Review
The Second Starlit Bookshop Mystery
Everyone in Silvercrest, Colorado is excited for the Silvercrest Library Gala. Emma Stars is preparing for the classic mystery panel to be held at her family's bookstore as part of the event and is excited to attend the gala itself. This year the fundraiser is featuring stars from the popular television series Chasers, including hometown native Whitney Willton. Whitney's niece, Lyra, who also left Silvercrest for Hollywood, is joining her as event planner for the gala and associated events. But excitement turns to tragedy when Lyra is found murdered. However, the show must go on and Emma takes over as the event planner. As she and her nemesis and event chair butt heads, more problems plague the event. Is someone sabotaging the gala? Or targeting the Chasers cast? Emma will do her best to make the event a success as she quietly tries to solve the murder.
I really enjoyed the second Starlit Bookshop Mystery. Emma is a likable protagonist. She's smart, but has a few foibles. I also really like her aunt and sister, even though they have much smaller roles in this story. Meanwhile, Tabitha is the character we love to hate. She's the stereotypical mean girl who continues to believe she's the Queen Bee even as an adult. I admit to some satisfaction seeing her put in her place a few times.
IN THE EVENT OF MURDER is unique in that Lyra's murder is almost secondary to the gala preparation itself. She was murdered and Emma took over her role and the story concentrated on planning and executing the event instead of solving Lyra's murder.
Despite all the pettiness and character assassinations, there was an element of romance as well. Ryan's transformation of the event space was magical and despite Emma's protestations, there may be romance ahead for her and there's definitely romance for a few other characters!
With Hollywood drama and Colorado common sense, IN THE EVENT OF MURDER is a high spirited mystery of jealousy and ruthless ambition.
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In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery) by Cynthia Kuhn
About In the Event of Murder
Cozy Mystery 2nd in Series
Setting - Colorado
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books (August 20, 2024)
Hardcover: 304 pages
It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.
Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.
With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event.
About Cynthia Kuhn
Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries, which focus on a bookseller solving crimes in an artistic mountain community, and the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries, featuring a professor-turned-amateur-sleuth. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Diabolical, Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.
Author Links:
Website: https://cynthiakuhn.net
Blog: http://chicksonthecase.com
Twitter/X: http://www.twitter.com/cynthiakuhn
Purchase Links - Amazon - B&N - Kobo - Bookshop.org - PenguinRandomHouse
Sounds like a good book.
ReplyDeleteThank you so much for giving In the Event of Murder a read and for hosting! So happy that you enjoyed it. :)
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