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Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #9
Dedication to Murder
A first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit provides bookshop owner Addie Greyborne a telling clue to a cold case in her family’s past . . .
Wedding bells are about to ring again in Greyborne Harbor, and as Addie slips into her white dress her thoughts are focused on a bright future with Dr. Simon Emerson. But a discovery in her attic leads her to startling revelations about the past. As the owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios and a lifelong bibliophile, Addie is delighted to find a rare collection of classic children’s books gathering dust in a secret room beneath the rafters, including a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. To her surprise, a handwritten inscription on the title page provides a clue to unraveling a complex mystery in Addie’s family . . .
But that’s only the first surprise in a series of shocking twists that will turn Addie’s vision of where her life is going and where she’s come from upside down—including a suspicious death in the present that suggests foul play.
Wedding bells are about to ring again in Greyborne Harbor, and as Addie slips into her white dress her thoughts are focused on a bright future with Dr. Simon Emerson. But a discovery in her attic leads her to startling revelations about the past. As the owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios and a lifelong bibliophile, Addie is delighted to find a rare collection of classic children’s books gathering dust in a secret room beneath the rafters, including a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit by Margery Williams. To her surprise, a handwritten inscription on the title page provides a clue to unraveling a complex mystery in Addie’s family . . .
But that’s only the first surprise in a series of shocking twists that will turn Addie’s vision of where her life is going and where she’s come from upside down—including a suspicious death in the present that suggests foul play.
266 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 25, 2023
455 people are currently reading
12147 people want to read
About the author
Lauren Elliott
14 books1,639 followersLauren grew up devouring the entire Nancy Drew series and then graduated to Victoria Holt, Agatha Christie, Barbara Erskine, Lynn Kurland, and Michael Crichton to name a few of her favorite authors. When it came time for post-secondary education, journalism seemed like the logical choice as she had written for as long as she could remember. Soon after graduation, while working for a small publication, she discovered that reporting wasn’t what fueled her writing passions. As someone with an additionally strong background in professional theater who had the love of storytelling and captivating and holding an audience, her fiction-writing career began to take center stage.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
Lauren Elliott’s new Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series promises to keep readers guessing right up until the last chapter. Plot twists and an array of colorful characters make for page turning, whodunit adventures filled with suspense, mystery, murder and just a touch of romance.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 329 reviews
January 28, 2023
It is always a good idea to start a book with a bang and this one does that in spades. No spoilers but if you follow this series you are in for a big shock.
Addie spends most of this book researching her own history with some intriguing results. Simon is busy with big issues of his own. There is a lot of drama and quite a few tears - from the characters but also the reader if you are anything like me!
There is a very neat ending which has great promise for the next book. I look forward to it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Addie spends most of this book researching her own history with some intriguing results. Simon is busy with big issues of his own. There is a lot of drama and quite a few tears - from the characters but also the reader if you are anything like me!
There is a very neat ending which has great promise for the next book. I look forward to it.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
April 3, 2023
This is the ninth book in this cozy mystery series and this series is one of my favorites. I thought this book started with a bang and really kept me glued to the pages throughout the story. More than any other book in this series this one is hard to write about without doing spoilers. I will say this book more than most really should be read in order. There is quite a lot of interpersonal stuff happening in this story. I think one of my favorite parts about this one is that Addie is busy with her own life drama and a family mystery she discovers so she actually doesn’t try to investigate a murder, but her friend the cop Marc asks for her opinion on some photos and videos and of course she ends up stumbling on the answer in the end. Usually Marc is yelling at her to stay away. I liked that this book was not just about the mystery but about Addie figuring out who she is and who she wants to be.
April 15, 2024
Review coming soon.
December 12, 2022
Dedication to Murder is the 9th book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore series. I have read this series from the beginning. Addie Greyborne is the main character who is the owner of Beyond the Page Books and Curios. There are three different stories into one. The story takes place in Greyborne Harbor, MA. It opens with the marriage of Addie to her fiancé Simon Emerson, a doctor. Valerie Price and Laurel Hill, the new vet come running into the church and tells everyone that the wedding can't continue as Simon is still married to his first wife. Laurel. They had been married while in college. Simon hadn't spoken to her in 16 years. Their marriage was not legally annulled. Her uncle who was a lawyer at the time did not file it. It was found in his desk drawer. His wife, Valerie found it when cleaning out his desk now that he has died. Simon's first marriage was a surprise to Addie as he never mentioned that he was married before. She will not talk to him as she is upset. Simon tells Addie that they are going to redo the annulment and they can get married again. There is another surprise when Simon finds out that Laurel tells him that she was pregnant with his child and the adoptive parents were killed in a car accident and she has temporary custody of her son, Mason Simon Keller. Addie tries to be understanding and tells Simon that he has to meet his son and get to know him. This story takes an adventure of it's own which I will leave to the reader to read. Addie realizes that Simon is spending more and more time with Laurel and Mason and tells Simon that she still loves him but things have changed for them and decides that it would be best that they break up. She gives him back her engagement ring.
Addie lives in an old Victorian house she inherited from her great aunt, Anita Greyborne. While home Addie and her best friend, Serena who has come over to comfort her find a small door behind a bookcase while cleaning the attic. They go in and find a room with books on shelves, writing table with an old oil lamp, a steam trunk and to her surprise there is a wedding dress in a bag on a mannequin. Who does this dress belong to. In the trunk they find an empty wedding album along with old journals that she realized her aunt wrote Again this story takes on an adventure of the mystery of her Aunt and other surprises that I will let the reader enjoy to follow.
Laurel's aunt Valerie decides to give a tea party to introduce Mason to the town. At the tea she drops dead and later the autopsy shows that she has been poisoned by tetrahydrozoline in a high dose in her system. Simon and Marc, the police chief try to find out who killed her and why. Marc use to date Addie and still has feelings for her asks Addie to stop by the station and look at the photos for another opinion. He comes to her house again with more pictures he wants her to look at. In one of the pictures Addie sees that Valerie looked upset talking to Lucy Timmons. There is so much going on in this part of the story I will leave this to the reader to find out who and what is happening.
