all your Reads in Here

Although I missed a couple in Jenn McKinlay's Library Lover's mystery series, it's always satisfying to return to Briar Creek, Connecticut. It's like meeting up with old friends, Library Director Lindsey Norris, her boyfriend, Sully, Captain Mike Sullivan, her children's librarian, Beth, and all the members of Lindsey's crafternoon group. With developments in Lindsey's personal life,  Hitting the Books  is even more satisfying for those of us who are rooting for her. Lindsey's trying to avoid a baby hand-off, so she's watching out the library window when an out-of-control car hits the local tennis coach, and speeds off. She and two other witnesses have conflicting accounts to give to Police Chief Emma Plewicki, but Lindsey's sure that car aimed at Theresa Huston. When there's a second attempt on Theresa's life, Lindsey wonders if Theresa is the target, or her wealthy fiance. Anyone who knows Lindsey Norris knows she won't be able to k...

Everything about Victoria Gilbert's Blue Ridge Library mysteries says cozy mystery on the surface. But, the second one in the series, Shelved Under Murder , is darker than many cozies. And, the personal histories that affect the amateur sleuth's family is also darker. Think of Shelved Under Murder as a traditional mystery. Taylorsford, Virginia Library Director Amy Webber is not a fan of the annual Heritage Festival. She ends up spending more time preparing the Friends of the Library table than the Friends do. This year, when she and her boyfriend agree to transport paintings from Rachel LeBlanc’s studio, they find  Rachel's body.  It’s the forged paintings behind a wall that lead to all the trouble, though. With a background in art history, Amy is recruited to assist the police. It’s the state’s art expert who finds a link between forged paintings and Amy’s deceased uncle, Andrew Talbot. Uncle Andrew struggled with drug addiction, and Amy fears he might have taken to crim...