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California Bookshop Mystery #1
Murder by the Seashore
Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams, Scarlett Gardner’s dream was to open a bookshop in Southern California, but it soon becomes a nightmare when she finds the dead body of a customer—and becomes the prime suspect.
Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she moved there and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. That’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookshop that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
After Scarlett gives a statement to the police, she thinks her life can go back to business as usual. But when a lawyer, representing someone named Lorelai Knight, tells Scarlett that she now stands to inherit a small fortune, she’s left with more questions than answers. Before she can make sense of any of it, the police bring her in for questioning; the body she found was Lorelai Knight. And the evidence they have against Scarlett doesn’t look good. Business is booming as Scarlett returns to Palm Trees and Page Turners, but for all the wrong reasons – curious tourists don’t want books, they want a glimpse of the Bookshop Killer.
Who could really be behind all of this? And why frame Scarlett? To clear her name, she’s going to have to get creative—and hope she can remain one page ahead of the killer.
Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she moved there and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. That’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookshop that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
After Scarlett gives a statement to the police, she thinks her life can go back to business as usual. But when a lawyer, representing someone named Lorelai Knight, tells Scarlett that she now stands to inherit a small fortune, she’s left with more questions than answers. Before she can make sense of any of it, the police bring her in for questioning; the body she found was Lorelai Knight. And the evidence they have against Scarlett doesn’t look good. Business is booming as Scarlett returns to Palm Trees and Page Turners, but for all the wrong reasons – curious tourists don’t want books, they want a glimpse of the Bookshop Killer.
Who could really be behind all of this? And why frame Scarlett? To clear her name, she’s going to have to get creative—and hope she can remain one page ahead of the killer.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 17, 2023
About the author
Samara Yew
2 books145 followersSamara Yew is a cozy mystery author who writes about adorable bookshops and dead bodies. Her new series is being released with Crooked Lane Books in 2023. A full-time mom, full-time dog servant, and part-time writer, Samara lives in British Columbia, Canada, where she can often be found watching Psych reruns. Samara loves to travel, especially visiting her husband’s home country of Singapore or donning Mickey ears in Disneyland. She’s a member of Sisters in Crime, including her local chapter SinC-Canada West, and International Thriller Writers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
October 17, 2023
Bookshop, coastal town, and murder. Murder by the Seashore is a fun cozy mystery and great as an audiobook, narrated by Catherine Ho.
Scarlett Gardner is the owner of "Palm Trees and Page Turners" bookstore in Oceanside, California. While walking along the beach she stumbles upon a body under a pier. She calls the police and becomes a suspect for more reasons than one.
As with all the cozies, our FMC will have to solve the mystery to clear her name. At first, I thought Detective Maxwell may be the love interest, but nope he's married to Scarlett's employee, Evelyn.
Enjoyable first in the series. I love to hate Scarlett's ex, Connor who is such a slimeball. 3.5⭐
Thank you Dreamscape Media via Netgalley for the ALC.
Published Oct. 17, 2023!
7 Hours, 44 Min
Scarlett Gardner is the owner of "Palm Trees and Page Turners" bookstore in Oceanside, California. While walking along the beach she stumbles upon a body under a pier. She calls the police and becomes a suspect for more reasons than one.
As with all the cozies, our FMC will have to solve the mystery to clear her name. At first, I thought Detective Maxwell may be the love interest, but nope he's married to Scarlett's employee, Evelyn.
Enjoyable first in the series. I love to hate Scarlett's ex, Connor who is such a slimeball. 3.5⭐
Thank you Dreamscape Media via Netgalley for the ALC.
Published Oct. 17, 2023!
7 Hours, 44 Min
October 17, 2023
Murder by the Seashore is the first in the California Bookshop Mystery. It takes place in Oceanside, CA. Scarlett Gardner is the owner of Palm Trees and Page Turners bookstore. Evelyn Maxwell is her employee. Lucia Armenta is her roommate and a junior associate at a law firm. Steve Maxwell is Evelyn's husband and newest detective on the Oceanside police force. Connor is her ex-boyfriend and partner. The other characters add to the story.
While walking on the beach Scarlett finds a body of a dead woman under the Oceanside pier. She calls the police. The woman is later identified as Lorelai Knight who had come to Scarlett's store the day before. Jeffrey Cooper, a lawyer, comes to the store representing Lorelai Knight telling Scarlett that she has inherited her money as well as other things. Scarlett is surprised as she does not know the woman.
Detective Maxwell comes to the store and tells Scarlett that she has to close the store and come with him to the police station. Lorelai was poisoned and the bottle had been found in the garbage behind her store. She is detained and put in a cell. She calls Lucia to be her lawyer who comes and has her released.
Scarlett calls her sister, Olivia to tell her about the inheritance and being a suspect. Could this woman be her birth mother? Both she and her sister had been adopted. She calls her parents but they did not know Lorelai. The adoption had been a closed case. Her sister told her that Scarlett had to investigate the death and find the murderer before she is arrested. On walking the beach again she finds a bracelet that was bought from a thrift store called Second Chance owned by Viviana Diaz. She goes to speak to her and finds out that years ago Lorelai had worked for her but had left suddenly. Came to her shop and bought the bracelet. Hadn't seen her for years. Viviana suggested that she speak to Martin Russell who had come into her shop and asked about Scarlett. He worked also at Lucia's law firm.
This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure to find out who killed Loralai and why someone trying to have her arrested. The murder of Martin Russell found on Scarlett's and Lucia's porch late at night just adds to the story. Lots happen that it would be hard to put all on paper. The story builds up for an exciting ending.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one in the series and what new adventure Scarlett travels.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
While walking on the beach Scarlett finds a body of a dead woman under the Oceanside pier. She calls the police. The woman is later identified as Lorelai Knight who had come to Scarlett's store the day before. Jeffrey Cooper, a lawyer, comes to the store representing Lorelai Knight telling Scarlett that she has inherited her money as well as other things. Scarlett is surprised as she does not know the woman.
