What do you think?
Rate this book
Mystery Bookshop #8
Bookclubbed to Death
When the bookshop she owns becomes a crime scene, mystery writer Samantha Washington discovers there is such a thing as bad publicity . . .
After the local library in North Harbor, Michigan, is flooded in a storm, Sam offers her bookstore as a new venue for the Mystery Mavens Book Club. Unfortunately, she immediately runs afoul of the club leader, Delia Marshall, a book reviewer who can make or break careers—something Sam can ill afford with her debut historical mystery soon to be published.
But the next morning, Sam opens her shop to find the unpleasant woman dead on the floor, bashed with a heavy—apparently lethal—tome: the Complete Works of Agatha Christie. While Sam is busy writing her latest British historical mystery in which the queen mother is suspected in the murder of a London Times correspondent, a pair of ambitious cops suspect Sam of the real-life crime. When she gathers Nano Jo and their friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village to review the case, they discover every one of the Mavens had a motive. With her novel about to hit the stores, Sam must find out who clubbed Delia before a judge throws the book at her . . .
After the local library in North Harbor, Michigan, is flooded in a storm, Sam offers her bookstore as a new venue for the Mystery Mavens Book Club. Unfortunately, she immediately runs afoul of the club leader, Delia Marshall, a book reviewer who can make or break careers—something Sam can ill afford with her debut historical mystery soon to be published.
But the next morning, Sam opens her shop to find the unpleasant woman dead on the floor, bashed with a heavy—apparently lethal—tome: the Complete Works of Agatha Christie. While Sam is busy writing her latest British historical mystery in which the queen mother is suspected in the murder of a London Times correspondent, a pair of ambitious cops suspect Sam of the real-life crime. When she gathers Nano Jo and their friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village to review the case, they discover every one of the Mavens had a motive. With her novel about to hit the stores, Sam must find out who clubbed Delia before a judge throws the book at her . . .
336 pages, Paperback
First published December 27, 2022
104 people are currently reading
3079 people want to read
About the author
V.M. Burns
20 books1,274 followersValerie (V.M.) Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.
Contact Info: author@vmburns.com
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2017 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her short story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was an Anthony and Edgar Award finalist in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, Crime Writers of Color, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can learn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.
Contact Info: author@vmburns.com
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews
February 9, 2024
Bookclubbed to Death was another excellent addition to the Mystery Bookshop series following Sam as she finds herself accused of murder.
Mystery bookshop owner Samantha Washington thinks she's doing a good deed when she offers up the store to a book club after the local library is flooded in a storm. But when Sam accidentally angers the club leader Delia Marshall, a book reviewer who can make or break an author's career, she becomes worried as her book is about to be published. And then the next morning Sam finds Delia dead on the shop's floor leading to Sam becoming a suspect after two ambitious cops are assigned to the case. Sam quickly gathers Nana Jo and their friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village to clear Sam's name and find the killer before Sam is locked up for a crime she didn't commit.
The premise of this one was interesting and while it wasn't the first time Sam found herself accused of murder, it was certainly the closest she came to being convicted for it. Unfortunately for Sam, she's not dealing with Detective Pitt this time around as he is still recovering from being shot saving Sam's life in a previous book. The two detectives assigned to the case like Sam for the crime and are completely unwilling to entertain any other suspects. And there were definitely a lot of those as Delia was almost universally disliked by everyone who knew her and she upset a lot of people. With Sam's freedom on the line, the Sleuthing Seniors quickly get to work and I love watching these ladies chase down leads. Each of the women have their own specialties and they're an absolute riot when they get together to go over the case. I was happy with how the case was resolved and I thought the ending was particularly well done.
Sam's journey to become a published author is almost complete with her book on the verge of release at the start of Bookclubbed to Death. I've enjoyed watching Sam work on her books throughout the series and she once again writes another installment of her British cozy mystery series in this book. While historical British cozies aren't really my thing, Sam has developed a well fleshed out series with interesting characters. I like that Sam uses her writing as a way to work out her theories for whatever real-life mystery she's trying to solve and it's once again a useful tool for her in the investigation.
Overall Bookclubbed to Death was a great read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some fun cozy mysteries.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Mystery bookshop owner Samantha Washington thinks she's doing a good deed when she offers up the store to a book club after the local library is flooded in a storm. But when Sam accidentally angers the club leader Delia Marshall, a book reviewer who can make or break an author's career, she becomes worried as her book is about to be published. And then the next morning Sam finds Delia dead on the shop's floor leading to Sam becoming a suspect after two ambitious cops are assigned to the case. Sam quickly gathers Nana Jo and their friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village to clear Sam's name and find the killer before Sam is locked up for a crime she didn't commit.
The premise of this one was interesting and while it wasn't the first time Sam found herself accused of murder, it was certainly the closest she came to being convicted for it. Unfortunately for Sam, she's not dealing with Detective Pitt this time around as he is still recovering from being shot saving Sam's life in a previous book. The two detectives assigned to the case like Sam for the crime and are completely unwilling to entertain any other suspects. And there were definitely a lot of those as Delia was almost universally disliked by everyone who knew her and she upset a lot of people. With Sam's freedom on the line, the Sleuthing Seniors quickly get to work and I love watching these ladies chase down leads. Each of the women have their own specialties and they're an absolute riot when they get together to go over the case. I was happy with how the case was resolved and I thought the ending was particularly well done.
Sam's journey to become a published author is almost complete with her book on the verge of release at the start of Bookclubbed to Death. I've enjoyed watching Sam work on her books throughout the series and she once again writes another installment of her British cozy mystery series in this book. While historical British cozies aren't really my thing, Sam has developed a well fleshed out series with interesting characters. I like that Sam uses her writing as a way to work out her theories for whatever real-life mystery she's trying to solve and it's once again a useful tool for her in the investigation.
Overall Bookclubbed to Death was a great read and I would highly recommend the series if you're looking for some fun cozy mysteries.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
December 19, 2022
When Sam loans the use of her bookstore for a meeting of the Mystery Mavens Book Club for a meeting, she isn't prepared for the likes of Delia Marshall, leader and syndicated columnist. Matters aren't helped that Sam's first book is being released and, if she takes one wrong step, denies Delia any of her absurd and abusive requests, there isn't only a bad review she will have to contend with. In Bookclubbed to Death V.M. Burns introduces readers to characters with some of the best and worst intentions. And, as all murder mysteries seem to go, the bad guy ends up dead (Delia) and the good guy (Sam) is framed for the murder. However, the book wasn't predictable, in the least, as I have sometimes found in cozy mysteries, Burns holding back unmasking the killer until the bitter end.
