The backdrop is a small book/coffee shop owned by best friends Arlo & Chloe. When Chloe is accused of murder, it's up to Arlo and the sweet old ladies from her book club to discover the true killer. Along the way, Arlo finds herself dealing with her high school boyfriend's, who just happen to be the town sheriff and the newest (and only) private investigator in town.
As the introduction to a new cozy mystery series set in small-town Mississippi, this book is a quick, fun read.

Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder by Amy Lillard is the first in this new series. I have always loved all of Lillard's books but this one couldn't hold my interest.
The main characters were likeable as was the setting. There were many plots twists. I just can't put my finger on what was wrong.
I did finish the book to see who had done Wally in.
I was given an ARC by NetGalley for an honest review.

Wally Harrison might have been a famous author but he clearly didn't have a lot of friends in his home town of Sugar Spring, Mississippi. For one thing, someone has murdered him. Arlo is certain her business partner Chloe is not the villain despite the fact that she has good reason really hate him Wally was the father of her son - who he disavowed. It's a small town so the Police Chief Mads, despite arresting Chloe, is willing to allow Arlo to see her AND doesn't get particularly upset about the fact that Arlo and her book group are investigating. Mads is a love interest, as is Sam, a private investigator. There's a lot going on as this is the set up for a new series but the mystery is twisty enough to keep you guessing. Thanks to netgalley for the ARC. For cozy fans who like teams who solve the murders!

Series: Main Street Book Club Mysteries – Book 1
Author: Amy Lillard
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Bookstore/BookClub
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Page Count: 320

Publishing Date: October 29, 2019

New from Poisoned Pen Press comes Amy Lillard’s new series “Main Street Book Club Mysteries,” and the first book in the new series Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder.

Arlo is an unusual character in a new series. She’s a bit confused, whiney, and at times unbelievably brave. Finding a dead guy at her shop front door throws her off in a big way, but when she finds out who it is, Arlo becomes completely speechless. Add to the fact that she has a few moments of doubt about her business partner and best friends’ innocence, and you end up with a character who is about as average as she can be in a murder mystery.

The other characters in this new series will have readers smiling and laughing while cheering them on each time they come up with a bad idea. And the ladies of the Friday Night Book Club have about as many bad ideas as a reader can imagine. Each time they come up with something, you can guarantee Arlo will end up smack dab in the middle with all the trouble that follows.

As a new series, this first book sets up the reoccurring characters and the small-town setting. Ms. Lillard, a seasoned romance writer, aka Amie Louellen, knows how to write a story that is compelling, entertaining, and fun, with characters that readers come to love. This first book in this new series is no exception. Although it is a bit slow to begin, readers will enjoy Arlo and the Friday Night Book Club members antics and will look forward to the next installment

I am happy to recommend this new series, and the first book Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder to readers who are looking for a lighthearted downhome series with an abundance of mystery and charm, warm, loving characters with just enough romance to add intrigue.

ARC provided by Poisoned Pen and NetGalley

Can't Judge a Book by It's Murder is the first in the Main Street Book Club Mystery series. Arlo Stanley and her best friend Chloe run a book store and coffee bar in Sugar Springs Mississippi. They are preparing for the town high school reunion (all classes combined) and a major book signing at their store of local boy Wally Harrison whose current book The Missing Girl has been on the New York Times bestseller's list for over 10 weeks. The story starts with Arlo getting a call from Frances from the police department that their is a dead body outside her store and she needs to get down their immediately. When she gets there she sees Wally dead on the sidewalk. Chloe is a basket case as she and Wally were a thing in high school and they had a child together although Wally signed away all his parental rights. Chloe and Wally met first thing that morning but shortly after that Chloe heard a struggle and Wally was dead on the sidewalk. Police first think suicide but Arlo and Chloe think otherwise. Wally was in town for the reunion with both his wife Daisy and "assistant/girlfriend" Inna. The reunion continues and Arlo runs into Sam her ex-boyfriend and he wants to rent the 3rd floor of their building. Can she trust her feelings since Sam broke her heart but Arlo broke Mads heart who also happens to be the new chief of police. Wally's death is murder and Mads arrests Chloe although Arlo pleads to not do it. The book club which meets at the bookstore is committed to clearing Chloe's name. The club consists of Helen (Arlo's foster Mom so to speak as she was tired of traveling with her hippie parents around the world), Camille, Fern and now Sam. This was a good first book in the series and the suspects were limited so you kind of knew who it might be. Also sounds like we have another love triangle with Arlo, Sam and Mads. Personally, I think this detracts from the story as I am not a fan of the triangles. Will be looking for the next installment.

