A murder and a missing book have Addie Greyborne running around her Massachusetts town trying to read the clues . . . January isn’t the season for the seaside, but the big Fire and Ice festival is keeping bookstore owner Addie busy. Amid the plans for a fireworks display and an ice-carving competition, she’s also dog sitting for a friend in the hospital. When Addie goes to her friend’s house to … Addie goes to her friend’s house to gather supplies, she notices an interesting item on the nightstand which belongs to her shop assistant, Paige: a very valuable copy of the beloved children’s book The Secret Garden.
But Addie’s blood runs cold when she finds something else: a dead body behind the bakery next door to her shop. Martha, the bakery owner, has no alibi—and has been seen in a heated argument with the victim. And the next thing Addie knows, that first edition has gone missing. Is there a connection between the body and the treasured tome? If there is, it’s up to Addie to find a killer with a motive as hidden as Frances Hodgson Burnett’s famous garden . . .
“Seaside charm only gets better in winter! A Page Marked for Murder has all the things I love in a book.”
—Vicki Delany
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A Page Marked for Murder by Lauren Elliott is the fifth in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. This is one of my favorite series.
Elliott gives plenty of plot twists in this easy to read Cozy mystery. There are two mysteries in the story as well as romance, friendship, humor, and family. I love most of the characters and the setting. The new female detective, a former FBI agent is annoying though. That being said, this latest in the series will have you guessing to the end. I am already waiting for the next in the series.
I was given an ARC by Kensington and NetGalley for an honest review.
A Page Marked for Murder is the fifth book in the remarkable, Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series. A must read!!
Lauren Elliott as usual, does not disappoint. As the series moves forward with the lives of her (realistic) characters, Greyborne Harbor has a new mystery within a mystery.
When Paige’s ex-boyfriend is found murdered behind Martha’s bakery and Martha is arrested, Addie cannot help but investigate on her own to help prove Martha’s innocence. If running a bookstore, dealing with personal issues, and investigating a murder wasn’t enough, Gloria, Addie’s friend, falls from a ladder and Addie is asked to dog sit while she recovers. Addie had noticed a copy of The Secret Garden at Gloria’s home, a rare and expensive book. When she returned to get more dog supplies, she noticed the book was gone. Borrowed? Stolen? Was Gloria’s accident and accident?
Lauren Elliot has mastered writing the twist and turns of mystery and the lives of her characters keeping you guessing and intrigued until the last page….but not confused! Love her books and cannot wait to see what comes next.
I received an advanced copy for an honest review.
I have been a fan of this series from the first book and I think this might be my favorite one in the series to date. Addie Grayson is a terrific protagonist. Yes, like most cozy mystery sleuths she tends to become a bit too involved in police/murder investigations. That said, she is a mature sleuth with some really good insight and deductive reasoning which allows her to see things that others might have missed. She is really settling into her new life, with a few bumps along the way. This time around, the suspect in the murder investigation is the mother of Addie’s employee Paige, so she feels compelled to help clear her name. Addie and Martha have not always gotten along, but they have made peace with each other, so Addie sets out to clear her name. The mystery is well done and there is a minor mystery involving a stolen book. There are plenty of suspects to choose from, but when they all seem to have solid alibi’s Addie has to work overtime with her deductive skills to uncover the true identity of the killer. I was totally engaged in this book from the start and was surprised at the identity of the killer. However, the person and the motive make complete sense, and when brought to light lead to a satisfying ending. I can’t wait for more books in this series and will happily return as long as Ms. Elliott continues to write them.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the author. The opinions expressed are my own.
This book is a murder mystery that will keep you guessing until the end.
The main character Addie is overcoming a lot of tragedy, with losing her fiancé and father within a short time. When her great aunt dies and leaves her everything, she moves out of Boston to start over in a small New England town. Opening her own bookstore has been a dream that she was able to make a reality after receiving her inheritance, and she thought things were starting to look up. Until break-ins, near-death experiences, and murders occur. Addie has no idea why trouble seems to follow her, but she’s bound and determined to figure it out.
Addie a likable character who is sweet, motivated, and funny at times. Her baggage keeps her guarded, but she’s able to open her heart a bit to Serena, a shop owner next to her store. Serena becomes a good friend, and Marc, Serena’s brother and chief of police, could be a possible love interest. Serena and Marc are both good characters that add another dynamic to the story.
