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3.94 AVERAGE
3.94 AVERAGE
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
mysterious
slow-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
3.5 Stars
One Liner: The finale…
Annie and Fletcher, the new co-owners of the Secret Bookcase and private investigators, attend the annual book fair in Santa Clara. Their plan is for Annie to finally solve the mystery behind her best friend, Scarlet’s, death all those years ago. However, Annie ends up becoming a part of another case when an industry colleague dies in front of an audience, and it is clearly a murder.
Can Annie, with help from her friends, solve both cases and come out alive?
The story comes in Annie’s first-person POV.
My Thoughts:
This is the concluding book in the series. While the first two chapters provide the necessary backstory to make this a standalone, I think readers might enjoy it more if they read at least the previous two books. That shouldn’t take long since these are short books and can be finished in a couple of hours or so.
Here, the main mystery is about the death at the annual book fair. The other is not a mystery since the FMC figured things out in the previous book. This is more of a confrontation/ conclusion part, but not without risks, of course.
Technological advancement is the central theme, focusing on the use of tech in the publishing and bookselling industry. Would you like a VR (virtual reality) device that ‘shows’ a book’s setting, characters, story, etc., or do you prefer to imagine it yourself? I fall into the latter category. While VR sounds fun, I don’t want technology to replace my imagination!
We also get some insight into the cut-throat world of publishing, like how stressful the auctions for popular authors’ manuscripts are, how not everything is ethically done, and so on.
There are some mentions of coffee and food, too. On that note, can anyone tell me what a progressive Indian restaurant is supposed to mean? I thought most Indian restaurants in the West don’t serve traditional dishes (even if they say they do) like we have them here (and anyone willing to try avocado raita? Not me!).
Anyhoo, the mystery is solved, and the overarching plot is also handled pretty easily. There’s a bit of danger, but since someone in the FMC’s team is actually sensible, everyone is safe and alive.
There’s a surprise for series readers at the end. Don’t miss the author’s note (it’s a short one anyway). If you enjoyed the books so far, you’ll be happy with the update.
To summarize, A Body at the Book Fair is the final book in the series and keeps the pacing, plotting, and character development aligned with the previous books. Since the series has been a steady 3.5 stars for me, I think it’s only fair to round up this time.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
#NetGalley #ABodyAtTheBookFair
adventurous
funny
hopeful
inspiring
lighthearted
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:
No
I have very much enjoyed the series and getting to know the characters!
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Complicated
Although advertised as the finale for the series, this seems to be preview of a new beginning under a new name, ie the upcoming Novel Detectives series. It would seem the original characters will continue, albeit perhaps with more emphasis on investigating than murder. Not that there has ever been a lack of cases to investigate, just that the upcoming ones perhaps won't be tired to the book shop. In any case, I'm delighted to hear Annie and her circle of friends will continue. Annie and bookstore co-worker Fletcher are even setting up their detective office at the book shop and, well, this case involved books, so those of us drawn to book connected murders can apparently rest easy. Annie and Fletcher, soon to be joined by Pri and Liam,are attending a book fair where, no surprise, they become involved in investigating a murder. One that basically happens right in front of Annie, no less. She's already of the proof she needs to bring a cold case to an end, this one involving her college friend Scarlet. They were to be investigative partners but Scarlet was murdered. It's a case that has haunted Annie for nearly a decade but she still finds time to, first, take charge of the current scene, way to go, Annie, and somehow be in the right place at the right time to be helpful while still taking on the dangerous task of unmasking the man she holds responsible for Scarlet's death.
I won't detail the plot but have to admit that as much as I've enjoyed this series, it all seemed a bit rushed. Annie's plan to find the proof needed for her cold case involves getting past some seemingly high level, top-notch security. Yet, she somehow manages. Not once but twice. I'll just say this all leads to a dramatic, dangerous conclusion. As for the current case, it seemed more a matter of luck when people she didn't know somehow decided to confide in her, even when they had reasons not to, and to be not only in the right place at the right time but to guess right. In other words, readers, be willing to stretch your belief a bit as you go into this one. Still a good story but, well, didn't quite pull me in like the previous books.
Don't get me wrong. as noted, I did enjoy it. It held my attention and I basically finished it in one day. I'm looking forward to seeing how Annie and Fletcher work together as the Novel Detectives. Although I initially was slow to warm up to Annie, I have come to like and admire her tenacity. I also like the other main characters, a plus for someone like me who is drawn back repeatedly by characters I like that seem like they could be friends or neighbors. Fingers crossed, it appears they'll all be back, even Hal, the original owner of the book shop, who took Annie in when she needed it. He's quite the charmer and has proven a solid sounding board and reliable friend. Pri, best friend, and Liam, Annie's boyfriend, are also solid and add to the story, especially Liam who Annie started out disliking due to his seeming disdain for mysteries. So, don't hesitate to pick up this book/series. It's a fun one that seems to still be evolving. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie and allowing me the early peeks at all that's going on in her life. I'm glad this is just foreshadowing a new beginning.
