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Booktown Mystery #15
A Deadly Deletion
A murder leads to a string of shocking revelations for bookstore owner Tricia Miles in the latest entry to Lorna Barrett's New York Times bestselling Booktown series.
Tricia Miles has just received a second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. The first was from her friend with benefits, Marshall Chambers, and the second from her ex-lover, police chief Grant Baker. Tricia's got some serious thinking to do.
She's still weighing her options when she hears the sound of an engine roaring down Main Street. It's a big white pickup truck that aims for and hits Marshall as he's walking back to his apartment. Tragically, he's killed, leaving Tricia feeling bereft and guilty. She retreats to her sister, Angelica's, apartment to wait for Baker to update her on what happened. While there, Tricia takes Angelica's dog out for a comfort call behind the building, and the same white pickup roars up the alley and just misses hitting Tricia.
Still shaken by that news, Tricia returns to Haven't Got a Clue and is met by federal marshal Kirby, who tells her that Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything Marshall told Tricia was a lie--in particular, that he was a widower. Was his death an act of revenge?
Tricia's on the hunt for a killer, and it seems like she might be next on the list.
Tricia Miles has just received a second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. The first was from her friend with benefits, Marshall Chambers, and the second from her ex-lover, police chief Grant Baker. Tricia's got some serious thinking to do.
She's still weighing her options when she hears the sound of an engine roaring down Main Street. It's a big white pickup truck that aims for and hits Marshall as he's walking back to his apartment. Tragically, he's killed, leaving Tricia feeling bereft and guilty. She retreats to her sister, Angelica's, apartment to wait for Baker to update her on what happened. While there, Tricia takes Angelica's dog out for a comfort call behind the building, and the same white pickup roars up the alley and just misses hitting Tricia.
Still shaken by that news, Tricia returns to Haven't Got a Clue and is met by federal marshal Kirby, who tells her that Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything Marshall told Tricia was a lie--in particular, that he was a widower. Was his death an act of revenge?
Tricia's on the hunt for a killer, and it seems like she might be next on the list.
306 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 27, 2021
84 people are currently reading
1078 people want to read
About the author
Lorna Barrett
22 books1,788 followersThe immensely popular Booktown Mystery series is what put Lorna Barrett’s name on the New York Times Bestseller list, but it’s her talent -- whether writing as Lorna, or L.L. Bartlett, or Lorraine Bartlett -- that keeps her there. This multi-published, Agatha-nominated author pens the exciting Jeff Resnick Mysteries as well as the acclaimed Victoria Square Mystery series and has many short stories and novellas to her name(s). Check out the links to all her works here: http://www.lornabarrett.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 261 reviews
August 25, 2021
So the purpose of a book review is to help the reader decide whether or not to read a book. I'm going to make that decision easy for everyone: DON'T. I've suffered through 15 books of this series. They are the definition of a trainwreck: terrible but you can't look away. The main problem is the protagonist Tricia, possibly the most obnoxious character ever written.
I honestly don't know how to coherently arrange my thoughts into a narrative review, so here are a selection of notes I took while listening:
* A woman orders oysters for lunch and Tricia assumes it's for her libido??
* Tricia isn't offered a job she doesn't want and is offended.
* Tricia believes that she was scammed because her friend with benefits was in the witness protection program and didn't reveal his true identity to her.
* Someone walks home in the dark so that they don't feel guilty about eating a handful of chips.
* Tricia describes a piece of pie as "A terrible indulgence in every way."
* Tricia hires old people because they don't take "mental health days" like young people.
* A pregnant woman hits a few tennis balls and Tricia believes that she's selfishly risking her life and the life of her unborn baby. But Tricia is the one who set up the tennis practice!
* Tricia's sister calls someone by their first name, and Tricia corrects her by telling her to call the person by Ms. last name because they hadn't met before.
* Judges a woman for driving a minivan instead of a sports car.
* Upset there aren't any "local pastries" at a chamber of commerce meeting. (By the way, NO ONE cares about the goings-on of the chamber of commerce!!)
* "Can you even trust a woman who doesn't like or want kids?" Random side character.
* Tricia is upset that another woman is being judgmental.
* Tricia says she is not vain and is grounded in reality. HA
* Take a shot every time Tricia walks up Angelica's stairs and Sarge barks at her. Did you know Sarge loves Tricia? Did you know he barks excitedly every time Tricia walks up the stairs??
* Did you also know that Mr. Everett loves Ginny(sp?) and Mr. Italian whatever like they're his real grandchildren? I wish Barrett had pushed that point more!
* There wasn't even any real investigating going on. It was barely a mystery, more like the minutes from the freaking chamber of commerce meetings.
There must be something in the water in Stoneham because perfectly nice characters that we've known since book one are turning into murderers. The only good thing about this is that eventually Tricia may kill someone and go to prison so this painful series can come to an end.
Anyway, I'm so mad about this is genuinely shocked that people enjoy this series, but I'm still reading, so joke's on me.
I honestly don't know how to coherently arrange my thoughts into a narrative review, so here are a selection of notes I took while listening:
* A woman orders oysters for lunch and Tricia assumes it's for her libido??
* Tricia isn't offered a job she doesn't want and is offended.
* Tricia believes that she was scammed because her friend with benefits was in the witness protection program and didn't reveal his true identity to her.
* Someone walks home in the dark so that they don't feel guilty about eating a handful of chips.
* Tricia describes a piece of pie as "A terrible indulgence in every way."
