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Seabreeze Bookshop #4
A Puzzle of Murder
Two weeks before the busy season commences in Somerset Harbor, Rue Collier hosts the Summer Reading Celebration at her gran’s Seabreeze Bookshop. But when a local caterer—and heir to a distinguished producer of fine honey—is found lifeless in her uncle’s mansion, cryptic hints are blurted out by an unexpected the uncle’s parrot, Zeke. Will Rue piece together the puzzle before the latest murder threatens to upend the busy season before it even starts? This fun-filled and clean bookshop cozy mystery will have you guessing until the very end.
156 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2022
241 people are currently reading
74 people want to read
About the author
Penny Brooke
46 books66 followersPenny Brooke has been reading mysteries for as long as she can remember. When not penning her own stories, she enjoys spending time outdoors with her husband, crocheting, and cozying up with her pups and a good novel.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
April 11, 2022
Another quick & easy read, but it was my least favorite of the Seabreeze Bookshop Mysteries. It was very noticeable how much people just spilled their guts all the time - it didn't seem realistic. Most of the book seemed to be dialogue as well, which is fine, but I craved a bit more story. The ending wrapped up quickly as usual, but a less exciting/twisty ending than some of the others. I still hope there will be more in the series because I do love Rue, Elizabeth, and Andy - although it's funny to me that Andy is still trying to keep Rue from helping in the investigations. She obviously knows what she's doing!
January 15, 2022
I enjoyed reading this book. This is a fast read with plenty to keep you guessing. This story has a great setting in a bookshop! I will be reading more books in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2022
Who Murdered Honey ? . . .
Rue Collier is hosting the Summer Reading Celebration at her gran’s Seabreeze Bookshop. Her friend, Honey Lindstrom, a local caterer, had done the food preparation for her. But when Honey is found dead in her Uncle Thomas Carroway’s mansion, is it murder or natural causes?
Honey was young, still in her 20’s. Why would she fall asleep in the TV room after work and just die? And what was going on when Rue heard Uncle Thomas’ parrot, Zeke, calling out what sounded like parts of the murderer’s conversation? The phrases implied that someone was mad at someone else who argued in that room, something about family honor? Can Rue figure out this puzzle and identify the killer?
This is an entertaining and engaging cozy mystery with a nice variety of characters and a good balance of suspense and intrigue. The story line is well-written and holds the reader’s attention as Rue searches for clues to find out what happened to her friend. Grab your copy and see how the mystery is resolved.
Rue Collier is hosting the Summer Reading Celebration at her gran’s Seabreeze Bookshop. Her friend, Honey Lindstrom, a local caterer, had done the food preparation for her. But when Honey is found dead in her Uncle Thomas Carroway’s mansion, is it murder or natural causes?
Honey was young, still in her 20’s. Why would she fall asleep in the TV room after work and just die? And what was going on when Rue heard Uncle Thomas’ parrot, Zeke, calling out what sounded like parts of the murderer’s conversation? The phrases implied that someone was mad at someone else who argued in that room, something about family honor? Can Rue figure out this puzzle and identify the killer?
This is an entertaining and engaging cozy mystery with a nice variety of characters and a good balance of suspense and intrigue. The story line is well-written and holds the reader’s attention as Rue searches for clues to find out what happened to her friend. Grab your copy and see how the mystery is resolved.
January 6, 2022
One sit read.
Liked it!!
The story starts with bright notes.......a town full of lovely people, books and cakes....and murder.
A lovely woman in her 20s goes to sleep to wear her tiredness of for the book party held by her friend. But she never wakes up. Was it a natural death or....murder? Who knows expect the killer and god? A parrot? Maybe yes.
Though, the main question, who kill the lovely Honey, the talkish bright girl everyone loves and care about, the girl full of talent and surprises? Her grandfather? Sister? Or business partner? Or was it the sister no one knows about? Or wait! Was it honey-ginger sauce?
Read to find out!
