Step into the cozy yet thrilling world of the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series, where rare books, small-town charm, and clever sleuthing collide! Written by Lauren Elliott, this delightful cozy mystery series follows Addison 'Addie' Greyborne, a sharp-witted bookstore owner in the picturesque New England town of Greyborne Harbor. With a knack for uncovering secrets hidden in dusty tomes and a heart full of resilience, Addie solves murders while navigating romance and local intrigue, making these books a perfect escape for fans of intelligent heroines and literary adventures.
Whether you’re a cozy mystery enthusiast or simply love a story that pairs a good whodunit with a touch of romance, this series invites you to curl up with a cup of tea and get lost in its pages. Let’s explore how this charming series came to life, its captivating themes, and why it’s won the hearts of readers.
How Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Began
Lauren Elliott, a USA Today bestselling author, launched the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series in 2018 with Murder by the Book. Inspired by her lifelong love of mysteries, from Nancy Drew to Agatha Christie, Elliott crafted a series that blends her passion for storytelling with her theatrical and journalistic background. After realizing reporting didn’t fuel her creative spark, she turned to fiction, creating Addie Greyborne—a character who embodies Elliott’s love for books and knack for captivating audiences. Set in a fictional New England town, the series reflects Elliott’s imaginative flair, weaving suspense, romance, and a touch of the paranormal into cozy mysteries that keep readers guessing.
The Heart of Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery
The series kicks off with Murder by the Book (2018), where Addie, reeling from her fiancé’s unsolved murder and her father’s tragic death, inherits her great-aunt’s estate and opens Beyond the Page Books and Curios. When a murder rocks her new hometown, Addie’s sleuthing skills, honed at the Boston Public Library, come into play. In Prologue to Murder (2019), Addie digs into pirate legends and hidden treasures, unraveling a web of secrets. Murder in the First Edition (2019) sees her chasing a stolen Charles Dickens first edition, while A Limited Edition Murder (2024) takes her to England, where a rare Wuthering Heights leads to a murder on the moors.
At its core, the series shines through its themes of resilience, community, and the magic of books. Addie’s independence and stubborn determination make her a relatable heroine, while the cozy New England setting—complete with quaint bookstores and quirky townsfolk—creates a warm, inviting backdrop. Elliott’s stories blend suspense with light romance, often featuring Addie’s evolving relationships with characters like police chief Marc Chandler or Dr. Simon Emerson. The literary focus, with rare books like The Secret Garden or The Velveteen Rabbit driving plots, adds a unique charm, appealing to bibliophiles and mystery lovers alike.
Elliott’s writing style is engaging, with plot twists and colorful characters that keep readers hooked. The series’ cozy mystery vibe—light on gore, heavy on intrigue—makes it an ideal read for those seeking a balance of suspense and heartwarming moments. With 11 books and counting, including the upcoming Epilogue to a Christmas Murder (2025), the series continues to captivate.
Why Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery Resonates
The Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, earning praise for its smart protagonist and book-centric plots. Fans on platforms like Goodreads and Amazon rave about Addie’s adventures, with many binge-reading the series for its addictive mix of mystery and small-town charm. Elliott’s ability to weave literary references into suspenseful narratives has drawn comparisons to Kate Carlisle’s Bibliophile Mysteries, appealing to readers who cherish stories where books are more than just props.
The series’ lasting appeal lies in its relatable themes—overcoming loss, building community, and finding joy in unexpected places. Addie’s journey from grief to empowerment resonates with readers, while the cozy setting offers a comforting escape. With contracts signed for three more books, the series promises to keep delivering page-turning adventures.
- First Book: Murder by the Book (2018)
- Total Books: 11 (as of 2025, with more planned)
- Setting: Greyborne Harbor, a fictional New England town
- Genre: Cozy Amateur Sleuth Mystery
Grab Murder by the Book and dive into the Beyond the Page Bookstore Mystery series’ charming world of clues, books, and cozy intrigue!