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A Magical Bookshop Mystery #2
Prose and Cons
Magic, books, and cats collide in a village near Niagara Falls in the latest Magical Bookshop Mystery from the author of Crime and Poetry .
In Cascade Springs, New York, Violet Waverly and her grandma, Daisy, are the proprietors of Charming Books, where the power of the written word is positively enchanting...
October in Cascade Springs means tourists are pouring in for the annual Food and Wine Festival, and Daisy hopes to draw those crowds to the store. She asks Violet and the local writing group, the Red Inkers, to give a reading of the works of Edgar Allan Poe in the shop’s back garden to entertain the revelers. Everyone eagerly agrees.
Yet their enthusiasm is soon extinguished when Violet discovers one of the writers dead during the event. After the shop magically tells Violet she’ll need to rely on Poe’s works to solve the murder, she enlists the help of her trusty tuxedo cat, Emerson, and the shop’s crow, Faulkner. But they must act fast before someone else’s heart beats nevermore...
In Cascade Springs, New York, Violet Waverly and her grandma, Daisy, are the proprietors of Charming Books, where the power of the written word is positively enchanting...
October in Cascade Springs means tourists are pouring in for the annual Food and Wine Festival, and Daisy hopes to draw those crowds to the store. She asks Violet and the local writing group, the Red Inkers, to give a reading of the works of Edgar Allan Poe in the shop’s back garden to entertain the revelers. Everyone eagerly agrees.
Yet their enthusiasm is soon extinguished when Violet discovers one of the writers dead during the event. After the shop magically tells Violet she’ll need to rely on Poe’s works to solve the murder, she enlists the help of her trusty tuxedo cat, Emerson, and the shop’s crow, Faulkner. But they must act fast before someone else’s heart beats nevermore...
323 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published December 6, 2016
315 people are currently reading
2804 people want to read
About the author
Amanda Flower
61 books2,944 followersAmanda Flower is a USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of over thirty-five mystery novels. Her novels have received starred reviews from Library Journal, Publishers Weekly, and Romantic Times, and she had been featured in USA Today, First for Women, and Woman’s World. She currently writes for Penguin-Random House (Berkley), Kensington, Hallmark Publishing, Crooked Lane Books, and Sourcebooks. In addition to being a writer, she was a librarian for fifteen years. Today, Flower and her husband own a farm and recording studio, and they live in Northeast Ohio with their two adorable cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 518 reviews
July 6, 2017
Loved this book, LOVE this series! PROSE AND CONS continues the story of Violet Waverly as the caretaker of a magical bookstore in Upstate New York. Charming Books is an amazing shop where the books choose you, the customer. The story also uses the books from its shelves to help Violet solve mysteries, or at least nudge her in the right direction. In this case, it was all about Edgar Allan Poe, whom I adore.
The mystery is intriguing and twisty, and the setting - a chilly Autumn festival - was perfect. Plus, a little paranormal and Poe! I enjoyed the Gothic atmosphere the elements created. I highly recommend this series, and look forward to more.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery is intriguing and twisty, and the setting - a chilly Autumn festival - was perfect. Plus, a little paranormal and Poe! I enjoyed the Gothic atmosphere the elements created. I highly recommend this series, and look forward to more.
Disclosure: I received a copy of this book from the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
September 2, 2018
Violet finds herself involved with another murder which is connected to the Red Inkers. While trying to locate the murder she finds out some rather difficult news regarding her mother and father. In the end the murder is found out but I will admit it wasn't who I was suspecting. I really did enjoy this book and the series. I'm looking forward to the third book in the series coming out next year.
October 16, 2018
This is a great book to read at Halloween time! 🎃 Violet and her writing group are getting ready to do a Poe-try reading at Charming Books (a magical bookstore) at the village’s food and wine festival. In the mist of the event, Violet notices one of the presenters is missing. When Violet checks up on her fellow writer, Violet discovers that she is dead. There is plenty of mystery to be had in this book. Was the death an accident or a murder? Who are the mystery people that climb out of the woodwork surrounding the dead woman? If it is murder, who committed the crime? Why? How? Why do it at Charming Books? This book has a more somber tone than the first one in the series.
December 4, 2016
Prose and Cons is the second book in the A Magical Bookshop Mystery series.
Another entertaining visit with Violet and her grandmother Daisy at their bookstore, Charming Books, where your next book finds you.
Cascade Springs is preparing for their annual Food and Wine festival and Violet is planning a Poe-try Reading at Charming. Violet has enlisted the help of the Red Inkers, a local writer’s critique group that meets at the bookstore, to help with the reading. Sadie, who owns a vintage clothing store plans to provide period clothes for everyone. As the reading are about to begin, the last member, Anastasia arrives and Violet offers her apartment to change into her costume. A few minutes later she hears a loud crash and finds Anastasia at the bottom of the staircase, dead.
When the tests come back it has been determined that she died from a nicotine overdose and the nicotine had come from a bottle that Sadie used for her e-cigarettes. Sadie naturally becomes the prime suspect as the dress has never been out of her shop.
Violet soon learns that Anastasia has been writing romance novels under pseudonym and wonders if this might have been a reason for someone to end her life.
Most all of the enjoyable folks from Cascade Springs are back once again to help Violet with the investigation. Charming Book’s mascots, Faulkner, a crow, and Emerson, a cat, prove to be heroes in this book. I was completely surprised by who the murderer was.
Definitely, will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.
Another entertaining visit with Violet and her grandmother Daisy at their bookstore, Charming Books, where your next book finds you.
Cascade Springs is preparing for their annual Food and Wine festival and Violet is planning a Poe-try Reading at Charming. Violet has enlisted the help of the Red Inkers, a local writer’s critique group that meets at the bookstore, to help with the reading. Sadie, who owns a vintage clothing store plans to provide period clothes for everyone. As the reading are about to begin, the last member, Anastasia arrives and Violet offers her apartment to change into her costume. A few minutes later she hears a loud crash and finds Anastasia at the bottom of the staircase, dead.
When the tests come back it has been determined that she died from a nicotine overdose and the nicotine had come from a bottle that Sadie used for her e-cigarettes. Sadie naturally becomes the prime suspect as the dress has never been out of her shop.
Violet soon learns that Anastasia has been writing romance novels under pseudonym and wonders if this might have been a reason for someone to end her life.
Most all of the enjoyable folks from Cascade Springs are back once again to help Violet with the investigation. Charming Book’s mascots, Faulkner, a crow, and Emerson, a cat, prove to be heroes in this book. I was completely surprised by who the murderer was.
Definitely, will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series.
October 26, 2018
I totally love this series. Can not wait to read the third.
May 18, 2019
Definitely one of my new favorite series! Love the characters and setting of this series and can’t wait to see what happens next. I love the magical bookshop and would love to see what book it would pick out for me. The mystery was done well and I was as shocked by the outcome as everyone else.
March 17, 2019
I think that the main problem is that I seem to have moved beyond the cozy genre...
August 17, 2020
A petite teenage girl stood in front of the display of sports biographies that was tucked away in a small corner of the bookshop Charming Books, which I co=owned with my grandmother Daisy in the village of Cascade Springs, New York, and chewed on her lip.
Another great visit to Charming books! The bookshop is have a Poe-try Reading honoring Edgar Allen Poe during the annual Food and Wine Festival. The members of the Red Inkers have agreed to do the readings and Sadie has selected costumes for each of them from her store. Group member falls to her death in the bookshop before her reading and Violet leaps into sleuth mode to help her friend, Sadie.
I love the descriptions of Cascade Falls. The Festival adds a new element to the town and you could feel the energy of the town through the words.
Violet seems to put herself in strange predicaments. (Often due to Emerson's adventures) You have to love a headstrong cat! I felt that Violet's character continued to grow in this installment. We see her tending to the store, the tree and teaching at the college. She is learning more about being the "caretaker" for the old birch. Her feeling towards Chief David Rainwater are becoming more pronounced. This makes me happy as I don't care for Nathan.
David Rainwater is as sigh worthy as he was in the first book. I'm not sure many police chiefs would tolerate Violet's antics but I'm happy he does. I can't wait to see where this relationship goes.
The setting so close to Halloween makes this a delightful read. Faulkner, the bookshop crow, is an excellent addition to the season and the Poe-try reading.
The mystery was very well done. There were a lot of twists and turns and I was quite shocked by the culprit. It's often hard to pin down the actual murderer when there are so many people that disliked the victim.
This was a one sitting read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend this series.
Another great visit to Charming books! The bookshop is have a Poe-try Reading honoring Edgar Allen Poe during the annual Food and Wine Festival. The members of the Red Inkers have agreed to do the readings and Sadie has selected costumes for each of them from her store. Group member falls to her death in the bookshop before her reading and Violet leaps into sleuth mode to help her friend, Sadie.
I love the descriptions of Cascade Falls. The Festival adds a new element to the town and you could feel the energy of the town through the words.
Violet seems to put herself in strange predicaments. (Often due to Emerson's adventures) You have to love a headstrong cat! I felt that Violet's character continued to grow in this installment. We see her tending to the store, the tree and teaching at the college. She is learning more about being the "caretaker" for the old birch. Her feeling towards Chief David Rainwater are becoming more pronounced. This makes me happy as I don't care for Nathan.
David Rainwater is as sigh worthy as he was in the first book. I'm not sure many police chiefs would tolerate Violet's antics but I'm happy he does. I can't wait to see where this relationship goes.
The setting so close to Halloween makes this a delightful read. Faulkner, the bookshop crow, is an excellent addition to the season and the Poe-try reading.
The mystery was very well done. There were a lot of twists and turns and I was quite shocked by the culprit. It's often hard to pin down the actual murderer when there are so many people that disliked the victim.
This was a one sitting read. Once I started, I couldn't put it down.
I highly recommend this series.
May 25, 2018
I was so excited to start this book after the first one and I had a hard time putting it down. This one takes place around four months later from the first and it's Food and Wine Festival time in Cascade Springs, NY as well as getting closer to Halloween. How appropriate that the Red Inkers author group has decided to do some Poe readings during the Festival at Charming Books. The festivities are temporarily stopped by the murder of one of the Red Inkers right there in the bookshop. Despite warnings from pretty much everyone she knows, Violet is determined to solve this case too especially since her friend Sadie is the main suspect!
I liked that Violet had accepted her job as Caretaker of the books and even found a job in Cascade Springs. She hadn't had a close friend since her high school friend died twelve years ago so it's nice to see her getting closer to the people in town. I'm not sure if she'll ever have a bestie like some of our favorite book sleuths but if she would, my guess might be Sadie.
There's still the issue of two handsome men in her life although lately she hadn't given Nathan the time of day. She did get to meet David Rainwater's adorable niece and seemed to gain a little more of his trust. I still think they're more connected spiritually and wouldn't be surprised if David already knows the secrets behind the shop and the birch tree since he's already more in tune to the earth and his surroundings.
I thought it was super fun to hear the crow Faulkner actually say "Nevermore!" in this book! I had made a reference to him reminding me of the raven in the Munster house in the first review but at that time had no idea this book would be Poe-themed as far as the books giving suggestions on solving the murder. Excitedly looking forward to the next book!
I liked that Violet had accepted her job as Caretaker of the books and even found a job in Cascade Springs. She hadn't had a close friend since her high school friend died twelve years ago so it's nice to see her getting closer to the people in town. I'm not sure if she'll ever have a bestie like some of our favorite book sleuths but if she would, my guess might be Sadie.
There's still the issue of two handsome men in her life although lately she hadn't given Nathan the time of day. She did get to meet David Rainwater's adorable niece and seemed to gain a little more of his trust. I still think they're more connected spiritually and wouldn't be surprised if David already knows the secrets behind the shop and the birch tree since he's already more in tune to the earth and his surroundings.
I thought it was super fun to hear the crow Faulkner actually say "Nevermore!" in this book! I had made a reference to him reminding me of the raven in the Munster house in the first review but at that time had no idea this book would be Poe-themed as far as the books giving suggestions on solving the murder. Excitedly looking forward to the next book!
October 27, 2023
This is a fun cozy mystery, second book in the series. I like all of the characters: Violet, Grandma Daisy, Sadie, Lacey, and police chief Rainwater.
did-not-finish
August 11, 2017Hmm. I don't think I'll be finishing this one. I didn't get much into it without lots of Halloween (which I highly dislike), wine and drinking, and a possible homosexual hint (about a man being so beautiful that the female population of the town and even some of the male population could vouch for that). I'm really not interested in Edgar Allen Poe, either, so I don't think I'll be finishing this one. I just don't have the time to read a book that I might not like! :/
August 20, 2018
In the small town of Cascade Springs is a magical bookstore. It is where the book picks the reader or the purchaser. There is a crow named Faulkner who quotes from books, and a tuxedo cat named Emerson. Daisy has owned the store for years, but has recently called her granddaughter Violet home. Daisy is getting older and the store needs a new "caretaker". All this is explained in the first book in the series and it was such a good story, I recommend you read it if you have not already.
October in Cascade Springs means time for the annual Food and Wine Festival. Tourists are in town and Violet and her grandmother Daisy are trying to get them to visit Charming Books, by hosting a poetry reading by the local writers group, The Red-Inkers. All is going well and she is happy with the turnout until one of the writers has not come out of the store. When she is found dead at the bottom of the stairs with a broken neck it appears to be an accident, but the coroner finds otherwise. Once again with the help of the books and the animals, Violet is on the case.
Violet is not shy about her investigating, but she is not pushy either. She is smart and figures out puzzles and clues easily. She is gradually meeting people in town, making friends and working to feel comfortable in Cascade Springs after her bolt from town 12 years earlier. The other main characters, Daisy, Detective David Rainwater and their neighbour Sasha are getting more fleshed out as this series continues. Violet still seems to have an attraction to David and I am still hoping this will become a more serious relationship. There is a bit of a love triangle with the mayor Nathan, pursuing her, but she does not seem to be reciprocating his feelings. The mystery was well written. The method of death, the various suspects, the clues and red herrings are all well done and the story moved quickly. I kept changing my mind about the culprit every time there was a new clue or interview and the reveal of the culprit surprised me. Once again, I enjoyed my visit to Cascade Springs and look forward to another book in this series. Amanda Flowers has become one of my favourite cozy mystery writers and has other series that I can read until another Cascade Springs story comes out.
October in Cascade Springs means time for the annual Food and Wine Festival. Tourists are in town and Violet and her grandmother Daisy are trying to get them to visit Charming Books, by hosting a poetry reading by the local writers group, The Red-Inkers. All is going well and she is happy with the turnout until one of the writers has not come out of the store. When she is found dead at the bottom of the stairs with a broken neck it appears to be an accident, but the coroner finds otherwise. Once again with the help of the books and the animals, Violet is on the case.
Violet is not shy about her investigating, but she is not pushy either. She is smart and figures out puzzles and clues easily. She is gradually meeting people in town, making friends and working to feel comfortable in Cascade Springs after her bolt from town 12 years earlier. The other main characters, Daisy, Detective David Rainwater and their neighbour Sasha are getting more fleshed out as this series continues. Violet still seems to have an attraction to David and I am still hoping this will become a more serious relationship. There is a bit of a love triangle with the mayor Nathan, pursuing her, but she does not seem to be reciprocating his feelings. The mystery was well written. The method of death, the various suspects, the clues and red herrings are all well done and the story moved quickly. I kept changing my mind about the culprit every time there was a new clue or interview and the reveal of the culprit surprised me. Once again, I enjoyed my visit to Cascade Springs and look forward to another book in this series. Amanda Flowers has become one of my favourite cozy mystery writers and has other series that I can read until another Cascade Springs story comes out.
December 17, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s all about Poe at Charming Books. To draw visitors to the bookstore during the Food and Wine Festival, the Red Inkers decide to do readings by the famous writer of mystery and the macabre. But one of the Inkers will be missing her reading. Violet finds her body at the foot of the stairs and her death was no accident. Using the bookstore’s charms with assists from her cat, Emerson and the shop’s mascot crow, Faulkner, Violet finds herself searching for the killer.
We return to Cascade Springs and Charming Books in this 2nd installment of the Magical Bookstore Mysteries, where the perfect book finds you and you find Violet Waverly, her grandma, Daisy, and a tuxedo cat named Emerson and what I picture to be a huge crow named Faulkner. Amanda Flower has created some wonderful characters here. Yes, I am including this unusual bookstore in my list as characters because it truly has a life all it’s own. Still I would classify this mystery as paranormal light. There are no ghosts or witches but the setting itself is magical along with maybe a familiar or two. From the tree growing inside it to the books on the shelves it is a very interesting place. Violet is still trying to understand what is means to be the caretaker of the store with her grandmother by her side.
The author has also crafted a entertaining mystery set in this magical place. One with many turns led by clues found in the shop but that take some critical thinking on Violet’s part to decipher. Emerson uses his special talents to help her make a crucial discovery. I liked that she was sharing her findings with the handsome police chief even though that upsets her old boyfriend, the mayor. Romantic tension is always good.
Ms. Flower has given readers a very imaginative story with some enchanting and colorful characters. I really hope this series is allowed to continue because there is so much more here for the author to build on. I am excited to visit Cascade Springs again.
It’s all about Poe at Charming Books. To draw visitors to the bookstore during the Food and Wine Festival, the Red Inkers decide to do readings by the famous writer of mystery and the macabre. But one of the Inkers will be missing her reading. Violet finds her body at the foot of the stairs and her death was no accident. Using the bookstore’s charms with assists from her cat, Emerson and the shop’s mascot crow, Faulkner, Violet finds herself searching for the killer.
We return to Cascade Springs and Charming Books in this 2nd installment of the Magical Bookstore Mysteries, where the perfect book finds you and you find Violet Waverly, her grandma, Daisy, and a tuxedo cat named Emerson and what I picture to be a huge crow named Faulkner. Amanda Flower has created some wonderful characters here. Yes, I am including this unusual bookstore in my list as characters because it truly has a life all it’s own. Still I would classify this mystery as paranormal light. There are no ghosts or witches but the setting itself is magical along with maybe a familiar or two. From the tree growing inside it to the books on the shelves it is a very interesting place. Violet is still trying to understand what is means to be the caretaker of the store with her grandmother by her side.
The author has also crafted a entertaining mystery set in this magical place. One with many turns led by clues found in the shop but that take some critical thinking on Violet’s part to decipher. Emerson uses his special talents to help her make a crucial discovery. I liked that she was sharing her findings with the handsome police chief even though that upsets her old boyfriend, the mayor. Romantic tension is always good.
Ms. Flower has given readers a very imaginative story with some enchanting and colorful characters. I really hope this series is allowed to continue because there is so much more here for the author to build on. I am excited to visit Cascade Springs again.
May 4, 2017
Cascade Springs, New York is the home of Charming Books, an enchanted shop that finds the perfect book for each reader. Owned by Daisy Waverly and her granddaughter, Violet, the bookstore has an ancient tree growing in the middle of it. The tree thrives because it is watered from a nearby enchanted spring. The October Food and Wine Festival is the perfect time to showcase the bookstore with readings from the works of Edgar Allan Poe. The Red Inkers, a local writing group that meets in the bookstore agree to do the readings and wear period costumes. The day is going well until Violet finds the body of one of the group's members at the bottom of the back stairs in the store. When the death is determined to actually be a murder and Violet's friend is the primary suspect, she vows to discover the real villain. With the help of her tuxedo cat, Emerson and the store's mascot, a crow named Faulkner, Violet tracks down every clue. I found these characters to be entertaining and very realistic. The bookstore and magical tree make the perfect backdrop for an usual method of murder and a most unlikely murderer! This is a series that will keep you turning the pages and waiting impatiently for the next book!
November 24, 2016
Last night I finished Prose and Cons, the second in the Magical Bookshop Mystery by Amanda Flower. This book was outstanding. I love it when book two is even better then book one and book one was pretty terrific! In Prose and Cons I was guessing until the end and really pulling for main character Violet to solve the case, yet found myself running in circles trying to figure out who done it! I was shocked and still am reeling from the outstanding reveal, my lips are sealed though you will have to buy the book! Out December 6th, order now, tuck it in with your Black Friday purchases! You will be glad you did!
August 6, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, love the idea that the book chooses the reader. Another plus for this book in the series is that the featured book another classic is by Poe. Two Poe classics The Fall of the House of Usher and The Raven help Violet solve the case. Wish I could visit "Charmed Books" IRL.
April 3, 2024
I just adore this cozy mystery series so much so far!! I love all the characters, the book store, pets, and town! If you're looking for a whimsical cozy mystery set in a magical book store...this is the one to pick up!! I loved the mystery and found it really unique.
September 14, 2018
There's just something about this series that I love....an enchanted bookshop, a quaint village, a likable main character, and this one is set in the fall....LOVE!
August 29, 2018
This book just cements this series as a really fun and entertaining must read on the cozy mystery list! This is the second book in the series and it takes the characters development just a bit further and the plot is fantastic. Creative "murder" technique and the list of suspects is long, but well sorted to bring you to the conclusion in a well thought out manner. I really want the author to hurry and provide us with another book as I really want to see where the characters go next in their personal stories as well as I'm sure solving another crime!
April 16, 2022
"I don't think it's silly at all," I said. "I'm a bookseller remember, a literature professor. I make sense of the world through books." [...] "I read everything, and children's books are just as well written as novels for adults." — Violet (p.218)
I enjoyed Prose and Cons though not as much as Crime and Punishment. Though it's nothing to do with the characterisation and story perse more to the writing and the classic literature was used. Violet, Daisy, Emerson and Faulker are all still fantastic. Prose and Cons picks up in the 3rd week of October four months after the conclusion of Prose and Cons. Charming Books is all decorated for fall and Halloween. It's a busy time for Cascade Springs, it's their annual Food and Wine Festival. Being as it is Violet in Cascade Springs something inevitably goes wrong and someone dies. The death was entirely unexpected to me, Anastasia Faber. Anastasia is the literary fiction author from the Red Inkers we met previously. The prime suspect is another member of the Red Inkers, Sadie (the bubbly fashion queen). Worse still the death happens at Charming Books.
It was nice to meet some new faces during Prose and Cons especially Danielle and Aster Cloud and EMT Keenan all of whom I think will make further appearances. I'm hoping Renee does too. Renee does all librarians justice. She's loud full of passion and personality and is really not a shusher. The epilogue is adorable. I adore Aster. She is just too cute, the best Joan of Arc I can think of. As an aside, I am now convinced there is no signposting for the killer or the motivation though it's Anastasia she was not particularly liked, unlike Benedict who was well-liked and respected. This is all about the reading and the journey.
The story of Prose and Cons is self-contained though perhaps a little less pleasing for me than Crime and Punishment, potentially due to an accessibility problem. It might due to the use of Dickinson's The Carriage vs Poe's The Fall of the House of Usher and The Purloined Letter, as a poem The Carriage the can be replicated with ease giving us the most relevant parts for the story as they are needed. Whereas The Fall of the House of Usher and The Purloined Letter are both approx twenty-page short stories that rely more on themes and impressions than words. If you haven't read them you are likely to understand less. I'm likely to see similar problems with Murders and Metaphors which uses Louisa May Alcott's Little Women. As with the Poe works I've never read Allcott's classic but it won't stop me from reading the next book in the series. That said using Poe was a great choice it does allow Faulkner to indulge in some raven yelling (no one wants to tell him he's a crow, not a raven).
The tree is interesting, protective of Violet and healing. They don't hide its power from David but David himself says in the course of the story that as important as Charming Books birch tree is to Violet they are sacred to David's people. They hide the secret yes but with him, he observes more and notices that something near-impossible has happened. Have some David and Violet quotes just because.
• My gaze glossed over Trudy and Richard and locked with the amber-colored eyes of the village police chief. As a member of the Senca tribe, Rainwater had coal black hair, which he kept short, honey-colored skin, pronounced cheek bones, and eyes that were like pools of warm maple syrup. It went without saying that he was a handsome man. The fact was he was an aspiring writer of children's books could topple a book-loving girl like me clean over. — This is a lovely descriptive passage. And yeah just ditto to that last line. There is just something truly appealing about children's book writers. (p.26)
• "My work is fiction for kids, true, but it's still a peek into my deepest thoughts. In a way, isn't that what all writers allow readers when they share their work, a window into another person's mind? Poe, the tortured soul that he was, was the perfect example." — This is David's reason for not letting Violet read his draft well the final reason he settles on after she calls bullshit on the others. The line is accurate but I would love to see what is in that book. What truth is he hiding from her? I mean at this point it could be anything. (David, p.40)
• My eyebrows shot up a little father with this new information about the chief of police. He sounded like a true Renaissance man. Chief, writer, role-playing game aficionado. It just seemed a little too good to be true. I wondered what else I didn't know about Chief David Rainwater. — This is after Violet founds out from Keenen that he's in a D&D group with David. But before we meet Danielle and Aster. That just adds a whole other level of oh wow. (p.66)
• ""You do realize everyone else in the village, including my own grandmother, is pushing me toward Nathan, not David."
She clicked her tongue. "The mayor is all wrong for you," she said with conviction." — While Violet may not like this conversation at least someone is saying 'oh I can see that'. Also, I like Renee in this scene, she makes me smile. (Violet and Renee, p.192)
Have some spoilers for the ending because I need it out of my system
More quotes to finish this very, very messy review.
• The pounding came again, and Emerson seemed unconcerned by it, so I felt myself relax too. In the last few months since I had adopted the small tuxedo cat, I had begun to trust his instincts about people. He always seemed to know who was friend and who was foe. It was nice to have a feline litmus test, — This is a great take on pets. And Emerson is the best when it comes to an indication of good faith. (p.24)
• "Adrian boxed up some more cookies for you. He copes with bad news by feeding people."
I took the box from her and smiled. "Since I cope with stress with sugar, we are well matched." — And this is why we adore Adrian. I know Lacey is the suspect for bk 3 so it is going to be interesting to see hope Lacey and Adrian cope with that level of stress. (Lacey and Violet, p.85)
• Despite growing up in wine country, I wasn't much of a drinker myself. I'd never acquired a taste for alcohol. If I was given the choice, I would much rather eat my calories in the form of sugary baked goodness like the cookies from Le Crepe Jolie than from a glass of wine. — I feel this on a deep level. I did grow up in wine country (and brewing area now). I too would rather eat my calories, or drink them through something close to designer tea. (p.159)
• I could use a ruler-high stack of chocolate chip pancakes after the night I'd had. On second thought, Grandma Daisy could hold the pancakes and just hand over the bag of chocolate chips straight up was the only medicine that would do the trick. — Oh my god yes to this. (p178)
• A student strolling the sidewalk did an about-face when the librarian screeched at me. Perhaps a yelling librarian was even more alarming than a running librarian. Nat that Renee was your typical librarian, with her tendency to be loud and her infectious laugh that could be heard all over the library building multiple times throughout the day. She wasn't one to whisper, and I had seen her shush a student only once, when a group of football players was especially rowdy. — It has been so long since I saw a librarian written this well. Renee is loud. Personality plus. And I can see why Richard is intimidated by her a little. (p.187)
There was a war going on in Charming Books as the crow and the cat positioned themselves against each other: a tight for shop mascot. Both Faulkner and Emerson thought they were deserving of the title. Faulkner, who had been a resident of the longer, had seniority on his side, but Emerson had him beat in crowd appeal. — Violet (p.23)
A representative gif:
May 14, 2018
I thoroughly enjoyed the second installment in the Magical Bookshop series. It has just the right amount of magic. The locale and characters are welcoming. I love Emerson. I can just see him riding in the basket of the MC's bike. Adorable. Hope that she will write more! 4 stars
April 9, 2019
It is obviously perfectly reasonable for me to spend a Sunday reading cozy mysteries about magical bookshops. My review of this one is essentially my review of the first, with the additions of:
I really like Lacey, Colleen, and Renee as Violet's female friends. Librarian Renee chasing Violet across the university lawn with her information, and startling the students was my favourite. The mystery was better done in the last one, with the Underground Railroad aspects, and more logical suspects. This one is a case of the victim being so unlikeable, it could have been anyone, which I rarely find all that interesting. But whatever, it's not like the mechanics of the mystery are the draw for me. I like VIolet embracing the caretaker role. Clues via Edgar Allan Poe books were more interesting than via Emily Dickinson for me.
Not least because Faulkner the crow would randomly croak "Nevermore."
Still really done with one side of the love triangle. And
I really like Lacey, Colleen, and Renee as Violet's female friends. Librarian Renee chasing Violet across the university lawn with her information, and startling the students was my favourite. The mystery was better done in the last one, with the Underground Railroad aspects, and more logical suspects. This one is a case of the victim being so unlikeable, it could have been anyone, which I rarely find all that interesting. But whatever, it's not like the mechanics of the mystery are the draw for me. I like VIolet embracing the caretaker role. Clues via Edgar Allan Poe books were more interesting than via Emily Dickinson for me.
Not least because Faulkner the crow would randomly croak "Nevermore."
Still really done with one side of the love triangle. And
September 8, 2020
interesting mystery. good characters.
i didn't guess it at all and enjoyed the surprise reveal at the end.
that grandma daisy is a crack-up. I loved the scene where she's on her porch rocker talking doing an interview w/a reporter-never mind that there was a dead body on her property-she's shamelessly plugging her store. LOVED IT! i chuckled out loud! and poor Charles, he means well.
my negative is that while i know this is predominately a mystery, i like the little bit of romance in the story too. the one in this series is moving too slowly for me.
Come on girl, get crack-a-lackin' w/the sexy cop. Maybe in the next one.
I'll be continuing with the series. I'm now challenged to see if i can figure it out in the next one.
i didn't guess it at all and enjoyed the surprise reveal at the end.
that grandma daisy is a crack-up. I loved the scene where she's on her porch rocker talking doing an interview w/a reporter-never mind that there was a dead body on her property-she's shamelessly plugging her store. LOVED IT! i chuckled out loud! and poor Charles, he means well.
my negative is that while i know this is predominately a mystery, i like the little bit of romance in the story too. the one in this series is moving too slowly for me.
Come on girl, get crack-a-lackin' w/the sexy cop. Maybe in the next one.
I'll be continuing with the series. I'm now challenged to see if i can figure it out in the next one.
June 13, 2018
Loving this cute magical cozy series! I want to run a bookstore just like it! 😘
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December 6, 2016
Prose and Cons by Amanda Flowers is the second book in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series. Violet Waverly is the new Caretaker and co-owner of Charming Books in Cascade Springs, New York. Violet’s grandmother, Daisy is her partner and is teaching her how to be the Caretaker. Violet and Grandma Daisy are getting ready for the Cascade Springs Food and Wine Festival. They will be doing a Poe-try (reading the works of Edgar Allen Poe) with the speakers (the Red Inkers) in costume. On the day of the reading, things are going well. Violet goes searching for the next speaker, Anastasia Faber. Anastasia had asked to change in Violet’s apartment. Violet is not a fan of the fellow Red Inker (writing group that meets at Charming Books one night a week). Violet enters the kitchen and prepares to go up the backstairs but Anastasia is blocking the way. Anastasia is on the floor at the bottom of the narrow stairs (they used to be the servant’s stairs) and her body is at a weird (meaning very bad) angle. Violet quickly gets Police Chief David Rainwater (to whom Violet is attracted to). Anastasia was not well-liked in the village (that’s an understatement), because she was very rude and condescending. Unfortunately, Sadie had an incident with Anastasia the previous night which escalates her to the top of the suspect list. Violet will not let her friend get railroaded for a crime that she did not commit. Plus, Violet needs to clear the name of Charming Books (Anastasia did fall down their stairs). Violet sets out to find out more about Anastasia (she was very private). It turns out that Anastasia was hiding a big secret. She was also digging up dirt on the Red Inker members. The clues that Violet is receiving from the books are cryptic. Violet’s sleuthing skills are put to the test in Prose and Cons!
Prose and Cons was a delightful and magical novel! I enjoyed every minute of it (and you know I rarely say this). I like the engaging (colorful and quirky) characters (including the pets), the beautiful setting, and the unique bookshop. Prose and Cons is the second books in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series, but it can be read alone. Amanda Flower gives the reader all the information needed to enjoy the book (but I highly recommend reading Crime and Poetry). The novel is easy to read and has a good pace. The mystery is complex and utilizes an atypical method of killing. I give Prose and Cons 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). Prose and Cons will make you laugh and smile. I believe the killers identity will catch many readers by surprise. I especially liked the magical aspects of the book (the flying books). I certainly hope there will be many more books in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series.
Prose and Cons was a delightful and magical novel! I enjoyed every minute of it (and you know I rarely say this). I like the engaging (colorful and quirky) characters (including the pets), the beautiful setting, and the unique bookshop. Prose and Cons is the second books in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series, but it can be read alone. Amanda Flower gives the reader all the information needed to enjoy the book (but I highly recommend reading Crime and Poetry). The novel is easy to read and has a good pace. The mystery is complex and utilizes an atypical method of killing. I give Prose and Cons 5 out of 5 stars (I loved it). Prose and Cons will make you laugh and smile. I believe the killers identity will catch many readers by surprise. I especially liked the magical aspects of the book (the flying books). I certainly hope there will be many more books in A Magical Bookshop Mystery series.
January 10, 2017
4.5**** stars
This series combines two of my favorite cozy themes: magic and books. I enjoyed every minute of this book! I love it when book two is even better than the first book in the series- and book one was pretty darn good! It was great to be back with Violet and Grandma Daisy in their enchanted bookstore - where you don't pick the book, but it picks you. Charming Books mascots, Emerson (a tuxedo cat), and Faulkner (the funny crow that loves to talk) were entertaining as always. They can always make me smile:D
I've been waiting to revisit the residents of Cascade Springs, and this second installment did not disappoint. This time there was a Food & Wine Festival in the little village which provided an entertaining backdrop for a murder mystery. The quaint setting was perfect for this cozy mystery. Flower can weave the perfect blend of suspense and comedic scenes which makes it difficult to put this book down. I enjoyed spending time with Violet and her friends again. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.
This series combines two of my favorite cozy themes: magic and books. I enjoyed every minute of this book! I love it when book two is even better than the first book in the series- and book one was pretty darn good! It was great to be back with Violet and Grandma Daisy in their enchanted bookstore - where you don't pick the book, but it picks you. Charming Books mascots, Emerson (a tuxedo cat), and Faulkner (the funny crow that loves to talk) were entertaining as always. They can always make me smile:D
I've been waiting to revisit the residents of Cascade Springs, and this second installment did not disappoint. This time there was a Food & Wine Festival in the little village which provided an entertaining backdrop for a murder mystery. The quaint setting was perfect for this cozy mystery. Flower can weave the perfect blend of suspense and comedic scenes which makes it difficult to put this book down. I enjoyed spending time with Violet and her friends again. I can't wait to see what the next book holds.
December 8, 2016
It’s time for the annual Food and Wine festival in town, and this year Violet Waverly is adding a Poe-try reading at Charming Books to the week’s line up. However, when one of the readers is found dead at the bottom of the shop’s steep stairs during the event, things take a tragic turn. The police quickly decide it was murder and start looking at Violet’s friend Sadie. An Violet prove her friend is innocent?
I absolutely love the bookstore in this series, a shop where the perfect book finds you. That’s really the only bit of magic in the series, and Violet is left to use old fashion methods to sift through clues and motives to find the killer. I did feel some of the characters could be stronger, but the mystery is strong with plenty of red herrings before things fall into place at the end.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I absolutely love the bookstore in this series, a shop where the perfect book finds you. That’s really the only bit of magic in the series, and Violet is left to use old fashion methods to sift through clues and motives to find the killer. I did feel some of the characters could be stronger, but the mystery is strong with plenty of red herrings before things fall into place at the end.
NOTE: I received a copy of this book.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 3, 2018
A follow up to Crime and Poetry, Violet & Daisy again find themselves embroiled in another murder mystery centered around their magical bookstore. When one of the local writers group members drops dead during a Poe-try reading, all leads point to the least plausible suspect and our 2 bookstore sleuths are again off to prove innocence while finding the true guilty. Emerson the cat and Faulkner the crow, along with the essential birch tree are all on hand to help. Meddling with police procedure (and one certain chief's affections) Violet sets herself up for many a madcap adventure and she follows leads laid out by the books on her shelves and her cat's wayward ways. The characters are even more endearing than the first book and I'm sad to have to wait for another look into their lives. Hoping for a romantic conclusion and finality to just where Violet will plant her forever roots.
January 14, 2025
The mystery element of this second book was a lot simpler than the first and less interesting, so it did lack a little for me.
However, the character development was **chefs kiss** and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn more about the people of Cascade Springs. It was really fun getting to see their personalities established more.
This whole series has such a fun context to it. I’m so excited to continue reading on!
However, the character development was **chefs kiss** and I thoroughly enjoyed getting to learn more about the people of Cascade Springs. It was really fun getting to see their personalities established more.
This whole series has such a fun context to it. I’m so excited to continue reading on!
January 10, 2017
Book number two in this series does not disappoint!
This cozy includes a magical bookstore where the books choose you; and a resident crow that talks. A murder of a not well liked citizen along with her secret, lead to a whodunit that had me guessing right up to the end. I cannot wait for book three!
This cozy includes a magical bookstore where the books choose you; and a resident crow that talks. A murder of a not well liked citizen along with her secret, lead to a whodunit that had me guessing right up to the end. I cannot wait for book three!
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