Reading all the Lime (Messy Bookshop Mysteries Book 5)

A Sweet Treat, a Deadly Mystery, and a Killer with Something to Hide

Spring has arrived in Sevier Oak, Tennessee, and amateur sleuth Garnet Stone has more than enough on her plate. Between preparing her boyfriend’s condo for sale, working at a cluttered used bookstore, and keeping up with family secrets, her to-do list is overflowing. But when a customer drops dead after eating a lime bar at her best friend Megan’s dessert shop, Garnet finds herself caught up in another murder mystery.

With Megan at the top of the suspect list, Garnet teams up with her crime-solving crew to uncover the truth. As suspicious relationships, hidden motives, and questions of inheritance come to light, Garnet discovers that this killer is interested in a different kind of green. Meanwhile, her detective father is keeping secrets of his own.

Set in a charming East Tennessee small town, this cozy mystery blends amateur sleuthing, quirky characters, family relationships, friendship, and a dash of romance. Can Garnet follow the clues and catch the killer before someone else gets hurt?

Dive into this sweet and suspenseful cozy mystery and join Garnet Stone as she uncovers a recipe for murder!

Excerpt from the book

“She’s going to love this,” the customer said, beaming at the book cover. Standing at the L-shaped counter, he swayed on his feet, brimming with excitement. “She’s a sucker for love stories. Everyone I’ve talked to said a lot of good things about it.”

How would someone inform a customer purchasing this book that it would not help get their former lover back? I had no idea. In my opinion, the gesture would have the opposite effect. As a woman and a bookworm, I’d be disappointed if my boyfriend gave me this particular novel thinking it would win me over.

My boss, Jane Jackson, gave a nod of approval. “The Notebook is a great love story.”

Great was a stretch for me. Though there were sweet, romantic parts—in the movie, since I never read the book—I preferred a plot with a happier ending. I contemplated recommending different books, but decided against it. Some people found The Notebook more romantic than heartbreaking. Like Jane, apparently. If the customer wanted it, then I wouldn’t argue.

“Do you want me to gift-wrap it?” Jane asked.

His face lit up. “Yes, please. Oh, before you do, I want to write a little something.”

From the cup filled with pens, I took one and paused. The customer’s right hand was in a blue cast. I was unsure whether he could write. If not, Jane could do the honors for him.

“Good thing I’m left-handed.” He winked.

He used his arm in a cast to hold the book open as he wrote, which blocked my view and prevented me from seeing who he was writing to. Jane grabbed the brown paper she used for a blind date with books.

I studied the customer’s face as he scribbled. He looked familiar. He had a sturdy build and short, almost buzzed, brown hair. The guy had either been in the military or spent a lot of time at the gym. Having spent twenty-three years in Sevier Oak, I knew almost everyone, even those with criminal records, since my family served in law enforcement. But to my knowledge, he had a clean slate. He also hadn’t come into our used bookstore since we reopened in the fall. Still, it bugged me that I couldn’t place his name.

“What’s your phone number?” I asked, as we did with all our customers, to pull up their accounts and put them into our email list for upcoming sales.

He returned the pen. “I’m not in the system. I normally order online, but I needed the book today. You can add me to your list. I’m Carson Ayton.” Then he proceeded with his cell number and home address.