Bookclubbed to Death is the newest book in a long line of Mystery Bookshop Mysteries. Having never read the series before, I was unprepared to enjoy it as much as I did. It proved to be above and beyond what I expected, a series I'd like to go back and read from the beginning. However, I found no problem reading it as a stand alone book with no knowledge of the previous books in the series. The odd thing, for me was that usually, when I read a book that includes another book as part of the story (Sam's mystery book is included with Sam's real life murder), I have never found this a satisfying way to have a story presented to me, as a reader. However, the book Sam has written is a mystery too, set during World War 2 that includes royalty and a plot that relates to Sam's reality, what she is dealing with. And, in the end, the very insight Sam gets from her own book, is what helps to unmask the clue needed to solve Delia's murder.
I am so happy that finally, with the ninth book of the series (this one) published, I have read V.M. Burns. Her cozy mysteries are fast reads, fun, and draw a reader in so much so you don't want to let go of the story until the very end. Even if you are not a fan of cozy mysteries, mystery writing in general, V.M. Burns is the "best of the best" in her genre. A writer that you need to read and have on your shelf, as not to lose out on stories you fall in love with even with almost no romance included! You'll love it as a reader, cause it's that good!
Happy Reading!
Bookclubbed to Death is the newest book in a long line of Mystery Bookshop Mysteries. Having never read the series before, I was unprepared to enjoy it as much as I did. It proved to be above and beyond what I expected, a series I'd like to go back and read from the beginning. However, I found no problem reading it as a stand alone book with no knowledge of the previous books in the series. The odd thing, for me was that usually, when I read a book that includes another book as part of the story (Sam's mystery book is included with Sam's real life murder), I have never found this a satisfying way to have a story presented to me, as a reader. However, the book Sam has written is a mystery too, set during World War 2 that includes royalty and a plot that relates to Sam's reality, what she is dealing with. And, in the end, the very insight Sam gets from her own book, is what helps to unmask the clue needed to solve Delia's murder.
I am so happy that finally, with the ninth book of the series (this one) published, I have read V.M. Burns. Her cozy mysteries are fast reads, fun, and draw a reader in so much so you don't want to let go of the story until the very end. Even if you are not a fan of cozy mysteries, mystery writing in general, V.M. Burns is the "best of the best" in her genre. A writer that you need to read and have on your shelf, as not to lose out on stories you fall in love with even with almost no romance included! You'll love it as a reader, cause it's that good!
Happy Reading!
August 6, 2022
When there is a damaging storm in North Shore, Michigan, book groups can no longer meet at the local library, so Samantha offers her book store as an alternative. Soon, an obnoxious woman comes in demanding that her book group meet there and that Sam provide them with refreshments. Turns out this woman, Delia, is an influential book critic, and she not only implies that she will pan Sam's newest book if her demands are not met, but also says she will sue Sam because her toy poodle is vicious and dangerous. When Delia winds up dead in the bookstore, Sam is the prime suspect, but Nana Jo and her friends from the retirement village, Jenna, Frank, and Sam herself learn some unsavory facts about Delia--apparently more than one person had the motivation to kill her. Interspersed throughout the book are snippets of Sam's novel about wealthy Brits in the 1930's. Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for the ARC.
January 21, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
North Harbor, Michigan is hit by a huge storm that downed trees and power lines and flooded the local library. Mystery bookshop owner Samantha Washington wanted to help so she opened her doors for the Mystery Mavens Book Club until the library could be reopened. Club leader Delia Matthews walked into the shop like she owned the place and started making demands for food to be served during the meeting and complaining that the meeting room was too small. Delia is a well-known book reviewer and the last thing Sam wants to do with her debut historical mystery about to be released is to ruffle the woman’s feathers so that while she can’t do anything about the space, she can provide food for the group.
The next morning Nana Jo wakes up Sam telling her that Delia Marshall was downstairs, dead. “Someone clubbed her to death with that book.” That book happens to be The Complete Works of Agatha Christie which was ordered by the now-deceased reviewer.
Sam has been busy working on her next mystery but now she has to add a real murder investigation to her duties as the police are ready to book her for Delia Marshall’s murder. She is glad she will have her Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres to help because it looks like every member of the Mystery Mavens Book Club had a reason to club the woman to death.
This is one of my favorite series. I really enjoy that our protagonist Samantha Washington is an author as well as a bookshop owner and that Ms. Burns gives us two mysteries within each book. The one Samantha is writing and the other that she ends up investigating to clear herself or someone near and dear to her. She is a darn good amateur sleuth and Nana Jo, Irma, Dorothy, Ruby Mae, and this time Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt” do their best to help. All these characters are very well-developed and those ladies from Shady Acres sure will tickle your funny bone. “Irma!” is heard often. She is a hoot and a half. I love her reports to the group. But she isn’t the only one to bring the humor. These lines really cracked me up. This is Nana Jo to Sam on their way to the basement with a scared Oreo and hard-of-hearing Snickers.
“We don’t have time for this, Dorothy. That tornado is almost on top of us, and I left my magic wand and shiny red shoes at the dry cleaners.”
Sam’s stories are also filled with great characters. The Queen Mother is a suspect this time and Lady Elizabeth is searching for clues. It is fun that Sam uses her writing to escape the drama happening in her real life but that it also helps her see what she is missing in her very real investigation. She rarely travels without her laptop so can write anywhere, even at a crowded casino.
Both mysteries are very well plotted with twists and turns. I really felt for Sam because her huge heart put her in Delia Marshall’s path. It is great that she has a supportive man by her side in her fiancee’ Frank. Frank has a mysterious past that gives him some fabulous connections. She also had a wonderful sister who Sam hates to ask for help but this time she really needs her. Interesting evidence paved the way for Sam but it involved some hard work to figure everything out. Lady Elizabeth has great support too. It is always fun to have a mystery involving the royals. Both mysteries kept me guessing.
Oreo and Snickers are a spunky pair and they always add to the story but they are getting up there in age. Our girls lasted for 17 years. I hope these two continue to frolic through the pages for a good long time.
Bookclubbed to Death is an excellent addition to this series. I was entertained totally by these wonderful characters and the situations they found themselves in. While this book can be read all on its own I truly recommend you read the series in order to enjoy the characters and their antics from the start.
North Harbor, Michigan is hit by a huge storm that downed trees and power lines and flooded the local library. Mystery bookshop owner Samantha Washington wanted to help so she opened her doors for the Mystery Mavens Book Club until the library could be reopened. Club leader Delia Matthews walked into the shop like she owned the place and started making demands for food to be served during the meeting and complaining that the meeting room was too small. Delia is a well-known book reviewer and the last thing Sam wants to do with her debut historical mystery about to be released is to ruffle the woman’s feathers so that while she can’t do anything about the space, she can provide food for the group.
