Librarian Carrie Singleton is building a haven, but one of her neighbors is misbehavin’. Can resident spirit Evelyn help Carrie catch the culprit who made her a ghost?In winter, the Haunted Library is a refuge for homeless townspeople. When a group purchases a vacant house to establish a daytime haven for the homeless, Carrie offers the library as a meeting place for the Haven House committee, … Haven House committee, but quickly learns that it may be used for illegal activities.
As the new Sunshine Delegate, Carrie heads to the hospital to visit her cantankerous colleague, Dorothy, who had fallen outside the local supermarket. She tells Carrie that her husband tried to kill her–and that he murdered her Aunt Evelyn, the library’s resident ghost, six years earlier.
And then Dorothy is murdered–run off the road as soon as she returns to work. Evelyn implores Carrie to find her niece’s killer, but that’s no easy task: Dorothy had made a hobby of blackmailing her neighbors and colleagues. Carrie, Evelyn, and Smoky Joe the cat are on the case, but are the library cards stacked against them?
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Buried in the Stacks is the third book in ‘The Haunted Library Mysteries’ series written by Allison Brook. It will be released in September 2019, but I was lucky enough to win an early copy through NetGalley. I finished reading it this week and give it 4.5 stars, another wonderful entry that has left me sad to wait another year for the next one yet happy to have been able to read this one so soon.
Carrie returned home to a small Connecticut town and took a position at the local library. She was immediately thrust into a few murder mysteries and got off on uneven ground with the local police. She’s moved beyond those relationship woes and is finally learning how to partner with them as opposed to frustrate them. In this caper, someone who works at the library is murdered. I was shocked, as I never expected it to be this person, but perhaps it opens up room for the future stories in the series. A ghost of a former library employee visit Carrie, and it’s not a haunting like in most other stories. What a great use of family ties and connections as well as past characters to tell the entire scope of this tale.
I enjoyed the entire book, and there were hardly any concerns. Carrie’s relationship is making progress with Dylan. We were left with a surprise for the upcoming book. And we dealt with a social and humanitarian issue (homeless) where people tried to solve it rather than avoid it. What a great approach to incorporate into a book. Brook has a wonderful writing style and I have come to appreciate the subtle humor and lessons we take away from each read. I highly recommend this series, but know that it gets better from the first to the third, too.
When I read the first book in the Haunted Library series, I loved it so much that as soon as I saw Buried in the Stacks listed on NetGalley, I requested it. I was excited to receive the ARC for this third book in the Haunted Library Mysteries series, and I loved it even more than I expected. As a retired librarian, I appreciate all that Carrie does to promote the library and make it an important part of the community. Not only is that truly the role of the library, it is essential for funding, an issue this library, and all real ones, face. The book addresses several serious contemporary issues, but they are well incorporated into the story line so it feels natural. Homelessness and reactions to it, dementia, and abuse of funds all play an important role in the novel. The bit of romance is even stronger than before and I adore her special guy. Evelyn, the resident ghost is just icing on the cake.
Carry is shocked when, in her new role as Sunshine Chairman, she visits her nemesis in the hospital and the woman claims that her husband is trying to kill her. Later Dorothy denies the claim, but Carrie is still concerned about the other librarian’s safety. Evelyn, who is an aunt to Dorothy, seeks Carries promise that she will look into the matter.
Carrie also steps up when concerns about the number of homeless people using the library as a way station during the hours the shelter is closed. As she works to address how the problem affects the library, she discovers that a group in the community has already received a grant to provide a day-care situation. The project is referred to as day-care because trained supervisors will be available for those with special need and to deal with trouble, the exact problems that the library is not set up to handle. The idea sounds great until she discovers that some person or people in charge of the project may be committing fraud rather than making sure the day-care succeeds.
Characters are well drawn and have both strengths and weaknesses, even Evelyn. The pacing is pretty much spot on; I hate when a story drags. Allison Brooks has become one of my must-read authors.
Allison Brook has written another winner in the Haunted Library mystery series. I’ve been a fan of these books since the first one was published and always find myself excited for the next one. Carrie is such a wonderful heroine and being there with her as she solves murders is a lot of fun. Not only that, I love how the authors incorporates a bit of paranormal into the series. It’s not witches, goblins, or vampires, but a ghost that helps Carrie solve the cases. No one else can see Evelyn’s ghost except Carrie and her niece.
Another thing I loved about this one is how the issue of homelessness was a part of the overall plot. This is a serious issue in our country, and I feel like it’s overlooked. So, seeing it brought up in a cozy mystery and watching them WANTING to help the cause was a breath of fresh air. I love a little realism incorporated in a novel and this happened here.
