4.5 stars

A Murder at the Movies by Ellie Alexander the 2nd instalment in the "A Secret Bookcase Mystery" series. I was really happy to dive into book 2 right away and now I’m anxiously awaiting book 3.

Determined to unravel the mystery, Annie must sift through a tangled web of hidden agendas and deception to expose the killer before they strike again. Can she crack the case and save her film festival – or will she find herself in the spotlight?

I was delighted to return to the charming town of Redwood Grove and the Secret Bookcase bookstore. In this latest instalment, Annie is busy planning a movie premiere, and I loved seeing the growth of side characters like Pri and Liam. The reveal of the mysterious Double Americano's identity was a great surprise! I'm now rooting for Annie and Liam to take their friendship to the next level and eager to uncover Liam's hidden past.

Overall, I'm thoroughly invested in this series and excited to see where the author takes these endearing characters next!

I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Storm Publishing and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.

Annie and the rest of the staff of the Secret Bookcase are thrilled that the mystery festival was so successful, but they’re all surprised when a Hollywood director wants to hold the premiere of her new movie in Redwood Grove, and wants Annie to organize a Hitchcock-themed film festival featuring her movie. But when a man falls to his death during the premiere, Annie is once again asked by her former criminology professor to assist with the investigation.

This is the second book in a new series by one of my favorite cozy authors, and I really liked the first book, so it wasn’t surprising that this book was just as good. The setting has been established, although readers are getting to know more details about the town of Redwood Grove. The characters who have returned from the first book will likely be the recurring cast of characters throughout the series, which makes me happy. They all work together relatively well, even though there appears to be at least one person who is reluctantly becoming part of the core group. I love Annie’s cat, Professor Plum, who is taking part in the investigation of a previous crime, whether he knows it or not.

The victim in this story was not well-liked, and almost everyone associated with the movie had a secret or two that could be motivation to kill him, so the suspect list was lengthy for most of the book. It wasn’t until shortly before the confrontation scene in the story that I started to put things together, although I didn’t quite work out the motive. The resolution of said confrontation was almost predictable, but it still made me happy.

I will definitely keep an eye out for the third book in the series, which I’m eager to read so I can find out what happens next in several of the story lines that weren’t wrapped up in this book.

Great book overall, I wish i knew it was a book 1 so I could have caught onto certain parts in the story. But I’m smart so I figured it out as I went along.
This was my first mystery book, where we are trying to figure out who the killer is.
I was intrigued by the cover of the book because of my obsession with going to the movies! I just knew this book was for me. And it was. Of course it took some time for the story to build up, remember it is like a puzzle and have to put all the pieces together.
Quick summary of the book is a bookstore employee Annie is given this opportunity to host a huge “Hollywood” movie fulfilled weekend festival in a small town…but in the mist of the movie, someone is MURDERER! Yes murder in the movies ( hint the title).. 🍿🍿🍿 yes get your popcorn because you will be on a ride throughout this book to find out who the killer is.
Is it the director, producer , writer, one of the case members, someone from the bookstore??
WHO IS THE KILLER?

Kindle Copy for Review from NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

I received a free, advance copy of this book and this is my unbiased and voluntary review.

Hollywood glam at a local film festival turns into a nightmare. Bookstore owner is excited to bring the festivities into action until a murder takes placed. In this hickock-themed cozy read will have you on the edge of your se? Murder imitates art in this delightful read.

This is the second book in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery by Ellie Alexander. And it is again, so beautifully written. I really can’t get enough of this author and I will be hunting down her other books.

Redwood Grove, a small community village which has everything you could expect, including the vintage movie theatre where the Murder Fest Film Premiere of the movie ‘Murder Alibi’ will be screened and this weekend, murder!

Heather, a very stressed out ‘Hollywood’ movie director and producer who represents the author of the book ‘Murder Alibi’ that the film is based on, has asked Annie who works in “The Secret Bookcase” in the village, a job she loves, to assist her with the staging of the events, beginning with a dinner for 30 guests at the local tavern “The Stags Head”. This does not go too well mainly because of the arguments, the side eyes and especially as one of the guests is so sufferable (I would have personally wanted to strangle them right there)!!

The following day is the actual film Premiere and then, during the screening of the movie, the inevitable happens the insufferable so so gets killed. And so begins the task of trying to identify the killer or killers of the victim.

There are a lot of memory flashbacks by Annie pertaining to her friend Scarlet, who was murdered where the killer never found. Annie thinks it might have been because of a cold case Scarlet was working on when they were both at university together. She’s also offered a job with the police department, as a criminologist, by her former Professor Dr Caldwell who she studied criminology at university and earned her degree on the subject with. So there are lots of clues pertaining to a follow-up book.

Anyway, Annie follows all the clues as she’s been taught and deciphers who the killer is, but is attacked by him who is then captured and all is well in Redwood Grove. This book reminded me of “The Maid”. Where a sweet young girl gets caught up in a murder and solves it. It did have me hooked in places and I did read it in two settings (I was reading another book at the same time). It’s also sweet love story in the making. But it is actually worth a read, if you like Cozy Mysteries, I would highly recommend it. Can’t actually wait for book two.

This is the first book I’ve read by the author and I didn’t know that this was actually the second book of the series. I wondered why parts were being mentioned but not elaborated on. I chose to read this book based on the book’s title. I love going to the theatre to see a movie; there’s nothing like getting the whole movie goer experience! Also, with my love for mysteries, this was an easy pick for me.

As far as the book goes, it was a slow build up with finding out who murdered Martin. The authors writing was thought provoking; it really put you in the mindset of a criminology major. It detailed character’s motives and the type of questions needed to be asked during a criminal investigation. The story gave off an immersive feel as well by engaging the reader with clues and evidence within the characters conversations with Annie. Annie majored in criminology but loves working at her local bookstore. With her working alongside her former professor turned detective, it gave her insight to what she would be dealing with if she chose to go into that career which made the plot even better. It’s definitely an interesting cozy mystery that will keep you guessing. So, if you like mysteries as much as I do, this is the book for you!

I read this book in a day!This is the second book in the  A Secret Bookcase Mystery by Ellie Alexander. Just like the first book this book follows our main character Annie that is trying to solve a mystery.I had rated the first book 4.5 stars due to the fact that we didn't get much of the romance and it was a bit slow at the beginning. This book had everything I wanted. We definitely saw a lot of improvement with the romance and I truly feel so in love and connected with all of the characters. I didn't predict the murder though I think someone who reads mystery books often would have. I fell in love with this book and wish to see a lot more of these characters in the upcoming books of this series. It is very fun and fast paced. Just like the first book it feels like we are watching a cozy mystery movie and like we are solving the mystery with the characters. I will recommend this to everyone. It is so light-hearted and very exciting. I will also say that these books don't really have to be read together. They round up in the ending and you don't have to  continue along the series if you don't want to so that is also a big plus. I just believe it's best to read the first book and then the second so you can feel a bit more connected to the main characters.

It is great getting to know Annie and her quaint little town with its quirky people! I like it how active Annie is and engaging herself and her bookstore to everything that happens in town. This also means some very dodgy people will be around and someone is murdered. It just happens to be the person pretty much everyone fears and dislikes. Can Annie solve the murder?

Cozy mysteries are great reads when you want to have a quick read, dive into a story, finish it in one sitting, and just get sucked into the small towns and their people. This one is no exception. I'm growing to like both Annie's best friend and her "nemesis" (maybe not for much longer?), and I hope to get to know them even better. I tend to grow into loving these characters, but as often with cozy mysteries being quite quick reads, it tends to take a few books until I am fully invested and can't get enough! 3,5 stars

Another gentle murder mystery without blood or gore. This series of books is great. Annie comes across kind and I felt empathetic towards her. The murder is always of the person the least liked and the list of potential murderers spelled out clearly and repeatedly with the reasons why making following very simple. The books are easy to read with enough background of potential love interest and the theme of the unsolved murder of Annie’s best friend Scarlet from when they were student. This is a lazy afternoon read and worth investing the time,

I enjoyed the second book of this series as much as the first. The strong character development, engaging mystery, and descriptions of Northern California kept me interested throughout the book.

This time around, mystery bookstore employee, Annie Murray, helps organize a movie premiere in her small town. Many of the Hollywood people are not easy to like, and, one is murdered.min addition to the classic mystery book references that I love, in this go round, there are also references to Hitchcock thrillers. I also enjoy how the townspeople, especially the shop owners get swept up in the excitement. For instance, the cleverly named thriller cocktails and selling themed Psych shower curtains.

The book may be a bit formulaic, but it does not take away from the enjoyment, and is a homage of sorts to Christie, Doyle and Hitchcock.

The cover of Book 2 in A Secret Bookcase Mystery grabbed me, as did the gripping story in which the store sponsors a movie festival inspired by Hitchcock. Murder ensues with intriguing twists and turns and you have one fine mystery. More, please!

Guess who's back, back again? Annie's back, tell a friend.

Wow, just wow. Ellie Alexander is proof that a series can only get better with tim, which is hard to imagine considering the wonderful first outing in The Secret Bookcase Mystery series.

Join Annie and her delightful cast of friends as she finds herself embroiled in the drama of a Hollywood movie premiere, but all in her small town of Redwood Grove. The overarching mystery leaves us with another cliffhanger that has me eagerly awaiting the third instalment in the series.

It was great to see the development of Pri and Liam, even finding out who the mysterious Double Americano is to top it all off.

Any reader will find it hard to put down this enchanting mystery, filled with as many delights as the eponymous Secret Bookcase Store itself.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the absolute pleasure of reading this book for free in exchange for my honest review.

