In the Nib of Time

Hand Lettering Mystery #2

by Daisy Robyns, Jessa Archer

Ralph Coggins has been one of Jamie Lang's mentors and friends for years. A world-renowned master penman and calligrapher to queens and presidents, his script is perfection. So perfect that someone wants him out of the way. When Jamie stops by Ralph's house to deliver the 24K gold fountain pen nib he ordered, she finds him slumped over his drafting table, freshly dead. It takes her good friend with the bedroom eyes, Ridge Calhoun, Cedar Valley's chief of police and hottest bachelor, to determine what killed Ralph. And the cause of death is almost unbelievable. Now the question is—who killed Ralph? And how did they do it?

Ralph was well loved and respected in the lettering community. So Jamie thought. Until she finds herself embroiled in a world full of jealousy, secrets, revenge, unrequited love, and greed. Even some of Ralph's powerful and wealthy clients have motives for wanting him dead. And it isn't because they can't pay. As Jamie sifts through the clues, consuming copious amounts of coffee, she enlists the help of her rival hand letterer, Hot Hugh. With his sexy British accent and tight black T-shirts, it's hard not to be distracted by him. Now the only question is whether Jamie can find the killer in the nib of time. Before they still her pen for good.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with something new, or if you're a fan of hand lettering, pen and ink art, graphic design, watercoloring, typography, calligraphy, and creative inspiration, this series is for you! Indulge your inner artist and sleuth. Welcome to Cedar Valley, a thriving tourist town and popular wedding venue. Once you slip into town, you'll want to stay and grab a cup of coffee with Jamie while she solves crimes.

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Contemporary, Cozy

222 pages, Paperback

First published July 15, 2019

About the author

Daisy writes sweet, funny, warm-hearted cozy mysteries. Her characters are witty, adventurous, and crafty in the nicest way. She loves playing small town sleuth and transporting readers to a world where wine pairs with hand lettering, there's a hint of romance, and justice always prevails.

If you want to know when Daisy's next book will be available, visit her website, www.DaisyRobyns.com, where you can sign up for her newsletter.

Reviews

[Barb · Rating 4 out of 5]

As an avid scrapbooker, I have tried to master the art of hand lettering, to no avail. I’ve had even less luck with calligraphy, and have never been brave enough to attempt illumination, but I really like that these are all significant parts of this book. I like the way Jamie explains the differences between these skills and how she walks the reader through the process a master calligrapher takes while producing a final product. I learned a lot about a calligrapher’s tools – that many of them make their own pens and that there are pens worth hundreds of thousands of dollars, for example.

I really appreciate that Jamie doesn’t conduct her own investigation, but, with the police chief’s blessing, asks questions of some of the pool of suspects, then passes that information on to the police, rather than trying to figure things out herself. Maybe it’s the small-town aspect, but I find it unlikely that the police would willingly involve a civilian in their questioning process, let alone encourage her to continue, but readers are required to suspend disbelief about a lot of things in the books we read, so why not this too?

There were a handful of series suspects, and as usual, I had the wrong person at the top of my list. The motive for the actual killer was obvious although sad. I look forward to my next visit to Cedar Valley to see what happens next with Jamie, Ridge and the rest.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

E' il primo libro che leggo di questa serie e di questa autrice e devo dire che mi è piaciuto; oltretutto non ero riuscita a inquadrare il giusto colpevole, o meglio, ero indecisa fra colui che è risultato essere l'omicida e un altro personaggio. Sono felice di aver comprato un altro paio di libri di questa serie mentre erano in offerta, poi quando li leggerò è un altro paio di maniche...

[Katie Rodante · Rating 4 out of 5]

This series is such fun.

[Sabetha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another great classic cozy mystery.

I love that these to the traditional plot of the sleuth figuring it out but not telling the audience right away. Gives me time to go back over what i know and try and make a guess at it. This time I was soo wrong. But it was a fun ride trying to figure it out.

Jamie is logical, and communicates with the people in her life like an adult. I adore how there is never any 'if they would have just talked to each other' eye roll moments in these books.

This time we get more information on Jamie's professional friends, and a bit more about the town / town folk gossip. There are low to no romantic aspects of the book, but plenty of realistic adult feelings fluttering around. One of the many things I am so grateful about with this series.

Can't wait to read the next book! If you love non-paranormal, murder in every book cozies you're going to adore this one.

[Lee · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author is really getting good!! I learned a lot in reading this book and I really like that!! But I hate it when they talk about food in a book, it makes me hungry! I ended up having to order french fries so I could try the “ special sauce“. Which, by the way, I prefer ketchup.

I think things are about to get interesting with the new business owner staying in town. I really like the characters and I love the way the plot is revealed. Like an onion that the layers are slowly peeled. I’m ready for some heated action!!!

[Elaine · Rating 4 out of 5]

An interesting story about a woman who does lettering for weddings etc, and her good friend who is an expert calligrapher. When he is found dead, she is determined to investigate. Was the murderer a competitor jealous of the man's success? It seemed likely but she had to prove it.
I learned a lot about these two creative professions. A good read!

