The last 6 months since the loss of Derek Kimball have been difficult for his wife, Nina, and daughter Molly. Molly has continued to work as an assistant librarian, but Nina hasn’t written a word of poetry as her husband, a literature professor, was her muse. A letter from Nina’s Aunt Violet has returned the twinkles in her eyes as she asks her daughter if she’d like to move from Vermont to Cambridge, England, and take over the family bookshop. That sparkle begins the adventures of life with Aunt Violet at Thomas Marlowe — Manuscripts & Folios. A homecoming for Nina and for Molly introductions to relatives she’s never met and some she never even knew she had.

I loved this cozy! The storyline weaves relationships between aunt, niece, and great-aunt, mother and daughter, sister and brother, cousins, and friendships, old and new, including a former MI6 agent. As the history of the bookshop unfolds, it highlights family dynamics. Molly’s social media creation of "Poets in the Wild" glitters as it illuminates British poets and historical places of Cambridge.

The mystery began at a poetry reading in a new event room at the bookshop. The suspect list became even longer with the ease of access with multiple doors to the bookshop and living quarters. As part of Molly’s sleuthing, she reads a woman’s diary. The author used the placement of the diary readings very effectively to reveal further insight into the past.

All who love felines, especially those who have introduced a new arrival to their residence, will enjoy the descriptions of Clarence and Puck and as Clarence adopts one of Puck’s habits at mealtimes. Adding the romantic sparks beginning in Molly’s and Nina’s lives and many possibilities for the next adventures in Cambridge. I can’t wait to read more! ( )

Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney is a 2021 St. Martin’s Press Publication.

Molly, and her mother, Nina, are summoned by Aunt Violet, from across the pond, to help save the family bookstore. A poetry reading by one of Aunt Violet’s acquaintances, would help create some much-needed buzz for the shop. Unfortunately, the event goes horribly awry when a guest is found murdered, and Aunt Violet is suspect number one…

A book lover’s delight!

I was drawn to this book by the cat on the cover, which bears a striking resemblance to my black cat- all the way down to the little white patch on its chest- coupled with all the bookshelves. * Note* The cover on the audiobook edition is different from the print and digital version- for some reason. I noticed the audio cover first- for some reason

So, I just knew this was going to be a good book- and I was not disappointed!

The story is very balanced, introducing the main cast of characters, while building some romantic relationship, while building a very solid mystery. The setting, the animals, the atmosphere, and the characters are all very effective and well-drawn. The diary entries are a nice touch, too, and added some levity and depth to the story, as well.

These days finding a good new cozy series can be a little like finding a needle in a haystack. While I have discovered one or two nice ones this year, I haven’t felt this excited about a cozy series in a long while. Can’t wait to read the next installment! ( )

This is one of those books that I sort of liked in spite of itself. The author commits the trope-y sin of her characters thinking they must solve the murder for themselves; she doesn't go so far as to infer or state it's because the police are inept, but falls back on the argument that a character must be saved because the police won't look at anybody else. Pu-lease. Also, the murderer was super obvious from the first clue.

But, the setting is in a bookshop, in Cambridge, I say in a somewhat whinging voice. And I like the characters; I like the little micro-community of the laneway whose name I can't remember nor find in the text. I like that the author goes a slightly different way in terms of the relationship dynamics between the detective and the other characters. The MI6 character is a bit of a stretch, but whatever. I loved Puck.

So, I have enough hope that I'd be wiling to read a second one, but not a lot of optimism that the series will be a keeper. ( )

Molly Kimball and her mother Nina are still reeling from the death of her father and decide that a change is needed so they move from Vermont to Cambridge in the UK to help great Aunt Violet run the Thomas Marlowe bookshop. Aunt Violet with help from old school chums arranges to have Persephone Brightwell, a well known poet come for a reading from her new book in time for the Cambridge Literary Festival. However, right after the reading, one of the helpful chums is found murdered with one of Aunt Violet's knitting needles.

This was an excellent start for a new series - wonderful setting, relatable characters, and a well-written mystery.

I look forward to the next. ( )

Molly Kimball and her mother, Nina relocate to Cambridge, England after receiving a letter from Nina’s Aunt Violet Marlowe. Violet needs help getting the bookshop back in the black. During a poetry reading at the shop during the Cambridge Literary Festival, a local woman is murdered using Aunt Violet’s knitting needle. Molly with help from some new friends works to prove Aunt Violet’s innocence. Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney is the debut of The Cambridge Bookshop Series. Elizabeth Penney captured Cambridge with the vivid descriptions. I could envision the beautiful old buildings of the area. The author created some great characters that live within a cozy community. Molly is a smart woman who loves books. She has great ideas for revitalizing the bookstore. I like Nina, Molly’s mother. I think she needed a change to help her recover from the death of her husband. Aunt Violet, George, Daisy, Sir John, Kiernan, and the other people living on Magpie Lane are charming. They are a friendly bunch who are welcoming. The mystery was well-plotted. We get to follow Molly as she conducts her investigation (you feel like you are in her shoes). There are breadcrumbs for readers to follow to help them solve the crime. I like how the mystery was laid out. The reveal was unique and entertaining. All the details regarding the whodunit were wrapped up so I was not left with lingering questions. I thought Chapter and Curse was well-written with slower pacing. I loved the book descriptions (like Molly, I love books) and meeting Puck. There is some romance in the book as well. I enjoyed my visit to Cambridge, and I look forward to returning in the next book. Chapter and Curse is a charming English cozy mystery with a precious Puck, an abating bookshop, a deadly poetry reading, a purloined knitting needle, a crafty cousin, good pub grub, and stealthy sleuthing. ( )