Readers who enjoyed the humor in Tamara Berry’s first two By the Book mysteries will not be disappointed in the latest. Murder Off the Books has the same quirky cast and humor.

Thriller writer Tess Harrow fictionalized murders in Winthrop, Washington in her last couple books. Now, she’s combining the launch party for her latest book with the opening of her new bookstore in town. but, the night before the grand opening, Tess’ mother shows up, bringing along her much younger boyfriend. It’s Tess’ teen daughter, Gertrude, who recognizes him as Levi Parker, a notorious suspect in the murder of three elderly widows. Before Tess can notify Sheriff Boyd, Levi’s found dead in his hotel room.

Boyd doesn’t want Tess near his crime scene, but he insults her by allowing a true crime podcaster and her producer to have access to the crime scene. He even allows them to move into house while in town. Tess’ feelings are hurt when townspeople would rather follow the podcaster than show up at her bookstore, but she’s determined to find the killer. With a journalist in town, the podcaster, Tess’ mother, and two FBI agents who are still investigating a money laundering case, Tess has her hands full trying to find a killer to prove her mother didn’t kill her boyfriend.

Fans of quirky casts and funny cozies will enjoy Murder Off the Books with its eccentric characters and outrageous scenes.

Tamara Berry’s website is https://tamaraberry.com/

Murder Off the Books by Tamara Berry. Poisoned Pen Press, 2023. ISBN 9781728248660 (paperback), 336p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley from NetGalley in order to review the book for a journal.