Page Princess: IN THE NIB OF TIME by Jessa Archer

Title: IN THE NIB OF TIME

Series: Hand Lettering Mystery #2

Author: Jess Archer

Publish Date: 07.25.2019

Publisher: Archer Mysteries

Category /Genre: Cozy Mystery

Recommended for: 14 and up due to vocabulary

Grammar/editing: received as an unedited ARC / errors excused

Received from: Jessa Archer

Goodreads link: In the Nib of Time

Date completed: 08.11.2019

Description from the publisher:

Ralph Coggins has been one of Jamie Lang’s mentors and friends for years. A world-renowned master penman and calligrapher to queens and presidents, his script is perfection. So perfect that someone wants him out of the way. When Jamie stops by Ralph’s house to deliver the 24K gold fountain pen nib he ordered, she finds him slumped over his drafting table, freshly dead. It takes her good friend with the bedroom eyes, Ridge Calhoun, Cedar Valley’s chief of police and hottest bachelor, to determine what killed Ralph. And the cause of death is almost unbelievable. Now the question is—who killed Ralph? And how did they do it?

Ralph was well loved and respected in the lettering community. So Jamie thought. Until she finds herself embroiled in a world full of jealousy, secrets, revenge, unrequited love, and greed. Even some of Ralph’s powerful and wealthy clients have motives for wanting him dead. And it isn’t because they can’t pay. As Jamie sifts through the clues, consuming copious amounts of coffee, she enlists the help of her rival hand letterer, Hot Hugh. With his sexy British accent and tight black T-shirts, it’s hard not to be distracted by him. Now the only question is whether Jamie can find the killer in the nib of time. Before they still her pen for good.

If you enjoy cozy mysteries with something new, or if you’re a fan of hand lettering, pen and ink art, graphic design, watercoloring, typography, calligraphy, and creative inspiration, this series is for you! Indulge your inner artist and sleuth. Welcome to Cedar Valley, a thriving tourist town and popular wedding venue. Once you slip into town, you’ll want to stay and grab a cup of coffee with Jamie while she solves crimes.

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IN THE NIB OF TIME is the third book in the Hand Lettering Mystery series. Each will stand on its own, but I highly recommend this sweet, clean, cozy series.

I’m quickly becoming friends with all of Jamie’s friends in Cedar Valley, WA. It’s only too bad that it’s too late to meet Ralph. I think I would have loved the old man!

This mystery was extremely well done. The plot twists and the scandals were fun!

Through this series, I’m learning that there are different levels of handwriting – lettering, calligraphy – that make it an art form. I have often been complimented on my daily handwriting, but I know that I would never match the Masters in this book.

My only frustration is the flirtatious romance between Jamie and Ridge. Not that I mind the slow burn, but the references to his brother without telling us ANY of the back-story is just plain cruel to the reader. All we know is his name, he was engaged to Jamie, and he died.

I’m looking forward to spending more time lettering at Jamie’s store, Flourish, and solving crimes with her and her friends.

Note: While I received this book as a gifted ARC via Booksprout, my opinions are my own and are given freely.

Hand Lettering Mysteries:

Cursive Foiled Again

1. Who Shot the Serif

2. In the Nib of Time

3. Kerning to Crime

4. Process of Illumination

Also from Jess Archer:

Coastal Playhouse Mysteries:

The Phantom of the Opal

1. Curtains for Romeo