Kate Carlisle is the bestselling author of the Bibliophile Mysteries and the Fixer-Upper Mysteries (as seen on Hallmark Movies & Mysteries). In each Bibliophile Mystery, San Francisco bookbinder Brooklyn Wainwright solves a modern day murder linked to a rare book in her care. Her latest is Once upon a Spine. Read Chapters 1 and 2 free at KateCarlisle.com.
There are a lot of things I should do today. Organize my billing, exercise, make dinner—delicious and with zero calories, of course, so Derek’s mouth will water tonight, and his jaw will drop three months from now when I walk down the aisle. Here’s what I’m going to do: call my mom, visit a rare book I covet at my favorite bookshop, and scarf down a decadent piece of pie. I just found out that my future in-laws are coming from England to “get a look at” me, as Derek so eloquently put it, and I’m nervous. I’m call-my-mommy nervous. I’m pie-nervous.
(Although to be fair, I will grab at any excuse for pie.)
I’m sure I’ll love them. After all, they raised the most honorable man I know. The question is, what will my proper British in-laws think of me and my hippy-dippy California family? I’m probably not what they expect. People assume bookbinders are stodgy academics. They’re often surprised to learn that I was raised on a commune and am more comfortable in Birkenstocks than penny loafers.
Their surprise turns to shock when they discover I’ve solved more than ten murders.
That’s me. Brooklyn Wainwright, professional bookbinder, amateur sleuth. Not that I’m going to add the latter bit to my business cards anytime soon.
The call to my mom connects just as I enter Brothers Bookshop. I wave to the brothers—ex-brothers-in-law, to be precise—and go straight to the coveted book. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, encased in glass like the rare and precious thing it is.
“What’s wrong?” Mom asks, before even saying hello. She has a sixth sense when it comes to her kids.
“The British are coming.” I lean down for a closer look at Alice, willing the beauty of this sweet little book to lift my mood. It’s a first edition, sort of. This charming children’s book has a history almost as convoluted as the story it tells.
“Derek’s parents?” She squeals. “Oh, that’s wonderful! When? Your father and I will come into the city to be with you. I can’t wait to meet them.”
My heart stops dead. No! No, no, no, no, no. “You don’t have to—”
“We’ll take the smaller guest room,” she goes on, ignoring my interruption. “They can have the larger one.”
“But—”
“Oh, should I come early to cleanse the place, in case there’s any residual negative energy from the murder?”
I give up. When Becky Wainwright sets her mind to something, there’s no dissuading her, and she’s set her mind on not only meeting Derek’s parents, but staying with them—with us—in our loft.
What could possibly go wrong? I ask myself with dark humor. You know, the fatalistic kind that has cops joking at a crime scene because it’s the only way to cope with something more terrible than a human can truly comprehend.
I might need two pieces of pie.
You can read more about Brooklyn in Once Upon A Spine, the 11th book in the “Bibliophile” mystery series.
San Francisco bookbinder Brooklyn Wainwright stumbles through the looking glass in a tale of murder, rare books, and a quest for the perfect pie. . .
Brooklyn’s oh-so-proper future in-laws are traveling from England to meet her, and if that’s not enough to set her on edge, rumors abound that the charming Courtyard Shops across the street may be replaced by high-rise apartments. Their trendy neighborhood will be ruined unless Brooklyn and her fiancé Derek Stone can persuade the shopkeepers not to sell.
But with a rare edition of Alice in Wonderland causing bad blood at the Brothers Bookshop and a string of petty vandalism making everyone nervous, Brooklyn and Derek feel like they’re attempting six impossible things before breakfast. Then the owner of The Rabbit Hole juice bar is felled by his own heavy shelves, and the local cobbler lies dead beside him. An accident . . . or something more sinister? Things get curiouser and curiouser when a second priceless copy of Alice is discovered. Will it stir up more trouble within the close-knit community?
As the Brits descend, Brooklyn learns they’re not so stuffy, after all. Derek’s dad is won over with chocolate cream pie, and his psychic mum would kill to help Brooklyn solve this murder—before another victim takes a tumble.
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All comments are welcomed.
Giveaway: Leave a comment below for your chance to win a signed copy of Books of a Feather. US entries only, please. The giveaway ends June 8, 2017. Good luck everyone!
All the covers in this series are gorgeous#!!
