Someone’s been read their last rites…
1915, London: Working in the dusty bookshop that her Aunt Violet mysteriously inherited, Hannah Merrill is accustomed to finding twists in every tale. But discovering her beloved best friend Lily-Anne – with a paperknife through her heart – in the middle of the bookshop, is not a plotline she saw coming.
The case is anything but textbook. With the discovery of a coded German message, and Hannah’s instinct that Lily-Anne’s husband is keeping secrets, she determines to get to the bottom of it.
She can’t do it alone though. To crack this case, Hannah will need the enlist the help of her outrageous, opinionated, only-occasionally-objectionable Aunt Violet.
They think they’re making progress until one of their chief suspects is found dead. And Hannah realises that she is herself now in the murderer’s sights. Will the final chapter be the ending of a killer… or just a killer ending?
A totally addictive, WW1-set cozy mystery, perfect for fans of Verity Bright, T.E. Kinsey, and Agatha Christie
Purchase Link – https://mybook.to/Murderbookshopsocial
Author Bio
Anita Davison is the author of the successful Flora Maguire historical mystery series. Previously published by Aria, she is writing a new cosy mystery series for Boldwood, the first title of which, Murder in the Bookshop, will be published in August 2023.
Social Media Links
Twitter: https://twitter.com/anitasdavison?lang=en
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/Anitadavison3740
Why Should You Read This?
Step into the pages of a spellbinding mystery that takes you back to the heart of 1915 London in “Murder in the Bookshop” by Anita Davison. With an intricate plot, a charming cast of characters, and a backdrop of wartime intrigue, this cozy mystery promises an engaging and suspenseful reading experience.
The story introduces us to Hannah Merrill, a young woman who finds herself immersed in a perplexing puzzle when she stumbles upon the lifeless body of her dearest friend, Lily-Anne, in the bookshop her Aunt Violet has recently inherited. As the dust settles over this grim discovery, a chilling truth surfaces: Lily-Anne was murdered, a paperknife plunged through her heart. The eerie atmosphere of the dusty bookshop suddenly takes on a sinister air, and Hannah’s life is forever changed.
Anita Davison masterfully crafts an intricate web of intrigue as the narrative unfolds. The author paints a vivid picture of wartime London, immersing readers in the sights and sounds of the era. The war provides a backdrop of tension and secrecy, which adds layers to the mystery as Hannah uncovers a coded German message and becomes suspicious of Lily-Anne’s husband, who seems to harbor secrets of his own.
What truly sets “Murder in the Bookshop” apart is the dynamic relationship between Hannah and her Aunt Violet. Aunt Violet, with her irreverent charm and unconventional approach to life, is a delightful character who injects humor and warmth into the story. The banter and camaraderie between Hannah and her aunt create an endearing and relatable dynamic, drawing readers into their investigative journey.
As the investigation deepens, it becomes clear that the case is anything but textbook. Davison expertly navigates a labyrinth of clues and red herrings, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Just when you think you have the puzzle solved, the author throws another curveball, leaving you eagerly turning pages to uncover the truth.
The tension escalates when one of the chief suspects is found dead, putting Hannah in the crosshairs of a cunning murderer. The stakes are high as Hannah races against time to solve the mystery before she becomes the next victim. The suspense is skillfully maintained, and the pacing keeps readers on the edge of their seats.
Anita Davison’s writing shines in her ability to transport readers to another time and place. Her attention to historical detail and the authenticity of the period setting contribute to the immersive reading experience. From the bustling streets of London to the cozy confines of the bookshop, each setting is meticulously described, making the world of the story come alive.
In “Murder in the Bookshop,” Davison delivers a delightful blend of mystery, history, and camaraderie. Fans of cozy mysteries will find themselves engrossed in this tale of twists, turns, and unexpected revelations. The book’s homage to the style of Agatha Christie is evident, and readers who enjoy the work of classic mystery authors will find much to love in this novel.
In conclusion, “Murder in the Bookshop” is a captivating and utterly engaging cozy mystery that will transport you to the heart of wartime London. With its compelling characters, clever plot, and evocative setting, this novel is a must-read for anyone seeking a well-crafted mystery that keeps them guessing until the final page. Anita Davison has crafted a memorable addition to the genre, and readers will eagerly await her next literary venture.
That you for such a lovely review of my new book and for featuring me on your blog.