Books Can Be Deceiving
#1 Library Lover’s Mystery Series
Author – Jenn McKinlay
Reviewer – Stephanie
Rating – A; Nearly Perfect, A Keeper/N/A
Reading Level – Adult
Pages – Ebook
Publisher – Berkley Prime Crime
Release Date – 2011
Source – Purchased by the reviewer
Lindsey Norris is new to the community of Briar Creek. She moved there to become Briar Creek’s new library directer after her fiance John broke her heart. Thankfully, Beth, her college roommate works as the children’s librarian there and was able to recommend Lindsey. Lindsey is really enjoying the small town life that she has found in the shore town. Her library is her sanctuary and she’s making some changes and encouraging her patrons. Even though she isn’t very apt at crafting, she forms a crafternoon club. It’s a small group of woman who get together and craft and discuss the current book for their club. The women in the group are some of Lindsey’s closest friends now and they love to give her a hard time about her knitting.
It seems that life has slowed down and Lindsey’s heart doesn’t hurt as freshly. She focuses on her job and enjoying her new life. Really, everything is perfect until tragedy and mystery grip the islands that surround Briar Creek. Beth and her boyfriend, famous children’s book author Rick Eckman, have just ended their five year relationship. The very next day, Beth learns about an even crueler blow dealt by Rick. Beth wants to confront him and Lindsey ends up going along for the ride. They’re shocked to find Rick dead and very clearly murdered in a rage by someone he knew. Of course Beth is suspect number one and the chief doesn’t plan on doing much work beyond that. Thankfully, the state investigator and of course Lindsey are there to make sure that this case is closed properly!
This is a cozy mystery that you do not want to miss! I mean really, McKinlay does a fantastic job with it. There is a main character that I instantly fell in love with. Tell me who doesn’t like a character in a book who adores reading and sharing that love with others? Lindsey is a fantastic librarian too. She earns her wages. Not only does she know her patrons but she knows their favorite authors. Several names were dropped in this book including J.R. Ward and Harlan Coben. The patron who wanted Ward’s latest was a hoot. Sprinkled in between the crime solving were some great booky references.
McKinlay also does a great mystery. I didn’t have it figured out until Lindsey did. I like a mystery that can do that. I don’t want to know because for me it takes the suspense out. The baddie was one that I didn’t see coming but was so clear to me after the fact. It was a great fit. Books Can Be Deceiving is the first in a new series. I’m going to be auto-buying the rest of this series. Due or Die is slated for a March 2012 release and I can’t wait!
Series Order:
1. Books Can Be Deceiving
Once Upon a Chapter 
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