Crime and Parchment

A Rare Books Cozy Mystery #1

by Daphne Silver

Rare books librarian Juniper Blume knows this much… an ancient Celtic manuscript shouldn’t be in a Maryland cemetery. But that’s exactly what her brother-in-law claims.

Last year, Juniper saw the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells in Ireland. She learned how their bejeweled covers were stolen centuries ago, never to be seen again. So how could they have ended up in Rose Mallow, a small Chesapeake Bay town? Being Jewish, the Book of Kells might not be her sacred text, but as a rare books librarian, the ancient book is still sacred to her, making it important to Juniper to find out the truth.

Rose Mallow is the same place where Juniper used to summer with her sister Azalea and their grandmother Zinnia, known as Nana Z. Ever since Nana Z passed away, Juniper’s avoided returning, but her curiosity is greater than her grief, so she heads down in her vintage convertible with her rescue dog Clover.

Juniper discovers that her sister Azalea has transformed their grandmother’s Queen Anne style mansion into the Wildflower Inn, backing up to the Chesapeake Bay. Although Juniper isn’t much of a cook, Azalea has kept their grandmother’s legacy alive, filling the house with the smells of East European Jewish treats, like sweet kugels and tzimmes cake. Will coming back here feel like returning home or fill Juniper with a deeper sorrow? Can she apologize to her sister for not being there when she was needed most?

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Fiction, Audiobook, Books About Books, Cozy, Mystery Thriller

226 pages, Kindle Edition

First published November 21, 2023

About the author

Daphne Silver is the author of the Rare Books Cozy Mystery series. She’s worked more than twenty years in museums and has the great fortune of being married to a librarian. When she’s not writing, she’s drawing and painting. She lives in Maryland with her family. Although she’s not much of a baker, she won’t ever turn down a sweet lokshen kugel.

Reviews

[Mark Baker · Rating 5 out of 5]

Rare books librarian Juniper Blume is surprised when she gets a message from her ex-brother-in-law claiming he has found a clue to where the covers for the Book of Kells might be. She’s even more surprised to see he thinks they are in the small Maryland town of Rose Mallow. But Juniper is also intrigued, so she returns, even if it means dealing with some complicated family relationships. But when she goes to the meeting, she finds a dead body. Can she figure out what is going on?

This book received lots of praise when it came out, and I can see why. There’s a lot packed into the beginning, but I was able to follow it, and it pulled me into the story. It did make the book feel a little slower later, but maybe that was just my expectations. I was definitely intrigued the entire way through, and the ending answered my questions. I also appreciated that the author did a good job of making us believe that the treasure hunt Juniper found herself on was believable. The characters were good, and the subplot involving Juniper and her family felt realistic. I liked how that played out. I’m looking forward to seeing what is next for these characters soon.

Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.

[Linden · Rating 3 out of 5]

Juniper is a librarian at the Library of Congress. She has returned to her hometown, Rose Mallow, MD, to find out if her soon to be ex brother in law really knows where the long-missing covers of the Book of Kells are located, as he's claimed. She reconnects with her sister Azalea and her niece Violet, but when she's supposed to meet her brother in law, she instead finds a murder victim. When suspicion falls on Azalea, Juniper starts investigating, even though it's clear someone does not want her to. Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the ARC.

[LORI CASWELL · Rating 4 out of 5]

Dollycas’s Thoughts

Juniper Blume has not returned to Rose Mallow, a small Chesapeake Bay town, since grandmother Zinnia had passed away. She has thrown herself into her work at the Library of Congress working with rare books. It was through her job that she was able to travel to Ireland last year to see the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells and learn about its history including the fact that the bejeweled covers were stolen centuries ago. So when her brother-in-law, who is separated from her sister, Azalea, contacts her saying he has information that the covers are in Rose Mallow, she is pretty surprised.

Juniper decides to try to put her grief aside and check out her brother-in-law’s claim. When she arrives she sees her sister has been busy. Their grandmother’s Queen Anne style home has been made into the Wildflower Inn as a tribute to the woman’s love of flowers and a way to keep her legacy alive. Juniper quickly realizes she has really let her sister down by staying away.

Will she be able to mend fences with her sister? Will her heart be able to handle this homecoming? Is there any way the Book of Kells covers are really here in Maryland?

Ms. Silver has introduced some complicated characters in this first Rare Books Cozy Mystery. Juniper loves the idea of working at the Library of Congress but her new boss is driving her crazy. Her sister, Azalea has a lot on her shoulders, a pending divorce, raising her precocious almost 4-year-old daughter Violet, and running The Wildflower Inn. Her soon-to-be ex-husband, Rory works at a car dealership but somehow knows about a 1,200-year-old book. Keisha Douglass is a 17-year-old who helps Azalea at the inn and with Violet. Clover is Juniper’s canine companion that quickly becomes Violet’s best friend. And I can’t forget the “screaming, ranting, madwomen”, also known as Cordelia Sullivan and her granddaughter Whitney. We also meet several other residents of Rose Mallow and people brought into the story due to the notion that the missing covers of the Book of Kells may be there somewhere. I did enjoy the way these characters continued to grow within these pages, especially Juniper. The tension between her and her sister is palpable but gets better as the story continues and is still a work in progress.

