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Raven's Nest #1
Mind Over Murder
Cousins and best friends, Clara and Stephanie Quinn run The Raven's Nest Bookstore, where people go to find their most coveted reads. But they have no idea it's the psychically-gifted Clara who's reading them... The bookstore has made an enemy of the town crier, Ana Jordon, who claims that the store's occult collection is "poisoning" the town's youth. Meanwhile, the store's number-one employee, Molly, has made no secret of her anger over Ana's antics. So when Ana is found dead, killed by the bust of Edgar Allen Poe sculpted by Molly, the evidence is stacked against her. And Clara must rely on her gift to make sense of this senseless murder...
262 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 6, 2011
35 people are currently reading
1322 people want to read
About the author
Allison Kingsley
4 books93 followersalso writes under the names Kate Kingsbury & Rebecca Kent
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 153 reviews
August 12, 2016
I was going to give this a 3.5 but figure, eh 4 would work too.
Why hello cozy mystery with a bookshop part of its town setting. You know, with these, I'm liking more and more. And helps that the covers, bring in that bookshop theme going around.
Anyway, I had started reading, taken a break then picked it up again after being in a bookshop cozy mystery read and noticed how short it was. Which isn't a bad thing but still.
So, you have two cousins. Stephanie owns a bookshop called Raven's Nest, a kind of Edgar Allen Poe'ish type place, which sounds awesome. Clara moves back after living in New York and works together with her. Clara likes to keep to herself, especially the Quinn Sense, as Stephanie calls it and needs her help when a murder is involved. Especially one that happens int he bookstore.
And from there, the suspense I like and moments with the whole does Clara like Rick or doesn't, is he a suspect or is he not a suspect made me go, oh boy we're in for one of those story arcs aren't we? But you know what? I still kept on reading. The writing helped, not great but not bad either.
I did like that that the reveal wasn't the obvious so thanks book for surprising me there. Looking forward to seeing where Clara and Stephanie's book shop sleuthing goes next. So if you like books about books, or cozy mystery with a book theme, then you'll like this.
Why hello cozy mystery with a bookshop part of its town setting. You know, with these, I'm liking more and more. And helps that the covers, bring in that bookshop theme going around.
Anyway, I had started reading, taken a break then picked it up again after being in a bookshop cozy mystery read and noticed how short it was. Which isn't a bad thing but still.
So, you have two cousins. Stephanie owns a bookshop called Raven's Nest, a kind of Edgar Allen Poe'ish type place, which sounds awesome. Clara moves back after living in New York and works together with her. Clara likes to keep to herself, especially the Quinn Sense, as Stephanie calls it and needs her help when a murder is involved. Especially one that happens int he bookstore.
And from there, the suspense I like and moments with the whole does Clara like Rick or doesn't, is he a suspect or is he not a suspect made me go, oh boy we're in for one of those story arcs aren't we? But you know what? I still kept on reading. The writing helped, not great but not bad either.
I did like that that the reveal wasn't the obvious so thanks book for surprising me there. Looking forward to seeing where Clara and Stephanie's book shop sleuthing goes next. So if you like books about books, or cozy mystery with a book theme, then you'll like this.
November 13, 2014
I’m such a fan of Kate Kingsbury’s; I can’t see her writing “Mind Over Murder” . I adore psychic ability and a return to one’s roots. This novel should have been my forté but doesn’t approach Kate’s calibre. I regret low-balling an author I regard highly.
I thought of a play. It centres around one set and actors create the illusion of movement. The world of a performance exists through the entry and exit of players. Aside from a few scenes flickering to the home of Clara’s Mom and a hospital; this book was tethered to the store. I was stunned no investigation or progress took place. Everything hinged on happenstance conversation with book-buyers! A car accident made a sudden, exciting change but every character immediately returned to cemented positions. Clara’s drive to her favourite seafood restaurant would have created a beautiful personal moment. I was angry that it was ruined by a formulaic cliché; running into a guy to whom she’s attracted. That it was possible to like him enough in a week for the book to waste any pages on the subject, also had me grimacing.
