Clause of Death

A Booktown Mystery, Book 16

By: Lorna Barrett

Narrated by: Cassandra Campbell

Tricia Miles and her sister, Angelica, are copresidents of the Stoneham Chamber of Commerce. Things are changing in the booktown, and some merchants would say not for the better. They grumble that too many non-book-related stores are moving into the village, diluting the “Booktown” moniker. Of course, the members with other businesses, like the latest, The Bee's Knees, are fine with other businesses moving in. No matter what side of the argument they're on, all the business owners agree on one thing: Tricia and Angelica are to blame.

Still, it's a pretty typical day in the life of a small-town Chamber of Commerce until one of the disgruntled bookstore owners is killed—Eli Meier from The Inner Light Bookstore, the most vocal of the Chamber complainers. He sold religious and other spiritual books, but also stocked books on wild conspiracy theories and sold incense, crystals, etc. Eli had never been a member of the Chamber until Angelica recently convinced him to join. He hit on her and she, having good taste, turned him down. He hounded (but not stalked) her, and some might think that was a motive for murder.

Stoneham's new police chief is an old friend of Tricia's, but that doesn't mean he's going to go easy on her sister. One might even say that he's going to throw the book at her.

©2022 Penguin Random House LLC (P)2022 Tantor

Another fantastic book in series

Another fantastic book in this series! Loved the unexpected twist! Love Stoneham and all the characters in this series!

Clause of Death

Loved the narrator. The story is a bit fantastic; but I'm beginning to think most mysteries are.

Another great Booktown read - with a few critiques

I enjoyed this book in the series as much as I have enjoyed them all. A cute cozy mystery, a return of all the series favorites, tied up neatly at the end. This is one of my favorite Cozy Mystery series, so I feel I need to comment on some of the negative reviews I have seen. First of all, Cassandra Campbell as narrator. She is one of my favorite narrators in all of audible, but I will agree, that Karen White did a better job with the characters. When you are doing a series, pick one narrator, and stick with it. It is not enjoyable to get used to how one narrator portrays characters, and then have to alter that getting used to a different narrator. If you are going to pick one, please pick Karen White. Secondly - I was a bit surprised to see other reviewers refer to the book as political - or having a political agenda. I didn't think she delved too far into politics at all and when she did, I feel she presented her opinion, as well as alternate opinions. It was a very small short piece of the book. It was an overreaction I thought to refer to this book as having a political agenda - you really had to look for it - a sad testimony to how sensitive people have become. It was a great addition to a wonderful series - I recommend to all those who are fans of the series to give it a try.

Excellent story

I loved the twists in the plot. And Pixie story coming out. I like how Tris turned down the new police chief for dating.

A good narrator, but not the right narrator

The story was good, though somewhat depressing.
Cassandra Campbell, while competent, she doesn’t bring the characters to life like Karen White did.
For example, Antonio now has pretty much completely lost his Italian accent.
Sigh …
It’s like having someone else play Indiana Jones or a different voice for Darth Vader.
Bring back Karen White PLEASE!

Clause of Death

I really enjoyed the story but the performance? What happened to Antonio’s Italian accent? It was very disturbing to hear him with a different accent! Did the performer not know that he was from Italy?

Great story can’t wait for the next in the series

Loved this book. So glad Cassandra is getting back her groove. Enjoyed her narration this time around. Can’t wait for the next one. It’s already ordered on presale! I re listen to all the audibles before the new one book is released to be familiar. Just finished this one & July can’t come soon enough. Just a week shy! I do hope we get to see a love interest who accepts Tricia for who she is and compliments her character! I’m rooting for the new Irish Chief! But I’ll settle for someone new too (hahah) 💚🖤 thanks for another great book LB! Please keep them coming. I adore Booktown, and it’s dynamic cast of characters!

Always enjoyable

This is a well written series. I love the characters and the way the story has evolved over time. I look forward to the next book.

Author just couldn't resist - terrible

I've loved this series, until this one. It's really too bad the author has decided to delve into a controversy in the US. Guns are legal in this country and this author has inappropriately decided to take the story and the lead character and disparage our 2nd amendment right. I will NEVER buy a book from this author again. Just write a story and keep your personal views out of it.

Disappointing

very disappointed that I spent 1 credit on this book! Author hit every depressing and sore topic from gun control/conflict to rape and more. Was really hoping Trisha would find joy and even a little romance. I was severely let down. The narrator needs to be replaced, she ruined Pixie, this book was worse yet. No inflection, Angelica voice was horrible and Antonio went from being Italian to not. I could go on and on but will spare the rant.