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Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries #2
A Body in the Bookshop
A page-turning cosy mystery set in the picturesque city of York. For fans of Faith Martin, Betty Rowlands and LJ Ross.
Librarian Kitt Hartley and her friend Evie Bowes thought their life had gone back to normal after the shocking events of Murder by the Minster. Then DI Malcolm Halloran breaks some bad news: DS Charlotte Banks has been suspended from duty, on suspicion of assaulting the suspect in the burglary of a local bookshop.
Evie wants justice for Charlotte, who she is sure was not the attacker, and how could any self-respecting librarian turn down the chance to find missing rare books? The two friends team up once again to investigate the rarefied world of York's bookshops and antiques dealers and find out just who has framed their friend.
But Kitt and Evie will soon learn that there are some books people will kill for - will this story have a happy ending?
Librarian Kitt Hartley and her friend Evie Bowes thought their life had gone back to normal after the shocking events of Murder by the Minster. Then DI Malcolm Halloran breaks some bad news: DS Charlotte Banks has been suspended from duty, on suspicion of assaulting the suspect in the burglary of a local bookshop.
Evie wants justice for Charlotte, who she is sure was not the attacker, and how could any self-respecting librarian turn down the chance to find missing rare books? The two friends team up once again to investigate the rarefied world of York's bookshops and antiques dealers and find out just who has framed their friend.
But Kitt and Evie will soon learn that there are some books people will kill for - will this story have a happy ending?
336 pages, Paperback
First published October 31, 2019
88 people are currently reading
531 people want to read
About the author
Helen Cox
54 books136 followersHelen Cox is a Yorkshire-born novelist and poet. After completing her MA in creative writing at the University of York St. John Helen wrote for a range of publications, edited her own independent film magazine for five years and penned three non-fiction books. Her first two novels were published by HarperCollins in 2016. She currently lives by the sea in Sunderland where she writes poetry, romance novellas, craft non-fiction and The Kitt Hartley series alongside hosting The Poetrygram podcast.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 176 reviews
October 11, 2019
When a burglary at a popular York bookshop results in the disappearance of some valuable first editions Kitt Harley, local librarian and wannabe amateur sleuth, is horrified. Having recently helped prove her best friend Evie Bowes innocent of murder she decides they need to team up to find the missing books.
Kitt is now dating the lead detective DI Mal Halloran and so has a sure fire way of getting accurate updates on the investigation so far and when one of the lead suspects is found murdered they need all the inside information they can get.
This book, unfortunately, didn't work for me. I found nothing to like in Kitt and Evie and the fact that their friendship foibles were described regularly rather than left to the reader's imagination made me think the author wasn't comfortable with them either. Having Halloran regularly remind his girlfriend not to let anyone know what information he was passing to her didn't make it right or realistic to me and it was a struggle to complete this story.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review but can't, in all honesty, recommend it to anyone.
Kitt is now dating the lead detective DI Mal Halloran and so has a sure fire way of getting accurate updates on the investigation so far and when one of the lead suspects is found murdered they need all the inside information they can get.
This book, unfortunately, didn't work for me. I found nothing to like in Kitt and Evie and the fact that their friendship foibles were described regularly rather than left to the reader's imagination made me think the author wasn't comfortable with them either. Having Halloran regularly remind his girlfriend not to let anyone know what information he was passing to her didn't make it right or realistic to me and it was a struggle to complete this story.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers in exchange for an unbiased review but can't, in all honesty, recommend it to anyone.
January 29, 2023
Wieder ein guter Krimi, auch wenn ich etwas Eingewöhnungszeit brauchte, um mich an den Wechsel der Hauptperson zu gewöhnen. Außergewöhnlich für das Genre fand ich die detaillierte Beschreibung der lesbischen Beziehung inklusive einiger romantisch-erotischer Szenen, sowas habe ich in einem Cosy Mystery noch nicht gelesen, aber stimmig und glaubwürdig kam es mir vor.
