Annie and Fletcher travel to a book sellers' conference with Priya and Liam in tow because this isn't just a work convention--it's also an opportunity for Annie to finally confront Scarlett's killer, and she knows she can't do it alone. But while at the convention, another murder occurs: a tech mogul is killed by his own device while on a panel, and it seems like foul play. Witnessing the scene firsthand, Annie is ready to provide her sleuthing skills to the police.

And we have the final Secret Bookcase Mystery at last... or do we? The end of this book reveals that we are getting a new series with our same favorite characters, focusing on Annie and Fletcher's new foray into private investigation! I'm excited to see where that takes us.

In terms of how this book panned out--I enjoyed the new mystery, at the conference, which had quite the cast of characters and an interesting murder weapon. However, the resolution of Scarlett's murder was both a bit anticlimactic and implausible. Coming out of the last book, I didn't even realize we had figured out who precisely the murderer was, and now Scarlett is planning to confront them and somehow find evidence Scarlett supposedly planted there a decade prior? It just didn't make a lot of sense. I can't believe I'm saying this, but I wish it was drawn-out into the spin-off series just to give it more time to develop. Still enjoyed the book and plan to read the next chapter (ha!) of the Novel Detectives, though.

Thanks to Storm Publishing for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

4 stars - 8/10

Enjoyed this one overall, but must admit to not having read the whole series in order. Might have made a difference. Still though, would highly recommend this one and author.

A great finish to the five book series. This series is different from the Bakeshop mysteries (my favorite) in there is an arc that continues through all of the books.
I enjoyed each installment and although this isn't a stand alone, Alexander is a master of catching up the reader if they are new to the series. The place the author really shines is in character development and setting. The Secret Bookshop is wonderful, Central California coast setting is perfect and I loved all of the characters. I'm happy all the loose ends are tied up and I look forward to continuing the journey with Annie and Fletcher in the new series. I smiled at the nod to the wonderful Oregon coffee from the Torte Bakeshop.

🔍 Murder, Memories & A Mic-Drop Finale

This book was everything I wanted—and more.

A Body at the Book Fair is the perfect send-off to a series that’s been one of my absolute favorite cozy escapes. Ellie Alexander doesn’t just wrap things up—she delivers closure, emotion, and one final twisty mystery that had me turning the pages late into the night.

First off, the book fair setting? Loved. It was bookish nerd heaven—full of chaotic author panels, publishing drama, and just the right touch of Agatha Christie flair. I missed Redwood Grove a bit, but the change of scenery actually worked so well, especially with Annie’s secret side mission quietly bubbling under the surface.

And that mission? Finally confronting the unsolved murder of her best friend, Scarlet? It was intense, emotional, and so satisfying. The resolution was smart and earned. It’s rare to see a cozy balance the personal stakes so well with the present-day whodunit, but this one nailed it.

Also: Annie and Fletcher. Their partnership is goals. Watching them build their detective agency together was just so rewarding. They’ve grown so much since book one, and now they feel like total pros—with heart. (Also, yes to the hint of romance still simmering in the background. It’s subtle, it’s cozy, and it works.)

This series has always had the warmest community vibes, clever plots, and just enough emotional weight to keep things grounded. And while I’m sad to say goodbye to The Secret Bookcase, I’m thrilled we’ll be getting more of Annie and Fletcher in the Novel Detectives series. I’m so ready for whatever comes next.

If you love:
📚 Bookstores
🕵️‍♀️ Sleuths with heart
🐈 Cozy mysteries that actually deliver on plot
🎭 High-stakes but low-gore whodunits

…this entire series is a must. This final book? A five-star finish. No notes. Just applause.

A Body at the Book Fair is a great conclusion to the Secret Bookcase Mystery series -- with the promise of more adventures to come for Annie and her book-loving friends!

What I liked: As always, Ellie Alexander combines a juicy mystery with wonderful sensory details describing the food, drinks, weather, and events Annie enjoys. This book is set at an event for booksellers, and I wanted to immerse myself in the world of books there! I also loved the conclusion to the mysterious death, ten years ago, of Annie best friend Scarlet. Annie gets much-needed closure in an exciting and satisfying resolution.

