By The Book

Magical Bookshop #4

by Liz Hedgecock

Knowledge is power – or is it? When Jemma takes on the post of Assistant Keeper, she wonders if she’s bitten off more than she can chew. Her boss Raphael has every confidence in her … but Jemma is less convinced. It’s much easier to lose herself in getting the bookshops ready for Christmas. But when Carl hands in his notice, Jemma has to accept that things will change. Then a mysterious developer targets the shops in their neighbourhood, with the aim of putting a transport hub in their place. When a very familiar figure from Jemma’s past shows up, Jemma can’t help but smell a rat. Will Jemma and Raphael be able to stop the developers and save the shop? Can Jemma step up to her new responsibilities? And will they ever find out where Folio keeps sneaking off to? By The Book is the fourth in the Magical Bookshop humorous mystery series, set in modern London.

Genres: Fantasy

192 pages, Paperback

Published May 24, 2021

About the author

I grew up in south London, did an English degree, and then took forever to start writing. The stories started to grow longer...and then the murders began!

I tend to write Victorian mysteries of a not-too-scary nature. I've somehow managed to have 3 separate Sherlock Holmes-themed series (why make things easy?). I also co-wrote the Caster & Fleet mystery series with Paula Harmon, and my Maisie Frobisher Mysteries series is a spinoff from that.

I write a modern cozy mystery series, Pippa Parker Mysteries, and my newest series, The Magical Bookshop, is a cozy mystery series with a touch of fantasy and magic.

Visit my website for book info, links to stories, and my blog, in which I ramble on about all sorts of things. Hope to see you soon.

Reviews

[William · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining relationship listening 🎉🎎✨

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 4 of 6

The book shop is being asked to sell. Then things change to the shop being taken over. Then magic shows up it all has a happy ending.

I would recommend this series and author to readers of British mystery novels. 2024

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Steps away from Burns Books, Jemma is decorating the window of The Friendly Bookshop, her new responsibility, for Christmas. Jemma is also the Assistant Keeper, albeit only temporarily in her mind. Popping down to Burns Books hoping to glimpse her boyfriend and barista for the bookshop café, she gets a shock when Carl tells her he’s leaving the café to put on the play he wrote. He can’t do both. The bookshop, always listening, flickers the lights. After placating the shop, Jemma tells Raphael that they need a new barista. To Jemma’s surprise & anger, he hires Em, her former best friend whom Jemma feels betrayed her because of Em’s larcenous ex-boyfriend, Damon. Jemma swears the contrite Em will have to prove herself. Raphael also asks Jemma to join some of the committees disgraced Assistant Keeper Brian ran. For all her corporate training, Jemma is reluctant. But a flyer sent to various shops on the parade offering good money to buy their buildings starts to cause havoc. Is Brian behind this? Supposedly the city wants to build an underground transport hub and this is the only place they want to build it. With the threat of a compulsory purchase order from the city hanging over their heads, even Em is roped into trying to save the shops from destruction. A showdown is looming and Jemma will be crucial to saving the day.
Great read & the backstory helps new readers catch up with the series. However, I would recommend starting with Book One. They are quick but satisfying reads with a lot of curious information about London and the Charing Cross area.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pete · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am really enjoying this quirky series about magical bookshops and a secret organisation. The central character is Jemma, a young woman who manages one of the shops and has joined the secret organisation as an 'Assistant Keeper', then there is her boss Raphael, who has been running his shop for over 100 years. Both these characters are delightful, well written and apart from their magical powers, very believable. I especially like that Jemma, who started out as rather lacking in confidence is getting more and more confident and finding out that she is capable of far more than she ever thought possible. There are several other characters who are also very well written.
In this story property developers want to knock down the parade of shops which contains Burns Books and Jemma and Raphael must find a way to block them and save the shop. Unfortunately at the same time Carl, the barista and Jemma's boyfriend hands in his notice, but Jemma is very upset at his replacement, an unwelcome face from the past.
Can Jemma and Raphael find out who is behind the plot to destroy the shop and find a way to stop them? Have fun reading this thoroughly enjoyable book to find out! It is worth mentioning that although this book can be read as a stand-alone, it definitely makes more sense if the previous books have been read beforehand.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[JACKIE K · Rating 5 out of 5]