[Shannon Binegar-Foster · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent

I think I liked this one even better than the first. But that is because pointed pen calligraphy is one of my favorites. The method of murder was certainly shocking. I am looking forward to the next book very much.

[Valerie R. · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great mystery

A unique story with lots of fascinating information about calligraphy and hand lettering. A clever plot and a smart solution.

[Judy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent series and fun

[Judith Mosconi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this story and learned quite a bit about caligraphy and the lettering world. Enjoyed the town they live in and the friendly nature of the characters. Will read others.

[Lyra · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beat my reader expectations (hence a full 5).

[Danise · Rating 4 out of 5]

Fun mystery that also got me intrigued with calligraphy and hand lettering by the tidbits the author included about the arts. Very interesting to a crafter!

[Elizabeth F. · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book. Original story/mystery that kept you guessing until the end. Love the chemistry between characters. Highly recommend.

[Tiffany · Rating 3 out of 5]

Good

This book took me awhile to get into, but once I did, I really enjoyed it. It kept me guessing the whole time.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie Lang has always loved writing in different styles from the first time she held a crayon in her fingers which led to her current status as a popular hand lettering artist with a following on YouTube, Instagram, and Pinterest. Her success encouraged her to open her own hand lettering shop, named “Flourish”, in Cedar Valley, WA, with its rural small-town feel. She was currently watching a live webinar by fellow hand letterer, “Hot Hugh”, who had probably stolen the topic from one of her talks the previous winter. He wasn’t very convincing, but his sexy British accent made anything he said worth listening to. More into calligraphy than hand lettering, he was still her main “friendly” rival. She teased him through the chat area and made women’s hearts flutter worldwide when he smiled into the camera at her innuendo.

The shop bell rang as the delivery man came in with a big order for her. She went through the order and pulled a box of solid gold fountain pen nibs she had special-ordered for her dear friend Ralph, a world-famous Master Penman, and texted him that she was on her way over with them. She stopped at the bakery for his favorite Russian pretzels and let herself in his unlocked front door. He was slumped in his chair, evidently asleep, so she gently shook him. His body was still warm, but it became obvious he was not breathing and even CPR would not bring him back! She had to call 9-1-1 since this was an “unexpected” death and Ridge Calhoun, the Cedar Valley chief of police, would be dispatched along with the Medical Examiner to certify the death. Waiting, Jamie looked around and examined the project Ralph had been working on. Something was off? She felt it, was sure of it. Why would he have been using a brand-new untried pen for such an important, pricey piece of work rather than the one he had lathed and broken in comfortably for himself? She had to convince Ridge to look deeper into this!

I just love these cozy mysteries! This was another very well-done story in this series with twists and turns to keep the reader moving through those pages! Grab your copy and see how quickly you can figure out the murderer and motive before Jamie and Ridge do!

[Mary Lou Hoffman · Rating 5 out of 5]

IN THE NIB OF TIME is the third book in the Hand Lettering Mystery series. Each will stand on its own, but I highly recommend this sweet, clean, cozy series.

I’m quickly becoming friends with all of Jamie’s friends in Cedar Valley, WA. It’s only too bad that it’s too late to meet Ralph. I think I would have loved the old man!

This mystery was extremely well done. The plot twists and the scandals were fun!

Through this series, I’m learning that there are different levels of handwriting – lettering, calligraphy – that make it an art form. I have often been complimented on my daily handwriting, but I know that I would never match the Masters in this book.

My only frustration is the flirtatious romance between Jamie and Ridge. Not that I mind the slow burn, but the references to his brother without telling us ANY of the back-story is just plain cruel to the reader. All we know is his name, he was engaged to Jamie, and he died.

I’m looking forward to spending more time lettering at Jamie’s store, Flourish, and solving crimes with her and her friends.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Title: IN THE NIB OF TIME
Series: Hand Lettering Mystery #2
Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery, Short Story
Recommended for: 14 and up due to vocabulary
Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused
Received from: Jessa Archer

[Jamie Bee · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder of a Master Letterer

I am so enjoying this series! And not just because the heroine, amateur sleuth Jamie Lang and I share the same first name! I love the hand lettering aspects of it, as I am a calligrapher myself. (I find myself wondering if the author herself has a love of lettering, because two series of hers now have had to do with it in some way, this one on hand lettering and another on typography.) I love how Jamie notices details, like a woman in her profession would. In this book, the author strikes the perfect balance between cozy and mystery. What do I mean by that? Some cozy mysteries put too much emphasis on the interesting characters or community, and the mystery lags (or is too obviously solved). Others have the opposite problem. Ms. Archer strikes the perfect balance between the two. I love the story. What a method of murder in general, and in particular for such a master lettering craftsman as the victim. I also enjoy a mystery with a lot of potential suspects, and this one had plenty. The book pulled me right into the story's world, and I loved watching the details unfold. Another excellent book in this series.

I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

Read my other reviews at https://www.readingfanaticreviews.com.

[Sue · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Lang received a delivery at her store Flourish of pen nibs for her friend and favorite patron Ralph Coggins. Ralph is an elderly world-renowned master penman and calligrapher, who Jamie has been fortunate to call mentor and friend for years. When Jamie decides to stop by Ralph’s house to drop off his delivery, she discovers him dead slumped over his drafting table. What first appears to be a possible heart attack changes to Jamie suspecting murder. She soon is able to convince local police chief (and crush) Ridge that Ralph has been murdered.

This cozy mystery has all the perfect elements to keep readers enthralled. With a great storyline, a smart and savvy amateur sleuth, lots of twists and turns, and a long list of suspects, this book will keep a cozy mystery reader on the edge of their seat.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Debbie Orazi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are certain books you read that leave you with a sense of contentment and accomplishment; Jessa Archer's book do that for me. The cozy mysteries are well written and developed with intelligent miscues and plot twists. The characters are relatable and come across as real people in extraordinary circumstances.
This story has Jamie discovering her friend Ralph dead when she brings him an order of gold pen nibs. Ridge and Jamie evaluate the scene and realize they have a murder on their hands. During their investigation they narrow down the suspects and finally find the murderer - almost too late for Jamie as she is his next potential victim.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Krystyna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Terrific plot, terrific characters - all in all a great read

Brilliant. What a great plot! What a cunning, devious way to murder someone. Great characters that leap of the page and immerse you totally in the story.
She is hurrying to see Ralph, a master calligrapher, with the pens he has asked her to find. His dead body, sprawled over the love poem he was working on for a billionaire was not what she wanted to find. One of his favourite pens embedded in his brain. A pen that he had made himself. Add in rivalry, priceless pens, jealousy and spite. Mix with a healthy dose of one-upmanship. Can she find the killer? Or will the killer find her?

[Riley · Rating 5 out of 5]

Once again Jessa Archer has succeeded in writing a witty, charming mystery full of wonderful characters, twists and turns, and a lot of heart. Although I thoroughly enjoyed both Cursive, Foiled Again and Who Shot the Serif, this was my favorite book so far. I loved the way the story developed with just enough details to keep the suspicion alternating between the various would-be villians up until the very end, all the while making us feel like a part of the tight-knit community of Cedar Valley. I highly recommend both this book and the series to anybody who enjoys clever mysteries and small town charm.

I received a free copy of In the Nib of Time, but that did not affect my review.

[Dorothy Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jamie is delivering a set of nibs to her friend and mentor, Ralph Coggins, a master calligrapher. However, she discoveres his body instead. She notices several discrepancies that she passes on to Ridge, the Chief of Police. As a professional at lettering, her expertise leads her to a number of suspects, subtle clues, and inevitable danger. In the Nib of Time is an excellent mystery with an unusual crime. I recommend this novel and suggest reading the entire Hand Lettering series.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kristi · Rating 5 out of 5]

There are books and series that you can't wait for the next one to come out and this series from Jessa Archer is just that. The story line is fun, entertaining and well written. Her characters are strong, well developed, entertaining and realistic. Her cozy mystery series are some of the best out there and you won't be disappointed when you add them to your reading collection. No spoilers here, just the advice of don't hesitate to purchase this book, once you start reading her books, you'll be hooked.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Molly · Rating 4 out of 5]

Ralph was a friend and mentor to Jaime. Though he was more a calligraphy specialist, still he taught her a great deal. When she came to deliver him the gold plated nibs he wanted, she found Ralph dead at drafting table.

As things develop, it becomes clear that he shared intense rivalries with other Master Penmen.

Art becomes lethal.

Intense KU murder mystery. I received an advance copy from Booksprout. I read it on Kindle Unlimited.

[Claudia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jamie Lang is a calligrapher and letterer in a small town. When she visits her mentor and friend, she finds him dead - murdered. As in former stories she helps he best friend to solve the crime together with the lettering community.
This time it is about solving the murder of one of their own - and uncovering a sinister underbelly in said community.
The book is entertaining and at times funny.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Jodi Sweet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well, this book was great! Just as great as the others that I’ve read in the series. Reading about Jamie’s love of lettering makes me want to learn how to do it.
This book was a sad one since she lost someone so close to her. She honored her friend wonderfully and solved his murder, all thanks to her knowledge of lettering and calligraphy. Awesome!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Shoshanah Lila · Rating 4 out of 5]

While this story was set in the same town as the previous book Ms. Archer has written a completely new story full of intrigue and sorting out grudges from professional jealousy. Which in the end was more dangerous? I won't tell!
I enjoyed the challenge of trying to figure out who-done-it along with Jamie. Thanks and more please!

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. The characters are evolving and the story was great, with plenty of twists. I can’t wait for the next one in the series!

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Pat Eroh · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love Jamie and her antics. It is so much fun to look for clues with while avoiding all of the pitfalls she seems to find herself in. This is another great book by Jessa Archer.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Gisela Crossley-zels · Rating 4 out of 5]

The mystery is well thought through and the end to it is quite a surprise. The writing is good and the dialogues are easy to read and very believable. The way Jamie 'falls into' different mysteries and crimes are amazing. Love every page Highly recommended.