BOOK: A MURDER AT THE MOVIES
AUTHOR: ELLIE ALEXANDER @ellie_alexander
PUB DATE: JUNE 2024
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REVIEW
Thanks to Netgalley and the Publisher for this ARC. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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First of all, my favorite part of this book was the Secret Bookcase, the bookstore where the FMC worked. It's a place I wish I could visit because I loved the author's description of it. The owner, Hal, and Annie's coworker, Fletcher, were amazing characters. I liked the setting of Redgrove Town. It was a perfect small town.
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This was a typical book in a cozy mystery, but what added the extra edge was that the FMC was kinda equipped to be a sleuth thanks to her criminology degree. In addition to that, there's the mystery of Scarlet's murder.
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The victim deserved his ending. He was horrible.i was kinda hoping that his murderer won't be caught. There were a lot of suspects, and they all had motives, so it was exciting to see how Annie untangled the webs. I also liked her approach to solving the case and uncovering the secrets of the suspects. I had no idea who the suspect was until the great unveiling. I just wished that his motives had been explained extensively.
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I love Annie and Liam's relationship and the chemistry between them. I can't wait to see what's next for them!
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This book was amazing, and I'd definitely recommend it. I was not even confused although this is the second book in the series. I can't wait to read the next book in the series!

We are back in the cozy town setting, but now instead of a book festival it is an international movie premiere. If it sounds a bit odd, it is but the town rises to the occasion which brings Hollywood actors, film makers and critics.

Another big event in town, and another body shows up, but thankfully not in the bookstore! Our main character of course can’t help but investigate again.

I hope there is more to this quirky series, I will read them if there is more!

I loved this book! It’s a perfect continuation from the first one! I couldn’t put it down and I absolutely cannot wait for the next one!

Second in the Secret Bookcase Mysteries, Annie is helping plan another big event in her town Redwood Grove. Annie is still figuring out how involved she wants to get with her old crime professor turned detective, in helping solve crimes after having given up her college plans to use her degree in criminology. She has delved back into tracking down information on her former best friend’s murder after her professor shares details from the case she hadn’t known before. This mystery runs through both books but little detail is provided, such as how her friend died. Annie’s involvement with a new indie film’s promotion and shocking murder, is the focus of the book, along with her conflicting feelings towards bar owner, Liam. We start to learn a little bit more about Liam, though the relationship between the 2 characters feels dysfunctional with Annie being confused by him being nice to her, instead of insulting. I love strong female characters but this feels a bit like the trope of “he is mean to you because he likes you” and this is something that makes her heart flutter and makes me wary of this relationship and of Annie’s judgment. The high point of this book is the side character Pri, Annie’s current best friend, connecting with a long-time crush. I would enjoy a spin-off about the two of them.

Once again, her writing captivated me and made me read without realizing how fast I was flipping the pages (or I should say, swiping on my device). There was a lot at stake, and I was rooting for the main characters to solve the mystery before someone else's life was taken.

This is the second book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery Series. Good news! It releases tomorrow (June 19, 2024)
Even better news! This book and the first book in the series (The Body in the Bookstore) will both be released tomorrow!

From the blurb:
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…

My highlights from this book:

"You're witnessing the great art of ass-kissing. Sit back and enjoy."

"I don't know, it depends how dirty you get." "How dirty do you want me to get?" I WILL NOT SAY WHAT THIS IS ABOUT (although I will tell you that there is a slight romance subplot, don't worry, nothing that overshadows the mystery) But if Ellie Alexander decides to write a romance book I will be reading it.

[Potential spoilers, maybe]
An issue that I had was that there were conflicts between the characters and it was never explained why. A character would react to something that was done off-page, but I kept hoping to find out what it was in hopes of getting something (a clue, if you'd like to call it that) to help me solve the mystery, but the problem in question was not brought up. There seemed to be some small plot holes. Another small thing was that Annie has a Criminology degree and a background for investigating cases, but she missed the most basic observation with one of the biggest clues that could lead her to the murderer. That just felt off to me, considering that her observation skills are supposed to be great to the point of receiving praise from law enforcement.

Murder at the Movies by Ellie Alexander
4.5/5⭐
This book comes out TOMORROW!!

Thank you to netgalley, Ellie Alexander, and Storm Publishing for this eBook in exchange for an honest review.

