In the Event of Murder by Cynthia Kuhn

 Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado, is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch—until Lyra is found dead.

With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha—her longstanding nemesis—bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows—and murder just might become the main event. 

This is the first book that I have read by this author. At first, the characters had me a bit confused because I didn’t know their back-stories. As I went along, little things began to make more sense. My only thing is why, with cozy mysteries, is there always that one “enemy” to the protagonist that just is nasty for the sake of being nasty? I’m just glad that it wasn’t the cop, and that there doesn’t appear to be a love triangle. 

The motive didn’t make a lot of sense, but the personality of the killer must also be taken into account. I wish I could say more because there is so much to say, but please read this novel.

Overall, I rate this novel 4 out of 5 stars.