I just love this series (like all of EA’s series’!)! This book was no exception. The plot was fun, as always. It had a great cozy mystery, fantastic characters, and just enough romance to add to the story, but not take it over. The pacing was wonderful and the storyline was engaging. Anxiously awaiting the next!

bookscoffeebrews Book Review: A Victim at Valentine‘s
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Author: Ellie Alexander @ellie_alexander
Publisher: Storm Publishing @stormbooks_co
Thank you @netgalley for my ARC

Love is in the air, and so is a hint of crazy, because
what's a good love story without a few looney tunes?
Renowned matchmaker Aaliyah Kingston brings her
extraordinary gift for connection to Redwood Grove,
inspiring hope and romance in all who participate.
However, tragedy unexpectedly crashes the party,
because what's a good love story without a little
drama? Aaliyah collaborates with local philanthropist
George Richards and Annie, Fletcher, and Hal to create
an unforgettable weekend, sponsoring a spectacular
event designed to help her clients discover love,
hosted at Redwood Grove’s beloved bookstore,
because books and love go hand in hand, duh. The
weekend-long celebration features a thrilling
scavenger hunt, an exquisite dinner, an exhilarating
hike, and numerous other activities carefully crafted for
potential couples to forge meaningful connections, or
at the very least, have a few good laughs. However,
the weekend takes a devastating turn when a lifeless
body is discovered in the garden, prompting Annie to
utilize her exceptional detective skills to unravel the
mystery. The vivid descriptions of the setting are
nothing short of enchanting, and by enchanting.
Regardless of the gloomy weather outside, this
enthralling tale will whisk you away to a charming
world, where love and mystery await. The characters
are relatable, endearing, and genuine, making it an
absolute delight to witness their growth, evolution, and
blossoming relationships. As the attendees of the
matchmaking event indulge in romance, the ongoing
Scarlet death subplot masterfully weaves in subtle
hints, piquing curiosity and leaving readers eagerly
anticipating the next installment, because cliffhangers
are the worst, don't even get me started. This is a
perfect, uplifting Valentine’s Day read for those who
adore mysteries, and by perfect, I mean it's a great
excuse to eat an entire box of chocolates by yourself,
no judgments. The Queen of the cozy mystery has
done it again!

#valentinesday #cozymystery #books #bookstagram

This is book five in the secret bookcase series. I would suggest reading them in order as it does follow an ongoing side investigation of the death of one of Annie's college friends. I have enjoyed all the previous books, and this has quickly become a new favorite series for me. Each book revolves around a fun themed event that the bookstore hosts, and this one is a Valentine matchmaking event. It's a weekend full of events like a meet & mingle, blind date with a book, hiking and a sweet treat happy hour. Everything seems perfectly romantic until someone is discovered dead on a bench in front of the bookstore. It happens to be a friend of the previous bookstore owner, Hal. Annie and Fletcher, who bought the bookstore from Hal, are shocked and can't imagine anyone wanting to kill his friend. They all work together to investigate everyone who is in attendance at the weekend event. Secrets are revealed and Annie is getting closer to uncovering connections to her friends murder many years ago. This book is a perfect combination of cozy, suspense and romance. I can't wait for more to come out in the series.

A Valentiney addition to what is quickly becoming a new favorite series from one of my fav cozy authors. Love is in the air, but so is an allergic reaction and the team at the Secret Bookcase has to figure out whodunit before a matchmaking weekend comes to an end.

I wouldn't recommend reading this book without reading the first 4, I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and Storm Publishing, and I went in blind hoping I would be okay reading it out of order. While it was a great story, I was definitely missing some character development and overall story arc. I love a good cozy mystery, and this book does not disappoint with that! I will absolutely be going back and reading the first books in this series and rereading this book in preparation for the next one.

This series if highly recommended for cozy mystery fans. It is a series that you do need to read in order. Victim at Valentine’s is book 5 in the 6 book series. The series concludes with book 6. The plot is complex and fast paced. It kept me guessing until the end. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for review.

This book is #5 in the “A Secret Bookcase Mystery” series from this author. Each book is a cozy little mystery. This book was exactly that! As I counted the days down to Valentine’s Day I enjoyed curling up with this mystery. The aesthetic and the events that are put on at the bookstore will get you in the Vday mood and with a little murder as a twist! You will fall in love with this one as did I!

