I’m loving this newest series by Ellie Alexander. The Secret Bookcase has become my favorite fictional bookstore and I would LOVE to visit…but I’ll settle for each entry as my ticket to mystery and the bookstore.

Quirky characters, a solid mystery and plenty of red herrings make this a series that needs to be on your must read list! Since this is book four in the series, you can start with this one and then binge on the previous three before the next one. Grab it now, you’ll thank me later!

A Holiday Homicide is the fourth book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander.

As the title suggests, this installment is a delightful holiday treat. Set in the charming town of Redwood Grove during the festive season, bookseller and events planner Annie Murray is busy organizing a gingerbread baking competition. The competition, more of a showcase akin to the Great British Bake-off, draws a celebrity baker and a few not-so-sweet contestants. However, when the contest takes a deadly turn, Annie and her friends must unravel the mystery of who iced the celebrity baker.

I really like all of the books in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. I was excited to continue on with the series and read this holiday-themed installment. Ellie Alexander does not disappoint. A Holiday Homicide was my favorite book in the series so far.

One of the aspects I particularly enjoyed in this book is the progression in Annie's life, from her career to her relationship with Liam and the unresolved cold case involving the death of her best friend. Ellie Alexander's inclusion of numerous delightful holiday descriptions, from the Victorian Farmhouse bakery on the town's outskirts to the sensory delights at the bake-off, adds a cozy charm to the narrative.

A Holiday Homicide is a must-read for anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries, especially those with a seasonal twist. If you're a fan of Ellie Alexander's work, this book is a perfect addition to your collection.

I received an advanced reader copy of A Holiday Homicide from Net Galley and Storm Publishing in exchange for a fair and honest review.

EXCERPT: I had to do something. I didn't want the atmosphere of the gingerbread contest to be tainted by Lily's stalker. I knew that Liam and Sugar could take care of Shane. I took the side steps onto the stage and grabbed the microphone. 'Let me say a few words, and then let's officially kick this off, okay?' I looked at Lily and Becca.
'Thank you,' Becca whispered, scotting closer to Lily. 'He freaks me out so bad. I can't stand the way he looks at Lily.'
'You mean like he's trying to undress her with his eyes?' I asked.
Becca wiped her sweaty hands on her sweatshirt. 'No, like he's calculating how he's going to cut her up into tiny pieces and stuff her into a suitcase.'
Geez.
I wasn't expecting that.

ABOUT 'A HOLIDAY HOMICIDE': Annie Murray's festive plans at the Secret Bookcase are thrown into disarray when a celebrity baker drops dead during a gingerbread-baking competition...

As whispers of foul play swirl like snowflakes, Annie soon finds herself tangled in a web of secrets, small-town rivalry, and long-buried mysteries.

With pub-owner and new love Liam by her side and the help of her loyal bookstore colleagues, Annie sets out to solve Redwood Grove’s latest murder mystery. And the closer she gets to the truth, the more she discovers that the baking community isn’t as sweet as it seems…

Can Annie unwrap the truth before the killer strikes again? Or will this be one Christmas she won't live to remember?

MY THOUGHTS: Recommended soundtrack while reading: Sugar, Sugar by the Archies.

A Holiday Homicide had me absolutely craving sweet treats while I was reading with all the talk of festive treats including acres of gingerbread! This is a fun and festive read which, although I guessed the murderer early on, kept me invested in the story almost to the end.

I have to admit to being a little lost about the mystery thread that is running through the entire series concerning the death of Annie's friend Scarlet as I haven't read books 1 & 2, something I need to remedy. It wasn't a problem in book 3, but it was here. Once the murderer had been apprehended, and I'll talk more about that in a moment, the mystery about Scarlet's death takes over. This is obviously leading into the next book which may, or may not, focus more on this. I really do prefer to have a separate story in each book which is wrapped up, but that is purely a personal preference on my part.

I was a little let down in that, once Annie and Dr Caldwell had figured out who the murderer was, it was wrapped up like this (and I quote): X had been arrested and confessed to everything. End of story. I don't know about you, but the chase and capture is an important feature to me.

I enjoyed Annie and Fletcher's working relationship and they have great plans for the future which will provide some interesting reading. I also like Annie's romance with Liam. It's slow and sweet and doesn't overwhelm the mystery thread.

