For fans of Miranda James and Jenn McKinlay comes an enthralling series debut featuring a librarian who solves mysteries with the help of a ghost in the stacksCarrie Singleton is just about done with Clover Ridge, Connecticut until she’s offered a job as the head of programs and events at the spooky local library, complete with its own librarian ghost. Her first major event is a program presented … program presented by a retired homicide detective, Al Buckley, who claims he knows who murdered Laura Foster, a much-loved part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death fifteen years earlier. As he invites members of the audience to share stories about Laura, he suddenly keels over and dies.
The medical examiner reveals that poison is what did him in and Carrie feels responsible for having surged forward with the program despite pushback from her director. Driven by guilt, Carrie’s determined to discover who murdered the detective, convinced it’s the same man who killed Laura all those years ago. Luckily for Carrie, she has a friendly, knowledgeable ghost by her side. But as she questions the shadows surrounding Laura’s case, disturbing secrets come to light and with each step Carrie takes, she gets closer to ending up like Al.
Now it’s due or die for Carrie in Death Overdue the delightful first in a new cozy series by Allison Brook.
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Lots of excitement with two murders.
Plenty of possible murderers.
Plus a helpful library ghost and a friendly stray kitten.
This sounds like it could easily be sappy. It isn’t.
I kept wondering who could be trusted up to almost the very end.
What first drew me to Death Overdue was the colorful cover with some of my favorite things – books, coffee, books, a cat, and even a window seat to enjoy a book, coffee, and a cat. The opening pages grabbed my attention with a loveable protagonist and a very helpful ghost. Death Overdue is a fabulous first in a new series, A Haunted Library Mystery, and I can’t wait to see the next one. Fans of Granny Apples and Bailey Ruth will love Evelyn, the library’s resident ghost.
Carrie came “home” to Clover Ridge, CT in the spring when life had thrown a curve ball. Home was with Uncle Bosco and Aunt Harriet, where Carrie had spent many of her younger years. Carrie took classes in library science, and was currently using it only to shelve books and other assistant work. She had had five different jobs in five different states in the past seven years. Ugh. She was thinking about leaving here, this time for warmer weather, as the air was already nippy.
The first of many surprises is that Carrie is offered the position of head of programs and events. She had taken courses in it, and was helpful to anyone who needed help at the library. Sally, the library director, didn’t like Carrie and didn’t want to give her the job, but there wasn’t anyone else. Carrie did, however, get rid of her purple hair style and dress professionally.
The next surprise is how the first program Carrie led ended abruptly. It was set up by the prior department head, and is a session with Al Buckley. A former detective, he had been injured in the line of duty, then turned to booze to handle the physical pain before finally retiring. One of his regrets is how he bungled the investigation of a wife and mother, Laura, when she was murdered fifteen years earlier. He has since done additional investigating and felt he knew who the murderer was. Except there was no evidence to prove or disprove it. A few minutes into his discussion, one of Laura’s sons protested. Al died minutes later.
While there seem to be obvious suspects, many of the well-defined characters in Death Overdue are not who they seem to be. Carrie and her aunt and uncle are straight up who they appear. Evelyn, who had worked at the library and accidentally died there, is in Carrie’s corner. The author is adept at showing, through realistic dialog and actions, as much as she wants the readers to see of her characters.
Plot twists kept this reader on her feet, and I was charmed by Carrie’s family, Smokey Joe, the two men who sought to claim her heart, Evelyn, and the friends she makes. I particularly enjoyed the delightful Halloween party. While I was almost sure who that bad guy/ gal was for much of the book, the end was still a bit of a surprise in light of the red herrings. I highly recommend this intriguing and enjoyable new cozy mystery!
I received a copy of this book from the Cozy Mystery Book Review Crew and the author. The review is my own opinion.
Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery is a great cozy mystery by author Allison Brook. This is the first book in a new series. The story is told in first-person point of view by Carrie Singleton. Carrie starts out working as a temporary assistant librarian. She is offered the job of head of programs and events which she reluctantly takes. Carrie had returned to the town of Clover Ridge to live with her aunt and uncle after some rough times in her life. She had all intention of leaving Clover Ridge once she got back on her feet but things start to come together and she ends up staying.