All three of these stories overlap each other to come to an exciting ending, Marc takes Addie to the airport as she needs a change of scenery and decides to go to England for two weeks to visit her cousin, Kalea and also to see an old friend, Tony an author who lives there.
I look forward to the next book in this series to find out what Addie decides to do. What new adventure will she get into next. Who will she decide to date Marc or Tony or will she met someone new. What will happen to Simon, Laurel and Mason.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
Addie lives in an old Victorian house she inherited from her great aunt, Anita Greyborne. While home Addie and her best friend, Serena who has come over to comfort her find a small door behind a bookcase while cleaning the attic. They go in and find a room with books on shelves, writing table with an old oil lamp, a steam trunk and to her surprise there is a wedding dress in a bag on a mannequin. Who does this dress belong to. In the trunk they find an empty wedding album along with old journals that she realized her aunt wrote Again this story takes on an adventure of the mystery of her Aunt and other surprises that I will let the reader enjoy to follow.
Laurel's aunt Valerie decides to give a tea party to introduce Mason to the town. At the tea she drops dead and later the autopsy shows that she has been poisoned by tetrahydrozoline in a high dose in her system. Simon and Marc, the police chief try to find out who killed her and why. Marc use to date Addie and still has feelings for her asks Addie to stop by the station and look at the photos for another opinion. He comes to her house again with more pictures he wants her to look at. In one of the pictures Addie sees that Valerie looked upset talking to Lucy Timmons. There is so much going on in this part of the story I will leave this to the reader to find out who and what is happening.
All three of these stories overlap each other to come to an exciting ending, Marc takes Addie to the airport as she needs a change of scenery and decides to go to England for two weeks to visit her cousin, Kalea and also to see an old friend, Tony an author who lives there.
I look forward to the next book in this series to find out what Addie decides to do. What new adventure will she get into next. Who will she decide to date Marc or Tony or will she met someone new. What will happen to Simon, Laurel and Mason.
Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.
August 4, 2023
Certain things about this book annoyed me, especially her relationship with Simon, but the mystery was good although there was a lot of family dynamics that was hard to keep track of…
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January 31, 2023From the beginning of the series, Addie has been a force with which to be reckoned, from the curiosity that feeds her investigations to the highs and lows of her personal life. She pulls me in so that I feel what she feels, and because she is sometimes too strong for her own good, I may feel what she doesn't allow herself to feel. So, to say this book left me in utter turmoil, from the beginning to end, is no exaggeration. Everything Addie thought she was, thought she knew, is taken, twisted, and turned upside down. My heart squeezed with every blow, but I couldn't put it down. Sometimes I wanted to shake her. Sometimes I wanted to shake others. Sometimes I wanted to yell, "Stop!" or otherwise advise her on how to mitigate the damage being done. Alas, that is not my job as the reader; though it gave me some insight into Addie's feelings that she was not in control of her own life. Thankfully, allowing an escape from the angst and feeling of powerlessness, the mysteries still commanded attention and demanded resolution. In that, at least Addie prevailed.
I now must wait to see what Lauren Elliott resurrects from the ashes in Addie's next chapter because "there is always hope for a better tomorrow."
PSA: Grab a box of tissues, and remove all sharp objects and breakable items before you begin reading.
I now must wait to see what Lauren Elliott resurrects from the ashes in Addie's next chapter because "there is always hope for a better tomorrow."
PSA: Grab a box of tissues, and remove all sharp objects and breakable items before you begin reading.
December 7, 2022
I was absolutely shocked reading this book. Addie is finally marrying the man she loves, until someone says he's not hers to marry.
Addie showed such raw emotion in this story, and my heart broke for her.
The mystery that focused on her family roots was exciting and I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DedicationtoMurder #NetGalley
Addie showed such raw emotion in this story, and my heart broke for her.
The mystery that focused on her family roots was exciting and I really enjoyed this story.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DedicationtoMurder #NetGalley
April 1, 2023
Addie is the owner of a bookstore Beyond the Page she is getting married to Simon the doctor. As they are about to say "I do." Some one runs in and stops the wedding. Turns out Simon is still married to Laurel. The lawyer never submitted the annulment paperwork. Also it turns out they have a son. Addie is upset and goes home. Later at a tea party where everyone meets the son Mason. Laurels Aunt Valerie dies from a presumed heart attack. Laurel is sad and needs Simon. Addie decides to clean the attic and happens upon a secret room with a wedding dress inside. Addie decides to uncover the mystery of the wedding dress.
This mystery was so good. I could not put it down. While I was a tad confused at the many characters. I really enjoyed the solving of the cold case. I'm totally #teamaddie , Simon is a nitwit.
This mystery was so good. I could not put it down. While I was a tad confused at the many characters. I really enjoyed the solving of the cold case. I'm totally #teamaddie , Simon is a nitwit.
April 24, 2023
Oh wow! I totally didn't see this storyline coming! Addy not only finds an old mystery to solve, but gets thrown for a total loop in her own life. I'm so blown away by this book that I am having trouble finding the words. All I can say is more, more, more! I need to know what happens next and am going to be anxiously awaiting the author's next release! I couldn't put this book down and powered through entirely too fast and am left with a book hangover now! The way the plot lines overlap and wove together...just read this book. I am terrified that I'll give away anything good if I say more! Although I will say that you should read this series in order as the series builds the characters backstories and relationships as each book comes out.
April 30, 2023
In which Addie's romantic life moves back to square 1 and she finds out more about her antecedents which helps solve two murders. I really enjoy this series. It's fun, there are a lot of clues to follow and the town characters learn and develop over time.
December 21, 2022
This book was not short on twists and turns with surprises that made me sad for Addie at first, but by the end of the book you realized it was a good thing.
First, Addie and Simon's wedding gets ruined by the first surprise which leads to many more surprises and ends in a murder. While all this is going on Addie finds a wedding dress in a hidden room in Greyborne Manor and she's confused by who it could belong to. So she focuses her time on reading her Aunt's journals and asking people in town to help fill in the blanks with the help of her best friend Serena.