I immediately missed Kate’s refined language. I understand she isn’t portraying Edwardian Englishwomen but to know of what she is capable, dulled these pages. Stephanie has a pushy, immature personality. Clara suppressed what little psychic flavour there was, then complained it didn’t serve her! I regret admitting... I felt this story comprised 262 pages of empty repetition. Clara hears a tidbit and phones Stephanie. She bugs Clara to dig for more. Molly inserts a quip. They don’t offer clues to the policeman but when it grows urgent, he’s away. Stephanie’s sudden departure was such a terrible gimmick, I groaned and the killer’s motive had no oomph. Please, let the sequels be better.
I thought of a play. It centres around one set and actors create the illusion of movement. The world of a performance exists through the entry and exit of players. Aside from a few scenes flickering to the home of Clara’s Mom and a hospital; this book was tethered to the store. I was stunned no investigation or progress took place. Everything hinged on happenstance conversation with book-buyers! A car accident made a sudden, exciting change but every character immediately returned to cemented positions. Clara’s drive to her favourite seafood restaurant would have created a beautiful personal moment. I was angry that it was ruined by a formulaic cliché; running into a guy to whom she’s attracted. That it was possible to like him enough in a week for the book to waste any pages on the subject, also had me grimacing.
I immediately missed Kate’s refined language. I understand she isn’t portraying Edwardian Englishwomen but to know of what she is capable, dulled these pages. Stephanie has a pushy, immature personality. Clara suppressed what little psychic flavour there was, then complained it didn’t serve her! I regret admitting... I felt this story comprised 262 pages of empty repetition. Clara hears a tidbit and phones Stephanie. She bugs Clara to dig for more. Molly inserts a quip. They don’t offer clues to the policeman but when it grows urgent, he’s away. Stephanie’s sudden departure was such a terrible gimmick, I groaned and the killer’s motive had no oomph. Please, let the sequels be better.
January 16, 2016
I agree with other reviewers who call this book "juvenile". I will add somewhat sexist to my comments which is surprising coming from a female author.
At one point the two female lead characters are discussing the one woman's young daughter and she expresses concern that her daughter is climbing trees. "Doesn't she know she's a girl?" and they laugh and talk about how she'll grow out of it when she discovers boys.
Later a character wants to go and check on someone she is worried about and her husband bars her from leaving their home and this is interrupted by a phone call so they don't get to play out this scenario but this is clearly manipulative behaviour on his part. Later she says she wished she could be more like her cousin and keep level headed in emergencies and hubby says "Well kitten, I'm glad you're not. I happen to like you just the way you are." The book says she was warmed by his words and tells him he always knows the right thing to say. I know there are some women who are satisfied being the submissive wife and mother but I personally do not enjoy reading about that in books and don't feel this sets a good example for young women.
I finished the book to see who the murderer was. Not really worth the bother. Very anticlimactic and kind of pathetic really.
At one point the two female lead characters are discussing the one woman's young daughter and she expresses concern that her daughter is climbing trees. "Doesn't she know she's a girl?" and they laugh and talk about how she'll grow out of it when she discovers boys.
Later a character wants to go and check on someone she is worried about and her husband bars her from leaving their home and this is interrupted by a phone call so they don't get to play out this scenario but this is clearly manipulative behaviour on his part. Later she says she wished she could be more like her cousin and keep level headed in emergencies and hubby says "Well kitten, I'm glad you're not. I happen to like you just the way you are." The book says she was warmed by his words and tells him he always knows the right thing to say. I know there are some women who are satisfied being the submissive wife and mother but I personally do not enjoy reading about that in books and don't feel this sets a good example for young women.
I finished the book to see who the murderer was. Not really worth the bother. Very anticlimactic and kind of pathetic really.
August 8, 2012
When I was young, about 12 or 13, I tried my hand at writing a two-fisted detective story. I was no Mickey Spillane. I'm still not. I gave it to a man I respected to read and review, and he told me it was juvenile. I don't believe that he was trying to be hurtful, but I only remember one word: juvenile. At the age of 13, I believe it is to be expected that my writing be juvenile. I say this to explain that I don't say this next bit lightly. I found this book to be written in a very inexperienced manner. I really do hate to use this word, but I find this novel very juvenile.
The story is very shallow. I found several problems with the plot and some various side plot issues. The language of the book is very immature. It's almost like a pitch for a Scooby-Doo knock off, just turn the family psychic ability into a quirky ghost and BOOM! You've got the Galloping Ghost or the Funky Phantom. Also giving the aforementioned psychic powers a pet name is always a tricky venture, and in this case, I don't think it works.
