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The Cambridge Bookshop #3
The Fatal Folio
In the third in Elizabeth Penney's delightful Cambridge Bookshop series, The Fatal Folio, Molly Kimball is learning that every killer has a story…
After moving to Cambridge, England, Molly Kimball has found a lot to love, including—of course—her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios. And though she’s not quite ready to use the “L” word when it comes to her boyfriend Kieran, she’s definitely fallen for his intimidating family’s library.
His family is paying her handsomely for an updated catalog when Molly discovers the original manuscript of a Gothic novel, A Fatal Folio by the pseudonymous Selwyn Scott. Kieran’s cousin Oliver, a professor specializing in Gothic literature, is eager to publish a paper on the mystery—especially because a troublesome student, Thad, is threatening to file a complaint against him and prevent his long-awaited promotion.
On Guy Fawkes Night, Molly, Kieran, and her friends set out to enjoy the costumes, fireworks, and fun—at least until a stray firework starts a panic, and the group stumbles upon a prone body, their face covered by a mask. It’s Thad, and he’s been stabbed to death.
It soon becomes clear Oliver isn’t the only one with a motive, and Molly must once again put on a few masks of her own to sleuth out Thad’s killer, prove Oliver’s innocence, and discover what Selwyn’s novel might have to do with this most atmospheric mystery…
After moving to Cambridge, England, Molly Kimball has found a lot to love, including—of course—her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios. And though she’s not quite ready to use the “L” word when it comes to her boyfriend Kieran, she’s definitely fallen for his intimidating family’s library.
His family is paying her handsomely for an updated catalog when Molly discovers the original manuscript of a Gothic novel, A Fatal Folio by the pseudonymous Selwyn Scott. Kieran’s cousin Oliver, a professor specializing in Gothic literature, is eager to publish a paper on the mystery—especially because a troublesome student, Thad, is threatening to file a complaint against him and prevent his long-awaited promotion.
On Guy Fawkes Night, Molly, Kieran, and her friends set out to enjoy the costumes, fireworks, and fun—at least until a stray firework starts a panic, and the group stumbles upon a prone body, their face covered by a mask. It’s Thad, and he’s been stabbed to death.
It soon becomes clear Oliver isn’t the only one with a motive, and Molly must once again put on a few masks of her own to sleuth out Thad’s killer, prove Oliver’s innocence, and discover what Selwyn’s novel might have to do with this most atmospheric mystery…
320 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 24, 2023
70 people are currently reading
748 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Penney
88 books529 followersElizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 122 reviews
November 24, 2023
"The Fatal Folio” the 3rd instalment in The Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Cambridge, England. I love this series and always preorder Elizabeth’s books.
Molly Kimball is learning that every killer has a story…
I absolutely loved this story, and read in one day! I liked seeing how Molly and Kieran’s relationship has progressed and seeing her working at Havonhurst to update the libraries catalog. I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom it’s enough to make you wish you were part of their little community or street.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book four!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Molly Kimball is learning that every killer has a story…
I absolutely loved this story, and read in one day! I liked seeing how Molly and Kieran’s relationship has progressed and seeing her working at Havonhurst to update the libraries catalog. I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom it’s enough to make you wish you were part of their little community or street.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book four!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 18, 2023
I enjoyed this book, I would read it again. The title is dead on the subject of the book. I liked the characters, they’re fully formed. The subject of the story is captivating, with the history of the fatal folio mixed in. It was obvious to me who the killer is but I thought it was well concealed til the end. #TheFatalFolio #NetGalley.
October 18, 2023
Thank you Netgallley, St. Martin, and Elizabeth Penney for this arc!
This was such a perfect fall time cozy mystery! Trying to find the secret identity of the author and then there's the mystery behind the murder too! Fast paced and easy to read!
This was such a perfect fall time cozy mystery! Trying to find the secret identity of the author and then there's the mystery behind the murder too! Fast paced and easy to read!
November 3, 2023
4 stars.
Molly accidentally stumbles upon yet another murder on a night where almost everyone is wearing the same masks. Now, this is my type of murder mystery. 🔎 Sign me up and call me Nancy Drew, because I was hooked. 🔎
Then not even 25% of the way into the book another crime happens. There were a lot of mysteries and questions that this book created, but I felt they were all wrapped up rather well.
❤️What I loved about this book:❤️
💞The idea of “The Fatal Folio”, a book that could kill anyone who possesses it was incredibly unique and intriguing.
💞Molly, the FMC, is witty and thinks quickly on her toes to solve all of the mysteries.
💞Molly, apparently has a habit of stumbling into crime scenes and murders.
💞Molly owns a bookshop that has two very cute shop cats. (🐈⬛ I’ll be honest I requested this eARC solely because of the cat on the cover.🐈⬛)
💞Despite this being a murder mystery, I felt that the stakes were low enough for this to be a cozy read before bedtime over a few days.
📖 What I didn’t love about this book: 📖
📕 I truly don’t have any major complaints. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me is that it is number 3 in this series. I haven’t read the first two, which I think if I had I would have enjoyed this book even more. However, this book still worked well as a standalone story.📕 I guess I just have more books to add to my TBR list. 🤷🏻♀️
📚 I would recommend this book to: 📚
📘People who love a good mystery centered around the murder of a university student and a books that kills.
📘People who enjoy being able read and then go to sleep without being scared out of their mind.
📘Cat lovers. The representation of cats and cat behavior in this book was spot on. I loved Puck.
📘People who enjoy a story set in Cambridge.
📘People who read the first two books of this series, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Penney, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I truly enjoyed this book and I hope many other readers add this series to their TBR lists.
Molly accidentally stumbles upon yet another murder on a night where almost everyone is wearing the same masks. Now, this is my type of murder mystery. 🔎 Sign me up and call me Nancy Drew, because I was hooked. 🔎
Then not even 25% of the way into the book another crime happens. There were a lot of mysteries and questions that this book created, but I felt they were all wrapped up rather well.
❤️What I loved about this book:❤️
💞The idea of “The Fatal Folio”, a book that could kill anyone who possesses it was incredibly unique and intriguing.
💞Molly, the FMC, is witty and thinks quickly on her toes to solve all of the mysteries.
💞Molly, apparently has a habit of stumbling into crime scenes and murders.