Thank you for the giveaway!!!!!
I agree! I adore the covers. I can’t take credit for them. I’m just very, very grateful. You should check out the fun book cover puzzles on my website. They’re in the Secret Room. You have to look for 12 changes on the cover of each Bibliophile Mystery cover. Some of them are easy (and hilarious), and some are really challenging.
Would love a chance to win a signed copy of your book. Add to my to be read list.
Good luck, Linda! The winner will get his or her choice of hardcover or paperback edition of BOOKS OF A FEATHER.
Another series I have to catch up with….
I hope you’ll enjoy the Bibliophile Mysteries, Gram.
Thank you for introducing me to a “new-to-me” author and for the chance to win a signed copy of Books of a Feather.
Peggy, I hope you’ll check out the free excerpts at KateCarlisle.com. You can read chapters 1 and 2 of ONCE UPON A SPINE–browse the book from home!
This is a great series and I can’t wait to read the new one!
Thank you! I hope you’ll enjoy the adventure of ONCE UPON A SPINE.
Love this series and can’t wait to meet the parents.
Thank you, Sharon! I hope you get a kick out of getting a glimpse into Derek’s childhood. Might surprise you. 😉
I’ve been looking forward to this newest installment, I can’t wait !
That makes me very, very happy, Kathy. Thank you.
I absolutely love this series. one of my favorites. I can’t wait to read this one. Thanks for the chance to win.
Thank you, Brian.
Sounds like a great addition to the series, thank you for the chance to win a copy.
wfnren at aol dot com
I hope you’ll enjoy ONCE UPON A SPINE, Wendy. Best of luck in the drawing for BOOKS OF A FEATHER!
Looking forward to reading this book and seeing what Brooklyn and everyone is up to now.
I’ll give you one hint, Lois: they take a side trip to Dharma, the commune where Brooklyn grew up. Oh, and the moms get together to have an appetizer party that is sure to make you giggle. I included recipes in the book.
Sounds like fun. I’m always happy to learn
about an author I didn’t know. I will look for
her books.
Beth
Thank you, Beth. If you’d like to try before you buy, you can read free excerpts of all my books at http://www.katecarlisle.com. If nothing else, just enjoy looking at all the lovely, cozy covers.
Delightful and special. Thanks for your series which I enjoy.
I’m so glad you’re enjoying the Bibliophile Mysteries, Ellie! Thank you for stopping by today.
Reading it now! I can’t look at an old book without thinking of you!
LOL Thank you… I think? 😉
I just bought the book on Audible and can’t wait to get started on it. I do so love this series!
Oh, that’s so great! I’m very chuffed that my books are available in audio. Happy listening, Jan.
Love this author’s books. Thanks for an enjoyable post & chance to win this book.
Thank you, Doward. I’m honored.
A great series. Thanks for a chance to win a signed copy.
Good luck, Elaine! The winner will have his or her choice between the hardcover, which came out last year, and the paperback, which came out last month.
I love this series and can’t wait to read this latest book. The characters are great, like visiting old friends with each book. Thanks for the giveaway.
Looking forward to meeting Derek’s parents.
They are charming! I hope you’ll find it especially fun to watch Brooklyn’s mom and Derek’s mom’s interactions. I had so much fun writing this book.
Sounds interesting.
I’ve read all your books. Can’t wait to read the next installment of Brooklyn’s adventures.
Thank you, Valerie! That is so nice to hear. I hope you’ll love ONCE UPON A SPINE.
I love this series, and what could be better than pie and books?
I should probably have a release day celebratory pie. It’s only right.
I absolutely love Brooklyn and Derek–and I haven’t read Books of a
Feather yet so I’d love to win a copy! Thanks for the chance . . . and for this snippet of Brooklyn’s life to whet my appetite!
Thank you, Amy. I’m so glad you enjoy the Bibliophile Mysteries. 🙂
I would love to have a profession like Brooklyn. Books have always been fascinating to me and older ones are drawn to me. Thanks for featuring Kate Carlisle’s latest book on your blog. My fingers are crossed I might be the chosen one to win a book.
I’m with you! I could spend days happily lost in an antique bookshop. So much fascinating history in the pages, and in imagining the people who might have held the book.
