A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander is the fifth book in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series. I have not read the rest of this series but this was easily read as a standalone. This was a fun and cozy story. The small town vibes made it a very relaxed thriller. The plot was entertaining but predictable. Even with the predictable plot I really enjoyed this overall. The characters were quirky and interesting. This is a pretty cute read perfect for Valentine's Day!

The audiobook was sadly a miss for me. The narrator did a wonderful job but the audiobook kept shifting from clear to grainy quality over and over throughout the entire story. Each time it happened it pulled me out of the story and made it hard to focus.

Thank you to the publishers and netgalley for this arc in exchange for an honest review.

I didn't realize this was a series when I requested it, but then realized it was a series I'd had my eye on! This was extremely cute; very cozy, very Agatha Christie, and truly what else could I want?? I'm excited to go back and listen to the other books in the series and see how Annie and her friends deal with each situation!

A Victim at Valentine's is book #5 in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander. Narrated by Ellen Quay.

Annie Murray has teamed up to bring a matchmaking event to the bookshop. When a beloved case member of the community is found dead, Annie is on the case. Along with the murder, there was some progress on the Scarlet cold case investigation. I was with Annie on the murderer, but not the right reason and the ending totally shocked me. I look forward to seeing how the cold investigation wraps up and Annie and Fletcher prepare for their new adventure.

I both read the book and listened to the audiobook. I enjoyed listening to Ellen Quay’s narration.

Thank you to the author, Dreamscape Media, and NetGalley for the Advanced Listener Copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Thank you to Netgally for allowing me to get a copy of this book
This book story was just hard for e to get into and felt like the ideas where a little scattered.

It was okay, but I didn't love how much of the story was focused on the ongoing mystery arc of the series. Cozy mysteries should have a more one and done styling. The characters are pretty good, and so is the setting, but the main character being an actually trained detective actually makes it somehow less believable. There are too many things that I am catching that she is missing and it takes me out of the story. Don't mention the awkward way that someone is holding their arm "as if she was trying to hold something to her body" and then not do anything about it. This woman is trespassing in your office, you can accuse her and get your stuff back. How did a "trained detective" not even suspect this suspicious person until chapters and chapters later? It makes your lead seem foolish.

I often pick up cozy mysteries on Netgalley from the middle of a series. Sometimes they make me want to go back and see what I missed. Sometimes I just want to keep going from where I'm at. This book made me want to do neither, which is disappointing because I love a unique bookshop setting.

I received an ARC of A Victim at Valentine’s.

This was an entertaining and light read. It is a part of a series but I have not read the others and I feel like it did well as a standalone book. I will definitely pick up the other books in this series!
The book was interesting and the narrator was great.
If you like cozy mysteries, this one is for you!

A VICTIM AT VALENTINE’S is the fifth book in the Secret Bookcase Mysteries by Ellie Alexander. A long-time fan of the author’s Bakeshop Mysteries, this new series and release is just as charming. Having been given the opportunity to listen to an advance audiobook, thanks to Dreamscape Media, I first downloaded and listened to the previous books in the series before starting this one. While A Victim at Valentine’s can be read as a standalone with the current-day murder successfully solved within the story, there is an over-arching unsolved murder of protagonist Annie Murray’s best friend that spans the entire series.

I enjoyed Annie as the main character. She’s smart and driven, and with a degree in criminology, she makes for a methodical sleuth when it comes to investigating her friend’s murder and the death of a local philanthropist. I also love that Annie is in the process of becoming part owner of the Agatha Christie inspired bookshop. She’s been an integral part of bringing in new business thanks to special events she plans. This time around, it’s a Valentine’s Day matchmaking event. The author’s strong descriptive skills bring the event, the characters, and the setting to life, making each scene come alive. The narrator, Ellen Quay, effectively captures the voices and personalities of the characters, which added further enjoyment to the story. I can’t wait to find out what happens next with Annie and find out the resolution of who killed her best friend!

I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a good book. I loved the story and the writing so much. The characters were great and the story flowed smoothly. Will definitely read more books by this author in the future.

Thank you NetGalley for the ARC A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander
This book #5 of a connected series A Secret Bookcase Mystery series
I love the Secret Bookcase series, in this book we our at getting ready for a Valentines Day matchmaking/blind date event, when George a town local is found dead outside the bookstore, Annie tracks down the killer, if you love cozy mysteries this as well as the rest of the series is great!

The Secret Bookcase Mysteries is one of those series with an overarching plot that hasn’t been resolved yet. That is both my least favorite thing about the series and why this one doesn’t work well as a stand-alone. Annie’s best friend, Scarlet, was killed over a decade ago, but Annie has some new information and is working on solving the cold case. I’m just not a fan of those overarching mysteries.

Annie’s works full-time at a bookstore, where part of her job is coordinating events. For Valentine’s Day, the store has teamed up with a matchmaker for a weekend of books and romantic events. Early the morning of the second day, a well-liked member of the community is found dead near the store. While the event continues as planned, Annie is determined to help the local detective, Dr. Caldwell, discover who the killer is.

The mystery is fine. The plot moves along well. We have three potential suspects and a few red herrings, but it’s not too difficult to guess the killer. It’s still fun seeing Annie and her friends get to the solution.

I listened to the audio. It’s an easy book to listen to while walking the dog or doing chores. The narrator’s tone is appropriate to the story and the characters are easy to distinguish. Overall, it’s a fun, light series and I enjoyed the touch of Valentine’s in this one.

A weekend of events are planned at the bookstore and matchmaking will take place. Plans will be disrupted by the discovery of a body outside the bookshop. What is going on and are others in danger?

Well written and narrated novel (I listened to the audiobook). Good characters in this cosy crime novel. Well paced and lots of investigations will be needed to resolve mysteries.enjoy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️ -NetGalley Audiobook 🎧

<b>Description:</b>
Annie Murray’s Valentine’s Day plans take a sinister turn when a beloved pillar of the local community is found dead at her Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop.

<b>Review:</b>
I didn’t realize this was book #5 of the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series when I requested it. The plot was easy to follow and interesting, but the series has a continuing storyline that, although explained during this story, is better read from the beginning. My favorite character, unfortunately, was not a continuing character. It was good, but not a series I’ll start from the beginning at this time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the chance to read this book in exchange for an honest review. Publication Date: 02/10/25

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ 4/5 Stars (Excellent)
Setting: The Enchanting Town of Redwood Grove
Genre: Cozy Mystery

Ellie Alexander delivers another delightful installment in A Victim at Valentine’s, seamlessly blending cozy mystery charm with suspense and a touch of romance. Set in the enchanting town of Redwood Grove, the story takes an unexpected turn when a well-respected community member is found dead in Annie Murray’s Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop. What should have been a sweet Valentine’s Day quickly becomes a thrilling whodunit filled with quirky suspects, old secrets, and surprising twists.

Annie is a wonderfully engaging protagonist, balancing her investigative instincts with personal struggles tied to a decade-old tragedy. Her chemistry with Liam adds a lovely romantic subplot without overshadowing the central mystery. The town’s colorful characters—from a peculiar psychic to a rival bookseller—keep the plot intriguing, ensuring readers are constantly second-guessing their suspicions.

The audiobook narration is particularly outstanding, bringing Redwood Grove and its inhabitants to life with immersive storytelling. While the mystery unfolds at a steady pace, a few plot points feel slightly predictable, keeping it just shy of a perfect five-star rating. However, the warm atmosphere, clever clues, and engaging twists make this a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries.

Whether you’re a longtime follower of the Secret Bookcase Mystery series or a newcomer, A Victim at Valentine’s is an irresistible treat—perfect for curling up with a cup of tea and getting lost in a captivating small-town whodunit. #netgalley #avictimatvalentines

Ellie Alexander can do no wrong with her cozy bookstore mysteries! A Victim At Valentine's is the fifth installment of The Secret Bookcase Mystery series, and it is just as good as each book before it! It's a cozy mystery set in Redwood Grove, where our girl Annie Murray is back at it again, solving another murder mystery.
It is right around Valentine's Day, and Annie is contacted to host a Valentine's Day singles mixer at the bookstore. Annie is excited, and with the help of her partner, Fletcher, she's sure she can pull it off. But of course, this wouldn't be a Secret Bookcase Mystery without a murder!
This is yet again another great cozy murder mystery by Ellie Alexander. By this point, I feel so connected to each character that I go into these books 100% invested. The plot is great, the twist at the end was wonderful, and as usual, Annie and Liam.. loved them! Fletcher is a favorite too, and I'm happy to see him exploring this new side!
My only issue is the whole Scarlett situation. With every book, we only get a little, small nibble. I'm starting to wonder how long it would take for us to actually make some real progress in solving her murder. A solid 4 star read overall.
Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Ellie Alexander for this ARC.

Plot follows Anne who is almost a co-owner of The Secret Bookcase Bookshop, with Valentine's Day being just around the corner; George, a sponsor / philanthropist asks Anne to host a matchmaking event. The day arrives and it not only brings crowds but a death package... Anne now has to solve the murder instead of going on her dinner date...

This is the 5th book in the series,  I personally read it as a standalone and it was easy to follow in terms of the mystery it's centered around but character development and plot wise you may want to start with the first one ( I'm planning to)
This was an enjoyable read, fast paced and short, however one thing that felt out of place was the mention of Indian arranged marriages (?) In 2025(?) I sure do hope not lol

The you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ALC

I have been enjoying this series from Ellie Alexander. Annie runs an Agatha Christie themed Mystery bookshop and they are hosting a Valentine's Mingle for customers looking for love. Everything is going to plan when a pilar of the community is found dead the morning of the event. Annie has a list of potential suspects and determines the killer just in time for Valentine’s day.

I enjoy our main protagonist Annie and her coworkers Fletcher and Hal, they make a great team. The cozy atmosphere of this book is great and I highly recommend it if you are a cozy mystery reader. There is a plot point that started in book one so I suggest reading in order, you won’t be disappointed!

This book comes out on February 10th, grab yourself a copy!

Thank you Dreamscape Media for an advanced copy of this audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

I’ve listened to the other four books in this series and loved them all. This one was a great addition to the series and in perfect time for Valentine’s Day since it has a theme of match making in a book store.
Great narration as always and well written. I love this cozy mystery series.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Dreamscape for my copy of A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander Narrated by Ellen Quay in exchange for an honest review. It publishes February 10, 2025.
First off, Ellen Quay rocked this narration! I hope to hear more of her work in the future!
I really enjoyed this installment in the Secret Bookcase series! I loved how ominous it felt, I couldn’t put it down!
I loved how everyone’s personal and professional lives kept moving along, you can see some real character development! I love it!

This is my second read from Ellie Alexander and she did not disappoint! Victim at Valentine’s by Ellie Alexander is a delightful cozy mystery perfect for the season. Set in the charming town of Redwood Grove, the story blends intrigue, small-town charm, and a touch of romance. The protagonist, Annie Murray, is a relatable and determined, and the mystery unfolds with plenty of twists to keep readers engaged. With well-developed characters, a cozy atmosphere, and a compelling plot, this book is an enjoyable read for fans of the genre. Whether you’re new to the series or a returning reader, it’s a great pick for a Valentine’s-themed mystery!

A Victim at Valentine’s is the fifth cozy mystery in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series. It’s Valentine’s in Redwood Grove and the bookshop is holding a match making event. When the event turns deadly, Annie Murray assists in unraveling the secrets and uncovering suspects. Will Annie get to the bottom of the mystery before it’s too late?

Cozy mysteries are my favorites and even though I haven’t read any of the other books in this series this holiday themed book caught my eye this time of year and I knew I wanted to read it. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery that was fast paced and easy to read. I didn’t see the killer coming and was surprised to see who did it at the end. I liked Annie and her friends and thought they were a good cast of characters that I’d like to visit again. I was able to read this mystery without a problem even though I haven’t read any of the other books in the series. I do plan on going back and starting this series from the beginning though. I really enjoyed this and would recommend it to anyone looking for a non romance book for Valentine’s Day!