💞Molly owns a bookshop that has two very cute shop cats. (🐈⬛ I’ll be honest I requested this eARC solely because of the cat on the cover.🐈⬛)
💞Despite this being a murder mystery, I felt that the stakes were low enough for this to be a cozy read before bedtime over a few days.
📖 What I didn’t love about this book: 📖
📕 I truly don’t have any major complaints. The only thing that kept this from being a 5 star read for me is that it is number 3 in this series. I haven’t read the first two, which I think if I had I would have enjoyed this book even more. However, this book still worked well as a standalone story.📕 I guess I just have more books to add to my TBR list. 🤷🏻♀️
📚 I would recommend this book to: 📚
📘People who love a good mystery centered around the murder of a university student and a books that kills.
📘People who enjoy being able read and then go to sleep without being scared out of their mind.
📘Cat lovers. The representation of cats and cat behavior in this book was spot on. I loved Puck.
📘People who enjoy a story set in Cambridge.
📘People who read the first two books of this series, WHAT ARE YOU WAITING FOR?!
Thank you to NetGalley, Elizabeth Penney, and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read the eARC in exchange for an honest review. I truly enjoyed this book and I hope many other readers add this series to their TBR lists.
February 7, 2024
*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*
Third in the series, but a great standalone book as I haven't read anything else by Penney. Molly is living in Cambridge and working at a bookshop. As a librarian, she has been hired to inventory the library at the local manor that is her boyfriend's family home. He shows her an original manuscript called the Fatal Folio that was written by one of his ancestors and they vow to figure out who the author was since he/she was hiding behind a pen name. And then the manuscript is stolen.
Great little village and gothic festival of sorts. It was nice to hear about the walking tour and other aspects of the little college where a murder took place on Guy Fawkes night. The characters were well balanced and quite interesting although there wasn't a lot of police "interference" like there usually is in a cozy mystery.
I would definitely continue with the series.
Third in the series, but a great standalone book as I haven't read anything else by Penney. Molly is living in Cambridge and working at a bookshop. As a librarian, she has been hired to inventory the library at the local manor that is her boyfriend's family home. He shows her an original manuscript called the Fatal Folio that was written by one of his ancestors and they vow to figure out who the author was since he/she was hiding behind a pen name. And then the manuscript is stolen.
Great little village and gothic festival of sorts. It was nice to hear about the walking tour and other aspects of the little college where a murder took place on Guy Fawkes night. The characters were well balanced and quite interesting although there wasn't a lot of police "interference" like there usually is in a cozy mystery.
I would definitely continue with the series.
November 29, 2024
Story inside of another story. I had higher hopes than the story delivered. It was better than OK but would not read again. New author for me.
Library paperback version
Library paperback version
October 8, 2023
A masked murderer, Gothic ambiance, and a long-lost manuscript add up to a great puzzle in the third Cambridge Bookshop mystery. There's also the theft of a valuable folio which may be tied in to the murder of a Cambridge don on a misty Guy Fawkes night. Molly Kimble juggles solving both crimes between selling books and cataloging her aristocratic boyfriend's family library.
Why you should read it: Great Gothic touches, a search for a long-lost manuscript that is as interesting as the main crimes being solved, characters you want to spend time with, and it's set in Cambridge, with all its wonderful history. It's well-plotted and well-written, and there are enough suspects and clues to keep you guessing. There are bookstores and cats, two things that make a good mystery even better!
Why you might not want to: if you're not a fan of Gothics, there may be a few too many references and settings here for you.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
Why you should read it: Great Gothic touches, a search for a long-lost manuscript that is as interesting as the main crimes being solved, characters you want to spend time with, and it's set in Cambridge, with all its wonderful history. It's well-plotted and well-written, and there are enough suspects and clues to keep you guessing. There are bookstores and cats, two things that make a good mystery even better!
Why you might not want to: if you're not a fan of Gothics, there may be a few too many references and settings here for you.
4 out of 5 stars. Recommended.
I received an advance copy from Minotaur Books via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
November 1, 2023
A really good addition to a really enjoyable series. I love the idea of an old bookstore in the ultimate "college town", Cambridge is a book lovers dream and former librarian Molly is so excited to be asked to catalogue her boyfriend's family library. Kieran's family is noble and has a library to match, when the couple decides to join Kieran's cousin who is a professor at one of Cambridge's oldest college for events surrounding Guy Fawkes Day and they find a dead body things get very interesting. The dead body is one of Oliver's students, to add even more drama to the unfolding events a valuable manuscript is stolen from Kieran's family home while on display during a presentation by Oliver and other professors from his college. Is Oliver a killer? He's definitely a suspect and it makes life really interesting for Molly, Kieran, their families and the bookstore family. A great ride for any booklover! Highly recommend.
February 7, 2024
*I received a free copy of this novel from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books for my honest review.*
Third in the series, but a great standalone book as I haven't read anything else by Penney. Molly is living in Cambridge and working at a bookshop. As a librarian, she has been hired to inventory the library at the local manor that is her boyfriend's family home. He shows her an original manuscript called the Fatal Folio that was written by one of his ancestors and they vow to figure out who the author was since he/she was hiding behind a pen name. And then the manuscript is stolen.
Great little village and gothic festival of sorts. It was nice to hear about the walking tour and other aspects of the little college where a murder took place on Guy Fawkes night. The characters were well balanced and quite interesting although there wasn't a lot of police "interference" like there usually is in a cozy mystery.
I would definitely continue with the series.
Third in the series, but a great standalone book as I haven't read anything else by Penney. Molly is living in Cambridge and working at a bookshop. As a librarian, she has been hired to inventory the library at the local manor that is her boyfriend's family home. He shows her an original manuscript called the Fatal Folio that was written by one of his ancestors and they vow to figure out who the author was since he/she was hiding behind a pen name. And then the manuscript is stolen.
Great little village and gothic festival of sorts. It was nice to hear about the walking tour and other aspects of the little college where a murder took place on Guy Fawkes night. The characters were well balanced and quite interesting although there wasn't a lot of police "interference" like there usually is in a cozy mystery.
I would definitely continue with the series.
July 21, 2024
This was a terrific cozy mystery and I enjoyed it very much!
