It’s murder by the book in the latest hit Library Lover’s mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Death in the Stacks.When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can … the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library’s records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another “accident” and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.
A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. But things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead, Lindsey, her staff and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word…
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Hitting the Books is another amazing win for Jenn McKinlay! She has realistic and endearing characters that I can’t help cheering on. The descriptions were so vivid that I felt like I was right there in the story. She wrote the best mother and son scene that I have ever read. I almost started taking notes to help deal with my own three sons. It was so good that I was up to 3:00 am finishing it. I highly recommend this book! I was given an ARC but the opinions are completely my own.
Librarian Lindsey Norris is back for the ninth book in Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s Mystery series. Lindsey is a full time librarian and a part-time amateur sleuth. Lucky for her, the small town she lives in has its full share of nosy-rosies that feed her obsession with solving crimes. The only person it town that does not support her sleuthing is her friend Emma Plewicki, the chief of police.
Emma does not encourage Lindsey’s need to poke her nose in police business, but seems to tolerate it. As the top cop, Emma appreciates the help Lindsey gives her when solving cases. Of course the librarian is instrumental in finding crucial information to help solve the mysteries in this tiny town.
To be honest she doesn’t seek out drama. As Hitting the Books begins, Lindsey is working at the library, minding her own business, when someone runs down a friend of hers right outside. The case takes a nastier turn when someone tries to suffocate the convalescing friend; Lindsey is determined to get to the bottom of the murder attempts.
Aside from the mysterious attacks on her friend, Lindsey has a full personal life. She has recently moved in with Captain Mike Sullivan. Sully as he is called is an ex-Navy man, who loves her, but does not especially like the danger she flirts with while poking around in attempted murders. Lucky for Lindsey, he is supportive of all her endeavors and seems to always be in the right place and the right time to keep her safe.
It may sound like Lindsey is so busy solving crimes that she doesn’t spend any time in the library. That is far from true. She is busy managing the quirky characters that work for her. I would love to visit their library. They have a group that meets for “Crafternoons”. Think a book club on steroids.
The Crafternooners discuss a book they’ve all read, enjoy a delicious lunch and create a craft. I love the bond that is created in these gatherings. The characters share their lives and loves, worries and concerns all the while supporting each other. It is a great way for the reader to learn about the personalities and quirks of the characters.
Jenn McKinlay has written several different books in addition to the Library Lover’s Mysteries. This is the first book I have read by this author. Even though it was the ninth in the series, I did not feel lost or confused. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend Hitting the Books, as well as checking out McKinlay’s other books. There is nothing more fun than finding a new author with a long list of interesting books to enjoy.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
Although I have read several of the author’s Contemporary Romances, this is the first Cozy Mystery I have read by her. I do wish I had started with #1 in the series so that I had more background on the characters, but enough history was given that I at least knew some. I really enjoyed the characters. As in most cozy mysteries, they tend to be a little quirky. The plot was fast moving, keeping me flipping pages and so entertaining that I was quite eager to see what happened next. There were twists that weren’t always shocking, but kept the plot moving along and the humor kept me chuckling.
I enjoyed this enough that I believe I will go back and start at the beginning of the series! Light and fun!
Lindsey Norris is the Briar Creek head librarian.
During the library’s crafternoon group hour, Lindsey
noticed a car speeding through town hitting one of
the residents, Theresa Houston. Theresa is lucky as
she only suffers from a broken leg. But then Theresa
is attacked in her home. Someone is trying to kill
Theresa.
When the Sheriff finds the hit and run car, the driver
is dead. Shot to death. There are CD’s in the car from
the library. Lindsey immediately begins to investigate
along with the Sheriff.
Lindsey and her dog, Heathcliff are adjusting to her
move in with her boyfriend Captain Scully who is a
retired naval captain. He runs boat tours.
A fast paced, thought provoking and uniquely plotted
mystery. A cast of cleverly crafted, well defined and
interesting characters. Murder, hit and runs, missing
person, CDs, insurance policies, danger and intrigue,
all mix together for a well written suspenseful read.
While this is book # 9 in the Library Lover’s Mysteries
series, it can be read as a stand alone.
A real page turner providing a surprise ending!!
I volunteered to read Hitting the Books. Thanks to
First-to-Read for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
The end of the book gives the reader, craft and recipes.
For book clubs, the end has a Reader’s Guide.
When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library’s records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another “accident” and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.
A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. Things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead. Lindsey, her staff, and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word.
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Series: A Library Lover’s Mystery – Book 9
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Library
Publisher: Berkley
Publishing Date: September 11, 2018
Hitting the Books is Jenn McKinlay’s ninth book in the “A Library Lover’s Mystery” series. This series is going strong and only gets better with each new addition. The characters are well rounded, likable and even lovable in many cases. Ms. McKinlay’s writing is superb, there are few mistakes, and the flow is smooth. Her characters hold true from beginning to end, and with each new addition to the series, they feel more and more real. It’s very easy to think of someone, friend or relative who a particular character reminds you of him or her.
Lindsay is horrified when she sees her friend, Theresa mowed down by a car in what appears to be a deliberate hit and run. When other attempts threaten Theresa’s life, Lindsay jumps in to solve the mystery before Theresa ends up a victim of a killer bound and determined to put an end to her.
Lindsay is adjusting to her new life with her live-in boyfriend, Sully but it isn’t all champagne and roses. His incessant whistling every morning is driving her crazy, she’s not sure how much more she can take. Lindsay is much like anyone who is coming to grips with a new living arrangement. It is easy for the reader to empathize with her. Adjusting to living with someone is hard on most people, especially those who are used to being in their own space and doing whatever they want, whenever they want. Top all of this off with Lindsay worrying about her friend Theresa, and you have a situation that sooner or later will come to a head.
All the characters in this book and series are written well and have enormous appeal. The characters are multifaceted and rich, with lives that readers can relate to. The location is wonderful and makes the reader want to explore every inch. The town is not described in detail in this installment, but if the reader goes back to the beginning of the series, they will have a better understanding of what the town is made up of and where it is located.
This book can stand on its own but is more enjoyable if the reader has a good idea of the dynamic between the characters. Overall I recommend Hitting the Books to anyone who enjoys a great who-done-it with a side plot that will have you guessing up to the end.