The Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle

 The Twelve Books of Christmas

Book Summary

The first ever Christmas mystery in the beloved New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series!

San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright and her hunky security-expert husband, Derek Stone, face a locked-room murder mystery during the holidays in Scotland.

In the middle of a wonderful Christmas holiday in Dharma, Brooklyn and Derek receive a frantic phone call from their dear friend Claire in Loch Ness, Scotland. The laird of the castle, Cameron MacKinnon, has just proposed to her! They plan to be married on New Year’s Day, and they want Derek and Brooklyn to be their witnesses. And while they’re visiting, Claire hopes that Brooklyn will be able to solve a little mystery that’s occurred in the castle library—twelve very rare, very important books have gone missing.

Once in Scotland, Brooklyn starts working on the mystery of the missing books but is soon distracted by all of the thumping and bumping noises she’s been hearing in the middle of the night. You’d think the Ghost of Christmas Past had taken up residence. But when one of the guests is poisoned and another is killed by an arrow through the heart, Brooklyn and Derek know this is not the work of any ghost. Now they must race to find a killer and a book thief before another murder occurs and their friends’ bright and happy future turns dark and deadly.

My Thoughts

The Twelve Books of Christmas by Kate Carlisle has Brooklyn and Derek traveling to Oddlochen, Scotland for the wedding of two friends.  They also need Brooklyn’s help in locating twelve books that have disappeared from the castle’s library.  I look forward to reading the latest A Bibliophile Mystery each year.  Brooklyn and Derek are great characters.  I like that Derek does not discourage Brooklyn’s sleuthing (he usually is right by her side).  The vivid descriptions brought the castle and its surroundings to life.  I like how there was a Christmas tree in every room including the library.  Like Brooklyn, I could spend weeks holed up in the castle’s library.  The mystery was the weak point of the story (but it did not hinder my reading pleasure).  The clues were a wee bit obvious.  I enjoyed learning about the twelve books and how they related to Christmas.  There was a couple that I had not heard of previously. 

I liked Derek’s unique lockpick set (I want one for myself).  It was interesting learning about Scottish Hogmanay traditions.  I loved the gifts that Brooklyn created for her family and friends for Christmas. They were unique and I like that they were book themed without being books (it is shocking, but there are some people who do not appreciate books as gifts).  The Twelve Books of Christmas is the seventeenth A Bibliophile Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone as the author provides the necessary background information on the main characters.  I liked the ending, but I was sad for the story to end.  The Twelve Books of Christmas is an enchanting tale with an invite to nuptials, a private plane ride, spooky sounds, absent books, a murdered man, mouthwatering meals, and Scottish traditions.   

The Twelve Books of Christmas is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other A Bibliophile Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle also writes A Fixer-Upper Mysteries featuring Shannon Hammer.  You can follow Kate Carlisle on Amazon and you will receive an email when she has a new book release.  Thank you for joining me today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Celebrate Lit Tour for Killer Christmas Evidence by Sami A. Abrams.  It is the fourth book in the Deputies of Anderson County series.  I am off to the rheumatologist and then I get to do a little fun shopping.  I hope that you have an entertaining day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle

 The Paper Caper

Book Summary

San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is back with an intriguing new mystery in the New York Times bestselling Bibliophile Mystery series.

Joseph Cabot is a very popular wealthy San Franciscan who owns the main newspaper in town, as well as radio stations and TV. Years ago, Brooklyn’s husband Derek and his security team rescued Joseph from an assassination attempt and now the man and his wife are friendly with Derek and Brooklyn. The friendship is helped along by the fact that Joseph is a big book lover and contributes lavishly to the Covington Library. His favorite author is Mark Twain (another newspaperman) and he’s underwritten the first annual Mark Twain Festival at the Covington.

As part of the festival activities, Brooklyn will spend a few hours every day at the Library, giving demonstrations of her work at re-binding an old copy of The Prince and the Pauper. There will be events all week, all around town, celebrating the time Twain spent in the city. But the biggest event is being run by Joseph’s newspaper: a citywide contest based on The Prince and The Pauper—they want to find someone who looks like Joseph! The two men will trade places for a week as part of a huge publicity campaign to raise money for the Covington Library. But the fun turns frantic when a murder occurs right before Brooklyn’s eyes! Now Brooklyn and Derek will have to chase clues all over their beloved city to solve the murder before another death becomes front-page news.

