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Three Tomes Bookshop #3
Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes
Spring is in full swing in lakefront Button Cove, and Jacqueline is embracing her new life—her friends, her new home, the crones down the street, and especially the detective with a hot-Viking vibe. It’s not half bad, considering the fact that she has the bickering literary characters of Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock’s landlady) and the dour, creepy housekeeper Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca “helping” her to run the bookshop, and her nemesis Egala Stone is opening her own store down the block.
And then there’s the handsome new undertaker—er, mortician—who’s taken over the town funeral parlor and who has all the women ga-ga over him—including Jacqueline’s friends. Things get a little weird when Detective Massermey’s daughter seeks out help from Jacqueline, but surely she can handle that…right?
But when legendary mandrakes mysteriously begin to start growing in her garden, and then a woman is found dead…with puncture wounds on her neck, Jacqueline finds herself caught up in a surreal mashup of the undead, animated book characters and the rest of her messy, messy life…
And then there’s the handsome new undertaker—er, mortician—who’s taken over the town funeral parlor and who has all the women ga-ga over him—including Jacqueline’s friends. Things get a little weird when Detective Massermey’s daughter seeks out help from Jacqueline, but surely she can handle that…right?
But when legendary mandrakes mysteriously begin to start growing in her garden, and then a woman is found dead…with puncture wounds on her neck, Jacqueline finds herself caught up in a surreal mashup of the undead, animated book characters and the rest of her messy, messy life…
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 7, 2023
194 people are currently reading
107 people want to read
About the author
Colleen Gleason
106 books1,692 followersAward-winning, NEW YORK TIMES and USA Today bestselling author Colleen Gleason (who also writes as Colleen Cambridge) has written more than fifty novels in a variety of genres…but always feature smart, strong women determined to right wrongs and get shit done.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
Colleen lives in the Midwest United States where she is fortunate enough to be working on her next book.
She loves to hear from readers via her website, Facebook, or GoodReads.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 77 reviews
February 21, 2023
Wie die anderen zwei Bücher zuvor auch, wieder ein tolles Abenteuer. Macht echt Spaß und ich hoffe es kommt noch mehr!
March 18, 2023
Entertaining horror listening 🎶🔰
Another will written haunting horror ghost 👻 vampire paranormal friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Colleen Gleason (The Tomes Bookshop book 3 of 3). Jacqueline is involved in the bookshop when vampire hunters show up ☝ in the bookshop. Then the vampire and undead show up ☝ in the bookshop and a a war is on. Jacqueline and vampire hunters barley win and life is back to normal. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of paranormal fantasy adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
I choose this author because I had read Stoked and Holmes Series which I enjoyed very much. This series is different but very interesting and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next of her series, Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀
Another will written haunting horror ghost 👻 vampire paranormal friends relationships adventure thriller novel by Colleen Gleason (The Tomes Bookshop book 3 of 3). Jacqueline is involved in the bookshop when vampire hunters show up ☝ in the bookshop. Then the vampire and undead show up ☝ in the bookshop and a a war is on. Jacqueline and vampire hunters barley win and life is back to normal. I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of paranormal fantasy adventure mystery novels 👍🔰. Enjoy the adventure of reading 👓 or listening 🎶 to Alexa read books 📚. 2023 👒😀😡🏡
I choose this author because I had read Stoked and Holmes Series which I enjoyed very much. This series is different but very interesting and enjoyable. I am looking forward to the next of her series, Happy reading and have fun 🌙😀
February 21, 2023
I have thoroughly enjoyed this paranormal mystery series – with definite touches of romance – by Colleen Gleason. The lead in all three books is Jacqueline Finch, the owner of a small bookstore set in the fictional (but very real feeling) town of Button Cove in the northwest portion of Michigan’s lower peninsula.
While the town definitely has an appropriate western Michigan feel, the bookstore is what sets this into the fantasy/paranormal realm. You see, when a book falls off a shelf in Jacqueline’s bookstore, it means a character from that book is going to pop into Jaqueline’s life. That is, in addition to Mrs. Hudson (from the Sherlock Holmes mysteries) and Mrs. Danvers (from Rebecca), who are permanent resident help at the bookstore.
