Reviewed by Teri Takle
One book is all it takes to bring out the worst in some people. Who could imagine that one simple ninety-two-page book would be the cause of robbery and murder? Purchase Here.
So, what’s special about this book? The Compendium of Poe, Complete Works Plus Stories Adapted for the Screen, by Gil Sullivan, had a print run of fewer than 100 copies. However, this particular edition had one special feature: the actual autographs of horror movie stars, Vincent Price and Boris Karloff.
Charlotte (Charlie) James is a bookstore owner in Austin, Pennsylvania. She shares a building and a home with her best friend who owns the business next door, Zany’s Sweet Treats. She also has a hidden secret. While previously living in New York, she wrote mystery books under the pseudonym C. J. Barrett. It makes life interesting when customers ask for the newest book from their favorite author, and only you know the truth: you seem to have writer’s block and have not yet managed to continue the series.
As a bookstore owner, Charlie is delighted when a tour bus stops so its riders can make purchases. Strangely, though, a woman who doesn’t fit into the group also appears in the store, carrying a bag. She asks to use the restroom and disappears.
Later, after the commotion, Charlie’s black cat, Poe, is extremely interested in an area of her store. Charlie looks to see what has caught Poe’s attention and is surprised to find a shopping bag containing this rare book.
After doing a little detective work, Charlie discovers that the woman is spending the night at a local inn. She wants to return the book while also being extremely curious as to why anyone would hide anything in her store. Charlie has the misfortune to discover the dead body of the woman.
Buried in a Book by T. C. LoTempio is a delightful cozy mystery with a touch of romance and, most wonderfully, an unpredictable conclusion. The pacing is perfect: during the reading/listening process, the book kept drawing me back into the story. The characters are realistic and usually likable.
There is also the handsome detective who constantly reprimands Charlie while appreciating her investigative skills and obviously feeling a natural attraction.
The author Toni (T.C.) LoTempio has already published many cat-themed books in three different series: Nick and Nora Mysteries, A Cozy Bookshop Mystery (Buried in a Book is the second in this series), and Tiffany Austin Food Blogger Mysteries.
I received this book as an audiobook, which Christa Lewis magnificently narrated. She brilliantly became Charlie with the energy and perseverance of her character.
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