Step into the charming yet thrilling world of the Booktown Mysteries, where quaint bookstores line the streets of Stoneham, New Hampshire, and murder lurks around every cozy corner! This delightful cozy mystery series by Lorna Barrett follows Tricia Miles, a sharp-witted bookstore owner who trades city life for small-town charm, only to find herself solving crimes with a knack for sleuthing. Perfect for fans of light-hearted whodunits, Booktown Mysteries blends engaging plots, lovable characters, and a booklover’s paradise into an irresistible escape.
With its unique setting and Tricia’s amateur detective adventures, the series captures the heart of cozy mystery fans. Whether you’re curling up by the fire or craving a literary getaway, Booktown Mysteries promises suspense, sisterly bonds, and a town where every shop holds a story—and a secret.
How Booktown Mysteries Began
Lorna Barrett, a New York Times bestselling author also known as Lorraine Bartlett, launched the Booktown Mysteries in 2008 with Murder is Binding. Inspired by her love for mysteries and small-town settings, Barrett crafted Stoneham as a haven for book lovers, where themed bookstores draw tourists but hide dark secrets. Her vision was to create a series that paired the warmth of a close-knit community with the thrill of unraveling crimes, making Tricia Miles a relatable and determined protagonist for readers to follow.
The Heart of Booktown Mysteries
The series kicks off with Murder is Binding, where Tricia, owner of the mystery bookstore Haven’t Got a Clue, stumbles upon a murder in a neighboring cookbook shop. Suspected by locals, she must clear her name and catch the killer. In Bookmarked for Death, Tricia hosts a bestselling author for a signing, only for the event to end in murder, pulling her deeper into Stoneham’s secrets. Bookplate Special sees Tricia tackling a case tied to a shady houseguest, while A Controversial Cover (2024) pits her against a killer after a children’s author is found dead at the library.
Booktown Mysteries shines through its cozy yet suspenseful tone, weaving themes of community, family, and the pursuit of truth. The setting—Stoneham’s bookshop-lined streets—creates a dreamy backdrop that contrasts with the grim murders Tricia investigates. Barrett’s plots are peppered with red herrings and twists, keeping readers guessing, while Tricia’s evolving bond with her sister, Angelica, adds emotional depth. From rare cookbooks to historical records, each mystery ties to Stoneham’s literary charm, making the series a love letter to book lovers.
Why Booktown Mysteries Resonates
Booktown Mysteries has carved a niche in the cozy mystery genre, offering a fresh take with its bookstore-centric setting and Tricia’s tenacious spirit. Fans adore the series for its balance of light-hearted fun and gripping suspense, with Barrett’s knack for crafting relatable characters like Tricia and her cat, Miss Marple. The series’ longevity—spanning 19 books and counting—speaks to its enduring appeal, drawing readers who crave both comfort and clever plotting. Its influence extends to inspiring cozy mystery writers to explore unique settings, proving that even small towns can hide big stories.
- First Book: Murder is Binding (2008)
- Latest Book: A Controversial Cover (2024)
- Total Books: 19 (as of 2025)
- Setting: Stoneham, New Hampshire
Grab Murder is Binding and dive into the Booktown Mysteries’ cozy, crime-filled world! Whether you’re a mystery buff or just love a good story, Tricia Miles and Stoneham’s secrets are waiting to captivate you.