It’s no-holds-barred murder, in the latest page-turning Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Hitting the Books.Lindsey Norris is finally getting married to the man of her dreams–but it’s not all roses for Briar Creek’s beloved library director, as gardening enthusiast and town newcomer Aaron Grady gives the term “book lover” a whole new meaning. Inappropriate … whole new meaning. Inappropriate looks and unwelcome late-night visits to Lindsey’s house have everyone from the crafternooners to Lindsey’s fiancé, Sully, on edge.
When Grady’s dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it’s up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady’s previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully’s name. But becoming a thorn in the killer’s side is not without its consequences, and the closer Lindsey gets to the truth, the more determined the murderer is to make her just a footnote.
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Anyone who thinks the word cozy somehow equals slight and superficial ought to read Jenn McKinlay’s Word to the Wise. The ordeal of the heroine battling a stalker is oh so real and harrowing. The characters are fully fleshed out and the coastal setting is appealing. A really enjoyable read.
Word to the Wise is the 10th book in the ‘Library Lover’s Mystery’ series by Jenn McKinlay and published in 2019. I’ve read all the previous books and one of the author’s other series. She’s in my top ten of faves for this sub-genre. In this series, Lindsey, a Connecticut librarian, solves crimes on the side and will soon marry her former navy-man, Sully.
In this caper, a strange guy has begun stalking Lindsey. He seems normal at first, chatting her up at the library. Then he follows her home with flowers and takes photos while she’s trying on wedding dresses. What’s his obsession? Despite asking him to leave her alone, he continues to pressure and worry her. A few days in, the man is found dead outside the library. Did Sully finally stop the guy from abusing his fiancee? Was someone from the guy’s past tracking him down in CT? Or what else might be going on…
McKinlay is a prolific author and remains so because she keeps her books short and focused. While I enjoyed this one a lot, it was a tiny bit too short and had a slightly simple plot compared to previous books in the series. Nonetheless, the character development, pacing, descriptions, and dialog were all top notch. I just wanted an extra or layer or too and some additional development to the cast of suspects. I liked how people popped up from the past, and Lindsey’s sleuthing skills were very strong. Her relationships with Emma (Chief of Police) and Robbie (ex, now dating Emma) are getting more solid too.
McKinlay took from current popular culture and used her writing as a way to show readers what stalking and abuse is really like for the victim. Sometimes, it’s minor, as in how the guy obsessed with Lindsey appeared in this book… in the beginning. But when he couldn’t take ‘no’ for an answer, he kept trying. McKinlay points out that this has crossed the line, even when some characters took the stance that Lindsey should’ve liked the attention. Way to showcase reality in this one! Loved it.
I look forward to the next book in 2020. I’m hoping she adds another to the British hat series soon (I believe it’s coming in 2020). So I’ll be ready for both.
[A] fast-moving, tricky tale that kept me guessing at every turn…[A] must read!
“Word to the Wise” earns 5/5 Suspicious Stalkers…Engaging!
Jenn McKinlay has brought book lovers a new treat with this tenth book in her Library Lover’s Mystery! Wedding. Stalker. Murder. Lindsay Norris, the library director, is prepping for her wedding, but a stalker takes an awkward interest. When the stalker ends up murdered, Lindsay’s fiancé is a prime suspect. A well-written cozy in the third-person narrative (not my favorite perspective, but done very well) incorporating an engaging mystery I couldn’t put down and rich characters delightful to follow. Although I thought I had it all worked out, the twists and turns kept me guessing with some tense moments and a just a touch of humor. Jenn is masterful with descriptive language and dialogue that does well to illustrate the various personalities, and her exploration of stalking and how each character reacts is fascinating and realistic. I highly recommend this book…check out the series!
It all starts innocently enough. Lindsey Norris is more than happy to help out Aaron Grady when he walks into the library asking for help with his roses. But when he begins to show up with roses to offer to her as a thank you, she begins to grow concerned. Despite repeated confrontations, Aaron doesn’t take no for an answer and shows up in places he doesn’t belong. Until he turns up dead behind the library. Lindsey’s fiancé, Sully, quickly becomes the prime suspect. Lindsey knows that Sully wouldn’t have killed Aaron despite the growing evidence. So, what is really going on?
