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Start your review of The Novel Art of Murder (Mystery Bookshop, #three)

Feb 09, 2019 LORI CASWELL rated information technology information technology was amazing

Dollycas's Thoughts

We are back in North Harbor, Michigan just in time for Samantha Washington'due south Nana Jo to become a murder doubtable. It seems her usual office in the Shady Acres Senior Follies has been given to Maria Romanov, a woman of questionable character. Said to be descended from Russian Royalty and a swell actress, Nana Jo knows the woman is a phony. As soon as others hear her sing, they know information technology too. Nana Jo tries to take the adult female to task publically so when Maria ends up dead, Nana Jo's fat

Dollycas's Thoughts

We are back in N Harbor, Michigan merely in time for Samantha Washington's Nana Jo to become a murder suspect. It seems her usual part in the Shady Acres Senior Follies has been given to Maria Romanov, a adult female of questionable character. Said to be descended from Russian Royalty and a great actress, Nana Jo knows the woman is a phony. Equally presently every bit others hear her sing, they know information technology also. Nana Jo tries to take the woman to chore publically then when Maria ends up dead, Nana Jo'southward fate as a murder suspect is sealed.

Not and so fast, Sam is on the instance. Using her current work in progress where Lady Daphne is in the middle of a murder in the home of Winston Churchill to settle her listen and draw parallels, she is sure to find who has framed her Nana. The crew from Shady Acres steps in to assistance too and presently real suspects are uncovered and clues beginning to fall into identify.

That's Oreo and Snickers on the cover, Oreo looks nothing similar my Oreo just I dear the author's option of pet names. The expression of the dog in the dorsum cracks me up every fourth dimension I look at the embrace.

Okay, the encompass is not bad, but the story/stories inside are first-class. Ms. Burns gives us a nowadays-day cozy mystery and her character Samantha Washington is an author and we go to read her latest piece of work too. I love that nosotros get two stories in each novel. It took some getting used to with the kickoff book, simply at present with volume 3, I hit the rhythm right away. I really enjoy how they work together.

Full of colorful characters the story sets a nice pace. Intrigue with a big dose of humor keeps the pages turning and both stories had wonderful surprise endings. Some parts are truly laugh out loud funny.

I loved this volume and tin can't wait for more than! This is the commencement book of 2022 to receive my top Paradise rating and a place on my Best Reads of 2022 list. While the story tin can stand up on its own I recommend starting at the beginning of the series for maximum enjoyment.

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Nov xv, 2018 Melanie rated it really liked it

The Novel Art of Murder was another wonderful installment in the Mystery Bookshop cozy series and I enjoyed it quite a chip.

Every year mystery bookstore owner Samantha Washington'southward Nana Jo is cast in the leading role in the Shady Acres Senior Follies, the production from the local retirement hamlet. But this year flamboyant Maria Romanov lands the role despite beingness a terrible actress causing Nana Jo to lay into her in front of anybody. When Maria turns up dead a few hours afterward, Nana Jo become

The Novel Art of Murder was another wonderful installment in the Mystery Bookshop cozy series and I enjoyed information technology quite a flake.

Every year mystery bookstore owner Samantha Washington's Nana Jo is cast in the leading office in the Shady Acres Senior Follies, the product from the local retirement hamlet. Merely this year flamboyant Maria Romanov lands the role despite existence a terrible actress causing Nana Jo to lay into her in front end of everyone. When Maria turns up expressionless a few hours later, Nana Jo becomes the prime doubtable much to Sam'due south dismay. Determined to testify her grandmother'south innocence, Sam and Nana Jo's grouping of friends fix out to uncover Maria's secrets including who would want to impale her.

Sam is such an amazing principal character that it makes it incommunicable not to like these books. She runs a successful business while pursuing her true passion with writing and she's such a genuine and caring person that you can't help but like her. I really enjoy her human relationship with her grandmother as well as the mother-son type human relationship she has with Dawson. In the last volume, Read Herring Hunt, the possibility of a romance for Sam was introduced which is further explored in this book. While Sam is however grieving her husband, she is slowly exploring a relationship with Frank and I have to say I quite like the two of them together.

The mystery in this volume is very well done and I institute myself eager to discover out who the killer would end up being. I liked that Sam paralleled the book she's writing with real life events equally that made things a bit more interesting equally Sam explored her theories through her writing. Again Nana Jo'southward group of friends return to assistance articulate her proper noun and I loved seeing these ladies once more. Their friendship is wonderful and I like how each lady brings her own set up of skills to the investigation. I was a bit surprised by the killer's identity as I had someone else in mind, simply I will say I enjoyed the reveal and thought it was cleverly done.

The Novel Fine art of Murder has definitely solidified the Mystery Bookshop serial equally one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I highly recommend this for new and sometime fans of the genre.

**I received an advance re-create of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

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The Novel Art of Murder is Book 3 in the Mystery Bookshop Series.
Firstly, I LOVE BOOKS ABOUT BOOKS! I also actually enjoy the senior citizen
characters who have not only one, but two murders on their easily to solve
at Shady Acres.

