Death in the Romance Aisle

Survivors' Book Club Mystery #3

by Lynn Cahoon

Genres: Cozy Mystery, Mystery, Audiobook, Fiction, Cozy, Romance, Mystery Thriller

212 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 5, 2023

About the author

NYT and USA Today bestselling author, Lynn Cahoon, writes the Tourist Trap, Cat Latimer, Farm-to-Fork, Kitchen Witch, Survivors' Book Club, the Haunted Life, and the Bainbridge Island cozy mystery series. No matter where the mystery is set, readers can expect a fun ride Sign up for her newsletter at www.lynncahoon.com

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Romance Aisle is the latest Lynn Cahoon novel in the Survivors' Book Club Mysteries. Rarity Cole is a breast cancer survivor who opened a book shop, only to find herself -- more often than not -- helping the local police solve murders in Sedona. She's also fallen in love with a sexy hiking explorer, Archer, who runs his own adventure company, and she's momma to a small dog named Killer. Killer protects her frequently, and this installment is no exception. Rarity's bestie's brother, Marcus, comes to town, and within 3 days, Rarity's newest employee is found dead on a hike. Marcus had accompanied her on it, but swears he didn't kill the girl. Unfortunately, his sister, Rarity's bestie Sam, has heard that story before. Something similar happened to Marcus over a decade ago. Has history repeated itself or is someone taking advantage of the similarity to put the blame on him? I enjoyed the book, but it's still early on in the series and I'm not yet sure which characters are working or are in need of a jump start. The setting is charming, and I like Rarity a lot, but her friends and support system aren't as strong as I'd like them to be. They protect her but they are also too direct about it. I want to see Rarity stand up for herself more, maybe even meet members of her family so we know what happened in her own past. The writing is solid, as always with Lynn Cahoon, and I'm eager to read more.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The third book in this series about Rarity Cole who runs a bookstore in Sedona and also organises a support group for cancer survivors like herself.

When one of her employees is murdered and her best friend's brother is the main suspect, Rarity and her group of survivors and wannabe sleuths leap into action. Help is also forthcoming from her boyfriend, Archer, and a tiny bit from her dog, Killer.

This book is nice, easy reading with interesting characters, several possible suspects and a satisfying mystery. Well worth reading. Four stars.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Gloria · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lynn Cahoon's books are an automatic read for me. I enjoy her writing style, her characters, and plots. I like the bookstore setting and the food, coffee themes. In this new story, Rarity has hired college students to help the shop and is starting some new book clubs for children and youth, in addition to the Survivors Book Club. They are working out wonderfully until one of her new hires is killed. A connection to the brother of her best friend Sam is making things awkward because he and Janey were together about the time she was killed. To complicate matters, something from his past makes it worse. But Rarity and her friends put their sleuthing hats on to find answers. There are several avenues to investigate and different suspects to check out. This is nice new episode in the life of Rarity, Archer, and friends.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. All thoughts are mine.

[Tiffany aka Chai Tea And Books · Rating 3 out of 5]

For such a short book, this took me a bit to get into. I did enjoy this cozy mystery, and I loved the whole cast of characters. I jumped into this series on the third book, but this can be read as a standalone. I don’t know the deep background of all the characters, but I never felt like I was lacking anything. The plot was a bit predictable, but cozy mysteries can be that way sometimes. There were still some bits that surprised me though, so I’ll take it! Overall a good mystery to pick up.

Rarity runs her bookstore in Sedona. Her Tuesday night book club started with other fellow cancer survivors, and now she is expanding to other book clubs. She hired two candidates from the college, and they are working out great. Until one of them is murdered, and her best friend’s brother is the prime suspect. The Murder Club is back to investigating, the question is will they clear Marcus’ name or help prove his guilt?

[Dawn Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I was about 15% into this book when I remembered that I was not going to request/read this series anymore. This was just solidified by the end [which was so meh and anticlimactic and was not until 20min left in the book - so rushed and unsatisfying and just meh; I like to be a the edge of my seat, or close to it and this, much like book 2, did not do that at all. In fact all I got was sprained eyeballs from rolling them so hard] and to be honest, I am really disappointed.

Look, I really like this author and have read a lot of her books/series [I am in LOVE with the kitchen witch series - SO fantastic and I loved the Farm-to-Fork series and was so sad when it was finished], but I have struggled with this series from the beginning. I have a hard time believing the MC [who I like mostly - her caring heart and empathy really speaks to me, her ability to do REALLY dumb things, not so much] is in her 30's by the way she acts and talks [there is SO. MUCH. DRAMA. in this book I thought I was reading a book about 15 year olds in HS] and the way the group is when they are all together....sigh. I DID love that Shirley took center stage in this one and boy does she shine. What a glorious turn of events!! She was the very best of this whole book, and I will be honest, there were moments she was the only reason I kept reading [the MC thinking this "HOW could Sam let her love for her brother destroy her relationship with Drew?" almost made me rage quit. You are NOT supposed to pick a new boyfriend over family. Seriously. That whole line of thinking was infuriating]. Unfortunately, it was not enough for me to want to continue to read the series. Really, really, disappointing.