Detective Maxwell comes to the store and tells Scarlett that she has to close the store and come with him to the police station. Lorelai was poisoned and the bottle had been found in the garbage behind her store. She is detained and put in a cell. She calls Lucia to be her lawyer who comes and has her released.
Scarlett calls her sister, Olivia to tell her about the inheritance and being a suspect. Could this woman be her birth mother? Both she and her sister had been adopted. She calls her parents but they did not know Lorelai. The adoption had been a closed case. Her sister told her that Scarlett had to investigate the death and find the murderer before she is arrested. On walking the beach again she finds a bracelet that was bought from a thrift store called Second Chance owned by Viviana Diaz. She goes to speak to her and finds out that years ago Lorelai had worked for her but had left suddenly. Came to her shop and bought the bracelet. Hadn't seen her for years. Viviana suggested that she speak to Martin Russell who had come into her shop and asked about Scarlett. He worked also at Lucia's law firm.
This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure to find out who killed Loralai and why someone trying to have her arrested. The murder of Martin Russell found on Scarlett's and Lucia's porch late at night just adds to the story. Lots happen that it would be hard to put all on paper. The story builds up for an exciting ending.
I really enjoyed this story and look forward to the next one in the series and what new adventure Scarlett travels.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
June 21, 2023
As someone that has been to Oceanside, it's less of the sleepy beach town described in this book, and more of a suburb equidistant between downtown San Diego and the busier parts of Orange County. Do locals really call it O'side? I guess I can text my friend that lives there, but this is pretty cringe...
You know what else is cringe? This whole book. The cozy tropes abound. The main character owns a bookstore. She finds a dead body. She becomes the main suspect. She begins investigating on her own. She "solves" the murder. Everything is unbelievable. One minute someone is a friend. The next minute they are suspect. Then they are friends again.
You lost me at maki roll. This is as bad as people saying chai tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
You know what else is cringe? This whole book. The cozy tropes abound. The main character owns a bookstore. She finds a dead body. She becomes the main suspect. She begins investigating on her own. She "solves" the murder. Everything is unbelievable. One minute someone is a friend. The next minute they are suspect. Then they are friends again.
You lost me at maki roll. This is as bad as people saying chai tea.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher.
October 11, 2023
First in the California Bookshop Mystery series.
Scarlett Gardner is the owner Of the Palm Trees and Page Turners Bookshop and everything seems to be going well until one day she discovers a woman's body on the beach. She becomes a suspect and as a result she begins to investigate.
Events are complicated by a mysterious inheritance, and a number of possible suspects. The mystery is good and there are a number of very tense moments towards the end. I enjoyed the way the investigation progressed and I liked many of the characters. Well worth reading.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Scarlett Gardner is the owner Of the Palm Trees and Page Turners Bookshop and everything seems to be going well until one day she discovers a woman's body on the beach. She becomes a suspect and as a result she begins to investigate.
Events are complicated by a mysterious inheritance, and a number of possible suspects. The mystery is good and there are a number of very tense moments towards the end. I enjoyed the way the investigation progressed and I liked many of the characters. Well worth reading.
Many thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
October 16, 2023
I picked this book up because I like cozy mysteries and this is the first book in a new series and I always like to get in at the first so I don't miss anything.
Description:
Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she came out and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. That’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookstore that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
After Scarlett gives a statement to the police, she thinks her life can go back to business as usual. But when a lawyer, representing someone named Lorelai Knight, tells her that Scarlett now stands to inherit a small fortune, Scarlett is left with more questions than answers. Before she can think about any of it, the police bring her in for questioning; the body she found was Lorelai Knight. And the evidence they have against Scarlett doesn’t look good—not only does she have a motive because of her inheritance, but a bottle of the same poison found in Lorelai’s system was discovered near the bookshop. Business is booming as Scarlett returns to the bookshop, but for all the wrong reasons – they want to question the last known suspect of the murder.
Who could really be behind all of this? And why frame Scarlett? To clear her name, she’s going to have get creative—and hope she can remain one page ahead of the killer.
My Thoughts:
This was a fun cozy and I liked the characters and the beach setting. I felt bad for Scarlett because she was dealing with a lot with the new business, her boyfriend flaking out, finding the dead body, finding about about and inheritance from someone she didn't know, and becoming the prime suspect in a murder - how much more worse could it get? The book moved at a good pace and kept my attention. It was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good cozy.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 17, 2023.
Description:
Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she came out and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. That’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookstore that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
After Scarlett gives a statement to the police, she thinks her life can go back to business as usual. But when a lawyer, representing someone named Lorelai Knight, tells her that Scarlett now stands to inherit a small fortune, Scarlett is left with more questions than answers. Before she can think about any of it, the police bring her in for questioning; the body she found was Lorelai Knight. And the evidence they have against Scarlett doesn’t look good—not only does she have a motive because of her inheritance, but a bottle of the same poison found in Lorelai’s system was discovered near the bookshop. Business is booming as Scarlett returns to the bookshop, but for all the wrong reasons – they want to question the last known suspect of the murder.
Who could really be behind all of this? And why frame Scarlett? To clear her name, she’s going to have get creative—and hope she can remain one page ahead of the killer.
My Thoughts:
This was a fun cozy and I liked the characters and the beach setting. I felt bad for Scarlett because she was dealing with a lot with the new business, her boyfriend flaking out, finding the dead body, finding about about and inheritance from someone she didn't know, and becoming the prime suspect in a murder - how much more worse could it get? The book moved at a good pace and kept my attention. It was an enjoyable read and I would recommend it to anyone who likes a good cozy.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on October 17, 2023.
