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Shelf Indulgence #2
Foreword Fraud
When a shady business owner reneges on her part of the deal and winds up dead, I’m once again under the investigative spotlight of a handsome detective with nowhere to run…
After sitting in on a lecture given by a rare book trader, I’m excited to look into expanding Tattered Pages. But when the trader winds up dead the same day we met for lunch, all eyes are on me.
Of course, I’m too busy running a store and caring for my grumpy Persian cat to murder anyone, but no one believes me and now I have to put on my investigative hat and find out whodunnit.
Turns out that business owner had dealings with the town’s handsome and very eligible news reporter, Cole. And Cole isn’t too happy about her leaving him in the lurch after promising him a scoop for the ages.
But Cole couldn’t possibly be guilty.
Right?
After sitting in on a lecture given by a rare book trader, I’m excited to look into expanding Tattered Pages. But when the trader winds up dead the same day we met for lunch, all eyes are on me.
Of course, I’m too busy running a store and caring for my grumpy Persian cat to murder anyone, but no one believes me and now I have to put on my investigative hat and find out whodunnit.
Turns out that business owner had dealings with the town’s handsome and very eligible news reporter, Cole. And Cole isn’t too happy about her leaving him in the lurch after promising him a scoop for the ages.
But Cole couldn’t possibly be guilty.
Right?
214 pages, Paperback
First published May 26, 2021
About the author
S.E. Babin
90 books422 followersS.E. Babin has a passion for writing books with a paranormal twist. Whether it's romance or mystery, she loves taking the norm and turning it into the extraordinary. Her love of reading turned into a curious exploration to see whether or not she could write her own novel.
Beginning with random, terrible poetry and a slightly popular reimagining of Beowulf's Grendel in her high school English class, Sheryl spent way too much time in the library, killing any chance of her becoming a cheerleader or anything even remotely cool. Find her on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/SEBabin. She loves to hear from readers!
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Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews
February 9, 2022
Good follow on from the previous book. Characters are filling out and relationships are developing. Easy read.
August 18, 2025
Dakotas Spurensuche war zwar nicht übermäßig spannend. Dennoch bin ich gerne mit ihr auf diese gegangen und war gespannt, was am Ende herauskommt. Denn es gibt einen Haufen Verdächtige, die ein gutes Motiv hätten, Lindsay MacIntosh nach dem Leben zu trachten. Zudem ist unklar, welches Motiv zum Mord geführt hat, da es gleich mehrere gibt. So habe ich versucht, alles, was Dakota aufdeckt, zu einem Ganzen zusammenzufügen, um dem Täter oder der Täterin schneller als sie auf die Schliche zu kommen. Außerdem bekommt Dakota diesmal Hilfe von ihrer Katze Poppy, die sich langsam selbst zu einer kleinen Ermittlerin entwickelt. Denn sie macht Dakota auf Dinge aufmerksam, die wichtig für ihre Ermittlungen sind und sie somit ein Stück weiterbringen.
In diesem zweiten Band wird langsam immer deutlicher, dass sich Dakota zu gleich zwei Männern hingezogen fühlt, wovon einer von ihnen anscheinend ebenfalls Interesse zeigt. Ich bin gespannt, ob Dakota sich ihre Gefühle irgendwann eingesteht und wie sich ihre Beziehung zu Detective Hardy Cavanaugh und dem Journalisten Cole Gardener entwickeln wird.
Der Autorin ist es erneut gelungen, den Charme der Kleinstadt Silverwood Hollow einzufangen. So habe ich mich gefühlt, als wenn ich mit Dakota in Trudys „Sprinkle Heaven“ gehen würde, um dort eine ihrer neusten Kreationen zu kosten. Zudem habe ich mich köstlich darüber amüsiert, dass die Klatschtanten von Silverwood Hollow immer sofort bestens über alles informiert waren, auch wenn es im Nachbarort geschehen ist. Ebenso wie über Dakotas Oma und ihre Tante, die beide zwei Marken für sich sind.
