Murder on the Books - (Cozy Bookshop Mystery) by Toni Lotempio

About the Book

"Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books. Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind. Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila s body in a chest in the store s basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila s murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!"--Provided by publisher.

Book Synopsis

Newly retired mystery writer Charley James returns to her small hometown only to find herself amidst a real-life murder mystery in this first book in the brand new Cozy Bookshop mystery series by award-winning and national bestselling author T.C. LoTempio.

"I was hooked from start to finish!" Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop mysteries, on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead

Thirty-year-old Charlotte James, better known to her mystery fans as C.J. Barrett, decides to take a break from writing her popular Steve Sheppard mystery series. Leaving New York City, she moves back to her hometown of Austin to wind down, recuperate, and maybe come up with some new ideas for her books.

Settling into her new life, Charley reunites with her long-term friend and baker Zane who is about to open a charming double store front. But while Zane is ready to open her café, her business partner Sheila unexpectedly departs town, bailing on her bookshop and leaving nothing but a note behind.

Charley is more than happy to take over, but when she finds Sheila's body in a chest in the store's basement, things take a dramatic turn. Now Charley has to juggle the opening of her bookshop, a stoic but attractive Philadelphia detective, and a stray cat, all while solving Sheila's murder Sheppard-style before the killer can strike again!

Fans of Jenn McKinlay, Ellery Adams, Lucy Connelly, Lauren Elliott, and Ellie Alexander will love this "Hallmark Mystery movie in book format!" (Cozy Crime Mystery).

Review Quotes

A fast paced mystery with lots of twists and turns . . . It's so much fun to get in on the beginning of a strong new cozy mystery series, and I look forward to reading more about Charley and her adventures-- "Kings River Life Magazine"

If you've ever wondered what it would be like to read a Hallmark Mystery movie in book format, wonder no more. Murder on the Books . . . is as close as you will ever get-- "Cozy Crime Mystery"

If this first book in LoTempio's new Cozy Bookshop series is any indication, Charley James will continue to charm readers--and nab the baddies--in many delightful future adventures

-- "Booklist"

An exciting mystery - Tiffany and Hilary are a hoot! I was hooked from start to finish!-- "Laura Childs, New York Times bestselling author of the Tea Shop Mysteries, on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead"

Another winning entry . . . featuring a plucky, likable heroine, plenty of suspense, unexpected twists, and mouthwatering culinary tips and recipes-- "Booklist on A Crust to Die For"

Captivating characters and plenty of intrigue . . . Delightful-- "Publishers Weekly on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead"

Easy enough to appeal to a variety of cozy palates-- "Kirkus Reviews on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead"

Enjoyable-- "Kirkus Reviews on The Time for Murder is Meow"

Entertaining . . . Cozy fans will be satisfied-- "Publishers Weekly on The Time for Murder is Meow"

It's sure to satisfy fans of Lucy Burdette's 'Key West Food Critic' mysteries-- "Library Journal on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead"

Reprises LoTempio's signature blend of cozy and cats in a mild mix sure to please fans of the subgenre-- "Kirkus Reviews on Death by a Whisker"

This light-hearted series debut has oodles of charm, mouth-watering descriptions of southern cuisine, and a sassy, savvy heroine-- "Booklist on Eat, Drink and Drop Dead"

What more could a cozy mystery reader want?-- "Publishers Weekly on Death by a Whisker"