This is the first book in the Cambridge Bookshop Mysteries by Elizabeth Penney, and it hits virtual and real bookshelves today. I knew when I saw that Elizabeth Penney was the author that I’d really enjoy it like I did her previous series. I loved the addition of the sweet little black cat that Molly found right after finding the murdered woman on her aunt’s property. Little Puck sort of became her comfort kitty, so I just had to find a cute black kitty to feature as the picture! I’m really looking forward to the next book.
My Goodreads review:
Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney
My rating: 5 of 5 stars
I just knew I’d love this book when I saw it in NetGalley and noticed who the author was. I enjoyed her writing and characterization in the Apron Shop series so much. This book definitely didn’t disappoint and had characters I took to immediately. The key characters were all really awesome, but I think my favorites were Aunt Violet and Sir Jon. Sir Jon might’ve been a retired MI6, but he could still do the job when he needed to as we see toward the end. Everyone needs an aunt like Violet. I hope she and Sir Jon can get together sometime, ’cause from talk about all their college days, I think he’s always had a little thing for her. Molly didn’t waste any time in finding a handsome and genuinely nice guy as well in Kieran. And Molly’s mother Nina, well there might be some love interest going on for her eventually too.
Another favorite character was George, a local landlord and good friend of Violet’s as well as her handyman for the bookshop sometimes. He’s another friend that everyone should have one of. I honestly couldn’t quite figure out whodunit until Molly did, and it was obvious at the showdown which by the way, was a really good one! But I thoroughly enjoyed how Violet, Molly, Nina and Sir Jon sort of teamed up to solve the murder. They knew if they relied on the evidence only, poor Violet would end up in jail. Their investigations always turned up something useful for the police, and I think Sir Jon’s respected status helped as well.
I’m so hoping these books might come out more than once a year. I just enjoyed the characters so much I hated to see the book end!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, St. Martin’s Press, via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
Cuddle Up With a Cozy Mystery 