Fazit:
Ein humorvoller Krimi, in dem wir Dakota Adair bei ihrem zweiten Fall begleiten, als sie versucht, den Mord an Lindsay MacIntosh aufzuklären. Dakotas Spurensuche ist zwar nicht übermäßig spannend, dennoch habe ich sie gerne auf dieser begleitet. Zumal es nicht nur mehrere Verdächtige gibt, sondern auch das Motiv lange unklar bleibt. Zudem hat es die Autorin geschafft, den Charme der Kleinstadt Silverwood Hollow und seiner Bewohner einzufangen. Besonders amüsiert habe ich mich darüber, wie gut informiert die Klatschtanten von Silverwood Hollow sind. Ebenso wie über Dakotas Oma und ihre Tante, die beide zwei Marken für sich sind.
In diesem zweiten Band wird langsam immer deutlicher, dass sich Dakota zu gleich zwei Männern hingezogen fühlt, wovon einer von ihnen anscheinend ebenfalls Interesse zeigt. Ich bin gespannt, ob Dakota sich ihre Gefühle irgendwann eingesteht und wie sich ihre Beziehung zu Detective Hardy Cavanaugh und dem Journalisten Cole Gardener entwickeln wird.
Der Autorin ist es erneut gelungen, den Charme der Kleinstadt Silverwood Hollow einzufangen. So habe ich mich gefühlt, als wenn ich mit Dakota in Trudys „Sprinkle Heaven“ gehen würde, um dort eine ihrer neusten Kreationen zu kosten. Zudem habe ich mich köstlich darüber amüsiert, dass die Klatschtanten von Silverwood Hollow immer sofort bestens über alles informiert waren, auch wenn es im Nachbarort geschehen ist. Ebenso wie über Dakotas Oma und ihre Tante, die beide zwei Marken für sich sind.
Fazit:
Ein humorvoller Krimi, in dem wir Dakota Adair bei ihrem zweiten Fall begleiten, als sie versucht, den Mord an Lindsay MacIntosh aufzuklären. Dakotas Spurensuche ist zwar nicht übermäßig spannend, dennoch habe ich sie gerne auf dieser begleitet. Zumal es nicht nur mehrere Verdächtige gibt, sondern auch das Motiv lange unklar bleibt. Zudem hat es die Autorin geschafft, den Charme der Kleinstadt Silverwood Hollow und seiner Bewohner einzufangen. Besonders amüsiert habe ich mich darüber, wie gut informiert die Klatschtanten von Silverwood Hollow sind. Ebenso wie über Dakotas Oma und ihre Tante, die beide zwei Marken für sich sind.
January 11, 2024
Dakota is darling!
Dakota owner of Tattered Pages, local bookshop, she attends a presentation on books of course, in a nearby next town. She hopes to improve her connections and learn more on resources for her small shop, but the presenter fizzles into a useless sales pitch so Dakota trudges back to the shop early, disappointed.
She is stunned to learn that there was a murder after she left Bookbinders where the presentation took place and one of her friends, the charming Cole, a local reporter, is arrested.
Dakota is fiercely loyal to her friends and her shop cat Poppy, who helps out with clues. So to keep her loved ones safe from a killer on the loose, Dakotadecides to quietly investigate and talk to potential suspects.
Unfortunately Dakota clashes with handsome Hardy Cavanaugh, police detective, who wants her out of the investigation for her safety, yet is mysteriously drawn to the attractive Dakota even as they conflict over her interest and investigation of the case.
S.E.Bavin is a powerhouse writer and somehow manages to make even cozy mystery series sizzle and Dakota is darling in this series, as are this hometown cast of heartwarming characters. And the villain was quite a surprise!
An entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
Dakota owner of Tattered Pages, local bookshop, she attends a presentation on books of course, in a nearby next town. She hopes to improve her connections and learn more on resources for her small shop, but the presenter fizzles into a useless sales pitch so Dakota trudges back to the shop early, disappointed.
She is stunned to learn that there was a murder after she left Bookbinders where the presentation took place and one of her friends, the charming Cole, a local reporter, is arrested.
Dakota is fiercely loyal to her friends and her shop cat Poppy, who helps out with clues. So to keep her loved ones safe from a killer on the loose, Dakotadecides to quietly investigate and talk to potential suspects.
Unfortunately Dakota clashes with handsome Hardy Cavanaugh, police detective, who wants her out of the investigation for her safety, yet is mysteriously drawn to the attractive Dakota even as they conflict over her interest and investigation of the case.
S.E.Bavin is a powerhouse writer and somehow manages to make even cozy mystery series sizzle and Dakota is darling in this series, as are this hometown cast of heartwarming characters. And the villain was quite a surprise!
