A fiery read (literally) featuring an inheritance, a murder, a real estate scheme and more webs of lies. It was a fun debut and I’d be interested to see what becomes of the series.

3.5 ⭐️
Overall this was a great cozy, it had a lot more suspense than most do, and some moments that really cracked me up. I usually stick to food cozies, and so I was pleasantly surprised.
The main character has a lot of spunk, holds her own, and she was the main reason I enjoyed it so much. My cons would be that the murderer was kind of obvious in my opinion, and I didn’t love the professors character.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this arc in exchange for my honest review.

I really enjoyed this book. A young lady comes back to a small town in Georgia after her aunt passes away and finds out that her aunt left her the bookstore that she ran in town. Lots of bizarre things begin to happen and she begins to investigate on her own which doesn’t set well with everyone. Lots of twists and turns before the mystery is solved.

I received an advance review copy for free and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

After working on the stage, Madeline Brimley unexpectedly inherits her aunt's bookshop in Enigma, Georgia. She settles in and begins receiving threats - and then there is a murder in the bookstore. She works as an amateur detective to solve the mystery.

I wanted to read this book because I love cozy mysteries. I am from Georgia and have worked on stage and in bookstores, so this book was particularly appealing.

I enjoyed this leisurely paced mystery. The bookstore setting was especially appealing. The mystery was well written, and I enjoyed Madeline's detective work. I recommend this book for other cozy mystery fans, and especially for readers who enjoy southern settings.

Booked for Murder kicks off a new cozy mystery series set in Enigma, Georgia, featuring a quirky bookstore and a former actress, Madeline, who returns home after her career stalls. When mysterious fires and a murder unfold at the bookstore, Madeline digs into the town’s dark secrets, even as she bounces between reckless decisions and moments of insight.

The setting is unique for a cozy mystery, with Enigma’s hidden tensions adding an intriguing layer. Madeline’s erratic behavior, while frustrating at times, keeps the plot moving. The dialogue, though, was hard to follow at times, especially with Southern speech patterns, which made it a bit difficult to fully immerse myself in the story.

The mystery itself was engaging, though the culprit was fairly obvious, and Madeline’s delays in solving the crime were at times more irritating than suspenseful. The supporting characters—especially Gloria, the priest—were well-developed and added depth to the story.

Though Booked for Murder had its ups and downs, particularly with pacing and dialogue, it’s an enjoyable start to a series with potential. The bookstore is definitely a highlight, and I’m curious to see where the next book takes the characters and their secrets.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an ARC of this novel. The author Nelson does such an incredible and lighthearted work with plot. This novel took the reader on a fun and mysterious journey through a meta kind of world where the book was about a murder related to a world of reading and books.

This book was such a pleasure to read! I was immersed and engaged throughout the whole novel, and was transfixed through the whole journey.

Thank you to NetGalley, PJ Nelson and Minotaur Books for the early-access copy in exchange for an honest review.

A clever, thrilling and captivating story full of tension and suspense! Great multi-faceted, realistic characters. Very interesting plots. Vivid descriptions. Kept me intrigued from the first page to the last.

*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.

Madeline Brimley is back in the little Georgia town she grew up in after not quite succeeding at becoming an actress. She's returned to take over her beloved, eccentric Aunt Rose's bookstore, but a fire followed by a murder quickly shows her that things in the small college town of Enigma are not as she remembers them.

It's a small-town cozy mystery that instantly shows how complex the relationships and assumptions can get in a town where everyone knows everyone and their business. Madeline arrives thinking she knows how things work, but she soon discovers that time and distance change relationships, particularly with those closest to her.

The mystery is interesting and Nelson drops little clues and nuggets at a nice pace. There are things that are obvious from the beginning, while others remain a pleasant surprise all the way until the end.

It's a pleasant read with tragic consequences but a relaxing pace.

Very happy thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur Books for the twisty read!

This is such a fun, cozy mystery! I loved the southern, small town feel, and I'm a sucker for a book about a bookstore.

This book is incredibly well done especially as a debut book, and I can't wait for the next book in the series!

Thank you to NetGalley and the author for my advance copy!

There’s nothing like a cozy mystery in the winter, and BOOKED FOR MURDER promised all the right ingredients—an inherited bookstore, a small-town setting, and a dash of danger. However, while I enjoyed the read, I found it to be a bit darker than the typical cozy mystery, which I actually liked. Unfortunately, the balance between the darker plot elements and the cozy atmosphere didn’t quite land for me.

One of the biggest drawbacks was the lack of character development. The protagonist didn’t really start to grow until the last quarter of the book, leaving me feeling disconnected from her journey and decisions. I didn't feel like I knew her at all or understood if she was quirky, artistic, or really anything about her personality at all. I never fully understood her intentions or how she became the person she was. Aunt Ruby, another character with strong potential, also felt underdeveloped. If an overused trope like inheriting a bookstore is going to be a key plot point, I’d love to see it executed in a way that feels fresh and well-developed.

I suspect the author intentionally kept the internal dialogue and emotional processing light to maintain the cozy vibe despite the darker elements, but instead of striking a balance, the book lacked the depth needed to fully immerse me in the protagonist’s experience. A stronger developmental edit could have helped flesh out these aspects. As an editor, I found myself thinking, "I would have loved to have gotten a swing at editing this manuscript." It has/had SO much potential, and I feel the execution just barely fell short.

That said, I did enjoy the humor and the overall story. While I’m not sure I’ll continue the series, I don’t regret reading this one—it was fun and entertaining despite its shortcomings. 3.5/5 stars.

A huge thank you to NetGalley for providing me with an ARC! Apologies for the late review.

This book started out pretty good with some nice
character development and an interesting premise. I initially found it pleasant and Madeline likable. I was intrigued by the small town and its inhabitants.

However, my interest waned and after a while I just didn't care who killed Tandy at the bookstore or whether
Madeline was the intended target. I just wanted to be done with it.

There is also the cliche story about an evil land
developer that is a threatening the bookstore. I was bored for much of the book.

Overall, sadly this one just wasn't for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.

"Booked for Murder" is a promising start to the Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery series. It offers a delightful blend of mystery, character exploration, and Southern charm. Readers who appreciate cozy mysteries set in small towns with a touch of drama will find this novel an enjoyable read.

I was excited to dive into Booked for Murder, a cozy mystery with a promising premise—an author accused of murder at a book signing. The blend of literary world drama and a whodunit intrigued me, and there were certainly moments that kept me engaged.

The protagonist is likable, and the setting adds charm to the story. However, I found the pacing uneven at times, with some sections feeling a bit drawn out while others rushed through key developments. The mystery itself had some predictable elements, and I wished for a bit more depth in the supporting characters. That said, the writing style is easy to follow, and fans of light mysteries may enjoy it.

Thank you to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest review!

2.5

This wasn't terrible, but it wasn't all that great either. I think I expected a little more Southern atmosphere and a better execution on the plot. While the makings are there for a good book, it failed to hold up to that.

I struggled a lot with the main character, Madeline. She makes a lot of really bad choices and her personality made her hard to like. She puts herself in danger a lot as she believes the police are incapable at their jobs. I really should just say Billy, as he's basically the only police officer we're introduced to. She also takes issue with the fire department, and therefore feels as if she's the only one who can do anything. Where all this animosity comes from doesn't make a lot of sense, as it basically boils down to, "I knew Billy as a kid even though I forgot about him so therefore he can't do his job as a cop." Right. Though I couldn't understand why there seemed to be so little involvement with the murder in the first place. There's no coroner that shows up or detective to ask questions. The body is just removed at some point and everyone carries on. Madeline is never asked any questions about what happened that night and then wakes up the next day to carry on with her life. Very odd indeed.

The plot isn't terrible, but it seemed like the author decided to throw in extra side plots to try and add to the story, when they really detracted from it. I grew frustrated at times at all these goings-on, as I wanted the story to get back to the real mystery. But the problem is when it got back to the real mystery, it involved Madeline doing some other stupid things to try and solve the murder. She rushes into things and puts herself in danger without really investigating anything. Instead of really trying to solve the mystery, it's more like just throwing things around and seeing what sticks. There's lots of accusations with no actual evidence, and then when the police ask for evidence, Madeline and her cohorts act like they've been accused of the murder themselves. Like I get that they live in small town, but this stuff really wouldn't fly in real life.

I was pretty ready for the book to be over by the time the murder was solved. I was sick of Madeline and how she treated people and how things just didn't feel like reading life. This might appeal to those who really enjoy cozy mysteries, but it wasn't really for me.

Book Review: A Captivating Journey in "The Old Juniper Bookstore"
In "The Old Juniper Bookstore," we follow the inspiring journey of Madeline Brimley, who leaves her small-town roots in Georgia to chase her dreams of a theatrical career. Despite facing numerous dramatic escapades and challenges, her resilience shines through as she navigates life’s twists and turns.
Upon receiving news of her beloved Aunt Rose's passing, Madeline inherits a quirky bookstore located in a charming Victorian mansion in the quaint college town of Enigma. This unexpected gift offers her a chance to restart her life and pursue a new path filled with adventure. However, her arrival is met with a series of unexpected hurdles, including a mysterious fire and ominous threats to her beloved establishment.
What makes this story truly captivating is Madeline’s unwavering spirit. Rather than succumbing to fear, she bravely confronts the challenges that arise, showcasing her determination and strength. As she delves deeper into the mysteries surrounding her aunt's legacy, the narrative unfolds with intrigue, humor, and heartfelt moments.
The plot thickens as Madeline finds herself entangled in a web of secrets, leading to increasingly suspenseful events, including a shocking murder within the bookstore. Through it all, Madeline’s journey becomes one of self-discovery, resilience, and the importance of community.
"The Old Juniper Bookstore" is a delightful read that combines mystery, charm, and a touch of adventure, making it a perfect choice for anyone seeking inspiration and excitement. Madeline Brimley’s story reminds us that even in the face of adversity, hope and courage can light the way to a new beginning. #netgalley

When she inherits her aunt's house and bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, Madeline is ready for the change. She spent years trying to get out of Enigma, but after failing in New York, and then Atlanta, to be an actress, maybe the return home is exactly what she needs. However, she's greeted by someone setting fire to the gazebo just moments after she arrives, followed by a threatening phone call telling her to clear out, or they'll burn down the house - with her in it - next.

Madeline tries to find her feet, and there are people there ready to lend a hand. Gloria, the preacher at the church down the road, Wilhemina who's known Maddie since she was a little girl, and a young girl named Tandy who used to help out her aunt at the bookstore. Soon she has almost no moments without one of them there to keep her company, and Tandy works her way into staying with Maddie, cooking her heavenly meals in exchange.

Days later, there's another fire at the doorstep. This time, Tandy is found stabbed, and Maddie knows she has to solve this one herself. The police officer is just a kid she used to babysit, surely he won't have the resources to solve this one, and the fire chief thinks Madeline was the one who set the first fire anyway. She'll have to rely on Wilhemina and Gloria to help her, because one thing they're sure of - no one would ever want to hurt Tandy. And that means the killer had intended to kill Maddie instead.

This one was so fun. I also listened to the audiobook upon it's release, and Hallie Bee Bard knocked it out of the park. She did the southern accents so well, and her pacing and emotion was nearly perfect. I'll definitely be keeping an eye out for the next one in the series, and hopefully another listen as well!

Thank you to the publishers through NetGalley for the early copy of this one! All opinions are my own.

I really enjoyed Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson. Her character development was spot-on. I felt like I knew all the characters like they were my own crime solving friends in the deep south. As an ex-bookseller, I truly adore a book about a bookstore and I live for crime fiction and this book hit all the spots! Madeline returns to her aunt Rose's bookstore after her death to be faced with threats, arson and after making friends with a helpful young patron, murder. With the help of a local professor and a swamp-raised preacher, Madeline endeavors to piece together the clues from her past to solve the crime and bring the murderer to justice.

This was an interesting book. Madeline inherits her aunts bookshop but she realizes maybe everyone didn’t love her aunt as much as she did. The first day in town there’s a fire at her aunts gazebo and then someone gets murdered and she thinks they are out to get her and run her out of town.

I loved the cozy vibes of this story along with the mystery. I listened to this on a long car trip and it kept me alert and invested in the story while driving (which can be quite boring, so good job!). I can't wait to see what's next for our MC.