My Thoughts

The Paper Caper by Kate Carlisle has Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone enjoying the first annual Mark Twain Festival sponsored by Joseph Cabot.  The event includes a lookalike contest with the winner looking amazing like Joseph.  Joseph and the winner switch places for the rest of the festival.  When someone close to Joseph ends up dead, Brooklyn and Derek wonder if the murdered killed their intended target.  The Paper Caper is the sixteenth A Bibliophile Mystery.  While it can be read as a standalone, you will be missing out on some background information.  I have read every book in this series for booklovers.  I look forward to a new A Bibliophile Mystery each year. Brooklyn Wainwright is a book restorer and lover of books.  She is one of my favorite fictional characters (if she was real, I could see us being friends).  I did find her to be a little off in this book.  She seemed squeamish which is unexpected for someone who has been involved in over a dozen murders.  She also became scared and paranoid at one of the events.  Brooklyn is normally levelheaded.  Derek Stone is her strong, handsome husband who is protective.  There are times when I feel that Derek treats Brooklyn like a child.  It is infrequent, but I found it irritating.  Brooklyn is a clever, talented woman who has helped Derek solve many cases.  She is observant with good deductive skills.  Brooklyn and Derek are a cute couple (still very much in love).

I enjoyed the first annual Mark Twain Festival which benefited the Covington Library.  There were some fun events.  The Prince and the Pauper is the book featured in The Paper Caper.  Brooklyn restores a copy for the Covington Library.  I love learning about Brooklyn’s trade as a book restorer.  The mystery was straightforward.  It does not begin until almost the halfway point.  By the time the murder occurs, I already knew the solution.  I admit that I enjoyed how the deed was done.  It is certainly unique.   We get to catch up with Brooklyn’s family as well as Ian and his partner.  Detective Lee, of course, is in charge of the case.  There is rumor that she will be getting a new partner.  There is humor sprinkled throughout the story.  There is some mild foul language (just to let you know).  I hope the next A Bibliophile Mystery will have more substance and a trickier whodunit.  I like Kate Carlisle’s casual writing style.  It is like you are visiting old friends when you open A Bibliophile Mystery.  The Paper Caper is a delightful tale with a pulsating prince, a pleasant pauper, an animated marketing maven, a Swedish bombshell, a disagreeable butler, a malicious mother, a debonaire Derek, and a busy Brooklyn. 

The Paper Caper is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other fifteen A Bibliophile Mysteries here.  Kate Carlisle also writes A Fixer-Upper Mysteries. Dressed to Drill is the tenth A Fixer Upper Mystery and it will come out on April 4, 2023.  A few of the other new books out today are:  Death a Sketch by Cheryl Hollon (I will be a stop on the Great Escape Virtual Book Tours on August 6), Murder Spills the Tea by Vicki Delany, Witch and Famous by Angela Sanders, Love Blooms in Morning Star by Charlotte Hubbard, Mint Chocolate Murder by Meri Allen, Point Last Seen by Christina Dodd, Duty Calls at Goodwill House by Fenella J. Miller, and The Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates.   I appreciate you stopping by today to read my review.  Tomorrow I am featuring The Lost and Found Girl by Maisey Yates.  I hope that you have happy day.  Take care, stay cool, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

Little Black Book by Kate Carlisle

Little Black Book

Book Summary

Little Black Book by Kate Carlisle has Brooklyn Wainwright and Derek Stone returning home to San Francisco where they find a package from Scotland addressed to Derek.  The package contains a signed British first edition of Rebecca.  The next day, Claire Quinn arrives asking for Derek to see if he received a package from her missing aunt.  Claire found her aunt’s home ransacked and no sign of her aunt who was expecting her.  Claire did find a copy of the postal receipt for the package.  She was hoping Derek would know where to find her missing relative. Brooklyn notices that Claire is on edge and learns that someone broke into her apartment as well.  They also made a second attempt at entry but were thwarted by a concerned neighbor.  Derek and Brooklyn offer to help Claire with her intriguing mystery.  Before they can begin, the man who broke into Claire’s apartment is found dead in the garage of their building.  When Brooklyn looks through Rebecca, she finds a clue that sends the group to Scotland where danger is afoot.  Derek will have his work cut out for him if he is to keep his new wife safe along with Claire.  Will Brooklyn, Derek, and Claire find the answers they seek in the land of the brave?