The author has written a compelling mystery. A meeting in the cemetery leads to a dead body, a missing man, and a rain-soaked diary. This all sets Juniper off on an intriguing mission and she isn’t the only one digging. The missing man could have all the answers but she knows she needs to focus and use her skills as a librarian to follow each clue no matter how minor. Keisha even lends a hand in the investigation. Juniper also makes a new friend. Azalea doesn’t approve but he may have the information that she needs at his fingertips. I really liked tagging along with Juniper as she did her best to make sense of it all when the police dropped the ball. Her A-Ha moment really shook things up. I was really surprised by the dangerous and terrifying plan she came up with to out the killer.

Ms. Silver did a good job of setting each scene, especially during the showdown. She also described the beautiful area of Chesapeake Bay, the small town of Rose Mallow, and the Wildflower Inn so well. I would love to travel to the area.

I can see the author drew on her life experience to hit all the right historical notes throughout the book. With my Irish heritage, I was Googling the Book of Kells as soon as I finished her story and her Author’s Note so I could see actual pictures and learn more about it. She really piqued my interest with this story.

Crime and Parchment sets this series off to a very enjoyable start. With several threads to follow I was captivated the entire way. I am keen to see what the author has in store for her characters next.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this first book in a new series about a rare books librarian coming home searching for a lost copy of the Book of Kells. I loved the small-town setting and the focus on the book. There was an equal amount of scene setting and investigation, and I had fun getting to know the rest of her family. I hope to learn more about rare books (my dream job) in future adventures with Juniper and her family.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[QNPoohBear · Rating 3 out of 5]

Thank you NetGalley for the free review copy. All opinions expressed in this review are my own and not affected by the giveaway.

Rare books librarian Juniper Blume has returned to her grandmother's home town of Rose Mallow, Maryland on the Chesapeake Bay for the first time since her beloved grandmother's death. She discovers her sister, Azalea, struggling to make a success out of the inn she created in their grandmother's old home. Azalea is also hurting after splitting from her husband and trying to raise a small child at the same time. Juniper and her dog arrive unannounced to find a full house and a town that never forgets. Juniper has returned now for a reason. Her sister's ex contacted her out of the blue with claims to know where the lost covers of the Book of Kells are! What? How can that be? They were lost centuries ago in Ireland, not in Maryland! Juniper is determined to find the truth. Curious, she agrees to meet her brother-in-law in a cemetery at midnight (she knows, she knows) but when she stumbles across the dead body of a girl she just met, Juniper is in over her head. No one can find the diary with the treasure map leading to the whereabouts of the Book of Kells but everyone is curious, especially a so-called professor and his TV crew. Juniper's brother-in-law is missing as well. When Azalea receives threatening "gifts", she's worried Rory is behind them but determined to fix the problem herself. When the police suspect Azalea of theft and murder, Juniper knows she has to find out the truth no matter what.

This story wasn't bad. I read it with trepidation, being an archivist and historian, and I did have to stop and look up the history of Irish Catholics in Maryland. I think those details as described in the plot are totally wrong. Maryland was founded as a haven for ENGLISH Catholics and the early Irish were prisoners of war or indentured servants, not founding fathers. But that doesn't completely affect the plot and I didn't dig too deeply so it might be plausible. There were a couple of minor inconsistencies in the plot that don't really have any bearing on the mystery but better editing would be appreciated. The characters' Jewish identity was different and I enjoyed that perspective. Juniper says even though the Book of Kells is not HER sacred text, she can still appreciate it. However, the big reveal was kind of a let down and the finale is a hook to get the reader to come back for more books in the series.

Juniper is a likable enough character. She's not perfect or perky, she's a normal woman with emotions and feelings that complicate her actions. She didn't come help her sister but she didn't really know how much her sister was struggling. Juniper found it too hard to come back to Rose Mallow after her grandmother's death. She loves her family though and will do anything to protect her sister, even pretend to date possible murder suspects! I love that she's a librarian at the Library of Congress but I don't think the author has any idea what a reference librarian is. You can't just wander the stacks and pull books to look at, the reference librarian helps researchers find the information they need. Perhaps her job description does include "other duties as assigned" but wandering through the stacks probably isn't allowed. The details of what she does are way too vague. She seems to be a rare materials specialist but that's an archivist or special collections librarian, not a reference librarian. The LoC has other materials besides books! Juniper's dog Clover is very sweet but not a major part of the story.

Azalea is the opposite of Juniper. Azalea is very logical and independent. She keeps her problems to herself and tries to deal with everything alone. Her husband sounds like a man child and wasn't there for her when she most needed him. Her daughter, Violet, is almost 4 going on much younger later in the book. At 4 she should be old enough to help with simple chores around the inn and know not to run around without supervision. Rory, Azalea's ex, is an idle dreamer who probably got conned in an effort to get rich quick. He seems like the type who would accidentally fall in with someone bad and pay the price. Still, he's Violet's father so I hope he's not dead. I want to know more about this diary he claims to have too!

Azalea's only help is the teenaged Keisha Douglas, who is a tech whiz and studious but sometimes forgets she's supposed to be working. Keisha is loyal and very kind but her teenage brain just doesn't understand things adults are aware of sometimes. I like Keisha and I hope she doesn't do anything dumb again.

