Murder by the Bookend

An Antique Bookshop Mystery

By: Laura Gail Black

Narrated by: Susan Boyce

The quaint warehouse district of Hokes Folly, NC, is hopping despite the drizzly November chill. The occasion? The mountain town's beloved antiquarian bookstore, Twice upon a Time, is throwing a bash for its grand reopening. But bookseller Jenna Quinn's peace of mind is shattered when the local library's director of antique books turns up dead in the parking lot - his head bashed in by a glittering pair of vintage glass bookends.

As they examine the murder scene, Jenna and her police detective boyfriend happen upon the only witness - the victim's dog, who flees the scene leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind. If only dogs could speak, Jenna might be able to make quick work of the murder case and get back to stocking her bookcases.

Alas, finding the killer won't be so easy, even though this is not Jenna's first murder investigation - indeed, she inherited Twice upon a Time from her slain uncle. The suspect list is voluminous - the late librarian had not-so-friendly run-ins with numerous guest - but suspicion eventually centers on three unsavory individuals who left the party shortly before the victim did. Now Jenna must edit her inventory of suspects from three names to one before the bloodthirsty bookend-wielder becomes the author of Jenna's demise.

©2021 Laura Gail Black (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Good book but wrong narrator

I have enjoyed the first two books in this series and plan to listen to the third and will probably listen to the fourth. My problem is the narrator. That is not to say that Ms. Boyce is a bad narrator. Actually, she’s a very good narrator, but I think she’s the wrong narrator for this series of books because she sounds much older than the 26-year-old main character would in my opinion. I have to keep reminding myself that I am listening to a story about a woman in her mid-20s since the voice is so incongruous.

The basic theme is a familiar one - dead relative, inherited bookstore, policeman boyfriend - but the crime is somewhat original and the book is well written. The development of the romantic relationship is rather blah, which is unfortunate, but there is potential for improvement in future books.

I love this series

I really enjoyed the 2 audiobooks in the series. I will be very happy for more to come. Thank you 😊

Love story with murder

I absolutely love this book. The reason for the title is because it was a little of both. And who doesn’t love a love story that has a murder in it. Even if you don’t know, you’re in a love story. And I’m not talking about the main character.it’s a very good book and to understand what I mean, you need to listen to it.

GREAT READ

Jenna, Rita, Mason, and Keith are at it again. Another murder allegedly linked to the bookstore. Of course, Jenna is compelled to investigate. These characters are warm, funny, intelligent, and I cannot wait for their next adventure in murder and love.

Loved this book

Great story and it keeps you wanting to listen longer than the time you have at that moment.