The next morning Nana Jo wakes up Sam telling her that Delia Marshall was downstairs, dead. “Someone clubbed her to death with that book.” That book happens to be The Complete Works of Agatha Christie which was ordered by the now-deceased reviewer.
Sam has been busy working on her next mystery but now she has to add a real murder investigation to her duties as the police are ready to book her for Delia Marshall’s murder. She is glad she will have her Nana Jo and her friends from Shady Acres to help because it looks like every member of the Mystery Mavens Book Club had a reason to club the woman to death.
This is one of my favorite series. I really enjoy that our protagonist Samantha Washington is an author as well as a bookshop owner and that Ms. Burns gives us two mysteries within each book. The one Samantha is writing and the other that she ends up investigating to clear herself or someone near and dear to her. She is a darn good amateur sleuth and Nana Jo, Irma, Dorothy, Ruby Mae, and this time Detective Bradley Pitt—aka “Stinky Pitt” do their best to help. All these characters are very well-developed and those ladies from Shady Acres sure will tickle your funny bone. “Irma!” is heard often. She is a hoot and a half. I love her reports to the group. But she isn’t the only one to bring the humor. These lines really cracked me up. This is Nana Jo to Sam on their way to the basement with a scared Oreo and hard-of-hearing Snickers.
“We don’t have time for this, Dorothy. That tornado is almost on top of us, and I left my magic wand and shiny red shoes at the dry cleaners.”
Sam’s stories are also filled with great characters. The Queen Mother is a suspect this time and Lady Elizabeth is searching for clues. It is fun that Sam uses her writing to escape the drama happening in her real life but that it also helps her see what she is missing in her very real investigation. She rarely travels without her laptop so can write anywhere, even at a crowded casino.
Both mysteries are very well plotted with twists and turns. I really felt for Sam because her huge heart put her in Delia Marshall’s path. It is great that she has a supportive man by her side in her fiancee’ Frank. Frank has a mysterious past that gives him some fabulous connections. She also had a wonderful sister who Sam hates to ask for help but this time she really needs her. Interesting evidence paved the way for Sam but it involved some hard work to figure everything out. Lady Elizabeth has great support too. It is always fun to have a mystery involving the royals. Both mysteries kept me guessing.
Oreo and Snickers are a spunky pair and they always add to the story but they are getting up there in age. Our girls lasted for 17 years. I hope these two continue to frolic through the pages for a good long time.
Bookclubbed to Death is an excellent addition to this series. I was entertained totally by these wonderful characters and the situations they found themselves in. While this book can be read all on its own I truly recommend you read the series in order to enjoy the characters and their antics from the start.
September 22, 2022
It all starts with a tornado.
Sam(antha) Washington opens up her bookstore to the Mystery Mavens Book Club after their usual meeting place, the library, is damaged by the tornado. The club leader, Delia Marshall, is anything but friendly, however, and soon has Sam sputtering as Delia exits the first meeting there after threatening to sue her and have her beloved dogs put down for attacking her. Never mind that Delia kicked one of them first and the other was merely acting to protect. Sam's friends and family rally around her, however, and a phone call from Delia reassures her that all will be well, Delia has bigger fish to fry, so to speak, but she wants the special order Agatha Christie book she ordered immediately if not sooner. Sam drives the book to Delia's home, only to find it empty. Imagine her surprise to later discover Delia's body in her bookshop. Even worse, she's the prime suspect.
I have to admit, Sam's stunned reaction to events seems much more realistic than some in mysteries. Instead of immediately turning into Miss Marple reborn, her reaction is more human. It pretty much amounted to wanting to just go home, go to bed and pull the covers over her head and go into ignore mode. Somehow, I'm inclined to think that would be more what most readers would do than the transformation into sleuth.
The group of friends about her is amazing. Although I've read another book or two in the series, I was still a bit amazed at who these people are and how they became so adept at working as a team to solve a mystery. For instance, Frank, the restaurant owner boyfriend who seems to have ties to "someone who knows" how to do, well, just about anything. While this didn't stop me from seriously enjoying the book, which included Sam's book-within-the-book set in the time of King George VI, I did think that reading previous books in the series might have kept me from wasting time wondering how this crack investigative team came about. Also, I'll note that given that I'm typing this just as his daughter Queen Elizabeth has been laid to rest, that literary setting seemed rather timely, albeit coincidental. I won't detail the plot further except to say don't skip those inserts. 4.5 rounded to 5
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to visit Sam's bookshop, browse the bookshelves, and try my hand at figuring out who did it. This one kept me guessing until the end.
Sam(antha) Washington opens up her bookstore to the Mystery Mavens Book Club after their usual meeting place, the library, is damaged by the tornado. The club leader, Delia Marshall, is anything but friendly, however, and soon has Sam sputtering as Delia exits the first meeting there after threatening to sue her and have her beloved dogs put down for attacking her. Never mind that Delia kicked one of them first and the other was merely acting to protect. Sam's friends and family rally around her, however, and a phone call from Delia reassures her that all will be well, Delia has bigger fish to fry, so to speak, but she wants the special order Agatha Christie book she ordered immediately if not sooner. Sam drives the book to Delia's home, only to find it empty. Imagine her surprise to later discover Delia's body in her bookshop. Even worse, she's the prime suspect.
I have to admit, Sam's stunned reaction to events seems much more realistic than some in mysteries. Instead of immediately turning into Miss Marple reborn, her reaction is more human. It pretty much amounted to wanting to just go home, go to bed and pull the covers over her head and go into ignore mode. Somehow, I'm inclined to think that would be more what most readers would do than the transformation into sleuth.
The group of friends about her is amazing. Although I've read another book or two in the series, I was still a bit amazed at who these people are and how they became so adept at working as a team to solve a mystery. For instance, Frank, the restaurant owner boyfriend who seems to have ties to "someone who knows" how to do, well, just about anything. While this didn't stop me from seriously enjoying the book, which included Sam's book-within-the-book set in the time of King George VI, I did think that reading previous books in the series might have kept me from wasting time wondering how this crack investigative team came about. Also, I'll note that given that I'm typing this just as his daughter Queen Elizabeth has been laid to rest, that literary setting seemed rather timely, albeit coincidental. I won't detail the plot further except to say don't skip those inserts. 4.5 rounded to 5
Thanks #NetGalley and #KensingtonBooks for inviting me over to visit Sam's bookshop, browse the bookshelves, and try my hand at figuring out who did it. This one kept me guessing until the end.
February 20, 2023
I haven't read the previous books in this series (and never will), so I took the following quote at face value:
"The pounding continued. I headed for the stairs but had a flashback to another time when someone pounded on my door and I'd denied him entry. He'd been found dead in my courtyard the very next morning. I wasn't a superstitious person, but I also didn't want to tempt fate twice."
