I liked the setting and premise of this cozy mystery.

Shelby Cox who normally works as a publishing editor in the Massachusetts, comes home to Alexandria Bay, upstate New York, to help her Aunt who is recovering from surgery. Shelby is surprised to learn that she is a 50% owner in two local bookstores, one in town and a second location in the tourist destination of Blye Castle on Blye Island. Shelby begins work and quickly runs up against the autocratic Castle volunteer coordinator, Loreena. A few hours after they have a confrontation, Shelby stumbles upon Loreena’s body in the nearby Grotto.

Several police offices are involved in the investigation: the cantankerous Island Chief of Police, the quiet county sheriff and, to Shelby’s surprise, the interesting and handsome Coast Guard Special Agent Zack Griffin. The local chief is quick to challenge the Castle caretaker, Matthew, which upsets Aunt Edie. Edie asks Shelby to try to find out what is going on. Shelby begins to develop a theory of current day smuggling which brings Zack to her door on several occasions trying to get her to stop snooping.

Shelby is also trying to learn more about her mother who she believes died when she was a toddler. Shelby’s technique of investigating both issues consists mostly in questioning local residents. This puts someone on edge, but despite an attack on her houseboat, Shelby continues to try to plot out the means, motive and opportunity.

Stories involving books and bookstores tend to capture my attention. I liked the setting elements of the bookstore, the Castle grounds, the Grotto, and the houseboat where Shelby lives. The descriptions are good and the character interaction is reasonably developed. I found the mystery development and suspense a little weak. There is some repetition of Shelby’s thought processes which could have been cut allowing for a shorter, more concise work. As a debut I think the work shows promise and I would try another to see if the mystery plot improves. Fans of book related cozy mysteries might give this a try.

Source: NetGalley 2018. My rating 3.75.

The first book in a new series that will hopefully become a bit more charming and less bland. It has a great premise - a bookshop in a castle on an island in one of the prettiest parts of eastern Ontario/western New York state. Shelby Cox, although born in the little town of Alexandria Bay, left with her dad when she was three, after her mother died, and has only recently returned at the request of her Aunt Edie, who owns/runs the castle bookshop and the mainland one.

The book finds Shelby getting into an argument with the victim, a rather disagreeable woman by the name of Loreena, who is the volunteer coordinator at the castle. Later, as she's waiting for the shuttle to take her back to the mainland, Shelby comes across the body of Loreena in the water in a grotto nearby. The suspect list is narrowed to one almost immediately by the police chief, and Shelby's aunt Edie asks Shelby to investigate to clear her friend Matthew's name.

This is a bit of a tenuous lead into a murder investigation - there isn't much reason for Shelby to investigate, particularly as she's only been (back) in the area a few weeks and doesn't know anyone. She suspects everyone, coming up with all kinds of motives, and asks lots of questions. A small town isn't the place for a virtual stranger to be asking questions of people she doesn't know, despite her aunt's reputation. That residents actually answer her questions is rather unlikely as well.

There were a couple of inconsistencies, one being an instance where Taylor had taken a day off work, yet Shelby sent her home early literally in the next paragraph. It needed a little tidying up.

It was a bit bland - there wasn't any tension or action that would move the plot forward or make it more memorable - although, overall, I didn't dislike it. I was partly right in guessing the murderer, but this series has good potential and I will keep my eyes out for the next in the series.

Great mystery and move fast so you kept reading the story. like the stetting and the characters were interesting and enjoyable book to read. Would read more books by Essie

Such a cute and cozy read. I truly enjoyed!!
Read this book in one sitting. Great characters and really well written. I will definitely be looking for more from this author. Just lovely!!

Trouble on the Books is a cute cozy mystery that is well written and has great characters. I enjoyed this book.

This first in a new series was every bit as good as I'd hoped for when I first heard about it. A bookstore in a castle sounds like just about the coolest thing ever. I could really picture it and the surrounding areas from the descriptions in the book. I quickly grew to like the main characters of Shelby, Aunt Edie, Trudy and Matthew--and of course, agent Zack. Just as I thought I knew who the killer was, there was a twist at the end.

The showdown was really good, and even though Shelby had done something that I thought was a little foolish, she redeemed herself by doing something smart. I liked that the murder was solved, but there were still a couple of other things to continue into the next book, which I'm really anxious to read now.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Essie Lang introduces Castle Bookshop mysteries with Trouble on the Books. Our heroine has moved to town to help her aunt with the bookshop and its extension at the Castle. Loreena, the bossy chair of the Castle committee is murdered and suspects abound. Is it smugglers? Is it the developer who wants to build a hotel no one wants? Is it Loreena's nephew? Read on and find out. A good cozy.

