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Antique Bookshop Mystery #4
Caught on the Book
For fans of Ellery Adams and Paige Shelton, in Laura Gail Black’s fourth novel in the Antique Bookshop mysteries, Jenna Quinn is going to have to go all out—hook, line, and sinker—in order to catch the killer.
The annual fishing tournament and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high-water mark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display at the festival. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?
The annual fishing tournament and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high-water mark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display at the festival. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 3, 2023
38 people are currently reading
438 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 129 reviews
September 20, 2023
I enjoyed this fourth trip back to Hokes Folly, North Carolina and the Antique Bookshop Mystery series, where it is time for the annual fishing tournament and festival. Jenna has decided to rent a booth to see if she can sell some of her books, especially the books concerning fishing. Sales are great but the real excitement is when former detective Frank Sutter and former partner of Jenna's boyfriend, Keith, shows up and makes a scene with his estranged wife Emma and her new boyfriend, who is an author. When the author's body is found a day or so later, Frank is the only suspect and is arrested. But Frank has some blanks and doesn't remember some of the events that took place. Keith is not allowed to investigate and enlists Jenna's help. What she found is that there are many who would want the man dead, and her work is cut out for her. This is another good read in the series and a real page-turner with break=ins, danger, and adventures. I had an idea of whodunit, but it didn't take away from the enjoyment. Fun ending with surprises.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
October 15, 2023
Caught on the Book is the 4th book in the series. It takes place in Hokes Folly, North Carolina. Jenna Quinn is the main character who owns Twice Upon a Time book shop. Keith is Jenna's boyfriend and policeman. Jenna has a booth at the John J. Hokes Bass Festival. Rita Wallace is Jenna's best friend and works at the Hokes Buff Inn. Mason Craig works for Jenna at her bookstore.
Frank Sutter, Keith's former partner, arrives at the festival appearing drunk. He has words with Gregory Hurst, a novelist who writes thrillers as well as works as an investigative journalist for the Hokes Folly Dispatch and his wife, Emma Sutter, who he is separated from. Frank is angry that his wife is seeing Greg and says he has lost everything, his wife, house and his job as a policeman. He threatens that he will kill the man who is with his wife.
At the festival Lavinia Sioddin, head of the Woman's League of Public Safely and her friends Helen Gigby and Elizabeth North are out to get Jenna as they feel that ever since she came to town there have been murders and the town has become unsafe. There are other characters in the story that add to the story.
Keith and Jenna arrive at the festival early to set up for the day. They hear a scream and find Emma sitting over Greg's body. Later Frank is arrested. Keith is not allowed to be on the investigation team as he was Frank's partner. Keith asks Jenna to look into the murder. Jenna and Rita go to speak to Emma and she tells them that Greg was looking into corruption in the fishing tournament. She gives them his black book.
Jenna goes to Frank's boat to talk to him. While there Frank is found on the floor unconscious and rushed to the hospital. This is where the story takes off with a lot of suspects as Jenna tries to figure out what is happening to Frank as well as who killed Greg. It comes out that Greg has taken manuscripts from other writers and had them published as his own. I will leave it to the reader to find out everything as there is too much to put on paper. The story comes to a climax of who killed Greg and why. The other ending of the story is a happy one with Jenna and Keith getting engaged as well as Frank renting Jenna's apartment next to Rita and becoming the security guard protecting that area of town,
I look forward to the next adventure of Jenna and her friends. It was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Frank Sutter, Keith's former partner, arrives at the festival appearing drunk. He has words with Gregory Hurst, a novelist who writes thrillers as well as works as an investigative journalist for the Hokes Folly Dispatch and his wife, Emma Sutter, who he is separated from. Frank is angry that his wife is seeing Greg and says he has lost everything, his wife, house and his job as a policeman. He threatens that he will kill the man who is with his wife.
At the festival Lavinia Sioddin, head of the Woman's League of Public Safely and her friends Helen Gigby and Elizabeth North are out to get Jenna as they feel that ever since she came to town there have been murders and the town has become unsafe. There are other characters in the story that add to the story.
Keith and Jenna arrive at the festival early to set up for the day. They hear a scream and find Emma sitting over Greg's body. Later Frank is arrested. Keith is not allowed to be on the investigation team as he was Frank's partner. Keith asks Jenna to look into the murder. Jenna and Rita go to speak to Emma and she tells them that Greg was looking into corruption in the fishing tournament. She gives them his black book.
Jenna goes to Frank's boat to talk to him. While there Frank is found on the floor unconscious and rushed to the hospital. This is where the story takes off with a lot of suspects as Jenna tries to figure out what is happening to Frank as well as who killed Greg. It comes out that Greg has taken manuscripts from other writers and had them published as his own. I will leave it to the reader to find out everything as there is too much to put on paper. The story comes to a climax of who killed Greg and why. The other ending of the story is a happy one with Jenna and Keith getting engaged as well as Frank renting Jenna's apartment next to Rita and becoming the security guard protecting that area of town,
I look forward to the next adventure of Jenna and her friends. It was a fun read.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
October 1, 2023
Jenna Quinn, owner of the bookstore, Twice Upon a Time, had set up her booth at the annual festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, prepared for the weekend to be busy, especially with the fishing carnival close by, due to start in a short time. Jenna soon called Mason, her manager who was minding the store in town, to close up to come and help out at the booth, as the foot traffic was heavy. When Jenna heard a ruckus nearby, she was shocked to see her boyfriend Keith's ex-partner in the police force, staggering and slurring his words, yelling at his wife. Keith soon escorted Frank away, but no one could believe Frank's manner - it wasn't like him at all.
The final morning of the festival, Jenna arrived early to get set up again. When she heard the scream, she and Keith rushed to the site, only to discover the body of a local author, dead with a knife in his chest. Who would have killed him? And why? Jenna was soon searching for clues because with Frank arrested for the murder, she knew they needed to discover who really killed the author, as they knew Frank wasn't the culprit...
Caught on the Book is the 4th in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series by Laura Gail Black and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, fun and entertaining, Jenna is a determined, strong character, and Keith is a sweetheart! I'm looking forward to the next in the series, hopefully not too far away. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
The final morning of the festival, Jenna arrived early to get set up again. When she heard the scream, she and Keith rushed to the site, only to discover the body of a local author, dead with a knife in his chest. Who would have killed him? And why? Jenna was soon searching for clues because with Frank arrested for the murder, she knew they needed to discover who really killed the author, as they knew Frank wasn't the culprit...
