Murder by the Bookend

An Antique Bookshop Mystery

By: Laura Gail Black

Narrated by: Susan Boyce

Length: 8 hrs and 42 mins

Publisher's summary

The quaint warehouse district of Hokes Folly, NC, is hopping despite the drizzly November chill. The occasion? The mountain town's beloved antiquarian bookstore, Twice upon a Time, is throwing a bash for its grand reopening. But bookseller Jenna Quinn's peace of mind is shattered when the local library's director of antique books turns up dead in the parking lot - his head bashed in by a glittering pair of vintage glass bookends.

As they examine the murder scene, Jenna and her police detective boyfriend happen upon the only witness - the victim's dog, who flees the scene leaving a trail of bloody footprints behind. If only dogs could speak, Jenna might be able to make quick work of the murder case and get back to stocking her bookcases.

Alas, finding the killer won't be so easy, even though this is not Jenna's first murder investigation - indeed, she inherited Twice upon a Time from her slain uncle. The suspect list is voluminous - the late librarian had not-so-friendly run-ins with numerous guest - but suspicion eventually centers on three unsavory individuals who left the party shortly before the victim did. Now Jenna must edit her inventory of suspects from three names to one before the bloodthirsty bookend-wielder becomes the author of Jenna's demise.

©2021 Laura Gail Black (P)2021 Dreamscape Media, LLC

Good book but wrong narrator

I have enjoyed the first two books in this series and plan to listen to the third and will probably listen to the fourth. My problem is the narrator. That is not to say that Ms. Boyce is a bad narrator. Actually, she’s a very good narrator, but I think she’s the wrong narrator for this series of books because she sounds much older than the 26-year-old main character would in my opinion. I have to keep reminding myself that I am listening to a story about a woman in her mid-20s since the voice is so incongruous.

The basic theme is a familiar one - dead relative, inherited bookstore, policeman boyfriend - but the crime is somewhat original and the book is well written. The development of the romantic relationship is rather blah, which is unfortunate, but there is potential for improvement in future books.

I love this series

I really enjoyed the 2 audiobooks in the series. I will be very happy for more to come. Thank you 😊

Not Bad.

Some annoying things like her getting mad at him for accusing her of getting involved, well duh she is. only hit fast forward a couple times. Overall not bad and good enough to storyline to fill a rainy afternoon.

Great Read

What an enjoyable book. Love the characters, the location, and the story. What a dream!! I can think of nothing better than to be asked to come and help with a book store - especially used books, including rare and antique tomes. There was just enough mystery and suspense to give one something to jiggle their brain and detective tendencies, but not so much that it became a headache to figure out. Those difficult ones are not what I want everyday. It was sad that Jenna had to deal with some very hurtful problems in her life, but so nice that she was able to find friends who would become her family. The narrator was great and able to keep me alert while listening. She was able to portray each of the characters in such a way that one knows who each is. I love Livvie and Philly and Rita. Great book for a summer read!

Easy listen

Second book for an easy listen. Can’t wait to hear the rest in this collection.

I love this series, Eddie is awesome!

this was a great book and I really enjoyed it. Eddie is one of my favorite characters. . I love this narrator she always does a good job.

Good book

Good next part of this series! A few parts were a bit corny though but overall the continuity suits the story.

GREAT READ

Jenna, Rita, Mason, and Keith are at it again. Another murder allegedly linked to the bookstore. Of course, Jenna is compelled to investigate. These characters are warm, funny, intelligent, and I cannot wait for their next adventure in murder and love.

Loved this book

Great story and it keeps you wanting to listen longer than the time you have at that moment.

Great twists and turns!

Wonderful third offering in the series. Depth of character building continues and we see how the author builds and resolves conflict in the heroines romantic journey.

I really enjoyed the friendship development between Jenna and Rita

I recommend