Harper Kincaid

I would give this 3.75 stars if I could. It's a pretty good read, but it feels more like a romance (or two) with a mystery thrown in. To call it a "bookbinding mystery" is a bit of a misnomer. The main character is a bookbinder, and takes on a couple of projects that advance the mystery a bit, and one of the sub-plots. There's not really a lot about bookbinding or book conservation in the book. More than some recent mysteries I've read, the author does try to populate the mystery with an ethnically and racially diverse set of characters. The main character is feminist. Somehow, though, I feel like the main romance offsets the feminism somewhat. Not only is this a relationship that would progress much faster if the main character acted like an adult, but the conflict between the main character and her love interest is very much "he's a tough, protective cop; she's a nosy civilian he wants to keep safe." Then there's the best friend, her cousin who was kind of a hellraiser as a teen who recently entered the novitiate of an Anglican order of sisters. The convent feels more like a setting for a fish-out-of-water story than an opportunity to explore ideas about religion and faith. Yet the descriptions are pretty good, and I like the Vienna, Virginia, that the book is set in.… (más)

A Midsummer Night’s Scheme by Harper Kincaid It is the second A Book Binding Mystery. I believe it is best to read To Kill a Mocking Girl first before embarking on this new whodunit. The story is told from Quinn and Sister Daria’s point-of-view. I found the dual perspectives to be confusing. I wish the author had not split the focus. The murder is dramatic, and it had been cringing (also gave me nightmares). The author certainly came up with an out of the box method of murder. Quinn promises her boyfriend, Detective Aiden Harrington that she will stay out of the case. But when her brother, Bash is threatened, Quinn is quick to stick her nose in the investigation. Quinn with her help from her cousin, Sister Daria work to solve the case. The mystery was not at the forefront of this story. Personal issues and relationships took precedence. I would have liked less romance. The story seemed more of a romance than a cozy mystery. Bookbinding is hardly mentioned. There is some humor. The nuns are an electric group. A Midsummer Night’s Scheme ends with a cliffhanger. I was not a fan of this storyline. I gave this series a second chance, and it is my conclusion that it is not the right fit for me. I prefer more mystery with a touch of romance (if the author absolutely feels it is necessary). This was more like a romance with a smidgen of mystery. A Midsummer Night’s Scheme is hebi whodunit with a returning rogue, venomous snakes, a fatal accident, sinister spiders, a bowwow rescue, and relationship apprehensions.… (más)

Vienna, Virginia seems to be on the cusp of just about everything. A local thespian who made it big on Broadway is home to announce a new theater company. Quinn and her cousin Sister Daria sure remember him from high school, along with the trio of mean girls who still throw their weight around town There wasn't as much of Quinn's bookbinding in this one, but her handmade notebooks do provide an important clue as the mystery moves forward. And actually, I really enjoyed Sister Daria's part in the story as she heads toward taking her vows as a nun while helping run a support animal class and assist Quinn in all things detecting. The methods of the murderer are unique and I was surprised at the eventual culprit.… (más)