Bookman Dead Style

AudioBook Review: Stars: Overall 4 Narration 5 Story 4 Return to Bygone Alley, home of The Rescued Word, where Clare Henry’s shop is dealing with the influx of stars that have arrived to celebrate the Star City Film Festival. One of the stars, Matt, had come into the shop to order some stationary, and her quick interaction left her a bit starstruck, even as she pretends otherwise. Then, she sees Matt being led from the hotel, charged with murder, and her brain goes into investigation mode. He didn’t seem the type, or perhaps he was truly a better actor than his superhero resume would lead her to believe. With one successful investigation under her belt, she sees no reason not to look deeper…… Told in first person, Clare’s development and growth in this story is marvelous. She’s always had a reasonably logical way of thinking, and what could it hurt? With her grandfather’s new ‘lady friend’, and her own relationship with Seth growing nicely, another little twist (and mystery) pops up – are the two connected? Plenty of twists, suspects, turns and several red herrings keep readers going forward in this perfectly paced story. While I had hoped to have a bit more from secondary characters and to see their growth, the two mysteries that need solving, a con artist at work, a new apprentice in the shop and the whole “show must go on” attitude of the film crowd adds depth and interest to the story, giving perspectives that are expected, unexpected and thoroughly unimaginable. Shelton’s writing is wonderful, adding description, tension and moments where emotions (or suspicions) run high, balanced with a logical conclusion to all of the questions that will keep you guessing and then wondering why you didn’t see whodunit. Narration for this story is provided by Marguerite Gavin, and it worked perfectly in this book. Most of the perspective is from Clare, with minor insets of other characters, and Clare’s voice is clear, strong and nuanced when questions, emotions or frustration takes hold. Gavin allows for information to be absorbed and processed – a real trick in this book as there are moments where information, questions and suspicions come almost simultaneously, and the gentle pacing allowed for it all to be clearly there to grab and process. You can read these in any order – but if you love books, stationary, clever mysteries and dream of your own shop on a street named Bygone – grab these. You won’t regret it. I received an AudioBook copy of the title from Tantor Audio for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.

Bookman Dead Style by Paige Shelton is the second book in A Dangerous Type Mystery series. Clare Henry works with her with her grandfather, Chester to run The Rescued Word in Star City, Utah. It is their busiest time of year with The Star City Film Festival taking place. The town is overrun with tourists and movie people. Marion, Clare’s niece, helps out in the store when she is not out snowboarding on the slopes. She is particularly excited when movie star, Matt Bane comes into the store. He has come to order personalized note cards so he can write some thank you notes. He turns out to be a very nice man. A little while later, Clare’s police officer friend, Jodie is visiting when she gets a call out to The Fountain. Clare hears Matt’s name mentioned and takes off after Jodie. Clare arrives to find Matt being escorted out in handcuffs. He is accused of murdering his sister, Cassie Bane. Clare is certain the kind actor did not commit the crime and feels compelled to help him (especially since no one else seems to be assisting him). This is not the only mystery on Clare’s hands. Seth Cassidy brings Clare some gorgeous typewriter ribbon tins. When Clare opens one of them, she finds $10,000 bills! Clare wishes to return them to the original owner. But she is suspect when a man claiming to be owner’s brother arrives at the store. Clare is in for a busy week. Will she be able to find out who murdered Cassie Bane and get the money back to its original owner? I thought Bookman Dead Style was well written (Paige Shelton is a great descriptive writer) and easy to read (great flow). I liked the characters the author created for A Dangerous Type Mystery series. I was especially fond of Chester Henry, and I liked the addition of the new German apprentice. I loved the sound of The Rescued Word (I wish it was real and nearby). I appreciated the wonderful descriptions of the old books, vintage typewriters, the printing press, and the typewriter tins (my type of store). I now want to collect typewriter ribbon tins! I give Bookman Dead Style 5 out of 5 stars. The mystery was complex and is not easily solved before the author provides the big clues (and then unmasks the culprit). A reader must pay very close attention to figure out the solution (I just loved it). I believe avid cozy mystery readers will be able to discern the killer (there is a small suspect pool). Bookman Dead Style could have done with a little less romance (just my personal opinion). While Bookman Dead Style is the second book in A Dangerous Type Mystery series, a reader can enjoy it as a stand-alone. The author provides us with all the necessary information to read (and enjoy) Bookman Dead Style. I look forward to reading Comic Sans Murder when it is released.

Paige never lets me down