About the Book

Title: Brought to Book

Series: Wilkester Mysteries (Book 1)

Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Genre: Christian Cozy Mystery

Release Date: June 24, 2020

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Publisher's Book Description

"There’s nothing in Emily Post about dealing with murder.

Katrina just wanted to spend time among the books at Frank’s Bookstore. Yes, that’s an unimaginative name for a store, but Frank’s an unimaginative guy–or he was.

Now he and his murder are the reason Katrina is spending her spare time with Wilkester detective, Todd Mason. Or, that’s what she tells herself.

Why would anyone want to kill Frank Delaney? Who would do it? And is Katrina herself even safe?

Mixing faith, literary humor, sweet romance, and a cozy mystery that will keep you guessing, Barbara Cornthwaite’s first Wilkester Mystery has everything you want for a cozy read.

Begin your investigation of Brought to Book today."

My Review

Brought to Book, by Barbara Cornthwaite, is the first book in the Wilkester Mysteries series. With an appealing combination of mystery, suspense, and faith, this cozy mystery novel is truly enjoyable to read.

Throughout this novel, it is the development of the characters that makes this book special. The characters are relatable, they are likable, and they make the story authentic and interesting. Even as they grapple with unsettling uncertainty, deep questions, and real danger, they lean into their faith and their friendships as they open their hearts and minds to unexpected possibilities.

The intriguing plot of the novel is well-paced and engaging. It wraps the reader in the thoughts and feelings of the characters as they discover important clues, make thoughtful connections, and uncover surprising motivations behind the mysterious events. Woven within the mystery, themes of faith, purpose, friendship, and trust add meaning to this engaging story that uplifts while it also entertains.

Brought to Book easily captured my attention from the first chapter to the last. It is a novel I can easily recommend to all readers who enjoy cozy, inspirational mysteries. Barbara Cornthwaite is a talented author with a genuine gift for story-telling, and I am sincerely looking forward to reading the next book in this series.

*I was given a copy of this book through Celebrate Lit. A review was not required. The review I have written is voluntary and contains opinions that are entirely my own.

About the Author: Barbara Cornthwaite

Barbara Cornthwaite lives in the middle of Ireland with her husband and children. She taught college English before “retiring” to do something she loves far more; her days are now filled with homeschooling her six children, trying to keep the house tidy (a losing battle), and trying to stay warm in the damp Irish climate (also a losing battle). She is surrounded by medieval castles, picturesque flocks of sheep, and ancient stone monuments. These things are unappreciated by her children, who are more impressed by traffic jams, skyscrapers, and hot weather.

More from Barbara

Meeting of the Minds

A Wilkester Mysteries Introduction

Detective Todd Mason knew Katrina was the one the first time he met her. The woman had witnessed a murder—if not with her eyes, at least with her ears. She’d seen the man dying and called for help, afraid all the while that the killer would return for her. So much he’d been told before he went into the interrogation room.

“How’s she handling it?” he asked the officer who had arrived first at the scene and escorted her to the police station.

“Not too badly,” said Gary. “She’s in shock, of course, but she’s trying to hold it together. Katrina Peters. She’s in Room 2.”

He’d gone in then and gotten his first look at her. Late thirties or early forties. Brown hair that fell to her shoulders in loose waves. Brown eyes that were red-rimmed from crying. Hands clutching a tissue. She managed a faint smile when he walked in.

“Hello, Ms. Peters. I’m Detective Todd Mason. I need to ask you some questions, if that’s all right.”

“Miss,” she said, almost as a reflex.

“I beg your pardon?” Todd wasn’t sure he’d heard her correctly.

“It’s Miss Peters.” She said it firmly, repudiating the term Ms. even at such a stressful moment. Something made her blush then, and he saw her glance at his left hand. “Never mind,” she murmured.

She’s afraid I’ll think she’s trying to advertize her availability. It amused Todd to see the blush—if only she knew how refreshing it was to see a woman who would even be conscious of such a thing. Old fashioned, he thought. In a good way.

She answered his questions as calmly as she could, and even apologized for the tears that insisted on coming out now and then. When she alluded to Daniel in the lion’s den, he knew she really was out of the ordinary, and it took all his self-control not to offer to drive her home himself.

To join the investigation, read your copy of Brought to Book today.