Carrie Singleton and Evelyn the ghost sleuth the slayings of a starlet and a star-crossed psychic in Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook’s fourth Haunted Library mystery.Daphne Marriott strolls into Clover Ridge and informs librarian Carrie Singleton that she’s a psychic. But had she foreseen what fate awaited her, Daphne would have steered clear of the quaint Connecticut town. Evelyn, the library … town. Evelyn, the library ghost, tells Carrie that there’s more to Daphne than she lets on.
The mysterious woman grew up in Clover Ridge with her no-good dad, who apparently met his end at the hands of Daphne’s brother, Billy. Still, Daphne proves a welcome distraction when Carrie’s overbearing mother hits town. Mom’s much younger husband, Tom, is in a movie that’s lensing locally, and she’s there to keep an eye on him: Tom’s costar, sultry Ilana Reingold, is also his ex-fiancée, and there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. Soon after mingling with the moviemakers at a meet-and-greet, Daphne is found dead.
Carrie and Evelyn investigate, assisted by bushy-tailed library cat Smoky Joe. But the suspect list could overflow the library shelves. Has Billy killed another relative? Is their long-missing mother involved? Or Daphne’s mean ex-husband? Carrie’s sure she knows who committed the crime, but can she bind together the clues before the culprit Dewey-decimates the town?
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Checked Out for Murder is the fourth book in the Haunted Library Mystery series written by Allison Brook. The books take place in Connecticut and revolve around Carrie, a 30ish librarian who has a friendly ghost helping her solve crimes. I’ve read the previous books in the series and enjoyed them all… let’s dig a little deeper into this latest cozy mystery.
Carrie’s mother and her younger second husband visit for a few weeks. Tom is an actor and will be filming in Carrie’s hometown. When they arrive, something is amiss between the married couple. Carrie never got along well with her mother anyway, but this time makes for even more difficult matters. It appears Tom’s ex-girlfriend wants him back… at the same time, a psychic moves to town and befriends Carrie. When she ends up dead, and Carrie learns the strange woman used to live in Clover Ridge, the murder plot unfolds. How does Carrie hold up trying to solve one murder, handle her mother’s antics at the filming, and get by when her own boyfriend, Dylan, needs to leave town for work again!?!
Brook’s settings are idyllic, minus the murders of course. The library is a cheerful and friendly place, and I love getting to know more about the surrounding town. When you toss in a little psychic power, the usual haunting atmosphere becomes even more cool. I like that it’s not an overwhelming piece of the story… just enough to give you the chills but also remain fairly realistic in terms of day-to-day life. All the characters are clearly drawn and well-developed. I really like Carrie’s dad – he’s so down to earth, despite some of the things he’s done in the past. Seeing how he supports his ex-wife, Carrie’s mother, is also heartwarming. Carrie and Dylan have a good relationship, and they protect one another. There’s a bit of an individualistic streak in both, and at times, I want to yell at them — in a good way, of course.
The mystery is full of solid clues and red herrings. A second murder makes waves. I had my suspicions, and this time, I was definitely wrong. I hadn’t expected the history to develop the way it did, but it was quite clever. I did guess a piece of the secret lover’s identity from years ago, but not the specifics. Brook easily blended the past and the present so it felt seamless. I enjoyed the quick trip to Long Island to discover clues from the past — it helps that the author and I are both from there. The series has great imagination and is becoming one of my favorites… I look out for the new releases and I follow the author’s blog and newsletter… so should you!
Daphne Marriott meets with Carrie Singleton at the library explaining that she’s a psychic and would like to do a presentation. But, according to Evelyn, the library’s ghost, there’s more to Rachel’s story than she’s saying. There’s also a movie being filmed in Clover Ridge and soon after a meet and greet in the park with the actors, Daphne is found murdered. Days later, an actress is found dead. Carrie is pulled into the investigation. Can the killer or killers be found? And is there a connection between the two victims?
I really like this series as it’s a cozy mystery with a touch of paranormal and I enjoyed this book very much. It was well-written with wonderful characters and the mystery will keep you guessing. I was drawn in from the beginning and kept captivated until the end. I’m really looking forward to the next book. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
Checked Out For Murder is the 4th book in The Haunted Library Mystery Series by Allison Brook. This is the 1st book that I’ve read by Ms. Brook and I really enjoyed getting to know the characters and read along as Carrie, her friends and her library ghost work out the who and the why of the latest mystery and murder in town.
