Addie has worked with books and in a prestigious library at that. She has now moved into her hometown to settle down with a small shop.

Her friendship with the Police Chief does not go down well with a certain lady and when June is found murdered, Addie finds herself mired in innuendo connecting her to the lady's death. No slander no libel possible, just a gossip column doing untold damage to her reputation and to her business.

Addie is determined to get to the bottom of the story and slowly a plot of pirate treasure, caves, family feuds going back centuries are uncovered. Added to this is Addie's own troubles of the heart, having just got over her relationship and now finding both the Chief of Police and the new Surgeon at the local hospital both attracted to her. She herself is in a quandary not knowing whom she likes the most and this makes her very unpopular!

Told in a step by step cozie mystery manner, this was a nice mystery murder read.

Fantastic story. I was immediately engaged with the characters and found myself on the edge of my seat until the reveal.
Will definitely read more in this exciting series.

Prologue to Murder was an enjoyable read with a solid mystery surrounding pirates, buried treasure, and a hidden manuscript.

Miss Newsy, the gossip columnist at the local paper, is stirring up trouble for Addie Greyborne after she accuses Addie of having something to do with local librarian June Winslow going missing. And after June’s body is found in an underground tunnel in town, Addie is accused by the columnist of being involved in June’s death. Determined to once again clear her name, Addie begins looking into June’s death which in a surprising turn of events leads to legends of buried treasure in town.

The mystery in this book was incredibly well done with several surprising twists and turns. Upon looking into June’s death, Addie discovers the woman wrote a book about local history and legends. After learning the town council blocked certain sections of the book from being published, Addie sets out to uncover the original manuscript. I enjoyed Addie’s quest to find the manuscript and the inclusion of pirates just made everything more exciting. Addie’s murder board returns in this book and I like how Addie uses it to work through her ideas. I thought the reveal of June’s killer was well done and I was surprised by a few things we found out. I definitely think the mysteries in the series are the best part of the books.

Addie is where I had a few problems with this book. I enjoy her love of books and her investigative techniques are fun to follow along with. I mean who wouldn’t want to go to a pirate museum for research? But unfortunately I don’t like how wishy washy Addie is when it comes to keeping her promises. Rather than state her intentions from the start, Addie likes to find creative ways around her promises so she can do what she wants. I think I mainly have an issue with it because her love interest, Marc, is the police chief and so she lies to his face on numerous occasions. I’m hoping this is something Addie works on in future books as it’s a character flaw I can’t seem to get past.

As to the side characters, I was happy we got a bit of background on Martha, the owner of the bakery next to Addie’s shop, that helped shed some light on why she dislikes Addie so much. Knowing her reasoning, even if I found it to be flawed, was infinitely better than her simply hating Addie on sight as was the case in the first book. Addie and Serena’s friendship hits a few bumps in this book, but I was happy to see the pair actually communicate and work things out. A new character, Simon, is introduced and it’s clear right away that he is another love interest for Addie which sets up a love triangle between Addie, Marc, and Simon. Ultimately I found the love triangle to be tiresome and I’m hoping it’s not going to be an ongoing thing throughout the series.

Overall I ended up having the same issues with Prologue to Murder as I did with the first book in the series, but the mysteries in these books are fantastic enough to keep me reading.

Addison 'Addie' Greyborne is finally settling into life in Greyborne Harbor – she’s making new friends and her bookshop is starting to do well… that is until the local newspaper’s new gossip columnist, ‘Miss Newsy’, takes a personal interest in ruining Addie’s reputation.

When the local librarian, June Winslow, goes missing, Miss Newsy implies that Addie has something to do with June’s disappearance and subsequent murder. Before she died, June had written a book on Greybourne Harbor’s origins, which included the possibility that there was pirate treasure hidden in some underground tunnels. Could this be why she was killed?

It also doesn’t help that Addie’s blossoming romance with Police Chief Marc Chandler hits a rough patch when his ex-fiancee, Lacey Davenport, returns and is obviously interested in rekindling their romance. Even Serena, Marc’s sister and Addie’s closest friend in town, seems to have abandoned Addie for Lacey.

Addie starts feeling lonely and anxious – her bookshop is all but empty as her customers are staying away in droves, thanks to Miss Newsy. But all is not lost! Enter Dr. Simon Emerson, the town’s new ER trauma surgeon and part-time forensic pathologist, who takes an immediate interest in Addie and joins her in her effort to solve the murder mystery and clear her name.

There are a few ‘drama-queen’ moments that bother me about Marc – he seems to be overreacting to Simon’s appearance in Addie’s life and says some harsh things that Addie totally should have called him on, but didn’t. Simon, on the other hand, seems too perfect and dropped into Addie’s life so quickly that I suspected him to be up to something for most of the book.

I generally dislike love triangles, especially in cozy mystery series, as they tend to drag on and ON. But I can’t pass judgement on this love triangle yet because it’s still fairly new, having only been introduced in this book. Also, I can honestly say I don’t have a preference yet either – Marc and Simon both have their strong points and I could see Addie with either of them.

