddings on a fairly continual basis, and when Jenna's doorbell tinkled, she looked up to see her ex-fiance Blake Emerson and a woman who had no hesitation in telling her she was going to marry Blake in a few days. Missy Plott and her bad tempered, drunken carrying on over the next few days saw her gain no friends and make plenty of enemies.
When Jenna found Missy's body out the back of her shop, and the police, including Jenna's significant other, Keith, who was a local police detective, investigated, they arrested Blake for her murder. But when Blake's mother begged Jenna to help prove his innocence, things became messy. What would be the outcome in this latest murder in Jenna's life?
Bound by Murder is the 3rd in the Antique Bookshop Mystery by Laura Gail Black and it was light and entertaining. With plenty of people who wished Missy dead, it was good to see how the final pages played out. Eddy, Jenna's dog, is adorable, a faithful pet who has Jenna's back. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When Jenna found Missy's body out the back of her shop, and the police, including Jenna's significant other, Keith, who was a local police detective, investigated, they arrested Blake for her murder. But when Blake's mother begged Jenna to help prove his innocence, things became messy. What would be the outcome in this latest murder in Jenna's life?
Bound by Murder is the 3rd in the Antique Bookshop Mystery by Laura Gail Black and it was light and entertaining. With plenty of people who wished Missy dead, it was good to see how the final pages played out. Eddy, Jenna's dog, is adorable, a faithful pet who has Jenna's back. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2022
The third book in this series and it is every bit as entertaining as the first two. Jenna gets a shock when her ex boyfriend turns up with his bride to be and yet still claims to love Jenna. Current boyfriend Keith is definitely put out and Jenna finds it does not matter what she says or does, everyone still has an opinion, mostly bad.
All this before a murder is committed and needs to be solved. The plot is a tiny bit over the top and the bad characters are a little too blatantly bad but it is still all very enjoyable. I even had to reach for the tissues when it got emotional and I really loved it when Jenna stood up for herself in a big way.
So, good characters, a twisty plot and a surprise at the end. All good and definitely worth reading.
All this before a murder is committed and needs to be solved. The plot is a tiny bit over the top and the bad characters are a little too blatantly bad but it is still all very enjoyable. I even had to reach for the tissues when it got emotional and I really loved it when Jenna stood up for herself in a big way.
So, good characters, a twisty plot and a surprise at the end. All good and definitely worth reading.
August 29, 2022
Jenna Quinn, antique bookstore owner, is enjoying life with her business, friends, and Keith, her boyfriend and police detective....until her ex and his new fiancée walk in her store. Blake and Jenna were engaged until she was arrested for embezzlement and murder. She was found not guilty but not only did Blake not stand up for her, but he broke up with her. Now he and Missy, his new fiancée, is in town to get married in a wedding at the local inn. Blake claims to still have feelings for Jenna but she loves Keith. Missy is the typical mean girl, with her mean girl bridesmaids, leaving angry people in their wake. But someone was unhappy with Missy enough to kill her. Blake is the prime suspect, but Jenna doesn't think he is capable. This causes some friction between Jenna and Keith. Jenna and her friends work to find answers about who is responsible. While I had my suspicions about whodunnit, I was not sure until late in the book. This story was good for getting some answers to Jenna's prior life if you are reading the series and a new mystery to solve in this story.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
I received a complimentary copy from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts are mine only.
July 3, 2022
This would have been a good read if there hadn’t been a bedroom scene. Although it didn’t go into detail I’m not much for reading books about couples having sex or living together before marriage. I wished I’d known this before I read three chapters into this book.
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are mine entirely.
I received an arc of this book from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are mine entirely.
September 6, 2022
Bound By Murder is the third book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series.
After a tumultuous eight months, Jenna Quinn is looking forward to some normalcy in life....her antique bookshop is doing well, her love life with detective Keith Logan looks promising and she is ready to move on in life.
Until, the past decides to blast back in her life in the form of her ex-fiance Blake Emerson who shows up in her small town and her bookshop with his new bride to be Missy Plott. Blake had all but abandoned Jenna during the darkest period of her life but now wants her back in his life no matter the consequences. Missy and Blake have a huge fight the night before their wedding and the next day Missy is found dead. The suspects pool is quite big and things get more serious when it comes light that Missy played a role in the embezzlement of funds and the murder of a colleague, crimes for which Jenna had been falsely accused and imprisoned.
This book has Jenna come face to face with her past again and it was good to see that by the end of it, she can finally make peace with all that has happened. The book also has some reality TV worth drama moments courtesy Missy and her 'Mean Girls' bridesmaids...while reading these scenes I could imagine the crowd filming the outbursts to share on their social media handles!
The actual murder takes place quite late in the story but nevertheless the book is well paced and this was one of those rare moments where I did figure out who the culprit was well before the end.
I also love the cover design of the book...very eye catching 😍.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Laura Gail Black for the e-Arc of the book.
The book publishes today!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
After a tumultuous eight months, Jenna Quinn is looking forward to some normalcy in life....her antique bookshop is doing well, her love life with detective Keith Logan looks promising and she is ready to move on in life.
Until, the past decides to blast back in her life in the form of her ex-fiance Blake Emerson who shows up in her small town and her bookshop with his new bride to be Missy Plott. Blake had all but abandoned Jenna during the darkest period of her life but now wants her back in his life no matter the consequences. Missy and Blake have a huge fight the night before their wedding and the next day Missy is found dead. The suspects pool is quite big and things get more serious when it comes light that Missy played a role in the embezzlement of funds and the murder of a colleague, crimes for which Jenna had been falsely accused and imprisoned.
This book has Jenna come face to face with her past again and it was good to see that by the end of it, she can finally make peace with all that has happened. The book also has some reality TV worth drama moments courtesy Missy and her 'Mean Girls' bridesmaids...while reading these scenes I could imagine the crowd filming the outbursts to share on their social media handles!
The actual murder takes place quite late in the story but nevertheless the book is well paced and this was one of those rare moments where I did figure out who the culprit was well before the end.
I also love the cover design of the book...very eye catching 😍.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Laura Gail Black for the e-Arc of the book.
The book publishes today!
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟
July 18, 2022
They say the past always catches up to you and that is certainly the theme of this book! Jenna's life is running smoothly when the past rears its ugly head and collides back into her life. Add in mean girl drama, nightmare ex's, fabulous friendships and a murder and you have the perfect recipe for a delightfully entertaining book! I absolutely love this series as the characters are so realistic that you forget that they are just characters in a book for a few hours. I loved this book as it cleaned up the main character's past and brought it into her current life so that her future could be brighter. I really am looking forward to future books now that the main character has firmly put her past in the past! I can't wait to see where the author takes us in the next book!
