Black Books

Magical Bookshop #5

by Liz Hedgecock

May you live in interesting times… Jemma is happy in her work, busy managing the bookshops and handling knowledge emergencies, so when Raphael mentions more responsibility, she says no. She hadn’t realised Raphael meant his job. Her new boss seems efficient, competent and everything Raphael isn’t. They ought to get on like a house on fire, but sparks fly from the moment they meet. The bookshop is increasingly volatile, too. And Raphael’s on secondment in Italy… Knowledge emergencies are rising, tensions are mounting, and Jemma’s own job is at stake. Can she work out what’s going on and stop it before the worst happens? Black Books is the fifth in the Magical Bookshop humorous mystery series, set in modern London.

192 pages, Paperback

Published December 22, 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 4 out of 5]

Entertaining mystery listening 🎵🎎✨

This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book 5 of 8

Raphael is taking time from the book shop. Lennox is replacing him. The team is not happy. Someone is causing issues at libraries.

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

[FeedMyReads · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Raphael decides to take a secondment it is time for a temporary helper to come to the fore and help with the running of the stores but despite being someone who is organised, focused and wanting the book sales to be as high as possible, Jemma simply doesn't feel things are right. She was asked about taking on more responsibilities and turned Raphael down but now that she's finding out just how difficult things can be with a different boss and it is now about whether she made the right decision not just for her but for the bookshops.

Having read the first 4 books in the series and loving each one it is always the worry that you are going to get that one that falls short but thankfully this is another strong entry and one that keeps you guessing as to what is going to come next in the story you're reading but also in the series itself. A huge well done to the author for continuing to ensure the highest of standard in the series.

[JACKIE K · Rating 5 out of 5]

As Jemma James is acclimating to her role of Guild Assistant Keeper and still running her own bookstore, Raphael (Guild Head Keeper and her boss) suddenly decides to take a sabbatical in Italy. His temporary replacement, Dr. Lennox Nash, is arrogant, frequently absent and anything but helpful. He even banishes Folio (the magical bookshop cat)! When a malevolent force starts to possess books, Jemma almost feels like someone is out to get her and as events unfold, that just might be the case. With some of the most famous libraries in London possibly being targets, Jemma must fight to save them. Who is behind the attacks and is Raphael’s absence part of the conspiracy? What role could Nash play and can he be trusted? There is plenty of evil magic, but who is responsible? The plot leads the reader on a thrilling adventure through London, where the bookshop crew must band together, despite their distrust, if they are to succeed.. As a huge fan of books, cats and magic, this series gained an avid reader in me from the beginning and with each new release, my enjoyment has only grown. I am already anxious for Book 6.

[Catherine · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma seems to have caught a break. Both shops are doing well, she learning how to handle knowledge emergencies & all is well. But that is only seems to be the case. After going with Raphael on an interview & meeting Dr. Lennox Nash, Raphael drops a bomb. He’s leaving for Italy. His temporary(?) replacement is saiid Dr. Nash. A condescending know it all, he treats the employees like idiots. Jemma dislikes him while he blames her for anything that goes wrong. He gives her hard K.E.’s while he goes off on his other career business. Things come to a head when the shop rebels after a flaming row between them. Can they work together to figure out why so many bad things are happening to both shops & employees?
Well worth the wait for the fifth installment of this quirky endearing series. Can’t wait for the next one.

[Barbara Hackel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Being an Assistant Keeper is raising new responsibilities and challenges for Jemma. First a sudden departure of Raphael for an extended length of time, and next a replacement for Burns Books while he is gone, leave Jemma unsettled. The replacement, Dr. Nash, is not someone she finds easy to work with, and actually he is self centered and rude towards her. When trouble (out of control books) comes her way, things do not go well. Thank heavens Luke, Em, and Maddie are team Jenna and there to help.
So many surprises in this book lead to a shocking decision made by Jemma! I was surprised by her decision, and pleased for her reasoning! This is an incredible addition to a most unique magical series.
I can't urge you enough to read the Magical Bookshop series (in order) and discover this particularly exciting volume. I can hardly wait to see what will happen next!