I like that Addie continues to flex her research skills and delves more of the history of the town and her own ancestors. Addie also doesn’t seem as helpless as some other cozy mystery protagonists but has enough quirks about her to make her seem normal.

The mystery story itself is full of twists and turns, which kept me guessing until the end. There were just enough clues to make me think I had it solved… when really, I didn’t have it at all. I’m looking forward to Book 3 to see if the love triangle gets resolved and hopefully see Addie settle into her new life in Greybourne Harbor more.

*** Thank you to Kensington Books for providing me with a digital Advanced Reader Copy of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an unbiased review. ***

Loved this book, hard to put down. Wasn't wild about the love triangle, but the mystery was fantastic and very interesting. Ending was a complete surprise. Loved all the little revelations and side stories. Great book!

An intriguing read with mystery, small towns, and a touch of romantic chaos. When suspicion falls onto Addie of causing the disappearance and death of the librarian by the town gossip and busybody, she has to work overtime to discover who the real culprit is.
A story that is beautifully woven from start to finish, you will not be able to put it down.

Addie Greyborne, proprietor of Beyond the Page bookstore, is gearing up for a weekend festival in town. When a gossip columnist starts making accusations that Addie was involved in a local librarian’s murder, she decides to investigate. At the same time, a woman comes back to town to try and rekindle a romance with Marc, Addie’s sometimes boyfriend and local police chief. Then, when she starts to feel abandoned, she leans on the newest resident and doctor, Simon. Will Addie be able to find the truth behind the librarian’s murder without losing the reputation she has built?
I loved this story, it was full of nefarious characters, and plot twists. I was at the edge of my seat until the end. The romantic subplot was intriguing and lent some needed tension. The only thing I didn’t like was that a certain character seemed to have escaped without paying for what she did. I can’t wait to find out what happens next. I received an Advanced Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

I read the first one, thought the series had potential and decided to try the second installment.
Unfortunately it's not my cup of tea, the issues I found in the first book are still there, and won't surely read other books in this series.
Many thanks to Kensington Books and Netgalley for this ARC

Gossip columnists love a bold-faced name—but “Miss Newsy” at Greyborne Harbor’s local paper seems to specialize in bald-faced lies. She’s pointed a finger of suspicion at Addie after librarian June Winslow never makes it home from a book club meeting. And when June’s found at the bottom of a steep flight of stairs, Addie’s not only dealing with a busybody, but a dead body.



Thank you to net galley and the publisher for giving me the opportunity to read this book couldn't put it down

Bookstore owner Addie Greyborne is back in Prologue to Murder by Lauren Elliott.  In between running her store and trying to learn the history of the small town named after her ancestor, Greyborne Harbor, Addie is juggling her love life and murders.  

As a "certified" amateur detective, and despite the misgivings of her potential boyfriend, the chief of police, Addie uses her research skills to investigate the murder of the local librarian.  

This is book two of a new series, but it's not necessary to have read the first one (Murder by the Book) to appreciate the story.

This is the 2nd book in this series and has everything I love about cozy mysteries! Addie owns a bookstore and is a descendent of the original town founder. This brings additional problems for Addie who is just getting settled. It is the town's Founders Day festivities and the beloved librarian is found dead. Who would have wanted her dead? This book has a good pace, likable characters, friendship, and a little bit of
romance trouble. The mystery isn't graphic, intense or suspenseful but is intriguing. Can't wait for the next book!

Prologue to Murder, the second book in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series, is an entertaining visit to a community that revels in its pirate history as well as an interesting mystery. The store owner’s connections in the community are new but we see the strength that even new friendships can bring. I especially enjoyed watching the evolution of the relationship between Addie and her young goth clerk. Atmosphere and action enhance this intriguing novel while Addie works to bring back business and find the murder.
Just as things are setting down for Addie Greyborn in her new town and with her inherited book store the much-loved librarian is missing and a gossip columnist announces that the new bookstore owner is responsible. Business disappears as complete as June, the librarian. Before long the body turns up and the evil anonymous columnist decides that Addie is the killer and customers are absent. Friends assure her that the buzz will die down, but she remembers what happened not much earlier and has doubts that they are right. She has doesn’t know where to start but is determined reveal the real killer. The town’s people are getting ready to celebrate the pirate history of the community, and Addie learns that the library has written a book about pirates in the area. When she learns that there may be some information missing from the manuscript, with no other clues, she is determined to discover if that book and that treasure be behind the murder. It doesn’t help that her new love interest is being chased by his gorgeous ex-fiancé.
I received an ARC of this book via NetGalley.
#NetGalley #ProloguetoMurder

The action in this second Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery is quite lively as Addie deals with almost libelous statements in the local newspaper’s gossip column, an old flame coming on to Police Chief Marc Chandler and meeting a new resident, Dr. Simon Emerson, who wants to sleuth with Addie.

