Murder at the Bookstore

The Bookstore Mystery #1

by Sue Minix

She can write the perfect murder mystery… But can she solve one in real life?

Meet Jen Dawson, mystery writer, coffee lover, and amateur detective?

Crime writer Jen returns to her small hometown with a bestselling book behind her and a bad case of writer’s block. Finding sanctuary in the local bookstore, with an endless supply of coffee, Jen waits impatiently for inspiration to strike.

But when the owner of the bookstore dies suddenly in mysterious circumstances, Jen has a real-life murder to solve.

The stakes are suddenly higher when evidence places Jen at the scene of the crime and the reading of the will names her as the new owner of the bookstore …

Can she crack the case and clear her name, before the killer strikes again?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Crime, Cozy, Fiction, Contemporary, Thriller

326 pages, Paperback

First published January 19, 2023

Reviews

[Dieuwke la Roi · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was…not good. There were so many problems with this book, I don’t even know where to start. The main character is an author who’s struggling with writer’s block. Nothing wrong with that. She tries many things to solve it, while trying to solve a real murder as well. The book includes bits of what she’s writing, and let’s just say, I get why she’s struggling Besides constantly complaining about everything, she’s obnoxious and whiny and has the tendency to make stupid decisions all the time. Decisions that don’t even make sense. The plot is all over the place, includes so many things that are just not relevant to the story and it’s very clear from the start who the murderer is. Most of the dialogue comes out of the blue and oftentimes I could not figure out where it was going and why the hell they were discussing what they were discussing. I have a whiplash from how often this woman switches from arguing with someone and making up with them on the same frigging page, and everything, and I mean EVERYTHING, has to have a reason. Trying to solve writer’s block? Try running. Running not going well? Well, it’s because of your bad posture. Get some tips for your posture? Yes but also overanalyse WHY you have bad posture. And don’t get me started on the completely unnecessary references to a troubled childhood that has absolutely NOTHING to do with the story and just makes it even more all over the place. In short, would not recommend.

[LJ (ljwritesandreviews) · Rating 2 out of 5]

This is the first in a new mystery series featuring author Jen Dawson, who is trying to write her second mystery novel when her friend Aletha, owner of the Ravenous Readers bookshop, is murdered. Suspicion falls on her, so using her amateur sleuthing skills, she sets off to solve the mystery.

I had high hopes for this novel as it was a cozy mystery, featuring both an author and a bookshop, but it sadly didn't live up to my expectations.

It started off well, introducing a cast of interesting characters in a small town setting, then it just went downhill for me from there.

I didn't warm to the main character Jen at all. She was slightly annoying and was constantly making poor decisions that made little sense to me.

Also, to me, it didn't have the feel of a cozy mystery. There's usually some light-heartedness along the way, but there were some parts that I thought were a bit intense for this sort of mystery, especially when it came to the relationship between Jen and her mother and stepfather.

Then there was the actual whodunnit. I guessed it pretty much from the beginning and, I'll be honest, I only read to the end, hoping for some sort of twist which didn't happen.

Sadly not for me, but if you like a murder mystery with a small town setting, then you might like this.

[Julia - my.endless.library · Rating 2 out of 5]

The best thing about this book is the cover 🫠 and even that is lame because guess what? There’s no cat anywhere to be found in this story 😂 nor is there murder “at” the bookstore because no one gets killed in the actual store. None of the characters have any personality or depth to them and the writing is SO choppy. The MC makes weird choices for no apparent reason and at times just acts plain stupid. Had someone waved 10 red flags in her face at the same time she still wouldn’t have seen them. And she’s supposed to be a mystery writer? I know whose book I don’t wanna read 🫣

⭐️⭐️

[jordan · Rating 1 out of 5]

if oilinski says “keep out of it” one more time i’m gonna throw this book at his head.

[Linda Langford · Rating 3 out of 5]

I really didn’t enjoy the story. The violence made me uneasy. I call it a mystery; not so cozy. JMO.

[Anouk · Rating 2 out of 5]

I had high expectations for this book but unfortunately I was very disappointed…. You can guess who the killer is before the murder even happens and I didn’t like the main character at all. She made very poor decisions that didn’t make any sense at all. At times I was seriously wondering if I skipped a chapter or something because it really felt like I missed parts of the story.
I did love the setting of the book and there were some nice characters but I expected more.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Bastante entretenido,

[Nadieh · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nothing too special, but I did enjoy it!

[Noha Badawi · Rating 3 out of 5]

that was surprisingly entertaining.

