I’ve always been drawn to cozy mysteries with charming settings and quirky characters, so when I heard about Lauren Elliott’s new “Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery” series, I knew I had to check it out. “Murder by the Book” is the first installment and it did not disappoint!
I picked up a copy at my local indie bookstore a few weeks ago. The pretty cover art featuring a quaint bookshop drew me in immediately. As a lifelong bookworm and frequent browser of used bookstores, I love when a mystery series revolves around books and the literary world. It’s like combining two of my favorite things – a good whodunit and the comforting smell of old books.
The story follows Addie Greyborne, a young woman who moves to the fictional seaside town of Greyborne Harbor in New England after inheriting her great aunt’s house and extensive book collection. Addie decides to open a bookstore, hoping for a fresh start after dealing with tragedy in her personal life. As a former rare book librarian myself, I instantly connected with Addie’s bibliophilic nature and desire to share her love of books with others.
However, Addie’s plans go awry when she discovers the body of a murdered merchant and her new friend Serena becomes the prime suspect. Determined to clear Serena’s name, Addie puts her literary knowledge and research skills to the test as she begins to investigate the crime herself. I loved watching Addie’s transformation from grieving widow to amateur sleuth over the course of the book.
One of the greatest strengths of “Murder by the Book” is the vividly drawn setting of Greyborne Harbor. Through Elliott’s descriptive prose, I felt completely transported to this idyllic coastal community. I could practically feel the salty sea breeze and hear the seagulls circling overhead as I read. The town is populated by a delightful cast of secondary characters, from the grumpy but lovable Police Chief to Addie’s eccentric new neighbors. They added so much color and personality to the story.
I also appreciated how the mystery kept me guessing until the very end. There were several viable suspects and red herrings that made it difficult to pinpoint the real culprit. I changed my prediction multiple times while reading, which to me is the sign of a well-crafted mystery. When the truth was finally revealed, I was satisfied by how all the clues came together.
That said, the book isn’t without flaws. At times Addie made frustratingly naive choices that strained believability, like confronting a suspect alone without backup. I wanted to shake some sense into her! Additionally, the romantic subplot with Addie’s old flame felt a bit forced and I wasn’t entirely sold on their chemistry. But these are minor quibbles in an otherwise engaging read.
Throughout the novel, I dogeared several pages containing poignant quotes or exchanges that resonated with me. One of my favorites is from a scene where Addie reflects on her late husband’s love of poetry. She says, “Rob had believed that poetry could change the world, one verse at a time. That words mattered, that they held power, that they could make a difference.” As a literature lover, this sentiment struck a deep chord with me and brought tears to my eyes. It encapsulates so much of why I cherish books.
Elliott’s writing style is warm and inviting, making the novel a pleasure to read. Her prose is descriptive without being overly flowery, and she has a great ear for snappy, natural-sounding dialogue. The pacing is brisk and there’s a nice balance of humorous and more poignant moments. I was impressed by how she managed to develop Addie into a fully-realized character while still leaving room for growth in future installments.
Reading “Murder by the Book” prompted me to reflect on my own relationship with books and the way stories have shaped my life. Like Addie, I’ve always found solace and escape in the pages of a good book. Mystery novels in particular have been a favorite since childhood, and I credit characters like Nancy Drew and Miss Marple with sparking my lifelong love of solving puzzles.
Addie’s emotional journey also hit close to home for me. Two years ago, I lost my mother to cancer and threw myself into my work as a librarian to cope with the grief. Watching Addie slowly begin to heal by honoring her aunt’s memory and embracing her new community felt cathartic in a way. It was a reminder that we can find hope and purpose even in the darkest chapters of our lives.
While “Murder by the Book” isn’t what I’d call groundbreaking, it’s an undeniably entertaining read that left me eager for more. I’d happily recommend it to any of my fellow mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy contemporary cozies with a bookish bent like Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s series or Lorna Barrett’s Booktown mysteries. It has a similar small-town charm and cast of bibliophiles that are sure to delight.
I’m already looking forward to revisiting Greyborne Harbor in the sequel, “Prologue to Murder.” I’ve grown quite attached to Addie and her friends and can’t wait to see what twisty literary crimes they get entangled in next. If Elliott maintains the series’ strong sense of place, clever plotting, and engaging cast, I can easily see this becoming one of my new go-to cozy mystery favorites.
At the end of the day, what I loved most about “Murder by the Book” is how it reinforces the importance of stories and the power they hold. As Addie unravels the mystery behind the murder, she also uncovers deeper truths about her own past and the stories that have shaped her loved ones’ lives. It’s a poignant reminder that books are more than just words on a page – they represent our histories, our hopes, and our shared humanity. And that’s a sentiment I think any true bibliophile can appreciate.
So if you’re in the mood for a smartly plotted mystery with an extra helping of bookish charm, I highly recommend giving “Murder by the Book” a read. Pour yourself a cup of tea, curl up in your favorite armchair, and prepare to lose yourself in the coastal world of Greyborne Harbor. I know I certainly did, and I’m already counting down the days until my next visit.