I really like this series. Focusing as it does on books and bookstores in Cambridge, UK, with most of the characters connected to books and book collections makes it perfect for readers who are interested in those things.
This book has two stories: the main plot of the murder and who did it, and a fictional gothic story from long ago, which we get to read in alternating chapters of the book. I loved both stories and thought the parallels were very cleverly worked in.
Molly, our protagonist and the transplanted American who now runs her family's bookshop in Cambridge with her mother and aunt is a great cozy heroine. She does not make the "too stupid to live" choices many cozy MCs do, getting themselves into peril. Instead Molly makes good choices, notifying the authorities rather than haring off all alone and getting herself in trouble. I like Molly a lot.
I will definitely continue reading this series, which I find one of the best cozy series around.
I really like this series. Focusing as it does on books and bookstores in Cambridge, UK, with most of the characters connected to books and book collections makes it perfect for readers who are interested in those things.
This book has two stories: the main plot of the murder and who did it, and a fictional gothic story from long ago, which we get to read in alternating chapters of the book. I loved both stories and thought the parallels were very cleverly worked in.
Molly, our protagonist and the transplanted American who now runs her family's bookshop in Cambridge with her mother and aunt is a great cozy heroine. She does not make the "too stupid to live" choices many cozy MCs do, getting themselves into peril. Instead Molly makes good choices, notifying the authorities rather than haring off all alone and getting herself in trouble. I like Molly a lot.
I will definitely continue reading this series, which I find one of the best cozy series around.
February 28, 2024
Bookseller Molly (and former Vermont librarian) is dating son-of=nobility Kieran, and get the job of cataloging the library at his parents' stately home. Oh, and wouldn't it be great if she found out which of his ancestors was the pseudonymous author of the early Gothic novel that shares a title with this book? (Excerpts of the novel are included.) When a student at Cambridge's oldest college is murdered, Kieran's cousin Oliver, a faculty member, was at odds with the student, and becomes a suspect. When the manuscript of the Gothic novel is stolen, he falls under suspicion for that crime, too. But Molly puts the pieces together, and finally comes up with the real criminal through what is, frankly, a stupidly reckless trap that she sets for the killer.
December 11, 2023
Molly and her mother have left their life in Vermont to hop over the pond to live in England. They've settled in nicely, helping in the family bookstore with Aunt Vivian.
Molly is working for her boyfriends family, cataloging their incredible library and hoping to find the real author of The Fatal Folio, A book written by a family member ages ago.
I liked the story, but I did find myself struggling with some parts.
This is a good series and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Molly is working for her boyfriends family, cataloging their incredible library and hoping to find the real author of The Fatal Folio, A book written by a family member ages ago.
I liked the story, but I did find myself struggling with some parts.
This is a good series and I'm happy to recommend it to other readers.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
December 14, 2023
Really fun third book in the series, and I loved the book within a book on this one. Interesting story and clever clues that kept me guessing. Hope this series continues!
March 3, 2024
Totally enjoying this series.
March 26, 2024
I've read all three in the series and have enjoyed everyone of them
June 17, 2024
It was just ok. I didn’t enjoy it as much as the first two. Seemed to move slowly.
November 16, 2024
I can't get enough of this series and now that I'm all caught up can't wait to read Madrigals and Mayhem!
I loved this third book in the Cambridge Bookshop series and I fall more and more in love with Molly, Aunt Violet, Nina (Molly's Mum), Kieran, Daisy and Tim as well as Kieran's parents and of course the cats Puck & Clarence.
I also really enjoy how the book within a book trope and how the book The Fatal Folio ties into the mystery so well.
I loved this third book in the Cambridge Bookshop series and I fall more and more in love with Molly, Aunt Violet, Nina (Molly's Mum), Kieran, Daisy and Tim as well as Kieran's parents and of course the cats Puck & Clarence.
I also really enjoy how the book within a book trope and how the book The Fatal Folio ties into the mystery so well.
September 10, 2024
I really enjoyed this one. It would be the perfect fall, spooky read. The mystery was good and I enjoyed the book within the book just as much. The characters are a lot of fun. There were so many elements that I loved about this story but no spoilers.
February 22, 2025
Great cozy mystery set in Cambridge, England. Fun and easy read.
March 5, 2025
I’m really enjoying this series so far, but the ‘stories within the stories’ are not doing it for me. Overall though, very much enjoying these cozies.
November 9, 2023
"The Fatal Folio" is book #3 in "The Cambridge Bookshop Series" by Elizabeth Penney.
"After moving to Cambridge, England, Molly Kimball has found a lot to love, including—of course—her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios. And though she’s not quite ready to use the “L” word when it comes to her boyfriend Kieran, she’s definitely fallen for his intimidating family’s library.
His family is paying her handsomely for an updated catalog when Molly discovers the original manuscript of a Gothic novel, A Fatal Folio by the pseudonymous Selwyn Scott. Kieran’s cousin Oliver, a professor specializing in Gothic literature, is eager to publish a paper on the mystery—especially because a troublesome student, Thad, is threatening to file a complaint against him and prevent his long-awaited promotion.
On Guy Fawkes Night, Molly, Kieran, and her friends set out to enjoy the costumes, fireworks, and fun—at least until a stray firework starts a panic, and the group stumbles upon a prone body, their face covered by a mask. It’s Thad, and he’s been stabbed to death.
It soon becomes clear Oliver isn’t the only one with a motive, and Molly must once again put on a few masks of her own to sleuth out Thad’s killer, prove Oliver’s innocence, and discover what Selwyn’s novel might have to do with this most atmospheric mystery…"
My thoughts:
Elizabeth Penney has crafted a story within a story. The Fatal Folio manuscript has been a part of Kieran's family history for generations. Whoever of his ancestors wrote it, a pen name was used when published in the 1840's. The story isn't long but it is woven into the current day plot as Molly and others read it. The 1840's story revolves around a story about yet another book. Sounds confusing? Yes, a little bit but it does all make sense as you read and compare the similarities to the current day storyline.
The one issue I had with the 1840's story was the language style. I haven't read much literature from that era, however the style used here seemed far more modern - especially when there were a few places where Molly reads correspondence of the time regarding the book. Those seemed to be in a more accurate style. A minor point for me though as the way this story is told is easier to grasp than some language of the time.