This cozy mystery was a delightful surprise from Amy Lillard. Amy writes excellent Amish fiction so I was unaware of this book. The fact that it is a cozy mystery is a bonus! Arlo is having a book signing at her new bookstore with the return of a hometown famous author! He ends up dead in front of her bookstore...how did it happen? Arlo's good friend has a history with deadman Wally...did she do it?
Great story filled with lots of possible suspects, nice humor placed throughout the story. Hopefully this will be an ongoing series because Amy certainly knows how to write a great mystery!

Sugar Springs is a sleepy town in Mississippi and the setting for Amy Lillard'd newest book Can't Judge a Book by its Murder, everybody knows everyone and exciting untoward events rarely occur so when Books & More owner Arlo receives a phone call informing her the dead body of Wally Harrison has been found outside her shop its all anyone can talk about. Wally is an ex-Sugar Spring resident and the town's golden boy who's returned for a ten year school reunion and to celebrate the release of his new book; initially his fall from the empty third floor flat Arlo is trying to rent out is seen as suicide but that judgement is quickly changed to murder given the evidence at the scene.

Fingers start to point towards Arlo's best friend and co-owner of Books and More Chloe as the last person to admit to seeing Wally alive and the mother to their nine year old son Jayden, who Wally has previously wanted nothing to do with. With limited time to try and prove Chloe's innocence Arlo begrudgingly allows her Friday Night Book Club to temporarily become detectives. 

I wasn't sure what to expect from this but I really enjoyed it. It's fast paced jumping straight in just after the murder; I didn't find the ending to be completely obvious, just enough clues to keep you hooked along several suspects and motives to keep you on your toes.

This is going to be the first book in a series and I'm looking forward to seeing how these characters develop, they're all so intertwined around the town and I think their relationships can only get better.  The book club is made up primarily of Arlo's godmother and her friends and I thought they made for a great dynamic and added an element of humour to the book.

The story kept me on my toes wondering, who did it!
Is it the obvious choice or is it the unexpected?
Strong story plot, the author does a wonderful job of keeping your attention the whole way through you'll want to read this cozy mystery more than once.
Expected publication: October 29th 2019 by Poisoned Pen Press
I was given a complimentary copy if this book. Thank you.
All opinions expressed are my own.

Review will be posted on October 26, 2019. I'm happy to post earlier if requested. I can be contacted at thecozymysteryjournal@gmail.com.

****

Do you love a fast paced mystery, with a little sprinkling of romance? Do you love a dead body thrown into the first chapter, and then a mad dash to find the killer? If you answered yes to both of these questions then you need to read first book in the Main Street Book Club Mysteries, Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder.

Arlo Stanley loves everything about her life in Sugar Springs. Together with her best friend, Chloe Carter, they own and run "Arlo and Chloe's Books & More, and life is pretty idyllic. That is until a dead body is found outside their shop. The body in question is Wally Harrison, best selling author and the town's golden boy, and the father of Chloe's son, Jayden. With Chief Matthew "Mads" Keller determined to pin the crime on Chloe, Arlo must join forces with her book club to keep Chloe from jail and find the real killer.

As a reader, what I love the most is a dead body early on! There is nothing like a dead body hitting the first chapter to really keep me entertained! In this case it is a dead body hitting the first page and the pavement! From this early excitement, Can't Judge a Book by Its Murder, got better and better. Especially when Arlo enlists the help of her book club to find the killer!

The "Main Street Book Club" members are an eclectic bunch, including ex-teacher, Camille, and Arlo's godmother, Helen, and the ever interesting, Fern. Not to mention new member, Sam, who is returning to town after years away. Sam provides a lot of colour to the situation, as he is also Arlo's ex-boyfriend! These group are an absolute hoot, as they go around town interrogating people and looking for clues!!! If this first adventure is anything to go by, I'm going to love future mysteries with this book club!

Amy Lillard sets a great pace for the mystery. With the early excitement, she doesn't ease up on the pace, and I found myself wanting to read faster and faster, trying to uncover clues. While I did guess some aspects of the mystery, I was definitely surprised when the final denouement came down.

