For Whom the Book Tolls
An Antique Bookshop Mystery
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- $14.99
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- $14.99
Publisher Description
“A small Southern town, a spirited sleuth, and a cozy bookshop add up to a fast-paced” cozy mystery series debut that “book-loving readers will cheer for” (Elizabeth Craig, bestselling author of the Southern Quilting mysteries).
When Jenna Quinn finds her uncle murdered in his antique bookstore, she not only becomes the primary beneficiary of his estate—but the prime suspect of the investigation.
Trouble follows Jenna Quinn wherever she goes. Fleeing some unsavory doings in her hometown of Charlotte, Jenna accepts her uncle's gracious invitation to stay with him in small-town Hokes Folly, NC. In exchange, she'll help him out in his antiquarian bookstore. But soon after she arrives, Jenna finds her uncle’s body crumpled at the base of the staircase between his apartment and the bookstore.
Before the tragedy even sinks in, Jenna learns that she’s inherited almost everything her uncle owned: the store and apartment, as well as his not-so-meager savings and the payout from a life insurance policy...which adds up to more than a million dollars. This is all news to Jenna—bad news, once the police get wind of her windfall. An ill wind, indeed, as a second murder cements Jenna's status as the prime suspect in both deaths.
Jenna can hit the road again, taking her chances that she can elude trouble along the way. Or she can stick it out in Hokes Folly, take over the bookstore, and try to sleuth out her uncle’s killer. On the one hand, she’s made some wonderful new friends, and she feels she can thrive in the genial small-town environment. On the other hand, trouble knows her address—and so does the killer, who is determined to write the final page of Jenna’s story.
PUBLISHERS WEEKLY
Black's promising debut and series launch introduces Jenna Quinn, who gladly accepts her uncle Paul Baxter's invitation to come to Hokes Folly, N.C., to help him run his bookshop, having recently been acquitted of embezzlement and murder, crimes she didn't commit, in her hometown of Charlotte, Va. But the morning after Jenna arrives in Hokes Folly, she finds her uncle lying dead in his shop. Det. Frank Sutter, one of the investigators on the case, learns of Jenna's alleged crimes and seems determined to prove that Jenna killed her uncle; that Paul has left her everything in his will doesn't help her. Fortunately for Jenna, Det. Keith Logan, Frank's partner, is convinced of Jenna's innocence. If Jenna can find a lost antique diary, she may discover who's willing to kill to get their hands on a hidden treasure. An appealing heroine, an old bookstore, and a picturesque small-town location make up for some clich d characters and a couple of improbable plot twists. Cozy fans will be satisfied.
Customer Reviews
Great start!
I really enjoyed reading this new cozy mystery! Jenna Quinn is escaping her hometown where she was put on trial for murder and then proven innocent. She runs to her uncle who owns a bookstore in Hokes Folley. When she finds her uncle dead in his shop, can she solve the crime before the detective in charge of the case is able to arrest her for a crime she didn't commit?
I really liked reading about Jenna. She was a super fun character to get to know. I liked getting to know everyone in the small town and getting to see all of their quirks. I really felt for Jenna and felt a sort of kinship. Not that I've ever been suspected of murder but I totally saw myself in her. She is a really likable character! I honestly did not see the end coming at all. It took me completely by surprise! I totally thought that I knew who committed the murders, but I could not have been more wrong! I can't wait to read more from this series!
*eARC provided in exchange for an honest review*