This comes not very many pages into the book, and was a pretty clear sign that I wasn't going to be finishing it. That one little quote raised so many questions for me. Like "are you seriously not even going to see who it is?" and "do you seriously think you'll be able to sleep with someone pounding on the door?" and "seriously, the last person you ignored DIED, and you're calling learning from that experience superstition?" and "how are you able to sleep at night, pounding or no pounding, knowing that someone you 'denied entry' DIED?" I obviously don't know the rest of that story, but if I once decided not to let someone in and they died shortly thereafter, hearing a pounding on my door would send me running to open it (or at least call the police) forever after.
I made a note shortly after:
"Nana Jo must have noticed how miserable I was and decided to take pity on me."
- - What was her first clue? You were being so subtle.
Which was, of course, me being sarcastic. Because "subtle" isn't something I expect happens in this book.
I gave up a few pages later when the main character sat in front of her computer and started working on her novel or what-have-you. Which meant that the book just got finished introducing a whole cast of characters, and now, through the MC's novel, it was (to quote my reaction, caps lock and all) intro-dumping a WHOLE NEW CAST OF CHARACTERS.
It just didn't seem worth it.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
"The pounding continued. I headed for the stairs but had a flashback to another time when someone pounded on my door and I'd denied him entry. He'd been found dead in my courtyard the very next morning. I wasn't a superstitious person, but I also didn't want to tempt fate twice."
This comes not very many pages into the book, and was a pretty clear sign that I wasn't going to be finishing it. That one little quote raised so many questions for me. Like "are you seriously not even going to see who it is?" and "do you seriously think you'll be able to sleep with someone pounding on the door?" and "seriously, the last person you ignored DIED, and you're calling learning from that experience superstition?" and "how are you able to sleep at night, pounding or no pounding, knowing that someone you 'denied entry' DIED?" I obviously don't know the rest of that story, but if I once decided not to let someone in and they died shortly thereafter, hearing a pounding on my door would send me running to open it (or at least call the police) forever after.
I made a note shortly after:
"Nana Jo must have noticed how miserable I was and decided to take pity on me."
- - What was her first clue? You were being so subtle.
Which was, of course, me being sarcastic. Because "subtle" isn't something I expect happens in this book.
I gave up a few pages later when the main character sat in front of her computer and started working on her novel or what-have-you. Which meant that the book just got finished introducing a whole cast of characters, and now, through the MC's novel, it was (to quote my reaction, caps lock and all) intro-dumping a WHOLE NEW CAST OF CHARACTERS.
It just didn't seem worth it.
The usual disclaimer: I received this book via Netgalley for review.
July 20, 2022
This series is quickly becoming my favorite.
I love Sam and Nana Jo, as well as the other ladies in the story.
When a nasty book reviewer becomes the victim of murder, Sam worries that her business could suffer, so she does everything she can to make sure that doesn't happen.
This story is just fun to read, the characters are entertaining and it is easy to find yourself wrapped up in the investigation.
I'm happy to recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me read an advanced copy of this book.
#BookclubbedtoDeath #NetGalley
I love Sam and Nana Jo, as well as the other ladies in the story.
When a nasty book reviewer becomes the victim of murder, Sam worries that her business could suffer, so she does everything she can to make sure that doesn't happen.
This story is just fun to read, the characters are entertaining and it is easy to find yourself wrapped up in the investigation.
I'm happy to recommend this book to all cozy mystery fans.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me read an advanced copy of this book.
#BookclubbedtoDeath #NetGalley
December 28, 2022
Bookclubbed to Death is the eighth book in the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series by V. M. Burns.
A tornado has ripped through North Harbor, and when Samantha(Sam) learns from her fiance, Frank, that the local library has sustained some damage, Sam immediately sets off for the library. Arriving at the library, Sam talks to the librarian, asking her if there is anything she can do for the library. The librarian asks if Sam would provide her bookstore for a couple of book groups. The first book group to use Sam’s bookstore in the Mystery Mavens. Delia Marshall, a syndicated book reviewer, heads Mystery Mavens. Her reviews have been known to make a book a bestseller or ruin an author’s career. Sam is hoping that with her first book about to be published, she is hoping to get a five-star review from Delia. When Delia enters the store, she acts like she owns the place and gets into arguments with some members. Delia will soon trip over Snickers, Sam’s adorable toy Poodle. Delia claims that she was attacked and injured her back. She threatens Sam with a lawsuit that could financially ruin Sam. Close to midnight, Sam gets a call from Delia asking her, no, telling her to deliver the book Sam had ordered for her right away. The book, The Complete Works of Agatha Christie, is rather substantial in weight and costs $1200. When Sam arrives at Delia’s home, there is no response to her repeated knocks. Sam returns to the bookstore and goes directly to her apartment above the store. The next morning they will find the body of Delia dead, having been beaten to death heavy book Sam had tried to deliver the night before. Sam became a prime suspect as she had the book, and the body was in her bookstore.
Sam will need to call on Nana Jo and her posse from the retirement community, her sister Jenna, and Frank to help her track down the murderer.
I love this series because the reader gets two mysteries in one. The second mystery occurs in 1939 at Lord and Lady Marsh’s English Country Home, Wickfield Lodge. The Marsh’s grandson's christening is coming, and the family will be heading to Buckingham Palace so King George VI can attend. Once there, the family will be involved in solving a murder that may affect the Queen.
I found the book well-written, plotted, and read at a good pace. The characters are all interesting and well-developed. I like Nana-Jo and her posse. They would keep me laughing all the time.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this enjoyable series.
A tornado has ripped through North Harbor, and when Samantha(Sam) learns from her fiance, Frank, that the local library has sustained some damage, Sam immediately sets off for the library. Arriving at the library, Sam talks to the librarian, asking her if there is anything she can do for the library. The librarian asks if Sam would provide her bookstore for a couple of book groups. The first book group to use Sam’s bookstore in the Mystery Mavens. Delia Marshall, a syndicated book reviewer, heads Mystery Mavens. Her reviews have been known to make a book a bestseller or ruin an author’s career. Sam is hoping that with her first book about to be published, she is hoping to get a five-star review from Delia. When Delia enters the store, she acts like she owns the place and gets into arguments with some members. Delia will soon trip over Snickers, Sam’s adorable toy Poodle. Delia claims that she was attacked and injured her back. She threatens Sam with a lawsuit that could financially ruin Sam. Close to midnight, Sam gets a call from Delia asking her, no, telling her to deliver the book Sam had ordered for her right away. The book, The Complete Works of Agatha Christie, is rather substantial in weight and costs $1200. When Sam arrives at Delia’s home, there is no response to her repeated knocks. Sam returns to the bookstore and goes directly to her apartment above the store. The next morning they will find the body of Delia dead, having been beaten to death heavy book Sam had tried to deliver the night before. Sam became a prime suspect as she had the book, and the body was in her bookstore.
