I am afraid that I didn't realize I was reading A Victim at Valentine's for NetGalley. I thoiught it was a book on my reader so I can't give a report on it. I do know that it is the 5th book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. I have read this series from the beginning and have liked it very much. It is a good story and worth reading.

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC.

I starting reading it not knowing it was a part of a series but it was still an enjoyable read. Small town, cozy mysteries are one of my favorite genres and now that I know it's a part of a series, I have more books to read to learn more about Annie's backstory.

Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the e-ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Short and saccharine sweet. Cute and cozy and also cheesy. I picked up this book because I love seasonal reading. I did not realize this was number 5 in a series so that could be part of why I couldn’t connect to this book but overall it’s not for me. Especially the claim revenge is never the answer. Thank you to NetGalley for this arc in exchange for my honest review.

Annie Murray is gearing up for a Valentines event at the Secret Bookcase, but the plans are nearly derailed when a local philanthropist is found dead in the shops rear garden. Already studying for her PIs licence, she knows that she’s going to have to see what she can found out about what happened and why.

I’m really enjoying this series, the main characters are realistic and likeable, there’s a bit of a romance brewing for several of the characters and there’s the ongoing mystery that Annie is trying to figure out, about the murder of her best friend some years ago. Easy to read, enough twists to be interesting and an unexpected ending, what’s not to like. While it can be read as a standalone book, I think it’s better to have read the previous books.

Thanks to NetGalley, the author and the publishers for the opportunity to read and review this book.

A Victim at Valentine's by Ellie Alexander is set in the small town of Redwood Grove and centers around the Secret Bookcase, an Agatha Christie-inspired bookstore. Annie Murray is organizing a matchmaking weekend at the bookstore for Valentine's Day. After Annie finds a body at the bookstore, she works with the police to find the killer. Annie is still working to figure out who killed her best friend Scarlet before their college graduation. Is her investigation into Scarlet's death putting her in danger?

Overall, this was an enjoyable read that I would recommend to readers who love cozy mysteries or Ellie Alexander. I recommend that you read this series in order as the Scarlet mystery unfolds across the series.

Thank you Storm Publishing for providing this book for review consideration via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

Publication date: February 10, 2025

This is one of the better books in the series even though the mystery around Scarlet's death is still my least favourite thing about these books (I just think it's so gloomy and not cosy at all to have such a dark cloud hanging over the main character like that) but clearly it's wrapping up which is good news!

It's Valentine Day and the bookshop is partnering with a matchmaking service to have people talk about books and find their soulmates in various locations when a philanthropist is found dead. The writing is so good in this, Ellie Alexander gives so many details for each scene she describes - the landscape, the atmosphere, any hobby or interest that's mentioned gets its own little description that keeps you interested. The big mystery of Scarlet's death aside, this is a lovely, lovely series. I love Annie, her relationship with Liam develops nicely in this book and I'm growing really attached to the side characters.

My endless thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this ARC!

This is the 5th installment in the Secret Bookcase mystery series. Annie, Fletcher and Hal are hosting a matchmaking event at the request of Hal’s friend George who has invested in a matchmaking company. This is a weekend long event for Annie and the bookshop but as the event starts a package is dropped off mysteriously for Annie with information regarding Scarlett’s death. Annie is spooked by this as she feels she is being watched and then amiable George is having a tough day with getting into a disagreement with his business partner, Pri’s new barista and a psychic. Hal is worried about his friend and when Annie arrives early to the bookshop the next day it is to discover George dead on the terrace. Annie’s also shocked to see she is not alone and Fletcher’s new love interest Victoria is also on the scene. Annie’s working the case, but what could be the motive, everyone loved George. Well it turns out George had secrets and Annie still can’t shake the feeling that someone is watching her and wondering if somehow Scarlett’s death is involved. Annie once again puts her life in danger before all is sorted out. This is a fast paced and engaging mystery which I could not put down and read in a day. Really enjoying this series and can’t wait to read the next installment. Highly recommend this series.

A Victim at Valentine's is the is book 5 in the Secret Bookcase mystery series. I started this series with book 4, and so I have some catching up to do. I like Ellie Alexander's books and have read her other series. Alexander's books are great cozy mysteries, with nice twists and turns of the plot and characters who have some depth. A Victim at Valentine's can stand alone, since the author provides some much needed history. These cozy mysteries raise good questions about karma and whether punishment for past actions is in some way justifiable and a necessary. Is there an obligation to pay for the past? The past haunts this series in several ways, which means, readers will probably want to read the entire series. I do recommend A Victim at Valentine's. Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC. This series will hold the reader's attention.

Annie and the crew are back to solve a murder of a local philantropist. Lots of plot twists and a group of very believable suspects. I didn't expect the ending and it was a total surprise. And Annie is a step closer to discovering who is behind Scarlett's murder. Can't wait for the next and final book in the series, although i'll be sad to say goodbye to this likeable group of sleuths.