Right away Juniper runs afoul of Cordelia Sullivan, Nana Z's arch nemesis. Cordelia thought she should be top dog in town while Nana Z was also after the same board positions and frankly probably would have done a better job. Cordelia is one of those control freak uptight old ladies who is constantly yelling about noise or mess that isn't there and threatening to call the cops. At first she seems like a nosy neighbor but digging deeper after reading more, she may have some cognitive decline. It's unclear if she was always like that or if she's become nasty and mean in old age. Her granddaughter, Whitney, is a mean girl type and doesn't see Juniper as worth her time or effort to be nice. However, Whitney has more depth than your average shallow mean girl. Her grandmother is awful to her and I don't blame her for wanting to find someone else to take care of Cordelia. It explains a lot why Whitney is the way she is.

Tess, a perky barista, is a fun character. It sounds like she has a crush on the much older Rory. Since he acts like a man child, I'm not surprised. Tess is young but not stupid. She's strong and independent and knows her own mind. Sadly, she's only in one scene before she's tragically killed. What was she up to? Was Rory involved? Did he kill her and run? Did he see who killed her and ran for his life? It sounds like Tess was up to no good. Juniper liked Tess a lot and I did too. I was sad to read she was the victim. I was especially sad for her grandmother, Harmony, an aged hippie, who has lost her whole family. Harmony claims the family is cursed and after Tess's death, it sure seems she might be right.

Orson Bradford aka Professor Treasure is the sort of pompous pseudo-academic the public loves and actual academics hate. He's a TV personality more than a professor. It sounds like he's come to Rose Mallow for the same reasons as Juniper. How did he find out about the Book of Kells covers? What does he know? How far is he willing to go to achieve fame? I'd say pretty far judging from the sound of him. Though I think his assistant is the one doing all the work. Ms. Collins is the "type A" sort. She has a schedule and sticks to it. There's no room for schmoozing and flirting. I think she keeps the so-called Professor on a short leash and I wouldn't be surprised if she was willing to murder someone else to keep the Professor's reputation in tact.

Leonard Calverton of the wealthy town founding family has come back to his hometown to reveal the news about the lost treasure. How does HE know and what does he know? Leonard seems nice enough but he's from a super wealthy family that is determined to do everything to go against the wishes of the townspeople. He claims he's the black sheep of his family but he seems smart and philanthropic. His brother, Cecil, sounds more like a black sheep. He's a lazy, drunken, sleazy womanizer who comes up with many hare brained schemes to earn the family more money.

Who was the man arguing with Tess the night she died? Who is the mafia man who Juniper keeps seeing around town?

Deputy Torres is the usual uptight, tough cop featured in cozy mysteries. Detective Lakshmi Gupta is investigating the dual crimes of Tess's death and Rory's disappearance. She seems friendly but she's also tough and gathers information any way she can. I don't blame Juniper for not trusting her.

I liked this story well enough but I didn't love it enough to want to rush off to buy more in the series but enough to be curious about what happens next.

[Wendi Flint Rank (WendiReviews) · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this cozy quite a bit, even though I am primarily a thriller reader. And
there was a good bit of suspense and thriller in the book, combined with the story being about the,
‘missing covers,” of the famous Book of Kells, which is said
to have been created on the small island of Iona, located between Scotland and
Ireland. It has been in Dublin, Ireland for a thousand years. Now, a story of legend
says the lost covers for the book are actually located somewhere near the
Chesapeake Bay and there are rumors and hunts to find the treasure - to be
wealthy, of course. (Fact: By the early eleventh century the manuscript was either
kept in a decorative box, known as a cumdach or book shrine, or had a treasure
binding - a wooden cover decorated with jewels.) Back to our novel!
The family owned Wildflower Inn is near financial ruin and brings sister, Juniper,
back home from her very impressive and important job managing antiquities at
the Library of Congress, to help her sister, Azalea, who has family, personal and
difficulties with the Inn. From here we find out what is buried beneath the
surface and what it will take to bring the families back together and which
members may not return. I thoroughly enjoyed the story. As a bibliophile and
home curator I appreciated the details of the Libraries, and book sellers. Having
spent time in Maryland, I enjoyed those descriptions. Having traveled to most
of the Emerald Isle, I adored the drama of the families and the treasure about
which they spoke and hunted.
My thanks to Level Best Books, via NetGalley, for the download copy of this
book for review purposes.
I look forward to the next book in this new series, ‘A Rare Books Cozy Mystery’

[Mystee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Will appear on bog Dec

Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver is a captivating and enchanting cozy mystery that effortlessly combines the allure of time travel with the charm of a small-town whodunit. With its well-rounded characters, intriguing plot twists, and richly descriptive prose, this book is an absolute gem for fans of the genre.

In this delightful tale, we follow Emily, an inquisitive bookshop owner with a knack for solving mysteries. When she stumbles upon a mysterious parchment hidden within an old book, she is transported on an astonishing journey through time, determined to uncover the truth behind a long-forgotten secret. Daphne Silver's writing style is immersive, painting vivid pictures with her words that whisk readers away into the world she has created.

One of the standout features of Crime and Parchment is the meticulously crafted characters. Emily is a relatable and resourceful protagonist, with her love for books and unwavering curiosity driving the story forward. The supporting cast is equally well-developed, each bringing their own unique quirks and personalities to the table. From charming townsfolk to historical figures, every character adds depth and flavor to the narrative, leaving a lasting impact.

