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Poe Baxter Books Series #2
Massacre And Margins
She thought she was just going to reminisce, enjoy the Northern Lights, and celebrate an author, but a murderer had other ideas.
On her first trip to Iceland, Poe Baxter is excited about the scenery, the culture and the rare book she’s hoping to find. But it soon becomes clear that Poe and her best friend Beattie are in for far more than a quiet, book-buying trip to the country. Will they survive their new bookish escapade?
When a case of nostalgia hits, will it also mean the end of Poe’s memories?
On her first trip to Iceland, Poe Baxter is excited about the scenery, the culture and the rare book she’s hoping to find. But it soon becomes clear that Poe and her best friend Beattie are in for far more than a quiet, book-buying trip to the country. Will they survive their new bookish escapade?
When a case of nostalgia hits, will it also mean the end of Poe’s memories?
176 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 2, 2022
36 people are currently reading
67 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
August 30, 2022
I received a free copy from the author and voluntarily reviewed it.
Massacre and Margins is the second book in the Poe Baxter series and I was excited to start this one. Unfortunately Massacre and Margins took a different direction and has a different vibe than the first book and I struggled with this one. The tone felt more tense than the first book with illegal activities and crime bosses involved, spies and kidnappings. The constant risk of them being spied on and overheard ruined the lighthearted cozy vibe for me and got on my nerves. I wasn't sure what to think of this book and it didn't fit the comforting cozy vibe I was hoping for, which is a shame as I normally really like this author's books. Maybe the next book will be better now that I know the new direction the series seems to be taking.
In Massacre and Margins Poe and her friend Beattie travel to Iceland. It was fun visiting another country and one I haven't visited myself. I would've liked to see a bit more of the country as the travel scenes felt a bit rushed at times, but I liked how they got to do some touristy things and see a bit of the country. Despite my worries the author found a way to add some recurring characters into the story.
The focus of the book is mostly on the danger and mystery. I liked the way the mystery started, but then it got more dangerous and tense, that wasn't what I had expected and I had trouble adjusting. The book was at times tense, dangerous and then added in some moment that were supposed to be funny, but some of them felt a bit over the top to me.
I also never warmed up to the hamster Butterball, their pet hamster, who was sometimes crucial to a scene, then in others I had no idea where he was or whether he was with them or not and the rest of the book I just felt bad for the little hamster for being stuck in a plastic bag or wondering how that even worked. I like when cozies have a pets in them, but I felt the way it was handled here and with the travel set up the addition of a pet just doesn't quite work for me.
I liked reading more about Poe, Beattie and the guys they're falling for. Although I would've liked to see a bit more about the characters. They can hardly talk ever without risking being overheard and it just gave all the personal conversations a tense vibe which didn't work for me. I felt like their relationships couldn't progress as much and I couldn't really feel the romance as much.
To summarize: This one was unfortunately a bit of a miss for me. This book had a more tense and dangerous vibe when the mystery gets more dangerous. The characters can hardly ever talk without the risk of being overheard and that got on my nerves. I didn't enjoy the direction the mystery took as much with the more dangerous vibe and kidnappings. I liked reading more about Poe, Beattie and the guys, but felt like there were less interesting character scenes due to the not being able to speak freely thing. I am still not a fan of the hamster Butterball who pops up now and then for a scene and part of the time I am not even sure where he is or feel bad for him being stuck in a plastic bag. The Iceland setting was interesting, with some fun travel and touristy scenes.
Massacre and Margins is the second book in the Poe Baxter series and I was excited to start this one. Unfortunately Massacre and Margins took a different direction and has a different vibe than the first book and I struggled with this one. The tone felt more tense than the first book with illegal activities and crime bosses involved, spies and kidnappings. The constant risk of them being spied on and overheard ruined the lighthearted cozy vibe for me and got on my nerves. I wasn't sure what to think of this book and it didn't fit the comforting cozy vibe I was hoping for, which is a shame as I normally really like this author's books. Maybe the next book will be better now that I know the new direction the series seems to be taking.
In Massacre and Margins Poe and her friend Beattie travel to Iceland. It was fun visiting another country and one I haven't visited myself. I would've liked to see a bit more of the country as the travel scenes felt a bit rushed at times, but I liked how they got to do some touristy things and see a bit of the country. Despite my worries the author found a way to add some recurring characters into the story.
