Wedding bells are ringing in the latest page-turning Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Word to the Wise.Love is in the air in Briar Creek as library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan are finally tying the knot. The entire town is excited for the happy day, and Lindsey and Sully’s plan for a small wedding evaporates as more and more … wedding evaporates as more and more people insist upon attending the event of the year.
When Lindsey and her crafternoon pals head out to Bell Island to see if it can accommodate the ever-expanding guest list, they are horrified to discover a body washed up on the rocky shore. Even worse, Lindsey recognizes the man as the justice of the peace who was supposed to officiate her wedding ceremony. When it becomes clear he was murdered, Lindsey can’t help but wonder if it had to do with the wedding. Now she has to book it to solve the mystery before it ends her happily ever after before it’s even begun….
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One for the Books is the 11th book in the Library Lover’s cozy mystery series written by Jenn McKinlay. It was released in 2020, and I’ve read all the previous books as well as a few of the author’s other series. I like her writing style, character development, settings, and plots. This book, while a little shorter than the others, was no exception.
After ten books, it’s difficult to keep bringing surprises and fun to the same characters. In this latest edition, Lindsey and Sully are set to get married on the island (in the Long Island sound off the Connecticut coastline) where he grew up. They visit a childhood friend of Sully’s for an annual holiday party, but when they do, the couple sees a fight between the friend and his wife as well as one with a seemingly random guest. Later on, another fight happens between the friend and his own brother. Of course, someone winds up dead, and the mystery focuses on who killed Sully’s friend.
I really enjoy the library setting, as Lindsey runs the local one in their town. She has wonderful friendships, a few pseudo-enemies, and finally a lukewarm relationship with the sheriff. So, when Emma asks Lindsey to poke around and ask questions of two people who confess to the crime who most likely didn’t do it, readers witness a solid partnership forming. I am excited to watch the growth in their friendship. Poor Lindsey had a lot going on this time: issues with her wedding invitations, not knowing how many guests to plan for, a massive winter storm approaching, and then a second murder! What’s going on in this sleepy little town?
Well… not so sleepy… after 11 books and at least 15 murders, this is not a place you want to call home… except you do because of it’s beautiful seaside setting. I’ve been to this shoreline many times and while this town is fictional, I feel like I know it well. I recommend this series but definitely start from the beginning. What a joy it is to see how far they’ve all come.
One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay strikes all the right notes. It is the 11th A Library Lover’s Mystery which can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on a delightful literary cozy mystery series. Jenn McKinlay has created a wonderful cast of characters. Lindsey Norris is the head librarian at Briar Creek Public Library where she works with her best friend, Beth Barker. Ms. Cole still works there as well, and she has decided to run for mayor. Ms. Cole has been given some tips to help with her campaign, and I was amazed at the change. She has certainly come a long way since Books Can Be Deceiving as have all the characters. Lindsey and Sully are having a winter wedding on Bell Island where Sully’s parents reside. They have planned a gathering of family and close friends. It appears, though, that many others are planning to attend. This sends Lindsey into panic mode. Then their officiant is murdered. I enjoyed reading One for the Books. I just love cozy mysteries set during the holiday season. This one also has a special wedding. The mystery was entertaining. Secrets always come out during a murder investigation. Chief Emma Plewicki has her hands full with this one. Solving it is a cinch, but that did not hinder my reading pleasure. The reveal scene is a doozy. It was spectacular. I appreciate that all the details were wrapped on the case. One for the Books is an amusing tale. There is humor from beginning to end that will have you laughing. I especially enjoyed the literary references throughout the book along with unique details regarding Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I did not want One for the Books to end. Now we must wait a year for the next A Library’s Lover Mystery. I am curious to see how Ms. Cole will do in the mayoral election. There is a reader’s guide for A Christmas Carol, a crafternoon craft, and recipes for two items from the book. One for the Books is a diverting cozy mystery with a body on the beach, deficient an officiant, scavenger hunt chaos, wedding worries, theatrical histrionics, boat bedlam, and Christmas cheer.
Another delight from McKinley, with her trademark wit and a wedding in danger.
I don’t ever know if I can not love a Jenn McKinlay cozy mystery. I can easily say she’s my favorite cozy mystery author–and I’ve read many. For audiobook fans, hers are also some of the best on audio, with fantastic narrators and the perfect level of suspense and charm. This book is no exception.
We’re finally tuning in to see Lindsey and Sully’s wedding, but things go awry when their officiant shows up dead. Determined to find out what happened to their friend and ensure the wedding can proceed, our gang begins looking into his death and unearthing family secrets that perhaps should have stayed hidden…
5 stars – 9/10
Lindsay and Sully finally tie the knot but not until after solving another mystery.
This Library Lover’s story has a wonderfully intricate plot and super relatable characters that I’ve enjoyed following in some of the other stories. The location is picturesque and the characters have varied personalities/occupations that the author keeps consistent and enhances with each new story. Very well done! Bravo!