I love the story. The bookish lines in between are my favs, I even make some art pieces using those words... (Check my blog). I haven't read the 3 issues before this one in series but still, I get the story. (The issues aren’t that interlinked so you will get the story without missing anything if you haven’t read the earlier issues.) Though, I am looking forward to read them.
This is my first read of Penny Brooke’s work and I have a feeling that it won't be last.
Liked it!!
The story starts with bright notes.......a town full of lovely people, books and cakes....and murder.
A lovely woman in her 20s goes to sleep to wear her tiredness of for the book party held by her friend. But she never wakes up. Was it a natural death or....murder? Who knows expect the killer and god? A parrot? Maybe yes.
Though, the main question, who kill the lovely Honey, the talkish bright girl everyone loves and care about, the girl full of talent and surprises? Her grandfather? Sister? Or business partner? Or was it the sister no one knows about? Or wait! Was it honey-ginger sauce?
Read to find out!
I love the story. The bookish lines in between are my favs, I even make some art pieces using those words... (Check my blog). I haven't read the 3 issues before this one in series but still, I get the story. (The issues aren’t that interlinked so you will get the story without missing anything if you haven’t read the earlier issues.) Though, I am looking forward to read them.
This is my first read of Penny Brooke’s work and I have a feeling that it won't be last.
January 6, 2022
„A Puzzle of Murder“is the fourth book in Penny Brooke’s “A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery” delightful mystery delightful series, whose heroine (Rue Collier) reminds of a slightly younger version of that unforgettable Jessica Fletcher character (Murder She Wrote), who after leaving the big city to take over her aunt’s bookshop at Seabreeze, and after three murder cases has built a successful reputation as the town sleuth for herself.
Rue is hosting a Summer Reading Celebration at her bookshop as the next body drops 😉: a local caterer is found dead in her uncle mansion, fortunately there is a witness, the parrot, whose ‘testimony’ is an additional puzzle for Rue to crack.
This is a clean, fun, bookshop cozy mystery that invites the reader to guess along while enjoying a comfy evening with a good cup of tea (or beverage of choice). Hygge for the literate, without any extra fuss or effort 😉
Rue is hosting a Summer Reading Celebration at her bookshop as the next body drops 😉: a local caterer is found dead in her uncle mansion, fortunately there is a witness, the parrot, whose ‘testimony’ is an additional puzzle for Rue to crack.
This is a clean, fun, bookshop cozy mystery that invites the reader to guess along while enjoying a comfy evening with a good cup of tea (or beverage of choice). Hygge for the literate, without any extra fuss or effort 😉
January 10, 2022
All the ingredients for the cosy read.
This is the fourth outing for the main character, Rue although it could be read as a standalone too. Strong female characters in both the detective and suspects list with light relief and comfort provided by furry friends and in this one a feathered friend too. The author's playfulness is evident in naming two sisters from a family whose fortune is founded upon the sweet product from hives, Honey and Bea.
The detection part is fuelled by curiosity, gossip and making connections that the orthodox investigators have failed to discover or make. Not too many twists and the resolution feels satisfying. A pleasant time spent in the small, holiday town setting of the Seabreeze bookshop. I'm looking forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the fourth outing for the main character, Rue although it could be read as a standalone too. Strong female characters in both the detective and suspects list with light relief and comfort provided by furry friends and in this one a feathered friend too. The author's playfulness is evident in naming two sisters from a family whose fortune is founded upon the sweet product from hives, Honey and Bea.
The detection part is fuelled by curiosity, gossip and making connections that the orthodox investigators have failed to discover or make. Not too many twists and the resolution feels satisfying. A pleasant time spent in the small, holiday town setting of the Seabreeze bookshop. I'm looking forward to the next story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 28, 2022
It's always a little sad in cozies when a good person who's loved by most of the town gets murdered. Rue felt especially bad about it since Honey was her caterer for Rue's summer reading kickoff event. There was a good variety of suspects, but somehow I had a feeling about one of them or at least suspected that person of something.