Although this was a nice read, I definitely preferred #3, Death at the Dinner Party in which the focus of the plot was on the current mystery with only brief mentions of Scarlet's mystery.

⭐⭐⭐.5

#AHolidayHomicide #NetGalley

MEET THE AUTHOR: Ellie is a voracious storyteller and a lover of words and all things bookish. She believes that stories have the ability to transport and transform us. With over thirty published novels and counting, her goal is to tell stories that provide points of connection, escape, and understanding.

She loves inhabiting someone else’s skin through the pages of a book and is passionate about helping writers find their unique storytelling lens. As a writing teacher and coach, she guides writers in crafting the story they’ve always wanted to tell while navigating the path to publication that’s right for them.

DISCLSOURE: Thank you to Storm Publishing via NetGalley for providing a digital ARC of A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander for review. All opinions expressed in this review are entirely my own personal opinions.

It's Christmastime in Redwood Grove and Annie Murray and the Secret Staircase Bookshop is hosting a gingerbread house competition in cooperation with a beloved famous influencer that local baker, Sugar, has brought to town. Having the influencer livestreaming the event is bringing the eyes of the world to Redwood Grove and bringing lots of business and Christmas cheer to the community. A death happens at the event that is looking suspicious. Annie needs to trade that Santa hat for her investigative know how and find the culprit.

This is the fourth book of this series and the second one that I have read. This is quickly becoming a must read for me! There are two mysteries that are seamlessly woven together; the death that happens at the gingerbread event and the one of Annie's former roommate and best friend Scarlet that has been plaguing Annie from the beginning of the series. The mystery is so good that I stayed up way too late cause I just had to finish the book.

I love all the characters and would really like to live in Redwood Grove. They are so well developed; you begin to feel as you have a new set of friends who you can't wait to visit.

What's not to love about Christmas, Mystery and a great story. Ms. Alexander has certainly given us an early present with this one!

Thank you NetGalley and Storm Publishing for the chance to read this ARC.

This was another really good book in this series.
Once again we find Annie caught up in a murder mystery. I love the description of the bookstore and would love to find one like it. There’s some added suspense towards the end of the book. I’m already anxiously waiting for the next one

4.5 stars! I love a good cozy mystery! I’ve loved Ellie’s books, but this was the first I’ve read in the Secret Bookcase series, and I immediately need to go back and read the first few books. I loved that there was both a mystery that took place throughout the book, as well as an overarching mystery that seems to span the series itself. I really enjoyed the gingerbread-baking competition and all the cozy holiday vibes it inspired. I loved Annie’s character and getting to know the community she’s part of in Redwood Grove. I really enjoyed this one!

A fun read with holiday cheer! The mystery around the murder kept me guessing the whole time. And even though this is not the first book in this series, it is the first one I have read. But I felt this could easily be a standalone novel. There were a couple of references to previous things in other books, but it didn’t really take away from the story. I will definitely be looking for more books from this author.

‘A Secret Bookcase Mystery’ series is fast becoming a favourite with book four hitting all the right holiday notes with just the right amount of intrigue and foul play. Add in scrumptious food and drinks, a gingerbread contest (which inspired my friend Kevin and I to begin a new Gingerbread tradition - next year we’re going to make from scratch), a most suspicious death, a hint of romance, the bestest friends, and the charming town of Redwood Grove that just begs to be explored and you’ve got a recipe for a bestseller.

“A Holiday Homicide” brought back our favourite bookstore staff with Hall and Fletcher as well as best friend Priya and romantic interest Liam rounded out with the criminology prowess of Dr. Caldwell and Annie. All is not as it seems as the bookstore hosts a gingerbread house competition with social media influencer Lily and bakery owner Sugar. When a celebrity baker ends up dead, Redwood Grove’s favourite sleuth will try to solve the mystery before anyone else is hurt. Throughout, a few new questions will be answered, a few more raised, Annie’s path forward will be well on its way to being sorted, and new information will leave you eager for the next book to be released.

Ellie Alexander writes with a perfect blend of cozy and mystery while Annie tries to solve this latest murder in Redwood Grove even as she works to solve the murder of best friend Scarlet who died in university. All of this is set against the backdrop of the bookstore as they host a gingerbread competition where, for one person, the contest will have deadly consequences. With each book I fall more in love with the characters and the bookstore is plucked straight out of my dreams!