This book is definitely a cozy with a thriller edge to it. It worked for this fan, and kept me glued to the book until I reached the very end. I did have a problem with how a couple of minor characters reacted to Lindsey’s situation, mainly because I found it unbelievable given their position. Then again, maybe it’s just wishful thinking that they’d react like I would in that situation. I did feel things were slowing down a tad at one point, but then the plot kicked into high gear and didn’t slow down again. All the series characters are here and are just as charming as usual. The new characters fit in well. We have the usual assortment of extras at the end of the book. This may be a more serious book, but we get some humor, and the two were balanced perfectly. Once again, this is a book that fans will enjoy.
Gripping book and a page turner for sure!! All Jenn McKinlay’s books are awesome!! I have read them all up to now. More great books of her’s coming to read.
Lindsey Norris, Director of the Briar Creek Library is planning her wedding to the man of her dreams, Sully who’s a boat captain. But things end badly when a man who had been stalking her is found dead at the library door after a public disturbance between the three of them when Sully warns the man to back off. When all clues seems to point to Sully Lindsay is drawn into the investigation along with her actor friend, Robbie. Together, they discover a previous stalking victim and eventually Lindsey discovers an even bigger surprise.
I love this series and this book is no exception. Jenn McKinlay keeps the series fresh and fun to read. I was drawn in from the beginning and hooked until the end. I thoroughly enjoyed the book and am eagerly awaiting the next one. I highly recommend both book and series which I recommend you read in order.
In Word to the Wise, gardening enthusiast Aaron Grady’s dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Lindsay’s fiancé, Sully. Set in a charming coastal town and featuring a feisty young library director, this cozy mystery is entertaining, gripping and so much fun!
Jenn McKinlay is a treasure, and Word to the Wise is superb! Her books are always charming, endearing, and instantly engaging — but McKinlay’s secret sauce is her deep understanding of human nature, her superb talent for storytelling, and the most desirable of skills: her unmatched ability to entertain, enlighten, and delight.
In Word to the Wise, Jenn McKinlay mingles an appealing protagonist, small-town politics, and the terror of a stalker with the joys of true love and a library. A master class in the cozy mystery!
I loved Word to the Wise. It’s sweet and tart, irresistibly engaging and cleverly entertaining.
Word to the Wise is the tenth entertaining installment in A Library Lover’s Mystery series. If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, I do not recommend starting with Word to the Wise. You would be a little lost regarding the characters and their relationships. Jenn McKinlay skillfully tackles the serious topic of stalkers as well as online predators in Word to the Wise. We see how easily a stalker can fool people with their friendliness and lack of threatening demeanor. They are very careful to not break the law and use the law to their benefit. Of course, some people believe Lindsey is overreacting to Aaron Grady’s overtures and that she should be complimented by his attention. Stalking is one of those crimes that is hard to prosecute especially since the law has yet to catch up with disturbing crime. I believe the author accurately portrayed how victims feel and the attitudes of those around them (some are supportive, and others are not). I found Word to the Wise to be well-written and it proceeded along at an even pace. I love the characters in A Library Lover’s Mystery series. Beth Barker, the children’s librarian, is sweet and comes up with creative story hour ideas. She is wearing a bat costume in this book and Beth has some special news to share with her friends. Ms. Cole has changed from the lemon we first met her in Books Can Be Deceiving, and I was surprised by her decision in Word to the Wise. The rest of the Crafternooners are present with Violet and Nancy adding humor. There is an amusing scene between Robbie and Sully that will have you chuckling. The mystery was interesting with a good twist, but it was easily solved (that I found disappointing). Aaron Grady, in my opinion, is the creepiest villain Lindsey and the group has had to deal with to date. Unfortunately, Lindsey’s wedding planning takes a backseat while solving the whodunit. But her friends are ready to help especially with picking the cake flavor (cake for lunch). There is a section at the end that tells you what a crafternoon is and how to host one. I cannot wait for the next A Library Lover’s Mystery for the wedding of Lindsey and Sully. My favorite quote from the book is, “Life is uncertain—eat dessert first.” Word to the Wise has scary stalker, reeking roses, valuable friends, wedding work, a hound named Heathcliff, and one alarmed librarian.