And, because I absolutely adore the feline, furry and feathered friends of cozy mysteries... A special mention to Faulkner, "the book shop bird", who is an absolute hoot! His contributions to the case are hilarious, especially when they involve "bad kitty" Auggie!

Can't Judge a Mystery by Its Murder is a strong, delightful first in a new series. For those that enjoy a dash of romance with their mysteries, we have two of Arlo's ex-boyfriends now back in Sugar Springs and I'm definitely looking forward to how that will play out!!

Can't Judge a Mystery by Its Murder should be on everyone's fall reading list. You won't be disappointed!

This is an entertaining book that is just as much about introducing the inhabitants of Sugar Springs, Mississippi. It’s time for the annual high school reunion which encompasses all class years since the school and town are so small. This year is particularly exciting since one of the graduates who has achieved fame and fortune as a writer is coming back to town for a book signing at Arlo and Chloe’s shop, Books and More. Arlo owns the books portion and Chloe provides specialty teas and coffees which make up the “more”.
Unfortunately, before the book signing can take place a man plunges from the third floor above Arlo’s shop onto the pavement below and is pronounced dead. The victim turns out to be none other than the famous author who was Chloe’s boyfriend until he fathered her child. He decided he wanted nothing to do with the child, signed away his rights and moved to NY. Now he’s come back and wants to meet his son and be involved in his life; a decision Chloe is vehemently against.
It comes as no surprise when Chloe is arrested for the murder and Arlo springs into action to free her best friend. She knows Chloe isn’t capable of murder, and although the sheriff agrees with her, he insists he must follow the evidence so Chloe is put in jail. Because Sugar Springs is a tiny town and everyone knows everyone, of course there is history between people everywhere. Arlo and the sheriff used to be an item before she broke his heart. She convinces the sheriff o keep Chloe in the local jail. The catch? Arlo has to provide three meals a day.
Enter the three senior citizens who have formed a book club at Arlo’s and have been essential to Arlo’s formative years. They all agree to provide food for Chloe, each taking a turn, and at the same time join forces with Arlo to free Chloe. They quickly realize that can only be accomplished if they discover the real killer, and so the investigation begins.
The investigation is joined by another high school graduate who stole Arlo out from under the sheriff’s nose back on prom night when they were all in school and then promptly broke her heart. He’s back in town and decides to rent the office above Arlo’s place, explaining he is now a private detective.
There is humor woven in and out of the story, and some good character development. While it is a cozy mystery, the solving of the murder seems to be secondary to establishing the relationship of Arlo, Chloe and a group of secondary characters. The solution to the murder was easy, although Arlo solves it more as a result of some chance statements rather than any real investigative work. It reads more like a novel that is trying to introduce a new series to cozy readers.
An enjoyable, light read, this might be good for cozy readers who are looking for a new series. My thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for providing me with an Advanced Digital Read copy in exchange for an unbiased

I'm afraid I did not enjoy this book. It seemed to jump right in and I thought I was missing some back story because I hadn't read the others in the series. Then I found out it was the first one! The characters weren't engaging and I found them rather boring. The story was also a bit too dull. I love cozies but this one just didn't do it for me.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for a review.

This story starts off with a shock when a body is found outside Arlo Stanley's bookstore in Sugar Springs, Mississippi, the scene of an apparent suicide or was it murder? Arlo has a scheduled book signing with local guy, Wally Harrison, who has returned home with a bestseller but that won't happen now. Wally either jumped, fell or was shoved out of the third floor window over Arlo's bookstore. Arlo's best friend and business co-owner is arrested for Wally's death when the clues are stacked against her. Chloe and Wally were sweethearts in high school until she became pregnant and he left town. Now the child is nine years old.
On top of the book signing, it is Reunion Weekend for all graduating classes. Arlo's old flame Mads returned recently to become chief of police and another former boyfriend, Sam, that took Mads' place has returned to town for the weekend event and is now working as a PI. Between solving the murder, handling the shop and the local book club, Arlo is flustered by both old flames. The local book club consists of three quirky and spunky older ladies who have thrown themselves into solving the murder along with Arlo. There are lots of possible suspects to weed through, including a wife and mistress, and clues to check out. I am looking forward to seeing what else Amy Lillard has in store for this new series.
I received a complimentary ARC from Poisoned Pen Press through NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine only.

