Rating: 4 out of 5.

This is an entertaining contemporary mystery set in a bookstore in a small town in Pennsylvania. A few years ago five retired seniors in a writer’s group bought the town bookstore. Unable to secure a traditional loan, they obtained one with a large balloon payment. A flash flood caused significant foundation issues, eating up the store’s savings, and now they can’t make the balloon payment. While the partners struggle to come up with ideas to raise the funds, and cope with issues they’ve kept secret from the group, a thief systematically searches the bookstore and their homes for an old book someone is willing to pay $500K for.

This book is a slow burn mystery that systematically introduces each partner and goes through their storyline so each of their “secrets” is revealed by the end of the book. I liked each of the partners and the group dynamic was interesting. It’s clear they like each other, but like all people that know each other well, quirks and annoyances occasionally crop up. Sharp words and slights still sting, but they resolve the problems quicker and easier because of their life experience.

I don’t read a lot character-centered books like this, I much prefer fast, action-packed fantasies and mysteries, but reading this book was like wrapping myself in a warm blanket and settling into a comfortable chair with my dogs. I enjoyed it’s soft rhythm and let the words carry me away. It’s a quick read, so if you’re looking for a cozy book to spend the afternoon with, definitely pick this up.

I received a complimentary e-copy of this book from Kate Rock Book Tours and Running Wild Press LLC. All opinions are my own.

You can buy your own copy here:   https://amzn.to/3DONPPY