I love the setting for this one. Clover Ridge is a nice little town in Connecticut. The story mainly revolves around The Clover Ridge Library. The library happens to have a ghost than only a few people can detect and Carrie happens to be one of them. Throughout the story Carries is trying to solve two murders, one recent and one from the past. If you are worried about the paranormal aspect being too over-the-top, it is not in this book.
My favorite characters were Carrie and the ghost. I also loved Carrie’s Uncle Bosco and Aunt Harriet, a kind and caring couple that makes me want to have them in my family. Throughout the story, Carrie has a thorn in her side by the name of Dorothy Hawkins. Dorothy is upset that Carrie got the job of head of events and programs instead of her.
The author did a wonderful job holding my interest throughout the book. The story had me guessing clear to the end. The dust jacket cover on this book is amazing. I cannot wait to read the next from this author. Just an overall excellent cozy mystery.
Thank you Allison Brook, Crooked Lane Books, and Cozy Mystery Review Crew for providing me with a copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
Death Overdue by Allison Brook is the first in a new cozy mystery series about a haunted library. I found the book to be totally engaging from the first chapter.
Carrie Singleton is an unusual character in that she is almost 30 years old, single and been a vagabond for most of her life. She’s returned to Clover Ridge to stay with her aunt and uncle until she feels the urge to move on again. She has taken a temporary job at the local library and has enjoyed getting to know the others at the library, except for one. Her nemesis is generally disliked by everyone on the staff and that made her an outstanding character in the book. Then she is offered the job of Programs and Events coordinator and she decides to accept.
The mystery plot is fast paced and flows nicely. The secondary characters are all well developed and Evelyn, the library ghost, was always there to help Carrie when she needed her. I enjoyed the twists as solving the current murder would also solve a 15 year old cold case which would bring closure to the family. I was glad to see that the possibility of a romance triangle ended in this book. I am definitely curious about Avery Ames, Carrie’s landlord and possible love interest, as his job description is rather vague. I an looking forward to the next book in this series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book. All of the above opinions are my own.
Trying to keep my review spoiler free. I loved Evelyn the ghost, and Smokey Joe the cat. The pace of the book started a little slow but managed to get to an even pace with the murderer not being caught until the end of the book. There were plenty of suspects to keep you guessing, and a whole town with an over-inflated idea of the family involved. I like that there were unexpected friendships formed and the way Carrie (the protagonist) learned that she didn’t have to keep running away from her father’s past.
What can be more fun than a spooky local library, complete with its own librarian ghost? Grab a cup of tea and sit down for Brook’s new novel. It’s come out at the right time, Halloween, with memorable characters, both alive and dead, and a mysterious cold case of a bludgeoning fifteen years prior.
Death Overdue by Allison Brook is the first book in A Haunted Library Mystery series. Carrie Singleton has been staying (and working) in Clover Ridge, Connecticut with her Aunt Harriet and Uncle Bosco, but she feels it is about time to move on. Then Carrie is offered the position as head of programs and events at Clover Ridge Library (thanks to Uncle Bosco). Carrie accepts the position and settles into her new life. The first program is retired homicide detective, Al Buckley talking about the fifteen-year-old murder of Laura Foster. Al claims to have new evidence that will solve the case and bring the family closure. Before Al can reveal his new evidence, he dies and his iPad is stolen. Someone poisoned Al and Carrie feels responsible for his death (she pushed her boss to go ahead with the program). She teams up with Jared Foster, Laura’s younger son, to not only find Al’s killer, but Laura’s as well. Carrie is busy with learning her new job, looking for new evidence in the murders, dealing with a troublesome co-worker, and locating a place to live. She does, though, get help from the library’s resident ghost, Evelyn Havers. The killer is unhappy with Carrie’s investigation and sets out to make sure that Carrie is permanently checked out!
