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The Bookshop Mysteries #5
The Bookshop Mysteries: A Woman in the Weir: A Small Town Cozy Mystery
Beneath the waters of the River Derwent lies a terrible secret. When the submerged body of a woman is discovered, it opens an investigation full of old grudges and dangerous truths. Can Gemma and her friends find the killer and bring calm back to their local town of Belper?
Gemma Curtis’s morning at the Bookworm Bookshop and Café is abruptly interrupted when a group of young boys stumble upon a body at the Belper River Gardens. But the long-submerged remains offer few clues to a possible identity. Drawn into the case as a freelance consultant to the police, Gemma once again teams up with her friend Mavis and her partner, Detective Inspector David Haynes, to find the killer.
As the investigation deepens, Gemma must follow a trail of lies and deception to expose a killer desperate to keep the past submerged, all while under scrutiny from the local and national press, and an army of armchair sleuths and internet detectives.
Set in the charming Derbyshire town of Belper, The Bookshop Mysteries - A Woman in the Weir is perfect for fans of Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton. This gripping new mystery in The Bookshop Mysteries series delivers sharp wit, layered characters, and a twist you won’t see coming.
Gemma Curtis’s morning at the Bookworm Bookshop and Café is abruptly interrupted when a group of young boys stumble upon a body at the Belper River Gardens. But the long-submerged remains offer few clues to a possible identity. Drawn into the case as a freelance consultant to the police, Gemma once again teams up with her friend Mavis and her partner, Detective Inspector David Haynes, to find the killer.
As the investigation deepens, Gemma must follow a trail of lies and deception to expose a killer desperate to keep the past submerged, all while under scrutiny from the local and national press, and an army of armchair sleuths and internet detectives.
Set in the charming Derbyshire town of Belper, The Bookshop Mysteries - A Woman in the Weir is perfect for fans of Richard Osman and M.C. Beaton. This gripping new mystery in The Bookshop Mysteries series delivers sharp wit, layered characters, and a twist you won’t see coming.
- GenresMystery
382 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 2, 2026
92 people are currently reading
61 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews
January 14, 2026
In this compelling portion of the series, Gemma and her friend Mavis find themselves once again at the center of a murder investigation in the quiet town of Belper. The discovery of Lavender’s body, buried for two years comes as a shock to the community, and especially to her friends and family. Previously, Lavender had been assumed to have traveled to Portugal, a belief seemingly reinforced by social media posts featuring images from locations she was thought to have visited. As the truth comes to light, this digital snippets complicate the story and deepen the mystery.
Emotionally, the book maintains a careful balance. Considering its focus on a cold case murder, much of the scenes are understandably somber and tense. However, S.A. Reeves mitigates the weight of these dark episodes by interweaving lighter moments. The subplot that involves Lily’s success in writing and publishing her own book, leading to a book launch event at the Bookworm Bookshop, provides a refreshing break from the low moments. This contrast enriches the reader’s experience by providing a broader look at the sense of community beyond the crime itself.
A WOMAN IN THE WEIR is a book that encourages the reader to read further. It is ideal for people who enjoy well-paced suspense and character-driven investigation!
Emotionally, the book maintains a careful balance. Considering its focus on a cold case murder, much of the scenes are understandably somber and tense. However, S.A. Reeves mitigates the weight of these dark episodes by interweaving lighter moments. The subplot that involves Lily’s success in writing and publishing her own book, leading to a book launch event at the Bookworm Bookshop, provides a refreshing break from the low moments. This contrast enriches the reader’s experience by providing a broader look at the sense of community beyond the crime itself.
A WOMAN IN THE WEIR is a book that encourages the reader to read further. It is ideal for people who enjoy well-paced suspense and character-driven investigation!
January 7, 2026
A Woman in the Weir is a wonderfully crafted cozy mystery that blends classic whodunit elements with modern sensibilities and a strong sense of place. Reeves does an excellent job using the charming setting of Belper to contrast with the darkness of the crime, creating a story that feels both comforting and suspenseful at the same time.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is how it respects mystery readers. The author leaves behind clever clues and breadcrumbs that attentive readers can catch, making the investigation feel interactive and rewarding rather than purely passive. The pacing is tight, the twists are well-placed, and the final revelations feel earned rather than forced.