* Tricia hires old people because they don't take "mental health days" like young people.
* A pregnant woman hits a few tennis balls and Tricia believes that she's selfishly risking her life and the life of her unborn baby. But Tricia is the one who set up the tennis practice!
* Tricia's sister calls someone by their first name, and Tricia corrects her by telling her to call the person by Ms. last name because they hadn't met before.
* Judges a woman for driving a minivan instead of a sports car.
* Upset there aren't any "local pastries" at a chamber of commerce meeting. (By the way, NO ONE cares about the goings-on of the chamber of commerce!!)
* "Can you even trust a woman who doesn't like or want kids?" Random side character.
* Tricia is upset that another woman is being judgmental.
* Tricia says she is not vain and is grounded in reality. HA
* Take a shot every time Tricia walks up Angelica's stairs and Sarge barks at her. Did you know Sarge loves Tricia? Did you know he barks excitedly every time Tricia walks up the stairs??
* Did you also know that Mr. Everett loves Ginny(sp?) and Mr. Italian whatever like they're his real grandchildren? I wish Barrett had pushed that point more!
* There wasn't even any real investigating going on. It was barely a mystery, more like the minutes from the freaking chamber of commerce meetings.
There must be something in the water in Stoneham because perfectly nice characters that we've known since book one are turning into murderers. The only good thing about this is that eventually Tricia may kill someone and go to prison so this painful series can come to an end.
Anyway, I'm so mad about this is genuinely shocked that people enjoy this series, but I'm still reading, so joke's on me.
May 7, 2022
A Deadly Deletion is the 15th book in the Booktown Mysteries written by Lorna Barrett. Several years ago when I was sampling new cozy mysteries, I read the first in this collection. I added several series to my TBR and last year, this one hit the queue, so I've been reading a few every month to catch up... finally with this one, I am now current in the series and eagerly awaiting the 2022 release later this spring. It's had a bunch of ups and downs, and I'm truly shocked at the amount of unexpected victims and killers contained within this series - truly, it's usually someone unknown or random, rather than a core character. In the last 5, it's been a major character involved in either situation. And this one is no exception... double wow!
On the positive side, the series is always solid. The writing works. The characters (except for the murdering part) are realistic, complete with attitudes and mixed personalities - never cutesy. The plots generally work and have 2 or 3 potential suspects. The side stories are the best part because of all the people from Stoneham, New Hampshire that we get to know. On the negative side, sometimes the characters do some very peculiar things, and in this one, not only do we lose someone we've known for a few books but the killer is someone we've met many times before too. I couldn't believe how far Barrett took this one... while as a stand-alone book, it was great -- as a piece of the series, it worried me a lot. Too much coincidence. That said, this truly concludes many arcs from the early book in the series; all of Tricia's romantic relationships and the varied people who were somewhat friendly or somewhat mean are now gone! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 16.
On the positive side, the series is always solid. The writing works. The characters (except for the murdering part) are realistic, complete with attitudes and mixed personalities - never cutesy. The plots generally work and have 2 or 3 potential suspects. The side stories are the best part because of all the people from Stoneham, New Hampshire that we get to know. On the negative side, sometimes the characters do some very peculiar things, and in this one, not only do we lose someone we've known for a few books but the killer is someone we've met many times before too. I couldn't believe how far Barrett took this one... while as a stand-alone book, it was great -- as a piece of the series, it worried me a lot. Too much coincidence. That said, this truly concludes many arcs from the early book in the series; all of Tricia's romantic relationships and the varied people who were somewhat friendly or somewhat mean are now gone! I cannot wait to see what happens in book 16.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 28, 2021
Who wrote this book and what has that person done with Lorna Barrett? Worst 14$ purchase this month. Wait til it’s free. Wishy washy, absurdly obtuse plot and bizarre character choices. Very disappointing.
August 8, 2021
What a ridiculous plot. This series has run its course. I’m out before the next murderer is either Angelica or Tricia herself.
July 24, 2021
A Deadly Deletion by Lorna Barrett takes readers back to Stoneham, New Hampshire to the town full of bookshops. This is an eventful cozy mystery. I loved all the action that kept me wondering what would happen next. Tricia Miles and her sister, Angelica are warm, friendly characters. They are developed and realistic. I like that they are mature characters. It is great that the sisters are close (talk frequently, have lunch and dinner together, look out for each other). I like how they want to help others and make their town a success. There is a great cast of secondary characters. I especially love Pixie, Tricia’s bubbly employee who loves to dress uniquely. A Deadly Deletion has a dark, complex whodunit. I enjoyed following Tricia’s investigation. The action kept things lively and interesting. There are clues to help readers solve the mystery before Tricia arrives at the solution if you pay close attention. I like that the mystery was multifaceted with a solution that will surprise most readers. There is a secondary story line involving the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. It is in a disarray thanks to their former nefarious leader. The members still left would like Tricia to become president, but a newcomer to town has a different agenda. A Deadly Deletion is the 15th A Booktown Mystery. While A Deadly Deletion can be read as a standalone, I recommend reading the series in order. It will allow you to get to know the characters and the town. I hope Tricia has some joy coming her way soon. She deserves some happiness after what happened in A Deadly Deletion. A Deadly Deletion is a hectic and gripping whodunit with chamber of commerce kerfuffle, unpredicted proposals, slagging book sales, tasty thumbprint cookies, a determined dentist, an orderly abode, and a shocking solution.
