In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery) by Cynthia Kuhn
About In the Event of Murder:
In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
2nd in Series
Setting - Colorado
Publisher : Crooked Lane Books (August 20, 2024)
Hardcover : 304 pages
ISBN-10 : 1639100709
ISBN-13 : 978-1639100705
Digital https://amzn.to/3xRh1X8
It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.
Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.
With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event.
My Review:
In the Event of Murder is the second book in the Starlit Bookshop Mystery series. Emma has settle back into Colorado life, helping her sister Lucy and Aunt Nora run the family bookstore. The town of Silvercrest is excited for the upcoming annual Silvercrest Library Gala. This year's celebrities include none other than former local and current star of a hit crime show, Whitney Willton, and her niece Lyra, a successful party planner-to-the-stars, assisting with the Gala. The festivities come crashing to a halt when Lyra is found dead.
I enjoyed the this story and the method used to unfold the mystery. There are side stories that give In the Event of Murder richness, depth, and realism. I was invested in the story and the characters. I loved reading about two sisters and their aunt running the family bookstore. I would love to own and operate a small bookstore one day.
This book is full of twists and turns. Emma does an incredible job looking for clues around the death of Lyra. She's tossed several obstacles, enemies, and unexpected events but sorts through it all smoothly. Her feud with Tabitha is a reminder that not everyone gets along, and that's okay. I don't care who you are, you've either had a Tabitha in your life at some point, or you were the Tabitha in your life. Emma handles herself with as much grace as possible in situations involve Tabitha.
There was a lot going on between the pages of In the Event of Murder. Sorting out what was part of the murder and what wasn't kept me on my toes. I love the author's writing style and very much look forward to the next book.
I was provided a copy of this book.
My Rating:
About Cynthia Kuhn:
Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries, which focus on a bookseller solving crimes in an artistic mountain community, and the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries, featuring a professor-turned-amateur-sleuth. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Diabolical, Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.
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