Booked for Death
Nestled in the historic waterfront town of Beaufort, North Carolina, Chapters B&B is a reader’s paradise. Built in 1770, the newly renovated inn hosts a roster of special events celebrating books, genres, and authors. It’s the perfect literary retreat–until a rare book dealer turns up dead in the carriage house during a celebration of Golden Age mystery author Josephine Tey.
The victim’s daughter points the finger at forty-two-year-old widow and former schoolteacher Charlotte Reed, who inherited the B&B from her great-aunt Isabella. Charlotte is shocked to discover that the book dealer suspected Isabella of being a thief who founded Chapters on her ill-gotten gains. Charlotte has successfully learned the B&B business in a year, but nothing has prepared her to handle death on the premises.
Armed with intelligence and courage and assisted by her vibrant older neighbor, a visiting author, and members of a local book club, Charlotte is determined to prove her innocence and to clear her great-aunt’s name. But the murderer is still at large and equally determined to silence anyone who might discover the truth behind the book dealer’s death. Now, Charlotte must outwit an unknown killer–or end up writing her own final chapter.
Series: Book Lover’s B&B Mystery – Book #1
Author: Victoria Gilbert
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ B&B
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Page Count: 320
Rating: 
Booked for Death from Crooked Lane Books is the first book in a new series, “Book Lover’s B&B Mystery” by Victoria Gilbert.
Charlotte won’t be everyone’s cup of tea. She can be hard to take at times. She needs a boost to keep the B&B she inherited afloat. Financially, the B&B isn’t pulling its weight yet. But murder isn’t what she had in mind. This leads her down a path that could result in her losing everything, including her life. The character of Ellen is easy to like; she isn’t what she seems and is willing to put herself in danger to save her next-door neighbor. Characters are interesting and will mature in future additions. I would like to see more about Ellen and Charlotte’s aunt, and Isabella’s activities in the past. I feel this would enhance the series a great deal.
The location of a B&B mixed with North Carolina is an excellent place to set a new series. The literary part attracts many of us who enjoy these types of cozies. The actual location is beautiful and steeped in history.
The killing of Lincoln was predictable, as was the finger pointing at the B&B owner. The victim was not well-liked by anyone, including his family; he was underhanded and possibly a criminal. The resolution of the murder with suspects who all had a motive was a bit slow but ultimately worked out in Charlotte’s favor. Overall, I felt that Booked for Death was a good start to what hopefully will turn into a beautiful series.
If you enjoy B&B mysteries, you may also enjoy Mollie Cox Bryan’s intriguing “A Cora Crafts Mystery” or Caroline Fardig’s wonderfully refreshing “A Southern B&B Mystery.”
About the Author:
Victoria Gilbert was raised in a historic small town in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountains. She turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian. She has worked as a reference librarian and library director for public, museum, and academic libraries. An avid reader who appreciates good writing in all genres, Victoria has been known to read seven books in as many days. When not writing or reading, she likes to watch films, listen to music, garden, or travel.
Victoria is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, and Sisters in Crime. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel
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