4.5

I couldn't wait to dive into another book by Ellie. I've been loving this series, and this one was no different. I just love the secret bookshop and all the characters. The murder was good, the investigation was on point and kept me wondering who did it which I had 3 suspects in mind but couldn't confirm who it was until the end! And on top of that, we are left on what I think is a small cliffhanger but I'm all here for it. I did love that this was based around Christmas time but it's not heavily Christmas themed. Just a great little cozy mystery perfect for the holiday season.

A Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander

Rating: 4/5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to Storm Publishing, Netgalley, and Ellie Alexander for access to this ARC in exchange for an honest review!

With plans set for a gingerbread house competition at the Secret Bookcase in the town of Redwood Grove, Annie Murray was thrilled for the weekend ahead. However, when Annie discovered a body among the bookshelves, she was shocked. The police were soon on the scene, along with Liam, Annie's new boyfriend. Together, they tried to work out what had happened and aimed to solve the murder. As the story goes along, Annie begins to sense that something is very wrong within the community. She begins to wonder if she will find the suspect or if she putting herself in danger.

A Holiday Homicide is the fourth book in the series. I enjoyed reading this one and I loved the small town, holiday vibes. Such a cozy mystery that also features a sweet relationship between Annie and Liam. Going on the journey with Annie as she works to solve the mystery was entertaining. I'm excited to see how the author continues to develop this series!

.Thank you for allowing me to review this book. It is another good book in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series. I have enjoyed them all. This one is perhaps the best so far. The setting of Redwood Grove is quite delightful, although perhaps worrying the number of murders that occur there! Annie Murray is a book seller who studied Criminology at University. She uses her skills to help support the local Police investigation into the latest death. The setting of a Gingerbread competition feels quite unique. I like the descriptions of the cakes, the characters with unusual names and the friendships Annie has.
A good read that will hold your interest from the beginning.

'Tis the season for holiday cozies! This one is set in the bookstore of every bibliophile's dreams, a historic mansion filled with secret corners and cozy nooks. It's a mystery bookstore, and our main character, intrepid sleuth and bookseller Annie, is hosting a gingerbread house contest featuring all the town's quirky characters, plenty of holiday treats, and a baking influencer - who, soon enough, is found dead between the shelves.

Fortunately, a little murder doesn't put a damper on this town's holiday spirit, and while Annie investigates the mystery there's still plenty of gingerbread, twinkle lights, and holiday cheer. Plenty of warm fuzzies, too, with Annie's supportive friends and coworkers. A festive treat of a read!

Holiday Homicide by Ellie Alexander is a delightful cozy mystery that brings the festive cheer of the holiday season to the charming town of Redwood Grove. This fourth installment in the Secret Bookcase Mystery series is a perfect blend of murder, mystery, and heartwarming holiday vibes.

Annie Murray is in her element as she helps organize a gingerbread house competition at the Secret Bookcase bookstore. The event promises to be a hit, especially with the involvement of a popular social media baking influencer. But when the influencer is found dead among the bookshelves, Annie's holiday spirit takes a grim turn. Torn between her responsibilities at the bookstore and her knack for solving crimes, Annie once again finds herself at the center of a murder investigation.

The story is packed with twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the very end. Alexander masterfully balances the festive atmosphere of the competition with the suspense of the investigation. The pacing is steady, with moments of tension interspersed with lighter, cozy scenes that make this an ideal holiday read.

Annie's character continues to grow as she grapples with decisions about her career and her budding relationship with Liam. Meanwhile, threads from previous books—like the mystery surrounding the death of her childhood best friend—add depth to the story and keep long-time fans invested.

While the mystery is engaging, the real charm of the series lies in its endearing characters and the warm, bookish setting of the Secret Bookcase. Whether you're new to the series or a returning reader, Holiday Homicide is sure to leave you craving gingerbread cookies and more adventures with Annie and her friends.

Thank you to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for providing an advance copy of this book. My review is honest and entirely my own. This cozy mystery is a must-read for fans of festive whodunits, and I can’t wait to see what’s in store for Annie in the next installment!

The Secret Bookcase is hosting a gingerbread-baking competition to draw people in to the store. When the guest of honor drops dead, though, Dr. Caldwell – Annie’s former criminal justice professor who is now Redwood Grove’s homicide detective – asks for Annie’s help and insights into the crime.

Ellie Alexander is one of my favorite cozy authors, and I have really enjoyed this series. I like all of the events the town stages to attract tourists, and what booklover wouldn’t want to shop in a store with a secret room behind one of the bookcases? Annie has a good network of friends and co-workers, and they’re all more than willing to help her solve the latest mystery.

The murder victim in this story was easy to predict, and there was a long list of suspects to consider. There were plenty of red herrings to throw us off track, and I’ll admit to falling for some of them. I was not able to figure out who the killer was until just before it was revealed in the story, but the motive made sense.

I’ve added the next book in this series, scheduled to be released in February, to my “watch for this book” list, and I can’t wait to read it.

Rounding up 4.5⭐
Inventive holiday cozy featuring the folks we have come to love in the last year. Don't worry if this is your entry into the series, you will still totally enjoy the gingerbread contest and figuring out the murder of a baking influencer. And I bet you will be eager to get into the earlier books as well. The bookstore itself inhabits my dream. A mansion with a secret bookcase! Across all four books underlies the murder of Annie's best friend in college as the two of them investigated a cold case as part of the criminology major. And there is a breakthrough, of sorts, in this book. Now I can't wait until the next book set around Valentine's Day comes out.

This is another really easy to read cozy crime novel in what is turning into a fun series. This time we're back in the bookshop as Annie organises a cooking event with a social media influencer. I'm less keen on the running storyline about Annie's investigation into the unsolved murder of her friend, but I'm hoping that it gets resolved sooner rather than later. Looking forward to the next in the series.

A Holiday Homicide is the 4th book in A Secret Bookcase Mystery series by Ellie Alexander and they continue to be intriguing. This book takes place just before Christmas which is fun. The characters are likable and the friendships are warm and wonderful. The cozy mystery kept me guessing plus there is a side story that is interesting. Annie Murray works at The Secret Bookcase Bookstore along with her boss Hal and coworker Fletcher. Annie is dating Liam Donovan who owns the pub nearby. Annie's best friend is Pri who manages the local coffee shop. The bookstore is hosting the First Annual Gingerbread House Contest. They have social influencer Lily Hawthorne in town to announce the winner of the contest and give the store some publicity. There is rivalry, secrets and a death. Annie uses her criminology background to investigate and Liam and her friends have her back, which I love. Annie loves the book store and investigating and has some decisions to make about her future. Annie's college friend Scarlet was killed right before graduation and Annie is looking into her death. There is a lot going on and the mystery kept me guessjng. The book was hard to out down! I really enjoyed it and I look forward to many more books! #AHolidayHomicide #ASecretBookcaseMystery #StormPublishing #EllieAlexander

I rated this book 4.55 stars, rounded up to 5. Thank you Netgalley and Storm Publishing for the ebook.

A Holiday Homicide is the 4th book in a series and I thought it was a good idea to request this without having read the first three. I was influenced by the holiday mystery aspect and I wasn't disappointed! I didn't feel I needed to have read the previous books. The author makes sure to add in enough details to catch you up to the major through plot. Now I need to go back and read the first three and cannot wait for the next one!

The author did a great job of world building within the book store but didn't really showcase the town or the other places in the book. It doesn't take away from the story too much, as 97% of the book takes place in the book store. She did a great job of building the Christmas spirit and I could picture the decorations and good cheer.

I thought the pacing of the book was well done with the right amount of tension throughout. My only issue was I guessed who the murderer would be before the murder even took place. I thought it was a bit obvious throughout despite showcasing other possibilities. Overall, I really enjoyed the story and it kept my attention. I wanted to pick it up and keep reading.

I thought the characters were great and had decent development. It is clearly a series and you could tell the characters would change and grow over the course of the series more than in each individual book. The characters were relatable and spoke like real people.

4.5 stars! I absolutely adored this book! Amazing Christmassy vibes and an ending that leaves you thinking. That ending (Wow!). Plus, what's not to love about a gingerbread-baking competition?

I will include a review of this in my November reading wrap-up on YouTube! Such a great book.

Thanks to NetGalley and Storm Publishing for a free advanced copy of this ebook to review. All opinions are my own.

A Holiday Homicide is another fantastic installment for the A Secret Bookcase series. Redwood Grove is an idyllic small town, and with Annie Murray and her friends, there's no crime they can't solve.

I'm very much looking forward to the next installment to find out what secrets those friends of hers are hiding though.

The Secret Bookcase Mysteries have quickly become a favorite series of mine.