I really enjoyed how the Addie/Simon thing was "separate" from the wedding dress mystery and that in solving the murder and the dress mystery really let us see exactly who Addie is.
I felt like this book was the end in many ways, however, what happened in this book has opened so many new possibilities that I am very excited to see the Addie this book will make her become.
#NetGalley #DedicationtoMurder #LaurenElliot #KensingtonBooks
First, Addie and Simon's wedding gets ruined by the first surprise which leads to many more surprises and ends in a murder. While all this is going on Addie finds a wedding dress in a hidden room in Greyborne Manor and she's confused by who it could belong to. So she focuses her time on reading her Aunt's journals and asking people in town to help fill in the blanks with the help of her best friend Serena.
I really enjoyed how the Addie/Simon thing was "separate" from the wedding dress mystery and that in solving the murder and the dress mystery really let us see exactly who Addie is.
I felt like this book was the end in many ways, however, what happened in this book has opened so many new possibilities that I am very excited to see the Addie this book will make her become.
#NetGalley #DedicationtoMurder #LaurenElliot #KensingtonBooks
May 10, 2023
I love Lauren Elliot and this series is one that I follow closely.
I had a hard time with it, and I stopped for a few days before picking it up again. The book opens with a humdinger. Right at the alter Addie and Simon are getting married. Gotta tell you that threw me for a loop. Did not like that parallel story and mystery - although I am team Mark. We learn more about Addie's history and that of her great-aunt Anita.... What a sad and lovely story at the same time.
I'm glad Addie is taking time to sort herself out, and I hope the next book finds us rekindling a romance - just with whom? I hope it's my guy.
Personally, this was not my favorite story, but I'm glad the author found a way to give Addie some peace and maybe some closure in the future.
I had a hard time with it, and I stopped for a few days before picking it up again. The book opens with a humdinger. Right at the alter Addie and Simon are getting married. Gotta tell you that threw me for a loop. Did not like that parallel story and mystery - although I am team Mark. We learn more about Addie's history and that of her great-aunt Anita.... What a sad and lovely story at the same time.
I'm glad Addie is taking time to sort herself out, and I hope the next book finds us rekindling a romance - just with whom? I hope it's my guy.
Personally, this was not my favorite story, but I'm glad the author found a way to give Addie some peace and maybe some closure in the future.
June 2, 2023
This is the 9th book in the 'Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery' series. The author, Lauren Elliott has created some extremely likeable characters in this cozy mystery. I met Addie Greyborne, the protagonist and bookshop owner, in book 2 who I found to be very smart and has an amazing ability to sniff out clues.
The plot was well thought out and I was somewhat surprised at the killer's identity as I fell for some of the red herrings. The pacing in this novel was good and there was always something happening, so I was certainly never bored! With a neat ending, Dedication to Murder was a fantastic cozy mystery that I highly recommend. I am already looking forward to returning to Addie's bookshop, 'Beyond the Page Books and Curios' in Massachusetts in book #10 as well as catching up on the instalments I've missed. Rating: 5 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
The plot was well thought out and I was somewhat surprised at the killer's identity as I fell for some of the red herrings. The pacing in this novel was good and there was always something happening, so I was certainly never bored! With a neat ending, Dedication to Murder was a fantastic cozy mystery that I highly recommend. I am already looking forward to returning to Addie's bookshop, 'Beyond the Page Books and Curios' in Massachusetts in book #10 as well as catching up on the instalments I've missed. Rating: 5 Stars.
I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my own request from Kensington Books via NetGalley. This review is my own unbiased opinion.
April 7, 2023
"Dedication to Murder” the 9th instalment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series by Lauren Elliott. I loved this latest instalment in the series and I swear each book is better than the last! It’s hard to write down how I felt reading the story as it would mean giving spoilers but let me just say if you have been reading the series this is a must read. I do suggest you try to read from the beginning as there are lots of characters and back stories you will want to know plus it’s a great mystery series.
The mystery was interesting and well plotted, I did suspect who the killer was partway through, but this was an amazing puzzle to figure out alongside Addie and Marc.
Plus the ending oh my goodness! I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens next for Addie as she has some pretty big decisions to make going forward.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I can’t wait to read book 10!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
The mystery was interesting and well plotted, I did suspect who the killer was partway through, but this was an amazing puzzle to figure out alongside Addie and Marc.
Plus the ending oh my goodness! I’m anxiously awaiting to find out what happens next for Addie as she has some pretty big decisions to make going forward.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends.
I can’t wait to read book 10!
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Kensington Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own
May 3, 2023
I have been a fan of the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series since it began. However, I will say upfront that I struggled with Dedication to Murder. Unfortunately, it was simply too difficult to enjoy because it was far too depressing. I enjoyed Addie’s revelation about her great-aunt, and I even liked the references to classic literature, such as The Velveteen Rabbit, but that is the limit of my enjoyment.
Addie discovers that her great-aunt had secrets while going through some of her old trunks in the attic. She comes across a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit, which her great-aunt inscribes. But the inscription makes no sense and sends Addie down the path of a cold case murder investigation and changes her life forever. But her life has already been changed by her fiance, who neglected to tell her he had been married previously and that he was still married. Something she doesn’t find out until she is walking down the aisle. To top it off, the woman who told her about her fiance's marriage is murdered, and it looks like Addie is the only one in town who isn’t on the suspect list! It is all just too much for her to take in and sends her spiraling into depression and fear.
Suspects are around, and although Addie is not one, everyone else seems to be. I would have thought Addie would be prime suspect number one as she had the most significant motive at the time, but the author chose not to go in that direction. Evidence is scarce, but Addie finds that the little things point the way. Like the investigation into Addie’s great-aunt’s past, readers need to pay attention to the details. Once revealed, the killer will surprise many readers but is not totally unexpected. The Velveteen Rabbit, I felt, should have played a more prominent role in finding clues to the cold case, passages in the text of the book could have been used as clues, but none were used or hinted at. The fact that Addie takes so long to come to a conclusion most people would have come to right from the start surprised me, and unfortunately, I found the character very unlikeable this time around. She was too wishy-washy as far as I was concerned and showed none of the strong, independent, spirited woman we as fans have come to know. All in all, most fans will enjoy this book.
