Trouble on the Books, by Essie Lang

Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang

Book one in a new series.

My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was just okay.

I really wanted to love this book. A bookstore, in a castle? Sounds perfect, right?

But I found myself losing interest in it, it was so slow. It starts off with a murder pretty much right away, so I thought it would be fast paced. It dragged. And I really had a hard time connecting with Shelby, though I don't know quite why. It's also pretty laughable that people in a small town would tell a newcomer like Shelby anything more than they would tell the actual people in charge of the investigation.

I'd be interested in giving book 2 a chance, but it certainly goes on my library list.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*

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Murders and Metaphors, by Amanda Flower

Murders and Metaphors by Amanda Flower

My rating: 1 of 5 stars, I honestly did not like this book.

Book 3 in the series.

Sadly, I found this book entirely forgettable. As in, I got an ARC of it from NetGalley and read part of it, then put it down and forgot about it. Then, I requested it from my local library, started reading it and it clicked that I'd already started reading it once before. I did finally finish reading it, but it was a huge disappointment to me, as I love the Magical Bookshop. I just didn't like this one.

The killer was easy to figure out, there were multiple distracting typos/errors that remained in the final published work and things felt... off.

All in all, I just hope the next book in the series is more of a return to the author's earlier writing.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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The Whispered Word, by Ellery Adams

The Whispered Word by Ellery Adams

My rating: 5 of 5 stars, it was fantastic!

Book 2 in the series.

I LOVE this series and this book was possibly even better than the first one. It's got just enough different going on from other cozy mysteries to make it stand out. The main characters, bookstore owner Nora and her friends, are well fleshed out and interesting. They each have secrets and emotions and aren't always likable or smart because of that, just like real people.

I read this with a friend and co-worker that I introduced to the first book in the series, and we both spent all our breaks reading, and maybe even accidentally extended our breaks as a result, not wanting to put it down.

I am very much looking forward to the next book in the series!

*I voluntarily reviewed a copy of this book provided by the author.*


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Corned Beef and Casualties, by Lynn Cahoon

Corned Beef and Casualties by Lynn Cahoon
My rating: 2 of 5 stars, it was okay.

Another holiday novella in the Tourist Trap series and another quick visit to South Cove.

I like these quick check ins, but I will admit that the timeline bothers me. All of these novellas are set earlier in the series, and I want to know what's going on NOW. We were left with a bit of a mystery about Aunt Jackie at the end of A Killer Party, and I want an explanation.

This one seemed a bit sad to me, and I wasn't a fan of the abrupt ending. It felt rushed.

I am waiting very impatiently for more than a novella in this series.

*I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book given to me by the publisher, via NetGalley.*


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