Jacqueline’s two friends -- Nadine the owner of a yoga studio and Suzette the owner of a bakery – make appearances as usual, as do the three older “crones” (or witches) from town. I like that all of three key characters, while approaching fifty, are vital, intelligent, active, and interesting.
The witch, and Jacqueline’s distant relation Egala is still in town. She wanted Jacqueline’s bookstore, but now is attempting to run a business of her own in town. Egala’s selling an assortment of upscale bags, and Jacqueline starts to notice strange things happening with the contents of those bags when her customers open them.
As usual, we get to see some of Jacqueline’s potential love interest, and town detective, Miles. And as usual, their potential date gets postponed when Miles has to investigate a murder in town. Could a vampire be involved? When two characters from vampire-related books appear in Jacqueline’s bookstore, it seems clear they are.
I would love to see more of this town and visit with all of the characters. I especially would love to see what’s up with Jacqueline’s two cats. Are they actually more than they appear?
While the town definitely has an appropriate western Michigan feel, the bookstore is what sets this into the fantasy/paranormal realm. You see, when a book falls off a shelf in Jacqueline’s bookstore, it means a character from that book is going to pop into Jaqueline’s life. That is, in addition to Mrs. Hudson (from the Sherlock Holmes mysteries) and Mrs. Danvers (from Rebecca), who are permanent resident help at the bookstore.
Jacqueline’s two friends -- Nadine the owner of a yoga studio and Suzette the owner of a bakery – make appearances as usual, as do the three older “crones” (or witches) from town. I like that all of three key characters, while approaching fifty, are vital, intelligent, active, and interesting.
The witch, and Jacqueline’s distant relation Egala is still in town. She wanted Jacqueline’s bookstore, but now is attempting to run a business of her own in town. Egala’s selling an assortment of upscale bags, and Jacqueline starts to notice strange things happening with the contents of those bags when her customers open them.
As usual, we get to see some of Jacqueline’s potential love interest, and town detective, Miles. And as usual, their potential date gets postponed when Miles has to investigate a murder in town. Could a vampire be involved? When two characters from vampire-related books appear in Jacqueline’s bookstore, it seems clear they are.
I would love to see more of this town and visit with all of the characters. I especially would love to see what’s up with Jacqueline’s two cats. Are they actually more than they appear?
January 25, 2023
Many years ago I tried reading the first book in Gleason's Gardella series and it didn't grab my attention enough to finish. I like to give authors a second try and was glad I did because I enjoyed Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes.
I have read books where fictional characters have come to life but found the way they did here even more enjoyable. The world around Jacqueline is interesting and likeable.
There was a bit too much women of a certain age talk, but given the protagonist and her friends it made sense.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
I have read books where fictional characters have come to life but found the way they did here even more enjoyable. The world around Jacqueline is interesting and likeable.
There was a bit too much women of a certain age talk, but given the protagonist and her friends it made sense.
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2023
Before starting with my review I would like to thank the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book.
I had already started the Three Tomes Bookshop series by Colleen Gleason because I had read her Gardella series and I loved it.
In this third book we find the characters we already know where we left them in the previous book.
Jacqueline is living a new happy and peaceful life in Button Cove. But peaceful doesn't mean calm. In fact, she has to face the bickering Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and the creepy Mrs. Dancers from Rebecca. The two of them were directly out from their books to help her run the bookshop!
But this time Jacqueline will have a new problem: a new character from an old book has gone out. What will be his intentions?
The style of the author is as I remembered. Fluid, vivid and full of sarcasm. Jacqueline is a strong female character who never gives up.
I liked a lot this series, indeed, I was looking forward to reading this book.
It deals with a simple story which transports the reader into a small town, that can seem normal but it is not.
A perfect mix of normal life and magic.
I suggest this book to fantasy readers and to people that see a pinch of magic everywhere.
I had already started the Three Tomes Bookshop series by Colleen Gleason because I had read her Gardella series and I loved it.
In this third book we find the characters we already know where we left them in the previous book.
Jacqueline is living a new happy and peaceful life in Button Cove. But peaceful doesn't mean calm. In fact, she has to face the bickering Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and the creepy Mrs. Dancers from Rebecca. The two of them were directly out from their books to help her run the bookshop!