June 20, 2021
Wow! Talk about a roller coaster ride! A Deadly Deletion is the BEST book in this fantastic series by Lorna Barrett. I’ve read this series since the very beginning and I have grown to love Tricia, her sister Angelica, and the rest of the crew.
To say this book is good does not do it justice. I was literally on the edge of my seat, I could not believe the author was weaving such an incredible story, and the twists the story took left me absolutely flabbergasted.
In my mind, I’m still processing it all and I’m wondering what is going to happen next.
I can’t recommend this book enough! It belongs at the very top of your TBR pile and if you haven’t tried this series yet, I urge you to start immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ADeadlyDeletion #NetGalley
To say this book is good does not do it justice. I was literally on the edge of my seat, I could not believe the author was weaving such an incredible story, and the twists the story took left me absolutely flabbergasted.
In my mind, I’m still processing it all and I’m wondering what is going to happen next.
I can’t recommend this book enough! It belongs at the very top of your TBR pile and if you haven’t tried this series yet, I urge you to start immediately.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#ADeadlyDeletion #NetGalley
September 8, 2021
I have read all the books in this series, and this one is over the top. The ending is very upsetting and Tricia should go into a convent!
June 3, 2022
A Deadly Deletion is the 15th book in Lorna Barrett's Booktown seies. It picks up minutes after the closing events of book 14, Handbook for Homicide. It's all laid out in the book's description...
Protagonist Tricia Miles has just received two marriage proposals, one from current friend-with-benefits Marshall Chambers and one from her ex, Sheriff Grant Baker. While on his way home from Tricia's non-answer, Marshall is run down by a white pickup. The same truck almost runs Tricia down a short time later. Who's trying to kill Marshall and/or her??
The next day, a US Marshal visits and Tricia finds out Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything he'd told her was a lie, including the fact that he was a widower. Something Tricia finds out when Marshall's (Eugene!) ex-wife shows up a a couple of days later as executrix of his estate. Was Marshall/Gene targeted because of his past?
On top of that, the current Chamber of Commerce members want Tricia to help them recruit back the members who left under the last president's poor leadership and to help find a new president -- but there is heavy opposition to her being that president. Then, the self-appointed head of the committee is found dead. Add to that an arson, some vandalism, and other bodies... Could they all be connected to Marshall's/Gene's death or is there something else going on in Stoneham?
The books in this series are up and own with me. I had trouble liking the character of Tricia for the first few books, but it's been okay since then. However, while the mystery to this book was okay, the cozy part was so depressing! Tricia receives two marriage proposals, but wonders if she's destined to be alone for the rest of her life. It seems like she mopes throughout the entire story. While Tricia did a little investigating, most of the book centered around her lack of feelings about her relationship with Marshall/Gene crossed with her feelings of betrayal that he hadn't told her about his past. Other revelations regarding his current life and character crop up, too, making her question her choice in men, from her first lover through her latest. The rest centered around her dinners and lunches with Angelica and her dealings with the Chamber, some of whom want her and some who don't.
The resolution to the mysterious deaths sort of falls into Tricia's lap. While there were red herrings planted here and there, the ending is one of those she's-really-not-going-to-do-that-is-shes. But, she [the author] does. And, it changes the essence of the character. And, it's ridiculous. I will spoiler tag my mini-rant on that as well a few other things I didn't like about this entry to the series. I plan to continue reading the series in hopes that Ms. Barrett's plan is to take the series in a new or different direction, breathing new life into it.
Some interesting observations...
** I've had off and on issues with Tricia and/or Angelica since the series started. It took me six books before I started liking Tricia. Neither endeared themselves to me in this entry, what with Angelica's childish behavior and Tricia's moping.
** Personality changes seemed to be a theme in this book... Ginny, who I sometimes find wishy-washy, gets a backbone. Antonio, who's never been anything but even-keeled and loving gets petulant. Angelica lashes out. Tricia, who has been getting stronger and more settled throughout the series, begins questioning herself and her worth. (And she alternates between not wanting a man in her life and wondering what's wrong with her that she doesn't have a man in her life.) Even Mr. Everett and Grace do something out of character.
** The town loses three more men in their 40s/50s while adding in two more single women within the same age range. At some point, Stoneham's population will be only single women 35+ and married couples. I know most cozies feature women and I don't mind Tricia being single, but having no single men -- even in friendship roles -- is just not realistic.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are mine, biased only by my experience(s).
#ADeadlyDeletion; #LornaBarrett; #BookTownMystery; #CozyMystery
Protagonist Tricia Miles has just received two marriage proposals, one from current friend-with-benefits Marshall Chambers and one from her ex, Sheriff Grant Baker. While on his way home from Tricia's non-answer, Marshall is run down by a white pickup. The same truck almost runs Tricia down a short time later. Who's trying to kill Marshall and/or her??
The next day, a US Marshal visits and Tricia finds out Marshall had been in the Federal Witness Protection Program. Everything he'd told her was a lie, including the fact that he was a widower. Something Tricia finds out when Marshall's (Eugene!) ex-wife shows up a a couple of days later as executrix of his estate. Was Marshall/Gene targeted because of his past?
On top of that, the current Chamber of Commerce members want Tricia to help them recruit back the members who left under the last president's poor leadership and to help find a new president -- but there is heavy opposition to her being that president. Then, the self-appointed head of the committee is found dead. Add to that an arson, some vandalism, and other bodies... Could they all be connected to Marshall's/Gene's death or is there something else going on in Stoneham?