I won't detail the plot but have to admit that as much as I've enjoyed this series, it all seemed a bit rushed. Annie's plan to find the proof needed for her cold case involves getting past some seemingly high level, top-notch security. Yet, she somehow manages. Not once but twice. I'll just say this all leads to a dramatic, dangerous conclusion. As for the current case, it seemed more a matter of luck when people she didn't know somehow decided to confide in her, even when they had reasons not to, and to be not only in the right place at the right time but to guess right. In other words, readers, be willing to stretch your belief a bit as you go into this one. Still a good story but, well, didn't quite pull me in like the previous books.
Don't get me wrong. as noted, I did enjoy it. It held my attention and I basically finished it in one day. I'm looking forward to seeing how Annie and Fletcher work together as the Novel Detectives. Although I initially was slow to warm up to Annie, I have come to like and admire her tenacity. I also like the other main characters, a plus for someone like me who is drawn back repeatedly by characters I like that seem like they could be friends or neighbors. Fingers crossed, it appears they'll all be back, even Hal, the original owner of the book shop, who took Annie in when she needed it. He's quite the charmer and has proven a solid sounding board and reliable friend. Pri, best friend, and Liam, Annie's boyfriend, are also solid and add to the story, especially Liam who Annie started out disliking due to his seeming disdain for mysteries. So, don't hesitate to pick up this book/series. It's a fun one that seems to still be evolving. Thanks #StormPublishing for introducing me to Annie and allowing me the early peeks at all that's going on in her life. I'm glad this is just foreshadowing a new beginning.
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
No
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Plot
Strong character development:
Yes
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Things are going well for Annie in the quaint town of Redwood Grove. She has settled into her job at the Secret Bookcase and is finalizing the launch of her detective agency. The murder of her best friend, Scarlet, ten years before, still hangs heavily over her head. The case has never been solved, and foremost in her mind is to find the person responsible for her death.
As a bookseller, Annie looks forward to attending book fairs and meeting other booklovers. However, when she makes the trip to the Santa Clara Book Fair, she has something else on her mind. Silicon Summit Partners is located in the town, a prominent investment firm that she believes is responsible for Scarlet’s death. She has spent years trying to find her friend's killer and bring them to justice, and this may be her big chance.
Things suddenly become more complicated when an industry colleague is murdered during the book fair. Desperate to find out what happened to her friend, she enlists the help of her friend Fletcher to help in the investigation of the murder at the book fair. She knows that she must focus on the disappearance of Scarlet. This may be her last chance, and she wants to find out the truth before it’s too late.
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
Character
A Body at the Book Fair by Ellie Alexander is a fun, bookish cozy mystery that hits all the right notes. Annie is a smart, down-to-earth main character, and it’s such fun following her through the twists and turns of a murder set against the backdrop of a lively book fair. The literary setting adds extra charm, and there’s just the right mix of suspense, quirky characters, and small-town vibes. (I received an advance reader copy and all opinions are my own.) A great pick for mystery lovers who enjoy a clever plot with a cozy feel!
4 ⭐️
I really like the writing style of the author. It felt very inviting and I wish I lived in their world, because that bookstore, the Secret Bookcase (Annie’s beloved Agatha Christie themed mystery bookstore), would be an amazing bookstore.
The book was a nice and cozy mystery read. I didn’t read the other books in the series, but it was easy to catch up, there were recaps with details from prior events and the characters were described in detail.
There was a lot of time spend on the Book Fair and I found that quite interesting. It showed the struggles of small bookstores.
Before I knew I finished the book. It felt a bit rushed because there were two murders to solve in only a couple of days, but nevertheless both mysteries were very interesting.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I really like the writing style of the author. It felt very inviting and I wish I lived in their world, because that bookstore, the Secret Bookcase (Annie’s beloved Agatha Christie themed mystery bookstore), would be an amazing bookstore.
The book was a nice and cozy mystery read. I didn’t read the other books in the series, but it was easy to catch up, there were recaps with details from prior events and the characters were described in detail.
There was a lot of time spend on the Book Fair and I found that quite interesting. It showed the struggles of small bookstores.
Before I knew I finished the book. It felt a bit rushed because there were two murders to solve in only a couple of days, but nevertheless both mysteries were very interesting.
Thanks Netgalley for letting me read this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.
mysterious
slow-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:
Yes
An engaging tale of bookshop owners who also run a private detective agency. Annie and Fletcher are Novel Detectives. Whilst attending a book fair they manage to so,ve a murder committed at one of the events at the fair, although they were there to try and resolve a cold case. 10 years previously Annie’s friend Scarlett was killed whilst investigating a large firm.
Set in California this book sets a slow pace which ramps up at the end. An enjoyable read and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
Set in California this book sets a slow pace which ramps up at the end. An enjoyable read and my thanks to NetGalley and the publishers for the arc.
adventurous
emotional
lighthearted
mysterious
relaxing
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
N/A
Loveable characters:
Yes
Diverse cast of characters:
Yes
Flaws of characters a main focus:
No
Ellie Alexander has done it again! I've read all the books in The Secret Bookcase Mysteries series, and this final book leaves you wanting more! While the killer for the our heroine Annie's best friend Scarlett is finally revealed, you're left wondering what else is in store for The Novel Detectives? Hopefully, we'll find out in the future, because I cannot get enough of Annie and her found family! Nevertheless, this was the perfect ending to the series!