The integration of time travel within the cozy mystery genre is executed flawlessly. Silver masterfully weaves together the present-day investigation and the historical backdrop, seamlessly blending the two timelines. The transitions between past and present are seamless, making for a cohesive and engaging reading experience. The author's attention to historical detail is commendable, transporting readers to different eras with vivid descriptions and well-researched elements.

The pacing of Crime and Parchment is perfectly balanced, with suspenseful twists and turns that keep readers eagerly turning page after page. Every chapter reveals new clues and discoveries, skillfully leading us closer to the heart of the mystery. Silver's ability to maintain the momentum and keep the reader invested in the story throughout is a testament to her storytelling prowess.

The enchanting atmosphere created throughout the book adds an extra layer of magic to the story. The vivid descriptions of both the present-day town and the historical settings create a tangible sense of place. Readers will find themselves immersed in the cozy charm of the bookshop, the allure of the past, and the mysteries that lie within.

Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver is an absolute delight for fans of cozy mysteries and time travel adventures. With its captivating characters, skillful integration of historical elements, and expert storytelling, this book is a standout in the genre. I wholeheartedly award it a full five-star rating for its impeccable execution and sheer entertainment value.

Prepare to be transported on an enchanting journey filled with mystery, suspense, and a touch of magical time travel when Crime and Parchment releases. This is a book that will captivate your imagination and leave you craving for more.

[The Honest Book Reviewer · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.5 stars

The first book in a new cosy mystery series, Crime and Parchment includes a lot of elements that I enjoy in the genre. Small town. Old maps and secrets. Hidden treasure, this time being a possible long lost cover of the Book of Kells. Great elements to play with, and the author uses them well.

Many of usual character types are found in this book, and the small town relationships between the characters feel real. I enjoyed many of the characters in this book, and there are a few that I'd have liked to see developed more, such as the volunteer in the Historical Society. I think he would have a lot to offer in a series like this. Something about the relationship between protagonist, Juniper, and her sister, Azalea, didn't feel right to me. It was too up and down, more with the Azalea character flitting from one emotion to the next, even in the same paragraph. It felt strange in the book, as if the author was trying to create too many strong reactions at once, and the character doesn't have time to settle into the last emotion.

Given this is a rare book cosy mystery, I would have preferred Juniper to be working with rare books more. It would make the theme stronger, and being immersed in that activity would have added another layer of interest in this book. Even though the characters are good, and I liked the small town setting, I was expecting more of the rare book theme to come through.

I can see room for growth if this were to become a series, and with the ending promising changes for Juniper, I think a second book could open up more interesting doors and intrigue. A solid start to a new series.

Thank you to the author, the publisher, and to Netgalley for provided a free copy of this book for an honest review. All comments are my own.

[Vincent · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.75 stars
🌕🌕🌕🌖

Thanks NetGalley, Level Best Books publisher and the authors for a great advance copy of the book in exchange for my honest review!

This book was a hidden gem. It was of full of tensions, mystery and actions. I was very hooked at the beginning, and this was rare because I usually am not a fan of cozy mystery. I have read too many hardcore crime books, and I felt like I needed this coziness for a change. The book had a bit of historical elements and it was very interesting for me (I'm not actually sure how accurate everything was but it was great to know this). Moreover, there was not too much filler and that's great because I'm sick of that nowadays.

On the other hand, there were some things I wanted to point out. The middle part of the book was a bit dragging for me. The culprit was not predictable, but the motive was too simple. I felt like the whole book was built nicely, but the ending fell a bit flat. Because all of this, I had to give 3.75 stars instead of 4 stars.

All in all, it was a pretty great read, and it was fun to immerse myself in a cool cozy mystery.

[Alex · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for providing a free copy in exchange for an honest review!

4.25⭐

The wordplay in the title made me curious, and I am glad I picked this up. I have to admit, the book made me excited to read more cosy mysteries and mystery novels in general! While having almost no previous experience with the genre, I enjoyed this story quite a lot. I am looking forward to checking out the following parts of the series.

The pace was mostly suitable for the book, not to slow but giving time to the reader to understand how the characters and the mystery were built and they made sense for me. I really liked the rare book elements and the historical themes of the novel. On the other hand though, I did not enjoy the final as much as expected. The book built a lot of intrigue, but the ending did not work that well for me.

[Cozybooklady · Rating 5 out of 5]

#CrimeandParchment #NetGalley is a fun story that really had me guessing until the end. Juniper returns to her family home, which her sister Azalea is running as a bed and breakfast.
Juniper works for the Library of Congress and an odd message has her returning home, but it doesn't seem everyone is happy to see her.
The tension between her and her sister is evident, but I was happy to see they were working through it.
Juniper is looking for missing pieces of the Book of Kells, but it seems she's in way over her head.
I enjoyed this book and I'm looking forward to reading more.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.

[K. East · Rating 2 out of 5]

I wanted to like this book more than I did. I'm a former librarian and a history lover so the mystery being linked to the Book of Kells was a big draw for me, as was the main character being a rare books librarian. So I was prepped to enjoy this first book in a new series, but by the end of the first chapter, I wasn't sure I'd be going any further because the writing was sophomoric! I'd give some examples but as I listened to this novel as an audiobook, I have no physical reference I can consult. The first exchange between the two sisters just made me cringe and I quickly found I thought the MC, Juniper, a thoughtless, self-absorbed nitwit. My impression of her improved slightly over the course of the book -- which was a plus -- because I had no other audiobook options immediately available to listen to. If I had, I wouldn't have gotten to chapter 2. Over time, the primary characters began to grow on me and the dialog didn't sound as much like teenage banter as the plot progressed. This is the author's first book and the premise was good, so perhaps her skills as a writer will improve with subsequent volumes.

