I received this book for free from . This review is voluntary. My opinion is not influenced in any way.
A Dickens of a Murder on November 3, 2015 Pages: 260
Format: eARC
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Christmas at Canterville!
Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are surprised to find a dead man on their roof in the midst of rushing to open the Canterville Book Shop in time for the holidays. And not just any dead man – Ebenezer Hart – the man who opposed the book shop opening in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia.
What might be more surprising is when Daniel Fairhaven – Lisa’s ex – turns up at the door of the three-story Victorian house to head the police investigation. She hasn’t seen him in years but the sparks start to fly as soon as they are in the same room together.
Simon and Lisa are obviously the best suspects for the murder. Each of them had something to gain by Hart’s death. Then an attempt on Simon’s life throws that theory into a tailspin.
But the biggest surprise yet comes when the ghost of Charles Dickens turns up to help Lisa with the murder investigation – and writing the mystery novel she has been working on for years.
Without a doubt, Daniel and Dickens in Lisa’s life means trouble. And there’s still the matter of trying to get the book shop open with a killer on their heels.
A Dickens of a Murder by Joyce and Jim Lavene is the first book in the Canterville Book Shop Mystery series. I absolutely loved this book. There are so many good plot intricacies and they all play together to form an amazing story. Lisa, (a former librarian) is opening a book shop with Simon. She’s also an aspiring mystery author. Before they can open the store, a body is discovered on the roof. Lisa’s ex shows up to investigate, adding another layer to the story. As if that weren’t enough, Lisa gets a visit from the ghost of Charles Dickens. This paranormal element really kicks this cozy up a notch.
This cozy mystery was a joy to read. It was a fun, easy cozy that kept me entertained from the first page to the last. As a book-lover, A Dickens of a Murder by Joyce and Jim Lavene has lots of fun bookish references. From Charles Dickens, to Lisa’s occupations and writing bug – your book-loving heart will be happy reading this.
As much joy as I garnered from reading A Dickens of a Murder by Joyce and Jim Lavene…my heart was heavy as well. Sweet Joyce passed away unexpectedly on October 20th. The cozy mystery world lost a wonderful author, and her fans have lost a friend. I only ever spoke to Joyce online, through her Facebook group, via Twitter or on my blog posts promoting the books she and Jim wrote together. I feel so blessed to have had the chance to read and review this book. Joyce and Jim were a magical duo. Joyce’s legacy will live on in the wonderful stories and characters she and Jim created. Rest easy, Joyce.
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This book sounds like a delightful read, and its just perfect for the holidays!
I love Christmas Books and this one sounds like it has a great start…a body on the roof…love it.
Marilyn ewatvess@yahoo.com
I always love to read your reviews
Thank you so much, Mari! I’m glad you enjoy them. It means a lot for me to hear that!
I too loved this one. Joyce and Jim have been charming me for some time now. I’m reading several different series and always waiting for the next one.
A quirky story & a good read for the holidays
Excellent review and giveaway. I love reading books written by Joyce and Jim Lavene.
Thank you so much for a great review. I love Victorian/Dickens Christmases, book shops, and “ghosts!” I, too, was very sad when the news of broke of Joyce’s passing. For me, she’ll be as close as my book shelf…inside some of my favorite reading adventures.
Perfectly stated, Kathleen. That is how I felt earlier today looking at some of the print books I have of Joyce & Jim’s.
this looks cute
Murder mysteries are my favorite stories and this sounds great! I love that the ghost shows up too. Such a cool element. Thank-you for this fun chance. 🙂
I love the book cover and the story looks like something that I would enjoy reading. Thanks for the giveaway.
Sounds interesting, would love to read this…
I am sorry to hear about Joyce. I love Christmas books, Dickens especially and mysteries. Thank you for the giveaway.
sounds good, I would love to read this one. Thanks for sharing.