Sam will need to call on Nana Jo and her posse from the retirement community, her sister Jenna, and Frank to help her track down the murderer.
I love this series because the reader gets two mysteries in one. The second mystery occurs in 1939 at Lord and Lady Marsh’s English Country Home, Wickfield Lodge. The Marsh’s grandson's christening is coming, and the family will be heading to Buckingham Palace so King George VI can attend. Once there, the family will be involved in solving a murder that may affect the Queen.
I found the book well-written, plotted, and read at a good pace. The characters are all interesting and well-developed. I like Nana-Jo and her posse. They would keep me laughing all the time.
I’m eagerly awaiting the next book in this enjoyable series.
December 31, 2022
I finished the book, but really couldn't get into it. The story within the story wasn't interesting in the least.
January 5, 2023
Book reviewers can be a writer’s best friend or their worse enemy. Sam finds this out the easy way, by discovering one of them dead in her bookstore. When Nana Jo and the Mavens get involved in the investigation, Sam knows there will be no peace until the killer has been found and her name, along with the Mavens, is cleared. Bookclubbed to Death takes readers down the road of the less traveled and puts them on a clear highway to intrigue.
The characters in this series are always a joy to revisit. Sam and Nana Jo keep things interesting, and the Mavens help with everything from research to clean up. A nasty book reviewer who is the leader of the Mavens book club fits the bill of an unsympathetic victim from the beginning. No one is sad when she meets her end. But nasty or otherwise, no one deserves to be murdered. All the evidence seems to point to Sam as the killer. Did one too many critical reviews tip an author over the edge? Or did something from the past rear its ugly head? Truth is stranger than fiction, so they say, and it doesn’t take long for readers to discover that sometimes things they thought were true are nothing more than a rumor or perhaps purposeful deception.
The ending of Bookclubbed to Death will make book reviewers and writers think twice before posting or publishing their material. I loved that the victim was killed with an Agatha Christie book; it seems fitting for a book reviewer. I adore the Mavens and Nana Jo in particular. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of their book club? Sam is a fun character that gives readers hour after hour of entertainment. The book within a book continues in this latest addition to the series and may even be better than the actual mystery. This is a must-read for fans of VM Burns and the series. This was an excellent read. I look forward to the next one.
The characters in this series are always a joy to revisit. Sam and Nana Jo keep things interesting, and the Mavens help with everything from research to clean up. A nasty book reviewer who is the leader of the Mavens book club fits the bill of an unsympathetic victim from the beginning. No one is sad when she meets her end. But nasty or otherwise, no one deserves to be murdered. All the evidence seems to point to Sam as the killer. Did one too many critical reviews tip an author over the edge? Or did something from the past rear its ugly head? Truth is stranger than fiction, so they say, and it doesn’t take long for readers to discover that sometimes things they thought were true are nothing more than a rumor or perhaps purposeful deception.
The ending of Bookclubbed to Death will make book reviewers and writers think twice before posting or publishing their material. I loved that the victim was killed with an Agatha Christie book; it seems fitting for a book reviewer. I adore the Mavens and Nana Jo in particular. Who wouldn’t want to be a part of their book club? Sam is a fun character that gives readers hour after hour of entertainment. The book within a book continues in this latest addition to the series and may even be better than the actual mystery. This is a must-read for fans of VM Burns and the series. This was an excellent read. I look forward to the next one.
January 1, 2023
Bookclubbed to Death
by V.M. Burns
Pub Date 27 Dec 2022
Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies
Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Bookclubbed to death through Kensington Books and Netgalley:
After a literary critic is found bludgeoned to death with a copy of The Complete Works of Agatha Christie, Michigan bookstore owner, author, and amateur sleuth Samantha Washington discovers there is such a thing as bad publicity in Agatha Award finalist V.M. Burns’ latest Mystery Bookshop novel.
Sam offers her bookstore as a new venue for the Mystery Mavens Book Club, after the local library in North Harbor, Michigan, is flooded in a storm. She immediately runs afoul of the club leader, Delia Marshall, a book reviewer who can make or break careers, something Sam can ill afford with her debut historical mystery soon to be published. The next morning, Sam opens her shop to find the unpleasant woman dead on the floor, bashed with a heavy apparently lethal tome: the Complete Works of Agatha Christie. While Sam is busy writing her latest British historical mystery in which the queen mother is suspected in the murder of a London Times correspondent, a pair of ambitious cops suspect Sam of the real-life crime. When she gathers Nano Jo and their friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village to review the case, they discover every one of the Mavens had a motive. With her novel about to hit the stores, Sam must find out who clubbed Delia before a judge throws the book at her .
I give Bookclubbed to Death five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
by V.M. Burns
Pub Date 27 Dec 2022
Kensington Books, Kensington Cozies
Mystery & Thrillers
I am reviewing a copy of Bookclubbed to death through Kensington Books and Netgalley:
After a literary critic is found bludgeoned to death with a copy of The Complete Works of Agatha Christie, Michigan bookstore owner, author, and amateur sleuth Samantha Washington discovers there is such a thing as bad publicity in Agatha Award finalist V.M. Burns’ latest Mystery Bookshop novel.
Sam offers her bookstore as a new venue for the Mystery Mavens Book Club, after the local library in North Harbor, Michigan, is flooded in a storm. She immediately runs afoul of the club leader, Delia Marshall, a book reviewer who can make or break careers, something Sam can ill afford with her debut historical mystery soon to be published. The next morning, Sam opens her shop to find the unpleasant woman dead on the floor, bashed with a heavy apparently lethal tome: the Complete Works of Agatha Christie. While Sam is busy writing her latest British historical mystery in which the queen mother is suspected in the murder of a London Times correspondent, a pair of ambitious cops suspect Sam of the real-life crime. When she gathers Nano Jo and their friends from the Shady Acres Retirement Village to review the case, they discover every one of the Mavens had a motive. With her novel about to hit the stores, Sam must find out who clubbed Delia before a judge throws the book at her .
I give Bookclubbed to Death five out of five stars!
Happy Reading!
December 4, 2022
Sam Washington finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation when critic Delia Marshall is found dead in her bookstore. She was bludgeoned to death with a copy of The Complete Works of Agatha Christie which she had asked Sam to order for her. Delia's syndicated book review column can make or break any author, and Sam's first historical mystery is due out soon. But Sam isn't the only author wary of Delia.
