Murder on the Books by T.C. LoTempio is the debut of A Cozy Bookshop Mysteries. I have read different cozy mysteries by this author, and this one is my favorite. I liked the main character, the town, and the chatty townspeople (reminds me of Stars Hollow). Murder on the Books is easy to read with leisurely pacing. I liked many of the characters with the exception being Officer Barbara (known as Barbie in high school) Johnson. Thankfully, Charley does not need to interact with her often. I found Zane, Charley’s best friend, to be nice, but lacking business sense (and she does not learn from her mistakes). The mystery had some interesting elements (there is a magic trunk). Charley, naturally, sticks her nose into the case (the writer in her could not resist). There is an attraction between Charley and a visiting detective (which puts Barbie’s nose out of joint). I wish that the pacing had been peppier and there was less repetition. I am sure that we will learn more about the characters as the series progresses. I loved Poe, the cat Charley adopts. I did find it unrealistic that Charley would be able to take the cat with her everywhere (Austin is not Wagtail), and that Poe would follow her without being on a leash (or treats tucked into her pockets). Murder on the Books is cute cozy with a missing business partner, a battle with writer’s block, a frustrated agent, a mystifying murder, a crafty feline, a handsome detective, tasty pastries, and talkative townspeople.

A charming, cozy mystery with a bookshop, small setting, a writer for an amateur sleuth, and a cat. I really think that Murder On The Books ticks all the boxes for the cozy mystery.The plot, once we had established the location, got straight into the storyline with our sleuth, Charley, (helped by her friends) driving the investigation forward, pursuing or should that be purrsuing all lines of inquiry – I really liked all the twists and turns, and the ending impressed me by going above my expectations. I had ideas as to ‘whodunnit,’ but they were wrong. I didn’t guess the killer in the book until Charley did. There was also excellent rapport and conflict in the book between her and the police. All the way through, I wondered what Poe’s starring role would be, and it didn’t disappoint.

A couple of notes, whilst the bookshop was yet to be opened – I didn’t get a strong sense that much was working in the background towards that. Also, I would say, in my opinion, that perhaps the way someone is referred to – a man experiencing or potentially experiencing domestic violence – needs more careful thought. I would love to read the other books by the author and the next edition in this promising series.

This was so good! Sometimes cozy mysteries can be treacly or excessively fluffy. This hit just the right tone and had great pacing. It was always moving along and I did figure out who the killer was before the reveal. I wish I could read a sequel right now, but I guess I'll check out one of the author's other series instead.

I love this author and how they write their mysteries. This one was no different. Fantastic who done it. Kept the actually guessing. Definitely foe cozy mystery readers don't miss our on this fantastic cozy.

An very enjoyable first installment of a new cozy series featuring a new book owner, an adorable cat, plenty of likable characters and a possible new romance. Charlotte Barrett, a thriller/mystery writer, is throwing over New York City for her hometown in Pennsylvania to recover from burnout. When a new opportunity to become a bookstore owner in a double store front with her long-time friend Zane, who will be in the other half running opens up because Zane's previous business partner has ditched her, Charlie jumps at it. She doesn't expect to soon adopt a stray cat or discover the body of runaway business partner in the store basement. Charlie will need all the detective skills her fictional character has before her friend is locked up for the crime or her own next chapter cut suddenly short...

I think the writer does a very good job of introducing new characters with depth but not bogging down the flow of the story. It has everything you want in a cozy series, likable characters, a solid mystery, a fun animal and even a slow burn romance. Based on this first installment I think T.C. LoTempio has a hit on her hands.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Firstly I cannot wait for the second one, secondly this was so good. The story was well paced and fast when it needed to be. There was no dragging out of scenes for filler, there was just plain old good story.

I loved the dialogue in this Book 1 of Cozy Bookshop Mystery: fast paced, funny and it almost feels like you are in the coffee shop, talking on the phone with her ex agent. Writer block author C.J. Barrett, Charlotte James (Charley) is leaving .NYC and returning to her hometown to find a new career.. Upon meeting with her best friend, Charley discovers that her friend, Zane is in the process of preparing to open a bakery. Only hitch: the store is really meant for two shops and the other person who was planning to open a bookshop suddenly left town with only a cryptic note. So Charley finds her new career but finds not only books in the basement of her shop….. I can’t wait to read the Book 2 of this series. Thanks to the prolific author, T.C. LoTempio, NetGalley and publisher Severn House for an advance reader copy of this book.

I really enjoyed this new setting and the key characters of Charley and Zane a lot. Charley was just what Zane had needed coming back to her hometown since Zane’s business partner basically ghosted her. Charley soon found out why and the hunt for a killer began. I loved that cat Poe that Charley adopted who quickly became an amazing little buddy for her, and big asset in the showdown! It’s awesome how any cat this author has in her various series is both a great buddy for the sleuth and helps tremendously with the showdown.

Charley was used to following clues but they were always clues she was in charge of writing, so this amateur sleuthing thing was pretty new for both her and Zane. She definitely held her own with the killer in the showdown, with a certain kitty’s help, of course. The ending was too fun since a certain female police officer who Zane and Charley went to school with was nearly throwing herself at the detective in charge. But he seemed to only have eyes for Charley—and the woman’s reaction was pretty funny. Can’t wait to read the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Severn House via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Murder on the Books is book 1 in the Cozy Bookshop Mystery series by T.C. LoTempio.

Charlotte “Charley” James is also known as mystery author C.J. Barrett. She’s taking a break from writing her mystery series and goes back to her hometown to catch up with an old friend, Zane, who is getting ready to open a bakery. When she finds a dead body, Charley gets pulled in to a real life mystery to solve. There’s a charming cat, Poe as well. This is an entertaining new series and I look forward to more.

Thank you to the author, Severn House, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

This is a charming debut for favorite cozy author. T. C. Lotempio. I loved this book. The author has all the cozy elements we readers enjoy. A smart savvy protagonist, a adorable cat and a well crafted fun mystery.
Thank you to the author, the publishers and Net Galley. My review opinion is my own.
We are introduced to Charlotte a famous author with a popular long running series. She needs a respite from publishing deadlines so she returns to small town Pennsylvania. Her friend Zane is opening a combination bookstore and coffee shop. His bookshop partner disappeared so Charlotte takes over. She finds the body of the woman and much to her chagrin must work with the local police who suspected her friend as prime suspect.
Determined to solve the case with the help of her local friends she soon finds red herrings and clues abound.
This is such a fun read I read it cover to cover. The mystery is intriguing, the clues kept me guessing. I loved the humor throughout, the sense of community and the adorable cat. A winning series debut . Well Done to the author.

This is my first read from the author, and it delivers a solid start to what looks to be a promising cosy series. The mystery is set up fast, always a plus, and while the red herrings aren’t the strongest, following the protagonist as she pieced things together kept me engaged. I especially liked the inclusion of a secret code. There’s something satisfying about codes and ciphers in books. Love it!

The return to hometown added depth, allowing character history to build upon interactions and character development in a way that felt natural. There are several characters given space in the book, which suggests we’re being set up for more mysteries to come. The small town bookstore setting is charming, and I’d be happy to see it serve as the recurring backdrop.

The cat may be a bit too human-like for my taste, but in a cosy that’s par for the course. Not a deal breaker in the least. Overall, this hits the cosy mystery sweet spot and makes me curious about what’s next for Charley and company.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

This was a lovely cosy mystery that kept me guessing throughout. Based around a thriller writer moving back to her hometown, and some suspicious events that she starts to investigate it was such an easy read.

I loved the fact it was based around a bookshop, and that there was lots of book themed references throughout. Poe was a real delight, and I loved how interwoven he became in the story. I liked the building relationship between Charley and Detective Grant. The mystery element was good, with lots of little bites that kept you guessing.

I would definitely recommend, and would love to read a book 2!

This cozy mystery had me hooked from the very first page. Charley James (aka mystery author C.J. Barrett) is such a likable, relatable protagonist. Her return to her hometown of Austin was supposed to be a relaxing break from writing—but instead, she ends up in the middle of a real-life whodunit, and I was all in for the ride.

I absolutely loved her dynamic with Zane, her loyal and sassy best friend who’s trying to get their shared business venture off the ground. The surprise twist of finding Sheila (Zane’s missing business partner) dead in the basement was such a wild turn and kicked the mystery into high gear.

And of course, Poe the cat totally stole the show. His presence was constant, clever, and added so much warmth (and humor) to the story. His bond with Charley made my heart happy.

The pacing was perfect—there were no slow parts, and the ending truly surprised me. Just when I thought I had it all figured out, T.C. LoTempio threw in a twist that made me gasp.

