Plotting for Murder: Cozy Mystery Bookshop, Book 1

My "except" has to do with the fact that this book is written in the present tense. I really dislike this style and find it detracts from my enjoyment of a book. However the story, the adorable puppy, and the interesting cast of characters are almost enough to make up for that. I will probably continue with the series for at least one more volume.

Plotting For Murder is the first in a new cozy mystery series by Tamra Baumann. Sawyer Davis has left her job as a chef in Chicago to return to her West Coast home town, Sunset Cove, to take over the Mystery Bookshop her late mother has left her. All goes reasonably well until a member of the shop’s mystery book club drops dead during a meeting—after eating Sawyer’s food, at that. As if that wasn’t enough, the man who left Sawyer at the altar years ago is now the town sheriff.Add the usual assortment of eccentric characters, some of them definitely on the suspect list, a visit from Sawyer’s traveling magician father, and the mystery of what else Sawyer’s mother may have left her, hidden from her greedy uncle, and you have a charming addition to the cozy mystery shelf.

This is a really good book. Doesn't matter to me that it is in the first person, the storytelling is excellent. I really enjoyed all the characters, even Sawyer's mother who has recently passed. She must have been a wonderful person to know, and she cared so much for her family and friends.The mystery was really interesting, but what I particularly liked was the fact that we got to know the characters, their present as well as their past. There are so many characters to build new books and new stories on. I hope book two will be out soon.

This was a great mystery, awesome characters and one of the cutest dogs I've read about in awhile. I'll say upfront that I wasn't a fan of the present tense style and can't quite figure out why it was used, unless it was supposed to be like Sawyer looking back and writing her memoirs. But even then, it's kind of annoying, but I'm glad I didn't let it stop me from enjoying a great story. The riddle, clues and puzzle aspect really kept me intrigued.Other than the constant present tense, it was well-written as far as vocabulary, and the dialogue was actually believable--and real-sounding. The author did a great job of painting the nasty uncle as a total snake, because I absolutely couldn't stand him--am I awful to wish he'd been offed? But then they'd have thought Sawyer did it lol. At first, I wasn't sure about Brittany, the store employee, but she grew on me more and more. I just love what good thing happened for her eventually! I liked the romance aspect a lot. It was just the right amount. At first I was one team, but by the end of the book I was ready to switch teams. I won't say, so I don't spoil it ;) The other supporting character of Madge was a lot of fun! I got such a kick out of how she and Sawyer would compare case notes, but Dylan the sheriff knew what they were doing all along. Renee, Sawyer's best friend was a hoot! She was a happy-go-lucky free spirit and dated a new guy almost every week. Cooper the mini Doodle was such a sweet ball of fur for Sawyer to cuddle and love now that her mom had passed. I thought it was sweet for her to arrange for Sawyer to have that pup before she died. Her mom was a much more clever lady than most people thought.I can't leave out the sweet Admiral! Every mystery needs a fun and quirky character. The author nailed it with the Admiral. I hope he's around for a very long time! As far as the killer, I was going back and forth on that one, so it was a little bit of a surprise. But it led to an awesome showdown where little Cooper the mini Goldendoodle got to be a hero, and his mommy wasn't too shabby either! The sheriff showed up just as my nerves were giving out lol. I thought the ending was satisfying as far as the main mystery, but it was kind of fun to leave a couple of little threads dangling. I'm definitely enticed to read the next book!

This first book of a new cozy-mystery series was so much fun! So many interesting characters enter the scene – all residents of a sleepy seaside town in California. And, as you try to keep track of all of them and where they were during the crime, Tamra Baumann spins a smart, fun, lighthearted, intriguing mystery filled with books, good food, a cute puppy, an angsty teen, a loving mom, a handsome sheriff, and even a sweet little love triangle that the main character gets caught up in! I read the whole book in one day! Treat yourself to this smartly written, fast-paced, sweet whodunit written in Baumann’s signature sassy style.

The heroine of this series opens with a lot on her plate. She's recently lost her mother, and in the process of dealing with her grief, all kinds of other problems fall on her shoulders--not the least of which is a cute puppy named Cooper. The story is told from Sawyer's point of view, so the reader can empathize with her thought processes and understand her motivation. I very much enjoyed this story, and you will, too!

Really enjoyable story line and believable characters. A very good read and no foul language to make me cringe. Read it, you will like it.

Tamra Baumann has entered the cozy mystery genre with the same delightful style that she has brought to her well established career the author of several outstanding romantic series.

Another Gem from Tamra. Different from her others, but equally enjoyable. A murder, a whole cast of interesting characters, let’s hope we get to visit with more of them going forward. So glad I added this author to my must read list.

Great mystery, I love cosy mysteries

One of the best whodunit I've read. Keeps you wondering til the last few pages. Can't wait to read the next one.

Good characters, great culinary references and a mystery with no red herrings. What’s not to like? It also helps that the writing is good.