Caught on the Book is the 4th in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series by Laura Gail Black and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Fast paced, fun and entertaining, Jenna is a determined, strong character, and Keith is a sweetheart! I'm looking forward to the next in the series, hopefully not too far away. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and Bookouture for my digital ARC to read in exchange for my honest review.
October 1, 2023
The fourth book in this very enjoyable series
This time Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookshop, is busy displaying her wares at the Annual Fishing Festival. Things hot up when ex policeman Frank Sutter causes a public scene by attacking his estranged wife's new partner and verbally threatening him. A subsequent murder sees Frank as the main suspect, but Jenna does not agree and begins her own investigation.
One of the best things about this series is the lovely characters. Outstanding in this particular book is Keith, Jenna's boyfriend. I enjoyed all the scenes where he stands up for her and then of course he made the ending perfect. I hope the series is going to continue.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
This time Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookshop, is busy displaying her wares at the Annual Fishing Festival. Things hot up when ex policeman Frank Sutter causes a public scene by attacking his estranged wife's new partner and verbally threatening him. A subsequent murder sees Frank as the main suspect, but Jenna does not agree and begins her own investigation.
One of the best things about this series is the lovely characters. Outstanding in this particular book is Keith, Jenna's boyfriend. I enjoyed all the scenes where he stands up for her and then of course he made the ending perfect. I hope the series is going to continue.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 13, 2023
"Caught on the Book" the 4th instalment in the "An Antique Bookshop” Mystery series by Laura Gail Black. This is one of my favourite series. Jenna Quinn is going to have to go all out—hook, line, and sinker—in order to catch the killer.
I really loved this story, things are going good for Jenna at the store with Mason, and even better in the romance department with Keith. We had enemies turn to friendship, betrayals along with a little murder. What’s not to like!
The mystery moved at a good pace, was interesting and I thought well plotted. I loved the characters living in Hokes Folly especially Jenna’s BFF Rita and Shelby. Overall I found it to be a very entertaining read.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I’m looking forward to book 5 to find out what Jenna does next.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I really loved this story, things are going good for Jenna at the store with Mason, and even better in the romance department with Keith. We had enemies turn to friendship, betrayals along with a little murder. What’s not to like!
The mystery moved at a good pace, was interesting and I thought well plotted. I loved the characters living in Hokes Folly especially Jenna’s BFF Rita and Shelby. Overall I found it to be a very entertaining read.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends. I’m looking forward to book 5 to find out what Jenna does next.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
November 22, 2023
While Jenna knows and cares nothing for fishing, she's hoping to catch some new buyers at the John J. Hokes Bass Festival where she is setting up a booth. The festival attracts a lot of people, including the estranged wife of Jenna's boyfriend's former police partner, Frank Sutter. Unfortunately for Frank, Emma is with her new friend, Gregory Hurst, a popular novelist, and Frank is furious. He makes a big scene, making it clear he wants Emma back and loathes Gregory enough to kill. Unfortunately when Gregory is murdered the trail literally leads right to Frank's boat and Frank is arrested for the crime. Keith is officially off the case because he might be biased but that doesn't stop him from wanting to see justice done for he is certain Frank is innocent. Keith begs Jenna to investigate even if Frank is guilty. As Jenna comes closer to the truth, someone seems to be targeting her. Keith begs her to leave off investigating but Jenna knows she has to finish what she started.
This mystery was very good. I was interested and engaged for the whole book and couldn't put it down. I stayed up WAY too late reading it. I did eventually figure out who the murderer was and thought Jenna behaved TSTL at the end, affecting my rating. There's also not enough bookish content. There's a writer's group and the process of writing a novel but Jenna doesn't sell much at the store, only fishing/water related books at the booth and she's too busy snooping to do much work. Eddy slightly makes up for it but there's not enough of him either.
I didn't like Jenna much when I first met her but she grew on me. She's still very naïve though and not clever enough to figure out whodunit on her own. Not even when she sees the evidence in front of her face! She's a caring person though and very kind to her inner circle which now includes Emma. She helps out her employee, Mason, and his girlfriend Lily and accepts Rita's whirlwind changing relationship status even though she thinks it's weird. I guess that's what Keith sees in her? Jenna's BFF Rita is her ride or die. Rita is funny and a good friend. She enjoys gossiping but not in a mean way. Rita has a problem at work and Jenna helps her find a solution. I thought of the same thing right away, before Jenna did. Rita is a good friend to those she gets along with. Sweet Eddy is Jenna's baby now. He's still scared of leaving her side unless the two young dogsitters are around to play with him. He even makes unexpected new friends! I wanted more of them. Jenna has another new friend I forgot about, Shelby Foster, the candle maker next door. Shelby is super nosy and eager to help sleuth. She rubs me the wrong way somehow. I think she's too eager to help solve a mystery. She's not a serious-minded person I guess.
Keith is not so lovely. Keith cares deeply for his old partner and is trying to help Frank. Frank's estranged wife says Frank's personality has changed, he is experiencing memory loss and denying it and become more erratic. HELLO! All signs point to changes in his brain. That sounds like dementia to me but neither Emma nor Keith tries to talk Frank into a screening! Keith is trying to keep Frank calm and that's about it. He doesn't seem to be helping much. I really like Keith's new boss, Tish. She's tough but fair. She's aware Jenna is snooping but knows how to legally get around that problem. Tish is a lot of fun and funny. She would be great to hang out with off duty.
Frank was an awful detective. Frank is arrogant, egotistical and lazy, a typical cozy mystery small town detective. Yet Frank is hurting right now. He lost his job, even though it was his own fault, his marriage and his house. He could use a friend but isn't accepting Keith's help. He sees Keith as a problem and blames Keith and Jenna for his problems. Emma didn't seem to take her marriage vows seriously. For better or for worse, for sickness and in health? ring a bell Emma? Guess not. They had a quick romance and Emma helped Frank heal from the loss of his first wife. Somewhere along the way, she lost interest in him and the marriage soured. I don't like her very much for that and for not recognizing Frank needs help. She's friendly with another arrogant, egotistical jerk! This new man in her life, Gregory, is a self-published author of thrillers. Everyone loved his first book but says the rest haven't been as good. He has a new one in the works and there's high hopes for that. Then when he's killed, the demand for his book will skyrocket. The more Jenna learns about Gregory, the more I loathed him. While he didn't deserve to die, he was a horrible person who deserved to be taken down legally. Emma does not seem to be a good judge of character. She's nice enough to Jenna, most of the time at least.