The books in this series are up and own with me. I had trouble liking the character of Tricia for the first few books, but it's been okay since then. However, while the mystery to this book was okay, the cozy part was so depressing! Tricia receives two marriage proposals, but wonders if she's destined to be alone for the rest of her life. It seems like she mopes throughout the entire story. While Tricia did a little investigating, most of the book centered around her lack of feelings about her relationship with Marshall/Gene crossed with her feelings of betrayal that he hadn't told her about his past. Other revelations regarding his current life and character crop up, too, making her question her choice in men, from her first lover through her latest. The rest centered around her dinners and lunches with Angelica and her dealings with the Chamber, some of whom want her and some who don't.
The resolution to the mysterious deaths sort of falls into Tricia's lap. While there were red herrings planted here and there, the ending is one of those she's-really-not-going-to-do-that-is-shes. But, she [the author] does. And, it changes the essence of the character. And, it's ridiculous. I will spoiler tag my mini-rant on that as well a few other things I didn't like about this entry to the series. I plan to continue reading the series in hopes that Ms. Barrett's plan is to take the series in a new or different direction, breathing new life into it.
Some interesting observations...
** I've had off and on issues with Tricia and/or Angelica since the series started. It took me six books before I started liking Tricia. Neither endeared themselves to me in this entry, what with Angelica's childish behavior and Tricia's moping.
** Personality changes seemed to be a theme in this book... Ginny, who I sometimes find wishy-washy, gets a backbone. Antonio, who's never been anything but even-keeled and loving gets petulant. Angelica lashes out. Tricia, who has been getting stronger and more settled throughout the series, begins questioning herself and her worth. (And she alternates between not wanting a man in her life and wondering what's wrong with her that she doesn't have a man in her life.) Even Mr. Everett and Grace do something out of character.
** The town loses three more men in their 40s/50s while adding in two more single women within the same age range. At some point, Stoneham's population will be only single women 35+ and married couples. I know most cozies feature women and I don't mind Tricia being single, but having no single men -- even in friendship roles -- is just not realistic.
This book was not complimentary. I am reviewing it of my own free will because the book, or the experience of reading it, moved me to do so. All thoughts and opinions are mine, biased only by my experience(s).
#ADeadlyDeletion; #LornaBarrett; #BookTownMystery; #CozyMystery
September 3, 2021
Oh my gosh! Does this author not like happily-ever-afters?? She is making Tricia's life miserable! I really felt for her in this book. I loved it and all it's actionyness but can we please give Tricia a little happiness in the next novel?!
July 16, 2021
Tricia is “…determined to look for sparks of joy in what had become such a dark time.” It seems like everything Tricia thought to be true was overturned in a few short days. She doesn’t know if she can trust herself anymore to make the right choices. This time, even her close-knit family is up for grabs when the tension escalates.
Marshall, the friend Tricia has been dating for several months, had proposed to Tricia, but she asked for more time to think about it. After they parted for the evening, and she was talking with the police chief, Grant, he proposed to her! They had dated a few years earlier but it was long over, she thought. Before she could answer, they heard a truck rush down the street, a thump, and the truck keep going. Marshall was lying dead in the street. Accident? Probably not.
It isn’t long before she is contacted by a deputy marshal from the federal witness protection program, which Marshal in. She began to learn how many things he told her were lies. Some, of course, were to keep him alive. Some were to protect the activities of his secret life in Stoneham. Attempted murder, vandalism, and arson are but a few of the occurrences of the next few days that seem to target Tricia and those she loved.
I like Tricia. It isn’t just her bookstore, Haven’t Got a Clue, specializing in vintage mysteries, or her lovely, cat’s cat, Miss Marple. It isn’t even about her curiosity and ability to put clues together to solve puzzles even the police have trouble with. It’s the entire package of all these things, plus how she treats people, thinks well of people until learning otherwise, and values her family that includes a staff member and his delightful wife who don’t have a family. And is looking for sparks of joy in the darkness.
Marshall’s murder, his entire secret life, and other events that add to the troubling times seem to be unrelated occurrences, until Grant points out that everything is happening to people close to her. There are a few people that were on my suspect list, but my “pet” suspect changed from one plot twist to the next. I couldn’t determine whodunit! Even when Tricia seemed certain of who was behind the murder, vandalism, and arson, I couldn’t agree. Whodunit was a complete, stunning surprise, and life for Tricia is going to be different from here on out. I am so looking forward to her next adventure and seeing her personal growth! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries, endearing characters who are family by heart and by blood, in a gorgeous New England bookstore setting.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, a review was not required.
Marshall, the friend Tricia has been dating for several months, had proposed to Tricia, but she asked for more time to think about it. After they parted for the evening, and she was talking with the police chief, Grant, he proposed to her! They had dated a few years earlier but it was long over, she thought. Before she could answer, they heard a truck rush down the street, a thump, and the truck keep going. Marshall was lying dead in the street. Accident? Probably not.
It isn’t long before she is contacted by a deputy marshal from the federal witness protection program, which Marshal in. She began to learn how many things he told her were lies. Some, of course, were to keep him alive. Some were to protect the activities of his secret life in Stoneham. Attempted murder, vandalism, and arson are but a few of the occurrences of the next few days that seem to target Tricia and those she loved.