The focus of the book is mostly on the danger and mystery. I liked the way the mystery started, but then it got more dangerous and tense, that wasn't what I had expected and I had trouble adjusting. The book was at times tense, dangerous and then added in some moment that were supposed to be funny, but some of them felt a bit over the top to me.
I also never warmed up to the hamster Butterball, their pet hamster, who was sometimes crucial to a scene, then in others I had no idea where he was or whether he was with them or not and the rest of the book I just felt bad for the little hamster for being stuck in a plastic bag or wondering how that even worked. I like when cozies have a pets in them, but I felt the way it was handled here and with the travel set up the addition of a pet just doesn't quite work for me.
I liked reading more about Poe, Beattie and the guys they're falling for. Although I would've liked to see a bit more about the characters. They can hardly talk ever without risking being overheard and it just gave all the personal conversations a tense vibe which didn't work for me. I felt like their relationships couldn't progress as much and I couldn't really feel the romance as much.
To summarize: This one was unfortunately a bit of a miss for me. This book had a more tense and dangerous vibe when the mystery gets more dangerous. The characters can hardly ever talk without the risk of being overheard and that got on my nerves. I didn't enjoy the direction the mystery took as much with the more dangerous vibe and kidnappings. I liked reading more about Poe, Beattie and the guys, but felt like there were less interesting character scenes due to the not being able to speak freely thing. I am still not a fan of the hamster Butterball who pops up now and then for a scene and part of the time I am not even sure where he is or feel bad for him being stuck in a plastic bag. The Iceland setting was interesting, with some fun travel and touristy scenes.
August 25, 2022
I received my ARC and was a little dubious about reading it as the first in series didn’t grab me as I thought it would. However, this story is MUCH more exciting. It is action-packed, funny in parts and develops the characters more. It was nice to read about places and food in Iceland so it looks as if we are to be treated to a tour of some great places in future stories. As in her other series of books, the author spotlights certain aspects of life. This time it is the greed for money and precious items. The power to force others to take actions they would not otherwise do just to build up their own riches. Poe and Beattie stand up for fairness even when faced with menacing people. A good romance sub-story as well. A thoroughly enjoyable read and I’m looking forward to the next in series as we’re going on ................ nope, I’m not going to spoil it. You’ll find out when you read it.
August 25, 2022
Another great book in this series! Our friends Poe and Beattie are back in this next adventure, along with a new cast of characters. Set in Iceland, they stumble into a series of events that keep you turning page after page. I stayed up much later than I should reading just one more chapter until I found myself at the end of the final sentence. It's just that good!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story!
I voluntarily read an Advance Reader Copy of this excellent book and can highly recommend it to anyone who loves a great story!
Read
August 9, 2022OOh, did this book ever take a turn I wasn't expecting? (No spoilers. Don't worry.)
Poe and Beattie and their hamster Butterball are in Reykjavik, Iceland this time, and they find themselves wrapped up in a situation that is tricky and hard and oh-so-dangerous.
Their boys are with them, and they make some new friends along the way. Plus, they see volcanoes and Icelandic horses . . . and the food, ya'll, the food.
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Poe and Beattie and their hamster Butterball are in Reykjavik, Iceland this time, and they find themselves wrapped up in a situation that is tricky and hard and oh-so-dangerous.
Their boys are with them, and they make some new friends along the way. Plus, they see volcanoes and Icelandic horses . . . and the food, ya'll, the food.
I hope you enjoy reading this book as much as I enjoyed writing it.
Read
September 4, 2022Poe Baxter and best friend Beattie are headed to Iceland, sent by Uncle Fitz, on a book-buying mission for his bookshop in Charlottesville, Virginia. If you like intrigue, a touch of romance, rare books, a stalker, a murder, and a kidnapping, this is the book for you. This is a fantastic series with terrific characters, beautiful locations, and top-notch mystery. This is my honest, voluntary review of an advanced reader copy of this book.
