Book Clubbed by Lorna Barrett

I will never forget the look of sheer joy on my librarians face when she started to tell me about the Booktown Mystery series by Lorna Barrett. Her excitement was contagious and just knew I was going to have to get my hands on the latest part, Book Clubbed. I am so very glad I did!

From the back of the book:

Cranky Chamber of Commerce receptionist Betsy Dittmeyer is done reading people the riot act. After she’s crushed by a fallen bookcase, the next item to be read is her last will and testament—which is packed with surprises. It soon comes to light that Betsy was hiding volumes of dark secrets behind that perpetual frown of hers—and one of them just might have been a motive for murder.

While Tricia tries to help Angelica—the newly elected Chamber of Commerce president and Betsy’s boss—solve the mystery, she discovers a hidden chapter in her own family history that rocks her to her very core. And with her ex-husband and the chief of police vying for her affections, it’s doubly hard to focus on who might have buried Betsy in a tomb of tomes.

But as Tricia and Angelica try to read between the lines, they need to watch their step…and make sure the killer doesn’t catch them between the stacks.

My thoughts:

First, as a book lover, could there ever be a better setting than a town that is totally book themed? All of the shops have cute book inspired names and book people are really my kind of people. It was fun to jump right in and get to know everyone. The characters were as quirky as the town and added to the fun feeling.

Of course, there is the not so fun business of a murder of a not so fun lady to solve, and her not so fun sister making matters even more complicated. Add to that the strange, almost stalker, behavior of Tricia's exes and former Chamber of Commerce president and then things get really interesting. I didn't see this one coming and had no clue who the killer was but it sure was a fun ride. 

I read this in breakneck speed because I just had to see what was around the next corner. I am in love with the fun tone of this series and waiting eagerly to see what happens next for Tricia and her sister Angelica, as well as the other fun characters that populate Booktown. 

In addition to a teaser for the next part, in the back you will find delicious recipes! I already made the Cream of Tomato Soup and it was fabulous.

Take some time to browse the other great mysteries available from Berkley Prime Crime. While you are there, you can sign up for the newsletter so you never miss a new release. I must warn you though, after browsing my wish list is longer than I could probably read. You can also connect with them on Twitter where can happen across a fun giveaway as well.

Disclosure: I may receive products in exchange for an honest review. Regardless, I only recommend products or services I personally believe will be good for my readers.