November 27, 2023
Pretty much the perfect cozy for me; strong female friendships and no romance. Looking forward for the next release.
October 14, 2023
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Welcome to Palm Trees and Page Turners, a new bookshop in Southern California owned by Scarlett Gardner. The original dream of opening included Scarlett’s boyfriend as her business partner but their relationship imploded when he left her and the business for a “better job”. The dream also didn’t include her finding one of her customers dead underneath the nearby pier or that she would be a suspect in the murder. Her motive, the dead woman left Scarlett a fortune in her will. But Scarlett has no idea why, she only visited the bookshop once. She is clearly being framed, but by whom, and why? She has those and many more questions to be answered so that she can get on with her life and prove she is not the “Bookshop Killer”.
I am very impressed with this first California Bookshop Mystery!
The author does an excellent job of introducing Scarlett Gardner and all the supporting cast. I love that Scarlett has a fantastic roommate who can really come to her rescue when needed. Scarlett’s employee Evelyn is very capable but a bit pushy which gave me pause. Evelyn’s husband is the lead detective on the murder case. Scarlett’s ex Connor shows back up in town too. Lucia and Scarlett’s friend Hiroki works at his family’s restaurant and was also friends with Connor. All the characters are very well crafted for the first book in the series. I enjoyed the way they grew over the course of the story while leaving room to evolve as the series continues. The connections make sense and the dialogues ring true.
The entire book was very well-plotted and there were layers to peel away. The murder mystery had some nice twists and the clues were dropped with precision. I had pared my suspects down to two when the last twist made everything clear and the dramatic showdown began. I was delighted with the way things played out.
I do love the setting for this series. Escaping to a sunny beach with a good book is my paradise and this book places that perfectly within reach.
Murder by the Seashore has given this series a marvelous start. Interesting characters, two compelling mysteries to solve, and an ideal setting are everything I need for a Perfect Escape. I am excited for this series to continue to see what Ms. Yew has in store for Scarlett next.
Welcome to Palm Trees and Page Turners, a new bookshop in Southern California owned by Scarlett Gardner. The original dream of opening included Scarlett’s boyfriend as her business partner but their relationship imploded when he left her and the business for a “better job”. The dream also didn’t include her finding one of her customers dead underneath the nearby pier or that she would be a suspect in the murder. Her motive, the dead woman left Scarlett a fortune in her will. But Scarlett has no idea why, she only visited the bookshop once. She is clearly being framed, but by whom, and why? She has those and many more questions to be answered so that she can get on with her life and prove she is not the “Bookshop Killer”.
I am very impressed with this first California Bookshop Mystery!
The author does an excellent job of introducing Scarlett Gardner and all the supporting cast. I love that Scarlett has a fantastic roommate who can really come to her rescue when needed. Scarlett’s employee Evelyn is very capable but a bit pushy which gave me pause. Evelyn’s husband is the lead detective on the murder case. Scarlett’s ex Connor shows back up in town too. Lucia and Scarlett’s friend Hiroki works at his family’s restaurant and was also friends with Connor. All the characters are very well crafted for the first book in the series. I enjoyed the way they grew over the course of the story while leaving room to evolve as the series continues. The connections make sense and the dialogues ring true.
The entire book was very well-plotted and there were layers to peel away. The murder mystery had some nice twists and the clues were dropped with precision. I had pared my suspects down to two when the last twist made everything clear and the dramatic showdown began. I was delighted with the way things played out.
I do love the setting for this series. Escaping to a sunny beach with a good book is my paradise and this book places that perfectly within reach.
Murder by the Seashore has given this series a marvelous start. Interesting characters, two compelling mysteries to solve, and an ideal setting are everything I need for a Perfect Escape. I am excited for this series to continue to see what Ms. Yew has in store for Scarlett next.
October 20, 2023
Many, many years ago I had the task of valuing a bookstore located a block from the beach in a small beach town in SoCal. It was an interesting experience digging through all the books. The blurb of this book brought back that time. I wasn't thrilled with the narrator on this book. Her pacing wasn't good and her voices for different characters didn't vary much. I think I would have enjoyed this book more if I had read it and used my imagination for the characters and pacing. This book was ridiculous and not in a wonderful, funny way. It was ridiculous in a really naive, clueless heroine way. I also spotted the baddie from the beginning.
Scarlett Gardner is living her dream. She owns a bookshop, Palm Trees and Page Turners, in Oceanside, California and it's soon to be summer and that means lots of tourists needing the perfect beach read. It has been a tough few months but Scarlett is putting a bad breakup with boyfriend Connor behind her and focusing on the bookstore.
While walking on the beach before opening the store Scarlett comes upon a dead body that she recognizes as her last customer the day before. Life takes a strange turn when it is discovered Lorelai Knight was poisoned and the poison bottle is discovered behind the bookshop. On top of that Scarlett turns out to be Lorelai's heir to a real estate fortune. Now Scarlett is the Number 1 suspect, and she has no idea what to do to clear her name.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
Scarlett Gardner is living her dream. She owns a bookshop, Palm Trees and Page Turners, in Oceanside, California and it's soon to be summer and that means lots of tourists needing the perfect beach read. It has been a tough few months but Scarlett is putting a bad breakup with boyfriend Connor behind her and focusing on the bookstore.
While walking on the beach before opening the store Scarlett comes upon a dead body that she recognizes as her last customer the day before. Life takes a strange turn when it is discovered Lorelai Knight was poisoned and the poison bottle is discovered behind the bookshop. On top of that Scarlett turns out to be Lorelai's heir to a real estate fortune. Now Scarlett is the Number 1 suspect, and she has no idea what to do to clear her name.
My thanks to the Publisher, and Author, for providing a complimentary digital Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this novel via NetGalley. This is my fair, honest and personal review. All opinions are mine alone and were not biased in any way.