Addie discovers that her great-aunt had secrets while going through some of her old trunks in the attic. She comes across a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit, which her great-aunt inscribes. But the inscription makes no sense and sends Addie down the path of a cold case murder investigation and changes her life forever. But her life has already been changed by her fiance, who neglected to tell her he had been married previously and that he was still married. Something she doesn’t find out until she is walking down the aisle. To top it off, the woman who told her about her fiance's marriage is murdered, and it looks like Addie is the only one in town who isn’t on the suspect list! It is all just too much for her to take in and sends her spiraling into depression and fear.
Suspects are around, and although Addie is not one, everyone else seems to be. I would have thought Addie would be prime suspect number one as she had the most significant motive at the time, but the author chose not to go in that direction. Evidence is scarce, but Addie finds that the little things point the way. Like the investigation into Addie’s great-aunt’s past, readers need to pay attention to the details. Once revealed, the killer will surprise many readers but is not totally unexpected. The Velveteen Rabbit, I felt, should have played a more prominent role in finding clues to the cold case, passages in the text of the book could have been used as clues, but none were used or hinted at. The fact that Addie takes so long to come to a conclusion most people would have come to right from the start surprised me, and unfortunately, I found the character very unlikeable this time around. She was too wishy-washy as far as I was concerned and showed none of the strong, independent, spirited woman we as fans have come to know. All in all, most fans will enjoy this book.
May 1, 2023
Despite this being the 9th book in the series, I had no problem reading this as a standalone. I typically read books in a series back to back. I have every book in this series, but I started reading from the end. Not on purpose, just how it worked out.
This story starts with a bang and doesn't let up. It opens with the wedding ceremony of Addie Greyborne and Dr. Simon Emerson, but just before the "I do's" and unexpected announcement arrives. As Addie tries to work through her emotions, she takes the time to shift through the contents of the attic. It is here where she makes quite a few discoveries, including a family mystery.
I found it interesting that there would be a hidden trove of goodies that sent Addie on a scavenger hunt inside her own home. Addie's investigation takes her to locate anyone that knew details seventy years ago. This story has two intriguing mysteries, and the characters seem to be realistic. I pegged one character as being guilty but ended up completely wrong and surprised by the ending. I immensely enjoyed this book.
I won a copy in a giveaway and have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
This story starts with a bang and doesn't let up. It opens with the wedding ceremony of Addie Greyborne and Dr. Simon Emerson, but just before the "I do's" and unexpected announcement arrives. As Addie tries to work through her emotions, she takes the time to shift through the contents of the attic. It is here where she makes quite a few discoveries, including a family mystery.
I found it interesting that there would be a hidden trove of goodies that sent Addie on a scavenger hunt inside her own home. Addie's investigation takes her to locate anyone that knew details seventy years ago. This story has two intriguing mysteries, and the characters seem to be realistic. I pegged one character as being guilty but ended up completely wrong and surprised by the ending. I immensely enjoyed this book.
I won a copy in a giveaway and have voluntarily read and reviewed this book.
July 4, 2023
Just as Addie and Simon have said "I do" and are about to be pronounced man and wife, Pippi's new veterinarian Laurel Hill and her aunt, Valerie Price, come bursting through the doors of the church to stop the wedding! Valerie JUST discovered papers in her late husband's desk showing that Simon and Laurel are married! Sixteen years ago, as college students, they married and quickly filed annulment papers, or so they thought. Apparently George never filed them and the marriage is still on the books. Livid and hurt, Addie goes home to nurse her broken heart and uncovers a mystery that will shake her foundation and make her question her identity when her world has already been rocked by secrets and lies of omission. She discovers a vintage wedding dress hidden away in the attic and hopes Aunt Anita's journals will give her a clue as to who purchased a wedding dress and never wore it and why. Meanwhile, Laurel has even more shocking news for Simon! Shortly after they broke up, she gave birth to a son who was adopted but now orphaned. She's applied to foster her own son and needs Simon to be there to help their son transition to his new life. Then at the welcome party for the teen, Valerie drops dead and Simon discovers evidence of poison! Addie vows to stay out of this one so she doesn't look like a suspect and besides, she has her own mystery to solve. Mark wants Addie's sharp observation skills to help him solve the case and perhaps even more. Is Addie strong enough to figure out what she wants and be happy with that decision?
Well this story started with a bang but I'm sad to say it went down hill from there. First we have a big jump in time. Serena is a mother of 1-year-old TWINS and Addie and Simon are getting married. Um what? Did I miss a book? No. The modern mystery is incredibly implausible and silly. The historical mystery was so cliched I had most of it figured out right away. There was a twist I didn't see coming but when all was revealed it helped me solve the modern mystery. I knew the motive for the modern murder had to be I didn't figure out who the murderer was though until the historical mystery was resolved. I dislike love triangles and this is one of the worst and lamest I've ever heard of. News flash: Good birth control was widely available 16 years ago and if they were that ambitious and planning on post-graduate studies, why would they not be using it? They're in the medical profession they know where babies come from and how to prevent them from coming. Sure there's always the 2% and accidents happen but I would think they would have been more careful. The bombshells kept coming and getting more and more ridiculous. I couldn't stand it. The 1950s mystery wasn't a whole lot better.
Addie is so annoying. I do understand her anger and think she's justified but girl! Hold your head up, go to work, for goodness sakes buy groceries and carry on and the nosy lookie loos will stop. At least she has a distraction in the wedding dress mystery. If she's that smart and that well versed in antiques, she should figure it out right away the way I did. It also wasn't difficult to figure out who the books were left to and work backwards from there. Now I feel like Addie is a horrible person selling all those antique books! Addie is rather whiny and selfish and nowhere near the woman her great-aunt was. The way she treats Pippi is going to make Pippi have more separation anxiety. It's best to leave her more often for longer periods. Also tiny dogs can't run long distances. Pippi is so sweet and comforting when Addie and Serena need extra love. The best part of the novel came at the very end and I liked Addie more.
