Bookmarked for Murder

When Poppy Fletcher leaves her publishing job in Boston to open Turn the Page Bookshop in the charming coastal town of Harborview, she envisions a peaceful new chapter surrounded by books and her tabby cat Fitzgerald. But her grand opening takes a deadly turn when she discovers the body of cantankerous real estate developer Vernon Winters behind a bookshelf in the mystery section, a rare first edition clutched in his lifeless hand. With Detective Jack Sullivan eyeing her as the prime suspect, Poppy realizes she'll need to solve this mystery herself if she wants to clear her name and save her fledgling business.

Joined by her no-nonsense Aunt Iris, retired librarian Walter Jenkins, and mysterious rare book collector Malcolm Reed, Poppy dives into an investigation that uncovers far more than a simple murder. As they piece together clues hidden in vintage books, secret tunnels, and historical records, Poppy discovers that Vernon's interest in her building went much deeper than simple real estate development. With each revelation, the stakes grow higher, threatening not just Poppy's bookshop dreams but potentially the ownership of properties throughout Harborview.

In this delightful first installment of the Books & Death Mystery series, Poppy must navigate small-town secrets, historical conspiracies, and a growing list of suspects who all had reasons to want Vernon Winters dead. Brimming with witty dialogue, endearing characters, and literary charm, "Bookmarked for Murder" is perfect for fans of cozy mysteries who appreciate a clever amateur sleuth, a picturesque coastal setting, and a bookish twist on classic murder motives. Will Poppy solve the case in time to give Turn the Page Bookshop the grand opening it deserves, or will this first chapter be her last?