Helpful Score: 2
I really loved the premise and was eager to get this on my library waiting list, but I couldn't read it. The main character, though nearly 30, acted and thought like a 14 year old. Her self-pitying narcissism was more than I could get through. I guess I'm a decade or two too old to appreciate this series.
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed Death Overdue (Haunted Library, Bk 1) on + 885 more book reviews
First book in the Haunted Library series - and a good start. What's not to like in this cozy? Haunted library (friendly ghost), good characters and a fun murder mystery.
Death Overdue is the debut of the A Haunted Library Mystery series featuring Carrie Singleton. Carrie isn't sure what she wants to do with her life so she's staying with her aunt Harriet and uncle Bosco in Clover Ridge, CT, thinking about where she wants to move next and working part time at the local library.
Carrie is offered the head position of programs and events at the library and decides to give the job a try. Unfortunately, a few other people at the library aren't happy and set out to make her life as miserable as possible.
Carrie is looking forward to her first library program. Retired Detective Al Buckley is going to speak about his investigation into the cold case homicide of local resident and former library employee, Laura Foster. The talk generates a lot of interest and the room is filled to capacity with Laura's sons and husband in attendance. Apparently, Al is a little closer to solving the mystery than someone wants him to be and poisons the man with one of refreshment cookies.
Having enjoyed meeting Al, Carrie sets out to find his killer and Laura's. With the help of her new library co-workers and the spunky resident ghost Evelyn, Carrie soon finds herself caught up in small town animosity, intrigue and mystery.
A great first! A spunky heroine, a fun supporting cast of characters, a delightful kitten, a feisty ghost and a hunky neighbor equal a perfect cozy.
Carrie is offered the head position of programs and events at the library and decides to give the job a try. Unfortunately, a few other people at the library aren't happy and set out to make her life as miserable as possible.
Carrie is looking forward to her first library program. Retired Detective Al Buckley is going to speak about his investigation into the cold case homicide of local resident and former library employee, Laura Foster. The talk generates a lot of interest and the room is filled to capacity with Laura's sons and husband in attendance. Apparently, Al is a little closer to solving the mystery than someone wants him to be and poisons the man with one of refreshment cookies.
Having enjoyed meeting Al, Carrie sets out to find his killer and Laura's. With the help of her new library co-workers and the spunky resident ghost Evelyn, Carrie soon finds herself caught up in small town animosity, intrigue and mystery.
A great first! A spunky heroine, a fun supporting cast of characters, a delightful kitten, a feisty ghost and a hunky neighbor equal a perfect cozy.
Kimberly N. (kimberlyrav) -
Ohhhhh more please! I am in love with this set of characters, the town and especially the haunted library!
If your a cozy lover, you will immediately love this book after reading only a few chapters. I loved it just from one look at that great cover!
Intelligently written, exciting story line and plausible situations. Im hoping for more to come!
If your a cozy lover, you will immediately love this book after reading only a few chapters. I loved it just from one look at that great cover!
Intelligently written, exciting story line and plausible situations. Im hoping for more to come!
Death Overdue by Allison Brook is the first book in A Haunted Library Mystery series. Carrie Singleton has been staying (and working) in Clover Ridge, Connecticut with her Aunt Harriet and Uncle Bosco, but she feels it is about time to move on. Then Carrie is offered the position as head of programs and events at Clover Ridge Library (thanks to Uncle Bosco). Carrie accepts the position and settles into her new life. The first program is retired homicide detective, Al Buckley talking about the fifteen-year-old murder of Laura Foster. Al claims to have new evidence that will solve the case and bring the family closure. Before Al can reveal his new evidence, he dies and his iPad is stolen. Someone poisoned Al and Carrie feels responsible for his death (she pushed her boss to go ahead with the program). She teams up with Jared Foster, Laura's younger son, to not only find Al's killer, but Laura's as well. Carrie is busy with learning her new job, looking for new evidence in the murders, dealing with a troublesome co-worker, and locating a place to live. She does, though, get help from the library's resident ghost, Evelyn Havers. The killer is unhappy with Carrie's investigation and sets out to make sure that Carrie is permanently checked out!
I was drawn into Death Overdue from the very beginning. The author has a nice writing style that is engaging and makes for nice flowing story. I liked the characters, the town, the library, Smokey Joe (the cat), and (my favorite) the ghost. I am amazed at the events the library hosts (I wish my library had something besides boring lectures and movies). The mystery (technically, there are two mysteries) was easily solved (all readers will figure this one out before the reveal). I identified the guilty party before retired detective Al Buckley was pronounced dead. The other elements, though, elevate the story. I give Death Overdue 4 out of 5 pumpkins (I thought I would change things up for October). The investigation consists of light questioning and some searching. The book was also a tad too long (it needed to be shortened) and I could have done with less romance/flirting. I hope we get to know more about Evelyn, the ghost, in the next book. Evelyn is a great character and I want to know more about her past. I also suspect her death was not just a simple slip and fall in an icy parking lot (at least I hope there is more to it). I will definitely be reading the next book in A Haunted Library Mystery series (I want more)!
I was drawn into Death Overdue from the very beginning. The author has a nice writing style that is engaging and makes for nice flowing story. I liked the characters, the town, the library, Smokey Joe (the cat), and (my favorite) the ghost. I am amazed at the events the library hosts (I wish my library had something besides boring lectures and movies). The mystery (technically, there are two mysteries) was easily solved (all readers will figure this one out before the reveal). I identified the guilty party before retired detective Al Buckley was pronounced dead. The other elements, though, elevate the story. I give Death Overdue 4 out of 5 pumpkins (I thought I would change things up for October). The investigation consists of light questioning and some searching. The book was also a tad too long (it needed to be shortened) and I could have done with less romance/flirting. I hope we get to know more about Evelyn, the ghost, in the next book. Evelyn is a great character and I want to know more about her past. I also suspect her death was not just a simple slip and fall in an icy parking lot (at least I hope there is more to it). I will definitely be reading the next book in A Haunted Library Mystery series (I want more)!
