Christmas at Canterville!
Lisa Wellman and Simon Canterville are surprised to find a dead man on their roof in the midst of rushing to open the Canterville Book Shop in time for the holidays. And not just any dead man – Ebenezer Hart – the man who opposed the book shop opening in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia.
What might be more surprising is when Daniel Fairhaven – Lisa’s ex – turns up at the door of the three-story Victorian house to head the police investigation. She hasn’t seen him in years but the sparks start to fly as soon as they are in the same room together.
Simon and Lisa are obviously the best suspects for the murder. Each of them had something to gain by Hart’s death. Then an attempt on Simon’s life throws that theory into a tailspin.
But the biggest surprise yet comes when the ghost of Charles Dickens turns up to help Lisa with the murder investigation – and writing the mystery novel she has been working on for years.
Without a doubt, Daniel and Dickens in Lisa’s life means trouble. And there’s still the matter of trying to get the book shop open with a killer on their heels. (summary via Goodreads)
This is the first in a new series,The Canterville Book Shop Series by Joyce and Jim Lavene. This is a wonderful start to a new series that I know will be extraordinary. I couldn't put it down once I started reading. This book is magical in every way. Not only do you have a murder mystery to solve but you have ghosts, adventure, and a little romance all rolled into one great read.
This book takes place in Olde Town, Portsmouth, Virginia where business partners Simon Canterville and Lisa Wellman are trying to get their book shop opened before Thanksgiving. With all of the rush to get everything organized they don't realize a dead body in on the roof of the three story Victorian home they are converting to their dream business. Of course the man on their roof is none other than Ebenezer Hart, the very man that Simon has been fighting in court to get zoning for their book shop. This puts a major kink in the plans to open since Simon is taken to the police station as the prime suspect. It just so happens that the Sheriff in charge is Deputy Chief Daniel Fairhaven, Lisa's ex-husband that she hasn't seen for twelve years. WOW!!! Now, Miss Wellman not only has to get Simon out of police custody, get the shop ready for a maybe opening, and solve a murder but now she has her ex to deal with. What is Lisa to do? She is a Librarian that has always loved books. She is also starting her dream of writing and had done a lot of research on everything from poisons to weapons. Will this be enough to help Simon? Will it be enough to prevent something else bad from happening to The Canterville Book Shop? Oh and btw did I mention the house is haunted by the greatest writer of our time, Charles Dickens. He is here for Lisa's help. He wants her to help him finish his last work that he couldn't do in life because of a stroke. Gee whiz right? What else will Lisa have on her plate? And will she be able to help everyone or will she be the next victim?
I loved all the characters in this new series. Especially Puck, Maggie May, Truffles, and Wordsworth. I look forward too many more adventures with Simon and Lisa at The Canterville Book Shop. This book meant a lot to me knowing that it was dedicated to Joyce. Everyone in the Cozy book world has suffered a great loss. She was an amazing writer and made everyone she touched either in person or Facebook feel like they were her best friend. I am glad to have known her through Facebook and I am glad that her words will never die. They will be read by thousands now and in the future. God Bless.
Review by Penny M.
I bought it for me Kindle. Thank you for the informative review. :-)
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