November 2, 2022
⭐⭐⭐ -- Great cover on this one!
I read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, so I was looking forward to diving into this one. Alas, I just did not enjoy this one as much. First, I hate romantic relationship angst in my cozies. If I want to read that I would have picked up a romance. And this book had way too much of it. The second issue was how over the top Missy's character was. We get it, she is a "mean girl". However, he actions were ridiculously over the top and she entered cartoon villain territory every time she was on page. Aside from those two issues, the book was pretty good. The mystery kept me guessing. I love the setting and Jenna remains a solid lead (who should definitely dump Keith...just saying. 😂🤷🏻♀️). I am still onboard to see what the next book brings...
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, so I was looking forward to diving into this one. Alas, I just did not enjoy this one as much. First, I hate romantic relationship angst in my cozies. If I want to read that I would have picked up a romance. And this book had way too much of it. The second issue was how over the top Missy's character was. We get it, she is a "mean girl". However, he actions were ridiculously over the top and she entered cartoon villain territory every time she was on page. Aside from those two issues, the book was pretty good. The mystery kept me guessing. I love the setting and Jenna remains a solid lead (who should definitely dump Keith...just saying. 😂🤷🏻♀️). I am still onboard to see what the next book brings...
**ARC Via NetGalley**
September 4, 2022
It's been a good week for cozies. I don't usually give 5 stars but this is the third one this week and it's well deserved. The drama in the beginning of the book was like having a Jerry Springer episode in a cozy and I loved it! I couldn't get enough of the bad behavior. It was so well written and had me laughing and cringing at the same time. The mystery itself was well paced and although I figured out the murderer early on, I still enjoyed every moment of this story. Looking forward to the next!
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
March 18, 2022
Bound /by Murder was a fun read. Jenna Quinn is the main character who owns Twice Upon a Time Used and Antique Book Store with her manager, Mason. She has moved here to start over after being in jail for embezzlement and murder. She is dating Detective Keith Logan. Rita Walla is her best friend and next door neighbor who works at Hokes Bluff Inn. To her surprise her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson shows up at her store with his fiancé, Missy Plott. He is getting married at the inn that weekend. This is where her nightmare begins with Blake stalking her and saying that he still loves her, Missy and her bridesmaids setting a small fire in her store and throwing bricks in her store window and graffiti on her door. The night of Blakes and Missy's rehearsal dinner Missy disappears. While walking her dog. Eddy with Rita the next morning they discover Missy dead in the alley behind her apartment. Blake is arrested for her murder. The reader is taken on a journey finding out who murdered Missy to the surprising ending.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
November 25, 2022
"Bound by Murder" the 3rd instalment in the "An Antique Bookshop” Mystery series by Laura Gail Black. I loved it even more than the first 2 books. This is one of my favourite series
Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn loves the romance in the air—until her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson, walks in with his bride-to-be, Missy Plott. Blake continues to profess his love for Jenna if she’ll have him back, no matter the consequences. And the consequences are grave, indeed, when Missy turns up dead.
I really loved this story, there were Bridezillas, mean girls, friendship, betrayal along with a little romance and murder. What’s not to like! I read almost in one sitting but finally succumbed to sleep with only a few chapters left.
The mystery moved at a good pace, was interesting and I thought well plotted. I loved the characters living in Hokes Folly especially Jenna’s BFF Rita and now Shelby. Overall I found it to be a very entertaining read.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I’m looking forward to book 4 to find out what Jenna does next.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn loves the romance in the air—until her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson, walks in with his bride-to-be, Missy Plott. Blake continues to profess his love for Jenna if she’ll have him back, no matter the consequences. And the consequences are grave, indeed, when Missy turns up dead.
I really loved this story, there were Bridezillas, mean girls, friendship, betrayal along with a little romance and murder. What’s not to like! I read almost in one sitting but finally succumbed to sleep with only a few chapters left.
The mystery moved at a good pace, was interesting and I thought well plotted. I loved the characters living in Hokes Folly especially Jenna’s BFF Rita and now Shelby. Overall I found it to be a very entertaining read.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I’m looking forward to book 4 to find out what Jenna does next.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 12, 2022
‘Bound by Murder’ by Laura Gail Black is the epitome of everything I could ever want cosy mystery. Like any cosy mystery series, our protagonist finds herself in an awkward situation when her ex-fiancé, Blake, arrives in their town with a new fiancé in tow (wearing the ring he proposed to her with?!). Things take a turn for the worst when the new fiancé is found dead, and Jenna happens to be the one who finds the body. All eyes turn to Blake as the main suspect, but despite their rocky past, Jenna has doubts about Blake’s charges. This book is the third book in the series, and even though I have not read the first two books, I had no trouble catching up with the main cast of characters and where we are in this series.
I love the fact that the main character, Jenna, is the owner of a bookstore— for a reader like myself, how idyllic and does that job sound? Coupled with the fact that this series is set in a charming small-town and a close-knit community of characters,, this story is just filled with “cosy” vibes. This book was also really well-written for the most part with the mystery plot line intertwined with a hint of the romance between Jenna and the town’s detective Keith. I do read cosy mysteries for the murder mystery element, BUT I am not ashamed to admit that I do love a romance in series like this— especially if it’s between the protagonist and the detective/police.
That being said, the main focus of this book was still the murder mystery. The mystery was intriguing enough to keep me reading till the very end. As someone who reads lots of crime/mystery books, the murderer reveal was a bit predictable; however, there was a small twist at the second half of the book that I was not expecting so that was a fun surprise.
I do plan on reading the first two books in this series, and look forward to seeing more of Laura Gail Black’s future works.
4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me this ARC of ‘Bound by Murder’ by Laura Gail Black in exchange for an honest review.
I love the fact that the main character, Jenna, is the owner of a bookstore— for a reader like myself, how idyllic and does that job sound? Coupled with the fact that this series is set in a charming small-town and a close-knit community of characters,, this story is just filled with “cosy” vibes. This book was also really well-written for the most part with the mystery plot line intertwined with a hint of the romance between Jenna and the town’s detective Keith. I do read cosy mysteries for the murder mystery element, BUT I am not ashamed to admit that I do love a romance in series like this— especially if it’s between the protagonist and the detective/police.
That being said, the main focus of this book was still the murder mystery. The mystery was intriguing enough to keep me reading till the very end. As someone who reads lots of crime/mystery books, the murderer reveal was a bit predictable; however, there was a small twist at the second half of the book that I was not expecting so that was a fun surprise.