If you’re a cozy mystery reader I highly recommend this series. It’s one of my favorites! I can’t wait for the next one.
Carrie Singleton has been made the new Sunshine Delegate for the library and her first mission is to go see cantankerous research librarian, Dorothy, in the hospital after she suffered a fall at the grocery store. Dorothy tells Carrie that she believes her husband pushed her down and killed her aunt, Evelyn, six years earlier. When Dorothy is killed shortly after being released from the hospital Carrie and her cat, Smoky Joe, are on the case with the library’s resident ghost, Evelyn. In addition to the murder, Carrie is trying to work with a group that plans on building a haven for the homeless but not all is at it seems with the group.
I love this series and this book is no exception. It’s well-written with well-rounded characters whom you enjoy getting to know whether you like them or not. I was hooked from beginning to end. I highly recommend both the book and the series which I suggest you read in order.
Buried In The Stacks
The Haunted Library Mysteries, Book #3
Allison Brook
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Librarian Carrie Singleton is building a haven, but one of her neighbors is misbehavin’. Can resident spirit Evelyn help Carrie catch the culprit who made her a ghost?
In winter, the Haunted Library is a refuge for homeless townspeople. When a group purchases a vacant house to establish a daytime haven for the homeless, Carrie offers the library as a meeting place for the Haven House committee, but quickly learns that it may be used for illegal activities.
As the new Sunshine Delegate, Carrie heads to the hospital to visit her cantankerous colleague, Dorothy, who had fallen outside the local supermarket. She tells Carrie that her husband tried to kill her—and that he murdered her Aunt Evelyn, the library’s resident ghost, six years earlier.
And then Dorothy is murdered—run off the road as soon as she returns to work. Evelyn implores Carrie to find her niece’s killer, but that’s no easy task: Dorothy had made a hobby of blackmailing her neighbors and colleagues. Carrie, Evelyn, and Smoky Joe the cat are on the case, but are the library cards stacked against them? (Goodreads)
Review:
I love this series, each book just gets better. The characters are well developed and well rounded, and Carrie has some great friends. I was shocked to see who the victim was, I was definitely not expecting that. I was happy that Evelyn, the library ghost, was more prevalent in this book. And Carrie shared some important news with her boyfriend, Dylan, and he did not go running for the hills.
The writing style flows smoothly and it helped define the characters very clearly by their actions and words. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and this brought the library alive in my mind. These descriptions pulled me into the story right from the beginning.
I like the fact that the author took a social issue and wrote about it compassionately. Homelessness is a big problem and the author touched on it and some solutions. I was happy that this issue was addressed.
The mystery was well plotted and was not easily solved. There were enough clues to sift through and suspects to consider. I was not completely convinced who the culprit was until it was revealed at the end.
I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. And if you like ghostly cozy mystery, like I do, then you should read this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Like many communities, Clover Ridge is dealing with a homeless population. Because of the winter weather, many spend their days at the library. Carrie learns of a group that has purchased a vacant house in hopes to open Haven House, a daycare type center for the homeless. Carrie is excited about the venture and joins their committee and offers the library meeting room for future meetings. Sadly she learns it may all be just a scam.
Carrie has also become the library’s new Sunshine Delegate and immediately gets a call that research librarian took a fall and is in the hospital. When Carrie arrives for her visit, Dorothy tells her the fall was no accident. She believes her husband is trying to kill her just like he killed her aunt, the library’s resident ghost Evelyn. Dorothy is subsequently killed when her car is forced off the road. Evelyn begs Carrie to find the killer but Evelyn is holding something back. Carrie knew Dorothy was not happy when Carrie got the job she wanted, but Evelyn finally reveals Dorothy had a long list of enemies which translates to a long list of suspects. Carrie isn’t a cat and only has one life, she hopes by the time the killer is found she doesn’t become the second ghost haunting the library.
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I have enjoyed this series from the start. Carrie has evolved so much from punk rocker chick the arrived in Clover Ridge to an almost sedate librarian. She and her cat Smokey Joe are settling in and she is patiently waiting for her boyfriend Dylan to settle down closer to home too. Her father has also turned his life around. We learn that most of the library staff has secrets. Secrets Dorothy knew about and may have been using to her advantage. Evelyn is still my favorite. She is a very friendly ghost that any library would be happy to have.
The author introduces readers to a few of the homeless taking shelter within the library. My heart broke for an elderly couple who had lost everything. It really brought home the reality of how close many people are to becoming homeless. Carrie handled things perfectly and used her resources/ her uncle to help them as much as she could. I applaud Ms. Brook for taking on hot community issues of mental health and homelessness and twisting things up a bit to fit her story but then gave us hope many places could emulate.