April 9, 2023
#MurderbytheSeashore #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author, and I was immediately drawn to the story from the beginning. Scarlett is hoping that her bookstore will be a hit, but suddenly becoming involved in a murder investigation might change her mind. A sudden inheritance shakes things up for Scarlett and when her ex shows up, she's more uncertain than ever. There's a lot going on in this book, but it will grab the reader's attention and keep them engaged until the end. I'm hoping to read more in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for Scarlett. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
June 17, 2023
Murder By The Seashore takes place in Oceanside, California which is near San Diego. Scarlett Gardner has recently opened the bookstore of her dreams. Her boyfriend Connor, who was supposed to be part of the business, recently left her. The Summer season gets off to a rocky start when Scarlett finds a body under the pier. No one knows the victim but it seems the victim knew her as she left Scarlett her entire fortune. Unfortunately now she's the number one suspect.
This is a very fun series debut. Scarlett is likeable and relatable. She goes on Bookstagram for ideas! The characters are varied. One of them is never there in person but still has a role. Things don't feel typical and I like that. It's also funny. Some of the dialogue had me chuckling. There is a lot of action and the story is fast paced.
At first I thought the pool of suspects was small and I wasn't sure how it was going to come together. For just starting out though Scarlett and her roommate do a good job. It all comes together very nicely in the end. There is no romance in this one, not even a hint. I do think there is a character who might be a romantic interest later but this story doesn't need it. Murder By The Seashore is a refreshing, entertaining read and I look forward to more in the series!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the.chance to read!
This is a very fun series debut. Scarlett is likeable and relatable. She goes on Bookstagram for ideas! The characters are varied. One of them is never there in person but still has a role. Things don't feel typical and I like that. It's also funny. Some of the dialogue had me chuckling. There is a lot of action and the story is fast paced.
At first I thought the pool of suspects was small and I wasn't sure how it was going to come together. For just starting out though Scarlett and her roommate do a good job. It all comes together very nicely in the end. There is no romance in this one, not even a hint. I do think there is a character who might be a romantic interest later but this story doesn't need it. Murder By The Seashore is a refreshing, entertaining read and I look forward to more in the series!
4.5 stars
Thank you to Netgalley for the.chance to read!
October 9, 2023
Super cute cozy mystery that was a fun way to spend the day listening while I worked.
Scarlett and her boyfriend moved to Oceanside to open a bookstore called Palmtrees and Pageturners but he quickly dumps her when he gets a better offer and she decides to go ahead with her bookstore plans anyway and prove that she doesn’t need him to be a success. Things are going along fine, she even has an employee, Evelyn. Until one day she finds a dead body by the pier near her bookstore and the body appears to have been poisoned and the bottle is found behind her store making her the prime suspect, especially when it is discovered that the woman has left Scarlett a substantial inheritance. But Scarlett claims to never have met her until the day before when she came into the store to buy a book, so why would she leave her everything? Then Scarlett’s roommate’s nemesis at work, Martin, turns up dead on their doorstep. What is the connection? Scarlett decides that she better figure out what’s going on for herself and quick so that she can clear her name, before the police come to take her in.
The narrator did a great job of establishing the various characters and keeping the story lively and engaging.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
Scarlett and her boyfriend moved to Oceanside to open a bookstore called Palmtrees and Pageturners but he quickly dumps her when he gets a better offer and she decides to go ahead with her bookstore plans anyway and prove that she doesn’t need him to be a success. Things are going along fine, she even has an employee, Evelyn. Until one day she finds a dead body by the pier near her bookstore and the body appears to have been poisoned and the bottle is found behind her store making her the prime suspect, especially when it is discovered that the woman has left Scarlett a substantial inheritance. But Scarlett claims to never have met her until the day before when she came into the store to buy a book, so why would she leave her everything? Then Scarlett’s roommate’s nemesis at work, Martin, turns up dead on their doorstep. What is the connection? Scarlett decides that she better figure out what’s going on for herself and quick so that she can clear her name, before the police come to take her in.
The narrator did a great job of establishing the various characters and keeping the story lively and engaging.
Thanks to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for this audiobook arc in exchange for my review.
April 20, 2023
Opening "Palm Trees and Page Turners" was a dream come true for Scarlett Gardner after moving to Oceanside in Southern California. Well, at least part of the dream came true. Walks on the beach before opening the store bring Scarlett the greatest joy to refresh her spirits for a new day of opportunity at the bookshop. Joyous until she found a dead body under the pier. Joyous until she became the lead suspect.
Character development of the relationships in Scarlett’s life – a business partner that didn’t materialize, an employee, a roommate, a customer’s last-minute purchase before becoming a victim, and the potential of a new hire - are well-written, adding intrigue with dimensions beyond standard fare. The inheritance factor ramping up person of interest to lead suspect also has a creative twist. A roommate’s employment may seem too convenient at first until loud thumps past midnight awaken Scarlett and Lucia and bring more than a one-time shock. And who was that victim that Scarlett claimed she didn’t know?
I’m always excited to read a new cozy featuring a bookshop setting. I love the refreshing twists in the cozy series debut, intensifying my delight in recommending this new release.
#MurderbytheSeashore #NetGalley
Character development of the relationships in Scarlett’s life – a business partner that didn’t materialize, an employee, a roommate, a customer’s last-minute purchase before becoming a victim, and the potential of a new hire - are well-written, adding intrigue with dimensions beyond standard fare. The inheritance factor ramping up person of interest to lead suspect also has a creative twist. A roommate’s employment may seem too convenient at first until loud thumps past midnight awaken Scarlett and Lucia and bring more than a one-time shock. And who was that victim that Scarlett claimed she didn’t know?
