Crime and Parchment: A Rare Books Cozy Mystery

Rare books librarian Juniper Blume returns home to chase a lead about the lost covers of the Book of Kells in the first Rare Books Cozy Mystery. The novel mixes bibliophilic detail, family tension, and a small-town murder case with a brisk, cozy pace.

rare bookssmall-town mysteryfamily reunioncozy mysteryBook of Kells

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Work Information

A rare-books expert goes home to follow a manuscript clue and finds herself in a murder case.

Juniper heads back to Rose Mallow after hearing that the long-lost covers of the Book of Kells may be hidden in a Maryland cemetery. Her return sets off a chain of family reckonings, old grief, and a fresh murder investigation.

Review Summaries

Readers are drawn to the bookish setup and the emotional core of the sisters’ relationship. The mystery is gentle, but the atmosphere and character work make it appealing to cozy-mystery fans.

Book Information

Publisher: Level Best Books
Published: 2023-11-21
Pages: 202 pages
Language: 英語
Size: 15.24 x 1.17 x 22.86 cm
ISBN-13: 9781685125080
ISBN-10: 1685125085
Price: 3514 JPY
Category: 洋書/Mystery & Thrillers/Mystery/British Detectives

***Nominated for the Agatha Award for Best First Mystery Novel*** Rare books librarian Juniper Blume knows this much...an ancient Celtic manuscript shouldn't be in a Maryland cemetery. But that's exactly what her brother-in-law claims. Last year, Juniper saw the 1,200-year-old Book of Kells in Ireland. She learned how their bejeweled covers were stolen centuries ago, never to be seen again. So how could they have ended up in Rose Mallow, a small Chesapeake Bay town? Being Jewish, the Book of Kells might not be her sacred text, but as a rare books librarian, the ancient book is still sacred to her, making it important to Juniper to find out the truth. Rose Mallow is the same place where Juniper used to summer with her sister Azalea and their grandmother Zinnia, known as Nana Z. Ever since Nana Z passed away, Juniper's avoided returning, but her curiosity is greater than her grief, so she heads down in her vintage convertible with her rescue dog Clover. Juniper discovers that her sister Azalea has transformed their grandmother's Queen Anne style mansion into the Wildflower Inn, backing up to the Chesapeake Bay. Although Juniper isn't much of a cook, Azalea has kept their grandmother's legacy alive, filling the house with the smells of East European Jewish treats, like sweet kugels and tzimmes cake. Will coming back here feel like returning home or fill Juniper with a deeper sorrow? Can she apologize to her sister for not being there when she was needed most?

Daphne Silver is the author of the Rare Books Cozy Mystery series. She's worked more than twenty years in museums and has the great fortune of being married to a librarian. When she's not writing, she's drawing and painting. She lives in Maryland with her family. Although she's not much of a baker, she won't ever turn down a sweet lokshen kugel.

Reviews

A very special librarian

Librarians are special people, but the protagonist of this book is even more special--a rare books librarian at the Library of Congress. She's on a quick trip to visit her sister, but things happen. She hasn't seen her sister in years, despite living a mere hour away. She has really come in search of a rare book that her sister's husband has, but he, and the book, have disappeared. What can she do? Solve the mystery, of course! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in the series, "The Tell-Tale Homicide." Highly recommended!
Crime and Parchment - a good cozy read

I highly recommend Crime and Parchment as an addition to anyone's cozy mystery library. It is fun, smart, and a nice break from the chaos of getting ready for the holidays. I enjoyed sitting with my cats and a cup of coffee getting to know the folks from Rose Mallow. The premise is interesting and the writer's museum and rare book background really add authenticity to the plot. (My inner museum nerd especially appreciates the embedded preservation and conservation tips.) I would have liked to see Juniper use her librarian skills and rare book knowledge more actively. The mystery and overall pacing are good. Rose Mallow is a great setting with an intentional but not too sweet small town feel. It has a genuine vibe. The interactions between the characters feel as if they are laying the foundation for future development. I'm excited to learn more about them and the other inhabitants of Rose Mallow as the series continues. I received an advance copy and have voluntarily written an honest review.
A rollercoaster of a ride!

Strap in for a rollercoaster of a ride in this new cozy mystery by Daphne Silver. Crime and Parchment takes readers on a fast-paced romp with plenty of twists, turns, and switchbacks to keep readers guessing. Juniper, the rare books librarian at the heart of the story, is unhappy in her job and jumps at the chance to learn more about a rare diary that might point the way to an even more valuable find. Called back to the Wildflower Inn of her youth on the shores of Chesapeake Bay, she finds her sister Azalea’s life in disarray, her former brother-in-law missing, and the diary he promised to show her nowhere to be found. Quirky characters multiply, as Juniper is drawn deeper into the role of sleuth. She is a spunky and intrepid investigator who never shies from her mission to solve the crimes and help her sister put her life back together. History lovers will appreciate the deep dive into the early days of Maryland's settlement and the shroud of mystery around the Book of Kells.
Cozy Mystery Plus!

A murder mystery and a treasure hunt! What could be more fun? Crime and Parchment is a delightful cozy adventure that I thoroughly enjoyed reading. Look forward to more books in the series.
3.5 stars

Juniper Bloom comes home to Rose Mallow in pursuit of a legend. Her sister Azalea is understandably upset that it wasn't about her and her daughter Violet. Murder occurs and Azalea finds herself to be a top suspect. Juniper investigates. Juniper as a character took a while to grow on me. I think partly because she was so self involved at first, but growth does occur as the book progresses. I've had this book on my kindle for a while, and I'm glad it rose to the top of my TBR pile.