[Agna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raphael decides to take some time off, and appoints a new manager: Lennox Nash. Unfortunately, Jemma can’t stand the man and the bookstore seems to agree. Weird things happen while the atmosphere gets heavier by the day.
On top of that, Jemma’s capabilities are being tested by multiple knowledge emergencies. And her boyfriend Carl is away on tour with his new play. As a result, Jemma is struggling to cope, feeling inadequate and lonely.
I love the development of her character, and her interaction with Lennox. After really enjoying the other books in this series, I was looking forward to the 5th one. And Liz Hedgecock delivered yet another well-crafted humorous mystery.
I received a preview copy of this book which I am voluntarily reviewing.

[Claudete Takahashi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I my! I just love this series and wish it could become part of a TV series! As always, Liz Hegdecock has put a great plot together and written the story extremely well. Jemma is faced with new challenges on the private and work fronts and is left to manage her team under very difficult and unusual circumstances. Bookshops and major libraries are having problems and Jemma is having to face them all on her own. She, however, is strong-willed and highly driven to discover what is going on in the book world. Download this book and read one more fantastic story involving the Bookshop world. You'll not regret it, it's first-class fiction and guaranteed enjoyment!

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

[JJ · Rating 4 out of 5]

*** NO SPOILERS ***

This was a fun, interesting read for me. Though it could be read stand-alone, I highly recommend reading the earlier books in the saga. The characters were colorful and unique. The story flowed well, but I felt I missed too much background.
There is friction between the two main characters at the bookshop, (again from the previous tales), emergencies keep popping up, and the twists and turns in the story seem to be foreshadowing something significant - but we don't yet know what it is.

As a rule I'm not a reader of Cozies, but this was a good one. Read it but I think the earlier ones might help with this one - though not completely needed.

*** NO SPOILERS ***.

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

[Kathie · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the 5th book of the Magical Bookshop series, Raphael unexpectedly goes on sabbatical leaving a temporary Keeper, the unpleasant and officious Dr. Lennox Knox, in charge. Most of the bookshop employees take an immediate dislike to him and Jemma chashes with him from the outset. Meanwhile, dangerous knowledge emergencies start occurring at libraries and at the bookshop. Meanwhile, sequence of dangerous knowledge emergencies begins in libraries and in the bookshop. Jemma becomes even more self-doubting than usual and increasingly frustrated. The book concludes with the source of the trouble identified and with Jemma heading off in a new direction.

Overall, this book was more chaotic than the others, will all of the bookshop characters acting out of sorts and behaving badly. The ending felt incomplete and unsatisfying.

[Lindatugby81 · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma is happy in her work, busy managing the bookshops and handling knowledge emergencies, so when Raphael mentions more responsibility , she says no. She hadn’t realised Raphael meant his job.

Her new boss seems efficient , competent and rigorous ; everything Raphael isn’t . They ought to get on like a house on fire, but sparks fly from the moment they meet .The bookshop is increasingly volatile,too.And Raphael’s on secondment in Italy…

Knowledge emergencies are rising, tensions are mounting and Jemma’s own job is at stake . Can she work out what’s going on and stop it before the worst happens ?

[Cat · Rating 4 out of 5]

It's not only the characters that get thrown for a loop in this one!

Oh my goodness! Amazing.
I sat and read this installment in one sitting.
I must say the introduction of a new character so late in the series threw me, but, I think she's onto something here.
Two book shops, things going awry, a nemesis from the past, what more could happen in old London town?
Dive in to get up to date with the fabulous characters and critters of the book shops.

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

[Debbie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Raphael is in Italy with Guilia. Jemma is struggling with ‘knowledge emergencies’ and her efficient and overbearing temporary boss, as well as an absent Carl. Luke and Maddy are on a precipice and Foilio and Luna are not themselves. There’s a lot at stake, including the magical bookshop in Charing Cross.

Engaging, fast-paced, full of humour and interesting characters, which include a camper van and a bookshop. You’ll be tugged along in this roller coaster of a ride.

Thankfully book 6 is out soon!

[Kim Loomer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Mysterious changes cause a stir.

This book definitely wasn't what I was expecting from the first four books in this series. There are many changes which I didn't care for at first. However as the story evolved they made a bit more sense. The book leaves you hanging with more questions than answers. So now I will have to wait anxiously for the next book to fine out where all of the mysterious events lead. I can hardly wait and I hope the next book will be soon!

[Suzanne H · Rating 5 out of 5]

Black Books is the 5th book in the Magical Bookshop series by Liz Hedgecock. It didn’t disappoint! The tone was true to the rest of the series and there were plenty of magical moments to add spice to narrative. It was wonderful to jump back into this world and I can’t wait to see what happens next to Jemma and the rest of the magical bookshop team!

