A Deadly Chapter
The Blurb
Wake up on a houseboat moored in scenic Alexandria Bay, New York. Ride the gentle waves to work at quaint Bayside Books, your own bookshop where you spend your days supplying literature and conversation to the charming locals and seasonal tourists. Sounds pleasant, doesn’t it? Except bookseller Shelby Cox has already sleuthed two murders from Bayside Books’ home base on Blye Island, one of New York State’s famed Thousand Islands. And this time, mayhem knocks right on Shelby’s waterside door when she finds a body lodged between the side of her houseboat and the dock, his skull shattered.
The victim is no local, but Shelby can’t shake the feeling she’s seen him before. Twice, that’s how many times he’s dropped into Bayside Books asking about an enigmatic woman who lived on Blye Island many years before. The last time? The day before he was found. But the poor man obviously was killed elsewhere, so who brought him down to the bay, and why?
When the victim’s daughter hits town demanding answers, Shelby takes the case, despite Police Chief Tekla Stone’s usual reservations. But she uncovers more suspects than there are pages in War and Peace, and Shelby can expect no peace, except the peace of the grave, unless she can turn the page on this grisly mystery.
The Details
Series: A Castle Bookshop Mystery – Book #3
Author: Essie Lang
Genre/Category: Cozy – Amateur Sleuth/Bookshop
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
ISBN: 164385576X
Page Count: 320
Rating: 
The Review
A Deadly Chapter is the third installment in the “A Castle Bookshop Mystery” series. Shelby, a bookshop owner, and houseboat lover, has a knack for getting involved in murder investigations. Even when her family, friends, and the police tell her to stay out of it. She can’t help herself, she just happens to stumble across bodies, and there doesn’t appear to be any hope of her not getting into the thick of things.
Shelby is many things, a bookshop owner, a loyal friend, a compassionate niece, and a neighbor, but no matter how likable she may be, there are times when she is challenging to understand. I love her determination, the bookshop, her houseboat, all of which make her a unique character. But she is also a bit immature with a rebellious teenage nature. This character’s greatest downfall is her inability to think before she acts, which significantly impacts the story.
A killer is not someone you want to mess with, invite to your place of work, or your houseboat. If they have killed once, there’s a good chance they will do it again if it means getting away with it. Shelby seems to invite trouble into her life, her business, and her romance. The victim is not someone she knows but has only spoken with twice, she doesn’t even know his name, yet she gets involved in investigating before the body is even cold. There are a few suspects, but none seem to have a valid motive for murdering a man. Evidence, although present, isn’t what it should be.
This series and A Deadly Chapter, in particular, has always had a few minor issues that are easily fixed. A few questions raised in this book were left unanswered, but none made a difference to the outcome. However, this can be a sticking point for some readers. Overall this book is enjoyable to read, has enough mystery to keep readers guessing, and a couple of twists that add value along the way. Shelby’s bookshop and houseboat are always a pleasure to visit, and her Aunt Edie is a wonderful character that many would like to spend more time with. The love interest is a bit rocky for a while, but in the end, it works out well. Readers will enjoy this book, but I highly suggest reading the other two in the series first.
The Author
In a parallel life, Essie Lang/Erika Chase is also known as Linda Wiken. A former mystery bookstore owner (Prime Crime Books in Ottawa, ON, Canada), Linda is also a short story writer. She is a member of those dangerous dames, The Ladies’ Killing Circle.
Before life in the world of mystery, she worked as an advertising copywriter, radio producer, journalist, and community education worker. Besides writing and reading mysteries, her other passion is choral singing; she is a member of two choirs. Okay, maybe one more passion — chocolate! She shares her house with Keesha and Mojo, her two Siamese cats. Actually, they allow her to live there.
Other books by Essia Lang readers may want to read include Death on the Page book two in the “A Castle Bookshop Mystery” series.
Contact Essie: 
Find Essie on Social Media:
Follow the Cozy Review on Bloglovin’
Contact The Cozy Review
Leave a Reply