“Nerdection Excellent Read”
“The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill” by S.A. Reeves is a Small Town Cozy Mystery published in 2024. It centres on the death of the local celebrity, Dominic Westley and the secrets that unfold on a quest to investigate his murder.
Spoiler Free Plot
Gemma’s bookshop had the tendency of closing down. This was due to the fact that there were not many customers trooping in. After some moments of deliberations with her team, her assistant, Mavis suggests that they invite Dominic Westley over, and adds that “people love a local celebrity”. Gemma Curtis loves the idea and consents to it. The Bookworm team meets up and decides to host a reading for Dominic Westley, a well-known local author whose new book is very popular and selling quickly. Many people came to the event because they recognized the author’s name on the invitation. However, the author arrives late, looking upset and unwell.
But then, something sad happened when Dominic died, which caused conflict in the story. The story focuses on Gemma, who owns a bookstore, and Mavis, her assistant, as they get involved in a murder case after finding local author Dominic Wesley’s body at a book signing event. When Wesley’s estranged wife, Donna, blames Ellie, a past girlfriend, for causing his death, what seemed like an accidental overdose, according to the police report, quickly becomes more serious. This forces Gemma and Mavis to try and solve the mystery themselves.
Donna also mentions that she was almost back together with Dominic. This news, along with Gemma’s feeling that something unusual was going on, makes them start an unplanned investigation into Donna’s claims.
Where will their determination to uncover the truth lead them to? Will they find answers or will they give up?
My take on The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill
S.A. Reeves’s novel “The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill” is set in a charming small-town bookshop in Derbyshire.
Each intriguing twist and surprising discovery is wonderful. The book is hard to put down, and even after completing it, you’ll still feel its warm, comforting atmosphere.
This engaging cozy mystery story is about Gemma, who owns a struggling bookstore, and her assistant Mavis. They navigate various relationships, lies, and even a murder. The story begins with the sudden death of a local writer named Dominic Westley, who was having a book signing at Gemma’s store, but it ended tragically. As the investigation starts, Gemma and Mavis become like detectives, trying to uncover who did it, why, and what secrets are hidden. The novel follows two determined characters on a quest to solve the mystery of Dominic Westley’s death.
The book is easy to read and understand, and it moves smoothly from one part to the next. I really enjoy that the whole story happens in a bookstore, and each character has a unique way of speaking.
The book keeps readers hooked with its realistic setting and well-developed characters. The mystery slowly unfolds in this well-paced story, with clever twists and turns to keep readers engaged. In the midst of the suspense, Gemma and Mavis’s relationship is charming, adding humor and fun to the story. Gemma’s natural curiosity and determination push the plot forward, while her friendship with Mavis brings humor and warmth. I love how the novel has interesting discussions about books within the book itself, with local book club members passionately sharing their favorite mystery fiction clichés. Reeves did a great job making these discussions feel both general and relevant to the mystery surrounding Dominic’s death.
I’d want to recommend this book to people who like smart and fun, cozy mysteries. Be aware that the story has many descriptive details.
The author does an excellent job of creating believable characters, developing good plots, and describing distinctive settings. All of these make this series perfect for both growing and enjoying. If you enjoy reading, solving mysteries, and are curious about small-town secrets and scandals, you’ll find this suspenseful and captivating story very enjoyable.
I highly recommend this book to anyone looking for a cozy mystery to read quickly.
About The Author Of The Bookshop Mysteries: A Bitter Pill
S. A. Reeves is the pen name of a husband and wife writing duo, who have been married for over twenty years. They are based near the Peak District in Derbyshire (United Kingdom).
They both like to read and watch murder mysteries, and will frequently stand in front of a whiteboard, plotting the perfect murder—for creative Fiction purposes, of course.
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