BOOKED FOR DEATH
A Book Lover’s B&B Mystery #1
by
Victoria Gilbert
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Date of Publication: August 11, 2020
Number of Pages: 320
SCROLL DOWN FOR THE GIVEAWAY!
From the critically acclaimed author of SIBA Okra Pick A Murder for the Books, Victoria Gilbert embarks with a new series for perfect for fans of Kate Carlisle and Juliet Blackwell.
A book lover’s B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder–and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.
Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader’s paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It’s the perfect literary retreat–until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.
The victim’s daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.
Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt’s name. But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer’s death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer–or end up writing her own final chapter.
A book lover’s B&B in an idyllic waterfront village becomes the scene of a grisly murder–and a ruthless battle between treachery and the truth.
Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed-and-Breakfast is a reader’s paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It’s the perfect literary retreat–until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.
The victim’s daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle a death on the premises.
Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt’s name. But the murderer is still at large, and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer’s death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer–or end up writing her own final chapter.
Having read and reviewed all of the author’s previous books in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, I was excited for the opportunity to have an early look at this first book in a brand new series. I am always a complete sucker for bookish cozies and with a B&B setting, there was so much to enjoy.
Located along the North Carolina waterfront within historic Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters Bed & Breakfast is the perfect literary retreat for readers. This newly renovated inn hosts all manner of special events celebrating books, and owner Charlotte is certainly excited to welcome guests for a salute to the Golden Age of mystery. However when a rare book dealer turns up dead after accusing Charlotte’s aunt of theft, Charlotte begins a quest to discover the truth behind not only the murder, but her own family’s history as well!
The pacing is nicely done, allowing both the suspense to build gradually to an unpredictable conclusion while also developing the characters in such a way that readers get to know them and their potential motives. The special events planned for the week continue despite the murder, giving Charlotte and her neighbor, Ellen, a chance to team up and really showcase their amateur sleuthing skills. The well plotted red herrings keep the twists coming and readers guessing until the very end.
Once again, the author has created a fascinating community that I look forward to returning to with future installments. This is definitely a solid introduction to a new series that will appeal to cozy fans and book lovers alike!
Victoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian. Victoria has worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and library director. When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She is a member of Sisters in Crime and International Thriller Writers and lives in North Carolina.
Many thanks to Great Escapes Book Blog Tours and the author for providing me with a copy of the book! It was a pleasure reading, reviewing, and hosting! And be sure to check out the other stops on the tour for more opinions and extras!
TOUR PARTICIPANTS
June 8 – The Bookwyrm’s Hoard – REVIEW
June 8 – FUONLYKNEW – SPOTLIGHT
June 9 – The Avid Reader – REVIEW
June 9 – Hearts & Scribbles – SPOTLIGHT
June 10 – MJB Reviewers – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 10 – A Holland Reads – SPOTLIGHT
June 10 – Diane Reviews Books – REVIEW
June 11 – The Book’s the Thing – REVIEW
June 11 – Escape With Dollycas Into A Good Book – REVIEW
June 12 – Book Club Librarian – REVIEW
June 12 – Mystery Thrillers and Romantic Suspense Reviews – SPOTLIGHT
June 13 – Books a Plenty Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 13 – The Book Diva’s Reads – GUEST POST
June 14 – Cozy Up With Kathy – REVIEW
June 14 – Lisa Ks Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 15 – eBook Addicts – REVIEW
June 15 – My Reading Journeys – SPOTLIGHT
June 15 – Brianne’s Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 16 – Ascroft, eh? – CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 16 – Moonlight Rendezvous– REVIEW
June 16 – Jane Reads – GUEST POST
June 17 – Christy’s Cozy Corners – REVIEW
June 17 – A Wytch’s Book Review Blog – REVIEW, CHARACTER INTERVIEW
June 18 – View from the Birdhouse – REVIEW
June 18 – Ruff Drafts – AUTHOR INTERVIEW
June 19 – That’s What She’s Reading – REVIEW
June 19 – Sapphyria’s Books – REVIEW
June 20 – Socrates Book Reviews – REVIEW
June 20 – Brooke Blogs – REVIEW
June 21 – Melina’s Book Blog – REVIEW
June 21 – Literary Gold – CHARACTER GUEST POST
That's What She's Reading 
Thanks so much for participating in the blog tour and reviewing my book!
LikeLike