An entertaining novel and an absolutely worthwhile read
February 16, 2025
I had a lot of fun with this cute cozy. I will admit I love any story that has a bookshop in its setting. This particular bookshop, Tattered Pages, is owned by an amateur sleuth named Dakota. I use the description sleuth because it hasn’t been that long since she solved another murder.
One thing I have to say about the author is that somehow, she pulled off writing a cozy with all of the “elements” that cozies have and yet didn’t make this sleuth seem like another nosy parker was snooping into a murder. How she did that is difficult to explain. Her friend was the most likely suspect, but that isn’t unusual. She didn’t like the victim, but that’s not unusual. Somehow, being asked to help and being expected to help by the citizens of Silverwood Hollow fell normally into place.
I just hate it when a cozy is written like a carbon copy of all the others. That just isn’t true of Forward Fraud. I’m not sure I’m even explaining the reason well, but I do know you should read the book. I really enjoyed it.
Forward Fraud is Book 2 of a series titled “A Shelf Indulgence Cozy Mystery”. There are a lot of books in the series. What a great thing to discover when you like the first book you read.
One thing I have to say about the author is that somehow, she pulled off writing a cozy with all of the “elements” that cozies have and yet didn’t make this sleuth seem like another nosy parker was snooping into a murder. How she did that is difficult to explain. Her friend was the most likely suspect, but that isn’t unusual. She didn’t like the victim, but that’s not unusual. Somehow, being asked to help and being expected to help by the citizens of Silverwood Hollow fell normally into place.
I just hate it when a cozy is written like a carbon copy of all the others. That just isn’t true of Forward Fraud. I’m not sure I’m even explaining the reason well, but I do know you should read the book. I really enjoyed it.
Forward Fraud is Book 2 of a series titled “A Shelf Indulgence Cozy Mystery”. There are a lot of books in the series. What a great thing to discover when you like the first book you read.
November 15, 2022
It'd been over a year since I read the first book, but I quickly got right back into the scene of Silverwood Hollow and Dakota's cool bookstore. That cat of hers absolutely cracks me up! I'm not much of a fan of cats that have grumpy attitudes, but I do love how Poppy shows Dakota clues sometimes or basically yowls until Dakota figures out what she's trying to tell her lol.
I was definitely surprised at one point in the book because my guess for killer took a dive. From there on, I just read along and had fun seeing what Dakota might try to do next. The showdown was pretty exciting and I loved how it played out. That Hardy sure is a keeper and I seriously hope Dakota comes to her senses someday and realizes it lol. I like Cole, but he's nice for a friend. I'm all team Hardy! I've already borrowed the next book since the books seem to be releasing slowly enough for me to catch up fairly soon.
I was definitely surprised at one point in the book because my guess for killer took a dive. From there on, I just read along and had fun seeing what Dakota might try to do next. The showdown was pretty exciting and I loved how it played out. That Hardy sure is a keeper and I seriously hope Dakota comes to her senses someday and realizes it lol. I like Cole, but he's nice for a friend. I'm all team Hardy! I've already borrowed the next book since the books seem to be releasing slowly enough for me to catch up fairly soon.
March 15, 2024
Very cute ending!
I loved this one. I was a little upset with Cole for not telling Dakota that he was involved with another woman. And expecting her to clear him of murder charges when he gave her no information about what was going on. I would think if you wanted to clear your name you would bend over backwards. I was a little upset that Dakota heard Lauren's name twice after meeting her & couldn't recognize her. She invited her to go out for coffee for Pete's sake. I enjoyed Gran & Corky teaming up but wished it was for something more dangerous. Plus they barely made an appearance in the book. There is a lot of back and forth in this book between Cole & Hardy (meaning who she is in denial about having feelings for). This murder involves 2 scams. And a lot of people are involved in them. It is hilarious that Chloe didn't find the books when she had been in the house. It must have been the one room she didn't go into.
I loved this one. I was a little upset with Cole for not telling Dakota that he was involved with another woman. And expecting her to clear him of murder charges when he gave her no information about what was going on. I would think if you wanted to clear your name you would bend over backwards. I was a little upset that Dakota heard Lauren's name twice after meeting her & couldn't recognize her. She invited her to go out for coffee for Pete's sake. I enjoyed Gran & Corky teaming up but wished it was for something more dangerous. Plus they barely made an appearance in the book. There is a lot of back and forth in this book between Cole & Hardy (meaning who she is in denial about having feelings for). This murder involves 2 scams. And a lot of people are involved in them. It is hilarious that Chloe didn't find the books when she had been in the house. It must have been the one room she didn't go into.