Thank you to NetGalley, Lynn Cahoon, and Kensington Books for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#DeathintheRomanceAisle #NetGalley is another outstanding book by Lynn Cahoon.
Rarity Cole is doing well with her book store, and with the addition of two new employees, she hopes to increase
the reading programs she offers.
Rarity's best friend Sam is excited to share the news that her brother is finally coming for a visit, and she's hoping to build a better relationship with him. Things take a bad turn when a body is discovered at the quarry, and Sam's brother is the main suspect.
I like the friendships in this series, the different personalities really make the story flow smoothly.
I'm happy to recommend this series to readers of all genres.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.

[Micky Cox · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series is full of such well-developed characters of different backgrounds as well as generations that blend seamlessly to make a cohesive group of friends and sleuthing partners! The Survivors book club was started by Rarity, our main character and bookshop owner, for fellow cancer survivors and their support teams, but has morphed into a solid group of friends who also tend to poke into local crimes to help solve the mystery. One of their own is at the center of this mystery and it is tearing at the fabric of the friendships. Can the group solve it fast enough to save the friendships or will the fabric be torn beyond repair. I've long been a fan of this author, but I must confess that this series is quickly becoming one of my all-time favorites. The cast is a bit more mature and the relationships more real to make for an overall deeper reading experience. I absolutely can't wait for the next book to come out!

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thank you #netgalley and #LyricalUnderground for providing me with another eARC of a delightful read by Lynn Cahoon.

Let me premise with that I met Lynn Cahoon at a #Kensington Cozy book event and actually got to speak with her just after I had read the part where they find the dead body. I even told her I was surprised by who died. I just thought it would be one of 2 other characters. Lynn is delightful, down to earth and I can now feel her presence in the main character of Rarity for this series.

I really enjoy this series and recommend reading from the beginning. Death in the Romance Aisle can be read as a standalone, but reading at least the 1st book in the series will give you a better connection to the ladies in the book club.

Rarity's book shop is expanding and she has hired two new employees to help with book club duties as well as help expand the book genres she carries. As expected, a murder happens and again Rarity's book store, survivor book club, and life becomes the center of a murder investigation as well forming their own inquiry to solve it! As far as the murder mystery, it is a cozy and you will find a satisfactory ending. I won't say it's predictable, but things are revealed in the last chapters that help the reader realize who, but you have to wait for the why. What really makes this story is following all the characters and their lives. The women are connected by surviving their battles with cancer. A love of books, and generally have a caring and often a real friendship with all the ups and downs and arguments and uncertainties that happen. Even without the murders that happen, I want to read about what's happening in this little town and all the characters. But the murders do add excitement! And I really like how Rarity is echoing the readers thoughts on why there are so many murders that she ends up linked to. I also enjoyed her finding the support from the community as much as finding herself want to support them. A solid read with great characters and a murder mystery that helps them dive deeper into supporting the living.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Sam's brother Marcus is in town and thinking about moving to Sedona. Sam brings him to Darby's going away party and he meets Janey. Janey just started working at the bookstore organizing book clubs. Janey and Marcus go out on a couple of dates and then Janey is found dead. Marcus is suspect #1. Sam is upset at everyone for thinking he could do that.

This one was a tad slow. I mostly kept reading to find out who would kill Janey. I keep getting this book series confused with the Tourist Trap series.

[Kim · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rarity is excited about expanding her book clubs to the community children and teens. She hires college students to help run the new book discussions. When one of her newly hired employees is found dead and her best friend's brother is a suspect. Rarity and the survivor's book club dive into the investigation immediately.

It is still early in the series (book 3), therefore the characters are still developing. I feel that I am still getting to know Rarity and her friends. Rarity is a survivor, she is smart and caring. The mystery is well-plotted. There are plenty of twists, turns, and red herrings to keep you engaged in finding the killer. I look forward to the next book in the series and the development of the characters.