I also liked that it being the 4th in the series that it was written so that it could be read as a stand alone too. The storyline was written so that there were enough details from previous books that it was very easy to follow along with the characters and story. I am looking forward to reading the previous books to catch up and to the next in the series!
This series continues to get better with a delightful and entertaining cozy that I just couldn’t put down because I had to know how it was going to end with great suspects, a library ghost, twists and turns that enhanced my reading pleasure. I feel like I know Carrie Singleton, director of programs and events at the Clover Ridge Library and loved her dynamic with the other characters especially her mother and her boyfriend investigator Dylan Avery. Even though this is book four in the Haunted Library Mystery series, it can be read as a standalone. If you enjoy well-crafted cozies, don’t miss “Checked Out for Murder” by gifted author Allison Brook. I received an advance reader copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Carrie Singleton lives in Clover Ridge,
Connecticut. She is the head of programs
at the local library. The library is haunted
with a resident ghost whom only Carrie
is able to see and communicate.
A lot is going on in town, a movie is set
to be filmed. Carrie’s mother and new
husband who has a part in the film will
be with the movie crew. The library is
featuring a woman to speak about the
different types of psychic abilities.
The peaceful town is then turned upside
down when first the psychic woman then
one of the movie crew end up dead.
Also Carrie will find herself involved with
an old cold case of a man turning up
dead then his son went to jail but the
son was released after evidence proved
the son not guilty. The mother disappeared
after the man’s murder leaving her children
behind.
Carrie with the help of the library ghost and
her bushy tailed cat named Smoky Joe
start investigating. Carrie’s significant other
Dylan who runs a private security agency
finds his way to keep Carrie safe is to join
her investigation.
The mysteries were well written. I loved that
the past secrets came to light with the current
inquiries unfolding.
An array of interesting characters with distinct
personalities, quirky traits and interesting
backstories.
This story is so well written you will feel as if
you are right there in the midst of the action.
The story gripped me from the start until the
final word. It provided me with drama, tension,
twists, turns, some shenanigans and even a
touch of romance.
This is book # 4 in the Haunted Mysteries
series. It can be read as a stand alone.
The author provides enough past with the
present effortlessly.
I volunteered to read Checked Out for Murder.
Thanks to the Cozy Mystery Review Crew
for the opportunity. My opinion is voluntary
and my own.
Checked Out for Murder by Allison Brook is the 4th book in The Haunted Library Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this series. I thought Checked Out for Murder contained good writing and developed characters. My favorite character is Evelyn Havers, the ghost who lives at the library. She is delightful. I liked that we saw more of Evelyn in this book. Two murders take place in this story. We all know Carrie will investigate despite being told repeatedly by boyfriend, Dylan Avery and Lt. John Mathers to stay out of the case. There are multiple suspects and a variety of clues to aid in readers in solving the crimes. Evelyn provides good insight and intel that helped Carrie’s investigation (and John’s). Carrie certainly has her hands full in Checked Out for Murder with her work, Smoky Joe feeling spring fever, her mother, Dylan traveling, two murders, and her father’s surprise visit. Carrie will need a long weekend away after her mother leaves town. Mother and daughter have different personalities which can lead to clashes. They get a chance to do some bonding in this tale and maybe Brianna will change her ways (or not). I do want to let you know that the story does contain some mild foul language. I hope Dylan will be more open to Carrie’s investigating in the future. He needs to realize that a leopard does not change its spots. Checked Out for Murder is an entertaining whodunit with a temptress thespian, a manipulating mother, a fugitive feline, a perished psychic, a troubled beau, and a curious Carrie.
4.5 stars
I always enjoy spending time with librarian Carrie & librarian ghost Evelyn! Carrie is a layered, well-developed character who is instantly likable & engaging. Readers will be invested in the various events that unfold in her family relationships, friendships, and love life throughout the series, and each new book adds to the dimension that the author gives her protagonist.
In Checked Out For Murder, there’s a lot going on and poor Carrie is, of course, right in the middle of it. Carrie’s mom is in town (oh joy) and so is a movie crew with all the drama you might expect to be along for the ride. Adding to the tension is a young woman’s murder … and then another woman’s murder… and a whole host of suspects including Carrie’s mom & Carrie’s mom’s actor husband Tom. I really liked the twists and turns that the author wove throughout this story, including several that I didn’t see coming – not an easy thing to achieve as much as I read mysteries. It kept me guessing & easily held my attention from start to finish. I also appreciated how much more careful Carrie is in this book, heeding the pleas of her boyfriend Dylan as well as her close friend, the police chief, to not put herself in danger. Of course, danger finds her anyway (this is a cozy mystery after all lol) but she really is trying to be careful this time around haha.
