In this cozy series debut from Laura Gail Black, Jenna Quinn finds her uncle murdered in his antique bookstore, and Jenna–his primary beneficiary–becomes the prime suspect.Trouble follows Jenna Quinn wherever she goes. Fleeing some unsavory doings in her hometown of Charlotte, Jenna accepts her uncle’s gracious invitation to stay with him in small-town Hokes Folly, NC. In exchange, she’ll help … In exchange, she’ll help him out in his antiquarian bookstore. But soon after she arrives, Jenna finds her uncle’s body crumpled at the base of the staircase between his apartment and the bookstore.
Before the tragedy even sinks in, Jenna learns that she’s inherited almost everything her uncle owned: the store and apartment, as well as his not-so-meager savings and the payout from a life insurance policy…which adds up to more than a million dollars. This is all news to Jenna–bad news, once the police get wind of her windfall. An ill wind, indeed, as a second murder cements Jenna’s status as the prime suspect in both deaths.
Jenna can hit the road again, taking her chances that she can elude trouble along the way. Or she can stick it out in Hokes Folly, take over the bookstore, and try to sleuth out her uncle’s killer. On the one hand, she’s made some wonderful new friends, and she feels she can thrive in the genial small-town environment. On the other hand, trouble knows her address–and so does the killer, who is determined to write the final page of Jenna’s story.
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This is the first book in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series by author Laura Gail Black and I found it to be a good start. What drew me to this particular book was the vibrant color and the fact it was centered around a bookstore. As an avid reader, any cozy mystery involving libraries, book stores or book retreats are an automatic try for me.
Jenna Quinn is an interesting character. She comes to Hokes Folly hoping to leave a painful period in her life behind her only be the person to discover her uncle’s body at the bottom of the stairs in his apartment. Automatically, she is considered the chief suspect by a detective who I found to be too lazy to do his job so he looked for the easy way out. I liked that Jenna stood up for herself and decided, with the help of some good secondary characters, to try and find out what happened to her uncle. The cast of secondary characters is diverse, but not too many to overwhelm or to leave room for new ones to join in future books. There is a bit of romance blossoming for Jenna with a local police officer, who doesn’t think she killed her uncle. This was the one part of the story that felt a little too soon for me. I would have also liked some resolution to Jenna’s past problems in Charlotte that led her to take up her uncle’s offer to come to Hokes Folly.
The mystery carries throughout the entire story. There were a good number of suspects to choose from and it took a bit to determine just exactly what Jenna’s uncle was killed for. I was surprised that I was able to guess the identity of the killer and a partial motive. Maybe, just maybe, I’m getting better at solving crime (doubtful). It didn’t detract from the enjoyment of the story and it is always fun to see how the author has the protagonist discover whodunit.
This was a solid start to a new series and I think I would like to see where the author takes the characters in future books.
I voluntarily read a digital advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley.
This is an excellent start to a new series. The mystery had many twists and turns that had me guessing to the end. I look forward to reading more of Jenna, her new friends and the small town of Hokes Folly.
I reviewed a digital arc provided by Netgalley for an honest review. Thank you.
I always love finding the first book in a new cozy mystery series and I was even more excited when I read this one took place at a bookshop. Could there be a better backdrop for a cozy! And Laura Gail Black set up the premise perfectly for Jenna to be able to be an amateur detective when her uncle left her the shop, living quarters above, and a lot of money.
While the town where a cozy takes place is important, as well as whatever hobby or food theme is incorporated, for me, it’s the characters that make the novel. If I don’t enjoy the characters, I won’t be coming back for more. At first I thought I may not be returning to Hokes Folly because Jenna really wasn’t doing much for me, and as the main character, that is a must. And the author does a lot of telling instead of showing, which can get boring after a bit.
So why will I be reading the next book in An Antique Bookshop Mystery? It’s because of the secondary characters, mainly Mason and Rita. I want to see how Mason grows and I really enjoyed Rita’s warmth.
As far as the killer goes, Black does include some red herrings. And I didn’t figure out the killer right away, which is always a plus. I will say though, a lot of the cozies I’ve read lately seem to have a trend going on who turns out to be the killer. Which was fine for the first three or four cozies that did this, but I hope cozy writers go back to having a little more substance and motive behind the killings again very soon!