Der Kriminalfall war auch gut und das ganze Buch las sich flott und unterhaltsam. Mir gefallen auch die vielen Anspielungen auf andere Klassiker der Kriminalliteratur, weniger gefallen mir aber die heftigen Spoiler zu den Büchern. Das sollte die Autorin definitiv lassen, gerade die Agatha Christie Bücher werden heftige gespoilert. Absolutes NoGo!
Der Kriminalfall war auch gut und das ganze Buch las sich flott und unterhaltsam. Mir gefallen auch die vielen Anspielungen auf andere Klassiker der Kriminalliteratur, weniger gefallen mir aber die heftigen Spoiler zu den Büchern. Das sollte die Autorin definitiv lassen, gerade die Agatha Christie Bücher werden heftige gespoilert. Absolutes NoGo!
July 19, 2020
“The perfect antidote to dark, cold and creepy is light, warm and cozy.” – Candice Olson
I think the famous Canadian designer might as well have been referring to the unique and wonderful writing style of Helen Cox when she said this.
We are, after all, referring to a story titled, “A Body in the Bookshop,” and one only need to go as far as the dust jacket synopsis to read the words, “murderer” and “burglary” to guess there might be some pretty serious acts of skullduggery tucked inside this book.
But then we flip to the opening pages and somehow find ourselves forgetting what we’ve just read on the cover, all that deviousness and danger seem to evaporate when we read of (and see) the scene of two friends about to enjoy a delicious lasagna meal in front of a warm hearth, sitting in a room so enchantingly comfortable, one might never wish to leave.
As a side note, the description of the lasagna was so delectable, I found myself guessing it to be one of the favorite meals of the author.
The two, Kitt Hartley (who I like to think of as the Nancy Drew of librarians) and her best friend Evie Bowes, are settled in for a scrumptious meal in this comfy living room, sheltered from the biting cold of a pre-Christmas winter night when suddenly a hard knock at the door pervades the tranquility of their evening.
There’s a visitor at the door, unexpected, but certainly not unknown to the two women, especially not to Kitt. It is Police Inspector Malcolm Halloran, and based on his serious expression, this is not a purely social call.
As a matter of fact, Halloran is somewhat beside himself.
He quickly blurts out that his partner in policing, Detective Sergeant Charlotte “Charley” Banks has been suspended from duty pending an investigation into her alleged assault of a victim.
For those who read, “Murder by the Minster” the first book in the Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery series, Halloran and Banks are an inseparable team, the breakup of which would be like leaving Starsky without Hutch, or separating Cagney from Lacey or reassigning Rizzoli, leaving Isles as a solo act.
Simply put, this is just not done. We feel that tension right there and then, at the start of the story.
To make matters worse, Halloran, a dedicated and talented detective, if forced to the sidelines of the investigation of Banks, this is a policy of the department, and on the surface makes sense, but is intolerable for Halloran, (and the reader.)
But thankfully, no such restrictions can be placed upon the two “civilians” in the room. And in moments, the librarian and hairdresser are on the trail of a thrilling investigation that takes the two intrepid women into the storied, but surprisingly shadowy world of the York bookselling community, and just when that story line heats up, thinks get even more amped with the discovery of a dead body.
Helen Cox weaved a tale filled with turn after twist after turn. Leading this reader, to and fro, and just when I thought I was onto an answer, another delightful twist was thrown onto my path. There were chilling scenes, strangely complimented by those that were cozy and familiar.
The natural charm of Helen Cox’s storytelling worlds was on display here. A few of my favorites being: A Sci-Fi loving purple haired girl, a reference to bra cup sizes and the relevance of this to a police investigation, the rare association of a Glaswegian accent and sexiness, “Dr. Cornfoot” an imaginary physician and perhaps best of all, a nod to Sesame Street legend Count von Count.
At the same time, the author planted spooky, sometimes horrifying scenes for us, including: A gravestone used as a drop for criminal activity, a hammer as a human tenderizer and perhaps most shocking of all, the tooth gritting prospect of torching rare first editions!
Oh, and for us who never lived, or most unfortunately have never visited the UK, there were more than a few foreign, but delightful phrases such as “Jinkies,” (maybe not even British in origin, but instead traced back to the ancient era of television when “Scooby Doo” ruled the airwaves), and my personal favorite, “Stone the Crows,” which apparently means a exclamation of surprise or shock.