A Murder at the Movies (A Secret Bookcase.Mystery) is the 2nd book in the series and both books are really good. The characters are likable and interesting and the cozy mystery kept me guessing. Annie Murray works for the Secret Bookcase Bookstore along with her boss Hal and coworker Fletcher. A movie premier is happening in town and the bookstore is involved with the events and the visiting stars. One of the movie people ends up dead and the suspects include this people there for the movie premier. There is chemistry between Annie and Liam Donovan and their relationship is slowly moving forward. Their relationship adds some humor and warmth to the story. There are several things going on that kept the story intriguing. An interesting part to the story is that Annie graduated from college with a Criminology degree and her professor is now the Detective in town. Annie gets inside info on the case and the suspects along with discussing the course of action. It makes the series informative and unique. This was an enjoyable cozy mystery! #AMurderAtTheMovies #ASecretBookcaseMystery #NetGalley #StormPublishing

When a Hollywood director wants to debut her film in the quiet town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray jumps in to make it happen. When the film critic that everyone despises turns up dead, Annie helps her former teacher solve the crime. I really like that Annie has a background in criminology; makes total sense that she would have the skills to solve murders.
Very excited that I got to read the second book in the series right after the first one!

The first two books coming out on the same day for a new series! What more could an Ellie Alexander fan want? This one & its predecessor The Body in the Bookstore both come out on June 18th.

And as though the setting of a bookstore wasn’t ideal enough, the second book adds in mystery movies & a film festival. I loved it! I think I enjoyed this one even more than the first. The suspects & murder itself were really intricate. You get actors, producers, directors & film reviewers, all you could want. Also in this one we get the presence of Annie’s former criminology professor who wants her assistance & for her to quit the bookshop and work for her. I really enjoyed that the protagonist has a past with actual crime solving techniques, mixing that in with the cozy book store she works at, makes a perfectly balanced heroine.

I can’t wait for more! Since Alexander is the author that first got me into cozy mysteries, consider me a life long fan.

📽️

Read if you like:

* Bake Shop series by Ellie Alexander
* Witch Way Librarian series by Angela M. Sanders
* Cozy Capers series by Maddie Day

Annie, Fletcher, Hal and Liam strive to put on the perfect movie festival in Redwood Grove, California at the Secret Bookcase, the Stag Head and the downtown theatre but they are stymied when a major film critic Martin Parker is murdered during the world premiere of Heather Hathaway’s movie Midnight Alibi.

So starts A Murder at the Movies, the second book of Ellie Alexander’s new series that began with A Body in the Bookcase.

Annie, who majored in criminology at college, is again asked to assist in the investigation by the lead detective, Dr. Caldwell, who was her college professor.

The rest of the book is the solving of the murder and the various twists and turns through the strange characters that are the producer Sam, the actress Cora, Heather, the film’s director, and a local who owned some prized reels of Hitchcock films, possibly putting Annie in danger.

Who is the killer? Read this fascinating book to find out!

Good premise but poorly executed. The writing is like a child’s with over usage of adjectives, adverbs and lengthy irrelevant descriptions. I love and have read every Agatha Christie book and I’m sure Ellie Alexander would like to be associated with that esteemed author, but sadly she misses by a country mile. It’s 5 hours of my life I can never get back.

After her unexpected success with Redwood Grove’s first mystery festival, Annie Murray is planning on a few quiet months selling books before her Halloween celebration planning begins. However, when a Hollywood producer asks you to arrange her new movie's opening night it would be churlish to refuse especially as an excited Annie knows it will encourage more visitors to The Secret Bookcase store.

The visiting movie people aren't quite what she expected and from the start the atmosphere is fraught with a tension which makes it seem as if a shouting match is only ever a misplaced word away. When disaster strikes Annie knows she's going to have to step up and help the local police chief with the investigation. The victim, unfortunately, had more enemies than friends and everywhere she and her friends turn they discover more people with revenge in mind. They need to solve the case if the festival and the town’s reputation are to be saved but this isn't the movies and sometimes the good guys might lose!

The second story in the Secret Bookcase Mystery Series is released in tandem with book one and it's great to be able to just carry on reading. Ms Alexander must have known some seriously disagreeable people in her life as she once again has written disturbingly spiteful and vindictive antagonists for Annie and her friends to lock horns with! The five main protagonists are already familiar, relatable, and likeable characters I look forward to reading about again in the near future. Redwood Grove is a great fictional backdrop but I would love there to be a map I could peruse.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Storm Publishing, but the opinions expressed are my own. I thoroughly enjoyed this and happily recommend it.

Annie is asked to set up a movie premiere in Redwood Grove. I might be the suspicious type but I wondered if it was a set up for the movie people to get away with murder in a small town. But surely that isn’t what was intended. Heather, the director, wanted a unique setting for her thriller movie.
Redwood Grove does seem the perfect place to visit. The peacefulness was juxtaposed with the frantic energy of the movie people.
Then someone does die, and the reader has a hard time finding sympathy due to how he used his influence in negative ways.
Murder at the Movies is absorbing and the reader will want to follow the clues to a successful end.
I enjoyed visiting Redwood Grove and getting further acquainted with Annie, Priya, Hal, Fletcher and Liam.
Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the opportunity to read this book.