I'm sure that with some work the author can continue to improve, but I don't think I'll go along for this ride.
July 8, 2018
Great first in a new series
This is the second time I've read this book. I live the characters and the plot was interesting.
Clara and Stephanie are a good combination and their characters work well together.
I bought the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Quinn Sense has in store for the cousins next.
This is the second time I've read this book. I live the characters and the plot was interesting.
Clara and Stephanie are a good combination and their characters work well together.
I bought the rest of the series and I'm looking forward to seeing what the Quinn Sense has in store for the cousins next.
August 6, 2018
Not sure what exactly was off on this book. Quick read but was very childlike. Will not read more in series. 2 stars
May 22, 2017
A new, to me, cozy mystery series set in a book store. Two cousins, one the owner, the other her cousin who has just returned to Maine after living in New York City for a few years. A nearby business owner, who is liked by no one, is found dead in the bookstore's back room. Who did it and why?
July 16, 2017
this is the first in the series, great start! loved it. Clara and steffie make a great team. hope there is more with Ricky in future books, I really like him. I had a feeling who the big bad was, but I wasn't completely sure.
October 27, 2025
This was a good start to the series. I liked the characters and of course the cousin who doesn't want the Quinn Sense is the one who got it. It would be interesting to see how Clara can really use it if she wants to instead of tamping it down as she has been. The mystery was interesting and I wasn't guessing the killer. #readfordonna
September 9, 2011
Clara Quinn has recently returned from New York to her hometown of Finn’s Harbor, Maine. She is reluctantly helping her close friend and cousin Stephanie Quinn Dowd with her bookstore. When you walk through the door, it’s obvious “The Raven’s Nest” isn’t an ordinary bookstore. There is a stuffed raven perched on a light fixture, a life-sized figure of a fortune teller with her crystal ball, and colored crystals hanging from the ceiling. While the store does carry occult books, it also sells cookbooks, craft books, and classic literature. However, many of the town’s residents, especially Ana Jordan, the vocal owner of a neighboring shop, focus only on the occult and want the store to be closed down. Clara, who has psychic abilities she tries to ignore, can’t shake the feeling of dread she feels each time she goes into the store’s backroom. The sense of foreboding Clara has been feeling is proven correct when Ana is found dead in the bookstore’s storeroom, apparently killed by a bust of Edgar Allan Poe that had been sculpted by Stephanie’s assistant Molly.
Clara and Stephanie are very different, but both likeable characters, good friends, and make a good team. I like the way the book is structured to tell part of the story from Clara’s point of view and part from Stephanie’s. This provides a better understanding of the feelings of both characters and insights into their friendship that wouldn’t be possible with only one narrator.
There are many would-be suspects in the book, which keeps the reader guessing. I like the small-town setting of the book, which is contrasted to some of Clara’s descriptions of her life in New York. While there isn’t much doubt that Molly must be innocent of Ana’s murder, she isn’t the most likeable character, especially when she sulks and lies to Stephanie, the one person that is really standing behind her innocence. Although Molly gets some leeway due to her youth, her behavior doesn’t make her the most sympathetic character.
I also like the way the author sets up Stephanie and Clara’s involvement in the investigation, as well as Clara using the psychic gifts that she tries to deny. Since Molly is outspoken in her dislike of Ana, she becomes local police chief Dan Petersen’s top suspect. When Dan doesn’t seem to be doing much investigating, Stephanie convinces Clara that they are Molly’s only hope. However, they soon discover they don’t know the first thing about conducting a proper murder investigation. Since they aren’t getting anywhere with their questions, Clara feels she has no choice but to use her psychic gift they call “The Quinn Sense”. There is a big build-up throughout the book about Clara’s gift of reading people’s hidden thoughts and getting momentary glimpses into the future. It ends up a huge disappointment to the characters and the reader that when Clara finally agrees to use her gifts when talking to possible suspects, it doesn’t do much good! The two young women desperately resort to a lame plan to set a trap for the murderer. I’m not sure which is more unbelievable, the plan itself or the fact it works, although not in the way the two cousins intended.