“A Body in the Bookshop,” was a delightful read from start to finish, a wonderful confluence of cozy and suspenseful, all flowing together into one, superbly told mystery.
I think the famous Canadian designer might as well have been referring to the unique and wonderful writing style of Helen Cox when she said this.
We are, after all, referring to a story titled, “A Body in the Bookshop,” and one only need to go as far as the dust jacket synopsis to read the words, “murderer” and “burglary” to guess there might be some pretty serious acts of skullduggery tucked inside this book.
But then we flip to the opening pages and somehow find ourselves forgetting what we’ve just read on the cover, all that deviousness and danger seem to evaporate when we read of (and see) the scene of two friends about to enjoy a delicious lasagna meal in front of a warm hearth, sitting in a room so enchantingly comfortable, one might never wish to leave.
As a side note, the description of the lasagna was so delectable, I found myself guessing it to be one of the favorite meals of the author.
The two, Kitt Hartley (who I like to think of as the Nancy Drew of librarians) and her best friend Evie Bowes, are settled in for a scrumptious meal in this comfy living room, sheltered from the biting cold of a pre-Christmas winter night when suddenly a hard knock at the door pervades the tranquility of their evening.
There’s a visitor at the door, unexpected, but certainly not unknown to the two women, especially not to Kitt. It is Police Inspector Malcolm Halloran, and based on his serious expression, this is not a purely social call.
As a matter of fact, Halloran is somewhat beside himself.
He quickly blurts out that his partner in policing, Detective Sergeant Charlotte “Charley” Banks has been suspended from duty pending an investigation into her alleged assault of a victim.
For those who read, “Murder by the Minster” the first book in the Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mystery series, Halloran and Banks are an inseparable team, the breakup of which would be like leaving Starsky without Hutch, or separating Cagney from Lacey or reassigning Rizzoli, leaving Isles as a solo act.
Simply put, this is just not done. We feel that tension right there and then, at the start of the story.
To make matters worse, Halloran, a dedicated and talented detective, if forced to the sidelines of the investigation of Banks, this is a policy of the department, and on the surface makes sense, but is intolerable for Halloran, (and the reader.)
But thankfully, no such restrictions can be placed upon the two “civilians” in the room. And in moments, the librarian and hairdresser are on the trail of a thrilling investigation that takes the two intrepid women into the storied, but surprisingly shadowy world of the York bookselling community, and just when that story line heats up, thinks get even more amped with the discovery of a dead body.
Helen Cox weaved a tale filled with turn after twist after turn. Leading this reader, to and fro, and just when I thought I was onto an answer, another delightful twist was thrown onto my path. There were chilling scenes, strangely complimented by those that were cozy and familiar.
The natural charm of Helen Cox’s storytelling worlds was on display here. A few of my favorites being: A Sci-Fi loving purple haired girl, a reference to bra cup sizes and the relevance of this to a police investigation, the rare association of a Glaswegian accent and sexiness, “Dr. Cornfoot” an imaginary physician and perhaps best of all, a nod to Sesame Street legend Count von Count.
At the same time, the author planted spooky, sometimes horrifying scenes for us, including: A gravestone used as a drop for criminal activity, a hammer as a human tenderizer and perhaps most shocking of all, the tooth gritting prospect of torching rare first editions!
Oh, and for us who never lived, or most unfortunately have never visited the UK, there were more than a few foreign, but delightful phrases such as “Jinkies,” (maybe not even British in origin, but instead traced back to the ancient era of television when “Scooby Doo” ruled the airwaves), and my personal favorite, “Stone the Crows,” which apparently means a exclamation of surprise or shock.
“A Body in the Bookshop,” was a delightful read from start to finish, a wonderful confluence of cozy and suspenseful, all flowing together into one, superbly told mystery.
March 4, 2020
I enjoyed this book until about 40% through the book when the book took a turn I did not expect. It was one I, as a Christian, did not wish to read about in detail. I took a break for a few days and returned to the book but when the theme picked back up immediately, I knew it was time to abandon the book. Nothing about this appeared in the book's description, and I will not be reading previous or future installments. I received an advance electronic copy through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.