Rue was sure that if the parrot Zeke could be used as a witness, he surely heard something going down at Honey's uncle's house where she was found. Once again, Rue helped the police solve a puzzling murder, and she managed to inherit yet another shop mascot. We'll have to see if he gets to stay, lol. I'm not sure if the next book is the last, but I'll be borrowing it on KU soon!
Rue was sure that if the parrot Zeke could be used as a witness, he surely heard something going down at Honey's uncle's house where she was found. Once again, Rue helped the police solve a puzzling murder, and she managed to inherit yet another shop mascot. We'll have to see if he gets to stay, lol. I'm not sure if the next book is the last, but I'll be borrowing it on KU soon!
January 23, 2022
A Puzzle of Murder in Small Seaside town of Somerset Harbor!!!
Rue Collier is hosting the Summer Reading Celebration at her gran’s Seabreeze Bookshop but when her friend a local caterer is found dead in her uncle’s mansion and her uncle’s parrot is the only witness, she needs to investigate to find the killer.
This book is a fun, entertaining cozy mystery with engaging characters, interesting setting and plot full of twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery and the murderer. I really enjoy it and looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Rue Collier is hosting the Summer Reading Celebration at her gran’s Seabreeze Bookshop but when her friend a local caterer is found dead in her uncle’s mansion and her uncle’s parrot is the only witness, she needs to investigate to find the killer.
This book is a fun, entertaining cozy mystery with engaging characters, interesting setting and plot full of twists and turns that keeps you entertained as you try to figure out the mystery and the murderer. I really enjoy it and looking forward to the next book in this series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 11, 2022
I have read the other books in this series and really enjoyed them, this one did not disappoint.
When Rue's, owner of Seabreeze Bookshop, friend Honey is found dead, she feels something isn't right. When it's proved it's murder, then Rue has to find out who did it. There's a good twist at the end!
I'm really looking forward to the next book being released.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
When Rue's, owner of Seabreeze Bookshop, friend Honey is found dead, she feels something isn't right. When it's proved it's murder, then Rue has to find out who did it. There's a good twist at the end!
I'm really looking forward to the next book being released.
The books are best read in order of publication to preserve continuity of the characters and series.
January 13, 2022
When a girl as sweet as Honey is found poisoned, Rue must find out who would kill her caterer friend. As the primary caregiver for her ailing uncle, is it the sister, business partner, or someone that hasn't even been considered. Set in a bookshop, this cozy is sure to satisfy any bibliophile that makes you want to lay your hands on Brooke's next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 30, 2022
Rue is running a reading celebration when her caterer friend is found poisoned. Not one to just sit back and wait, she starts to follow clues in hope of figuring out who the culprit is. Clues from a parrot? You never know where you will get ideas or proof. Loved the characters, locale and banter. Storyline had me entertained through the whole book and loved the ending and who the culprit was.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 22, 2025
I am truly enjoying this series of books. I’m on #5 and plan on reading them all. Rue is very personable. I like that she is helping out her grandmother by running the bookstore, but it’s amazing how this little town has such a big murder streak. Quick reads that will keep you guessing. I only read a few minutes some nights but sometimes I am into it where I will read a couple of chapters. Love them!
April 3, 2025
Another fun addition to the series
Rue is finalizing the big beginning of summer party at the bookstore. The party is a big hit but one of her close friends Honey who was coming does not show up. After the party Rue gets Andy to take her to Honeys house where she has been found dead. The mystery deepens with lots of twists and turns and a multitude of suspects. A fun read looking forward to more of the series.
Rue is finalizing the big beginning of summer party at the bookstore. The party is a big hit but one of her close friends Honey who was coming does not show up. After the party Rue gets Andy to take her to Honeys house where she has been found dead. The mystery deepens with lots of twists and turns and a multitude of suspects. A fun read looking forward to more of the series.
