Redwood Grove’s Best Kept Secret: A Review of “The Body in the Bookstore”

I was thrilled to dive into Ellie Alexander’s new series, “The Body in the Bookstore” and let me be one of many readers, it did not disappoint. The intriguing plot and relatable characters captivated me from start to finish.

Annie Murray is determined to save The Secret Bookcase, a charming bookstore in the quaint town of Redwood Grove, California. The detailed descriptions of the shop, set in an English-style manor house, made me feel like I was right there with Annie, navigating her struggles and triumphs. This book evoked a sense of nostalgia with its immersive Agatha Christie and Sherlock Holmes-inspired setting. The characters and festival transported me back to my first love for reading Christie’s novels. I wished I were part of this fictional world—it was that captivating. Can you imagine a Secret Bookcase?

After the devastating loss of her best friend Scarlet and the collapse of her criminology career, Annie finds solace in her love for reading and her work at the bookstore. Together with her colleague Fletcher, she organizes a Mystery Festival to breathe new life into the struggling store and the town. The festival, complete with author panels, pub crawls, and interactive mystery games, was a delightful and immersive experience.

However, the arrival of three of Annie’s former college classmates, followed by a shocking murder, turns the event into a real-life mystery. I found myself right alongside Annie, using my amateur sleuthing skills to unravel the motives and identify the killer. The presence of her old professor as one of the detectives added an interesting twist, though it seemed a bit unconventional for Annie to be so heavily involved in the investigation.

The small-town setting, the enchanting bookstore, and the unique Mystery Festival created a perfect backdrop for this cozy mystery. Annie’s journey, along with the support of her best friend Priya and her endearing colleagues, was compelling and heartwarming. Ellie Alexander’s rich, descriptive writing style brought the town and its characters to life, making me eager for the next installment in the series.

“The Body in the Bookstore” is a well-paced, engaging read that will delight fans of cozy mysteries. It has great potential, and I look forward to seeing how Annie’s story unfolds.

Amazon Link to The Body in the Bookstore