ARC Review: In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn

In the Event of Murder
Author: Cynthia Kuhn
Series: A Starlit Bookshop Mystery (Book 2)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (August 20, 2024)

Description: It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.

Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.

With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event.

My Thoughts: In the second Starlit Bookshop mystery, Emma finds herself subbing for the murdered event planner who should have been organizing the gala to support the Public Library. With only days before the event, things would be difficult. They are made even more difficult because Emma's old high school rival Tabitha is in charge of the event. Tabitha is quick to grab credit while piling more and more onto Emma's to-do list. 

Things get even more difficult when someone is trying to sabotage the event by canceling reservations and doing other mischief. Naturally, Tabitha is blaming Emma for the mischief even though there are others who might want the event to fail. 

Tabitha has pulled off a coup by getting the star of a very popular television series to appear. Each of the show's episodes is based on a classic mystery which is right up Emma's alley since she is an aspiring mystery author herself. Not only does Tabitha secure Whitney's attendance, but she is surprised to learn that Whitney's co-stars Nat and Stella arrive too. 

Emma has a lot more to do than just make sure the event is successful. She needs to find a killer and discover who is sabotaging the event. 

I like the small-town setting for this story. Emma has come back home to help keep her family's bookshop going and fits right back in with her circle of friends who have useful skills if she's to pull off the gala and solve the mystery. 

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