I do plan on reading the first two books in this series, and look forward to seeing more of Laura Gail Black’s future works.
4 stars.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me this ARC of ‘Bound by Murder’ by Laura Gail Black in exchange for an honest review.
February 23, 2022
Jenna Quinn is back in this third installment of the antique bookstore mysteries.
Jenna is settling in to her new life in Homes Bluff, with her beautiful bookstore and her dog pal, Eddy.
She's made a few good friends and has a new relationship with a charming police detective.
Jenna is shocked beyond words when her ex shows up, with a new woman on his arm.
It takes all of the restraint Jenna can muster not to slap him, after his horrible betrayal.
When a murder takes place, Jenna is horrified to find out some truths about her ex, and she's frustrated with the strain on her personal relationship.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed every part of this book.
I really hope that this series continues to grow, it has a cast of colorful characters and the mysteries are well told.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#BoundByMurder #NetGalley
Jenna is settling in to her new life in Homes Bluff, with her beautiful bookstore and her dog pal, Eddy.
She's made a few good friends and has a new relationship with a charming police detective.
Jenna is shocked beyond words when her ex shows up, with a new woman on his arm.
It takes all of the restraint Jenna can muster not to slap him, after his horrible betrayal.
When a murder takes place, Jenna is horrified to find out some truths about her ex, and she's frustrated with the strain on her personal relationship.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed every part of this book.
I really hope that this series continues to grow, it has a cast of colorful characters and the mysteries are well told.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#BoundByMurder #NetGalley
September 26, 2022
This is the third book in the series. Bookseller, Jenna Quinn has waved goodbye to her hometown of Charlotte and has inherited her Uncle Paul's bookshop, now called Twice Upon A Time, located in the small town of Hokes Folly, North Carolina. She is surprised when her ex-fiancé turns up with his new bride-to-be, Missy Plott. Hours later he tells her that he wants her back and that he never stopped loving her. When Missy Plott turns up dead Jenna decides to investigate in spite of her detective boyfriend, Keith Logan's warning, who she met during her sleuthing in book one.
With great characters, including Rita Wallace, her next-door neighbour and a supportive close friend, it was a pleasure to continue this new cosy mystery series. This book was such a fun read and I was on a merry-go-round of doubt as I puzzled over the suspects. The mystery itself was very well executed, with snippets of humour and abundant red herrings to sustain my interest. With a cute dog named Eddy in the mix, I will certainly be returning to see what Jenna is getting herself into next in the fourth 'An Antique Bookshop Mystery'. A very highly recommended, fantastic whodunit.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
With great characters, including Rita Wallace, her next-door neighbour and a supportive close friend, it was a pleasure to continue this new cosy mystery series. This book was such a fun read and I was on a merry-go-round of doubt as I puzzled over the suspects. The mystery itself was very well executed, with snippets of humour and abundant red herrings to sustain my interest. With a cute dog named Eddy in the mix, I will certainly be returning to see what Jenna is getting herself into next in the fourth 'An Antique Bookshop Mystery'. A very highly recommended, fantastic whodunit.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 18, 2023
Thoroughly engaging cozy mystery set in a book store. Being accused of embezzlement and murder, threw Jenna Quinn's life into a total upheaval. The worst of it all was the total abandonment of her fiancee. Now she's remade her life in another town with a bookstore that is beginning to thrive and a new relationship that provides all that was missing from the last one. However the past comes nipping at her heels in the form of the bridezilla now marrying her ex. Fast paced and filled with interesting characters, this book and the series is a winner. Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
November 13, 2023
The strongest mystery in this series so far - even if I did know who The Bad Guy was from the jump. The motive kept me guessing and the author does give the reader plenty of suspects (with credible motives) to choose from. This is also the book where Jenna's past comes back to haunt her, and it allows the author to tie up some loose series threads to allow the characters to move forward.
That being said, it does lag in spots. A couple chapters towards the end felt like blatant filler, with more cutesy small town shenanigans creeping in (including two plot moppets - Lord help us all). Still, I liked this and will continue on with the next book in the series.
That being said, it does lag in spots. A couple chapters towards the end felt like blatant filler, with more cutesy small town shenanigans creeping in (including two plot moppets - Lord help us all). Still, I liked this and will continue on with the next book in the series.
November 25, 2023
Another one for the books. The bridezilla is murdered and the groom is the main characters ex-boyfriend. Bum bum bum.... This story had me right away and I loved how it played out. So glad I can dive into the next one.
April 29, 2022
Wow, so much going on here. Jenna is having a great day until her ex-boyfriend, Blake Emerson, shows up with his bride-to-be, Missy Plott. But, why is he still professing his eternal love for Jenna, especially after turning his back on her during a previous hard time? Although this series is new to me, the author effortlessly fills us in on that injustice which wound up with Jenna spending some three months in jail charged with murder and embezzlement. When released, Jenna is met at the door to their home by Blake, coldly handing her the key to a storage locker, and left alone to start a new life.
Just to add another complication to the current situation, while Blake is harassing Jenna, Missy's ex, Tom, shows up vowing that Missy and he are meant to be. He makes a very public spectacle of getting down on his knee and proposing. Let's just say, Missy isn't kind. Seems Blake is far richer. In the span of just a few days, Missy also manages to alienate many of the other historic town's shop owners with her entitled attitude and nasty nature. Is it any surprise she eventually turns up dead, or that it's Jenna who finds the body? This is where things begin to get even more complicated.
Why are Blake and Missy even there? What is he telling Missy that makes her beyond angry at Jenna? What mad skill does Jenna display to discourage Blake? Why is policeman boyfriend Keith so unsure of Jenna's love? Why isn't even Jenna sure of her own motives or feelings, be it love or revenge? How will the previously traumatized Eddy handle all the stress? Is there any limit to a mother's love? Why is Blake just standing by while Missy is so loudly being beyond rude to his mother? Come to think of it, why didn't Jenna ever meet his mother? Why does the destruction of one particular book in her shop, Twice Upon a Time, by what seems arson, so saddening for Jenna? How is all this connected to Jenna's past? Who had a reason to kill Missy? What does Blake have to say about all this? What is the significance of a key? And, well, to find out you'll just have to read the book.
I wound up loving this book and plan to read the previous installments asap. Jenna is likable, cares about others, and growing in confidence in her life and friendships. The supporting cast is excellent and seem like people we'd all enjoy having in our own lives. Having the chance to overhear both their idle chatter and deeper conversations pulls us into the story, making us want to know what happens next, not to mention what really happened in Jenna's past that brought her here. Jenna's romance with Keith, though new, seems solid and able to grow in the future. And, of course, there is Eddy. I'm a sucker for dogs anyway but Eddy captured my heart, healing from past trauma just as Jenna is. This series is a winner.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Jenna, Keith, and her friends. And, hey, I'm sending Eddy a virtual treat. Good boy, Eddy.
