Cozy Review: A Colorful Scheme

 

* Book 4 in the Pen and Ink series *

Coloring-book creator and Washington, DC, bookstore owner Florrie Fox is attending the wedding of her wealthy boss and a famous romance author, who are taking their vows—for the second time—on the grounds of the gorgeous Maxwell mansion. But it soon becomes clear that the soothing vibe of coloring books is very different from the stress and backstabbing in some corners of the literary world.

Arthur Bedlingham, for example, barely makes a living despite the many awards he’s won—and his chances for better sales haven’t been helped by the vicious review he just got from another guest at the party. Then there’s an ex–FBI agent whose popular thrillers are a magnet for female fans; a less-successful romance writer; and an ambitious waitress who’s intent on a career in journalism.

When Arthur’s assistant, an aspiring writer, is murdered during the festivities, Florrie realizes this is no color-by-numbers case, and she’ll have to sort out the complicated secrets among this creative crowd of suspects . . . Summary from the publisher

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this book. I love books about libraries and bookstores. I love the cast of characters in this charming series. I enjoyed reading about the different authors, their writing tips, and their interactions with fans. Lots of secrets, lots of drama, lots of funny moments, and lots of mysteries uncovered. I loved that Max and Jacquie tied the knot again. I hope we learn what happened to their daughter. I can't wait to see what happens next. 

Cover Thoughts: Charming

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Highly recommend this series for your cozy mystery section.

Review: Coloring Crook

 

Pen and Ink Mysteries Series

(Read my review for book 1)

Florrie Fox is stunned when her friend and a member of her bookstore's coloring club comes into the bookstore with a rare and quite valuable coloring book. She has Florrie take a look to see if it could be the real deal. Dolly's excited to sell the coloring book for herself and her daughter. Maybe this could change their lives and at the same time, bring her daughter back closer to her.

That night, Florrie finds Dolly dead in her apartment - murdered. The police don't seem interested in the coloring book, but Florrie knows it's the best motive for murder. She pokes around, looking for clues, talking to Dolly's daughter, and trying to work out what really happened that night. 

My Thoughts: I really enjoyed this mystery - especially the rare coloring book. It was fun learning about rare books. I love the characters in this series - from their bookstore moments to their personal lives. It's nice catching up with them again. It was interesting learning the secrets of the past and how they influenced the future. 

I was a little late to the party with these books, but that just means I have less time to wait before the next installment. I'm so looking forward to the next book in the series.

Cover Thoughts: I love the details on theses cover!

Source: Book sent for review

Library Recommendation: Perfect series for your cozy collection.

Review: Color Me Murder

 

Florrie Fox manages a bookstore, Color Me Read. The owner insists that she move into his carriage house so he doesn't have to allow his nephew to live there. Florrie falls in love with the carriage house - it's everything she's ever wanted and so close to work. However, Delbert, makes his displeasure known. He also tells Florrie that one day, he will inherit everything and then she'll be out of a job. Florrie doesn't like him and starts second guessing her living decision.

The she stumbles onto a crime scene in the bookstore. She discovers a trap door and a dead body. Delbert's been murdered. The suspect list is long - but the police believe her boss to be responsible. Florrie starts asking questions because she knows her boss would never have killed his nephew.

My Thoughts: A charming start to a new series. I love that this mystery series takes place in a bookstore. I really liked Florrie - for her book love and her book creations. She creates coloring books on the side. Of course, I felt terrible for her boss and his family drama. I liked the secondary characters and I'm looking forward to getting to know them better. Looking forward to the next book.

Cover Thoughts: Cute - I like the coloring book tie-in

Source: My library

Library Recommendation: A great series for your public library's mystery section!