[Serena Miles · Rating 3 out of 5]

No ha estado mal este libro, pero no me ha llegado a enganchar... creo que le ha faltado un poco de todo

[Gwen_isreading · Rating 3 out of 5]

3⭐️

Audioboek was leuk ingesproken maar het verhaal was erg voor de hand liggend..

[LerThriller.Andreia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Este é o primeiro de uma série com a personagem Jennifer, uma escritora de mistérios que se vê de perto o assassinato de Aletha, uma amiga. Neste livro Jen está a atravessar um bloqueio criativo e vai tentar resolver a morte da amiga, como se fosse uma das personagens do seu anterior sucesso. Gostei da personagem, principalmente do seu humor.

[Annie NeveraDeLibros · Rating 3 out of 5]

Opinión personal: Asesinato en la librería por Sue Minix
Puntuación: 3,3 ⭐️

📚 Editorial: HarperCollins 📖 336 págs. ✍️ Cozy Misterio 🗓️ 15/11/2023

Saga:
1. Asesinato en la librería
2. The Murderous Type (Inglés)
3. A chapter on Murder (Inglés)
4. A cover for murder (Inglés)
3. Sentenced to Murder (Inglés. Publicación estimada: 2024)

🗣️ Jen Dawson regresa a su pequeña ciudad natal, Riddleton, para escribir la segunda entrega de su best seller de misterio. Pero por mucho que mira a su pantalla, sus dedos son incapaces de continuar la historia. A este bloqueo creativo se le suma que Aletha, dueña de la librería en la que pasa los días Jen y amiga de ésta, es asesinada y Jen es sospechosa de haber cometido el crimen.

❤️ El libro empezó muy bien, una ciudad pequeña, una librería, pocos personajes (interesantes y todos parecen ser el asesino) y un crimen. Ingredientes esenciales para un cozy que disfrutar enormemente. El problema es que, con el paso de las hojas, me faltaba un poco más de ironía/humor/gracia tan característico de otros cozy.

💥 Una trama amena con varios giros y que se lee muy fácilmente sin tener que pensar mucho ya que la autora va dejándote migas para que no hagas trabajar al cerebro y solo te ocupes de divertirte unas horas entre capítulo y capítulo.

🫥 Me ha parecido muy previsible él/la asesino pero aún así, las circustancias que rodean al desenlace no son tan obvias.

Lo mejor: La ambientación y algún personaje secundario.
Lo peor: para mi, ha sido muy obvio el/la culpable.

Recomendaciones: Si te gusta el cozy mistery te va a gustar el libro ya que es entretenido y se lee muy bien. Tiene un poco más de violencia de lo que es habitual en este género pero no es excesivo.

¿Me leeré los siguientes libros de la saga? Si, cuando los publiquen en español.

Ojalá mis palabras estuvieran colgadas de un anzuelo para poder enrollar el carrete y recuperarlas. Porque lo único que había pescado en lo que iba de día era morralla.

[Douvonté · Rating 1 out of 5]

Naur. MC is TSTL, all of the Black characters speak in offensively stereotypical english, and the plot is pointless. Big yikes.

[Elle Leon · Rating 2 out of 5]

Messy and very detailed writing style trying to metaphorise the main character’s mess of a life and thoughts, I think? Also, not really surprised by the whodunit - 1.5 ⭐️

[Bridget · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jen Dawson is back in her hometown of Riddleton and finds herself heavily involved in a murder investigation. Her friend, Aletha died in a boat explosion. Jen has friends to aid her; Brittany and individuals from the police. This, the first in a new series, shows potential. There are some dark moments in the tale. I am onboard for the next instalment.

I received a complimentary copy of this novel at my request from Avon Books UK via NetGalley and this review is my own unbiased opinion.

[Andrea Milano · Rating 3 out of 5]

3,5 ⭐
🎧📚 10 horas 27 minutos
----
Para la lectura cozy mistery del mes de abril, elegí esta novela que da inicio a una saga protagonizada por Jennifer Dawson, escritora de misterio que se ve envuelta en la investigación de asesinato de su amiga, dueña de El lector voraz, la librería del pueblo.
Una historia con toques de humor, narrada en primera persona, que te va envolviendo en una trama salpicada de secretos en donde cualquiera de los personajes, incluso la propia Jen, puede convertirse en el sospechoso perfecto.
Es entretenida, sin demasiadas pretensiones. Me cayó muy bien el personaje de Jen, que mientras trata de descubrir quién mató a su amiga, lucha por escribir su segunda novela. Como escritora, hay algunos momentos en los cuales me sentí muy identificada y eso hizo que la lectura fuera no solo amena, sino cercana.

