A Secret Bookcase Mystery Book 1
Book Blurb:
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?
My Review:
I love it when I get the chance to get in on the ground floor—with Book 1 in a new series and by one of my favorite authors.
The Body in the Bookstore introduces the reader to Annie Murray, bookseller and events manager of a quaint little bookshop in iconic rural Redwood Grove. Annie and her bestie Scarlet planned to open a detective agency after they graduated with degrees, but then Scarlet was murdered.
Business is lagging in the bookshop, however, book signings are not bringing in customers, and she comes up with a brilliant idea to involve the town in a special three-day Mystery Festival.
The festival is a big success until a body is discovered—in her bookshop.
Good thing the lead detective is her old professor with whom she can work and Annie and her local buddy get to work on the whodunit.
There are some engaging support characters here, including a kitty. Annie is a smart, independent protagonist, capable of delegating, multitasking. She uses what experience she’d gained from investigating her friend’s murder and begins a concentrated investigation. She has the clues, the support, and the resources.
The death of her friend Scarlet will continue to drive her and in the meantime, she has established a basis for the side hustle.
Looks to be a good start on the new series with an atmospheric small town and down home people. Writing style is well-paced with a solid cozy plot and those who enjoy the genre will surely enjoy this one.
I downloaded a copy of this audiobook from my local well-stocked library. These are my honest thoughts.
Rosepoint Publishing: Four point Five Stars 
Book Details:
Genre: Cozy Mysteries, Amateur Sleuth Mysteries, Women Sleuth Mysteries
Publisher: Dreamscape Media
ASIN: B0D64CW59W
Listening Length: 7 hrs 18 mins
Narrator: Ellen Quay
Publication Date: June 19, 2024
Source: Local Library (Audiobook Selections)
Title Links: The Body in the Bookstore – Amazon-US
Amazon-UK
Barnes & Noble
Kobo
The Author: ELLIE ALEXANDER is a voracious storyteller, a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over thirty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.
She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.
Find out more about Ellie, her books, and writing courses by visiting her online:
Website: https://www.elliealexander.co/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ellie_alexander
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/elliealexanderauthor
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/elliealexanderauthor
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©2025 V Williams
Rosepoint Publishing 
Definitely sounds like a good cozy mystery. 🙂 yes, a lovely cozy
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