Written by Ashley Leung and edited by Dimos Galatakis
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases. However, that does not change my thoughts or opinions in the post. Everything said is my real and true opinion of the product
Introduction
Though I often consider myself a connoisseur of all things cozy (i.e., video games, comfort items, movies, heartwarming romance novels), I have very little experience with the cozy mystery genre. Sure, when I was a kid, I read a couple of Nancy Drew books, the Boxcar Children and The Hardy Boys but as an adult, I never really picked up a cozy mystery series.
I’ve also read a few Agatha Christie books, but I have never read a series that progresses from book to book—until The Bookshop Mysteries by the husband-and-wife duo S.A. Reeves caught my eye.
I can’t tell you exactly what made me pick up this series in late February or early March, but something about a mystery set in a bookstore intrigued me.
So far, the series includes two books. Since I feel pretty much the same about both, this review will focus on the series as a whole (for now).
The Breakdown
Vibes: A cozy mystery set in a small town, mostly inside a quaint little bookshop
Genre: Mystery, fiction
Spice Level: None – totally clean fun
Why You’ll Love The Bookshop Mysteries
- Intriguing, thoughtful mysteries with breadcrumb clues you can solve alongside the characters
- Witty and lovable main characters
- A charming small-town setting and a cozy bookshop backdrop
A Quick Summary (Spoiler-Free)
This series follows Gemma, the brave, smart, and witty owner of The Bookworm—a charming bookstore located in the very real town of Derbyshire. Many of the locations mentioned in the books are real, and you can even download a free companion e-book, directly from the authors, that walks you through these places. I highly recommend it—it adds to the immersive, cozy nature of the mystery.
Gemma runs The Bookworm with her elderly (but very lively) friend and coworker, Mavis. Together, they’re always brainstorming new ways to improve the shop. But somehow, they keep finding themselves tangled in local murder investigations.
Across the first two books—A Bitter Pill and A Murder at the Church—you’ll follow Gemma and Mavis as they piece together clues and uncover the secrets hidden beneath their seemingly peaceful town.
What Stood Out to Me
A Mystery I Can Solve Alongside the Heroes
As my first cozy mystery series, I thoroughly enjoyed both books, and I already have the next one preordered! The town feels real, the characters are fun, and there are plenty of clues dropped throughout so you can try to solve the mystery yourself. I love a good breadcrumb trail in any mystery book, movie, or game. It makes me feel included, like I’m part of the team, working through clues with Gemma and Mavis.
The Bookworm Is the Coziest Place on Earth
One thing that keeps drawing me back to this series is the setting. I’m not sure if it’s because I’ve always dreamed of owning a bookstore with a café, or because I can vividly picture myself browsing the shelves and curling up with a latte and a good book. Either way, the atmosphere S.A. Reeves creates inside The Bookworm is undeniable.
I can smell the old pages, feel the spines of the books on the shelves, and practically taste the coffee from their café. Throughout the series, you get to watch the bookstore grow and expand. Every milestone feels like a personal win—one that makes the reading experience even more rewarding.
You Can’t Help but Love Gemma and Mavis
The dynamic between Gemma and Mavis is one of my favorite parts. They’re witty, sharp, and each brings her own strengths to the table. I’d even say they could give Sherlock and Watson a run for their money. They feel like a well-balanced tag team, able to solve a case just from what they’ve learned in their many bookish adventures.
Here’s Why I Can’t Give This Book a Full Five-Cozy-Cat Rating…
Some Characters Feel a Bit Flat
Let me start by saying I think these books are wonderful. I loved reading them and genuinely can’t wait for the next one.
However, I feel a bit face-blind when it comes to the characters. There are some descriptions of Mavis and Gemma, but I still can’t quite picture them clearly. The side characters are enjoyable, but most exist solely to serve the plot. Some characters from Book 1 return in Book 2 to help fill out the world, but overall, the town still feels sparsely populated.
It’s a little like playing a video game that has just a few NPCs to build the world, and then quest-specific characters who disappear once their story is complete. Think Nancy Drew, where familiar characters reappear and help carry the story forward. I hope we’ll see more recurring characters as the series grows. Right now, while the setting is rich and immersive, the supporting cast feels a bit two-dimensional.
Final Thoughts & Rating
4 out of 5 cozy cats 🐾
If you’re looking for a book to curl up with—whether out in the yard or snuggled under the covers—I think you’ll enjoy this series. It’s a delightful, easy read that transports you to a cozy town full of charm and mystery. I definitely can’t wait to see how the world of The Bookshop Mysteries continues to unfold.
So read on, Cozy Cat Club! Follow the links to check out the books for yourself, and don’t forget to grab S.A. Reeves’ free companion e-book all about the real-world locations mentioned in the series.
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