The storyline takes the reader for a ride full of mystery. When another shop owner winds up dead and Serena finds the body, she becomes the number one suspect. Addie and Marc have to find the real killer, or their friend/sister will wind up in jail for murder. This is when Addie and Marc’s relationship starts to grow, and it’s believable and heartfelt. Their investigation leads to a mystery of rare books smuggling, and possibly a link to the murder of her fiancé. This opens up a whole new line of thinking that ends up having more questions than answers.
Overall, the book has wonderful characters, an interesting storyline, possible love, lots of mystery, and some humor. If these things sound like fun to you, then A Page Marked for Murder might be a good choice.
An interesting winter themed book. Addie’s assistant, Paige’s, father and ex-boyfriend suddenly appear in Greybourne Harbor. The Fire and Ice Festival has begun and one of the volunteers is seriously injured after a fall from a ladder. Addie ends up taking care of the woman’s dog while she recoups in the hospital. When Paige and her mother, Martha, have a public argument at the festival with Paige’s ex, Brett, and then the next day he is found dead outside Martha’s bakery, it isn’t looking good for either woman. Addie is determined to prove that Paige and Martha are innocent and sets out to find other suspects. While investigating and taking care of the dog, Addie discovers that Paige’s Secret Garden book that she had lent Gloria, the injured woman, has gone missing. Addie had noted that the book was rare and worth a lot of money. Now Addie begins to wonder if the missing book and the murder are connected. Wonderful characters and a charming town. I really enjoy Addie and her friends and seeing how they come together to help each other. I was glad to see Addie stand up to her cousin, Kalea, in this book as Kalea was really starting to get annoying by the way she was acting and taking advantage of Addie. I am really looking forward to seeing what’s next for Addie and Simon and seeing Serena and Zach get married!
This series just keeps getting better.
Addie is finally pretty settled in her small town. She is recovering from the Christmas rush in her little bookstore. When Addie finds a dead body outside of the bakery next door, can she help her sometimes-friend sometimes-enemy, Martha, find the murderer?
I keep enjoying these books more and more. I like Addie as a character and I love her relationship to so many people in the town. I do wish that some of the characters would act more like their age instead of like teenagers. I really liked seeing her relationship with Martha develop. The ending of this one took me completely by surprise. I feel like the reveal came out of no where and the “whodunit” was not at all what I thought.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
I like the series set in a Massachusetts coastal town.
A Page Marked for Murder is the 5th book in A Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery by Lauren Elliott.
It’s the Fire and Ice festival and everyone is busy preparing for the season’s activities but when Gloria is found on a heap on the snow and obviously injured, Addie is now Gloria’s little pup’s mom for a short time.
Paige’s ex is back on the scene and is demanding to custody of their daughter. But there is no way Martha will let this happen and soon after there’s a death. Martha, Paige and Martha ex husband are all taken in for questioning but it’s not looking good for Martha.
Meanwhile, Addie notices that a valuable book is missing that is worth twenty five thousand and Addie is sure this has something to do with the death.
I loved this book, the characters and how the plot thickens.
There is no chance that Addie will ignore doing her sleuthing. She is always one step ahead on connecting the clues.
Just as you think you know “whodunnit”, you’d be dead wrong. There was no hint of who the suspect was until the very end. But the clues were written between the lines.
Another exciting installment in the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery! Elliott has done it again, creating a gripping mystery with compelling characters. The relationships between the likeable characters in this quaint small town continue to grow, while Addie tackles the latest murder mystery involving some of the people she’s closest to. A clean, fun read. Looking forward to book #6.
A Page Marked for Murder is not the first book I’ve read in this series. I’ve enjoyed all of them, but I must say I had a hard time getting started in this one. I think it may have been the author feeling the need to give us a picture of the characters, I should say a better understanding of their personalities and background. I don’t know if that was so that this could be read as a stand-alone which it could be. I have not read Book 4. Maybe the author felt a need to catch us up after Book 4 ended.
Nonetheless, this was as enjoyable as the others I have read of this series. The author builds in interest by adding an ice festival contest event and the story revolves around that somewhat. We see quite a bit of interaction between the characters and all of it as well as the dialog was well done.
One thing I most certainly plan to do is read Book 6!
Excellent cozy mystery! It definitely kept me guessing. I mean, I thought I had things figured out but…yeah, I was not even close. And then you add in the wonderful cast of characters. So good.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
It is just past the Most Wonderful Time of Year in Greyborne Harbor, and Addie, one of my favorite bookstore owners, is as busy as always. She loves living in this quaint New England town and being part of the community. She has plans to volunteer to help prepare for the upcoming Fire and Ice event that takes place after Christmas every year. The biggest attraction to the weekend is the ice sculpture contest that takes place from Friday night to late Sunday. When the judging is completed, there is a bonfire on the beach in which the drying Christmas trees are burned. This festival is enjoyed by both local folks and tourists.