In this cozy series debut from Laura Gail Black, Jenna Quinn finds her uncle murdered in his antique bookstore, and Jenna–his primary beneficiary–becomes the prime suspect.
The deck seemed to be stacked against Jenna – at least as far as the lead detective thought but Jenna wasn’t about to be railroaded into false charges – especially after what happened to her in her hometown (that info is revealed within the book). Jenna faces numerous hurdles as she tries to clear her name and deal with the death of her uncle, but she also manages to make a few new friends along the way.
I did suspect who the culprit was before it was revealed but loved reading how Jenna slowly managed to sort things out. The core characters are interesting and have much potential for future books. Looking forward to reading the next book in this series!
What a cute book – loved the cover, the story, the characters, the setting and everything in between. It’s definitely worth checking out!
You can check out my booktube video review at https://youtu.be/OyFQpXw0dX4
or read my review on my blog at https://lisasiefert.com/book-review-for-whom-the-book-tolls-by-laura-gail-black-an-antique-bookshop-mystery/
Jenna Quinn believes she is getting an opportunity to leave behind all of her troubles. She decides to move in with her uncle and help out in his bookstore. Trouble, however, seems to follow Jenna. Shortly after arriving, Jenna finds her uncle’s body in his bookstore. The police suspect Jenna is involved in her uncle’s death.
This is a good beginning to a new series. The characters are interesting, flawed, and realistic. The mystery is full of twists and turns. The storyline is well-developed and moves at a quick, steady pace. I am interested in seeing how the series develops over time.
All thoughts and opinions are my own, and in no way have I been influenced by anyone.
Jenna Quinn is coming to Hokes Folly, a small town in North Carolina, to stay with her uncle and help run his bookshop. She’s trying to get past some trouble she had in her hometown of Charlotte but trouble seems to have followed her as she finds her uncle’s body her first morning there. Then she finds out that she was his primary beneficiary and inherited everything. Since she finds herself as the primary suspect, Jenna decides to do some sleuthing on her own to find the real killer.
I really enjoyed this book which is first in a new series. The book’s well-written with well-rounded characters, some of whom you’ll like and others you won’t. As an avid reader, I do love cozies set in bookstores and this is a great one. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept hooked throughout not wanting to put the book down. I’m most definitely looking forward to the next book and highly recommend this one.
I love books about books! I really enjoyed the setting of this book. The beautiful downtown historic with the apartments above the shops. Jenna came to stay with her uncle. She had no one and gradually gained friends who she could trust. I like how it wasn’t instant and how you didn’t know who to trust for a while. I did guess the killer at one time but wasn’t 100%. I’m usually wrong and don’t try to guess. I was excited I was right!
I really enjoy biblio mysteries and this one did not disappoint. Jenna is down on her luck and her Uncle Paul has invited her to stay with him and help out at his bookshop. Unfortunately someone murdered her just as she arrived. Now that she has inherited the shop and his apartment she is the prime suspect. To avoid taking the fall she sets out to solve the crime. I really liked the town and the supporting characters. I am hoping that as Jenna learns the book business there is more book background. The mystery was good with plenty of suspects. The writing was good and it was a quick read. I look for word to reading the next book.
I really enjoyed reading this new cozy mystery! Jenna Quinn is escaping her hometown where she was put on trial for murder and then proven innocent. She runs to her uncle who owns a bookstore in Hokes Folley. When she finds her uncle dead in his shop, can she solve the crime before the detective in charge of the case is able to arrest her for a crime she didn’t commit?
I really liked reading about Jenna. She was a super fun character to get to know. I liked getting to know everyone in the small town and getting to see all of their quirks. I really felt for Jenna and felt a sort of kinship. Not that I’ve ever been suspected of murder but I totally saw myself in her. She is a really likable character! I honestly did not see the end coming at all. It took me completely by surprise! I totally thought that I knew who committed the murders, but I could not have been more wrong! I can’t wait to read more from this series!
Absolutely wonderful. Started out with a bang and continued to the end. Lots of twists and turns with a great outcome I did not see coming. Worth the read.
A great start to a new series. Plenty of twists and turns to keep you guessing up to the revealing of the murderer.
I liked the fact that the amateur sleuth has a questionable past. I am hoping we have a future book where she solves what really happened in Charlotte.
I only have two not really complaints but wish it was different. I did not like her being so weak in her relationship in Charlotte. Her boyfriend/fiance was a JERK! Good riddance. Her new romance was very quick. Too quick for my liking.
I am ready for book two and have high hopes this will become a “must-read” series for me.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. Any opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
For Whom the Books Tolls by Laura Gail Black is the debut of An Antique Bookshop Mystery series. I enjoyed this new cozy mystery. I thought it was well-written with steady pacing. I loved the descriptions of the historic district of Hokes Folly, North Carolina. There are charming shops with apartments above them. I was envious of the bookshop filled with regular and antique books. Jenna gets the glorious task of sorting through all the volumes and putting them into order. I liked Jenna’s neighbor, Rita. She is a lively character. The whodunit was intriguing. Jenna finding her uncle dead and becoming the prime suspect is a cliché, but I loved the bookshop so much that I overlooked it. I was not a fan of Detective Frank Sutter. I am tired of the truism of a nasty detective who becomes determined to pin the crime on the relative. Detective Sutter’s partner, Detective Keith Logan was much nicer, and he is easy on the eyes. There are a couple of suspects along with good clues and a red herring. Jenna turns out to be a decent amateur sleuth. I liked that there was a complete wrap-up of the crime with an unexpected revelation or two. We are not left with any lingering questions regarding the mystery. I am looking forward to reading the next An Antique Bookshop Mystery. For Whom the Books Tolls is an engaging cozy mystery with bibliophile lovers’ bookshop, a determined detective, a kindly neighbor, a dubious developer, and a resolute relative.
“For Whom the Book Tolls” the first instalment in the “An Antique Bookshop” Mystery series by Laura Gail Black was a good start to a new cozy series. I really enjoyed this story, there was humor, history and murders. What’s not to like! I read almost in one sitting but finally succumbed to sleep with only a chapter left.
The mystery moved at a good pace, was interesting and I thought well plotted. I loved the characters living in Hokes Folly especially Rita who befriends Jenna. I did suspect whodunnit fairly early but was never 100% sure. Overall I found it to be a very entertaining read.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I’m looking forward to book two to find out what Jenna does with the bookstore.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
In a new series, “An Antique Bookshop Mystery,” Laura Gail Black has created characters that aren’t your average cozy style. With a bookstore that is littered with books from top to bottom, books even in the sinks. In the first book of this series For Whom the Book Tolls, Jenna is as human as you can get with a fictional character. She isn’t perfect, far from it, she has a bad attitude a lot of the time, trust issues, and seems to be mired in a pity party, and she has a past that ranks a ten for bad. Readers will either love or hate Jenna; there is no in-between.
Jenna needs a fresh start, and her uncle provides her with the opportunity to begin life again and shed the excess baggage. The problem is, her uncle ends up dead on the bookstore floor the first night Jenna is in town. Now she is a suspect in his killing, and she sets out to prove that she isn’t a murderer, now or ever. Other suspects range in age and occupation; some are more prevalent than others. Motives can be elusive at times, but eventually, the killer is found.
Unfortunately, it was too easy to figure out the killer’s identity, which is my biggest complaint about this book. Characters have plenty of room for growth, and hopefully, more background for Jenna will be forthcoming in the next addition. The evidence isn’t hard to follow; the twists are few but meaningful. For Whom the Book Tolls is well written, easy to follow, and fast-paced. There is action, but it needed more. The bookstore was described well; I wouldn’t mind spending time there as soon as it’s cleaned up properly. I look forward to the next installment in this series and seeing how far Jenna has come since she found her uncle’s body.
Jenna Quinn seems to have this black cloud following her. After an unfortunate incident leaves Jenna in a low place she takes up the offer of a change of scenery from her uncle and makes her way to Hokes Folly, NC. Jenna has barely made her way into town when she stumbles across the fallen body of her gracious uncle. In what should be a time of healing and getting her life back together, has become a roller coaster ride Jenna was not expecting. Now she has a business to figure out what to do with, a dead relative and has found her way as one of the prime suspects in the murder. Will this woman’s day get any better or is all about to go down the drain.
