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Dangerous Type Mystery #2
Bookman Dead Style
A movie star is typecast as a killer in the second Dangerous Type Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of To Helvetica and Back.
It’s January, and the Star City Film Festival has taken the Utah ski resort town by storm. Movie stars are everywhere, carving fresh powder on the slopes and crossing the thresholds of Bygone Alley’s charming boutique shops—including The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry and her grandfather restore old typewriters and beloved books. When cinema’s hottest superhero, Matt Bane, enters their store to buy some personalized notecards, it’s hard not to be starstruck.
But when Clare sees the police leading Matt out of The Fountain hotel in handcuffs only a few hours later, she can’t believe her eyes. The affable actor is accused of killing his sister, but Clare’s convinced he’s wrong for that role. Now it’s open call for suspects as Clare tries to reel in the killer before another victim fades to black...
It’s January, and the Star City Film Festival has taken the Utah ski resort town by storm. Movie stars are everywhere, carving fresh powder on the slopes and crossing the thresholds of Bygone Alley’s charming boutique shops—including The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry and her grandfather restore old typewriters and beloved books. When cinema’s hottest superhero, Matt Bane, enters their store to buy some personalized notecards, it’s hard not to be starstruck.
But when Clare sees the police leading Matt out of The Fountain hotel in handcuffs only a few hours later, she can’t believe her eyes. The affable actor is accused of killing his sister, but Clare’s convinced he’s wrong for that role. Now it’s open call for suspects as Clare tries to reel in the killer before another victim fades to black...
276 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published February 7, 2017
121 people are currently reading
1139 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 225 reviews
September 28, 2017
This was a pretty decent mystery, the story pretty much revolved around it, which isn't the case for lots of cozy mysteries where the focus is often on settings, occupations, or characters. It's told from a first person point of view, and the only character that gets much development is Clare the heroine narrator, the other characters are pretty much as we left them in book 1, we're just reminded of the cast of characters relationships.
February 17, 2017
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Back to Star City, Utah for the second book in the Dangerous Type Mysteries. Stars from Hollywood have come for the Annual Film Festival and to enjoy some time on the slopes. They also descend on Bygone Alley and into The Rescued Word. Matt Bane, the current heartthrob, is in town to promote his superhero movie and visits the shop for some personalized note cards. Just a short time later Clare witnesses the police leading the actor from his hotel in handcuffs. She quickly learns a young actress, Matt’s sister, has been murdered and he was found over her body covered in blood. Clare just can’t believe it, he just doesn’t seem the “type” or maybe he is such a good actor he has her fooled. She delves right into her own investigation to seek out the real character but all the “stars” are in “the show must go on” frame of mind so it isn’t going to be easy to catch this killer.
Ms. Shelton has typed us up a marvelous mystery. You know, the kind that pulls you in right away and holds you tight until the very end with so many twists and a plethora of suspects.
Bringing so many people to this small town, stars and tourists, gives a wide variety of people to question. Clare pares them down quickly to a manageable number but any one could be the killer. With her best friend on the police force she tries to get some inside information and Jodie does help her to get in to see Matt while he is in jail to get his take on the case. Clare’s ex/police chief, Creighton, is not quite as helpful but that was to be expected. Clare and her grandfather also have another mystery on their hands that brings another element to the story and solving that one isn’t easy either. Shelton sets a brisk pace and has given us a story that is almost impossible to put down.
The core characters and their continued development really drives this story. They have big hearts and really care about each other and all the people they meet. Clare and Jodie reconnect with one of their old classmates and she has an interesting story too. I hope she pops up in future stories. The romance between Seth and Clare is so perfectly paced as it her grandfather’s relationship with his lady friend. Clare’s niece Marion is growing up and has such a bright future, she is going to be a very interesting character to watch as this series continues.
This has quickly become a favorite series of mine and I have to give it my Paradise Rating. I really love playing sleuth right along with Clare and I completely escaped right into this book.. I can’t wait for the next Dangerous Type Mystery. The little snippet from Comic Sans Murder has me ready another trip to The Rescued Word as soon as possible.
Back to Star City, Utah for the second book in the Dangerous Type Mysteries. Stars from Hollywood have come for the Annual Film Festival and to enjoy some time on the slopes. They also descend on Bygone Alley and into The Rescued Word. Matt Bane, the current heartthrob, is in town to promote his superhero movie and visits the shop for some personalized note cards. Just a short time later Clare witnesses the police leading the actor from his hotel in handcuffs. She quickly learns a young actress, Matt’s sister, has been murdered and he was found over her body covered in blood. Clare just can’t believe it, he just doesn’t seem the “type” or maybe he is such a good actor he has her fooled. She delves right into her own investigation to seek out the real character but all the “stars” are in “the show must go on” frame of mind so it isn’t going to be easy to catch this killer.
Ms. Shelton has typed us up a marvelous mystery. You know, the kind that pulls you in right away and holds you tight until the very end with so many twists and a plethora of suspects.
Bringing so many people to this small town, stars and tourists, gives a wide variety of people to question. Clare pares them down quickly to a manageable number but any one could be the killer. With her best friend on the police force she tries to get some inside information and Jodie does help her to get in to see Matt while he is in jail to get his take on the case. Clare’s ex/police chief, Creighton, is not quite as helpful but that was to be expected. Clare and her grandfather also have another mystery on their hands that brings another element to the story and solving that one isn’t easy either. Shelton sets a brisk pace and has given us a story that is almost impossible to put down.
The core characters and their continued development really drives this story. They have big hearts and really care about each other and all the people they meet. Clare and Jodie reconnect with one of their old classmates and she has an interesting story too. I hope she pops up in future stories. The romance between Seth and Clare is so perfectly paced as it her grandfather’s relationship with his lady friend. Clare’s niece Marion is growing up and has such a bright future, she is going to be a very interesting character to watch as this series continues.
This has quickly become a favorite series of mine and I have to give it my Paradise Rating. I really love playing sleuth right along with Clare and I completely escaped right into this book.. I can’t wait for the next Dangerous Type Mystery. The little snippet from Comic Sans Murder has me ready another trip to The Rescued Word as soon as possible.
