Title: Murder Between the Pages, The Nina Foster Mystery Series, Book 1
Author: Linda Hope Lee
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Book Blurb:
It's a sad day for librarian Nina Foster when she discovers her good friend, bookstore owner Wildeen Bergman, dead on her office floor. Worse yet, another friend, romance writer Zelma Duke, becomes the police's prime suspect. Nina knows Wildeen had something on Zelma. Was it enough to warrant murder? Handsome Stephen Kraslow, owner of the local newspaper, joins forces with Nina to find out the truth. The quest takes them on a dangerous journey of twists and turns before they reach the final outcome.
My Review:
Librarian Nina Foster loves books and while at her friend Zelma’s book event, she overhears her other best friend, Wildeen, argue with Zelma. She thinks nothing of it at the time but the next day, Nina discovers Wildeen dead in her office. Could Zelma have killed Wildeen? Zelma’s the number one suspect and pleads with Nina to help figure out who murdered Wildeen.
In an effort to help her friend, Nina dons her amateur detective cap and starts investigating. She teams up with newspaper reporter Stephen. The more they investigate, the more suspects appear. As they work together, she develops feelings for Stephen which she tries to deny. A romance blooms but when it goes too far, Nina breaks it off. The closer she gets to the truth, the more danger she’s in. Can she solve the case before the murderer strikes again?
I love mysteries starring amateur detectives and this one takes on a very bookish setting. The backstabbing and jealousy between three friends in the book world is spot-on. While it’s a slow beginning, once the investigating begins, it moves at a quick pace. There’s a lot of characters to keep track of but I caught on. Lots of twists and turns plus the reveal of the murderer was unexpected. One downside for me is the formal dialogue. It seemed forced in some areas and not quite real. The setting of the Pacific Northwest, however, was brilliantly done. I felt transported back to my days when I was a bookseller.
If you’re looking for a cozy mystery set in the Pacific Northwest, pick this up today. I look forward to reading the next Nina adventure.
My Rating: 4 stars
Buy it Now:
Google Play https://play.google.com/store/books/details/Linda_Hope_Lee_Murder_Between_the_Pages?id=cFx-DwAAQBAJ
Author Biography:
A resident of the Pacific Northwest, Linda Hope Lee writes contemporary romance, romantic suspense, and mystery novels. She also enjoys watercolor paintings, photography, collecting children’s books, and anything to do with wire-haired fox terriers.
Social Media Links:
Website: https://www.lindahopelee.com/
Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/LindaHopeLee/
Twitter: http://twitter.com/lindahopelee
Reviewed by: Mrs. N