Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery #9
Our story begins with heroine Addie Greyborne heading to her wedding to Dr. Simon Emerson. The air is filled with excitement and anticipation, and everyone couldn’t be happier for the couple. But everything comes crashing down around her with one announcement, and leaves her with three weeks of vacation to sort out her life. She distracts herself from her personal drama by investigating a new mystery in her attic regarding her beloved Aunt Anita. Soon, it turns out that project is much more complicated and involved than just the discovery of yet another secret room. In it, she finds all kinds of treasures of her past she did not expect to find, including something extra special. However, I will not spoil what that is and leave open to the reader’s interpretation, as there are quite a few things I could be talking about, but for me it was a certain set. That’s the only clue I’ll give.
On top of her own aunt-based puzzles, a murder occurs in town. While Addie is determined to stay out of it, local detective and friend Marc is determined to drag her into this mystery as well. He claims to be using the excuse of needing fresh eyes, but also has the side motive of wanting to help distract his friend from her recent misfortune, or perhaps rekindle an old flame. Addie shuts that down fairly quickly, still unsure of quite a bit in her current situation but knowing that she does love Simon. While Marc is disheartened, he is a mature adult about it and does not let her friend zone declaration ruin their relationship. Addie’s self-assuredness and self-awareness are impressive and delightful. She is aware of what she needs to heal, to move forward, and what boundaries she will have to set for her own wellbeing. She also does not give up, despite many different road blocks set in her way.
Readers will be unable to put Dedication to Murder down as Lauren Elliott pulls them in with plenty of twists and turns. It is never a dull moment for Addie, and readers will be kept engaged with each mystery and dramatic event. I would recommend this book for those who not only enjoy a multi-layered mystery but also one that naturally flows with the day-to-day life of Addie. Readers get to see her work through her personal issues, but also share in her excitement at each new discovery. Her enthusiasm is infectious and the antics of her little dog, Pippi, add a layer of levity to the story. Dedication to Murder is a wonderful story of a woman finding herself, discovering what it is she really wants out of life, and developing the self-confidence and awareness to go for it. While it isn’t necessary to have read any of the previous books in order to enjoy Dedication to Murder, readers will find themselves drawn to them in order to enjoy more of Addie’s adventures. — Carla Schantz
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Carla Schantz is a Courthouse Clerk Supervisor and has a bachelor’s degree in English as well as a master’s in legal studies. Books have been a passion of hers since she was young, and she is a firm believer in the purse book so that she is never without a book at any time.