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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The ‘Library Lover’s Mystery’ series by Jenn McKinlay is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. By reading the 9th book, Hitting the Books, I’m now current and eagerly awaiting the 10th one due to be released later this year. Although I thought this one was too simple from a mystery plot perspective, I enjoyed all the normal library shenanigans and small town community relationships.
When Lindsey notices a friendly library patron–famed tennis player, Theresa Huston–run down by a car, she tries to save the woman. Luckily, she’s only injured and survives the accident. Then Lindsey’s friend, Charlie, is hit by the same driver later that day. A gunman is shooting throughout the town. Is someone attempting to knock off Briar Creek residents? Or is it a misunderstanding? Emma, the Chief of Police, asks Lindsey to look into some library books that were in the car (once it’s found), and it leads them to a young kid we’ve met before in a prior book. Liza, Theresa’s soon-to-be step-daughter, is worried sick, but she’s acting strangely, too. Ultimately, Larry, the soon-to-be husband and Liza’s father, knows more than he’s saying about his ex-wife, Liza’s mother, who supposedly died. It comes together in a crashing finale where we know who and why, but I was left a little disappointed at the minimal amount of suspects and detail surrounding how it all came to pass.
That said, it wasn’t enough to detract or worry me from moving on. I just think it could’ve been stronger to really intrigue me as to what was going on behind the scenes. Instead, I found the normal comings-and-goings around the library as my focal point. From ‘The Lemon’ to Mary’s new baby, we had great moments of sentimentality and thought-provoking questions about Lindsey’s relationship with Sully. Will he wants kids? How are they doing now that they’re living together? What’s Beth’s new marriage like? I enjoy the side stories, so I am still happy with the book and will keep reading the future ones.
When head Librarian Lindsey witnesses a hit and run she immediately dives into action and runs to help the victim. Theresa ends up with a broken leg but otherwise seems to be okay and is thankful to be alive. When she suffers several more “accidents” Lindsey begins to worry that someone is trying to do the bride to be in. When a bag of library books are found in the vehicle that hit Theresa, Lindsey jumps at the chance to help the police figure out who the culprit is. With the driver of the car dead and only a bag of books for a clue Lindsey realizes she must delve deeper into Theresa’s life along with that of her fiances. Follow along as Lindsey looks for answers, deals with her new living situation, and continues to work at the library. Who would want Theresa dead and why now? Will Lindsey be able to deceiver the clues that she finds or will she go looking in the wrong direction. When things start heating up will she be able to keep herself out of harms way? This is such a great series filled with a wonderful cast of characters. I always look forward to visiting with them and hate when each book comes to the end.
Read 2.20.2021
Spring has arrived in Briar Creek, and it’s such a beautiful day that Lindsey Norris can’t help but spend a few minutes looking out the window of the library. However, what she sees is someone hit tennis coach Theresa Huston and then drive off. It sure seemed to Lindsey that the car sped up as it approached the crosswalk. When the investigation points to the library, Lindsey can’t help but get involved. But was this a case of negligent driving? Or was it attempted homicide?
The book does a good job of slipping us back into the world of the series while also setting up the mystery. However, I did feel the pace lagged a bit in the middle before wrapping the major questions up with the climax. A couple things could have been explained better, but they were minor. On the other hand, I loved how the library came into play in the plot. We don’t see as much of the series regulars, but that allows us to really get to know Theresa and those in her life, which I enjoyed. Plus, we get some good development for Lindsey and Sully. The book has the usual classic book discussion questions, craft, and three recipes at the end. Fans will enjoy this book; I know I did.
Yet another adorable installment to this library cozy mystery series!!! Lindsey finds herself involved in yet another murder when library materials found during the investigation. I like how realistic the library procedures are in these as they are described like someone who actually works there. Add in the murder and it just gets better. I am so hooked to this series by this point. Perfect for fans of the genre. I really liked it so I give it 4/5 stars.
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Library Director Lindsey Norris finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. While looking out a library window she witnesses a hit and run. The victim survives and there is a second attempt on her life. The car used is found and appears to be stolen. A clue found tells police that a library patron may be connected to the crime. Before Lindsey has time to “check out” the clue the driver who committed the hit and run is killed. Lindsey knows her research is now a top priority so the murderer can be caught before another Briar Creek resident is checked out permanently.
