I have loved this series by Ellie Alexander! It was such a fun cozy mystery series with a great cast of characters. I really thought it was wrapped up well and I have hopes that there are spin offs with the other characters! I would highly recommend if you want a short cozy mystery series that you could use as a palette cleanser! Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for this eARC.

This is the 6th installment in the Secret Bookcase mystery series. Annie Murray and her coworker Fletcher are taking over the bookstore from Hal and starting their own private investigating business. Annie and Fletcher are heading to a book conference while Hal is holding down the fort of the store. Annie is also on a mission to finalize the murder investigation into her college friend Scarlett’s murder. She feels she knows who did it she just needs to find the evidence. She plans to meet with the CEO of Silicon Partner Summit who is believed to be Scarlet’s killer. While Annie is getting ready to execute that part of the plan, there is a murder at the conference that she gets involved in. Liam and Pri join Fletcher and Annie to solve not one mystery but two. I liked how Fletcher was more involved, however, the ending did feel a little rushed. I am excited that there is a continuation or spin off with Annie and Fletcher’s Novel Suspects.

An enjoyable cozy mystery with a charming book fair backdrop. I liked the twists and the quirky characters, though a few parts felt a little slow. Still, it was a fun and satisfying read! I hate to see this series end though!!

I'm so sad to see this series end!! I didn't realize before I read this outing that it was the final installment, though I think Ellie Alexander left it in a good place (and it sounds like we'll get more stories from the new private detective agency?)

We get two mysteries wrapped up in one in this novel - the long-awaited conclusion to Scarlet's murder, and the murder of a presenter at a Book Fair in Santa Clara, CA.

Because I know a bit about the industry of bookselling, and I follow the publishing world as well, it was particularly interesting to read this about the potential for a (fictional-as-far-as-I-know) VR headset that would plunge you into a story. Frankly, I am not personally interested in such a thing for many of the books I read, given how many of them are mysteries!

I've really enjoyed this series, particularly the audiobooks, which were my first introduction to the Secret Bookcase Mysteries.

Many thanks to NetGalley and Storm for the ARC!

This was a thoroughly enjoyable cosy mystery that had me hooked from the first chapter. Ellie Alexander’s writing is warm, engaging and full of atmosphere, creating the perfect setting for a mystery that’s as clever as it is entertaining.

The book is part of a series, but it works brilliantly as a standalone. I hadn't read the earlier instalments, but the author does a fantastic job of weaving in enough back story to orient new readers without slowing down the pace or overwhelming the plot. The main characters are all well-developed, likeable and layered. The less likeable characters felt thoughtfully developed and necessary to the story, adding intrigue and tension rather than simply acting as plot devices.

Throughout, the story is filled with literary touches that will delight book lovers. The setting feels vivid and real, and the description of the bookstore made me wish I could visit The Secret Bookcase myself. I'll certainly be looking out for more from Ellie Alexander based on my enjoyment of this book.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for providing a copy in exchange for my honest thoughts.

This is the final book in A Secret Bookcase Mystery series, I definitely would suggest reading them in order as there is an ongoing side investigation that carries on throughout the entire series. In this story Annie and Fletcher take off to Santa Clara to attend a book fair while also hoping to find the evidence they need to nail down her friend's murderer. Before they have a chance to get that investigation going someone at the book fair dies and she is thrown into that investigation to figure out who killed him. I really liked the setting of the book and all the chaos that came with it. I think everything wrapped up nicely for the series and gave the closure needed. Ellie Alexander could definitely come back around to this bookstore and extend the series with new mysteries especially with Annie and Fletchers new business. I had a great time with this series!

Thank you to Storm Publishing and Ellie Alexander for an eARC of this book in exchange of my honest review. #ABodyattheBookFair #NetGalley

Another great story from Ellie Alexander. This time getting into a bit of detective work prior to the opening of their Detective Agency, which will be attached to the Bookshop. More delights await!

A Body at the Book Fair is the sixth and final book in The Secret Bookcase series by Ellie Alexander. And it was brilliant, in my opinion! In each of these books is a mystery that Annie and her crew of friends works to solve, as well as the over-arcing mystery of her BFF Scarlet’s unsolved death in college.

This book sees Annie and Fletcher attending a book fair in a nearby town. And best of all, it will put Annie on the spot to visit Silicone Summit Partners, who she has discovered played a role in Scarlet’s death.

I have truly enjoyed this series. From the interesting characters to the delightful setting of Redwood Grove (someplace I’d love to live!), I have been hooked since the first book. I am so happy that Ellie Alexander will be writing a spin-off series featuring Annie, Fletcher, their friends, and, of course, the Secret Bookcase, her beloved Agatha Christie-themed mystery bookstore. Besides owning and running the Secret Bookcase, Annie and Fletcher are starting their very own private detective agency.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for giving me the opportunity to read and leave my honest opinion.

These are a great series of books - a bookseller/private detective pair, with a mission to get to the bottom of a cold case affecting one of them. Don't read this if you are hungry - there are a great many descriptions of snacks and meals, I did wonder how they managed to fit the day job in! Apart from that well placed, and easy to enjoy.

Annie and Fletcher are excited to attend the big book fair. Now that they are co-owners of the bookstore and about to launch their Novel Detectives, they are looking for lots of great ideas. Plus, with the help of Liam and Pri, Annie is hoping to confront Scarlet’s murderer and make him pay for his crimes. Before she gets a chance to do that, she is confronted with another murder. A narcissist with the “next big thing “ is electrocuted by his own ground breaking device. Was it just an accident or did someone tamper with the headset and plot his demise.

Annie becomes friends with the local detective handling the case. I love the way this series rewards her hard work and expertise and the police, rather than ignoring or worse undermining her, work together to a common end. And after a number of false leads, Annie does twig when she catches the killer doing something. That then opens the field to the real challenge. After ten tough years, will Annie be able to collect the evidence that will put the killer of her best friend behind bars.

It is not going to be easy and there is going to be danger but she and Liam and their friends work together and get the job done. The end of the book sets up where the stories are going to go in the new series, Novel Detectives. I am looking forward to seeing where that will go. Four purrs and two paws up.

I enjoyed the previous books in the series and was looking forward to the conclusion. However, this last book in the series was a disappointment. Annie's involvement with the police during the investigation was a bit far-fetched which many time that kind of element is common in a cozy mystery. This time it seemed a bit more far-fetched than usual. I really wanted to know what information Scarlet had found that had resulted in her murder but SPOILER ALERT - that's never revealed. What a let down. This was three stars instead of two due to the supporting cast of characters. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an eArc.

I have enjoyed every single one of these books. In fact, I was seriously sad to see that this was the last one of the series. But then, you get to the end of the book and see that this has actually spawned a new spinoff series! Yay!!!! That made me genuinely happy. I have really come to love Annie, Pri, and all the other characters so much.

I love the bookstore aspect of it and it getting also turned into a P.I. office, well, who can say no to that? The mysteries are always really good and interesting. This one was no different. I really enjoyed the tech aspect of this one. Because we are facing a lot of new technology when it comes to reading so it makes sense to be able to put that in there. Like for example, I love my Kindle because I like to lay down and read. I can make the font big, so I don't need my glasses. Yes, I cheat lol. But seriously though, the feel of an actual book in hand is something I will never willingly give up, so I make sure, and I read regular books to.

I thought the headset idea was an interesting one although, I am not sure if I could ever see myself using something like that. However, using that in a mystery was a very cool way to keep things modern and new. I admit that I went back and forth as to who I thought was the killer. In the end, it ended up being the one I thought it was but man, you just almost had me fooled lol.

A great book. A wonderful mystery full of red herrings and I loved the fact that Scarlett finally got her justice.

Thanks to Net Galley, the publishers, and to Ellie Alexander for the ability to read and review this book. All opinions are my own and are completely honest.

BOOK: A BODY AT THE BOOK FAIR
AUTHOR: ELLIE ALEXANDER
PUB DATE: JUNE 2025
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REVIEW- 2.5 stars
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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I didn't read the first book in the series, but I liked the next three books. However, my interest reduced as the series came to an end. Everything just seems rushed and the mystery plot line not well developed.
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I feel like this book would have been much better if it had concentrated on Scarlet's murder case alone. Scarlet's case had been a large part of this series and it deserved to be more than a back burner like it was here. It was rushed and the culprit was caught in a couple of days and the evidence Scarlet found was not revealed. At the same time, the murder case here was really dry. I felt Annie didn't put much effort, the suspects just opened up to her with little prodding. It was disappointing to me. For me, everything about the last book in this series was rushed and it was really disappointing.
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There's a new series with Annie's new detective agency, Novel Detectives. But, I think I've had enough of Annie and friends.

Another great story but I am sad to say goodbye to the awesome bookshop team and setting- if only the bookshop really existed!

A Body at the Book Fair is the gripping conclusion of The Secret Bookcase cozy mystery series. As they prepare to officially take over the Secret Bookcase, as well as open their new detective agency, Annie and Fletcher head to Santa Clara for an annual book conference. Annie can't wait to mingle with other book lovers and learn about all the new technology geared towards readers. In addition to attending the book fair, Annie is also determined to solve her best friend's murder - a case she has been investigating for the past decade. When one of the panelists is discovered dead at the conference, Annie realizes that she now has two murders to solve. Unfortunately, the victim has a long list of enemies, and Annie can't afford to be too distracted from her ultimate goal of solving Scarlet's death.

All the books in The Secret Bookcase series are fun-filled, warm, and intriguing. The characters are absolutely delightful. I've really enjoyed the development of Annie's relationships, especially with Liam and Fletcher. In this last installment, Annie finally solves Scarlet's murder. Throughout the series, the author does a fabulous job of keeping the reader interested in this overarching mystery while also being invested in each book's specific mystery. The town of Redwood Grove is charming, and I so wish that there was a real-life Secret Bookcase! I'm excited to hear that there is going to be a spin-off series that focuses on Annie and Fletcher's new detective agency. I will definitely be diving into that series!

(3.75 stars)
A Body At The Book Fair is the sixth and final book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. Like each of the other books, there’s a separate mystery here plus the conclusion of a mystery that has spanned all six books. Because of that overarching plot, I’d recommend reading the series in order or at least reading the two before this one first.

Annie Murray has a criminology background but has been working at a mystery-themed bookstore in a small town in Northern California for several years. She has been trying to solve the case of the murder of her best friend, Scarlet, for the past ten years and we finally get to see her succeed.

I actually was more interested in the rest of the book. Annie and her co-worker Fletcher are attending a booksellers conference and a death takes place there, during a tech presentation in front of a large audience. There’s a lot of discussion about new book-related technologies (virtual reality and more) and an interesting (to me) discussion about book auctions where publishers vie for the opportunity to publish a particular book with a lot of buzz.

I’ve enjoyed all the main characters in this series: Annie, Fletcher (a Sherlock Holmes aficionado), Priya who runs a coffee shop, and Liam, who runs the local pub. Fletcher and Annie are getting ready to start their own private investigation business, Novel Detectives, and by the end of the book they have all the certifications required to do so. That would be in addition to their roles at the bookstore, apparently. Looks like there’s going to be a spin-off series!

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read a review copy of this book. All opinions are my own.

A big fan of this series, always good to see in my catalogue of books to read. I can’t believe this is the last in the series - I shall miss Annie but look forward to any forthcoming books.

Finally there was closure on Scarlets death after 10yrs alongside a new murder case.

