(Series) Review: St. Marin’s Cozy Mystery Series (#1 to #6) by ACF Bookens

And the search for cool cozy mysteries to get lost in is still on, folks! This is a long overdue post but as part of my mini October Fall Bucket List (which has been so far away now lol), I set out to find an autumn-themed book to really get into the season. That’s how I came across ACF Booken’s Plotted for Murder, which is set in autumn. This book is part of an 11-book (as of now) series called St. Marin’s Cozy Mystery, where Harvey Beckett moves to a charming town to restart her life. She opens a bookstore, where she inadvertently begins her work as an amateur sleuth. A charming middle-aged female protagonist. A cozy bookstore and café. A lot of pets (including plenty of pups and a cat!). Classic amateur sleuthing tactics. A cast of quirky, fun characters around town. It has all the elements of a cozy mystery that I absolutely love!

1. Publishable by Death – 4/5☕
2. Entitled to Kill- 4/5☕
3. Bound to Execute – 4/5☕
4. Plotted for Murder – 4.5/5☕
5. Tome to Tomb – 4.5☕
6. Scripted to Slay – 4.5☕

I’ve been on the lookout for another cozy mystery to obsess over ever since Audible pulled the Coffeehouse Mystery Series from the UK, and after I finished the A Cookie House Mystery Series. I think I’ve found the perfect one. (Plus, I can listen to all the books in the series for free via my Everand subscription—love that app!) What I really appreciate about these books is that the cases aren’t always as straightforward as they seem. In addition to having all the elements of a cozy, casual read, I appreciate that they tackle heavy, hard-hitting topics despite the cozy setup. (See summary of the central topics for each book below) It’s clear that ACF Bookens wrote these books with the intention of shedding light on important issues and educating readers. While these themes are heavier than usual for the cozy genre, I admire how the storylines handle them with sensitivity and depth.

Publishable by Death – racism / Entitled to Kill – domestic abuse / Bound to Execute – homelessness / Plotted for Murder – sexual assault / Tome to Tomb – mercy killing / Scripted to Slay – disability rights

Case in point: Tome to Tomb (#5) dealt with mercy killing while Scripted to Slay (#6) centers on disability rights. I actually didn’t know that “angels of mercy” was a thing (or at least, I didn’t know it had a name and was so common) before reading it. On the other hand, I love the unique (and less mainstream) perspective in Scripted to Slay regarding how people with disabilities choose to live their lives, particularly in relation to assistive technology/devices. Reading these books has been a learning experience for me—aside from the enjoyment I get from the stories—and I’m really glad I came across this series.

Out of the first six books I’ve read, Plotted for Murder is my favourite so far. This particular case centres heavily on sexual abuse, and I was moved multiple times by how the plot points were handled. The fundraiser scene, in particular, really struck a chord with me, and I remember shedding a few tears while trying to prep dinner. I also loved these words from Harvey near the end of the book:

“Trust [your] instinct. If something feels unsafe, it is unsafe to us. And it’s okay to leave that situation just because we feel that way.”

These books are seasonal as well, with each setting moving through the year – it feels like you’re actually following a story that breathes and lives outside of the pages. If you’re a sucker for seasonal books like me, these are perfect! I was lucky that once I got to Plotted for Murder (#4), I was able to follow through and read the books almost real-time relative to their timing. And come winter last year (and by the time I am publishing this, it’s already summer solstice! my procrastination skills are out of this world sometimes lol), Scripted to Slay was a really great way to close out this series so far.

I loved how the book has a particular focus on friendship, and making a life and starting over. I’ve expressed this multiple times before, but I really do appreciate middle-aged protagonists now more than ever as it gives my 30-something self some insight and drives home the idea over and over that life is never really linear and doesn’t look the same way. There was a curveball by the end of Scripted to Slay that really caught me off-guard. It was an unexpected personal relationship direction that bummed me out so much, but it made me realize how deep I was invested in the characters of this series. I love and appreciate all the character development, and plot continuity throughout the series. They have truly become comfort characters at this point, and I cant wait to meet up with them again in the next book! (Also: I keep forgetting that there’s a prequel novella to this series and I’m really also psyched to cross off book 0.5, Novel Crime, in my list) In case this is not yet clear: highly recommended! ✨

Note: I read this exclusively in audiobook and the audiobooks are highly recommended as well! Perfect accompaniment to chores, a long walk, or a run.

Rating (Average)

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About the Author

ACF Bookens (Andi Cumbo) is a lover of small towns, charming but imperfect people, and animals of all sorts but especially plump cats and loyal pooches. The St. Marin’s Cozy Mystery Series and the Stitches In Crime Series are her first of what she hopes will be many cozy series.

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