In Book 4 of the Magical Bookshop Series, Jemma James is gradually acclimating to her new role as Assistant Keeper with its additional responsibilities. Business is brisk and with the holiday season approaching, a restocking trip is planned. When an urgent call comes in from the London Library and Raphael is nowhere to be found, Jemma is forced to handle the emergency. Meanwhile, merchants in the area are receiving flyers offering to purchase their properties at attractive prices. Might these two seemingly separate events be connected? As the bookshop staff investigate escalating threats, they discover clues to a powerful enemy, whose identity is well hidden. One former friend returns and one decides to leave, and both will impact Jemma’s life. Folio, Rapheal’s shop cat, has been disappearing more frequently and eventually returns accompanied by a companion, who just might be a new asset. Will the Magical Bookshop be saved? A difficult fight awaits them and it will take all working together if they are to defeat this determined evil force. This is my favorite series by Liz Hedgecock and it never disappoints. I love the characters, the setting and the magic. If you are new to the series, your enjoyment will be greatly enhanced by starting with the first book. I’m certain you will be glad you did.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma James is looking forward to the Christmas season at The Friendly Bookshop and Burns Books. The windows are festive, the books practically fly off the shelves, but one by one things start to go wrong.
Ever since Jemma accepted the Assistant Keeper position, she has felt like she is scrambling to keep up. Currently Raphael is pressuring her to take on committee work and chair a committee even! So when she gets an emergency call intended for Raphael, she gathers her knowledge emergency kit and faces the dilemma head on.
So many changes are happening in the main bookstore, and in the neighboring area. Personnel changes, someone trying to purchase Burns Books-or worse, take it by a process similar to imminent domain.
It becomes apparent that Jemma's leadership qualities are equal to the many jobs she faces, until suddenly there may be no way to succeed any more.
Wonderful characters and picturesque settings make this book seem to come to life. A spectacular series that bibliophiles everywhere won't want to miss. Be sure to read the whole series in order for the best way to experience this delight!

[Nancy S Robison · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this fourth book of this terrific series, things start off well enough. Somehow, the original bookshop has acquired an additional bookshop cat, to everyone's delight--including the original cat. Extraordinary creatures, both! The second bookshop is running smoothly. The former manager is now a solid asset and she is working extremely well with a certain unique staff member from the original bookshop, while Jemma happily divides her time as needed between both locations. Books buying trips provide interesting and illuminating breaks from the bookshops and everyone is busy and happy.

Then, trouble rears its ugly head. A development company wants to redevelop the area by acquiring a number of adjacent older shops in the immediate area, including the bookshops, by any means necessary, in order to build a new transit center. This proves to be a very complicated and difficult threat to overcome and eventually reveals a dangerous and powerful enemy of the owner and Jemma. It will be Jemma who has to go up against their implacable enemy in a head to head to head contest of wills--winner take all.

[Rosalie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma finds out in a hurry when Raphael needs to be out of town and one of their libraries has a Knowledge Emergency, Grade Two and she's only trained to Grade Four. When she shows up with her toolkit, she finds herself locked into a room with the director, a number of patrons, and bookshelves that seem to be dissolving into a dark fog. She somehow manages to figure out how to capture the book causing the problems and brings it back for Raphael to handle. In the meantime, the stores in the arcade with Burns Books are being told their property is going to be seized by the town if they don't agree to sell. Can these problems be related? Can Burns Books survive having a dark book from a Knowledge Emergency, Grade One on site which wants to destroy the building? What about the sleazy developer from the town? Can Jemma outwit her nemesis and prove that she's got what it takes to be a Keeper? And just who is that cat hanging around anyway, and why?

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Avis Witter · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was in full excitement mode on receiving my ARC and thoroughly enjoyed reading book number four in the series. Well written as usual with great character interaction. The arrival of Jemma's "best friend" puts her on edge and she has to deal with her feelings towards Emma once and for all (with a little help from the Bookshop of course). There were confrontations between characters that had to be dealt with but I felt that the one between Jemma and Drusilla was a bit of a floppy handshake. It is not like the author's usual biting situations. Maybe she has done this for a reason which we will find out further down the line. Characters are moving on, Jemma's confidence is increasing and a crisis with the bookshop is averted.

I find this series really interesting and relaxing; different to other cozy and magical series. Easy to read and takes you away from everyday angst. Looking forward to the next book.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just enjoyed so much reading this story, in fact, I love this series about the enchanted bookshop and this book is no different. Friends will be reunited, powers will be tested, new challenges will be surpassed and the strong ties that bind all the bookshop team will get even tighter. In a way this story describes management styles, conflict administration, how to deal with the unexpected and above all stresses the importance of cherishing the old, the new and the respect for the past. Lovely and well designed plot, I just wished there was a real bookshop like the one in this series. Anxiously waiting to read the next book!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Tom Casey · Rating 5 out of 5]

I found this story to be a little strange to start with and confusing, but this was due to me not knowing the background to the series. It did take a few chapters for it too start to make sense for me and by 50% read, I didn't want to put it down.
This is my first book from this author and definitely will not be my last.
I really like the characters, they compliment each other well and the storyline flows well. The excitement keeps increasing as the story goes on and the mixture of magic takes it up another level.
I received this book for free from the author and booksprout and wanted to give an honest review.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Burns Books and all the stores on one side of Charing Cross Road are being subjected to a forced sale and destruction of the buildings. Along with everything else, Carl, the barista at Burns Books is quiting to work putting on his plays at the new theater in town. A new barista has been hired and she is an enemy of Jemma, Raphael's Keeper Assistant. Bad things start happening and the book store is unhappy. But Jemma, Maddy, Luke and Em start the process of trying to stop the sale and takeover of Burns Books. It is obvious someone is going to a lot of trouble to demolish Burns Books.

I am voluntarily reviewing this book after receiving it free from Booksprout.

[FeedMyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

With the bookshop doing well and Jemma finding herself growing in the role she plays with both stores but when there are suddenly flyers appearing for the purchase of properties they need to discover more about what this is all about. After finding a developer is looking to develop a transit hub that would put the stores at risk it becomes clear that Jemma and the others must work together to figure out just what is behind this sudden project.
This is another excellent addition to the series and sees the story continue to evolve with a story that makes sense, is well developed and delivered perfectly.

[Kim Loomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good triumphs over evil.

This has been a very interesting and unusual series and it has taken the entire series to really understand how some magic can be wonderful and how some can cause great upset in the hands of the wrong person. I love the characters in this series and I see more to come in the future. I hope the fabulous author agrees and add more books to this series in the future. Wonderfully written Liz Hedgecock and Iook forward to reading more of you books in the future.

[Neveah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Disaster! The bookshop is threatened by evil estate agains (again!). A previous character returns, but will she be redeemed or is she part of the nefarious demolition plans?!! Folio gets a friend, and she’s gorgeous. Gertrude comes into her own and the final confrontation has the sweet understatement that the rest of the series has carried so well. We’re starting to see some worldbuilding here, but I am here for Maddy’s lack of lunch breaks and questions about why Dodie Smith is recommended so many times. Oh my, this series. I absolutely love it.

[Ms Sarah E Woodall · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellently Written.

It's Christmas at the bookshops and someone wants to take away Burns Books and knock it down. Someone from Jemma's past comes back and Jemma isn't sure if she can be trusted. The Gang put their heads together to investigate who could be behind the threat to the bookshop and Jemma embraces the role of Assistant Keeper in ways she never expected.
And there's a new cat to keep Folio company! A fabulous continuation of the Magical Bookshop series. Highly recommended.

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

A new threat emerges...

I was amazed by the twists and turns in the latest Book Shop story.
The characters are a delight and growing on me with every book, they feel like a familiar family I get to catch up with.
People are not who to what they appear to be in this edition... stand by to be surprised.
A highly recommended read.

But, please, do read the books in order to get the most out of the story.

[Judy Gittleson Hendrickson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma and the magical bookshop are overwhelmed with staff coming and going, the area being stonewalled into becoming a transit hub and more. Love it when the bookshop shows its feelings toward an issue. Did the shop cat Folio just bring some help? The storyline is full of comedy, mystery and paranormal effects. The banter and twists were entertaining. Well done.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kathie · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this fourth outing, Jemma, Raphael and all the crew are faced with the threat of having the bookstore demolished to build a transit hub. Jemma must overcome all her insecurities to fulfil her role as Assistant Keeper, and to develop both her managerial skills and her magical powers to save the day. Meanwhile, we learn new information about Luke's abilities and Folio finds a new friend in Luna. A fun, quick read, combining some mystery and some magic.

[Agna · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is the 4th book in the Magical Bookshop series. I have read them all, and must admit this one left me a bit underwhelmed. It was an entertaining and easy read as usual, but I didn’t really feel the magic of it all this time.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Super powers!

Well, the bookshop and Raphael are in danger, yet again. It is super serious this time, I think more than the other times! Watching, or rather, reading, Jemma come into her powers was just incredible! Who knew she had so much power hidden inside? I am growing even fonder of these characters. Each book is like hanging out with friends.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

connections are severed and other past connections crop up again, sometimes awkwardly and unpleasantly

new challenges and alliances take shape as things change

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jan Bandich · Rating 4 out of 5]

Very Inventive Plot

I have thoroughly enjoyed getting to know the people and the trials and tribulations they have endured and successfully managed at the Magical Bookshop. Very ingenious plotting and character development through the series.

[lexythebookworm_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really liked this one as well and it fits in the series perfectly maintaining its lighthearted magical character.

The only thing I’m not a fan of is the explanation, or more lack of, of certain magical aspects in the story.
Whenever there’s a magical confrontation scene I am not able to immerse myself in it so much. Every character seems to be amazed and flabbergasted by Jemma’s magical abilities as an assistant keeper but I struggle a bit to relate since she is always being confronted or challenged by people that are a lot more experienced than her and she seems to be able to beat them rather easily.

Other than that small aspect, I am really enjoying reading these books and it’s a really nice getaway from reality into a magical and again lighthearted world.

[Suzanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the fourth in the Magical Bookshop series and it was just as wonderful as the other three. The book is fun, well written and a great escape. I would gladly read more books in this series!

[Michelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

Although these books are standalone mysteries, you will enjoy them more if you read them in order. I love the characters and the mystery is well plotted.

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Facing desctruction, Jemma finds her meow. Don't ask. Just read the book! And enjoy it as much as I did!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma is really getting to grips with the two bookshops but a blast from the past is just around the corner.....

[Melissa Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Attempt to take the bookstore

Jemma learns more about her powers and Luke's when someone tries to take Burns Books.
I am enjoying this quirky series.

[Annette Spratte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The magic is getting stronger in this one! More surprises, more developments and a grand stand-off at the end. Still loving it. Off to book 5!

[Brian Alyea]

This series of books is pretty cute but after awhile it seems a little silly. I got tired of it.