Vows and Villainy - (Cambridge Bookshop) by Elizabeth Penney (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

Vows and Villainy is the fifth book in Elizabeth Penney's delightful Cambridge Bookshop series set in Cambridge, England, where celebrations are about to commence.

It's wedding season in Cambridge, and Molly Kimball is thrilled that it's almost time for her best friend's special day. With the help of her boyfriend Kieran Scott, she is determined to be the best maid of honor for Daisy and Tim. Daisy's heart is set upon a Shakespeare-themed wedding to be held at Hazelhurst House, Kieran's family's home. The Scotts are also hosting a Shakespeare troupe for the summer, and the actors have kindly agreed to be part of the festivities.

But all goes awry with the discovery of Sir Nigel Peck, a famous actor with a checkered past and present-day misdeeds, floating dead in the moat with flowers strewn around him, à la Ophelia. When Kieran's brother Alan becomes a top suspect, Molly and company must investigate to uncover the ugly truth behind this picturesque scene . . . before more bodies pile up.

Can Molly solve the murder before Daisy and Tim say "I do"?

Review Quotes

"Plenty of suspects float through a lovely British landscape as they slowly reveal their secrets."--Kirkus Reviews

"There is not a moment wasted in this cozy mystery that combines stately homes, joyful weddings, and acting troupes."--First Clue

Praise for the Cambridge Bookshop series

"A complex mystery featuring the historic charms of Cambridge and a likable, clever sleuth."--Kirkus Reviews

"Penney adds to her list of popular, feel-good reads with the start of a new series . . . will please her fans and everyone looking for a diverting read with a pleasantly nostalgic British cozy, a keep-'em-guessing murder mystery, and a lighthearted romance."--Booklist

"A cozy mystery that will delight your booklover's heart and satisfy your hunger for intrigue--and crumpets!"--Paige Shelton, New York Times bestselling author of the Scottish Bookshop series

"There's a lot to like about Chapter and Curse, beginning with its narrator. Penney has created a cast and setting worth returning to."--Portland Press Herald

"A brilliant new cozy mystery series . . . Once in a while, I enjoy a series-starter so much that the series goes right onto my 'Must-Read' list. This is one of those times."--Book Frolic

"A delight from start to finish."--Vicki Delany, national bestselling author of the Sherlock Holmes Bookshop series and Tea by the Sea series

"More from Elizabeth Penney, please! Chapter and Curse is pure delight--a first class cozy mystery."--Molly MacRae, national bestselling author of the Highland Bookshop Mysteries and the Haunted Yarn Shop Mysteries

"A delight from cover to cover! An engaging cast, dream bookshop setting, and light touch of romance make this a cozy mystery to savor."--Shari Randall, award-winning author of the Lobster Shack Mysteries

"This delightful mystery has more twists than a pair of knickers."--Diane Kelly, author of the Paw Enforcement, Mountain Lodge, and House Flipper series

"Penney has spun a delightful web of intrigue and surprises."--Hannah Dennison, author of the Island Sisters and Honeychurch Hall Mysteries

About the Author

ELIZABETH PENNEY is the author of more than two dozen cozy mysteries, including the Apron Shop, Cambridge Bookshop, and Ravensea Castle series. The first in the Cambridge Bookshop series, Chapter and Curse, was a 2022 Mary Higgins Clark Award nominee. Elizabeth spent her early years in England and France and now lives in the White Mountains of New Hampshire, where she pens novels and tries to grow things.