leasummer's review against another edition
4.0
This is a neat setting, I love librarian sleuths in cozy mysteries. The bay setting with the stormy weather was perfect, boats to private islands and a thieving children’s book author. I enjoyed the cast of characters in this and would like to read more of the series.
laurenjodi's review against another edition
4.0
Books Can Be Deceiving
3.5 Stars
When her best friend is suspected in the murder of her ex, small-town librarian Lindsay Norris dons her sleuthing cap to uncover the truth.
Anyone expecting an intense and suspenseful murder mystery is bound to be disappointed as this is most certainly a light and fluffy cozy.
Set in a quaint little town on the Connecticut coast, the residents of Briar Creek are rather stereotypical from the bumbling police chief to the mean-spirited librarian to the town eccentric. Nevertheless, each one of these quirky characters adds a delightful charm to the story, and the numerous references to books, both classic and more contemporary, will appeal to any discerning bibliophile.
The heroine, Lindsay Norris, is independent, loyal and good-natured. Her attraction to the sexy boat captain provides an element of romance, and her reasons for investigating the murder are reasonable given the police chief's misogyny and ineptitude. That said, there are one or two TSTL moments that leave the reader questioning her intelligence.
The mystery itself is intriguing as there is a lot more to the victim than first meets the eye, and the clues leading up to the finale are well-developed and established within the narrative. That said, there is one significant plot hole that is never addressed
All in all, an entertaining read for those who enjoy lighter fare.
3.5 Stars
When her best friend is suspected in the murder of her ex, small-town librarian Lindsay Norris dons her sleuthing cap to uncover the truth.
Anyone expecting an intense and suspenseful murder mystery is bound to be disappointed as this is most certainly a light and fluffy cozy.
Set in a quaint little town on the Connecticut coast, the residents of Briar Creek are rather stereotypical from the bumbling police chief to the mean-spirited librarian to the town eccentric. Nevertheless, each one of these quirky characters adds a delightful charm to the story, and the numerous references to books, both classic and more contemporary, will appeal to any discerning bibliophile.
The heroine, Lindsay Norris, is independent, loyal and good-natured. Her attraction to the sexy boat captain provides an element of romance, and her reasons for investigating the murder are reasonable given the police chief's misogyny and ineptitude. That said, there are one or two TSTL moments that leave the reader questioning her intelligence.
The mystery itself is intriguing as there is a lot more to the victim than first meets the eye, and the clues leading up to the finale are well-developed and established within the narrative. That said, there is one significant plot hole that is never addressed
Spoiler
how on Earth did the killer get to the island to commit the crime?All in all, an entertaining read for those who enjoy lighter fare.
lakecake's review against another edition
4.0
Super cute start to a series--the characters are really great and it was short, sweet and to the point!
gillianalice's review
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
Solid little mystery. As with most cozies, I'm more invested in the setting than the mystery itself, so I'll probably continue with this series eventually to get to know the characters and the town better.
debjazzergal's review against another edition
4.0
This is the first in what I believe will be a great series. Nothing like having two librarians come out from behind the reference desk and solve the crime. Truly enjoyed this one. Am looking forward to reading another.
karty_v's review against another edition
2.0
I just don't think I'm a Jenn McKinlay fan... It just read pretty bland for me, and dated somehow? I found the characters very forgetful and overall trope heavy with nothing new to offer.