The mystery was a tricky one to solve as more and more suspects came to light. I am surprised someone hadn’t taken out the cranky broad before this. I was very intrigued when Dorothy’s case opened up new questions about Evelyn’s death.
Carrie was also trying to solve a second mystery surrounding Haven House. The cases did cross over in places but Carrie had a few moments when I wanted to jump into the book and stop her from what she was doing. She is a great planner for library programming but when she is snooping she tends to plow straight ahead without thinking things through.
A well-written story full of twists that was a lot of fun to read. The characters are believable and leaped off the page.
Be aware when you start reading the books in this series they are hard to put down. I do recommend reading all three in order but the author has written them so they can each be read on their own.
I have read various books with a library setting. The Haunted Library Mystery Series is quickly becoming a favorite!
Carrie Singleton, the Library Director, is working hard to provide a refuge to the homeless community in Clover Ridge, which becomes a challenge in itself. When she accepted the position to be the Sunshine Delegate for library, she had no idea as to what she was getting herself into! When co-worker Dorothy Hawkins, ends up in the hospital, she confides in Carrie, her thoughts that her husband was trying to kill her. When someone runs Dorothy of the road, murder is the first thought that comes up. Carrie steps in quickly to find justice for Dorothy. With the help of Evelyn Havers, the resident ghost, as well as Dorothy’s aunt, Carrie finds her investigation taking on an even bigger problem other than Dorothy’s murder!
I enjoy this series due to the characters involved, especially Evelyn Hawkins, and Carrie’s cat Smokey Joe. Smokey Joe has a few mysteries of his own. The story has several plots that keep you guessing with several twists and turns leading in various directions. Cozy readers will enjoy this story. Although this can be read as a stand-alone novel, the previous two books will give an insight to the much-loved characters.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Penguin Random House Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #Buriedinthestacks #NetGalley
Buried in the Stacks is the third book in Allison Brook’s Haunted Library series. Carrie Singleton is the director of programs and activities at the Clover Ridge, Connecticut Library. When she was first put in this position, her predecessor Evelyn Havers took it upon herself to mentor the new director. The only thing odd about that is that Evelyn is the library’s resident ghost.
Research librarian Dorothy Hawkins is Evelyn’s niece. Never a fan of Carrie’s, it turns out to be Carrie who represents the library as the sunshine delegate when Dorothy slips on the ice in the supermarket parking lot. Carrie’s first visit to Dorothy is while she is in the hospital. At this visit Dorothy tells Carrie that her husband Fred tried to kill her just as he had her aunt. The second time Carrie visits Dorothy in the Hawkins home, Dorothy retracts what she had said while hospitalized.
When Dorothy is found dead as the result of an accident it is discovered that she may have been in the process of calling Carrie when she was run off the road. As such, Detective John Mathers contacts Carrie right away, listening to her observations as well as to what Dorothy had told her.
Once again Allison Brook has plotted a guess as you go mystery in which the reader will wonder until the very end. Well done! This novel also contains social subtext regarding issues of homelessness in an enlightened manner. I did enjoy this book and I do recommend it!
This series has grown on me to the point I’m finding myself impatient for the next one.
Carrie has come into her own and grown-up quickly. She finds herself with a job she loves, a comforting home, an extended family she adores and a hunky boyfriend. She has allowed herself to get involved with the community by agreeing to be the library liaison for the Haven House, a day home being built for the homeless in the area. At first, she is not too excited but things pick up when she realizes there is a connection between the Haven House and the death of a co-worker.
Buried in the Stacks will keep your interest for many hours of reading. It is a clean read with no foul language and no gruesome, detailed death scenes. You may read as a standalone but I think you will find it much better if you read the series in order.
I received a complimentary copy of the book from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
I loved the cover and the blurb for this book, so was very excited to receive an ARC from Crooked Lane Books. Though I have not read the first two in the series,( I plan to rectify that soon!), I was easily able to follow the story line and the characters /relationships. I loved this book, set in a small town library—complete with a cat, a ghost, and murder! Allison Brook includes social issues in her plot , such as dementia and the growing number of homeless–the homeless hang out at the library.
This book will debut on September 19th , 2019 and is up for pre-order. I highly recommend it.
I have not read the previous two books in the series but I did not have any trouble following along as the author did a wonderful job of retelling things without overloading you with the past books. She also dealt with some pretty uncomfortable/sad issues in society today like swindlers, homelessness, Alzheimer’s care, and dealing with unpleasant judgmental people.
The protagonist Carrie is one of the librarians and Evelyn (ghost) was also before her untimely death.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I also loved the inclusion of the library cat, Smokey Joe into the story.
There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.
I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends, and plan on buying the first two books.
I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook was a first rate addition to this series. I was intrigued from the first page.
Carrie has certainly grown in this series and everything seems to be going well in her life now. I appreciated the way that Ms. Brook’s approach to a prevalent issue in today’s society – the homeless. I loved seeing more of Evelyn in this book even if she did try to keep secrets from Carrie during the investigation. I felt like I got to know her much better in this book. I found the story to be well-crafted with few suspects for consideration and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. I was glad to see that one of the continuing subplots was finalized in this book. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own
I still love the world created but this one just didn’t grab me like the last one did. I loved the way issues like the homeless, neurodivergence, aging, and mental illness were addressed but it was almost too much to do the topics true justice. I would give it 3.5* but I have to round. Still, this book is definitely worthy of being read and would make an excellent book club book.
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Allison Brook for allowing me the chance to read this book and share my honest thoughts and opinions with others.
Blackmail, a bad seed, and alternative motives… what possibly could go wrong? Money brings out the worst in people….
I enjoy this addition. My only “complaint” would be Carrie’s boyfriend hardly being in town lol. It definitely doesn’t mess up the story, just makes you feel bad for her. Can’t wait to see whats next.
Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brooke
This is the third book in The Haunted Library Mysteries series.
Carrie Singleton is a Librarian at Clover Ridge and is good at her job. Apart from her very young cousin, Carrie can see and speak with the library resident ghost, Evelyn.
There is a problem with the homeless entering and staying in the library for extended stays, which some of the locals don’t care for. But it is winter and very cold.
When a local lost her purse, the finger was pointed to the homeless couple who at one time were respected citizens of Clover Ridge. With the help of Carrie, the homeless situation was eventually taken care of.
Dorothy, Carrie’s co-worker was in the hospital after she slipped on black ice. Not all ends well with Dorothy.
I have a few favourite cozy mysteries and this series is on my top three.
The characters are all lifelike. The situation regarding the homeless is sadly true and I was happy to see the author had this in her book.
This is a captivating book that had my attention from start to end and I am looking forward to reading the fourth book not to mention excited to see what crime Carrie solves.
I enjoy this series and the characters. Carrie has been selected to be the new Sunshine Delegate and her first assignment is to visit Dorothy in the hospital. Carrie is reluctant since she and Dorothy have had problems in the past, but agrees to go and is glad that she did. Unfortunately, Carrie gets involved in another murder in Clover Ridge. A group has formed to rehab a house near the town green as a place for the homeless population to spend time during the day when they cannot be at the shelter. Carrie volunteers to be on the committee, partly because some homeless people have been spending time at the library and a few of them are causing problems with the regular library patrons. There is also a lot going on in Carrie’s personal life. Carrie has become a real part of the community even though she has only lived there permanently for a short time. I enjoyed the mystery and like the direction that the characters are going in.
I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Another fun book from Allison Brook. This is Book 3 in a series titled “A Haunted Library Mystery”. These are almost like cozies although a little more involved. Maybe I should say a little more plot. Nonetheless, I love them. If you like libraries and books and people involvement, you’ll like this book.
To begin with, it reads easy and is very clear. It flows well and Brooks characters are defined and likable, except maybe of course the bad guy or girl. This time there is a little more emotion added, not a romance, just Carrie hoping she and her guy will work out. Of course Carrie can’t keep her nose out of the mystery but I think this time it causes more people who care about her to become involved or at least it gives us more of a picture of them.
The best way for me to describe my feeling about this book is to ask when we get Book 4? Write some more Allison Brook.
Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook is a fantastic story filled with mystery, murder, destruction, blackmailing, and how some people take advantage of others. On the positive side, there is a ghost and a cat — all in all, a great book.
Who killed Dorothy? Yes, she wasn’t the nicest person but is murder necessary?
Carrie Singleton
Carrie is our sleuth, the owner of Smokey Joe, head of Programs and Events at the Clover Ridge Library, and friend of Evelyn the library’s ghost. She has a lot going on but still seems to find the time to go sleuthing.
I think Carrie is a fantastic character; she is smart, funny with flaws that make her human and relatable. She has problems with her mom, finally has a good relationship with her father, but her favorite family members are her aunt, uncle, and cousins who live in Clover Ridge. Carrie loves her position at the library, and Smokey Joe seems to adore his job as a library cat.
Things I liked
• Carrie has a great cottage.
