by Cynthia Chow

Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

For the upcoming Gala Week ushering in the New Year and raising funds for the Silvercrest Library, the cast of the popular mystery television show Chasers have been invited to premiere their new episode written by local resident and mystery author Calliope Nightfall. Tabitha Baxter, the president of the library board and self-declared leader of the gala, is thrilled to be welcoming the star Whitney Wilton and her niece/party planner Lyra, at least right up until Lyra falls ill and is later found dead.

Despite her disregard for and long-held feud with bookseller/literary event planner Emma Stars, Tabitha insists that Emma must take over for Lyra and ensure the gala’s success. That’s going to be difficult though, as someone seems intent on sabotaging the event by canceling the venue reservations and forcing Emma to face a growing number of obstacles.

Emma Starrs gave up her plans to pursue a career in teaching in order to return to Silvercrest, Colorado and help her sister Lucy with their family’s bookstore. Their famous best-selling author Aunt Nora frequently takes off on impulsive jaunts abroad with her editor, so it is often left to the sisters to ensure Starlit Bookshop’s success. That’s why Emma is willing to allow herself to be hired by her lifelong nemesis, although it ultimately benefiting the library helps as well. As part of the festivities Emma must also host a mystery panel, not to mention informing the originally scheduled authors that they have been booted by Tabitha for the most famous Chasers’ actors. Trying to herd the actors, keep Tabitha appeased, and wiggle out information from the infuriatingly handsome and casually flirtatious Detective Jake Hollister will test all of Emma’s multitasking skills and determination.

In this second of the series, readers may find themselves marveling at Emma’s tolerance for Tabitha’s toxic behavior and condescending attitude. Tabitha is truly A LOT, as she refuses to assume any responsibility for the chaos she causes and never acknowledges the unreasonableness of her demands. Emma’s Zen approach to Tabitha – not to mention focusing on the money Tabitha is paying – keeps the bookseller committed to organizing the events despite the increasingly absurd expectations.

Those fascinated by the details involved in party planning will appreciate Emma’s pivoting to meet every new obstacle and challenge. Emma’s relationship with Jake continues to be as fun for readers as it is frustrating for Emma, as she wishes that he would react more when she rejects his advances. Tabitha herself may never apologize or acknowledge Emma’s help, but hopefully, in the future, her attitude will settle into being a benign annoyance. Emma, her sister Lucy, and their irrepressible aunt Nora continue to be reasons to enjoy this series that celebrates libraries, books, and the small town of Silvercrest.

You can click here to purchase this book from Amazon.

To enter to win a copy of In the Event of Murder, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “event” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 11, 2024. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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Cynthia Chow is the branch manager of Kaneohe Public Library on the island of Oahu. She balances a librarian lifestyle of cardigans and hair buns with a passion for motorcycle riding and regrettable tattoos (sorry, Mom).

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.