I like Tricia. It isn’t just her bookstore, Haven’t Got a Clue, specializing in vintage mysteries, or her lovely, cat’s cat, Miss Marple. It isn’t even about her curiosity and ability to put clues together to solve puzzles even the police have trouble with. It’s the entire package of all these things, plus how she treats people, thinks well of people until learning otherwise, and values her family that includes a staff member and his delightful wife who don’t have a family. And is looking for sparks of joy in the darkness.
Marshall’s murder, his entire secret life, and other events that add to the troubling times seem to be unrelated occurrences, until Grant points out that everything is happening to people close to her. There are a few people that were on my suspect list, but my “pet” suspect changed from one plot twist to the next. I couldn’t determine whodunit! Even when Tricia seemed certain of who was behind the murder, vandalism, and arson, I couldn’t agree. Whodunit was a complete, stunning surprise, and life for Tricia is going to be different from here on out. I am so looking forward to her next adventure and seeing her personal growth! I highly recommend this to anyone who enjoys well-written cozy mysteries, endearing characters who are family by heart and by blood, in a gorgeous New England bookstore setting.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, a review was not required.
August 4, 2021
This series may have jumped the shark on this book. Tricia and her lack of focus and backbone is starting to get old. Her insecurities hold her back at every turn. In this book a main stay character goes completely off the rails and ends up doing something unexpected. It's an interesting read, but where does this series go from here?
November 7, 2021
Wow. I didn't see that one coming!
I recommend reading this series in order.
I recommend reading this series in order.
November 13, 2021
Okay, here’s my unpopular opinion rant. And yes, I know Lorna Barrett is a genre leader and infallible. I also know that the forthcoming paragraphs will be blasphemous to many.
Sorry about it.
I’ve either changed as a reader over time or the MC Trisha has gotten so unlikeable, that I spend half the novel rolling my eyes over the sheer predictability of her arc.
Her 2D perfectionism was written in a way that it’s truly not intended to be tiring but rather aspirational.
Trisha’s personality has gotten irksome, uninspired, elitist, and out of touch with the current times.
The sisters’ pretentiousness is exhausting and I instinctively roll my eyes (Much like I’ve done while reading this 14th (?) installment of this exact storyline).
The savior complex the MC clearly displays at every opportunity has gotten borderline insulting. Trisha and her sister treat the citizens of Stoneham like simpletons and without the ladies’ big city smarts, they’re all in danger of injuring themselves.
The ending had me rolling my eyes twice while saying, “Oh, but of course this plays out like that and Saint Trisha is there to protect them from themselves.”
Four men! But naturally, all four were fatefully obsessed with her. And for a junior sleuth, shes near telepathic with how “on the spot” her guestimations are. Fly to Martha’s Vineyard in the fall with no reservations on whim? Yeah, okay. Lifestyle changing disruptions happen to everyone else around Trisha but not her. Yawn. Boring.
Good grief, I’ve ridden the ride. I’ve read each book in order and anticipated their release dates. DO I NOT DESERVE MORE THAN THIS?!
Time to change up the formula.
Sorry about it.
I’ve either changed as a reader over time or the MC Trisha has gotten so unlikeable, that I spend half the novel rolling my eyes over the sheer predictability of her arc.
Her 2D perfectionism was written in a way that it’s truly not intended to be tiring but rather aspirational.
Trisha’s personality has gotten irksome, uninspired, elitist, and out of touch with the current times.
The sisters’ pretentiousness is exhausting and I instinctively roll my eyes (Much like I’ve done while reading this 14th (?) installment of this exact storyline).
The savior complex the MC clearly displays at every opportunity has gotten borderline insulting. Trisha and her sister treat the citizens of Stoneham like simpletons and without the ladies’ big city smarts, they’re all in danger of injuring themselves.
The ending had me rolling my eyes twice while saying, “Oh, but of course this plays out like that and Saint Trisha is there to protect them from themselves.”
Four men! But naturally, all four were fatefully obsessed with her. And for a junior sleuth, shes near telepathic with how “on the spot” her guestimations are. Fly to Martha’s Vineyard in the fall with no reservations on whim? Yeah, okay. Lifestyle changing disruptions happen to everyone else around Trisha but not her. Yawn. Boring.
Good grief, I’ve ridden the ride. I’ve read each book in order and anticipated their release dates. DO I NOT DESERVE MORE THAN THIS?!
Time to change up the formula.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 27, 2021
The first phrase that enters my mind when I think of this book is Oh My Goodness! This is definitely my new favorite in this series. I was shocked at the ending of the last installment. I have been eagerly awaiting to see what Tricia's decision would be. I don't want to spoil anything for anyone, so I will keep this brief. Several events shocked me in this installment, making this book a definite page-turner for me. I only put the book down for work and sleep. I am so happy with Tricia's decisions and the decisions of those closest to her. I still love the setting of a book town and Haven't Got a Clue. I would love to be one of those tourists that are bused in for the day. The mystery is full of twists and turns and is well-plotted. I was completely blindsided when the culprit was revealed, and the reasons this person did what he/she did what they did. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries or the series, this is a must-read.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
January 17, 2022
Tricia is the “Charlie Brown” of Cozy Mysteries. People and the world are just absolutely awful to the poor woman. Her relationships are lukewarm yet toxic at the same time. I keep reading these, despite the melancholy “Debbie Downer” tone. I’m just waiting for Miss Marple to turn on Trisha, and start peeing on all of her belongings.