Bottom Line: The Haunted Library Mystery series is a personal fave of mine and so is its heroine Carrie & her ghostly assistant Evelyn. I even like Smoky Joe the cat, which you know is saying something lol. Checked Out for Murder is every bit as delightful as its predecessors and I think it’s actually the most layered of the books so far. I enjoyed the relationship growth between Carrie & her mother, and the bevy of suspects had me stumped until the very end. A great plot, a great protagonist, and a great read!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
Checked Out For Murder
The Haunted Library Mysteries, Book #4
Allison Brook
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Carrie Singleton and Evelyn the ghost sleuth the slayings of a starlet and a star-crossed psychic in Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook’s fourth Haunted Library mystery.
Daphne Marriott strolls into Clover Ridge and informs librarian Carrie Singleton that she’s a psychic. But had she foreseen what fate awaited her, Daphne would have steered clear of the quaint Connecticut town. Evelyn, the library ghost, tells Carrie that there’s more to Daphne than she lets on.
The mysterious woman grew up in Clover Ridge with her no-good dad, who apparently met his end at the hands of Daphne’s brother, Billy. Still, Daphne proves a welcome distraction when Carrie’s overbearing mother hits town. Mom’s much younger husband, Tom, is in a movie that’s lensing locally, and she’s there to keep an eye on him: Tom’s costar, sultry Ilana Reingold, is also his ex-fiancée, and there’s no denying the chemistry is still there. Soon after mingling with the moviemakers at a meet-and-greet, Daphne is found dead.
Carrie and Evelyn investigate, assisted by bushy-tailed library cat Smoky Joe. But the suspect list could overflow the library shelves. Has Billy killed another relative? Is their long-missing mother involved? Or Daphne’s mean ex-husband? Carrie’s sure she knows who committed the crime, but can she bind together the clues before the culprit Dewey-decimates the town? (less)
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Review:
The characters are well rounded and well rounded. I was glad to see that Evelyn, the ghost, was in this book quite a bit, she was helping Carrie with her sleuthing. I really enjoyed getting to know Carrie’s mother better and the fact that her and her mom get closer. Carrie’s friends help her to figure out the clues, and of course, Smokey Joe helps her out too.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is a quick easy read. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and those descriptions came alive in my mind’s eye. I felt like I was right there watching all of the action taking place.
The mystery was well plotted and there were a few suspects that could have done the deed. How is Carrie ever going to figure out who the actual killer was?
I would highly recommend this book, and series, to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I am sure that you will like this book as much as I did.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
Carrie is one of those characters you can’t help liking. She is inquisitive, intelligent, and wants to help whenever she can. In the latest book in the “A Haunted Library Mystery,” Checked Out for Murder, we find her once again involved in an investigation. Evelyn, the library ghost, and Smokey Joe, the library cat, are there to help, most of the time. Not to mention Carrie’s mother, who may not help, but at least she doesn’t get in the way, and maybe her and Carrie’s relationship is maturing.
A haunted library is a wonderful setting for a cozy. This story involves all the things I enjoy: an afternoon read, ghosts, lots of books, and intrigue. This time Carrie has two murders to solve, technically three. It doesn’t take her long to build a suspect list and dig up evidence. Putting it all together is a different matter. It takes her some time to figure out what happened, when, why, and to whom, but in the end, she solves the cases and helps catch the killer. Granted, she puts herself in danger again and has to wiggle her way out, but she does not disappoint.
Checked Out for Murder is a fast read, with engaging characters, lovely settings, and twists and turns that will keep readers flipping the page. It isn’t necessary to have read the other books in the series to understand who does what or the background of each character. The library ghost, Evelyn, brings humor and information to the story, and as haunted as the library may be, she doesn’t go around deliberately spooking the patrons. Smokey Joe makes himself unforgettable and keeps readers wishing their library had a cat to entertain them and make them laugh. This is a terrific story that readers will enjoy with an ending that will keep them smiling.
Please see the book description if you want a summary.
