I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from Great Escapes Book Tours. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Who Shot the Serif?
by Jessa Archer
Series: Hand Lettering Mystery #1
Series Rating:
Published by Archer Mysteries on July 16, 2019
Genres: Mystery
Pages: 216
Format: Kindle
Source: Great Escapes Book Tours
Goodreads
BookBub
Get Your Copy at: Amazon
When Jamie Lang finds one of her hand lettered quotes on the window of her shop, Flourish, with a hole shot through a serif, she knows someone's trying to drive her business into red ink. Jamie confronts Earleen Culp, the ruthless owner of the local stationery shop, in front of the most popular breakfast spot in the small town of Cedar Valley. Of course, Earleen professes shock and innocence, so when she’s found dead in front of Jamie's home the next morning, Jamie becomes the prime suspect.
Jamie's one cross-stroke short of acquittal, and even her best friend has her doubts. But Jamie's not the only one in town with a motive for wanting Earleen silenced for good. To clear her name, Jamie's going to need every last drop of ink in her quill.
With the hot police chief Ridge, and her makeup artist friend Nora on her side, she’s prepared to go out with a flourish if that's what it takes to catch the real murderer. She’s desperate to save her hand lettering business, but will her quest lead her right into a killer’s snare?
Who Shot the Serif? by Jessa Archer is fabulous. The characters, setting, and knowledge of hand lettering are amazing. I enjoyed the story, but the mystery was perfectly crafted. Jessa Archer is one of my favorite new authors this year. Ms. Archer explains the title wonderfully for all of us who don’t do hand lettering.
Will Jamie figure out who killed Earleen before it’s too late?
Jamie Lang
Jamie is our sleuth, main character, and point of view. She owns and operates Flourish a hand lettering stationery shop in Cedar Valley Washington. Jamie is not a morning person, and she has a coffee addiction. Some might even call her a coffee snob (which she calls herself). She has a long-running rivalry with Earleen who owns Culp’s Stationery. This rivalry is what puts Jamie, and her shop in the court of public opinion, well after Earleen is found shot in the head on Jamie’s porch.
I like Jamie; she has lots of friends, her Aunt Opal is a kick. Jamie lives in a lovely house, loves her business, you know to not bother her early in the morning before she has had enough coffee. The only thing that Jamie needs to really deal with is Ridge. Seriously, she needs to figure out what her feelings are and discuss it with him. Otherwise, you know the clock is ticking.
Mystery
So, the mystery was super. I figured it out not because I saw the clues, but I was guessing about a few things that happened and guessed correctly. I didn’t see the clues until it started to unravel for the culprit. Oh, and I so didn’t see what was going to happen. Let’s say that Jamie should have listened to Ridge better, maybe next time. Who am I kidding? Hopefully, there won’t be the next time?
Extra
I am not the hand lettering type, so I found this part of the plot fascinating. The author even includes a practice sheet in the book. I won’t show you how mine turned out, Jamie would think it was terrible.
Four Stars for Who Shot the Serif? by Jessa Archer
I am giving Who Shot the Serif? by Jessa Archer four stars and adding the next two books in the series to my TBR. This book is excellent, and I recommend it to all you cozy fans out there.
Other Books in Series
Free Book
Grab your copy today!
Cursive, Foiled Again!: A Hand Lettering Cozy Mini-Mystery
Tour Organized by:
To find all the tour information, click the banner at the top of the page or HERE.
Have you signed up to be a Tour Host? Click Here Find Details and Sign Up Today!
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Who Shot the Serif? by Jessa Archer. Make sure you grab that free book.
Until the next time,
Happy Reading!
About Jessa Archer
Jessa Archer writes sweet, funny, warm-hearted cozy mysteries because she loves a good puzzle and can’t stand the sight of blood. Her characters are witty, adventurous, and crafty in the nicest way. You’ll find her sleuths hand lettering inspirational quotes, trying to lower golf handicaps, enjoying a scone at a favorite teashop, knitting a sweater, or showing off a dramatic side in local theater.
Jessa’s done many things in her long career, including a stint as a journalist and practicing law. But her favorite job is spinning mysteries. She loves playing small town sleuth and transporting readers to a world where the scones are delicious, wine pairs with hand lettering, and justice always prevails.
Reading this book contributed to these challenges:
- 2019 Cloak and Dagger
- 2019 Craving For Cozies Reading Challenge
- 2019 Cruisin' Thru The Cozies Reading Challenge
- 2019 Goodreads Reading Challenge
- 2019 New Release Challenge
Thank you for the lovely, thoughtful post and review, Karen! ? I’m so glad you enjoyed the book and I think Jamie would be incredibly pleased you gave hand lettering a try! ?