I’m always excited to read a new cozy featuring a bookshop setting. I love the refreshing twists in the cozy series debut, intensifying my delight in recommending this new release.
#MurderbytheSeashore #NetGalley
May 21, 2023
This was an adorable book! Scarlette, the main character and sleuth started to develop throughout the book. Her relationship with her roommate Lucia was fun and sisterly. I enjoyed the side characters and hope to see them return in future books. The author kept me guessing until the end and the book included some red herrings that pointed towards the wrong murderer. I personally love that in a cozy. About 2/3 through the book, tension started to build and I was glued to the book.The author had me on the edge of my seat until the very end. I loved the other storyline that was woven through and not solved until the finish line. Don't want to spoil that for readers! Overall, a great start to a new series.
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book. My review was 100% based on the book. Having it gifted was just a bonus!
Thank you Netgalley for allowing me the opportunity to review this book. My review was 100% based on the book. Having it gifted was just a bonus!
April 9, 2023
#MurderbytheSeashore #NetGalley is the first book I've read by this author, and I was immediately drawn to the story from the beginning.
Scarlett is hoping that her bookstore will be a hit, but suddenly becoming involved in a murder investigation might change her mind.
A sudden inheritance shakes things up for Scarlett and when her ex shows up, she's more uncertain than ever.
There's a lot going on in this book, but it will grab the reader's attention and keep them engaged until the end.
I'm hoping to read more in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for Scarlett.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
Scarlett is hoping that her bookstore will be a hit, but suddenly becoming involved in a murder investigation might change her mind.
A sudden inheritance shakes things up for Scarlett and when her ex shows up, she's more uncertain than ever.
There's a lot going on in this book, but it will grab the reader's attention and keep them engaged until the end.
I'm hoping to read more in this series and I'm looking forward to seeing what's in store for Scarlett.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
October 14, 2023
This was a fun read for a new series. As with most first books, some rough edges will need to be worked out. Scarlett is likable, owns a bookstore (and who doesn't dream of that?!), and has a good base of friends and family. However, when she stumbles across a body, her world turns upside down.
Like most cozies, Scarlett is suspected of doing the deed and has to solve the crime to clear her name. There isn't a love interest that appears, but it is only the first book!
There are many red herrings thrown into the mix of this story. I suspected several characters because those were some of the clues or suspicious behavior exhibited by some of the characters. Some characters are cleared quickly, and when the real murderer is revealed, it is quite a surprise. It was not someone I suspected. However, it makes perfect sense once the reasons behind it are revealed.
The book felt like it moved at a slightly slower pace initially but picked up speed as it progressed. There are several characters to dislike, primarily the recent ex-boyfriend, Connor. He is not redeemed in the book. I wonder if we will see more of him in future books since I think he provides some tension in the story.
I really like Scarlett's roommate, Lucia. She is whip-smart and manages to keep Scarlett out of too much trouble. I love how she relates everything to movies.
We give this new series 4 paws up.
Like most cozies, Scarlett is suspected of doing the deed and has to solve the crime to clear her name. There isn't a love interest that appears, but it is only the first book!
There are many red herrings thrown into the mix of this story. I suspected several characters because those were some of the clues or suspicious behavior exhibited by some of the characters. Some characters are cleared quickly, and when the real murderer is revealed, it is quite a surprise. It was not someone I suspected. However, it makes perfect sense once the reasons behind it are revealed.
The book felt like it moved at a slightly slower pace initially but picked up speed as it progressed. There are several characters to dislike, primarily the recent ex-boyfriend, Connor. He is not redeemed in the book. I wonder if we will see more of him in future books since I think he provides some tension in the story.
I really like Scarlett's roommate, Lucia. She is whip-smart and manages to keep Scarlett out of too much trouble. I love how she relates everything to movies.
We give this new series 4 paws up.
April 11, 2023
5/5 ⭐️!!!
What a fantastic debut from Samara Yew!! Murder by the Seashore such a murderously fun read!!
We follow Scarlett - a bookshop owner in SoCal whose life is turned upside down when she finds the body of a woman who has been murdered. Her business is quickly thrust into jeopardy when she is named a prime suspect due to a surprise inheritance! Now she must follow the clues, solve the mystery and catch a killer with the help of her friends to save her bookshop!
Full of quirky characters, great character development, twists and turns I never saw coming, adorable bookshop, beautiful scenery and a bff goals friendship - Murder by the Seashore is a must read for cozy mystery lovers!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
What a fantastic debut from Samara Yew!! Murder by the Seashore such a murderously fun read!!
We follow Scarlett - a bookshop owner in SoCal whose life is turned upside down when she finds the body of a woman who has been murdered. Her business is quickly thrust into jeopardy when she is named a prime suspect due to a surprise inheritance! Now she must follow the clues, solve the mystery and catch a killer with the help of her friends to save her bookshop!
Full of quirky characters, great character development, twists and turns I never saw coming, adorable bookshop, beautiful scenery and a bff goals friendship - Murder by the Seashore is a must read for cozy mystery lovers!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
October 18, 2023
This debut novel encompassed everything I enjoy in a book, especially in a cosy mystery book!
The beautiful setting by the sea, the dream of opening up a bookstore, a fresh start after heartbreak, seemingly unexplainable twists, smart banter, it had it all!
I did like the Author’s writing style, perfect for this type of cosy mystery.
I was impressed enough by this debut novel to seek out the next book in the series when it comes out!
Thank you to author Samara Yew, (also writes as Holly Yew) Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication date.
Charlene 🌸📚🤗 @lastnownext
The beautiful setting by the sea, the dream of opening up a bookstore, a fresh start after heartbreak, seemingly unexplainable twists, smart banter, it had it all!
I did like the Author’s writing style, perfect for this type of cosy mystery.
I was impressed enough by this debut novel to seek out the next book in the series when it comes out!
