A Murder at the Movies is a new cozy mystery installment in a new series about a bookstore. This one follows the premiere of a thriller movie in a small town that ends in a mystery.

I thought this book was good! I liked all the characters and I loved the setting. The bookstore sounded so cute! I liked the little sprinkles of movie things as well.

I didn’t read the first in this series but I’ll probably go back now that they’re published and read it!

I liked this cozy mystery and I would recommend!

Thank you so much to netgalley and the publisher for the arc of this one in exchange for an honest review!

This cozy mystery, set against the backdrop of a film festival, follows a bookstore owner whose passion for sleuthing is ignited by a suspicious death. The charming setting and engaging plot make for an enjoyable read, with a clever blend of literary and bookish elements. While lighthearted and cute, the story keeps readers guessing until the end.

Astonishing for book two to be released the same day as book 1, but fantastic for those of us who can’t stand to wait for the next book in a series. I finished book 1 last night and read this one today. I want to live in Redwood Grove. The buildings, the park, the strong sense of community, it’s all perfect, well except for the murder of course. The strong bonds of friendship and the idea that friends are the family we choose continue in this book. The mystery is very clever, I however am not as I was thwarted again, my theory about the killer was way off base. The secondary mystery from book 1 continues here, and will continue into book 3, which is something I haven’t encountered before in my reading but am enjoying immensely. This has become one of my favorite series, I can’t wait for book 3.

Thanks to Netgalley and Storm Publishing for a digital ARC in exchange for an honest review.

In "A Murder at the Movies" by Ellie Alexander, readers are transported into the captivating world of small-town charm mixed with the allure of Hollywood glamour. This is book 2 in the A Secret Bookcase Mystery series. As bookseller and event organizer Annie Murray delves into the creation of Redwood Grove's first film festival, she quickly finds herself embroiled in a sinister plot that rivals any big-screen thriller. Alexander masterfully crafts a narrative that is equal parts suspenseful and charming, drawing readers into a web of intrigue that keeps them guessing until the very end.

Annie Murray emerges as a relatable and engaging protagonist, whose sharp instincts and determination drive the investigation forward. As she navigates the complexities of the film industry and uncovers dark secrets lurking beneath the surface, readers are taken on a thrilling journey filled with twists and turns. From the enigmatic lead actress with a scandalous past to the eccentric film historian obsessed with his vintage reel collection, each character adds depth and intrigue to the story, keeping readers on the edge of their seats.

The setting of Redwood Grove serves as more than just a backdrop but rather as a character in its own right, with its picturesque charm providing the perfect backdrop for the unfolding drama. Alexander's descriptive prose vividly brings the small town to life, immersing readers in its quaint streets and close-knit community. As Annie races against time to expose the killer and save her beloved film festival, the stakes are raised to thrilling heights, culminating in a gripping climax that will leave readers breathless.

Overall, "A Murder at the Movies" is a compelling and atmospheric mystery that will captivate fans of the genre from start to finish. With its engaging plot, well-developed characters, and evocative setting, Ellie Alexander delivers a thrilling read that is sure to keep readers guessing until the very end. Whether you're a fan of cozy mysteries or simply love a good whodunit, this book is guaranteed to delight and entertain.

Exciting News: Today (June 19) is Release Day for Books 1 and 2 in this NEW SERIES!

Since the interactive and immersive Mystery Festival in the spring was so successful, Annie Murray is busy coordinating preparations for the fall festival. Annie Murray is a bookseller and event coordinator at the Secret Bookcase. During an unexpected phone call, Annie can hardly believe what she hears! An independent filmmaker, Heather Hathaway, is asking Annie to coordinate the premiere of her new thriller, "Midnight Alibi," which will highlight a mystery film weekend in Redwood Grove. More publicity for the mystery bookstore inspired by Agatha Christie, complete with a secret room in the reconverted old manor house. A request Annie can't refuse!

I love armchair traveling to Redwood Grove! The allure of the bookstore and its special events, along with the chance to meet Annie Murray, her cat Professor Plum, colleague Fletcher, bookstore owner Hal Christie, former professor Dr. Caldwell, and best friend Priya (Pri) Kapoor at the coffee shop is irresistible. Surely, Pri would take me to the Stag Head so I could slyly peek at the pub owner, Liam Donovan, who gives tingles to Annie.
As charming as the setting is, the unexpected event during the premiere necessitates an intriguing investigation. More questions have led to fewer answers, with cleverly placed red herrings leading the way.

Thank you to Ellie Alexander, Storm Publishing, and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an eARC of this novel. The double treat of 2 releases on the same day is a delightful surprise for readers like me. We eagerly await the next event hosted by the Secret Bookcase.

Annie Murray's Mystery Fest was a huge success so when she gets a phone call asking her to host a movie premiere in Redwood Grove, she's all in. Unfortunately the cast and crew are a sketchy bunch and when the world's most egotistical movie reviewer dies it's anyone's guest which one of the visitors did the dirty deed. Annie's on the case again - and everyone knows. Will someone take her out before she can solve the case?

I'm pretty much sold on this series. I enjoyed the first book and this one was also quite good. The only thing I feel is missing is what I love so much about Alexander's Bake Shop series. Torte is so cozy and portrayed in such a way that I feel like I know the shop. The Secret Bookcase is not that way. It feels a bit ambiguous and though we get some descriptions about the various rooms and the secret bookcase itself (and the entire town of Redwood Grove), I don't feel like I'm being immersed in it quite like I do with Ashland and Torte. Another thing that's not doing it for me is Liam. He's kind of developing into a love interest but I don't like him and I don't like him for Annie. They have nothing in common and he's not very nice to her. He does seem to be coming around a bit, perhaps we're just a bit slow recognizing his good points since we're seeing him through Annie's lens.

All these things being said, I did enjoy this book and I do really like Annie specifically and I also love Hal and Fletcher. For me, loveable characters is the most important thing and I think that the Secret Bookcase and Redwood Grove are coming over time.

Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

Annie Murray has a degree in criminology, but after her best friend died just before their graduation, she went to work at Secret BookStore in Redwood Grove, a small town in California. The bookstore owner, Hal, and the workers, Fletcher and Annie, are all affectionate about mystery books. After the success of Mystery Fest, Annie is contacted by a filmmaker to organize the film premiere in Redwood Grove. During the Premiere Weekend, an accident happens. Annie uses some of her educational skills to help understand how the accident occurred. Mystery, romance, history, and some funny and not-so-funny things happen in this story. It is an interesting book.

After a successful mystery book weekend, Annie has been asked to host a movie premiere. It’s a Hitchcock type movie and ties in well with many of the books at her shop. The Hollywood type attendees are certainly different. But who would have expected one to take a dive off the balcony during the premiere. This is a great addition to this series. Love the characters and the town.

I definitely love the dedication. This was such a clever and twisted book. The characters are warm, lovely and some are mysterious.Annie organises the first film festival. Heather and her team arrives in the town but during the premiere of the film, Martin falls from the balcony and he couldn’t make it. While, Annie is trying to get to the bottom of his mystery. So many mysterious things happens before and during the premiere of the film. The killer is one among them. She is trying to find the links connecting to the mystery. Perhaps someone has taken Martin’s life due to revenge or so they can benefit in certain way. The mystery of his death is twisted and with truth, secrets come out too. The ending was so terrifying.

Thanks to the publisher and Author

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.