This was a fun time. I didn't realize it wasn't the first in a series, and I don't think it should be read alone as there is a continuous plot underneath the current murder mystery. There were points where the dialogue felt off and how it didn't feel like a genuine or realistic reaction to what was happening. I think I would care more for the characters if i read the rest, and I most likely will start the series soon! Overall it was fun and mysterious and super cozy. I loved the references to clue and mysteries throughout (the cat is professor plum! That's so fun) But definitely start from the beginning if you're going to give it a read as I think it'll make the experience even better.

This is the fifth book in the secret bookcase series. Annie is presented with the opportunity to host a matchmaking event at the bookstore. The event starts off great but soon takes a turn when George, a prominent member of the community, is found dead. Annie starts to help the police investigate.

I really like the valentine's theme of this book. There was not much of Annie and Liam in this book, which I was disappointed in. However, the mystery was well done and I love these characters. I am eager to read the last book to see how the Scarlet mystery wraps up. I recieved an ARC copy from NetGalley and Storm Publishing in exchange for an honest review.

This is #5 in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series. Annie and Fletcher run a bookshop in a wonderful old English style home. This was my first read in this series and I was easily able to pick up the tale. Seemingly there is just one more in the series when a long running investigation by Annie will be brought to an end.

This is a little different to many cozy mysteries in that Annie has studied criminology and is soon to take her detective exams. Then she and Fletcher are going to start up the Novel Detectives, I guess along with the bookshop.

Annie has a lovely bunch of friends and a really lovely boyfriend Liam. When a murder happens at a Valentines matchmaking weekend, that the bookshop is helping to host, Annie sets out to solve it. As well there is the ongoing mystery of who killed Annie’s friend Scarlett some years ago. There is a lot for Annie and her friends to deal with. I really liked Annie’s criminology professor who is also the local lead detective. She is open to Annie and her ideas as well as tolerant of Annie and her friends nosiness.

The book moves along at a good pace and I wasn’t sure who was the murderer. I know there was one character I strongly disliked but I still wasn’t sure who did the murdering.

I am disappointed I came to this series so late, but I will be looking forward to reading how the next mystery plays out.

In what has quickly become one of my favorite cozy mystery series, this fifth book, a Valentine's themed mystery, does not disappoint. In fact, it's my favorite book so far. I could not put it down.

Here, Annie Murray and her bookstore friends hold a matchmaking weekend event at the bookstore but also end up having to figure out whodunnit.

I absolutely love the characters in the book and the small town California setting. The plots are creative and I'm not usually right about whodunnit, though I was this time.

Very highly recommended to cozy mystery fans.

There is nothing I haven’t read by this author that I have not loved. She brings the characters to life, creates and weaves a solid misery filled with red herrings that keeps you guessing until the end and most of all develops her character show that you feel that you’re visiting with old friends in each and every entry. I will never miss an

5/5 stars

I am in love with this series! This is the fifth book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery and I can't get enough of this charming small town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray (our FMC) and her friends solving cases and running a mystery bookstore.

I especially felt like this mystery/who-done-it was easy to follow and I had a hunch of who was the killer but overall, I was so invested that I was happy with the ending! Alexanders writing is so good and her setting is my so immersive that I want to live in this city and work with Annie, Fletcher and Hal.

If you're looking for a cozy mystery that is easy to get into, look no further than this amazing series by Ellie Alexander.

Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for this arc in exchange for my review!

wow Ellie has done it again with another cozy mystery book. i really enjoyed reading this book. love how I'm already familiar with the characters from the previous books. feel like I'm back with the crew.
a great valentine theme book for the holiday.

This is book 5 in the series however I had not read the others but it reads well as a standalone too. There is a back theme which has come from the other books however the main theme here is the death of a beloved resident of the town whilst the bookstore is co-hosting a dating weekend for Valentine's . Solid easy read with plenty of bookish references and I would certainly read more from this author.

Thanks to Netgalley/Storm for the ARC to review

Ellie Alexander crafts a charmingly sinister Valentine’s Day tale in A Victim of Valentines, set in the idyllic yet deceptively complex town of Redwood Grove. This cozy mystery seamlessly blends small-town charm with nail-biting intrigue, making it a delightful read for fans of both romance and whodunits.

The story revolves around Annie Murray, the spirited owner of an Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop, whose Valentine’s Day plans are interrupted when a community figure is found dead in her shop. Alexander’s ability to weave Annie’s sleuthing skills with her relatable vulnerabilities is one of the novel’s highlights. The cast of suspects is as colorful as they are suspicious, from a quirky psychic to a sharp-tongued rival bookseller, each contributing to the story’s suspense and humor.

