ARC Review: A Poisonous Page by Kitt Crowe

A Poisonous Page
Author: Kitt Crowe
Series: A Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (July 12, 2022)

Description: Kitt Crowe's second Sweet Fiction Bookshop mystery whips up an array of intriguing suspects and motives into a diabolically deft read, perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Joanne Fluke.

It’s summer festival time in Confection, Oregon, and that means a barrage of tourists making cash registers ring at Sweet Fiction Bookshop. But what should be bookseller Lexi’s most lucrative time of year turns disturbing when a member of the chamber of commerce suddenly dies of a heart attack. Not entirely unexpected—considering her family history—but it’s a different story when another chamber member dies just one week later…also, presumably, of natural causes.

Something about this doesn’t read right to Lexi. And it gets more unfathomable when her friend Dash—who dated both women—stands accused of murder! With Cookie, her lovable border collie mix, at her side and countless volumes of inspiration on her shelves, Lexi opens the book on another perplexing case. Who could have murdered two prominent townspeople without leaving even a hint of evidence on the scene? And why is an irksome-but-intriguing detective always seeming to catch her and Cookie working the case?

Lexi’s Confection Rose-colored glasses come off when she learns of thorny discussions among the council members, involving a string of secretive real estate transactions. Enlisting her faithful fellow members of the Macaroon Book Club, Lexi sets out to bind the clues together and clear Dash’s name. But if she can’t devise a clever trap for the real killer, she may soon end up with a very unhappily ever after of her own.

My Thoughts: Lexi Jones, her dog Cookie, and the rest of the Macaroons book club has a new murder to solve when the body of realtor Rachel is found in Lexi's best friend's brother Dash's back yard.

Rachel's death isn't the first suspicious death in town. Her boss Marilyn has also recently died. The cause was assumed to be a heart attack since Marilyn had known health problems, but Lexi and her friends don't think things add up. Since Marilyn had a habit of flirting with men, especially married men, there were many women who wouldn't have minded seeing her dead. 

Dash had also dated both women, but that didn't mean that he had a motive to kill either of them. Lexi and her team begin investigating despite being told by Detective Chad Berg to let the police do the investigating. 

This cozy mystery was filled with motives and suspects and lots and lots of characters. I liked Lexi and I liked her growing relationship with Chad. Cookie was also a great dog who added a lot to the story. 

I'll admit that I had no idea who the murderer was, but once identified, I could see clues that I had missed. Fans of cozies will enjoy this entertaining story.

Favorite Quote:

I had to carry Cookie from the car because she didn't want to go inside. She hung from my arms, deadweight, not even trying to play nice. "You're ridiculous, you know that?" How was I going to open the door with my arms full of furry drama? She moaned, as if mortally injured.

"Gimme a break."

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.