Charming. It took a little bit to start, felt like I had been plopped down in the middle of a series instead of book 1. However, back stories were revealed and it all came together.

Some logistical issues, i.e. the whole story with Shelby's mom - could the whole small town really keep quiet about that?, and at least one instance of the cat's name changing (from J.T. to T.J. and back), but minor quibbles, really.

Overall, well done and I'll look for more in the series.

This book was different and cute.. the author did a good job with detail, it just made me want to go visit Blyth castle. I live the start of this series and hope to read more

As a lover of cozy mysteries, I knew I would be onto a winner with this début in a new series! “Trouble on the Books” ticked all the right boxes before I had even started reading. The setting - a cosy book-store in a castle, no less - and an eye-catching, colourful front cover - all the makings of a great read for me. And I was even afforded a rare opportunity to begin a series from the offset as I always seem to pick them up half-way through. Here was my chance to, hopefully, discover another new favourite author to add to my ever-growing list.

There aren’t many settings as perfect as a bookshop located within a castle, and Essie Lang made great use of this. Alexandria Bay is a fine lakeside town, with a real sense of community and a general feeling of nostalgia. This, as well as a town full of secrets, made it a brilliant backdrop for a murder investigation.

Essie Lang has drawn some fascinating and very useful characters in this début. Protagonist Shelby has the necessary attributes of any great sleuth - intelligence, curiosity and attention to detail - but lacks some of those needed to make a success of the book-store, ‘Bayside Books’, as she is not great at dealing with people. I could see avenues for Shelby’s progression as the main character in any future books in the series.

I was especially fond of Essie Lang’s portrayal of Shelby’s endearing Aunt Edie. She was depicted as having great strength-of-character and was someone who always wanted to be on-the-go.

Even though the murder investigation itself took some time to get going, this did not detract from the story in any way as this book had many of the components that make a really good story: from the mood and undercurrents to the very clever writing and the existence of family secrets. There was a true sense of increasing danger as the story progressed, which definitely helped to keep my interest.

Another of my favourite aspects of this novel was the fluidity of the writing. The details of the plot were brilliantly executed and every chapter left me with a compelling need to read on.

I also enjoyed the little sparks of romance in this wonderful cozy mystery.

I very much look forward to returning to ‘Bayside Books’ in Alexandria Bay with Shelby and Aunt Edie on a future occasion!

[Thanks to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author, Essie Lang for my free ARC of Trouble on the Books in exchange for an honest review.]

This was a light, quick, fun read. I enjoyed the characters. I enjoyed the plot. It kept me guessing. I would read more by this author.

I loved the small town setting of this book. It is set in Alexandria Bay in the Thousand Islands, and also Blye Castle on Blye Island. Shelby Cox has come back to Alexandria Bay to help her Aunt Edie run Bayside Books, while she recovers from knee surgery. She also finds out that she is co-owner of the bookstores, which she was unaware of. Shelby is in charge of the location at Blye Castle and takes the ferry to work each day and is renting a houseboat as her residence. It sounds like a perfect life, beautiful views and a wonderful cast of characters who live and work in the village. Shelby does have a disagreement with Loreena Swan, the volunteer coordinator at the castle, and later that day finds her body floating in the grotto. The local police, the state police and the Coast Guard Investigative Services are all investigating and Shelby starts to ask questions of her own trying to find out what happened to Loreena. The castle was once owned by a famous smuggler which adds to the mystique of the castle and its grounds, and Shelby wonders if there could be smuggling going on presently. Shelby is also asking questions about her mother, who died when she was three years old. I found myself liking Shelby more and more as the story progressed and was invested not only in the mystery, but hoping that she would get answers about her mother. I am looking forward to my next visit with Shelby and the other residents of Alexandria Bay.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from Crooked Lane Books through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Trouble on the Books: A Castle Bookshop Mystery
By Essie Lang
Crooked Lane
March 2019

When her aunt is sidelined by knee surgery, editor Shelby Cox returns to upper New York’s Alexandria Bay to help run Edie Cox’s two Bayside Books bookstores. Shelby’s focus is on the smaller store built into Blye Island’s Blye Castle, and she doesn’t regret leaving her small publishing job in Boston for the island with its own ferry and ghost stories. Shelby remains steadfast despite a confrontation with curator Loreena Swan, who demands that Bayside Books stock copies of her rather unsellable guidebook. Unfortunately, being right doesn’t mean that Shelby feels any better after discovering Loreena’s body floating in a grotto, especially when Police Chief Tekla Stone seems happy to take out a grudge against Edie by targeting her friend. A true-crime writer and the current caretaker of Blye Castle, Matthew Kessler unfortunately has his own sad past that makes him an easy suspect for a single-minded police chief.

