It’s always fun to share release date by reviewing the first in a new series. And, Olivia Matthews’ Murder by Page One features a charming librarian from New York who is trying to adjust to Southern ways. She doesn’t really want to become comfortable with discovering a body in her favorite bookstore.
Marvella Harris moved to Peach Coast, Georgia four months earlier, accepting the position of director of community engagement at the local library. She hopes to raise awareness and funds for the library. She’s also friends with Jolene Gomez, the owner of To Be Read. So, Marvey and Spencer Holt, publisher and editor-in-chief of the local newspaper, show up to support Jo’s event featuring a number of local authors. Fiona Lyle-Hayes, a debut mystery writer, has a few peculiar demands, but Jo’s pleased she’s signing at the bookstore. Fiona’s book received rave reviews. Fiona herself isn’t very popular in Peach Coast. She’s the widow of a much older man who was previously married and has an adult son. She seems to have few friends in the local writers’ group. So, with all those potential enemies, why do the local police immediately decide Jo is Fiona’s killer when her body is found in the storeroom?
Why does Marvey agree to help Jo look for other suspects? Marvey is a librarian, not a detective. But, her friend is in trouble. “At its core, an investigation was research, learning about people, tracking down clues, and putting together the results of your inquiries.” A librarian, with the help of a journalist, can do that.
This is the latest mystery from Hallmark Publishing, and it fits the Hallmark brand. There are likable characters in a charming small town. The death is off stage, so readers don’t see the killing. There’s a change in the original perception of the victim. Matthews’ latest mystery is a cozy that fits into the Hallmark stable.
I always like amateur sleuths who have a reason to get involved. There have been a number of librarian sleuths who use their skills in learning about people and doing research. Marvella Harris is a welcome addition to their ranks in Murder by Page One.
Olivia Matthews is a pseudonym for Patricia Sargeant. Sargeant’s website is https://patriciasargeant.com/
Murder by Page One by Olivia Matthews. Hallmark Publishing, 2021. ISBN 9781952210129 (paperback), 336p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a .PDF on NetGalley.
I didn’t realize there even was a Hallmark brand of books.
Honestly, Glen? I didn’t realize it either until I read and reviewed what was probably the first one they published, Amanda Flower’s Dead-End Detective. I know they’ve published two other titles before this one. I liked both books I read and reviewed. They were traditional cozy mysteries. Surprisingly, there wasn’t a romance in either one. There might be if they continue as series. Both authors I read are experienced with a number of other books to their credit. The books were very good introductions if they are to be a series.
Lcve the cover!
I do, too, Carolee.