But this time Jacqueline will have a new problem: a new character from an old book has gone out. What will be his intentions?
The style of the author is as I remembered. Fluid, vivid and full of sarcasm. Jacqueline is a strong female character who never gives up.
I liked a lot this series, indeed, I was looking forward to reading this book.
It deals with a simple story which transports the reader into a small town, that can seem normal but it is not.
A perfect mix of normal life and magic.
I suggest this book to fantasy readers and to people that see a pinch of magic everywhere.
March 11, 2023
I love this series
I love this small bookstore and all Jacqueline’s escapades. It is great to also see her getting closed to Miles! I did not see that vampire coming.
I love this small bookstore and all Jacqueline’s escapades. It is great to also see her getting closed to Miles! I did not see that vampire coming.
March 16, 2023
It was an okay book I thought it was going to have ghosts in it even if it was a mystery book, talked a lot about plants it was a bit boring the characters were dull. So i am giving it 3 stars.
March 21, 2023
Holy Vampires oh my!! Loved it! Sure hope there will be more to series.
March 12, 2023
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes is the third book in the Three Tomes Bookshop paranormal cozy series by Colleen Gleason. Released 7th Feb 2023, it's 277 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The previous two books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a cute shopfront cozy series set in fictional tourist town Button Cove. There's more than a little magic in the town environs; characters from books keep coming to life (the bookshop itself is home to Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Danvers (yes, the ones from Sherlock Holmes and Rebecca, respectively)). There are cursed items and more than a little bit of a witchy vibe. In between selling books to locals and tourists, and possibly building a romantic relationship with the local handsome officer of the law, newcomer Jacqueline Finch also tries to keep the peace between her stubborn and occasionally difficult to manage fictional help and solve the occasional murder that comes her way.
All of the mysteries in this series are self contained and as such work well enough as standalones. The characters' interrelationships have developed over the course of the books, so there will be some missing backstory, but the author is adept at giving the necessary information, so readers who choose to pick up this one first won't likely experience any problems with keeping the story straight. With three books in the series currently, it would be a good choice for a binge or buddy read.
For lovers of very light bookstore cozies with romance/drama, it's a good fit.The author is adept and prolific and the book is peppered with background info about bookselling, books, and lots of title tips for new books to seek out and read. Some of the plot setups and developments are a bit over the top, but I strongly suspect that's a big part of why bookshop cozies are wildly popular. A strong suspension of disbelief is required. The language and content are chaste and perfectly safe for commute or work reading.
Four stars. The author is a talented and capable storyteller, and almost everyone loves bookstore cozies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes is the third book in the Three Tomes Bookshop paranormal cozy series by Colleen Gleason. Released 7th Feb 2023, it's 277 pages and is available in paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links and references throughout. I've really become enamored of ebooks with interactive formats lately. For Kindle Unlimited subscribers, this book is currently included in the KU subscription library to borrow and read for free. The previous two books in the series are also currently available on KU.
This is a cute shopfront cozy series set in fictional tourist town Button Cove. There's more than a little magic in the town environs; characters from books keep coming to life (the bookshop itself is home to Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Danvers (yes, the ones from Sherlock Holmes and Rebecca, respectively)). There are cursed items and more than a little bit of a witchy vibe. In between selling books to locals and tourists, and possibly building a romantic relationship with the local handsome officer of the law, newcomer Jacqueline Finch also tries to keep the peace between her stubborn and occasionally difficult to manage fictional help and solve the occasional murder that comes her way.
All of the mysteries in this series are self contained and as such work well enough as standalones. The characters' interrelationships have developed over the course of the books, so there will be some missing backstory, but the author is adept at giving the necessary information, so readers who choose to pick up this one first won't likely experience any problems with keeping the story straight. With three books in the series currently, it would be a good choice for a binge or buddy read.
For lovers of very light bookstore cozies with romance/drama, it's a good fit.The author is adept and prolific and the book is peppered with background info about bookselling, books, and lots of title tips for new books to seek out and read. Some of the plot setups and developments are a bit over the top, but I strongly suspect that's a big part of why bookshop cozies are wildly popular. A strong suspension of disbelief is required. The language and content are chaste and perfectly safe for commute or work reading.