Book 9 in this series and it is still fresh and new. Lindsey has evolved so much since the beginning, She and Sully have even moved in together. There are still adjusting to the move, but it is presented very realistically. In fact, all the characters are well fleshed out and feel like old friends, even Ms. Cole. Lindsey is a keen amateur sleuth and she Police Chief Emma Plewicki have built up a friendship and understanding that means they can work together. In this installment, Lindsey stands up for her patron’s rights and makes Emma get a warrant for the needed information. Friendship only goes so far
This story seemed to move at a faster pace than previous books. Starting with the hit and run that moved me to the edge of my seat and continuing on through subsequent scary moments and investigations the pages were flying. Seriously, I was reading a print copy, not a Kindle copy, my one working hand couldn’t flip those pages fast enough and yes, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
I love the way Jenn McKinlay writes. The mystery is superb, her characters shine, her humor sparkles in all the right places, the romance never overtakes the mystery, and its theme is set in a library. What more could a bibliophile ask for? The only thing I can think of is book #10 in this series!
This is my new favorite book in the series and will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2018 list! I absolutely loved it!
I absolutely love this series! Interesting characters with unique personalities and it is primarily based around the library! Each book has a growth in the characters relationships to each other and to newcomers in the book as well as a delightful mystery to solve! In this case, the quiet town is completely disrupted by someone driving insanely and shooting at others! Lindsey once again finds her curiosity and research skills slowly dragging her to the center of the investigation. An excellent choice for an afternoon of entertainment!
Hitting the Books is the ninth book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series. Lindsay Norris is the library director in the small town of Briar Creek. During lunch, at a crafteroon ( which is a group of women who get together to share lunch, make crafts, and talk about books) they all hear a commotion outside and Lindsay sees a car speeding down the street and hitting Theresa Huston and then speeding off. When the car is found later and turns out to be stolen the police find a stack of library books in the car. When another attempt is made on Theresa’s life who checked those library materials out might solve the crime. But do they? Who wants Theresa out of the picture permanently? You’ll be turning the pages to find out! I loved the small town setting, the characters, and the well written mystery that takes a few unexpected twists and turns. Some delicious recipes are also included. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series! Definitely recommend this series and this book!
Disappointing addition to one of my favorite cozy series. Plot was simplistic; it was easy to figure out “who done it” almost from the beginning. Hopefully, Jenn’s next one will be up to her usual entertaining standards.
Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay is the ninth story in the Library Lovers Mystery series. This is the first book I’ve read from McKinlay.
This cozy mystery is set in a small town filled with all the nuances and quirks that make a small town wonderful. The characters are full of life. This story follows along with librarian Lindsey Norris who has a stubborn curious streak. When she witnesses a friend struck by a hit and run driver, Lindsey rushes to help. When further attempts are made on her friend’s life, she digs in to discover who and why.
This is a very enjoyable story and I look forward to reading the earlier books in this series.
Being the first book I’ve read from this author, I was thrilled to finally find one other cozy mystery writer I liked. I would definitely like to read the other books in this series.
I love this series by Jenn McKinlay. Always fun and always an interesting twist.
This is a great cozy mystery.
There is quite a variety of personalities among the characters in this book. I enjoyed the interactions between Lindsey and the other employees in the library. They all seem to know her really well and her ability to stick her nose into business that she shouldn’t.
The mystery was wonderful. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was surprised by the final reveal of who-done-it and why.
This book is not within the category of inspirational fiction. I did struggle some with the characters living together without being married. These are my personal feelings and I know that each person makes their own decision about this. If this will bother you then you may want to select a different book to read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I’ve done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*
As always, I enjoyed my visit to Briar Creek. Love this series!! Lindsay witnesses a hit and run accident and then the woman is almost killed again. Lindsay investigates to see if she can figure out what is going on. Love the little town of Briar Creek and all the characters. The Crafternooners are always fun. Excited to see what’s next for this series and for Lindsay and Sully!!
Love this whole series and this book is a great addition to this series.