I very much enjoyed For Whom the Book Tolls. Jenna is a fantastic character. She was down on her luck, at the bottom of her rope and needing a breath of fresh air. She shows determination, adaptability and forgiveness. I found her to be an exceptionally strong and willful character for cozy mystery. The more I got to know her the more I enjoyed her. I very much enjoyed the story and plot line. There are many twists that keep the story interesting in going. It’s fast paced and even has a touch of romance. I was able to figure out our culprit before the end of the story, however it wasn’t much before the end. The setting was perfect and the town was charming. The characters definitely drive part of the story giving the reader entertaining antics to go along with this twisting mystery. For Whom the Bell Tolls is a good start to what I feel will bring many entertaining cozy reads in the future.
Title: For a Whom the Book Tolls: An Antique Book Mystery, Book 1
Author: Laura Gail Black
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Release Date: Srptember 2020
What a great start to a new cozy mystery series. The author did a wonderful job of setting up the story arc for this book and the whole series. I really enjoyed the main character, Jenna, and the residents of Hokes Folly.
I received a copy of this book from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, via NetGalley. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor.
Wow! This is the debut of a new series by Laura Gail Black and it is a winner! It has everything I love about cozy mysteries- likeable interesting characters, an intriguing cozy mystery that kept me guessing, friendship, and possible romance. What’s. not to love! Jenna Quinn’s life is a total disaster and her Uncle Paul invites her to come and stay with him for a few weeks until she gets back on her feet.. But things don’t happen as Jenna expects because she finds her uncle dead. She doesn’t know anyone and doesn’t know who to trust. Of course she is the prime suspect and her past makes it worse. Jenna finds out she inherited Uncle Paul’s antique bookstore and the building including an apartment. She is surprised and relieved until she realizes it would look like a motive for his murder. Jenna neds to clear her name. There are several things going on, including a 2nd murder, that make this such an awesome book and kept me intrigued and guessing until the end. The characters in this book make it even more enjoyable! It is well written and I can’t wait for the next book! Very enjoyable! I received an advance copy from NetGalley for an honest review. #NetGalley. #ForWhomTheBookTolls
Jenna Quinn has arrived in Hoke’s Folly, North Carolina. It’s two o’clock in the morning in Hoke’s Folly, NC. Jenna Quinn quietly enters her Uncle Paul’s antique bookstore store. Jenna’s Uncle Paul gave her a chance to leave her hometown of Charlotte, NC. While in Charlotte, she was accused and cleared of murder and embezzlement charges. But the next morning, Jenna finds Paul’s body in the bookstore. Now, Detective Frank Sutter suspects Jenna of murder and he is determined to prove her guilty. Jenna, on the other hand, is equally determined to prove her innocence. Her cadre of new friends, including the handsome detective Keith Logan, are determined to help her.
Uncle Paul’s death makes Jenna an instant millionaire. Her inheritance also solidifies her position as the number one suspect in Paul’s murder. Jenna needs to clear her name. Rita Wallace, a friend of Uncle Paul and Jenna’s new next door neighbor, is Jenna’s first ally. During their investigation, Jenna discovers her uncle’s enemies as well as friends devastated by his death. As the investigation continues, the killer targets Jenna. Will she figure out the murderer’s identity in time? Or end up like her Uncle Paul before the killer is revealed?
At first, I wasn’t sure I would like this new cozy mystery. I gave it chance and ended up enjoying the book. The more I read, the it was harder to put down. I was a little frustrated that more details about what happened Charlotte weren’t forth coming in this book, so I hope more backstory will be revealed as the series continues.
#NetGalley #ForWhomTheBookTolls
ARC provided by NetGalley
This new series is off to a great start. Cozy bibliomysteries get my attention every time. Here we have Jenna arriving in the middle of the night at her uncle’s apartment over his bookstore making sure she won’t wake him. Little does she know that the dark cloud she has just escaped from – lost her job, lost her finance, lost her money and cleared herself from a serious legal mess – has followed her and it all starts with Uncle Paul. He won’t be welcoming her to her temporary abode because he has taken a header down the stairs to his death. Leave it to the police to become laser focused on her as their number one suspect. Uncle Paul has left her everything and it adds up to a lot of motive as far as they are concerned. No sooner has she started to absorb her situation when a man turns up and tries to lay claim to Uncle Paul’s estate. Jenna better figure it out fast or she will be be wearing orange for whatever future she has left.
From the setting of Hokes Folly, NC and the friends Jenna makes to the well crafted puzzle complete with twists, turns and red herrings, and Jenna herself, I enjoyed this series debut and will definitely be reading its followup as soon as I can get my hands on a copy.
My thanks to the publisher, Crooked Lane and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.