Cozy mysteries are my go-to read. I’m usually always reading at least one, if not multiple, but my want-to-read list keeps growing! In an effort to cut my list down, I have purposely picked one new-to-me cozy mystery off my list to read every month. My latest read is one that fit this category: Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson, the first book in the Old Juniper Bookstore Mystery series. The cover of this book is what appealed to me first, but the story and characters quickly pulled me in!
Madeline Brimley left her small Georgia town to follow her aunt’s footsteps as an actress. After going to college, Madeline decided to pursue her dreams on the stage in New York. She ended up working in Atlanta for years, but after her eccentric Aunt Rose passed away, Madeline moves back to the small town of Enigma, Georgia where she grew up. Rose left Madeline her bookstore in an old Victorian mansion. Rolling into town in her old Fiat, Madeline is ready to start her second career as a bookseller.
Madeline’s new life starts with difficulties! Her first night in town turns to disaster when the gazebo in her backyard is lit on fire. The local authorities think Madeline is the one who set the fire. After a phone call in the middle of the night from someone threatening to burn the whole house down if Madeline doesn’t leave the house and Enigma immediately, she decides to stay and run the store, thinking that the threat can’t be serious. Once the store is open, customers flock to purchase books and visit the new owner. Everything seems to be going good until there’s another fire and a murder in the store! Who could want to harm Madeline? Who is trying to destroy her store? Suspicion is all over the newcomer, leading her to investigate the crimes with the help of her aunt’s best friend and the new priest across the street. The town of Enigma, its residents, and her Aunt Rose are full of secrets that Madeline must unearth before someone else she loves is targeted.
This cozy mystery, while predictable, is full of unique characters. The introductions to each character were not overwhelming, while each had something distinctive to add to the story. Multiple sub-plots also run through this book, calling the reader to pay attention to solve the crimes. The setting was also gorgeously described. The plot had me hooked with an intriguing resolution that involved many of the characters. Booked for Murder is definitely darker than the traditional cozy mystery, but that allows the author to highlight the characters’ relationships with each other. The second in the series, All My Bones, is supposed to be released in December 2025 and I can’t wait!
This title is also available in large print.
