Behind the shelves of The Secret Bookcase, where the sun slants through the windows onto rows of classic crime novels, a body lies... Bookseller Annie Murray is thrilled when the mystery-themed book festival she sets up to revive the dwindling fortunes of her workplace and sanctuary seems poised for success. But events take a shocking turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves, and it's revealed that the victim is Annie's old college acquaintance. Determined to ensure the festival's success and save ...
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Behind the shelves of The Secret Bookcase, where the sun slants through the windows onto rows of classic crime novels, a body lies... Bookseller Annie Murray is thrilled when the mystery-themed book festival she sets up to revive the dwindling fortunes of her workplace and sanctuary seems poised for success. But events take a shocking turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves, and it's revealed that the victim is Annie's old college acquaintance. Determined to ensure the festival's success and save the small town of Redwood Grove from a killer, Annie begins piecing together clues with the help of her friends. But as the list of suspects grows longer - a local boutique-owner, an envious old classmate, a bitter ex-boyfriend - Annie is drawn deeper into the case. With the aid of her old criminology professor-turned-detective, can Annie unmask the murderer before they turn her festival into a real-life whodunit? Full of lovable, quirky characters and small-town charm, The Body in the Bookstore serves up an irresistible blend of intrigue for fans of cozy crime including Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham, M.C. Beaton and Leslie Meier. What readers say about Ellie Alexander's cozy crime: " Couldn't put it down!!! I couldn't turn the pages fast enough!" Reader review, " An exceptional storyteller. ... just when you think you have it figured out, there's another twist . " Reader review, " What a great author! She draws you in and keeps you engaged from start to finish." Reader review, " Wow . I didn't see the plot twist coming. I love this book." Reader review, " A wonderful cozy mystery !" Reader review, " A consummate storyteller who makes you feel as though you could book a trip to the area." Reader review, "A delightful cozy mystery that will keep you turning pages ." Reader review, " Oh how I love this series! This book had me guessing who done it right up until the killer was revealed... I just can't wait to see what's next. " Reader review, "My favorite cozy mystery series! " Reader review,
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Add this copy of The Body in the Bookstore (a Secret Bookcase Mystery) to cart. $4.00, good condition, Sold by Zoom Books Company rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Lynden, WA, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Storm Publishing.
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Very good. Connecting readers with great books since 1972! Used books may not include companion materials, and may have some shelf wear or limited writing. We ship orders daily and Customer Service is our top priority!
Add this copy of The Body in the Bookstore (a Secret Bookcase Mystery) to cart. $7.49, very good condition, Sold by Half Price Books Inc rated 4.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Dallas, TX, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Storm Publishing.
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Add this copy of The Body in the Bookstore (a Secret Bookcase Mystery) to cart. $8.48, good condition, Sold by Goodwill Books rated 5.0 out of 5 stars, ships from Hillsboro, OR, UNITED STATES, published 2024 by Storm Publishing Ltd.
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In this first Secret Bookcase Mystery, we meet Annie Murray. She and her best friend Scarlet planned to start a detective agency after graduation with their criminal justice degrees. Then Scarlet was murdered. Annie has spent the better part of a decade trying to find her killer. Whenever she opens her laptop and brings up her spreadsheets of information and theories she thinks it will be the day something will jump out at her to move the case forward.
Annie is working at The Secret Bookcase as a bookseller and events manager. The bookstore is a unique shop in a converted manor house with a thrilling crime fiction selection. Business has been slow and she knows to keep the place open it is going to take a major event. She comes up with the idea of a 3-day Mystery Fest that could involve all the local businesses and bring people from far and wide. The town is excited about the festival and most business owners are happy to be involved.
Mystery Fest was off to a great start until a body was discovered in the bookstore. Some customers think it's fake and a prop for the festival, but Annie knows that is not the case. Soon she finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. Can her criminology degree help her book the killer this time? or will it turn into another ice-cold case?
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I love the theme of this new series from Ellie Alexander. A manor home repurposed into a really cool bookstore complete with themed rooms and a secret bookcase. The author's descriptions made it easy to envision every room and nook. I want to go there now, please.
Annie Murray is a strong, smart, creative protagonist who has found her place in Redwood Grove. The quiet community gives her peace even though Scarlet's death is always on her mind. The bookstore is a huge part of her life and it needed a boost to keep the doors open. She had a great idea and was able to run with it. She is an excellent multitasker and able to juggle everything thrown at her. I love that she adopted Scarlet's tabby cat, Professor Plum. I had a very easy time getting invested in her life.
We also meet her co-worker Fletcher, shop owner Hal, and Annie's friend Priya. Fletcher has "extensive knowledge and adoration" of Sherlock Holmes and has quite a knack for matching the right reader with the right canon followed by a dissertation on Sir Arthur Conan Doyle. Hal curated the store into a mystery lover's paradise but lately, book signing events were not bringing in people and foot traffic had been way down. Hal is a total Luddite though.Ã? He can barely turn on his phone so he needs help to save his store. Priya is a good friend and is there for Annie no matter what. I enjoyed how all the characters evolved throughout the book leaving room for growth as the series continues.
I found the mysteries in this book very captivating. I found it interesting that Annie's (and Scarlet's) former criminology professor, Dr. Caldwell was the detective in charge of the investigation. She knew Annie would be an excellent person to help her solve the case. Annie was happy to help, as was Pri. There were plenty of clues to follow and a growing list of suspects to investigate. I enjoyed the way everyone worked together to catch the killer.
Scarlet's case is fluid again at the end of this story and the first two chapters of book two, Murder at the Movies are included at the end of the book. They may have enlightened me but I didn't read them. I would never be able to stop at just two chapters. I hope to read and review the whole book soon.
The Body in the Bookstore has given this series a marvelous start. Diverse and engaging characters, wonderful world-building, and an enticing mystery come together for an entertaining escape.
Kristina
Jun 18, 2024
Debut of A Secret Bookcase Mysteries!
The Body in the Bookstore by Ellie Alexander is the beginning of A Secret Bookcase Mysteries. We get to meet Annie Murray, who loves mysteries, along with her best friend, Pri plus Annie�s coworker, Fletcher and her boss, Hal. There are a variety of shop owners too. Annie is intelligent, has an attention for detail, and a passion for books. Annie is a likeable and relatable protagonist. I hope we get to learn more about her as the series progresses. I love the bookstore, the Secret Bookcase. I could spend hours in there searching for books to add to my TBR pile. I love the items added for Mystery Fest (I want one of the old typewriters). Mystery Fest was a clever idea and a great way to save the bookstore. It is an event that I would love to attend (so would any mystery lover). It was great the way the shop owners of Redwood Grove (well, all but one grump) became involved in the event. The author did a wonderful job of worldbuilding. The mystery was interesting. I like where the victim was found. Annie is an eager sleuth and Pri is happy to assist her. There are clues scattered along the way as well as a red herring or two. The discussions between Annie and Dr. Caldwell were insightful, but they could meander on. I have a feeling that Annie will be working with Dr. Caldwell again in the future. There were repetitive details (the same details repeated two, three, or five times). There was a touch of romance as Annie found herself attracted to a certain pub owner. It had Annie blushing like a teenage girl (and her mind wandering). Annie is told at the end that there is information that may help her solve the murder of her college best friend. We will have to wait for A Murder at the Movies (preview at the end of the book) for more details. The Body in the Bookstore is a charming California cozy with a secret cubby, a killed college acquaintance, a slew of suspects, beatnik storyteller, a bitter ex-boyfriend, a pushy publisher, and a curious criminalist.
