PROS AND CONS

By Amanda Flower

Violet Waverly is the new co-owner of Charming Books located in Cascade Springs, New York. Violet’s grandmother, Daisy, is her partner and teaches her how to be a very real “Caretaker of the Shop.”

The two of them have been busy getting ready for the Cascade Springs Food and Wine Festival. As book lovers, they are very excited about the ‘Poe’-try reading where the works of Poe will be delivered by speakers (the “Red Inkers”) in period costume.

When the day arrives, things are going swimmingly when Violet goes in search for the next speaker, Anastasia Faber, who had asked to change into her costume in Violet’s apartment. But as Violet enters the kitchen leading to the back stairs, Anastasia is actually blocking her way; her body is at the bottom of the stairs dead as a doornail, and Violet immediately calls Police Chief David Rainwater to come ASAP.

As things unfold, it seems that Anastasia was not the most popular person in the village, rude and condescending to others on a daily basis. Violet has decided to help by doing her own investigating. After all, she thinks it’s only fitting considering Anastasia was found at the bottom of her staircase. Violet doesn’t really know the woman well, but she does uncover the fact that Anastasia was hiding a secret while also digging up dirt on other Red Inker members. As a deeper, darker mystery comes to light, Violet enlists her trusty cat, Emerson, and the shop’s pet crow, Faulkner, to help her find Anastasia’s killer and put him/her behind bars for good.

A complex mystery that will make you smile, readers will love this truly magical bookshop with flying books, and animals that are far more talented than you could possibly imagine. Best part? The killer is quite a surprise! Once you read one of these Magical Bookshop Mysteries, you’ll be hooked for life.