It wasn’t long ago that Addie and her cousin Kalea, having not seen each other since college, restored their relationship. Kalea was staying in the elegant Victorian manor Addie inherited, and she is helping out at the bookstore. Addie’s assistant manager, Paige, has almost had enough of Kalea disappearing for hours at a time, or even the entire day. Kalea has met a new guy and her priority is to spend time with him. Addie drew the line, however, at Kalea telling her new guy that she owned the house and she was letting her troubled cousin Addie live there!
Addie has a bad habit of finding crimes, and first she finds that one of Paige’s books, loaned to a friend in the book club, is a valuable first edition. The friend is injured and in the hospital; Addie goes back to get the book for her to finish reading and discovers it has disappeared – and nobody else is supposed to have a key to the home.
Next, she finds the dead body – murdered – of the father of Paige’s little girl, in the alley behind the bakery owned by Paige’s mother Martha. When Paige’s mother and father are being held on suspicion of murder, it is time for Addie to get involved one more time. Addie doesn’t know Paige’s dad, but she does know that Martha wouldn’t kill anyone, despite her sometimes obnoxious ‘tudes.
This mystery is finely plotted and executed, and my pet suspect certainly seemed to be the whodunit, until I figured out the real who and possible motive. I truly enjoyed this mystery, as I have the rest of the novels in this series! The ending was satisfactory, with all loose ends tied up. I highly recommend it to those who enjoy well written cozy mysteries about bookstores, rare books, and New England winters.
From a thankful heart: I received a complimentary copy of this novel, and this is my honest review.
A visit to Greybourne Harbor is like a visit home. When I open a book in this series I feel as if I am falling into comfort and am guaranteed for the next few hours I can escape. Elliott does the most wonderful job of describing the atmosphere in the town. My favorite time visiting is in the winter. The beauty of the snow…aah.
This is the fifth book in the series and we get to know more about Paige and her mother Martha. If you have followed the series you know Martha is pretty grouchy. In this installment, you will come to understand her more and by the end I really liked Martha. We learn how strong family bonds are and what happens when those bonds are threatened.
Even though the author does an excellent job of giving background on who is who I heavily suggest reading this series in order. If this is your thought of delving into the series what other perfect time than now to treat yourself to the entire series. The covers alone are beautiful. I would love to make wall art out of them for my library.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Kensington Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
For shop owner and amateur sleuth Addie, it’s, find a body, solve a crime. Isn’t that the way all bookstore keepers react? A Page Marked For Murder is a compelling story filled with beguiling characters, eloquent descriptions, and evidence that will add up, eventually, as well as a mystery for the ages. Is there anything more poignant than a suspect who doesn’t have an alibi but has every reason to commit a crime? This isn’t Addie’s first murder. She was hoping that she would never again experience the fear, pain, and curiosity that an investigation into the untimely death of a human can bring. But here she is, back on the trail of a killer.
The main suspects are all viable; each has a legitimate motive. Even though it seems that all of the suspects have alibi’s, except one, is this really the case? As an amateur sleuth, Addie faces issues; namely, she can’t ask the questions a detective can or force people to give her answers. With a bookstore to run, friends being accused of murder, and a slew of interruptions and distractions, it isn’t easy to get to the bottom of the case. But as she has in the past, Addie finds a way to get the information she needs to catch the killer and prove her friend innocent.
A Page Marked For Murder is a calm, easy to read book that will hold the reader’s attention. The plot moves swiftly, conversations are tantalizing and, in many cases, heartwarming. There is enough backstory to keep readers informed and eager to learn more without the need to go back and read the other books in the series. Addie is a caring person who is willing to use her amateur sleuthing to work if it means helping a friend. This makes her a warm, generous, and appealing heroine that readers will love. The bookstore is described so that you can visualize it while reading and desire to spend a few hours pursuing the shelves.
Thanks to Kensington Books & NetGalley for a digital advance reader’s copy of this book. All comments and opinions are my own.
This was #5 in the series but the first one for me and it can be read as a standalone. Taking place right after Christmas, there is still snow and a celebratory “Fire and Ice Festival” to cap the holidays (ice carvings and Christmas tree burning)! Addie is the amateur sleuth and bookstore owner who tries to find the true murderer when long-time town resident Martha is arrested as the only suspect in the murder of her ex-son-in-law, whose body is found behind Martha’s bakery. Lots of characters to keep track of, a little romance between Addie and her new boyfriend Simon (the town’s coroner), several suspicious characters, and a sweet Yorkipoo puppy named Pippi.