Serena is the best of friends. She's there for Addie when Addie needs her but Serena is a bit smothering. She seems to be a good mother to little Oliver and Addie but she sure does leave them with her mom a whole lot. Zack is away for work reasons so he gets a pass for now. I'd like a little filler in between to show how Serena is coping with running her shop and being a mom to twins. Addie's friends are great but they like to run interference and run everyone else's lives. Serena has a cousin who escaped a bad marriage and has come to town to hide out from her controlling ex. Nikki has a degree in library science and works part time at the bakery for Martha. She would be great in the shop. Addie can go out in the book bus to places people don't know her and Nikki and Catherine can work in the shop and Paige can swap back and forth. Addie knows just what to do but no one lets her ASK Nikki what SHE wants! They all think they know. I was surprised it wasn't Nikki's ex or some other controlling husband who was murdered. When we finally meet Nikki, she's awesome! She'll be a good friend to Addie as Serena has less and less time for friendship.
Valerie seems like a nice lady but her husband sure was forgetful. I think he needed a secretary to help him and oh wait wasn't that Valerie's job?! Why were there important papers shoved in the back of his desk and why did Laurel and Simon just ASSUME he filed the annulment papers? Wouldn't Laurel follow up? I think that all sounds suspicious like maybe Laurel didn't want the marriage to end and George knew it and was protecting his niece? Laurel seems nice at first but she becomes controlling and manipulative as the story goes on. She comes across as a real witch and back stabber. Addie befriended her, invited her to her town, to the wedding and Laurel pays Addie back by stealing her man. Why didn't Laurel say Dr. Timmins was her uncle? Did she know he was retiring before Addie mentioned it? It's all very weird. There are too many coincidences here to be realistic.
Simon is partly to blame as well. He can't see it. He's a nice guy but he DID lie to Addie by not telling her about his first marriage. Simon knew all about David and Addie's relationship with Mark and waited while Addie and Mark figured things out. Simon even knew about Addie's high school boyfriend she's in touch with. He never thought to once mention HIS past relationships? She didn't ask? Simon is so nice and caring he gets sucked into Laurel's vortex. He's not being very kind to Addie and I think her feelings are justified.
Who killed Valerie and why? I think she was collateral damage. Someone killed her to keep her from looking in her husband's desk for more unfiled papers. Or Laurel killed her aunt for money. The creepy thing is that the killer has to be an elderly woman and resident of Greyborne Harbor!
Addie makes some new friends in her investigation. Phil at the paper wasn't old enough to be working in 1953 but the editor-in-chief of the paper was his grandfather and his grandmother just happens to still be living! Bea must be in her 90s and seems quite alert although another resident thinks Bea isn't reliable. Bea does seem to slip between past and present or else she takes it for granted that Addie knows something that isn't common knowledge. Apparently is IS common knowledge for that generation! Janine is a cranky elderly resident of the senior living center. She doesn't have a kind word to say about anyone but she seems to take to Pippi. Lucinda may or may not be someone from Aunt Anita's past. She claims she doesn't remember that long ago but Addie is suspicious.
Through Aunt Anita's journals we're introduced to a new cast of characters. Anita Greyborne of Greybone Harbor was an eager undergraduate student longing to study English literature. She planned to start with a junior college arts program but her father has other ideas. He comes across as a controlling jerk but he's a man of his time. Women went to college to find suitable husbands, not get degrees and have careers. (Times they are a changin' but not quickly enough for Anita). She finds a way to get what she wants and when she meets Maisie Radcliffe, from a wealthy Boston family, her life changes forever. No, it's sadly not a queer romance. Maisie is her roommate and friend and introduces Anita to the fast crowd of wealthy people who summer in Greyborne Harbor. Maisie meets her husband and marries and Anita meets David Winthrop, handsome, young and rich. He seems crazy about her too but when he fails to return to her one evening, she begins to worry that her happy ever after will not happen. Her fears come true when David is found dead hanging from a scarecrow pole. This is a real tragic story with enough twists and turns to be intriguing. It sounds like a fairy tale without the happy ending. Anita was a strong, resilient, remarkable woman in older age but as a young woman, she was naïve, giddy and eager to her happy future. She didn't do well in the face of adversity, according to old friends. How sad!
Who killed David? No one came forward with any evidence. Was it random tourists? Townies? or friends? How about that witch Lucinda who wants David for herself? Her brother George is fond of her and might do anything she asked. Is the Lucinda at the senior living center the same Lucinda that tried to backstab Anita? The big reveal relies on too many coincidences and memories from 70 years ago!
The best part about this novel was the books! I feel the same way about first editions as Anita. I do have my grandmother's When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six first editions (not first printings though) and they're so special. I do not have The Velveteen Rabbit. I will have to get a modern copy and read it to her to see if it rings any bells. At 99, her childhood is present and present is forgotten!
This may be the end of the line for Addie, new beginnings are hinted at if she does continue.
content
Murder (one in the past a bit more traumatic)
"canoodling" (1950s word for pre-marital sex)
annulment
unplanned pregnancy
Well this story started with a bang but I'm sad to say it went down hill from there. First we have a big jump in time. Serena is a mother of 1-year-old TWINS and Addie and Simon are getting married. Um what? Did I miss a book? No. The modern mystery is incredibly implausible and silly. The historical mystery was so cliched I had most of it figured out right away. There was a twist I didn't see coming but when all was revealed it helped me solve the modern mystery. I knew the motive for the modern murder had to be I didn't figure out who the murderer was though until the historical mystery was resolved. I dislike love triangles and this is one of the worst and lamest I've ever heard of. News flash: Good birth control was widely available 16 years ago and if they were that ambitious and planning on post-graduate studies, why would they not be using it? They're in the medical profession they know where babies come from and how to prevent them from coming. Sure there's always the 2% and accidents happen but I would think they would have been more careful. The bombshells kept coming and getting more and more ridiculous. I couldn't stand it. The 1950s mystery wasn't a whole lot better.
