It’s summer festival time in Confection, Oregon, and that means a barrage of tourists making cash registers ring at Sweet Fiction Bookshop. But what should be bookseller Lexi’s most lucrative time of year turns disturbing when a member of the chamber of commerce suddenly dies of a heart attack. Not entirely unexpected—considering her family history—but it’s a different story when another chamber member dies just one week later…also, presumably, of natural causes.

Lexi and The Murder Macaroons set out to help the local police solve the case, but their help isn't entirely wanted.

I am really getting into this series, was an enjoyable read. Like the fact you are still guessing till the end of the novel.

A Poisonous Page (Sweet Fiction Bookshop #2) by Kit Crowe is a fairly typical mystery/ romance. Full disclosure- I did not read the first book in the series, but I don’t think that prevented me from following the characters and general atmosphere of the story. Set in the fictional NW town of Confection, the characters are your usual trope of pretty, but doesn’t realize it, bookish blond; feisty, yet teeny, brunette; and tall, athletic, red head. And the requisite dashingly handsome men, just different enough to hold the interest of each woman. The town is a series of one sickly-sweet street name and shop name after another. And the main character, Lexi, is a self-appointed sleuth- in the typically bumbling, bookish way you see in any number of mystery/ romance/ hallmarky books and movies. There was nothing terribly wrong with the book- the hate flirting between Lexi and the big-city turned small-town detective is cute. But the mystery itself was not all that hard to figure out. The romance was not nearly as engaging or explored as I’d like (seriously, one couple goes from reluctant date to meeting the family with no description of even the first date). And I found it really odd how the author named everyone’s ethnicity in the exposition as if it was an attempt to prove that the town was “diverse”, it comes across desperate. None of the ethnicities were explored in any meaningful way, they were just tags for each character. A Poisonous Page was too bland for me and didn’t leave any desire to read the first in the series nor any more. It’s a light mystery/ romance that could appeal as a beach read or diversion, but nothing more. I received this eARC from @NetGalley in exchange for honest feedback.

I absolutely love cozy mysteries and this one was a great one, great read. Can't wait for more by Kitt Crowe, loving this series.

This is the second book in this fun mystery series. Lexi butts heads yet again with homicide detective Berg as she hunts down clues and tries to clear her friend Dash who is accused of the murder his ex girlfriend. I had a few laugh out Loud moments while reading about the antics of Lexi's dog Cookie. This is a fun romp that kept me guessing til the end. I can't wait til the next installment in this series. Thank you Net galley for this advance copy.

I was given a free e-copy of this novel by NetGalley in exchange for my honest opinion.

It’s summer festival time in Confection, Oregon, and that means a barrage of tourists making cash registers ring at Sweet Fiction Bookshop. But what should be bookseller Lexi’s most lucrative time of year turns disturbing when a member of the chamber of commerce suddenly dies of a heart attack. Not entirely unexpected—considering her family history—but it’s a different story when another chamber member dies just one week later…also, presumably, of natural causes.

Something about this doesn’t read right to Lexi. And it gets more unfathomable when her friend Dash—who dated both women—stands accused of murder! With Cookie, her lovable border collie mix, at her side and countless volumes of inspiration on her shelves, Lexi opens the book on another perplexing case. Who could have murdered two prominent townspeople without leaving even a hint of evidence on the scene? And why is an irksome-but-intriguing detective always seeming to catch her and Cookie working the case?

Lexi’s Confection Rose-colored glasses come off when she learns of thorny discussions among the council members, involving a string of secretive real estate transactions. Enlisting her faithful fellow members of the Macaroon Book Club, Lexi sets out to bind the clues together and clear Dash’s name. But if she can’t devise a clever trap for the real killer, she may soon end up with a very unhappily ever after of her own. (Goodreads synopsis)

I have not read anything by Kitt Crowe before, but will add to the growing list of authors. I really liked this novel, but I felt like it was more high school personalities than grown adults. To be honest, I wouldn’t say that this isn’t something readers can relate to, it’s actually the opposite, because there are many grown adults who still believe that they are in high school. I haven’t read the first one, but there are enough references to know that the two main characters Lexi and Detective Chad Berg have a weird tension.

I enjoy series that add an animal to the characters’ personalities. Having the companion gives the character a more rounded view and can tell the reader much about the individuals, and the author. I think it was interesting how the tensions between Lexi and Detective Chad Berg change from mild dislike to “a boy pulling a girl’s pigtails to show he likes her” mentality. It was obvious to me from the beginning of this novel, but the development to something else was largely due to Cookie and her interactions with Berg.

I wasn’t sure about the Macaroons. They just seemed to be a group of nosy people, who use their resources in unethical ways. Sometimes, they just seemed very gossipy and engaged in the drama. Lexi’s uncles were my favorite people, though, because I have 2 friends who are these exact personalities.

Overall I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars, and cannot wait to continue the series.

Book 2 in the series and I enjoyed it as much as the first one. I like the setting in the PNW (and trying to figure out which town it's based on!), and while I feel I'm maybe a bit old for some of the MCs dialogue in it, there are certainly a wide variety of characters in it, some that I can relate to a little better.

Lexi and her smarter-than-she-should-be dog, Cookie, are on the trail of another murderer. Three seemingly unrelated deaths prompt questions about the causes of death. But, when Lexi's friend Dash is accused of one of the murders, The Macaroons, Lexi's book club, and erstwhile amateur detectives, start their own investigation whilst trying to stay out of the way of Detective Chad Berg, Lexi's nemesis/love interest.

It's a light, fun, enjoyable series and although it took me longer than usual to read, it's a series that I would recommend, and I'm looking forward to the next book!

3,5 stars.

This was such a cozy mystery. While it did take me a while to actually finish this book, I did feel really relaxed when I did sit down to read this book. Our main protagonist Lexi's mind works in interesting ways and being able to try and figure this out alongside her was really rewarding in my opinion. While it is not the best I've ever read, it definitely did not disappoint. I won't be saying too much about the plot, considering I would recommend going into this knowing as little as possible.

This book was so sweet my teeth hurt! It was a sweet read (no pun intended) about a book club that solves mysteries. There were several murders seemingly unrelated until bookshop owner Lexi did some digging and uncovered enough information to tie them together, with the help of her super-smart pup Cookie, and her book club, The Macaroons. There’s a lot to like in this book. I didn’t read the first one, and I hope this author continues to improve. At one point there were so many characters I was getting them confused. I wasn’t too crazy about the confection-named streets and stores, and would encourage Crowe to tease out her characters and make them stronger, and more individual voices. No spoilers, there were sexual inferences but overall a clean read. Four sweet stars. Thank you to Netgalley, Kit Crowe, and Crooked Lane for an ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

Lexi and her Macaroon bookclub turn the page of another mystery when Lexi's friend's brother Dash is accused of murder.

This cute little town is a great setting for these cozy mysteries. About a chapter or so in, I recalled reading the first one and how the author's obsession walking dogs without leads annoyed me.

Fortunately this one seemed to focus less on the not under control dog, which made reading it more enjoyable.

I also felt like the writer had developed in terms of storytelling style.

Overall a cute little mystery.

This is a story about a bookstore manager, her quirky book club friends, murders, a hunky law man and a smart as a whip dog who seems to understand everything said. A hard to put down entertaining book that flows very well with great character development. You may be surprised with the who done it because of the many suspects. Enjoyed.

⭐⭐⭐+ + stars!
This is Book #2 in the Sweet Fiction Bookshop series

Lexi Jones is the owner of the “Sweet Fiction Bookshop and a member of the ‘Macaroon Book Club’ in Confection, Oregon. Confection is a typical small ‘cozy’ town approximately 1,000 residence. Main economy is tourism in the summer as well as ski season. Confection is also known for the cutesy names of both businesses and streets e.g. Peppermint Way, Nutmeg Avenue, the shops are Sweet Fiction, Cookie Crumbles, Eats ‘n’ Treats, and Taffy Toys.
Residence all know each other and at the beginning there seems to be irritation between Lexi and Detective Chad Berg ~ all coming from Lexi who says she doesn’t like him but finds herself thinking about him often.

Any of us who are cozy mystery fans knows a ‘Cozy’ follows a formula.
• Fun entertaining - character based
• The crime-solver is usually a woman who is well liked, had a dog or a cat, and of course, is an amateur sleuth
• Love Interest ~ usually they don’t like each other at first.
• All the residence know each other and are likeable
• Mystery but no blood and gore
• Little to no profanity.

Yep this story pretty much followed the formula and yep! Fun to read!

Want to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lance Books for this eGalley. This file has been made available to me before publication in an early form for an honest professional review.
Publishing Release Date scheduled for July 12, 2022

Thank you to NetGalley for a copy of this in exchange for an honest review.
I really liked this book. I did not read the first but I thought this one stood on its own. Lexi and Berg’s back and forth was fun. I think this could be a really great series. I cannot wait to read more.
#APoisonousPage #Netgalley

It’s summer festival time in Confection, Oregon, and that means a barrage of tourists making cash registers ring at Sweet Fiction Bookshop. But what should be bookseller Lexi’s most lucrative time of year turns disturbing when a member of the chamber of commerce suddenly dies of a heart attack. Not entirely unexpected—considering her family history—but it’s a different story when another chamber member dies just one week later…also, presumably, of natural causes.

