Scan barcode
nikkileesp's review against another edition
4.0
I'm enjoying all of the characters so much more now that the plot and they are developing! Can't wait for more!
booglelooreads's review against another edition
5.0
Literary Cozy Mystery which finds a CA Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookstore's events organizer turning sleuth after a celebrity baker's killed during a gingerbread-baking challenge.
5/5 stars: Alexander's a favorite author and once again doesn't miss with this fourth entry in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in California and features a bookseller and event organizer for an Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookstore, who also has a criminology degree. When a social media star and celebrity baker's killed during a gingerbread-baking competition, she teams up with her loyal bookstore colleagues and her pub-owner new boyfriend to solve this murder mystery before the killer strikes again and makes this her last Christmas. With plenty of twists and turns, Alexander has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I also enjoy the overarching plot of the cold case murder investigations and seeing Annie moving forward in her career. Heartfelt and humorous, Alexander's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's so much fun to catch up with Annie, her friends, her found family at the Secret Bookcase bookshop and the eclectic townsfolk of Redwood Grove. Annie's a great character, who's toughness and determination are admirable. And I really like seeing her relationship with the ever so handsome bar owner and chef, Liam, starting to bloom. And of course one mustn't forget Annie's aptly named cat, Professor Plum. Additionally, I adore the small town holiday-filled atmosphere and cheery vibes throughout the book; Alexander always know how to set the scene. Alexander touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, [b:The Body in the Bookstore|213731253|The Body in the Bookstore (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #1)|Ellie Alexander|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1716317698l/213731253._SY75_.jpg|219986165].
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
5/5 stars: Alexander's a favorite author and once again doesn't miss with this fourth entry in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in California and features a bookseller and event organizer for an Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookstore, who also has a criminology degree. When a social media star and celebrity baker's killed during a gingerbread-baking competition, she teams up with her loyal bookstore colleagues and her pub-owner new boyfriend to solve this murder mystery before the killer strikes again and makes this her last Christmas. With plenty of twists and turns, Alexander has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I also enjoy the overarching plot of the cold case murder investigations and seeing Annie moving forward in her career. Heartfelt and humorous, Alexander's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. It's so much fun to catch up with Annie, her friends, her found family at the Secret Bookcase bookshop and the eclectic townsfolk of Redwood Grove. Annie's a great character, who's toughness and determination are admirable. And I really like seeing her relationship with the ever so handsome bar owner and chef, Liam, starting to bloom. And of course one mustn't forget Annie's aptly named cat, Professor Plum. Additionally, I adore the small town holiday-filled atmosphere and cheery vibes throughout the book; Alexander always know how to set the scene. Alexander touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, [b:The Body in the Bookstore|213731253|The Body in the Bookstore (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #1)|Ellie Alexander|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1716317698l/213731253._SY75_.jpg|219986165].
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
booksandbaking's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
devilishangelreads25's review against another edition
adventurous
dark
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
sad
tense
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
colleend's review against another edition
adventurous
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
rmhs14's review against another edition
informative
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.5
I like this series, and maybe because I didn't read this during the season that it was meant for, it may of taken a little bit away from this book. I didn't feel that this book was as good as her others in the series.
connie_d's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
botanyandbooks's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
graciouswarriorprincess's review against another edition
adventurous
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
Another win from Ellie Alexander. This is the fourth book in the secret bookcase mystery series. In this Annie finds herself in the middle of another murder which involves a social media baking expert, Lily. Hal, Fletcher and Annie find themselves wrapped up in a gingerbread "Bake Off" contest while trying to solve the murder.
Annie's love interest with Liam heats up and Annie finally decided what career path she should take-bookstore or private investigator. This fourth story had some twists, and I loved that Annie finally figured out her career path.
Looking forward to reading the fifth book in the series and getting to know Annie and her friends better.
Annie's love interest with Liam heats up and Annie finally decided what career path she should take-bookstore or private investigator. This fourth story had some twists, and I loved that Annie finally figured out her career path.
Looking forward to reading the fifth book in the series and getting to know Annie and her friends better.