I was drawn into Death Overdue from the very beginning. The author has a nice writing style that is engaging and makes for nice flowing story. I liked the characters, the town, the library, Smokey Joe (the cat), and (my favorite) the ghost. I am amazed at the events the library hosts (I wish my library had something besides boring lectures and movies). The mystery (technically, there are two mysteries) was easily solved (all readers will figure this one out before the reveal). I identified the guilty party before retired detective Al Buckley was pronounced dead. The other elements, though, elevate the story. I give Death Overdue 4 out of 5 pumpkins (I thought I would change things up for October). The investigation consists of light questioning and some searching. The book was also a tad too long (it needed to be shortened) and I could have done with less romance/flirting. I hope we get to know more about Evelyn, the ghost, in the next book. Evelyn is a great character and I want to know more about her past. I also suspect her death was not just a simple slip and fall in an icy parking lot (at least I hope there is more to it). I will definitely be reading the next book in A Haunted Library Mystery series (I want more)!
Death Overdue makes it on my Top 10 mysteries of 2017 list! I am almost wondering if there is a well known author hiding behind the name Allison Brook. It is an extremely well written, wonderful flowing story with charming characters. Even the not so likable characters are fantastic. A well rounded cozy mystery that kept me glued to my couch.
There’s not just 2 murders to be solved but so much more going on in the library and Carrie’s life that there is never a dull moment in this book. Evelyn, the library ghost, is a wonderful addition to the story that added some humorous elements as well. And don’t get me started talking about Smokey Joe the adorable kitten.
It was a wonderful Halloween themed read which is reflected in the beautiful book cover that tempted me in the first place.
I will looking for more from this author.
I requested this book from NetGalley and am thankful that Crooked Lane Books and the author provided me with a copy.
Clover Ridge, Connecticut doesn’t hold a lot of attraction for Carrie Singleton, and she is thinking of moving on to some place different. Then she is offered a position as the director of programs and events at the town public library. The library is old and haunted, or so it is suggested. After accepting the position, she starts working with her first major event, a discussion presented by retired homicide investigator, Al Buckley. Al wants to expose the murderer of Laura Foster, a part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death fifteen years previously.
During the talk, Al asks the audience to share stories about Laura. Unfortunately, someone decides to silence the aging detective before he can reveal whom he thinks the killer is.
The autopsy proves that Al was poisoned. Carrie feels responsible for Al’s death, primarily because she had convinced the library director that everything would be fine. Carrie liked Al and is determined to track down who murdered the detective. She is convinced it’s the selfsame individual who killed Laura Foster. Much of her assertions come from the real-life ghost of Evelyn Havers. It isn’t long before she uncovers secrets in and out of the library.
Series: A Haunted Library Mystery
Author: Allison Brook
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books
Death Overdue is the first book in a new cozy series by Allison Brook. The story is an amusing journey through the life of a library and those who quietly keep the world of books revolving. The author writes with intelligence, the characters, and setting brought to life with the use of a fantastic imagination and an ability for making the ordinary extraordinary.
The role of Carrie Singleton is a mixture of someone who doesn’t want to grow up and someone who has never known a family’s love. When the story first opens, Carrie dresses like a “goth girl” but she is 30 years old. When she makes the switch to a working head of a department, she dresses as a professional adult. Carrie quickly realizes that she doesn’t miss her goth attire or her former life.
This is also a story of transformation. Carrie becomes someone the reader begins to love. They will cheer as they watch her grow into a settled, happy adult, instead of the never fit in, never loved, letting life pass her by girl. As she starts to bloom under a new environment and a loving family, Carrie changes. The reader begins to understand her past and encourages her with each accomplishment.
The additional characters in Death Overdue are charming and add to the appreciation of this book. Evelyn, the ghost is a pleasant and intelligent character that sometimes the reader forgets is not alive. Even Dorothy, the unlikable nemesis becomes a little nicer by the end of the book but not altogether likable. Sally, Carrie’s boss and the head of the library starts out as a character the reader will not like. She will ultimately evolve into a cherished friend to Carrie and the reader. Carrie’s Aunt and Uncle are lovable and exceptional people who love Carrie like a daughter. They are thrilled she has come home at long last to settle down where they can see her and spend time with her.
The story is packed with twists and turns, and most readers will not be sure of who the murderer is until the very last minute. Ms. Brook has composed a fast-paced, suspenseful story with characters the reader will wish to read about over and over. The writing is smooth; the author never loses track of the primary plot. This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys their cozy with a slight twist of paranormal and a setting that they might find in their own neighborhood.
Publication Date: October 10, 2017