This is a wonderful cozy mystery.
I love both of the main characters. They have a great relationship and really work together as they try to sort out the problems that have arisen in their personal lives. That’s true also as they piece together the clues to find the murderer.
The plot has plenty of twists and a number of suspects. They really kept me on my toes as I tried to figure out the motive as well as the murderer.
The narrator for this book does an incredible job. I love all the different voices that she uses for each character. It helped to make the story come alive for me.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher, through NetGalley. I was not required to write a positive review. All of the opinions expressed are my own.
Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention or review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion – which I have 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.*
It is a week before Lindsey’s and Sully’s wedding and their small wedding has gotten out of control as the whole town seems to think they are invited. As they are attempting to figure how what to do they find a body, a murdered body of Sully’s friend. Now they are embroiled in a mystery along with everything else. This was my first visit to this series but not the last. I had such a great time and loved the mystery, romance, subtle comedy too of this one. Great characters make up this town and I cannot wait to visit again!
audio-One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay is another in the Library Lover’s Mystery series, which takes place in Briar Creek, right on the water. Lindsey Norris is the local librarian, although she’s only lived here for a year or so. In that time she has managed to fall in love with Mike “Sully” Sullivan and their wedding is now only a week away. On this night they are going to the home of Sully’s friend, Steve Briggs for his annual Christmas blowout. Steve is Briar Creek’s “boy who made good,” and owns a huge house, perfect for his huge party. They don’t plan to stay long as both preferred to be home in front of the fire with a good book. Then, a rant by Tony Mancusi, Steve’s ex-partner livened up the proceedings for a moment. As it turned out, Lindsay had given the wrong guest list (she had other things on her mind) and there were far more people coming to the wedding that she had planned, so the next morning they sailed out to Bell Island to discuss the changes with Sully’s parents as they were hosting the wedding. As they were getting close, Lindsay, and then Sully noticed a green lump on the shore. As they explored they discovered it was Steve, still dressed in his elf costume from the party, and thoroughly dead. It definitely put a damper on the day.
McKinlay has a way of keeping even multiple murders light hearted instead of ghastly. This is not to say she treats death lightly. She keeps the story moving along with multiple storylines, in this case, wedding preparations, and the library. Of course, there is also Lindsey’s friend, Robbie, with whom she shares a penchant for investigating. She doesn’t really have time this week for investigating but her natural curiosity can’t help but asking questions. It is a small community so it is not difficult to seek out those involved. This is a very amusing book along with a good mystery, which does eventually get solved.
Allyson Ryan is the narrator and does a credible job, although I wasn’t sure at the onset. I didn’t care for the way she portrayed Sully or Beth, but her Lindsey was right on and the other characters were acceptable. It was a totally enjoyable listen.
I was invited to listen to a free audio book of One for the Books by Dreamscape Media, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #netgalley #dreamscapemedia #jennmckinlay #oneforthebooks
It’s time for Sully’s and Lindsey’s wedding and plans are going well. Sully’s friend Steve is going to officiate at the marriage and Bell Island is ready for the ceremony. When Steve is found in his boat on Bell Island, all the plans are in turmoil as Sully and Lindsey try to find someone to marry them and figure out what happened to Steve.
The author has once again given readers a solid mystery to unravel. The characters are real and very likeable. The small town atmosphere leaves the impression of a friendly place to live where you know all your neighbors and nothing bad ever happens (well except the murders). And even though it’s a small town, there is a never-ending supply of suspects.
Jenn McKinley is one of the first cozy mystery authors that I discovered when I found cozy mysteries. She has several different series and also standalone novels. Allyson Ryan is an excellent narrator.
#cozymystery #JennMcKinley #WeddingPlans #murder #NetGalley #AudioBook#ARC #AllysonRyan #LibraryLovers #DreamscapeMediaLLC
With a week to go before her wedding, Lindsey suddenly realizes her small wedding is going to be larger than she had planned. That necessitates a trip to Bell Island, the island where Sully’s family lives and where the couple is planning to get married. Once there, Lindsey and Sully make a horrific discovery – the body of Steve Briggs, the justice of the peace who is supposed to marry them. Sully has been friends with Steve since they were both kids, so he takes the death hard. For Sully’s sake, they start seeing what they can uncover. Can they solve the crime, find a new officiant, and still get married as planned?
This is a book for the fans. If you are new to the series, I suggest you go back and read the earlier books before picking up this book because you’ll enjoy it more that way. I love spending time with these characters, and watching their relationships grow as the characters themselves evolve, and we get more of that here. Overall, the book could have used a good polish, but it was mostly minor stuff that was bothering me as I read. I was certainly interested in the story as I was reading. I especially appreciate the police chief here – she does her job, but is willing to listen to Lindsey and is up front when she is following the evidence but still open to other possibilities. While the wedding is the focus, the book does take place during December, and I enjoyed the bits of Christmas that slipped into the book as well. As usual, I laughed at some of the scenes as I was reading. I also might have teared up at the wedding itself. Fans will be rewarded with this book. If that isn’t you yet, be sure to check out the entire series.
