In the Event of Murder (A Starlit Bookshop Mystery) by Cynthia Kuhn
About In the Event of Murder
It’s the star-studded event of the season in Silvercrest, Colorado — but some of the guests might not make it to the last dance alive, in the second charming installment of the Starlit Bookshop mysteries from Agatha Award-winning author Cynthia Kuhn.
Nestled on the banks of a breathtaking Rocky Mountain river and dotted with delightful boutiques and galleries, Silvercrest, Colorado is a book lover’s paradise. Bookseller and literary event planner Emma Starrs is looking forward to attending the annual Silvercrest Library Gala, a glamorous evening with celebrities including the legendary Whitney Willton, currently on the hit crime show Chasers, and her niece, party-planner-to-the-stars Lyra Willton. Gala Week is full of exciting activities honoring both page and screen, and library board president Tabitha Baxter is basking in the glow of her successful launch — until Lyra is found dead.
With the gala only days away, the board asks Emma for help, despite Tabitha — her longstanding nemesis — bristling over the choice. Emma agrees, even though she is already in charge of a classic mystery panel at her family’s bookstore, Starlit Books, which turns out to have its own challenges. Meanwhile, Whitney, who is aware of Emma’s sleuthing skills, begs her to find the killer. The case grows more complex with the disappearance of several priceless objects, an attack on one of the attending celebrities, and other predicaments. Emma searches for clues while handling every unexpected twist and turn leading up to the extravagant affair. But when the guests step onto the red carpet, a killer still lurks in the shadows — and murder just might become the main event.
About the Character Interview
What is your full name? Do you have a nickname? My name is Emma Starrs…nickname is “Em” or “Emmy.”
What is your occupation? Are you any good at it? Do you like it? What is your ideal job? I’m a literary event planner and bookseller at Starlit Bookshop, which my family owns. I love the work, and the event piece is an interesting new challenge.
I didn’t plan to keep working here forever: my sister Lucy had taken over the store, and I had gone to graduate school with the hopes of being a professor at Silvercrest College, like my Aunt Nora. But when my family needed me to return and help save the store, I came back to Silvercrest. Now I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else.
When you’re not working, what fills your time? I work on my novel in progress and meet with the West Side Writers, including one Jake Hollister. Detective Jake Hollister, that is, who has the greenest eyes… but I digress. I also help out with a variety of projects around town, like the library fundraiser.
What is your favorite childhood memory? Reading books with my mom and dad. I wish they were still here.
What advice would you give to your younger self? Seize the day! And don’t worry so much. Life’s too short.
What is the most embarrassing thing that has happened to you? Honestly, there are too many to choose from, though most of them involve Tabitha Baxter, who has tormented many of us since grade school. She’s a real peach.
What is your greatest achievement? Helping to save the bookstore.
What makes you laugh? Pretty much everything that Anne Shirley, Cat Queen of Starlit Bookshop, does. I am so glad she adopted us.
What is your greatest extravagance? I really tried to think of something else, but it’s books.
What are your pet peeves? Rudeness and unkindness.
Tell us something about yourself that no one else knows. I’m still dreaming that Silvercrest College might hire me as a professor someday. I could teach classes and still sell books, I think.
What is always in your fridge? Red grapes.
What is your most treasured possession? Pictures of my family when we were all together.
If your life is made into a movie, is it a comedy or drama? Who plays you? Comedy with dramatic moments. Lizzy Caplan or Emma Stone would be perfect.
What is your favorite movie? TV show? Anything and everything mystery!
What is your favorite song, and why? Baroque classical music in general because my parents always played it at the store.
What did you eat for breakfast? Did you make it yourself? Protein bar… and yes, I unwrapped it myself!
Describe your perfect day. Reading on our porch overlooking the river. A hike up a mountain trail among the wildflowers. Then more reading.
About Cynthia Kuhn
Cynthia Kuhn writes the Starlit Bookshop Mysteries, which focus on a bookseller solving crimes in an artistic mountain community, and the Lila Maclean Academic Mysteries, featuring a professor-turned-amateur-sleuth. Her work has also appeared in Mystery Most Diabolical, Mystery Most Edible, McSweeney’s Quarterly Concern, Copper Nickel, Prick of the Spindle, Mama PhD, and other publications. For more information, please visit cynthiakuhn.net.
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