All My Bones by P.J. Nelson

 All My Bones

Book Summary

Madeline Brimley, new owner of a bookstore in a small Georgia town, finds herself playing sleuth when a friend is charged with the murder of a much-disliked woman.

Madeline Brimley recently inherited a bookstore in Enigma, Georgia, is embarking on her second career, after her first one (acting) founders upon the metaphorical rocks. Settling in, Madeline recruits her friend Gloria Coleman, the local Episcopal priest, to help her plant azaleas in the front yard of the old Victorian that houses the bookstore. Turning the soil, however, uncovers the body of one Beatrice Glassie, a troublesome woman who has been missing for the past six months.

When her friend Gloria is arrested for the murder, Madeline is determined to prove her innocence and, as she quickly finds out, there aren't many people in town who hadn't wanted to kill Bea Glassie at one point or another. And the very expensive and rare first edition of a particular volume of Grimm's Fairy Tales—ordered by the victim and her sister is somehow tied to the grim death. With the help of her not-quite-boyfriend, a local lawman, and her deceased aunt's best friend, Madeline plans to set a trap to catch the real murderer—before she becomes the next victim.

My Thoughts

All My Bones by P.J. Nelson is the second book in Old Juniper Bookshop Mystery series.  We get to catch up with Madeline, Gloria, Philomenia, David, and Billy.  I wanted to like this story, but I found it to be predictable with slow pacing. The final third of the book was particularly sluggish (helpful if you suffer from insomnia).  The body is discovered in the first chapter which makes for a lengthy story.  The mystery can easily be solved early in the book, which is a disappointment (it was so obvious).  There is a lack of suspense, but I enjoyed the conflict, humor, and secrets (they always come to light during a murder investigation).  The romance between David and Madeline is sweet.  I like the opinionated bookshop cat (I can envision the haughty cat).  All My Bones can be read as a standalone, but I believe it is helpful to have read Booked for Murder.  All My Bones is a southern cozy mystery with a murdered woman, a charged priest,  rampant rumors,  helpful friends, a toffee-nosed cat, a fairy tales first edition, and a maturing romance.

All My Bones is available from Amazon*.  The first book in the Old Juniper Bookshop Mysteries is Booked for Murder.  Thank you for dropping by today.  I know how busy everyone is during the holiday season.  On Thursday, December 4, I am sharing my thoughts on The Lighthouse at the Cove by Amy Clipston.  I have been busy this week decorating my front yard for the holidays (and enjoying every minute).  After I am done with my yard, I get to decorate two of my neighbors yards.  I am hoping that all of my neighbors will decorate in the future (a girl can dream).  I hope that you have a wonderful day.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.

*This post contains affiliate links.