The small-town Maine setting of the book will appeal to fans of Ellery Adams’ Books by the Bay series. While it doesn’t have as many details about being a psychic, readers who enjoy Victoria Laurie may also want to give "Mind Over Murder" a try. It is definitely worthy of 3 1/2 - 4 stars. The addition of more scenes with Clara using “The Quinn Sense” would add excitement to this promising new series.
This review was originally written for the "Season for Romance" E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
Clara and Stephanie are very different, but both likeable characters, good friends, and make a good team. I like the way the book is structured to tell part of the story from Clara’s point of view and part from Stephanie’s. This provides a better understanding of the feelings of both characters and insights into their friendship that wouldn’t be possible with only one narrator.
There are many would-be suspects in the book, which keeps the reader guessing. I like the small-town setting of the book, which is contrasted to some of Clara’s descriptions of her life in New York. While there isn’t much doubt that Molly must be innocent of Ana’s murder, she isn’t the most likeable character, especially when she sulks and lies to Stephanie, the one person that is really standing behind her innocence. Although Molly gets some leeway due to her youth, her behavior doesn’t make her the most sympathetic character.
I also like the way the author sets up Stephanie and Clara’s involvement in the investigation, as well as Clara using the psychic gifts that she tries to deny. Since Molly is outspoken in her dislike of Ana, she becomes local police chief Dan Petersen’s top suspect. When Dan doesn’t seem to be doing much investigating, Stephanie convinces Clara that they are Molly’s only hope. However, they soon discover they don’t know the first thing about conducting a proper murder investigation. Since they aren’t getting anywhere with their questions, Clara feels she has no choice but to use her psychic gift they call “The Quinn Sense”. There is a big build-up throughout the book about Clara’s gift of reading people’s hidden thoughts and getting momentary glimpses into the future. It ends up a huge disappointment to the characters and the reader that when Clara finally agrees to use her gifts when talking to possible suspects, it doesn’t do much good! The two young women desperately resort to a lame plan to set a trap for the murderer. I’m not sure which is more unbelievable, the plan itself or the fact it works, although not in the way the two cousins intended.
The small-town Maine setting of the book will appeal to fans of Ellery Adams’ Books by the Bay series. While it doesn’t have as many details about being a psychic, readers who enjoy Victoria Laurie may also want to give "Mind Over Murder" a try. It is definitely worthy of 3 1/2 - 4 stars. The addition of more scenes with Clara using “The Quinn Sense” would add excitement to this promising new series.
This review was originally written for the "Season for Romance" E-Zine. The book was provided to me in exchange for an honest review.
August 16, 2012
The first in a new cozy mystery series that combines basic amateur detective work with a dash of ESP thrown into the mix. The main character, Clara, has moved back to her hometown from NYC after a bad relationship. She takes a job in her cousin's bookstore and then a murder occurs and a co-worker is suspected. Clara is forced to use her long suppressed ESP ability to help solve the case and save her own neck. The characters are engaging and there are enough loose ends, character-wise not plot related, to make me look forward to the next book in the series.
April 13, 2015
this was my first foray into the realm of coziness, and this book's execution wasn't the greatest but I like the idea behind the story. the characters didn't seem well-developed or even have much physical description, so it was difficult to imagine them at times. the dialogue was pretty lackluster as well, and the suspense was pretty low-key for a mystery. i really love the idea of a cozy bookstore mystery, but even the store wasn't described that thoroughly enough to get a feel for it. disappointing, but not completely unexpected either.
January 28, 2022
This was a decent start to the series. I liked the interaction between cousins-but-more-like-sisters Clara and Stephanie. Secondary character Molly gives some snark at the right moments.
There wasn’t much movement as I thought there would be regarding an investigation. The bookstore was the primary setting and characters would arrive and leave, giving tidbits.
I’m intrigued by the Quinn Sense as a plot device and I’m glad it’s one that can’t be reliable…at least for now.
I do plan to read the other books in the series.
There wasn’t much movement as I thought there would be regarding an investigation. The bookstore was the primary setting and characters would arrive and leave, giving tidbits.
I’m intrigued by the Quinn Sense as a plot device and I’m glad it’s one that can’t be reliable…at least for now.
I do plan to read the other books in the series.
December 29, 2011
The cover really sucked me into checking this cozy out of the library, and I generally love cozies that take place in book stores or libraries, but this fell completely flat for me.
