Week 20 Review: Murder by the Bookend

From Goodreads:

Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn sleuths again when a pair of glass bookends puts an end to a librarian's life, in this second installment of Laura Gail Black's cozy series.

The quaint warehouse district of Hokes Folly, NC, is hopping despite the drizzly November chill. The occasion? The mountain town's beloved antiquarian bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, is throwing a bash for its grand reopening. But bookseller Jenna Quinn's peace of mind is shattered when the local library's Director of Antique Books turns up dead in the parking lot--his head bashed in by a glittering pair of vintage glass bookends.

As they examine the murder scene, Jenna and her police detective boyfriend happen upon the only witness--the victim's dog, who flees the scene leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind. If only dogs could speak, Jenna might be able to make quick work of the murder case and get back to stocking her bookcases.

Alas, finding the killer won't be so easy, even though this is not Jenna's first murder investigation--indeed, she inherited Twice Upon a Time from her slain uncle. The suspect list is voluminous--the late librarian had not-so-friendly run-ins with numerous guests--but suspicion eventually centers on three unsavory individuals who left the party shortly before the victim did.

Now, Jenna must edit her inventory of suspects from three names to one, before the bloodthirsty bookend-wielder becomes the author of Jenna's demise. 

My Review:
This was a really enjoyable read! I really enjoy cozy mysteries, but I don't seek them out, mainly from authors that I've read from and enjoyed their previous books. And I really enjoyed the first book, but it's been a long time since it read it. But it was easy to get into this one!

Jenna is now reopening her uncle's bookshop, now that the murder has been solved. Except now a new murder happens, which complicates things. I loved the addition of Eddy, getting a dog is a life-changing thing, especially when it happens when the dog's previous owner dies! 

Watching the investigation into this latest case, there were a good number of suspects who had various reason to want to harm the victim. The trouble was figuring out if it was one of them or not, or if someone had a hidden motive.

Loved spending more time with these characters, and the updates in their lives, and the conclusion of the mystery was really fantastic to read, I enjoyed seeing the direction that it went! It was just a delight tot read and I'm so excited to continue with this series! 

This was a really great read and I can't wait to continue on! 

Author: Laura Gail Black 
Series: Antique Bookshop Mystery #2
Read: May 18th, 2023
Source: NetGalley
Reason Why: Really enjoyed the first book, and it's a Prequel & Sequel Challenge 2023 Book, Sophomore Challenge Book and a WoW Book! 
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Published: September 7th 2021

5/5 Hearts

5/5 Books

5/5 Stars