Books, Bunnies, and a Body: A Bonne Annee Mystery - Book Review

Books, Bunnies, and a Body by N.E. Carlisle unfolds in the mist‑softened, moss‑draped coastal town of Hazelton, Oregon—a place where the Pacific’s salt‑tinged breezes mingle with the towering hush of evergreen forests. Hazelton is the kind of town where fog rolls in like a familiar friend, where neighbors linger over warm drinks, and where stories—both whispered and written—seem to grow as naturally as the ferns along the forest floor. Into this atmospheric setting steps Bonne Année “Annee,” an intuitive, allergy‑conscious bibliophile whose life is stitched together by books, community, and the legacy of her family.

Annee inherited her striking blue Gothic Revival home from her grandparents, a house with steep gables, stained‑glass windows, and the kind of architectural quirks that make it feel like a character in its own right. Within its walls, she created The Literary Table, a cozy bookstore that doubles as a culinary event space, where literature and food intertwine in imaginative, themed gatherings. Just down the way, she runs The Literary Nook, a charming market stall filled with curated books, handmade goods, and seasonal treats that reflect Hazelton’s rustic charm.

However, Hazelton’s cheerful spring festivities take a dark turn during the annual Easter egg hunt in Tamanawas Park. A body is found lying in the grass beside a toppled basket of brightly colored eggs. At first, some whisper it might be a tragic accident—but Annee isn’t convinced. Her instincts tell her something far more sinister is at play. Determined to uncover the truth, she begins digging into a tangled web of small‑town secrets involving several of Hazelton’s most prominent citizens. As clues surface and suspicions deepen, Annee works tirelessly to piece together what really happened. The question is whether her determination—and her courage—will be enough to expose the killer before danger closes in.

In terms of literary style, Carlisle can be warmly compared to famous cozy mystery icon Joanne Fluke, creator of the popular Hannah Swensen series, while also echoing Agatha Christie’s classic, clue-driven whodunit mechanics. Like Fluke, Carlisle enriches her narrative with mouthwatering culinary descriptions, tight-knit community bonds, and bonus gluten-free recipes at the end. Yet she channels Christie's knack for subtle clues, misdirection, and red herrings, defining her own distinct voice through a strong bibliophilic focus, atmospheric coastal scenery, and poignant emotional depth.

Books, Bunnies, and a Body is a delightfully engaging cozy mystery that keeps readers charmed and captivated from the first page to the last. Fans of small‑town intrigue, cozy bookstore vibes, comforting culinary traditions, and lovable animal companions—especially Oscar the Bernedoodle—will find this story irresistible. Beneath its clever twists and playful puzzlework, the novel offers a heartfelt reminder that true refuge is built through community, compassion, and choosing beauty and connection even in the face of sudden tragedy. If you enjoy cozy mysteries that are both heartwarming and wonderfully entertaining, Books, Bunnies, and a Body deserves a place on your shelf today.