Just to add another complication to the current situation, while Blake is harassing Jenna, Missy's ex, Tom, shows up vowing that Missy and he are meant to be. He makes a very public spectacle of getting down on his knee and proposing. Let's just say, Missy isn't kind. Seems Blake is far richer. In the span of just a few days, Missy also manages to alienate many of the other historic town's shop owners with her entitled attitude and nasty nature. Is it any surprise she eventually turns up dead, or that it's Jenna who finds the body? This is where things begin to get even more complicated.
Why are Blake and Missy even there? What is he telling Missy that makes her beyond angry at Jenna? What mad skill does Jenna display to discourage Blake? Why is policeman boyfriend Keith so unsure of Jenna's love? Why isn't even Jenna sure of her own motives or feelings, be it love or revenge? How will the previously traumatized Eddy handle all the stress? Is there any limit to a mother's love? Why is Blake just standing by while Missy is so loudly being beyond rude to his mother? Come to think of it, why didn't Jenna ever meet his mother? Why does the destruction of one particular book in her shop, Twice Upon a Time, by what seems arson, so saddening for Jenna? How is all this connected to Jenna's past? Who had a reason to kill Missy? What does Blake have to say about all this? What is the significance of a key? And, well, to find out you'll just have to read the book.
I wound up loving this book and plan to read the previous installments asap. Jenna is likable, cares about others, and growing in confidence in her life and friendships. The supporting cast is excellent and seem like people we'd all enjoy having in our own lives. Having the chance to overhear both their idle chatter and deeper conversations pulls us into the story, making us want to know what happens next, not to mention what really happened in Jenna's past that brought her here. Jenna's romance with Keith, though new, seems solid and able to grow in the future. And, of course, there is Eddy. I'm a sucker for dogs anyway but Eddy captured my heart, healing from past trauma just as Jenna is. This series is a winner.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for introducing me to Jenna, Keith, and her friends. And, hey, I'm sending Eddy a virtual treat. Good boy, Eddy.
October 5, 2022
3 stars is actually kind of generous from me, because I found some parts utterly tedious, like the constant questioning of Jenna's love or not love for the man that dumped her when she was in the worst situation of her life. 🙄
It got old even the first time someone opened their mouth to yap about it and by the umpteenth time - I just wanted to slap people!
Including Jennas boyfriend, Keith. He dropped like a stone in my regard in this book.
To me, that kind of bullshit would have been a total deal-breaker. I'm not sure I would be able to trust him again. But, of course, the squabble was only temporary and to create tension within the story.
Still. I loathe that kind of tension.
It's a cheap trick, not really good storytelling - and the characters just seem immature and stupid.
Irks me to no end!
The murder mystery felt sort of half-and-half obvious. I saw the red herrings and weighed them against the different motives and the culprit seemed to light up in crimson neon.
So did the whole thing about the embezzling. I figured that part out the moment Blake showed up.
I did like that part of the mystery though - and the fact that Jenna might finally be cleared from all suspicions so she can move on with her life.
Though, judging by how many bookshop hating lowlife seem to crawl around in many of these American cozy mysteries, I won't have high hopes for Jenna finding any real peace for long. 😝
Sorry, guys over the Puddle! I just find the notion of what is basically casual hate crime being so widespread within the community, even if it's just fiction, to be utterly appalling. Makes me very happy to live in the country I do. 😂
This series might not be my favourite out of the different cozy mystery series I follow about a female bookshop owner facing hardships while solving murders, but I will probably return for the 4th book.
It got old even the first time someone opened their mouth to yap about it and by the umpteenth time - I just wanted to slap people!
Including Jennas boyfriend, Keith. He dropped like a stone in my regard in this book.
To me, that kind of bullshit would have been a total deal-breaker. I'm not sure I would be able to trust him again. But, of course, the squabble was only temporary and to create tension within the story.
Still. I loathe that kind of tension.
It's a cheap trick, not really good storytelling - and the characters just seem immature and stupid.
Irks me to no end!
The murder mystery felt sort of half-and-half obvious. I saw the red herrings and weighed them against the different motives and the culprit seemed to light up in crimson neon.
So did the whole thing about the embezzling. I figured that part out the moment Blake showed up.
I did like that part of the mystery though - and the fact that Jenna might finally be cleared from all suspicions so she can move on with her life.
Though, judging by how many bookshop hating lowlife seem to crawl around in many of these American cozy mysteries, I won't have high hopes for Jenna finding any real peace for long. 😝
Sorry, guys over the Puddle! I just find the notion of what is basically casual hate crime being so widespread within the community, even if it's just fiction, to be utterly appalling. Makes me very happy to live in the country I do. 😂
This series might not be my favourite out of the different cozy mystery series I follow about a female bookshop owner facing hardships while solving murders, but I will probably return for the 4th book.
March 7, 2022
Jenna Quinn, after being unfairly accused of embezzlement and murder in another city, moved here to take over her murdered uncle's (another story) bookstore. Now a proud business owner in town, she's made friends and even has a new boyfriend that's a detective on the police force. All seems well in her world until one day her ex-fiancé Blake Emerson walks into her bookstore with his new fiancée, Missy Plott, who was a co-worker at their company.
But when Missy starts harassing her, Jenna can't wait to get them out the door. But things aren't over that easy -- Blake keeps returning, trying to speak with her. He even goes so far as to seem to be stalking her. Jenna doesn't want anything to do with the man who handed her a key to a storage unit where her things were kept the day she was released from jail; yet he won't let it go. Even when he's not around, Missy and her friends are there to keep Jenna's life in turmoil.
When 'accidents' start to befall Jenna, she's angry; but it gets worse when the body of Missy is found behind a dumpster. And when the police arrest Blake for the murder, Jenna knows the man is a worm, but she also knows he's not capable of murder. Now things are escalating as Blake's mother begs her for help and Jenna's boyfriend Keith has a fight with her. Will she be able to find the real murderer? Will her relationship with Keith take a dark turn? Or will Jenna manage to stay away from a killer this time?...
This is the third book in the series and I have read all of them. I do think that this one is the best of the three. It not only gives us more insight into Jenna's past, but also the reasons that she is the way she is with her insecurities. It also shows us how strong friendships with others work. The love is there, not only with her friends, but with Keith as well. It's a very good story with a very good mystery.
