This is a light, enjoyable read, though, I didn't love it to the extent that most reviewers have so far.

The content feels more like chick-lit than the cozy mystery I'd expected. We spend a lot of time on family theatrics, paper-making instructions, and food - I think half the book is devoted to discussing, cooking, and eating snacks and meals. Granted, these scenes are often funny and entertaining. I just found the content low on substance and somewhat repetitious. In fairness, I'm not much of a chick-lit reader, so this is also an issue of my own preferences.

When we get to the mystery aspect, I just couldn't make that leap with Brooklyn's crime-fighting. Some of the things she and her fiance do are over-the-top illegal, and yet their homicide detective friend either shrugs off their law-breaking or encourages them. In the end, the case is not all that difficult to solve, which makes the detective appear incompetent.

The book description gives away almost all the high points of the plot, which is unfortunate. The whodunit culminates with tangled drama that is entertaining and comical, though I couldn't take these characters seriously.

I have not read any of the prior books in this series. This one reads perfectly as a stand-alone. I had no issues orienting myself within the story or Brooklyn's life.

Being a librarian who works with rare books, I loved this latest edition to the Bibliophile mysteries. Kate Carlisle always successfully captures how many people feel about old and rare books. This latest edition was also nice because Brooklyn stuck around her neighborhood and we get a chance to see how she might live on a day to day basis. Her future in-laws also seem to be great, which was a nice change of pace from other books where the in-laws seem to be people to fight with. I will continue to read this series and keep suggesting it to everyone I know.

I really enjoyed this book. It's been a while since I've read this series, but I was very pleased with this book.
A valuable print book of Alice in Wonderland, a murder and so much more make this story a page turner.

I love mysteries and I adore books about books, so when you put the two together with characters I care about, I’m generally sold. Once Upon a Spine is the latest in Kate Carlisle’s Bibliophile series of cozy mysteries. Brooklyn Wainwright is a bookbinder who restores rare books, and she also has the unfortunate propensity to stumble upon dead bodies. These murders inevitably involve a classic book in some fashion, so Brooklyn uses her expertise to assist in the investigations.

This time around, the book in question is Alice in Wonderland. Brooklyn and her fiancé, British security expert Derek Stone, have been frequenting a charming shopping center near their San Francisco home: bakery, hat shop, produce market, and of course, a bookstore. As Brooklyn prepares to meet her future in-laws for the first time, she happens upon a disturbing scene that includes one dead body, and the unconscious body of Will Rabbit, who owns the produce market (of course).

Things do indeed get curiouser and curiouser as they get deeper into the investigation. The shopping center serves as a type of Wonderland, and the shop owners might just remind you of some favorite characters. I’ll admit to finding it a bit head-spinning upon the first read.

As much as I enjoy the individual cases, and the creative way Carlisle weaves each book into her stories, I have also come to love Brooklyn’s family and friends. This installment does not disappoint. Will Brooklyn live up to the standards of Derek’s parents? Will her ultra-hippie parents help or hurt things? Readers new to the series will want to start with the first book to enjoy getting to know these characters, although there’s just enough background for the book to be read on its own without giving anything away from previous books.

This is a fun read for any bibliophile. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book in advance. I look forward to Brooklyn and Derek’s future adventures!

This series just keeps getting better and better...it is a testament to Ms Carlisle's gifted storytelling abilities that the stories remain fresh and engaging.

Once again Brooklyn and Dereck are enmeshed in the wrong doings of a cast of quirky characters revolving around a rare Alice's Adventures in Wonderland book. The story starts are in the wonderfully captivating signature of Brooklyn's world, keeping you enthralled through to the finish. As is usual in the Bibliophile Mysteries series the "who done it" issues as clear as it seems it would be, in this case you'll be pleasantly surprised how the mystery is unfolds and is resolved. Throw in a visit from Derek's parents from England, Brooklyn's parents as well, and you have the lightheartedness that this series is also known for.

I've always enjoyed the dynamics between Brooklyn and Derek, their relationship just brings so much joyful playfulness to the mixture, it'll leave you with a sigh in your heart.

This ARC book was provided by the Publisher and Netgally, I am voluntarily providing my honest review.

I really enjoyed this light mystery. It is the 11th book in the series, but it was easy enough to follow along, not having read the others prior to this. I was glad to be given the opportunity to read it through Net Galley.

Brooklyn is a book binder who lives in a quiet community on the edge of San Francisco. She and her fiance have a quiet, peaceful life until Brooklyn discovers the local shoe repairman under a bookshelf at the organic food store. The food store operator is injured, too, and can't explain what happened. Brooklyn's curiosity won't let her rest until she explores the mystery and helps uncover the truth.

I liked the language of the book - it was a serious topic (murder) but it was not portrayed in a blood-and-guts, morbid fashion. The main characters were easy to like, and the lack of angst in the heroine's life was a refreshing change. The plot made me want to curl up and read without stressing about life, or the story, which was perfect for a relaxing read. I am looking forward to going back and reading other books by this author, and beginning the series from the first book.

Another great book in this series. It was great to finally meet Derek's parents and fun to see how they interacted with Brooklyn's parents. I got a little confused about the many copies of the same book, but the humor and fun is what draws me to this series.

I have enjoyed this cozy mystery series for its insights into the crafts of book binding and paper arts. This one has a craft focus on paper making. Brooklyn falls into another murder investigation along with examining a rare copy of Alice in Wonderland, meeting her British -in -laws and entertaining both them and her parents. And quick, enjoyable read with a predictable ending.

I love Brooklyn and her crew. The detail and research that goes in to describing the book repair and paper-making are astounding, and make the book that much better. Derek and Brooklyn are finally engaged, and for the first time their parents are meeting. This could go really well, or horribly wrong. As usual, there is a murder that complicates things. Full of the humor you expect from Carlisle, as well as a great mystery with plenty of plot twists, this book is another winner.

Eleven books in and I'm still in love with this series! Rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright and fiance Derek are involved in another murder mystery centered around a series of shops near their San Francisco digs. There is no shortage of suspects and no shortage of motives to go 'round. Adding to Brooklyn's anxiety is the prospect of meeting Derek's parents before the couple's approaching wedding.

The Bibliophile Mysteries are well named because each centers around a rare book(s) worth killing for. The readers are treated to the history of rare books, what makes them more or less valuable, and how they can be cared for to keep these treasures in good shape for future generations. This alone would keep me reading.

Also keeping me reading are the relationships between the now well-established characters. Brooklyn and Derek are a perfect couple (perhaps a bit unrealistically so, but so wonderful to read about). Her off-kilter parents and friends and the San Francisco setting add to the fun.

Of course, I'm already impatient for the next book--oh, well, next year!

Full Disclosure--Net Gallery and the publisher provided me with a digital ARC of this book. This is my honest review.