January 12, 2022
A Puzzle of Murder" is already book four in Penny Brooke's "A Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery series. I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, turning page after page. I couldn't put it down, I had to read it once to find out how it ended, the characters were great and the story was a well-written mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2022
A fantastic cozy mystery read you'll be glad you have in your to be read list. It's well written, captivating and keeps you turning the pages. The characters are easy to get to know, well developed and bring intrigue and a bit of humor to the story line. A perfect weekend read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 13, 2022
This is a great read, I really enjoyed it! Rue has a mystery to solve, and she has a crafty knack for it. Her uncle’s parrot is a witness, which is super cool! It is very well written, and the suspense is done perfectly! I love all the characters, and I love the bookshop! I can’t wait for the next book!
March 21, 2022
A good story
It was a good story, but that Rue basically solved it on her own leaves Andy looking incompetent. Especially since he rushed her off the phone with every piece of evidence found and then just stopped taking her calls or calling back until he had someone in custody but still didn't have all of the information to be completely right.
It was a good story, but that Rue basically solved it on her own leaves Andy looking incompetent. Especially since he rushed her off the phone with every piece of evidence found and then just stopped taking her calls or calling back until he had someone in custody but still didn't have all of the information to be completely right.
June 30, 2024
A puzzle why the good ones have to die
My only regret in this series is that every murder victim is a wonderful person. If they were someone nasty it wouldn’t leave an emptiness at the end. I also wish she’d stop getting all these different animals it will soon be a zoo and not a bookstore. A good premise and a good story.
My only regret in this series is that every murder victim is a wonderful person. If they were someone nasty it wouldn’t leave an emptiness at the end. I also wish she’d stop getting all these different animals it will soon be a zoo and not a bookstore. A good premise and a good story.
January 6, 2022
I really enjoyed reading this book to, I couldn't put the book down until I finished. The characters were great and the story was a well done mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 8, 2022
A good story, the interaction and chemistry between the characters is entertaining and the storyline just moves along. I can't wait for more from this author. I received this book 📚, as a FREE copy to read and I voluntarily leave this review.
January 10, 2022
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review. This mystery kept it's secrets until the end and reason Honey was dead was both tragic and very sad. The ray of sunshine is her half sister having the same personality as Honey.
January 11, 2022
The plot of the book was such a great page turner. The plot of the book was very well written. I cannot wait to read another wonderful book from this really great and a new favorite author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 12, 2022
Interesting story. I loved the characters and the small town. Every thing was special. I enjoyed the realness of the characters. None of them felt fake. I felt for the victim of the crime. I enjoyed Penny's dialogue.
I received this as an arc from Booksprout and freely left this review.
I received this as an arc from Booksprout and freely left this review.
January 15, 2022
A Puzzle of Murder is the fourth book in the Seabreeze Bookshop Cozy Mystery series. This is a fun cozy mystery with likable characters, a talking parrot, murder, and mystery.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 19, 2022
This was a good story. Kind of sad story about Honey'death and why. Terrific characters that are likeable. I would recommend this book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 23, 2022
the bird is in the know- too bad some clues are cryptic, and the situations are deadly dangerous
intriguing whodunnit
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
intriguing whodunnit
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 6, 2024
Delightful Murder Mystery
Penny’s stories are becoming increasingly easy to read and engaging. The characters are well developed and easy to commiserate with. I felt sorry for both the victim and the assassin.
Penny’s stories are becoming increasingly easy to read and engaging. The characters are well developed and easy to commiserate with. I felt sorry for both the victim and the assassin.
April 8, 2022
A fun series. I enjoy easy to read - but still well-written! - cozy mysteries and this is a great series to experience.
April 25, 2022
Very good
This is a well written story. Andy needs to listen to Rue more. A place I would like to visit.
This is a well written story. Andy needs to listen to Rue more. A place I would like to visit.
July 20, 2022
Quirky fun
Although for me the ending was a bit rushed, I still believe our author has a nice touch with character and plot development.
Although for me the ending was a bit rushed, I still believe our author has a nice touch with character and plot development.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews