Booked for Murder by P.J. Nelson: Book Review

Booked for Murder is the first book in the Old Juniper Bookstore Mysteries series by P.J. Nelson. Released in December 2024 by Minotaur Books, it takes readers to a small town in Georgia where it seems everyone knows everyone, and they all have secrets. Madeline was born and raised in Enigma, but left as a teen to pursue her dreams. She finds herself returning to inherit her aunt’s bookstore. That first night, she discovers a fire and finds herself threatened. But why? What has happened in the years she’s been gone?

Synopsis from Goodreads

Madeline Brimley left small town Georgia many years ago to go to college and pursue her dreams on the stage. Her dramatic escapades are many, but success has eluded her, leaving her at loose ends. But then she gets word that not only has her beloved, eccentric Aunt Rose passed, but she’s left Madeline her equally eccentric bookstore housed in an old Victorian mansion in the small college town of Enigma. But when she arrives in her beat-up Fiat to claim The Old Juniper Bookstore and restart her life, Madeline is faced with unexpected challenges. The gazebo in the back yard is set ablaze, and a late-night caller threatens to burn the whole store down if she doesn’t leave immediately.

But Madeline Brimley, not one to be intimidated, ignores the threats and soldiers on. Until there’s another fire and a murder in the store itself. Now with a cloud of suspicion falling over her, it’s up to Madeline to untangle the skein of secrets and find the killer before she herself is the next victim.

My Opinions

Booked for Murder has the elements of a fun cozy mystery: crazy, quirky characters; relatable characters; a cat that appears just when needed; and possible romance or two for the main character. What is it missing? Not a lot, honestly.

I did find the beginning a little slow, but not to the point that it made me want to stop reading the book. Just slow enough to be annoying. I wanted to get to the heart of the investigation. Who set the fire? And why? What about the phone calls? Who was behind those? Were the two things connected, or were they unrelated?

Eventually, the action picked up, and the readers had their fair share of suspects to choose from. I must admit, I was surprised when it was revealed who set the fire. Though I also understand their thoughts and reasoning.

Overall, if you’re looking for a fun cozy mystery, you should give Booked for Murder a try! Even better, the next book in the series, All My Bones, is set to release in December 2025.

Are you looking for some more books to read? Check out my bookish lists, book reviews, and monthly reading wrap-ups.