When Thad is killed, it comes to light just how unpopular and even manipulative he could be. There are the fellow students who share the same part of the campus residence - his cousin Wesley, Josh and Amy (Thad's ex-girlfriend). Then there is Kieran's cousin Professor Oliver Scott as well as Professor Sophie Verona.
Naturally, Kieran and Molly don't want to believe that Oliver could have done it. They think someone might have been trying to frame him. Other suspects may also be on the killers list to be framed. The question is who and what was the real motive?
Setting the current day story around Guy Fawkes Day and a Gothic Festival, adds to the mystery but also includes some fun lighter moments.
Molly, Kieran, Daisy and Tim make a great foursome for fun and detecting. Molly's mum, her Aunt Violet, George Flowers and Sir Jon also add to the interesting characters. George may be an older gentleman but he certainly fit in with the younger crowd at some of the Gothic events.
As for "who done it"? I had it down to two characters but really wasn't sure which one. The reveal was well done and a follow up chapter cleared up remaining questions.
A complex yet entertaining read!
"After moving to Cambridge, England, Molly Kimball has found a lot to love, including—of course—her family’s ancestral bookshop, Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios. And though she’s not quite ready to use the “L” word when it comes to her boyfriend Kieran, she’s definitely fallen for his intimidating family’s library.
His family is paying her handsomely for an updated catalog when Molly discovers the original manuscript of a Gothic novel, A Fatal Folio by the pseudonymous Selwyn Scott. Kieran’s cousin Oliver, a professor specializing in Gothic literature, is eager to publish a paper on the mystery—especially because a troublesome student, Thad, is threatening to file a complaint against him and prevent his long-awaited promotion.
On Guy Fawkes Night, Molly, Kieran, and her friends set out to enjoy the costumes, fireworks, and fun—at least until a stray firework starts a panic, and the group stumbles upon a prone body, their face covered by a mask. It’s Thad, and he’s been stabbed to death.
It soon becomes clear Oliver isn’t the only one with a motive, and Molly must once again put on a few masks of her own to sleuth out Thad’s killer, prove Oliver’s innocence, and discover what Selwyn’s novel might have to do with this most atmospheric mystery…"
My thoughts:
Elizabeth Penney has crafted a story within a story. The Fatal Folio manuscript has been a part of Kieran's family history for generations. Whoever of his ancestors wrote it, a pen name was used when published in the 1840's. The story isn't long but it is woven into the current day plot as Molly and others read it. The 1840's story revolves around a story about yet another book. Sounds confusing? Yes, a little bit but it does all make sense as you read and compare the similarities to the current day storyline.
The one issue I had with the 1840's story was the language style. I haven't read much literature from that era, however the style used here seemed far more modern - especially when there were a few places where Molly reads correspondence of the time regarding the book. Those seemed to be in a more accurate style. A minor point for me though as the way this story is told is easier to grasp than some language of the time.
When Thad is killed, it comes to light just how unpopular and even manipulative he could be. There are the fellow students who share the same part of the campus residence - his cousin Wesley, Josh and Amy (Thad's ex-girlfriend). Then there is Kieran's cousin Professor Oliver Scott as well as Professor Sophie Verona.
Naturally, Kieran and Molly don't want to believe that Oliver could have done it. They think someone might have been trying to frame him. Other suspects may also be on the killers list to be framed. The question is who and what was the real motive?
Setting the current day story around Guy Fawkes Day and a Gothic Festival, adds to the mystery but also includes some fun lighter moments.
Molly, Kieran, Daisy and Tim make a great foursome for fun and detecting. Molly's mum, her Aunt Violet, George Flowers and Sir Jon also add to the interesting characters. George may be an older gentleman but he certainly fit in with the younger crowd at some of the Gothic events.
As for "who done it"? I had it down to two characters but really wasn't sure which one. The reveal was well done and a follow up chapter cleared up remaining questions.
A complex yet entertaining read!
October 25, 2023
Molly Kimball is happy since she left to move with her mother to Cambridge and help at her family’s ancestral bookshop. Not only has she made great friends in Cambridge, Molly met her boyfriend Kieran Scott. Kieran owns the bike shop next door and also happens to be from an aristocratic family who have a 500-year-old library at their manor. Kieran’s parents have contracted Molly to help them catalog their library—a dream assignment for someone like Molly!
To make things even better, Kieran shows her the original manuscript of The Fatal Folio, a gothic novel published in 1842 by Selwyn Scott. Selwyn is an ancestor of Kieran’s but the name was a pen name—no one has ever discovered which of the Scott’s were the actual author of the famous novel. Kieran and his parents gladly accept Molly’s help to try and uncover the original author of the book. Meanwhile, Kieran’s cousin Oliver stops over upset about a complaint a student named Thad Devines has made against him that may impact his promotion to full professor.
Later that evening, Molly and Kieran head out to enjoy the Guy Fawkes Night festivities, but they stumble over a body dressed in black and wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, and witness another person dressed the same way running away from the body. When they go to help the person, they discover it is Thad Devines and he has been stabbed to death.
Oliver is not the only one who might have wanted Thad dead. As Molly begins to look into the murder herself and works to track down the author of the manuscript, things go from bad to worse as someone steals the original manuscript of The Fatal Folio. Molly begins to wonder if the two crimes could be connected...
Like Molly, I was instantly intrigued by the mystery of the writer who went by the penname Selwyn Scott. There were four possible family members who were alive at the time the manuscript was published. I enjoyed that this mystery not only continued throughout the book, but also that researching it tied nicely to the other mystery. Even more delightful, Elizabeth Penney includes excerpts from the novel throughout the book, as Molly reads it while undergoing her research. This book-within-a-book format is something I love!
The murder of Thad is the perfect type of cozy mystery murder. Though Thad is stabbed, the murder itself is not described in any great detail. Thad as a character had made quite a few enemies and that meant that while Oliver looked quite suspicious, there were about four other viable suspects.
One key to the murder seems to be the theft of the original manuscript, The Fatal Folio. While Molly and the police consider these as separate cases at first, there’s something suspicious about them occurring so close in time and involving the same general suspect pool for each.
