The 12th entry in Carlisle's bookish cozy series (
Once Upon a Spine) finds book restorer Brooklyn Wainwright days away from her wedding to hunky Derek Stone. She has everything under control until her mother surprises her with a bridal shower. The surprises keep coming when Brooklyn discovers her mother invited her two best friends from college. For 12 years, Heather and Sara have been estranged, ever since Sara stole Heather's boyfriend. After a rocky start, Brooklyn manages to avert a crisis when the two appear reconciled. But when Brooklyn discovers Sara's body crushed beneath crates of books, Heather zooms to the top of the suspect list. Also, it turns out that Sara's wedding gift, a rare copy of
The Three Musketeers, is actually a forgery. Now to ensure their wedding day ends in happy-ever-after, Brooklyn and Derek must follow the clues they hope will lead them to a killer.
VERDICT Carlisle does a great job of evoking life in San Francisco through a delightful cast of quirky characters. Her usual blend of humor and mystery will draw in both new and longtime readers. Recommended for admirers of Jenn McKinlay, Lorna Barrett, and Joan Hess.
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