January 31, 2017
If you’re looking for a font of mystery, make yourself a note to read BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE. It’s just the type of mystery that keeps readers coming back again and again for author Paige Shelton’s books. You’ll love every word.
How exciting it was to be back in Star City, Utah! I’ve missed protagonist Clare Henry and her grandfather at The Rescued Word, as well as the other characters that made book one, TO HELVETICA AND BACK such an entertaining read.
The key to any good book is fabulous writing, and the key to a great mystery is giving the reader a twisting ribbon of false leads, and a mystery that really brings out your inner sleuth. Paige Shelton amped up things in BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE by having a film festival in town. With so many people around, there was no short supply of suspects. Thanks to the clever writing of the author, each time I thought I knew who the killer was, they were quickly off my radar as I found someone new to suspect.
Reading BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE will keep you stationary in your chair as you turn page after page. You simply won’t want to put this one down!
Make sure to check the back of the book for a preview of, COMIC SANS MURDER, book three in the Dangerous Type Mysteries!
How exciting it was to be back in Star City, Utah! I’ve missed protagonist Clare Henry and her grandfather at The Rescued Word, as well as the other characters that made book one, TO HELVETICA AND BACK such an entertaining read.
The key to any good book is fabulous writing, and the key to a great mystery is giving the reader a twisting ribbon of false leads, and a mystery that really brings out your inner sleuth. Paige Shelton amped up things in BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE by having a film festival in town. With so many people around, there was no short supply of suspects. Thanks to the clever writing of the author, each time I thought I knew who the killer was, they were quickly off my radar as I found someone new to suspect.
Reading BOOKMAN DEAD STYLE will keep you stationary in your chair as you turn page after page. You simply won’t want to put this one down!
Make sure to check the back of the book for a preview of, COMIC SANS MURDER, book three in the Dangerous Type Mysteries!
May 23, 2017
Deceit is in the mountain air in the second book of A Dangerous Type Mystery. A film festival brings actors and tourists to Star City, Utah--home of The Rescued Word. Tensions run high as Clare; her grandfather, Chester; and niece, Marion become entangled in both a murder and con artist scam. The author had me thoroughly engrossed as I tried to figure out whodunit! I really enjoyed the part about how a new apprentice is selected for the shop!
I appreciate the regular characters, such as Jodie--a police officer and Clare's best friend; and Seth--the geologist Clare enjoys spending her free time with. I eagerly look forward to the next story!
I appreciate the regular characters, such as Jodie--a police officer and Clare's best friend; and Seth--the geologist Clare enjoys spending her free time with. I eagerly look forward to the next story!
April 23, 2023
A cozy set in Utah. There's a big film festival in town, and a big movie star makes an appearance. Unfortunately, his personal life is messy, as they tend to be in Hollywood, and pretty soon one of his paramours is murdered, and he's the prime suspect. Our crew investigates.
Pretty good. Because this is in Utah, we get some stuff about a sister wife. Aren't there laws in this country?
Pretty good. Because this is in Utah, we get some stuff about a sister wife. Aren't there laws in this country?
February 13, 2017
Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton is the second book in A Dangerous Type Mystery series. Clare Henry works with her with her grandfather, Chester to run The Rescued Word in Star City, Utah. It is their busiest time of year with The Star City Film Festival taking place. The town is overrun with tourists and movie people. Marion, Clare’s niece, helps out in the store when she is not out snowboarding on the slopes. She is particularly excited when movie star, Matt Bane comes into the store. He has come to order personalized note cards so he can write some thank you notes. He turns out to be a very nice man. A little while later, Clare’s police officer friend, Jodie is visiting when she gets a call out to The Fountain. Clare hears Matt’s name mentioned and takes off after Jodie. Clare arrives to find Matt being escorted out in handcuffs. He is accused of murdering his sister, Cassie Bane. Clare is certain the kind actor did not commit the crime and feels compelled to help him (especially since no one else seems to be assisting him). This is not the only mystery on Clare’s hands. Seth Cassidy brings Clare some gorgeous typewriter ribbon tins. When Clare opens one of them, she finds $10,000 bills! Clare wishes to return them to the original owner. But she is suspect when a man claiming to be owner’s brother arrives at the store. Clare is in for a busy week. Will she be able to find out who murdered Cassie Bane and get the money back to its original owner?
I thought Bookman Dead Style was well written (Paige Shelton is a great descriptive writer) and easy to read (great flow). I liked the characters the author created for A Dangerous Type Mystery series. I was especially fond of Chester Henry, and I liked the addition of the new German apprentice. I loved the sound of The Rescued Word (I wish it was real and nearby). I appreciated the wonderful descriptions of the old books, vintage typewriters, the printing press, and the typewriter tins (my type of store). I now want to collect typewriter ribbon tins! I give Bookman Dead Style 5 out of 5 stars. The mystery was complex and is not easily solved before the author provides the big clues (and then unmasks the culprit). A reader must pay very close attention to figure out the solution (I just loved it). I believe avid cozy mystery readers will be able to discern the killer (there is a small suspect pool). Bookman Dead Style could have done with a little less romance (just my personal opinion). While Bookman Dead Style is the second book in A Dangerous Type Mystery series, a reader can enjoy it as a stand-alone. The author provides us with all the necessary information to read (and enjoy) Bookman Dead Style. I look forward to reading Comic Sans Murder when it is released.
I thought Bookman Dead Style was well written (Paige Shelton is a great descriptive writer) and easy to read (great flow). I liked the characters the author created for A Dangerous Type Mystery series. I was especially fond of Chester Henry, and I liked the addition of the new German apprentice. I loved the sound of The Rescued Word (I wish it was real and nearby). I appreciated the wonderful descriptions of the old books, vintage typewriters, the printing press, and the typewriter tins (my type of store). I now want to collect typewriter ribbon tins! I give Bookman Dead Style 5 out of 5 stars. The mystery was complex and is not easily solved before the author provides the big clues (and then unmasks the culprit). A reader must pay very close attention to figure out the solution (I just loved it). I believe avid cozy mystery readers will be able to discern the killer (there is a small suspect pool). Bookman Dead Style could have done with a little less romance (just my personal opinion). While Bookman Dead Style is the second book in A Dangerous Type Mystery series, a reader can enjoy it as a stand-alone. The author provides us with all the necessary information to read (and enjoy) Bookman Dead Style. I look forward to reading Comic Sans Murder when it is released.
