When a body is found murdered and staged, Detective Marc Tenault is called in to lead the investigation. Charley and Marc have history, bad history. But she has also harbored a crush on him since high school. When a second body is found and Charley makes the connection that the staged scenes are right out of her book clubs reading list, her and Marc must team up, because it looks like one of the Agatha's is doing more than reading about murder.. Intelligent, fearless, and every bit as stubborn as Marc is, Charley soon learns the Agathas aren’t the only ones with secrets to protect. Passions explode as she and Marc must race against time to prevent another murder. And if Charley’s not careful, she may find herself becoming the killer’s next plot twist. (Goodreads) I absolutely loved this book! The story is expertly crafted, with a captivating plot and relatable characters. On the flip side, The Book Club Murders is a lot steamier than most cozy mysteries I’ve read – a genre that can be typically trusted to be “clean fiction”. Prevalent – and strong – profanity also proved disappointing to me in this one; again, not something I am used to finding in a cozy mystery. The intimate scenes weren’t explicit enough to be offensive, but the language crossed my own personal level of tolerance. Toni did like to be centre of attention and was not shy in putting the other members in their place with a look or an acidic retort. Not surprising then that the other eight women at the aforementioned book club meeting are immediately under suspicion. However, as the police begin to dig into the victim’s past, some unsavoury secrets are revealed. Toni, it seems, wasn’t as white as she painted herself.

CLUB MURDERS a gripping murder mystery packed with THE SUPPER CLUB MURDERS a gripping murder mystery packed with

But then, murder happens - and it's someone connected to the book club members. Not long after, another one bites the dust, and clues lead to passages from book club selections and the suspicion that both dirty deeds were done by the same hands. Fingers begin pointing toward another of the club members, so over Marc's objections, Charlie's valuable insights translate to her acceptance on the investigative team. Finally, she even convinces him to let her use her knowledge and skills as an inside-the-club informant in the hope of ferreting out which is the killer. Of course, that puts Charlie squarely in the crosshairs of someone who will do anything - including kill again - to keep from being identified. This book was entertaining 😄. It’s not the usual dark and somber mystery/suspense that I’m used to, but interesting nonetheless (with humorous parts). I could actually see this book being adapted into a film. Charley Carpenter, owner of a vintage clothing store is desperate for her store to be a success. Her beloved father has incurred multiple strokes and when caring for him was more than she could do, she hired a live-in caretaker, Lawrence. She opened her business two years ago and needs to turn a profit. She decides, with coaxing from her best friend, to join a book club called the Agathas. The Agathas are made up of the towns elite women, therefore, potential customers. To her joy, it is working. To her dismay, most of the women are pretentious snobs. Charley will tough it out though for her bottom line. Charley Carpenter is my kind of woman—smart, strong, and independent. She makes an engaging and utterly appealing new detective. Book some time with Charley today!” —Michael Lister, New York Timesbestselling author of Blood Oath Charley Carpenter is the proud owner of Old Hat Vintage Fashions and she is so proud of her shop. She has worked hard to make it successful and is willing to do just about anything to keep it that way. Even join a book club, The Agathas, where most of the members are priggish and not people she would normally spend time with. But she knows these women have money and influence, and she should try to be friends with them. When two murders occur close together, and the victims have a tie to the book club, she realizes that one of the members may be a cold blooded murderer. Since she is a member of the club, she is very well aware of the fact that she could become the next victim. She knows she has to do whatever she can to catch the killer before her life is written off for good.Shirley considers her husband Grant useless, as he doesn’t provide enough, spends lots of time with his friends at the pub and spoils their daughter. What is your definition of a useless husband? A good ending is essential in any mystery or crime thriller: it should ease up on tension, answer questions, and tidy up loose ends. Does the ending accomplish those goals? I suppose the title does give it away a little, but although the death of Toni Jones is murder, it isn’t actually at the book club. Her naked body is discovered, scattered with geranium petals, in a local park. Toni was a bit of a pain, it’s true, and had caused a scene at the meeting the previous evening. But who hated her enough to bump her off?

The Book Club Murders by Leslie Nagel | Goodreads

I thoroughly enjoyed this thriller. It drew me in with the title, especially being a book lover, and then I read the exciting and secretive blurb. I would warn that for fans of a cozy mystery this one may cross a few lines for readers that are used to a somewhat more clean read that you find in cozies. There's some language and also a relationship developing in here that I don't often find in those types of stories but for me I found I rather enjoyed this one being a bit of a mix of both types of books. I’m so glad I’m not a member of this book club. I don’t think they ever get round to discussing the books. Too busy with the local gossip. And that’s before things get really serious. We only talk about crime novels and serial killer thrillers at any book club I belong to. We don’t act them out for real – thankfully. At least I don’t. Some minor plot points, including the one about Izzy’s health, were left aside without sufficient closure.Charley Carpenter is a likable main character. As in most cozy mysteries, her love interest is the detective assigned to the case, Marc Trenault. The romance doesn't overshadow the mystery...there's just enough to sweeten the story. I like the fact that she is independent, intelligent and a strong woman. Nagel did an excellent job developing her characters. The wealthy members of the book club are irritatingly snobbish, but not overly so. Marc has just a bit of jerk thrown in among his good looks and charm. And, Charley's friends have personalities that help move the plot along nicely. All in all, a very well written cozy mystery and an excellent first novel!! I can't wait to read more by Leslie Nagel! Before i get into my review, I am going to state I do not think this is a cozy. It is on the fringes, but had a few F* bombs, there was sex that was sort of behind closed doors (perhaps a smidge more explicit than you would normally find) and just didn't read like one to me.

The Book Club Murders: The Oakwood Book Club Mystery Series

In discussion with Amy & Marion, Maggie mentioned Janet was gay. Did you find this relevant to the story? In a charming cozy mystery series debut, Leslie Nagel’s irrepressible small-town heroine finds that her fellow mystery book club members may be taking their Agatha Christie a bit too literally—and murder a bit too lightly. And all things considered, it served all its intended purposes. I enjoyed glimpses of places I've been, books I, too, have read, and the respite from head games as the story played out in a somewhat predictable manner (as cozy mysteries are wont to do). The heroine, Charley Carpenter, is a character with whom I could be friends (well, on most days, at least), and certainly one I'll be willing to read more about as the series continues. I loved the idea of the book club, the killing of the members of that club, the murders imitating murders from mystery novels, all this in a lovely town. The only down part was: too many characters. For a while I was so confused, mixing the names of the club members and who was whose’s husband🤦‍♀️… But I was right on the killer’s identity – yay👌! Generic Mystery Questions by LitLovers. Please feel free to use them, online or off, with attribution. Thanks.)This is a debut novel from Leslie Nagel. I love reading new authors! This book was well-written and enjoyable. The mystery was filled with suspense, twists and turns, and an exciting ending! I wasn't sure who the killer was until the very end!