This charming cozy mystery was an enjoyable introduction to the genre for me. Set in the quaint town of Redwood Grove, the story follows bookshop owner Annie Murray as her Valentine’s Day plans are upended by a murder in her Agatha Christie-inspired shop. I loved how Annie balanced running her bookstore with her passion for solving mysteries—it made her such a relatable and endearing main character. While the pace felt a bit slow at times, I realize that’s part of the cozy appeal—a relaxed, immersive read. Perfect for cozy mystery lovers or anyone wanting a peaceful morning read with coffee!

An interesting and clever new cozy mystery. It's book 5 in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series, but I think it could stand alone without a problem (although I have read and enjoyed the other books in the series and highly recommend them all). There's plenty of twists and turns and suspects that kept me guessing who the culprit might be. Plus we get some more clues about the mystery that's running through the whole series. And the idea of a matchmaker holding events in the bookstore was so fun!
I adore Annie and the rest of her crew, the bookstore itself, and the town of Redwood Grove.

Highly entertaining from the first page until the last.

Many thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for an advance copy of this book. My thoughts and opinions are my own and without bias or favor or expectation.

"A Victim At Valentine's (A Secret Bookcase Mystery #5)" by Ellie Alexander is set around Valentine's Day and the Secret Bookcase bookshop is partnering with a professional matchmaker to provide a romance themed weekend. A friend of Annie's helped to set it all up since he's helping finance the matchmaker's business. Things get off to a little rocky of a start when Annie's friend has a few odd encounters on the first night. He's then found dead on the back patio the next morning.

Annie, of course finds him, despite the crows, Jekyll and Hyde, trying to warn her off. Yes, we get the start of the Secret Bookcase shop murder of crows. I do wish the crows got to do a bit more in the book. Maybe get credited with tracking down the culprit once it was known it was them or more directly helping Annie when she is in danger.

As far as figuring out the culprit of the book specific mystery, I was waffling between who it turned out to be and some unknown person. However, what did throw me was the motive. I was totally all for the same motive Annie was thinking before the culprit told her their true motive. Shows I read too many cozy mysteries that I went there rather than a more likely reason.

With the carry over mystery for the series, I am glad it seems to be pretty much solved. Now it's just getting the proof while not getting hurt in the process for Annie. I am betting there will still be some plot twists with this part of the series though.

Valentine’s Day is upon the Secret Bookcase bookstore in Redwood Grove and Annie Murray as the events manager and soon to be co-owner is quite busy. She has teamed up with a local philanthropist George Richards and a matchmaker whose company he invested in, Aaliya Kingston, to put on a matchmaking event at the bookstore. It seems like a fun time until George is discovered dead outside the store.

There is once again a secondary storyline involving her friend Scarlett and the woman she was investigating, Natalie. It seems like this storyline is coming to a head as there is really just one suspect, Logan Ashford, but Annie is light on evidence.

The supporting characters in this series are delightful and you wish they were your friends. Her work buddies, Hal and Fletcher, her best friends Pria and Penny, and, of course, her love interest, Liam. I am glad that Liam finally opened up to Annie and she knows more about his past now.

The suspects for George’s death aren’t plentiful, but they are interesting. Ms. Alexander hit a homerun on the way she killed off George, I have never read of this murder method before and it was fun! Personally, I felt the killer was obvious, but definitely not the motive for the murder. That was a surprise.

I love this series because the characters are fun, the town is interesting, and it is an easy-to-read series. I’m sorry to see that the next book will be the last.

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

I love everything that Ellie Alexander writes, and this book is no exception. I love the journey of Annie, and I can't wait for the next book in the series. Five stars is not enough!

Ellie does it again with this cozy mystery! I've been loving this series and I'm sad to see that the next book will be the last! 😭 I loved that this was revolving around Valentine's day and romance was in bloom through out meanwhile trying to solve a murder. I DID NOT see who did it coming! I was completely shocked because I totally thought it was someone else! Love when her books twist to someone else that I didn't even think of! Perfection! I loved this and can't wait for the next one to come out!

Love is in the air as a famous matchmaker brings her romantic magic to Redwood Grove. It seems murder tagged along for the ride.

Matchmaker Aaliyah Kingston partners with local philanthropist George Richards and Annie, Fletcher and Hal to create a romantic weekend, sponsoring an event to help her clients find their loves based at Redwood Grove’s favorite bookstore. The full weekend of events includes a scavenger hunt in the bookstore, dinner in a local pub, a hike, and plenty of other activities for potential couples to get to know each other. The weekend takes a turn for the worse when someone turns up dead in the garden, and Annie puts her detective skills to work to solve the murder, while also tracking down new leads in the case of her best friend Scarlet’s death.

As always, reading one of these books is like a fabulous mini-vacation to a lovely seaside town. The descriptions of all the places are so vivid. No matter how gloomy the weather may be outside, this will transport you to a lovely place. The characters are people you really want to get to know, and it’s really fun to see them and their relationships grow and change. It’s not only the matchmaking event attendees who indulge in a little romance. The overarching Scarlet subplot has just enough to keep me curious, and I can’t wait to see how that is going to pan out, hopefully in the next book.

A perfect Valentine’s Day read for the mystery inclined.

This is an honest review based on the book provided by NetGalley and Storm Publishing.

Another fanstastic installment from the bookshop! The characters continue to develop (and in some cases smoulder!) even as the tragedies amass in such a small town!
The settings are wonderfully described and transportative (smell the roses and hear the champagne corks!) and the plot does not disappoint!

A victim at valentines is the fifth book in Ellie Alexander’s Secret Bookcase mystery series. In this book we tag along with Annie as she investigates the death of a beloved local who was found dead on the grounds of the bookstore. The same group of loveable characters return in this story and assist Annie as she investigates. The storyline of Scarlets murder is continued into this book and more clues are unravelled. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series in hopes of finding the truth to the mystery around Scarlets death that has been playing out throughout the series. This was an enjoyable cosy mystery.

Another delightful and entertaining visit to the bookstore. Several surprises. I have read most of this series and as usual, reading them all in order does make for a better experience. Not totally necessary, but still a good idea. Admittedly I did miss one of them. I definitely don't want to miss the next one. It may be the last of this enjoyable series. Thanks to the publisher for providing a copy via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.

This is number five in A Secret Bookcase Mystery by Ellie Alexander. It is the definition of a cozy mystery. It’s set in fictional Redwood Grove with friendly people, the best cozy bookstore ever, and fun community events typically set at the bookstore. This time, as the title suggests, it’s a Valentine’s weekend event for couples, complete with details of yummy treats and fun activities. But in the midst of this, a beloved member of the community is found dead. Annie and Fletcher who manage and recently bought the bookstore from Hal, also have a private investigation agency that they are starting. Annie has a background in criminology that was derailed by the murder of her best friend that happened prior to this series and is the overarching mystery throughout the books.

Annie’s former mentor and teacher Dr. Caldwell, who is the police investigator, has asked Annie’s unofficial help in the murder, which occurred on bookstore property. Annie is more than happy to assist, as she is steps away from becoming a certified PI. It was a good mystery that kept me guessing until almost the end. But much of what I enjoy about these books is the very realistic setting, characters and relationships.It’s so well drawn that I feel like I can see this beautiful place and close knit community, I so wish this bookstore was in my town. And it’s been the perfect way to spend some time in front of the fireplace with a cup of cocoa and this book.

#AVictimatValentines #NetGalley #StormPublishing

This was so cute. It is actually book 5 in the series but they read as interconnected stand alones. This was the perfect amount of thriller where we’re trying to figure out the murder mystery and meanwhile another plot twist is taking place. You couldn’t help but be suspicious of everyone the whole time as the FMC is trying to solve the case. (along with the cops that is) Def set up for another book in the works and I love the whole bookstore vibes

This is book 5 of The Secret Bookcase Mysteries

Love is in the air with a sweet Valentine’s Day setting.

Annie & the bookstore are hosting a speed dating event of sorts (but with books, so much better!)

When a beloved member of the Redwood Grove community is murdered, it leads Annie to help find out what is going on, and if he really is who he says he is.

There is also a new love story, which Annie has serious doubts about.

We do get a little more info on Scarlett’s murder, and we can start to see the pieces coming together.

Thank you to
for this ARC! I have been so lucky to ARC read for each book in this amazing series!

The book releases on February 10th, 2025

Once again Ellie Alexander has knocked another book out of the park! The ending had me shocked several times.

A Victim at Valentine’s is the fifth book in the, Secret Bookcase Mystery series. This time co-owners, Fletcher and Annie are hosting a Valentine’s matchmaking event that is to die for. When Redwood local philanthropist and matchmaking benefactor, George is found dead in the garden following the opening night, Annies sleuthing skills are called upon once again…with the help of a murder of crows.

George is found dead by what looks to be an allergic reaction. But upon closer inspection it looks as though he was targeted and his death might have been planned all along. But who would want this beloved philanthropist and local resident dead?

Several woman are called into question as Annie uncovers secrets from the past and present. You read that right… all woman suspects! Hell hath no fury right?

Lets dive into the suspects:

Elspeth, a psychic, who dramatically predicted Georges death just the night before he was found dead and warns Annie that she might be next. Is she having a go at them or does she know more than she is letting on?

Gertrude, a elderly newer member of the town, who’s friends signed her up for the event, abruptly leaves when she sees George and is overcome with emotion over the fact that he resembles the love of her life, long dead fiancé, Walter.

Newest member to town, Linx, a collage drop out whom Pri is training as a barista at Cryptic, and is seen publicly yelling at George soon after she arrive at the bookstore to assist in the opening nights festivities.

Storybook Romance owner, Aaliyah, whom George has recently invested in and wants to promote at the Secret Bookcase, but seems exasperated with George.

Lastly, Victoria who works for Book Emporium and raises suspicions when she becomes smitten with Fletcher and seems to be hiding her true reasons for being at the matchmaking event.

