It can be challenging to read a book that’s third in a cosy mystery series when you haven’t read the first two. Surprisingly, this wasn’t the case with Bound by Murder because there was just enough backstory mentioned to understand the current situation. In fact, the backstory made me immediately want to read the first two – For Whom the Book Tolls and Murder by the Bookend.
In Bound by Murder, antiquarian bookseller Jenna Quinn is looking forward to the romance of weddings at the local inn until her ex-fiancé, Blake Emerson, walks in with his bride-to-be, Missy Plott. Jenna is perplexed that Blake continues to profess his love for Jenna if she’ll have him back, even though he is set to marry Missy.
When Missy turns up dead, Blake becomes the number one suspect. Jenna doesn’t believe he did it so she starts her own investigation into other suspects, of which there are quite a few.
The characters in this story are more well developed than those in many other cosy murder series. This drew me into the story more than other formulaic novels do. It also resulted in a more satisfying read, as I didn’t feel the author was simply going through the motions with the plot. Thoroughly enjoyed this one. Now I’m off to find books one and two.
Read more about Bound by Murder on Goodreads.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.