Thank you to author Samara Yew, (also writes as Holly Yew) Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the opportunity to read this book before publication date.
Charlene 🌸📚🤗 @lastnownext
September 28, 2023
A fantastic new cozy mystery that will have you guessing right up to the end! The characters are wonderfully diverse in a multitude of ways much like any small tourist town, so you'll quickly feel at home with them! The main character has a bit of anxiety over her interactions with people and her business, but you'll quickly be cheering her on to move forward as she does just that! The bookshop she owns sounds fabulous and I would love to be able to visit a real one just like it some day! The plot is the clincher of this book though. The characters are great, the town is fantastic, but the plot is detailed without being minutely so that it is enjoyable and thoroughly entertaining. I love how the main character and her roommate are investigating with her sister cheering her on from afar. The twists, turns and reveals are well done to keep the entertainment flowing while moving you towards the ultimate reveal of who the killer really is! I absolutely can't wait for the next book to be available and I must say that I will be looking for it in audio as the narration really brought this story and characters to life for me!
September 8, 2023
Scarlett Gardner thought she had it all as the co-owner of the Palm Trees and Page Turners Book shop with boyfriend, Connor. When he left her for a better paying job, she was determined to continue alone and vowed to make her book store a huge success. Things are beginning to work out again for her until she finds a dead body under Oceanside Pier, and, even worse, she recognises her!
After a link between Scarlett and the victim is discovered, giving her an apparently powerful motive, she realises that if she wants her name cleared, it's up to her to do it! Along with housemate Lucia, Scarlett begins to investigate, but as all her main suspects are well known to her, things begin to get tricky. Can she identify the killer before they succeed in removing her from the case permanently?
The first in Samara Yew's new series is a fun read and thoroughly enjoyable throughout. Scarlett and Lucia are totally different and compliment each other brilliantly. Something tells me Scarlett will need her lawyer friend's assistance on a regular basis! There seems a lot of potential for all sorts of death, wrongdoing, and investigation in this very pleasant sounding location, and I look forward to returning to Oceanside in book two.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
After a link between Scarlett and the victim is discovered, giving her an apparently powerful motive, she realises that if she wants her name cleared, it's up to her to do it! Along with housemate Lucia, Scarlett begins to investigate, but as all her main suspects are well known to her, things begin to get tricky. Can she identify the killer before they succeed in removing her from the case permanently?
The first in Samara Yew's new series is a fun read and thoroughly enjoyable throughout. Scarlett and Lucia are totally different and compliment each other brilliantly. Something tells me Scarlett will need her lawyer friend's assistance on a regular basis! There seems a lot of potential for all sorts of death, wrongdoing, and investigation in this very pleasant sounding location, and I look forward to returning to Oceanside in book two.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Crooked Lane Books, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and recommend it highly.
April 11, 2023
5/5 ⭐️!!!
What a fantastic debut from Samara Yew!! Murder by the Seashore such a murderously fun read!!
We follow Scarlett - a bookshop owner in SoCal whose life is turned upside down when she finds the body of a woman who has been murdered. Her business is quickly thrust into jeopardy when she is named a prime suspect due to a surprise inheritance! Now she must follow the clues, solve the mystery and catch a killer with the help of her friends to save her bookshop!
Full of quirky characters, great character development, twists and turns I never saw coming, adorable bookshop, beautiful scenery and a bff goals friendship - Murder by the Seashore is a must read for cozy mystery lovers!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
What a fantastic debut from Samara Yew!! Murder by the Seashore such a murderously fun read!!
We follow Scarlett - a bookshop owner in SoCal whose life is turned upside down when she finds the body of a woman who has been murdered. Her business is quickly thrust into jeopardy when she is named a prime suspect due to a surprise inheritance! Now she must follow the clues, solve the mystery and catch a killer with the help of her friends to save her bookshop!
Full of quirky characters, great character development, twists and turns I never saw coming, adorable bookshop, beautiful scenery and a bff goals friendship - Murder by the Seashore is a must read for cozy mystery lovers!!
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the arc in exchange for my honest review.
May 17, 2023
This is not my typical read, but I saw this eye catching book cover and it made stop to see what the story was about. When I saw that the main character was a book store owner that was located on a beach, and she has to clear her own name from being a murder suspect...well, how could I resist it? I had a feeling I would enjoy stepping away from the normal for this book and I was right. I found this book to be an entertaining and easy read. It even made me wish I was sitting on that beach reading this book. This book proves it is a good thing to step away from the normal and give new things a try.
October 11, 2023
This is the first book in a fabulous new series. I really enjoyed reading this one. The only downside is that now I have to wait for the second one to be published! The setting was beautiful and the charchters were great. I liked getting to know them and I am really looking foward to seeing how things develop.
Scarlett Gardner has achieved her dream of opening a bookshop. She initially opened it with her ex-boyfriend, Conner but when he left for greener pastures, she decided to go it on her own. The bookstore is called Palm Trees and Page Turners. It sounds like such a cute shop, I wish I could spend some time (and money) there!
Scarlett is out for a morning stroll along the beach and stumbles across the body of one of her customers. In case that wasn't shock enough, the murder weapon shows up right outside her shop and the police start looking at her as the main suspect. Scarlett is pulled in to an epic mystery. Luckily she has her good friend and roommate (who happens to be a lawyer), Lucia and her friend and employee, Evelyn (who happens to be the detective's wife) on her side.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Scarlett Gardner has achieved her dream of opening a bookshop. She initially opened it with her ex-boyfriend, Conner but when he left for greener pastures, she decided to go it on her own. The bookstore is called Palm Trees and Page Turners. It sounds like such a cute shop, I wish I could spend some time (and money) there!
