The Bookshop Betrayal by Cassandra Vale
In the quaint coastal town of Havenport, Lila Grey's quiet life at The Dog-Eared Page bookshop takes a thrilling turn when she uncovers a chilling fifty-year-old confession hidden within the pages of a forgotten novel. What begins as a curious discovery spirals into a dangerous investigation, revealing a web of secrets woven by the powerful Carver family. Joined by her steadfast knitting circle-Agnes, with her sharp memory; Theo, the meticulous historian; and Rosie, the tech-savvy optimist-Lila delves into the mysterious disappearance of Evelyn Hart, a vibrant woman erased from history. As they unearth clues in dusty archives and a hidden boathouse, the group faces escalating threats, a brooding nephew with questionable motives, and a town complicit in silence. Will their courage unravel a decades-long conspiracy, or will Havenport's dark past bury them too? Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries with a sharp edge, The Bookshop Betrayal blends small-town charm with gripping suspense, proving that even the quietest places hide the deadliest secrets.
Cassandra Vale is an award-winning author of gripping crime fiction, psychological thrillers, and cozy mysteries that keep readers turning pages late into the night. Born and raised in a small coastal town in New England, Cassandra's early love for storytelling was sparked by the eerie tales whispered among locals about shipwrecks and unsolved mysteries. Her vivid settings-from neon-lit cities to quaint seaside villages-draw heavily from her travels across the U.S. and her knack for finding the sinister beneath the serene.
With a background in psychology from Boston University, Cassandra weaves complex characters and unreliable narrators into her narratives, exploring the gray areas of human nature. Her diverse protagonists, from burned-out detectives to amateur sleuths, reflect her belief that anyone can become a hero-or a villain-under the right pressure. Before writing full-time, she worked as a freelance journalist, covering cold cases and local scandals, which inspired her true crime-infused novels like The Vanished Heiress and The Bookshop Betrayal.
Cassandra's bibliography spans ten novels, including the bestselling psychological thriller The Note Beneath the Door, the gritty noir Neon Requiem, and the fan-favorite cozy mystery Murder at the Teahouse. Her genre-blending The Memory Thief earned praise for its innovative mix of sci-fi and suspense, while The Silent Choir left readers haunted by its chilling cult-driven plot. Whether crafting high-stakes heists or small-town conspiracies, her stories balance intricate plots with emotional depth, earning her a loyal following among fans of Gillian Flynn, Agatha Christie, and Dennis Lehane.
When she's not writing, Cassandra can be found haunting used bookstores, sipping tea in cozy cafés, or hiking coastal trails with her rescue dog, Poe. She currently lives in Portland, Maine, where the foggy shores and historic charm fuel her next twisted tale. Connect with Cassandra on her website, cassandravale.com, or follow her on social media for updates on her latest releases and behind-the-scenes glimpses into her creative process.