Read 4.28.2021
Ohhhh this was a good one. There is so much going on with Lindsey and Sully’s wedding [wrong guest list to the stationer’s starts the craziness] that you don’t really have time to dwell on the murder [even though that is part of the problems that L&S are dealing with in regards to their wedding] and so you are lulled into not really thinking about it so when the reveal happens its is quite a surprise. Sort of. I knew some of it, but that is only because towards the end, there was more of an emphasis on the murder because the Mom’s took over the wedding. Still an excellent read and a fabulous ending. My favorite of the series, even though it was very sad.
A delight from start to finish.
It is the first cozy mystery I have ever read, and I enjoyed it. I liked all the quirky characters and their relationships with each other. Also enjoyed the romance. The writer kept the story clean, and the romance ended happy!
The wedding is fast approaching for library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan and things aren’t exactly going as planned. When Lindsey, Sully, and a couple friends go to Bell Island to see if the expanding guest list can be accommodated, Lindsey and Sully are surprised to find a body on the beach. They’re even more shocked when they discover it’s Sully’s friend Steve who was the Justice of the Peace who was going to marry them. So, the two of them are now working to help solve the mystery and find the killer so the murder isn’t hanging over their wedding.
I love this series and this book is a prime example of why. Well-written with wonderful characters, this book drew me in from the start and kept me hooked until the end. The mystery kept me guessing and on my toes. The author has kept the series fresh so each book is at least as good as the others but this one is a favorite. I look forward to more books to come. I highly recommend both book and series which I suggest you read in order.
Weddings are never simple, are they?
Down to the wire and the justice of the peace who is supposed to officiate is found dead.
No problem.
Solve the murder.
Find someone else to do the service.
Live happily ever after.
Or at least try.
Once again, Jenn McKinlay come up with a wonderful, don’t want to put down book. I love the variety of characters and the community/library setting. A community that would be nice to live in and a library that I would visit often.
This was a 3.5 star read for me. I have been reading this series since the beginning so it was nice to finally be invited to Sully and Lindsey’s wedding. Just before the wedding the justice of the peace and Sully’s friend is found dead. There are a lot wedding antics that were too over the top, esp the guest list. The mystery was very easy to solve and it needed to be easy so it could be solved in a week and in between the wedding preparations. I liked the visit to Briar Creek and the library. I like the characters esp the craftnooners. The mystery however was a disappoint. Enjoy the visit and the wedding.
This was the least favorite of my series. On the plus side, the wedding didn’t overwhelm the story line, but the mystery was low key and lack luster to me. For the first time in this series, I didn’t care about the characters and didn’t feel their usual chemistry. Nancy, Violet, Robbie and Emma just showed up in a couple brief scenes.
If I hadn’t read the 10 previous books, I could have put this one down unfinished.
Thanks to my public library for providing it.
Absolutely loved this book!! Lindsay and Sully finally get married, though not without a few problems along the way, including a murder. First, Lindsay realizes that she gave the wrong list to the person handling the invitations and more people were invited then intended. The day after a big holiday party, Lindsay, Sully, Nancy, and Violet head to Bell Island to meet with Sully’s parents and go over the new plan. They find the body of Sully’s friend, Steve, who had hosted the holiday party and was to officiate. Now Lindsay and Sully have a murder to solve as well as finding someone to officiate the wedding. I love these characters and the town of Briar Creek. The storylines are intriguing and keep you guessing. I hope to see more of these books and see what’s next for Lindsay, Sully, and Heathcliff the dog!
It’s almost time for Lindsey and Sully’s wedding. The whole town of Briar Creek is as excited as the happy couple. This is going to be the wedding of the century except the size continues to grow. When Lindsey realizes she gave the incorrect guest list to the stationer, she and Sully must go out to the location of the nuptials and make sure it can accommodate the increase in guests. What they weren’t expecting to find is the body of the man slated to perform the wedding ceremony.
One for the Books is another great book in the series. I enjoyed the book so much I devoured it as fast as I could. Every character is great. I found myself able to connect with Lindsey and Beth, not because they are similar to me or we’ve been down the same roads, but because they are fun, interesting, and nice. I love the author’s writing style, the pacing was good, and the story compelling. The continual character development allows for me to get to know Lindsey, Beth, Sully, and everyone else. The author created a wonderful town, with wonderful characters, and I was able to visualize the entire story.
This might be book 11 but the author does a spectacular job keeping the mystery, characters, and story fresh.
I was provided a copy of this book to review.