My Thoughts

Little Black Book by Kate Carlisle is the 15^th A Bibliophile Mystery.  It can be read as a standalone, but I highly recommend reading each book in this delightful series.  I look forward to a new installment each year where I can go on an adventure with Derek and the feisty, intelligent Brooklyn.  Rebecca by Daphne du Maurier is the featured book and I like how it ties into the story.  I thought Little Black Book was well-written with developed, engaging characters.  The characters are what keep me coming back.  I love Brooklyn Wainwright and her dashing husband, Derek.  They have good friends and a large, interesting family (especially the Stone brothers).  There is great chemistry between Derek and Brooklyn.  It is obvious how much they love each other.  Even better, though, they respect each other.  The mystery was multi-faceted and intriguing.  I enjoyed following the clues and getting to journey to Scotland.  There is plenty of action as well.  I enjoyed learning about steganography.  I like how Brooklyn’s skills play into the mystery.  If it involves a book, Brooklyn is your gal.  It is great that the author includes information on bookbinding, book restoration, and book art.  Thanks to the vivid word imagery, I could envision the mobile Brooklyn is creating. There is some mild foul language (I would rather Brooklyn use creative phrases related to books) as well as repetition of details related to the mystery.  Little Black Book became more engaging the further I got into it, and I was sad when my visit to this creative world ended.  I look forward to Brooklyn’s next adventure.  Little Black Book is a compelling whodunit with a bewildering black book, cryptic clues, a dangerous dagger, a bulky bad guy, an AWOL aunt, and a hunky hubby. 

Little Black Book publishes Tuesday, June 29 and is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other fourteen A Bibliophile Mysteries here.  Readers can find all of Kate Carlisle's book here.  Kate has Absence of Mallets coming out December 7.  It is the 9th A Fixer-Upper Mystery.  Thank you so much for stopping by today.  Tomorrow I am a stop on the Great Escapes Virtual Book Tour for A Glimmer of a Clue by Daryl Wood Gerber.  It is the 2nd A Fairy Garden Mystery.  I hope you have a bonnie day.  Take care, be kind, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

*This post contains affiliate links.  As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.

The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle

Happy Book Release Day!  There are a variety of new books out today that include:  Stories That Bind Us by Susie Finkbeiner, Rainy Days for the Harper Girls by Rosie Clarke, Deadly Sweet Tooth by Kaye George, Amish Generations by Kathleen Fuller, The Clutter Corpse by Simon Brett, A Gilded Lady by Elizabeth Camden, The Way of Love by Tracie Peterson, The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle, What Momma Left Behind by Cindy K. Sproles, and Breaking Bat by Erin Johnson.  There is something for everyone on this list that includes Christian fiction, historical fiction, paranormal mystery, Amish fiction, and cozy mysteries.  Which one do you want to read first?

From Little Women--the musical

The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle has Brooklyn Wainwright along with her husband, Derek Stone in Dharma, California for the town’s first annual Book Festival.  Brooklyn’s mother, Becky is co-chair of the festival committee with Lawson Schmidt.  One man, Jacob Banyan is unhappy with Becky not including him in the festival and has taken to threatening her.  Becky is no pushover and can hold her own against the bully.  Late one night, Brooklyn receives a call from her mother.  Becky and Derek’s mother, Meg are at the town hall where they found Lawson murdered.  They soon discover that the festival money has disappeared as well.  Jacob attempts to worm his way into the festival again, but he finds himself thwarted by Becky with help from Brooklyn.  Another late-night call finds Becky in the hospital after someone tried to run her down in town.  The whole family rallies to protect Becky while Brooklyn and Derek work at tracking down the nefarious killer

Little Women (1868)