The mystery is then well done, with a murderer I did not see coming.

I really relish the Mystery Bookshop Series with such likeable characters and a peachy plot.

This is a stand solitary story, just the showtime ii books are every bit as fantastic, so get read those Besides!!!

Oct 03, 2018 JoAn rated it it was amazing

The Novel Art of Murder past V.M. Burns is volume 3 in her Mystery Bookshop series and captured my attention from the first page.

I confess that I honey this serial and am always excited when another book is ready for release. Ms. Burns' writing is descriptive and her characters are realistic, likable and quirky which adds to the fun as I read. I am also a fan of historical cozy mysteries then I get two for one with this series.

The plot moved quickly with plenty twists, clues and red herrings to kee

The Novel Art of Murder by V.K. Burns is book three in her Mystery Bookshop serial and captured my attention from the showtime page.

I confess that I dearest this series and am always excited when some other volume is set for release. Ms. Burns' writing is descriptive and her characters are realistic, likable and quirky which adds to the fun as I read. I am also a fan of historical cozy mysteries and then I get two for one with this serial.

The plot moved chop-chop with plenty twists, clues and red herrings to keep me guessing and turning the pages. The suspects were a stray lot that kept Sam, Nana Jo and the rest of the Sleuthing Seniors Book Guild working hard to ferret out their history. I do honey Nana Jo's friends and truly wish I could meet them and spend some quality fourth dimension with them. I confess that I caught on to who the killer might be before Sam did this fourth dimension and was quite elated when I was proved correct. I virtually never figure it out before the reveal. I'chiliad looking frontward to the next book in this series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Accelerate Reader Re-create of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All of the to a higher place opinions are my own.

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Oct 31, 2018 Peggy R rated it actually liked it

This is the third book in a fun serial that I would highly recommend. The writing is descriptive and flows nicely. The characters are intelligent, diverse and a bit quirky. What I actually similar most about the characters is that many of the secondary characters are all friends from the Shady Acres retirement facility. The author does a terrific job of depicting these ladies as funny, vibrant, intelligent and still with purpose. They take life experience and it comes in handy when in that location is a murder This is the third book in a fun serial that I would highly recommend. The writing is descriptive and flows nicely. The characters are intelligent, diverse and a bit quirky. What I really like most most the characters is that many of the secondary characters are all friends from the Shady Acres retirement facility. The author does a terrific job of depicting these ladies every bit funny, vibrant, intelligent and still with purpose. They have life experience and information technology comes in handy when there is a murder to solve. The mystery flows nicely through the entire story. Nana Jo is in need of help this time as she is the prime suspect in her rival'southward murder. There are enough of suspects and motives to go along the reader guessing if at that place is one killer or 2. The clues are peppered throughout the story and I like how the author will often tie in how the mystery in Sam's book helps solve the main mystery.

This book is scheduled for release November 27th. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me past the publisher, Kensington, through Netgalley.

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Jan 08, 2019 Tari rated it it was amazing

This serial was SO good to begin with, but if you tin can believe it, information technology keeps getting better! This one had all the senior sleuth friends playing fairly equal parts, forth with a new retired guess friend.

When a murder at Nana Jo's retirement community points to none other than Nana Jo herself, Sam had more than a vested involvement in solving this case. She even appealed to Det. "Stinky" Pitt that if they worked together and shared information, she could guarantee him the killer before Thanksgiving. H

This series was SO proficient to begin with, but if yous tin can believe it, it keeps getting ameliorate! This one had all the senior sleuth friends playing fairly equal parts, along with a new retired judge friend.

When a murder at Nana Jo'southward retirement community points to none other than Nana Jo herself, Sam had more than a vested interest in solving this case. She even appealed to Det. "Stinky" Pitt that if they worked together and shared information, she could guarantee him the killer before Thanksgiving. He grudgingly tried to go on with that. I only love when the sleuths all get together at the bookshop or Frank'southward eating place to talk about the case. They each accept their assignments, and these tech-smart seniors are forces to reckon with. I liked that Judge Miller was in on it more this time. I'k sure he was consulting on other books (it's and then hard to remember details lol) only it was fun to get to know him a little better. Later on another murder at the retirement hamlet, the sleuths really had their easily total and Sam'southward brain was working overtime.

The showdown was absolutely awesome! Information technology was funny to picture it and let's just say the perp probably never knew what him them! At that place's an extract in the back of this volume for the next book, and I'll exist reading that excerpt quickly afterwards I leave my reviews and before I dig into the adjacent volume I desire to read.

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*I received a costless copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Equally the tertiary installment to this ambrosial series we are familiar with the characters and if you lot have non read the other 2 that is okay too as they each come to life all on their ain as the story progresses showing their distinct personalities which are hoot to say the least. We have a adequately recent widow surrounded by a group of seniors that are very decorated in their day to day lives at their community wh

*I received a free re-create of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.

Every bit the third installment to this adorable series we are familiar with the characters and if you have not read the other ii that is okay besides equally they each come to life all on their ain as the story progresses showing their distinct personalities which are hoot to say the to the lowest degree. We take a adequately recent widow surrounded past a group of seniors that are very busy in their day to day lives at their customs which seems to offering all kinds of things to keep them busy. Unfortunately murder merely happens to pop up too with Samantha's grandma the main suspect so they all get involved depending on where their skills are used best to figure it all out. Add in the charming volume store, the cute poodles, and the little town to create a literary cozy that fans tin really enjoy. Lots of trivial twists and turns to keep you lot guessing wrapped around enough amuse to really draw the reader in. Perfect for fans of literary cozies especially since we become a entire 2d story for costless as the Sam writes to relax her mind. I really liked it and then I give it 4/5 stars.

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Oct 02, 2018 Karen rated it it was astonishing

This is the third book in the serial, and my favourite and then far!
The master character is as well a writer, so there is a bonus in that there are 2 mysteries to solve within the book, which is a bonus and not a distraction from either story.
The mysteries were well written and kept me guessing!
I specially enjoy the senior citizens, who were written as smart, full of life and entertaining.
I look forrard to reading the next in the series.
I voluntarily reviewed an accelerate reader copy of this volume.

Oct 02, 2018 Kirsti rated information technology really liked it

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the chance to read this book!

I accept an odd relationship with this series, considering while I enjoy the antics that Samantha and Nana Jo get up to, I could exercise without the Regency mystery that is told aslope the main story. I mean, I get WHY it's there, but I don't have to like it as much. I feel like it's too simple or something, I merely don't know. But I did like the mystery of the two murders, and I like the dynamics developing with all of the interes

Cheers to Netgalley and the publisher for the take chances to read this book!

I have an odd relationship with this series, because while I enjoy the antics that Samantha and Nana Jo go up to, I could do without the Regency mystery that is told alongside the main story. I mean, I get WHY it'due south in that location, but I don't have to like it equally much. I experience like it's too uncomplicated or something, I just don't know. But I did like the mystery of the two murders, and I similar the dynamics developing with all of the interesting side characters, especially the oddness that is Stinky Pitt xD

Plenty of nutrient references too; this book makes me hungry! Of grade the mystery is solved and neatly wrapped up in the terminate, and there is a teaser chapter for the side by side volume which I didn't read (not a fan of teaser chapters, I never read them) A fun serial, iv stars!

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The Novel Fine art of Murder by V. Thousand. Burns is the 3rd book in the Mystery Bookshop series, and information technology is becoming one of my favorites. Samantha Washington owns Marketplace Street Mysteries bookstore in Due north Harbor, Michigan. Nana Jo always plays the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies, only this yr Maria Romanov gets the part. After a loud fight between Nana Jo and Maria, Maria is found dead and Nana Joe is the prime doubtable. Sam is determined to find the existent killer, and the sleuthing begins. This book The Novel Art of Murder by V. Yard. Burns is the 3rd book in the Mystery Bookshop series, and it is condign one of my favorites. Samantha Washington owns Market Street Mysteries bookstore in North Harbor, Michigan. Nana Jo ever plays the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies, merely this yr Maria Romanov gets the part. After a loud fight between Nana Jo and Maria, Maria is found dead and Nana Joe is the prime doubtable. Sam is adamant to detect the real killer, and the sleuthing begins. This volume was bang-up. It has so many twists and turns. The author did an excellent job, I was hooked from the beginning. I am looking forward to the side by side volume in the series. I would definitely recommend this book.

I received an ARC copy of this book from the author for an honest review.

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Oct 03, 2018 Lisa Morin rated it information technology was amazing

The Novel Art of Murder is a fun and colorful addition to the serial.
I immediately connected with the characters and this story kept me engaged from beginning to end.
The story was well told and provided plenty of twists and turns to keep me guessing.
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this volume provided by the publisher and NetGalley.

Nov 23, 2018 RO G'ma rated it really liked it

The Novel Art of Murder is the 3rd in 5. Thou. Burns' Mystery Bookshop serial. This is an entertaining read with a nifty bandage of characters and an interesting mystery. The storyline is well plotted and flows at a steady stride, with situations where I found myself laughing out loud, and lots of twists, clues, and blood-red herrings to keep me guessing. The well-adult characters are likable, various, fun, although somewhat quirky, and the master grapheme is writing a mystery book that is included withi The Novel Art of Murder is the tertiary in V. M. Burns' Mystery Bookshop series. This is an entertaining read with a great cast of characters and an interesting mystery. The storyline is well plotted and flows at a steady pace, with situations where I institute myself laughing out loud, and lots of twists, clues, and crimson herrings to keep me guessing. The well-developed characters are likable, diverse, fun, although somewhat quirky, and the principal grapheme is writing a mystery volume that is included within the storyline and provides a second mystery and clues that often assist solve the primary mystery.

Samantha "Sam" Washington is the owner of the Marketplace Street Mysteries Bookstore in Due north Harbor, Michigan. After the expiry of her husband, Sam sold their dwelling house, purchased a building, quit her teaching job, and opened a mystery bookstore. Sam, an aspiring author who'due south writing a British historical cozy mystery, lives in an apartment above the bookstore forth with her 2 aging poodles, Oreo and Snickers, and is dating Frank Patterson, the proprietor of North Harbor Café. Her grandmother, Nana Jo, owns a home in Shady Acres Retirement Village. Sam's mother makes a shocking annunciation to her family. Michigan Southwest University'due south star quarterback, Dawson Alexander, is Sam's banana, lives in the flat above her garage, and bakes succulent treats for the bookstore. Nana Jo is devastated when a new resident, Maria Romanov, beats her out of the atomic number 82 role in the Shady Acres Senior Follies non but because she'd portrayed Eudora Hooper for the by ten years, just besides because Maria had no talent. When Maria is institute murdered in her locked apartment, Nana Jo becomes Detective Brad Pitt'due south prime suspect considering they had a big argument and she was overheard threatening Maria. Sam joins her feisty grandmother and her retirement village friends, Judge Ben Miller, and Frank to articulate Nana Jo before the incompetent detective arrests her, and Sam makes a bargain with Detective Pitt to share information they discover. When some other resident, Magnus von Braun, is found dead in his apartment, Sam wonders if the two incidents are connected. Sam often turns to her writing to aid her think and discovers her writing ofttimes parallels the existent-life mysteries she's trying to solve.

I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.

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Carrie Schmidt (Reading is My SuperPower)

This is my start book by 5.One thousand. Burns and it won't exist my final! While this is the third in the series, information technology tin can easily be read as a standalone – but I'm totally going to go back and read the first two books at my earliest opportunity.

Samantha "Sam" is a peachy heroine, someone you'd like to have every bit a friend for sure. Not only does she run a successful mystery bookstore merely she also gets to carry out her dream of writing. I loved how Sam uses the events in the story we're reading to parallel things in

This is my first book by V.G. Burns and it won't be my last! While this is the third in the series, it can easily be read as a standalone – but I'm totally going to go back and read the first ii books at my earliest opportunity.

Samantha "Sam" is a bang-up heroine, someone you lot'd like to have as a friend for sure. Not only does she run a successful mystery bookstore but she too gets to carry out her dream of writing. I loved how Sam uses the events in the story nosotros're reading to parallel things in the story she'southward writing, a story inside a story of sorts. And of course there's the ladies of the Shady Acres retirement village, including Sam'south Nana Jo who is bandage every twelvemonth in the leading office of the Shady Acres Senior Follies. Therein lies the problem – and the murder – this twelvemonth, and Sam needs the aid of the other ladies at Shady Acres to keep her Nana Jo from being arrested. Enter a bevy of delightful, quirky, and various characters who are full of life and intelligence and wit. I loved these secondary characters and can't wait for some other adventure to visit with them.

Bottom Line: A well-written cozy mystery with charm and heart, The Novel Fine art of Murder is a truly enjoyable read from start to stop. The murder instance itself was nicely-plotted and kept me guessing until the big reveal, and the dash of romance of course had my full attention. Vividly-drawn characters represent a mix of ages and race, and each had a function to play. Looking forward to more from this author and series!

(I voluntarily reviewed a gratis copy of this volume)

kickoff seen at Reading Is My SuperPower

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Offset of all, this cover is adorable! I love how the artist personalized the two poodles, and made them very different in character. Wonderfully illustrated! Second, it's wonderful to read how strongly these ladies are connected. Samantha Winston, bookstore owner and widow; her grandmother Nano Jo; and the friends of Nana Jo's who all live at the retirement complex; plus Nana Jo's retired constabulary officeholder boyfriend and Sam'south new boyfriend with the mysterious past (perchance covert regime agency Beginning of all, this comprehend is adorable! I honey how the artist personalized the two poodles, and made them very different in character. Wonderfully illustrated! Second, it's wonderful to read how strongly these ladies are continued. Samantha Winston, bookstore owner and widow; her grandmother Nano Jo; and the friends of Nana Jo's who all live at the retirement circuitous; plus Nana Jo'due south retired constabulary officer young man and Sam'southward new boyfriend with the mysterious past (maybe covert government agency), are all "fun" characters, whom the author draws very realistically. All are strongly united friends, mostly unselfish, devoted to each other. The book is and so encouraging in that manner, equally is the grouping'due south diligence at ferreting out a murderer, and the contrast with the admittedly bumbling law detective, "Stinky" Pitt. I highly recommend this series. ...more

