Title: A Murder at the Movies
Series: A Secret Bookcase Mystery
By: Ellie Alexander
ISBN: 9781805084105 (ISBN10: 1805084100)
Website: http://www.elliealexander.co/
Brought to you by OBS reviewer Andra
Summary:
When bookseller and events organizer Annie Murray invites the glamorous world of Hollywood along to her small-town film festival, she finds herself entangled in a sinister plot as twisted as any big-screen thriller…
After the success of her first event, which revived the fortunes of the bookstore she loves so dearly, Annie is excited to launch Redwood Grove’s first film festival. But when an infamous film critic plunges to his death during the premiere of a Hitchcock-inspired thriller, Annie’s instincts tell her that this was no accident. She soon discovers that many of the cast, crew and guests are harboring dark secrets; from the lead actress with a scandalous past, to a film historian obsessed with protecting his vintage reel collection.
Determined to unravel the mystery, Annie must sift through a tangled web of hidden agendas and deception to expose the killer before they strike again. Can she crack the case and save her film festival – or will she find herself in the spotlight? (Goodreads)
Review:
Ellie Alexander and her storytelling have done it again. This second book, A Murder at the Movies, in Alexander’s new series – A Secret Bookcase Mystery series – is just as engaging as the first book Body in the Bookstore. Well, maybe even more so since I have already become invested in the main characters and the town of Redwood Grove!
Life has settled down in Redwood Grove after the very successful town-wide mystery weekend. And now Annie is approached by an independent filmmaker, Heather Hathaway, hoping to hold a movie premiere for her new movie “Midnight Alibi”. This sparks a mystery film weekend! I loved how the bookstore had Hitchcock themed displays at the movie theatre. And if we know anything, a simple fun filled weekend is bound to contain at least one tragedy. And indeed it does. When the film critic attending the premiere ends up dead, it has everyone wondering – did he fall from the balcony during the premiere by accident or as a result of nefarious means? And of course – Annie must dust off her sleuthing skills and get to the truth – no matter what it takes.
I enjoyed the way Annie methodically worked through her list of potential suspects, disproving and proving various aspects of the case. Naturally, I can’t give too much (or virtually nothing) away so as to leave the mystery to each individual reader. Let me say though that the winding route Annie takes is an enjoyable journey which kept this reader entertained.
Getting to know the townsfolk of Redwood Grove was a real treat. However, without giving away too much, I am embarrassed by assumptions made from reading the first book in the series. Assumptions were made about Pri’s crush on one particular customer – “Double Americano with cold foam”. I do say though that as a reader, I am very happy to finally have been properly introduced to “Double Americano” and all is good. And Pri is ecstatic to have finally spoken to her crush as well – though with a wee bit of shy stumbling to begin with ☺. Can’t wait to see where this brewing love story may lead.
What an interesting (and fun) way to introduce a new series – by releasing the first two books at the same time. It gave this reader a chance to really get invested in the regular characters. And I must say, there are some pretty terrific recurring characters in this series. I cannot wait to see if Annie decides to pursue a career using her Criminology degree (way to go Dr. Caldwell by keeping Annie in the loop and using her superior deductive reasoning skills), will Annie keep pursuing the truth to find who murdered her best friend Scarlet and finally, will the sparks between Liam and Annie lead to romance or just a solid and deep friendship? Can’t wait to read book three in the series (and I hear a fourth is on the horizon as well!).
If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I would like to suggest picking up A Murder at the Movies, this second book in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series, by Ellie Alexander. Settle down for a read which will keep you guessing as to ‘whodunit’ until the end.