Something about this doesn’t read right to Lexi. And it gets more unfathomable when her friend Dash—who dated both women—stands accused of murder! With Cookie, her lovable border collie mix, at her side and countless volumes of inspiration on her shelves, Lexi opens the book on another perplexing case. Who could have murdered two prominent townspeople without leaving even a hint of evidence on the scene? And why is an irksome-but-intriguing detective always seeming to catch her and Cookie working the case?

Lexi’s Confection Rose-colored glasses come off when she learns of thorny discussions among the council members, involving a string of secretive real estate transactions. Enlisting her faithful fellow members of the Macaroon Book Club, Lexi sets out to bind the clues together and clear Dash’s name. But if she can’t devise a clever trap for the real killer, she may soon end up with a very unhappily ever after of her own.

4 stars
Not at all what I expected. I do feel there is a audience for this book. It is not for me. Thanks for the ARC of this book.

This is the second Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mystery, and a great read.

Lexi, Cat and Teri are suspicious when two members of the city council die a week apart. When it's finally decided but these are murderers, the police think Teri's brother is the killer. Lexi, Cat and Teri know it has to be a frame. They decide it's up to them to prove it, with the help of their book club, of course.

It' s summer festival time in Confection, and business is booming at Sweet Fiction Bookstore. Manager Lexi is doing great and loving all the sales until a young member of the chamber of commerce dies of a seeming heart attack. Lexi has her doubts that it was a natural death, and just as she starts to ask questions there is another death that was definitely murder. As her best friends brother Dash is accused of murder, Lexi sets out to prove that not only is he innocent but that both women were the victims of murder.
This is the second book in the Sweet Fiction Bookstore mystery series and I think it is even better than the first. I was drawn in by the first page by the engaging cast of characters and the great flow of the story line. I am already looking forward to the next book, and can I just say Cookie makes this book. You will see what I mean once you read it but you can not help but adore her.

It’s summer festival time in Confection, Oregon, and that means a barrage of tourists making cash registers ring at Sweet Fiction Bookshop. But what should be bookseller Lexi’s most lucrative time of year turns disturbing when a member of the chamber of commerce suddenly dies of a heart attack. and then a another chamber member dies just one week later. Something about this doesn’t read right to Lexi. And it gets more unfathomable when her friend Dash—who dated both women—stands accused of murder! With Cookie, her lovable border collie mix, at her side , Lexi opens the book on another perplexing case. Who could have murdered two prominent townspeople without leaving even a hint of evidence on the scene? And why is an irksome-but-intriguing detective always seeming to catch her and Cookie working the case? Lexi’s learns of thorny discussions among the council members, involving a string of secretive real estate transactions. Enlisting her faithful fellow members of the Macaroon Book Club, Lexi sets out to clear Dash’s name.

Even though I have not read the first in this series as I usually do, I was so intrigued by the description, I decided to request it and hope the author would give enough backstory to not lose anything of the story line. I am happy to say she did--although now I do want to go back and read the first one!--and I thought her development of the story and characters were such that I wanted to keep reading to see what happened next. Also, her description of the town was so well done that I could picture it. This is only the second in this new series that just started this year, and I look forward to future books in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for granting my request to read this book.

I enjoyed this second in series "Sweet Fiction Bookshop" with a charming fictional setting of Confection Oregon. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity. This book has a perfect blend of mystery, great characters and a bookstore.

We return to Lexi, her dog Cookie and her book club titled " The Macaroons". Lexie is having a busy festival season with her bookstore doing well and frequented by locals. When a local person seemingly passes from a heart attack Lexi is suspicious. After a second death occurs Lexi begins asking questions and piecing together clues. Soon red herrings and clues keep her guessing as she enlist the help of her book club and friends.

This is fun fast read with endearing charcters and delightful supporting charcters. I enjoy this series and look forward to the next in series.

I love cozy mysteries about book shops that have memorable characters and a fun plot - and this didn't disappoint. I enjoyed getting to meet the cast of characters and seeing the relationships that developed throughout the story line. Cookie is one of my favs and I love how the author tied this brilliant canine into the story. I jumped in without reading the first book in the series and found k was able to follow along. Overall, an enjoyable read and I look forward to going back to the first book.