[Michele Bishop · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another magical book shop mystery from Liz Hedgecock. Just as mysterious as usual. Strange things begin happening when Raphael takes leave and sends Lennox Nash as his temporary replacement. Lennox doesn't like Jemma and the feeling is mutual. Can they find a way to work together and stop the Black Books?

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

[Angela Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great book in this series, I really enjoyed it! The magical bookshop is such a mysterious place, I always enjoy visiting! Jemma’s boss takes leave so she has to work with Lennox, and they don’t like each other. The bookshop is having strange issues. A great read! I can’t wait for the next book!

[blueyed_cntry_girl · Rating 5 out of 5]

The bookshop is a wonderful, magical, mysterious place that is exciting to see what it can do. Can Jenna and Lennox find a way to work together when the magical bookstore starts to have problems or will disaster arise?

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

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The characters are wonderfully eccentric and the magical bookshop is always a joy to visit. The shop is starting to act up and Jenna must find out what is the cause. Plenty of turns kept me guessing. I received an ARC from BookSprout and this is my honest opinion.

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

[Annette Spratte · Rating 5 out of 5]

Things are mostly not what they seem! So don't jump to conclusions. This instalment of the story is a bit more gritty than the previous ones and ends on a terrible cliffhanger. I'm so glad the next book is already available, because I NEED to know how it all turns out. And what becomes of the flood of kittens. So cute!

[Katie Murphy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Black books

These books just hooked me from the beginning. And what a terrible beginning it was! However things start to look up, but they are very strange! This review tells you very little about the stories, but I finished 3 one day over the weekend and have just kept going. Love the way each one ends...

[Elsbeth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jemma gets a lot of bad news and situations. But with help from her friends, Gertrud, Luna, Folio and the Bookshop, she can handle it.
Even running a bookshop that doesn't have a single copy of Wuthering Heights...
Just as enjoyable as the first 4!

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another really good instalment of this lovely series. Jemma really has got a lot on her plate and is she over-reacting? Certainly Dr Nash needs to have a close eye kept on him - I think he is up to no good!

[Neveah · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s a new guy in town, and he’s a stinker. Who wants to work for Lennox Nash? No one. How many cinnamon buns will it take to sort this out, and will anyone ever throw up in Gertrude, or just threaten to? Finally, Luna has a secret (and it’s not just that she like crunchies).

[Kathie Frobe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun series

Lighthearted yet mysterious series takes place in an ancient London bookstore. Books can be magical, vampires can walk in sunshine, cinnamon rolls and cappuccino can be therapeutic for wizards and buildings can lose control of their emotions.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Much darker

I couldn’t put it down! Things have gotten much more serious, definitely darker. I was on edge through the whole book. I can’t wait to see what happens next!

[Melissa Walker · Rating 5 out of 5]

More attacks on libraries

I like that the team works together. There are emotional ups and down, and there is danger to Jemma and to libraries.

[Julie-Ann Amos · Rating 5 out of 5]

We need more! I am almost at the end and need a book 7… and more

[Patsy · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wasn’t as keen on this instalment, it felt chaotic with no true storyline, maybe it’s coming to it natural end? 🤔

[Kevin Cannon (Monty's Book Reviews) · Rating 4 out of 5]

When Jemma’s boss sets off on a six month long sabbatical he leaves a new manager in charge of both book shops and also any knowledge emergencies that need attention.

To say that he and Jemma don’t see eye to eye is an understatement.

This is book 5 in the Magical Bookshop mystery series but is the first one that I’ve read. Whilst it would be helpful to read the previous books in the series this one includes any background information you need to allow the reader to get the full enjoyment out of the characters and plot.

A nice easy read with quirky characters and magical goings-on that wouldn’t appear out of place at Hogwarts.

Can Jemma’s new boss be trusted? Does he have a hidden agenda? Who is behind the mysterious happenings at the local libraries? You’ll have to read the book to find out.

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[lexythebookworm_ · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the beginning of this book, I didn’t find myself as hooked as with its predecessors. Raphael leaving and the new replacement Keeper filling in made it seem like the series was getting overstretched.
But once I was around 30% in, it definitely proved me wrong and got me back to being hooked and it was hard to put the book down.
Really liked the twists and turns of this perky story and also how the magic wasn’t as loosely tied as I felt it was before.

I’m looking forward to reading the next (and last!) one.