This was a fantastic series opener with lovable characters, a layered mystery, and a touch of charm. Highly recommend for fans of cozies, bookshop settings, and crime-solving cats!

This was a really entertaining book. The mystery was good and certainly kept me guessing. I liked Charley and Poe too. I’m definitely adding this series to my list and look forward to the next one.

This is the first book that I read by this author and I was not disappointed. The Prologue is concise and captured my interest. The story then switches to Charley, a successful mystery author, who is taking a break from writing and is moving back to her home town. She keeps her identity as an author secret which makes for some humorous dialogue. The characters are likeable with some amusing interactions.

This is a nice cosy murder mystery that is quick to read and enjoyable.

This is a book for someone who enjoys a slower paced storyline. The reader spends most of the book in various parts of the town meeting characters from the protagonist’s childhood. Despite engaging with several people I didn’t learn enough to emotionally invest in the main character. The lead detective is largely unlikable and I did not root for him through most of the scenes. The mystery itself was engaging and unpredictable. I wish that puzzles were more of a central theme to drive the story.

Charley Barrett needs a break from her career as a mystery writer. So she heads home hoping to relax and recharge before getting back at it. Little did she expect that she would be channeling her protagonist by trying to solve a murder right in her own hometown. Will CJ Barrett be fueling her future stories, or will a murderer end Charley’s run for good?

While, this is the first entry in a new series for this author, it is not her first cozy mystery series. She has several others that are very well written and I enjoy. So I was excited to see a new one from her and boy, am I glad that I read it! I’ve never been disappointed with a single one of this author’s books. I don’t think you will be either as she maps out a solid mystery and brings her characters vividly to life. I’m already looking forward to the next entry in this series.

Murder On the Books is the first in a new series by T.C (Toni) LoTempio and it is a really good cozy mystery. It has a different start with the Prologue being from the killer's point of view and describes what lead to the murder but you don't know who it is. The Prologue is short and isn't too disturbing. I'm glad I kept going. The characters are likeable and there was some humor in their interactions. Charlotte (Charley) is a successful mystery author but needs to take a break so she visits her friend Zane in Austin, PA. Zane was supposed to go into business with Sheila Crowder but Sheila left suddenly. Zane is opening a bakery and Sheila was going to open a mystery bookstore so Charley takes it over. While they are checking out the bookstore area, they find Sheila's dead body.. The police show up including former disliked classmate Officer Barbie Donaldson and Detective Ian Grant. Their run-ins had me laughing. I appreciated the humor to offset the situations when Charley investigates on her own. There is some chemistry between Charley and Ian. I suspected the culprit but changed my mind a couple of times. The story isn't as suspenseful as it seems at first and was enjoyable after it got going. The series has a lot of potential and I look forward to more books. #MurderOnTheBooks #ACozyBookshopMystery #SevernHouse

Charley James is a famous mystery/thriller author (under a penname to keep her identity private), but after 12 books in 10 years she is burned out and uninspired. She decides to move back to her hometown of Austin, Pennsylvania for a fresh start and reconnects with her childhood friend, Zane. She arrives just after Zane's business partner in her almost opened bakery/bookstore, Sheila bails on the business and leaves town. Charley takes it as a sign to take over the bookstore business and put down roots in Austin once again.
Unfortunately, while prepping the store Charley finds that Sheila never actually left town in is in fact dead in the basement of the store. With her friend under suspicion Charley uses what she's learned writing her mystery series to try and track down the killer. She also spends time getting to know the Philly detective helping with the case.
A fun new cozy series with lots of suspects to keep you intrigued. I did guess the murderer by the end, but I still enjoyed the read and would continue the series.
My two critiques would be that I loved Poe the cat, but it was strange that Charley kept him locked in her car multiple times. I don't think most cats would enjoy that experience. I also thought it was strange that a best selling author of a dozen books that everyone seems to have heard of, is worried about her money running out in 18months and needing to find a job. I'm not saying she should be a millionaire, but she thinks 300$ a month to rent a room is a rip off - the money talk seems a bit off.

Really enjoyed this one. A super cosy mystery with a thriller writer opening a mystery book store, a cute cat and a cuter detective. What's not to like?

Had no clue who the killer was but never tried to guess. Just enjoyed the story and the dynamics of Charley and Ian. I hope there's a sequel!