The clues are difficult to find, but I did love this book anyway. The plot, as I stated above, is very good. We have plenty of suspects, from friends to relatives, and most of them have a reason to want Missy out of the picture. There is a lot going on, but it is the conversations between the characters that pull us into the story and keep us riveted to the page. This is what writing is about. Conversations that tell the story, along with action. These conversations are telling, heartfelt, and chilling, depending upon who is speaking.
And what a storyteller Ms. Black is, in this tale. It is one of the best I have read in a very long time, and gives me reason to want to read the next in the series immediately (please). When the murderer is revealed, the reason is rather sad but nonetheless twisted all the same. All in all, a very good mystery that one can 'dig your teeth into' and come out smiling. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But when Missy starts harassing her, Jenna can't wait to get them out the door. But things aren't over that easy -- Blake keeps returning, trying to speak with her. He even goes so far as to seem to be stalking her. Jenna doesn't want anything to do with the man who handed her a key to a storage unit where her things were kept the day she was released from jail; yet he won't let it go. Even when he's not around, Missy and her friends are there to keep Jenna's life in turmoil.
When 'accidents' start to befall Jenna, she's angry; but it gets worse when the body of Missy is found behind a dumpster. And when the police arrest Blake for the murder, Jenna knows the man is a worm, but she also knows he's not capable of murder. Now things are escalating as Blake's mother begs her for help and Jenna's boyfriend Keith has a fight with her. Will she be able to find the real murderer? Will her relationship with Keith take a dark turn? Or will Jenna manage to stay away from a killer this time?...
This is the third book in the series and I have read all of them. I do think that this one is the best of the three. It not only gives us more insight into Jenna's past, but also the reasons that she is the way she is with her insecurities. It also shows us how strong friendships with others work. The love is there, not only with her friends, but with Keith as well. It's a very good story with a very good mystery.
The clues are difficult to find, but I did love this book anyway. The plot, as I stated above, is very good. We have plenty of suspects, from friends to relatives, and most of them have a reason to want Missy out of the picture. There is a lot going on, but it is the conversations between the characters that pull us into the story and keep us riveted to the page. This is what writing is about. Conversations that tell the story, along with action. These conversations are telling, heartfelt, and chilling, depending upon who is speaking.
And what a storyteller Ms. Black is, in this tale. It is one of the best I have read in a very long time, and gives me reason to want to read the next in the series immediately (please). When the murderer is revealed, the reason is rather sad but nonetheless twisted all the same. All in all, a very good mystery that one can 'dig your teeth into' and come out smiling. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
September 13, 2022
Bound By Murder is the third book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery by Laura Gail Black.
Jenna’s bookstore is doing well, has a dependable employee in Mason, and has a love interest, Detective Keith Logan. Blake, Jenna’s ex-fiance, comes into her shop with his new fiancee, Missy. Missy is quick to add that they will be married in five days. That evening as she was locking up for the night, Blake pleads with Jenna to let him explain. He begs Jenna to take him back as he realizes he made a terrible mistake. Jenna sends him on his way with a definite NO. The next day she watches a young man, Tom Jackson, profess his love for Missy and proposes. She rudely tells him no. The Friday before Missy and Blake’s wedding, Jenna and Mason witness Missy, highly intoxicated, having a very intense argument with Blake. The following day, Jenna’s dog, Eddy, breaks away, heads down the alley, and soon finds Missy’s body beside a dumpster.
Once the police start their investigation, they center on Blake, who is soon arrested. After Blake is arrested, Jenna and Keith discuss his arrest and Jenna expresses her feelings that the wrong person was arrested. This discussion caused a heated argument between them. Jenna decides to handle her own investigation, not to clear Blake’s name but to find the killer. Jenna soon finds many other suspects.
The book is well-written and plotted. Most of the well-developed and exciting characters are back again to Jenna's investigation. There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing about the killer until the end of the book.
I will be watching for the next book in the series.
Jenna’s bookstore is doing well, has a dependable employee in Mason, and has a love interest, Detective Keith Logan. Blake, Jenna’s ex-fiance, comes into her shop with his new fiancee, Missy. Missy is quick to add that they will be married in five days. That evening as she was locking up for the night, Blake pleads with Jenna to let him explain. He begs Jenna to take him back as he realizes he made a terrible mistake. Jenna sends him on his way with a definite NO. The next day she watches a young man, Tom Jackson, profess his love for Missy and proposes. She rudely tells him no. The Friday before Missy and Blake’s wedding, Jenna and Mason witness Missy, highly intoxicated, having a very intense argument with Blake. The following day, Jenna’s dog, Eddy, breaks away, heads down the alley, and soon finds Missy’s body beside a dumpster.
Once the police start their investigation, they center on Blake, who is soon arrested. After Blake is arrested, Jenna and Keith discuss his arrest and Jenna expresses her feelings that the wrong person was arrested. This discussion caused a heated argument between them. Jenna decides to handle her own investigation, not to clear Blake’s name but to find the killer. Jenna soon finds many other suspects.
The book is well-written and plotted. Most of the well-developed and exciting characters are back again to Jenna's investigation. There were plenty of red herrings to keep me guessing about the killer until the end of the book.
I will be watching for the next book in the series.
July 3, 2022
*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series and this third installment is nothing less than amazing as well! I loved it.
Everything is going well for Jenna Quinn, that is until her ex-fiancé Blake Emerson shows up with his new bride to be Missy. Blake confesses he still loves Jenna which sends everything spiraling, especially when Missy is found.... dead. All points to Blake, but somehow, even though her huge hatred against him, Jenna does not believe he is guilty. Blake’s mother, Cordelia, also asks Jenna to help prove his innocence.
What I loved is that I had no idea who did it and why! Also the revelation on the case that had falsely implicated Jenna (which we learn about in the first book, but is also mentioned in the second and this book) due to which she had to spent time in jail for was amazing. It all rounded up! I still love the characters, especially Jenna's help Mason who is highly in love with someone and it's just so cute! I hope this series will continue as it is a really good one! Highly recommend!
I thoroughly enjoyed the first two books in this series and this third installment is nothing less than amazing as well! I loved it.
Everything is going well for Jenna Quinn, that is until her ex-fiancé Blake Emerson shows up with his new bride to be Missy. Blake confesses he still loves Jenna which sends everything spiraling, especially when Missy is found.... dead. All points to Blake, but somehow, even though her huge hatred against him, Jenna does not believe he is guilty. Blake’s mother, Cordelia, also asks Jenna to help prove his innocence.
