Chaos At The Lazy Bones Bookshop by Emmeline Duncan
Emmeline Duncan’s new cozy, Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop, takes place in the Halloween-themed town, Elyan Hollow outside of Portland.
It’s the first in a brand new series and it’s simply delightful! Bailey Briggs has moved back to her hometown to take over her Grandfather’s business, The Lazy Bones Bookshop.
Grandad is, fortunately, still alive, but he knows it’s time to “pass the torch” to someone younger and more energetic. Bailey’s Uncle Hudson is less than thrilled – he’s secretly hoping the bookshop fails and Grandad will sell the shop. But there’s no stopping Bailey – she’s putting her heart and soul into the shop – and nothings going to stop her. It’s Halloween season and she’s busy with her Halloween festival “To Do List.”
Meanwhile, the crew for the high profile TV show, Gone Ghouls, blows into town. They’ve heard about Elyan Hollow and how the area is prone to paranormal happenings. What better time to start filming than during the Halloween season?
But when the TV gang films the empty Lazy Bones bookshop late at night hoping for paranormal activity – strange things happen – and it has nothing to do with ghosts or goblins. When Bailey arrives the next morning, her bookshop is in shambles. Overturned bookcases, broken glass, etc. – in other words: total chaos! This solidifies Bailey’s suspicions: the TV show isn’t legit!
Taylor is the research assistant for the ghost hunters. Lance used to live in Elyan Hollow, but moved on to become the head of Gone Ghoul’s. Clearly they don’t get along – and clearly they had something to do with the debacle at the bookshop. Fingers point and tensions rise. The formerly welcomed TV show staff is not so welcomed anymore by Bailey and other shop owners in the town.
And then someone adds the proverbial “icing on the cake” – and yes, we’re talking “murder!
The author, Emmeline Duncan, furnishes us with a tidy murder mystery begging to be solved. She’s made sure there’s plenty of motives: Was the murder committed to boost the show’s ratings? Was the victim involved in blackmail? Was someone taking extreme measures for a job promotion? And how about old friends of the victim that were holding grudges? Mistaken identity? Or simply: wrong place, wrong time?
The author also skillfully weaves in another mystery for us to think about. Bailey was raised by a single mom. She’s still wondering who her biological father is. Could it be someone tied to the town? Tied to the show? Could he even be someone capable of murder?
Emmeline Duncan eventually gives us all the answers – but will you be able to untie the knot to this twisty cozy? If you think you’re up to the challenge, grab a copy of Chaos at the Lazy Bones Bookshop – it pairs perfectly with a cup of hot apple cider on a chilly, rainy day!
A copy of this book and cover photo were provided by Kensington Publishing.