Though this is the fourth in the Haunted Library series, it can be read as a standalone, which is what I did as I am new to this author’s work. I was pleasantly surprised. Ms. Brook has an engaging style and presents multiple well-developed, interesting characters. I can’t say that I am typically a fan of the “ghost as assistant” subgenre but this was an exception. In early chapters, Evelyn makes random, kind of inconsequential visits, which made me nervous about liking her contributions to the plot, but as the book develops so do Evelyn’s contributions. She is a likable and interesting character that does actually organically move the plot forward. This is a slightly longer than typical cozy but it reads very quickly. The book has a detailed plot and is well-written. This book was a bit heavy on the “don’t get involved” factor…other characters warning the amateur sleuth to stay out of the investigation…but I didn’t particularly feel that it detracted from the overall enjoyability of the mystery. I will definitely be backtracking and reading the rest of the series!
Thank you to Cozy Mystery Review for providing me with an ARC of this book. All opinions are my own.
“Checked Out for Murder” is the fourth installment in the Haunted Library Mystery series by Allison Brook. It’s a fun mystery that takes place in the quiet town of Clover Ridge, Connecticut. The main protagonist, Carrie Singleton, is the director of events and programs at the local library. This story begins when a woman named Daphne Marriott visits the library and tells Carrie that she would like to present a program on the different types of psychic abilities, since Daphne has gained psychic abilities after a near-death accident. Carrie schedules the presentation, and sometime after the presentation, Daphne is found dead. Adding to the intrigue is the presence of Carrie’s mother, who, with her actor husband, is in town filming a new movie. One of the movie crew is also found dead. Could the two murders be connected?
I really liked everything about this story. Clover Ridge is a lovely small town and I found the description of the town and its inhabitants very comforting. Carrie is a very likable protagonist and I really enjoyed spending time with her throughout the mystery. Oh, and about that “haunted library” mention? One of the main characters is the library ghost, Evelyn Havers, who lived her entire life in Clover Ridge and was a library aide for many years. As such, she is an excellent source of information. I found Evelyn to be a fun character and wished there was more of her in this book.
The mystery was also multi-layered. I was not able to figure out who the killer was until just before the final reveal, so kudos to author Allison Brook! I did think that the conclusion of the murder mystery was a bit abrupt, but that is a small quibble. The story has extremely well developed characters and ties up all the loose ends nicely, This was the first book I have read in this series. While I had absolutely no trouble following the story and didn’t feel lost at any time, I found myself wanting to go back to the beginning of the series. So much so that I put the first book, Death Overdue, on hold at my library. I just hope the library ghost is there when I pick up the book!
In Checked Out for Murder, Allison Brook has woven an intricate plot about a serial killer whose crimes span decades. The quaint and quiet Connecticut town of Clover Ridge seems an unlikely backdrop for the next pair of murders; but, the author once again shows you that crime knows no boundaries. Can librarian and amateur sleuth Carrie Singleton protect members of a movie crew, including her mother, filming there and discover the murderer before there are any more victims? This fourth novel in Brook’s The Haunted Library Mysteries series, chock full of suspects, will have you turning pages to reach its shocking conclusion.
The latest addition to the Haunted Library series by Allison Brook, Checked Out For Murder, is a fast paced story that takes main character Carrie Singleton into the past to solve the crimes of today. Twenty years ago Chet Harper was fatally stabbed. His son, Jimmy, was falsely charged and convicted of the murder, but subsequently was released when evidence showed otherwise. Daphne Marriott, née Harper, has returned to Clover Ridge to try to discover her father’s killer with her newly discovered psychic powers to investigate her father’s death. Her brother, Billy, using the name of Robby Dowd, has returned for the same reason.
At the same time, there is a movie crew in town to shoot a beachside romcom. The cast includes Carrie’s mother’s much younger husband, Tom Farrell, as well as his one time fiancé, Ilana Reingold, who seems to conveniently forget that their engagement was in the past as she boldly flirts with Tom. Carrie’s mother becomes irate, to the point of issuing threats to Ilana.
When both Daphne and Ilana are murdered, the film crew, particularly Tom and Carrie’s mom, become persons of interest. With both of Carrie’s relatives under suspicion, it is no longer possible for her to keep her promise of no more investigations. And as she becomes more active in investigating, Carrie is able to convince her boyfriend, Dylan Avery, to help her.
In an interesting twisty turny mystery, Allison Brook has spun a tale in which the reader is always guessing who the villain is. In fact, it wasn’t until the very end that the villain was surprisingly revealed. This is a very good mystery and I do recommend it!
