Death in the Stacks (Library Lover's Mystery #8) by Jenn McKinlay
Berkley, 2017
Crime Fiction (Cozy); 304 pgs
Source: E-copy provided by publisher for an honest review.
I could not resist requesting Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay when I first saw it up for offer on Penguin's First to Read program. Lindsey Norris is the directory for Briar Creek Library, and she has her work cut out for her with the annual Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser event scheduled in just a few days. The new library board president, Olive Boyle, is less than impressed with the plans and is making a lot of noise to make sure everyone knows it. Olive isn't liked by many people given her penchant to collect dirty secrets and use them as blackmail to get what she wants. She seems determined to bring down the library staff, and Lindsey isn't sure why.
When Olive is found murdered in the library, all eyes fall to one of the library employees who had been threatened by Olive just that night. Lindsey had promised to stay out of further murder investigations (probably related to the previous seven books in the series, which I haven't yet read), but everyone seems to know her better than herself. And this murder did take place in her library, after all.
Olive is truly a despicable character, and one cannot help but dislike her. Although no one would wish the way she died on anyone, even her, it's likely not many will miss her. I could really relate to Lindsey on the other hand, and enjoyed getting to know her. I'm quite fond of her boyfriend too, but even more so her dog, Heathcliff, who definitely deserves more than the cameo he got. I also like the the sheriff, although she probably gives Lindsey more latitude than she should. There is quite a cast of eccentric characters, including some out of town guests.
I thought I knew the direction the novel was going, but it gets pretty twisty there in the end--if a bit confusing--but it kept me glued to the pages. I just had to know how everything turned out.
I thought I knew the direction the novel was going, but it gets pretty twisty there in the end--if a bit confusing--but it kept me glued to the pages. I just had to know how everything turned out.
Death in the Stacks was such a fun read. It even ends with the library's craft and reader's guide for one of the "Crafternoons" (the library's craft and reading group) book choices and the craft to go along with it. There are even a few recipes included to send the reader off hungry. This is one of those books that walked into my life at just the right time. It was funny and down right silly at times, but I was hooked from the start. I look forward to reading more in the series.
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This does sound really cute. Cozies are the perfect reads when life is just too crazy aren't they? I haven't read a cozy in a while but this is one for my radar!
ReplyDeleteIliana - It was a lot of fun. This was perfect for my mood.
DeleteIt is interesting when we think we have a book sorted and then something surprises us! I'm not much for cozies any more, but sometimes funny and silly is just the ticket.
ReplyDeleteJenclair - I needed this one right when I read it I think. I'm actually finding myself enjoying cozies more these days than I used to. I don't know if it's because I'm reading ones I enjoy more than the other ones or if it's all me.
DeleteA library setting. Of course I wouldn't resist it. ;)
ReplyDeleteMelody - I couldn't resist that either!
DeleteDeath in the Stacks sounds like a fun one and I like the library setting.
ReplyDeleteNaida - I loved the setting to!
DeleteI'm reading the previous book in this series (Better Late Than Never - involves a 20 year overdue library book) and am really enjoying it. This was one of my favorite series for a long time but I kind of forgot about it with review books and such. I'm glad you enjoyed it despite a somewhat confusing end! I love Lindsay and everyone at the library!
ReplyDeleteKatherine - Better late Than Never sounds like a good one too! I hope to go back and start from the beginning of the series eventually. It's such a fun series!
Deletethat is awesome you enjoyed this one so much, always love the twists and turns that keep you guessing!
ReplyDeleteLily - Yes, twists and turns are a lot of fun. :-) Thanks for stopping by!
DeleteI have been hearing so many great things about this one. I definitely need to start reading this series.
ReplyDeleteCarole - I hope you enjoy this one if you read it. I want to go back and start from the beginning now that I've gotten a taste for the series.
DeleteI've been wanting to try this series for some time now - your review made me want to even more! In 2018 I'm DEFINITELY going to make this happen :) Great review!
ReplyDeleteSamantha - I hope you do give it a try. This one, at least, was very good!
DeleteI think I picked up the first in this series, but don't want to start another until I catch up with a few others!
ReplyDeleteStacy - I wish I was that smart. LOL I am terrible about starting new series. I have so many going . . .
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