The Body in the Bookstore

A Secret Bookcase Mystery, Book 1

By: Ellie Alexander

Narrated by: Ellen Quay

Behind the shelves of The Secret Bookcase, where the sun slants through the windows onto rows of classic crime novels, a body lies…

Bookseller Annie Murray is thrilled when the mystery-themed book festival she sets up to revive the dwindling fortunes of her workplace and sanctuary seems poised for success. But events take a shocking turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves, and it’s revealed that the victim is Annie's old college acquaintance.

Determined to ensure the festival’s success and save the small town of Redwood Grove from a killer, Annie begins piecing together clues with the help of her friends. But as the list of suspects grows longer—a local boutique owner, an envious old classmate, a bitter ex-boyfriend—Annie is drawn deeper into the case.

With the aid of her old criminology professor-turned-detective, can Annie unmask the murderer before they turn her festival into a real-life whodunit?

Full of lovable, quirky characters and small-town charm, The Body in the Bookstore serves up an irresistible blend of intrigue for fans of cozy crime including Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.

©2024 Ellie Alexander (P)2024 Dreamscape Media

Writer took a bit too much time illustrating characters attire and areas vs getting to the murder.

Writen with characters sense of humor. A few pieces missing along the way. Loved the possible lead to the ongoing mystery.
Sorry, that's all I have.

Lots of action and great characters

The characters were engaging, infuriating, and likeable, by degrees. The story moved swiftly and kept me listening a full day to the end.

Some of it didn’t make any sense

So much of it was unbelievable you have a girl who has a criminology degree who decides because she has a bachelors in criminology. She now is investigate crime. You have a professor with a PhD. becoming a detective in the police department.

engaging and very well set up

wonderful cozy mystery. very well done. well worth the read.cant wait to read the next one.

Promising series starter

Starts slow, for some time I was thinking no more than 3 stars (unsolved murder of college roommate seemed overplayed), but it picked up steam as it went along. I wasn’t surprised by the reveal - okay, I guessed it as soon as the character was introduced - but I don’t mind that in a cosy. Character interactions are complex and the setup is reasonably believable.

I have mixed feelings about the narrator. A little too “sweet” for my tastes. (Why can’t cosy narrators sound like adults?) But a good job of distinguishing voices.

WARNING: The scene in which the body is discovered is pretty graphic.