Suspects include Amanda Trent of the Hokes Folly Ink Slingers, a local writers' group. She asks Jenna for meeting space at the shop as they've outgrown their space at the library. Jenna agrees at first just to meet them but the more she sees of Amanda, the less she wants the group at her store. There's lots of drama and Amanda seems to be an eccentric who thrives on drama. She has a very good reason to hate Gregory but would she stoop to murder? None of these people seem to be mourning Greg except for Belinda. She's young and silly. Belinda thought she was in love with Greg and he with her. She's SUCH a stereotype. UGH. Are girls still like that? She is because she was raised in a very Jane Austen environment. Like Jane, she was close with her dear old dad and when he died, her world upended. Belinda may have been seeking a replacement for her father, unlike Jane. Ew. Poor little Belinda naturally had every reason to hate Gregory and if she got into an argument with him, over Emma, perhaps, she could have killed him in the heat of the moment.
A secondary mystery of dead fish with lead pellets in their bellies could be linked to the first. Greg was a journalist for the newspaper and wrote investigative expose pieces. I'm sure he angered a lot of people doing that. Could the cheater have killed Greg to protect his secret? If so, Brian Short, winner of the fishing tournament could be the murderer. Was Brian cheating? Or was there another reason he wanted Greg dead? Revenge for a past wrong? He has some very good reasons to loathe Greg and want to see the man out of the way. Greg's half-sister, Tina, is no prize and she doesn't seem to have any love lost for her brother. She was well aware of who he was but as his beneficiary, she stands to inherit all his money earned from his book sales and that could be a LOT!
Which one had the greatest motive for murder?
This seems to be the end of the road for Jenna. I'm not super sad to see the series end but there are so few long running series I like left that it does feel sad to say goodbye.
Trigger warning:
mention of someone committing suicide
This mystery was very good. I was interested and engaged for the whole book and couldn't put it down. I stayed up WAY too late reading it. I did eventually figure out who the murderer was and thought Jenna behaved TSTL at the end, affecting my rating. There's also not enough bookish content. There's a writer's group and the process of writing a novel but Jenna doesn't sell much at the store, only fishing/water related books at the booth and she's too busy snooping to do much work. Eddy slightly makes up for it but there's not enough of him either.
I didn't like Jenna much when I first met her but she grew on me. She's still very naïve though and not clever enough to figure out whodunit on her own. Not even when she sees the evidence in front of her face! She's a caring person though and very kind to her inner circle which now includes Emma. She helps out her employee, Mason, and his girlfriend Lily and accepts Rita's whirlwind changing relationship status even though she thinks it's weird. I guess that's what Keith sees in her? Jenna's BFF Rita is her ride or die. Rita is funny and a good friend. She enjoys gossiping but not in a mean way. Rita has a problem at work and Jenna helps her find a solution. I thought of the same thing right away, before Jenna did. Rita is a good friend to those she gets along with. Sweet Eddy is Jenna's baby now. He's still scared of leaving her side unless the two young dogsitters are around to play with him. He even makes unexpected new friends! I wanted more of them. Jenna has another new friend I forgot about, Shelby Foster, the candle maker next door. Shelby is super nosy and eager to help sleuth. She rubs me the wrong way somehow. I think she's too eager to help solve a mystery. She's not a serious-minded person I guess.
Keith is not so lovely. Keith cares deeply for his old partner and is trying to help Frank. Frank's estranged wife says Frank's personality has changed, he is experiencing memory loss and denying it and become more erratic. HELLO! All signs point to changes in his brain. That sounds like dementia to me but neither Emma nor Keith tries to talk Frank into a screening! Keith is trying to keep Frank calm and that's about it. He doesn't seem to be helping much. I really like Keith's new boss, Tish. She's tough but fair. She's aware Jenna is snooping but knows how to legally get around that problem. Tish is a lot of fun and funny. She would be great to hang out with off duty.
Frank was an awful detective. Frank is arrogant, egotistical and lazy, a typical cozy mystery small town detective. Yet Frank is hurting right now. He lost his job, even though it was his own fault, his marriage and his house. He could use a friend but isn't accepting Keith's help. He sees Keith as a problem and blames Keith and Jenna for his problems. Emma didn't seem to take her marriage vows seriously. For better or for worse, for sickness and in health? ring a bell Emma? Guess not. They had a quick romance and Emma helped Frank heal from the loss of his first wife. Somewhere along the way, she lost interest in him and the marriage soured. I don't like her very much for that and for not recognizing Frank needs help. She's friendly with another arrogant, egotistical jerk! This new man in her life, Gregory, is a self-published author of thrillers. Everyone loved his first book but says the rest haven't been as good. He has a new one in the works and there's high hopes for that. Then when he's killed, the demand for his book will skyrocket. The more Jenna learns about Gregory, the more I loathed him. While he didn't deserve to die, he was a horrible person who deserved to be taken down legally. Emma does not seem to be a good judge of character. She's nice enough to Jenna, most of the time at least.
Suspects include Amanda Trent of the Hokes Folly Ink Slingers, a local writers' group. She asks Jenna for meeting space at the shop as they've outgrown their space at the library. Jenna agrees at first just to meet them but the more she sees of Amanda, the less she wants the group at her store. There's lots of drama and Amanda seems to be an eccentric who thrives on drama. She has a very good reason to hate Gregory but would she stoop to murder? None of these people seem to be mourning Greg except for Belinda. She's young and silly. Belinda thought she was in love with Greg and he with her. She's SUCH a stereotype. UGH. Are girls still like that? She is because she was raised in a very Jane Austen environment. Like Jane, she was close with her dear old dad and when he died, her world upended. Belinda may have been seeking a replacement for her father, unlike Jane. Ew. Poor little Belinda naturally had every reason to hate Gregory and if she got into an argument with him, over Emma, perhaps, she could have killed him in the heat of the moment.
A secondary mystery of dead fish with lead pellets in their bellies could be linked to the first. Greg was a journalist for the newspaper and wrote investigative expose pieces. I'm sure he angered a lot of people doing that. Could the cheater have killed Greg to protect his secret? If so, Brian Short, winner of the fishing tournament could be the murderer. Was Brian cheating? Or was there another reason he wanted Greg dead? Revenge for a past wrong? He has some very good reasons to loathe Greg and want to see the man out of the way. Greg's half-sister, Tina, is no prize and she doesn't seem to have any love lost for her brother. She was well aware of who he was but as his beneficiary, she stands to inherit all his money earned from his book sales and that could be a LOT!
Which one had the greatest motive for murder?
This seems to be the end of the road for Jenna. I'm not super sad to see the series end but there are so few long running series I like left that it does feel sad to say goodbye.
Trigger warning:
mention of someone committing suicide
June 7, 2025
Great book! love how the end wrapped everything up.
October 11, 2023
Great pace with plenty of suspects and red herrings to keep you guessing until the very end. I loved everything about this book (and this series): the town is quaint and begs for readers to visit, the characters are fun and welcoming, and the festival sounded like fun until the murder. My only issue was the different pickles references (I don’t remember these from previous books) which got annoying after a while. Other than that, this book offered a great mystery that will draw you in and have you reading late into the night.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley for an honest review.
November 18, 2023
I fell hard into this series because the first book had high stakes right out of the gate but as we're now into Book 4...this is devolving into everything I tend to get annoyed with in modern day cozies. The grown-a$$ heroine saying things like "Oh snap!," "Hot pickles on a pancake," "Hot pickles on a popsicle stick," or other variations to exclaim surprise. The cutesy small town crap has slowly encroached on more page count until finally in Book 4 I felt just as much time was spent on that as the mystery. As for the mystery, I felt it was pretty good - there's plenty of motives and suspects - but I found the final denouement read a bit like a balloon with it's air being let out. And major side-eye at the heroine's cop boyfriend who practically begs her to investigate because he cannot.
In hindsight I probably should not have read this entire series to date back-to-back-to-back-to-back. The foibles and annoyances came into sharp focus rather quickly whereas if I'd been a sensible person and taken palate cleansing breaks with other books I'd probably be a little less cranky now.
In hindsight I probably should not have read this entire series to date back-to-back-to-back-to-back. The foibles and annoyances came into sharp focus rather quickly whereas if I'd been a sensible person and taken palate cleansing breaks with other books I'd probably be a little less cranky now.
June 4, 2023
Another fun read in this series. This has developed into a good series with a lot of interesting secondary characters. Thanks to #NetGalley for the chance to catch up with Jenna, Keith and company. In this book Jenna finds herself doing something she never thought possible, trying to find out who is framing her nemesis Frank for a murder. With, Keith as his former partner, removed from the case, he is counting on Jenna to figure out what is going on and making sure the police don't miss anything. With plenty of movement on a lot of fronts, this was a quick enjoyable read!
August 7, 2023
I adore the Antique Bookshop Mysteries by Laura Gail Black! "Caught on the Book", the latest installment in the series follows Jenna as she is unwillingly roped into sleuthing for the truth in yet another murder. The accused murder is none other than the police officer who has had it out for her since she moved to Hokes Bluff. Though she is very reluctant to get involved, the request for help comes from her boyfriend, Officer Keith. Can Jenna lay aside the hurt and dislike for the former officer who had it out for her in order to find the truth? Or will he be found guilty of a murder he didn't commit? Come join Jenna, Keith, Rita, Mason, and Eddie as they sniff out the truth to hook the real murderer!
October 4, 2023
Caught On The Book is the fourth book in the An Antique Bookshop Mystery series by Laura Gail Black.
Hokes Folly is having its annual Hokes Folly Fishing Festival, and Jenna Quinn has decided to have a booth at this year's event. Jenna is busy setting out the books she has brought, hoping the fishing books she has brought will be big sellers. Later in the morning, a disturbance catches Jenna’s attention. Looking up, she sees her boyfriend, Keith’s ex-partner on the police force, Frank Sutter, staggering and slurring his words, yelling at his estranged wife, Emma, and her boyfriend, Greg Hurst. Frank swings at Greg, failing to land on Greg, and Keith quickly breaks up the altercation. Frank tells Keith to leave him alone as it was Keith and Jenna’s fault for losing his wife and job. On the morning of the last day of the festival, the peaceful serenity of the morning is interrupted by screaming. Jenna and Keith head to where the screaming is coming from and find Emma standing over the body of Greg, holding the knife that was used to kill him. They notice bloody footprints and follow them to Frank’s boat, where they find his bloody shoes on the pier. Frank is arrested, and Keith is ordered not to investigate because he has previously worked with Frank.
Neither Jenna nor Keith thinks Frank is capable of murder. Keith, unable to investigate, asks Jenna to look into the murder. Jenna's first thought was no way. Frank was the detective who tried to “railroad” her into being convicted of killing her uncle when she first arrived in Hokes Folly. But she does relent and agrees to investigate. Jenna soon finds no shortage of suspects and will call on her BFF, Rita, and her store manager, Mason.
The book is well-written and plotted and moves at a good pace. The story has an exciting cast of well-developed, believable characters. There were enough twists and turns and red herrings that I was kept guessing until the surprising ending.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
Hokes Folly is having its annual Hokes Folly Fishing Festival, and Jenna Quinn has decided to have a booth at this year's event. Jenna is busy setting out the books she has brought, hoping the fishing books she has brought will be big sellers. Later in the morning, a disturbance catches Jenna’s attention. Looking up, she sees her boyfriend, Keith’s ex-partner on the police force, Frank Sutter, staggering and slurring his words, yelling at his estranged wife, Emma, and her boyfriend, Greg Hurst. Frank swings at Greg, failing to land on Greg, and Keith quickly breaks up the altercation. Frank tells Keith to leave him alone as it was Keith and Jenna’s fault for losing his wife and job. On the morning of the last day of the festival, the peaceful serenity of the morning is interrupted by screaming. Jenna and Keith head to where the screaming is coming from and find Emma standing over the body of Greg, holding the knife that was used to kill him. They notice bloody footprints and follow them to Frank’s boat, where they find his bloody shoes on the pier. Frank is arrested, and Keith is ordered not to investigate because he has previously worked with Frank.
Neither Jenna nor Keith thinks Frank is capable of murder. Keith, unable to investigate, asks Jenna to look into the murder. Jenna's first thought was no way. Frank was the detective who tried to “railroad” her into being convicted of killing her uncle when she first arrived in Hokes Folly. But she does relent and agrees to investigate. Jenna soon finds no shortage of suspects and will call on her BFF, Rita, and her store manager, Mason.
The book is well-written and plotted and moves at a good pace. The story has an exciting cast of well-developed, believable characters. There were enough twists and turns and red herrings that I was kept guessing until the surprising ending.
I’m anxiously awaiting the next book in this exciting series.
April 18, 2023
#CaughtontheBook #NetGalley is the fourth book in this terrific series.
Jenna is preparing for the annual fishing tournament and hopes to sell a few books at her booth.
It's no secret to anyone that Jenna and Frank Sutter aren't the best of friends, especially when he aggressively pursed her as the perpetrator in a murder investigation.
His odd behaviors are troublesome to Jenna, and when she finds out his wife left him, she shares her concerns with her boyfriend Keith, a local police detective.
Frank's wife is keeping company with a local author, but he seems to have secrets of his own.
When the author is found dead, Frank is the prime suspect, but Jenna can't believe he's guilty of murder.
This is a fantastic book, it gripped me from the beginning and I was shocked by who really did it!
I highly recommend this book to all readers, it's a great cozy mystery with fun, likeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Jenna is preparing for the annual fishing tournament and hopes to sell a few books at her booth.
It's no secret to anyone that Jenna and Frank Sutter aren't the best of friends, especially when he aggressively pursed her as the perpetrator in a murder investigation.
His odd behaviors are troublesome to Jenna, and when she finds out his wife left him, she shares her concerns with her boyfriend Keith, a local police detective.
Frank's wife is keeping company with a local author, but he seems to have secrets of his own.
When the author is found dead, Frank is the prime suspect, but Jenna can't believe he's guilty of murder.
This is a fantastic book, it gripped me from the beginning and I was shocked by who really did it!
I highly recommend this book to all readers, it's a great cozy mystery with fun, likeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
August 3, 2023
Jenna Quinn is looking forward to a pleasant three days at the Hokes Folly fishing festival running her booth selling second-hand books, and her plan seems to be working until a body is found nearby Jenna is amazed when her old nemesis, ex-detective Frank Sutter, is identified as a main suspect, meaning her boyfriend, Keith Logan, can't run the investigation. Soon knee deep in suspects will Jenna discover the killer or will she end up playing with the fishes?
I have loved this series from the start but have a feeling book four could be the last with no loose ends remaining in this very enjoyable read. Jenna, her friends, and foes are here once again alongside the new victim and suspects, all of whom are entertainingly well-written.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I hope there will be more adventures to come as this is a lovely cosy crime series that is easy to recommend. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
I have loved this series from the start but have a feeling book four could be the last with no loose ends remaining in this very enjoyable read. Jenna, her friends, and foes are here once again alongside the new victim and suspects, all of whom are entertainingly well-written.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I hope there will be more adventures to come as this is a lovely cosy crime series that is easy to recommend. 4.5 rounded up to 5 stars.
April 18, 2023
#CaughtontheBook #NetGalley is the fourth book in this terrific series.
Jenna is preparing for the annual fishing tournament and hopes to sell a few books at her booth.
It's no secret to anyone that Jenna and Frank Sutter aren't the best of friends, especially when he aggressively pursed her as the perpetrator in a murder investigation.
His odd behaviors are troublesome to Jenna, and when she finds out his wife left him, she shares her concerns with her boyfriend Keith, a local police detective.
Frank's wife is keeping company with a local author, but he seems to have secrets of his own.
When the author is found dead, Frank is the prime suspect, but Jenna can't believe he's guilty of murder.
This is a fantastic book, it gripped me from the beginning and I was shocked by who really did it!
I highly recommend this book to all readers, it's a great cozy mystery with fun, likeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Jenna is preparing for the annual fishing tournament and hopes to sell a few books at her booth.
It's no secret to anyone that Jenna and Frank Sutter aren't the best of friends, especially when he aggressively pursed her as the perpetrator in a murder investigation.
His odd behaviors are troublesome to Jenna, and when she finds out his wife left him, she shares her concerns with her boyfriend Keith, a local police detective.
Frank's wife is keeping company with a local author, but he seems to have secrets of his own.
When the author is found dead, Frank is the prime suspect, but Jenna can't believe he's guilty of murder.
This is a fantastic book, it gripped me from the beginning and I was shocked by who really did it!
I highly recommend this book to all readers, it's a great cozy mystery with fun, likeable characters.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
November 23, 2023
The next antique bookshop mystery finds Jenna investigating to help clear her boyfriend Keith’s former work partner from a murder charge.
Another good entry in this series! I like that Jenna actually investigates and finds clues. Some cozies don’t lean into the mystery part, but this one does! We also see some good character development here, especially for some side characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Another good entry in this series! I like that Jenna actually investigates and finds clues. Some cozies don’t lean into the mystery part, but this one does! We also see some good character development here, especially for some side characters. Can’t wait for the next one!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 8, 2024
Another really good cozy mystery in this series!
August 29, 2025
Great mystery with well developed characters. Nice twists at the end.
January 2, 2025
Always a fun series, and the main character is smarter than most cozy heroines!
September 27, 2023
I haven't read all of the previous Antique Bookshop books, but I did not find that it affected my reading or enjoyment of Caught On The Book.
The annual fishing competition ends up with more than a few fish on the hook, and it is up to the intrpid Jenna to solve things, when her partner and local Sheriff is taken off the case.
I felt for Jenna, being asked to help the man who tried to put her in gaol, and I admire her for doing it. Her tenacity and loyalty to her friends is wonderful.
Small towns, ey? So little time, so much murder haha
I do hope we get more in the series in the future.
Thank you Netgalley for my review copy
The annual fishing competition ends up with more than a few fish on the hook, and it is up to the intrpid Jenna to solve things, when her partner and local Sheriff is taken off the case.
I felt for Jenna, being asked to help the man who tried to put her in gaol, and I admire her for doing it. Her tenacity and loyalty to her friends is wonderful.
Small towns, ey? So little time, so much murder haha
I do hope we get more in the series in the future.
Thank you Netgalley for my review copy
April 15, 2023
I enjoyed this book. I really liked the characters, they’re so well rounded. I thought it was interesting that the main character would help the police officer that kept trying to arrest her. The investigation did turn up a lot of interesting leads and suspects. I did know who the killer is right from the beginning, I thought it was obvious. . #CaughtontheBook #NetGalley
August 19, 2024
I like the characters and the story about the community of shop owners but the mystery was disappointing. And I’m tried of her “crap on a cracker,” “ holy hot pickles,” bananas on a mud pie,” meant to be quirky exclamations.
October 4, 2023
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Caught on the Book (An Antique Bookshop Mystery #4) by Laura Gail Black from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
…is a cute, fun, fast-paced mystery, replete with twisted red herrings, a quirky cast of multi-faceted characters, a touch of romance and humor …
Caught on the Book is the fourth entry in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series. Jenna Quinn and her bookstore Twice Upon a Time are hosting a booth at John J. Hokes Bass Festival, the annual fishing contest and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina. When an angry and seemingly drunk Frank Sutter gets into a fight with local author and investigative reporter Gregory Hurst over Frank’s estranged wife Emma. He is pulled away uttering death threats to the man who stole his wife.
Frank Sutter, Jenna’s boyfriend Keith’s former partner is escorted away and despite losing his badge for relentlessly harassing Jenna who was his prime suspect in a previous murder, she can’t help but feel sorry for him.
The next morning while setting up the booth for the day they hear a blood curdling scream coming from Emma’s booth only to find Emma sitting next to Greg’s body with a knife in her hand, begging for someone to help him.
After uttering death threats, Frank becomes prime suspect however Keith is not allowed on the case due to the fact he was Franks partner and friend and with bloody footprints leading to his houseboat where Frank is arrested. Not able to be involved in the investigation to help his former partner, Keith in desperation asks Jenna to investigate the murder for him.
Jenna and her best friend and neighbor Rita pay a visit to Emma, they learn that as an investigative reporter Greg was looking into corruption at the fishing tournament and she turns over his black book with his notes from the story. Released from jail, Frank returns to his boat where Jenna, despite their volatile relationship, decides to visit to speak with him about the case. When Frank collapses to the floor unconscious and is rushed to the hospital they learn his behavior could have been attributed to a medical condition requiring surgery. With Frank out of commission and a strong gut feeling of his innocence Jenna goes on a mission to find the real culprit and clear Franks name.
Caught on the Book is a cute, fun, fast-paced mystery, replete with twisted red herrings, a quirky cast of multi-faceted characters, a touch of romance and humor. In my opinion, I enjoyed the book, although my only complaint would be that some of Jenna’s curses yes, they are cute, but they are repetitive to the point of being cringeworthy. That being said, I really did enjoy the story and would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more in the series.
…is a cute, fun, fast-paced mystery, replete with twisted red herrings, a quirky cast of multi-faceted characters, a touch of romance and humor …
Caught on the Book is the fourth entry in the Antique Bookshop Mystery series. Jenna Quinn and her bookstore Twice Upon a Time are hosting a booth at John J. Hokes Bass Festival, the annual fishing contest and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina. When an angry and seemingly drunk Frank Sutter gets into a fight with local author and investigative reporter Gregory Hurst over Frank’s estranged wife Emma. He is pulled away uttering death threats to the man who stole his wife.
Frank Sutter, Jenna’s boyfriend Keith’s former partner is escorted away and despite losing his badge for relentlessly harassing Jenna who was his prime suspect in a previous murder, she can’t help but feel sorry for him.
The next morning while setting up the booth for the day they hear a blood curdling scream coming from Emma’s booth only to find Emma sitting next to Greg’s body with a knife in her hand, begging for someone to help him.
After uttering death threats, Frank becomes prime suspect however Keith is not allowed on the case due to the fact he was Franks partner and friend and with bloody footprints leading to his houseboat where Frank is arrested. Not able to be involved in the investigation to help his former partner, Keith in desperation asks Jenna to investigate the murder for him.
Jenna and her best friend and neighbor Rita pay a visit to Emma, they learn that as an investigative reporter Greg was looking into corruption at the fishing tournament and she turns over his black book with his notes from the story. Released from jail, Frank returns to his boat where Jenna, despite their volatile relationship, decides to visit to speak with him about the case. When Frank collapses to the floor unconscious and is rushed to the hospital they learn his behavior could have been attributed to a medical condition requiring surgery. With Frank out of commission and a strong gut feeling of his innocence Jenna goes on a mission to find the real culprit and clear Franks name.
Caught on the Book is a cute, fun, fast-paced mystery, replete with twisted red herrings, a quirky cast of multi-faceted characters, a touch of romance and humor. In my opinion, I enjoyed the book, although my only complaint would be that some of Jenna’s curses yes, they are cute, but they are repetitive to the point of being cringeworthy. That being said, I really did enjoy the story and would definitely recommend it. I look forward to reading more in the series.
June 26, 2023
Caught on the Book
(Antique Bookshop 4)
Laura Gail Black
Jenna, Keith, and the gang are back!
If you’re new to Hokes Folly, North Carolina, Welcome! This is an excellent read. Besides one or two oblique references to the previous books, this is a welcoming book, ready for the new reader or experienced fan.
Jenna is the owner of Twice Upon A Time, a secondhand and antique bookstore. We return soon after the events in Bound by Murder. Jenna is participating in her first John J Hokes Bass Festival. For three days businesses will have tent space by the lake.
On opening day Detective Frank Sutter, Keith’s former partner shows up causing a scene. He accuses his wife Emma of cheating with local author Gregory Hurst and threatens to kill him. He even accuses Jenna and Keith of conspiring against him. Keith finally, manages to remove him from the festival. The next day Jenna arrives early to set up and shop. On her way back to her tent she sees Frank headed to Gregory’s tent and attempts to side track him so he doesn’t make a second scene, possibly getting himself arrested. He goes right up though and in front of witnesses hits Gregory in the face! Causing the police to remove him. On the final day of the festival, Jenna and Keith are by the lake when they hear screaming. Racing to the sound they find Emma with a knife and Greg dead on the floor of his author's tent. Bloody shoe prints lead to Frank's immediate arrest.
Keith doesn’t believe Frank, did it. He asks Jenna to find out the truth using her special brand of charm. In the process, Jenna finds out a host of secrets. Her house is robbed and Frank winds up hospitalized. Leading to a life saving diagnosis. Now can Jenna figure out who really killed Greg without ending up dead herself?!
5 *****
I enjoyed this book which was at times hilarious and poignant. The mystery was slightly twisty and completely enjoyable. It also dealt gracefully with health issues and aging. I would recommend it to anyone!
Antique Bookshop Mysteries
1. For Whom the Book Tolls
2. Murder by the Bookend
3. Bound by Murder
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
#Netgalley #CaughtontheBook #LauraGailBlack #cozy #mystery #AntiqueBookshop #Five5star
(Antique Bookshop 4)
Laura Gail Black
Jenna, Keith, and the gang are back!
If you’re new to Hokes Folly, North Carolina, Welcome! This is an excellent read. Besides one or two oblique references to the previous books, this is a welcoming book, ready for the new reader or experienced fan.
Jenna is the owner of Twice Upon A Time, a secondhand and antique bookstore. We return soon after the events in Bound by Murder. Jenna is participating in her first John J Hokes Bass Festival. For three days businesses will have tent space by the lake.
On opening day Detective Frank Sutter, Keith’s former partner shows up causing a scene. He accuses his wife Emma of cheating with local author Gregory Hurst and threatens to kill him. He even accuses Jenna and Keith of conspiring against him. Keith finally, manages to remove him from the festival. The next day Jenna arrives early to set up and shop. On her way back to her tent she sees Frank headed to Gregory’s tent and attempts to side track him so he doesn’t make a second scene, possibly getting himself arrested. He goes right up though and in front of witnesses hits Gregory in the face! Causing the police to remove him. On the final day of the festival, Jenna and Keith are by the lake when they hear screaming. Racing to the sound they find Emma with a knife and Greg dead on the floor of his author's tent. Bloody shoe prints lead to Frank's immediate arrest.
Keith doesn’t believe Frank, did it. He asks Jenna to find out the truth using her special brand of charm. In the process, Jenna finds out a host of secrets. Her house is robbed and Frank winds up hospitalized. Leading to a life saving diagnosis. Now can Jenna figure out who really killed Greg without ending up dead herself?!
5 *****
I enjoyed this book which was at times hilarious and poignant. The mystery was slightly twisty and completely enjoyable. It also dealt gracefully with health issues and aging. I would recommend it to anyone!
Antique Bookshop Mysteries
1. For Whom the Book Tolls
2. Murder by the Bookend
3. Bound by Murder
Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
#Netgalley #CaughtontheBook #LauraGailBlack #cozy #mystery #AntiqueBookshop #Five5star
October 11, 2023
"Caught On The Book" is book #4 in the "Antique Bookshop Mystery" by Laura Gail Black.
"The annual fishing festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high watermark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner, and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if it means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?"
My thoughts:
I do like the core characters of Jenna, Keith, Rita and Mason in this series. The relationships feel authentic and dialogue feels real. Dana and Shelby are also well done. Frank does need Jenna's help but given their history, I really don't know that I would be able to put that past aside to help him if I were in her shoes. The conversations she has with Keith and her inner dialogue does go a long way to explaining her reasoning. As interesting as the inner dialogue/thoughts of Jenna are throughout the book, the supposed creative ways of cursing get rather tired after awhile.
Overall, the story is interesting with some well placed red herrings and subplots. Several suspects could have wanted the author dead but I wasn't overly surprised by "who done it". As the killer was revealed and the final loose ends were tied up, the timeline seemed a bit rushed. For me, it didn't quite jibe that from the reveal to the last words of the story happened in such a short amount of time. JMO
"The annual fishing festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high watermark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner, and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if it means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?"
My thoughts:
I do like the core characters of Jenna, Keith, Rita and Mason in this series. The relationships feel authentic and dialogue feels real. Dana and Shelby are also well done. Frank does need Jenna's help but given their history, I really don't know that I would be able to put that past aside to help him if I were in her shoes. The conversations she has with Keith and her inner dialogue does go a long way to explaining her reasoning. As interesting as the inner dialogue/thoughts of Jenna are throughout the book, the supposed creative ways of cursing get rather tired after awhile.
Overall, the story is interesting with some well placed red herrings and subplots. Several suspects could have wanted the author dead but I wasn't overly surprised by "who done it". As the killer was revealed and the final loose ends were tied up, the timeline seemed a bit rushed. For me, it didn't quite jibe that from the reveal to the last words of the story happened in such a short amount of time. JMO
April 19, 2023
Mixing antique books in a cozy? Genius! This book is another first for me as I had never heard of this author until recently. I was not disappointed. It has a lot of my favorite things in it: romance, antique books, good friends, animals, and a whole lot of intrigue. I didn't have any issues trying to figure out who everyone was and everything else flowed seamlessly. The mystery was a good one, filled with lots of red herrings and plot twists. I had a feeling who I thought the murderer was, but it wasn't until the very end that I could actually confirm that I had it right.
I thought the town and all of its people were a very nice blend with a variation of the charming folk some type, the troublemakers, the gossips, and the regular folks. The world building was very nice. I could imagine everything as it was happening.
The characters were nice and fleshed out and I really enjoyed Jenna, Keith, Mason, and Rita a whole lot. They seem like a put together type of family. I also enjoyed the way everything was written. I didn't have to wait long for loose ends to be tied up. Even though I am starting at book four, I loved it enough that it makes me want to go back and read the other books and that to me is a huge selling point.
Jenna has obviously had a lot of issues in the past, but it hasn't caused her heart to harden and to shut others out. I really admired that. I have known a lot of other people who have gone through far less in their life and it has left them bitter. And the cute way she uses phrases to 'curse.' They made me laugh and I thought that was charming. You don't have to use vulgar words to get your point across.
I enjoyed this book a whole lot and I am definitely recommending it. I am so glad that I found this author and was introduced to her series.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, and to Laura Gail Black for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and are completely honest.
I thought the town and all of its people were a very nice blend with a variation of the charming folk some type, the troublemakers, the gossips, and the regular folks. The world building was very nice. I could imagine everything as it was happening.
The characters were nice and fleshed out and I really enjoyed Jenna, Keith, Mason, and Rita a whole lot. They seem like a put together type of family. I also enjoyed the way everything was written. I didn't have to wait long for loose ends to be tied up. Even though I am starting at book four, I loved it enough that it makes me want to go back and read the other books and that to me is a huge selling point.
Jenna has obviously had a lot of issues in the past, but it hasn't caused her heart to harden and to shut others out. I really admired that. I have known a lot of other people who have gone through far less in their life and it has left them bitter. And the cute way she uses phrases to 'curse.' They made me laugh and I thought that was charming. You don't have to use vulgar words to get your point across.
I enjoyed this book a whole lot and I am definitely recommending it. I am so glad that I found this author and was introduced to her series.
Thanks to Netgalley, the publishers, and to Laura Gail Black for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are mine and are completely honest.
September 17, 2023
My thoughts on…
THE PLOT: This book hits all the notes of a cozy mystery. We meet our cast of characters, they are placed in a situation where readers experience tension and can predict which character will be the “victim,” and then Jenna, our amateur sleuth, is put to work. The development of the story unfolds at a solid pace - not too slow and not too fast. It’s just right for the reader to drink in the story. As the summary states, a local author is found murdered, and the suspect list is long, y’all. Deservedly so. And this is where the story really takes off. There are several who have motive - and opportunity - and it’s up to Jenna to shift through all the pages of false leads to come up with a final solution. For me as a cozy reader, this worked.
THE CHARACTERS: This book has a solid cast of characters. Jenna Quinn as the amateur sleuth works well. She’s just nosey enough - and knows the right people - to get the job done. Her detective boyfriend, Keith Logan, is a staple cozy mystery detective. But for this particular story, he is sidelined in investigating because he is too close to the accused. They play off one another well; there’s no forced tension between the two. These two characters as a couple just work for me as a reader. The other supporting characters play their role well in the story. There’s the helpful store manager who keeps things running while Jenna investigates, her BFF who offers advice as needed, minor characters that offer Jenna tidbits of information for her investigation, and then the suspects. All of them blend well in the story to provide solid storytelling.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: I have not read the previous books in this cozy series, but after reading this one, I have added them to my TBR cozy list. This is a solid cozy mystery, especially for book four in a series. Sometimes the characters lack development and become static, but I did not feel this way while reading this one.
WHO WILL WANT TO READ THIS: This book will appeal to cozy readers in general, but most especially to those who enjoy book-themed cozies.
The book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
THE PLOT: This book hits all the notes of a cozy mystery. We meet our cast of characters, they are placed in a situation where readers experience tension and can predict which character will be the “victim,” and then Jenna, our amateur sleuth, is put to work. The development of the story unfolds at a solid pace - not too slow and not too fast. It’s just right for the reader to drink in the story. As the summary states, a local author is found murdered, and the suspect list is long, y’all. Deservedly so. And this is where the story really takes off. There are several who have motive - and opportunity - and it’s up to Jenna to shift through all the pages of false leads to come up with a final solution. For me as a cozy reader, this worked.
THE CHARACTERS: This book has a solid cast of characters. Jenna Quinn as the amateur sleuth works well. She’s just nosey enough - and knows the right people - to get the job done. Her detective boyfriend, Keith Logan, is a staple cozy mystery detective. But for this particular story, he is sidelined in investigating because he is too close to the accused. They play off one another well; there’s no forced tension between the two. These two characters as a couple just work for me as a reader. The other supporting characters play their role well in the story. There’s the helpful store manager who keeps things running while Jenna investigates, her BFF who offers advice as needed, minor characters that offer Jenna tidbits of information for her investigation, and then the suspects. All of them blend well in the story to provide solid storytelling.
OVERALL IMPRESSION: I have not read the previous books in this cozy series, but after reading this one, I have added them to my TBR cozy list. This is a solid cozy mystery, especially for book four in a series. Sometimes the characters lack development and become static, but I did not feel this way while reading this one.
WHO WILL WANT TO READ THIS: This book will appeal to cozy readers in general, but most especially to those who enjoy book-themed cozies.
The book was provided by NetGalley for an honest review.
October 10, 2023
Setting the Scene: "The annual fishing tournament and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high-water mark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display at the festival. That is, she was...until a local author was found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?"
What I Thought: I loved returning to Hokes Folly for another visit with Jenna and her friends. What would she do without Mason to help with the bookstore and Rita to help her with everything else. That's not to say that Jenna isn't smart and capable in her own right, but everyone needs a friends or 3. I particularly enjoyed watching Keith skillfully handle the town troublemakers who are intent on running Jenna out of town, but who would have thought he would ever ask Jenna, of all people, to help his ex-partner, the one who tried to railroad Jenna in a recent murder investigation, certainly not Jenna. What follows leads to many unforeseen developments, but it makes for a fun read.
The narrator does an excellent job.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer, even if means dangerously luring them in. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?"
What I Thought: I loved returning to Hokes Folly for another visit with Jenna and her friends. What would she do without Mason to help with the bookstore and Rita to help her with everything else. That's not to say that Jenna isn't smart and capable in her own right, but everyone needs a friends or 3. I particularly enjoyed watching Keith skillfully handle the town troublemakers who are intent on running Jenna out of town, but who would have thought he would ever ask Jenna, of all people, to help his ex-partner, the one who tried to railroad Jenna in a recent murder investigation, certainly not Jenna. What follows leads to many unforeseen developments, but it makes for a fun read.
The narrator does an excellent job.
April 27, 2023
I gave Caught on the Book by Laura Gail Black 5 stars
The annual festival and fishing festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high watermark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner, and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
-------- REVIEW --------
This is the fourth book in the Antique Bookshop series and I have read them all. As with the previous books, this is a five-star read for me. I really liked the plot and the mystery was intriguing. I prefer when sleuths actually go sleuthing and not just stumble upon clues. Jenna is determined to find out what happened to the author, and it was a fun ride with an ending that took me by surprise.
The ending hinted at what was coming in the next book, and I am here for it! :)
Highly recommend this book that comes out October 3.
Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
The annual festival and fishing festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the high watermark event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display. That is, until a local author is found dead in his booth.
All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective with the police department. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. Frank was Keith’s former partner, and someone who had been determined to pin more than one murder on Jenna. Frank doesn’t want Jenna’s help any more than Jenna wants to help him, but the two will have to put aside their animosity for each other if they want to reel in the killer.
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This is the fourth book in the Antique Bookshop series and I have read them all. As with the previous books, this is a five-star read for me. I really liked the plot and the mystery was intriguing. I prefer when sleuths actually go sleuthing and not just stumble upon clues. Jenna is determined to find out what happened to the author, and it was a fun ride with an ending that took me by surprise.
The ending hinted at what was coming in the next book, and I am here for it! :)
Highly recommend this book that comes out October 3.
Thank you Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.
January 12, 2025
The annual fishing tournament and festival in Hokes Folly, North Carolina, is the event of the year. Antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn, owner of the Twice Upon a Time bookstore, is ready to catch some new customers with her fishing-themed book display at the festival. That is, until a local author is found dead. All fingers point to Frank Sutter, a former detective. His soon-to-be ex-wife had been dating the victim, and Frank had been seen having an argument with him earlier that day. When Keith Logan, Jenna’s boyfriend and detective with the local police, asks Jenna for help to solve the case, she’s shocked. This bookselling sleuth knows she will have to cast a wide net in order to catch the killer. Will her novel idea help her catch the killer, or is she bound for a more deadly ending?
I really liked this cozy mystery. Jenna is a wonderful sleuth who uses her wits and connections with the police department to help solve the mystery. The setting reminded me of small towns I visited and lived in on the East Coast. It was very nostalgic for me. The plot was very confounding, I couldn't figure out who the culprit was, and I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read another book from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
I really liked this cozy mystery. Jenna is a wonderful sleuth who uses her wits and connections with the police department to help solve the mystery. The setting reminded me of small towns I visited and lived in on the East Coast. It was very nostalgic for me. The plot was very confounding, I couldn't figure out who the culprit was, and I was surprised in the end. I will definitely read another book from this series. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.
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