June 14, 2022
Did someone else write this book? There was so much out of character things going on! This is the worst of the series. I'm concerned about reading the next one!
December 27, 2025
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Tragedy strikes soon after Tricia Miles receives her second marriage proposal of the day, when Marshall Chambers, her friend with benefits and the first to propose, is killed when hit by a huge white pickup. The second to propose, police chief Grant Baker, quickly arrives on the scene. Tricia wasn’t ready to accept anyone’s proposal, but was saddened by the loss of her friend. A short time later, the huge white truck is back and tries to run Tricia down in the alley, but thankfully misses.
Later, still upset, Tricia returns to her bookstore, and it is there that Federal Marshal Kirby catches up with her, revealing that Marshall Chambers was part of the Federal Witness Protection Program, and she realizes everything she knew about the man was a lie, including that his previous wife was dead.
Did someone from Marshall’s past take away his future? Tricia hopes to find out. She also wants to know why she was targeted, and probably still is!
After I finished the previous book in this series Handbook for Homicide, I was excited to continue the series, thinking Tricia had some happy days ahead. Then I read the synopsis for this book, and saw that it was far from the case. I decided I needed to take a break from the series. When I needed a book set in New Hampshire for my Literary Escapes Challenge, I decided it was time to read this book, hoping there would be a great story behind Marshall Chambers’ death. What I found were characters I didn’t recognize. After reading 14 books in this series, it was like they had all undergone personality changes. Tricia has been through a lot, so understandably, she is sad, but instead of rooting for her, she came across as very unlikable. Her sister, too, and others all acted strangely.
The mystery of Marshall’s death was complicated by the fact that the Miles family became the targets of violence. Tricia spends most of her time having meals with her sister, on chamber business, making bad decisions, or trying to trap Marshall’s ex-wife into revealing that she was the killer. Spoiler – she wasn’t. When the killer was revealed, it was like whiplash and far-fetched. Tricia has a miserable track record with men, but seriously . . . seriously. Had this been an actual print book and not on my Kindle, I would have thrown it at the wall. Instead, I slammed the cover shut and fumed, and then I was disappointed. Disappointed that a series I had loved from the start has made me reconsider reading any more books in this series.
While some readers have loved this story, I am not alone in my feelings. Was this a book to shake things up in Booktown? Will a new, happier, stronger protagonist in Tricia be revealed soon? With the way this series is going, she could be the next killer or victim. (The series has continued, so I know this hasn’t happened. YET!)
A Deadly Deletion was a real let-down and depressing. The ending was dark, abrupt, and painful to read. The motive was thin, the clues needed a hard push to come together, and they really made no sense for the character. I finished the book, but I wish I hadn’t. I think this was my last visit to Stoneham.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
Tragedy strikes soon after Tricia Miles receives her second marriage proposal of the day, when Marshall Chambers, her friend with benefits and the first to propose, is killed when hit by a huge white pickup. The second to propose, police chief Grant Baker, quickly arrives on the scene. Tricia wasn’t ready to accept anyone’s proposal, but was saddened by the loss of her friend. A short time later, the huge white truck is back and tries to run Tricia down in the alley, but thankfully misses.
Later, still upset, Tricia returns to her bookstore, and it is there that Federal Marshal Kirby catches up with her, revealing that Marshall Chambers was part of the Federal Witness Protection Program, and she realizes everything she knew about the man was a lie, including that his previous wife was dead.
Did someone from Marshall’s past take away his future? Tricia hopes to find out. She also wants to know why she was targeted, and probably still is!
After I finished the previous book in this series Handbook for Homicide, I was excited to continue the series, thinking Tricia had some happy days ahead. Then I read the synopsis for this book, and saw that it was far from the case. I decided I needed to take a break from the series. When I needed a book set in New Hampshire for my Literary Escapes Challenge, I decided it was time to read this book, hoping there would be a great story behind Marshall Chambers’ death. What I found were characters I didn’t recognize. After reading 14 books in this series, it was like they had all undergone personality changes. Tricia has been through a lot, so understandably, she is sad, but instead of rooting for her, she came across as very unlikable. Her sister, too, and others all acted strangely.
The mystery of Marshall’s death was complicated by the fact that the Miles family became the targets of violence. Tricia spends most of her time having meals with her sister, on chamber business, making bad decisions, or trying to trap Marshall’s ex-wife into revealing that she was the killer. Spoiler – she wasn’t. When the killer was revealed, it was like whiplash and far-fetched. Tricia has a miserable track record with men, but seriously . . . seriously. Had this been an actual print book and not on my Kindle, I would have thrown it at the wall. Instead, I slammed the cover shut and fumed, and then I was disappointed. Disappointed that a series I had loved from the start has made me reconsider reading any more books in this series.
While some readers have loved this story, I am not alone in my feelings. Was this a book to shake things up in Booktown? Will a new, happier, stronger protagonist in Tricia be revealed soon? With the way this series is going, she could be the next killer or victim. (The series has continued, so I know this hasn’t happened. YET!)
A Deadly Deletion was a real let-down and depressing. The ending was dark, abrupt, and painful to read. The motive was thin, the clues needed a hard push to come together, and they really made no sense for the character. I finished the book, but I wish I hadn’t. I think this was my last visit to Stoneham.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
April 14, 2021
I have been with this series from the beginning, and while it has never been lighthearted, this entry seems particularly dark. A hallmark of the Booktown Mysteries has been that the murderers can be literally anyone, even characters who previously seemed to be average, affable citizens. While the perpetrator in this one has not been particularly affable, he/she is on the "you'd least expect it" list.