NOTE: Goodreads does not list Simon & Schusters' audiobook as an available edition and since 2022 no longer allows readers to do that on their own -- which makes me wonder if Amazon is purposely suppressing/obscuring other editions beyond those available on their website. If so, that would be disturbing.

[Kelly · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a Rare Books Cozy Mystery. It was a pleasant read and light enough to read in one sitting. I liked most of the characters, some of them were quite fun and quirky, and I thought the author brought them to life very well. I would probably read about these characters again.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.

[Debra B · Rating 1 out of 5]

I enjoy books about books, but this book was all over the place. I’d call it sloppy and should have just abandoned it, but I wanted to give the book (and author) a chance. The storyline was convoluted and the characters just weren’t likable or believable.

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

Juniper works with the rare books at the Library of Congress, but when a family member claims to have the bejeweled covers of the Book of Kells, she’s skeptical. Why would something that precious be in the small Maryland town where she used to spend her summers and where her sister now lives? Compelled to return after being away for years, Juniper goes home to find out more about the covers – and to try to mend her relationship with her sister.

This is the first book in a new series, and it appears to be the author’s first novel. I’ve never worked with rare books, but the idea intrigues me – as it would most book lovers – so I was eager to read about it, and I was not disappointed. The setting is near to where I live, so it was easy to picture in my head. The primary characters feel like real people that I would like to get to know, and even the potential bad guys have good qualities. Overall, the book didn’t have many of the first-in-a-series issues that I’m accustomed to finding.

The murder in the book seemed almost incidental at the start, but as the story continued and more information was uncovered, it became more central to the plot. There didn’t seem to be many suspects, and there were plenty of red herrings along the way, which kept rearranging names on my list. I started to figure it out shortly before it was revealed in the book, and even had the motive worked out.

I look forward to reading the next book in this series to see what Juniper uncovers next.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.

[Deb Mervold · Rating 3 out of 5]

it was an engaging cozy.

[Ivanka Fear · Rating 5 out of 5]

This enjoyable cozy mystery was a quick read, moving along at a good pace as Juniper tries to find her missing brother-in-law following the murder of a young woman he recently befriended. As the story progressed, I was tempted to race to the end to find out how he was connected to her death, but at the same time I wanted to savor the charm of life at the Wildflower Inn, where Juniper and her sister, Azalea, were raised, formerly their grandmother’s home.

The well-described beauty of Chesapeake Bay is the backdrop for a close-knit community with ties going back many generations. I loved the quaint setting and the characters who are protective of their small town in light of the threat to transform Rose Mallow into a Vegas-like tourist town.

Having been called back home from her life in D.C. after years of absence, Juniper expects to meet with Azalea’s husband, Rory, to discuss an ancient Celtic manuscript that he claims he has found in Maryland. As a rare books librarian, Juniper knows the history of the Book of Kells, whose bejeweled covers were stolen centuries ago. How is it possible that Rory has found these elusive pages so far from where they belong? Juniper goes to meet Rory at his requested meeting spot, the cemetery, assuming he hopes she will confirm that they are genuine. But instead of encountering Rory, Juniper stumbles across the body of Tess, the young woman he was involved with.

Author Daphne Silver draws on her expertise from working in a museum, her knowledge of libraries, and her own cultural background to create an authentic mystery that incorporates history. Her love of rare books and antiquities shines through in the pages of Crime and Parchment. A great mix of contemporary and historical fiction, it’s a perfect fit for all cozy mystery fans.

[Deborah Almada · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok, so all my book friends on various book sites were correct, I did enjoy this book. Juniper is definitely a fun MC character, she is smart, loves books, and her family, and is definitely up for adventure. Called out of the blue to help her soon to be ex-brother-in-law, Juniper shows up in Rose Mallow, Maryland, a place she has avoided since her grandmother's death. She returns to find her sister has redone her grandmother's home as a B & B named the Wildflower Inn and Azalea is not happy with the sister that has avoided her, her niece and their summer home in her grief. Before she can make peace with her sister, she goes to meet her brother-in-law Rory only to find a dead young woman, someone she had met briefly in a cafe, while waiting to meet Rory, and her brother-in-law has disappeared. Thus, it starts our quest to find family peace, track down a mysterious diary that is supposed to lead to an ancient treasure, and find out who committed murder. This definitely makes for wonderful reading and a tale that will keep you quickly turning pages. Can't wait for our next adventure!

[K Whatsherface · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow! If I had a nickel for every time I started a cozy mystery series with a main character named Juniper, I'd have two nickels-- which isn't a lot, but it's weird that it happened twice. Right

Yes, I needed to make that reference. Why? Why not. This was fun. If it gets a second book I'll read it

[Glen · Rating 3 out of 5]

I own this book in a goodreads drawing.

A woman who is having a terrible time working for The Library of Congress. She returns home to her small Maryland town, when her soon to be ex-brother in law claims to have a book related treasure. Soon enough there's a murder, plus a reality show, and every non married married man falls in love with the protagonist. The usual stuff.

Pretty standard fare.