The conclusions to all three related mysteries came together nicely, and the mystery itself was well-crafted. I liked that none of the suspects could be completely cleared until the end, because it kept me guessing about who was behind the crimes, how they were related, and what the motive might be.
I absolutely fell in love with this series and can’t wait to go back to read the first two, and to continue on with whatever mystery comes to Molly next!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy. Opinions are my own.
To make things even better, Kieran shows her the original manuscript of The Fatal Folio, a gothic novel published in 1842 by Selwyn Scott. Selwyn is an ancestor of Kieran’s but the name was a pen name—no one has ever discovered which of the Scott’s were the actual author of the famous novel. Kieran and his parents gladly accept Molly’s help to try and uncover the original author of the book. Meanwhile, Kieran’s cousin Oliver stops over upset about a complaint a student named Thad Devines has made against him that may impact his promotion to full professor.
Later that evening, Molly and Kieran head out to enjoy the Guy Fawkes Night festivities, but they stumble over a body dressed in black and wearing a Guy Fawkes mask, and witness another person dressed the same way running away from the body. When they go to help the person, they discover it is Thad Devines and he has been stabbed to death.
Oliver is not the only one who might have wanted Thad dead. As Molly begins to look into the murder herself and works to track down the author of the manuscript, things go from bad to worse as someone steals the original manuscript of The Fatal Folio. Molly begins to wonder if the two crimes could be connected...
Like Molly, I was instantly intrigued by the mystery of the writer who went by the penname Selwyn Scott. There were four possible family members who were alive at the time the manuscript was published. I enjoyed that this mystery not only continued throughout the book, but also that researching it tied nicely to the other mystery. Even more delightful, Elizabeth Penney includes excerpts from the novel throughout the book, as Molly reads it while undergoing her research. This book-within-a-book format is something I love!
The murder of Thad is the perfect type of cozy mystery murder. Though Thad is stabbed, the murder itself is not described in any great detail. Thad as a character had made quite a few enemies and that meant that while Oliver looked quite suspicious, there were about four other viable suspects.
One key to the murder seems to be the theft of the original manuscript, The Fatal Folio. While Molly and the police consider these as separate cases at first, there’s something suspicious about them occurring so close in time and involving the same general suspect pool for each.
The conclusions to all three related mysteries came together nicely, and the mystery itself was well-crafted. I liked that none of the suspects could be completely cleared until the end, because it kept me guessing about who was behind the crimes, how they were related, and what the motive might be.
I absolutely fell in love with this series and can’t wait to go back to read the first two, and to continue on with whatever mystery comes to Molly next!
Thank you to St. Martin’s Press for my copy. Opinions are my own.
December 31, 2023
Review originally published on my blog, Musings of a Bookish Kitty: https://www.literaryfeline.com/2023/1...
Molly Kimball is an American ex-pat living in Cambridge with her mom and Great-Aunt. They run the family's ancestral bookshop called Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios. Molly has been hired by her boyfriend Kiernan Scott's family to update their family's library catalog. In addition to that, she's taken on the task of uncovering the true identity of the author behind an original manuscript of a Gothic novel called A Fatal Folio. It is especially of interest to Kiernan's cousin, Oliver, a professor at one of the local colleges, who plans to write a book about the manuscript and its author.
While on their way to meet Oliver one night, Molly and her friends stumble upon a man who has been stabbed. It turns out he wasn't a very well liked person, and Oliver is among the top suspects. It isn't long before Molly finds herself in the middle of trying to figure out who committed the murder and if and how it might be tied to the old manuscript.
Although this is the third book in the Cambridge Bookshop mystery series, it was my first. I imagine there is some background information about the regular characters I may have been missing jumping into the series here, but I never felt lost and still felt like I got a good sense of who everyone was. I love the setting--Cambridge and the bookstore. I especially love the library at the Scott's estate. So much history in the books on the shelves and tucked in the nooks and crannies there!
Within the novel, is another story, written as if we are reading A Fatal Folio right alongside Molly. It's an intriguing Gothic tale, and I found myself just as interested in finding out what happened to the characters of that story as I did to the main mystery. It complemented the main storyline and in no way overshadowed it.
Molly is smart and relatable. She has a good relationship with the local law enforcement officials, which I think worked to everyone's advantage. I would enjoy going back and reading the first two books in the series, perhaps seeing how Kiernan and Molly meet and reading about her first impressions of her new life in Cambridge. There are adorable bookstore cats who make multiple appearances. The Fatal Folio is just the kind of cozy mystery I love to cuddle up with.
Molly Kimball is an American ex-pat living in Cambridge with her mom and Great-Aunt. They run the family's ancestral bookshop called Thomas Marlowe-Manuscripts and Folios. Molly has been hired by her boyfriend Kiernan Scott's family to update their family's library catalog. In addition to that, she's taken on the task of uncovering the true identity of the author behind an original manuscript of a Gothic novel called A Fatal Folio. It is especially of interest to Kiernan's cousin, Oliver, a professor at one of the local colleges, who plans to write a book about the manuscript and its author.
While on their way to meet Oliver one night, Molly and her friends stumble upon a man who has been stabbed. It turns out he wasn't a very well liked person, and Oliver is among the top suspects. It isn't long before Molly finds herself in the middle of trying to figure out who committed the murder and if and how it might be tied to the old manuscript.
Although this is the third book in the Cambridge Bookshop mystery series, it was my first. I imagine there is some background information about the regular characters I may have been missing jumping into the series here, but I never felt lost and still felt like I got a good sense of who everyone was. I love the setting--Cambridge and the bookstore. I especially love the library at the Scott's estate. So much history in the books on the shelves and tucked in the nooks and crannies there!
Within the novel, is another story, written as if we are reading A Fatal Folio right alongside Molly. It's an intriguing Gothic tale, and I found myself just as interested in finding out what happened to the characters of that story as I did to the main mystery. It complemented the main storyline and in no way overshadowed it.
Molly is smart and relatable. She has a good relationship with the local law enforcement officials, which I think worked to everyone's advantage. I would enjoy going back and reading the first two books in the series, perhaps seeing how Kiernan and Molly meet and reading about her first impressions of her new life in Cambridge. There are adorable bookstore cats who make multiple appearances. The Fatal Folio is just the kind of cozy mystery I love to cuddle up with.
