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The Cambridge Bookshop #5
Vows and Villainy
Vows and Villainy is the fifth book in Elizabeth Penney's delightful Cambridge Bookshop series set in Cambridge, England, where celebrations are about to commence.
It’s wedding season in Cambridge, and Molly Kimball is thrilled that it's almost time for her best friend's special day. With the help of her boyfriend Kieran Scott, she is determined to be the best maid of honor for Daisy and Tim. Daisy’s heart is set upon a Shakespeare-themed wedding to be held at Hazelhurst House, Kieran’s family’s home. The Scotts are also hosting a Shakespeare troupe for the summer, and the actors have kindly agreed to be part of the festivities.
But all goes awry with the discovery of Sir Jordan Peck, a famous actor with a checkered past and present-day misdeeds, floating dead in the moat with flowers strewn around him, à la Ophelia. When Kieran’s brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies keep piling up.
Can Molly solve the murders before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
It’s wedding season in Cambridge, and Molly Kimball is thrilled that it's almost time for her best friend's special day. With the help of her boyfriend Kieran Scott, she is determined to be the best maid of honor for Daisy and Tim. Daisy’s heart is set upon a Shakespeare-themed wedding to be held at Hazelhurst House, Kieran’s family’s home. The Scotts are also hosting a Shakespeare troupe for the summer, and the actors have kindly agreed to be part of the festivities.
But all goes awry with the discovery of Sir Jordan Peck, a famous actor with a checkered past and present-day misdeeds, floating dead in the moat with flowers strewn around him, à la Ophelia. When Kieran’s brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies keep piling up.
Can Molly solve the murders before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published November 25, 2025
37 people are currently reading
4871 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Penney
88 books541 followersElizabeth Penney lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things. Elements that often appear in her novels include vintage summer cottages, past/present mysteries, and the arts. After spending early years in England and France, she grew up in Maine, settings that are reflected in her books.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
Elizabeth is the author of the Apron Shop Series and Cambridge Bookshop Series from St. Martin's as well as over twenty novels, short stories, and hundreds of business articles. A former consultant and nonprofit executive, she holds a BS and an MBA. She's also written screenplays with her musician husband.
She loves walking in the woods, kayaking on quiet ponds, trying new recipes, and feeding family and friends.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 44 reviews
October 10, 2025
#VowsandVillainy #NetGalley is a fantastic addition to this series.
Mly is excited for her best friend's wedding and when a murder threatens to disrupt the festivities, Molly uses her inquisitiveness to dig deep for the answers.
Mly is excited for her best friend's wedding and when a murder threatens to disrupt the festivities, Molly uses her inquisitiveness to dig deep for the answers.
November 26, 2025
This is an enjoyable entry in this entertaining series. All of the characters are well developed. Even the more peripheral characters contribute to the overall cohesiveness to the core community surrounding the main characters. The mystery is engaging and offers up several suspects to investigate. A well written entry in this fun cozy mystery series.
December 7, 2025
"Vows and Villainy” the 5th instalment in The Cambridge Bookshop Mystery series by Elizabeth Penney set in Cambridge, England. I love this series and always preorder Elizabeth’s books. When Kieran’s brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies pile up.
Can Molly solve the murder before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
I absolutely loved this story, and read in one day! I liked seeing how Molly and Kieran’s relationship has progressed since the last book. I love how Kieran’s family have embraced Molly and treat her like one of the family. I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom it’s enough to make you wish you were part of their little community or street.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 6!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Can Molly solve the murder before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
I absolutely loved this story, and read in one day! I liked seeing how Molly and Kieran’s relationship has progressed since the last book. I love how Kieran’s family have embraced Molly and treat her like one of the family. I really like Molly, Kieran, her mum, aunt Fiona, Daisy and Tom it’s enough to make you wish you were part of their little community or street.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and had plenty of twists to keep engaged right to the very end. I kept guessing and second-guessing myself but I was right on who the killer was.
I highly recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I can’t wait for book 6!
I requested and received an Advanced Readers Copy from St. Martins Press and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 22, 2025
I chuckled to myself at the sheer serendipity of starting this book that features the Ophelia amidst the lilies image just as mega-star Taylor Swift released her song using the symbol. I'm not quite sure Swift will create a huge number of new Shakespeare readers but it was fun to see. Even better, it works well as a standalone. In any case, our main character Molly Kimball is busy helping best friend Daisy plan her wedding at Hazelhurst House manor, the ancestral home of Molly's boyfriend Kieran. Daisy wants to utilize a Shakespeare theme and Molly is having great fun pulling things together, including a troupe of players who'll perform a Shakespeare work, until, well, no surprise for series' readers, there's a murder. Molly discovers one of the theatre (we're in Cambridge, England) troupe dead in the moat. Yes, there's a moat. Kieran's older brother Alan jumps in to try to save Sir Nigel but, alas, he's long gone. Then, to add to the drama, one of the players accuses Alan of being the murderer. Yep, things are going to get complicated real fast. Will Daisy's dream wedding happen? Or, gulp, will there be other murders?
This has quickly become a "must read" series for me. It's strongly character driven and it's been fun to see the growth and changes of the regular cast over the length of the series. Toss in not one but two weddings in the work (oops, forgot to mention that Molly's aunt is about to be married, too, to a long time romantic interest? Grin), a bookshop to run, friends and family to give her time to, and suspicious accidents, Molly is one busy lady. Honestly, I think I enjoyed watching the very human aspects of Molly's life evolve around her more than I did trying to figure out whodunit. I like the usual cast and they feel a bit like family, albeit with mostly British accents, I'm sure. Let's face it, just imagining the life Kieran had growing up in this manor, moat, maze, and all, and getting to know his mother, not to mention Molly's family better, was a delight. Toss in the imagined Shakespeare sonnets and play snippets and it was a bit like Molly wasn't the only one getting to visit the Globe Theatre in London.