Checked Out for Murder by Allison Brook is an extremely readable cozy mystery. It has a quality to it that is not often found in a cozy and I am having difficulty describing. It is intensely cheerful and upbeat underlying the difficulties in the story. That alone makes it worth the read. Carrie Singleton works at the library in her small Connecticut town. She is in charge of programs and is taken aback when a woman comes in wanting to do a talk on the different types of psychic phenomena. Carrie is not sure at first, but becomes friends with this woman and thoroughly enjoys her presentation. Carrie had a difficult childhood with a thief for a father and a mother who was not very present. She came to Clover Ridge at the behest of her great-aunt Harriet and her husband Bosco. Best decision ever. Now her mother is in town with her actor husband; he is shooting a movie and it seems to be nothing but trouble for Carrie and for the town. Then there are not one, but two murders. One the psychic and one a member of the movie’s cast. Are they related? Can Carrie help solve them?
Carrie is a terrific character, well-written and full of life. She has a serious boyfriend, Ryan, who is devoted to her, but in this book, has very little personality except he is so supportive. There are tons of characters and they are interesting, humorous, well-rounded in many cases, and worth the read. It is an interesting mystery with all kinds of subplots and red herrings. Carrie’s mentor, Edith, the ghost is extremely helpful in supplying background, but does not overtake the story. Carrie provides clues but does not actually solve the crimes. It was a terrific read; one I enjoyed in the pool for several days! I recommend it.
I was invited to read a free ARC of Checked Out for Murder by the Cozy Mystery Review Crew. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own.
CHECKED OUT FOR MURDER by Allison Brook
The Fourth Haunted Library Mystery
Although she has a job she loves, a great boyfriend, and wonderful friends and family to support her, Carrie Singleton is apprehensive. A movie is being filmed in town and since Tom, her mother’s young husband, has a leading role, Brianna is coming to stay in Clover Ridge. Dealing with Brianna has never been easy and the fact that Tom is playing a romantic role against his former fiance doesn’t help matters. When the actress is murdered days after Carrie’s new friend is killed Carrie has no choice but to get involved.
All the world’s a stage and in CHECKED OUT FOR MURDER no one is who they seem. A murder from long ago, a shattered family, it’s no wonder the players wish to reimagine themselves and start fresh with new names.
I admire the complexity of the mystery in the fourth Haunted Library Mystery. Three murders, one years earlier, how could they possibly be related? The first two have a ready connection, but the third seems to be a total outlier. I love how Carrie tracks down clues, with a little help from Dylan, and pieces the puzzle together. I love the friendship and caring prominently shown throughout the story. From the way everyone cares about the lovable Smoky Joe to meals with friends and family, it’s heartwarming and comforting. It’s cozy and it’s important.
CHECKED OUT FOR MURDER is a well structured complex mystery that delves into identity. You may take on other disguises, but in the end, for better or worse, the real you will shine through.
FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me an e-copy of this book in the hopes I would review it.
Sleuthing librarian Carrie agrees to Daphne’s request to put on a library program about psychic phenomenon. Daphne’s recently moved to town, but she actually grew up Clover Ridge. She left years ago, after her father was murdered. Daphne’s mother disappeared after his death and Daphne’s brother was convicted of the murder, then exonerated. Carrie is enjoying getting to know Daphne and believes they’ll become good friends. Meanwhile, Carrie’s mom is in town with her husband, because Tom is acting in a movie that is shooting locally. Unfortunately, Tom’s co-star is also his ex-fiance and it looks like they may not be over each other. Not long after attending a meet-and-greet with the movie crew, Daphne is found dead.
This is a fun cozy mystery with a lot of possible suspects to keep things interesting. Recommended for fans of cozy mysteries with some paranormal aspects (there is a ghost at Carrie’s library). Checked Out For Murder is part of a series but it works as a standalone.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own.
Carrie Singleton, the Clover Ridge librarian is up to it again! Psychic Daphne Marriott visits the library to schedule an event. And when Carrie’s mother comes to town with her actor husband and a cast and crew for a movie, the town is teaming with suspects of not one, but two murders. Evelyn can help find the killer, but will Carrie be able to connect the dots between these two fresh bodies to a twenty year old murder?
Checked Out For Murder is another fun who-dunnit by Allison Brook!
What a great new offering in one of my favorite series! Carrie, the Clover Ridge library’s head of programs and events, has come a long way from the purple-haired goth girl to shine in all of her creativity, talent, and personality! Oh, and helped solve a few murders, as well. The characters are well defined through actions and conversations. This novel is like visiting with old friends. The mystery is a real treat, and a challenge to solve.
