Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder (Main Street Book Club Mysteries #1) by Amy Lillard

Can't Judge a Book By Its Murder

(Main Street Book Club Mysteries #1)

by Amy Lillard

Mass Market Paperback, 320 pages

Published October 29th 2019 by Poisoned Pen Press

Goodreads synopsis:

Not every murder is by the book…

As Sugar Springs gears up for its all-class high school reunion, Mississippi bookstore owner Arlo Stanley prepares to launch her largest event: a book-signing with the town’s legendary alum and bestselling author, Wally Harrison. That’s when Wally is discovered dead outside of Arlo’s front door and her best friend is questioned for the crime.

When the elderly ladies of Arlo’s Friday Night Book Club start to investigate, Arlo has no choice but to follow behind to keep them out of trouble. Yet with Wally’s reputation, the suspect list only grows longer—his betrayed wife, his disgruntled assistant, even the local man who holds a grudge from a long-ago accident.

Between running interference with the book club and otherwise keeping it all together, Arlo anxiously works to get Chloe out of jail. And amidst it all, her one-time boyfriend-turned-private-eye returns to town, just another distraction while she digs to uncover the truth around Wally’s death and just what Sugar Springs secret could have led to his murder.

***

4.5 Stars

Great start to a new series! I was hooked from the very beginning. I am excited to learn more about the Main Street Book Club and all its member as we dive into new books in the future.

The murder of the local author happened a good stretch into the book and Arlo’s best friend, Chloe is put into jail. It is up to Arlo and the Main Street Book Club to get her out and prove her innocence. AT first the suspect list seems nil. Then as they dig into Wally’s past  they realize that some of their own have a few secrets they don’t want to get out and are willing to kill to keep quiet.

I was enthralled the entire way through. Although, I need more of the town and people. I want to feel like I lived there and knew everyone. I kinda felt like I was just there to solve a crime. I need it to make me feel more like I am home. And that request is just a niggle in the larger scheme of things. I just dig this setting and cast. I am ready for book 2!

If  you love a good cozy mystery, definitely check this one out!

I received this as an ARC (Advanced Reader Copy) in return for an honest review. I thank NetGalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this title.