Four stars. The author is a talented and capable storyteller, and almost everyone loves bookstore cozies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
February 7, 2023
I raced through Colleen Gleason's delightful, whimsical and hugely enjoyable paranormal cozy mystery, Stakes, Cake and Mandrakes.
Jacqueline Finch is embracing her new life in idyllic Button Cove. With her new friends, new home, new detective and the hot detective who gives Thor a run for his money, Jacqueline has no cause for complaint - even if she has to contend with the bickering Mrs Danvers from Rebecca and Mrs Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and their attempts at 'helping' her run Three Tomes Bookshop.
However, just when Jacqueline thought she could drop her guard and relax a bit, she discovers that her nemesis Egala Stone is opening a bookshop down the street and a new undertaker comes to town who has all the women going gaga over him. And then there's the detective's daughter who comes to her for help.
Jacqueline has got a lot on her plate and when a new literary character arrives and strange thefts and accidents begin to take place in Button Cove, she finds herself once again in another big mess!
I adored Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes. Hilarious, heartwarming and peppered with magic, red herrings and small town shenanigans, Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes kept me gleefully turning the pages and I do hope that there will be more opportunity to visit Button Cove in the not too distant future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Jacqueline Finch is embracing her new life in idyllic Button Cove. With her new friends, new home, new detective and the hot detective who gives Thor a run for his money, Jacqueline has no cause for complaint - even if she has to contend with the bickering Mrs Danvers from Rebecca and Mrs Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and their attempts at 'helping' her run Three Tomes Bookshop.
However, just when Jacqueline thought she could drop her guard and relax a bit, she discovers that her nemesis Egala Stone is opening a bookshop down the street and a new undertaker comes to town who has all the women going gaga over him. And then there's the detective's daughter who comes to her for help.
Jacqueline has got a lot on her plate and when a new literary character arrives and strange thefts and accidents begin to take place in Button Cove, she finds herself once again in another big mess!
I adored Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes. Hilarious, heartwarming and peppered with magic, red herrings and small town shenanigans, Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes kept me gleefully turning the pages and I do hope that there will be more opportunity to visit Button Cove in the not too distant future.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2024
Flirty, fun and fascinating
Jacqueline Finch has fun friends and a busy life in charming Button Cove as she manages her magical bookshop Three Tomes, flirts with the local detective Miles Massermey (he is considered quite handsome and Viking like by the local galss well as quite the dish).
The fascinating aspect comes from those characters who help run Jacqueline’s shop since they are book characters from the novels in her store!
Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holme’s landlady) as well as Mrs. Danvers (The creepy housekeeper from Rebecca ummmm, yikes) are regulars that assist her and quite an assortment of others will come and go which will make this an Intriguing tale, since there is NO telling whom will appear or why!
Jacqueline’s much loved enjoyable life takes a quickly darker turn when murders begin that seem to be vampire caused. Regardless of hunting down clues, speaking with almost victim Lucy who was fortunate to escape with her life,
she had no information or clues at all, being attacked from behind.
Even with assistance with famous vampire hunters from classic novels, nothing in the search makes sense until the very end and the villain is absolutely shocking!
A jewel of a series that stands out with its unusual concept of characters from books taking on life in modern times and adapting to current society flawlessly with assistance from the main character - an entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Jacqueline Finch has fun friends and a busy life in charming Button Cove as she manages her magical bookshop Three Tomes, flirts with the local detective Miles Massermey (he is considered quite handsome and Viking like by the local galss well as quite the dish).
The fascinating aspect comes from those characters who help run Jacqueline’s shop since they are book characters from the novels in her store!
Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock Holme’s landlady) as well as Mrs. Danvers (The creepy housekeeper from Rebecca ummmm, yikes) are regulars that assist her and quite an assortment of others will come and go which will make this an Intriguing tale, since there is NO telling whom will appear or why!
Jacqueline’s much loved enjoyable life takes a quickly darker turn when murders begin that seem to be vampire caused. Regardless of hunting down clues, speaking with almost victim Lucy who was fortunate to escape with her life,
she had no information or clues at all, being attacked from behind.
Even with assistance with famous vampire hunters from classic novels, nothing in the search makes sense until the very end and the villain is absolutely shocking!
A jewel of a series that stands out with its unusual concept of characters from books taking on life in modern times and adapting to current society flawlessly with assistance from the main character - an entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
February 7, 2023
Stakes, Cakes, and Mandrakes is book three in the Three Tomes Bookshop series, I have not read the previous two books, so I entered this series unfamiliar with everything. I like when an author invites the reader into their series, and no matter where you might enter, you know you can go backward or forward in the series and not be lost. Some subtleties let you know certain characters were introduced in previous books, and gentle nudges let you know the underlying theme of the series was developing.
For example, Jaqueline's familiarity with Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Danvers, her increasing ability to communicate with the special tree, and her ability to work some magic. This is women's fiction, and I would also call it cozy paranormal women's fiction. It was fascinating and humorous. I enjoyed every word. The relationships between these older strong women, the hunky fifty-something police detective, quirky fictional characters having important roles while infighting over how women can fight as well as men, and the ever-present Sebastian and Max, the cats, I think, with a secret. I would really like one of Egala's purses (you must read about those). I could definitely use one. Stakes, Cakes, and Mandrakes is a fun, delicious, tea-filled adventure with vampires and evil to be fought, all wrapped in an eclectic bookshop I would dearly love to visit.
For example, Jaqueline's familiarity with Mrs. Hudson and Mrs. Danvers, her increasing ability to communicate with the special tree, and her ability to work some magic. This is women's fiction, and I would also call it cozy paranormal women's fiction. It was fascinating and humorous. I enjoyed every word. The relationships between these older strong women, the hunky fifty-something police detective, quirky fictional characters having important roles while infighting over how women can fight as well as men, and the ever-present Sebastian and Max, the cats, I think, with a secret. I would really like one of Egala's purses (you must read about those). I could definitely use one. Stakes, Cakes, and Mandrakes is a fun, delicious, tea-filled adventure with vampires and evil to be fought, all wrapped in an eclectic bookshop I would dearly love to visit.
April 27, 2023
⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- The cover of the book is fantastic, and it perfectly captures the spirit of the story inside!
I recently finished reading Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes by Colleen Gleason and I have to say that it was a fun and entertaining read. The book is set in Button Cove during springtime, where Jacqueline is settling into her new life. She has made new friends and even found romance with the town detective. But things start getting strange when mandrakes begin growing in her garden, and a woman is found dead with puncture wounds on her neck...
What I loved about this book was its originality, humor, and the fact that it can be easily enjoyed as a standalone novel. The writing was great, the pacing was spot on, and the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Even though there were plenty of characters introduced in the book (including Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca), they were all unique and likable in their own quirky way.
As soon as I finished reading this book, I became an instant fan of Colleen Gleason’s writing style. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series! Overall, if you love supernatural mysteries with humorous undertones, then Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes is definitely worth reading!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
I recently finished reading Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes by Colleen Gleason and I have to say that it was a fun and entertaining read. The book is set in Button Cove during springtime, where Jacqueline is settling into her new life. She has made new friends and even found romance with the town detective. But things start getting strange when mandrakes begin growing in her garden, and a woman is found dead with puncture wounds on her neck...
What I loved about this book was its originality, humor, and the fact that it can be easily enjoyed as a standalone novel. The writing was great, the pacing was spot on, and the plot kept me guessing until the very end. Even though there were plenty of characters introduced in the book (including Mrs. Hudson from Sherlock Holmes and Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca), they were all unique and likable in their own quirky way.
As soon as I finished reading this book, I became an instant fan of Colleen Gleason’s writing style. I am eagerly looking forward to the next book in this series! Overall, if you love supernatural mysteries with humorous undertones, then Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes is definitely worth reading!
**ARC Via NetGalley**
February 15, 2023
Hopefully authors don't mind their novels to be called "cute," especially a book that contains murders and paranormal magic. I thoroughly enjoyed Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes and it was just as cute at its cover!
First, I loved the literary references. From classic literature to contemporary, to lots of nods to Colleen Gleason's own works, I highlighted so many favorite names -- characters I love and other books and authors I obviously need to check out.
Button Cove is a whimsical and quirky place and the main story follows Jacqueline Finch and her eclectic and magical book shop, where literary characters come to life. Amongst the magic are the rooted friendships among women (over the age of -gasp- 40).