A quick and easy read, this was a believable, clue-filled mystery with a satisfying ending.
A fast paced, who done it, centered around a special book and difficult family dynamics. When the body is discovered behind the local shop, a fellow shop owner is suspect and Addie needs to work on proving her innocence. There is always a well developed mystery story that unravels in each of the Beyond the Page Bookstore mysteries and this one is no different. I enjoy getting to know the characters better with each story and being entertained until the last page! This is another story not to be missed!
Bookstore owner Addie Greyborne is busy with the Fire and Ice festival and is dog-sitting for a friend in the hospital. While gathering things from that friend’s house, Addie notices a very valuable book which goes missing. But things soon take a turn for the worse when Addie discovers a body in the alley behind the bakery next door to her shop. Addie is drawn into the investigation trying to prove a new friend’s innocence.
I love this series and this book is no exception. The combination of books and sleuthing is great and the author keeps each book fresh. I was drawn into the book from the beginning and kept hooked until the end. I went through a range of emotions while reading experiencing everything from laughter to tears. I’m very eager for the next book and highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
4.5 stars
In this fifth installment in Lauren Elliott’s Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series, bookstore owner Addie Greyborne becomes embroiled in two mysteries during the winter season. The first mystery occurs when someone close to her employee Paige is found dead behind Martha’s Bakery. The owner, Martha, who also happens to be Paige’s mom, and was seen arguing with the victim, immediately becomes the main suspect. Addie is determined to clear her name and find the real culprit. The second mystery occurs when a valuable book belonging to Paige is stolen from the home of the woman she had lent it to. Is there a connection between the murder and the stolen book? Addie is determined to find out.
Another enjoyable visit to Greyborne Harbor. I loved the descriptions of the cold weather, the bookstore, the town, and its colorful residents. The addition of Pippi was a lot of fun and I found myself wishing he was Addie’s dog. It was also nice learning more about Paige and Martha. Addie has really grown on me these past two books and I look forward to visiting her again in the future. As for the mystery, I thought it was well-done. There were plenty of red herrings provided in an attempt to misdirect the reader, and in my case, it completely worked because the killer wasn’t even on my radar.
All in all, this is a great series, and I definitely recommend it.
Thank you to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I love this series and the books continue to be awesome! A Page Marked For Murder is the 5th book in the series and is my favorite so far.. Addie Greyborne owns Beyond The Page Bookstore. The town is having the Fire and Ice Festival so there are visitors and activities. There is a murder and a missing first edition of The Secret Garden to keep Addie and friends busy trying to find the culprit(s). Addie’s friend Gloria is injured so Addie is dog sitting, which is a nice addition. Addie’s cousin Kalea is causing problems. Lots going on and it all adds up to a wonderful cozy mystery with great characters and an intriguing cozy mystery. Very enjoyable! I received an advance copy from NetGalley for an honest review. #NetGalley #APageMarkedForMurder
This book is entertaining, witty, heartfelt, and very cozy-mysterious! Whenever I picked up “A Page Marked for Murder”, I put on my best sleuthing skills, and found myself not wanting to put this book down!
This is the fifth book in Lauren Elliott’s “Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery” series but the first I have read, and I definitely think it can work as a stand-alone novel too. With that said…oh I can’t wait to go back and read the first 4 books, and I hope there will be many more! Ms. Elliott’s writing is simply delightful, and her characters spring right off of the page. Each character has a distinct personality that adds to the story in one way or another, and helps to progress the plot forward.
Addie is such a strong, intelligent, kind-hearted protagonist. She believes in finding out the truth in order to help those she cares about, and she does not allow anyone or anything to stand in her way. The way she slowly begins to put puzzle piece after puzzle piece, and clue after clue of the mysteries together with the help of her friends and boyfriend was so fun to read. I also adore that she is a book-lover too! And Pippi, Gloria’s sweet little dog, is just so adorable, oh my goodness! I fell in love with her right away!
I don’t want to spoil anything in this review, but, I will say that Ms. Elliott has written two mysteries in this book, and she kept me guessing up until the final pages on both! There are quite a few twists and turns! Are the murder and stolen first edition of “The Secret Garden” connected in one way or another? You will just have to read it find out!
If you enjoy cozy mysteries, I highly recommend this book! I found myself reading until the early hours of the morning to see what would happen. I hope that we see many of these characters’ stories continues in future novels in this amazing series!
Thank you so much for Kensington Books for sending me the ARC of this novel, I so enjoyed it! All opinions expressed in this review are my own.