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Poe Baxter Books Series #3
Butchery and Bindings
It’s not every day you get to sit on pristine blue water holding a beautiful, first edition Nadine Gordimer novel, and wondering if you’ll survive the day.
Poe Baxter has always wanted to go to Capetown, and when she hears that a rare book by a famous South African novelist has come on the market, she takes the opportunity to fly to the city. But as soon as she and her best friend Beattie begin researching the whereabouts of this supposed literary treasure, they come upon another mystery that takes their attention and puts them in peril.
What is a rare book worth? A human life or two?
Poe Baxter has always wanted to go to Capetown, and when she hears that a rare book by a famous South African novelist has come on the market, she takes the opportunity to fly to the city. But as soon as she and her best friend Beattie begin researching the whereabouts of this supposed literary treasure, they come upon another mystery that takes their attention and puts them in peril.
What is a rare book worth? A human life or two?
174 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 18, 2022
15 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
November 28, 2022
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Butchery and Bindings is the third book in the Poe Baxter series where she and her best friend travel the world and solve book related mysteries. This series has taken a turn away from the more cozy mystery genre and more into spy mystery with the last book, that change took me off guard, but I was hoping this book would be better now that I know what to expect.
I am still a bit on the fence about this series. On the one hand I really like the author's writing, the pacing is well done and I like the mysteries. On the other hand I don't full care about the more dangerous and tense moments related to the whole spy thing. I still struggled with that in this book and I am still not quite sure what to think of the spy related direction, but I am still enjoying the book enough to want to continue the series.
The mystery was not so much a murder mystery, although that was part of it as well, but more a mystery surrounding some books and various parties who wanted to get their hands on them. I liked seeing it all play out and there were some interesting twists. I had some trouble keeping everything straight at times, there's the real goal of Poe and friends then there is their spy persona and the goals associated with it. There are multiple other parties involved with their own goals and motivations. And the ARC copy had a few inconsistencies, I am sure that will be fixed in the final version, but it made it a bit more difficult to follow the story when the deadline was suddenly longer, someone's name changed and a confession suddenly didn't seem to have taken place. I thought the reveal at the end was interesting and I liked the treasure hunt part toward the end.
Poe is an interesting character. I like seeing how Poe deals with the spy stuff and how she can handle herself well, but also needs some time to decompress or fall apart. I thought it made her feel real. I enjoy following her as gets involved in these mysteries. I had all but forgotten about the hamster pet until he suddenly got mentioned again about 60% into the story. I don't feel he really adds much and it's odd how sometimes he's essential and part of the story and other times he hardly gets mentioned at all for chapters at a time. It's jarring. There is a bit of upheaval romance wise and while I thought it came a bit out of the blue, I liked how things got resolved with minimal drama. I am curious to see where things go next.
To summarize: This third book was a solid read. It helped that I knew what to expect now with the spy direction the plot has taken, but I am still not fully sure if I like the spy stuff and the danger and tense moments that come along with it. I like the writing style and the way the story progresses. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed seeing it play out. Although I had some troubles keeping everything straight due to multiple parties involved as well as Poe and friends their real motivates and their spy persona motives. There were a few inconsistencies in my ARC copy that also made things a bit more difficult, but those should be fixed in the final version. I find Poe an interesting character and I enjoy following her. I like how she can handle herself, but also needs time to decompress and fall apart, it makes her feel real. There is an bit of romantic upheaval, but I liked how there wasn't much drama and I look forward to seeing where things go next.
Butchery and Bindings is the third book in the Poe Baxter series where she and her best friend travel the world and solve book related mysteries. This series has taken a turn away from the more cozy mystery genre and more into spy mystery with the last book, that change took me off guard, but I was hoping this book would be better now that I know what to expect.
I am still a bit on the fence about this series. On the one hand I really like the author's writing, the pacing is well done and I like the mysteries. On the other hand I don't full care about the more dangerous and tense moments related to the whole spy thing. I still struggled with that in this book and I am still not quite sure what to think of the spy related direction, but I am still enjoying the book enough to want to continue the series.
The mystery was not so much a murder mystery, although that was part of it as well, but more a mystery surrounding some books and various parties who wanted to get their hands on them. I liked seeing it all play out and there were some interesting twists. I had some trouble keeping everything straight at times, there's the real goal of Poe and friends then there is their spy persona and the goals associated with it. There are multiple other parties involved with their own goals and motivations. And the ARC copy had a few inconsistencies, I am sure that will be fixed in the final version, but it made it a bit more difficult to follow the story when the deadline was suddenly longer, someone's name changed and a confession suddenly didn't seem to have taken place. I thought the reveal at the end was interesting and I liked the treasure hunt part toward the end.
