Reviews

I loved this story. Actually, both stories because this is an unusual one in that it is a story within a story. You have the main tale—a cozy mystery about murder, theft, kidnapping, and illegal goods. Then you have a secondary tale—a children’s book called “The Strawberry Sisters” whose characters turn out to be the people in the main tale. Don’t worry, it’s not as confusing as it sounds. In fact, if you read closely, you can figure out what’s going on in both tales at the same time. The characters are well-done and the imagery is wonderful with old English bookshops, villages, manors, and more.

This is not the first book in a series, but you do not have to have read the others in order to know exactly who is who and what’s going on. The author has a very light—and talented—way of drawing in the back story so you aren’t lost.

Recommendation: Highly recommended. For an entertaining read that’s both a cozy mystery and a fairy tale all in one, definitely pick this up. You won’t be disappointed.

Disclaimer: Thanks to Netgalley and Simon&Schuster for providing this ARC. I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

git_r_read's review

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5.0

This is a really good addition to the series, if a bit darker than the first book. I'd like to be friends with most of the characters [the nice ones which is why I say 'most'] and I would love to visit this bookshop.
Molly is settling in, she's getting reasonably comfortable with being the girlfriend of the most eligible bachelor in Cambridge per the tabloids, and she loves the bookshop and al that it entails. She's become known for her investigative skills and she knows she's good at it. It's like research and she's always liked that aspect the most of being a librarian.
The darker part is the disappearance of a woman and the suspicious death of a local businessman. There's archeology and a well-loved children's book at the center of the story.
I like that the reader is privy to Molly's inner thoughts, especially her bits of self-doubt.
I like this series and really look forward to book #3, Fatal Folio. It's already pre-ordered and will be here 24 Oct.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.

thisandthatwithkaren's review

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5.0

"A Treacherous Tale” the 2nd instalment in The Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Cambridge, England. What a great follow-up to book one! Luckily my dog Lindi bought me a copy for my birthday to add to my collection, I can see myself rereading this series over the years.

Having recently discovered The Strawberry Girls, a classic children's tale, Molly is thrilled to learn the author, Iona York, lives nearby. But while visiting the famous author at her lovely cottage in nearby Hazelhurst, an old acquaintance of Iona's tumbles off her roof to his death.

I absolutely loved this story, and seeing how Molly and her mum have settled into Cambridge, England.
I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom makes you wish you were part of their little community or street.

The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.

I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book three!