The police seem convinced that Sam committed the crime. If she wants to stay out of jail, marry her fiancé, and celebrate the release of her new book, she has to find out who murdered Delia and find out fast. Luckily, she has the help of her grandmother Nana Jo and all the ladies at the Shady Rest Retirement Village to help her out. Her fiancé with his mysterious past is also very helpful. She has somewhat less help and support from her pessimistic older sister Jenna who is also her attorney.
I enjoyed this cozy story despite the fact that Sam seems to break down in tears awfully frequently. I liked that she worked out her thoughts by writing on her next historical mystery set in England just as World War II is about to begin.
This was an entertaining story which is eighth in a series but works well as a standalone title. I have the first two in the series but haven't read them yet and felt that, while background might have added depth, it wasn't necessary to the enjoyment of this story.
The police seem convinced that Sam committed the crime. If she wants to stay out of jail, marry her fiancé, and celebrate the release of her new book, she has to find out who murdered Delia and find out fast. Luckily, she has the help of her grandmother Nana Jo and all the ladies at the Shady Rest Retirement Village to help her out. Her fiancé with his mysterious past is also very helpful. She has somewhat less help and support from her pessimistic older sister Jenna who is also her attorney.
I enjoyed this cozy story despite the fact that Sam seems to break down in tears awfully frequently. I liked that she worked out her thoughts by writing on her next historical mystery set in England just as World War II is about to begin.
This was an entertaining story which is eighth in a series but works well as a standalone title. I have the first two in the series but haven't read them yet and felt that, while background might have added depth, it wasn't necessary to the enjoyment of this story.
February 20, 2023
Bookclubbed to Death is a fantastic addition to a delightful series. Bookclubbed to Death, the eighth book in the V. B. Burns wonderful Mystery Bookshop, pulled me in and kept me on edge even though I knew that any problems our favorite bookseller faced, and boy does she face problems in this one, would be resolved happily. In spite of a tense situation at the bookstore, V.M. Burns newest novel offers a great visit with friends I have come to care about greatly.
At a time when Sam should be floating over the publication of her first book, an act of kindness turns into a nightmare even before the first body falls. Sam is going to need all the support she can get from the members of the team who are around.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read and share my love of the ARC of Bookclubbed to Death. Further thank you goes to V.M. Burns for giving an excellent story and dear friends I can enjoy spending time with knowing that their problems will work out.
#NetGalley #Kensington #MysteryBookshop #BookclubbedtoDeath
At a time when Sam should be floating over the publication of her first book, an act of kindness turns into a nightmare even before the first body falls. Sam is going to need all the support she can get from the members of the team who are around.
My thanks go to NetGalley and Kensington Books for allowing me to read and share my love of the ARC of Bookclubbed to Death. Further thank you goes to V.M. Burns for giving an excellent story and dear friends I can enjoy spending time with knowing that their problems will work out.
#NetGalley #Kensington #MysteryBookshop #BookclubbedtoDeath
December 1, 2022
I love this series and each book is better than the one before. So no surprise I enjoyed this read.
It starts with a tornado and although Sam and friends are fine, it doesn't bode well for someone. Sam, being a nice person, offers to help her local library which was hit. She shouldn't have done that as she ends up with the book club from hell.
From here, there's a murder, lots of book action, sleuthing and fun with Nana Jo and the girls. And of course Frank (no spoiler).
There's one moral to this story - don't give bad reviews!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this arc.
It starts with a tornado and although Sam and friends are fine, it doesn't bode well for someone. Sam, being a nice person, offers to help her local library which was hit. She shouldn't have done that as she ends up with the book club from hell.
From here, there's a murder, lots of book action, sleuthing and fun with Nana Jo and the girls. And of course Frank (no spoiler).
There's one moral to this story - don't give bad reviews!
Thanks to NetGalley and Kensington for allowing me to read this arc.
December 27, 2022
Just when I think this series cannot get any better, it does! I should not be surprised as this is in my top five for cozy series.
The main character is also a writer, so there is a bonus in that there are two mysteries to solve within the book. This is not a distraction from the main story, but a compliment.
This latest offering was top notch in terms of the writing, character development and overall enjoyment.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
The main character is also a writer, so there is a bonus in that there are two mysteries to solve within the book. This is not a distraction from the main story, but a compliment.
This latest offering was top notch in terms of the writing, character development and overall enjoyment.
I look forward to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book.
December 31, 2022
Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinion is my own. I enjoy this book theme series and each new release is a biblophiles delight. This next in series has a Agatha Christie involvement in the murder and a wonderful sleuth that kept me guessing througout. A fun read I highly recommend with charming charcters and a inticing book lovers theme. I look forward to the next in series.
February 8, 2023
4.5 stars rounded up
This was really adorable.
Same cast of characters.
Sam is now a published author.
I'm sad this is the last published installment in this series and hope a new book is planned for this year.
This was really adorable.
Same cast of characters.
Sam is now a published author.
I'm sad this is the last published installment in this series and hope a new book is planned for this year.
December 24, 2022
A year or two ago, I listened to the first book of this series on audio (which had excellent narration). Sadly, it was the only book of the series available on audio and I never got around to picking the others up. But when the opportunity to receive a copy of book number eight came available, I jumped at the chance! It was easy to pick the series up so far in, and think I would have been completely fine even having not read book one, as is common with cozies.
In this book, we mystery bookshop owner Sam finally on the verge of releasing her own mystery novel. But after an unfortunate encounter with famed book reviewer, Sam is at her whit's end. And when that reviewer is discovered dead in her store--well, things couldn't get worse. Not only is her bookstore closed by police until further notice, but the out-of-town cops suspect her as the killer! But with boyfriend, grandma, and friends, Sam is determine who really murdered the woman.
One of the best and most unique aspects of Burns' books is the story-within-a-story element. Because Sam is a writer, we frequently get glimpses into whatever historical mystery novel she is working on. These interwoven bits parallel the main story, but have enough different elements it's double the fun to follow along. This book is no exception! Ultimately, I did not love the method in which the killer was revealed (seemed a bit like a cop out), but the rest of the story and cast of characters were so enjoyable it's hard not to like the book as a whole.
Thanks to Kensington for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
In this book, we mystery bookshop owner Sam finally on the verge of releasing her own mystery novel. But after an unfortunate encounter with famed book reviewer, Sam is at her whit's end. And when that reviewer is discovered dead in her store--well, things couldn't get worse. Not only is her bookstore closed by police until further notice, but the out-of-town cops suspect her as the killer! But with boyfriend, grandma, and friends, Sam is determine who really murdered the woman.