In addition, the books have featured a lot of betrayal in the life of main character bookstore owner Tricia Miles. She has endured an abusive childhood, a broken marriage, cheating boyfriends (who usually wind up murdered by someone else's hand), and, in this one, betrayal by her own family members (even the beloved Mr. Everett even seems to line up against her).
I enjoy a main character who is not 20, not silly, and leads a less than charmed existence. I just hope that some light breaks through the clouds of Tricia's life in future books.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
In addition, the books have featured a lot of betrayal in the life of main character bookstore owner Tricia Miles. She has endured an abusive childhood, a broken marriage, cheating boyfriends (who usually wind up murdered by someone else's hand), and, in this one, betrayal by her own family members (even the beloved Mr. Everett even seems to line up against her).
I enjoy a main character who is not 20, not silly, and leads a less than charmed existence. I just hope that some light breaks through the clouds of Tricia's life in future books.
Full Disclosure--NetGalley and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.
October 17, 2021
I have enjoyed some of the earlier books in this series, but I have to agree with other reviewers who say to not waste your time on this one. The protagonist Tricia has become a superficial, unlikable character, not in any way a "heroine" in the cozy mystery tradition. Just someone who whines a lot, engages in a great deal of self-pity, and doesn't seem to have any control over her own life. The plot was convoluted (and not in a good way). In addition, this book was very dark and included more violence than is typical for a cozy. I read cozies to escape reality and to remind me to believe in the good parts of human nature, as I suspect many people do in these crazy, stress-filled times. This book contributed nothing toward that and was a huge disappointment.
August 18, 2021
I usually like this series, but this book has been my least favorite.
Ms. Barrett once again has changed a quricky character in the town to a murder. This time it was stupid and made no sense.
I also hated the fight between Tricia, Antonio and Angelica. It didn't make any sense. It was over something stupid. Then Grace who has always been level headed got involved. The fact they made up was not even a happy section of the book.
If Ms. Barrett keeps killing off town members and having them killed by other town members there is going to be no one left in the town.
Ms. Barrett once again has changed a quricky character in the town to a murder. This time it was stupid and made no sense.
I also hated the fight between Tricia, Antonio and Angelica. It didn't make any sense. It was over something stupid. Then Grace who has always been level headed got involved. The fact they made up was not even a happy section of the book.
If Ms. Barrett keeps killing off town members and having them killed by other town members there is going to be no one left in the town.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 23, 2021
Love this series. All i can say though is, poor Tricia.
March 31, 2022
Tricia Miles receives her second marriage proposal within fifteen minutes. When one of the would be suitors is run over and killed instantly she finds out the man was in the witness protection program and nothing he's told her is true.
A short while later when the same pickup truck almost takes her out she knows something is not right and that she needs to investigate.
Plenty of twists and turns in this long running cozy mystery series in which this is the fifteenth book.
Pub Date: 27 Jul 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
A short while later when the same pickup truck almost takes her out she knows something is not right and that she needs to investigate.
Plenty of twists and turns in this long running cozy mystery series in which this is the fifteenth book.
Pub Date: 27 Jul 2021
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
February 12, 2022
I read the reviews. I didn’t listen.
I still really want to like this series but the protagonist has become so unlikeable and judgy. And the ending on this one… yikes! That was just weirdly out of the blue. In an uncharacteristic way, not a shocking twist sort of way.
So. If you’re a huge fan of the series, be warned, and let’s hope things turn around for our little book village.
I still really want to like this series but the protagonist has become so unlikeable and judgy. And the ending on this one… yikes! That was just weirdly out of the blue. In an uncharacteristic way, not a shocking twist sort of way.
So. If you’re a huge fan of the series, be warned, and let’s hope things turn around for our little book village.
September 13, 2021
https://openbooksociety.com/article/a...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
If you have enjoyed previous cozies in this series, run, don’t walk to get this one. I think it is the most explosive one, the one from which Tricia’s life will never be the same again. I was captivated by this complex mystery and would never have guessed who the real bad guy was. The descriptions of Stoneham, New Hampshire in autumn were so appealing, and each major character was defined well. Tricia, her family, and staff are engaging, a group anyone would be pleased to call her people.
It was Monday. Need I say more? Minutes after Tricia’s friend Marshall proposed to her and she told him she wanted time to think, he was dead, killed by a speeding pickup truck that purposely picked him off. Her former boyfriend and police chief, Grant, proposed to Tricia moments before the hit and run, but he was a few years too late. Then Tricia is almost run down by the same pickup truck when walking her sister’s pup.
For some, that might be too much drama to open a book with, but for me, it hit the ground running. And it simply gets more intense. A federal marshal came to see Tricia. The man she knew as Marshall was in witness protection and had been keeping a few secrets from her. The feds’ work with him was done when he breathed his last, so the local police would probably take charge of the investigation.
The next unwelcome visitor was Marshall’s ex-wife, Becca. Marshall had said his ex was a jogger and that she had died, but Becca was an internationally acclaimed tennis champion, very much alive and wanting to meet who she was being replaced with. A couple days later, Tricia’s sister Angelica’s daughter-in-law came home from picking up her toddler from daycare. Their home was on fire. Arson. They lost everything. Who is targeting Tricia’s family and friends? What else can possibly happen?
Tricia and Angelica are very different sisters. I like Tricia, but I just can’t warm up to Angelica. She is generous and helps those who have potential and work to fulfill it, yet she also seems arrogant and at times, meddling. I feel much more of a connection with Tricia, perhaps because of her love of mysteries, a fabulous bookstore, and Miss Marple, her cat. All the characters, including the suspects, are defined as well as necessary for their roles.
Almost every plot twist dealt another blow to Tricia and, at times, her family. Just when it seemed like there are no more surprises, another suspect is identified or another lie of Marshall’s is uncovered. I was totally stunned when the real bad guy was revealed. I appreciated how the author tied up all the loose ends and was, with one exception, satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, especially to fans of the series, mystery bookstores, and intelligent, intuitive female protagonists.
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
If you have enjoyed previous cozies in this series, run, don’t walk to get this one. I think it is the most explosive one, the one from which Tricia’s life will never be the same again. I was captivated by this complex mystery and would never have guessed who the real bad guy was. The descriptions of Stoneham, New Hampshire in autumn were so appealing, and each major character was defined well. Tricia, her family, and staff are engaging, a group anyone would be pleased to call her people.
It was Monday. Need I say more? Minutes after Tricia’s friend Marshall proposed to her and she told him she wanted time to think, he was dead, killed by a speeding pickup truck that purposely picked him off. Her former boyfriend and police chief, Grant, proposed to Tricia moments before the hit and run, but he was a few years too late. Then Tricia is almost run down by the same pickup truck when walking her sister’s pup.
For some, that might be too much drama to open a book with, but for me, it hit the ground running. And it simply gets more intense. A federal marshal came to see Tricia. The man she knew as Marshall was in witness protection and had been keeping a few secrets from her. The feds’ work with him was done when he breathed his last, so the local police would probably take charge of the investigation.
The next unwelcome visitor was Marshall’s ex-wife, Becca. Marshall had said his ex was a jogger and that she had died, but Becca was an internationally acclaimed tennis champion, very much alive and wanting to meet who she was being replaced with. A couple days later, Tricia’s sister Angelica’s daughter-in-law came home from picking up her toddler from daycare. Their home was on fire. Arson. They lost everything. Who is targeting Tricia’s family and friends? What else can possibly happen?
Tricia and Angelica are very different sisters. I like Tricia, but I just can’t warm up to Angelica. She is generous and helps those who have potential and work to fulfill it, yet she also seems arrogant and at times, meddling. I feel much more of a connection with Tricia, perhaps because of her love of mysteries, a fabulous bookstore, and Miss Marple, her cat. All the characters, including the suspects, are defined as well as necessary for their roles.
Almost every plot twist dealt another blow to Tricia and, at times, her family. Just when it seemed like there are no more surprises, another suspect is identified or another lie of Marshall’s is uncovered. I was totally stunned when the real bad guy was revealed. I appreciated how the author tied up all the loose ends and was, with one exception, satisfied with the outcome. I highly recommend this cozy mystery, especially to fans of the series, mystery bookstores, and intelligent, intuitive female protagonists.
July 24, 2021
Unexpected twists and a truly shocking resolution to the crimes.
August 27, 2021
I have grown to like this mystery series and its characters. When I first started reading it, I had a difficult time getting through the books as Tricia was so unlikeable. She's gotten better but now I feel that these have gotten too cutesy. Everyone is in love with Tricia, her sister, Angelica owns everything and keeps buying the rest of the businesses; it's all just so hard to believe and at some points, stomach. Still the mystery in this one was pretty good and I definitely did not see that ending coming.
August 14, 2021
I wanted to like this book. I've read the other books in the series and thought the premise of this book sounded good, but it was not. Tricia is truly the unhappiest person in town and this book doesn't help at all. I couldn't believe the ending. It was so unbelievable and unsatisfying. I think I am done with this series and probably this author.
July 16, 2021
It has been a while since I have visited Stoneham, New Hampshire and the Haven't Got A Clue bookstore. Tricia's ex boyfriend is run down just minutes after he asks Tricia to marry him. Then Tricia is almost run down herself when she takes her sister's dog for a walk. Tricia starts investigating after a federal marshal informs her the her ex was in witness protection. The thing that attracts me to this series is the characters. They really are family to each other and I love the family dinners each week and how the sisters have dinner almost every night. The mystery was good. I was not expecting the killer at all. I really look forward to more stories about Tricia and her family. I received this book from netgalley and Berkeley publishing in exchange for an honest review.
August 10, 2021
I love the Booktown series. Except for this one. Throughout the book, Tricia makes some decisions that seem odd for her usual character. At times I wanted to shake her and say “what is suddenly wrong with you? This isn’t you!”
The fight with her family felt contrived and pointless.
But more specifically, (without giving anything away here) the twist that highlights the story’s villain makes zero sense in the overall arc of the series. I did t buy it at all. In fact, I felt like the author needed a way to eliminate a character and thought “Oh well, I’ll just kill the person.”
The fight with her family felt contrived and pointless.
But more specifically, (without giving anything away here) the twist that highlights the story’s villain makes zero sense in the overall arc of the series. I did t buy it at all. In fact, I felt like the author needed a way to eliminate a character and thought “Oh well, I’ll just kill the person.”
August 14, 2021
This story was incredulous.....the author must have "been on a rampage" when she took this story/and it's future in this direction.
Can't comment any further without compromising for future readers. .
Can't comment any further without compromising for future readers. .
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