Murder in a bookstore? How could I resist? And this book was actually a good read - more intelligent than many cozies. As one from a series, and the first I read, I can safely tell you it doesn't matter if you begin with #1 or #13 (as I did). Tales and Treats is the new bookstore in the small town of Scumble River, and our heroine Skye Denison (school psychologist and girlfriend of the police chief) discovers a body as she drops off some old books before the store officially opens for the day, during their first week in business! The characters are believable, the dialogue realistic, and the mystery kept me guessing. A fun gimmick was a classic book title for each chapter, which related to that chapter (The Sun Also Rises, Alice's Adventures in Wonderland, Pride and Prejudice). I'll soon be looking to read another book in this series. ( )

Despite the store dark, Skye wants to put the boxes of book she inherited on the counter so the owner can appraise them. If you can set aside some of the unbelievable activities, this is a quick enjoyable read. ( )

Skye Denison is officially engaged to Police Chief Wally Boyd in Murder of a Bookstore Babe, but her ex-boyfriend, coroner Simon Reid, is still trying to win her back. Wally isn't happy about that. Neither is Skye.

Speaking of engagements, if Skye's brother Vince thought he could keep his purchase of a diamond ring a secret from his mother by shopping at the mall in Kankakee, he was wrong. Who spotted him there? None other than the sister of his Aunt Kitty, wife of his dad's brother. Worse luck, the jeweler is the sister's second cousin's niece by marriage on her father's side. May is outraged at being kept out of the loop and expects Skye to find out what's going on. (Skye is already sworn to secrecy.) As for their dad, Jed, in chapter 20 we learn that he'll be 65 on his next birthday, which is January 9th. (This book is set in September.)

There's a new bookstore in town, Tales and Treats, owned by a married couple, Risé Vaughn and Orlando Erwin. (Risé is the more assertive spouse. That, and the fact that she kept her own name, goes over like a lead balloon with some of the Scumble River inhabitants.) Among the persons whom Risé has rubbed the wrong way are Skye's godfather, two first cousins, and another first cousin's husband. Guess who gets to check her relatives' alibis after the murder...

Skye has been back in Scumble River long enough for some of the high school students she's known to have graduated. Frannie Ryan appears, as usual. She works part time for Simon Reid's mother, Bunny. Her father is Simon's assistant. Simon is like a big brother to her, so Frannie can't help wishing Skye would get back with her ex.

Xenia Craughwell, who was such a troublesome (and brilliant) student in Murder of a Real Bad Boy, is now attending the Chicago School of Film and Photography. Her mother is no more nurturing that she ever was, so Xenia turns to Skye. That's how Skye is introduced to another former student studying film: Kayla Hines. Skye never counseled Kayla, who has been hired by the new bookstore. Kayla has been dating Chase Wren (who had a role in Murder of a Sleeping Beauty) since they were freshmen at Scumble River High. Kayla is very talented, but Chase wants her to give up film to marry him and be a normal wife and mother. Kayla also happens to be the daughter of the cousin of one of Scumble River's three principals -- Skye's bosses. Ah, small town life!

The school year has begun so Skye is back to dealing with problems. I felt sorry for the elementary school student who vanishes. Pru Cormorant, the nasty high school English teacher, is against the bookstore, which she is certain will be a danger to the morals of Scumble River's youth. After what she and like-minded citizens do at the grand opening, it seems a shame that Pru's not this book's victim.

As usual, Skye is trying to juggle too many things at once and the results are entertaining. I really like this cozy series.

This time the chapter titles are the titles of famous books. ( )

Denise Swanson always writes a great book! ( )

Denise Swanson does not write an excellent mystery, but she does write an excellent story. I was impressed with her using a hook in this particular novel and playing games with it. I enjoy seeing Skye's life evolve and what comes of it because of the scenarios. The murders almost seem to be a way now to further her storyline, which is okay with me. I do not read these for the titillating tale of murder and mystery, but for the smalltown that Swanson has created. Do not go into this book expecting more than it is and you will eat up all 243 pages of it. ( )