[Meezan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ever since I learned about Daphne Silver and her debut novel, Crime and Parchment, earlier this year, I've been wanting to read it. She first caught my attention because she is from Maryland, which is where the book is set. I was very excited to hear about a new cozy series set in my home state.

Fast forward to April of this year when I attended the Malice Domestic Convention, met Daphne Silver, and watched her pick up the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery. It became even clearer to me that I had to read this book.

Juniper's brother-in-law claims that the stolen covers of the Book of Kells are in Rose Mallow, Maryland. Having learned about the Book of Kells last year, Juniper, a rare books librarian, is very interested in this claim. So she heads back to Rose Mallow, where she hadn't been since the passing of her grandmother, to find out if this is true. This leads to another startling discovery - a dead body. Juniper sets out to untangle this mystery, while also attempting to mend her relationship with her sister.

Crime and Parchment put Maryland on the map in the best way! The references to places that really exist in and around Maryland were familiar to me and a delight to read about. For those who are not familiar with Maryland, it's a great introduction. You will likely want to visit Maryland after reading this book!

The characters are complex and well-developed as the story progresses. There are enough characters to create a community, but not too many to overwhelm the reader. It is clear who the primary characters and suspects are, and this is where the main focus is.

The mystery is well-crafted. I did not figure out the whodunnit until it was revealed. There are lots of twists and turns along the way to keep the reader engaged and guessing. Juniper makes a fantastic amateur sleuth as she sets out to get to the bottom of everything, no matter how dangerous it may be.

The author does a fine job incorporating facts with fiction. I had heard of the Book of Kells before reading Crime and Parchment, but now I'm even more interested in further researching the ancient Celtic manuscript.

This book also left me feeling very excited for more in the series. I'm looking forward to finding out what Juniper's next crime-solving adventure will be and how she will acclimate to new aspects of her personal life. I highly recommend picking up Crime and Parchment before the next one is released. It's no surprise to me that this book won the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery.

Thank you to author, Daphne Silver, for providing me with a free copy of this e-book. All thoughts expressed in my review are my own.

[Lori · Rating 4 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this fast-paced book. It has a unique premise, and I liked the locale. I think it has the potential to be a fun series. A minor issue I had with the book was including the dog as a "character". It added nothing to the story, and I found myself bothered that she often neglected to take care of the dog and assumed others would do so without instructions or supplies. It looks like the author intends to have this be the beginning of a series, and I'd be happy to see what happens with the characters. Many thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for letting me read an advance copy of this book.

[Donna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Treasure

I loved this first book in the series. Love the interaction of the characters and the mystery is excellent and well plotted with plenty of red herrings. Several suspects emerge and motives. Love the interaction of the sisters Juniper and Azalea. I wasn't sure that I had the person responsible.

[Karen Siddall · Rating 5 out of 5]

Intriguing mystery and family drama on the trail of the ancient literary artifact.

Crime and Parchment is the first book in author Daphne Silver’s promising Rare Books Cozy Mystery series featuring Library of Congress rare books librarian Juniper Blume, her sister, Azalea, and the fabled jewel-encrusted gold covers of the ancient Book of Kells.

The story unfolds from the point of view of the main character, Juniper Blume, a young rare books expert and librarian at the U.S. Library of Congress. After years away, she finally returns to her grandmother’s home in Rose Mallow, Maryland, after her soon-to-be ex-brother-in-law contacts her and claims to have found the lost covers of the renowned Book of Kells, which have been missing for over 1,200 years. Her homecoming is quite emotional when she and her dog, Clover, show up unannounced at her Nana Z’s former home, now the Wildflower Inn, her sister’s fledgling boutique hotel. The sisters’ reunion is not a joyful one and exposes the heartbreak they both have experienced since the death of their beloved grandmother. Azalea is at her breaking point and reveals a lot of what she’s been going through during Juniper’s long absence: adjusting to motherhood and life with her precocious and almost four-year-old daughter, restoring and converting the large family home, and her pending divorce from her childhood sweetheart, Rory Walsh.

The mystery kicks off quickly but unexpectedly with Rory’s failure to show up for his scheduled meeting with Juniper and her subsequent discovery of the body of a local girl at the location instead. Word spreads immediately through the small town, and naturally, everyone equates Rory’s disappearance with guilt that he’s the murderer.

Coincidentally, a film crew staying at the Wildflower Inn is in town to document the announcement of the search for the same Book of Kell’s artifacts by the star of the television show, Professor Treasure Hunter, Orson Bradford. As it turns out, Juniper and Bradford have a history. He’d made a pretty clumsy and public pass at her at a high-profile professional conference where they’d both been speakers the previous year. When he sees her at his press conference, he immediately approaches her to apologize for his past behavior and appears interested in forging a future working relationship. However, it is his friend, the current head of the local founding family in Rose Mallow, Leo Calverton, who piques Juniper’s curiosity.

With Juniper under scrutiny by the police as the person who discovered the murdered woman and the sister-in-law of the missing Rory, it becomes critical that she find the real killer and, hopefully, Azalea’s missing spouse. The resolution is exciting and surprising, and the ending proves to be full of promise for future additions to the series.

I recommend CRIME AND PARCHMENT to cozy mystery readers.

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advanced Review Copy from the author through Partners in Crime Virtual Book Tours.

[Carrie Schmidt · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m a sucker for a mystery or adventure novel involving a missing/legendary historical artifact, and when that artifact is book-related? Even better. So of course Crime and Parchment drew my attention with its premise involving the Book of Kells and its missing, bejeweled ‘cover’. The theory in this book is of course fictional (and ultimately unlikely), but I loved how plausibly the author set it up nonetheless. Plus, it made a great subplot and potential motive for the murder and missing person investigations that Juniper becomes entangled in during the novel.

Juniper is a relatable character in many ways, but unique enough that she’s not exactly the ‘same old, same old’ cozy mystery protagonist. I loved that she works with rare books – and at the Library of Congress no less! In this first installment, it only plays a minor role, that of getting her back to Rose Mallow, but I’m eager to explore more of her work with historical documents and rare books as the series progresses. Her sister Azalea is likable as well, and the complicated dynamics between them add layers and tension to the plot. The bottom line, though, is that they love each other deeply, and it’s always refreshing to see that among family characters in a series.

The supporting characters, including Juniper’s dog Clover and Azalea’s little girl Violet (as well as various members of law enforcement, people of Rose Mallow, a TV crew, Azalea’s tech-savvy employee Keisha, and a couple of romantic prospects for the sisters) serve to advance the story and pepper the mystery with suspects and motives. As far as the mystery itself, it is full of plenty of twists and turns that kept taking me by surprise. The ultimate identity of the culprit wasn’t on my radar at all, which is very unusual for me, and is only slightly more obvious to me in hindsight. Needless to say, I found it very well-plotted, and I was invested in it from beginning to end.

Bottom Line: Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver combines several of my fave elements to find in fiction – books, missing/legendary artifacts, layered mysteries, hints of potential romance, and likable characters. Silver’s writing voice is engaging, and her placement of the clues and red herrings is well-executed. Several things happen in this first book that will no doubt develop further as the series continues, and I’m looking forward to seeing exactly how they do so. A fun and complex cozy mystery, as well as a compelling start to a new series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

first reviewed at Reading Is My SuperPower

[Dan · Rating 4 out of 5]

My thanks to both Goodreads and the publisher Level Best Books for an advance copy of this fist book in a very promising and interesting new cozy series.

Living in a small town, it amazes me all the goings on, feuds, controversies about parking and school buses that happen. Facebook page by the gigabyte, snide comments on Instagram. Though my small town is dullsville compared to Rose Mallow, Maryland. Noise ordinance wars, a new Bed & Breakfast, a television show being shot in its environs, the appearance of a 1,200 year old Irish book thought lost to time, a missing person, and a dead body. Makes for a very busy town, but a very enjoyable story in Crime and Parchment, the first book in a very promising new series, Rare Books Cozy, written by Daphne Silver.

Juniper Blum is learning that one really can't go home, well to the place she used to spends summer with her Grandmother who has passed again. Juniper is a Rare Books Librarian at the Library of Congress, unhappy with her job and her lot in life. She has come back to Rose Mallow, Maryland for two reasons, to see her sister who is currently going through a divorce, and starting a B&B in their Grandmother's old house, and to see her soon-to-be ex-brother-in-law about a missing book cover. And not just a missing book cover, but covers from the Book of Kells, the Illuminated 1,200 year old manuscripts of the Gospels, whose bejeweled covers have been missing for centuries. Juniper finds her sister Azalea overwhelmed with her new business, dealing with her divorce and daughter, and a little angry for the lack of help Juniper has given. Things get worse when Juniper finds a body, and Azalea is the suspect. Now Juniper and her rescue dog Clover have to find out what it going on, and try to rebuild her relationship with her sister, or prison walls might stress their family further.

A nice story, one that is both interesting and loaded with information about rare books, history and caring for a Kharman-Ghia sports car, but also cooking Jewish meals, the hotel business, and a lot about family. The character are interesting and well developed, the plot moves along well, and is played pretty fair. I liked the town, the idiosyncrasies of the neighbors, and quests, and even the weirdness of Juniper sometimes. One can tell that humans are not her thing, but books are. A very good start of what looks like a very fun series. I can't wait for more.

[Kevin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Step into the world of Juniper Blume, where rare books whisper untold secrets, and mystery lurks around every ancient page. In Daphne Silver's "Crime and Parchment: A Rare Books Cozy Mystery," the mixture of ancient Celtic manuscripts, a quaint Maryland town, and a dash of intrigue will tantalize any bibliophile's curiosity.

Juniper Blume is a rare books librarian with a nose for uncovering the extraordinary. When an unexpected visit from her brother-in-law unveils the improbable existence of an ancient Book of Kells in a Maryland cemetery, Juniper’s world spins into a whirlwind. Determined to untangle the mystery, she returns to Rose Mallow, a town laden with memories and shadows from her past, where her sister Azalea has transformed their grandmother’s home into the inviting Wildflower Inn.

Silver's story is rich with the aroma of homemade Jewish delicacies and the comforting embrace of familial bonds. Juniper’s return to her childhood haven is loaded with bittersweet memories and the burning desire to set things right with her sister. Amidst tantalizing tzimmes cake and sweet kugels, Juniper navigates the maze of emotions, stitching together the frayed threads of her past.

Silver pulls readers in to join Juniper on her quest for truth and closure. This book is a blend of mystery, nostalgia, and the resilience of family ties. For those who revel in cozy mysteries, "Crime and Parchment" is a gold mine waiting to be explored.

"Mystery and familial intrigue, spun with the delicate threads of ancient manuscripts and nostalgic memories."