If you're looking for a clever, engaging, cozy paranormal mystery with great friendships then I recommend this book.
If you're a fan of Colleen's (and any of her pen-names) you need to read this book. Especially if you love her Gardella series (and if you haven't read the Gardellas, you NEED to add them to your bookshelf).
Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own and are freely given.
First, I loved the literary references. From classic literature to contemporary, to lots of nods to Colleen Gleason's own works, I highlighted so many favorite names -- characters I love and other books and authors I obviously need to check out.
Button Cove is a whimsical and quirky place and the main story follows Jacqueline Finch and her eclectic and magical book shop, where literary characters come to life. Amongst the magic are the rooted friendships among women (over the age of -gasp- 40).
If you're looking for a clever, engaging, cozy paranormal mystery with great friendships then I recommend this book.
If you're a fan of Colleen's (and any of her pen-names) you need to read this book. Especially if you love her Gardella series (and if you haven't read the Gardellas, you NEED to add them to your bookshelf).
Thank you to NetGalley for a review copy. Thoughts and opinions are my own and are freely given.
February 6, 2023
If you thought women of a certain age couldn’t be strong, powerful heroes who save the day you were very wrong. Here we have a trio of friends who run their own businesses Jacqueline the book store owner, Nadine the yogi and Suzanne the bakery owner. And then there’s the ZAP ladies or the crones affectionately. All powerful in their own rights and together unstoppable. Important when Jacqueline has books dropping and characters popping out in this story vampires and vampire hunters. With mysterious deaths around town the ladies are on the case searching for the culprit with their special brand of helpers and puzzling who or what the root cause of this crime spree is.
Fun and funny, a little graphic at time but not overly so. This was a really exciting story to read. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters, the wackiness of the special guests and overall story which was unique and fun. I hadn’t read the prior two books in the series but I absolutely am going to do so!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Fun and funny, a little graphic at time but not overly so. This was a really exciting story to read. I enjoyed the camaraderie between the characters, the wackiness of the special guests and overall story which was unique and fun. I hadn’t read the prior two books in the series but I absolutely am going to do so!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 6, 2023
Reading Stakes, Cakes and Mandrakes drew me in so deeply that when I got to a suspenseful moment (or two), I found myself closing my eyes like I would if I was watching a movie. Of course, that was counterproductive to actually reading the book, but there I was sneaking peeks at the next sentence before daring to fully open my eyes.
This is the third in the Three Tomes Bookshop series and I can only hope there will be more. If you haven't read the first two books, Tomes, Scones and Crones, and Purses, Curses and Hearses, do yourself a favor and pick them up. If you've ever dreamed of owning a bookstore, believe in magic, and love wonderful characters that stay with you long after the last page is turned, this series is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third in the Three Tomes Bookshop series and I can only hope there will be more. If you haven't read the first two books, Tomes, Scones and Crones, and Purses, Curses and Hearses, do yourself a favor and pick them up. If you've ever dreamed of owning a bookstore, believe in magic, and love wonderful characters that stay with you long after the last page is turned, this series is for you.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 10, 2023
AMAZING!!! I LOVE BUTTON COVE!!
Well...I am of a "certain age" and have not had a lot of friends throughout my life, though occasionally wanted some...I have been happily married for 17+ years so there is that...But discovered BTS (yes the K-Pop boys) and directly and ONLY because of that one thing, I have made 4 new friends and although only 1 is in town, 2 are 2 hrs from me and the other side of the US...I have had the MOST fun ever! the past 2 yrs...I have been to Vegas alone with one of my new friends of course to see BTS and she and I also went to South Korea in Oct (also to see BTS) for 2 weeks....cannot wait to go back...so I LOVE the camraderie Jacqueline has found with Nadine and Suzette...I can tell you (like Jacqueline would) life does NOT end at 50ish...things can and do get exciting...so dive into this series...SO MUCH FUN!!
