Review
BOOKED FOR DEATH by Victoria Gilbert
The First Book Lover's B&B Mystery
Upon her aunt's death, Charlotte Reed inherited her literary themed
B&B. Preparations are under way to celebrate famed mystery author Josephine Tey,
including a themed dinner party. But being the hostess isn't always
easy, especially with a talented, but surly teenager and her volatile
parents, one of whom is a presumptuous book dealer who questions how Charlotte's
aunt came to own such a valuable book collection under her roof. When he's found dead in the carriage house, Charlotte begins to suspect everybody, including her employees and good friend. As she begins to look into her aunt's past, she may find more than she bargained for. Will she find a murderer as well?
There is so much to like about this new series. Charlotte is a fine protagonist who is not blind to the foibles of anyone, including her friends. She doesn't automatically exclude anyone from her suspect list merely because she likes them. I am so happy to find a capable, smart detective who is receptive to various theories. I especially appreciate that she's a strong female character and not a romantic lead for our protagonist. In fact, BOOKED FOR MURDER is filled with strong, competent women, making it fitting that a contemptible man is the victim.
One of the most intriguing aspects of the first Book Lover's Mystery is how it weaves mysteries from the past into the present. I loved the manner in which the author tied the golden age mysteries of Josephine Tey to the current murder. I enjoyed how Charlotte begins to uncover the truth about her mysterious aunt. Secrets abound and I love how their slow revelation adds more and more depth to the story. I also appreciate the portrayal of older women. Septuagenarians can be savvy too. Plus, they have lots of experience to draw upon.
BOOKED FOR DEATH is a smart no nonsense mystery filled with capable characters with interesting back stories. Victoria Gilbert delivers a well plotted mystery whose ending provides the perfect segue to future books in the series.
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Booked for Death: A Book Lover's B&B Mystery by Victoria Gilbert
About Booked for Death
Cozy Mystery
1st in Series
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (August 11, 2020)
Hardcover: 320 pages
From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books, Victoria Gilbert embarks with a new series for perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.
A book lover's B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder--and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.
Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader's paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It's the perfect literary retreat--until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.
The victim's daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.
Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt's name. But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer's death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer--or end up writing her own final chapter.
About Virginia Gilbert
Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. Victoria has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers and lives in North Carolina. This is her fourth Blue Ridge Library mystery.
Author Links:
Website/blog: http://victoriagilbertmysteries.com/
Facebook author page: https://www.facebook.com/VictoriaGilbertMysteryAuthor/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/VGilbertauthor
Goodreads: https://www.goodreads.com/VictoriaGilbert
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/victoriagilbertauthor/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC4J0jvZ-D0NVF9Qv7H2ua8Q
Purchase Links: Amazon B&N Kobo Indie Bound
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Thanks so much for participating in the blog tour and for reviewing my book!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by!
DeleteI really enjoy cozies and this sounds really good. Thanks for this opportunity.
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