Review: A Dickens of a Murder by Joyce and Jim Lavene

A Dickens of a Murder
by Joyce and Jim Lavene

A Dickens of a Murder
(Canterville Book Shop Mystery 1)
Cozy Mystery
Print Length: 208 pages
Publisher: J. Lavene (November 3, 2015)
ASIN: B015269QSI

Synopsis:

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.

My Review:

I have chosen to read this story fascinated by the title, I like stories that in some way involve the classics and their authors. I was not disappointed at all: it is a compelling story, brilliantly written with lovable characters. How can you not love a book starring a lover of reading? Even the cover is wonderful, I love it.

It is set in Portsmouth, Virginia. Lisa has worked for years at the local library and now is going to realize her dream of opening her own library. With the help of Simon, her partner, she is going to open The Canterville Book Shop. But a few days before the opening, a man is found dead on the roof of their local. He is Ebenezer Hart, the one man who might have been able to stop them from making Simon's palace into a book shop, he even has complained to the City Council. Another problem is the deputy chief that deals of the investigation, Daniel, who is the former husband of Lisa. Obviously Simon and Lisa are the main suspects.

I loved everything about this story: the city in which it is set, the characters, the plot, the library. I also liked the idea of ​​starting each chapter with quotes from Dickens

It's the first book in a series really promising, I hope  to read soon  how the story evolves,

I only recently have discovered this wonderful couple of authors, they have conquered me immediately with their intriguing and entertaining style. Unfortunately Joyce has  passed away unexpectedly a few days ago, on October 20th. But she will always remain in the hearts of her readers. Joyce,  thanks for all pleasant hours I have spent with your stories.

I recommend it to those who love the cozy mystery and books about books.

About The Authors –

Joyce and Jim Lavene write award-winning, bestselling mystery fiction as themselves, J.J. Cook, and Ellie Grant. They have written and published more than 70 novels for Harlequin, Berkley, Amazon, and Gallery Books along with hundreds of non-fiction articles for national and regional publications. They live in rural North Carolina with their family.

Author Links

www.joyceandjimlavene.com 
www.facebook.com/joyceandjimlavene 
http://amazon.com/author/jlavene 
https://twitter.com/AuthorJLavene

Purchase Link

Amazon