Of Books and Bones
About
Early retirement should mean peace and quiet… until a set of bones is uncovered in a small-town bookstore! Amateur sleuth Ellie Hamlin must unravel secrets and solve the mystery before tragedy strikes again. A cozy mystery novella full of charm, intrigue, and small-town suspense.
Description
Brighton Village, New Hampshire, is charming, friendly, and the perfect place to settle into retirement — or so Ellie Hamlin thought.
When renovations at her sister-in-law Page’s beloved bookstore uncover a set of bones, Ellie’s plans for peaceful retirement vanish. What begins as a shocking discovery quickly spirals into a dangerous mystery, and when Ellie’s own daughter becomes a person of interest, Ellie refuses to sit on the sidelines.
With the help of Page, Ellie must untangle hidden motives, simmering secrets, and a growing list of suspects before time runs out. In Brighton Village, amateur sleuthing is more than a hobby — it’s a necessity.
⭐ Why Readers Love It
- 🕵️♀️ Amateur sleuth charm: Ellie’s sharp instincts and personal stakes keep readers hooked.
- 🏡 Charming small-town setting: A bookstore, local festivals, and familiar faces make the town feel alive.
- 🔍 Twists & suspense: A mysterious discovery turns into a tense, page-turning investigation.
- 📗 Series starter: The perfect introduction to the Brighton Village Cozy Mystery series.
📍 Series Info
A Brighton Village Cozy Mystery
- Book #1: Of Books and Bones
- Book #2: Of Valentines and Vendetta
Brighton Village is full of festivals, friendly faces, and mysteries waiting to be solved.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What genre is Of Books and Bones?
It’s a cozy mystery novella — a lighter, character-driven mystery with suspense, charm, and small-town appeal.
2. Is this the first book in the series?
Yes! This is Book #1 in the Brighton Village series, so it’s the perfect starting point for new readers.
3. Who is the main character?
The story follows Ellie Hamlin, a recently retired woman whose curiosity and detective instincts pull her into solving a dangerous mystery.
4. Is this book good for book clubs?
Absolutely! Themes of family, friendship, and community make it a fun and engaging pick for cozy mystery groups.
5. How long is this book?
This novella is a quick, page-turning read — perfect for a weekend or a few evenings.
Praise for this book
Sylvie takes us on a journey to discover ‘who did it’ in this novella full of the same small hometown charm found in her two other Christmas books set in the fictional town of Brighton, NH. Ellie is the Nancy Drew or Aurora Teagarden character of this story, who along with her best friend Page, discovers an untimely surprise during a remodel. Although Ellie’s policeman husband tells her to stay out of police business, Ellie can’t stop until she solves the mystery, especially with her love and all her connections in her small town. Sylvie gives us a glimpse of her range of writing, which always comes from the heart, and I for one can’t wait to read what she will write next! I highly recommend picking up any of Sylvie’s books!
This novella is the perfect length for reading on a cold autumn night. The twisty plot, New Hampshire setting, and interesting characters make it an entertaining cozy mystery. Recommended.
When a surprise find turns up in her sister-in-law's bookshop, Ellie can't resist the pull to put on her sleuthing hat, even though she faces her police officer husband's protective wishes for her to avoid doing just that. This novella is a fun read full of small-town characters that are sure to please; instead of watching a "Hallmark Mystery" on TV, cozy up and read Of Books and Bones.