Gemma is a likable and engaging protagonist, and the supporting cast, especially Mavis and Detective Haynes. add warmth, humor, and depth to the story. The character dynamics make this feel like a series you want to continue with, not just a one-off mystery.
This is an excellent choice for readers who are new to murder mysteries, younger adult readers, or anyone who enjoys smart, character-driven cozy crime with real stakes.
One of the biggest strengths of this book is how it respects mystery readers. The author leaves behind clever clues and breadcrumbs that attentive readers can catch, making the investigation feel interactive and rewarding rather than purely passive. The pacing is tight, the twists are well-placed, and the final revelations feel earned rather than forced.
Gemma is a likable and engaging protagonist, and the supporting cast, especially Mavis and Detective Haynes. add warmth, humor, and depth to the story. The character dynamics make this feel like a series you want to continue with, not just a one-off mystery.
This is an excellent choice for readers who are new to murder mysteries, younger adult readers, or anyone who enjoys smart, character-driven cozy crime with real stakes.
January 19, 2026
"A Woman in the Weir" is book #5 in "The Bookshop Mysteries" by S.A. Reeves.
The discovery a body at the Belper River Gardens leads Gemma and Mavis on a twisted trail to uncover what really happened to the victim and who may have been responsible. As with past cases, DI David Haynes brings the pair in as civilian consultants. Abuse, manipulation, lies and hidden agendas all play into the plot.
The suspect pool wasn't that large but it was easy to get swayed into believing one motive over others before all the facts were in. I had to remind myself that it couldn't be that easy and to keep an open mind. Actions of some characters were completely beyond reason but it all played into the overall case before a dramatic confrontation.
As well as the murder case, Lily is a bit nervous as she is about to launch her first novel. Mavis is missing her friend Barry who is on holiday with his granddaughter so she turns to a surprising source for companionship in his absence! Gemma and David continue to grow closer.
Overall, an interesting cozy mystery.
The discovery a body at the Belper River Gardens leads Gemma and Mavis on a twisted trail to uncover what really happened to the victim and who may have been responsible. As with past cases, DI David Haynes brings the pair in as civilian consultants. Abuse, manipulation, lies and hidden agendas all play into the plot.
The suspect pool wasn't that large but it was easy to get swayed into believing one motive over others before all the facts were in. I had to remind myself that it couldn't be that easy and to keep an open mind. Actions of some characters were completely beyond reason but it all played into the overall case before a dramatic confrontation.
As well as the murder case, Lily is a bit nervous as she is about to launch her first novel. Mavis is missing her friend Barry who is on holiday with his granddaughter so she turns to a surprising source for companionship in his absence! Gemma and David continue to grow closer.
Overall, an interesting cozy mystery.
January 25, 2026
A WOMAN IN THE WEIR by S.A. Reeves is a cozy mystery that mixes the charm of a classic whodunit with modern style and a strong sense of place. The story takes place in Belper, a quiet town where the calm setting makes the mystery feel tenser without becoming too dark or graphic.
The book’s strength lies in how it treats mystery fans with respect. It offers smart clues and surprising twists that make the reader feel involved in solving the case. The pace stays steady, and each reveal feels deserved, keeping the reader interested from beginning to end.
The main character, Gemma, is friendly and engaging. Her partnership with Mavis brings warmth, humor, and heart to the story. The other characters also help build a welcoming community that makes the series easy to enjoy and follow.
As the fifth book in the Bookshop Mysteries series, it is a fun and immersive read. It is perfect for cozy crime fans, new mystery readers, and anyone who likes suspense driven by strong characters and charm.
The book’s strength lies in how it treats mystery fans with respect. It offers smart clues and surprising twists that make the reader feel involved in solving the case. The pace stays steady, and each reveal feels deserved, keeping the reader interested from beginning to end.