One of the best and most unique aspects of Burns' books is the story-within-a-story element. Because Sam is a writer, we frequently get glimpses into whatever historical mystery novel she is working on. These interwoven bits parallel the main story, but have enough different elements it's double the fun to follow along. This book is no exception! Ultimately, I did not love the method in which the killer was revealed (seemed a bit like a cop out), but the rest of the story and cast of characters were so enjoyable it's hard not to like the book as a whole.
Thanks to Kensington for my ARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.
5 stars - 8/10
December 27, 2022
Whenever I see that V. M. Burns has a new mystery on the horizon I make space on my TBR list. As soon as it is in my hands I sit down and read it no matter what else I'm "supposed" to be doing (like sleeping) After eight books in this series I can say it's still a pleasure to escape into the world of Samantha, her Nana and the rest of her friends and family.
This time Sam is in a real pickle. Even though she has been warned, the warning wasn't strong enough nor clear enough. The library needs help and she offers to help out. Oops, not a good idea, in hind sight. The librarian had been letting the Mystery Maven book club meet in the library, Now that flooding has shut the library for awhile, Sam's offer of help is taken as giving the group a new home. Delia Marshall is a nightmare with constant demands and subtle threats. Sam is eagerly awaiting the publishing date of her mystery but it's clear that Delia would not hesitate to kill that of she is crossed. When Delia is found dead in Sam's bookstore the police plop Sam in the hot seat as the prime suspect.
Let the investigating begin with Sam and her grandmother, along with residents of Shady Acres Retirement Village determined to clear Sam's reputation and unmask the killer. The setting, the cast and the well developed mystery all come together for a very entertaining read. Though this is book #8 it works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
This time Sam is in a real pickle. Even though she has been warned, the warning wasn't strong enough nor clear enough. The library needs help and she offers to help out. Oops, not a good idea, in hind sight. The librarian had been letting the Mystery Maven book club meet in the library, Now that flooding has shut the library for awhile, Sam's offer of help is taken as giving the group a new home. Delia Marshall is a nightmare with constant demands and subtle threats. Sam is eagerly awaiting the publishing date of her mystery but it's clear that Delia would not hesitate to kill that of she is crossed. When Delia is found dead in Sam's bookstore the police plop Sam in the hot seat as the prime suspect.
Let the investigating begin with Sam and her grandmother, along with residents of Shady Acres Retirement Village determined to clear Sam's reputation and unmask the killer. The setting, the cast and the well developed mystery all come together for a very entertaining read. Though this is book #8 it works fine as a stand alone.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.
July 25, 2022
When a literary critic is found bludgeoned to death in Samantha Washington’s bookstore, Sam quickly becomes the number one suspect – her book is about to be published and Delia Marshall had threatened to give her a bad review which would have ruined her writing career before it really got started. Sam has only a short period of time to clear her name but quickly discovers plenty of people had reason to want Delia dead. Can Sam find the right killer before time runs out?
“Bookclubbed to Death” is the delightful eighth book in V.M. Burns Mystery Bookshop cozy mystery series. This is a fun series – not only because of the characters and bookstore setting but because of the book-within-a-book that Sam is writing. It parallels events in the book but using a historical setting – kudos to author Burns because this could not have been easy to write. I enjoyed both mysteries in the book and had fun trying to solve both of them. There are plenty of suspects and a nice, tense ending in the modern day mystery that had me reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next! In the end, I was sorry when my visit to Sam and friends was over.
“Bookclubbed to Death” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
“Bookclubbed to Death” is the delightful eighth book in V.M. Burns Mystery Bookshop cozy mystery series. This is a fun series – not only because of the characters and bookstore setting but because of the book-within-a-book that Sam is writing. It parallels events in the book but using a historical setting – kudos to author Burns because this could not have been easy to write. I enjoyed both mysteries in the book and had fun trying to solve both of them. There are plenty of suspects and a nice, tense ending in the modern day mystery that had me reading as fast as I could to see what would happen next! In the end, I was sorry when my visit to Sam and friends was over.
“Bookclubbed to Death” is a nicely done cozy mystery.
December 16, 2022
The Mystery Bookshop series is one of my favorites. It combines a current day mystery with a historical mystery written by the main character Sam. I really enjoy Sam, Nana Jo and the gang. There is great collaboration, support and respect amongst the characters. I love Frank as a love interest for Sam.
Sam’s first mystery is about to be released. This makes her extra sensitive to the machinations of Delia Marshall, a book reviewer. When Delia is found dead in the bookshop, Sam is once again the prime suspect. This reminded me of the first book, only this book was even better because Sam’s tribe is already established and ready to roll into action.
I love the historical mystery and the mystery Sam faces. I love how the book doesn’t end as soon as the mysteries are solved. We get to be part of release day for Sam’s book. All in all, I just loved this book and writing this review days after finishing I still have a happy feeling toward this book.
Read it, but only after reading the first 7 because you need to experience all these characters have passed through to get the full impact of this story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read an advanced reader copy.
Sam’s first mystery is about to be released. This makes her extra sensitive to the machinations of Delia Marshall, a book reviewer. When Delia is found dead in the bookshop, Sam is once again the prime suspect. This reminded me of the first book, only this book was even better because Sam’s tribe is already established and ready to roll into action.
I love the historical mystery and the mystery Sam faces. I love how the book doesn’t end as soon as the mysteries are solved. We get to be part of release day for Sam’s book. All in all, I just loved this book and writing this review days after finishing I still have a happy feeling toward this book.
Read it, but only after reading the first 7 because you need to experience all these characters have passed through to get the full impact of this story.
Thanks to Netgalley and Kensington Books for the chance to read an advanced reader copy.
December 17, 2022
Just as Sam was gearing up for her big book launch, a nasty book reviewer was killed in her shop. And I just gotta thank the author for ridding the story of such an awful person, especially because she was so mean to poor little Oreo and Snickers. I seriously saw red at that point in the story! Good old Stinky Pitt was still on medical leave from being shot in the last book, and he actually decided to be of some help in the investigation when Sam just knew she'd be arrested instead of celebrating her book. That replacement detective really had it in for her for some reason.
I loved all the new "Irma!" moments too! (If you're a fan of the series, you'll know what I mean by that!) That woman's such a hoot! I really enjoy Nana Jo and all her friends. The showdown was pretty awesome as we got to see the famous lawyer aka pit bull in action (Jenna, if you're wondering!). The ending party was just great and I felt so happy for Sam for realizing two of her big dreams. Don't miss this book when it releases on December 27, 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, an my opinions are my own.
I loved all the new "Irma!" moments too! (If you're a fan of the series, you'll know what I mean by that!) That woman's such a hoot! I really enjoy Nana Jo and all her friends. The showdown was pretty awesome as we got to see the famous lawyer aka pit bull in action (Jenna, if you're wondering!). The ending party was just great and I felt so happy for Sam for realizing two of her big dreams. Don't miss this book when it releases on December 27, 2022.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Kensington Cozies via NetGalley, an my opinions are my own.