Well...I am of a "certain age" and have not had a lot of friends throughout my life, though occasionally wanted some...I have been happily married for 17+ years so there is that...But discovered BTS (yes the K-Pop boys) and directly and ONLY because of that one thing, I have made 4 new friends and although only 1 is in town, 2 are 2 hrs from me and the other side of the US...I have had the MOST fun ever! the past 2 yrs...I have been to Vegas alone with one of my new friends of course to see BTS and she and I also went to South Korea in Oct (also to see BTS) for 2 weeks....cannot wait to go back...so I LOVE the camraderie Jacqueline has found with Nadine and Suzette...I can tell you (like Jacqueline would) life does NOT end at 50ish...things can and do get exciting...so dive into this series...SO MUCH FUN!!
June 16, 2023
Ok so a vampire has killed a couple people. It's the old lady.
She's pretty new in town and lives next to the cemetery. Complains to the police a lot about kids in the graveyard yadda yadda. Called it from the beginning.
But she gets a bunch of vampires out of books for an epic battle at the end. The good guys have VanHelsing and some Stoker girl to fight with them. And their cats shapeshift into dudes for the battle somehow. Jaqueline has to make a quick spell to send them all back to their books. Then the town cop shows up during the battle and is all like WHHHHAAATTTT and she's just like kiss me you fool! That was silly. They are just going to make out while vampires are vanquished all around them and someone kills the old lady? I guess. Kinda made me want to read Holmes and Stoker though.
She's pretty new in town and lives next to the cemetery. Complains to the police a lot about kids in the graveyard yadda yadda. Called it from the beginning.
But she gets a bunch of vampires out of books for an epic battle at the end. The good guys have VanHelsing and some Stoker girl to fight with them. And their cats shapeshift into dudes for the battle somehow. Jaqueline has to make a quick spell to send them all back to their books. Then the town cop shows up during the battle and is all like WHHHHAAATTTT and she's just like kiss me you fool! That was silly. They are just going to make out while vampires are vanquished all around them and someone kills the old lady? I guess. Kinda made me want to read Holmes and Stoker though.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 4, 2023
Jacqueline has another mystery on her hands when the book Dracula drops from the shelves of her magical bookstore and characters from it come to life. She has to figure out who is the vampire from the clues left around town with the help of her friends and with trying to keep Detective Massermey from figuring out what is going on. There are a ton of literary references, which are fun to figure out. The literary references were a little too much at the beginning and distracted a bit from a really humorous and imaginative story. There were some twists and turns that had you second guessing who the culprit was.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 25, 2023
I hadn’t read the other books in this series when I requested this one because I hadn’t seen the series before. However, I was excited to try it anyway. I am so glad I did. Jacqueline and her friends are just so much darn fun even if they are perimenopausal. Not only that, but I also just love the way the books in Jacqueline’s bookstore can fall and characters come to life from them. Add in a wonderful and interesting plot, and I am totally in love with this series. I just wish I had found this series before. I can’t wait to read more in this extremely fun, well-written, cozy paranormal series. Highly recommend. I was provided a complimentary copy which I voluntarily reviewed.
February 11, 2023
Spring is in full swing in lakefront Button Cove, and Jacqueline is embracing her new life—her friends, her new home, the crones down the street, and especially the detective with a hot-Viking vibe. It’s not half bad, considering the fact that she has the bickering literary characters of Mrs. Hudson (Sherlock’s landlady) and the dour, creepy housekeeper Mrs. Danvers from Rebecca “helping” her to run the bookshop, and her nemesis Egala Stone is opening her own store down the block.
Vampires are every where. It is unbelievable how the vampires are truly evil.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Vampires are every where. It is unbelievable how the vampires are truly evil.
I borrowed this book from Kindle Unlimited. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
May 12, 2023
Another good installment of the "Three Tomes Bookshop" series. I'm really liking this series and learning about the rules of the shop and other magical happenings. One thing that irks me about the series is Jacqueline's extreme prescriptivist grammarian habits. It's not interesting to read about a character dithering about ending a sentence with prepositions. I also don't like how focused she is on being 40 and "life not being over at 40." The preoccupation seems silly and shallow. However, I really do like these books, and I hope there are more. I want to see more of these characters, the bookshop, and Camellia Court.
May 17, 2023
Pull Out All Stops
If you've been reading this series, you know it is about an enchanted bookstore and tea room. At various times a novel falls off a shelf and a fictional character steps out. Always the start of a cozy mystery.