The whole "Quinn Sense" became extremely annoying and the way in which it was used did not come off as anything more than general intuition - nothing special like I think it was supposed to be.
I will not be reading any other books in this series.
The whole "Quinn Sense" became extremely annoying and the way in which it was used did not come off as anything more than general intuition - nothing special like I think it was supposed to be.
I will not be reading any other books in this series.
February 27, 2012
What? A bookstore mystery without a cat?
Boring. Prissy people talking everything to death and doing nothing. And the "Quinn sense" is really boring, too, so either ramp it up into a real "sense" (oxymoron) or leave it out.
Having Yasmine Galenorn blurb it is not a good recommendation for me.
Overall: cozy, not to say suffocating, but readable.
Boring. Prissy people talking everything to death and doing nothing. And the "Quinn sense" is really boring, too, so either ramp it up into a real "sense" (oxymoron) or leave it out.
Having Yasmine Galenorn blurb it is not a good recommendation for me.
Overall: cozy, not to say suffocating, but readable.
November 3, 2011
Meh -- quick read. Nothing special. Could see the ending coming pretty early into the book. I won't be reading any more from this series. I found the whole thing about whether or not Clara was going to listen to the "Quinn Sense" (ESP) to become irritating rather quickly.
June 25, 2016
I loved this first book in the Raven's Nest Bookstore mystery. I lied this book and look forward to reading the next in the series.
October 11, 2020
Mind Over Murder by Allison Kingsley is the first book of the Raven's Nest mystery series set in contemporary Maine. Cozy mystery lovers will find all the familiar elements of a small-town cozy. Protagonist Clara has returned to her hometown after years in NYC, with heartache hinted at but not explained. Clara reunites with her dear friend and cousin Stephanie, who owns Raven's Nest Bookstore. Not long after Clara agrees to help out in the store, she finds a dead body. The cousins agree the police are focused on the wrong suspect, so Clara begins sleuthing. She questions several people who have (or had) businesses in the immediate vicinity of the bookstore, including one attractive, eligible bachelor. All have reason to hate the victim. After an attack on her life (to warn her off) Clara cannot trust anyone. She pieces together information she has gathered, forms a hypothesis, sets a trap. Plans go awry and she comes face to face with the killer, alone.
This cozy includes a touch of the paranormal: Clara's "Quinn Sense", voices and sensations that enable her to tell if a person is lying. But Quinn Sense is not always present (which led to heartache in NYC). Stephanie is happily married, mother of three young children, content to stay in her hometown. Yet when together, Clara and Stephanie act like the mischievous teenagers they used to be, and Stephanie longs to be called "Steffie" again.
Most appealing to me is the setting, described as Clara drives from Finn's Harbor to Sealwich Bay for a lobster roll (her favorite) at Hannegan's. Her table overlooked the "craggy shoreline and tiny islands dotting the ocean" and she could "catch a glimpse of the light twinkling from Cape Neddick's Light." On her way home, "she rounded a bend and came face-to-face with her favorite view - a huge sweep of the bay, with red roofs and white walls sparkling in the sun, and green mountains rising up behind them. The sight never failed to raise her spirits...as she drove into the little town of Finn's Harbor". Perhaps the fictitious Finn's Harbor is modeled after York Village? A highway hugs the coastline toward Cape Neddick lighthouse; lobster restaurants overlook the ocean.
Author Doreen Roberts writes contemporary and historical cozy mystery series, set in England or US. The historical mysteries I've read (Pennyfoot Hotel & Manor House) are very different from the contemporary mysteries (Merry Ghost Inn & Raven's Nest), as if by different authors. Try them all:
- as Kate Kingsbury: the Pennyfoot Hotel historical mystery series and the Manor House historical mystery series set in England; the Merry Ghost Inn contemporary mystery series set in Oregon
- as Rebecca Kent: the Bellehaven House historical mystery series set in the English Cotswolds
- as Allison Kingsley: the Raven's Nest Bookstore contemporary mystery series set in Maine
This cozy includes a touch of the paranormal: Clara's "Quinn Sense", voices and sensations that enable her to tell if a person is lying. But Quinn Sense is not always present (which led to heartache in NYC). Stephanie is happily married, mother of three young children, content to stay in her hometown. Yet when together, Clara and Stephanie act like the mischievous teenagers they used to be, and Stephanie longs to be called "Steffie" again.