The setting of Connecticut in springtime sounds gorgeous. Carrie’s mom, Brianna, is married to Tom, a younger man who is an actor. The movie Tom was cast in will be filmed in town, so they will be visiting for several weeks. Carrie and her mom were never close, so it might be a challenge being around her for so long. Carrie has been dating her late brother’s childhood friend, Dylan for several months, and they are in it for the long haul. Evelyn is the delightful ghost of a woman who worked, and died, at the library many years ago. Evelyn has helped with the murder cases Carrie has inquired about in the past, and they are friends. Even if nobody except Carrie and her 4-year old cousin Tacey can see her.
Carrie made a new friend, a young woman who wanted to make a presentation to library patrons. Daphne had a near death experience that left her with psychic abilities, and she talks about various types of psychic gifts. Evelyn is the only person in town who recognizes Daphne from the past. When she was a teen, her abusive father was stabbed to death, her mother left town without a trace, and her brother was in prison several years for the murder before being exonerated. In the meantime, Brianna’s husband Tom has an old friend on the movie set. He is playing opposite his ex-fiancé, and it looks like Ilana is trying to get him back at any cost.
After a couple hours of watching a movie shoot and Ilana flirt with Tom, Carrie’s day could only get better until…it doesn’t. Daphne was found murdered in her apartment. Her brother has heard Carrie has solved murders in the past, but she has promised her boyfriend and the police chief she would not do so anymore, as the last time almost didn’t end well. The next day, Ilana is found murdered in her hotel room. This time, the first suspect is Carrie’s mother Brianna, then Tom. There are not enough clues to narrow down any one person, and Brianna pleads for Carrie’s help to keep her out of jail. She doesn’t want Brianna to go to prison, but she doesn’t want to lose Dylan, either.
This cozy mystery is plotted and executed so well! I enjoyed every minute of it, especially when trying to guess who really “dunit”. The thought that there could be three killers at large – Daphne’s father’s, Daphne’s, and Ilana’s, is daunting. Even more so is the thought of there being a connection between the three that could be just one murderer. I loved watching Carrie and Dylan work together to discover what happened, especially in light of Carrie’s sadness at losing a new friend in such a terrible manner. It is a fabulous, frightening, and fun mystery! The end was a complete surprise, and very satisfying. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with a library setting, movie set, and slight paranormal twist.
From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.
Checked Out for Murder is the fourth in the series, but I had not read the others. The author, however, did such a fantastic job of describing the characters that I was able to fully enjoy this edition despite not having read the others. The main character is a librarian who has the help of a ghost that lives in the library she works at. I am a big fan of cozy mysteries that have ghosts in them, and though this ghost was not a major factor in the story, the mystery was done well enough that the small amount of paranormal contact was not discouraging. I would have liked to have had more of the ghost, but the other characters in the story made up for it in leaps and bounds. I especially loved the best friend, and coworkers. The love interest was well done, but I think I may have to read the previous ones to be more attached to their relationship, as by this book, it is well established. Not a bad thing, just if one is looking for a little love interest, this book does not have much romantic tension between the two.
I was very happy, however, with the plot and the who-done it aspect. The mystery lead me in many directions, and though I normally have cases solved before half the book is done, this book took me on a few red herrings that made me not realize who did it until close to the end. In the meantime, I enjoyed the ride as the main character, Carrie Singleton, tried to find out who killed two people, while possibly linking those deaths to a death years ago. It all takes place as her mother, and her mother’s husband are in town to film a movie; and two people are murdered back to back. Her mother is suspected at one point, which leads Carrie to ignore her first instinct to stay out of the murder. As others pull her into the investigation, she finds that the clues are falling one by one in her lap for her to find the killer.
I will have to say that I am very much wanting to go back and read the others in the series, not only to see the beginnings of her love interest, but also because the author’s writing was so well done, and I enjoyed this story so much.I feel I need to relive the fun in another book. Highly recommend this book for those who like this author, and for others looking for a new cozy mystery. This one is a winner!
I liked that the mystery kept me guessing and that Carrie, the main character, acted like an adult and realistically with her mother.
What I was less happy with is calling this a “Haunted Library” mystery. Evelyn might as well not have been in this book. I also found the story a little slow going with a lot of time spent on multiple family relationships and day to day things especially almost every meal Carrie eats. On the other hand, it may have been nice to have some realism, Carrie actually eats and goes to work and can’t leave on a whim. Still, it slowed the story down for me.
This was also a ridiculous bit about the cops not being able to find out who rented a car because it was booked with a burner phone and the person picked it up after the rental place closed. Documentation and credit cards are needed!
I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.