On top of trying to find out who could have killed the beloved George, Annie receives a packet of information, from the mysterious Natalie Thompson, filled with information about Silicon Summit Partners and its connection to her murdered college roommate, Scarlet. Who dropped of the packet directly to the store? Are any of the newcomers somehow connected to the crime or the company? Has someone recently been in the office and specifically her desk? Annie feels as though she is being watch but could it be the bookstores newest mascots, Jekyll and Hyde; the crows that Fletcher has been training to bring him gifts or something/someone more sinister?

A Victim at Valentine’s, is another perfect cozy mystery book for those who love a good Agatha Christie- type book. This book has love, murder, fanatic psychic, a murder of crows, friendship and mystery. Ill say it again: I would LOVE to live in this town and befriend each person. Ellie Alexander does a beautiful job of bringing Redwood to life and making the reader feel as if they are right there in the story.

The sixth book, An Unconventional Murder, will the final book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. I absolutely cannot wait for the next book but am also heartbroken it is the last. I of course dont want this series to end! I feel as if I know the charachers personally and will greatly miss joining them on murder cases and being able to witness their friendships grow.

Thank you to Netgalley, Ellie Alexander and Storm Publishing for allowing me to read this digital ARC in exchange for my honest opinion.

We're back with another head-scratching mystery at my favorite fictional bookstore.
After the first night of a matchmaking event where some weird stuff went down including a palm reader making some dire remarks, one of the town's beloved residents is found dead in front of the store.
Annie of course is going to investigate, not only did she personally know the victim but she also found him outside her beloved bookstore.
There were plenty of twists and turns along the way as Annie investigated, and it kept me on the edge of my seat trying to figure out who the killer would be.. I'm excited for the conclusion of the series where we finally get too find out the truth behind what happened to Scarlet!!

Annie and her business partner Fletcher run an Agatha Christie inspired bookstore in Redwood Cove. When one of the much-loved locals is found dead just before a Valentine's day event at the bookstore, Annie uses her sleuthing skills to help the detective on the case to find the truth. There are quite a few suspects to choose from including a rival bookstore employee, a potential old flame and a crazy psychic. Who killed George and is his murder linked to the murder of her best friend 10 years previously?

I enjoyed this easy and cosy read with likeable characters and a book-related setting. Who doesn't love a storyline about people whose lives are surrounded by books - my ultimate dream life!! I was able to finish this book in a couple of days and while it was a lot of fun to read, and I didn't guess where the storyline was heading, I felt the story lacked depth. Had the characters been better developed with more background development of the story, I would have given it a higher rating.

Thanks to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of this book to read and review.

Cozy, funny, and suspenseful all packaged with a bow! The 5th book of the Secret Bookcase mysteries. In my opinion the books should be read in order as there is a background story that unfolds throughout the entire series. Each book also has a standalone main plot but to enjoy the characters and coziness of the town of Redwood Grove, it is necessary to read every book from the series in order.

The main character, Annie Murray, is intelligent, brave, and relatable. Her coworkers and friends in Redwood Grove create such a cozy feel with their relationships and interactions. In addition to the cozy feel goods this book brings, it is not short on mystery and suspense! A murder at the Secret Bookcase book store!! In the style of Agatha Christie, everyone has the means and the motive! Annie brainstorms her way through each suspect racing to find the murderer. Working alongside the local detective and her personal friend, Dr. Caldwell, they must work quickly to solve the case.

Thanks to NetGalley, Storm Publishing, and Ellie Alexander for the ARC and chance to give my honest opinion!

Lovely coz murder mystery. Always enjoy this series

Always a pageturner until the end

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

When a beloved member of the local community turns up dead outside the bookstore at which Annie works, she's determined to figure out who killed him. And even more determined when she thinks there may be a connection between his death and the death of her best friend and college classmate a decade prior. With lots of suspects, Valentine's Day festivities, and a budding romance, Annie has her work cut out for her.

I've really loved this whole Secret Bookcase series and cannot wait for the sixth and final installment. I am SO intrigued to see what really happened to Scarlet, Annie's murdered friend, and for Annie and Liam to finally formalize their relationship. But! I will also be so sad it's over. Maybe we can get a season two, with another overarching mystery?? Anyway, this book was one of my favorite installments in the series, with everything just tying together really nicely. A very solid, enjoyable cozy mystery.

Thanks to Storm Publishing for my eARC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

Who doesn't love a cozy series set in a bookshop?

Annie's half bookseller and half detective, and she makes it work. The mystery in this book is well plotted, and the resolution is satisfying. The motive isn't anything earth-shatteringly new, but it's well played out. It's also one of those times when the identity of the murderer makes me kind of sad. Those books stay with me longer, I'll admit.

While part of the resolution is fairly simple, there's a more complex side to it, too. That's because there's more than one devious thing happening. That's satisfying, as well, because some of my instincts about characters were proved right, and some were proved wrong.

I love knowing that the next book in this series is the last one. Not because I don't like the series--I do! But because I know the overarching story arc about Scarlet's death will be resolved, along with whatever the individual murder in that final book is.

Some of my favorite series are dragging on too a bit too long. I'm glad to see this shorter sort of series, with a bit of an overarching storyline, but with strong individual mysteries. A series that ends before it's gone on too long. Bring on the grand finale!

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.