Murder by the Book Mysteries: Book 2
Publication Date: May 16, 2026
Bookstore owner and armchair sleuth Kate Rowan loved a good murder mystery ― until she fell for an actual killer.
Once, she’d hoped her fling with security expert Gary Fenris would lead to something more, but then he confessed his secret: To avenge a deceased lover, he took someone’s life. Now, Kate can’t even crack the spine on a cozy, let alone a noir. Meanwhile, Gary resolves that protecting others from danger ― and protecting Kate from himself ― is his best shot at atonement.
But when Kate’s Great-Aunt Roselyn is found with a bloody knife over her neighbour’s dead body, on a property guarded by Fenris Securities, Kate and Gary must work together to solve the case.
Their sleuthing sends them on a high-stakes treasure hunt from their little neighbourhood of Willowsend to the busy streets of London. Back in forced proximity with her killer ex, Kate can’t help but wonder if, this time, she can convince Gary to turn the page on murder.
Set in England, Turning the Page on Murder by Vanessa Westermann is the second book in the Murder by the Book Mysteries series. Kate is the female protagonist with many hidden talents and strengths.
Kate is a bookseller who lives with her great aunt. When an elderly neighbor is murdered, she once again turns into an armchair sleuth and works with a potential love interest and a cop to figure out whodunnit. There were many mentions of events from the first book, but not enough details at first, so I felt lost not having read it.
There are multiple crimes committed and many clues to sift through to get to the truth. Some are book-related, and there are multiple references to different books. Kate is good at sleuthing and picking up on what isn’t being said, and always seems to be one step ahead of the pros. When she solves the crimes and saves herself and others, there is closure and an unexpected happily-ever-after. But the story ended abruptly with some loose ends that could have been tied up with an epilogue.
Turning the Page on Murder is a mystery with plenty of action, clues, and crimes that Kate is destined to solve, but not from her armchair.
Vanessa Westermann is a Canadian mystery writer. As an avid reader of the genre, she is a former Arthur Ellis Awards judge, and has spoken on the evolution of women’s crime writing, at the Toronto Chapter of Sisters in Crime. Her blog, “Vanessa’s Picks”, features literary reviews and author interviews. Vanessa holds an M.A. in English Literature and has taught creative writing. She is a member of Crime Writers of Canada and International Thriller Writers. Vanessa is currently plotting her next (fictitious) murder, while drinking copious amounts of tea.
