Murder at a Cape Bookstore

Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery #5

by Maddie Day

It's mud season in Cape Cod, and when an ill wind blows in a murder with a twist in the tale, bicycle shop owner Mackenzie "Mac" Almeida and her crime-solving book group are ready to leaf through the clues . . .

Everyone loves a festival, though Mac has a few concerns about the Spring equinox event organized by the new Chamber of Commerce director, Wagner Lavoie. After all, March weather is unpredictable. Still, there's plenty to enjoy, between flower-shaped candies at Salty Taffy's, spring rolls at the Rusty Anchor, and a parade of decorated bicycles. But the festivities soon take a stormy turn . . .

Mac glimpses conflict between Wagner and other locals during the festival, but it's a shock when he's found dead in the Book Nook, pinned beneath a toppled bookshelf. It's an irresistible case for Mac's book group. She and the rest of the Cozy Capers will have to use all their sleuthing skills to bring the killer's story to an end . . .

Genres: Mystery, Cozy Mystery, Cozy, Fiction, Audiobook, Mystery Thriller, Adult

326 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 22, 2023

About the author

Maddie Day is a pseudonym for Agatha Award-winning mystery author Edith Maxwell.

As Maddie Day, Edith writes the Country Store Mysteries, from Kensington, set in southern Indiana. Maddie lived in the area some years ago and loves writing the adventures of Robbie Jordan, a country store owner and chef in South Lick, Indiana.

She also writes the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries, with bike shop owner Mackenzie Almeida and her cozy mystery book group solving murders in a fictional Cape Cod village.

Her new Cece Barton Mysteries series, set northern California wine country, releases in fall, 2023

Please see Edith Maxwell's author page for more information about her other mystery series and her award-winning short stories.

Reviews

[James · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at a Cape Bookstore is the latest installment in Maddie Day's A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. A festival is happening in the seaside Massachusetts town and Mac is pulled into another homicide investigation. The new Chamber of Commerce Director rubs people the wrong way, and one of them rubbed him out. Was it a local merchant with a grudge or a family member who wanted to get even for past troubles? As Mac puts the puzzle pieces together, several secrets spill and her life is once again in danger. Luckily, she solves the case, and readers enjoy a treat for several hours. Learning more about her bicycle shop in this book was great fun, and the new hire issue was definitely annoying and funny. I am still shocked at people's unreliability, but at least it keeps us all on common ground. Day will delight her readers with this release, and I'm already clamoring for another one.

[Phrynne · Rating 4 out of 5]

The fifth book in the Cosy Capers series. I started at book four.

There's a festival in town with a bossy, unpleasant organiser, and lots of bad feeling amongst those being organised, so of course there is a murder. Mac and her crime solving buddies in the Book Club cannot help themselves from being involved in the efforts to discover the murderer. Mac actually gets herself into serious danger - it is a good thing she is so smart.

This author writes nicely. The mystery is good, the characters mostly believable and the pace is steady. I enjoyed the setting although I was glad it was them in the snow and rain and not me. I found the information about Mac's bike shop to be very interesting. All very readable and certainly worth four stars.

My thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book

[BonnieM☂️ · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at a Cape Bookstore is the 5th in A cozy caper book group mystery series. It takes place in Westham, Cape Cod. Mackenzie (Mac) Almeida is the main character. She owns Mac's Bikes. She is married to Tim Brunelle who owns the bakery called Greta's Grains. The supporting characters add to the story.

Wagner Lavoie is the new director of commerce. He is the head of the Westham Spring Festival. He is not popular with the town people. Mac is planning to sell food in her food truck at the festival. The festival is a great success. The police go to the Book Nook book store and find Wagner dead lying under a fallen bookcase. Victoria Laitiner is the chief of police. Penelope Johnson is her assistant. Detective Sergeant Lincoln Haskin is from the state police. The autopsy later showed that he had been poisoned. They question Noland Gifford who manages the book store. He is the retired police chief.

The book club group have an emergency meeting to discuss the suspects, which there are many, They divide them up to speak to them. This is when the story takes off on an adventure to finding out who killed Wagner and the reason why. I will leave the story to the reader to enjoy to the exciting conclusion.

I enjoyed this story and have read others in the series. It was a very entertaining book.

Thank you NetGalley and Kensington Publishing Corp. for this ARC.

[Maria · Rating 3 out of 5]

Cozy mysteries are an escape from real life: we get a charming town with quaint and sometimes quirky characters, and a glimpse of an idyllic life until murder strikes. This series presents all of those but then also throws way too much social commentary in. I’m all for having an opinion of the state of affairs but I get enough of it everywhere else; I don’t need it in my cozies. Other than that, the story was well written, the characters well developed, and the mystery well plotted (although the solution was evident from the very beginning). I just wish it had been more lighthearted and less preachy.

I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.

[Mary Elizabeth · Rating 2 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this series up until now. This entry just didn’t have the charm of the previous books. Mac and Gin seemed to have gone through some sort of personality change since the last book and not for the better. Especially Gin who was one of my favorites became petty and mean and hard to like. I’m not sure if it was shoving of social issues down the readers throat or the sudden change in character behavior but I didn’t enjoy this one as much as the previous books in the series.

[gabriella escoto · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was so cozy and just what I needed. This is my first book in this series and by this author, but the story was easy to slip into.

[Nicole · Rating 3 out of 5]

I’ve enjoyed the previous books in the series. This was an enjoyable read even though the ending was easy to predict. This would have been a four star read for me if the author hadn’t found it necessary to insert her social commentary into random places where it added nothing to the story. This is becoming an unwelcome trend in cozy’s where the author feels they need to affirm their personal virtues to the readers and it is ruining the enjoyment of escapism reading.

[Karley Sisk · Rating 3 out of 5]

From one white woman to another I would personally like to invite Maddie Day to visit the south so she can experience how not all southern women are racist.

Good book but clearly thinks lowly of southerners which is a damn shame.

[Micky Cox · Rating 4 out of 5]

I absolutely adore this series! It is multi-generational and diverse in the cast of characters showing a supportive blend of backgrounds that have formed strong friendships and bonds. The mystery is created with a depth of potential suspects with a variety of reasons to keep you guessing as the book club tries to unravel the mystery and reveal the true culprit. Interwoven throughout the mystery are the backstories, family relationships, business relationships and friendships that truly draw you to this series. The story is told through Mac's eyes, the main character and a bike shop owner in the small tourist town, but her close friends and family all play an integral part to each aspect of the storylines that converge to make one fantastic read. If you are looking for a great cozy mystery, then this is one series that should definitely be on your must-read list. I can't wait for the next book to come out so I can jump back into the lives of these characters!

[Cozybooklady · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mac Almeida has her hands full owning and running her bicycle shop on Cape Cod.
Mac and her husband Tim are newlyweds and are enjoying their lives, even if they are both busy with work.
When a random death occurs in the local bookstore, everyone is voicing their opinions on who could have committed the crime.
The suspect list is long, and even though Mac hates the thought that one of their own could be a murderer, she faces the facts and begins asking questions.

I enjoy this series as someone who lived on Cape Cod for a few years and also was born and raised in Fall River, MA.
It's always fun to see a place I'm familiar with in a book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.

[Mary · Rating 1 out of 5]

This was a poor book. I fail to see why writers feel the need to shove their social agenda down our throats.

[Vanna · Rating 4 out of 5]

Story: 4 stars
Audio: 5 stars

[Jan · Rating 5 out of 5]

“Mac” Almeida had a high-powered employment history but now owns a bicycle rent/repair shop, lived in a Tiny House, has a father who is a minister, a mother who is an astrologer, has a verbose African Grey parrot, a baker for a recent bridegroom, and is essential to the Cozy Capers Book Group.
Great characters and town, vivid descriptions, interesting suspects, and a fast moving plot. Another winner in a solid series.
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Kensington Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

[Lyn Faulkner · Rating 2 out of 5]

The charm of Mac's world was gone for me in this offering of Maddie Day's A Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. It seems to be that Maddie Day is passionate about social issues that I am not looking into exploring in cozy mystery series books. 'Murder at a Cape Bookstore' was perfunctory and preachy. It's pretty much a pass for me.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. The opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own.

[Jenna (readinginjennaland) · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a fun mystery to follow. I had no clue who anyone was but this is my first of the series. I really liked the parrot especially the repeating of things. I had my suspicions of who the killer was and I guessed correctly. I'm excited to read more of this author's books.

[Jennifer Mangler · Rating 1 out of 5]

Silly me! I thought a book titled Murder at a Cape Cod Bookstore that involved a book club would include a BOOKSTORE. And BOOKS. What a silly goose! The one place that features most prominently in this book is a BICYCLE shop? Such a disappointing read. I was really looking forward to a book-y cozy murder mystery.

[Jason · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Cozy Book Group has their hands full with a town full of suspects in this thrilling addition to this series. With a Spring Parade planned on a day threatening snow, and the Main Street businesses hocked off at the newly elected Head of the Chamber of Commerce the atmosphere is ripe for a murder! Tightly plotted and populated with diverse and fun characters, Murder at a Cape Bookstore is the perfect beach read!

[Leslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely loved it just like the first 4 books! Can't wait for the next book!

[Teresa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I have read several of the books in the Book Group series as well as other books in the Country Store series. They are all delightful cozy mysteries and Maddie Day has become one of my favorite authors for this genre. The characters are well developed and the setting in Cape Cod is delightful. Having vacationed at the Cape, I could envision the town and the stores. I would love to be able to step into the pages of the book and visit with the residents of Westham Springs. While I think you could read this as a standalone, I would encourage you to go back and read from the first book in the series. It definitely will be worth your time.

Thank you to NetGalley and Kensington Cozies for my advanced review copy. All opinions and thoughts are my own.

For more reviews, please visit my blog at: https://www.msladybugsbookreviews.com/. Over 1000 reviews posted!

[Hayley · Rating 1 out of 5]

Terrible. She needs to stop with the social justice BS. This book is terrible. It could have been better if she stopped being a social justice warrior. 🙄🙄🙄. I really liked the series up until the last book and this.

[Bridgit · Rating 2 out of 5]

This might have been my least favorite in the series - really predictable mystery and no character development at all.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the free e-copy.

[Missi Martin (Stockwell) · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at a Cape Bookstore by Maddie Day is the fifth book in her Cozy Capers Book Group and you will love the excitement !!

In Murder at a Cape Bookstore main character Mackenzie "Mac" Almeida and her quaint little town in Cape Cod are getting ready for the Westham Spring Festival which will include a bicycle parade and the local businesses are participating by providing some free swags from their stores. Most of the business owners were okay with that and the select few who weren't were strong armed by the new Chamber of Commerce director, Wagner Lavoie. Luckily Mac was happy to hand out keychains that had her bike shop logo on them.

Luckily the winter storm that was predicted held off so the festival could still go on .... unfortunately while Mac sat outside the Book Nook with her friend Noland who managed it, Wagner was murdered inside the store !! Wagner was found underneath a bookcase ....

Mac knows that some people were upset with Wagner and the way he ran things but she couldn't think of anyone that hated him enough to kill him. So she gets a group text going with her Cozy Capers Book Group and instead of focusing on the book they should be reading, they begin to investigate the murder.

Even though Mac and the group know that Detective Lincoln Haskins and the police department are more than capable of solving the murder, Mac couldn't help but investigate especially when one of her employees and the deceased seem to have a past history that didn't seem friendly.

Readers will fall in love with this series immediately !! There is so much to love and I have only provided a small portion of what goes on in these books. You will want to grab your copies and get to know Mac, her friends and family, and the town and businesses as soon as you can !!!

[Carla · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at a Cape Bookstore is the 5th book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mysteries set in a Cape Cod town. The Chamber of Commerce is sponsoring the Spring Equinox Festival, organized by the new director, Wagner Lavoie. He is not the easiest person to get along with and Mac Almeda, the owner of the local bicycle shop, sees him arguing with more than one person. Despite not being a favourite, it is a shock when he's found dead in the Book Nook, pinned beneath a toppled bookshelf. At first is appears that it might have been an accident, but when the police investigate, it is determined to be murder. This is a case for Mac and her book group, The Cozy Capers.

This is a fun series with some great characters including Belle the parrot who can mimic just about anyone and shares many phrases that she hears. Mac has a new employee who causes lots of problems, Grandma Reba and a friend become bike enthusiasts, and Mac's husband Tim is there when she needs him. As Mac and her book group put the puzzle pieces together, several secrets come to light and her life is once again in danger. As we find out who the culprit was, Mac shows that she can take care of herself, and protect her friends. This was a great cozy mystery with lots of suspects, great investigating with a team of friends and a fantastic ending. I definitely recommend this one and although this series is a good one, you can read this book as a standalone if you cho0se. I was able to listen to the audiobook narrated by Rachel Dulude. I have listened to many books she has narrated and she always does a nice job with the stories and characters.

[Jenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Murder at a Cape.Bookstore is the fifth book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series. (Seriously, that series name is too damn long.) This time, the town is holding a very premature spring festival which seemed to consist of only a children's bike parade and forcing the businesses to offer giveaways. I don't know. When the ringleader of the festival is killed, Mac decides she has to solve the mystery when her best friend is a nominal suspect.

The mystery here was decent, but several things didn't make sense. Why was he killed in the book store? I feel like if the place is in the title, a lot of the book should take place there or there should be a good reason for it. There was neither. Why did they do a festival that was just a kid's parade? How did that help the town? Why would Mac hire Sandy without checking into her background? I know she's Orlean's sister, but still.

Still. I enjoyed this read. It was fun and quick.

[Valerie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I liked this book, I really like Mac and Tim although he’s not in the book much. Corey is cute, I wish there was more of her. I thought the mystery was interesting but the character who is killed isn’t very likable so there didn’t seem that much interest in finding the killer for his sake. There are several other characters who aren’t really likeable so it was kind of hard to get into the investigation much. I loved that the book didn’t end on the capture of the killer but went on to show the family together. #MurderataCapeBookstore #NetGalley

[Anita · Rating 5 out of 5]

When the new Chamber of Commerce Director, Wagner Lavoie, is found death in the bookstore during the spring festival he meticulously planned, Mac and her Cozy Capers crew begin to investigate. It seems Wagner was not well like in town since he tried forcing business owners to give away "freebies" during the festival to help attract tourists. He also came to town with too many secrets that could have been a factor in his murder. As they learn more about him the number of potential killers also increase and they wonder if they will figure out who killed him.

ANother great book in the series.

[Book Night Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book was the fifth one in the series and it was a cozy murder mystery. Usually, I enjoy reading cozy mysteries, but this book seemed like too cozy.
Initially, I had high hopes for Mac Almeida but I was disappointed in that case. I think that the characters were able to easily predict the murderer without much trouble. I do love it when the story cannot be guessed but I was disappointed in this one.

[Sheila Burke · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is another series that I'm really enjoying. I really don't know how they come up with all these different scenarios, but The Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery series is one of the better cozy series available. Well-written, well-paced, and entertaining. I'm hoping my library obtains the other books from this series. Very well worth the time to read.

[Patrizia · Rating 4 out of 5]

Questa serie mi piace, trovo interessanti i personaggi ricorrenti, ma questa storia non mi ha detto un granché e ho trovato la soluzione ovvia.

[Rachel · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder at a Cape Bookstore by Maddie Day is a great cozy mystery that is the fifth book in the Cozy Capers Book Group Mystery.

I think this is such a cute series set in picturesque Cape Cod. Mac is yet again involved in solving a local murder/mystery during the town’s Spring Equinox activities.

There were plenty of suspects to weed through by Mac and the book club, the pacing kept me on my toes, and I devoured this book in two days.

I have enjoyed everything that Maddie Day has written and this new addition is no exception.

If you like this, check out her awesome Country Store Mysteries (I’ve read every one!), and her new CeCe Barton series.

4.5/5 stars

Thank you NG and Kensington Books for this wonderful arc and in return I am submitting my unbiased and voluntary review and opinion.

I am posting this review to my GR and Bookbub accounts immediately and will post it to my Amazon, Instagram, and B&N accounts upon publication on 8/22/23.