September 7, 2025
The Fatal Folio is one of those genres of books I like to read between the heavy-hitters as I am always in need of some easy, fun reads to give myself a break. This one fit that bill quite nicely as it was interesting, fun, but didn't necessarily have a lot of depth to it.
It's always fun to continue a series and see how the characters develop and to be honest, I like a series where the romantic relationship is not full of drama and miscommunications, where the adults actually talk to each other and discuss their issues, so this is always a bonus in my eyes. Both Kieran and Molly are main characters that are interesting and don't typically do anything silly when they are investigating. I enjoy Molly's interactions with her family, with whom she lives, and like learning more about how they manage the bookshop they co-own. I mean, I am a book girly, so why wouldn't I find that interesting?
The plot itself was a bit erratic and while I thought the inclusion of the story within the story was interesting, to be honest, it really had no purpose as it didn't have anything to do with the actual mystery. And while there was a lot going on in this book, and there seemed to be a lot of twists and turns because of all the events, in hindsight, there really wasn't and the actual mystery was pretty shallow and predictable. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but it was quite easy to figure things out as they happened and I would have liked a few more red herrings. And even though I read this just a few weeks ago, I actually had to look at my notes to remember the ending as I couldn't remember what happened; it just wasn't something that was memorable and stuck in my head.
The Fatal Folio definitely had some things going for it such as the descriptions of the city as well as some unique background information, something I really appreciated. The mystery itself was a bit muddled and I found it to be quite simplistic and easy to figure out. There were also some contradictory statements with regards to Molly's knowledge of things that I noticed, but not enough to really bug me too much, just something that as a librarian she would have known. Otherwise, even though this wasn't my favourite of the series, it was still fun. The publisher did send me a copy of all the books in the series so on to the next one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
It's always fun to continue a series and see how the characters develop and to be honest, I like a series where the romantic relationship is not full of drama and miscommunications, where the adults actually talk to each other and discuss their issues, so this is always a bonus in my eyes. Both Kieran and Molly are main characters that are interesting and don't typically do anything silly when they are investigating. I enjoy Molly's interactions with her family, with whom she lives, and like learning more about how they manage the bookshop they co-own. I mean, I am a book girly, so why wouldn't I find that interesting?
The plot itself was a bit erratic and while I thought the inclusion of the story within the story was interesting, to be honest, it really had no purpose as it didn't have anything to do with the actual mystery. And while there was a lot going on in this book, and there seemed to be a lot of twists and turns because of all the events, in hindsight, there really wasn't and the actual mystery was pretty shallow and predictable. It's not that I didn't enjoy it, but it was quite easy to figure things out as they happened and I would have liked a few more red herrings. And even though I read this just a few weeks ago, I actually had to look at my notes to remember the ending as I couldn't remember what happened; it just wasn't something that was memorable and stuck in my head.
The Fatal Folio definitely had some things going for it such as the descriptions of the city as well as some unique background information, something I really appreciated. The mystery itself was a bit muddled and I found it to be quite simplistic and easy to figure out. There were also some contradictory statements with regards to Molly's knowledge of things that I noticed, but not enough to really bug me too much, just something that as a librarian she would have known. Otherwise, even though this wasn't my favourite of the series, it was still fun. The publisher did send me a copy of all the books in the series so on to the next one.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher.
September 11, 2023
How have I managed to miss this great series until now? I definitely have some catch-up reading to do although, quite frankly, this worked wonderfully as a standalone. The characters were nicely introduced, as well as their relationships to one another, and, oh, my, I'm in love with the setting. I kept wishing I somehow had the ability to twitch my nose and transport myself to Cambridge in time to catch up with Molly, Kieran, and their families and friends. True, I might want to skip a Guy Fawkes Night celebration but would love to tag along on the tours they were able to get. Heck, I'd settle for seeing the tree grafted from Newton's original apple tree from his childhood home although, well, who wouldn't want to explore an ancient cemetery, listen to tales of headless monks, or learn about Black Shuck, the dog that inspired Doyle's Baskerville hound?
I'm a sucker for character driven books which this one showcases, plus it adds history, books, and lore and the fun of being a virtual tourist. The characters are likable and the plot is well-crafted and moves along smoothly. We even get insight into what makes the suspects tick. I won't detail the mystery (see the blurb) but it's intriguing. In fact, there's more than one mystery, both old and new. As for the new, who killed Thad Devine? It isn't like there isn't a host of suspects. He seemed to have the knack of annoying just about everyone from his lodging mates to professors. There's even some romance, which appears to be one that has slowly built over previous books, and Molly and Keiran seem to make a lovely pair that we'd all say were "perfect together". Speaking of books, after all this is a bookshop mystery, lots of titles and author names pop up, a feast for us bookaholics. And, hey, don't forget the cats! And wait till you hear about Kieran's childhood home, er manor. Ancestral, with family portraits dating back centuries. And, oh, it had a moat. Yep, rather fancy. Molly describes its library as a "window into history", in fact.
Bottom line, I loved it and have added this series to my "must read" list. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Molly and all those about her. I'll definitely be catching up asap and then waiting for the next adventure.
I'm a sucker for character driven books which this one showcases, plus it adds history, books, and lore and the fun of being a virtual tourist. The characters are likable and the plot is well-crafted and moves along smoothly. We even get insight into what makes the suspects tick. I won't detail the mystery (see the blurb) but it's intriguing. In fact, there's more than one mystery, both old and new. As for the new, who killed Thad Devine? It isn't like there isn't a host of suspects. He seemed to have the knack of annoying just about everyone from his lodging mates to professors. There's even some romance, which appears to be one that has slowly built over previous books, and Molly and Keiran seem to make a lovely pair that we'd all say were "perfect together". Speaking of books, after all this is a bookshop mystery, lots of titles and author names pop up, a feast for us bookaholics. And, hey, don't forget the cats! And wait till you hear about Kieran's childhood home, er manor. Ancestral, with family portraits dating back centuries. And, oh, it had a moat. Yep, rather fancy. Molly describes its library as a "window into history", in fact.
Bottom line, I loved it and have added this series to my "must read" list. Thanks #NetGalley and #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for introducing me to Molly and all those about her. I'll definitely be catching up asap and then waiting for the next adventure.