[Daphne Maijer · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was so nice! I think cozy mystery will be my new favourite fall/winter genre to read. It was lovely to read and the story was easy to follow but it wasn’t predictable like some cosy mysteries are. While reading this book I have bought all others of this series so I’ll start reading the next book soon❤️

[selvansoa · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was an okay book.
The murder mystery wasn‘t that good and it was easy to guess who had done it from the beginning.
It was also very brutal.
I liked the vibe and the cover but it had nothing to do with a Miss Agatha Christie novel like the description said!

[Ferne (Enthusiastic Reader) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Jennifer Marie Dawson is the author of the bestseller, "Double Trouble," which was terrific until everyone clamored for the sequel. Jen hopes the atmosphere at "Ravenous Readers" in her hometown of Riddleton, South Carolina, will inspire her writing. Jen loves it at the bookstore as she’s become good friends with Aletha Cunningham, and endless cups of coffee are a plus. Writing mysteries is better than being the lead suspect in the bookstore owner’s death.

An amateur sleuth frequently begins investigating due to the loss of a friend and/or becoming the lead suspect. The setting of the bookstore in a cozy often begins with a new inheritance. I loved the creative twist in the bookstore setting, becoming the motive as the designated inheritance to Jen after the cosycrime. The description of the bookstore with a cozy interior similar to a private home library, including a coffee bar, is a joy to imagine visiting as a customer and a treasure chest as a gift of inheritance.

I am, however, very disappointed in the description of Brittany Dunlop (Jen’s best friend since Kindergarten) in a ©2023 opening of a new series.

"Brittany Dunlop came out of her apartment on her way to work, decked out in her favorite blue librarian frock, sensible shoes, and oversized glasses."
"Brittany locked up and settled into the car, every bit a librarian in her white blouse, black skirt, and flat shoes."

It is beyond time to stop the stereotyping of every profession for women and men by their clothes and/or accessories. It takes a team to bring a book to publication, so it is incumbent on everyone to speak up and raise voices for this type of description and/or physical appearance to STOP in new releases!

[Karen Stallman · Rating 3 out of 5]

Rating 3.5 stars

Murder at the Bookstore by Sue Minix the 1st instalment in the "A Bookstore Mystery" series. What a great start to a new series, I enjoyed this book and look forward to book 2. She can write the perfect murder mystery… But can she solve one in real life?

It was entertaining, full of twists and turns and I did guess whodunnit but that did not distract from the story. I’m sure in the next 2 books character development and plot will improve and I won’t be able to guess.

I recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends and I can’t wait for book 2 to come out!

I requested and received an advanced readers copy from Harper Collins/Avon and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

[Rosalynn · Rating 2 out of 5]

Well at least the cover is pretty!

This was all over the place! The writing style was very chaotic and sometimes I was completely lost and didn't know where we were (location wise).

The main character Jen was annoying and she kept on making poor decisions that made no sense to me. The side characters all were very forgetable and didn't stick with me. And sometimes I was reading a name and it felt like they just came into the scene out of knowhere?

I guessed who did it very earliy on and I hoped for a twist at the end, but nope wasn't there.

Also to me this didn't feel as a cozy mystery at all. And I honestly still don't understand why it's called murder 'AT' the bookstore?!

Next time I'm thinking of DNFing a book, I just should

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

I came across this book on Facebook and couldn't understand why I hadn't read it.
I immediately purchased it and spent my Saturday getting to know Jen and the other characters in Murder at the Bookstore.
This book is fun, filled with fresh new characters, and a mystery so devious, even the most seasoned arm chair detective won't figure it out.
I'm pre ordering the next book immediately.
I'm looking forward to seeing what happens next!

[amb ☽☾ · Rating 1 out of 5]

I figured out who the murderer was gonna be in chapter 2, before the murder even happened. The main character is insufferable, judgy, and has an extremely negative outlook on every aspect of the world around her. She can be unnecessarily mean and I don’t really understand how the people around her can stand her. The writing style felt uncomfortable and there were too many mistakes. I didn’t want to keep reading and really had to force myself - around 70% the story actually started flowing a bit, which is why I finally finished it. But I won’t pick up another book in this series.

Some “live tweets” I typed out whilst reading (spoilers ahead, but they’re without context so I doubt it’s actually spoiling anything):

“It took three tries to lock the door behind me. My heart raced in a constricted chest.
Forget this.”
- you’re going on a date, not jumping out of a plane

“A mantra Dr Margolis had taught me dropped into my mind. Deep breath in, slow breath out.”
- really, that’s the mantra he had to _teach_ you?