September 4, 2022
Ooh, almost nonstop action in this one! Poe and Beattie are in Iceland to check out and buy a very old handwritten book dealing with Icelandic culture. Aaran and Adaire are also there, making the trip a delight - until a woman starts stalking them and insisting that she sell the book to her - and it becomes clear that something shifty is going on! A real page-turner and a great read. - I received a review copy and freely leave this honest review.
September 5, 2022
This book was a little light on mystery and heavy on the action. I liked the twist at the end and it helped me lean into some of the more outlandish parts of this plot. I Ike the story it sets up for the next book. I like the way the characters were developed in this one.
If you are looking for a traditional cozy mystery, you should pass on this one. If you are in the mood for a wild ride, then read this one.
If you are looking for a traditional cozy mystery, you should pass on this one. If you are in the mood for a wild ride, then read this one.
September 10, 2022
DNF
The first one was okay- a little cheesy, but sometimes a series can be slow to start. So, I bought the second one. Big mistake. Cheesy beyond belief. I simply couldn’t suspend my disbelief past the halfway mark. The main character is remarkably dumb. The plot is about as implausible as it could be. If I could return this I would.
The disappointing part is that this series had potential.
Blegh.
The first one was okay- a little cheesy, but sometimes a series can be slow to start. So, I bought the second one. Big mistake. Cheesy beyond belief. I simply couldn’t suspend my disbelief past the halfway mark. The main character is remarkably dumb. The plot is about as implausible as it could be. If I could return this I would.
The disappointing part is that this series had potential.
Blegh.
February 7, 2025
It's a pleasure to read a series that's pure fun, not intellectually or emotionally challenging, yet I learn from it and broaden my horizon. This series follows a predictable plot line...the women get in trouble and the men come to their rescue and save their butts. Along the way there are plot twists, new characters to meet, and interesting developments in the story. Since each adventure takes place in a different country the books also read a bit like a fascinating travel blog.
August 27, 2022
This story has Poe and Beattie going to buy an antique book in Iceland for Poes uncle. It turns into a crazy case of black market buyers and sellers, kidnappers, and undercover police. It was definitely a book i.enjoyed and I will be interested in reading the next one. Received this book as an arc copy.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 6, 2024
This story will have you on the edge of your seat as you read the adventures of Beattie and Poe.
Rare books, murder and kidnap along with spies and mobsters. Tension, excitement, mystery is how to explain the adventures of this book. You almost hold your breath as you wonder what will happen next.
Rare books, murder and kidnap along with spies and mobsters. Tension, excitement, mystery is how to explain the adventures of this book. You almost hold your breath as you wonder what will happen next.
August 25, 2022
Really like this series. The ladies and their boyfriends are caught up with some very bad people-not one group but two. Secrets are revealed and danger is around every corner. Received this book as an arc team member and glad to recommend it who like clean mysteries
August 29, 2022
Poe and Beattie are back, this time on a book buying trip to Iceland. Although the plot was a bit far fetched there were plenty of twists and turns that kept me reading. And I’m enjoying vicariously visiting different countries.
September 3, 2022
I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. I enjoyed this story about Poe and Beattie's adventures in Iceland and recommend it. Am excited to find out what happens when they get to South Africa.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2022
Poe and Beattie are on another adventure to buy books for Uncle Fitz. This time they are in Ireland. Things don't go as smoothly as they normally do. There is a lot of adventure and surprises in this story.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
I received a free ARC, and this is my honest opinion.
September 6, 2022
things get intense for former professor turned book dealer Poe and her Bestie Beattie.
Myths and legends meet organized crime and beaux who are connected in other surprising ways.
Fun, frantic, and action packed drama, romance, humor and friendships.
Myths and legends meet organized crime and beaux who are connected in other surprising ways.
Fun, frantic, and action packed drama, romance, humor and friendships.
September 24, 2022
I enjoyed reading this second book in the Poe Baxter Series. There is lots of action that kept my interest. I enjoyed the characters, and the setting and am looing forward to seeing what happens next. I reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book.
August 23, 2022
I loved this book. It had so many twists and turns. This book kept me on the edge of my seat and turning the pages.
August 27, 2022
The characters of the story are great they're romantic funny and mysterious. The murder mystery keeps the story flowing quickly. This is a great story to read in the evening.
October 17, 2022
Great mystery!