What I disliked: I did miss Redwood Grove and the bookstore, since this book is set at a book fair in another city, but the beginning and end take place at the bookstore, so I got my fix!

Overall: A great conclusion to one of my favorite cozy mystery series ever!

Thanks to and NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing the advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

For book recommendations and reviews, follow me on YouTube at https://youtube.com/@whileireadwithkatiedodrill?si=jxOMZ3BPnlH5ofeU

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Annie life is looking good as she is about to open her own detective agency. But she first must tie up loose ends. An old murder will needs closure before she is about to set out on her new adventure. Once again it will bring this series to a fitting closure.

In this, the last book of the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series, Annie Murray leaves Redwood Grove for a book fair in Santa Clara. She and her best friends are out to finally solve the mystery of who killed her best friend Scarlet years ago. Along the way, they also have to solve who killed the annoying tech bro on the first day of the fair.
Wonderful wrap up for Scarlet’s mystery and enjoyed all the bookish details of the fair. Definitely looking forward to Annie and Fletcher solving crimes in Alexander’s next series.
Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this DRC.
#ABodyattheBookFair #NetGalley

Things are going well for Annie in the quaint town of Redwood Grove. She has settled into her job at the Secret Bookcase and is finalizing the launch of her detective agency. The murder of her best friend, Scarlet, ten years before, still hangs heavily over her head. The case has never been solved, and foremost in her mind is to find the person responsible for her death.
As a bookseller, Annie looks forward to attending book fairs and meeting other booklovers. However, when she makes the trip to the Santa Clara Book Fair, she has something else on her mind. Silicon Summit Partners is located in the town, a prominent investment firm that she believes is responsible for Scarlet’s death. She has spent years trying to find her friend's killer and bring them to justice, and this may be her big chance.
Things suddenly become more complicated when an industry colleague is murdered during the book fair. Desperate to find out what happened to her friend, she enlists the help of her friend Fletcher to help in the investigation of the murder at the book fair. She knows that she must focus on the disappearance of Scarlet. This may be her last chance, and she wants to find out the truth before it’s too late.

This was the book in the series where the underlying mystery of the death of Annie’s best friend is resolved. This does take away from the murder that takes place within this book and a smaller group fo the usual characters are present to help out. This time the mystery is set at a book fair and is linked to tech. As per usual the characters are well drawn out and have presence. The murder is cozy and not scary and not a drop of blood in sight. A prefect read on the sofa to wile away an afternoon.

This is the 6th book in the series, featuring Annie, who has worked in the Secret Bookcase bookshop for some 10 years now. After the murder of her best friend, Scarlet, Annie needed to find somewhere to start her life over, and Redwood Grove seems to be the ideal spot.

This time, she and her colleague, Fletcher, find themselves helping the local detectives when there is a murder at the convention they are attending. A good case for the newly formed Private Detective Agency the pair have just opened.

It’s a good story, with plenty of suspects, as well as Scarlets’ murder investigation, which is coming to its climax. As usual, really well written, the characters come to life on the page, and you really do want to found out ‘whodunnit’.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A great murder/mystery which I had great fun trying to work out who committed the murder of Scarlett. Loved this one. My thanks to netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.

5/5 stars: This sixth and final entry in Alexander's Secret Bookcase Mystery series, which is a Literary Cozy Mystery that takes place in California and features a bookseller and event organizer for an Agatha Christie-inspired mystery bookshop, who has a criminology degree and has started a PI agency. Having traveled out of town for a book fair and to investigate the powerful investment firm she holds responsible for her best friend's death, she'll find herself turning sleuth after an industry colleague's dies while demonstrating their new virtual reality device. With plenty of suspects, she'll have to work fast to catch the killer before they strike again and not let herself get distracted from finally getting justice for her best friend. With plenty of twists and turns, Alexander has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. I also really appreciated how Alexander wrapped up the overarching cold case murder plot. Heartfelt and humorous, Alexander's writing and character work are stellar; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable. Annie's a great character and it's lovely to see her moving forward in her career and her relationship with Liam, the chef and bar owner. Additionally, I love catching up with her friends and her found family at the Secret Bookcase bookshop, the eclectic townsfolk of Redwood Grove and her adorable cat, Professor Plum. Alexander touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one,The Body in the Bookstore. Alexander's a favorite author and they didn't miss with this series conclusion; I can't wait to jump into the spin-off series – The Novel Detectives. Highly recommend!

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Curl up in a comfy chair and enjoy this light mystery. Family and friends with secrets and red herrings…recipe for a good story. Light and quick. Thanks Netgalley.

A Book Fair Cozy. Yes please. Annie and Fletcher are slowing taking over The Secret Bookcase and building on the business. I loved watching them grow and learn together, even if some of the panels were way too much for a simple book reader like me. Looking at you Virtual Reality bookstores. I’m excited to see the new sister series, however I do hope we get to see more of this series too.

This is the 5th book in the Secret Bookcase series and as usual it is a lovely cosy crime linking books, murder and a hint of romance. Although it is a series it works quite well as a stand alone but once you’ve read one you will want to read them all and any future ones. This is the final book in the series which made me feel disappointed however, there is a delicious surprise at the end.

I found this cozy mystery delightful, and enjoyed the blending of small-town charm, literary flair, and a twisty whodunit! Great pacing and lovable characters, per usual, and I was surprised at the end! The book fair setting adds a fun, bookish backdrop, and protagonist Annie is as clever and relatable as ever. Perfect for fans of light mysteries with heart and a touch of bookish magic.

This book was so good!
I unfortunately didn’t know it was part of a series but I still enjoyed it! I definitely think it could be read as a standalone.

Annie heads to Santa Clara for their annual book fair. She’s hoping to get close with Silicon Summit Partners, a powerful firm who had a hand in her friend Scarlet’s death. But when an industry colleague is murdered at the book fair, Annie decides to investigate. Who could have done it? Can Annie catch the killer before they strike again?

This was a fast paced read that was fun and cozy! If you like how to solve your own murder, I’d definitely recommend this book! I’m really loving cozy mysteries! This is one that I know I’ll read again! I’m also planning on reading the others in the series! I really enjoy the authors writing!

Rating: ✨✨✨ ✨
Publication Date: June 16, 2025

Thank you NetGalley, Ellie and Storm Publishing for the eARC!!

#ABodyattheBookFair #NetGalley

This is the last in Ellie Alexander's Secret Bookcase Mystery series. It works as a standalone, but I would definitely advise reading from the start as there is an ongoing storyline throughout that this book resolves.

I have really enjoyed this series, I like the authors writing style and I love the main characters she has created. However, this is probably my least favourite of the series - it felt quite jumbled, and I felt the murder mystery at the book fair was rushed, with the main focus being given to the resolution of Scarlett's story. Indeed that I felt was quite anticlimactic, and just happened without a lot of depth. I am however very pleased to see that the author will be moving ahead with another series for Annie and Fletcher, I'm happy to know that their story continues.

I was so excited to see the next book in this series was out! I read a lot of cozy mysteries and this is my favorite series and author! This book did not disappoint! 5 stars!

Excellent! Annie and Fletcher are off to the California Booksellers Convention. While there, a demonstration goes awry and a man dies. Murder or accident? Annie and Fletcher are on the case assisting the police. At the same time, Annie has hatched a plan to find the evidence that got Scarlett killed so many years ago and it's hidden in the same town as the Convention. To be honest, it's a wild plan, but it works. Scarlett's case is finally closed. And the Novel Detective agency is up and running! So sad to say goodbye to the Secret Bookcase Mysteries, but I'm delighted that we'll see plenty more of Annie, Fletcher and friends in the new Novel Detectives series ... can't wait!
Thanks to Netgalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the free ARC. All opinions are my own.