What I loved is that I had no idea who did it and why! Also the revelation on the case that had falsely implicated Jenna (which we learn about in the first book, but is also mentioned in the second and this book) due to which she had to spent time in jail for was amazing. It all rounded up! I still love the characters, especially Jenna's help Mason who is highly in love with someone and it's just so cute! I hope this series will continue as it is a really good one! Highly recommend!
February 23, 2022
Jenna Quinn is back in this third installment of the antique bookstore mysteries.
Jenna is settling in to her new life in Homes Bluff, with her beautiful bookstore and her dog pal, Eddy.
She's made a few good friends and has a new relationship with a charming police detective.
Jenna is shocked beyond words when her ex shows up, with a new woman on his arm.
It takes all of the restraint Jenna can muster not to slap him, after his horrible betrayal.
When a murder takes place, Jenna is horrified to find out some truths about her ex, and she's frustrated with the strain on her personal relationship.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed every part of this book.
I really hope that this series continues to grow, it has a cast of colorful characters and the mysteries are well told.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#BoundByMurder #NetGalley
Jenna is settling in to her new life in Homes Bluff, with her beautiful bookstore and her dog pal, Eddy.
She's made a few good friends and has a new relationship with a charming police detective.
Jenna is shocked beyond words when her ex shows up, with a new woman on his arm.
It takes all of the restraint Jenna can muster not to slap him, after his horrible betrayal.
When a murder takes place, Jenna is horrified to find out some truths about her ex, and she's frustrated with the strain on her personal relationship.
This book grabbed my attention from the beginning and I enjoyed every part of this book.
I really hope that this series continues to grow, it has a cast of colorful characters and the mysteries are well told.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#BoundByMurder #NetGalley
July 18, 2022
They say the past always catches up to you and that is certainly the theme of this book! Jenna's life is running smoothly when the past rears its ugly head and collides back into her life. Add in mean girl drama, nightmare ex's, fabulous friendships and a murder and you have the perfect recipe for a delightfully entertaining book! I absolutely love this series as the characters are so realistic that you forget that they are just characters in a book for a few hours. I loved this book as it cleaned up the main character's past and brought it into her current life so that her future could be brighter. I really am looking forward to future books now that the main character has firmly put her past in the past! I can't wait to see where the author takes us in the next book!
October 12, 2022
Fun book, great story! It was so gratifying to watch Jenna begin to understand why her police officer boyfriend is upset with her "investigating". In so many other cozies, the heroine just decides that the boyfriend is being stubborn, and refuses to even consider his feelings/reasons! I did figure out who the killer was before the reveal, but it was still a great story. I hope this series contines!
September 25, 2022
Another good read in a fun series! This volume definitely answers some questions from Jenna's past and will hopefully allow her to start a really good future. While there is definitely murder a foot, what we also see is that Jenna has started a new life, made wonderful friends, a great support system, a successful business and a truly supportive boyfriend. Looking forward to more in this series!
February 29, 2024
I jumped into this series in the middle since this book worked for a challenge and I’m going to have to go back and see how it started. I really liked the characters. The mystery was good and my top suspect was guilty.
September 8, 2022
Copy received via Netgalley for an honest review
When Bridezilla ends up dead, no one is really upset about it. Missy really is one lady that you won't like.
Throw in an ex who wants you back, a mother who wants answers and a cast of suspects, Bound By Murder is a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
I had an idea of whodunnit, but there were red herrings thrown in and enough suspicious characters that until all was revealed, I was not 100% sure.
I enjoyed the townspeople and enjoyed the story. This was my first read by this author, but I will read more in the future.
When Bridezilla ends up dead, no one is really upset about it. Missy really is one lady that you won't like.
Throw in an ex who wants you back, a mother who wants answers and a cast of suspects, Bound By Murder is a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing.
I had an idea of whodunnit, but there were red herrings thrown in and enough suspicious characters that until all was revealed, I was not 100% sure.
I enjoyed the townspeople and enjoyed the story. This was my first read by this author, but I will read more in the future.
June 8, 2023
It's wedding season and brides are swarming the Hoakes Bluff Inn to make plans and enjoy their special day. While Jenna Quinn may be in love with her hunky detective boyfriend, they have no plans to walk down the aisle any time soon. She does, however, change over her bookstore window display to reflect the theme of the moment. When one of the bridezillas shows up at Jenna's store to buy a new wedding planner, Jenna recognizes the woman, Missy Plott, and even worse, the woman's fiancé! Just when Jenna thought she had escaped her past, her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson shows up in town. To make matters worse, Blake doesn't seem to love Missy, his bride-to-be and wants Jenna back! That's a literal hard NO from her but her history with Blake causes problems with Keith when Blake is accused of murdering Missy! Jenna knows in her heart Blake could never commit murder but that doesn't mean she wants him back or wants to get involved in the investigation, not even at the request of Blake's mother! Jenna can't help it if people tell her things though or that her best friend has a passkey to all the inn rooms... She'll report everything she finds to Keith and all will be well again, right?
This was the best of the three books. The plot moved along quickly and I couldn't put the book down. I stayed up very late skipping to the end. I had my suspicions about Jenna's past which were sort of true but I didn't suspect everything. There was a last minute whodunit twist I didn't see coming. Sometimes there's a little too much "cozy" that intrudes on the mystery and some extraneous stuff that doesn't really need to be in the story. However, there's more books in this one plus some baked goods! Books + dogs + baked goods = perfect!
Jenna has grown a lot since she first came to town. She's matured, she knows her own mind and loves running the bookstore. Jenna is in love for the first time and happy just to be with Keith as they are without pressure to marry. She has a sweet, loyal pup, Eddy, who steals the hearts of everyone who knows him and makes some new friends. The way Jenna handled Blake's reappearance was classy and she taught him a thing or two about how she's learned to look out for herself. Jenna is very motherly towards her employee, Mason and to a new character, a teenager named Connie, who needs help finding herself. In short, Jenna has become likable!
Keith can be sweet but in this book he goes overboard with the toxic masculinity thing and starts behaving like his former partner. He isn't secure in his relationship with Jenna and for me that brings up red flags in the relationship they need to work on. Keith "can't help" compare himself to Blake who has more money. Um Hello! Blake left her high and dry when she needed him. Why would she want to go back to him? Keith claims he feels like Jenna is siding with Blake when Blake is held on suspicion of murder. Jenna just feels that because she's never seen Blake angry or upset or do anything to ruffle is carefully ordered world, that he just can't be a murderer. Keith thinks people can surprise you. You never know. I agree with Keith but not with the way he handled things. Jenna needs him to be supportive and understanding, to be there for her as she struggles with past demons.