Scarlett is out for a morning stroll along the beach and stumbles across the body of one of her customers. In case that wasn't shock enough, the murder weapon shows up right outside her shop and the police start looking at her as the main suspect. Scarlett is pulled in to an epic mystery. Luckily she has her good friend and roommate (who happens to be a lawyer), Lucia and her friend and employee, Evelyn (who happens to be the detective's wife) on her side.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 21, 2023
This is first in a new cozy mystery series. Our heroine has a beach side book shop she started with an ex boyfriend and now runs with the help of one employee. She’s happy in her new single life and has a lawyer roommate she’s become best friends with. Alls well till she finds a body…
This book took some twist and turns. It wasn’t for me exactly but it did keep my interest. This reminded me of the cupcake bakery mysteries, which aren’t my favorite but are wildly popular. Both have this bold charters that are type cast and a bit don’t break from that. The lawyer roommate takes the movie hobby a bit far for example.
We have this big web with an inheritance and blood relations that seems to get skipped over. Our sleuth is very selfish. She’s just cool with getting all this money, kinda eh about her presumptive birth mother being murdered and only worried about clearing her own name. Pretty shallow stuff.
The story did move along and i think some people would like it. Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
This book took some twist and turns. It wasn’t for me exactly but it did keep my interest. This reminded me of the cupcake bakery mysteries, which aren’t my favorite but are wildly popular. Both have this bold charters that are type cast and a bit don’t break from that. The lawyer roommate takes the movie hobby a bit far for example.
We have this big web with an inheritance and blood relations that seems to get skipped over. Our sleuth is very selfish. She’s just cool with getting all this money, kinda eh about her presumptive birth mother being murdered and only worried about clearing her own name. Pretty shallow stuff.
The story did move along and i think some people would like it. Thanks netgalley for the opportunity to read this.
June 24, 2023
it was a warm and cozy read with a beach setting so that's a plus one for this book but it was a such a cliche if you ask me. however like Taylor Swift once said "just because something's cliche doesn't mean its bad" this book too wasn't actually bad cliche. its just that when you've read way too many mysteries of all the types the world has to offer, you kinda figure out who the culprit is halfway through the book. that being said i did like this and it was engaging enough that i didn't dnf it even though i was tempted to when i figured out who the killer was. the characters were superficial too and a tad bit annoying but thats just human nature i guess.
thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book
thanks to Netgalley and the author for providing me with an ARC of the book
October 10, 2023
Murder by the Seashore by Samara Yew
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Synopsis: Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she moved there and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. And that’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookshop that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
Tropes: Family Inheritance, Cozy Murder Mystery, Strong FMC, First Person POV
Review: I liked this book a lot it was a cozy murder mystery and the FMC played detective. This read was fast paced and it was cool to connect with the FMC on her love of books. I wouldn’t say this book had you at the edge of your seat at all as the twists and turns were really good it was a full on cozy experience. I hope to read any upcoming books from this author soon. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC can’t wait for readers to get it on 10/17.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5
Synopsis: Southern California is where dreams come true—or so Scarlett Gardner thought. When she moved there and opened the Palm Trees and Page Turners bookshop, she thought her boyfriend and business partner would be part of the story. When he leaves her for a better job, Scarlett finds herself struggling to keep her new business afloat. And that’s not the only thing she has to worry about—she discovers something underneath the pier by her bookshop that she didn’t outline for her life’s story: the dead body of a book-buying customer.
Tropes: Family Inheritance, Cozy Murder Mystery, Strong FMC, First Person POV
Review: I liked this book a lot it was a cozy murder mystery and the FMC played detective. This read was fast paced and it was cool to connect with the FMC on her love of books. I wouldn’t say this book had you at the edge of your seat at all as the twists and turns were really good it was a full on cozy experience. I hope to read any upcoming books from this author soon. Thank you NetGalley for this ARC can’t wait for readers to get it on 10/17.
October 11, 2023
This is the first book in a fabulous new series. I really enjoyed reading this one. The only downside is that now I have to wait for the second one to be published! The setting was beautiful and the charchters were great. I liked getting to know them and I am really looking foward to seeing how things develop.
Scarlett Gardner has achieved her dream of opening a bookshop. She initially opened it with her ex-boyfriend, Conner but when he left for greener pastures, she decided to go it on her own. The bookstore is called Palm Trees and Page Turners. It sounds like such a cute shop, I wish I could spend some time (and money) there!
Scarlett is out for a morning stroll along the beach and stumbles across the body of one of her customers. In case that wasn't shock enough, the murder weapon shows up right outside her shop and the police start looking at her as the main suspect. Scarlett is pulled in to an epic mystery. Luckily she has her good friend and roommate (who happens to be a lawyer), Lucia and her friend and employee, Evelyn (who happens to be the detective's wife) on her side.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Scarlett Gardner has achieved her dream of opening a bookshop. She initially opened it with her ex-boyfriend, Conner but when he left for greener pastures, she decided to go it on her own. The bookstore is called Palm Trees and Page Turners. It sounds like such a cute shop, I wish I could spend some time (and money) there!
Scarlett is out for a morning stroll along the beach and stumbles across the body of one of her customers. In case that wasn't shock enough, the murder weapon shows up right outside her shop and the police start looking at her as the main suspect. Scarlett is pulled in to an epic mystery. Luckily she has her good friend and roommate (who happens to be a lawyer), Lucia and her friend and employee, Evelyn (who happens to be the detective's wife) on her side.
Thank you to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
April 10, 2024
This debut of a new series set on a book shop right next to the beach shows some real potential. Scarlett originally opened the book shop with her ex who since walked out on her. After discovering a body on the beach, she becomes the prime suspect and is forced to clear her name. While the characters are interesting and the solution of the book interesting, the mechanics are a little creaky in places. Trying to throw suspicion on some characters felt a little forced, but all in all an enjoyable read. And I will be looking forward to book two. Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.