The Grim Reader by Kate Carlisle is the 14^th A Bibliophile Mystery.  I have read each book in this entertaining series, but The Grim Reader can be read as a standalone (but, really, why would you want to).  I have enjoyed following Brooklyn from the very beginning.  Brooklyn Wainwright is a bookbinder who specializes in rare books.  She lives in San Francisco with her dashing husband, Derek Stone and their adorable cat, Charlie.  Derek and Brooklyn are in Dharma, Brooklyn’s hometown, for the first annual Dharma Book Festival.  This festival is featuring Little Women by Louisa May Alcott and will include a one-night performance of Little Women—the musical (it was performed on Broadway).  Brooklyn’s mother, Becky Wainwright is co-chair of the festival committee and she has been having a difficult time with Jacob Banyan.  Jacob has been acquiring wineries in the area by dubious means and turning their fine vintage into a box wine which has the other winery owners up in arms.  Jacob threatens Becky more than once in an attempt to get his way.  I like that all the women in the Wainwright family are strong and creative.  Brooklyn is a spitfire just like her mother.   The Grim Reader contains Kate Carlisle’s signature writing style which is engaging.  The story is narrated by Brooklyn.  I was quickly drawn into the book which moved along at a quick page.  The mystery was intriguing with a murder or two, an attempt on Becky’s life, and missing money.  While I narrowed in on my choice of killer early on, my interest did not wane.  I kept turning the pages quickly so I could see how the whodunit would play out.  The reveal scene was a delightful and creative.  It was quite a performance. The dialogue is witty and provided me with many laughs.  Brooklyn does a little book restoration in this story, but not as much as in other books.  I missed Brooklyn doing a creative, unique paper project.  Of course, Brooklyn is busy visiting family, preparing for the festival, keeping her mother safe, playing with Charlie, and repairing a first edition copy of Little Women.  There are some delectable culinary delights in this book that will have your mouth watering.  Thankfully, there are recipes at the end of the book.  There are some great tidbits regarding Little Women in the book.  The Grim Reader is a story that takes me on a journey into Brooklyn’s world that I was sad to see end.  I cannot wait for the next A Bibliophile Mystery to come out next year.  My favorite line comes from Brooklyn when she said, “Couldn’t we stumble across a poisoning once in a while.”  Poor Brooklyn has an aversion to blood.  One of Brooklyn’s other lines that had me laughing is, “So suck it up buttercup.”  The Grim Reader is a compelling cozy mystery with a big bully, committee chaos, beaucoup blood, missing money, a bounty of books, and a fun festival. 

My copy of Little Women

The Grim Reader is available from Amazon*.  You can find the other titles in A Bibliophile Mystery series here.  Kate Carlisle also writes A Fixer-Upper Mystery series starring Shannon Hammer (on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries channel).  Premeditated Mortar releases on December 1.  Thank you for reading my review today.  I will be back tomorrow with The Promise by Patricia Davids.  It is the 3rd novel in The Amish of Cedar Grove series.  I hope that you have a creative day.  Take care, stay safe, and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*This post contains affiliate links.

The Book Supremacy by Kate Carlisle

Happy Book Release Day! There are some fabulous new books out today that I want to share with you.  The Right Sort of Man by Allison Montclair, The Farmer's Bride by Kathleen Fuller, A Patchwork of Clues by Sally Goldenbaum, More than Words Can Say by Karen Witemeyer, A Reluctant Bride by Jody Hedlund, The Number of Love by Roseanna M. White, Wherever You Go by Tracie Peterson, The Book Supremacy by Kate Carlisle, and The Summer Country by Lauren Willig.  

The Book Supremacy by Kate Carlisle is the thirteenth A Bibliophile Mystery.  Brooklyn Wainwright Stone and Derek Stone are enjoying the last day of their honeymoon in Paris.  They (meaning Brooklyn) suggest the pair spend the morning visiting the book stalls (called Bouquinstes) along the Seine.  Brooklyn is tickled when she finds a 1962 copy of The Spy Who Loved Me by Ian Fleming because it is the perfect gift for Derek (the spy who loves her).  When Brooklyn catches up with Derek, he is chatting with Ned Davies who he worked with during his days as a spy (though he denies being one).  Ned suggests that when they return home, they check out SPECTRE, a spy shop opened by one of their old friend’s, Owen Gibbons.  

After they settle back in at home, they head to Owen’s shop where Brooklyn is delighted to discover they have escape rooms.  There is a book area in the spy shop where they have Ian Fleming novels on display.  Brooklyn mentions The Spy Who Loved Me which turned out to be worth significantly more than the 7 Euros she paid for it.  Owen wishes to borrow the novel to be a centerpiece for the stores upcoming one year anniversary celebration.  Derek agrees after checking out the stores security systems.  That Saturday they enjoy the escape rooms along with employees from Derek’s company where he currently has a problem worker.  Around 3 a.m. Derek gets a call from Owen stating the shop has been broken into.  The Ian Fleming book was not stolen, but one of Owen’s shot and left to die in an escape room.  A few days later, Derek receives an unusual letter informing him that Ned has been killed and it includes a special request.  Derek and Brooklyn are once again embroiled in a mystery that could have deadly consequences.

