"An author chokes to death while speaking. Is it murder?"

This was a fabulous first mystery. I read it in one day and can't wait for another in this series!

Penelope Thornton-McClure has returned to Quindicott, Rhode Island, to become co-owner of Buy the Book bookstore with her Aunt Sadie. Penelope brought her seven year old son Spencer with her as her husband Calvin recently killed himself.

To help increase business, Penelope sets up an author appearance by Timothy Brennan, renowned author of the Detective Jack Shield story. Unfortunately Timothy chokes during his talk and dies. The next morning when Penelope wakes with a hangover, she figures his death will be the end of Buy the Book. Boy was she wrong. Apparently they sold every copy of his new book and all of his previous books as well. The next day more copies arrive. She doesn't know how they will sell them until they open and are mobbed once again.

Then the State Police determine he was killed and arrest Brennan's daughter, Diedre. She and her husband Kenneth had arrived with Brennan and Shelby Cabot from the publisher's the night of Brennan's talk.

About 50 years ago P.I. Jack Shepard had been shot in a bookstore in this same location. Apparently Brennan's Jack Shield character was built off of Jack Shepard. Penelope starts conversing with Jack Shepard in her head. Most of the time she is trying to stop hearing him, but he seems to be very persistent.

I like the interaction of Penelope and Jack, even though he's a ghost. This is such a well-written cozy. The author has created likeable characters, including a ghost, but it isn't scary in the least. Matter of fact, I found it funny!

The interaction between the other characters works for me as well. I also like the setting of a small Rhode Island town. The bookstore setting gives it charm. This author has a real winner! I highly recommend this! You won't want to put it down.

Reviewed by Dawn Dowdle
Posted January 25, 2004