Book Review: Homicide in Hardcover by Kate Carlisle

Synopsis (from Goodreads):  The streets of San Francisco would be lined with hardcovers if rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright had her way. And her mentor wouldn't be lying in a pool of his own blood on the eve of a celebration for his latest book restoration.

With his final breath he leaves Brooklyn a cryptic message, and gives her a priceless—and supposedly cursed—copy of Goethe's Faust for safekeeping.

Brooklyn suddenly finds herself accused of murder and theft, thanks to the humorless—but attractive—British security officer who finds her kneeling over the body. Now she has to read the clues left behind by her mentor if she is going to restore justice.

My Thoughts:  This is the first cozy mystery I have read and I actually really liked it!  It reminded me a lot of the Nancy Drew mysteries I read when I was younger.  It was an easy, fast and kinda "fluffy" read but super fun!

Brooklyn restores books in San Francisco.  She is invited to her mentor's celebration for his latest book restoration project that includes Goethe's Faust.  The collection belongs to a very wealthy and prestigious family who really knows nothing about books. 

As Brooklyn looks for her mentor, Abraham, so she can have a sneek peak of the Faust, she catches the eye of private security, Derek Stone.  She meets her mom downstairs on her way to Abraham's workroom and is surprised to see her there.  As her mom hurries away, Brooklyn finds Abraham....dying in a pool of blood.  He gives her the Faust and a clue.  Now she just has to find out what the clue means while trying to defend her innocence. 

The characters are definitely fun!  Derek is good looking and serious, Minka is just a pain in the butt woman that you want to smack.  Brooklyn's parents are fun, yet flighty. 

There was one issue that I can't really divulge or I'd have to add a spoiler alert but when Brooklyn finds out a friend is gay (in present day San Francisco), he cries and is so embarrassed and ashamed.  I mean, hello?  It is 2011 (well, 2009 in the book) in San Francisco.  Why would anyone be ashamed to be gay there?  Why would you really try to hide it to the extent that this person did? 

All in all, this was just a fun mystery read.  The death attempts on Brooklyn's life were unrealistic and at times, a little corny but I was expecting that.  The ending was rather ridiculous but again, like in a Nancy Drew book, I was expecting it.  So, since I was expecting a little fluff and corniness, I really enjoyed this book!  It will not be my last cozy mystery!