What sets A Victim of Valentines apart is how Alexander integrates Annie’s personal struggles. As she digs deeper into the case, she uncovers a link to the tragic death of her best friend a decade earlier—a subplot that adds emotional depth and raises the stakes. Annie’s determination to seek justice, even at the expense of her romantic evening with the swoon-worthy Liam, makes her an endearing and layered protagonist.

The novel’s pacing is well-executed, with twists and red herrings that keep readers guessing. The cozy, bookshop-centered setting creates a delightful contrast to the dark mystery at hand, and the Valentine’s Day backdrop adds a touch of whimsy to the otherwise tense atmosphere.

Alexander’s signature style shines through in her clever dialogue, sharp observations, and heartwarming portrayal of community bonds. Fans of classic mysteries, particularly those inspired by Agatha Christie, will appreciate the homage while enjoying Alexander’s fresh take on the genre.

In A Victim of Valentines, Ellie Alexander delivers a perfectly balanced mix of romance, suspense, and cozy charm. It’s a must-read for anyone looking for a captivating mystery with a side of heart.

This is a delightful cozy mystery that weaves a captivating blend of intrigue, charm, and small-town warmth. Set in the picturesque village of Redwood Grove, the story follows amateur sleuth, Annie Murray, as she investigates numerous potential suspects after a local resident is found dead under mysterious circumstances.

Ellie's writing shines with vivid descriptions of the cozy village, bookshop and its quirky inhabitants. I love how she also describes lucious smells such as coffee, trees etc to really feed your imagination. The characters are endearing, especially Annie, who is both relatable and resourceful and owner of the bookshop. As she digs deeper into the mystery, the pace quickens, and the twists keep you guessing. While the mystery itself is well-crafted, it's the heartwarming moments and strong sense of community that elevate the story. Love the Valentine events weekend at her shop including 'Blind date with a book' 'Happy hour, meet and mingle' Her bookshop sounds amazing too, Agatha Christie inspired, historic, English estate. Also learned that a group of crows is called a 'murder' of crows!

Perfect for fans of lighthearted mysteries, A Victim at Valentines offers just the right amount of suspense without being too dark or heavy. It’s a charming, feel-good read that will leave you smiling and longing for your own quiet corner to settle into with a cup of tea.

Perfect read for Valentines day!

What makes this cozy mystery series unique is the underlying mystery of Annie’s best friend’s death spread throughout the series. And Annie gets closer in each book in her quest of undercovering who killed her best friend.

I really enjoyed the setting because how awesome would it be to have an Agatha Christie-inspired bookshop in town, which happens to be Annie’s place of employment. I love that Annie has developed her relationship with Liam at this point as it adds a lovely romantic touch to the story. Additionally, the mystery was well plotted out like the other books in the series, and it was overall a great read.

A Victim at Valentine's is the fifth installment of the cozy Secret Bookcase Mystery series. Annie and Fletcher are beginning to put the final touches on their new business venture - their combined bookstore and detective agency - Novel Detectives. As they continue to plan for the future of the bookstore, they agree to host a match-making event, encouraged by the local philanthropist, George. With all the love-themed treats and beverages, the three-day event looks to be a win. However, when George is discovered dead outside the bookstore the morning after the opening event, the weekend takes a dark turn. What was supposed to be a romance-focused weekend becomes Novel Detectives' first case. Of course, this wouldn't be an Annie Murray mystery without also focusing on the overarching mystery of the death of her late best friend/roommate.* It sounds as if we'll be getting a resolution to that intriguing mystery soon!

I absolutely love the bookstore setting and all of the holiday/themed events that they host. I would so be a regular at this store! I also have really enjoyed the main characters in this series, particularly Fletcher and Hal. The addition of Fletcher's new friends - Jekyll and Hyde -- was perfect! It does sound like the next book will be the last in the series, which is sad. I so wanted to continue following Annie and Fletcher as they figure out their detective agency.

*Because of this overarching mystery, I would recommend reading this entire series in order.

A great cozy murder mystery!!
The Secret Bookcase bookstore is hosting a Valentine's-themed event with a matchmaking weekend revolving around books! A local philanthropist is found dead outside the book store and Annie goes to work on trying to help solve the case! This is the fourth in the series. I read this as a standalone, and it still worked well. There are mentions of another case that they are working on throughout all the books, but it did not interfere with this particular storyline. Still a great read, and I would love to go back and read more and then catch the last one in the series.