The main character, Gemma, is friendly and engaging. Her partnership with Mavis brings warmth, humor, and heart to the story. The other characters also help build a welcoming community that makes the series easy to enjoy and follow.
As the fifth book in the Bookshop Mysteries series, it is a fun and immersive read. It is perfect for cozy crime fans, new mystery readers, and anyone who likes suspense driven by strong characters and charm.
March 17, 2026
I recommend you read this series in order!!
This is a hard review to write because I really did enjoy each book and each quirky mystery.
However, there was a lot of “style repetition“. For instance, halfway through each book there would be a ringing of the bell at the front door of the bookstore and in walked a customer looking for a particular book. From there, the writer takes you through pages of what I would call “customer service“/Advertisement for other authors and book titles which had nothing to do with the storyline. I literally got so familiar with it that I would flip through those pages to where the story gets back on track.
Each book had a similar outline filled in with new storyline information.
That said, I did enjoy the series and think of ⭐️⭐️⭐️ as a positive review!
“To each their own…”
This is a hard review to write because I really did enjoy each book and each quirky mystery.
However, there was a lot of “style repetition“. For instance, halfway through each book there would be a ringing of the bell at the front door of the bookstore and in walked a customer looking for a particular book. From there, the writer takes you through pages of what I would call “customer service“/Advertisement for other authors and book titles which had nothing to do with the storyline. I literally got so familiar with it that I would flip through those pages to where the story gets back on track.
Each book had a similar outline filled in with new storyline information.
That said, I did enjoy the series and think of ⭐️⭐️⭐️ as a positive review!
“To each their own…”
January 7, 2026
SA Reeves' A Woman in the Weir is a true gem for murder mystery fans. I appreciate how SA Reeves sprinkled in easter eggs for true murder mystery fans, citing several popular crime books from famous authors. Aside from that, this cozy mystery is quite engaging. After Gemma is brought unto a crime investigation as a "civilian consultant", she and Mavis go down a deep rabbit hole trying to find the culprit.
As usual, SA Reeves' novels are crime-ridden, but they make for very cozy reads. Although the events of the novel are dark, they don't lean into gore or vulgarity. In fact, this novel would probably make for an interesting read among young readers, as it's written to be very accessible to all ages. It's a fun mystery full of twists.
As usual, SA Reeves' novels are crime-ridden, but they make for very cozy reads. Although the events of the novel are dark, they don't lean into gore or vulgarity. In fact, this novel would probably make for an interesting read among young readers, as it's written to be very accessible to all ages. It's a fun mystery full of twists.
January 8, 2026
The bookshop mysteries are an amazing collection of books; get a lens into crime in the comfort of a cosy bookshop with a side of coffee shop.Gemma, the owner of the bookshop, has a great sense for solving murder mysteries, and with the help of Mavis, nothing can skip their attention.They, however, become so good at solving murder-related crimes, and this catches the eye of the town. They quickly become the best murder crime solvers in their little town.I really love how nostalgic this book feels. If you love small-town mysteries, then get yourself this collection. The pace of the book quickly captures you; before you know it, you're buying the next book in the series.
March 3, 2026
I think this is very good indeed. While there are credible elements of domestic violence, fraud, blackmail and bribery, any of which might lead to murder, the focus remains on detection and teamwork in the solving. It is, in that sense, firmly in the Golden Age tradition. On the other hand, its incorporation of AI is smooth and skilled, incorporating a well-integrated discussion and example of its limitations while demonstrating its capability. Reeves maintains pace and interest, with barely a wasted word. I found it hard to put down. It comes very close to a five star rating for me, about 4.9.
January 7, 2026
A Woman in the Weir is the 5th installment in the Bookshop Mysteries series, and author SA Reeves once again doesn’t disappoint. In this book, we follow Mavis and Gemma, the pair who run the Bookworm Bookstore, as they engage in another cozy mystery- this time investigating the murder of a young woman found at the bottom of a river.
Reeves delivered exactly what I thought they would- a fun mystery you can cozy up and get lost in, using the town of Belper as a beautiful backdrop that helps with the immersive experience. The Bookshop Mysteries series continues to go on strong.
Reeves delivered exactly what I thought they would- a fun mystery you can cozy up and get lost in, using the town of Belper as a beautiful backdrop that helps with the immersive experience. The Bookshop Mysteries series continues to go on strong.
January 8, 2026
One standout of A Woman in the Weir by SA Reeves is the teasers it leaves for mystery fans. Not only does Reeves follow all the tropes of a proper mystery novel, they leaves teasers, name-drops, and easter eggs for fans of other novels which inspired this one, showing that the author understands their target audience very well. The cozy vibe stays throughout the novel, though, unlike other mysteries which can become dark or unnecessarily violent, this book maintains a specific charm. I can see how mystery fans would love this.
January 11, 2026
A bookshop becomes a home for investigation of a murder mystery. This is after a young girl’s body is found and results show it was in water for two years. A lot of questions follow and David with the help of Gemma try to solve the puzzle by questioning everyone the young girl was with.
The book has really shown the importance of practicing one’s skill irregardless of their position in the society as Gemma helps in solving a murder case despite being a bookshop owner.
The book has been very captivating and the writter has really brought out each of the characters personality.
The book has really shown the importance of practicing one’s skill irregardless of their position in the society as Gemma helps in solving a murder case despite being a bookshop owner.
The book has been very captivating and the writter has really brought out each of the characters personality.
January 8, 2026
A Woman in the Weir is an exciting addition to the cozy mysteries series. SA Reeves returns, giving us a novel full of mystery, intrigue, and slight humor. Reeves successfully sprinkled in lines and novel names meant for hardcore mystery fans, adding a layer of fan service I don't often see in these types of books. After reading several of their novels, it's become evident that SA Reeves have their own peculiar style, perfect for families and long, immersive reads, and I'm here for it!
January 6, 2026
SA Reeves "A Woman in the Weir" is the 5th book in the Bookshop Mysteries series, and Reeves delivers a spectacular cozy mystery. Gemma and Mavis are re-introduced to readers, and the Bookworm bookshop and the town of Belper are quickly set, before Reeves slowly ramps up the story. It's a fun mystery with lots of twists and turns, suitable for all ages.
February 13, 2026
This was probably my favorite of the series so far. While I did guess the murderer fairly quickly, it still gave me the twists and turns to satisfy my hunger for a good story. I love how cozy it is, not only for a mystery, but the cozy relationships between the characters. Can’t wait to continue reading the series!
January 11, 2026
the mystery builds after the discovery of a body. The life of Lavender Webster is explained with family and boyfriends. near the end solving this mystery gets intense with each page
another enjoyable book in this series
another enjoyable book in this series
March 13, 2026
Excellent!
John Grisham, watch out!
S.A. Reeves has done it, again!
Another masterpiece. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
Very enjoyable mysteries, told without the need or use of inappropriate language.
John Grisham, watch out!
S.A. Reeves has done it, again!
Another masterpiece. Keep writing and I'll keep reading.
Very enjoyable mysteries, told without the need or use of inappropriate language.
January 4, 2026
Loved this book with its twists and turns
All the elements of a good cozy crime. Lots of twists and turns and a feel good factor at the end.
All the elements of a good cozy crime. Lots of twists and turns and a feel good factor at the end.
February 17, 2026
Fabulous Mystery
Best one yet in the series. Couldn’t stay away from the book and can’t wait for the next Belper mystery..
Best one yet in the series. Couldn’t stay away from the book and can’t wait for the next Belper mystery..
February 23, 2026
Great read! I really enjoyed it. Keeps you guessing till the end. A true cozy!
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March 14, 2026Great read
I read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down. If you like The Bookshop Mysteries then you won't be disappointed.
I read this in one sitting, couldn't put it down. If you like The Bookshop Mysteries then you won't be disappointed.
Displaying 1 - 20 of 20 reviews