"Enchantingly cozy, blending the aroma of homemade Jewish delicacies with the allure of a small Chesapeake Bay town."

"A journey into a world of rare books, secrets, and the irresistible pull of unraveling the past."

"Captivating and heartwarming, steeped in the warmth of familial ties and the allure of a long-buried mystery."

"A blend of intrigue and comfort, where the quest for truth collides with the embrace of cherished memories."

[JoAnne · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read my review on NovelsAlive.com by clicking the link below. It is also posted in full.

https://novelsalive.com/2023/11/22/4-...

Crime and Parchment is the first book in the A Rare Books Cozy Mystery series by Daphne Silver, and I’m looking forward to reading more.

Set near the Chesapeake Bay in Maryland, the small town has an eclectic mix of people residing there as well as passing through. It has a small town vibe with gossips, small businesses, and a lot of history and grudges to those presently living there.

Juniper is front and center, a rare books librarian at the Library of Congress, along with her sister, Azalea, who turned their grandmother’s home into a B & B. It doesn’t hurt that they grew up there as well.

There are clues galore and red herrings to figure out whodunnit when a body is found in the cemetery, and it isn’t in a grave. When fingers are pointed at Rory, Azalea’s soon-to-be ex-husband, things take some unexpected turns. Juniper, along with several other amateur sleuths, keeps digging into the murder, much to the chagrin of the small police force. Multiple stories are being told that are woven together nicely but still left some loose ends at the end of the story.

Throw in a murder or two, a lost diary, and the missing valuable covers to a sacred book housed in Ireland, and there’s a lot that kept me interested and turning the pages. There is a good flow to the story, even if Juniper sometimes seems to go off on tangents. Her mind seems to race through various scenarios, and of course, she’s the one who solved the crime and saved the day to give us some closure. There are vivid descriptions throughout, along with tons of baked goods that had me feeling like I was there.

Crime and Parchment has a small town, amateur sleuths, and several mysteries to solve, which had me cozying up under my blanket to see whodunnit. I can’t wait to see what Juniper will be up to next and who her partners in crime will be!

[Jan Mawdesley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime and Parchment from Daphne Silver is set in the small coastal town of Rose Mallow, where nothing of great importance ever occurs, certainly not a series of murders for something that may or may not be true.
Arriving at the Wildflower Inn, Juniper is greeted by her niece Violet and sister Azalea, but it does not take long before Juniper has to tell Azealia why she has come back to Rose Mallow after so long away. This does not go down well.
Rory, Azalea’s husband, has asked her to come and verify the information he has obtained on the cover ornate, jewel encrusted cover of the historic and famous Book of Kells, which according to local legend. was bought to Rose Mallow with the first settlers. He has sent Juniper pages from the famous O’Day Diaries which he believes hold the location to the missing treasure.
As Juniper is an expert on Rare Books and Manuscripts, Rory considered she could authenticate what he had found, but when Murder is done, she is drawn into the Murder inquiry, initially as a suspect, and then as a person determined to find out what really happened. Rory has vanished, possibly also murdered.
A film crew, staying at the Wildflower Inn are there to record an interview with Orson Bradford, aka Professor Treasure Hunter, on his latest memoir. He also states he knows where the ‘Cover’ has been hidden and is prepared to make a Press announcement as well.
Emotions flow between the two sisters, both looking for the comfort of family since their beloved Nana Z passed, both trying to find a way through the mess life has become, each one searching for a fresh, new beginning.
Comfortable and enjoyable, murder in the almost, but not quite perfect town of Rose Mallow, flows along with a few twists built in to hold the intrigue, while carefully hiding the real culprit in plain sight.
Based around the history of the Irish settlers to America in the 1600’s and the famous Book of Kells manuscripts, Crime and Parchment is a most enjoyable instalment to the ‘The Rare Book Murder’ series.

[Ink · Rating 5 out of 5]

Crime and Parchment by Daphne Silver immediately grabbed my interest due to the core storyline surrounding the book of Kells.

Living in the North-East of England, being a stones-throw from the isle of Lindisfarne, a trip to see the Lindisfarne gospels was a must and subsquently, a skip over to Trinity College in Dublin to have a look at the later created, but more ornate Book of Kells, the Irish version of the gospels.

This is not a book about religion, but a fantastic mystery. There is a lot of character and world building in the book which draws the reader in to what is a brilliant cozy mystery and likely a series with great potential for multiple story arcs from the colorful array of delightful characters

Juniper is a rare books librarian with a vintage style and an adored pup called clover. As great as her life seems, she is not happy in her job, so when her brother in law tells her of the discovery of ornate covers from the book of kells, she knows she must return to Rose Mallow, her old holiday home and the current residence of her sister, who she has not seen since their grandmother died

Juniper is determined to find out how the covers ended up in her little town, but that is not the only issue at hand..... and she is not the only person interested in the covers...

A fascinating insight to a pivotal part of history as well as a stunning introduction to the village of Rose Mallow and is array of inhabitants. The writing is compelling and has a wonderful narrative flow, delicately weaving between characters and storylines, creating an intricate tale that is as intriguing as it is entertaining.

I already have book 2 (The Tell-Tale Homicide) and I cannot wait to dive in!

Thank you to Partners in Crime VBT and Daphne Silver for this grgeous ARC. My review is left voluntarily and all opinions are my own