A Victim at Valentine’s by Ellie Alexander

A Victim at Valentine’s by Ellie Alexander

The Secret Bookcase Mysteries is one of those series with an overarching plot that hasn't been resolved yet. That is both my least favorite thing about the series and why this one doesn't work well as a stand-alone. Annie's best friend, Scarlet, was killed over a decade ago, but Annie has some new information and is working on solving the cold case. I'm just not a fan of those overarching mysteries. Annie's works full-time at a bookstore, where part of her job is coordinating events. For Valentine's Day, the store has teamed up with a matchmaker for a weekend of books and romantic events. Early the morning of the second day, a well-liked member of the community is found dead near the store. While the event continues as planned, Annie is determined to help the local detective, Dr. Caldwell, discover who the killer is. The mystery is fine. The plot moves along well. We have three potential suspects and a few...
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A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander

A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander

This time around the Secret Bookcase bookstore is hosting a gingerbread house competition, with celebrity host, baking influencer Lily. Really, what could be more Christmassy than a decorate bookstore and gingerbread? The event is going well, with only a bit of minor drama, until Annie finds Lily's dead body. Of course she's been murdered, and Annie decides to start investigating, assuming the woman was poisoned. At least the local police detective/ Annie's mentor appreciates her efforts and insights. This is a series where the main character and the authorities work well together. I like Annie. She's smart and has made a couple life decisions that have been weighing on her for a book or two. This is the fourth in the series and does pick up strands from the previous installments. I'm not sure how I feel about her love interest, Liam, yet. I think he's supposed to be sweet and caring, but he totally overreacted a time or two. Turns...
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