Gates' Bookstore

Deeply disturbing but yet heartwarming and also heartbreaking. This tale of friendship and a closeness never achieved because murder grips its icy hands unwittingly the star of the show. Sorrow unrepentant follows the main character and I would remind you to lock all windows and doors before immersing yourself in this novel because you never quite know who to trust.....

i actually didn't download this book in time but I did end up purchasing this book and really enjoyed the finished product. It was a good mystery novel and I really enjoyed reading it.

Well written and entertaining mystery. Good plot and character dynamics. Mystery fans will love this book. I received an advance ebook from the publisher and Netgalley and this is my unbiased review.

Wow! This is a really gripping mystery. The plot twists and turns and it's mildly gruesome. I recommend this for a mystery lover, not a cozy mystery lover. The characters are interesting if not always likable. There is a cliffhanger and it's a big one. So now I'll anxiously wait for book 2.

Diane Gates is a retired forensic investigator who now owns and operates a bookstore along with her assistant. Not long after the assistant is hired, there is a break-in and some of her things were taken ... but no damage to the store. Diane thinks this is a one-off, but days later it happens again .. only this time she finds the mutilated body of her assistant.

Although retired from her earlier career, she decides that she will work this case ..and hooks up with Detective Eric Barnes. Between the two of them they discover there's a lot more to the case than they think. The more evidence they uncover, the more they find fingers pointing at Diane.

This is the first book in a new series, featuring Diane Gates. There's a strong female lead, an intricate plot, lots of action, a bookstore and a bit of romance. All boxes checked. The only con I have is it ends with a huge cliff hanger (one of my pet peeves).

Many thanks to the author / BooksGoSocial / Netgalley / Black Glory Publishing House for the digital copy of this crime fiction. Read and reviewed voluntarily, opinions expressed here are unbiased and entirely my own.

I was so surprised when, expecting a cozy mystery, I ended up reading this sometimes dark and gruesome story which kept me interested the whole way through. I absolutely loved the main character and the premise of her setting up shop. A very interesting, well written book which will surprise many.