Thank you to Netgalley and Storm Publishing

It hasn’t been long since Annie Murray and Fletcher Hughes became co-owners of an Agatha Christie-themed bookstore, and as the new business owners of the Secret Staircase they are attending the California Booksellers Convention in nearby Santa Clara. It’s a fantastic opportunity to network with their fellow booksellers, as well as meet new publishers and authors. One of the featured programs is also a presentation of the new wave of e-readers, several of which are not only intuitive but have their own virtual reality platform. It quickly becomes heated when the moderator, as well as the two presenters Andrew Fox and Victor Moore, begin talking over and arguing with one another about who has the best technology. When Andrew Fox drops dead while demonstrating his innovative Headset, Annie immediately knows that it was more than an accident and guards the scene in order to help the arriving detective. Annie’s input is considered more valuable than the usual “amateur” detective since she and Fletcher are newly licensed private detectives with their own company, not to mention her having a degree in criminology and a high recommendation from her professor. What Annie and Fletcher soon learn is that Andrew Fox accrued a long list of enemies, ranging from the store owners he shafted to those whose tech he is accused of stealing.

At this point, Annie has fully embraced her new career as a private investigator, working with the police as advisors and using her unofficial status to infiltrate and cozy up to suspects. Annie is pretty brazen about her questioning, confident with her degree in criminology and secure that she has police backup. Ironically, now that she and Fletcher are full co-owners of the bookstore this installment has them away from the Secret Staircase and instead exploring the book convention. This allows for an engaging exploration of the book publishing business, with editors competing for authors, authors battling for publishers, publishers desperate to create buzz, and tech creators fighting to be the first on the market. It allows for an ample number of suspects, motives, and opportunities for murder, all which has Annie shuffling her list of possibilities. Lingering in the background is the murder that started it all, namely that of her best friend Scarlet. The trauma from the murder derailed Annie’s plans to become a criminologist, and only now has Annie allowed herself to resume that career and the investigation into Scarlet’s death. Annie now knows the who, she just needs to get the evidence to prove it. That involves an undercover operation that has Annie up close to the person she knows had Scarlet killed, a man who knows Annie’s intention and may be luring her into a trap. At least Annie’s boyfriend Liam has her back, and keeping her friends and the police informed will give her a layer of protection that makes the risk worth taking. This new direction away from the bookstore is a fun introduction to what will be a new series, one focusing more on Fletcher and Annie’s private detection business than the daily running of a bookstore. There can never be enough exploration of books and the world of bibliophiles though, and here’s to hoping that there will soon be another entry in the Secret Staircase mystery series and its unique mystery-themed collection.

While this isn’t my favorite series by this author, it has grown on me, particularly since the cold case has really heated up. As this is the last in the series, I knew that the cold case would be wrapped up so I was anxious to see how it would all end. What a disappointment! I tore through the first half of this book and the current mystery, all the while waiting for Annie’s meeting with the major player in Scarlet’s disappearance only to be met with one implausible and ridiculous scenario after another. The ending was wrapped up way too quickly for as long as it was drawn out and the methods to get the information were unbelievable. What information did she get? We don’t ever find out. This does set up the next series nicely and I will hope for better with that one.

This is the final installment of the Secret Bookcase Mysteries – although don’t worry, we’ll get a spin-off, The Novel Detectives series. This time around, Annie and Fletcher are in Santa Clara for a book fair and Liam and Pri are coming along too. It just so happens that the fair is near the company that Annie blames for her best friend, Scarlet’s, death, ten years ago, and Annie has a plan to get the evidence she needs. While we do get some background info on the cold case, this one probably works better if you’ve read others in the series. Of course, there’s also a murder at the book fair. One of the presenters is killed by his own VR device, and Annie is there when it happens.

The book fair sounds amazing and makes me want to go to a bookish event soon. The two mystery plot are balanced well. We have several suspects for the current murder – the dead man was not a nice guy or honest businessman. I didn’t really love how the solution to Scarlet’s case played out, but I’m glad it’s resolved. I’m not a huge fan of over-arching mysteries in my cozies.

The characters are fun to spend time with and it’s a light read. I’m looking forward to catching up with Annie and her crew again.