Free Murder in the Paperback Parlor by Ellery Adams

ahead and sit with the Cover Girls. I’m going to hang out near the front in case Sinclair needs assistance. I see he’s roped Lachlan into recording the winning bidder numbers.”
    Eloise glanced at the desk where Lachlan sat, his eyes fixed on Sinclair. “How can someone that good-looking be so dull?”
    Jane followed her friend’s gaze. “He’s not dull. He’s just reserved.”
    â€œBut he’s never been to the bookstore.” Eloise shook her head in wonder. “Does he borrow books from your libraries?”
    â€œI don’t keep track of what my staff does with their free time,” Jane said.
    Eloise frowned. “Just remember what Lemony Snicket said: ‘Never trust anyone who has not brought a book with them.’”
    Jane smiled. “I trust Lachlan, but he could probably use a good story or two to help coax him out of his shell. Flaubert said that we should ‘read in order to live.’ Maybe Mr. Lachlan just hasn’t found the right book to bring him to life. Maybe he needs the help of a professional bibliophile.”
    Eloise snapped her heels together and saluted. “I will make it my mission to find the perfect book. I’ll have to ask him what he read as a boy. Remember that C.S. Lewis quote?”
    â€œâ€˜No book is really worth reading at the age of ten which is not equally worth reading at the age of fifty and beyond,’” they spoke in unison.
    â€œWe sound like the twins.” Jane laughed and then pointed at the dais. “You’d better sit down. Sinclair is waving his gavel.”
    Eloise nodded and hurried to her seat.
    Sinclair opened the auction with a beautiful crushed velvet cape. Mabel had donated the item as a means of advertising La Grande Dame. Sinclair also took the opportunity to inform the attendees that there were still spaces available in Mabel’s Make Your Own Reticle workshop, which would take place later in the week.
    The bidding was surprisingly robust for a piece of clothing that wasn’t exactly practical. And it continued to grow moreaggressive over items like a ribbon and cameo choker necklace, a hair bandeau embellished with faux gems, kids gloves stitched with pearl buttons, a gold armlet, and a magnificent crimson shawl with a gold paisley border.
    Following these lots was an assortment of baskets stuffed with candles and lotions, romantic comedy DVDs, handmade stationery, and signed novels by several notable historical romance authors who weren’t able to make the event.
    Finally, it was time for the four authors to present their items. Barbara Jewel offered to critique the first three chapters of a work-in-progress while Ciara Lovelace presented a special book club package.
    â€œI’ll send your group a list of discussion questions as well as a few fun prizes. I’ll also use Skype to join in on the conversation,” Ciara explained. “If your club is interested, I’ll talk about some of the real men who inspired my fictional hunks.”
    This created quite a stir among the audience members and cards shot into the air all over the room.
    When the bidding was done, Ciara graciously thanked everyone who’d participated and passed the microphone to Georgia Dupree.
    Georgia gestured at the projector screen behind her and smiled. “Readers. Friends. You’ve been so loyal and devoted for all these years that I decided to save the cover reveal of the all-new Fitzroy Fortune novel until this evening.” She waited for a wave of applause to die down before continuing. “Not only will you be the first to view this cover, but you can also bid on the honor of naming Lady Cecelia’s love interest. The Fitzroy family is full of dramatic characters, but in this novel, the oldest daughter, Lady Cecelia, pulls out all the stops. She’s become entangled with a dangerous man. A rogue. A scoundrel. A man who takes what he wants when he wants. Could