I say the only man she needs is sweet Eddy! He's there for her unconditionally 110%. Bonuses of cheese and pepperoni pizza and liver treats are nice too but he loves Jenna. Jenna also has her gal pals. Rita is busy doing the hair and makeup of all the bridezillas up at the inn but not too busy for a night in with Jenna or a good cry fest. Rita is a ride or die best friend. Jenna makes a new friend, Shelby, who owns the new candle store. Shelby is new in town, looking for a fresh start after her last girlfriend dumped her. I'm not sure I trust Shelby. She shares WAAAYYYY TMI about her personal health and relationship status to a perfect stranger. I don't need to know all that about her. She also urges Jenna to overshare. Shelby is a "dish it girlfriend!" kind of pal. She's also a fancy dresser for the community and since a fancy button is found at the scene of a crime, I can't help but wonder if Shelby has a motive.
It's not hard to find motives aplenty for people who wanted to kill Missy. She was more than a bridezilla. She was a gold digger, a mean girl grown up and the most rude, egotistical, badly behaved person ever. She gave Selina, from Murder by the Bookend - An Antique Bookshop Mystery a run for her money. Missy has her claws into Blake and he doesn't seem too happy about it. Missy seems to be forcing him to marry her for some reason and she's spending his money like there's no tomorrow. Blake's mother doesn't like Missy and all of those things give Blake a motive for murder! Did he kill Missy so he can have Jenna back? Did he kill Missy because she was a *itch? Did he kill her to prevent her from revealing secrets about him, like certain illegal activities back in Charlotte Jenna got blamed for? I still think he did it. Who else would have her log in credentials? The question is, why does he think Jenna wants him back? Did someone else steal the money and frame Jenna? Did that person hack her email and pretend to send a message to Blake saying she missed him and wanted to see him again?
Tom Jackson is Missy's ex and like Blake, he seems to be under the impression his ex wants him back. Why would he even want Missy back? They're perfectly unsuited to one another. He's a country bumpkin, a nerd and nowhere near rich. Did he kill Missy in an argument? Did he kill her so no one else can have her? He does give off creeper vibes.
Missy comes with a royal pain in the patootie entourage. Mandy is the second in command queen bee and she is just as nasty as Missy, if not more. Molly and Mickey are the yes women who do what they're told. They're all mean girls and they're not too bright. They come into Jenna's store looking for a wedding gift and turn up their noses because everything is old! Missy's little sister Connie is also part of the bridal party. Connie is 17, about to turn 18, and the complete opposite of her sister. Connie is young, naïve, insecure and has a big crush on Tom! Missy is horrid to her sister and they get into a huge fight in public. I've had some seriously crazy fights with my sister but never in public like that. Missy is justified in her feelings about her life but she shouldn't take them out on Connie. It's not Connie's fault. I wonder if Connie killed Missy so Connie could be free of her sister and have Tom all to herself? She has the strongest motive after Blake.
Gwendolen Emerson, Blake's mother, is someone he seems to admire and respect and maybe love but he also said they weren't close. Jenna never met the woman in the entire three years she was with Blake. That's super weird. She comes across as hoity-toity and she definitely does not like Missy. I don't think she likes Jenna much either. Probably no one is good enough for her little boy but Jenna will do in a pinch if it means getting Blake free. Gwendolen asks Jenna to ASK her police friend to let Blake go.
I love Tish, the new detective in town! She's awesome! She trusts Jenna and she looks at the facts first without letting personal feelings or career goals get in the way. Plus she's a woman who knows her way around pastry. I think the two women could be good friends. Another new friend is Dana, the baker, who apparently makes amazing cake pops and has two precocious young daughters. On the NOT friends list is the Women's League for Public Safety. They're a bunch of old biddies who think Jenna is responsible for the rise in crime and want her shop shut down, even though only one murder was done IN the shop and Jenna wasn't there at the time. Mason, Jenna's employee, has become a close friend. He feels comfortable joking with her and is there to help in the store when she needs and wants him. Mason is doing well personally too. He has a crush on Lily who works at the Willow Tree pub across the street. It sure looks like the crush is requited and they may be an official item if he can get up the nerve to ask her out! Aww!
Content:
One mild swear word
two closed door love scenes
Antique book mention:
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
From how she describes the cover, I never would have guessed. Lucky for Keith, the book isn't that expensive. Jenna has one from 1909 with yellow farmhouse on the cover and I have one from 1906. I want the first edition but haven't come across it in my favorite store yet. I did see a reproduction but that wasn't what I wanted. I haven't seen Jenna's copy either. Local author = high demand = low supply.
This was the best of the three books. The plot moved along quickly and I couldn't put the book down. I stayed up very late skipping to the end. I had my suspicions about Jenna's past which were sort of true but I didn't suspect everything. There was a last minute whodunit twist I didn't see coming. Sometimes there's a little too much "cozy" that intrudes on the mystery and some extraneous stuff that doesn't really need to be in the story. However, there's more books in this one plus some baked goods! Books + dogs + baked goods = perfect!
Jenna has grown a lot since she first came to town. She's matured, she knows her own mind and loves running the bookstore. Jenna is in love for the first time and happy just to be with Keith as they are without pressure to marry. She has a sweet, loyal pup, Eddy, who steals the hearts of everyone who knows him and makes some new friends. The way Jenna handled Blake's reappearance was classy and she taught him a thing or two about how she's learned to look out for herself. Jenna is very motherly towards her employee, Mason and to a new character, a teenager named Connie, who needs help finding herself. In short, Jenna has become likable!
Keith can be sweet but in this book he goes overboard with the toxic masculinity thing and starts behaving like his former partner. He isn't secure in his relationship with Jenna and for me that brings up red flags in the relationship they need to work on. Keith "can't help" compare himself to Blake who has more money. Um Hello! Blake left her high and dry when she needed him. Why would she want to go back to him? Keith claims he feels like Jenna is siding with Blake when Blake is held on suspicion of murder. Jenna just feels that because she's never seen Blake angry or upset or do anything to ruffle is carefully ordered world, that he just can't be a murderer. Keith thinks people can surprise you. You never know. I agree with Keith but not with the way he handled things. Jenna needs him to be supportive and understanding, to be there for her as she struggles with past demons.