September 23, 2023
"Forward Fraud (A Shelf Indulgence Cozy Mystery #2)" by S.E. Babin picks up a month or so after the first book. It's the Christmas/Holiday season. Dakota's guy friend, Cole, is arrested for the murder of his source (he's a news reporter) by her potential love interest, Detective Hardy. So, of course she investigates.
This one was a bit similar to the first one, as far as the mystery goes. There ends up being two people involved. However, I don't totally get why the second person was involved when. I get it a little but not enough, unless they're a bit of a sociopath. However, the main culprit was my main suspect and the other person was my back up.
This one was a bit similar to the first one, as far as the mystery goes. There ends up being two people involved. However, I don't totally get why the second person was involved when. I get it a little but not enough, unless they're a bit of a sociopath. However, the main culprit was my main suspect and the other person was my back up.
September 28, 2022
I give this quick cozy 5 stars for a good plot and great characters.
I do, however, have two points with this series which I am trying not to hold against it: 1) Hardy and Harper’s names are too similar —I continually get mixed up by that, and 2) The overuse of the verb “snort”. Even Poppy the cat snorted in this one.
But the excellent plot and characters will keep me reading the series in spite of my frequent confusion and the excessive snoring. And I do like it when the cat helps with the mystery.
I do, however, have two points with this series which I am trying not to hold against it: 1) Hardy and Harper’s names are too similar —I continually get mixed up by that, and 2) The overuse of the verb “snort”. Even Poppy the cat snorted in this one.
But the excellent plot and characters will keep me reading the series in spite of my frequent confusion and the excessive snoring. And I do like it when the cat helps with the mystery.
April 7, 2026
While I still enjoyed this as far as getting more into the characters of this town and Dakota working on developing which of these two men she might be interested in, the reason for the murders in Foreword Fraud were difficult to understand. I had to go back and look a few times to puzzle out what they were saying about this crime. But I still love the characters and the setting and I am invested in finding out what happens in Dakota's love life as well. (I don't think she's going to choose the one I want her to pick!)
July 11, 2025
„Schlagzeilen, Schnüffler und andere Schwierigkeiten“ ist der zweite Teil der Büchereimord-Serie von S.E. Babin. Wie schon im ersten Band geschieht der Mord rund um einen Feiertag oder ein besonderes Ereignis. Dieses Mal ist Dakota als Zuhörerin bei einem Vortrag in einer anderen Bibliothek. Sie verlässt die Veranstaltung frühzeitig und trifft dabei auf den Journalisten Cole. Kurz darauf wird die Referentin tot aufgefunden – und Cole gerät als Hauptverdächtiger ins Visier.
Dakota setzt alles daran, den Fall aufzuklären und ihrem Freund zu helfen. Dabei gerät sie erneut mit dem attraktiven, aber sturen Detektiv aneinander. Wie gewohnt bringt sie sich dadurch selbst in Schwierigkeiten.
Alles in allem ist es eine weitere gut geschriebene Geschichte. Ich finde es nur schade, dass ihr Liebesleben in der Handlung nur am Rande angeschnitten wird – da hätte ich mir etwas mehr gewünscht.
Dakota setzt alles daran, den Fall aufzuklären und ihrem Freund zu helfen. Dabei gerät sie erneut mit dem attraktiven, aber sturen Detektiv aneinander. Wie gewohnt bringt sie sich dadurch selbst in Schwierigkeiten.
Alles in allem ist es eine weitere gut geschriebene Geschichte. Ich finde es nur schade, dass ihr Liebesleben in der Handlung nur am Rande angeschnitten wird – da hätte ich mir etwas mehr gewünscht.
April 9, 2024
I enjoyed this book. It had a bit of a twist I wasn't expecting. I felt like I was right there with her at times during Dakota's investigation. I recommend this to those that are looking for a fun suspenseful mystery with a splash of romance. I especially liked the very end. Looking forward to reading the next book.
July 9, 2021
Fantastic Series
This cozy series meets my expectations plenty og suspense with lots of twists and turns.
The storylines were excellent with relatable characters.
I loved Poppy,she made the stories.
This cozy series meets my expectations plenty og suspense with lots of twists and turns.
The storylines were excellent with relatable characters.
I loved Poppy,she made the stories.
December 13, 2021
Murder and a spa
Dakota tries to stay out of Det. Cavanaughs investigation. She is torn between her loyalty to Cole and her obligation to give any info she has to the detective. Very well written, keeps you guessing until the end.
Dakota tries to stay out of Det. Cavanaughs investigation. She is torn between her loyalty to Cole and her obligation to give any info she has to the detective. Very well written, keeps you guessing until the end.
January 19, 2024
Local bookstore owner helps solve murder
Dakota get involved in another murder. She is drawn in by the fact it is a Rare Book lecturer that is killed and she is one of last to see her alive.
Fun read involving intelligent cat and a couple of local men
Dakota get involved in another murder. She is drawn in by the fact it is a Rare Book lecturer that is killed and she is one of last to see her alive.
Fun read involving intelligent cat and a couple of local men
February 25, 2024
Read to relax and escape
Have read first two will continue.... Well written, humor and wit, colorful characters and refreshing complex storylines to keep you guessing.....a great escape in these endless days of national and international turmoil. Love the cat!!! KLH
Have read first two will continue.... Well written, humor and wit, colorful characters and refreshing complex storylines to keep you guessing.....a great escape in these endless days of national and international turmoil. Love the cat!!! KLH
April 6, 2024
Cats are great in books! This series has a smart one!🐱
Murder in a small town! Book +2 has a murder and that cute kitty knows things! A cozy book for your enjoyment! I bet you will enjoy this book like I did!🤗
Murder in a small town! Book +2 has a murder and that cute kitty knows things! A cozy book for your enjoyment! I bet you will enjoy this book like I did!🤗
January 15, 2026
After flying through the first book, I immediately settled in to reading the next book... this book, and I once again found myself flying through this as I got caught up in the story with characters that I found entertaining and likeable. On to book three.
3.25 stars
3.25 stars
June 26, 2021
Great book
This is a great book in the Shelf Indulgence series by S E Babin. I can't wait for the next book.
This is a great book in the Shelf Indulgence series by S E Babin. I can't wait for the next book.
December 5, 2021
Will this cat never straighten up?!!
Clever. Suspects galore but finding the right one took awhile. Well written community of characters. I truly enjoyed this book.
Clever. Suspects galore but finding the right one took awhile. Well written community of characters. I truly enjoyed this book.
April 17, 2022
Fun, quirky mystery
These are a set of fun, quirky Murder mysteries with a small town setting. I’m enjoying this series a lot
These are a set of fun, quirky Murder mysteries with a small town setting. I’m enjoying this series a lot
September 15, 2022
Nice cozy
Forward Fraud is the second in this bookstore owner mystery series. Another good mystery to solve, and some of the great core characters.
Forward Fraud is the second in this bookstore owner mystery series. Another good mystery to solve, and some of the great core characters.
April 26, 2023
3.25/5⭐: Another decent mystery and the character development for the core characters got better. My favorite part in this book was the Christmas book tree build, so cute.
June 29, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It is fun and interesting. This is a great series. I love the characters. The mystery has many twists to keep you guessing.
April 2, 2024
enjoyed this one
Zany characters, a murder or two, skevvy politicians, and a crazy lady. This made the story quire interesting. Gotta see if book 3 is just as interesting.
Zany characters, a murder or two, skevvy politicians, and a crazy lady. This made the story quire interesting. Gotta see if book 3 is just as interesting.
April 24, 2024
Solved!
She's done it 👏 again. I love S.E. BABIN. I can't wait to get in to the next book to continue the story 🤗.
She's done it 👏 again. I love S.E. BABIN. I can't wait to get in to the next book to continue the story 🤗.
May 2, 2024
It seems like murder is always just a blink away.
I enjoy the characters and like to watch them grow. The plot was good. The book is a quick read.
I enjoy the characters and like to watch them grow. The plot was good. The book is a quick read.
May 28, 2024
Enjoyed this book.
December 16, 2024
Great writing
.a great story. Keeps you guessing from the beginning to the surprising end. Great characters. Great sheriff thrown in there.
.a great story. Keeps you guessing from the beginning to the surprising end. Great characters. Great sheriff thrown in there.
Displaying 1 - 28 of 28 reviews