Murder on the Page

Literary Dining Mystery, #1

by

Daryl Wood Gerber

A delightful start to this new cozy mystery series featuring books and baked goods.

Murder on the Page is the first novel in author Daryl Wood Gerber’s new Literary Dining Mystery series and features books, baked goods, and best friends trying to solve a murder. Engaging characters experiencing real dramas and traumas, and the tragic murder of a beloved relative, had me invested in finding out who was responsible from the very start. 

The main character, Allie Catt, is smart, talented, and cool under pressure, which is a good thing because she is presented with a lot of opportunities to prove it when her best friend Tegan’s beloved aunt is murdered inside her bookstore. I loved Allie’s energy and determination, which she attributes to her literary role models and her genuine desire to help, especially when law enforcement is eyeing the wrong person as their number one suspect. She’s set on uncovering the truth behind the murder, even though it may hijack a potential romantic relationship that is slowly forming. 

I enjoyed the author’s comfy world-building of the small town of Bramblewood, North Carolina, and I liked that a map of the town was included. In the opening alone, the description of the downpour and wet, slick sidewalks had me imagining the chill and dampness. So, too, were the descriptions of the various confections Gabby prepared, so tantalizing that I mentally inventoried the contents of my kitchen and came up disappointed. The author kindly includes a number of recipes, including gluten-free alternatives, at the end of the book. 

The plot moves quickly, with the death occurring early in the story. From there, it is a treat of interestingly appropriate Pride and Prejudice quotations, literary figures, and famed titles, along with tasty baked goods, as Allie and Tegan work to clear the names of the innocent and find the real killer. Allie does so much and is such an engaging character; I look forward to the next installment in the series. 

I recommend MURDER ON THE PAGE to cozy mystery readers, especially those who enjoy a literary or culinary-themed story. 

I voluntarily reviewed this after receiving an Advance Review Copy from the author through Great Escapes Virtual Book Tours.