Bookstore owner Arlo Stanley is preparing for a book signing event with local bestselling author, Wally Harrison when she receives a shocking phone call from the police. Wally has been found dead outside her store. To make matters worse, the police suspect her best friend Chloe is the one responsible for his death. Arlo knows her friend is innocent and with the help of her elderly book club members, she is determined to catch the real killer. Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder is a wonderful introduction to a new series. I liked the southern small-town setting and the quirky cast of characters. Arlo was a strong, likable main character and I loved her friendship with Chloe and the book club ladies. I enjoy a good love triangle and really look forward to seeing what the author has in store for Arlo and her two potential love interests, Mads and Sam. The mystery was well-plotted and kept me on the edge of my seat. I highly recommend this humorous, easy to read cozy. Thank you to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I love the cover and anything to do with bookstores. And Arlo owns the only bookstore in the small town of Sugar Springs Mississippi. Former classmate Wally Harrison is a best selling author and is scheduled to do a book signing at the store, until he is found lying in a heap in front of it, dead. When Arlo’s co-owner and best friend Chloe is jailed for the crime Arlo is determined to prove her innocence. After all, Wally did have lots of enemies.
I adored the three older ladies that formed the Friday Night Book Club. They loved Chloe and decided to help with the investigation. The book club started meeting nightly at the store and bringing food. The ladies were a little quirky but fun to listen to. As they discuss the crime they are joined by Arlo’s former boyfriend Sam, now a detective. I liked that the mystery stayed hidden right up to the end. I had no clue! This is the first in a new series, so I’m excited to know the three little ladies are gearing up for another mystery.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author but was not required to write a review positive or otherwise. All opinions are strictly my own.

This was a quick, fun, light read. I love cozies and this one did not disappoint. I look forward to both more books in this series and reading more by this author.

This was a really great start to this series. Reading it on my Kindle, I got through 94% (ish) of the story still not fully convinced who the actual killer was. I wasn't really surprised when it was revealed, but they why got me a little bit (it usually does). This was a fast-faced, good cozy that I would recommend adding to your TBR list. 

Short synopsis - 

A big book signing is about to take place in in small-town Sugar Springs; the author is one of the towns own. However, he ends up dead and Arlo (who owns the bookstore he died at) is trying desperately to prove that her best friend isn't the killer - even if all of the evidence points to her. 

All the trappings of a good cozy (I know I post this a lot in my reviews, but to me these are important parts of a good cozy) - cat, light romance, small-town, strong female protagonist

4.8 stars

A man falls from atop the bookstore to the sidewalk below. The investigating officer initially believes the man committed suicide, but the autopsy reveals poison in his system, confirming the suspicions of those who knew he was unlikely to commit suicide. When Chloe ends up in jail, Arlo begins her own investigation to get her friend freed. Some of the action stretches the imagination. The solution was fairly obvious. Still I enjoyed this mystery set in extreme northern Mississippi. Farmington is the only community in Alcorn County large enough to be a candidate for the fictitious Sugar Springs, but its description doesn't seem to fit the actual city. I read an advance electronic review copy provided through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

Loved this book! Amy Lillard has another great book! It's a murder mystery with lots of twist and turns. My mind was accusing everyone until in the end and the murderer was found.

Sugar Springs is having its huge all class high school reunion. Meanwhile Arlo Stanley is planning to host the high schools legendary alumnus and his new book with a book signing. However, when Wally turns up dead, there is no loss for suspects. Who killed Wally? With her best friend the likely culprit, Arlo must find out who it is before the trial. Never fear the elderly ladies who attend the Friday night book club come to the rescue. Arlo must keep track of them, find the killer, and keep her doors open. I love the characters in this town. This is a small town atmosphere where everyone knows everyone. There is so much history between the characters that as a reader it was hard to figure out who could have killed the victim. With Wally's reputation, it produced even more drama. I look forward to more books in the series. Will Arlo and her one time boyfriend get back together? Will the Friday night book club be able to solve another crime? I received a copy through Netgalley. A review was not required.

I received an ARC of this mystery story. I really enjoyed it and couldn't put it down! Very well written, moves along quickly and kept me guessing until the end.