This is the third book in the serial well-nigh widower Samantha, who owns a mystery bookstore while solving murders. Y'all know why I really love this book, it's by an African American woman author, it's most a bookstore possessor, the grandmother, who knows how to use a gun and can do karate, with her very intelligent and funny retirement friends, show you lot how a real murder is solved and information technology doesn't matter the age. Agatha Christie would be proud. Information technology'due south funny and you don't have cute until fashion later in the This is the third book in the series virtually widower Samantha, who owns a mystery bookstore while solving murders. You know why I really love this volume, it's by an African American woman author, it's about a bookstore owner, the grandmother, who knows how to use a gun and tin practice karate, with her very intelligent and funny retirement friends, show you lot how a real murder is solved and it doesn't thing the historic period. Agatha Christie would be proud. Information technology'south funny and you don't accept cute until way subsequently in the volume who the killer is. ...more

May 31, 2020 Kelsey rated information technology it was amazing

This is the 3rd book in the series, and information technology is just as sweetness and entertaining as the previous two! I cannot recommend this serial enough. Information technology is a lite-hearted, funny, clever, and well-written serial with fantastically quirky characters. How many serial have senior citizens every bit the chief hero? If you haven't read these books I would highly recommend them for a cozy weekend read. This is the tertiary volume in the series, and it is just as sweetness and entertaining every bit the previous two! I cannot recommend this series enough. It is a light-hearted, funny, clever, and well-written series with fantastically quirky characters. How many series have senior citizens as the master hero? If you haven't read these books I would highly recommend them for a cozy weekend read. ...more

It'southward a cute story whose characters remind me of some of my older relatives then they were nonetheless effectually. It'southward a cute story whose characters remind me of some of my older relatives then they were still effectually. ...more than

The FountainPenDiva, Old school geek chick and lover of teddy bears

I'm really hooked on these and despite how annoying I yet detect the lack of description for Samantha (still am envisioning Octavia Spencer and will proceed to practice so until someone stops playing footsie because they don't believe readers will believe a Black adult female as accidental sleuth), I find the intertwined classic English language mystery and the modern story very clever. I'thou also a big fan of the Sexy Seniors Sleuths, lol (non what they're really called but what I think of them). Thankfully Samantha I'grand really hooked on these and despite how annoying I still find the lack of description for Samantha (nonetheless am envisioning Octavia Spencer and volition continue to practice so until someone stops playing footsie because they don't believe readers will believe a Black woman as accidental sleuth), I detect the intertwined classic English mystery and the modern story very clever. I'm likewise a big fan of the Sexy Seniors Sleuths, lol (not what they're really called but what I think of them). Thankfully Samantha is starting to go her groove back and non acting like an sometime woman, which I like to call up is due to being around seniors who are living their all-time lives. My favorite is Irma, all big hair and stripper heels. ...more

October 22, 2018 Janet Graham rated it it was astonishing

Cozy Mystery Inside a Mystery
This is another episode in the Mystery Bookshop series. The book is actually a mystery inside a mystery. Our heroine is attempting to solve a real-life criminal offense while she is also writing a murder mystery. Equally readers, we get to savor 2 developing stories and solve 2 mysteries. It is such fun! The plot is tight with enough of suspects and motives in both stories. All of the characters are well developed. This is the offset of this series that I have read and it makes me wa Cozy Mystery Inside a Mystery
This is another episode in the Mystery Bookshop series. The book is actually a mystery inside a mystery. Our heroine is attempting to solve a real-life criminal offence while she is also writing a murder mystery. As readers, we get to savour 2 developing stories and solve two mysteries. It is such fun! The plot is tight with plenty of suspects and motives in both stories. All of the characters are well developed. This is the first of this series that I have read and it makes me desire more! I volition be reading all of this author'south piece of work that I can. I received this ARC book for free and this is my honest review. ...more than

#65 I love books most books, bookstores, in other words, all things tomes and The Novel Art of Murder by 5. M. Burns certainly fills the nib. Part of the Mystery Bookshop series, this cozy includes a bandage of endearing senior citizens who must solve not one, but 2 murders at Shady Acres. The information about Operation Paperclip was fascinating. Release appointment November 27.

I received a free copy of THE NOVEL Fine art OF MURDER (Book 3 of the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries) by V.M. Burns in commutation for an honest review. Samantha Washington is shut to her grandmother and her grandmother'southward friends. When a woman her grandmother recently argued with and threatened is murdered in a locked room, Nana Jo is the main doubtable. Sam is able to cut a deal with the detective; she'll find the murderer past Thanksgiving and give him the credit, or he can arrest her grandmother. When on I received a free copy of THE NOVEL Art OF MURDER (Book iii of the Mystery Bookshop Mysteries) past V.1000. Burns in exchange for an honest review. Samantha Washington is close to her grandmother and her grandmother's friends. When a adult female her grandmother recently argued with and threatened is murdered in a locked room, Nana Jo is the primary suspect. Sam is able to cut a bargain with the detective; she'll notice the murderer by Thanksgiving and give him the credit, or he tin arrest her grandmother. When ane of Nana Jo's friends is present during the poisoning of some other retirement home resident, Sam has to figure out how the homicides are linked. Through it all, Sam takes the time to write a World War Two era murder mystery of her ain.

I haven't read the other books in the series, so I don't call back I had the connexion to the characters I could take had. Over all, this story was pretty entertaining. You get the bonus of two mystery books for the cost of one.

#TheNovelArtOfMurder #NetGalley

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Sep 29, 2018 Fred rated it it was amazing

A Novel Art Of Murder is the 3rd book in the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series.

I enjoyed another visit with Samantha(Sam), her grandmother Nana-Jo, and Nana-Jo's "posse" from the retirement community.

Nana-Jo is mad plenty to spit nails as this story starts. Nana-Jo has played the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies for the concluding ten years. Merely this twelvemonth the atomic number 82 role has been given to Maria Romanov. Nana-Jo and her posse just don't understand, as Maria tin't carry a tune in a bushel basket.

A Novel Fine art Of Murder is the 3rd book in the A Mystery Bookshop Mystery series.

I enjoyed another visit with Samantha(Sam), her grandmother Nana-Jo, and Nana-Jo's "posse" from the retirement community.

Nana-Jo is mad enough to spit nails as this story starts. Nana-Jo has played the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies for the last ten years. Simply this twelvemonth the atomic number 82 role has been given to Maria Romanov. Nana-Jo and her posse just don't understand, every bit Maria can't carry a tune in a bushel handbasket. This causes a very loud argument between Nana-Jo and Maria in forepart of several witnesses. Then when Maria is institute dead from a gunshot, Nana-Jo becomes a prime suspect. Sam and Nana-Jo and their friends brainstorm to investigate to clear Nana-Jo'south name. Then, when Irma finds Magnus von Braun, another resident, is found dead in his apartment from an apparent poisoning, Sam begins to wonder if at that place might exist more than one killer. They now ready off to learn if in that location is anything to tie each other to a single killer or non.

Sam is an aspiring author and has finished a couple manuscripts and has plant that turning to write her adjacent book helps her to detect the answers to the actual mysteries that are being faced in the real world. This volume within a book deals with Winston Churchill who is hosting a house party at his home, Chartwell House.

I feel this book is well-written and plotted and a very interesting bandage of characters. Information technology also has plenty red herrings and twist and turns to keep me guessing till the heady ending. I likewise enjoy having a story within a story.

I will definitely exist watching for the adjacent volume in this interesting series.

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Aug 30, 2020 Ellen rated information technology information technology was amazing

The Novel Art of Murder (Mystery Bookshop, #iii) past V.Grand. Burns.

This is the 3rd in this series and my 3rd. Nana Jo is furious to put information technology lightly that she wasn't given her usual role in the Shady Acres Senior follies. A role that was tailor-made for her and which she has had for the past several years. Her role has been given to a total stranger, someone from who knows where. Maria Romanov was outrageous and gaudy to boot. Her acting skills didn't be as Nana Jo watched from the audience and Maria'

The Novel Art of Murder (Mystery Bookshop, #three) by Five.M. Burns.

This is the 3rd in this series and my third. Nana Jo is furious to put it lightly that she wasn't given her usual role in the Shady Acres Senior follies. A role that was tailor-fabricated for her and which she has had for the past several years. Her role has been given to a full stranger, someone from who knows where. Maria Romanov was outrageous and gaudy to kick. Her acting skills didn't exist equally Nana Jo watched from the audience and Maria's clothes were depressingly hideous. No i seemed able to calm Nana Jo down. Maria's claim to be descended from royalty adds to her long list of lies.

Maria is plant with a bullet to her head which points towards Nana Jo equally her killer. Detective Pitt puts Nana Jo with the means, motive and opportunity to be named the #1 suspect in this murder. Now it's up to Sam to prove beyond a reasonable dubiety that Nana Jo is innocent of all charges.
This is but the beginning of this mystery. Along the way, another murder takes place within Shady Acres Nursing Home. Is that murder continued to Maria'south murder? Who amongst the residents could have known both these victims?
Samantha keeps her nerves intact by writing her own novel. She finds that her novel basically parallels the goings-on in reality. I became more than interested in this novel within a novel than I had been before. Well researched with historical facts during Winston Churchill's era fabricated information technology all the more engrossing.
Highly recommended.

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I adore the characters in this serial and The Novel Art of Murder. Ms. Burns does a cute job of allow even the secondary characters to shine. The bookshop workers and their friends are the stars of the volume even though none of them are the principal suspect this time. In fact, things at the bookshop are going bully but the same can't be said for the retirement village our favorite seniors live in. History from as far back as Globe War Two and as recent every bit the concluding decade come into play when a I adore the characters in this series and The Novel Fine art of Murder. Ms. Burns does a cute task of allow even the secondary characters to polish. The bookshop workers and their friends are the stars of the volume fifty-fifty though none of them are the main suspect this time. In fact, things at the bookshop are going great but the aforementioned tin't exist said for the retirement hamlet our favorite seniors live in. History from as far back as Earth War 2 and as recent every bit the terminal decade come into play when a recent addition to the retirement condos is institute expressionless in her room. The complexity of the background was fascinating but I was a fleck disappointed that the murderer seemed likewise obvious. Since I read the volume as an ARC in that location could be changes, and I can't expect to read the terminal product to see if that has happened. Of course, the person I think is virtually obvious ordinarily isn't and other readers oft have different ideas. The possible motives and intertwined characters still kept me hooked to the primary mystery as much equally the wonderful characters. As has been the norm, the historical romance that Sam is writing has parallels that assistance her piece of work through the real mystery as well every bit the newest volume in the serial that she is writing. I love that we get 2 whole mysteries rather than only snippets of Sam's piece of work. ...more than

Nov 26, 2018 Susan rated it it was amazing

Some series start to fade a bit by book three but this series just keeps getting better. Sam and her grandmother, Nana Jo are two people I would love to have as family. Add to that Sam's bookstore and the books she writes, well, I just want to climb into the book and stay there. I read this one on a rainy afternoon, sitting in my comfy chair with a big mug of tea - pure bliss.
This time Nana Jo is the prime doubtable when somebody else takes center phase with the leading office in the Shady Acres Sen Some series offset to fade a bit by book three simply this serial just keeps getting amend. Sam and her grandmother, Nana Jo are two people I would love to accept as family. Add to that Sam'southward bookstore and the books she writes, well, I only want to climb into the book and stay there. I read this i on a rainy afternoon, sitting in my comfy chair with a big mug of tea - pure elation.
This time Nana Jo is the prime suspect when somebody else takes center stage with the leading role in the Shady Acres Senior Follies. (How can I get a front row seat?) Nana Jo more than a fiddling blows a gasket and, in front of witnesses, tells Maria what she really feels about it. Oops, non good as Maria is after plant very dead and fingers all betoken to Nana Jo. Turns out she wasn't the only one with a motive for murder. Maria was known to play effectually with the truth and in that location are some secrets in her life to dig up. Sam had better start earthworks fast to keep Nana Jo out of the slammer.
I would encourage a reader new to this series to read them in social club to become the near out of each one but, if this is already within your reach, grab it and settle down to a very well crafted mystery. Then go get the previous ones. I'thousand already for book #iv.
My thanks to the publisher Kensington and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in exchange for my honest review. ...more

November 08, 2018 Nicole rated it information technology was amazing

V.M. Burns' The Novel Art of Murder is the third mannerly volume in her Mystery Bookshop serial about widow Samantha Washington, her grandmother, and Nana Jo'due south band of senior sleuths. Murder hits a piffling too close to home for Sam when Nana Jo is a suspect in the untimely death of a resident in her retirement community. Poison, blackmail, Nazis, and priceless stolen artwork all characteristic in this very cozy mystery, and Ms. Burns has once once more included snippets of the delightful English cozy that Sam i V.M. Burns' The Novel Art of Murder is the 3rd charming book in her Mystery Bookshop serial about widow Samantha Washington, her grandmother, and Nana Jo'south band of senior sleuths. Murder hits a piddling too close to dwelling for Sam when Nana Jo is a doubtable in the untimely death of a resident in her retirement community. Poison, blackmail, Nazis, and priceless stolen artwork all feature in this very cozy mystery, and Ms. Burns has once again included snippets of the delightful English cozy that Sam is writing (a mystery on its own!!!) for an added bonus. I love, love, love this serial and highly recommend it! 5 stars! ...more

Feb 08, 2019 Meg rated it it was amazing

In, The Novel Fine art of Murder, book 3, we welcome back Sam (Samantha) Wainwright forth with her Nana Jo and a remarkable cast of characters, more often than not Nana Jo's senior posse, from the previous books. I really admire these characters and have fallen in love with them. I am beginning to feel as if they are a part of my family, and I cannot look to hear from them again.

In this story, Sam must attempt to save her Nana Jo from being taken in as a murderer. Each year Nana Jo has a lead in the Senior Community'

In, The Novel Art of Murder, book 3, nosotros welcome back Sam (Samantha) Wainwright along with her Nana Jo and a remarkable cast of characters, mostly Nana Jo'south senior posse, from the previous books. I really admire these characters and have fallen in love with them. I am beginning to feel as if they are a part of my family unit, and I cannot wait to hear from them again.

In this story, Sam must attempt to save her Nana Jo from being taken in as a murderer. Each year Nana Jo has a pb in the Senior Community's play – until this year. When some other person is given the pb – one who Nana Jo dislikes immensely, she sure as heck lets her know! When the extra turns up dead, Nana Jo is suspected of the criminal offense. Sam and Nana Jo's group of energetic seniors, along with the help of family and friends race to find who murdered this woman and the many secrets behind her life.

One of the many reasons I savour this serial so much is that Sam, also writes British cozy mysteries while running a mystery bookshop. In that location is a cozy mystery within a cozy mystery. Ms. Burns achieves the perfect balance as she incorporates the two mysteries within the one book. As a talented writer, and storyteller, I await forward too many more books from this lovely lady!

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Aaaaaah I'grand so torn!

On 1 hand, I'm loving the mystery side of this novel, and am even enjoying the book-inside-the-book every bit well. On the other, this is the second book in a row where the victim (Maria) was some "floozy" that Nana Jo and the crew could slut-shame!

I'd sympathise information technology if they were all uppity, bourgeois old women who tin't get with the times (I wouldn't agree with it, but at least it would make sense), but they're generally sexually liberated old women with active sexual activity lives who judge

Aaaaaah I'yard so torn!

On one hand, I'grand loving the mystery side of this novel, and am even enjoying the book-within-the-volume also. On the other, this is the second book in a row where the victim (Maria) was some "floozy" that Nana Jo and the crew could slut-shame!

I'd understand it if they were all uppity, conservative erstwhile women who can't get with the times (I wouldn't agree with it, but at least it would make sense), but they're mostly sexually liberated old women with active sexual activity lives who judge other women for the aforementioned choices if they're not "skillful" (ie. likable) women. I keep thinking of all my "feminist" high schoolhouse classmates who routinely slut-shamed fellow students, yet I'one thousand reading about octogenarians and these books were released Afterwards I graduated high school!

I've briefly read through the reviews for the adjacent volume (Wednesday, Read & Expressionless) and I'm unsure if the blueprint is broken; information technology seems like the victim is one time again an unlikable adult female, only I couldn't find anyone referencing any slut-shaming (though, I couldn't find any reviews mentioning it for this volume either, so I'm non property my jiff).

Regardless, I probably need a bit of infinite in between these books. Luckily, that decision has been made for me because my library just had the first three books stocked; I'll probable pick the next 1 upwardly, but it's dependent on when the library gets it in. For now, I'm gonna have to put a intermission on this series, and that'due south probably for the all-time!

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The minor town of North Harbor, Michigan, is just non big enough for the two of them: flamboyant phony Maria Romanov and feisty Nana Jo. The insufferable Maria claims she's descended from Russian royalty and even had a fling with King Edward VIII back in the mean solar day. She'south not just a lousy liar, she's a bad actress, so when she nabs the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies—a part Nana Jo plays every year in their retirement hamlet production—Nana Jo blows a gasket and reads her the riot human activity in fr The small-scale town of North Harbor, Michigan, is just not big plenty for the two of them: flamboyant phony Maria Romanov and feisty Nana Jo. The detestable Maria claims she's descended from Russian royalty and even had a fling with King Edward VIII dorsum in the day. She's not just a lousy liar, she's a bad extra, so when she nabs the lead in the Shady Acres Senior Follies—a part Nana Jo plays every year in their retirement hamlet production—Nana Jo blows a gasket and reads her the riot human activity in front of everyone. Of course, when Maria is silenced with a bullet to the caput, Nana Jo lands the leading role on the suspects list. [amazon synopsis]

Over again with the help of the Sleuthing Seniors, much information is discovered that will prove Nana Jo is innocent. I dear "Stinky" Pitt. I don't dear the volume inside a book.

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Nana Jo finds herself in hot water as a rival actress in the Shady Acres Senior Follies ends up dead. Nana Jo was seen and heard arguing and threatening this rival and she soon becomes the primary suspect.

Soon after, some other resident of Shady Acres ends up dead and it looks similar the murders are connected.

With Detective Pitt on the prowl to make an arrest it looks like Sam and the Sleuthing Senior Book Club have their work cut out for them. Can they save Nana Jo in time?

This is such a fun series.

Nana Jo finds herself in hot h2o as a rival extra in the Shady Acres Senior Follies ends upward expressionless. Nana Jo was seen and heard arguing and threatening this rival and she soon becomes the primary suspect.

Soon afterward, another resident of Shady Acres ends up expressionless and it looks like the murders are connected.

With Detective Pitt on the prowl to make an abort it looks like Sam and the Sleuthing Senior Book Social club have their piece of work cut out for them. Can they save Nana Jo in time?

This is such a fun series. It has everything a cozy lover could want with the added bonus of a mystery within a mystery. I really enjoy the short British cozies that pop upwards during these books. I love all the characters and the setting.

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V.Grand. Burns was built-in in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted foam. Subsequently many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2022 Agatha Award V.Thousand. Burns was born in Northwestern Indiana and spent many years in
Southwestern Michigan on the Lake Michigan shoreline. She is a lover of dogs,
British historic cozies, and scones with clotted cream. After many years in the
Midwest she went in search of milder winters and currently lives in Northern Georgia with her poodles. Her debut novel, The Plot is Murder was nominated for a 2022 Agatha Award for Best First Novel. Her brusk story, "The Vermeer Conspiracy" was nominated for an Edgar Honor in 2022. Valerie is a member of Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers, Crime Writers Association, and Sisters in Crime. Readers can larn more by visiting her website at vmburns.com.

Contact Info: author@vmburns.com

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