Lindsay Norris is a librarian in Briar creek. At one of the gatherings at the library she looks out the window and sees Theresa get hit by a car and runs outside to keep her calm. She is a curious person so she does not let it go that this was just a simple accident. After a series of events that happen we do find out that it was not just an accident but someone trying to murder Theresa. She got herself involved even though the Police Chief did not want her too. The Police Chefs boyfriend brought himself into the crime solving with Lindsay and helped ask questions. Lindsay drags her own boyfriend in on the investigation and they go on a wild car chase. Lindsay does get to be officially involved when some library property is found in the car that hit Theresa.
This was a good quick read. I never did fully figure out who did it. I did not even suspect one of the people involved.
I received this book for free to read from First to read in exchange for an honest review. The opinions in this review are 100% my own
Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay is the ninth book A Library Lover’s Mystery series. Lindsey Norris is the library director for Briar Creek Public Library in Briar Creek, Connecticut. Linsey is tired from a late night of reading so during crafternoon she finds herself staring out the window (and avoiding holding a baby). She sees Theresa Huston, a local tennis coach, get hit by a car that then speeds away. The same car almost hits Charlie Peyton outside the Blue Anchor. Theresa ends up with a broken leg three weeks before her wedding to Larry Milstein. The car belonged to Kayla Manning who had reported it stolen. The pilfered car is later found with borrowed library materials inside. Before Lindsey can discover who checked out the items, Theresa is attacked in her home. Someone is determined to do away with the bride-to-be. Lindsey delves into the library records in hopes of discovering the identity of the guilty party. The killer makes another attempt which sends Lindsey into overdrive to unravel the clues and expose the predator. Will Theresa make it to her wedding?
Jenn McKinlay never fails to deliver an entertaining cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and look forward to the latest release each year. It is like visiting old friends when I pick up A Library Lover’s Mystery. Hitting the Books could be read as a standalone, but I believe it would be beneficial to read Books Can Be Deceiving first. It is the first novel in A Library Lover’s Mystery series and it will give you the background on the characters. I thought Hitting the Books was well-written with a nice, steady pace. Briar Creek is a welcoming small town with pleasant townspeople. Lindsey Norris is a smart, friendly and caring woman who is the head librarian for Briar Creek. Her best friend and children’s librarian, Beth is a woman who really loves her job. I like the various costumes she wears to entertain the children’s during story time (she is clever). Lindsey and Captain Mike Sullivan are now living together, and it is an adjustment. I can understand Lindsey not enjoying Mike’s cheery whistling so early in the morning (that would be annoying). I felt there was too much time devoted to the romance, but I like seeing this pair together. Lindsey is worried about the future (marriage, kids) and needs to work through a few concerns. The mystery was intriguing. There are good clues that will aid readers in solving the crime before the solution is revealed. My rating for Hitting the Books is 4 out of 5 stars. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. Hitting the Books has friendly characters, a charming town, a cozy library, a perplexing mystery, a sweet romance and a cute dog.
This series continues to be wonderfully entertaining and I’m only sad that I’ve finished the newest entry in the Library Lover’s Mystery saga. Lindsay, Sully, Chief Emma and her friends continue to be a lineup of some of my favorite cozy mystery characters. This newest storyline begins with an unexpected hit and run, witnessed by Lindsay while staring out the library window. Narrowly missed by the mystery car, Theresa is taken home to heal where she is again attacked in her weak state. Who could have it out for Theresa, recently engaged to the popular furniture dealer in town? Beginning from the first page, this story is a quick read, with great character dialogue and descriptions of a library life you wish was in your own town. Readers won’t be able to put this story down – this will be the book which will cause you to suffer from OMC (one more chapter) and keep you up until the wee hours of dawn. Fast and entertaining, this well thought out mystery will keep you on your toes until the very last page!
I really enjoyed this cozy! It’s a pageturner that I didn’t want to put down, and finished it it two days! This is the first time I’ve read a Library Lover’s Mystery, and I enjoyed the characters. This story can definitely stand alone without reading previous books, however, now I want to read all the previous stories beginning with book one! Excellent!
Another fabulous read in this amazing series. Think this is the best yet. Love the way author Jenn McKinlay writes and weaves a wonderful tale