This is book number two in the secret bookcase mystery series: a bookshop series based on mysteries with a hint of a budding romance. What more can someone ask for? In book number one we had an immersive bookish mystery festival full of food, drinks and books. Can I get a yes please to all of those. In this book we have a summer movie mystery filled weekend. Again, Yes please! But when your festivals are built around mysteries, it can be hard to tell what's real and what's a part of the show.

With Annie's mystery festival being a success and putting Redwood Grove on the map. Hollywood wants to come to town to play. Will Annie 's movie mystery filled weekend also be a success or will a murder stop them in their tracks? This book did feel a little bit slower than the first. Though the initial action took place towards the beginning, figuring out what happened was more stretched out. Getting closer to the end things really picked up as the pieces started falling into place.

I got to say the references in Ellie's books are always great, especially when she shouts out another author's work. The descriptions of this small town are so atmospheric and do not disappoint. With the murder being at the movies, it takes a new point of view in the story, but you get some of your favorite places and characters of town in this book as well. However, this book ends on a cliffhanger and will leave you begging for more.

#netgalley #netgalleyreview #elliealexander #murderatthemovies #junereads #cozymystery #cozy #book #bookish

This is a good cosy mystery.
Annie is happy that the mystery festival she arranged was so successful, but is surprised when a Hollywood director wants her to organize a Hitchcock-themed film festival featuring her movie. But when a man falls to his death during the premiere, Annie gets drawn into the investigation.
The victim was not a popular man and almost everyone associated with the movie had the potential to want him dead, so it was great trying to work out who the killer was.
Thanks to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.

This is book #2 in this new series, and it just keeps getting better. I liked the first book in this series, but I loved this one. I flew through the pages in one night.

Since the mystery-themed book festival was such a success and boon for the local economy, it seems only fitting that they continue to sponsor more events to bring more visitors to their small town.

Annie Murray receives a phone call from a movie company who wants to come to Redwood Grove for a film festival. Hollywood is coming to the small, quaint town and things will never be the same.

As the visitors arrive, you can feel the tension in the air. It is a dog eat dog world in the moviemaking business, and it seems there are no friends in this group as everyone is more concerned for themselves. There are also some deep secrets that need to stay dark. When a film critic falls to his death, Annie knows this is not an accident. This guy was very unlikable, and he definitely had no friends. The suspects are numerous and emotions are running high. Good luck solving this mystery as the author does a bang-up job of fooling you every which way you turn. I love it!

This book was so much fun to read as this new cast of characters are already beginning to grow on me. This town and the ones who live there are my new fictional friends. I am already addicted to this new series. You are left with another cliffhanger in this one which will leave you wanting more. I need the next book soon.

Thank you to Storm Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC. I am leaving this review voluntarily.

What a way to end the book!! A cliffhanger! I need more of this series immediately, it’s so fun and exciting. I’m obsessed with the characters and the town

Full of twists and turns as well as surprises and humor! A great followup to Book 1 A Body in the Bookstore. This series has been great and I couldn't put down this book either! Finished in one sitting.

The idea for a film festival being partnered with the bookstore is a great idea. We get to see a different side to Liam in this book. He made me laugh a few times. Hmmm, perhaps there is hope for him. I loved how he stood up for Annie. Is there relationship potential here? I do wish we got more of Annie’s cat, Professor Plum. The mystery kept me guessing. I was totally focusing on the wrong person. The ending…..whooooo!!!

I am ready for the next book. I hope we get more answers on Scarlet’s case.

This was another fun and entertaining mystery in Redwood Grove! I'm enjoying these new characters and the slight edge to these books (people who drink cocktails? Occasional light swear words thrown in? Whoohoo!) compared to the usual cozy mysteries. Honestly I felt like the actual mystery in this one took a backstage to the slow burn of the ongoing storylines - Double Americano, Liam + Annie, etc. - but was still fun. I have loved all of Ellie Alexander's mystery series and look forward to more adventures with Annie and the gang!

3.5 stars! This was such a fun and fast-paced murder mystery! I loved the mystic small town and thriller bookstore that operated as the setting for the book. Annie is such a sharp-minded FMC and I loved her determination to uncover the murderer. Whilst trying to solve the main murder mystery, I also appreciated the underlying murder case of her friend Scarlet which is still ongoing. The banter between Annie and Liam was so fun, they’re a slow burn but I loved the progression of their relationship in this book. I did find that it took quite a bit of time to reach the murder and for tension to rise, however, once it picked up I couldn’t stop reading! Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for the e-arc.

“Shouldn’t you say ‘why now’?”

The author is a master at what she does and this story is a perfect example of that. Redwoood Grove takes on a life of it’s own and you can imagine yourself walking through the streets, smelling the coffee and stopping by Liam’s place for a cold drink and an argument or two. Annie, Pri, Hal and Fletcher, the core ‘family’ in this series are likeable in their own quirky ways that make them unique to this series. And then there was the mystery, entertaining, yet in the end I saw this one coming but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. I’m already looking forward to book 3!

“Shouldn’t you say ‘why now’?”

The author is a master at what she does and this story is a perfect example of that. Redwoood Grove takes on a life of it’s own and you can imagine yourself walking through the streets, smelling the coffee and stopping by Liam’s place for a cold drink and an argument or two. Annie, Pri, Hal and Fletcher, the core ‘family’ in this series are likeable in their own quirky ways that make them unique to this series. And then there was the mystery, entertaining, yet in the end I saw this one coming but that didn’t stop me from enjoying the ride. I’m already looking forward to book 3!

I will not be reading this as it's the 2nd book in the series and I had to DNF the first.
Giving 3 stars though because the author has written others I like I just wasn't connecting with this series & its characters.

The perfect sequel to Body in the Bookcase, Annie’s story picks right back up in her small town with Murder at the Movies.
With all of the suspects, secrets, and life changes you crave after the first installment of this series, this book takes you through a thrilling movie premiere in the small town of Redwood Grove, where nothing could ever go wrong —- until it does. Again.

Continuations of the lives of Fletcher, Hal, Pri, Liam, and Annie —with a potential romance blossoming in the background— Redwood Grove is so idillic. I can’t wait for the next book to see what happens next!

This is book 2 in the secret bookcase series. This series should be read in order due to the overarching mystery introduced in book 1. I enjoyed revisiting this small town California and these characters. It had a great mystery and I can’t wait to read more in this series!

We return to Redwood Grove for the second book in this series. This town is so charming I wish I was there the entire book. I really enjoyed Annie and Liam’s love story progressing and can’t wait for the next book in the series. This book focused on a movie critic who was murdered who everyone had a motive for. It was a fun time trying to figure out who done it. Annie and her friends and the staff from the Secret Bookcase were there to take on the case. Can’t wait for the next book to come out.

“A Murder at the Movies” is a cozy mystery set in Redwood Grove, home of the Secret Bookcase Mystery book shop. I thoroughly enjoyed this light mystery, that followed the events shortly after the first book, building on the character development and community that Alexander has so deftly created. Redwood Grove is definitely a community that I’d love to visit, whether for the Mystery Fest of book one, the movie festival and premier of this book, or simply to meet the characters and visit the book shop.

I quite liked the development of our core characters and seeing their personalities come to life. I especially enjoy Liam’s character as well as the tension and banter between Annie and Liam. Their blossoming relationship and mindset for crime solving are sure to keep things interesting as the series progresses. I also really enjoy the development of each of the main characters and can’t wait to see what happens between Pri and Double Americano. And you guys, Professor Plum is back (Annie’s cat - this might just be my new favourite pet name)!

I love that the book’s plot was sorted by book’s end, however more enticing information was discovered, though not yet revealed, about her best friend Scarlett’s death (which happened several years earlier), at the end of the book. The result is that I am eagerly awaiting the release of book three even more than I was before.

Believe it or not, I have never been in a themed or single genre bookstore, but you can bet that after reading about this series and seeing others post about genre specific bookstores, I definitely would like to visit. Have you ever been?

Thank you NetGalley and @stormbooks for the advance copy of this book. I actually think I liked “A Murder at the Movies” even more than the first book - and I suspect as I get to know the cast of characters even more I’ll continue to fall for the books even more. I thoroughly enjoyed this cozy read!

#bookreview #bookrecommend #netgalley #stormpublishing @ellie_alexander @stormbooks_co #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #bookgeek #booknerd #femaleauthor #femalewriter #bookreview #mysterybooks #cozymystery #thesecretbookcase #mystery #whodunit