Addie is so annoying. I do understand her anger and think she's justified but girl! Hold your head up, go to work, for goodness sakes buy groceries and carry on and the nosy lookie loos will stop. At least she has a distraction in the wedding dress mystery. If she's that smart and that well versed in antiques, she should figure it out right away the way I did. It also wasn't difficult to figure out who the books were left to and work backwards from there. Now I feel like Addie is a horrible person selling all those antique books! Addie is rather whiny and selfish and nowhere near the woman her great-aunt was. The way she treats Pippi is going to make Pippi have more separation anxiety. It's best to leave her more often for longer periods. Also tiny dogs can't run long distances. Pippi is so sweet and comforting when Addie and Serena need extra love. The best part of the novel came at the very end and I liked Addie more.
Serena is the best of friends. She's there for Addie when Addie needs her but Serena is a bit smothering. She seems to be a good mother to little Oliver and Addie but she sure does leave them with her mom a whole lot. Zack is away for work reasons so he gets a pass for now. I'd like a little filler in between to show how Serena is coping with running her shop and being a mom to twins. Addie's friends are great but they like to run interference and run everyone else's lives. Serena has a cousin who escaped a bad marriage and has come to town to hide out from her controlling ex. Nikki has a degree in library science and works part time at the bakery for Martha. She would be great in the shop. Addie can go out in the book bus to places people don't know her and Nikki and Catherine can work in the shop and Paige can swap back and forth. Addie knows just what to do but no one lets her ASK Nikki what SHE wants! They all think they know. I was surprised it wasn't Nikki's ex or some other controlling husband who was murdered. When we finally meet Nikki, she's awesome! She'll be a good friend to Addie as Serena has less and less time for friendship.
Valerie seems like a nice lady but her husband sure was forgetful. I think he needed a secretary to help him and oh wait wasn't that Valerie's job?! Why were there important papers shoved in the back of his desk and why did Laurel and Simon just ASSUME he filed the annulment papers? Wouldn't Laurel follow up? I think that all sounds suspicious like maybe Laurel didn't want the marriage to end and George knew it and was protecting his niece? Laurel seems nice at first but she becomes controlling and manipulative as the story goes on. She comes across as a real witch and back stabber. Addie befriended her, invited her to her town, to the wedding and Laurel pays Addie back by stealing her man. Why didn't Laurel say Dr. Timmins was her uncle? Did she know he was retiring before Addie mentioned it? It's all very weird. There are too many coincidences here to be realistic.
Simon is partly to blame as well. He can't see it. He's a nice guy but he DID lie to Addie by not telling her about his first marriage. Simon knew all about David and Addie's relationship with Mark and waited while Addie and Mark figured things out. Simon even knew about Addie's high school boyfriend she's in touch with. He never thought to once mention HIS past relationships? She didn't ask? Simon is so nice and caring he gets sucked into Laurel's vortex. He's not being very kind to Addie and I think her feelings are justified.
Who killed Valerie and why? I think she was collateral damage. Someone killed her to keep her from looking in her husband's desk for more unfiled papers. Or Laurel killed her aunt for money. The creepy thing is that the killer has to be an elderly woman and resident of Greyborne Harbor!
Addie makes some new friends in her investigation. Phil at the paper wasn't old enough to be working in 1953 but the editor-in-chief of the paper was his grandfather and his grandmother just happens to still be living! Bea must be in her 90s and seems quite alert although another resident thinks Bea isn't reliable. Bea does seem to slip between past and present or else she takes it for granted that Addie knows something that isn't common knowledge. Apparently is IS common knowledge for that generation! Janine is a cranky elderly resident of the senior living center. She doesn't have a kind word to say about anyone but she seems to take to Pippi. Lucinda may or may not be someone from Aunt Anita's past. She claims she doesn't remember that long ago but Addie is suspicious.
Through Aunt Anita's journals we're introduced to a new cast of characters. Anita Greyborne of Greybone Harbor was an eager undergraduate student longing to study English literature. She planned to start with a junior college arts program but her father has other ideas. He comes across as a controlling jerk but he's a man of his time. Women went to college to find suitable husbands, not get degrees and have careers. (Times they are a changin' but not quickly enough for Anita). She finds a way to get what she wants and when she meets Maisie Radcliffe, from a wealthy Boston family, her life changes forever. No, it's sadly not a queer romance. Maisie is her roommate and friend and introduces Anita to the fast crowd of wealthy people who summer in Greyborne Harbor. Maisie meets her husband and marries and Anita meets David Winthrop, handsome, young and rich. He seems crazy about her too but when he fails to return to her one evening, she begins to worry that her happy ever after will not happen. Her fears come true when David is found dead hanging from a scarecrow pole. This is a real tragic story with enough twists and turns to be intriguing. It sounds like a fairy tale without the happy ending. Anita was a strong, resilient, remarkable woman in older age but as a young woman, she was naïve, giddy and eager to her happy future. She didn't do well in the face of adversity, according to old friends. How sad!
Who killed David? No one came forward with any evidence. Was it random tourists? Townies? or friends? How about that witch Lucinda who wants David for herself? Her brother George is fond of her and might do anything she asked. Is the Lucinda at the senior living center the same Lucinda that tried to backstab Anita? The big reveal relies on too many coincidences and memories from 70 years ago!
The best part about this novel was the books! I feel the same way about first editions as Anita. I do have my grandmother's When We Were Very Young and Now We Are Six first editions (not first printings though) and they're so special. I do not have The Velveteen Rabbit. I will have to get a modern copy and read it to her to see if it rings any bells. At 99, her childhood is present and present is forgotten!
This may be the end of the line for Addie, new beginnings are hinted at if she does continue.
content
Murder (one in the past a bit more traumatic)
"canoodling" (1950s word for pre-marital sex)
annulment
unplanned pregnancy
May 3, 2023
Wow! So many unexpected story twists. Can’t wait for the next book to see how things turn out.
April 3, 2023
Holy wow, what an emotional roller coaster of a ride. From start to finish, this book has all the feels. I'm excited to see where life takes Addie next!
December 11, 2022
Addie's wedding day is ruined at the last possible second as she finds out her fiance, Dr Simon Emerson, might already be married. A discovery in her attic leads to Addie trying to unravel the mystery of her own familie's past. This is not a stand alone mystery, and may be confusing to those who haven't read the previous books in this series.
