Lorna Barrett Reviews (3)

 

 (2009) Bookplate Special

Pammy Fredericks has worn out her welcome at our heroine Tricia Miley’s place.  And stealing from one’s hostess is just not done. But Tricia still feels terrible about kicking out her old college roommate – and even worse when Pammy’s body is found dumped with the garbage behind Tricia’s sister Angelica’s restaurant. Murder is not supposed to happen in Stoneham, New Hampshire, a self-proclaimed “booktown.”

As the owner of Haven’t Got a Clue mystery bookstore, Tricia is a dedicated amateur sleuth. And in the two previous books, the cop on the case has been Sheriff Wendy Adams, a particularly unlikable character who has a big hate on for Tricia. Therefore, Tricia is pleasantly surprised when the investigator turns out to be a handsome deputy, Captain Grant Baker. But he is no more happy than the sheriff about Tricia’s sleuthing. But the girl can’t help herself. Besides, she knew Pammy better than anyone else in town, right?

While she’s investigating murder, however, Tricia is also helping plan and hosting the wedding of two of her dearest friends: William Everett, retired grocery man and current bookstore clerk, and Grace Harris, whose life Tricia saved in an earlier book. And, of course, there’s Tricia’s romance with the town’s newspaper publisher. Plus, there’s a pumpkin-smasher in town – what’s that about anyway?

This series is one of the best cozy mystery series around. What cozy reader could pass up a book set in a town full of specialty bookstores?  These stories have so much to like: the always contentious (and very believable) relationship between Tricia and her sister, the great cast of characters, the wonderful writing and plotting. This is one series I would suggest reading in order. Although each stands alone just fine, it’s better to get to know the characters from the beginning.

By Diana. First published in the Cozy Library November 29, 2009.

 

(2009) Bookmarked for Death

Tricia Miles, owner of Haven't Got a Cluemystery bookstore, hosts a book signing with local author Zoe Carter. Before the evening is over, the reclusive Ms. Carter is dead, murdered in the store’s restroom. Sheriff Wendy Adams closes down the store as a crime scene, happy to find a way to bedevil Tricia, whom she loathes. The sheriff also seems to be doing everything to keep the investigation moving at a snail’s pace. Getting the store reopened gives Tricia more than ample motivation to jump dust off her sleuthing skills and find the killer. 

Everyone seems convinced that the killer has to be someone who attended the book signing. That means it’s likely the murderer is someone knows: an employee, a customer, a friend … or a member of the Tuesday Night Book Club.

This series has the coolest setting ever: Stoneham, New Hampshire, a self-proclaimed “Booktown,” chocked full of specialty bookstores, which make it a hugely popular tourist destination. This was one of my favorite new cozy series to start up in 2008 – and Lorna Barrett has shown she has more than enough moxie to create a long-lived series – no “sophomore slump” for her.  I can’t say it strongly enough (and will even use all caps and a dreaded exclamation point):  I LOVE this series!

Beyond the great writing, the careful plotting, delicious secondary plots, the wonderful setting – this book has heart. Its main characters are upbeat and kind without being insipid and Pollyanna-ish. They face life’s trials with a positive attitude. Bookmarked for Death is just what readers need in these difficult times.

By Diana. First published in the Cozy Library March 10, 2009. 

(2008) Murder Is Binding 
Doris Gleason isn’t the most popular bookseller in Stoneham, New Hampshire. But even her enemies (most of them) feel terrible when she’s found murdered in The Cookery, her used cook-book store. Our heroine, Tricia Miles, owner of Haven’t Got a Clue, a mystery bookstore, was heard arguing with the victim a short time before her body was found with a knife in the back – found by no other than Tricia herself.
Sheriff Wendy Adams – unhappy about Stoneham’s losing its designation as New Hampshire’s safest town -- makes it clear she has Tricia at the top of her suspect list and is biding her time until she has some evidence to nail her. Knowing she didn’t commit the murder, and convinced Sheriff Adams isn’t making much of an effort to discover who did, Tricia decides to nose around a bit. It’s a matter of self-protection. As long as she’s under a cloud of suspicion – and the editor of the local news rag makes sure she IS -- Tricia’s future inStoneham is questionable.  
Tricia believes the murderer might be Bob Kelly. He’s the brains behind the “Booktown” idea -- bringing booksellers to Stoneham to create a Mecca for readers, and a huge tourist attraction. Bob is also a Realtor, the Chamber of Commerce president and, apparently, Tricia’s sister Angelica’s new beau. Angelica is recently arrived in Stoneham after splitting with her fourth husband. The sisters’ relationship has always been contentious and Tricia’s not certain she and Angelica will make good “snoop sisters.” Nonetheless, they’re on the trail of a murderer.
After reading Murder is Binding, readers will want to pack their bags and head to Stoneham, New Hampshire for a little book shopping. Ah, if only it were only a real town! Lorna Barrett has conjured up a dream of a cozy locale and populated it with great characters to give readers a fun-to-read story that will have them begging for more “Booktown Mysteries.” Tricia and Angelica come from a deliciously dysfunctional family, one that will have readers thanking their lucky stars for their own more normal siblings.
By Diana. First published in the Cozy Library March 10, 2007.

Note: “Booktown” is patterned on the Welsh town of Hay-on-Wye (aka Y Gelli) with its 30 bookshops. For information, click: http://www.hay-on-wye.co.uk/