Death by the Book

Book Review: Death by the Book by Lucy Connelly 📚

Rating: 4 Stars

I recently dove into Death by the Book by Lucy Connelly, and it was quite the cozy mystery adventure! Set in the charming seaside village of Shamrock Cove on Ireland’s picturesque west coast, the story follows Mercy McCarthy, a mystery writer who finds herself reluctantly pulled into a local literary festival organized by her sister, Lizzie. Things take a dark turn when the festival's featured author, James Brandt, is discovered dead after a rather unfortunate incident involving a falling bookshelf. 📚🏖️

Now, you might think that an accident like that would be just that—an accident—but Mercy has a hunch that something more sinister is at play. The local detective isn't convinced, but when a second body shows up in their own bookstore (thanks to their adorable dog, Mr. Poe), the stakes get higher, and all eyes are on Mercy. With a quirky cast of characters—including a meddling mayor and a timid botanist—Mercy races against time to unravel the mystery before she becomes the prime suspect herself. 🕵️‍♀️🐶

First off, I have to mention the cover—it's absolutely delightful! It really captures the cozy vibe of the book. Initially, I found myself taking a bit of time to get into the story, but once it hit its stride, I was fully hooked. There were moments when it felt slightly repetitive, but overall, the pacing picked up nicely. The plot was well-crafted, keeping me guessing until the end while still allowing me to enjoy the little details of Shamrock Cove life. 🎨📖

The characters were another highlight for me. They were all incredibly likable and added depth to the story. Mercy is relatable as she navigates her unexpected role in solving a murder mystery while also dealing with the challenges of her new life in this picturesque village. 👩‍💼🌺

In short, Death by the Book is a delightful read that stands well on its own, even if it is part of a series. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries or just love a good whodunit with a touch of charm, I highly recommend giving it a try. I’m definitely looking forward to the next installment in this series! 📚✨

⚠️This review was written based on personal opinions and experiences with the book. Individual preferences may vary⚠️