February 7, 2017
This is the second book in the Dangerous Type mysteries, and it is just wonderful! It's January in Star City, and the Film Festival has come to town. Clare and her grandfather Chester sure don't expect to see movie star Matt Bane walk into their little shop, but he does. Clare somehow senses a connection between them, and when he is accused of murder, she jumps in to help.
This story offers us some insight into Hollywood and movie making, and I was hooked on every word! Each chapter got better and better. The characters are so wonderful and they feel like friends now. I also have to say, I definitely wanted to attend that party!!! (You will see, when you read it)
I hated to see the book end, but am very excited that there will be a book three!
This story offers us some insight into Hollywood and movie making, and I was hooked on every word! Each chapter got better and better. The characters are so wonderful and they feel like friends now. I also have to say, I definitely wanted to attend that party!!! (You will see, when you read it)
I hated to see the book end, but am very excited that there will be a book three!
March 19, 2020
It's been quite a while since I read the first book in this series, and it was almost like meeting the characters all over again. I quickly got caught up though, since the author did a good job of telling who was who and not letting any spoilers get out. I might go back and read that first book to refresh myself on how Clare and Seth got together, (and I honestly had forgotten the other items that they sold at the typewriter repair shop.) It was nice that Seth and Clare were an established couple and didn't have to dance around the whole argue-break up-make up thing.
I hadn't guessed who the killer was and although the showdown was quick, it was a good one. The side mystery con man was caught as well, but I won't elaborate on that so I don't spoil it.
I hadn't guessed who the killer was and although the showdown was quick, it was a good one. The side mystery con man was caught as well, but I won't elaborate on that so I don't spoil it.
February 7, 2017
Bookman Dead Style is the second book in the A Dangerous Type Mystery series.
Avery engaging follow-up to To Helvetica And Back.
It’s January in Star City and once again everyone is looking forward the Star City Film Festival and a chance to mingle with the movie stars who are in attendance. Clare Henry and her niece, Marion, are very excited when Matt Bane, an up and coming actor, enters their shop The Rescued Word. Shortly after Bane exits the shop Clare childhood friend and a member of the police department, Jodie stops by to visit. The visit is interrupted when Jodie’s police radio comes to life requesting her to come right away to The Fountain, a local hotel. Clare hears Matt Bane’s name mentioned and quickly follows. Upon arriving she finds that Bane is being taken away by the police. Clare soon learns that Bane’s sister, Cassie Bane, an up and coming actress, has been found dead and the police had found Matt standing over her lifeless body with what appears to be blood soaked clothes. Even though she has just met Bane, she what a gentleman he was, she has a hard believing that he would murder some on, let alone his own sister. With some reservations, she is allowed to visit him in jail and he asks her to talk with his assistant Howie about getting legal representation and to keep her ears open for anyone discussing the event.
Clare soon finds that Howie is a hard man to track down, in fact, he seems more focused on filming a documentary-like film about some polyg amists The film will deal with a man who has three wives and Cassie was to have played one of the wives. In fact, Nell and Adele, play the other two wives are high on her suspect list. Clare needs to get busy before the police say “That’s a wrap” and cart Matt off to jail for murdering his sister.
The book also has an interesting side story, too. Seth, Clare’s boyfriend was helping a friend, Daryl, clear out his deceased mother’s house. When Daryl found a box of old cans that once were used for replacement spools of typewriter ribbons, he told Seth to give them to Clare. Clare appreciated Daryl’s generosity and when see was inspecting the tins, she came upon 4 $10,000 bills. Whose money is it and how did it get there is something Clare has to find out.
Shelton has put together a wonderful cast of believable and helpful characters and a well-plotted story. Hopefully, Marion’s snowboarding won’t interfere with the time she spends at the shop
I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful series.
Avery engaging follow-up to To Helvetica And Back.
It’s January in Star City and once again everyone is looking forward the Star City Film Festival and a chance to mingle with the movie stars who are in attendance. Clare Henry and her niece, Marion, are very excited when Matt Bane, an up and coming actor, enters their shop The Rescued Word. Shortly after Bane exits the shop Clare childhood friend and a member of the police department, Jodie stops by to visit. The visit is interrupted when Jodie’s police radio comes to life requesting her to come right away to The Fountain, a local hotel. Clare hears Matt Bane’s name mentioned and quickly follows. Upon arriving she finds that Bane is being taken away by the police. Clare soon learns that Bane’s sister, Cassie Bane, an up and coming actress, has been found dead and the police had found Matt standing over her lifeless body with what appears to be blood soaked clothes. Even though she has just met Bane, she what a gentleman he was, she has a hard believing that he would murder some on, let alone his own sister. With some reservations, she is allowed to visit him in jail and he asks her to talk with his assistant Howie about getting legal representation and to keep her ears open for anyone discussing the event.
Clare soon finds that Howie is a hard man to track down, in fact, he seems more focused on filming a documentary-like film about some polyg amists The film will deal with a man who has three wives and Cassie was to have played one of the wives. In fact, Nell and Adele, play the other two wives are high on her suspect list. Clare needs to get busy before the police say “That’s a wrap” and cart Matt off to jail for murdering his sister.
The book also has an interesting side story, too. Seth, Clare’s boyfriend was helping a friend, Daryl, clear out his deceased mother’s house. When Daryl found a box of old cans that once were used for replacement spools of typewriter ribbons, he told Seth to give them to Clare. Clare appreciated Daryl’s generosity and when see was inspecting the tins, she came upon 4 $10,000 bills. Whose money is it and how did it get there is something Clare has to find out.
Shelton has put together a wonderful cast of believable and helpful characters and a well-plotted story. Hopefully, Marion’s snowboarding won’t interfere with the time she spends at the shop
I can’t wait for the next book in this wonderful series.
February 9, 2017
Have you ever not wanted a book to end? I just finished Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton and I did not want it to end, it was really good. This is the first I have read in this series and on page 1 I had no idea what to expect, by page 276 I was sad, my time with the book had come to an end!
This book was outstanding. I am not normally one for "tabloid" type/based mysteries but this one was really, really good. Fictional completely but not completely implausible. Much to love in this one, main character Clare and her best friend Jodie who happens to be a police officer, movie stars running all over town, a mystery or three and a twist with a sister wife? Seriously not making this up, Paige did and it is fantastic. I can not wait to read more in this series! Bookman Dead Style is out now and lots of fun.
This book was outstanding. I am not normally one for "tabloid" type/based mysteries but this one was really, really good. Fictional completely but not completely implausible. Much to love in this one, main character Clare and her best friend Jodie who happens to be a police officer, movie stars running all over town, a mystery or three and a twist with a sister wife? Seriously not making this up, Paige did and it is fantastic. I can not wait to read more in this series! Bookman Dead Style is out now and lots of fun.
April 5, 2018
Outside of missing commas before "too", which was several times, and a questionable action or two, I enjoyed this one. It was an easy read with a good flow. The next one in the series is already lined up in the Kindle.
September 5, 2017
Another fun installment, this one set around the annual film festival in town. Introduces some new characters who are a little mysterious. I hope some of them show up again in the next book!
February 21, 2018
The main character is not very smart nor good at detecting. She blunders around, blurts out information she shouldn't be sharing with some of the suspects, acts on illogical impulses (she just feels a connection to the suspect, and FEELS his innocence), and badgers her friend to give her information she shouldn't have. Like why on earth confront the suspect with the evidence (the pen) so she can toss it away?
The police are fairly incompetent - in the last book, they managed to miss a license plate in the alley where the dead guy was found, in this book they managed to completely miss a back exit and clear evidence that someone had escaped. They didn't question everybody, and once they had evidence that someone escaped the room, they should not have been holding the other guy as a suspect. And gee, given that in this book there's at least one officer that doesn't know Clare, why did they have to send all the way to Salt Lake City in the last book in order to find an officer that wasn't friends with her? I hate authors that can't keep their facts straight.
Quite frankly, the mystery portion made no sense. Supposedly Howie and Matt were in one room together, Matt heard voices in the other room and a thump which caused him to run in and find his murdered sister. I don't understand how a knife to the gut is supposedly a very fast death (it's not) but she was dead instantly yet he got blood all over him one pulling out the knife. According to the hotel guy, he heard a scream, and the murderer later confesses that she screamed after stabbing the other woman. And then escaped out the window. But no one else heard the scream, despite being in the other room. And Howie was not a witness to any of this and not able to clear Matt, despite being in the same room. You've got Nell waltzing into what should be a crime scene to steal an iPad, a fancy hotel full of famous people that apparently has no staff on hand in the lobby, nor cameras.
The part with the secret party was stupid. She was shocked that the actor knew her grandfather by name, despite the fact that he had just told her that he chatted with the guy and have been invited to this party for six years. Clare also acted like a starstruck little girl, which was irritating considering that actors come to this town every year and she talked about how the locals play it cool. A party like this isn't going to stay a secret completely if locals are being invited. And don't get me started with the con artist guy. Unnecessary and didn't make sense. He would have just taken the money if he saw it in the tin, and would not have known that Seth called his friend to get it.
The polygamist tangent is just odd. I'm not sure why they're making a movie about this lone family, nor why it is expected to be a blockbuster. How do they know anything about this family? Also, the friend who became a sister wife theoretically converted to being Mormon, but none of this is brought up. It's as if one day she was a party girl in high school then suddenly she married and became a sister wife. Apparently this means they can't be good friends anymore? And also, why would Toby see her and immediately recognize her as one of the polygamist family? Makes no sense.
The author is not very good at building a mystery, as there are too many illogical steps and situations. Like Marion being inevitably headed for the olympics. I don't think that just happens because you're good, you actually need to train and compete. The author appears to need help keeping details straight, as in this book it mentions that her grandmother died 10 years ago, but in the first book she died 20 years ago. And Nell couldn't see Clare spying, as it explicitly said that the windows were dark. And why is the cat so anthropomorphized?
The police are fairly incompetent - in the last book, they managed to miss a license plate in the alley where the dead guy was found, in this book they managed to completely miss a back exit and clear evidence that someone had escaped. They didn't question everybody, and once they had evidence that someone escaped the room, they should not have been holding the other guy as a suspect. And gee, given that in this book there's at least one officer that doesn't know Clare, why did they have to send all the way to Salt Lake City in the last book in order to find an officer that wasn't friends with her? I hate authors that can't keep their facts straight.
Quite frankly, the mystery portion made no sense. Supposedly Howie and Matt were in one room together, Matt heard voices in the other room and a thump which caused him to run in and find his murdered sister. I don't understand how a knife to the gut is supposedly a very fast death (it's not) but she was dead instantly yet he got blood all over him one pulling out the knife. According to the hotel guy, he heard a scream, and the murderer later confesses that she screamed after stabbing the other woman. And then escaped out the window. But no one else heard the scream, despite being in the other room. And Howie was not a witness to any of this and not able to clear Matt, despite being in the same room. You've got Nell waltzing into what should be a crime scene to steal an iPad, a fancy hotel full of famous people that apparently has no staff on hand in the lobby, nor cameras.
The part with the secret party was stupid. She was shocked that the actor knew her grandfather by name, despite the fact that he had just told her that he chatted with the guy and have been invited to this party for six years. Clare also acted like a starstruck little girl, which was irritating considering that actors come to this town every year and she talked about how the locals play it cool. A party like this isn't going to stay a secret completely if locals are being invited. And don't get me started with the con artist guy. Unnecessary and didn't make sense. He would have just taken the money if he saw it in the tin, and would not have known that Seth called his friend to get it.
The polygamist tangent is just odd. I'm not sure why they're making a movie about this lone family, nor why it is expected to be a blockbuster. How do they know anything about this family? Also, the friend who became a sister wife theoretically converted to being Mormon, but none of this is brought up. It's as if one day she was a party girl in high school then suddenly she married and became a sister wife. Apparently this means they can't be good friends anymore? And also, why would Toby see her and immediately recognize her as one of the polygamist family? Makes no sense.
The author is not very good at building a mystery, as there are too many illogical steps and situations. Like Marion being inevitably headed for the olympics. I don't think that just happens because you're good, you actually need to train and compete. The author appears to need help keeping details straight, as in this book it mentions that her grandmother died 10 years ago, but in the first book she died 20 years ago. And Nell couldn't see Clare spying, as it explicitly said that the windows were dark. And why is the cat so anthropomorphized?
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 2, 2018
Good continuation of this mystery series about a typewriter repair/book restoration/print shop in a fictitious Utah ski town.
November 27, 2017
Bookman Dead Style finds Hollywood's hottest movie stars descending on Star City, Utah for the annual film festival, and they've brought murder with them! Movie star Matt Bane is arrested for the murder of his actress sister, Cassie, but Clare Henry doesn't believe he's guilty and sets off to find the true killer. A lost fortune, polygamy, an invitation to an ultra-exclusive secret party, and a reclusive movie star all have roles in this cozy mystery, and it's an excellent second installment in the Dangerous Type series by author Paige Shelton. I highly recommend it, and can't wait for the next book! A+
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July 21, 2021Beth rates this 4/5 stars
The second in a series and just as enjoyable as the first.
Again, grateful that it never felt like the protagonist was solving things that the police couldn't- that she just happened on information they didn't.
I also appreciate that this series takes place in a small, local bookstore as that is a setting in which I can easily imagine being myself!
The second in a series and just as enjoyable as the first.
Again, grateful that it never felt like the protagonist was solving things that the police couldn't- that she just happened on information they didn't.
I also appreciate that this series takes place in a small, local bookstore as that is a setting in which I can easily imagine being myself!
November 9, 2018
3.5 stars. Great second book in the series. Claire investigates the murder of a movie star's sister during the Film Festival. The star is accused, but she just doesn't feel he did it.
October 4, 2019
Cozy + typography. *swoon* the mystery is decent - not great, but enjoyable enough
April 15, 2025
ok / average enjoyment. very Mystery heavy and I wanted more from the store and characters.
June 16, 2019
This was just a fun story. I enjoyed the film festival setting and the characters are a lot of fun. The mystery moved along well and kept me guessing.
June 15, 2024
Eh, this was okay, I guess. But I was bored and it ended up a DNF for me.
There was nothing exactly wrong with this, but it was also just nothing particularly special about it, especially in the cozy genre. There are so many books to choose from in this genre that a book that is just okay doesn't really give me a reason to finish it.
I'm moving on to something else.
There was nothing exactly wrong with this, but it was also just nothing particularly special about it, especially in the cozy genre. There are so many books to choose from in this genre that a book that is just okay doesn't really give me a reason to finish it.
I'm moving on to something else.
April 25, 2017
I'm not sure what happened, because I really liked the first one in this series. In this case, something about it, this connection that Clare feels to the murder suspect Matt Bane, felt totally off. Because she's really not connected with this murder at all. Matt comes into her store and that afternoon he's dragged off in handcuffs for his sister's murder. It doesn't even happen on Clare's premises. Clare is just nosy, and uses this connection thing to justify maneuvering into it. She gets a free pass on a lot of things because she's the best friend of the investigating officer, and that really doesn't sit well with me.
Anyway, the characters. Clare was a little annoying, Marion was a non-entity, and incidentally so was Chester. Seth stays mostly out of the way. Jodie is a little better but she's the cop that takes Clare along on investigations and carries on classified conversations in a diner where anyone can hear them, so I'm not cutting her much slack.
It's almost like the mystery is really nothing and the author knows it, so there are a couple of other stories thrown in. They're not very interesting either. The killer is caught not because Clare/Jodie have done some investigating, they're caught because another character suspected as much and decided to enlist Clare's help to catch them. . Their motives are shaky at best. Well. I'll read another because I really liked the first one, but I'm very disappointed in this book.
Anyway, the characters. Clare was a little annoying, Marion was a non-entity, and incidentally so was Chester. Seth stays mostly out of the way. Jodie is a little better but she's the cop that takes Clare along on investigations and carries on classified conversations in a diner where anyone can hear them, so I'm not cutting her much slack.
It's almost like the mystery is really nothing and the author knows it, so there are a couple of other stories thrown in. They're not very interesting either. The killer is caught not because Clare/Jodie have done some investigating, they're caught because another character suspected as much and decided to enlist Clare's help to catch them. . Their motives are shaky at best. Well. I'll read another because I really liked the first one, but I'm very disappointed in this book.
February 19, 2017
Paige Shelton and her Dangerous Type Mystery series are back with Bookman Dead Style. This time, the story takes place in January, during the Star City Film Festival. Tons of celebrities are in Star City, Utah to see and be seen.
Clare Henry is accustomed to seeing celebrities in town. She even tries to treat them as “normal people” and not get all starstruck. When action hero Matt Bane comes into The Rescued Word, she’s amazed by how nice, friendly, and approachable he is. Later in the day, she’s shocked to see him being arrested for killing his sister. Clare can’t seem to reconcile the nice guy she met with the cold-blooded killer. She’s sure her best friend Jodie, her ex Creighton, and the rest of the SCPD have it wrong. After convincing Jodie to let her see Matt in jail, Matt pleads with her to help him. For some reason, Clare is drawn to him and agrees.
Paige has written a really good mystery that draws you in immediately. The setting and atmosphere make you wish you could be a part of the story. The main characters are extremely likeable and the secondary characters are intriguing. Not only does Bookman Dead Style have a main mystery to solve, but a secondary mystery as well. This second mystery has you questioning the various characters even more.
The next book in the series, Comic Sans Murder, promises to have a strange yet very interesting mystery to solve. I’m looking forward to reading it.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley and reviewed voluntarily.**
Clare Henry is accustomed to seeing celebrities in town. She even tries to treat them as “normal people” and not get all starstruck. When action hero Matt Bane comes into The Rescued Word, she’s amazed by how nice, friendly, and approachable he is. Later in the day, she’s shocked to see him being arrested for killing his sister. Clare can’t seem to reconcile the nice guy she met with the cold-blooded killer. She’s sure her best friend Jodie, her ex Creighton, and the rest of the SCPD have it wrong. After convincing Jodie to let her see Matt in jail, Matt pleads with her to help him. For some reason, Clare is drawn to him and agrees.
Paige has written a really good mystery that draws you in immediately. The setting and atmosphere make you wish you could be a part of the story. The main characters are extremely likeable and the secondary characters are intriguing. Not only does Bookman Dead Style have a main mystery to solve, but a secondary mystery as well. This second mystery has you questioning the various characters even more.
The next book in the series, Comic Sans Murder, promises to have a strange yet very interesting mystery to solve. I’m looking forward to reading it.
**Received a copy from Penguin Berkley and reviewed voluntarily.**
April 10, 2022
I am so in love with this series! Just finished listening to this one and have already downloaded the third (and last...sob!) book which will likely be devoured in a day. Absolutely love the ski town setting -- this time there's a film festival underway! -- and the great cast of characters, both old and new, who bring zest to an already zippy plot. There's an understated romance (more supportive than center stage) and the mystery is clever with enough red herrings to keep an armchair sleuth floundering. And the icing on the cake is the narrator, Marguerite Gavin's, performance. Her talent brings it all to life in spectacular fashion. And -- hooray -- it's a clean read as well. :-)
May 10, 2018
I wanted to like this book, but it's truly terrible. The setting, a mythical town outside Salt Lake City is good, and a typewriter / stationary / typesetting store should be interesting, but the protagonist's discussion of books and typesetting are not believable. Actually, nothing in the book is believable, especially the protagonist's best friend, a policewoman, using her police car as a personal vehicle. And then we get to the ending, where the suspect confesses for no reason in front of a crowd of witnesses. The end.
Not recommended on any level.
Not recommended on any level.
October 19, 2017
AudioBook Review:
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4
Return to Bygone Alley, home of The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry’s shop is dealing with the influx of stars that have arrived to celebrate the Star City Film Festival. One of the stars, Matt, had come into the shop to order some stationary, and her quick interaction left her a bit starstruck, even as she pretends otherwise. Then, she sees Matt being led from the hotel, charged with murder, and her brain goes into investigation mode. He didn’t seem the type, or perhaps he was truly a better actor than his superhero resume would lead her to believe. With one successful investigation under her belt, she sees no reason not to look deeper……
Told in first person, Clare’s development and growth in this story is marvelous. She’s always had a reasonably logical way of thinking, and what could it hurt? With her grandfather’s new ‘lady friend’, and her own relationship with Seth growing nicely, another little twist (and mystery) pops up – are the two connected? Plenty of twists, suspects, turns and several red herrings keep readers going forward in this perfectly paced story. While I had hoped to have a bit more from secondary characters and to see their growth, the two mysteries that need solving, a con artist at work, a new apprentice in the shop and the whole “show must go on” attitude of the film crowd adds depth and interest to the story, giving perspectives that are expected, unexpected and thoroughly unimaginable. Shelton’s writing is wonderful, adding description, tension and moments where emotions (or suspicions) run high, balanced with a logical conclusion to all of the questions that will keep you guessing and then wondering why you didn’t see whodunit.
Narration for this story is provided by Marguerite Gavin, and it worked perfectly in this book. Most of the perspective is from Clare, with minor insets of other characters, and Clare’s voice is clear, strong and nuanced when questions, emotions or frustration takes hold. Gavin allows for information to be absorbed and processed – a real trick in this book as there are moments where information, questions and suspicions come almost simultaneously, and the gentle pacing allowed for it all to be clearly there to grab and process.
You can read these in any order – but if you love books, stationary, clever mysteries and dream of your own shop on a street named Bygone – grab these. You won’t regret it.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4
Return to Bygone Alley, home of The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry’s shop is dealing with the influx of stars that have arrived to celebrate the Star City Film Festival. One of the stars, Matt, had come into the shop to order some stationary, and her quick interaction left her a bit starstruck, even as she pretends otherwise. Then, she sees Matt being led from the hotel, charged with murder, and her brain goes into investigation mode. He didn’t seem the type, or perhaps he was truly a better actor than his superhero resume would lead her to believe. With one successful investigation under her belt, she sees no reason not to look deeper……
Told in first person, Clare’s development and growth in this story is marvelous. She’s always had a reasonably logical way of thinking, and what could it hurt? With her grandfather’s new ‘lady friend’, and her own relationship with Seth growing nicely, another little twist (and mystery) pops up – are the two connected? Plenty of twists, suspects, turns and several red herrings keep readers going forward in this perfectly paced story. While I had hoped to have a bit more from secondary characters and to see their growth, the two mysteries that need solving, a con artist at work, a new apprentice in the shop and the whole “show must go on” attitude of the film crowd adds depth and interest to the story, giving perspectives that are expected, unexpected and thoroughly unimaginable. Shelton’s writing is wonderful, adding description, tension and moments where emotions (or suspicions) run high, balanced with a logical conclusion to all of the questions that will keep you guessing and then wondering why you didn’t see whodunit.
Narration for this story is provided by Marguerite Gavin, and it worked perfectly in this book. Most of the perspective is from Clare, with minor insets of other characters, and Clare’s voice is clear, strong and nuanced when questions, emotions or frustration takes hold. Gavin allows for information to be absorbed and processed – a real trick in this book as there are moments where information, questions and suspicions come almost simultaneously, and the gentle pacing allowed for it all to be clearly there to grab and process.
You can read these in any order – but if you love books, stationary, clever mysteries and dream of your own shop on a street named Bygone – grab these. You won’t regret it.
I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
February 20, 2017
http://openbooksociety.com/article/bo...
Bookman Dead Style
A Dangerous Type Mystery, Book #2
By Paige Shelton
ISBN 9780425277263
Author’s Website: paigeshelton.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
A movie star is typecast as a killer in the second Dangerous Type Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of To Helvetica and Back.
It’s January, and the Star City Film Festival has taken the Utah ski resort town by storm. Movie stars are everywhere, carving fresh powder on the slopes and crossing the thresholds of Bygone Alley’s charming boutique shops—including The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry and her grandfather restore old typewriters and beloved books. When cinema’s hottest superhero, Matt Bane, enters their store to buy some personalized notecards, it’s hard not to be starstruck.
But when Clare sees the police leading Matt out of The Fountain hotel in handcuffs only a few hours later, she can’t believe her eyes. The affable actor is accused of killing his sister, but Clare’s convinced he’s wrong for that role. Now it’s open call for suspects as Clare tries to reel in the killer before another victim fades to black…
Review:
The A Dangerous Type Mystery series was one my favorite new cozy series of 2016, and Bookman Dead Style is another hit in the series. The Rescued Word is a shop where history meets the 21st century with services including typewriter repair, book restoration, and printing from a handmade replica of a Gutenberg press. It is owned by Clare, a delightful young woman who brings warmth even to a Utah winter, and Chester, her grandfather.
Star City, Utah is a beautiful setting, especially during the winter skiing season. When the annual film festival occurs at the same time, tourism is at its peak. Box office favorites such as Matt Bane and his current and former lady friends, Adele and Nell, provide the huge crowd draw. One of the local theaters is showing Matt’s top-rated movie, Kill Night.
Unfortunately, the murder of Matt’s sister Cassie becomes one of the huge attractions, Matt is immediately the prime suspect as he is covered in blood and holding what is probably the murder weapon. He is taken to jail while he is still in shock and explaining that he didn’t do it. Having kind heart after having had met him in The Rescued Word, Clare felt as though they had a ‘connection’ of sorts in a town where he doesn’t have friends. She asked BFF Jodie, a police officer, to let her go to the holding cells to visit Matt. They talked, and she would ask his assistant to get him an attorney. When next she sees Matt, he gave her his invite to what would turn out to be a very exclusive party. In turn, Clare would look and see if there is anything ‘off’ about anyone at the party.
Adding to the suspense is Clare’s discovery of a huge amount of cash in a typewriter ribbon tin that Seth, her boyfriend, brought her from one of his friends who was closing out his grandmother’s estate. Another unusual event is the appearance of Toby, a young blogger who follows the star trail, sleeping in his van. Once he meets Clare’s niece Marion, there are stars in his eyes as he begins to fall in love with her. A young man comes into the shop to sell several of one of my favorite typewriters, and a man claiming to be the brother of the man whose ribbon tin held the cash.
Clare is a wonderfully complex, three-dimensional character, and we see other characters and situations through her eyes. Chester, her grandfather, Seth, and Jodie are probably the next best defined; they are shown through excellent dialog and behavior. The film stars and Clare’s high school friend, now a sister wife at the polygamous compound, show us that these are, first and foremost people with feelings just like us, in spite of their seeming mystique.
There are several mysteries occurring in a short period of time, the last three being whether any of the three men are who they say they are. I do enjoy novels like this where there are mysteries within a mystery, adding texture to the novel just as a change of font adds texture to the printed page. I enjoy reading about the shop and typewriters; there is just enough detail to be interesting. Learning about the printing press and typewriter ribbon tins is also enjoyable.
There are enough plot twists to keep this reader on her toes. I confess, when Clare first wants to help Matt, I was skeptical and wondered why, but helping an almost total stranger can be in character for her and takes her into such varied circumstances. Of course, it is central to the novel and I could see within a short time that the premise for the murder, Matt’s arrest and Clare’s help make for an exciting, intriguing plot. It was a challenge to determine who the bad guy/ gal might be, and I not only wasn’t prepared for who it was, I suspected someone else. I highly recommend Bookman Dead Style to anyone who enjoys the snowy winter setting, the services offered at the Rescued Word, and very well-crafted mysteries.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
Bookman Dead Style
A Dangerous Type Mystery, Book #2
By Paige Shelton
ISBN 9780425277263
Author’s Website: paigeshelton.com
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
Synopsis:
A movie star is typecast as a killer in the second Dangerous Type Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of To Helvetica and Back.
It’s January, and the Star City Film Festival has taken the Utah ski resort town by storm. Movie stars are everywhere, carving fresh powder on the slopes and crossing the thresholds of Bygone Alley’s charming boutique shops—including The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry and her grandfather restore old typewriters and beloved books. When cinema’s hottest superhero, Matt Bane, enters their store to buy some personalized notecards, it’s hard not to be starstruck.
But when Clare sees the police leading Matt out of The Fountain hotel in handcuffs only a few hours later, she can’t believe her eyes. The affable actor is accused of killing his sister, but Clare’s convinced he’s wrong for that role. Now it’s open call for suspects as Clare tries to reel in the killer before another victim fades to black…
Review:
The A Dangerous Type Mystery series was one my favorite new cozy series of 2016, and Bookman Dead Style is another hit in the series. The Rescued Word is a shop where history meets the 21st century with services including typewriter repair, book restoration, and printing from a handmade replica of a Gutenberg press. It is owned by Clare, a delightful young woman who brings warmth even to a Utah winter, and Chester, her grandfather.
Star City, Utah is a beautiful setting, especially during the winter skiing season. When the annual film festival occurs at the same time, tourism is at its peak. Box office favorites such as Matt Bane and his current and former lady friends, Adele and Nell, provide the huge crowd draw. One of the local theaters is showing Matt’s top-rated movie, Kill Night.
Unfortunately, the murder of Matt’s sister Cassie becomes one of the huge attractions, Matt is immediately the prime suspect as he is covered in blood and holding what is probably the murder weapon. He is taken to jail while he is still in shock and explaining that he didn’t do it. Having kind heart after having had met him in The Rescued Word, Clare felt as though they had a ‘connection’ of sorts in a town where he doesn’t have friends. She asked BFF Jodie, a police officer, to let her go to the holding cells to visit Matt. They talked, and she would ask his assistant to get him an attorney. When next she sees Matt, he gave her his invite to what would turn out to be a very exclusive party. In turn, Clare would look and see if there is anything ‘off’ about anyone at the party.
Adding to the suspense is Clare’s discovery of a huge amount of cash in a typewriter ribbon tin that Seth, her boyfriend, brought her from one of his friends who was closing out his grandmother’s estate. Another unusual event is the appearance of Toby, a young blogger who follows the star trail, sleeping in his van. Once he meets Clare’s niece Marion, there are stars in his eyes as he begins to fall in love with her. A young man comes into the shop to sell several of one of my favorite typewriters, and a man claiming to be the brother of the man whose ribbon tin held the cash.
Clare is a wonderfully complex, three-dimensional character, and we see other characters and situations through her eyes. Chester, her grandfather, Seth, and Jodie are probably the next best defined; they are shown through excellent dialog and behavior. The film stars and Clare’s high school friend, now a sister wife at the polygamous compound, show us that these are, first and foremost people with feelings just like us, in spite of their seeming mystique.
There are several mysteries occurring in a short period of time, the last three being whether any of the three men are who they say they are. I do enjoy novels like this where there are mysteries within a mystery, adding texture to the novel just as a change of font adds texture to the printed page. I enjoy reading about the shop and typewriters; there is just enough detail to be interesting. Learning about the printing press and typewriter ribbon tins is also enjoyable.
There are enough plot twists to keep this reader on her toes. I confess, when Clare first wants to help Matt, I was skeptical and wondered why, but helping an almost total stranger can be in character for her and takes her into such varied circumstances. Of course, it is central to the novel and I could see within a short time that the premise for the murder, Matt’s arrest and Clare’s help make for an exciting, intriguing plot. It was a challenge to determine who the bad guy/ gal might be, and I not only wasn’t prepared for who it was, I suspected someone else. I highly recommend Bookman Dead Style to anyone who enjoys the snowy winter setting, the services offered at the Rescued Word, and very well-crafted mysteries.
*OBS would like to thank the publisher for supplying a free copy of this title in exchange for an honest review*
February 11, 2025
While this second installment of the three-book Dangerous Type Mystery series is my least favorite, it is still good. I am not personally interested in books featuring movie stars and Hollywood nonsense. This one is about the Star City Film Festival and the murder of one of its actors.
While they're in Utah to celebrate the festival, a film crew does some on-site filming nearby. The movie is about a family of polygamists who are less than enthusiastic about being portrayed on the big screen. Protagonist Clare Henry gets involved for two reasons. Clare's former classmate is one of the unusual family members and the actor accused of the killing begs Clare for help when no one else believes his innocence.
Clare, a shop owner whose real occupation is in book and typewriter repairs, butts into her best friend's job as a police officer. As usual, it is Clare and her friends and not the police, who solve the crime.
And as for the romantic side of the story, Clare's boyfriend, cute geologist Seth Cassidy, is just the right person for her. That doesn't stop her former love and the brother of her best friend from lamenting his loss: Creighton is sorry he cheated, but life goes on, much like a bad movie plot.
The outcome of this mystery was a bit more surprising than in the first novel, but the characters were not as interesting. Good second book, but read it before going after the third one. The best is yet to come.
While they're in Utah to celebrate the festival, a film crew does some on-site filming nearby. The movie is about a family of polygamists who are less than enthusiastic about being portrayed on the big screen. Protagonist Clare Henry gets involved for two reasons. Clare's former classmate is one of the unusual family members and the actor accused of the killing begs Clare for help when no one else believes his innocence.
Clare, a shop owner whose real occupation is in book and typewriter repairs, butts into her best friend's job as a police officer. As usual, it is Clare and her friends and not the police, who solve the crime.
And as for the romantic side of the story, Clare's boyfriend, cute geologist Seth Cassidy, is just the right person for her. That doesn't stop her former love and the brother of her best friend from lamenting his loss: Creighton is sorry he cheated, but life goes on, much like a bad movie plot.
The outcome of this mystery was a bit more surprising than in the first novel, but the characters were not as interesting. Good second book, but read it before going after the third one. The best is yet to come.
January 25, 2018
This was another solid book in the Dangerous Type Mystery series. Though Clare's relationship to the accused killer seemed a little tenuous to me, I liked the involvement of Hollywood actors in the plot as well as the details about the state of Utah that gave me a stronger sense of the broader setting of the series than I felt in the first book. I also enjoyed the fact that there was a secondary mystery involving The Rescued Word itself. There were a number of new characters added to the mix in this book, and sometimes I had trouble keeping track of them. Personally, I would have liked to see a little more of Seth, though I do love that he is not in law enforcement and that Clare often partners up with her best girlfriend, Jodie, to solve crimes, instead of a boyfriend as is the case in many cozies. I also like where the author is taking things with Creighton, even though I don't especially like him, and I'm very curious as to where his bad behavior will lead him in future books. Finally, I loved reading about the invitation-only party that Clare and Seth attended, and I hope the fact that they will be invited every year from now on means we might see another one like it in a future book.
February 25, 2018
Clare Henry works in her family business of The Rescued Word, where they repair books, fix old typewriters, and print personalized stationery in Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton. Clare works with her grandfather, Chester, and niece, Olympic- hopeful in snowboarding, Marion, in Star City, Utah, host of the Star City Film Festival. When major film star Matt Bane comes in to order personalized cards that he plans to use for handwritten thank you notes, Marian has her own fangirl moment, hardly able to talk while around her movie star idol. Unable to get any privacy, Matt has two visitors follow him into the shop, his “assistant” and a young woman dressed like a traditional stereotype of a polygamist wife. Not long after the trio leaves the shop, Clare îs visiting with her best friend, police officer Jodie, and, hearing Matt Bane’s name over Jodie’s police radio, Clare follows Jodie to the hotel, where Matt is arrested for the murder of his sister.
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
Read the rest of this review and other fun, geeky articles at Fangirl Nation
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