Poe is an interesting character. I like seeing how Poe deals with the spy stuff and how she can handle herself well, but also needs some time to decompress or fall apart. I thought it made her feel real. I enjoy following her as gets involved in these mysteries. I had all but forgotten about the hamster pet until he suddenly got mentioned again about 60% into the story. I don't feel he really adds much and it's odd how sometimes he's essential and part of the story and other times he hardly gets mentioned at all for chapters at a time. It's jarring. There is a bit of upheaval romance wise and while I thought it came a bit out of the blue, I liked how things got resolved with minimal drama. I am curious to see where things go next.
To summarize: This third book was a solid read. It helped that I knew what to expect now with the spy direction the plot has taken, but I am still not fully sure if I like the spy stuff and the danger and tense moments that come along with it. I like the writing style and the way the story progresses. The mystery was interesting and I enjoyed seeing it play out. Although I had some troubles keeping everything straight due to multiple parties involved as well as Poe and friends their real motivates and their spy persona motives. There were a few inconsistencies in my ARC copy that also made things a bit more difficult, but those should be fixed in the final version. I find Poe an interesting character and I enjoy following her. I like how she can handle herself, but also needs time to decompress and fall apart, it makes her feel real. There is an bit of romantic upheaval, but I liked how there wasn't much drama and I look forward to seeing where things go next.
February 12, 2023
Poe Baxter is off to South Africa to procure a rare book. Only, when she gets there, she finds out that things aren't so simple. Not only is she masquerading as a new face in the black market of books in the area, but running into someone from her past threatens to blow her cover before she's able to get started, which threatens her own life and the lives of those close to her.
Will Poe and Beattie be able to get their hands on the book they came for, or will they find themselves on the wrong side of the dirt?
This was a fun book from the beginning, though I hadn't realized it was actually the third book in a series. Thankfully, the book is written in such a way that I was still able to follow the story even without having read the first two books of the series. That being said, there were some references that I know I didn't catch because I hadn't read the first two books in the series.
I loved Poe's character. She dealt with anxiety, self-consciousness, etc., even while being badass, letting her insecurities bolster her instead of tearing her down. She acknowledged when she was having trouble and talked herself through the situation. As she said at one point, she was just living her best life. It just so happened that her best life involved going toe to toe with mobsters and their henchmen. I also loved her obsession with reality television, and the multiple references to different shows the author included were funny.
After reading this book, I definitely want to go back and read the first two books in the series, and then continue the series beyond this book. I also love the brevity of these books, as I can sit down and read one in an afternoon for a quick escape.
Will Poe and Beattie be able to get their hands on the book they came for, or will they find themselves on the wrong side of the dirt?
This was a fun book from the beginning, though I hadn't realized it was actually the third book in a series. Thankfully, the book is written in such a way that I was still able to follow the story even without having read the first two books of the series. That being said, there were some references that I know I didn't catch because I hadn't read the first two books in the series.
I loved Poe's character. She dealt with anxiety, self-consciousness, etc., even while being badass, letting her insecurities bolster her instead of tearing her down. She acknowledged when she was having trouble and talked herself through the situation. As she said at one point, she was just living her best life. It just so happened that her best life involved going toe to toe with mobsters and their henchmen. I also loved her obsession with reality television, and the multiple references to different shows the author included were funny.
After reading this book, I definitely want to go back and read the first two books in the series, and then continue the series beyond this book. I also love the brevity of these books, as I can sit down and read one in an afternoon for a quick escape.
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October 10, 2022Well, this book was a doozy to write. I've always wanted to go to Cape Town, so I was totally enrapt with the research about the city where this book is set. But I also found myself writing more of a spy-based cozy than I had anticipated.
Don't worry. It's still all things cozy - good friends, tender moments, an adorable hamster, and a murder mystery. But it's got a little international intrigue in it, too.
I hope you enjoy it.
Don't worry. It's still all things cozy - good friends, tender moments, an adorable hamster, and a murder mystery. But it's got a little international intrigue in it, too.
I hope you enjoy it.
October 13, 2022
Poe and Beattie are off to South Africa for their next book adventures.
Black market book business seems to be a thriving market.
Illicit auctions, colleagues with multiple goals, romance off or on in several directions at once, alongside unwelcome exes and those who are more friendly
much ado, and there seems to be more than one mystery afoot
I love the contemporary glances at places I visited live or dreamed of visiting years ago.
testing the bonds of friendships and exceptional alliances, these book filled adventures are quite fun so far
looking forward to the next adventures!
Black market book business seems to be a thriving market.
Illicit auctions, colleagues with multiple goals, romance off or on in several directions at once, alongside unwelcome exes and those who are more friendly
much ado, and there seems to be more than one mystery afoot
I love the contemporary glances at places I visited live or dreamed of visiting years ago.
testing the bonds of friendships and exceptional alliances, these book filled adventures are quite fun so far
looking forward to the next adventures!