May 26, 2024
Originally posted on my blog Nonstop Reader.
The Fatal Folio is the third Cambridge Bookshop cozy by Elizabeth Penney. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a fun and engaging bookstore cozy set in Cambridge (the one in the UK). This installment follows on from the previous books with MC Molly back again to help untangle an academic adjacent murder and a previously undiscovered Gothic manuscript in her boyfriend's family's ancestral library..
The book is admittedly formulaic, but it is very well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. I liked Molly's enthusiasm and honesty. There's some romance, but it doesn't overpower the plot. There were a few twists on the way, and the ending is satisfying and complete. The language is squeaky clean without on page violence.
Four stars, entertaining and full of whimsy. With three books extant in the series and a fourth due out in late fourth quarter 2024, it would make a good choice for a series binge or buddy read. With a popular, prolific, competent author and a mainstream publisher, it will likely already be on the acquisition lists for most public libraries and would be worth a search for fans of shopfront light whimsical cozies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
The Fatal Folio is the third Cambridge Bookshop cozy by Elizabeth Penney. Released 24th Oct 2023 by Macmillan on their St. Martin's Press imprint, it's 288 pages and is available in mass market paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is a fun and engaging bookstore cozy set in Cambridge (the one in the UK). This installment follows on from the previous books with MC Molly back again to help untangle an academic adjacent murder and a previously undiscovered Gothic manuscript in her boyfriend's family's ancestral library..
The book is admittedly formulaic, but it is very well written and fun and full of the whimsical amateur cozy vibe which keeps readers of the genre ticking over the pages. I liked Molly's enthusiasm and honesty. There's some romance, but it doesn't overpower the plot. There were a few twists on the way, and the ending is satisfying and complete. The language is squeaky clean without on page violence.
Four stars, entertaining and full of whimsy. With three books extant in the series and a fourth due out in late fourth quarter 2024, it would make a good choice for a series binge or buddy read. With a popular, prolific, competent author and a mainstream publisher, it will likely already be on the acquisition lists for most public libraries and would be worth a search for fans of shopfront light whimsical cozies.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
September 28, 2023
If you’re going to commit a murder, do it on a night when mask-wearers abound.
During Guy Fawkes celebrations, student Thad Devine is murdered on the grounds of St. Aelred, one of Cambridge, England’s, oldest and smallest colleges. The prime suspect is Oliver Scott. A professor up for promotion, Scott held a grudge against Devine. Oliver Scott is also cousin to Kieran Scott.
Kieran is Molly Kimble’s boyfriend, and she has a knack for stumbling into murders. Having her boyfriend’s cousin the prime suspect in Devine’s murder isn’t a spot she wants to be in, but here she is.
Before Molly can make any headway on the murder, the priceless manuscript The Fatal Folio is stolen during the Gothic Literature symposium, and Molly finds herself in the middle of mystery #2.
As Molly investigates both cases, the circle of suspects widens beyond Oliver, but not by much. All of Molly’s murder suspects either work for or are students at St. Aelred’s and also have ties to the symposium, meaning not only are they murder suspects, but suspects in the theft of The Final Folio. Will her investigating lead to a murderer? Will she recover the stolen manuscript before it’s sold to the highest bidder on the black market?
My Thoughts
The Final Folio is a quick and easy read. The number of suspects kept me guessing about the murderer’s identity and the murderer’s motivation. Another plus was the inclusion of an old library. Molly was hired to catalogue the library at Hazelhurst House, the Scotts’ ancestral home and that was a definite plus in my book. (Pun intended.) If you like old libraries, rare manuscripts, and murder, then this novel may be for you.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing a free copy of #TheFatalFolio for review. All opinions are my own.
During Guy Fawkes celebrations, student Thad Devine is murdered on the grounds of St. Aelred, one of Cambridge, England’s, oldest and smallest colleges. The prime suspect is Oliver Scott. A professor up for promotion, Scott held a grudge against Devine. Oliver Scott is also cousin to Kieran Scott.
Kieran is Molly Kimble’s boyfriend, and she has a knack for stumbling into murders. Having her boyfriend’s cousin the prime suspect in Devine’s murder isn’t a spot she wants to be in, but here she is.
Before Molly can make any headway on the murder, the priceless manuscript The Fatal Folio is stolen during the Gothic Literature symposium, and Molly finds herself in the middle of mystery #2.
As Molly investigates both cases, the circle of suspects widens beyond Oliver, but not by much. All of Molly’s murder suspects either work for or are students at St. Aelred’s and also have ties to the symposium, meaning not only are they murder suspects, but suspects in the theft of The Final Folio. Will her investigating lead to a murderer? Will she recover the stolen manuscript before it’s sold to the highest bidder on the black market?
My Thoughts
The Final Folio is a quick and easy read. The number of suspects kept me guessing about the murderer’s identity and the murderer’s motivation. Another plus was the inclusion of an old library. Molly was hired to catalogue the library at Hazelhurst House, the Scotts’ ancestral home and that was a definite plus in my book. (Pun intended.) If you like old libraries, rare manuscripts, and murder, then this novel may be for you.
Thanks to #NetGalley and #StMartinsPress for providing a free copy of #TheFatalFolio for review. All opinions are my own.
October 25, 2023
Above average cozy set in Cambridge with lots of books - perfect for a day at the beach.
Fall, Cambridge: Fall is the slow season for their bookstore, so Molly Kimball is cataloging the library of her boyfriend Kieran’s family. It’s been in the family for centuries, so has lots of rare books, including the original manuscript of A Fatal Folio. A Fatal Folio was written by Selwyn Scott, a pseudonym of one of Kieran’s ancestors, and Molly thinks she can figure out who actually wrote it.
Before she gets too far into her research however, she and some friends find the student of one of Kieran’s cousins stabbed. They saw the attacker, too, only it was Guy Fawkes Night, and the individual was dressed in black and wearing a mask - along with dozens of other people. Unfortunately, Kieran’s cousin has a motive for stabbing the student. Molly now has a killer to unmask along with finding who was Selwyn Scott.