April 26, 2023
The main character is deeply in likable and her whiny, melodramatic personality is beyond tolerable. I can’t believe I put up with it for 8 books so far but this “ruined wedding” nonsense plot only makes sense if you’re a preteen and have no knowledge of how marriages work or what real relationships are actually like. DNF at 7%
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
May 1, 2023
This was the most depressing, saddest Addie Greybourne book ever. It was all about misery and heartbreak and a very miserable and frustrating and upsetting scenario. If this is how her life is going to be written, I'm done with the series .
July 31, 2023
I really enjoyed this series but this book disappointed me. The murder story was interesting, the plot was good, but I was so disappointed by the ending. I really wish she did not end the book the way she did. It makes we wonder if this is if for the series.
April 6, 2023
https://openbooksociety.com/article/d...
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
This is the best novel in the series so far! I enjoyed learning more about Addie’s family and following her search for the truth about the past. I was so wrapped up in both eras that I didn’t want this novel to end. There is always something new to learn about regular characters, and the new or visiting people are defined very well, for better or worse. The mysteries were very well-written and intriguing, especially since Addie’s knowledge of her ancestors was limited. Evidence proving foul play in the present-day death was seemingly non-existent.
The most memorable day in Addie’s life had just occurred. It was not memorable, however, for the reason she had hoped. Stunned at the turn of events, Addie spent the night at home alone with Pippi, her Yorkipoo. Over the next few days, there is another shock, the dominoes begin to fall and with them, possibly her future.
Addie chose to finish going through the rest of the attic of the treasures stored there by the woman she inherited the gorgeous Victorian from, her great-aunt Anita. There were still many books there that she might sell as rare and/ or vintage in her bookstore, Beyond the Page. While moving an empty shelf, another find led Addie to begin searching further into the history of the Greyborne family. She and best friend Serena found a hidden, locked door in the attic that led to a small room with unexpected contents. Included is a wedding gown, possibly from the 1950’s, many more books, and a trunk that held more of Anita’s journals. Of all things, it also contains a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit with an inscription that teased her to learn more about her father’s family, and first editions of the first four Winnie the Pooh books. As the dominoes of her life continue to fall, Addie learns about a murder and subsequent cover-ups from many decades earlier.
Valerie, a lovely woman Addie had met a year ago, hosted a special tea for her niece Laurel and great-nephew, Mason. Laurel is the new veterinarian in town, and most of Greyborne Harbor was in attendance. Tragically, especially for Laurel, Valerie died during the event. Because of her health conditions, most people thought it was her heart. There was something unusual at the time so Simon, Addie’s intended and the medical examiner, was requested to do an autopsy where he found she had been poisoned. Unfortunately, there was no evidence, in her tea cup or anywhere else to indicate how she ingested the poison. Nobody else at the tea was even a little bit sick. Marc, the police chief and former beau of Addie, knew how much help she had been in the past when she would help find who the bad guy was in other murders. He and his officers had gone through many cell phone photos and videos of the tea, and because of her fine eye for details, Marc hoped Addie would look at them as well.
The author continues to develop and grow her characters in this series. That is especially evident in this novel, demonstrated in the characters’ outlooks, conversations, and activities. Addie and Serena have gone through significant life changes, and Serena is content in her new normal. It will be quite some time before we see the full effect in Addie. The core characters are resilient and engaging, and I am confident that Addie will be even better than before. The short-term characters are defined as their role requires. As Addie learns about her family in the past, those characters are also brought to life.
This novel is a bit different from other cozy mysteries in this series, and it was flawlessly executed. From one plot twist to the next, the mysteries of both centuries were very challenging. The resolutions to the murders were sad and shocking, with truly cold-blooded killers and self-serving motives. The very end was exactly what I hoped it would be, and I am SO looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend this cozy mystery and series!
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Jeanie
This is the best novel in the series so far! I enjoyed learning more about Addie’s family and following her search for the truth about the past. I was so wrapped up in both eras that I didn’t want this novel to end. There is always something new to learn about regular characters, and the new or visiting people are defined very well, for better or worse. The mysteries were very well-written and intriguing, especially since Addie’s knowledge of her ancestors was limited. Evidence proving foul play in the present-day death was seemingly non-existent.
The most memorable day in Addie’s life had just occurred. It was not memorable, however, for the reason she had hoped. Stunned at the turn of events, Addie spent the night at home alone with Pippi, her Yorkipoo. Over the next few days, there is another shock, the dominoes begin to fall and with them, possibly her future.
Addie chose to finish going through the rest of the attic of the treasures stored there by the woman she inherited the gorgeous Victorian from, her great-aunt Anita. There were still many books there that she might sell as rare and/ or vintage in her bookstore, Beyond the Page. While moving an empty shelf, another find led Addie to begin searching further into the history of the Greyborne family. She and best friend Serena found a hidden, locked door in the attic that led to a small room with unexpected contents. Included is a wedding gown, possibly from the 1950’s, many more books, and a trunk that held more of Anita’s journals. Of all things, it also contains a first edition of The Velveteen Rabbit with an inscription that teased her to learn more about her father’s family, and first editions of the first four Winnie the Pooh books. As the dominoes of her life continue to fall, Addie learns about a murder and subsequent cover-ups from many decades earlier.
Valerie, a lovely woman Addie had met a year ago, hosted a special tea for her niece Laurel and great-nephew, Mason. Laurel is the new veterinarian in town, and most of Greyborne Harbor was in attendance. Tragically, especially for Laurel, Valerie died during the event. Because of her health conditions, most people thought it was her heart. There was something unusual at the time so Simon, Addie’s intended and the medical examiner, was requested to do an autopsy where he found she had been poisoned. Unfortunately, there was no evidence, in her tea cup or anywhere else to indicate how she ingested the poison. Nobody else at the tea was even a little bit sick. Marc, the police chief and former beau of Addie, knew how much help she had been in the past when she would help find who the bad guy was in other murders. He and his officers had gone through many cell phone photos and videos of the tea, and because of her fine eye for details, Marc hoped Addie would look at them as well.