I love this series with Brooklyn’s “hippy-dippy” family as well as the Fixer Upper series. I enjoy the Fixer Upper Hallmark movies and have mentioned to them I’d love to see Brooklyn on TV too! Can’t wait to get my hands on this new book.
Renee, from your lips to Hallmark’s ear! LOL I’d love for them to do a series based on Brooklyn and her gang. What fun!
Books of a Feather sound great. I would love to win a copy to read. Thank you for your blog, it is so much fun.
Thank you, Bobbi. Good luck!
This sounds like another good book would love to read and of course review on a few sites thank you for the chance! ptclayton2@aol.com
Thank you, Peggy. Reviews are always very helpful to readers trying to make a decision.
My favorite series to read. All the characters are so well written. Thank you for bringing these characters to life.
Oh wow, Kathy, that is so nice! I’m honored. Thank you.
I guess living in California and near San Francisco got me interested in this series.. Love all the people in the books and can hardly wait to meet Brooklyn’s future inlaws.
I adore San Francisco so much that I set the series there (and in wine country) simply to justify frequent research trips. LOL
I really want this one. As a part time, amateur book repair pereon, i reslly x really love this series.
What a fun personal connection you have to the series, Amy. Thank you, and good luck!
Just sorry this isn’t open to anyone outside of the USA. Waiving from Canada!
Waving back at you from California, Flo! <3
Great series that is never stale. Enjoy the titles so very much. Thank you for the chance to win a copy of this newest release!!
Thank you! I appreciate the compliment, Johnna.
I love this series! I can’t wait to read this one. I am going to Barnes and Noble to buy my copy tomorrow. So please don not enter me.
You’re so kind, Abby. Thank you. I hope you’ll love ONCE UPON A SPINE. And the deck of playing cards you won this week! 😀 (Going in the mail tomorrow, I believe.) Anyone else who wants a deck of ONCE UPON A SPINE playing cards can enter in the Secret Room at KateCarlisle.com. We’re halfway through 30 days of giveaways.
great author and books
I absolutely love, love, love Kate Carlisle’s awesome books!!!! They are always so exciting that I can never put them down until I am finished the whole book!!!! Can’t wait to read her next one!!! Thanks so much dearest Dru Ann and Kate for the chance to win a signed book!!! God bless you both!!!!
Thank you, Beverly. I absolutely love, love, love your enthusiasm! You just put a BIG smile on my face. 😀
Sounds like a great book! parkeremma2003 at yahoo dot com
Looking forward to finish reading this, 1st 2 chapters were great………
I didn’t read the excerpt. I don’t want to spoil the joy of opening the book and getting involved with Brooklyn’s new adventure!
I would love a chance to win a copy of “Books of a Feather”, thank you!
Best of luck, Connie!
I love your books!! All are intriguing. Thanks for your work in keeping us entertained.
It’s my pleasure! Thank you for your kind words, CJ.
I bought the new one today love your books you and JD Robb I get on release day. I can’t enter the contest I live n Canada and don’t need the book. As I have it already.
Rhyan, thank you so much. I can’t tell you how honored I feel to be an auto-buy for you. Enjoy ONCE UPON A SPINE.
This looks like a great book. Thanks for sharing with us and for the chance to win. 🙂
You’re welcome, Linda. Good luck!
This is a great series. Thanks for the chance to win a copy.
I love Brooklyn’s family, however I think her mom may be my favorite.
Sounds like a fun read!
I love Kate’s books and the movies are awesome.
Very charming cover! And it sounds like a fun read!
Alice in wonderland as the theme is so interesting ! Awesome series! I’d love to win it. is hank you
I’d love to win a book from this terrific author! Thanks for the chance!!
I’d be delighted to win a signed copy of Books of a Feather! What a wonderful series.
I’m way behind in this favorite series and need to catch up!
Kate Carlisle’s series are so much fun,to read!
Add recipes and my day,is complete 🙂
This is a great series. I would love to have a signed copy of “Books of A Feather”. Thanks for the chance.
I would love to win a copy of Books of a feather. This is the series that introduced me to cozy mysteries. Thanks Kate.
Thank you for a peak in the new Brooklyn Wainwright book. Love this series.
I don’t know how I have missed this series as it sounds ever so interesting.
Perhaps I can start by reading “Books of a Feather”.
**** WINNER ****
Books of a Feather by Kate Carlisle is Amy Paul
Congratulations!