Bottom line, I won't rehash the plot, it's an intriguing one that you can enjoy while not visualizing the setting and stage actions. As is often the case, the past has a role to play, too, not to mention the Thomas Marlow bookshop Molly runs which has been around for over 400 years. Molly makes mention of her love of the smells of the bookshop, including old paper, leather, wood, and glue, giving you a bit of a virtual sensory experience. And, hey, we get to spend some time finding our way through a maze. Good thing Kieran grew up knowing the way, including the shortcut Alan and he had devised. And, of course, you'll spend time trying to figure out whodunit before Molly, I'm sure. Alan? Surely not. One of the players? Someone from Sir Nigel's not always sparkling clean past? Or, well, maybe the geese shoved him into the moat? Nah, just kidding. You'll love the ending, I do know. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for, first, introducing me to these wonderful characters, and, two, giving me an early peek at how life in Cambridge is treating Molly and her mom after their move from America.
This has quickly become a "must read" series for me. It's strongly character driven and it's been fun to see the growth and changes of the regular cast over the length of the series. Toss in not one but two weddings in the work (oops, forgot to mention that Molly's aunt is about to be married, too, to a long time romantic interest? Grin), a bookshop to run, friends and family to give her time to, and suspicious accidents, Molly is one busy lady. Honestly, I think I enjoyed watching the very human aspects of Molly's life evolve around her more than I did trying to figure out whodunit. I like the usual cast and they feel a bit like family, albeit with mostly British accents, I'm sure. Let's face it, just imagining the life Kieran had growing up in this manor, moat, maze, and all, and getting to know his mother, not to mention Molly's family better, was a delight. Toss in the imagined Shakespeare sonnets and play snippets and it was a bit like Molly wasn't the only one getting to visit the Globe Theatre in London.
Bottom line, I won't rehash the plot, it's an intriguing one that you can enjoy while not visualizing the setting and stage actions. As is often the case, the past has a role to play, too, not to mention the Thomas Marlow bookshop Molly runs which has been around for over 400 years. Molly makes mention of her love of the smells of the bookshop, including old paper, leather, wood, and glue, giving you a bit of a virtual sensory experience. And, hey, we get to spend some time finding our way through a maze. Good thing Kieran grew up knowing the way, including the shortcut Alan and he had devised. And, of course, you'll spend time trying to figure out whodunit before Molly, I'm sure. Alan? Surely not. One of the players? Someone from Sir Nigel's not always sparkling clean past? Or, well, maybe the geese shoved him into the moat? Nah, just kidding. You'll love the ending, I do know. Thanks #StMartin'sPress - #MinotaurBooks for, first, introducing me to these wonderful characters, and, two, giving me an early peek at how life in Cambridge is treating Molly and her mom after their move from America.
November 5, 2025
Thank you so much to St. Martin's Press and NetGalley for this ARC!
Ok, so, let me preface by saying: my bad. The fact that this was the fifth book in a series went completely over my head. So, please, take this into consideration when reading my review. I did take this into account so, don't worry.
The story opens right into it: the body is discovered right in the first line. Yet another murder case fell right into Molly's lap, only a few weeks before her best friend's wedding and in the gardens of her boyfriend's parent's old mansion. It's all very Shakespearian, and along the story we see some sonnets intertwined with the plot. Lots and lots of Shakespeare references, which, as a literature student was really interesting.
It wasn't a problem for me that I hadn't been along for the ride since the beginning, everything is explained and we have the main characters' backstory laid out for us briefly here and there. It reads well as a standalone, although I know it'd be more appealing if I had been through the other stories, learning about the characters as they learned about each other instead of picking it up from the middle.
Overall, the story is easy to follow, fast-paced and reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie, except it's not Christmas and there's mystery and murder. The small town, small bookshop vibe was cute and made a good setting. Also, the cats! So adorable. The story flew by easily, I barely saw the time (and the pages) pass. It really reminded me of watching movies on a cozy, lazy Sunday in my grandma's house when I was a kid.
However, the story was very repetitive. I mean, you don't need to remind me of everything that's going on all the time... I do have short term memory. I'm very aware of what happened two pages ago. The plans, clues, events (past and future) kept being mentioned again and again in too much detail. Things are overexplained all the time. Honestly, it pissed me off.
Contrary to what it might seem, though, the story didn't feel like it dragged on.
The ending was... underwhelming. It didn't feel like Molly was actively working on the case. The answers don't fall into place like a puzzle, they're kind of quickly thrown in your face. The development of the mystery felt underdeveloped... what was really the motive? How did it really play out? It's all pretty obvious, but you're still left to wonder about how it clicks together. The police is not active at all, even less than Molly. It seems like the case is solved by pure chance. By accident and coincidence. Considering this case only, disregarding what might've come before, it fell flat. Kind of blunt and all over the place.
Overall, I was entertained, and am considering picking up the first book of the series.
TW (minor): death, bullying, emotional harassment, death of a parent
Ok, so, let me preface by saying: my bad. The fact that this was the fifth book in a series went completely over my head. So, please, take this into consideration when reading my review. I did take this into account so, don't worry.
The story opens right into it: the body is discovered right in the first line. Yet another murder case fell right into Molly's lap, only a few weeks before her best friend's wedding and in the gardens of her boyfriend's parent's old mansion. It's all very Shakespearian, and along the story we see some sonnets intertwined with the plot. Lots and lots of Shakespeare references, which, as a literature student was really interesting.
It wasn't a problem for me that I hadn't been along for the ride since the beginning, everything is explained and we have the main characters' backstory laid out for us briefly here and there. It reads well as a standalone, although I know it'd be more appealing if I had been through the other stories, learning about the characters as they learned about each other instead of picking it up from the middle.
Overall, the story is easy to follow, fast-paced and reads like a Hallmark Christmas movie, except it's not Christmas and there's mystery and murder. The small town, small bookshop vibe was cute and made a good setting. Also, the cats! So adorable. The story flew by easily, I barely saw the time (and the pages) pass. It really reminded me of watching movies on a cozy, lazy Sunday in my grandma's house when I was a kid.
However, the story was very repetitive. I mean, you don't need to remind me of everything that's going on all the time... I do have short term memory. I'm very aware of what happened two pages ago. The plans, clues, events (past and future) kept being mentioned again and again in too much detail. Things are overexplained all the time. Honestly, it pissed me off.
Contrary to what it might seem, though, the story didn't feel like it dragged on.