• Smokey Joe loves his job and Carrie.
• Carrie and her best friend Angela have the best relationship.
• Dylan Avery and Carrie are getting closer. They are in that cute discovery stage in their relationship.
• Evelyn Havers is Carrie’s spirit friend, and even now she tries to keep her family’s secrets.
• John Mathers, Clover Ridge’s Police Chief tries to discourage Carrie from snooping but listens to what she has learned.
Dislikes
The only things that bothered me were somethings that are a part of everyday life, like the homeless and their discrimination, then the way people treat others. But it was nice to see that Carrie and her Uncle do their best to make a difference.
4 Stars for Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook
I truly enjoyed the mystery, the way that Carrie grew throughout the story, and the family dynamics and family secrets that tend to take some families down. So I am giving Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook four stars. I highly recommend this book to all those cozy fans out there.
Oh and isn’t the cover beautiful? I think it superb.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy from the author. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook.
Anyways, until next time,
Karen the Baroness
If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out BaronessBookTrove.com.
Buried In The Stacks is the third book in the A Haunted Library Mystery series.
Winter is upon the residents of Clover Ridge and walking is quite treacherous. Research librarian, Dorothy, has gone grocery shopping and as she is loading her purchases into she falls and injures herself and is hospitalized. Carrie, having been recently appointed Sunshine Chairman for the library she has to put aside her feelings for her nemesis and visits with Dorothy at the hospital. While talking Dorothy shares with Carrie that she is sure her husband, Fred pushed her. Soon he is released from the hospital and returns to work. Shortly after returning to work, she leaves the library and as she is driving home she is forced off the road and dies in the wreckage. Even though she says that she isn’t going to investigate, she can’t help to give it some thought. One thing she needs to think about is Evelyn, Dorothy and the library’s resident ghost that only Carrie and her niece can see. She slipped like Dorothy and ended up freezing to death. She begins to wonder if they are somehow related.
Meanwhile, at the library, with the cold weather, the homeless don’t have any place to go and have been using the library as a place to stay warm during the day and have been making excess noise in the normally quiet library. Carrie soon learns that a group of residents is raising monies to purchase a home and make it into a place for homeless to stay during the day. But soon there seems to problems raising the money needed and questions about the real reason the home is being refurbished. Now Carrie has several suspects to think about. On the positive side, it appears that Carrie’s boyfriend, Dylan, will be moving back in the area.
Once again Alison Brook has provided the reader with a well-plotted and told story with well-developed and believable characters.
I will be watching for the next book in this interesting series.
Buried in the Stacks is the third book in A Haunted Library Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone for those new to the series. Carrie Singleton finds herself becoming the library’s new Sunshine Delegate and involved in a group trying to establish a daytime sanctuary for the homeless population in Clover Ridge. When Dorothy Hawkins, the tetchy reference librarian, ends up dead, the library’s resident ghost & Dorothy’s aunt, Evelyn asks Carrie to find the guilty party. I found Buried in the Stacks to be easy to read. Carrie has certainly changed from when she first appeared on the scene with her colorful hair and a wardrobe more suited to rock concert than a library. She has settled into her cottage, has Smoky Joe (her cat), dating Dylan, and getting involved in community events. With the homeless population needing a daytime facility (where they can read books, play games, crochet, etc.), a group of local citizens bought a home they are going to turn into Haven House. Carrie joins the members, but she soon learns that some citizens have ulterior motives. I like how the author deals with the topic of homeless. She shows that they are not anonymous people that should be ignored. They have fallen on hard times and just need a little extra help. As with any group of people, there are various types of personalities. Dorothy Hawkins ends up dead and her aunt, Evelyn (the library’s resident ghost) is upset. I am shocked that some individuals were not doing a little jig and singing “Ding dong the witch is dead” when the news was announced. Dorothy was an unlikeable woman who collected secrets and used them to her advantage which leads to a long list of suspects. It is amazing that Dorothy lived as long as she did. While identifying the guilty party is a walk in the park, I did like that a cold case gets solved in the process. Carrie did not seem as involved in solving Dorothy’s death as she did in what was happening with Haven House. She took some unnecessary risks that did not yield good results. I would have liked the story to have more focus on Dorothy’s murder with less repetition of case details. I do not know why people keep warning Carrie to not investigate, as with any cozy mystery sleuth, she cannot help herself. I am curious how the title related to the book since no one was buried or trapped beneath a pile of books. Buried in the Stacks is a haunting cozy mystery a chubby cat, a sweet spirit, deceptive do-gooders, an irascible reference librarian and pugnacious patrons.