I enjoyed this book. Molly is a likable character. I really enjoyed the subplot surrounding who wrote A Fatal Folio and the included text of it. I’ve read some novels that used a similar technique of including a book within a book that were unsuccessful; in this case, however, I think it worked well. The sub book (so to speak) only contained a few characters, and it was a different genre from the main plot. And even though this wasn’t the first book in the series, it was a good stand alone - I could easily follow all the characters and their relationships with each other.
All together an enjoyable read! Recommended.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.
Fall, Cambridge: Fall is the slow season for their bookstore, so Molly Kimball is cataloging the library of her boyfriend Kieran’s family. It’s been in the family for centuries, so has lots of rare books, including the original manuscript of A Fatal Folio. A Fatal Folio was written by Selwyn Scott, a pseudonym of one of Kieran’s ancestors, and Molly thinks she can figure out who actually wrote it.
Before she gets too far into her research however, she and some friends find the student of one of Kieran’s cousins stabbed. They saw the attacker, too, only it was Guy Fawkes Night, and the individual was dressed in black and wearing a mask - along with dozens of other people. Unfortunately, Kieran’s cousin has a motive for stabbing the student. Molly now has a killer to unmask along with finding who was Selwyn Scott.
I enjoyed this book. Molly is a likable character. I really enjoyed the subplot surrounding who wrote A Fatal Folio and the included text of it. I’ve read some novels that used a similar technique of including a book within a book that were unsuccessful; in this case, however, I think it worked well. The sub book (so to speak) only contained a few characters, and it was a different genre from the main plot. And even though this wasn’t the first book in the series, it was a good stand alone - I could easily follow all the characters and their relationships with each other.
All together an enjoyable read! Recommended.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.I received a copy of this from NetGalley.com that I voluntarily chose to review.
September 17, 2023
Molly Kimball is settling well into her new life as a part-owner of a Cambridge bookstore that has been in her family for generations. Her new boyfriend Kieran's noble family has hired her to update the catalog for their family library and Molly is looking forward to seeing what treasures the collection holds.
She does know that the family holds the original manuscript for A Fatal Folio by Selwyn Scott - a pseudonymous member of the family. The story is a gem of Gothic literature and will be featured at the conference on Gothic literature to be held at the home and organized by Kieran's cousin Oliver who is hoping to use the conference to cement his promotion to full professor at his Cambridge college. But complaints by Thad, one of his graduate students, threatens to scuttle his chances.
When Molly, Kieran and some of their friends stumble onto Thad's body while going to a meet-up with Oliver, Molly gets involved in the case. Kieran wants her to help clear his cousin's name but Molly isn't quite so sure of his innocence. And then the manuscript of The Fatal Folio is stolen...
Molly is researching the identity of Selwyn Scott and discovers that there might be a second manuscript by Selwyn Scott. She's hunting for it and for a murderer. She has lots of suspects as she learns that Thad was almost universally disliked.
Interspersed with the modern story is the text of The Fatal Folio which was entertaining. I enjoyed this cozy mystery with its lovely setting and modern and book-loving main character.
She does know that the family holds the original manuscript for A Fatal Folio by Selwyn Scott - a pseudonymous member of the family. The story is a gem of Gothic literature and will be featured at the conference on Gothic literature to be held at the home and organized by Kieran's cousin Oliver who is hoping to use the conference to cement his promotion to full professor at his Cambridge college. But complaints by Thad, one of his graduate students, threatens to scuttle his chances.
When Molly, Kieran and some of their friends stumble onto Thad's body while going to a meet-up with Oliver, Molly gets involved in the case. Kieran wants her to help clear his cousin's name but Molly isn't quite so sure of his innocence. And then the manuscript of The Fatal Folio is stolen...
Molly is researching the identity of Selwyn Scott and discovers that there might be a second manuscript by Selwyn Scott. She's hunting for it and for a murderer. She has lots of suspects as she learns that Thad was almost universally disliked.
Interspersed with the modern story is the text of The Fatal Folio which was entertaining. I enjoyed this cozy mystery with its lovely setting and modern and book-loving main character.
Read
November 15, 2023Another great edition in the Cambridge Bookshop series from Elizabeth Penney.
Life is moving along nicely for Molly Kimball in historic Cambridge. The bookstore she co-owns and works at with her mother and great-aunt is going well and she is embarking on a cataloging project of the wonderful collection of books of her boyfriend's family who are members of the local nobility. This proves to be a very enjoyable and hefty endeavor for Molly as the collection is extensive. As Molly begins the cataloging project her boyfriend, Keiran, shares with her the original manuscript for the gothic novel written under the pen name Selwyn Scott, one of his ancestors. Molly and Keiran decide that they will try to deduce the identity of the author. Keiran's cousin, Oliver, an English professor at one of the colleges at Cambridge, is very eager to find out the identity of the author as he might be able to incorporate the knowledge into the release of a book he is currently writing as well as into the work he does with the Gothic Institute which he runs with a fellow professor. Of course, things don't remain happy and well for long ... before you know it, there is a murder and a robbery to solve and Molly is more than willing to investigate both. Lots of wonderful gothic references in this book, plenty of red herrings in both the murder and the robbery and a strong cast of characters as always until you finally find out whodunit. A truly great mystery within a mystery that you don't want to miss.
Life is moving along nicely for Molly Kimball in historic Cambridge. The bookstore she co-owns and works at with her mother and great-aunt is going well and she is embarking on a cataloging project of the wonderful collection of books of her boyfriend's family who are members of the local nobility. This proves to be a very enjoyable and hefty endeavor for Molly as the collection is extensive. As Molly begins the cataloging project her boyfriend, Keiran, shares with her the original manuscript for the gothic novel written under the pen name Selwyn Scott, one of his ancestors. Molly and Keiran decide that they will try to deduce the identity of the author. Keiran's cousin, Oliver, an English professor at one of the colleges at Cambridge, is very eager to find out the identity of the author as he might be able to incorporate the knowledge into the release of a book he is currently writing as well as into the work he does with the Gothic Institute which he runs with a fellow professor. Of course, things don't remain happy and well for long ... before you know it, there is a murder and a robbery to solve and Molly is more than willing to investigate both. Lots of wonderful gothic references in this book, plenty of red herrings in both the murder and the robbery and a strong cast of characters as always until you finally find out whodunit. A truly great mystery within a mystery that you don't want to miss.
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