June 21, 2023
Plausible story line and good character development
I liked almost everything in this book and story. There was the main story along with a few sub plots. I like ACF Bookens writing style and the way she develops her characters. The hamster that travels with them is a little far-fetched as a pet who's quite intelligent but it's entertaining. I'm very visual and ACF paints pictures I can visualize which makes the books more enjoyable for me. I recommend this book and gave the rating based on no swearing, sex or graphic anything, along with a good story line and interesting characters.
I liked almost everything in this book and story. There was the main story along with a few sub plots. I like ACF Bookens writing style and the way she develops her characters. The hamster that travels with them is a little far-fetched as a pet who's quite intelligent but it's entertaining. I'm very visual and ACF paints pictures I can visualize which makes the books more enjoyable for me. I recommend this book and gave the rating based on no swearing, sex or graphic anything, along with a good story line and interesting characters.
November 16, 2022
I love the “jumping straight into the story” feeling that I got when I started reading. The exotic location, the description of the various sights to see and the introduction of the mission was like a slow building of the climax of the story. Poe and company had a few twists and turns and very interesting characters. It was a fast-paced, enjoyable read that kept me on my toes! Great read.
Red Robin
Red Robin
March 6, 2023
I have to say this book is one heck of a ride. Lots of intrigue and action, some romance, interesting locations and a sense of danger kept me on the edge of my seat and reading late into the night. I thoroughly enjoyed it!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and couldn't resist adding it to my ever-growing library. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great, action-filled story.
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and couldn't resist adding it to my ever-growing library. I highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great, action-filled story.
December 10, 2024
Tension seems to be the main theme in this book. Poe and Beattie have become more secret agents shopping for rare books. You have an ex-boyfriend gets killed and your friend and another ex-boyfriend get kidnap. Poe is always making deals and does not do a bad job. Sadly, Adaire goes back to Scotland because he has had enough of the Book Spies with Poe and Beattie but they go to the next country for more adventures. Good reading that just keeps you wanting more
October 15, 2022
Poe and Beattie are in South Africa now. The mission they are on is different than before. Poe isn't sure about her ability to do what she needs to do. Will she be able to do it, or will she fail? Will anyone's life be at risk if she fails? The answers will be found in the story.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
October 18, 2022
A strong addition to the POE BAXTER series with an intriguing spy plot set against an atmospheric Cape Town backdrop. Poe, Beattie and their crew battle a trio of criminal forces and end up getting an offer that will take them far beyond anything they thought possible. Warm, funny, tense and clever. (Based on an ARC, I’m leaving an honest review)
October 11, 2022
Poe and Baxter are off to Capetown South Africa in their latest adventure. The series seems to have evolved into more of a light spy novel than a cozy mystery but I really didn’t mind. It was a fun story and I just didn’t want to stop reading.
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October 19, 2022This was another of Poe and Beaties adventures. This time in South Africa. They are asked by the government to help with black market book sales. There trip is definitely one that is fun but scary. Read this book to get the whole story. Waiting on the next story to see what they are up to next.
February 8, 2023
Mystery & Adventure
Butchery and Bindings takes us on a page turning adventure as Poe Baxter leads the reader to a point where I was frightened for her. This is a great read.. Enjoy !!
Butchery and Bindings takes us on a page turning adventure as Poe Baxter leads the reader to a point where I was frightened for her. This is a great read.. Enjoy !!
February 19, 2025
I started this series because I enjoy books set in different locations. But each installment went downhill in believability. And by book three I was completely done with the narrator of the audiobooks. She had a funny cadence that put me off. I won't be reading/listening to any more of this series.
November 2, 2022
I loved the book. It was full of great characters trying to solve a mystery. There were plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing.
November 4, 2022
I enjoy the Poe and Beattie books. Nothing too deep but a fun romp and I like that they are situated in a different country every time.
December 22, 2022
Loved this book. A must read. Great characters. Lots of twists and turns.
Could not put it down.
Could not put it down.
March 22, 2023
Fun series but now I have to wait for the next books in the series.
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August 26, 2024I'm enjoying this series more and more as it goes on and becomes more international and including spies!
November 24, 2022
Absolutely fabulous. Really enjoyed this story. Unlike other reviewers, I like the fact that the book pushed the parameters a bit more from traditional cozy mysteries. The element of travel and a bit of um, is the espionage correct, just further excites my reading taste buds.
November 27, 2022
I liked learning about South Africa and of course there is lots of action in this one. The solution was well done. There was more romance than I would prefer, but I’m pretty picky about that. I’m not sure how I feel yet about their jobs as spies. It is well done for what it is, but not totally my thing. If you would like to read a cozy spy thriller set in South Africa, I think you will one this one.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews