In the Event of Murder - (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery) by Cynthia Kuhn (Hardcover)

About the Book

"Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover's paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch--until Lyra is found dead. With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha--her longstanding nemesis--bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family's bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma's sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows--and murder just might become the main event."--

Book Synopsis

It's the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado--but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.

Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover's paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch--until Lyra is found dead.

With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha--her longstanding nemesis--bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family's bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma's sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows--and murder just might become the main event.

Review Quotes

Praise for In the Event of Murder
"A mystery filled with secrets, animosity, and enough romance to lighten the mood."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Interesting plots, quirky characters, vicious villains and quaint home-town setting . . . a perfect read for a chilly winter night."
--Wonder Women Sixty

"Cynthia Kuhn delivers another irresistible mystery featuring intrepid and immensely appealing heroine Emma Starrs. Party planner Emma does a masterful job of balancing sleuthing with sidestepping obstacles enemies toss in her path as she plans the Gala of the year in scenic Silvercrest, Colorado. Humor, suspense, and surprising twists make every party in Kuhn's delightful series an event you won't want to miss!"
--Ellen Byron, USA Today bestselling and Agatha Award-winning author of the Cajun Country Mystery series

Praise for How to Book A Murder
"Cozy fans will look forward to seeing more of the Starrs sisters."
--Publishers Weekly

"A nice mix of interpersonal relations."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Sympathetic characters, a close-knit family, [and] the charming small-town bookstore atmosphere . . . distinguish this series debut."
--Booklist

"[For] fans of mysteries with a bookstore or academic focus."
--Library Journal

"An especially and unreservedly recommended addition to community library Contemporary Mystery/Suspense collections."
--Midwest Book Review

"Kuhn's new Starlit Bookshop series is a true delight! With her trademark humor, engaging characters, twisty plotting, and literary references sure to charm mystery fans, she has created the bookstore we all want to browse."
--Laura DiSilverio, national best-selling and award-winning author of The Readaholics Book Club mysteries

"Cynthia Kuhn has created a bookstore we'd all love to visit."
--Vicki Delany, national bestselling author of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop mysteries

"Kuhn's new Starlit Book series sparkles with friendship, community and adventure . . . We have an engaging new sleuth in the cozy genre!"
--Kathy Aarons, national bestselling author of the Chocolate Covered Mysteries

"An unbeatable combination of Golden Age styling and modern-day intrigue, woven through with wit and keen observation."
-Angela M. Sanders, author of the Witch Way Librarian and Joanna Hayworth Vintage Clothing mysteries

"Smart, suspenseful, and brimming with intrigue, Kuhn crafts the perfect page-turner in a town and bookshop so thoroughly crafted and real."
--Maggie Barbieri, author of the Murder 101 series

"A fast-paced delightful read."
--Debra Goldstein, author of the Sarah Blair Mystery series

"With its intelligent sleuth, bookish setting, and twisty plot, How to Book a Murder is a booklover's dream come true!"
--Mary Angela, author of the Happy Camper cozy mystery series and the Professor Prather academic mystery series

About the Author

Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop mysteries and the Agatha Award-winning Lila Maclean Academic mysteries. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney's Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. She is past president of Sisters in Crime-Colorado and currently serves on the national board. Originally from upstate New York, she lives in Denver with her family.