All thoughts and opinions are my own, I have not been influenced by anyone.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book,. This series is ok although I like the Tourist Trap series and characters better. I liked how the characters in this book stick together and work together to solve the mystery. They did hit on the murderer fairly early but really couldn’t find any proof. The reveal of the murderer is fairly dramatic and thankful Killer is ok.. The title is misleading as the death doesn’t occur in the romance aisle or even in the book store. #DeathintheRomanceAisle #NetGalley

[Taryn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rarity is happy and looking forward to making some changes in her bookstore especially in the romance aisle, it definitely needs some beefing up. Her friend Sam also has something to look forward too, her brother Marcus is coming for a visit. They honor his visit by throwing a party so he can meet all of Sam's friends. He is thinking of relocating to the area which makes Sam very happy. When a body is found near the local watering hole Marcus soon becomes a suspect. He had a date with the girl that was killed not long before her death. It doesn't help he has a secret from his past that might work against him. Rarity hates what this is.doing to Sam so she gets the Book club together so they can investigate. Will they find the real killer or has he already been found?

[Christine · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Survivors' Book Club mystery series which is centered around a bookstore in Sedona, Arizona. The main character, Rarity Cole, and most of the other members of her Tuesday night book club are cancer survivors. They do discuss books in their club, but also solve real life murders.

This time the case hits close to home because the brother of one of their members is the prime suspect, and group members have mixed feelings about his guilt. Rarity's best friend Sam is certain of her brother's innocence and won't hear one word against him, even when the group is just speculating on possibilities as part of their investigation. Rarity hopes the case can be resolved before the wrong person has to pay the price, and also before friendships within their group are destroyed beyond repair.

This book is probably my favorite of the series, so if you've been following the series, you will enjoy it! If you're new to the book, you can catch on to the mystery with no problems but the first book does give a better introduction to the main characters.

I received this book from Lyrical Press, Kensington Books, and NetGalley at no cost, but my review is voluntary and unbiased.

[Blue · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rarity owns a bookstore in Sedona, Arizona. She and her employees like planning bookclubs. These clubs add a special charm to the store. When death comes to town, Rarity's friends and employees are willing to help investigate the murder.

The bookstore setting is fun. Hearing people tell why they have decided on the book they have chosen is interesting. The answer to why is as complicated as why we want peaches and not bananas. It is also entertaining wondering why people like Rarity have a an over zealous need to find the solution to such horrible happenings. This is not Rarity's first time. She has fallen into other investigations. Rarity's main squeeze is "Killer." He happens to love all of Rarity's friends. Killer is a Yorkie.

This cozy includes family members. When family loyalty and love is involved, it is harder to conclude who might have done the awful act. "Death In The Romance Aisle" bounces our emotions around. There is time for a laugh but there is also time for a tear. Hurrah for "Death In The Romance Aisle by Lynn Cahoon.

[Grace · Rating 4 out of 5]

I've been meaning to read more cozy mysteries, and with this title, this book seemed like a perfect start. (Note, while this is book 3 in a series, this felt like a standalone where I didn't feel confused about what happened in previous books).

At the heart of this book is Rarity Cole - owner of The Next Chapter bookstore, runner of the Survivors' Book Club, and mystery crime solver on the side. As the bookstore is looking to expand activities with local readers, adding new book club events with two new hires, things should be settling. However, when one of those two hired, Janey Ford, is found dead, things begin to get a lot more chaotic.

While Rarity seems a bit like a busybody getting into what should be the police business, she has good connections within the force to be treated respectfully and not as a nuisance. And her sleuthing does turn up some results to move the case along.

A good portion of the book is spent on the community that supports and protects Rarity. I loved how she formed these strong connections that others went out of their way to have her back. I also loved how she promoted her store to bring in more locals who shared an interest in books (a dream job).

Overall, while I think the mystery in this one wasn't so complex, the story delivered on the cozy element. Made me want to travel back to Sedona to find a store like this.

*An ARC was received via NetGalley for an honest review.

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[Karen Stallman · Rating 5 out of 5]

Death in the Romance Aisle” by Lynn Cahoon book 3 in the Survivors Book Club Mystery series. I love this series, it’s entertaining full of loveable characters and a furbaby named Killer. Once again the story was engaging, really well-written, and I love the setting in the desert town of Sedona Arizona. Rarity is excited about expanding the romance section of her store—but not nearly as excited as her best friend Sam is about reuniting with her brother after many years. Marcus makes the trek from California to Arizona, is welcomed with a party, and hints that he may stick around now that remote work is an option. But is it just a coincidence that not long after his arrival, a body is found near a local swimming hole? Especially considering that the dead woman had recently gone on a date with him—and even worse, that Marcus has a startling secret in his past? The police suspect him, but Rarity hopes to find another explanation before Sam is once again separated from her sibling—by prison walls . . . The protagonist Rarity was intelligent, likeable, and the friends she made were people I would like to hang out with especially Sam, Shirley, Archer and Drew.

I found myself thoroughly enjoying the story and I like where the romance between Rarity and Archer is going. I can't wait for the next instalment! I highly recommend this cozy mystery series to all my friends who love a cozy with a strong support system of friends in it.

I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from Kensington Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sharni · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the third book in the Survivors' Book Club mystery series - it does reference previous books and it does help knowing the back stories of the book club - so would recommend reading in order.

Lot's of suspects and more than a few red herrings - there was always a sense of danger lurking around the corner in this one.

I love this series - the strength of friendship between the women is so delightful - it faltered a little bit in this installment with Darby heading off to Scotland, Sam withdrawing from the group almost completely when her brother is implicated in the murder and Holly and Malia only appearing briefly. Shirley shined in this one - with her stepping into running several of the book clubs after the death of Janey, one of two new hires at the bookstore.

There was two mentions of Archer, Rarity's boyfriend of a year either sleeping on the couch or in the guest bedroom - which felt a little odd to me - since they are probably in their 30s and especially since they were talking about moving in together.

[Gina · Rating 4 out of 5]

Alas, this book is the end, so far, of the Rarity Cole series. I hope there are more in the works because I really enjoyed these characters and this quirky town. The more I read Lynn Cahoon the more she reminds me of Joanne Fluke (early books), which could be good or bad for you cozy fans! I hope she doesn't get as formulaic as Fluke has in her later years. Right now I'm just having fun reading these and looking forward to a newer one. I'm still disappointed in the Sam/Drew pairing as I don't feel the chemistry like there is with Archer and Rarity but maybe things will change.

If you like small town intrigue, cute dogs and books, you'll like this series. Check it out!

[Lakea · Rating 4 out of 5]

⭐️3.5 stars rounded up ⭐️

This was a clean cozy. That about wraps up everything, as the humor was “run of the mill”, the murder was glossed over, and pretty much nothing of substance happened.

The characters were waaaay to into the dog though. I was actually waiting for the Main Character to ask the murderer to wait while she made arrangements
for someone to come pick up the dog so it’s feels were protected.

[Angela (Kentuckybooklover) Brocato-Skaggs · Rating 4 out of 5]

I am loving this series so much I binged all three in three weeks. No I have to wait for the next one.

I was very pleased that Darby was studying abroad in this book and not a part of it.

I just wish we had a list of the books bought, discussed, and read. Books mentioned in books is how I have learned about many new to be authors.

[Kathy · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5 rounded up
Excellent addition to the series.
Great characters and community. As a breast cancer survivor, I can relate to Rarity quite easily. Whenever I finish a book in this series, I feel content and hopeful.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love this entire series! Thank you Lynn Cahoon!

[Briann · Rating 2 out of 5]

This book bored me to tears. Not only was it predictable, but all the characters were extremely insensitive regarding Janey’s death.

[Lynn · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an enjoyable entry in this series! This time around, a local grad student that Rarity has hired to do some children's book clubs, is murdered while on a hiking date. Unfortunately, the last person to see her alive is Sam's brother, Marcus. While Sam is (of course) convinced that her brother could never kill anyone, the rest of the book club are not so sure. And so, the investigation begins.
All of the usual subjects are here, besides Rarity and the book club, we have Drew and Archer, new hires Caleb and Janey, Sam's brother Marcus and Drew's Dad, Jonathon. I liked the way Shirley, from the book club, is fleshed out in this episode, making her more than background noise. I had a bit of trouble with some of Sam's actions, as well as Rarity's resistance to being "babysat" when she had been threatened, but overall, this was great, and I am SO hoping there will be another in this series!

[Melodie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Romance Aisle is an entertaining new entry in Lynn Cahoon’s A Survivors’ Book Club Mystery series. Rarity Cole owns the book store, The Next Chapter, which is a clever reference to not only the books she sells but her fresh start in Sedona, Arizona after beating cancer. Rarity initially founded a book club for cancer survivors. It has expanded to include a few others, and these days the book club can shift focus from discussing books to solving a murder, as it does when Janey Ford, one of Rarity’s employees is found dead. This book has a leisurely pace and is character/relationship driven. I am a big fan of small town cozy mysteries with recurring characters and this book fits that genre perfectly. The series has a large cast and with Rarity’s best friend Sam’s brother a prime suspect in the murder, Sam steps back leaving a void that secondary characters fill admirably. I especially appreciated Shirley getting her time in the spotlight, as well as Jonathan, Drew’s ex-policeman father. I hope that Shirley will continue to have a more substantial role in future books.

Another thing I appreciated about this book is how it highlights the challenges that small business owners deal with on a daily basis. Rarity has started running four book clubs out of her store, each addressing a different demographic and each adding to the number of book she sells. She also has to deal with staff shortages and long hours.

I enjoyed this book and recommend it. I did think the climax was a bit abrupt, but that really isn’t a big deal. The pleasure in this book was in the journey and in getting to know the characters better. Four Stars.

Thanks, NetGalley, for an ARC copy of this book. I was not required to write a positive review and the opinions stated are solely my own.

[Ms. Sethi · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed the third installment of the Survivors' Book Club Mystery! However, I have read the first two books and definitely feel like this one wouldn't be as good as a stand alone read as you need to have the background and cumulative character development to really appreciate the developments and some of the more dramatic events in this book.

I also liked how the author had the main character acknowledge the oddness of how multiple murders seem to involve or be at least somewhat connected to her. It still feels statistically unlikely, but at least there is a recognition of this instead of it being a convenient plot device.

The main character's relationship/love interest seems a little too good to be true (not because her boyfriend cooks and cleans up!) as they never seem to disagree or even get annoyed with each other. Or even if they disagree they never really argue or have any conflict. But that's more of an observation than a real criticism because the dialogue is still well written and not overdone.

*I received an eARC from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

[Jane · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rarity Cole owns a bookstore called The Next Chapter in Sedona. She also runs the Survivors’ Book Club in her bookstore alongside her friend Sam Aarons and Shirley Prescott one of the first members.

Her boyfriend Archer Enders the local hiking expert and tour guide,

Sam’s brother Marcus is on vacation and has come to visit his sister. Sam is dating Drew Anderson, a local police detective, and also a friend of Rarity’s.

Drew shares his concerns with Rarity about Marcus’s behavior and how he treats his sister like he’s self-entitled. Besides what was Marcus’s reason for moving back home? Rarity suspects it’s more than just a breakup.

Meanwhile, Rarity’s employee Darby is moving to Scotland for studies and she’s having a going away party 🎉
Fortunately, Rarity was able to find two new hires—Janey Ford and Caleb Thompson who are both graduate students. In addition to running the bookstore, they’d be handling events for the little kids’ events and middle school club as well.

Soon after the party, Janey is found dead at a quarry. Earlier she’d informed Rarity that She and Marcus were going on a date, then going hiking at that quarry the next day. Marcus soon becomes the suspect but Sam believes her brother is innocent.

Overall an interesting mystery. Would recommend. Thank you to Lynn Cahoon, NetGalley, and Kensington for the arc of this book.

[Chelsea · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really enjoyed this cozy mystery. 😃. All the characters in this small Arizona town made it feel like a place I’d enjoy living at myself. I had some hints about who the culprit was but was surprised nevertheless. I love bookstores so the main setting was great as well. I’ll now read books one and two in the series.

[Caitlin Gonya · Rating 4 out of 5]

Death in the Romance Aisle is book 3 in Lynn Cahoon’s Survivors’ Book Club Mysteries series. Rarity Cole has decided to add more book clubs to her thriving bookstore in Sedona. That means she has also hired two individuals to help since Darcy is leaving for her education in Scotland. Janey and Caleb appear perfect for the bookstore. Sam’s brother, Marcus, has also come to visit, and he hits it off with Janey almost right away.

Unfortunately, Janey is found murdered that the local quarry, and Marcus is the last to have been seen with her. Sam is insistent that her brother isn’t the killer, despite what’s in his past. Can Rarity and the book club find out what really happened? Or is Sam devolving into wishful thinking?

I like returning to Sedona, Rarity Cole, and The Next Chapter, but sometimes I have to stop reading because of the repetitions in the writing. For example, how many times Rarity is worried about her dog Killer and his thoughts of being abandoned. Reading it in almost every chapter begins to be distracting. Same with how surprised Rarity is with the community support, and her “found family.” I wouldn’t have expected those sentiments to be written as many times as they were.

I followed Rarity the whole time, in regard to suspects. There was something really unnerving about one suspect, but the killer themselves was who I expected. Their reasoning also made sense but there was an extra piece that I hadn’t put together.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.

[Melissa · Rating 2 out of 5]

I have tried for the first 2 books in this series to appreciate the MC, but she feels very immature and some of her actions at the end of this book had me pausing the audio and screaming in frustration. There were also several parts of the novel that were not wrapped up, like why Rarity was hit on the head in the context of the it makes no sense; why would the killer be waiting in Sam' shop to harm her and get Rarity by accident. The ending felt very rushed and the loose ends were not explained. It is a shame bc I love the Tourist Trap Mysteries and the Farm to Table series.