“Besides, as my grandmother used to say, what he didn’t know wouldn’t hurt him.”
- ah yes such a specific saying, only Jen Dawson’s grandma could’ve figured it out

everything is SO exaggerated STOP IT. a man stands up quickly and smoothly and suddenly he’s a threat for mf usain bolt????

“I unloaded the tray. A grilled cheese sandwich and a bowl of tomato soup. Seriously? How about a hot fudge brownie sundae? Whatever. My stomach would take it, either way.”
- ungrateful ass

“I’m fine, and I was there for you when Frankie disappeared in Afghanistan.”
Tears pooled in Brittany’s eyes. “Aletha was your friend, and you cared for her, but I don’t see the comparison. Frankie was going to be my husband. He disappeared two weeks before he was due to come home. Three weeks before the wedding.” She stood. “I’ll be here whenever you need me.”
I’d stepped over the line. What’s wrong with me? “Britt, I’m so sorry. Please forgive me. I’m an—”
“Ass. Yes, I know.” She opened the door. “I’ll stop by when I get off work.”
- fucking bitch????

“Wow! Best sweet tea I’ve ever tasted.”
Vangie beamed. “It’s my mama’s secret recipe. All I can say is, two different kinds of tea all mixed up with lots of sugar.”
And a warning label: for best results serve with insulin.”
- what a rude unnecessary comment

the “tour” at the Your Life contest was like two rooms and two short questions??????

“His gentle finger under my chin turned my head back toward him.”
- SO. MUCH. PHYSICAL CONTACT. WITHOUT CONSENT.

“Tim kept an eye on Marcus and Russell as they strolled toward the Mustang. “He claims he’s had no contact with Aletha since he went to prison, but I don’t believe him. I can’t prove it, but I’m positive he’s seen or at least talked to her since then. Since the contest, even.”
- tim literally talked about marcus’ letter and now suddenly he has no proof?

“Only a newbie reporter could come up with something that lame.”
- 99% of the time this woman is awake she’s busy judging

“In fact, I still didn’t know why she beat up Timmy Hardwick when he stole my finger paints the first day of kindergarten.”
- … you’re literally stating the reason?

“I fiddled with the radio, but found nothing but pitchmen, preachers, and top forty playlists. Having my fingernails pulled out with pliers would offer more entertainment value.”
- why so RUDE

“Russell groaned and I turned toward him. His hands and eyes twitched. Was it a nightmare about me?”
- NOT. EVERYTHING. IS. ABOUT. YOU.

“How had he hidden this arrogant side so well?”
- he literally didn’t

“Brittany stood and stretched. “I think I’ll go down to the cafeteria for some coffee. Anyone else want any?”
Every hand rose, so Eric sent Leonard along to help carry the cups back. A polite thing to do, but I suspected his true motive involved privacy.”
- literally where is this suddenly coming from??

[Andrew Sammut · Rating 2 out of 5]

This literally had one of the most anticlimactic endings I've ever read. So, the bottom line is that Jen can't solve a mystery, right? All apart from being an annoying character throughout the book and involving herself in a murder case rather than working on her sequel which too is literally a detective novel. One of the laziest, most self-centred characters I've ever had the displeasure of getting to know. The writing itself is fine, quite basic save for some creative metaphors here and there, but nothing to be proud of either and the idea is far from original. SPOILER ALERT, Jen gets the answers to all her questions by following the instructions on notes sent to her or left behind for her by the perpetrators. She does jack shit save for wear a faulty wire which the police gave her.

Too much waffling and not any work done, I almost wish she drowned when she was at it, not of her own volition of course lol Too many characters introduced and not developed well or hardly, such as that of her mother for instance, or that of Aletha. I wanted to learn more about Aletha before her demise and her death was hardly tackled at all, it was just something that happened, no details about the boat itself, whether there were any clues there, same thing with the competition. It was a frustrating read over all and to be compared with Agatha Christie is an insult tbh Inheriting a bookshop is very cool regardless but she should not have involved herself in the case and put herself through so much trouble and in so much danger to begin with, she should have been smarter than that. Curiosity kills the cat but here she was the one who ended up a murderer.

[Les Wilson · Rating 3 out of 5]

Not over impressed.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Spännande och snabbläst om en kämpande deckarförfattare som hamnar i ett eget mysterium när hennes vän blir mördad.

[Cécile · Rating 3 out of 5]

het idee was echt super leuk, een cozy boekenwinkel waar murder mysteries wordt geschreven, maaaaar de hoofdpersoon was ondragelijk irritant

[Rutvik · Rating 3 out of 5]

as fun as it was, the mystery was not it. A mystery author MC ignoring all the very very present clues is just not acceptable.

[Nienke Aal]

DNF op 50%
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