I say the only man she needs is sweet Eddy! He's there for her unconditionally 110%. Bonuses of cheese and pepperoni pizza and liver treats are nice too but he loves Jenna. Jenna also has her gal pals. Rita is busy doing the hair and makeup of all the bridezillas up at the inn but not too busy for a night in with Jenna or a good cry fest. Rita is a ride or die best friend. Jenna makes a new friend, Shelby, who owns the new candle store. Shelby is new in town, looking for a fresh start after her last girlfriend dumped her. I'm not sure I trust Shelby. She shares WAAAYYYY TMI about her personal health and relationship status to a perfect stranger. I don't need to know all that about her. She also urges Jenna to overshare. Shelby is a "dish it girlfriend!" kind of pal. She's also a fancy dresser for the community and since a fancy button is found at the scene of a crime, I can't help but wonder if Shelby has a motive.
It's not hard to find motives aplenty for people who wanted to kill Missy. She was more than a bridezilla. She was a gold digger, a mean girl grown up and the most rude, egotistical, badly behaved person ever. She gave Selina, from Murder by the Bookend - An Antique Bookshop Mystery a run for her money. Missy has her claws into Blake and he doesn't seem too happy about it. Missy seems to be forcing him to marry her for some reason and she's spending his money like there's no tomorrow. Blake's mother doesn't like Missy and all of those things give Blake a motive for murder! Did he kill Missy so he can have Jenna back? Did he kill Missy because she was a *itch? Did he kill her to prevent her from revealing secrets about him, like certain illegal activities back in Charlotte Jenna got blamed for? I still think he did it. Who else would have her log in credentials? The question is, why does he think Jenna wants him back? Did someone else steal the money and frame Jenna? Did that person hack her email and pretend to send a message to Blake saying she missed him and wanted to see him again?
Tom Jackson is Missy's ex and like Blake, he seems to be under the impression his ex wants him back. Why would he even want Missy back? They're perfectly unsuited to one another. He's a country bumpkin, a nerd and nowhere near rich. Did he kill Missy in an argument? Did he kill her so no one else can have her? He does give off creeper vibes.
Missy comes with a royal pain in the patootie entourage. Mandy is the second in command queen bee and she is just as nasty as Missy, if not more. Molly and Mickey are the yes women who do what they're told. They're all mean girls and they're not too bright. They come into Jenna's store looking for a wedding gift and turn up their noses because everything is old! Missy's little sister Connie is also part of the bridal party. Connie is 17, about to turn 18, and the complete opposite of her sister. Connie is young, naïve, insecure and has a big crush on Tom! Missy is horrid to her sister and they get into a huge fight in public. I've had some seriously crazy fights with my sister but never in public like that. Missy is justified in her feelings about her life but she shouldn't take them out on Connie. It's not Connie's fault. I wonder if Connie killed Missy so Connie could be free of her sister and have Tom all to herself? She has the strongest motive after Blake.
Gwendolen Emerson, Blake's mother, is someone he seems to admire and respect and maybe love but he also said they weren't close. Jenna never met the woman in the entire three years she was with Blake. That's super weird. She comes across as hoity-toity and she definitely does not like Missy. I don't think she likes Jenna much either. Probably no one is good enough for her little boy but Jenna will do in a pinch if it means getting Blake free. Gwendolen asks Jenna to ASK her police friend to let Blake go.
I love Tish, the new detective in town! She's awesome! She trusts Jenna and she looks at the facts first without letting personal feelings or career goals get in the way. Plus she's a woman who knows her way around pastry. I think the two women could be good friends. Another new friend is Dana, the baker, who apparently makes amazing cake pops and has two precocious young daughters. On the NOT friends list is the Women's League for Public Safety. They're a bunch of old biddies who think Jenna is responsible for the rise in crime and want her shop shut down, even though only one murder was done IN the shop and Jenna wasn't there at the time. Mason, Jenna's employee, has become a close friend. He feels comfortable joking with her and is there to help in the store when she needs and wants him. Mason is doing well personally too. He has a crush on Lily who works at the Willow Tree pub across the street. It sure looks like the crush is requited and they may be an official item if he can get up the nerve to ask her out! Aww!
Content:
One mild swear word
two closed door love scenes
Antique book mention:
Five Little Peppers and How They Grew
From how she describes the cover, I never would have guessed. Lucky for Keith, the book isn't that expensive. Jenna has one from 1909 with yellow farmhouse on the cover and I have one from 1906. I want the first edition but haven't come across it in my favorite store yet. I did see a reproduction but that wasn't what I wanted. I haven't seen Jenna's copy either. Local author = high demand = low supply.
March 23, 2022
A cozy mystery that doesn’t disappoint! Books, a beautiful inn, an ex-fiancé, and a bridezilla that meets an early demise…these are just a few of the interesting elements of Bound By Murder. The book is full of delicious twists, turns, trouble and a lot of coziness too. Don’t miss out on this series by Laura Gail Black!
July 19, 2022
Jenna Quinn has had a traumatic recent past but her late Uncle's antiquarian bookstore is now her sanctuary where she can enjoy the beautiful books whilst getting used to her new life, new job and new relationship. Unfortunately her peace is shattered when her ex-fiancé turns up in the store with his new fiancée on his arm.
Missy Plott is not a nice woman, and has no hesitation in expressing her displeasure towards anyone who dares to disagree with her. Ex-partner, Blake however is soon expressing his undying love for Jenna even though he's getting married at the weekend!
With her new boyfriend and local police detective Keith Logan struggling with the arrival of Blake and Missy things get even more complicated when Jenna and her dog Eddie discover a body on their evening walk! Someone also appears to have a vendetta against her store and Jenna knows she has to work out who is attacking her as well as looking for the killer. Nothing is as it seems however and as Jenna discovers devastating secrets she isn’t sure she can even begin to deal with everything that's happening to her.
This is the third in Laura Gail Black’s excellent Antique Bookshop Mystery Series and definitely the best so far. The main protagonists are all present and correct, there is intrigue, romance and, of course, murder to keep the pages turning along with a surprising ending I didn't see coming.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it.
Missy Plott is not a nice woman, and has no hesitation in expressing her displeasure towards anyone who dares to disagree with her. Ex-partner, Blake however is soon expressing his undying love for Jenna even though he's getting married at the weekend!
With her new boyfriend and local police detective Keith Logan struggling with the arrival of Blake and Missy things get even more complicated when Jenna and her dog Eddie discover a body on their evening walk! Someone also appears to have a vendetta against her store and Jenna knows she has to work out who is attacking her as well as looking for the killer. Nothing is as it seems however and as Jenna discovers devastating secrets she isn’t sure she can even begin to deal with everything that's happening to her.
This is the third in Laura Gail Black’s excellent Antique Bookshop Mystery Series and definitely the best so far. The main protagonists are all present and correct, there is intrigue, romance and, of course, murder to keep the pages turning along with a surprising ending I didn't see coming.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it.
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