A Poisonous Page by Kitt Crowe is the second novel in A Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mysteries. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. In Confection, Oregon two chamber of commerce members are killed. When one of Lexi’s frenemies is accused of the crime, Lexi and the Macaroons (the book club at the bookstore Lexi manages for her parents) set out to discover the identity of the killer. There are quite a few characters to keep track of in this series. It can be hard to keep everyone straight especially those who are friends and those who are not (nasty neighbors, frenemies, and adversaries). I love Lexi’s dog, Cookie. She is indeed a smart cookie. It seems like she understands what people are saying. I am not a fan of Detective Chad Berg who feels the need to constantly issue tickets, fines, and warning to Lexi (it’s like he needs to prove he follows the letter of the law). I do not understand why there is a budding romance between these two characters (I would want to stay as far away from Chad as I could—or, since it is a cozy mystery series, hope that he will be the next victim). The death of the two chamber of commerce members is straightforward. I identified the killer long before the second body turned up. Lexi and her book group were hoping the first death was a murder so they could investigate since they enjoyed solving the last murder. Lexi and her friends speculate on which person they know could have done the deeds. They are a direct bunch. I would have liked more investigating (little sleuthing by Lexi). I found the dialogue to be off and there is a lot of repetition. I would have preferred less romance and a more complex mystery. I did not like the scene where women were slapping each other. I felt that many of the characters were not realistic (nor is their dialogue) and more than a few are unlikeable. While I liked Cookie, she does dominate the book (a scene stealer). Lexi walks the dog, talks to the dog, feeds the dog, etc. I wanted to give this series a second chance (which I did), but I learned that it is not for me. A Poisonous Page is a lighthearted whodunit with a clever Cookie, fun festivals, a busy bar, a deceased chamber of commerce member, a ticket happy detective, the meddling Macaroons, and a sleuthing Lexi. ( )

A thoroughly enjoyable cozy, mystery. I love the characters that Kitt Crowe has created for this mystery series. Lexi, Teri, Cat, Dash, Jimmy, Elvis, Mt. Bachelor (ha ha) and everyone living in Confection ,Oregon.
I was able to guess who the murderer was but Kitt threw enough distractions and red herrings in there that I second guessed myself a couple of times.

Looking forward to reading book #3 in this Sweet Fiction Bookshop series. ( )

A Poisonous Page is the second book in the A Sweet Fiction Bookshop Mystery series by Kitt Crowe.

This visit was another enjoyable one to Confection, Oregon…well, except for a couple of murders. First, Marilyn Freeman, a successful real estate agent and chair of the Chamber of Commerce, is found dead in her home. The police ruled that she died from a heart attack. Then an older woman dies, and Lexi and her book club, The Macaroons, begin to wonder if there is a serial killer on the loose. But this one is ruled death by natural causes as she had a bad heart. Then the body of a young lady is found in her friend Dash’s backyard when the dead girl's panties are mixed in with his dirty laundry, and Dash is arrested and charged with the murder of both.

With Dash arrested, his sister, Teri, Lexi, and The Macaroons set out to clear Dash’s name. They soon find several possible suspects. There has been infighting within the Chamber of Commerce and a possible illegal sale of a plot of land. They hope the killer will be found before any more residents are killed.

The story is well-written and plotted. The characters are all interesting and believable. The story contained enough twists and turns that I kept guessing until the end of the book as to the killer's identity. The book reads decent pace. It appeared to me that Detective “Ice” Berg might be melting a bit, and Lexi might be warming up a bit.

I will be watching for the next book in this enjoyable series. ( )

Lexi Jones, her dog Cookie, and the rest of the Macaroons book club has a new murder to solve when the body of realtor Rachel is found in Lexi's best friend's brother Dash's back yard.

Rachel's death isn't the first suspicious death in town. Her boss Marilyn has also recently died. The cause was assumed to be a heart attack since Marilyn had known health problems, but Lexi and her friends don't think things add up. Since Marilyn had a habit of flirting with men, especially married men, there were many women who wouldn't have minded seeing her dead.

Dash had also dated both women, but that didn't mean that he had a motive to kill either of them. Lexi and her team begin investigating despite being told by Detective Chad Berg to let the police do the investigating.

This cozy mystery was filled with motives and suspects and lots and lots of characters. I liked Lexi and I liked her growing relationship with Chad. Cookie was also a great dog who added a lot to the story.

I'll admit that I had no idea who the murderer was, but once identified, I could see clues that I had missed. Fans of cozies will enjoy this entertaining story. ( )

romantic, cozy-mystery, Oregon, small-business, small-town, bookseller, law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, amateur-sleuth, pets, dog, situational-humor, witty*****

Great characters (especially the amazing pet dog) in this well-paced cozy murder mystery. Lots of plot twists and red herrings with a romantic undercurrent. A good read!
I requested and received a free ebook copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you! ( )