Monday, February 23, 2026

Vows and Villainy by Elizabeth Penney

 



Reviewed by Jeanne

American-born Molly has really found a home in Cambridge.  Her family owns a centuries-old bookshop and Molly has made a host of friends, including Daisy and Tim who are getting married with a Shakespearean themed wedding at Hazelhurst House. This is the home of the noble Scott family, which includes Molly’s boyfriend Kiernan. The wedding is going to be quite the event, and will include performances by a troupe of Shakespearean actors who are putting on a series of plays over the summer.

But when one of the lead actors is found floating in the moat, those plans go awry—especially since members of the wedding party are among the suspects.

This is the fifth in The Cambridge Bookshop series, and Penney has built up a solid cast of characters. Molly and her friends take center stage, but I have to admit I really like some of the older member of the supporting cast, especially Molly’s Aunt Violet and her beau, Sir Jon, who are planning a wedding of their own—if Sir Jon’s ninety-five year old mother will just give her consent.

Penney is a veteran cozy author with several series to her credit and has contributed to several more.  She knows her way around all the expected mystery conventions, and Cambridge provides a marvelous setting.  While the series doesn’t have to be read in order, the various romances and weddings are possibly better enjoyed if one has some background.  I appreciated all the Shakespeare references and quotations, and that added to my enjoyment but your mileage may vary!

Other books in the series are:

Chapter and Curse

A Treacherous Tale

The Fatal Folio

Madrigals and Mayhem

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