Interrogating suspects is certainly one way for Shelby to get to know her neighbors, and she soon learns that the abrasive Loreena had more than her share of enemies and jealous rivals. The arrival of the U.S. Coast Guard Investigative Service Special Agent Zack Griffin adds a surprising twist to the investigation, causing Shelby to focus on the Island’s history with smuggling during the Prohibition. He adds a bit of a romantic jolt to her life as well, especially when an old crush of hers is on sight to provide compliments and some outstanding cooking. An unexpected discovery about her own mother further adds to the intrigue, especially when Aunt Edie proves to be elusive with answers and friends just as reluctant to disclose their knowledge.

Shelby enters the novel confident with her professional skills but insecure in her personal life, and the revelations about her past and present rock her as much as the murder. As Shelby continues to question her neighbors and old family friends, she attempts to keep the police informed but isn’t about to let a few threats or intruders stand in her way. This is an irresistible novel for cozy readers looking for a charming setting, houseboat cat, and romantic flirtations. It’s also the promising start of a new mystery series perfect for a vicarious weekend getaway, and its setting of a castle bookstore ensure for further adventures.

This book takes place in Alexandria Bay. Shelby goes there to help her Aunt with her book stores. One is on the mainland and the other is on an island. While rummaging thought the bookstore on Blye Isands, she finds a dead body in the grotto. I enjoyed this book. It was a good book with a plot with twists and turns. The characters were enjoyable. I was sorry when I finished the book.

A castle, a ghost, and murder! It doesn’t get much better than that.
Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang is a marvelous start to this new cozy mystery series, Castle Bookshop Mysteries. This book is the first that I have read of Essie Lang or her alter ego, Linda Wiken. I first saw this book a couple of months ago, and I knew then that I had to read it. The cover art is so magnificent and drew me in, but the plot summary is what hooked me.

Shelby Cox
Our sleuth is Shelby, she has returned to Alexandria Bay where she was born, after her father’s death. She was in the book publishing business, but now she is partners with her aunt in a bookshop named Bayside Books. Shelby is running things while her Aunt Edie recovers from surgery. She is mainly the day to day person at the Blye Castle seasonal store. Shelby has rented a houseboat for the summer and seems to be settling in well.

I liked that Shelby was motivated to do an excellent job for her aunt, able to forgive and that she loves chocolate as much as I do. If I ran a store that stocked chocolate truffles, let’s just say that I would have lost quite a bit of my wages.

The only thing that I disliked about Shelby was that she didn’t ask her father the questions that she wanted to ask even if he seemed full of sorrow. He didn’t have to answer, but she should have tried harder to talk to him before he died.

Zack Griffin
Zack is with the Coast Guard Investigative Service. He is investigating the death of Loreena along with the local police chief and the state police. Yep, lots of law enforcement in on this investigation.

Zack is a nice guy, and he can cook. He doesn’t talk about the case with Shelby even when she tries to trick him into revealing something. Zack is smart, witty, athletic and kind. I liked him after a few meetings. At first, he came across as a stiff investigator looking to pin the murder on Shelby.

Mystery
The mystery is the best part; in fact, there are a couple of puzzles going. We have Loreena’s murder which is first and foremost. Which is wonderfully plotted out with clues here and there if you are paying attention and not getting too wrapped up in Shelby’s drama. Which leads us to the next mystery of what happened to Shelby’s mom and why won’t anyone talk to her about it? I will let you read the book to figure that part out.

5 Stars for Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang
My rating for Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang is five stars. I love the personal drama that Shelby adds to the mysteries and the possible love that Shelby may have found with Zack. I can’t wait for the next installment, so start writing Ms. Lang.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the NetGalley. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Trouble on the Books by Essie Lang.

Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
Happy Reading

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Her aunt has just had knee surgery so Shelby Cox arrives in Alexandria Bay to help manage her aunt’s bookstore and open a satellite store in the castle on Blye Island. She is surprised when her aunt informs her that she, in fact, owns fifty-percent of Bayside Books. She has a lot to learn but she is surrounded by a great staff. The island is a popular tourist attraction so her main focus is getting the castle bookshop open as before the tourists start arriving by the busload.

After a busy grand opening Shelby is excited about her new life as a bookseller. That is until she finds a dead body floating in the Grotto. She knows immediately that it is the prickly volunteer coordinator for the Castle. The police quickly peg Matthew Kessler, the Castle caretaker as their prime suspect. When the Coast Guard gets involved Shelby starts to think the murder may be linked to smuggling, something the island was used for during Prohibition. She can’t stop herself from sticking her nose into the investigation much to the dismay of Coast Guard Special Agent Zack Griffin. She is determined to solve the case and Zack is determined to keep her safe.

The setting of this story grabbed my attention right away. A bookshop in a castle on one island that is part of the Thousand Islands area off New York. A truly perfect setting for a cozy mystery series.

Shelby Cox is an interesting protagonist. She has her work cut out for her. She admits she isn’t a people person and knows that has to change if she is going to be a success in her new profession. She is curious, a trait every amateur must have. She is also intelligent and detail oriented so I know she is going to succeed in both of these endeavors. In addition to trying to solve a murder, Shelby hopes to learn more about her mother. She was quite young when she lost her and has so many questions.

Ms. Lang has surrounded Shelby with a great supporting cast. Aunt Edie was my fave. She is a strong woman too who hates being still and away from her shop. Her recovery is moving quickly and I am excited to get to know her better when she isn’t hindered at all. Romance is two-fold in this story. Caretaker Matthew Kessler is very important to Edie and Agent Zack appears to be very interested in Shelby.

The murder happens early in the story. Shelby’s first investigation is a bit clunky as to be expected, it is her first, but it messed with the story flow in places. When she found her rhythm so did the story. Clues fell into her path and the twists and turns kept her and the reader guessing.

The subplot of Shelby’s mother blended in nicely, but I must confess I was almost more interested in it than murder. I feel this is a credit to the author because I was invested in her main character and cared about her and her feelings very early in this first book. She has left so much room for all the characters to grow.

This is a fine start for this series. Endearing characters drew me in and their lives and the mysteries thrown into their paths kept those pages turning. I am excited to learn more about these characters and to see what the author has in store for them next.

Shelby Cox moves to Alexandria Bay to help her aunt with two bookstores - one in Alexandria Bay and one on Blye Island at the castle. The day before the castle opens for the summer season the volunteer coordinator, Loreena, is murdered. Shelby finds her and then can't help but investigate.
I enjoyed the setting both location and the bookstores. There was something off about Shelby's need to investigate and the way she investigated. I wanted to like this more than I did. All the elements for a good cozy mystery are there, but somehow they didn't combine or flow in a way that made this a really enjoyable reading for me. I finished the book and I am not ruling out picking up the next installment in this new series.

I really enjoyed this book. Shelby Cox returned to her hometown after living in Boston to assist her Aunt Edie run the family bookstore.

I liked that Shelby is smart, inquisitive and friendly. Her ability to look at the situation and assess things was spot on. Of course the secondary characters were a great supporting players. I like that Erica, Taylor, Trudy, Matthew and Aunt Edie all added to the mystery.

The interaction with townsfolk and suspects kept me guessing as to who and why the murder was committed.

I also felt the weaving in of the secondary mystery of Shelby's mom and her love interest Zack were well done.

The fact that Shelby remained strong and held her ground was refreshing. I hope to read more about Shelby and the people of Alexandria Bay on future books. .

While an intriguing premise and what is set up to be an exciting mystery, I just felt like both fell a bit flat. Set in a small community, there is an issue that there are so many characters that the MC is introduced to so that they all get jumbled together; this leads to a problem of too many suspects and not enough clues to weed out which ones are viable or not.

This book started off really well! I enjoyed the setting (read: bookish vibes), the characters, and the pacing. However, I felt like the pacing slowed down after a while. For me, there wasn't enough development of the plot. If there would have been character development it would have been just fine, but that also was lacking in my opinion. Furthermore, there were so many characters, I really had a hard time keeping track of who was who. In the end, the pacing got a bit faster again but then again, the ending felt rushed. All in all, for me the balance in this book was a bit off, yet, I still enjoyed the story.