Can’t Judge a Book by Its Murder
As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town’s legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That’s when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo’s front door, and her best friend is questioned for the crime.
When the elderly ladies of Arlo’s Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally’s reputation, the suspect list only grows longer, his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.
Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend turned private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally’s death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.
Series: Main Street Book Club Mysteries – Book #1
Author: Amy Lillard
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Bookstore/BookClub
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press
Page Count: 320
Rating: 
New from Poisoned Pen Press comes Amy Lillard’s new series “Main Street Book Club Mysteries,” and the first book in the new series Can’t Judge a Book by Its Murder.
Arlo is an unusual character in a new series. She’s a bit confused, whiney, and at times unbelievably brave. Finding a dead guy at her shop front door throws her off in a big way, but when she finds out who it is, Arlo becomes completely speechless. Add to the fact that she has a few moments of doubt about her business partner and best friends’ innocence, and you end up with a character who is about as average as she can be in a murder mystery.
The other characters in this new series will have readers smiling and laughing while cheering them on each time they come up with a bad idea. And the ladies of the Friday Night Book Club have about as many bad ideas as a reader can imagine. Each time they come up with something, you can guarantee Arlo will end up smack dab in the middle with all the trouble that follows.
As a new series, this first book sets up the reoccurring characters and the small-town setting. Ms. Lillard, a seasoned romance writer, aka Amie Louellen, knows how to write a story that is compelling, entertaining, and fun, with characters that readers come to love. This first book in this new series is no exception. Although it is a bit slow to begin, readers will enjoy Arlo and the Friday Night Book Club member’s antics and will look forward to the next installment.
I am happy to recommend this new series, and the first book Can’t Judge a Book by Its Murder to readers who are looking for a lighthearted downhome series with an abundance of mystery, charm, warm, and loving characters with just enough romance to add intrigue.
Other series readers may enjoy such as Lorna Barrett’s delightful “A Booktown Mystery “ or Kym Roberts’ original “A Book Barn Mystery” series.
About the Author:
Amy loves nothing more than a good book. Except for her family, …and maybe homemade tacos…and nail polish. But reading and writing are way up on the list. Born and bred in Mississippi, Amy is a transplanted Southern Belle who now lives in Oklahoma with her deputy husband, their genius son, and three spoiled cats. When she’s not creating happy endings, she has a variety of hobbies, but her favorite is whatever gets her out of housework. Amy is an award-winning author with more than thirty novels and novellas in print. She is a member of RWA, ACFW, NINC, and the Author’s Guild. She loves to hear from readers.
Contact Amy: http://amylillard918@hotmail.com
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