Well, folks, grab your magnifying glasses and put on your deerstalker hats because we’re diving into the world of “A Bookshop to Die For” by M.P. Black. As a mystery aficionado, I was ready to curl up with a cup of tea and lose myself in a thrilling whodunit. Alas, this cozy mystery left me feeling a bit… well, lukewarm.
While I enjoyed the character descriptions in the first book of this series, such as “He was so long-legged, he looked like a giraffe on a dollhouse chair,” the overall plot dragged. Side note: I’m terrified of giraffes, but that description absolutely helped me picture the guy and I definitely chuckled.
The Good, The Bad, and The Bookish
Our heroine, Alice Hartford, certainly knows how to make an entrance. Ditching her fiancé at the altar? Now, that’s what I call a plot twist right out of the gate, but we never get much of a backstory on that; in fact, in the end, we find out that her fiancé was actually a really good guy who she ditches twice. She hightails it back to her hometown, seeking solace in her mother’s old bookstore. It’s a premise ripe with potential like a freshly baked scone just waiting to be devoured.
But here’s where things start to get a bit dusty, like those forgotten tomes on the top shelf. The bookstore is falling apart faster than my resolution to stick to just one chapter before bed. And when a handyman takes an unfortunate tumble, we’re suddenly thrust into a mystery that’s about as solid as a paperback left out in the rain.
Murder Most Meh
Now, don’t get me wrong. I love a good amateur sleuth story. But Alice’s detective skills seem to consist mainly of disagreeing with the local police chief and worrying about a developer with plans more nefarious than a cartoon villain.
The story promises to be twisty, but I’m afraid the only thing twisted was my expression as I tried to follow the plot. It’s like trying to read a book with half the pages stuck together – you know there’s more to the story, but you just can’t seem to get to it.
A Cozy Compromise
That being said, “A Bookshop to Die For” isn’t without its charms. It’s got friendship, new beginnings, and enough book references to make any bibliophile’s heart flutter. It’s the literary equivalent of a warm hug – nice, comforting, but not exactly setting the world on fire.
In conclusion, this might just be your cup of tea if you’re looking for a light read that won’t keep you up at night (either from suspense or profound thoughts). It’s the kind of book that doesn’t ask too much of you – perfect for a lazy Sunday afternoon when your brain is still recovering from the weekend.
So, I’m giving “A Bookshop to Die For” a solid 3 out of 5 stars. It’s not going to knock your socks off, but it might just help you find them if you’ve misplaced them in your own chaotic bookshop of a living room.
Remember, dear readers, one person’s paperweight is another’s treasure in the world of books. Happy reading, and may your next mystery be a real killer!
Let’s Pair this Track With Tunes
I found myself (Myself) in Wonderland
Get back on (Back on) my feet again
Is this real? (This real) Is it pretend?
I’ll take a stand (A stand) until the end
