It was a decent book, I liked the characters but the mystery just sort of solved itself. The MC tried to solve it, and had a clue of who was dangerous at the very last second, by then it was too late and she needed to be saved herself by multiple people. ( )

First in the series and also my first book by Krista Davis. A complete joy to listen. ( )

I was already a big fan of cozy mysteries by Krista Davis. Her Paws & Claws series is one of my favorites. After reading this first book in her new series, I know the Pen & Ink Mysteries are also going to be on my favorites list!

Florrie Fox works at a bookshop, Color Me Read, in Georgetown. Professor John Maxwell owns the shop. He's a bit of an eccentric and known for dashing off to exotic places on all sorts of adventures (what can you expect from someone who has the Indiana Jones theme as the ringtone on their cellphone). Professor Maxwell's family is well known in Georgetown and quite wealthy. He offers Florrie his carriage house to live in, rent free. He has a craptastic nephew and wants to prevent him from thinking he can move into the carriage house. It's a win-win situation -- Florrie gets a place in Georgetown two blocks from work without a huge rent, and Professor Maxwell doesn't get his horrid nephew Delbert living in his backyard. It all goes to plan....but Florrie is barely moved in before the nephew is showing his true colors, stating he will inherit the shop and the house soon enough and Florrie will be out a place to live and lose her job. And then someone tries to break into the carriage house! Florrie is sure it was Delbert. What a jerk! She tells Professor Maxwell, and he promises that he will take care of the problem. Imagine Florrie's surprise when a hidden trapdoor is found in the bookshop the next day....and inside.....Delbert's dead body. She knows the Professor would never murder anyone -- even his horrible nephew. The detective on the case is a jerk....so she starts looking into the case herself to help the Professor. Many people probably wanted to kill Delbert.....or had at least thought about it.....but who was it that stuck a spear through his chest and dumped his body into the tiny space under that trapdoor?

I loved this book!! Florrie is an artist and publishes adult coloring books. When she's thinking through a problem or gathering clues she draws in her sketchbook. As a main character she is intelligent, strong and resilient. Add in some interesting and quirky side characters, a bit of romance and a bookshop......great start to a new cozy series!!

The front and back covers of the book can be colored as well. I would have a hard time coloring on a book.....so mine would stay white....but the concept is so creative and cute! I think I would scan the front and back covers and color the copies! I can't bring myself to write in a book. :) There are also recipes in the back of the book.

I can't wait for the next book! :)

Krista Davis is also the author of the Domestic Diva and Paws & Claws cozy mystery series.

**I voluntarily read an advanced readers copy of this book from Kensington via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.** ( )

This is the first book in a news cozy mystery series by Krista Davis. I enjoy her other series, so I thought I would give this one a try. The additional piece of fun with this book, is that you can colour the cover.

Florrie Fox works at a bookshop, Color Me Read, in Georgetown. Professor John Maxwell owns the shop. When his daughter was kidnapped years ago, his marriage fell apart and he became an adventurer, traveling to exotic places. His family is also very wealthy and well known in Georgetown. When his sister wants his nephew Delbert to move into his carriage house, he panics and begs Florrie to move in, free of charge, so he can say that it is already occupied. Needless to say, he does not care much for his spoiled nephew. For Florrie, this is a windfall, she will be only two blocks from work and have no rent. It is also a beautiful place with lovely gardens. Shortly after Florrie is moved in, Delbert shows up making fantastic statements insinuating that he is going to inherit everything and Florrie will be out on her ear. When Florrie is worried that Delbert is trying to break in to the carriage house, she tells Professor Maxwell. He tells her he will take care of Delbert and when he is found dead in the book store the next day, the Professor is arrested for the murder. Florrie is sure that the Professor is innocent, so she begins to investigate in order to get him out of jail. There are a lot of twists, revealing situations, people who did not like Delbert and a pretty big suspect pool.

I really enjoyed this book!! Florrie is an artist and publishes adult coloring books which are sold at the shop. When she's thinking and gathering clues she draws in her sketchbook, which becomes useful to the police. As the main protagonist, she is intelligent, strong and loyal. Add in some interesting and quirky side characters, a bit of romance with the police detective, a relatively close knit family and a bookshop and yo have a good start to a new series. The plot moved quickly and I enjoyed the story and getting to know this group of characters. I am looking forward to the next one in the Pen and Ink Mystery Series. The publisher generously provided me with a copy of this book via Netgalley. ( )

When Professor Maxwell, owner of the bookstore Color Me Read, offers Florrie Fox a timely place to live, within walking distance of the bookstore, she jumps on it. There is one caveat, she has to move in immediately so he can prove to his unsavory nephew and sister that someone is really living in the carriage house behind his mansion. This is the first in a new series and is off to a good start. I liked getting to know Florrie, Sergeant Jonquille, the various customers and workers at the bookstore. Florrie's family is also close by, providing a golden for companionship when needed. I thought there was a good bit of information about the history of older homes in Georgetown and the twists that kept coming (along with multiple sightings of varied people) kept me guessing until the very end. I will look for the next one in the series. ( )