In book 3 the author went all out with the fantasy. What had seemed to be a few rules about the book characters fall apart. It is a mixed up orgy of craziness with characters summoning other characters and much running amuck. Of course, the bookstore owner, her friends, and the ZAP ladies (3 witch crones who live nearby) are in the thick of it. Not as enjoyable as the first 2 novels. Too much absurdity for this reader.
If you've been reading this series, you know it is about an enchanted bookstore and tea room. At various times a novel falls off a shelf and a fictional character steps out. Always the start of a cozy mystery.
In book 3 the author went all out with the fantasy. What had seemed to be a few rules about the book characters fall apart. It is a mixed up orgy of craziness with characters summoning other characters and much running amuck. Of course, the bookstore owner, her friends, and the ZAP ladies (3 witch crones who live nearby) are in the thick of it. Not as enjoyable as the first 2 novels. Too much absurdity for this reader.
February 23, 2023
Enjoyable series
I read all three books in this series and really enjoyed them. Colleen Gleason crafts interesting and absorbing stories that keep your attention. Stayed up way too late reading just one more chapter, and now I can't wait for the next book in the series. The storyline got more interesting by the second book, and the third book really hit its stride. I liked the characters, and liked the novel idea of book characters coming to life . No vulgar language or situations. I would definitely recommend reading.
I read all three books in this series and really enjoyed them. Colleen Gleason crafts interesting and absorbing stories that keep your attention. Stayed up way too late reading just one more chapter, and now I can't wait for the next book in the series. The storyline got more interesting by the second book, and the third book really hit its stride. I liked the characters, and liked the novel idea of book characters coming to life . No vulgar language or situations. I would definitely recommend reading.
January 15, 2023
4/5 stars! This was like a grown-up version of "Pagemaster." I really enjoyed this story. The premise was unique and fun and I hadn't realized this was the 3rd book in the series. I need to go back and read the first two because the author has a hilarious voice and I chuckled out loud several times during this story. Such an interesting take on the mystery novel and thoroughly enjoyable.
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
I received an advance review copy for free through NetGalley, and I am leaving this review voluntarily
March 2, 2023
Delightful Book
Colleen Gleason has done it again--taken us back to Button Cove, where fictional characters come to life. When 2 famous vampire hunters appear in Jaqueline's book store, it can't be good.
Gleason takes the reader on a fun, witty, and creative hunt for a local vampire. And I love that Jaqueline is a mature heroine who knows who she is and isn't afraid to be herself. What a delightful series!
Colleen Gleason has done it again--taken us back to Button Cove, where fictional characters come to life. When 2 famous vampire hunters appear in Jaqueline's book store, it can't be good.
Gleason takes the reader on a fun, witty, and creative hunt for a local vampire. And I love that Jaqueline is a mature heroine who knows who she is and isn't afraid to be herself. What a delightful series!
September 5, 2023
I find this series to be a fun take on the question of "What would it be like if characters from our favorite fiction books came to life?" in cozy mystery format with a middle-aged woman with good friends. This one was probably even more enjoyable for me because it involved vampire books, and despite often saying "I'm not that into vampire books," I read a lot of them, and it was fun to imagine the different types of vampires and vampire hunters all in one place/recognize the references.
January 23, 2023
I love this series! In this book another supernatural creature is added to the plot-a vampire! All the little Easter eggs about other books is incorporated and so much fun!
There is also a hint of romance between the book store owner and the detective.
I can’t wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
There is also a hint of romance between the book store owner and the detective.
I can’t wait for the next book!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 5, 2023
Nothing like being able to get into another adventurous mystery from The Three Tomes Bookstore and watching Jacqueline grew into her new role. The cast of characters that keep popping out of the books gives a fresh new look at characters and introduces readers to new reads. I know I will be looking up the Stoker and Holmes books by this author as well.
June 22, 2023
WOW, so much danger for Jacqueline. When the book Dracula falls off the shelf Jacqueline doesn't know if a vampire has come through or just Van Helsing the vampire slayer. Jacqueline is becoming more powerful and forceful in her dealings with the book characters. Very exciting read. Detective Massermey and Jacqueline are getting much closer. Yeah!
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