Several years later, her semi-estranged sister Angelica, also recently divorced, showed up and took over the cookbook store next to Tricia’s store, revamping it to include cooking demonstrations, and possibly a owner written cookbook. When reclusive local author Zoe Carter agrees to a signing at Tricia’s store, her overbearing niece and assistant Kimberly stalks out after a scene that makes many of Tricia’s regulars uncomfortable, a feeling that increases after Zoe is found dead in the ladies’ room. 

A vindictive (in Tricia’s opinion) sheriff closes Tricia’s store for days while the murder is investigated, frustrating Tricia, who also lives above the store and has been forced to bunk with Angelica.  Also at loose ends are Tricia’s employees who are temporarily hired by Angelica who has been having trouble keeping employees owing to her less than personable management style. 

When Tricia starts asking questions in town about Zoe, she learns that Zoe was part of an embezzlement scandal ten years ago. Many of the people who knew Zoe years ago are surprised to learn that she has written not one only engaging book, but an entire series of best selling mysteries.  With a festival weekend to celebrate the town coming up, Tricia hopes the sheriff solves Zoe’s murder;  if she doesn’t, it could also prove to be the death of Tricia’s business if she can’t reopen her store soon.      

The premise of Bookmarked for Death couldn’t be better, an entire cozy New England town filled with bookstores, but the characters in the series detract from the enjoyment.  Tricia, who generally appears likable, announces many times throughout the book that she has no sweet tooth and dislikes sweets.  While this fact proves to be important in the plot, her mentioning this often is grating. 

Also, Tricia often mentions her financial comfort level and though she is able to share her wealth, offer generous bonuses to her employees, along with a medical benefits package, again, it gets repetitious.  Angelica is over the top in her unpleasantness with her staff (and Tricia’s). 

Tricia’s boyfriend Russ is a reporter for the local paper and his overtures often fall flat, especially when he and Tricia begin to get hot and heavy and he starts to interview her as a source, hoping it will go undetected amidst all the heavy breathing. 

The plot is interesting and plotted well, but the unpleasant characters detract from a mystery that readers will find themselves really wanting to like.                               

--Jennifer Monahan Winberry