The ending was... underwhelming. It didn't feel like Molly was actively working on the case. The answers don't fall into place like a puzzle, they're kind of quickly thrown in your face. The development of the mystery felt underdeveloped... what was really the motive? How did it really play out? It's all pretty obvious, but you're still left to wonder about how it clicks together. The police is not active at all, even less than Molly. It seems like the case is solved by pure chance. By accident and coincidence. Considering this case only, disregarding what might've come before, it fell flat. Kind of blunt and all over the place.
Overall, I was entertained, and am considering picking up the first book of the series.
TW (minor): death, bullying, emotional harassment, death of a parent
November 22, 2025
VOWS AND VILLAINY by Elizabeth Penney
The Fifth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery
Molly Kimball is happily ensconced in Hazelhurst House, her boyfriend's family home and the upcoming venue for her friend Daisy's wedding. The manor is also the temporary home of Sir Nigel Peck's theatre troupe which will be performing several of Shakespeare's plays on the grounds over the summer, as well as providing entertainment for Daisy's Shakespearean themed wedding. After a walk on the grounds with Daisy's mom and the bride to be herself Molly notices a body among the water lilies in the moat. Surely this is taking method acting too far! But as she gets closer Molly realizes Sir Nigel isn't channeling Ophelia-he's dead! Once his death is ruled a murder and Molly's boyfriend's brother is accused of the crime she knows she'll be investigating a murder once again. Will she be able to help the police solve the crime before wedding bells chime? Or will she ask the wrong person the right question and find herself the next victim?
Love is in the air in the fifth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery. Not only is Daisy marrying Tim, but Molly's Great Aunt Violet is tying the knot as well, marrying the dashing Sir Jonathon Yeats. There are also lots of hints that Molly and Kieran are getting serious about their relationship. Molly gets along amazingly well with his family and the two trust each other enough to be honest and open. They make a great team.
I love the fact that love and marriage are shown to be relevant for people of all ages. It makes me smile that the first happy couple getting married are in their 70s! I also enjoy the fact that Molly's mom is dating. Aside from the wedding preparations, I loved the mystery itself. A truly villainous victim, although we don't know that at the start, and Molly smart enough not to trust anyone which is important when all of the suspects are actors. Who can tell if they're telling the truth or merely playing another role?
As a former theatre major Shakespeare has played a huge role in my life and I was thrilled with all of the references in VOWS AND VILLAINY. Wedding quotes, sonnets, and more added to the charm of the entire book. I am also grateful that the bullying and scandal at the heart of this mystery did not exist in my theatrical schooling.
All the world's a stage and VOWS AND VILLAINY turns drama, romance, scandal, and death into a delightful production.
The Fifth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery
Molly Kimball is happily ensconced in Hazelhurst House, her boyfriend's family home and the upcoming venue for her friend Daisy's wedding. The manor is also the temporary home of Sir Nigel Peck's theatre troupe which will be performing several of Shakespeare's plays on the grounds over the summer, as well as providing entertainment for Daisy's Shakespearean themed wedding. After a walk on the grounds with Daisy's mom and the bride to be herself Molly notices a body among the water lilies in the moat. Surely this is taking method acting too far! But as she gets closer Molly realizes Sir Nigel isn't channeling Ophelia-he's dead! Once his death is ruled a murder and Molly's boyfriend's brother is accused of the crime she knows she'll be investigating a murder once again. Will she be able to help the police solve the crime before wedding bells chime? Or will she ask the wrong person the right question and find herself the next victim?
Love is in the air in the fifth Cambridge Bookshop Mystery. Not only is Daisy marrying Tim, but Molly's Great Aunt Violet is tying the knot as well, marrying the dashing Sir Jonathon Yeats. There are also lots of hints that Molly and Kieran are getting serious about their relationship. Molly gets along amazingly well with his family and the two trust each other enough to be honest and open. They make a great team.
I love the fact that love and marriage are shown to be relevant for people of all ages. It makes me smile that the first happy couple getting married are in their 70s! I also enjoy the fact that Molly's mom is dating. Aside from the wedding preparations, I loved the mystery itself. A truly villainous victim, although we don't know that at the start, and Molly smart enough not to trust anyone which is important when all of the suspects are actors. Who can tell if they're telling the truth or merely playing another role?
As a former theatre major Shakespeare has played a huge role in my life and I was thrilled with all of the references in VOWS AND VILLAINY. Wedding quotes, sonnets, and more added to the charm of the entire book. I am also grateful that the bullying and scandal at the heart of this mystery did not exist in my theatrical schooling.
All the world's a stage and VOWS AND VILLAINY turns drama, romance, scandal, and death into a delightful production.
December 21, 2025
📚Vows and Villainy
✍🏻Elizabeth Penney
Blurb:
Vows and Villainy is the fifth book in Elizabeth Penney's delightful Cambridge Bookshop series set in Cambridge, England, where celebrations are about to commence.
It’s wedding season in Cambridge, and Molly Kimball is thrilled that it's almost time for her best friend's special day. With the help of her boyfriend Kieran Scott, she is determined to be the best maid of honor for Daisy and Tim. Daisy’s heart is set upon a Shakespeare-themed wedding to be held at Hazelhurst House, Kieran’s family’s home. The Scotts are also hosting a Shakespeare troupe for the summer, and the actors have kindly agreed to be part of the festivities.
But all goes awry with the discovery of Sir Jordan Peck, a famous actor with a checkered past and present-day misdeeds, floating dead in the moat with flowers strewn around him, à la Ophelia. When Kieran’s brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies keep piling up.
Can Molly solve the murders before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
My Thoughts:
The story opens right into it: the body is discovered right in the first line. Yet another murder case fell right into Molly's lap, only a few weeks before her best friend's wedding and in the gardens of her boyfriend's parent's old mansion. It's all very Shakespearian, and along the story we see some sonnets intertwined with the plot. Lots and lots of Shakespeare references, which, as a literature student was really interesting. Molly is swamped with wedding preparations for both her friend Daisy and her great-aunt Violet as well as a Shakespeare event on the estate of her aristocratic boyfriend’s family This was a quick read with enjoyable characters. For an amateur sleuth, Molly is maybe a bit too eager in her decisions to investigate the murder but her actions never really go too far from just being nosy and putting things together.