Most appealing to me is the setting, described as Clara drives from Finn's Harbor to Sealwich Bay for a lobster roll (her favorite) at Hannegan's. Her table overlooked the "craggy shoreline and tiny islands dotting the ocean" and she could "catch a glimpse of the light twinkling from Cape Neddick's Light." On her way home, "she rounded a bend and came face-to-face with her favorite view - a huge sweep of the bay, with red roofs and white walls sparkling in the sun, and green mountains rising up behind them. The sight never failed to raise her spirits...as she drove into the little town of Finn's Harbor". Perhaps the fictitious Finn's Harbor is modeled after York Village? A highway hugs the coastline toward Cape Neddick lighthouse; lobster restaurants overlook the ocean.
Author Doreen Roberts writes contemporary and historical cozy mystery series, set in England or US. The historical mysteries I've read (Pennyfoot Hotel & Manor House) are very different from the contemporary mysteries (Merry Ghost Inn & Raven's Nest), as if by different authors. Try them all:
- as Kate Kingsbury: the Pennyfoot Hotel historical mystery series and the Manor House historical mystery series set in England; the Merry Ghost Inn contemporary mystery series set in Oregon
- as Rebecca Kent: the Bellehaven House historical mystery series set in the English Cotswolds
- as Allison Kingsley: the Raven's Nest Bookstore contemporary mystery series set in Maine
January 5, 2020
It started out okay. Caught my interest early on, didn't let up, quick, easy read that didn't meander with overly descriptive sentences or get bogged down with extraneous subplots. The budding romance was intriguing and I also liked the two main characters & all the other characters in the book. Found them to be funny, warm and not too obnoxious (all except one but thankfully the author didn't devote that much space time to become grating).
It started out so promising and fun!...Until the last few chapters when the mystery just unraveled and petered out. It left me feeling disappointed & strangely dissatisfied. The ending was so... meh after such a promising start. Will read the next installment and hope things will improve (at least the mystery portion). Otherwise, I had fun reading this entertaining, enjoyable book.
It was quick, light and easy. Everything a cozy should be when you're not in the mood for something overly heavy, dark or depressing.
It started out so promising and fun!...Until the last few chapters when the mystery just unraveled and petered out. It left me feeling disappointed & strangely dissatisfied. The ending was so... meh after such a promising start. Will read the next installment and hope things will improve (at least the mystery portion). Otherwise, I had fun reading this entertaining, enjoyable book.
It was quick, light and easy. Everything a cozy should be when you're not in the mood for something overly heavy, dark or depressing.
January 12, 2020
Mind Over Murder
Rating: 3 1/2 ⭐️
Clara has finally moved back home after many years of living in New York City. She has agreed to help her cousin Stephanie run her book store, Ravens Nest, in their cozy home town of Finn’s Harbor, Maine. This bustling shop is filled with happy customers and a very cheerful employee Molly. Unfortunately, not everyone in town loves the bookstore. The shop owner next door, Ana Jordan, has held an angry grudge on Stephanie for stealing her boyfriend in high school and then marrying him. The day after Ana is seen ranting and raving about the book store poisoning the towns youth by selling occult books, Ana is found dead in the stores stock room. Clara must use her psychic abilities, only she and her cousin know about, to help track down the killer and clear the name of the number one murder suspect, their own employee Molly!
For a cozy, this book had everything I was expecting. A quaint, sleepy, sea town setting, simple and easy to like characters, and a fun and curious mystery. I knew who the killer was early on, but the author peppered in plenty of suspects to keep me second guessing myself. Lastly, in true cozy form, Mind Over Murder has a sweet romance building between one of the main characters and the handsome hardware store owner, who just so happens to also be one of the murder suspects. While some of the dialogue is cheesy and some actions taken by the characters questionable, this cozy was fast paced and charming.
Rating: 3 1/2 ⭐️
Clara has finally moved back home after many years of living in New York City. She has agreed to help her cousin Stephanie run her book store, Ravens Nest, in their cozy home town of Finn’s Harbor, Maine. This bustling shop is filled with happy customers and a very cheerful employee Molly. Unfortunately, not everyone in town loves the bookstore. The shop owner next door, Ana Jordan, has held an angry grudge on Stephanie for stealing her boyfriend in high school and then marrying him. The day after Ana is seen ranting and raving about the book store poisoning the towns youth by selling occult books, Ana is found dead in the stores stock room. Clara must use her psychic abilities, only she and her cousin know about, to help track down the killer and clear the name of the number one murder suspect, their own employee Molly!