Seems the missing librarian, June Winslow, is found dead. Rumors are being spread that Addie may be a suspect. Then there’s June’s book about pirates and the fact that there are hidden tunnels under Greyborne that were used by pirates to stash their loot back in the day.

The red herrings and twists keep interest high. The characters relatable, relationships and dialogue realistic, and the pace strong and steady. Lauren Elliott writes a compelling sequel that is a delightfully fun read. Hope number three is coming soon.

a book shop pwner helps the police to solve a murder together with her friends. And she has 2 male friends and to decide whom she really loves. An interesting book, I loved it.

A Prolgue to Murder is a fast paced read replete with murder, mayhem, pirates, and hidden tunnels. Addie gets negative press from a nosy gossip columnist who turns out to be a viperous pill in real life. Her best friend Serena and love interest Marc also are taken in by a woman from their pasts who is out to disparage Addie. A new doctor in town, Simon, adds a new twist to the story as he is definitely interested in Addie. She finds a manuscript, valuable books, and of course solves the mystery of the local librarian's death.

I enjoyed this book and love the addition of Simon, although I'm not fond of love triangles. I like the characters and town. Addie is an independent woman who is very supportive of her friends. Addie is still having some issues with some of her neighbors, who have an issue with her since she is a Greyborne, but in this book we find out why.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review. I'm looking forward to more in this series.

Loved this story. The character Addie , the bookstore owner is always into the murders. She loves to help Marc investigate and most of the time he tells her to stay out of it but does she? This time there seems to be a little more romance in it another guy, the new doctor Simon. I definitely recommend that you read this book to find out what goes on as I am not one to write spoilers.

3.5 Stars
Prologue to Murder is the second book in Lauren Elliott’s Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series and is an entertaining read. The mystery is interesting, and the cast of characters is well developed. I enjoyed the book and the reveal surprised me.

Addison “Addie” Greyborne owns and operates Beyond the Page, a book and curio shop, in Greyborne Harbor in New England. Addison is looking forward to the upcoming Founder’s Day celebration. Serena Chandler, her best friend and the owner of SerenaTEAS, a tea merchant, and is casually dating Serena’s brother, Marc Chandler, Greyborne Harbor’s Chief of Police. Lacey Davenport, Marc’s ex-fiancée, recently moved back to town and when Marc starts spending time with her, Addie is hurt and jealous. When June Winslow, the librarian who is a much-loved and respected member of the community, fails to return home from a book club meeting, a new columnist, Miss Newsy, publishes articles in the gossip column of the local newspaper implying Addison is responsible for her mysterious disappearance. When June Winslow’s body is found in a utility shed that serves as an entrance to the underground tunnels that allow access to the water, utility, and communication lines for the police station, hospital, and library, Miss Newsy implies Addie is responsible for her death. Addie believes June’s death may be linked to a book she authored, Ghosts and Mysteries of Greyborne Harbor, which is a historical account, with a blend of local legend, myths, and facts and/or the possibility that there is pirate treasure hidden in the tunnels. Marc asks Addie to leave the investigation to the professionals, but she is determined to clear her name and accepts the offer of help from Dr. Simon Emerson, the new emergency room trauma surgeon and part-time forensic pathologist, who is attracted to her.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

I received a free copy of PROLOGUE TO MURDER (Book 2 of the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mysteries) by Lauren Elliott, through NetGalley, in exchange for an honest review. Addie Greyborne feels like she’s finally settling in and making connections in her town. However, a gossip columnist, “Miss Newsy,” soon disrupts her new rapport with the town. Miss Newsy begins a campaign to have Addie blamed for the disappearance and murder of local librarian June Winslow. Also, just as Addie’s relationship with the police chief seems to be intensifying, his ex-fiancée, Lacey Davenport, arrives in town and causes a rift between Addie, the chief, and his sister, who is a HUGE fan of Lacey’s. The alienation of Addie has begun. Will Addie be able to reclaim her reputation? Will Addie be able to save her business? What longterm effects will the relationship rifts have? Already convicted in the court of public opinion, can Addie find the killer before she’s actually charged with the murder?

I liked this book. Though I haven’t read Book 1: MURDER BY THE BOOK, I now intend to. I recommend this book to fans of MURDER BY THE BOOK, cozy mysteries with a bookshop theme, and pirate/treasure hunting enthusiasts.

#PrologueToMurder #NetGalley

This was an enjoyable cozy mystery with interesting characters, a lovely small town setting, secret tunnels, old maps and possible buried treasure. Addie Greyborne's life is finally settling down after her involvement in a prior murder when the gossip column of the local newspaper starts (whose new reporter is the former girlfriend of Addie's boyfriend, the police chief Marc)attacking her and accusing her of responsibility for the disappearance of beloved local librarian June Winslow. When June's body is found inside a utility tunnel, the heat on Addie is turned up and she feels the need to investigate June's death in order to clear her reputation. The plot carried me along with Addie on her adventure and kept me interested all the way through.