'A Body In The Bookshop' by Helen Cox

 

'A Body In The Bookshop' front cover

'A Body In The Bookshop' by Helen Cox - Review

*Trigger Warning - mentions of assault, trauma, loss *

*SLIGHT SPOILERS THROUGHOUT*

Description

When DS Charlotte Banks is suspended from the police on suspicion of assaulting a suspect in the burglary of a local bookshop, librarian Kitt Hartley and her friend Evie Bowes refuse to believe she is guilty. But why is she being framed?

With Charlotte's boss DI Malcolm Halloran unable to help, Evie decides to take matters into her own hands. Kitt takes a little persuading to get involved too - after all, as well as Charlotte's career to save, there are missing books to be found! 

From the tightknit community of York's booksellers, to the most gossipy bus route in the country, Kitt and Evie leave no stone unturned to find out the truth behind the burglary. Then the discovery of a body raises the stakes even higher. For Evie, and now Kitt, this case is as personal as it gets. Can they catch the murderer in time to turn a bleak midwinter into something merry and bright?

Goodreads Rating: 3.93        My Rating: 4

First Impressions

'A Body In The Bookshop' is actually the second book in the Kitt Hartley Yorkshire Mysteries series, but is a great stand-alone - each character is introduced as if we have just met them so there aren't many plot points that I would need the first book to understand. That being said, there are hints about the period of time before this book is set which I imagine would be the events of book one, but I don't think that would ruin the suspense or mystery of it! 

Before starting the book, I got the impression that it would be in Kitt's point of view so I was pleasantly surprised that it is actually Evie! I assume this would be a lovely change from the first as we get to experience things from another perspective and see Kitt and Halloran from an outside view, as well as having another personal journey to follow. The first few chapters portrayed the relationships between characters beautifully: their conversations and interactions seemed authentic and natural. I also absolutely adored the imagery of Yorkshire (especially in the winter) and how beautiful and closely-knit the North is! 

The Characters

Evie Bowes and Charlotte Banks

Everything about Evie is endearing and respectable! Her vintage style, her head-strong yet caring nature, her household filled with collectibles - everything! Also, there is no mention in the description or blurb of a romance between Evie and Charlotte Banks so I felt like I had struck gold! Representation is SOOO important, and Helen Cox was able to include this while also not making it what the entire story is about! Evie's character develops so much as the novel goes on in many different ways, not just catching a criminal, which is really encouraging for the readers who might be in similar boats - self esteem and perception, acceptance, strength, discovery (just to name a few). Charlotte Banks is fairly quiet as the story begins having just been wrongfully suspended from her job - as we all would - but opens up during the course of the book, forming close bonds with the other characters. The way she cares for others is so heart-warming but also heart-breaking at times... Thankfully, Evie was there! 

Kitt Hartley and Malcolm Halloran

Kitt Hartley is a librarian and mystery enthusiast who is in a relationship with DI Malcolm Halloran. I believe the first book of the series details their romance story which I can't wait to read, but the dynamic they have in this one is adorable, yet doesn't move too quickly. Kitt provides the knowledge of literature as well as drawing parallels between the events that had occurred and previous mysteries. She definitely has a firmer approach and reels Evie and Grace in a little bit, which is definitely needed. Halloran is definitely in a difficult position throughout the book and is unable to do a huge amount to help clear Banks' name, but is also so significant at the same time! He's like an undercover badass - I would love to be his friend!

Extra Characters

Kitt's library assistant, Grace, brings lots of joy wherever she goes and is desperate to join our main four on their case to prove that she has smart and successful plans and ideas that would be useful to them. Ruby, York's bubbly/gossipy psychic, is so lovely albeit overwhelming - I think she was definitely one of the underrated characters in the book and HOPE she's elsewhere in the series... 

The Truth

WOWEE! Just when you think the case is solved, another curve-ball comes along and leaves your jaw touching the floor. It isn't too far-fetched or hard to come up with ideas about who did what, but it isn't easy either! Some mystery/thriller novels tend to stay one one side of that spectrum and can either be blatantly obvious due to typical tropes, or are just so far-fetched it seems ridiculous - Helen Cox is very talented in the way she plans the events and where they may point to for different people.

I loved that the ending gave enough to be satisfied with your read, but also some bait for the proceeding novel(s) if you wish to find out more. There was also a little bit more Yorkshire scenery to enjoy the description of - almost like a full circle! I wouldn't want to give away too much, you'll just have to read and see! 

Conclusion

'A Body In The Bookshop' is a beautifully crafted and demonstrated story, packed with twists, romance, friendship, and teamwork. Helen Cox also included some important topics, such as corruption, sexuality and self discovery, trauma, and loss. Each chapter was small enough to be a digestible chunk but was still packed with action and kept you on your toes! 

The only thing that really stopped me from giving the full five star rating was that I just needed something with a little more oomph, I'm not sure what, but for me it was missing (and some more Evie and Banks). BUT, this book was a great Halloween thriller/mystery read and I feel lucky to have stumbled upon it! I cannot WAIT to read the entire series!

Let me know what you think! :)