Violet Waverly and her Grandma Daisy are coordinating a book signing at Morton Vineyards. Violet isn't exactly thrilled with the location, as she once dated the owner's son, Nathan. However, Charming Books is featuring the book of sommelier Belinda Perkins, and the sales look to be robust. Unfortunately, Belinda Perkins also has a past in the town of Cascade Springs, a past that leaves her murdered. Worse yet, Violet's friend and Belinda's sister, Lacey, is the prime suspect. Can Violet solve the mystery with clues from her Magical Bookshop?

MURDERS AND METAPHORS is the third book in the Magical Bookshop series but can easily be read on its own merits. Amanda Flower gives readers enough history of Violet's past with Nathan for readers new to the story. We also get a nice recap of the Waverly family history as it applies to Violet's role as Caretaker of a magical book store and tree.

The relationships in the Magical Bookshop series are starting to get complicated in MURDERS AND METAPHORS. Violet struggles with the fear that she is destined to be either alone or unlucky in love due to the Waverly family role of Caretaker. However, her attraction to Police Chief David Rainwater has her questioning whether the family history of always being alone is just a myth or her fate.

I absolutely love the concept of a magical bookstore that uses books as clues to the murder! Even better, Charming Books always ensures that customers get exactly the book they want or need, no matter what Violet and Grandma Daisy believe is in stock. What reader wouldn't want to explore the shelves of such special book store like Charming Books? MURDERS AND METAPHORS is exactly the book that any cozy reader is looking for!