I binged this series earlier this year to catch up so I would be ready when this book came out. I was fortunate enough to be approved for an ARC through Edelweiss. I think this book has to be one of my favorites in the series. It is fast-paced and will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. In this 10th book, the reader finds Lindsey and Sully preparing for their winter wedding. However, as usually happens in this series, a wrench is thrown into their plans by a new resident who becomes a stalker and Lindsey is his target. The characters in this series are well developed by this point and all very likable. I love how diverse they are in age, experience, and backgrounds. They make a terrific group and complement each other in various ways just when it is needed the most. I like the relationship between Sully and Lindsey. He is protective without being cloying and he gives Lindsey advice without coming across as controlling but rather just a man looking out for the woman he loves. I even liked how the author had developed the friendship between Sully and Robbie.
I thought the mystery in the book was excellent. Lindsey’s stalker is found murdered outside the library and Sully is the prime suspect. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the story to keep the reader guessing as to the identity or identities of the killer. I also appreciate that Lindsey is one of those characters that goes rouge when investigating. She is level headed and keeps the chief of police informed along the way.
This is a terrific series and I am looking forward to more to come. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Edelweiss.
I have been reading this series since the beginning and I really enjoy the library setting and the characters. Lindsey is planning her wedding to Sully. When she helps a patron find a book on roses she finds she has a stalker. When he is found dead at the library and Sully is the prime suspect she sets out to solve the crime. I liked visiting Briar Creek and the craftnooner club. The author does a very good job with New England Setting. The mystery was OK, I found it was easy to solve as there were not a lot of suspects. There is some suspense and a few twists. This series does not have to read in order. I am looking for word to my next visit to Briar Creek, Enjoy
To date, I’ve read every book in this series and remain entertained, surprised, and involved emotionally in the lives of this coastal library community. Although possible to read as a standalone, this series is best started at the beginning. The more you read, the more you’ll love the world Jenn McKinlay has create.
Read 3.21.2021
Every book in this series is my favorite as I read it. Word to the Wise is no exception. The topic of stalking is timely and serious. It is only the warmth and support from Lindsay’s circle of friends that keeps it from being terrifying. The mystery is well laid out and unexpected.
Frequent references to the wedding just make it better.
Lindsey Norris, a librarian, is counting down the days until she marries the love of her life. When a newcomer to tow, Aaron Grady, starts making unwanted advances toward Lindsey everyone is on edge. Things take a turn for the worse when his Aaron’s body is discovered outside the library. The clues all pont to Sully, Lindsey’s fiance, and the police call him their main suspect. Lindsey is determined to find the killer on her own which could prove dangerous for her. I love all the characters and the descriptive way in which they are written. Great mystery that will keep you guessing. I happily recommend this book!
This is the Jenn Mckinlay’s latest book that was the first for me. I had received this as an ARC and was very happy with it.
Lindsey Norris is a librarian in Briar Creek, who is planning on marrying Sully, the man of her dreams. Lindsey becomes quite the infatuation for one of her patrons and she is not sure that her dream of marrying Sully will happen. Lindsey sleuths her way through the book to find the answers to this who-dun-it.
Find out whether Lindsey and Sully ever get married because of Aaron Grady, who is infatuated with Lindsey by reading Word to the Wise.
If you have read other books by Jenn McKinlay you’ll love this one too. She knows how to hold the attention of her readers in this book with suspense, intrigue and a little romance.
I usually stick to grittyish historical mysteries, but this cozy was a pleasure. Jenn McKinlay has a new one out — PARIS IS ALWAYS A GOOD IDEA — which I will look for next. Brava!