Murder at the Movies (2024)

The Body in the Bookstore

Ellie Alexander

2024 · 1 review

Others: Mixed

Behind the shelves of The Secret Bookcase, where the sun slants through the windows onto rows of classic crime novels, a body lies... Bookseller Annie Murray is thrilled when the mystery-themed book festival she sets up to revive the dwindling fortunes of her workplace and sanctuary seems poised for success. But events take a shocking turn when a body is discovered hidden behind the shelves, and it’s revealed that the victim is Annie's old college acquaintance. Determined to ensure the festival’s success and save the small town of Redwood Grove from a killer, Annie begins piecing together clues with the help of her friends. But as the list of suspects grows longer – a local boutique-owner, an envious old classmate, a bitter ex-boyfriend – Annie is drawn deeper into the case. With the aid of her old criminology professor-turned-detective, can Annie unmask the murderer before they turn her festival into a real-life whodunit? Full of lovable, quirky characters and small-town charm, The Body in the Bookstore serves up an irresistible blend of intrigue for fans of cozy crime including Lauren Elliott, Merryn Allingham and M.C. Beaton.

Eight perfect murders

Peter Swanson

2020 · 145 pages · 4 reviews

Others: Mixed

A chilling tale of psychological suspense and an homage to the thriller genre tailor-made for fans: the story of a bookseller who finds himself at the center of an FBI investigation because a very clever killer has started using his list of fiction’s most ingenious murders. Years ago, bookseller and mystery aficionado Malcolm Kershaw compiled a list of the genre’s most unsolvable murders, those that are almost impossible to crack—which he titled “Eight Perfect Murders”—chosen from among the best of the best including Agatha Christie’s A. B. C. Murders, Patricia Highsmith’s Strangers on a Train, Ira Levin’s Death Trap, A. A. Milne's Red House Mystery, Anthony Berkeley Cox's Malice Aforethought, James M. Cain's Double Indemnity, John D. Macdonald's The Drowner, and Donna Tartt's A Secret History. But no one is more surprised than Mal, now the owner of the Old Devils Bookstore in Boston, when an FBI agent comes knocking on his door one snowy day in February. She’s looking for information about a series of unsolved murders that look eerily similar to the killings on Mal’s old list. And the FBI agent isn’t the only one interested in this bookseller who spends almost every night at home reading. The killer is out there, watching his every move—a diabolical threat who knows way too much about Mal’s personal history, especially the secrets he’s never told anyone, even his recently deceased wife. To protect himself, Mal begins looking into possible suspects . . . and sees a killer in everyone around him. But Mal doesn’t count on the investigation leaving a trail of death in its wake. Suddenly, a series of shocking twists leaves more victims dead—and the noose around Mal’s neck grows so tight he might never escape.

Whiskey Business

Adrian Andover

2025 · 1 review

Others: Positive

Reece Parker is a mixologist—shaken by his recent breakup, stirred up in a mystery, and searching for proof of his innocence... After breaking off an engagement with his fiancée, Reece Parker opens Subplot, a literary-themed underground cocktail lounge in his quaint hometown of Hope Mills, Pennsylvania. While launching a new business temporarily distracts him from self-pity, Reece's regret is compounded when he stumbles upon a customer's body behind the lounge after a whiskey club meeting gone wrong. As if he wasn't already on the rocks, his ex-fiancée's big brother is a police officer on the case. Reece takes matters into his own hands to prove his innocence, save his new lounge's reputation, and restore peace in his beloved town. But as he seeks out the victim's killer, will he meet his own bitter end? What others are saying about Whiskey Business: "With a cast of quirky characters, bookish charm on every page, and a sleuth you’ll want to root for, Whiskey Business is a fresh pour on the cozy with so much heart, a touch of humor, and a deeper look at what it means to step into who you’re meant to be." - Ellie Alexander, author of the Bakeshop Mysteries "In Whiskey Business, the first in a new series, author Adrian Andover stirs up the perfect blend of mystery, mischief, and mixology in a small town full of big secrets. When a murder rocks the quiet charm of the literary speakeasy, Subplot, a lovable cast of characters must navigate clues, cocktails, and the occasional cover-up. With clever twists, a setting you'll want to crawl right into, and just the right dash of danger, this cozy mystery is the perfect pour from start to finish." - Annie McEwen, author of the Northwoods Mysteries "A literary-themed speakeasy in a charming small town is a fabulous start to this great new series by debut author Adrian Andover! You'll want to craft your own literary cocktail while you pour over the details to help Reece shake up the suspects to find the killer." - Paula Charles, author of the Hometown Hardware Mysteries "This is such a great addition to the cozy mystery world. The book is full of heart, humor, and healthy dose of delicious sounding drinks! (And this comes from someone who doesn't drink at all)." - Nicole Asselin, author of The Ballpark Mysteries Readers love Whiskey Business, too! "Amazing debut! Fun exciting mystery, awesome likable characters, A+ puns, and a great unique premise!" - The Beachbum Bookworm review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Whiskey Business is an original new cozy mystery with a gay main character, wonderful supportive characters, a lot of heart." - Goodreads reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The book was intricately set with spaces I hope will be real some day. The attention to details in decoration, recipes and mood easily allowed distraction from the damning bits that were artfully introduced." - Goodreads reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Adrian Andover is a debut author and quickly became a top favorite of mine before I was even halfway through the book." - Goodreads reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Solid storytelling, solid plot, and enough personal stories to make you love the people." - Goodreads reader review, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐

The Beautiful

Renée Ahdieh

2019 · 432 pages · 4 reviews

Others: Mostly negative

The fourth monkey

J.D. Barker

2017 · 404 pages · 1 review

Others: Positive

"Se7en meets The Silence of the Lambs in this dark and twisting novel from the author Jeffery Deaver called, "A talented writer with a delightfully devious mind." For over five years, the Four Monkey Killer has terrorized the residents of Chicago. When his body is found, the police quickly realize he was on his way to deliver one final message, one which proves he has taken another victim who may still be alive. As the lead investigator on the 4MK task force, Detective Sam Porter knows even in death, the killer is far from finished. When he discovers a personal diary in the jacket pocket of the body, Porter finds himself caught up in the mind of a psychopath, unraveling a twisted history in hopes of finding one last girl, all while struggling with personal demons of his own. With only a handful of clues, the elusive killer's identity remains a mystery. Time is running out and the Four Monkey Killer taunts from beyond the grave in this masterfully written fast-paced thriller"--

Arsenic and Adobo

Mia P. Manansala

2021 · 336 pages · 2 reviews

Others: Positive

"The first book in a new culinary cozy series full of sharp humor and delectable dishes--one that might just be killer.... When Lila Macapagal moves back home to recover from a horrible breakup, her life seems to be following all the typical rom-com tropes. She's tasked with saving her Tita Rosie's failing restaurant, and she has to deal with a group of matchmaking aunties who shower her with love and judgment. But when a notoriously nasty food critic (who happens to be her ex-boyfriend) drops dead moments after a confrontation with Lila, her life quickly swerves from a Nora Ephron romp to an Agatha Christie case. With the cops treating her like she's the one and only suspect, and the shady landlord looking to finally kick the Macapagal family out and resell the storefront, Lila's left with no choice but to conduct her own investigation. Armed with the nosy auntie network, her barista best bud, and her trusted Dachshund, Longanisa, Lila takes on this tasty, twisted case and soon finds her own neck on the chopping block..."--