When a well liked local philanthropist is murdered in front of the bookstore, Annie assists the police in sussing out the suspects. And there are plenty of them! Once I started this book, I could not put it down until the very last page! I can't wait to read the next book. Hopefully it will finally wrap up the side story of Scarlet's murder.

This mystery had me guessing until the last moment, and the reveal was fulfilling! There were several plausible suspects and the twists felt believable. Scarlet's mystery is also heating up, and I can't wait to learn how that side mystery will unfold in the next installment! I was sad to see An Unconventional Murder is planned to be the last installment of this series, but I'm looking forward to seeing how everything concludes and I'm eager to know what Ellie Alexander writes next. Whatever it is, I know I will read it and love it!

Annie and her friends are back. There’s been another murder. There are a lot of suspects. Annie meticulously follows the clues. It’s a fun book. I enjoyed the challenge of figuring out who was responsible. There was a little suspense involved. I love how eclectic the chats of characters are. The writing is terrific. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced free copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. I received a copy from the publisher through NetGalley.

I really enjoyed this book. This is another good edition to a real good series. Annie once again helps to solve a murder mystery.

4.5 stars

I do really need to stop reading books out of order. Jumping in to the middle of a series is not very helpful, but I was still able to figure out who was who and how they were connected fairly quickly.

Ms Alexander writes a twisty tale, incorporating some of the best elements of the genre: foreshadowing, red herrings, location, hidden backstories, etc. My attention was held from the very first chapter, all the way to the end. Using a digital copy, I didn't realize that there was still a bit of solving to go until it caught me by surprise. I'm glad it did.

I certainly recommend this book and would like to start the series from the beginning.

I received an ARC; this is my honest review.

It's Valentine's Day at the Secret Staircase bookstore. It's suppose to be about love not murder. Except wealthy George Richards didn't seem to get that message and ended up as the victim. Who wanted him out of the picture? Was it the young Linx who was last seen fighting with him. How about Aaliyah whom he had a working relationship with. And what about the fire warning from the so called physic? So many clues and suspects but not enough actual answers. Will Annie be able to figure things out before she becomes the next victim herself. This book keeps you guessing from the very beginning. Great one

3.5 Stars
One Liner: Entertaining!

Anne Murray is almost the co-owner of the Secret Bookcase Bookshop and is hopeful about her future. It’s Valentine's Day, and the bookstore is ready to celebrate lovers. When local philanthropist, George, asks Anne to host an event for a matchmaking company, she is excited.
The D-day arrives and brings crowds as well a mystery package and a death. Anne now has to solve a murder instead of spending the day on a dinner date with Liam. And what about the case that has been haunting her for years?
The story comes in Anne’s first-person POV.

My Thoughts:
This is the fourth book in the series and may not work that well as a standalone. The overarching plot takes more space in the previous book and this one, so having some prior knowledge about the story will help.
Since is this an easy cozy series (yeah, I came up with a new subgenre), the mystery is pretty straightforward despite the presence of multiple suspects.
The characters are quite interesting, and the descriptions of the setting are beautiful to read. The pacing is great too (nothing like a short mystery with a quick pace). I like the growth in the main characters. It’s subtle but there.
There’s a slight development in the personal/ love track, which is nice to see. We meet the side characters again. I do wonder if 90% of Indians have arranged marriages, that too in 2025? I think not!
And oh, there’s a bit of danger in this one. As the MC gets closer to the truth, the threats seem to be increasing. Makes sense, right?
I have to mention the crows here, especially Jekyll and Hyde. Flecther’s idea certainly has merit (even if it is not entirely legal, lol). In fact, a Telugu comedy movie has a similar scene.

To summarize, A Victim at Valentine's is a quick and light read with a murder in a romantic bookish setting. The next book will be the last in the series, so I’m curious to know how the main case (the overarching mystery) will be solved.
Thank you, NetGalley and Storm Publishing, for eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.

I enjoyed this book so much that I didn’t want to put it down. I loved the characters and the bookstore.

I received a copy of this book from Netgalley for my honest opinion.

Thank you NetGalley for providing me with this ARC and the opportunity to read and review this book!

I absolutely love this series, this is the 5th installment and I absolutely loved reading it. It’s a delightful addition to the bookcase series.

The story stars with a matchmaking event but when a community philanthropist found dead, our FMC Annie stars investigating. The characters are relatable and Annie’s friends add a good aspect to the story and her investigation.

The cozy atmosphere and the setting is really nice and sucks you into it. The mystery itself is also good, it’s a classic cozy mystery and not too dark but at the same time keeps you guessing.

I loved reading this book and would continue this series. Thank you NetGalley and publisher to provide me with this early copy!

An intriguing who-done-it set on a small, charming... and sometimes quirky town. Love and murder are in the air this Valentine's. And you just might not know who to trust.

I really enjoyed reading A Victim at Valentine’s by Ellie Alexander. It’s a cozy suspense book one that requires a nice comfy chair and peace and quiet. The book contains some twists and turns which makes you really think if you’re on the right path. The ending leaves a reader wondering what will happen next and if they learn more on the mystery of another previous murder. I’m now looking forward to the next installment