Hello, everyone! My name is Emma Starrs, and I’m from Silvercrest, Colorado—a picturesque town in the foothills of the Rocky Mountains. My sister Lucy, our beloved Aunt Nora, and I work together at Starlit Bookshop, the family store. Officially, I plan and manage the literary events. On a typical day, though, we all do a little of everything—stock books, sell books, order books, and basically spend our days thinking and talking about books.

We also look for ways to participate in the literary life of our little town, which is already leaning toward the creative side of the spectrum, with the writers, painters, sculptors, designers, musicians, and more who have been drawn to the vibrant art scene in Silvercrest.

We work closely with the library to promote a love of literacy. Every year, the library board hosts their biggest fundraiser during the holidays, and the whole town is a-flutter right now because hometown sweetheart and star of stage and screen, Whitney Willton, will be headlining the New Year’s Eve Gala. A variety of activities before the big event—during Gala Week—will celebrate Whitney, along with other members of the hit show, Chasers.

I’ve been working hard to create a mystery panel at our bookstore that matches the theme of the television show. Aunt Nora, a bestselling mystery writer, is scheduled to be featured with Calliope Nightfall, Silvercrest’s self-appointed “literary goddess” with a huge personality who is currently into All Things Noir. The two of them are crowd favorites: as English professors, they are practiced in the art of sharing knowledge in lively, compelling ways. It should be a fascinating night.

But thanks to the never-ending machinations of library board president (and all-around thorn in everyone’s side) Tabitha Baxter, things may not turn out as they should…

In the Event of Murder, A Starlit Bookshop Mystery Book 2
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Release: August 2024
Format: Print, Digital, Audio
Purchase Link

It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado—but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.

Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.

With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event.

About the author
Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries and Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries. Originally from upstate New York, she lives with her family—including one very sweet, very barky springer spaniel—in Colorado. Connect with Cynthia at cynthiakuhn.net, on the Chicks On The Case blog, and sign up for her newsletter here.