The Shakespeare Thief: An Elliot Todd Mystery; Book 1 by Lionel Ward

 

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐⭐

A Contemporary Cozy with a Side of Mid-Life Naivety

The story is a lighthearted romp, but the real mystery is how a man in his forties has made it this far with so little common sense.

While Elliot is clear about what he wants, he’s remarkably immature for his age. His views on women are hopelessly naive, leaving him perfectly positioned for Ester to pull his strings like a seasoned puppeteer. The apple doesn't fall far from the tree, either; his mother masquerades as the overbearing type, but she’s actually just self-absorbed, dodging her son the moment his presence inconveniences her personal life.

The height of Elliot’s absurdity is his decision to confront a murderer while alone and visibly inebriated. It’s a bold, if foolish, move for a man who spends his days in a bookshop and his nights at the bottom of a glass.

The Verdict: A fun, breezy contemporary cozy featuring a bookseller who is frequently his own biggest obstacle. Perfect for readers who like their mysteries with a dash of social observation and a protagonist who desperately needs a wake-up call.