Review | Christie Bookshop Mysteries by Ann Claire
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Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire
Series: Christie Bookshop Mysteries | Book 1
2022 Publication Date: November 1
⭐️⭐️⭐️
T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW
The Christie Bookshop Mysteries — A Compelling Cozy Mystery Series Debut
In the first book of the Christie Bookshop Mysteries series, we are introduced to the Christie sisters — Ellie and Meg — who own and operate a cozy little bookshop called The Book Chalet.
When a mysterious visitor to their shop dies under suspicious circumstances, the sisters call on their literary hero, Agatha Christie, to help them solve the case. Using all they've learned from reading Christie's novels, they each transform into an amateur sleuth and set out to discover the killer's identity before they strike again.
I love a good cozy mystery, and this one did not disappoint. The characters are endearing and relatable, the plot is intriguing, and the setting is simply charming. I also appreciated the nod to Agatha Christie in both the characters' names and the plot of the book. As a fan of her work, it was enjoyable — and nostalgic — to see her influence throughout.
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Dead and Gondola, the first book in the series. Ann Claire did an excellent job of creating likable characters that I easily got invested in. I also appreciate that each mystery is self-contained within each book, so you don't necessarily have to read them in order. That being said, I expect readers will get more out of the series if they start with Book One... Let's see as the series continues to develop!
Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries — particularly the cozy mystery genre with a literary theme.
What is a Cozy Mystery?
For those who may not be familiar with cozy mysteries... This genre often avoids graphic violence although with vivid depictions of the circumstances of the story. And often allows readers to exercise their own sleuthing skills within a relatable setting, such as a small hometown with familiar local characters. Who knows? You may find your own private investigator "life begins" moment via reading cozy mystery!
As for me, I will definitely be reading more in this series... And I look forward to supporting Ann Claire as a new author!
Curl up with this cozy mystery on a rainy day and see for yourself!... ✨😎✨
Pages: 323
Genre: Thriller
Sub-Genre: Cozy Mystery
Time Period: Present Day
Location: Colorado (US)
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♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.
BOOK SYNOPSIS:
If you're a fan of Agatha Christie's novels, then you'll love the Christie Bookshop Mysteries by Ann Claire.
In this cozy mystery series debut, we start with a dead body discovered on the gondola. It turns out to be a mysterious bookshop visitor from the book club meeting earlier that evening, compelling the Christie sisters — Ellie & Meg who are the second-generation owners of the adorably cozy bookshop and mystery bookstore, The Book Chalet — and their cat, Agatha, to call on all they’ve learned about solving mysteries from their favorite novelist, Agatha Christie, as they each become an amateur detective.
All while they are suspected of being the only witness of the murder... much to their surprise.
And along the way, this puzzling murder propels dark secrets and inexplicable events to come to light from even the most unlikely of suspects in their seemingly quiet village. With "who is the prime suspect" rotating rapidly from suspect to suspect.
Clocking in at just over 300 pages, Dead and Gondola is a quick and enjoyable read that left me eager to see what Ellie, Meg, and Agatha will get up to next.
If you're looking for your next cozy mystery series to cozy up with, I highly recommend giving the Christie Bookshop Mysteries a try.
BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
Cozy mysteries with a literary theme can be an enjoyable and satisfying reading experience.
Characters that readers can relate to are key to creating an engaging mystery story.
Even when faced with seemingly insurmountable obstacles, it is possible to use the knowledge you have to solve a problem... Just like Agatha Christie.
BOOK QUOTE:
"It's a perfect day to read..." — Dead and Gondola by Ann Claire
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