October 9, 2023
A new cozy mystery series featuring Scarlett, who runs a beachside bookstore in CA. Scarlett finds a body 1 morning while walking the beach. Turns out the victim, who she’s never met, has left her inheritance to Scarlett.
What I liked:
🌊 Beach town setting
🌊 Side characters, especially her Roomate/lawyer
🌊 Inheritance story line
Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this new cozy mystery and the audiobook was great to listen to. The California beach setting, a bookstore and great side characters have all the makings for a great series.
What I liked:
🌊 Beach town setting
🌊 Side characters, especially her Roomate/lawyer
🌊 Inheritance story line
Final thoughts: I really enjoyed this new cozy mystery and the audiobook was great to listen to. The California beach setting, a bookstore and great side characters have all the makings for a great series.
October 21, 2023
Scarlett Gardner is the owner of a bookshop near a California beach town. Scarlett and her boyfriend opened Palm Trees and Page Turners. Everything is looking good until her boyfriend abruptly leaves for a better opportunity. Now she’s without a boyfriend and a business partner. She’s doing whatever she can to make a success of her shop, but it’s not easy. Things take a really bad turn when she finds a dead body on the beach near her shop.
It’s not long before Scarlett finds herself as the number one suspect, which is crazy since she didn’t even know the woman. When Scarlett discovers she’s the sole heir to the woman’s fortune, the police become even more convinced of her guilt. Still, Scarlett has no idea who the dead person is or why she’d inherit all her money.
Meanwhile, Scarlett’s bookstore is getting quite a bit of attention, but not the way she would want. Nobody is buying books. They just want to see a killer in person. With the help of her friends, Scarlett sets out to investigate and find out what is happening.
I enjoyed this book right from the start. I love the California beach setting as well as the bookstore. I always adore books about bookstores or libraries and this is a good one.
The cast of characters range from quirky to suspicious to annoying to people you’d like to call friends in real life. Scarlett is an interesting character. She starts out as naive and timid, but you see her character growth as you continue with the story.
I could not put this one down. I was totally engrossed in finding out whodunit. The author gave us several possibilities and kept this reader guessing to the end.
I’m looking forward to more books in this series. It’s off to a great start.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
It’s not long before Scarlett finds herself as the number one suspect, which is crazy since she didn’t even know the woman. When Scarlett discovers she’s the sole heir to the woman’s fortune, the police become even more convinced of her guilt. Still, Scarlett has no idea who the dead person is or why she’d inherit all her money.
Meanwhile, Scarlett’s bookstore is getting quite a bit of attention, but not the way she would want. Nobody is buying books. They just want to see a killer in person. With the help of her friends, Scarlett sets out to investigate and find out what is happening.
I enjoyed this book right from the start. I love the California beach setting as well as the bookstore. I always adore books about bookstores or libraries and this is a good one.
The cast of characters range from quirky to suspicious to annoying to people you’d like to call friends in real life. Scarlett is an interesting character. She starts out as naive and timid, but you see her character growth as you continue with the story.
I could not put this one down. I was totally engrossed in finding out whodunit. The author gave us several possibilities and kept this reader guessing to the end.
I’m looking forward to more books in this series. It’s off to a great start.
FTC Disclosure: I voluntarily reviewed a free Advance Reader Copy of this book from the author and the publisher. I was not required to write a positive review. All opinions expressed are my own.
September 13, 2023
Head to California for a murderous vacation full of family secrets, greed, and more!
Scarlett is ready to run her own bookshop on the beach with the help of Evelyn, her ever-faithful assistant, after her boyfriend left their joint business venture to follow his own. Scarlett is feeling
less-than-confident in herself, but presses on, nonetheless. While strolling the beach before work, she stumbles upon the very last customer she helped the day before, dead, under the pier. What’s even more bizarre, is that this stranger came to town looking for Scarlett, who is now her sole inheritor! Scarlett is now the main suspect, with one heck of a motive and she needs to clear her name before she ends up in jail for a murder she most definitely did not commit.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book — it is set in a coastal town in California; most cozies tend to take place on the East Coast. Inheriting a fortune from a complete stranger added another layer of mystery to the story – who is this person? How does she know Scarlett? Why would she leave Scarlett her fortune?
Connor, Scarlett’s ex-boyfriend comes back to town, but we have to wait a while to find out the backstory on what exactly happened between him and Scarlett; it would have been nice to have a little more information earlier in the story. I’m hoping we see Scarlett adopt, be gifted, or purchase a pet in some capacity – I think cozies are always better when animals are involved.
All in all, this was a great first in a promising new series!
4.5*
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Scarlett is ready to run her own bookshop on the beach with the help of Evelyn, her ever-faithful assistant, after her boyfriend left their joint business venture to follow his own. Scarlett is feeling
less-than-confident in herself, but presses on, nonetheless. While strolling the beach before work, she stumbles upon the very last customer she helped the day before, dead, under the pier. What’s even more bizarre, is that this stranger came to town looking for Scarlett, who is now her sole inheritor! Scarlett is now the main suspect, with one heck of a motive and she needs to clear her name before she ends up in jail for a murder she most definitely did not commit.
I really enjoyed the setting of this book — it is set in a coastal town in California; most cozies tend to take place on the East Coast. Inheriting a fortune from a complete stranger added another layer of mystery to the story – who is this person? How does she know Scarlett? Why would she leave Scarlett her fortune?
Connor, Scarlett’s ex-boyfriend comes back to town, but we have to wait a while to find out the backstory on what exactly happened between him and Scarlett; it would have been nice to have a little more information earlier in the story. I’m hoping we see Scarlett adopt, be gifted, or purchase a pet in some capacity – I think cozies are always better when animals are involved.
All in all, this was a great first in a promising new series!
4.5*
I received an arc from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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