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Beachside Books #2
Apples, Actors & Axes
Someone has an axe to grind. Literally! Paige Murphy has settled into her new life as a writer and bookshop owner. Business booms when an infamous Hollywood director announces he’s hidden a treasure that could bring fame and fortune to whoever finds it . . . and his clues lead a bevy of actors and adventurers to Comfort Cove!
But when the body of one of those actors is found on the beach, Paige’s detective brother sets his sights on Paige’s hunky new assistant as the killer. Now, she must turn to her newly-formed coven and resident ghost to catch the real murderer without jeopardizing her brother’s new job.
Apples, Actors and Axes is Book 2 in the Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mystery Series.
If you like your cozy mysteries with a cast of quirky characters, a dash of magic, and a loyal but slightly dim-witted cat, you’ll love this light-hearted whodunit.
But when the body of one of those actors is found on the beach, Paige’s detective brother sets his sights on Paige’s hunky new assistant as the killer. Now, she must turn to her newly-formed coven and resident ghost to catch the real murderer without jeopardizing her brother’s new job.
Apples, Actors and Axes is Book 2 in the Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mystery Series.
If you like your cozy mysteries with a cast of quirky characters, a dash of magic, and a loyal but slightly dim-witted cat, you’ll love this light-hearted whodunit.
155 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 8, 2019
95 people are currently reading
42 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews
March 15, 2019
This is the second book in the Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mystery series and every bit as good as the first. Paige is settling in after deciding to make a go of Aunt Nora's bookshop. She'd hired another helper, Jordan Rake, after the first one was arrested, little knowing he is a an actor and celebrity. Then a horde of people descend on Comfort Cove looking for hidden treasure and Jordan becomes embroiled in a murder.
There is more magic in this book, Paige and Lucy formed a coven and we find out Paige's sister-in-law Sarah has a little magic of her own. The story is interesting and the pacing good. Paige is level headed and practical, not one to scare easily, and she has to know if very-good-for-business Jake is guilty or innocent. It's a solid good read and I'm looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
There is more magic in this book, Paige and Lucy formed a coven and we find out Paige's sister-in-law Sarah has a little magic of her own. The story is interesting and the pacing good. Paige is level headed and practical, not one to scare easily, and she has to know if very-good-for-business Jake is guilty or innocent. It's a solid good read and I'm looking forward to the next one.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving an honest review.
March 15, 2019
The cutthroat movie business
A really great plot that you have to have your wits about for and still have difficulty in finding the culprit. Wonderful twists and turns. Plus the characters are just getting better with each book and the small insertion of magic, ghosts and of course our course our witches. Who are as down to earth and normal as can be.
She had been looking for an assistant and was surprised to learn that her new hire was not only a model but also a movie star. Hopefully this would bring some cash into the store as she has bad plumbing problems - 10 thousand to be exact. Now not only is his arrival causing a stir but also the treasure hunt that seems to be centred on their small cove. Add in a murder, a cutthroat agent, treasure, a stalker and celeb couple for a great read.
A really great plot that you have to have your wits about for and still have difficulty in finding the culprit. Wonderful twists and turns. Plus the characters are just getting better with each book and the small insertion of magic, ghosts and of course our course our witches. Who are as down to earth and normal as can be.
She had been looking for an assistant and was surprised to learn that her new hire was not only a model but also a movie star. Hopefully this would bring some cash into the store as she has bad plumbing problems - 10 thousand to be exact. Now not only is his arrival causing a stir but also the treasure hunt that seems to be centred on their small cove. Add in a murder, a cutthroat agent, treasure, a stalker and celeb couple for a great read.
April 18, 2019
Second in the series and this time round Paige is dealing with an unexpected pleasure - hotshot actor Jordan Rake ends up working in her bookshop as he prepares for a role in the local theatre. This brings in many visitors, all desperate for their piece of Hollywood. Unfortunately, when it’s announced that treasure has been hidden in the town by an eccentric director so many people flock to the scene.
Early on, a rival actor is found dead on the beach. Jordan - along with many others - is suspected. Paige and her coven try to help uncover the identity of the murderer.
This washed over me. You get a sense of familiarity with the characters, but there really isn’t anything to keep me wanting to revisit them.
Early on, a rival actor is found dead on the beach. Jordan - along with many others - is suspected. Paige and her coven try to help uncover the identity of the murderer.
This washed over me. You get a sense of familiarity with the characters, but there really isn’t anything to keep me wanting to revisit them.
May 29, 2019
"Apples, Actors and Axes" earns 5/5 Mystery Treasure...Entertaining and Clever!
A writer with a bookshop, a coven, and a ghost? Yes, please. Paige Murphy inherited Beachside Books, a Comfort Cove bookshop, from her aunt and hopes to make it a success. So needing some assistance shelving books and helping customers, she hires Jordan Rake, but after one day she feels it may not work out. He's a young struggling actor with viral video fame who thought Beachside Books was a "booking" agency. Ok, weren't the books a clue? Despite the curious misunderstanding, Jordan still wants the job. But, a dead body is found, Jordan is the prime suspect, and the town is overrun by treasure seekers. Oh, the delights of a cozy mystery! Lester/Thomas, or Thomas/Lester, penned a clever murder mystery with just the right amount of witches, magic, and a swashbuckler ghost. Using a third-person narrative, not my favorite perspective to be an observer, but it was done well with vivid descriptions, wonderful characters, dialogue that illustrated the various personalities and story tone, and some the occasional giggle. I enjoyed the family dynamic within the coven and the ghost is nice comic relief. Selfishly, I'd have enjoyed a treat...what recipe would Captain McDougall suggest? This is book two, and newbies can start here without difficulty, but like me, you'll be eager to read book one, "Pasta, Pirates and Poison."
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
A writer with a bookshop, a coven, and a ghost? Yes, please. Paige Murphy inherited Beachside Books, a Comfort Cove bookshop, from her aunt and hopes to make it a success. So needing some assistance shelving books and helping customers, she hires Jordan Rake, but after one day she feels it may not work out. He's a young struggling actor with viral video fame who thought Beachside Books was a "booking" agency. Ok, weren't the books a clue? Despite the curious misunderstanding, Jordan still wants the job. But, a dead body is found, Jordan is the prime suspect, and the town is overrun by treasure seekers. Oh, the delights of a cozy mystery! Lester/Thomas, or Thomas/Lester, penned a clever murder mystery with just the right amount of witches, magic, and a swashbuckler ghost. Using a third-person narrative, not my favorite perspective to be an observer, but it was done well with vivid descriptions, wonderful characters, dialogue that illustrated the various personalities and story tone, and some the occasional giggle. I enjoyed the family dynamic within the coven and the ghost is nice comic relief. Selfishly, I'd have enjoyed a treat...what recipe would Captain McDougall suggest? This is book two, and newbies can start here without difficulty, but like me, you'll be eager to read book one, "Pasta, Pirates and Poison."
Disclosure: I received an ARC. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
March 15, 2019
Paige has hired a new employee (Jordan Rake) who just so happens to be a budding actor/model. This hunky guy has drawn in lots of customers to the bookstore, which really is helping Paige’s pocketbook. When droves of actors and treasure hunters start showing up in Comfort Cove, Paige soon discovers that a treasure has been buried and the finder gets a coveted role in a slasher movie and a $25,000 cash prize. Not long after, an actor is found murdered on the beach just outside the Beachside Bookstore and Jordan becomes the prime suspect. Can Paige find the real murderer before her brother Scott arrests an innocent man?
This is the second book in the new Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mystery series. It is filled with a cast of quirky and memorable characters, lots of mystery and adventure, has touches of magic, and is the perfect little whodunit for cozy fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the second book in the new Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mystery series. It is filled with a cast of quirky and memorable characters, lots of mystery and adventure, has touches of magic, and is the perfect little whodunit for cozy fans.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 15, 2019
I really enjoyed this book. This is book two in the series and the first book I discovered. So glad I did it was a nice easy fun read with a subtle hint of witch craft added in and it didn't matter that I hadn't read the first book but that will be put right very soon.
The story follows Pagie as she trys to keep running the book shop she inherited from an Aunt but with mounting plumbing problem she might have to fire the new assistant she hired to help run the shop. This is leads to it own problems as the assistant is none other than movie heartthrob puppy saving hero Jordan Rake, who is turning out to be great for business. Things get even trickery for Pagie when treasure hunts turn up on mass to the little beachside town and when Jordan is suspected of murder she has no choice but to use her witchy powers and help solve the murder. With so much going on it was a fun read and I loved the characters.
The story follows Pagie as she trys to keep running the book shop she inherited from an Aunt but with mounting plumbing problem she might have to fire the new assistant she hired to help run the shop. This is leads to it own problems as the assistant is none other than movie heartthrob puppy saving hero Jordan Rake, who is turning out to be great for business. Things get even trickery for Pagie when treasure hunts turn up on mass to the little beachside town and when Jordan is suspected of murder she has no choice but to use her witchy powers and help solve the murder. With so much going on it was a fun read and I loved the characters.
March 8, 2019
ARC Kindle Copy for Review
Paige Murphy has settled in town running her bookstore and continuing her writing. Things are looking up business wise when a Hollywood director claims to hidden a treasure in town which could lead to fame and fortune as it attracts all sort of characters.
Things soon go awry when a dead actor is found on the beach as Paige‘s detective brother investigates. The main suspect points at Paige’s new assistant. She turns to her new coven to uncover the truth while trying not to jeopardize her brother’s new job.
Will she be able to find the killer before there are more victims? A quick pace read that flew by.
Paige Murphy has settled in town running her bookstore and continuing her writing. Things are looking up business wise when a Hollywood director claims to hidden a treasure in town which could lead to fame and fortune as it attracts all sort of characters.
Things soon go awry when a dead actor is found on the beach as Paige‘s detective brother investigates. The main suspect points at Paige’s new assistant. She turns to her new coven to uncover the truth while trying not to jeopardize her brother’s new job.
Will she be able to find the killer before there are more victims? A quick pace read that flew by.
March 15, 2019
The town is star struck! And totally treasure hunting crazy! Paige hires a very cute guy to help her in her book store only to find out that he’s a famous actor. Then a bunch of famous people descend on the small town hunting for a treasure and staring role in a slasher movie that a director hid. One thing leads to another, a famous actor is murdered, and Paige’s new employee is top on the suspect list. This was a really fun book and I plan on following this series. I suggest if you like cozy mysteries with a little bit of magic thrown in, that you read the series too!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 13, 2019
RATS. Rats. Rats.
Okay, you got me not once but three times. Thought I had it figured out and realized the first suspect was not it. The second was just an notion at the time but was dismissed. My third was wrong because I had the identifier on the wrong person. Nice job.
This is my fist in this series and it is book two. I can honestly say the book does stand alone very well. In other words, you can read it and not be lost. There are a few references to book one but you and I can go back and read it to catch up.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
Okay, you got me not once but three times. Thought I had it figured out and realized the first suspect was not it. The second was just an notion at the time but was dismissed. My third was wrong because I had the identifier on the wrong person. Nice job.
This is my fist in this series and it is book two. I can honestly say the book does stand alone very well. In other words, you can read it and not be lost. There are a few references to book one but you and I can go back and read it to catch up.
This is my honest and freely given review. I did receive an ARC copy.
March 9, 2019
The story is fast paced, well written and full of interesting characters. How refreshing to read a cozy mystery where the police aren’t bumbling around and charging the first person they suspect with the crime. Apples, Actors and Axes is book two in this series. If you haven’t read the first book, don’t let that stop you from picking up a copy, it is very easy to get to know the characters. I am looking forward to reading more books in this series.
March 16, 2019
I do not know how I missed the first book but you can bet I will read that one as well. This is a delightful, absolutely fun and enjoyable read. I enjoyed every word. The characters are so much fun and the story/plot has enough twists to keep me guessing. This is a winning series! Can't wait to catch up to the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 17, 2019
Paige is a bookstore owner in Comfort Cove. She has hired a new employee and is surprised to find he is a well-known actor. Rumors indicate that a treasure hunt is going on in the area and crowds show up for the hunt. This is the 2nd book in the series. I didn’t read the first. I found the story enjoyable and plan to continue with it.
March 9, 2019
Arc kindle review
I really liked the book the setting of a treasure hunt was a good idea with the murder in the midst of it was good too. I love their writing can't wait to read the next book in the series
I really liked the book the setting of a treasure hunt was a good idea with the murder in the midst of it was good too. I love their writing can't wait to read the next book in the series
March 15, 2019
This was a surprisingly fun read! The magic was very different from the usual wand waving and hexing, using potions, truth magic, and auras. And a pirate ghost in a book. The characters are wonderfully written, and brilliantly varied. The plot is great, and the pacing is spot on.
March 18, 2019
I absolutely love this series. I’m happy that the ladies have a Coven. They work really well together. Marco is the best and I hope that Paige gives him a chance. Can’t wait for the next book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 19, 2019
A Unique Cozy Mystery
This was a unique cozy mystery.
I loved the storyline,quirky characters and the slight paranormal elements.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
This was a unique cozy mystery.
I loved the storyline,quirky characters and the slight paranormal elements.
This book is recommended for those who love cozy mysteries.
March 25, 2019
A new coven is challenged by a murder in their seaside town.
A good story line. It will be interesting to see this author's future work
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A good story line. It will be interesting to see this author's future work
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 5, 2019
I loved this book and I am going to go back and read the first book to see all the hijinks from the beginning.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 7, 2019
Lovely real life characters, great storyline. Quick enjoyable read. Cannot wait for another book of this series
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 9, 2019
Enjoyed the book
Join Paige and her friends on another adventure, when treasure hunters descend on the town and Paige gets a handsome new assistant in the shape of hunky actor Jordan Rake things really start to happen and not for the better .
Join Paige and her friends on another adventure, when treasure hunters descend on the town and Paige gets a handsome new assistant in the shape of hunky actor Jordan Rake things really start to happen and not for the better .
September 16, 2020
How humorous this was!
I look back on what I just finished reading and the word that comes to mind first is humorous. I love a good dose of humor in my cozies! I loved the magic. I loved the twists and turns. I loved the whole book!
I look back on what I just finished reading and the word that comes to mind first is humorous. I love a good dose of humor in my cozies! I loved the magic. I loved the twists and turns. I loved the whole book!
March 16, 2019
I received an ARC copy and it was fantastic! Treasure, glamorous stars, and enough drama and action to make any Hollywood writer proud!
March 19, 2019
Great story
This is a first novel for me. Lisa B Thomas has done a marvellous job I think. I loved Paige, Lucy and Sarah.
This is a first novel for me. Lisa B Thomas has done a marvellous job I think. I loved Paige, Lucy and Sarah.
September 6, 2022
As Paige settles into her home in Comfort Cove, Texas with her bookstore. She’s even back to trying to write again now that she’s settled in. However, things pick up because a famous director has created a treasure hunt that promises the winner a role in his new movie, and the clues seem to hint at Comfort Cove so of course actors have flocked to town. But when one of the treasure hunters ends up dead on the beach, and Paige’s Detective brother sets his sights on Paige’s new assistant as the killer, it’s a race to find out who did it before her assistant is put away for something he may not have done.
Possible spoilers ahead.
We’re greeted to Paige settling into life in the bookstore, living in the small bedroom above the shop in the building, it’s left her without having to actually find a place to live now that she’s settled in the little town. Though she can’t officially tell if the uptick of customers in the shop are because the town has an influx of treasure hunters and actors looking for a prize or the cute new guy manning the till behind the counter for her. Either way, for the most part, Paige isn’t going to complain. Or well, not as long as they’re buying stock from her shop at least.
But when Paige’s brother adds her new assistant, and several other actors, to the suspect list after a body is found on the beach, Paige decides to get involved with the investigation, with the help of her new witchy coven. Her brother, naturally, doesn’t love that she’s getting herself involved in a police matter, but she does help some in finding out the who dun it.
Coupled with treasure hunters that are claiming to have found the treasure and stirring up more trouble, the town starts to get a little more chaotic. There is a good twist at the end with the treasure, which I was pleasantly surprised by, and overall it’s another cute book. I will say that for a series that’s supposed to be a ‘magical’ cozy, I’m not getting a lot of magical. It’s mostly just a bookstore owner getting involved in her brother’s business because he’s the detective and saying she’s in a coven.
Possible spoilers ahead.
We’re greeted to Paige settling into life in the bookstore, living in the small bedroom above the shop in the building, it’s left her without having to actually find a place to live now that she’s settled in the little town. Though she can’t officially tell if the uptick of customers in the shop are because the town has an influx of treasure hunters and actors looking for a prize or the cute new guy manning the till behind the counter for her. Either way, for the most part, Paige isn’t going to complain. Or well, not as long as they’re buying stock from her shop at least.
But when Paige’s brother adds her new assistant, and several other actors, to the suspect list after a body is found on the beach, Paige decides to get involved with the investigation, with the help of her new witchy coven. Her brother, naturally, doesn’t love that she’s getting herself involved in a police matter, but she does help some in finding out the who dun it.
Coupled with treasure hunters that are claiming to have found the treasure and stirring up more trouble, the town starts to get a little more chaotic. There is a good twist at the end with the treasure, which I was pleasantly surprised by, and overall it’s another cute book. I will say that for a series that’s supposed to be a ‘magical’ cozy, I’m not getting a lot of magical. It’s mostly just a bookstore owner getting involved in her brother’s business because he’s the detective and saying she’s in a coven.
February 17, 2020
If you liked the first quirky book in Paula Lester’s delightful series, named Beachside Books Magical Cozy Mysteries, you would enjoy this second installment. Paige is running the bookstore, and she has a hunky new employee, Jordan Rake. (Awesome name!) He mistakenly thought that her business was a booking agency, not a bookstore, as he is somewhat of an Internet sensation and small-time actor. He does continue to work there anyway and draws a lot of attention to her little bookstore. Paige and some of her family and friends with small magical abilities reconvene the local coven that used to be run by her aunt. Soon, Comfort Cove is overrun by celebrities and wannabes who are in search of something hidden by a movie director. The person who finds it will not only get $25,000 but also a role in his upcoming movie. Marco from the previous book is in town renovating Aunt Nora's house as well as cooking at an Italian restaurant in town. Things heat up when one of the actors who came to town in search of the item gets murdered. What's up with the internet hunk? What's up with the creepy girl who likes him? Who will find the treasurer? Who killed the actor? Did the director even stow this find in little Comfort Cove?
I found this book to be as delightful as the first. Paige is a fun heroine for a mystery, and the rest of the cast of zany characters make this book just a simply entertaining read. You don’t need to have read the first book of the series to understand this one, but it is a good read as well.
I received a free advance copy, but this did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
I found this book to be as delightful as the first. Paige is a fun heroine for a mystery, and the rest of the cast of zany characters make this book just a simply entertaining read. You don’t need to have read the first book of the series to understand this one, but it is a good read as well.
I received a free advance copy, but this did not affect my review.
My book blog: https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com
March 25, 2019
She is happy running her bookshop when a director starts a treasure hunt. Many people come to her town but one turns up dead. Now she needs to find who did it. Ahh I did it? Why did they do it? See if she will find out
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Displaying 1 - 26 of 26 reviews