For a cozy, this book had everything I was expecting. A quaint, sleepy, sea town setting, simple and easy to like characters, and a fun and curious mystery. I knew who the killer was early on, but the author peppered in plenty of suspects to keep me second guessing myself. Lastly, in true cozy form, Mind Over Murder has a sweet romance building between one of the main characters and the handsome hardware store owner, who just so happens to also be one of the murder suspects. While some of the dialogue is cheesy and some actions taken by the characters questionable, this cozy was fast paced and charming.
September 27, 2018
Clara and Stephanie run the Ravens Nest Bookshop. Ana Jordan is determined to shut them down. Then Ana is found dead in the back room of the bookshop. Assistant Molly is the main suspect as she closed up shop the night before, but Stephanie doesn’t believe she killed Ana. Stephanie convinces Clara to investigate with her, which leads to danger for Clara.
The murderer is the person the author would have you least suspect. Along the way there are several viable suspects.
A good cozy mystery written a few years ago. This was the first I encountered it and I am happy to have read it.
The murderer is the person the author would have you least suspect. Along the way there are several viable suspects.
A good cozy mystery written a few years ago. This was the first I encountered it and I am happy to have read it.
August 8, 2025
So, cozy mysteries are definitely not my thing. I much prefer the hardboiled or grittier variety. Or if I want something "cozy" I'll go to a very clever Agatha Christie style British mystery rather than what the genre has become lately. That being said, I did enjoy aspects of this book, and it was much better than the last cozy mystery I read in terms of writing, which is a huge plus in its favor. I still don't think I'll make a habit of reading these often, but every once and awhile they're a nice pallet cleanser.
February 2, 2025
Quick easy read, managed to finish it in a couple of hours. It was a good concept but didn't really fulfill its potential either in terms of the mystery or the supernatural bits. Also, the relationship between the heroine and her cousin sat wrong. The cousin came off as super annoying and emotionally manipulative. Her cousin's husband seems like a bit of a jerk and the potential love interest is throwing up so many red flags I'd be investing in a taser.
October 8, 2017
A cute new mystery I picked up. The plots are pretty simple, Clara Quinn is a type of physic living in a Finns Harbor Maine. She works at a book store owned by her cousin Stephanie. When there is a murder Clara, Stephanie, and assistant Molly track down the killer almost getting Clara killed in the process.
April 15, 2019
I liked this one pretty well. The killer was kind of obvious, but the plot and storyline were exciting. I didn’t feel like I really got to know what makes the characters tick, but that’s probably because it’s just the first in a series. I’ve found these types of mystery series usually get better as they go along.
August 5, 2019
Perfect cozy mystery. The plot takes off right away, the characters are interesting, and there are enough twists, turns and red herrings to keep one guessing. Some of the ideas the cousins have about how to solve the murder are not so well thought out and a bit risky, but there you have it. How else will the dangerous situations arise?
did-not-finish
May 14, 20235/23 DNF Chapter 5. An interesting enough premise, but the text is primarily dull dialogue and characters I can't tell apart which makes for very confusing (and boring) conversations. Don't care who the killer is, and not happy the main character is being forced to investigate and use her power by family. Not for me.
July 17, 2023
Cozy mystery set in Finn's Harbor, Maine. Stephanie Quinn Dowd owns the Raven's Nest bookstore and her cousin, Clara Quinn, has recently returned home and is working there. A body of a not well liked woman is found in the storeroom and the cousins begin to ask questions. The book was an easy read.
October 18, 2023
This was a bit of a letdown actually. The love interest was so strong from the very beginning, so many things hinted to and never actualized, and I figured out the killer within just a few chapters. I like the idea of this sixth sense kind of thing but it didn’t play out as well as it could have. Just meh
March 17, 2017
Two cousins working together in a bookshop- one has some psychic potential. Body of a person no one in the village likes is discovered in their storeroom. Their co-worker is the main suspect. Of course they are going to solve the mystery.
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