The Book Supremacy is the thirteenth delightful installment in A Bibliophile Mystery series.  I have been a fan of this book themed mystery series since the very beginning.  I eagerly await each new installment and then devour it quickly.  The Book Supremacy is a charming story with well-developed characters that takes us to France, wine country, and San Francisco.  Kate Carlisle has a charming writing style that engages the reader and keeps them engrossed until the very last word.  The descriptions of Paris transported me to the location.  I could envision the green book stalls, the Seine, and the streets of Paris.  The same can be said for Dharma and San Francisco.  I especially loved SPECTRE with the various spy gadgets, books, café and escape rooms.  I found the escape rooms to be intriguing and they sound like an hour of good fun.  It is always fascinating to learn more about Brooklyn’s book restoration work and the lovely creations she makes from paper.  The mystery is complex, and I like how everything tied together.  There is action, suspense, a twist or two with the added touch of espionage.  The mystery can be solved by armchair sleuths before the reveal, but that did not hinder my reading experience.  While The Book Supremacy can be read alone, I heartily recommend reading the series in order (you will not be disappointed).  It allows you to learn about Brooklyn, her work, friends and how she and Derek came to be together.  I could not wait to get to the end of the story to find out what happened, but then I was sad that I had finished it (and must wait a year for another installment).  There are recipes at the end of the book (Brooklyn does love good food and chocolate).  The Book Supremacy is a story for fans of the series, the characters, and those who truly love books.  The Book Supremacy has good food, intrigue, spy gadgets, a plethora of books, former spies, a cute cat named Charlie, a murder, escape rooms and one curious book restorer plus her dashing English husband.

The Book Supremacy is out today and available on Amazon as well as other major retailers.  Thank you for reading my review.  Tomorrow I am sharing my thoughts on Murder, She Uncovered by Peg Cochran.  It is the second novel in the Murder, She Reported series with Biz Adams.  I hope you have a intriguing day.  Take care, stay hydrated (important when it is hot) and Happy Reading!  

Kris

The Avid Reader

Buried in Books: A Bibliophile Mystery

Salutations!  Dyeing Up Loose Ends by Maggie Sefton comes out on July 3 along with The Hope of Azure Springs by Rachel Fordham.  Shelved Under Murder by Victoria Gilbert will be released on July 10.

Buried in Books by Kate Carlisle is the twelfth A Bibliophile Mystery.  Brooklyn Wainwright is marrying Derek Stone in just a few days.  With the wedding plans completed, Brooklyn is off to attend the annual National Librarians Association conference.  She is surprised when she runs into Heather Babcock.  Brooklyn, Heather and Sara Martin were roommates and best friends in graduate school until Roderick came along.  Brooklyn has not heard from Heather or Sara in twelve years.  The next day after Brooklyn’s Book Lovers Tour of San Francisco, Brooklyn is surprised with a bridal shower.  She is shocked when she discovers her mother invited Heather and Sara (oh dear).  Heather gives Brooklyn a first edition of The Blue Fairy Book by Andrew Lang.  Not to be one upped, Sara unexpectedly presents Brooklyn with a beautiful (and valuable) first edition of The Three Musketeers.  Later Sara turns up dead which causes Brooklyn to take a closer look at her gift from Sara.  When she discovers it is a forgery, Brooklyn wonders if Sara knew about it or was she innocent victim.  With her wedding quickly approaching, Brooklyn finds herself once again embroiled in a mystery.  Can Brooklyn wrap up the case before she dons her wedding gown or will she end up being fitted for a coffin?

Buried in Books is a well-written and engaging book.  The authors conversational writing style combined with the steady pacing makes Buried in Books easy to read.  I started reading Buried in Books and did not put it down until I finished.  There are many delightful humorous moments in Buried in Books.  Brooklyn and Derek’s mothers are quite a pair. They are two peas in a pod and their families had better be prepared for more of their antics in the future.  I love reading about the beautiful books Brooklyn encounters (the authors descriptions allowed me to visualize the wondrous tomes.  It is also interesting to learn more about bookbinding (which makes A Bibliophile Mystery series unique) and creating one-of-a-kind handmade books. There are beautiful descriptions of San Francisco and various book lover attractions.  I enjoyed how the victim was killed.  It is unique and fits with the book.  The murder does not occur until page 110.  The author took the time to set the stage (give us background) for the crime.  I was disappointed that the mystery was uncomplicated and easily solved.  Brooklyn is a great character.  She is intelligent, spunky and has a nose for murder.  Brooklyn has grown over the course of the series, and I think that Derek is the perfect partner for her.  He supports Brooklyn in her investigations and assists her while keeping her safe.  There are many wonderful cozy moments in the book.  We get to see the Wainwright and Stone families mingle, the wedding, lots of food, Brooklyn spending time with her friends, the sights of San Francisco, descriptions of old books, the convention, the rehearsal dinner, and special moments between Derek and Brooklyn.  There are recipes for a couple of the dishes served at Derek and Brooklyn’s wedding at the end of the book.  My rating for Buried in Books is 4 out of 5 stars.  Fans of A Bibliophile Mystery series (and cozy mysteries) will be thoroughly delighted with Buried in Books. 

Thank you for visiting.  I will be reviewing Till Death Do Us Tart by Ellie Alexander tomorrow.  It is the eighth novel in A Bakeshop Mystery series.  May you have a pleasing day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

Once Upon a Spine: A Bibliophile Mystery

Welcome!  Kate Carlisle is the author of The Fixer-Upper Mystery series and A Bibliophile Mystery series.  Two of The Fixer-Upper Mystery series novels have been converted into movies on the Hallmark Movie and Mystery Channel with Jewel playing Shannon Hammer.  Colin Ferguson (from Eureka and Haven) also stars on the show (he also plays the Maytag man on the commercials).  

Once Upon a Spine by Kate Carlisle is the eleventh book in A Bibliophile Mystery series.  Brooklyn Wainwright lives in San Francisco, California with her fiancé, Derek Stone.  Brooklyn is a bookbinder and paper artist.  At the Brothers Bookshop in the Courtyard, Brooklyn has been coveting a beautiful and rare copy of Alice in Wonderland owned by Eddie Cox (co-owner of the shop).  She has always been fascinated by Lewis Carroll and his Alice books.  Terrence Payton, who co-owns Brothers Bookshop with Eddie, mentions that he had a similar copy of Alice in Wonderland, but it was stolen six months previously.  Bonnie Carson comes into the shop and mentions that once again someone has vandalized the building with graffiti.  Later that week Brooklyn is out early to get coffee from the Beanery and looks into the Rabbit Hole as she goes walks by the shop.  She notices the place in a disarray and enters to find Will Rabbit, the owner, on the ground.  Brooklyn finds another victim under one of the shelving units.  She quickly contacts 911 and Inspector Janice Lee.  When the shelving is removed, they find Joey Falco, the cobbler, underneath.  Joey dies on the way to the hospital.  Brooklyn looks in Joey’s shop door (looking for her burgundy heels Joey was repairing) and discovers the shop in a shambles.  Why were Joey and Will attacked?  What was the killer looking for in Joey’s shop?  The next day Derek’s parents arrive from England (Brooklyn has yet to meet them), and Brooklyn’s parents are visiting as well.  Brooklyn will have to work in sleuthing among the sightseeing trips.  It seems, though, that the killer is not yet finished.  Bonnie would be roadkill if not for Brooklyn’s quick actions.  Can Brooklyn close the book on this case before another victim gets struck down?

Once Upon a Spine is a delightful cozy mystery.  Kate Carlisle has a conversational writing style that makes for an easy to read book.  The book is well-crafted and has a good pace.  I enjoyed the addition of Derek’s parents.  Meg Stone is nothing like I expected.  Meg and Becky’s (Brooklyn’s mother) antics had me laughing a few times.  The mystery is multifaceted and complex which I adored.  Readers will have a hard time solving this one.  I give Once Upon a Spine 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it).  While Once Upon a Spine is the eleventh book in the series, it can be a stand-alone.  The author does provide background information on Brooklyn, her career, and relationship with Derek.  I like how far Brooklyn and Janice Lee’s relationship has progressed since the beginning of the series.  I loved the description of Brooklyn’s Alice project especially the details on papermaking.  Once Upon a Spine has great characters, beautiful setting, complicated crime, wonderful book descriptions, and humor along with a nice easy writing style.  All these elements come together for a pleasure reading experience.  I hope we get Brooklyn and Derek’s wedding in the next A Bibliophile Mystery.  It will be entertaining to see what the two-mother’s put together.  

Can you tell that I loved Once Upon a Spine?  Each book in this series is better than the previous.  I will be reviewing Treble at the Jam Fest by Leslie Budewitz on Saturday.  I hope that you have a fantastic Friday. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader