Murder is Binding: A Booktown Mystery by Lorna Barrett

              This is very exciting for me.  When I went to the library not long ago, I discovered a new mystery series.  There it was, just sitting on the shelf waiting for me.  Actually it was the newest book in the series that was sitting there, but the premise interested me enough to seek out the first.  I had to place the book on order and wait for its arrival.  Once I began reading I knew it was worth the wait.       

                Tricia is the owner of the mystery bookstore, Haven’t Got a Clue.  She lives in a town devoted to revitalization by way of the bookstore.  All different kinds with their own specialties inhabit the town.  Not even in business for a year, things are going well for Tricia.  At least until she finds the owner of the cookbook store dead.  Not just dead, but murdered.  To make things even worse, the Sherriff is determined to pin the murder on Tricia and refuses to think of any other possibilities.  In order to clear her name, Tricia has to figure out the identity of the real killer.         

                While uncovering a murderer would be stress enough, Tricia has many other things going on as well.  First off, Tricia’s sister Angelica is in town.  They have never been close or really gotten along and Tricia cannot figure out what Angelica’s motive is to visit.  Then there is Russ, the journalist who writes an article insinuating Tricia is guilty of murder.  Further, a man named Mike comes into Tricia’s life.  At first Mike is charming, but it does not take long for Tricia to become wary of his behavior.  To top everything off, Tricia takes on the mission of saving an elderly woman from the antics of her greedy son.  With all that is going on, it is good that Tricia has her faithful shop clerk, Ginny, and regular shop visitor, Mr. Everett, to help her with her business as she investigates.

                There is very little to complain about with this book.  While Angelica could have easily become unbearable, the author did a good job of keeping the behavior over the line to where I just mentally rolled my eyes and kept reading.  The Sherriff was also irritating, but the reason for her behavior is part of the mystery, so I will keep quiet on that.  Those are the only two things I was not completely fond of in this book, and even with that they are of such minor concern.  This is a fun book with a good mystery and I look forward to the rest of the series.