August 7, 2022
Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
This is the first time I'm being introduced to this Cozy Mystery Series and I can honestly say; you could read this as a stand-alone book but why miss out on the others? This story has attention grabbing details, excellently written characters, and a plotline that I was eating up so fast. I will definitely be checking out the other books!
Bookclubbed to Death is book 8 in the series. Our MC Samantha faces such a life altering issue after a literary critic is found bludgeoned to death in her bookstore. Will Sam go down as the critic's killer? Or will her and her family/friends be able to identify the true killer?
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I needed to know if the real killer was going to be caught or not. Burns does an excellent job at making you fall in love with characters even if this is not the first book. I highly recommend this cozy mystery book.
This is the first time I'm being introduced to this Cozy Mystery Series and I can honestly say; you could read this as a stand-alone book but why miss out on the others? This story has attention grabbing details, excellently written characters, and a plotline that I was eating up so fast. I will definitely be checking out the other books!
Bookclubbed to Death is book 8 in the series. Our MC Samantha faces such a life altering issue after a literary critic is found bludgeoned to death in her bookstore. Will Sam go down as the critic's killer? Or will her and her family/friends be able to identify the true killer?
I was on the edge of my seat the entire time I was reading. I needed to know if the real killer was going to be caught or not. Burns does an excellent job at making you fall in love with characters even if this is not the first book. I highly recommend this cozy mystery book.
January 4, 2023
This is the eighth book in the 'Mystery Bookshop' series by Valerie Burns and my third one. From the setting to the characters and the theme to the mystery, I absolutely loved this story. It was good to be back with sleuthing seniors, Samantha (Sam) Washington and Nana Jo. Sam runs her bookshop and has two Poodles named Snickers and Oreo.
The author's character development is second-to-none and I delighted in the lively dialogue, the interesting plot twists and I love the focus on family. The smooth, clean writing, wonderfully engaging characters, the comedic aspect and the clever, multi-layered mystery that kept me guessing were fantastic and I loved the bookshop setting too. If you are new to this series this book stands alone, but I'll be going back to play catchup with the previous books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The author's character development is second-to-none and I delighted in the lively dialogue, the interesting plot twists and I love the focus on family. The smooth, clean writing, wonderfully engaging characters, the comedic aspect and the clever, multi-layered mystery that kept me guessing were fantastic and I loved the bookshop setting too. If you are new to this series this book stands alone, but I'll be going back to play catchup with the previous books.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
November 18, 2022
V.M. Burns' 8th book in the Mystery Book Shop series, Bookclubbed to Death is a great addition to the series. Sam has so much going on with the book she is writing and the book shop when she is roped into hosting the Mystery Mavens book club --dinner included-- by a popular, but diabolical. reviewer. Said reviewer also has an altercation with Sam's beloved dogs and threatens to have them cited. As if things could not get worse, a murder occurs. Sam's friends and Nan Jo jump in to support Sam and root out the killer.
I love these heartwarming stories of friendship, cozy community, and bursts of humor. What a treat to read this early, a big thank you to #NetGalley, #Kensington, #VMBurns for giving me the ARC I requested. I am happy to recommend this book to mystery lovers. All opinions are my own.
#BookclubbedtoDeath #NetGalley
I love these heartwarming stories of friendship, cozy community, and bursts of humor. What a treat to read this early, a big thank you to #NetGalley, #Kensington, #VMBurns for giving me the ARC I requested. I am happy to recommend this book to mystery lovers. All opinions are my own.
#BookclubbedtoDeath #NetGalley
January 1, 2023
This was a great addition to the Mystery Bookshop series and I love that there are always two mysteries to solve, one in the present and one set in the English countryside that Sam is writing throughout the book. Sam, the owner of the mystery bookshop and a soon to be published author, and her Nana Jo are two of my favorite characters in this series. I like how they work through the clues along with the other characters and help to solve the mystery and how Sam uses her writing when she is stumped to help her figure things out. I also learned about steganography, which I had never heard of before and found to be fascinating. This is another wonderful book by V.M. Burns and I would highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
October 12, 2022
The beginning of V.M. Burns' 'Bookclubbed to Death' grabbed me with its intensity and maintained that throughout the entire book. There were many suspects in the death of an influential literary critic and the police had focused on Samantha Washington as the murder occurred in her bookshop. The delightful cast of characters surrounded and supported Sam in an effort to find the real killer. I was kept guessing until the final reveal. A bonus in the story is the book within a book as we are exposed to the book that Sam herself is writing for publication. I love the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series and highly recommend it.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.
November 27, 2022
Della was awful-just awful-not only to Sam but to everyone else as well. Problem is, Sam's just found the book critic dead on the floor of her shop. And the two of them clashed the day before. Sam becomes the lead suspect but she's got Nana Jo and the super sleuths of the Shady Acres Retirement home on her side. Cozy readers know they will not only sort through the suspects but they'll also make sure Sam's dogs are safe. I like this series not only for the characters but also for Sam's historical mystery (set in George VI's time) which is embedded in the novel. Don't worry if you haven't read the earlier installments because this will be fine as a standalone. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read.
December 27, 2022
This is the eight in the series. I really enjoyed not liking the victim. I can’t say I felt sorry for her one bit.
She was a horrible person and only because she should never have died for her transgressions against others. The writer did an excellent job with mis-directions, twists, and the unexpected. I hope there are more installments in the future.
I like the family feeling when everyone close to Sam gets involved in solving the murder. I haven’t cared for the mystery within the mystery so I just skip over those portions. It doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of the this story or the series.
Looking forward to more.
I was given an advanced copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.
She was a horrible person and only because she should never have died for her transgressions against others. The writer did an excellent job with mis-directions, twists, and the unexpected. I hope there are more installments in the future.
I like the family feeling when everyone close to Sam gets involved in solving the murder. I haven’t cared for the mystery within the mystery so I just skip over those portions. It doesn’t detract from my enjoyment of the this story or the series.
Looking forward to more.
I was given an advanced copy by Netgalley and am not required to leave a positive review.
April 16, 2023
I really enjoy this series. Sam is a great main character and the supporting cast is a hoot! I did miss a few of the younger regular characters in this addition but they did have fun and well timed cameos in the end. This mystery is a case of no good deed goes unpunished, when Sam agrees to host some book groups after a storm damaged the local library, she runs into a book reviewer who is just plain nasty and threatens her and her soon to be released book. When she is found murdered in the bookstore, Sam really has her back to the wall with two detectives that are convinced she's the only suspect.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 204 reviews