November 24, 2019
Kitt and Evie become entangled in a case of rare book theft when someone sets up their police friend Banks. This is shaping up to be a marvellous little series of cosy mysteries. I love that they're set in York, one of my favourite cities, and the characters are becoming like treasured friends that you want to check in with and see what they're doing.
July 7, 2022
I read and enjoyed the first in this series - Murder by the Minster by Helen Cox and was eager to read more of Kitt Hartley's escapades. Sadly this second book did not deliver the quality of the first.
This time Kitt becomes involved after a robbery from her favourite bookshop and the accusation that DS Charlotte banks - the police officer who appeared in the first book - is suspected of assaulting a suspect.
This story jumped all over the place - the romantic involvement of the two lead characters with police officers was not believable and the story simply didn't engage me. Towards the end I was totally disinterested in who the guilty party was. A shame as the first book held real promise for a great series - but I doubt I will be reading any more.
This time Kitt becomes involved after a robbery from her favourite bookshop and the accusation that DS Charlotte banks - the police officer who appeared in the first book - is suspected of assaulting a suspect.
This story jumped all over the place - the romantic involvement of the two lead characters with police officers was not believable and the story simply didn't engage me. Towards the end I was totally disinterested in who the guilty party was. A shame as the first book held real promise for a great series - but I doubt I will be reading any more.
October 20, 2022
Nice wee read with lots of local interest. Lots of red herrings and misdirection. Felt it was a little rushed at the end and some of the characterisation was a bit forced.
January 12, 2022
Liget i boghandlen er en hyggekrimi når de er bedst. I denne kolde og mørke tid, så er en Helen Cox bog den perfekte underholdning. Den er let, varm og letlæst. Men lad dig ikke snyde: når først du har åbnet bogen, så opsluges du hurtigt af fortællingen, og glemmer tid og sted.
Helen Cox har en glimrende evne til at skabe historier fyldt med naturlig charme, et velskrevet (og excentrisk) persongalleri og et solidt mysterium. Hun leverer tvist efter tvist der løbende fører læserne i en helt ny retning. Helen ved helt sikkert, hvordan hun fanger din opmærksomhed fra starten, og hun bevarer den opmærksomhed gennem hele historien. Jeg følte oprigtigt, at jeg var lige ved Kitts side og hjalp hende med at løse sagen, og det er alt sammen takket være Helens meget levende og realistiske beskrivelser.
At Kitt Hartley og hendes veninde Evie Bowes ikke er underlagt samme regler og restriktioner som politiet gør, at de kan bruge mere…alternative…metoder til at komme til bunds i sagen. Hurtigt er de involveret i en spændende efterforskning der bringer dem ind i den historiefyldte, men også skyggefulde, verden der er Yorks boghandlersamfund.
Det giver en helt speciel dimension til historien at detektiv Halloran ikke selv er i stand til at deltage i efterforskningen. Hans frustration mærkes tydeligt, og han er absolut ikke vant til at skulle se til fra sidelinjen. Derudover var miljøet med Yorks fantastiske julelandskab bare med til at hæve fortællingens realistiske karakter.
Jeg nød at læse Liget i boghandlen, og jeg vil klart anbefale denne serie til andre elskere af hyggekrimier. Hvis du elsker politiprocedurer og detektivfiktion med en smag af romantik, så tjek bestemt denne serie ud.
Helen Cox har en glimrende evne til at skabe historier fyldt med naturlig charme, et velskrevet (og excentrisk) persongalleri og et solidt mysterium. Hun leverer tvist efter tvist der løbende fører læserne i en helt ny retning. Helen ved helt sikkert, hvordan hun fanger din opmærksomhed fra starten, og hun bevarer den opmærksomhed gennem hele historien. Jeg følte oprigtigt, at jeg var lige ved Kitts side og hjalp hende med at løse sagen, og det er alt sammen takket være Helens meget levende og realistiske beskrivelser.
At Kitt Hartley og hendes veninde Evie Bowes ikke er underlagt samme regler og restriktioner som politiet gør, at de kan bruge mere…alternative…metoder til at komme til bunds i sagen. Hurtigt er de involveret i en spændende efterforskning der bringer dem ind i den historiefyldte, men også skyggefulde, verden der er Yorks boghandlersamfund.
Det giver en helt speciel dimension til historien at detektiv Halloran ikke selv er i stand til at deltage i efterforskningen. Hans frustration mærkes tydeligt, og han er absolut ikke vant til at skulle se til fra sidelinjen. Derudover var miljøet med Yorks fantastiske julelandskab bare med til at hæve fortællingens realistiske karakter.
Jeg nød at læse Liget i boghandlen, og jeg vil klart anbefale denne serie til andre elskere af hyggekrimier. Hvis du elsker politiprocedurer og detektivfiktion med en smag af romantik, så tjek bestemt denne serie ud.
March 19, 2020
When I read the first book about Kitt Harteley, I thought this would be a series worth following - and I wasn't wrong!
When a local bookshop in York is burgled, that alone piques Kitt's interest; despite the warning from Inspector Halloran to stay out of it, Kitt and Evie want to get involved - even more so when they find out that suspicion of an assault has fallen on DS Charlotte Banks. With things going from bad to worse at breakneck speed, both women are soon immersed in the case.
This is a very good mystery! With plenty happening, a plethora of twists and turns and red herrings popping up along the way, it is a cleverly written and perfectly plausible story. I love the characters - each and every one has their own style and identity and enough flaws to keep them both human and interesting. I was convinced of the guilt of several people before all was revealed and feel that my grey matter has had a thoroughly good workout. I'm sure there will be plenty still to discover about the sleuths in this novel - both professional and amateur - and look forward to continuing with this terrific series. A superb example of the genre, and totally worth all five sparkling stars.
When a local bookshop in York is burgled, that alone piques Kitt's interest; despite the warning from Inspector Halloran to stay out of it, Kitt and Evie want to get involved - even more so when they find out that suspicion of an assault has fallen on DS Charlotte Banks. With things going from bad to worse at breakneck speed, both women are soon immersed in the case.
This is a very good mystery! With plenty happening, a plethora of twists and turns and red herrings popping up along the way, it is a cleverly written and perfectly plausible story. I love the characters - each and every one has their own style and identity and enough flaws to keep them both human and interesting. I was convinced of the guilt of several people before all was revealed and feel that my grey matter has had a thoroughly good workout. I'm sure there will be plenty still to discover about the sleuths in this novel - both professional and amateur - and look forward to continuing with this terrific series. A superb example of the genre, and totally worth all five sparkling stars.
March 18, 2020
'A Body In The Bookshop' is the second book in the series featuring librarian and amateur sleuth Kitt Harley. I thoroughly enjoyed reading the first book in the series and I thoroughly enjoyed reading this second book too, but more about that in a bit.
I couldn't help but take to the character of Kitt Harley from the first time I met her. She is a librarian and she is also an amateur sleuth. She has a habit of finding out more information than the police could. Kitt is kind and compassionate, sensitive, sensible, clever, funny and she is fiercely loyal. When her friend DS Charlotte Banks is accused of a certain crime, Kitt totally believes in her innocence and together with Evie, who is another of her friends, they endeavour to prove Charlotte's innocence and hopefully apprehend the guilty party. Do they do this? Well for the answers to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn't take me long at all to get into 'A Body In The Bookshop'. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat with this book and I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I must be psychic because that is exactly what happened. I immersed myself fully into the story to the extent that I lost track of time and I also lost track of just how quickly I was getting through the book. The first time I looked up to check how much I had read, I was staggered to realise that I had read over a third of the story and that was in just one reading binge. I seemed to race to the end of the story and I had to say a temporary farewell to Kitt and Evie.
'A Body In The Bookshop' is well written. The book is described as a 'cozy' mystery and I couldn't have described it better myself. Helen certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she keeps that attention throughout the story. I genuinely felt as though I was right by Kitt's side and helping her to solve the case and that's all thanks to Helen's very vivid and realistic descriptions.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Body In The Bookshop' and I would definitely recommend this book and this series to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
I couldn't help but take to the character of Kitt Harley from the first time I met her. She is a librarian and she is also an amateur sleuth. She has a habit of finding out more information than the police could. Kitt is kind and compassionate, sensitive, sensible, clever, funny and she is fiercely loyal. When her friend DS Charlotte Banks is accused of a certain crime, Kitt totally believes in her innocence and together with Evie, who is another of her friends, they endeavour to prove Charlotte's innocence and hopefully apprehend the guilty party. Do they do this? Well for the answers to that question and so much more you are just going to have to read the book for yourselves to find out as I am not going to tell you.
It didn't take me long at all to get into 'A Body In The Bookshop'. In fact by the time I got to the end of the first few pages, I knew that I was going to be in for a treat with this book and I would find it increasingly difficult to put the book to one side for any length of time. I must be psychic because that is exactly what happened. I immersed myself fully into the story to the extent that I lost track of time and I also lost track of just how quickly I was getting through the book. The first time I looked up to check how much I had read, I was staggered to realise that I had read over a third of the story and that was in just one reading binge. I seemed to race to the end of the story and I had to say a temporary farewell to Kitt and Evie.
'A Body In The Bookshop' is well written. The book is described as a 'cozy' mystery and I couldn't have described it better myself. Helen certainly knows how to grab your attention from the start and she keeps that attention throughout the story. I genuinely felt as though I was right by Kitt's side and helping her to solve the case and that's all thanks to Helen's very vivid and realistic descriptions.
In short, I thoroughly enjoyed reading 'A Body In The Bookshop' and I would definitely recommend this book and this series to other readers. I will certainly be reading more of Helen's work in the future. The score on the Ginger Book Geek board is a very well deserved 5* out of 5*.
November 4, 2019
4.75 Stars
This is the second book in a series set in York, England featuring all the same characters but from different points of view. Book one: MURDER BY THE MINSTER featured Kitt and DI Mal Halloran’s romance and mystery. This book centers on Kitt’s friend, Evie Bowes and Mal’s partner DS Charlotte Banks.
Banks has been suspended for assault after a burglary in a bookshop of some rare first editions. We know it’s all a bunch of BS from the very beginning and Evie jumps in and tries to figure out what is really going on. In her mind, if Kitt can solve a mystery, why not her? So, the hunt is on for the missing first editions.
There is a pretty great scene at an auction where DI Mal Halloran, my favorite character of the year, sprints across chairs like Indiana Jones and tackles a suspect. Classic! There is definitely not enough Mal Halloran in this book for me. And I wonder if this series needs a name and a central focus. This could morph into a DI Halloran and DS Banks mystery series fairly easily since they are the main detectives here. Above I called it a series set in York. Maybe Picturesque City of York series would be a good moniker.
I really enjoy this series and was pretty surprised that book two came out so quickly after book one. Usually we have to wait for book two for over a year, so when this popped up, I was excited to dive into it. I am in love with this series world and characters. So ready for book three!
If you love police procedurals and detective fiction with a taste of romance, definitely check this series out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
This is the second book in a series set in York, England featuring all the same characters but from different points of view. Book one: MURDER BY THE MINSTER featured Kitt and DI Mal Halloran’s romance and mystery. This book centers on Kitt’s friend, Evie Bowes and Mal’s partner DS Charlotte Banks.
Banks has been suspended for assault after a burglary in a bookshop of some rare first editions. We know it’s all a bunch of BS from the very beginning and Evie jumps in and tries to figure out what is really going on. In her mind, if Kitt can solve a mystery, why not her? So, the hunt is on for the missing first editions.
There is a pretty great scene at an auction where DI Mal Halloran, my favorite character of the year, sprints across chairs like Indiana Jones and tackles a suspect. Classic! There is definitely not enough Mal Halloran in this book for me. And I wonder if this series needs a name and a central focus. This could morph into a DI Halloran and DS Banks mystery series fairly easily since they are the main detectives here. Above I called it a series set in York. Maybe Picturesque City of York series would be a good moniker.
I really enjoy this series and was pretty surprised that book two came out so quickly after book one. Usually we have to wait for book two for over a year, so when this popped up, I was excited to dive into it. I am in love with this series world and characters. So ready for book three!
If you love police procedurals and detective fiction with a taste of romance, definitely check this series out.
I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.
October 29, 2019
As always, thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC in exchange for my honest review.
3.5 stars
I have to admit I was a bit confused by this book when I first started it. I didn't realize it was the second book in a series, and that was 100% on me. However, once I got some back story on the debut novel I went back and restarted this one. The story made more sense, but I felt it was a bit unbelievable in the sense that the police and the heroines in the story share information back and forth as if it is one big casual investigation and everyone is invited to help. Overall, I felt that the story held my attention and was full of twists and turns. Evie and Kitt are an interesting duo.
3.5 stars
I have to admit I was a bit confused by this book when I first started it. I didn't realize it was the second book in a series, and that was 100% on me. However, once I got some back story on the debut novel I went back and restarted this one. The story made more sense, but I felt it was a bit unbelievable in the sense that the police and the heroines in the story share information back and forth as if it is one big casual investigation and everyone is invited to help. Overall, I felt that the story held my attention and was full of twists and turns. Evie and Kitt are an interesting duo.
November 21, 2019
Another great Kitt Hartley mystery!
A truly entertaining and almost festive case, this time seen through the eyes of Kitt's best friend Evie. Made me want to bookshop crawl through York!
A truly entertaining and almost festive case, this time seen through the eyes of Kitt's best friend Evie. Made me want to bookshop crawl through York!
July 29, 2021
I.5 like watching cheesy British tv, amateur sleuths with tea and crumpets
October 14, 2025
This is the second in the Kitt Hartley series. Kitt is a trilby-wearing librarian turned incidental amateur detective. Along with her friend Evie and assistant Grace she becomes embroiled in helping Detective Halloran investigate various cases around York.
In this instalment, Halloran's Sergeant - Charley Banks - is suspected of mis-treating a suspect in a bookshop robbery. Evie knows Charley's kindness and can't believe the accusations, so sets out to clear her new friend.
As the investigation progresses it become clear that there's a lot more going on than a straightforward robbery. Bodies start appearing and more questions are raised than answered!
I enjoyed this book, although the revelation of the culprit was a little left field, and only emerged as a possibility very late in the plot, nevertheless Kit and Evie are enjoyable characters and the York and library setting all fulfil the cosy crime requirements. Enjoyable and light-hearted.
In this instalment, Halloran's Sergeant - Charley Banks - is suspected of mis-treating a suspect in a bookshop robbery. Evie knows Charley's kindness and can't believe the accusations, so sets out to clear her new friend.
As the investigation progresses it become clear that there's a lot more going on than a straightforward robbery. Bodies start appearing and more questions are raised than answered!
I enjoyed this book, although the revelation of the culprit was a little left field, and only emerged as a possibility very late in the plot, nevertheless Kit and Evie are enjoyable characters and the York and library setting all fulfil the cosy crime requirements. Enjoyable and light-hearted.
July 11, 2022
I love how twee these books are. They address murders but not in the usual gory way . You have to suspend belief a while to read the books as they involve amateur sleuths with a passion for justice who happen to get involved in murders in gorgeous parts of the country. This story involves the theft of first edition and priceless books so will always have the interest of our female lead, Kitt. There are subsequent murders and blackmail tales and the story has a number of possible murderers. The eventual outcome is one that I didn’t see coming. There is the back story of a blooming lesbian love liaison between a police officer and one of the sleuths but this is not lurid or unnecessarily descriptive and fits well with an earlier book by the same author. If you enjoy hard, realistic murder mysteries then you will hate this but for a pleasant read it gets four stars.
April 20, 2020
So this is the second in the Kitt Hartley series which I didn’t realise until I started reading it (I really need to start reading synopsis more closely) but it’s easily read as a standalone.
I was drawn to this novel as it’s set in York, one of my favourite cities in Britain and I do love a cosy mystery.
This novel is billed as a cosy mystery but I think it’s a little bit more of a mystery with a side of romance as there were a few steamy scenes scattered throughout.
The cast of characters was likable if a little eccentric and there were some nice twists and turns through the story.
Again like a few books in this genre, I think it could have done with being a little shorter as it dragged slightly near the end, although it didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book.
A Body In The Bookshop is a solid mystery with great characters. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
I was drawn to this novel as it’s set in York, one of my favourite cities in Britain and I do love a cosy mystery.
This novel is billed as a cosy mystery but I think it’s a little bit more of a mystery with a side of romance as there were a few steamy scenes scattered throughout.
The cast of characters was likable if a little eccentric and there were some nice twists and turns through the story.
Again like a few books in this genre, I think it could have done with being a little shorter as it dragged slightly near the end, although it didn’t spoil my overall enjoyment of the book.
A Body In The Bookshop is a solid mystery with great characters. I will definitely be on the lookout for more from this author.
September 14, 2020
I seem to be reading these books in the wrong order. I read the 3rd book first the second 2nd, so I really need to read the first book next. I have to say, it has not stopped me enjoying these books at all.
I love a good mystery and I really enjoyed the book being set in York, one of my most favourite places to visit. Good characters, good location, good plot line, loved it was set around Christmas time in York. Anyone who hasn't visited York at Christmas is missing a real treat. Looking forward to reading many more in this series.
I love a good mystery and I really enjoyed the book being set in York, one of my most favourite places to visit. Good characters, good location, good plot line, loved it was set around Christmas time in York. Anyone who hasn't visited York at Christmas is missing a real treat. Looking forward to reading many more in this series.
April 24, 2020
A cozy mystery with a little adult interactions thrown in. Our favorite librarian finds herself investigating the theft of valuable books and the accusation that one of her friends would attack the theft suspect. Helen Cox has developed a well rounded community of characters with best of intentions. The troubles they encounter while investigating will keep readers turning the pages quickly to find out the who and why.
June 26, 2021
A quirky mystery. It’s been a broken read due to working and having my mum in hospital and then at home but still not well.
I haven’t been able to give this book proper attention but I have enjoyed reading a very different type of mystery .
I haven’t been able to give this book proper attention but I have enjoyed reading a very different type of mystery .
April 26, 2020
Another excellent book from Helen Cox. Following the theft of rare books from her favourite book shop Kitt and her friend Evie are once again on the trail of a murderer. There are many false leads but I have to say I did not expect the ending. The wonderful setting of York adds to the overall enjoyment.
June 29, 2023
Het verhaal werd steeds ongeloofwaardiger, beetje jammee. Op zich wel vermakelijk.
September 23, 2024
Une petite lecture simple de cozy mystery qui ne m’a pas passionnée mais m’a bien divertie et allait très bien avec cette ambiance de début d’automne ! 🍂
October 30, 2024
Another cosy, easy to listen to book in the series. Looking forward to listening to the next book.
December 28, 2019
Another corker
Another corker from Helen Cox! I love the setting of the beautiful city of York and surrounding areas, and her characters fit so perfectly into that landscape. That Evie took the lead in this second novel makes me hopeful for a Ruby story very soon...
Another corker from Helen Cox! I love the setting of the beautiful city of York and surrounding areas, and her characters fit so perfectly into that landscape. That Evie took the lead in this second novel makes me hopeful for a Ruby story very soon...
April 8, 2020
Another great story
Another great story in the Kitt Hartley series .What a bunch of weird and wonderful characters feature in these stories. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
Another great story in the Kitt Hartley series .What a bunch of weird and wonderful characters feature in these stories. Looking forward to reading more in the series.
June 29, 2022
Sorry still a bit flowery for my liking and a bit far fetched at times but I will continue with the series
October 28, 2023
A murder mystery set in York with an interesting twist in the story. Easy to read but at times it felt a bit like reading a story of The Famous 5 for adults.
February 13, 2025
Audiobook
Loved to see crime fighting wlw, but didn't vibe with the characters and wasn't really invested in the story
Loved to see crime fighting wlw, but didn't vibe with the characters and wasn't really invested in the story
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