Of Valentines and Vendetta
About
Valentine’s Day in Brighton Village should be sweet… until murder crashes the Chocolate Festival! Amateur sleuth Ellie Hamlin must uncover the truth before her sister-in-law is blamed. A cozy mystery novella full of charm, chocolate, and small-town secrets.
Description
Brighton Village, New Hampshire, is full of charm, festivals, and friendly faces — but Valentine’s season brings more than romance.
When Page Hamlin’s baker disappears on opening day of the Chocolate Festival, Page turns to her sister-in-law Ellie to help keep the Purple Page Bookshop & Café running. For Ellie, work is easier than facing her grief — it’s the anniversary of her husband’s death — but the festive celebration fades fast when the missing baker is found in a dumpster… with her mouth stuffed full of chocolate-covered coffee beans.
Even worse, evidence points to Page as the prime suspect. Refusing to let her sister-in-law take the fall, Ellie digs into the mystery, navigating too-perfect clues, simmering small-town secrets, and a growing list of suspects… before she becomes the next victim on the menu.
In Brighton Village, murder has a way of spoiling even the sweetest treats.
⭐ Why Readers Love It
- 🍫 Unique cozy mystery premise: A chocolate festival murder keeps readers intrigued.
- 🧠 Amateur sleuth charm: Ellie’s clever investigation and personal stakes make her a lovable protagonist.
- 🎭 Heart & humor: Deals with grief, family, and community while keeping the story lighthearted.
- 📗 Series continuity: A satisfying follow-up to Of Books and Bones, yet enjoyable as a standalone read.
📍 Series Info
A Brighton Village Cozy Mystery
- Book #1: Of Books and Bones
- Book #2: Of Valentines and Vendetta
Perfect for readers who enjoy small-town settings, charming characters, and amateur sleuthing.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. What genre is Of Valentines and Vendetta?
It’s a cozy mystery novella — a lighter, character-driven mystery with suspense, charm, and small-town appeal.
2. Do I need to read Book #1 first?
No! Book #2 stands on its own, though reading Of Books and Bones first adds extra context.
3. Who is the main character?
The story centers on Ellie Hamlin, an amateur sleuth with a sharp eye for mysteries and a warm heart for community.
4. Is this book good for book clubs?
Absolutely! Themes of friendship, grief, loyalty, and clever plot twists make it a great pick for cozy mystery groups.
5. How long is this book?
This novella is a quick, engaging read — perfect for a weekend or a few evenings.
Praise for this book
Secrets, too-perfect clues, and a host of suspects means Ellie has her hands full! Not just a great cozy, it's also a touching story dealing with grief and healing. I highly recommend this one!
The protagonist is fun, strong and someone you want as a friend! enjoyable!
There are twists, turns and more than one suspect. It kept me reading to see Ellie work through the clues while also to continue working though the loss of her husband. Part of the Brighton Village Series but can be enjoyed without having read the entire series so far.