Thanks NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Author Elizabeth Penney for the advanced copy of "Vows and Villainy" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MinotaurBooks
#ElizabethPenney
#VowsandVillainy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent
✍🏻Elizabeth Penney
Blurb:
Vows and Villainy is the fifth book in Elizabeth Penney's delightful Cambridge Bookshop series set in Cambridge, England, where celebrations are about to commence.
It’s wedding season in Cambridge, and Molly Kimball is thrilled that it's almost time for her best friend's special day. With the help of her boyfriend Kieran Scott, she is determined to be the best maid of honor for Daisy and Tim. Daisy’s heart is set upon a Shakespeare-themed wedding to be held at Hazelhurst House, Kieran’s family’s home. The Scotts are also hosting a Shakespeare troupe for the summer, and the actors have kindly agreed to be part of the festivities.
But all goes awry with the discovery of Sir Jordan Peck, a famous actor with a checkered past and present-day misdeeds, floating dead in the moat with flowers strewn around him, à la Ophelia. When Kieran’s brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies keep piling up.
Can Molly solve the murders before Daisy and Tim say “I do”?
My Thoughts:
The story opens right into it: the body is discovered right in the first line. Yet another murder case fell right into Molly's lap, only a few weeks before her best friend's wedding and in the gardens of her boyfriend's parent's old mansion. It's all very Shakespearian, and along the story we see some sonnets intertwined with the plot. Lots and lots of Shakespeare references, which, as a literature student was really interesting. Molly is swamped with wedding preparations for both her friend Daisy and her great-aunt Violet as well as a Shakespeare event on the estate of her aristocratic boyfriend’s family This was a quick read with enjoyable characters. For an amateur sleuth, Molly is maybe a bit too eager in her decisions to investigate the murder but her actions never really go too far from just being nosy and putting things together.
Thanks NetGalley, Minotaur Books and Author Elizabeth Penney for the advanced copy of "Vows and Villainy" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#MinotaurBooks
#ElizabethPenney
#VowsandVillainy
⭐️⭐️⭐️
⚠️Trigger Warnings: Bullying, Death, Emotional abuse, Death of parent
November 27, 2025
5/5 stars: This is Penney's fifth entry in the Cambridge Bookshop Series which is a British Literary Cozy Mystery that's set in Cambridge, England. Featuring an American librarian who works at her family's ancestral English bookshop with her British mother and great-aunt as she finds herself turning sleuth to clear her boyfriend's brother in a famous Shakespearean actor's drowning death. She'll have to juggle maid of honor duties for her best friend's impending wedding and investigating the many suspects which includes a visiting Shakespeare troupe, family and friends if she's going to uncover the ugly truth behind the crime before more bodies pile up and it's time for the I do's.
With plenty of twists and turns, Penney has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Penney's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.
• Features two summertime weddings including one that's Shakespeare-themed.
• For Animal Lovers: There are two great cats – the MC's frisky black stray and her great-aunt's stately tabby.
Penney touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Chapter and Curse.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
With plenty of twists and turns, Penney has masterfully crafted a mystery that deftly balances the suspects, clues and red herrings and will leave you pondering the whodunit until the final reveal. Heartfelt and humorous, Penney's writing and character work are brilliant; the characters are well-rounded and complex while remaining incredibly likable with a secondary cast that are well crafted and uniquely voiced.
• Features two summertime weddings including one that's Shakespeare-themed.
• For Animal Lovers: There are two great cats – the MC's frisky black stray and her great-aunt's stately tabby.
Penney touches on some serious subjects; so take care and check the CWs. While you could read this as a stand-alone, you'll gain so much more by reading the series from the beginning; so be sure to pick up book one, Chapter and Curse.
I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.
November 22, 2025
Vows and Villainy is the 5th book in Elizabeth Penney's Cambridge Bookshop series and it is a good addition to the series. Molly Kimball co-owns the family bookstore with her Great Aunt Violet and her mum in Cambridge, England. Molly is dating Kieran Scott. Molly's Aunt Violet and best friend Daisy are both getting married a week apart. Molly is busy with both weddings and working in the library at Hazelhurst House, Kieran's family's majestic home. There is a Shakespeare troupe staying there who are putting on plays and will perform at Daisy and Tim's wedding. One of the troupe members ends up dead in the moat on page 1! Kieran's brother Alan is home and has a part in one of the plays along with his girlfriend Gemma. Alan and the members of the troupe are the suspects. There are secrets and lies Molly and friends have to sort through to find the culprit. The relationship between Molly and Kieran is sweet and they are serious. Kieran's parents Lord Graham and Lady Asha are supportive and encouraging.
The clues and suspects are mentioned frequently so If you read in increments, this makes it easy and if you read quickly, it may be repetitive. The culprit isn't a surprise but I wasn't sure until near the end. The family relationships, friendships and romance make this an enjoyable cozy mystery. I really like this series and I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Minotaur Books and I voluntarily leave this review.
#VowsAndVillainy #TheCambridgeBookshop #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
The clues and suspects are mentioned frequently so If you read in increments, this makes it easy and if you read quickly, it may be repetitive. The culprit isn't a surprise but I wasn't sure until near the end. The family relationships, friendships and romance make this an enjoyable cozy mystery. I really like this series and I look forward to the next book. I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Minotaur Books and I voluntarily leave this review.
#VowsAndVillainy #TheCambridgeBookshop #MinotaurBooks #NetGalley
November 6, 2025
The fifth Cambridge Bookshop mystery is filled with weddings. Molly is helping her friend Daisy as her wedding date nears. Daisy has her heart set on a Shakespearean wedding set at Hazelhurst House which is Molly's boyfriend Kieran's family home. Molly has been working on organizing the library and pulling out some books by and about Shakespeare to make a display at the wedding.
Hazelhurst House is also hosting an acting troupe who will take part in the festivities. Molly is distressed when she finds the lead actor Sir Nigel Peck floating in the moat surrounded by flowers. She is even more distressed when it looks like Kieran's older brother is the prime suspect. Molly has to clear Alan and solve the murder before Daisy's wedding day.
There are lots of suspects since it turns out the Sir Nigel wasn't a very nice guy. He is being sued for causing so much emotional distress at the acting school where he taught that one of his students committed suicide.
Meanwhile, Molly's beloved great-aunt Violet is also soon to be married to Sir Jon, a man she has loved since they met in college. However, Sir Jon's 90-something year old mother isn't at all pleased with the upcoming wedding which is distressing Violet.
And among all the detecting and romances, it seems like Kieran is trying to ask Molly something but something always seems to be getting in his way.
This was an engaging cozy with a wonderful Cambridge setting.
Hazelhurst House is also hosting an acting troupe who will take part in the festivities. Molly is distressed when she finds the lead actor Sir Nigel Peck floating in the moat surrounded by flowers. She is even more distressed when it looks like Kieran's older brother is the prime suspect. Molly has to clear Alan and solve the murder before Daisy's wedding day.
There are lots of suspects since it turns out the Sir Nigel wasn't a very nice guy. He is being sued for causing so much emotional distress at the acting school where he taught that one of his students committed suicide.
Meanwhile, Molly's beloved great-aunt Violet is also soon to be married to Sir Jon, a man she has loved since they met in college. However, Sir Jon's 90-something year old mother isn't at all pleased with the upcoming wedding which is distressing Violet.
And among all the detecting and romances, it seems like Kieran is trying to ask Molly something but something always seems to be getting in his way.
This was an engaging cozy with a wonderful Cambridge setting.
December 4, 2025
"Vows and Villainy" is book #5 in "The Cambridge Bookshop" series by Elizabeth Penney.
Molly, family and friends are busy preparing for two weddings, but before the vows can be exchanged, the body of actor Sir Nigel Peck is discovered in the moat at Hazelhurst House. When Alan Scott (the brother of Molly's boyfriend Kieran) becomes a top suspect, she and her friends set out to find the truth.
Disturbing information about Peck's professional and personal behaviour most likely lead to his death. The entire cast of the Shakespearian cast - who are performing works of the Bard at the estate over the summer - are suspects. Being actors, it's hard to tell who is telling the truth and of course each of them is keeping secrets of their own.
As well as the murder, there is a delicate situation for Aunt Violet and Sir Jon to deal with before their wedding. His 95 year old mother does not approve! What are the seventy-something couple to do?
As the works of Shakespeare are a part of the plot there are quite a few references to various quotes, characters and sonnets. I've never read any of his works but have a vague knowledge of some of the more famous quotes. I may have missed a few of the implied references but it didn't hinder me from following the overall story.
I do enjoy this series. The core characters, their dialogue and relationships feel realistic. It's easy to immerse myself in the setting and the story.
A very entertaining cozy mystery!
Molly, family and friends are busy preparing for two weddings, but before the vows can be exchanged, the body of actor Sir Nigel Peck is discovered in the moat at Hazelhurst House. When Alan Scott (the brother of Molly's boyfriend Kieran) becomes a top suspect, she and her friends set out to find the truth.
Disturbing information about Peck's professional and personal behaviour most likely lead to his death. The entire cast of the Shakespearian cast - who are performing works of the Bard at the estate over the summer - are suspects. Being actors, it's hard to tell who is telling the truth and of course each of them is keeping secrets of their own.
As well as the murder, there is a delicate situation for Aunt Violet and Sir Jon to deal with before their wedding. His 95 year old mother does not approve! What are the seventy-something couple to do?
As the works of Shakespeare are a part of the plot there are quite a few references to various quotes, characters and sonnets. I've never read any of his works but have a vague knowledge of some of the more famous quotes. I may have missed a few of the implied references but it didn't hinder me from following the overall story.
I do enjoy this series. The core characters, their dialogue and relationships feel realistic. It's easy to immerse myself in the setting and the story.
A very entertaining cozy mystery!
December 10, 2025
I just finished Vows and Villainy… by Elizabeth Penney and here are my musings.
Molly Kimball is excited for her best friend to be getting married and she will be the best maid of honor ever! Things start to go awry when Sir Nigel Peck, a famous actor, is found dead in the moat with flowers around him… Can Molly figure out who killed him and save the wedding?
This is book 5 in the cambridge bookshop series and my first toe dipping into the world and it was a wonderful standalone book. I adore cozy mysteries and this one was so much fun.
Not only is there a wedding.. The Shakespeare troupe is staying there too and are performing at the wedding and that was so exciting until one of them ended up dead!
Molly has to figure out who did it and save the wedding and honestly the clues were there and it was easy to pick up. I loved Molly and I would definitely pick up more in this series.
The writing was lovely and it was a quick and fun read! I think the characters were my favourite part and the cute romances… SIGH!!
If you like cozy mysteries, give the Cambridge Bookshop series a go!
4 stars
Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
I voluntarily leave this review.
#VowsAndVillainy #TheCambridgeBookshop #smpearlyreaders #NetGalley #bookreview
Molly Kimball is excited for her best friend to be getting married and she will be the best maid of honor ever! Things start to go awry when Sir Nigel Peck, a famous actor, is found dead in the moat with flowers around him… Can Molly figure out who killed him and save the wedding?
This is book 5 in the cambridge bookshop series and my first toe dipping into the world and it was a wonderful standalone book. I adore cozy mysteries and this one was so much fun.
Not only is there a wedding.. The Shakespeare troupe is staying there too and are performing at the wedding and that was so exciting until one of them ended up dead!
Molly has to figure out who did it and save the wedding and honestly the clues were there and it was easy to pick up. I loved Molly and I would definitely pick up more in this series.
The writing was lovely and it was a quick and fun read! I think the characters were my favourite part and the cute romances… SIGH!!
If you like cozy mysteries, give the Cambridge Bookshop series a go!
4 stars
Thank you to @stmartinspress for my gifted copy
I voluntarily leave this review.
#VowsAndVillainy #TheCambridgeBookshop #smpearlyreaders #NetGalley #bookreview
December 22, 2025
I enjoyed this book and it's from one of my favorite series. It's one of the few I pre-order once I find it's available.
There is a lot going on in this one. Weddings, Shakespeare company at the manor house, a suspicious death, text threats, and a whole lot of suspects. It was a teensy bit too intricate and involved or it might have been just me trying to read this during a busy time in my life. I will go back and re-read and I'll keep better track of characters and occurrences.
I do like the main body of characters and that tends to be what keeps me coming back to a series and/or an author. I like that the main character, Molly, has the ear of the local police and they basically just tell her to be careful as they know she's going to involve herself anyway. As is the wont of most cozy/amateur sleuth characters. The two types of relationships between the main character and the police are either hostile of the part of the police or acquiescence. This one is the latter.
I should have saved this for when I could read on the back patio instead of while my husband was watching football and I read so we can hang out together. He likes to keep up a running commentary of the game and I get sidetracked and my listening filter gets fuzzy. This one needed a bit more attention to detail.
Still enjoyable and I can definitely recommend the book, series and author.
There is a lot going on in this one. Weddings, Shakespeare company at the manor house, a suspicious death, text threats, and a whole lot of suspects. It was a teensy bit too intricate and involved or it might have been just me trying to read this during a busy time in my life. I will go back and re-read and I'll keep better track of characters and occurrences.
I do like the main body of characters and that tends to be what keeps me coming back to a series and/or an author. I like that the main character, Molly, has the ear of the local police and they basically just tell her to be careful as they know she's going to involve herself anyway. As is the wont of most cozy/amateur sleuth characters. The two types of relationships between the main character and the police are either hostile of the part of the police or acquiescence. This one is the latter.
I should have saved this for when I could read on the back patio instead of while my husband was watching football and I read so we can hang out together. He likes to keep up a running commentary of the game and I get sidetracked and my listening filter gets fuzzy. This one needed a bit more attention to detail.
Still enjoyable and I can definitely recommend the book, series and author.
November 23, 2025
I really enjoy the Cambridge Bookshop series. Molly is really finding her place in England, she, her Mom, and her great aunt make a wonderful team. She has made great friends with Daisy, Kieran and Tim, and Kieran family has accepted their relationship and have asked for her help in their library and with displays of their Shakespeare collection to tie in with a Shakespeare troupe preforming at the Castle over the summer and for Daisy's themed wedding. Unfortunately, the famous actor that leads the troupe is found floating in the moat, and with closer examination, it appears he wasn't a very good person. There is a lot going on here, Kieran's brother becomes a suspect and while Molly wants to help figure out what's going on, she also has Aunt Violet's and Daisy's weddings only one week apart. This adventure will definitely keep you moving, maybe a little too much is going on at times, but there are a lot of happy times that balance the murder investigation. I can't wait to see what comes next for all these lovable characters. Thanks to #Netgalley, #Minotaur, and the author for an opportunity to read! #Vows and Villainy #CambridgeBookshopMysteries #ElizabethPenney #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreader
October 20, 2025
Molly, a Vermont transplant now running her family’s bookshop in Cambridge, England with her mother and great-aunt, is looking forward to her best friend Daisy’s Shakespearean themed wedding at Hazelhurst House, the ancestral home of Molly’s boyfriend Kieran. But their plans get complicated when a body is found floating in the moat, and Molly must find the murderer before the flutes, lutes and banners announce the bride’s approach.
Penney’s fifth installment in the Cambridge Bookshop series centers around the wedding plans and a troupe of Shakespearean actors who are staying at Hazelhurst house for the summer. While all of the usual characters are involved, we get to know Daisy’s mother better, as well as Kieran’s mother, Lady Asha. The bookshop is relegated to only a few scenes, but Penney’s descriptions of Hazelhurst house (and its rare book collection) and the nearby village are probably sufficient for fans who came for the bookshop.
Vows and Villainy is a fun read especially for fans of Renaissance festivals and doesn’t require reading the four preceding books.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance review copy.
Penney’s fifth installment in the Cambridge Bookshop series centers around the wedding plans and a troupe of Shakespearean actors who are staying at Hazelhurst house for the summer. While all of the usual characters are involved, we get to know Daisy’s mother better, as well as Kieran’s mother, Lady Asha. The bookshop is relegated to only a few scenes, but Penney’s descriptions of Hazelhurst house (and its rare book collection) and the nearby village are probably sufficient for fans who came for the bookshop.
Vows and Villainy is a fun read especially for fans of Renaissance festivals and doesn’t require reading the four preceding books.
Thank you to Minotaur Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance review copy.
November 15, 2025
Transplanted from Vermont, Cambridge bookseller Molly Kimball is excited to be helping her best friend Daisy plan her wedding at Hazelhurst House manor, the ancestral home of Molly's boyfriend Kieran. Daisy wants a Shakespeare theme and Molly is having great fun pulling things together, including a troupe of players who'll perform a Shakespeare work. At nearly the same time and place, Molly's long widowed septuagenarian aunt will be marrying a man she's known for some time.
Things seem to be going well when one of the cast members is found murdered in the moat, making things extremely complicated. Red herrings and plot twists abound and it's a great read.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected review e-proof from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Nov 25, 2025
#vowsandvillainy by @elizabethpenneyauthor #TheCambridgeBookshopBk5 @stmartinspress @minotaur_books @Netgalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial ***** Review #thestorygraph #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #bookshop_org_ca #rivalry #secrets #lies #friendship #witty #contemporary #familydynamics #england #bookseller #amateursleuth #murderinvestigation #lawenforcement #cozycrime
Things seem to be going well when one of the cast members is found murdered in the moat, making things extremely complicated. Red herrings and plot twists abound and it's a great read.
I requested and received a temporary uncorrected review e-proof from St. Martin's Press | Minotaur Books via NetGalley. Pub Date Nov 25, 2025
#vowsandvillainy by @elizabethpenneyauthor #TheCambridgeBookshopBk5 @stmartinspress @minotaur_books @Netgalley @goodreads @bookbub @librarythingofficial ***** Review #thestorygraph #bookshop_org #bookshop_org_uk #bookshop_org_ca #rivalry #secrets #lies #friendship #witty #contemporary #familydynamics #england #bookseller #amateursleuth #murderinvestigation #lawenforcement #cozycrime
November 28, 2025
This book was a lot of fun to read and kept readers guessing with the whodunit. I enjoy visiting this Cambridge bookshop and own all the books. My one disappointment is that while we get a lovely description of what is to be Daisy's wedding, the book ends before we see the final product. I wanted to see how all the Shakespeare themes played out.
Molly is doing double duty, working at the bookshop and also the library at Hawthorne House, her boyfriend's family's estate. She is excited because there is a Shakespeare troupe rehearsing at the home for plays to be put on later in the summer and her BFF Daisy's wedding, to be at the same venue, is coming up. A wrench in their plans is one of the troupe's leading members is murdered (on the first page no less!) and Molly fears this will cast a pall over Daisy's wedding.
I liked that the author gave us reasons to suspect the lot of the troupe and the few others tossed in there for extra red herrings. As I said, I was disappointed we didn't get to see Daisy's wedding but I still enjoyed the story. I look forward to more books in this series.
My thanks to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this ARC.
Molly is doing double duty, working at the bookshop and also the library at Hawthorne House, her boyfriend's family's estate. She is excited because there is a Shakespeare troupe rehearsing at the home for plays to be put on later in the summer and her BFF Daisy's wedding, to be at the same venue, is coming up. A wrench in their plans is one of the troupe's leading members is murdered (on the first page no less!) and Molly fears this will cast a pall over Daisy's wedding.
I liked that the author gave us reasons to suspect the lot of the troupe and the few others tossed in there for extra red herrings. As I said, I was disappointed we didn't get to see Daisy's wedding but I still enjoyed the story. I look forward to more books in this series.
My thanks to Minotaur Books and Netgalley for this ARC.
November 26, 2025
Molly is swamped with wedding preparations for both her friend Daisy and her great-aunt Violet as well as a Shakespeare event on the estate of her aristocratic boyfriend’s family. As if everyone was not stressed and busy enough, one of the actors is murdered, found floating in the castle moat. Molly turns some of her focus from wedding prep to murder as she investigates mysterious accidents to the actors and threatening texts to several people, including herself.
This was a quick read with enjoyable characters. For an amateur sleuth, Molly is maybe a bit too eager in her decisions to investigate the murder but her actions never really go too far from just being nosy and putting things together. There were several viable suspects for the murder and though the culprit made sense the motive was a bit flimsy.
I enjoy the setting and the characters, even those who are not the main focus are fully formed and interesting. I look forward to more entries in this series. Recommended.
This was a quick read with enjoyable characters. For an amateur sleuth, Molly is maybe a bit too eager in her decisions to investigate the murder but her actions never really go too far from just being nosy and putting things together. There were several viable suspects for the murder and though the culprit made sense the motive was a bit flimsy.
I enjoy the setting and the characters, even those who are not the main focus are fully formed and interesting. I look forward to more entries in this series. Recommended.
December 12, 2025
It’s summer and both Daisy and Aunt Violet are marrying their true loves Tim and Sir Jon.
Molly spends a good amount of time at Kieran’s home Hazelhurst. This summer a troupe of actors is going to perform Shakespeare on the grounds.
The book has additional glimpses into Lady Asha’s personality.
There is plenty of excitement when the lead actor dies and is found in the moat. Molly wants the case solved before Daisy’s wedding.
The mystery is a good one. It did seem to drag a little for me. I’m not sure if it was the drama surrounding the actors or if I just didn’t enjoy all the added Shakespeare bits like I did the books used in other parts of the series. It could also have been that the book released as winter is settling in, and I kept forgetting that it was summer in the book.
This is a lovely book that advances the storyline of the series. I think it will be enjoyed by a large audience.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read the book.
Molly spends a good amount of time at Kieran’s home Hazelhurst. This summer a troupe of actors is going to perform Shakespeare on the grounds.
The book has additional glimpses into Lady Asha’s personality.
There is plenty of excitement when the lead actor dies and is found in the moat. Molly wants the case solved before Daisy’s wedding.
The mystery is a good one. It did seem to drag a little for me. I’m not sure if it was the drama surrounding the actors or if I just didn’t enjoy all the added Shakespeare bits like I did the books used in other parts of the series. It could also have been that the book released as winter is settling in, and I kept forgetting that it was summer in the book.
This is a lovely book that advances the storyline of the series. I think it will be enjoyed by a large audience.
Thanks to Netgalley and St. Martin’s Press for the opportunity to read the book.
September 24, 2025
Vows and Villainy by Elizabeth Penney
This book is the latest Cambridge Bookshop mystery by Elizabet Penney. I really enjoy this series and this book did not disappoint. This entry into the series is mostly set at Hazelwood House where Molly’s boyfriend’s wealthy and titled family reside. There are two weddings and a Shakespeare play and troupe in this book and it was so much to read about all of them. The weddings were wonderful and thankfully the murder did not detract from either event. The murder was a challenge to figure out, but finally Molly’s nosiness and ability to work with the police paid off and there were many happy endings. The ending of the book was wonderful and now I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
This book is the latest Cambridge Bookshop mystery by Elizabet Penney. I really enjoy this series and this book did not disappoint. This entry into the series is mostly set at Hazelwood House where Molly’s boyfriend’s wealthy and titled family reside. There are two weddings and a Shakespeare play and troupe in this book and it was so much to read about all of them. The weddings were wonderful and thankfully the murder did not detract from either event. The murder was a challenge to figure out, but finally Molly’s nosiness and ability to work with the police paid off and there were many happy endings. The ending of the book was wonderful and now I am eagerly awaiting the next book!
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for allowing me to read this book. All opinions are my own.
October 1, 2025
Molly Kimball never expected to stumble into another murder, especially with her great-aunt Violet’s wedding and her best friend Daisy’s big day just around the corner. But when she discovers a body at Hazelhurst House, boyfriend Kieran Scott’s family estate, things quickly turn personal. A witness implicates Kieran’s older brother, Alan, as n the murder, and Molly can’t resist digging into the truth.
This continues to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The characters grow and change with each book, and the balance of mystery, romance, and small-town charm makes it a joy to read. With its strong cast and engaging plots, I can easily see this series continuing for many books to come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
This continues to be one of my favorite cozy mystery series. The characters grow and change with each book, and the balance of mystery, romance, and small-town charm makes it a joy to read. With its strong cast and engaging plots, I can easily see this series continuing for many books to come.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 10, 2025
Daisy is getting married and the Shakespeare troupe staying at the manor house will also perform at the wedding. But when the head of the troupe is found murdered, Molly finds herself purring on ye olde sleuthing hat once again. After all, it’s Kieran’s family home and his brother is on the suspect list. But will she survive or will she exit stage left with help from the murderer?
I have been reading this series from the very beginning and each entry has been awesome! An American in Cambridge? Perfect! Two cute kitties? Purrfect! A mystery worthy of The Bard? Most excellent! Each entry reads fine as a stand alone, so if this is your first time seeing the series, delve on in! But be sure to order the previous four books…you’re going to want to read them next!
I have been reading this series from the very beginning and each entry has been awesome! An American in Cambridge? Perfect! Two cute kitties? Purrfect! A mystery worthy of The Bard? Most excellent! Each entry reads fine as a stand alone, so if this is your first time seeing the series, delve on in! But be sure to order the previous four books…you’re going to want to read them next!
November 13, 2025
What is it about weddings that inspires villains? Molly and her love interest Kiernan are helping out their pals Daisy and Tim, who are planning a wedding with a Shakespeare theme and who are thrilled that a troupe of actors are going to be there as well. Happy that is, until one of the actors is found floating. Of course Sir Jordan Peck was odious but murder? Of course Kiernan's brother wasn't the killer but who was? This latest in the series (fine as a standalone) sees us back in Cambridge with this intrepid crew of amateurs working their way through a classic cozy mystery with good red herrings. I like the characters and have been pleased to see them grow. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. A fun read that's just twisty enough.
December 2, 2025
Main character Molly Kimball is gearing up for her best friend Daisy's wedding at the home of Molly's boyfriend Keiran's family home, with a Shakespeare theme for the event. When a famous actor, Sir Nigel Peck, is found dead, much like the character Ophelia, Molly starts to investigate not only the death of the actor, but a past that has many suspects
Penney's writing flows nicely, and she doesn't have filler in her books for the most part. The murder occurring during the first several pages is wonderful and gets straight to the action.
For an in-depth review, go to my blog. Follow and subscribe to my page! https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
Penney's writing flows nicely, and she doesn't have filler in her books for the most part. The murder occurring during the first several pages is wonderful and gets straight to the action.
For an in-depth review, go to my blog. Follow and subscribe to my page! https://lancewrites.wordpress.com/202...
January 9, 2026
Thank you for the book!
I really enjoyed this book about Molly who lived in Vermont lost her dad. Her and her mom move to England to help her G-Aunt Viola with a bookstore. Molly met relatives and good friends. She also helps with their weddings along with solving murders.
Molly is helping with Aunt Viola's wedding to Sir Jon and also helping Daisy and Tim, her friend with their wedding. A murder happens at an estate of her future in-laws. She hopes to get it solved before Daisy's wedding. While helping run a bookstore, plan two weddings, she solves this murder.
Molly pays attention to small details. She also gets engaged to her Kieran.
Loved this book. Will recommend to others.
I really enjoyed this book about Molly who lived in Vermont lost her dad. Her and her mom move to England to help her G-Aunt Viola with a bookstore. Molly met relatives and good friends. She also helps with their weddings along with solving murders.
Molly is helping with Aunt Viola's wedding to Sir Jon and also helping Daisy and Tim, her friend with their wedding. A murder happens at an estate of her future in-laws. She hopes to get it solved before Daisy's wedding. While helping run a bookstore, plan two weddings, she solves this murder.
Molly pays attention to small details. She also gets engaged to her Kieran.
Loved this book. Will recommend to others.
January 2, 2026
A sub-par entry as far as mystery and plotting. The mystery was in part a throw-away, with more space devoted to weddings and (obvious) proposals in the offing. I was dissatisfied not only with the solution, but the way an obnoxious character seemed to be absolved at the end and clues that went nowhere, along with too-pat solutions to other problems. I have always disliked the "Mary Sue" label, being old enough to remember when it was coined in fandom, but Molly is prime Mary Sue material. On the plus side was the Shakespeare references and quotations. If this is the last in the series, I won't be disappointed.
August 24, 2025
Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley, St. Martin's Press and Minotaur Books.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Wedding season is in the air and Molly’s best friend s about to tie the knot. She is busy trying to make things run smoothly as maid of honor. Things take a deadly turn when a Shakespearean actor is found dead n a pool of flowers looking like Ophelia. Will Molly solve the case before her friend says I do? It will be one murder not to be missed.
I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.
Wedding season is in the air and Molly’s best friend s about to tie the knot. She is busy trying to make things run smoothly as maid of honor. Things take a deadly turn when a Shakespearean actor is found dead n a pool of flowers looking like Ophelia. Will Molly solve the case before her friend says I do? It will be one murder not to be missed.
August 27, 2025
Vintage bookstore owner Molly Kimball has her hands full helping her best friend plan a Shakespeare=themed wedding complete with a performing troupe of actors. Unfortunately one of the actors is found floating in the moat surrounded by flowers, ala Ophelia. But who has killed the lead actor Sir Nigel Peck. There was not much love lost for Nigel and there are any number of suspects including several actors and the brother of Molly's boyfriend. Filled with many Shakespeare references and some sonnets, this is an charming homage to the Bard.
November 12, 2025
Molly’s aunt and best friend are both getting married, just a week apart. But the book opens with a murder, so you know there’s trouble and Molly wants the murder solved before the weddings. The victim is one of the leaders of a theatre troupe that is going to perform at the manor of Molly’s boyfriend’s family. It turns out that he was a thoroughly despicable person, so suspects and reasons are plentiful.
I enjoy this series and Vows and Villainy ends with a wonderfully warm, romantic, happy feeling.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
I enjoy this series and Vows and Villainy ends with a wonderfully warm, romantic, happy feeling.
Thanks to St. Martin’s Press and NetGalley for the ARC.
November 25, 2025
It was good to get back to Cambridge and visit with Molly and her family and friends. She and Kieran had been growing closer and closer as each book progressed, and I wasn’t disappointed with this book either! The mystery was a good one with an exciting showdown. I loved what happened to the perp—served them right, lol. After what happened right before the wedding, I’m eager for the next book in the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur, and my opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by St. Martin/Minotaur, and my opinions are my own.
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