Oh gosh, thoroughly enjoyed Massacre And Margins. Page turning with great characters. Can't wait the arrival of the next book in this series.
Oh gosh, thoroughly enjoyed Massacre And Margins. Page turning with great characters. Can't wait the arrival of the next book in this series.
November 7, 2022
Bravo, bravo. ACF has done it again. Five stars. Excellent story. Love it. Lots of mystery and intrigue with a side of murder.
March 21, 2023
Great for a quick read; thin enough to pack for trips. The author uses some fun phrases that made me chuckle.
August 12, 2024
Better then the first. I will continue the series. B.B. short for butterball the hamster and Baby the best friend sound a LOT alike in the audiobook version which can lead to some confusion.
May 26, 2025
Bookish and foreign? Perfect! I am excited for the next one.
October 1, 2025
I really like this series! It would be so much fun to explore Iceland and see the Northern Lights and ride ponies! I hope the library will get the rest of the series.
September 4, 2022
Another awesome read by AFC Bookens.
Poe, Beattie and now their boyfriends get tangled up in a web that’s even riskier than the first adventure.
As an ARC reader I thoroughly enjoy the author’s books.
Lots of history learned.
Poe, Beattie and now their boyfriends get tangled up in a web that’s even riskier than the first adventure.
As an ARC reader I thoroughly enjoy the author’s books.
Lots of history learned.
September 11, 2023
This book is a good sequel, but I am not massively invested in this story if I have to be honest.
I really liked how Beattie had told Aaren about being trans as it’s important he knows and is sure in his decision to pursue her, but also she deserves someone that is okay with all sides of her identity.
Some parts of the story were a bit nonsense, like how the Weber girl is apparently hard to find but when the characters go to the police the second time, it is right after she told them to meet in a place at 6pm, like can’t the police go there? And now they found she is staying at their hotel, so like, tell the police since they are looking for her???
Also yeah maybe you should’ve asked the guys at the government what the next steps are before agreeing to buy books from the dark web? It’s so obvious that when approached by the bad guy, you maybe should have the government back you up all the time and ask them what the best thing to do is.
Also really, she is so stupid to go run outside and wave at the car coming when you have been chased and kidnapped by people that were still following you??? But the stupidity of the MC is nothing compared to that of the police, that enter the cafe where Poe and Beattie are with the bad guys, but don’t cover also the back door like wowww leave the bad guys a great escape route. Put also a nice new fast car there to help them out better. I understand that you need to make the plot enticing, but this sort of basic police procedure is so obvious, and making the characters have such stupid ideas is too much of a convenience to move the plot forward.
This was also not really a murder mystery of any kind, but more an espionage-action book? So not exactly my cup of tea, but I have no idea how this was marketed, I might have just assumed it was going to be an usual murder mystery.
I guess I will take a little break from this series and go back to it at a different time.
I really liked how Beattie had told Aaren about being trans as it’s important he knows and is sure in his decision to pursue her, but also she deserves someone that is okay with all sides of her identity.
Some parts of the story were a bit nonsense, like how the Weber girl is apparently hard to find but when the characters go to the police the second time, it is right after she told them to meet in a place at 6pm, like can’t the police go there? And now they found she is staying at their hotel, so like, tell the police since they are looking for her???
Also yeah maybe you should’ve asked the guys at the government what the next steps are before agreeing to buy books from the dark web? It’s so obvious that when approached by the bad guy, you maybe should have the government back you up all the time and ask them what the best thing to do is.
Also really, she is so stupid to go run outside and wave at the car coming when you have been chased and kidnapped by people that were still following you??? But the stupidity of the MC is nothing compared to that of the police, that enter the cafe where Poe and Beattie are with the bad guys, but don’t cover also the back door like wowww leave the bad guys a great escape route. Put also a nice new fast car there to help them out better. I understand that you need to make the plot enticing, but this sort of basic police procedure is so obvious, and making the characters have such stupid ideas is too much of a convenience to move the plot forward.
This was also not really a murder mystery of any kind, but more an espionage-action book? So not exactly my cup of tea, but I have no idea how this was marketed, I might have just assumed it was going to be an usual murder mystery.
I guess I will take a little break from this series and go back to it at a different time.
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews