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St. Marin's Cozy Mystery #3
Bound To Execute
After a great first author event, bookshop owner Harvey Beckett is looking forward to spring days of walking Mayhem, reading in the evening, and maybe even enjoying a snuggle with her favorite mechanic.
But a late evening’s dog walk pushes pause on those plans when she and Mayhem stumble upon the body of the much-detested bank manager. It doesn’t take long before Harvey and her friends in the waterside town of St. Marin’s are wrapped up in the investigation, and what they discover chills them to the bone.
Bound to Execute is the third book in the St. Marin’s Cozy Mystery Series by ACF Bookens.
But a late evening’s dog walk pushes pause on those plans when she and Mayhem stumble upon the body of the much-detested bank manager. It doesn’t take long before Harvey and her friends in the waterside town of St. Marin’s are wrapped up in the investigation, and what they discover chills them to the bone.
Bound to Execute is the third book in the St. Marin’s Cozy Mystery Series by ACF Bookens.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 5, 2020
179 people are currently reading
240 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
February 11, 2020
It's a story that made me happy to read and enjoy the closeness of Harvey and her friends. She always has their support and help in her sleuthing. And what a plot! The murder of the bank manager that no-one appears to like very much and the consequent examination of all the characters involved. I've got to admit I'm normally quite good at guessing "whodunnit", but this time I just couldn't work it out. Looking at each person and asking "why?" didn't give me a good enough answer. No spoilers but you will be surprised.
I found this a gripping read. It drags you in to a world where people care about others in the community. If something bad happens then it's all hands on deck to sort it out with the compulsory happy ending. Serious, humorous, thought provoking; a treat to read and I'm looking forward to the next book and more of Harvey's exploits.
I found this a gripping read. It drags you in to a world where people care about others in the community. If something bad happens then it's all hands on deck to sort it out with the compulsory happy ending. Serious, humorous, thought provoking; a treat to read and I'm looking forward to the next book and more of Harvey's exploits.
February 19, 2022
This is a fun, light easy-reading cozy series.
I enjoy the small-town main street setting, where everyone knows everyone and helps one another out. Having a friend who owns a business on a similar main street, and who is as kind and giving as Harvey is makes this a fun series to read.
The murder mysteries (thankfully my friend does NOT continually get mixed up in murders ;-) are hardly Agatha Christie level, but they are engaging and offer the opportunity for those who like to try figuring things out the opportunity to do so.
The real draw for me in this series are the characters, who are all nice, likable fun people to visit with. While I would never want to live in a small town (I love my big city life) visiting one occasionally via a fun read is not a hardship.
I enjoy the small-town main street setting, where everyone knows everyone and helps one another out. Having a friend who owns a business on a similar main street, and who is as kind and giving as Harvey is makes this a fun series to read.
The murder mysteries (thankfully my friend does NOT continually get mixed up in murders ;-) are hardly Agatha Christie level, but they are engaging and offer the opportunity for those who like to try figuring things out the opportunity to do so.
The real draw for me in this series are the characters, who are all nice, likable fun people to visit with. While I would never want to live in a small town (I love my big city life) visiting one occasionally via a fun read is not a hardship.
February 4, 2020
This was for sure a 5 Star Book! Love Harvey as usual! She found the body of the Bank Manager and it went crazy from there! Harvey has so many loving friends! They did so much for the homeless, while still doing secret sleuthing for the Sheriff! She and her friends helped Ollie and Ariel even though they were early on the list of suspects. The twists and turns are crazy fun! Mrs. B ended up being an amazing lady. Love her! Ready for number 4 in the series! I still can’t believe the ending! WOW! This is a must read. You need to read it ASAP! You will be glad you did! Tears and love and a lot of strong people!❤️
February 7, 2020
My favorite St. Marins cozy read, so far!! Author is excellent at developing the characters and making them all realistic. If I absolutely have to say anything negative it would be that the main characters seem to have no real flaws, which is the only thing that makes them not realistic. Otherwise, I love this series and this is the best of the series!😊
March 14, 2020
A new author for me and an enjoyable cozy. Harvey a bookstore owner tries very hard not to be involved with a murder that has occurred in St. Marin’s . But what’s a woman to do when the Sheriff asks for her help? A murder and a homeless problem has Harvey busy, but luckily she has a lot of friends to help her. I received an advanced copy of this book from the author . The above comments and review are my honest opinion.
May 8, 2023
Bound To Execute by A.C.F. Bookens
Another great cozy mystery in the St. Marin's Cozy Mystery series. Harvey finds the body of the rude bank manager. She also discovered money has disappeared from an account. Are the events related or are there two separate crimes?
I like the feel and comfortable of the small town cozy and Harvey owns a bookstore. It gives the right vibes for this cozy mystery series. This is book 3 in the series and I have enjoyed all of them so far.
Another great cozy mystery in the St. Marin's Cozy Mystery series. Harvey finds the body of the rude bank manager. She also discovered money has disappeared from an account. Are the events related or are there two separate crimes?
I like the feel and comfortable of the small town cozy and Harvey owns a bookstore. It gives the right vibes for this cozy mystery series. This is book 3 in the series and I have enjoyed all of them so far.
January 5, 2024
This is a fun read. The characters are very lovable.
March 6, 2020
I like this author’s writing style and the setting of a small town book store. The characters are likeable, if maybe too perfect, and the mysteries in the story were well done and kept me guessing. But one of my pet peeves in cozy mysteries is lawmen who recruit civilians to help investigate.
February 16, 2020
I received a free advance review copy of this book and am voluntarily providing my honest review. This is really a page turner and I loved it. Sheriff Tuck enlists Harvey to help find out who killed a local woman, She then discovers that there is a homeless problem in St. Marin and with friends works towards working on a solution to help these people. I really enjoyed this book and highly recommend it. I am looking forward to the next book in this series.
February 16, 2020
Another great cozy mystery in the St. Marin's Cozy Mystery series. Harvey finds the body of the rude bank manager. It is also discovered money has disappeared from an account. Are the events related or are there two separate crimes? Enjoy this book and this series. You won't be disappointed.
February 7, 2020
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. It is the third in a series, but the first I have read. That didn’t matter, although I will look for the first two now. Likable characters with a social conscious made it a good read. Main character, Harvey, is a bookshop owner who enjoys taking part in small town life. Her and her friends join together to help relieve homeless issue while she help local law enforcement solve a murder. I read an ARC of this book.
March 12, 2020
A cozy mystery written in a more serious manner. Not the usual flippancy which is a nice change. Of course there is a murder and we also have a bank robbery. The good thing is you won't know who did what until the end and it will surprise you. Great characters and lost of dogs and one cat. You can't go wrong with this mystery.
December 17, 2021
A while ago I picked up this series as I am enjoying this author's Stitches in Crime series. I am now slowly making my way throughout this series as well. Returning to St. Marin's is a joy in this third book. The series has a cozy and comforting vibe. The small town setting with friendly people is such a great place to spend time. It already feels comforting picking up another book in this series even after a few books. Bound to Execute is another great read in this series and I really enjoyed it.
Harvey gets involved in another murder mystery in this book when she finds the body of the bank manager. A lot of people didn't like her, but who had reason to kill her? This mystery seemed pretty straightforward first, but it got more complicated as it progressed and had some great twists and turns. I really enjoyed seeing this one progress. It also was interesting how Harvey didn't do a lot of sleuthing in this one, but was still involved as the sheriff asked for her help. I like how the set-up was a bit different from previous books that way, but there was still plenty of mystery as well as daily life scenes and bookstore scenes. I didn't like the part where she had to lie to her friends, but luckily that got resolved relatively quickly. I was surprised by who did it, but I liked how it made sense and there are some hints in that direction too.
I really like reading about Harvey, she's just an amazing person. She's maybe a bit too curious for her own good and wants to know everything, but she's also very trusting and friendly and willing to go out of her way to help others. Actually a lot of people in this series are that way and it's just so heartwarming and awesome to read about. There are some great scenes of Harvey and her friends helping others and it's just really nice to read about characters being kind and helping others.
Harvey has a big group of friends around her and it's fun reading about them. Everyone has their own role and personality in the story, so even with the big group of characters it's fairly easy to remember who was who. I liked seeing more of her two friends who moved to town in the previous book. I really enjoy reading about these characters.
To summarize: This was another great read in this series. Returning to this series already feels comfortable and I enjoyed this book. The mystery is a good one that starts out seeming simply, but there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The murderer came as a surprise to me, but there are enough hints that it makes sense too. Harvey is an awesome main character, she's very curious and also very friendly and likes to help other people. I liked reading about Harvey and her friends and the nice things they do for others. I really enjoy this series and hope I can read book 4 soon!
Harvey gets involved in another murder mystery in this book when she finds the body of the bank manager. A lot of people didn't like her, but who had reason to kill her? This mystery seemed pretty straightforward first, but it got more complicated as it progressed and had some great twists and turns. I really enjoyed seeing this one progress. It also was interesting how Harvey didn't do a lot of sleuthing in this one, but was still involved as the sheriff asked for her help. I like how the set-up was a bit different from previous books that way, but there was still plenty of mystery as well as daily life scenes and bookstore scenes. I didn't like the part where she had to lie to her friends, but luckily that got resolved relatively quickly. I was surprised by who did it, but I liked how it made sense and there are some hints in that direction too.
I really like reading about Harvey, she's just an amazing person. She's maybe a bit too curious for her own good and wants to know everything, but she's also very trusting and friendly and willing to go out of her way to help others. Actually a lot of people in this series are that way and it's just so heartwarming and awesome to read about. There are some great scenes of Harvey and her friends helping others and it's just really nice to read about characters being kind and helping others.
Harvey has a big group of friends around her and it's fun reading about them. Everyone has their own role and personality in the story, so even with the big group of characters it's fairly easy to remember who was who. I liked seeing more of her two friends who moved to town in the previous book. I really enjoy reading about these characters.
To summarize: This was another great read in this series. Returning to this series already feels comfortable and I enjoyed this book. The mystery is a good one that starts out seeming simply, but there are plenty of twists and turns along the way. The murderer came as a surprise to me, but there are enough hints that it makes sense too. Harvey is an awesome main character, she's very curious and also very friendly and likes to help other people. I liked reading about Harvey and her friends and the nice things they do for others. I really enjoy this series and hope I can read book 4 soon!
September 22, 2023
This was quite bad.
I was tempted to slap 1 star on it and call it a day, but somehow, the coziness got to me, so here we are...
So why 2 stars?
Let me just start by saying that this is book 3 from a series and I have not read the 2 predecessors, so I am not saying that this series is terrible. I will only express my disappointment in regards to 'Bound to execute'.
So what does a cozy mystery usually capture?
1. A small and nature-friendly town
2. The main character owns either a coffee or a book-shop
3. A close nit friend group
So does the writer check these all off? She does indeed - however, some of these tropes are just so exaggerated that it doesn't leave any space for mystery altogether.
For the love of the lord, the main character has 15 people in her close friends' circle. (17 by the end of the book) So who will be the killer? Who else, but an outsider... you pretty much figure out who the killer is BEFORE the murder happens because it doesn't matter who is killed, it surely won't involve any of the lady's friend-group.
There is also almost a full chapter dedicated to describing a cringing scene between the main character and an unwelcome admirer - why was this necessary? This chapter is not needed and feels like bad fan-fiction....
The character in question, who is supposed to be sleuthing on the side is very behind the police and only gets herself in trouble for being nosy.
If you are after a nice cozy mystery, just go on the big market and pick up another one.... but not this.
I was tempted to slap 1 star on it and call it a day, but somehow, the coziness got to me, so here we are...
So why 2 stars?
Let me just start by saying that this is book 3 from a series and I have not read the 2 predecessors, so I am not saying that this series is terrible. I will only express my disappointment in regards to 'Bound to execute'.
So what does a cozy mystery usually capture?
1. A small and nature-friendly town
2. The main character owns either a coffee or a book-shop
3. A close nit friend group
So does the writer check these all off? She does indeed - however, some of these tropes are just so exaggerated that it doesn't leave any space for mystery altogether.
For the love of the lord, the main character has 15 people in her close friends' circle. (17 by the end of the book) So who will be the killer? Who else, but an outsider... you pretty much figure out who the killer is BEFORE the murder happens because it doesn't matter who is killed, it surely won't involve any of the lady's friend-group.
There is also almost a full chapter dedicated to describing a cringing scene between the main character and an unwelcome admirer - why was this necessary? This chapter is not needed and feels like bad fan-fiction....
The character in question, who is supposed to be sleuthing on the side is very behind the police and only gets herself in trouble for being nosy.
If you are after a nice cozy mystery, just go on the big market and pick up another one.... but not this.
February 22, 2023
Another real fun instalment! I am really liking this series, I adore the characters and the location, and how many books are mentioned as well!.
The mystery was definitely a bit more complex than previously, with Harvey having an active role in investigating. Only issue is that her investigation usually leads nowhere, until the killer just shows up and tells her “Yeah I killed them and now I will kill you”, but I am very hopeful that at some point she will finally be the one that uncovers the mystery.
Suspension of disbelief is always an essential feature in this type of books, so we shouldn't be too surprised when the sheriff asks Harvey to actually investigate. I actually liked this bit, because it somehow legitimises her involvement with the case, and justifies how she hasn’t been arrested for obstruction of justice. She then doesn’t really take advantage of this opportunity because her job is to pretend she believes her friend is guilty, but she lays it on soooo thick people either catch her out, or think she is gone insane.
I really liked the mystery, and while the killer was so obvious, I liked the journey to discover them. I also liked the new characters, and the discussion about homelessness with all the efforts to decrease it.
And now, onto the next book!
The mystery was definitely a bit more complex than previously, with Harvey having an active role in investigating. Only issue is that her investigation usually leads nowhere, until the killer just shows up and tells her “Yeah I killed them and now I will kill you”, but I am very hopeful that at some point she will finally be the one that uncovers the mystery.
Suspension of disbelief is always an essential feature in this type of books, so we shouldn't be too surprised when the sheriff asks Harvey to actually investigate. I actually liked this bit, because it somehow legitimises her involvement with the case, and justifies how she hasn’t been arrested for obstruction of justice. She then doesn’t really take advantage of this opportunity because her job is to pretend she believes her friend is guilty, but she lays it on soooo thick people either catch her out, or think she is gone insane.
I really liked the mystery, and while the killer was so obvious, I liked the journey to discover them. I also liked the new characters, and the discussion about homelessness with all the efforts to decrease it.
And now, onto the next book!
July 23, 2020
First off - my star level criteria is stricter than others. Three stars means I enjoy a book, although probably wouldn’t read it again. This book like the first two was a lovely escape. I enjoy books in places I would like to spend time and with people with whom I would enjoy spending the time. This book fits that. While the people are probably unrealistically all (except the bad guys) great people, I enjoy the positive energy. And while raising a lot of money quickly and finding people places to stay quickly may not typically happen, I applaud the sense of community that goes with that. The mystery wasn’t obvious and Harvey didn’t spend too much time being where she shouldn’t. I also enjoy the book and entertainment suggestions, however one small quibble there. Gilmore Girls is also a favorite of mine and I assume that when she mentions Kurt she meant Kirk.
July 29, 2020
3rd book in this delightful series, set in small town America in a bookshop where the owner gets herself involved with murders which seem to happen around her.
Harvey finds the body of the local bank manager, a not that well liked bank manager, and despite her promises not to get involved with anymore sleuthing, she, somehow, ends up in the thick of it. However, this time, the Sheriff asks for her help.
Will this murder be the last one she helps solve? Can she help put another murderer behind bars where they belong?
During her sleuthing, she also does what Harvey does best, she helps someone in need, and in turn, helps more than just 1 person.
I really enjoy reading these books and can't wait to read the next in the series.
Harvey finds the body of the local bank manager, a not that well liked bank manager, and despite her promises not to get involved with anymore sleuthing, she, somehow, ends up in the thick of it. However, this time, the Sheriff asks for her help.
Will this murder be the last one she helps solve? Can she help put another murderer behind bars where they belong?
During her sleuthing, she also does what Harvey does best, she helps someone in need, and in turn, helps more than just 1 person.
I really enjoy reading these books and can't wait to read the next in the series.
July 5, 2023
This is the third book in the series. I would definitely read them in order to understand some of the backstories. Harvey, our friendly bookstore owner, takes her dog Mayhem for an evening walk. They discover another dead body! This time there are many people to choose from as the perpetrator of the crime since the deceased is the very grumpy bank manager. Harvey's parents have moved into town, and Harvey tries to keep them out of her business and love life. Harvey is middle aged, so doesn't feel the need for supervision-even when she in investigating a murder. Looking forward to reading more in the series!
September 28, 2024
So the book is amazing. Top Notch! Still hits all the right spots! A cozy mystery set in a beautiful small town this time the action is at the bank.
I do have small nitpicks though, I do not like Max's attitude. Like if he doesn't back off in the next books I'm taking off a star. There was one twist about Wilma being a nice person so people say good things at her funeral. which I didn't really get why that would be a revelation?
Another thing I've noticed is every murder uptil now happens to an "unlikeable" person until of course complexities are revealed. It's a sensible pattern . I don't dislike it but I wouldn't exactly mind change.
I do have small nitpicks though, I do not like Max's attitude. Like if he doesn't back off in the next books I'm taking off a star. There was one twist about Wilma being a nice person so people say good things at her funeral. which I didn't really get why that would be a revelation?
Another thing I've noticed is every murder uptil now happens to an "unlikeable" person until of course complexities are revealed. It's a sensible pattern . I don't dislike it but I wouldn't exactly mind change.
March 21, 2020
Harvey is at it again!
This, the third (fourth if you count the prequel) keeps up with Harvey Becket and friends as she gets embroiled in another murder mystery. Definitely lives up to it's cozy mystery genre. The warmth and comradary envelope you like a well worn quilt. The characters are, for the most part very relatable. The story moves along at a good pace. I can't wait to see what they get into next!
This, the third (fourth if you count the prequel) keeps up with Harvey Becket and friends as she gets embroiled in another murder mystery. Definitely lives up to it's cozy mystery genre. The warmth and comradary envelope you like a well worn quilt. The characters are, for the most part very relatable. The story moves along at a good pace. I can't wait to see what they get into next!
March 30, 2020
This series by A.C.F. Bookens just gets more charming and inviting with each book. I've come to love the friendships in St. Marin's and Harvey Beckett's casual and sometimes accidental sleuthing. This one had me guessing until the end. If you like a good cozy mystery, this is the series for year. Two books and a novella precede this one, and the fourth will be released this fall. Plenty of reading in this series!
January 18, 2023
3.5 stars
When the local bank manager ends up dead, Harvey is shocked by the sheriff's request for help with the investigation, asking her to pretend that she believes her friend and local artist, Henri, is guilty of the crime. Along the way Harvey learns a few secrets about the bank tellers, the new deputy and the local art co-ops newest employee.
I was surprised I figured out some of the plot before the ending, as I'm usually pretty terrible at figuring out "who done it."
As always, I loved the author's cast of characters and Harvey's need to help out whomever and where ever she can.
When the local bank manager ends up dead, Harvey is shocked by the sheriff's request for help with the investigation, asking her to pretend that she believes her friend and local artist, Henri, is guilty of the crime. Along the way Harvey learns a few secrets about the bank tellers, the new deputy and the local art co-ops newest employee.
I was surprised I figured out some of the plot before the ending, as I'm usually pretty terrible at figuring out "who done it."
As always, I loved the author's cast of characters and Harvey's need to help out whomever and where ever she can.
November 25, 2023
ooo! Another good one. This Book 3 also has a message, this one about homelessness. In the two people that we "meet" who are homeless, both have a full time job. But getting the down payment, plus signing up for utilities and whatever else is required, is often too much for someone coming off of hard times. Anyway, still a Cozy, definitely a great read, and you learn a little about people while you're at it.
July 15, 2025
In "Bound To Execute", Harvey Beckett's peaceful life as a bookshop owner is disrupted when she discovers a dead bank manager during a walk with her dog.
This cozy mystery weaves in important themes, like homelessness and how communities can come together to help, as well as the significance of friendships in adult life.
It’s a fun and entertaining read, filled with engaging characters and a fast-paced plot, making it perfect for cozy mystery lovers!
This cozy mystery weaves in important themes, like homelessness and how communities can come together to help, as well as the significance of friendships in adult life.
It’s a fun and entertaining read, filled with engaging characters and a fast-paced plot, making it perfect for cozy mystery lovers!
September 13, 2025
Like the description said, this was a cozy mystery adventure.
I love the warm cozy feeling these books imply. St. Marin is depicted as a small town where everyone cares for one another. Harvey is just starting to understand how much she means to the community. Her parents are beginning to fit in, too. I figured out who one of the killers was at the beginning of the book, although it took me a little more reading to connect the other one.
I love the warm cozy feeling these books imply. St. Marin is depicted as a small town where everyone cares for one another. Harvey is just starting to understand how much she means to the community. Her parents are beginning to fit in, too. I figured out who one of the killers was at the beginning of the book, although it took me a little more reading to connect the other one.
August 17, 2022
This was yet another great book in a wonderful cozy mystery series. The main and supporting characters are fun to read about and the more explained about each of them, the better I am liking the story. The plot is easily followed and the twists, turns, and switchbacks of an excellent mystery abound in this one. I am happy to inform anyone who asks that I recommend this book and the entire series.
July 18, 2024
These books are the coziest of the cozy, and I typically love the book, movie, and tv show recommendations that the main character makes. All of her friends are super nice, supportive, and committed to good causes. Realistic? No, but I can always rely on these mysteries to be positive. Its a nice world to submerge myself in for a few hours.
March 18, 2020
Absolutely enjoyed this book. A murder, theft, and a handful of suspects. Couldn't put this book down , loved the twists and turns. Love Harvey, Henri and friends and their lovely small town. I was given a free ARC by the author. My review is freely and honestly given
March 18, 2020
Started of with a bang and just kept on going. This whodunit combines stolen money from bank accounts, a network of true-blue, concerned friends and the murder of a woman who was secretly kind but had an abrasive personality. This was a wonderful murder mystery! Great read!
Red Robin
Red Robin
July 1, 2021
Not my favorite of the series by far. The idea of keeping her from snooping by having her pretend to think a close friend was the killer and this was sanctioned by the sheriff. That just put me off. I'll continue with the series but i need a little break.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews