By: P.J. Nelson
Many thanks top St. Martin’s Press, Minotaur Books, and NetGalley for the ARC of this book!
Madeline Brimley left small town Georgia only to come back when her Aunt Rose passes away and leaves her the Old Juniper Bookstore. The night that Madeline comes back into town, the gazebo in the backyard is lit on fire and she receives a phone call telling her to pack up and leave or the house will be burnt to the ground with her in it. Then there’s another fire and a murder. Instead of running away, Madeline doubles down and tries to find out who is behind it all with Gloria, the paster, and Philomena, Rose’s friend. She just wasn’t prepared for what she was going to find out.
This was a great cozy mystery! And when I say cozy, I mean cozy. This isn’t a thriller, this won’t keep you on the edge of your seat. But it is enjoyable! Madeline is a great character. She is a little quirky; c’mon, who doesn’t have a cell phone (also, why doesn’t she have one?!), and she doesn’t have the best judge of character, but she’s easily likeable. I really enjoyed Gloria. She’s a straight shooter who doesn’t seem to be easily scared.
I thought the mystery part of this book was also well done. The author takes this book in a way that I did not suspect. I didn’t suspect the person who burned the gazebo. I also, at first, didn’t suspect the murderer. However, there was one conversation that led me to believe that person was the murderer before the reveal. However, it did not take away from the enjoyment of the book and I didn’t begin to think that much earlier than the reveal.
Overall, those who really love cozy mysteries are really going to enjoy this book.
It will be out on December 10, so go check it out here!
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