The author continues to develop and grow her characters in this series. That is especially evident in this novel, demonstrated in the characters’ outlooks, conversations, and activities. Addie and Serena have gone through significant life changes, and Serena is content in her new normal. It will be quite some time before we see the full effect in Addie. The core characters are resilient and engaging, and I am confident that Addie will be even better than before. The short-term characters are defined as their role requires. As Addie learns about her family in the past, those characters are also brought to life.
This novel is a bit different from other cozy mysteries in this series, and it was flawlessly executed. From one plot twist to the next, the mysteries of both centuries were very challenging. The resolutions to the murders were sad and shocking, with truly cold-blooded killers and self-serving motives. The very end was exactly what I hoped it would be, and I am SO looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend this cozy mystery and series!
April 8, 2023
This is the Ninth "Beyond The Page" Bookstore Mystery series. I have read the entire series as this is one of my top 3 favorite cozy authors. Thank you with gratitude to the publisher, Net Galley and the author. My review opinions are my own.
Addie is a favorite protagnist of mine as she is independent and stands on her own. She has built her life around her successful bookstore and her grand inherited Victorian home that was left to her by a Aunt. Addie is a smart savvy protaganist who can find clues to murder suspects and often solves cases for the local police.
In this next in series Addie and her long time love interest are getitng married when the wedding is stopped and it is discovered that Simon is already married to the local vet. Addie is devastated . Simon then takes up with the former wife when its found he has a son. Not one to feel sorry for herself Addie pushes Simon aside to deal with his new family . Addie dives into a family mystery when she discovers a secret room in her home and a wedding dress left behind. As she investigates the family mystery of the dress and who it belonged to family revalations come to light that will forever change Addie and what she knew of her family. She finds fascinating journals left behind and a treasure trove of books that tell their own story of her family.
When a murder occurs at a party to welcome Simon's son the local detective asks Addie assistance in decifering clues that only she can find. Between the case study and her new family mystery Addie forges ahead on her own and takes back her life.
I loved this next in series. Addie is a smart savvy protagnist who is talented at solving clues others do not see. Her relationships with friends are endearing . The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing to conclusion. I love how the author builds the sleuth with red herrings abound and clues that are always surprising. This is a cozy series that has all the right elements we cozy lovers enjoy. I highly recommend this next in series for your reading enjoyment. A excellent addtion to this wonderful series.
Addie is a favorite protagnist of mine as she is independent and stands on her own. She has built her life around her successful bookstore and her grand inherited Victorian home that was left to her by a Aunt. Addie is a smart savvy protaganist who can find clues to murder suspects and often solves cases for the local police.
In this next in series Addie and her long time love interest are getitng married when the wedding is stopped and it is discovered that Simon is already married to the local vet. Addie is devastated . Simon then takes up with the former wife when its found he has a son. Not one to feel sorry for herself Addie pushes Simon aside to deal with his new family . Addie dives into a family mystery when she discovers a secret room in her home and a wedding dress left behind. As she investigates the family mystery of the dress and who it belonged to family revalations come to light that will forever change Addie and what she knew of her family. She finds fascinating journals left behind and a treasure trove of books that tell their own story of her family.
When a murder occurs at a party to welcome Simon's son the local detective asks Addie assistance in decifering clues that only she can find. Between the case study and her new family mystery Addie forges ahead on her own and takes back her life.
I loved this next in series. Addie is a smart savvy protagnist who is talented at solving clues others do not see. Her relationships with friends are endearing . The sleuth was well crafted and kept me guessing to conclusion. I love how the author builds the sleuth with red herrings abound and clues that are always surprising. This is a cozy series that has all the right elements we cozy lovers enjoy. I highly recommend this next in series for your reading enjoyment. A excellent addtion to this wonderful series.
August 14, 2023
As Addie and her husband-to-be kneel at the altar, someone rushes in to stop the marriage. With her life's plans thrown into shambles (yet again), Addie throws herself into investigating the sad life of the great aunt who left her the very house she lives in. And when there's a murder in her neighborhood, she decides to leave it all to the police chief, her best friend's brother (and her ex=beau). She will concentrate on an older death--the death of her great-aunt's fiance that set her on the course to life-long spinsterhood. Little does she know that this historical research will land her right in a killer's sights.
August 23, 2024
It’s been awhile since I’ve picked up this series because I just don’t ever want it to end!! It took me a minute to remember who everyone was but nothing out of the ordinary. The whole “event” with Simon in this one is just….WILD. I 100% wanted to kick him in the back of the knee a few times. 😒
The mystery, or should I say mysterIES, were all woven together and a 70 year old case was just what this series needed -I loved it! My only concern was the sheer amount of characters -there were a LOT of suspects!
Addie had some very difficult decisions to make in this one and I’m immediately jumping into book 10!
The mystery, or should I say mysterIES, were all woven together and a 70 year old case was just what this series needed -I loved it! My only concern was the sheer amount of characters -there were a LOT of suspects!
Addie had some very difficult decisions to make in this one and I’m immediately jumping into book 10!
November 9, 2023
It’s so disappointing when an author chooses constant conflict instead of resolution. This is a wonderful and fun series that doesn’t need so much drama to make them interesting. The mysteries she creates and walks the reader through to solve them are well done The books are worth the read without so much relationship drama.
June 14, 2023
Cozy mystery featuring Addie as the main character. When her wedding is stopped she starts to look in her attic for answers concerning her past. What she finds turns her life upside down. The book was an easy read
March 15, 2023
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy. This book was well written, as usual, and quite compelling. You will find that you can't put it down and definitely need to know what is going to happen next. That all being said, I don't know why the author dislikes her main character so much! I have never, especially in a cozy mystery, seen an author have her heroine suffer so much emotional distress over the course of a series. I will not say more as I have no wish to ruin the book for other readers, Addie does end up solving two murders in this book, a present day one, that for once she really isn't trying to solve and a 70 year old cold case that involves a find she makes in her Aunt's attic. A compelling yet sad read for me.
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