Louisa Henry’s dream of running a cosy bookshop is overshadowed once again by murder when she discovers a customer’s body during a delivery. Though the police rule it a suicide, Lou suspects foul play, especially given the victim’s reputation as the town bully. As she juggles solving the mystery and helping her best friend with Spring Fling preparations, Lou uncovers hidden secrets that suggest her charming new town might not be as idyllic as it seems.

 

This sequel continues the cosy mystery charm that made the first book so enjoyable, offering another light and easy read for fans of the genre. One of the highlights for me was the greater focus on background characters. It felt like the author really took the time to explore their stories and personalities this time, which added more depth to the world Lou is building around her bookshop. Some of the characters, in particular, stood out, and I found myself feeling strongly about their arcs, whether that was rooting for them or feeling conflicted about their actions. The budding romance subplot between Lou’s best friend, Willow, and Easton West was another delightful addition. Their dynamic is sweet without stealing the spotlight from the main mystery, and I have to say, Easton’s name still brings me immense joy every time I read it!

I also appreciated the way the story sets up future instalments. There’s a clear thread that hints at more to come, keeping me curious about what lies ahead for Lou and the town. This aspect of continuity makes it easier to invest in the series as a whole, even if this particular book didn’t fully hit the mark for me.

That said, there were still some elements that didn’t quite work. While I enjoyed learning more about the established cast, the introduction of brand-new characters felt like overkill. Rather than adding anything meaningful, it made the narrative feel crowded and distracted from developing the existing characters even further. It’s hard to feel invested in a constantly shifting cast, and I’d have preferred more focus on deepening the connections we already have.

One of my biggest issues, though, was the victim of the crime. It was hard to care about them at all, which dulled the stakes of the mystery. They felt more like a plot device than a person, existing only to move the story forward. As a result, the emotional impact of the murder was minimal, making it difficult to stay engaged with the investigation.

The writing itself remains simple, which is fine for a cosy mystery, but at times it lacked the polish needed to elevate the story. The overuse of the word “cringe” was especially off-putting—it felt jarring and out of place, and it’s made me hesitant about continuing with the series.

As for the mystery, while the resolution was serviceable, the lead-up was overly convoluted. It felt like the author was trying to emulate an Agatha Christie-style twist, but the execution didn’t quite land. Instead of a satisfying “aha” moment, the big reveal felt muddled and overly complicated, leaving me more frustrated than impressed.

Overall, this book had its enjoyable moments, particularly in expanding the world and its characters, but it fell short in delivering a truly compelling mystery. It’s a decent read for those who enjoy low-stakes mysteries with a warm, small-town vibe, but it didn’t leave a lasting impression.