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I am happy to share my thoughts about Murder on the Books (A Cozy Bookshop Mystery) by Toni LoTempio today!
Murder on the Books (A Cozy Bookshop Mystery)
by Toni LoTempio
About Murder on the Books
Murder on the Books (A Cozy Bookshop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Setting – Pennsylvania
Publisher : Severn House
Publication date : July 1, 2025
Hardcover Print length : 240 pages
ISBN-10 : 1448315263
ISBN-13 : 978-1448315260
Digital ASIN : B0DTYF8XYF
ISBN-13 : 978-1448315277
Newly retired mystery writer Charley James returns to her small hometown only to find herself amidst a real-life murder mystery in this first book in the brand new Cozy Bookshop mystery series by award-winning and national bestselling author T.C. LoTempio.
Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books.
Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind.
Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila’s body in a chest in the store’s basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila’s murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!
Dollycas’s Thoughts
What happens when a bestselling author of a long-running series gets burned out/writer’s block and relocates to her hometown? First, her agent freaks out. Then, not being independently wealthy, there has to be a plan.
Well, C.J. Barrett (Charley James) needs a break after 12 years and 15 books she has written in her Steve Sheppard mystery series. She decides to head home to Austin, Pennsylvania, to figure things out. Yes, her agent freaked out because she said it may take a year or more before she will be ready to smash out another book. She also plans to keep her writing career as C.J. Barrett a secret. The last thing she needs are fans asking about her next book.
She quickly meets up with her friend, Zane, who tells her that her plan of opening a bakery/cafe in a double storefront with Sheila Crowder’s bookstore is falling apart. Sheila suddenly left town, leaving Zane with few options. Charley needs something to do, so she offers to take on the bookstore side of the business. She then finds out Sheila didn’t leave town when she finds her dead body in a chest in the store’s basement.
Charley can solve a murder; she has done it several times in her books, but Detective Grant and Officer Donaldson would prefer she leave the case to them. But that isn’t going to happen. Charley is going to follow each and every clue to “assist” Detective Grant throw the book at the killer.
I really enjoyed meeting the characters in this first Cozy Bookshop Mystery. Charley needed a break from writing mysteries and had the courage to say so. Her curious nature and all she has learned penning mysteries make her a very capable amateur sleuth. She stole my heart when she adopted Poe, a large black cat with a white spot on his nose and white under his chin. Zane is a great friend. She opens up her home to Charley and Poe while continuing to work full-time at another bakery until her bakery is ready to open. Charley is surprised that Barbara Jeanne Donaldson is a police officer. In high school, she was called Barbie, like the doll, never a blonde hair out of place, fashion model figure, usually found on the arm of a football jock. She is a competent officer. Rumor has it she is trying to become a detective. With the murder, she calls in Detective Ian Grant from Philadelphia to help with the case. When he arrives, it is easy to see that Officer Barbie has a crush on the tall, dark, and handsome detective. Charley is also a little smitten. All the characters have room for growth as the series continues.
Ms. LoTempio has plotted out a marvelous mystery with plenty of twists and turns. Charley can’t help but to get involved in the case, taking some sizeable risks with only Poe and sometimes Zane for backup. We do meet some interesting residents of Austin, each added to the story in meaningful ways. There were literally puzzling clues that brought new things to light, and I found that very entertaining. I wish Charley had been more open with Ian. She did try, but was frustrated when her calls went to voicemail. Her desire to check things out on her own with her frisky feline leads to an A-ha moment at the wrong time and place. Who knew a copy of The Stand by Stephen King could come in so handy?
Murder on the Books has set this series off to a fine start. There are engaging characters with ample room for growth, a great home base in Austin that brings the history of the characters, a puzzling mystery that keeps everyone on their toes, and you can’t go wrong with a small-town bookstore and bakery as a place for people to gather. I have enjoyed everything I have read by this author. T.C. Lotempio doesn’t disappoint. I can’t wait for the next book in what I hope will be a long-running series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Severn House and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.
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About Toni LoTempio
- T.C. LoTempio is the award-winning, nationally bestselling author of the Nick and Nora Mysteries, the Urban Tails Pet Shop Mysteries, and the Cat Rescue Mysteries. Born in New York City, she now resides in Phoenix, Arizona, with her two cats, Maxx and Rocco. Rocco prides himself on being the inspiration for her Nick and Nora series! For more information, check out her and her cat Rocco’s blog at www.catsbooksmorecats.blogspot.com and visit her website at www.tclotempio.net
- FACEBOOK:
- TWITTER/X: ROCCOBLOGGER
- WEBSITE:
Purchase Links
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Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. Receiving a complimentary copy in no way reflected my review of this book. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.” “As an Amazon Associate, I earn a commission from qualifying purchases.” I am also an affiliate of Bookshop.org and I will earn a commission if you click through and make a purchase.” These funds are often used for gift cards and other giveaways.