Top critical review
3.0 out of 5 starsCrimes and Covers
Reviewed in the United States on January 11, 2022
I am a big fan of Amanda Flowers work, and I have enjoyed every series she has written to date. That said, Crimes and Covers was not necessarily one of my favorites. Some of this could be attributed to the fact that I am not a big Thoreau fa. However, much of my dislike stems from the fact that this could have been a much better book all the way around. Charming Books wasn’t as charming as previously; it doesn’t feel like Christmas in this story, and the wedding seems like an afterthought.
Thoreau's book, Walden, is at the heart of murder. The victim tries to sell Violet a first edition copy of the famous tome, and when Violet wants to have it appraised, the woman leaves Charming Books in a huff taking the book with her. On Violet and David’s wedding day, they come across the women’s body floating in the river. So, of course, Violet wants to start investigating, not to find the killer, but to find the missing book.
There are suspects, mainly rare book dealers, and collectors, but none of those Violet comes across seem to have the mentality to commit murder. One suspect claims that Thoreau's book was stolen from her by the victim, but then she also claims to be a direct descendent of Thoreau, which Violet knows is impossible. Charming Books does what it is famous for; it magically shows Violet passages from Thoreau’s material. Then, onto help her solve the crime. The murder isn’t solved by Violet. She suddenly gets information that lets her know who the killer is or thinks it is. In truth, she solves the crime when the murderer thinks she has figured it out.
It is Charming Books that I have the most issue with this book and series. I would rather see this series turned into a flat-out paranormal, less about magical waters that anyone can use and a tree in the middle of the bookshop. I love the flying books, and I felt this book, in particular, needed more of the magical aspects and less about Violet’s wedding. Emerson and Faulkner are the best characters in this series, and maybe they should get their own. Thoreau's book wasn’t interesting to me, it could well have been any famous author’s work, and it would have had the same outcome. Crimes and Covers is an easy and quick read, and entertaining if you take it as a stand-alone. However, as part of the series, I was disappointed. I wanted this book to feel special because it was Christmas at Charming Books and Violet’s wedding. I will continue to read the series and hope for better reading in the next installment.
