Murder in the First Edition (A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery)
M**.
Book 3
I have finished several books in this series and not in order. This was the third book and one of the more enjoyable ones. This is when the series was progressing in an interesting way.
T**R
Much Better than Books 1 and 2
Editing, grammar, etc far better than last two books with plots more believable, but with some loopholes still creeping in. Good flow of story.
C**E
Love this series of cozy mysteries!
Enough clues to lead you in the right direction. Fun to read. Love the romance dynamic. On to the next in the series!
R**T
Murder in a Cozy Book
It is a great story and fill with characters you want to know. It is mysterious and heart warming. Thanks!
V**)
Chaos at Christmas...
Addie Greyborne lives in a small town named after her family, and she owns a bookstore. She inherited a Victorian home and enough money to do so from a late relative. When she discovers a rare edition of Charles Dickens's A Christmas Carol, she decides to donate it to a charity auction that will benefit the pediatric wing of the hospital. She receives the authentication of the book from a friend in Boston, and when she takes it to Teresa Lang, who's heading the auction, she finds the woman dead. This causes more problems than just a dead body...It seems her late fiancé's father, Jonathan Hemingway, is in town unannounced, and he was to meet with Teresa for lunch, but tells her the woman had another appointment. The book is gone, stolen from its case and no one can find it. Her assistant Patrick is frantic, trying to find another book for the live auction, Jonathan is romancing her friend, and she can't commit to either of the men who are interested in her -- police chief Marc Chandler, or Dr. Simon Emerson. Addie's life is in turmoil.However, Addie being Addie is determined to help find the killer, because it's her book that is missing, and she's decided that Jonathan has something to do with it, even if she can't find any proof. Even though everyone is telling her to leave it alone, she's not going to do so; not even when the killer sends her a message that tells her she might be next...This is the third book in the series, and while I had decided not to read another one, I did so only because I love Christmas and this book takes place during that time. While Christmas isn't the main theme, it still does rear its head now and then. Addie is looking for a killer, and her partner in crime, best friend Serena, is helping her find clues. Unfortunately, Addie is determined to place the title directly on the head of her almost-father-in-law Jonathan, but can't find anything incriminating, which irritates her.Honestly, I loved Jonathan the most. His character is not only intriguing, he has charm and wit, two things that are valued in people by me. Addie was like a dog with a bone, and it soon became tiring, even though other clues showed up to lead her in the right direction.Now she has a choice to make between Marc and Simon -- if she can let go of David; his memory is keeping her from living her life, and Jonathan seems aware of this, as do the two men; but Addie is stubborn and refuses to accept it. I do feel that Addie really needs to grow up. She acts like a teenager with all her stubbornness, her pouting, her refusal to listen to anyone. These are not the actions of a grown woman who owns her own business. This does not show a strong, independent woman; they are the actions of a petulant teen who isn't getting her own way.When the ending comes and the murderer is revealed, it turns out to be more complex than anyone could have imagined; but the ending also gives Addie perhaps a new beginning to her relationship with Jonathan (and I do so hope to see him in future books once in a while). I did enjoy the ending and will continue with this series because of it.
T**.
A fun festive mystery with some awesome characters
I've enjoyed this newer series from its beginning, and this installment is no exception. I think it's especially good, because it takes place at Christmas. I have to admit that Addie gets on my last nerve sometimes, but that's just part of her charm. She's like a big kid sometimes, but has a heart of gold and would do anything for those that she loves. She makes me dizzy with going back and forth between which guy she likes, and I usually end up just as confused as she is, but I will say that I'm still Team Marc ;) I'm just going to have to be more patient I guess! I loved that her almost father-in-law was included in this book, Jonathan Hemingway. He's a mysterious older guy with a real eye for the ladies who makes me think of a cross between DiNozzo Sr. and Richard Castle's father. Who wouldn't fall for his charm? Addie's friend Catherine definitely fell for him. I hope we get to see more of him!I'd had an idea of who the killer was, but it was fun to see it play out. The showdown was a little bit nail biting, but Addie seemed to be somewhat in control when Marc and the officers showed up. I loved the comparison to A Christmas Carol (which was the featured book in this story) that Serena gave Addie's life. At the end, she finally saw what her young friend and a wise older friend were trying to tell her earlier. The ending was super festive and sweet. I'm pretty sure I know who she's leaning toward and hope that she stays leaning that way!
N**B
Great cozy mystery series, set around Christmas
The 3rd book in this cozy mystery series set in Greybourne Harbour and the Beyond The Page Book and Curio shop.Addie is looking forward to her 2nd Christmas in the town and spending it with her friends is top of her wishlist. When David's Father, Jonathan ( father of her fiancee who was killed before she moved to the town) shows up, and moves in on Carolyn, her friend, she's concerned, she's used to him just showing up, upsetting everyone, then leaving. However, is there more to Jonathan than meets the eye?A first edition of A Christmas Carol, which has been authenticated and valued at over $50,000 is donated by Addie to the fundraiser at the local hospital, but when it goes missing, and the organiser of the fundraiser is murdered, Christmas looks like taking a back seat.A new doctor starts work in the town, will Addie make up her mind about Marc, the police chief, and brother of her best friend, Serena? Serena has her own affair the heart when she meets a new guy, Zach.A great story, one I couldn't put down. Well worth a read but the series is best read in order to preserve continuity of the characters.
S**N
Wonderful Story, Beautifully Written
I just discovered Lauren Elliott, and after reading one of her books, I purchased all of them. She's great--highly recommended!
D**C
A wonderful cozy mystery
Addie and Serena are working together to solve the mystery of Teresa's death and must find the valuable antique book which Addie has donated to the Hospital's Fundraising event, and went missing. With the help of Simon, a friend/admirer and discouragement of Marc an ex who is still attracted to her the mystery is solved. Will Addie ever make up her mind between her two suitors? I know what I would do if I were her. Most enjoyable!
J**L
Great Third Read of The Beyond The Page Series
This is the third book of the beyond the page cozy mystery series. Addie lives in a seaside town that her ancestors were founders of. She owns and works at a book store in the small town. Its Christmas time in the harbour and Addie is getting into the christmas spirit since she donated a 1843 copy of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol to a fundraiser for the new wing of the local hospital. The edition is of extremely high value and has already peaked interest of collectors around the world ready to place their bids.Addies ghost of christmas past makes a presence in the form of Jonathan, her late fiancé’s father. Johnathan is having lunch with Theresa, the liaison of the fundraising auction. Later that afternoon Addie heads over to give Theresa the appraisal for the book only to find Theresa dead and the valuable first edition book missing.Addie beings her sleuthing ways to try to find out where the book is and who is behind Theresa’s murder.Addie also finds herself caught up in a love triangle between Marc, the chief of police and the handsome Dr. Simon Emerson. Both men want to be with Addie, Addie feels deeply for them both but still feels she may not be ready for a relationship as she is still grieving her fiancé’s death.This was a cozy read with many suspects playing into the mix! As Addie investigates she also has some self reflecting to do on her personal matters. Im really enjoying this series and looking forward to reading the other books!
M**A
Snow, Christmas and murder
Snow, Christmas and murder. What's not to like. Nothing to challenging so if you want something that's a light read, try this.
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