Helpful Score: 1
Always love a new book by Jenn McKinlay, easy to follow and a manageable list of characters. I really love reading the cozy mysteries and meeting up with "old friends" in the book. The author is excellent in showing the growth of each character over the years.
Dollycas's Thoughts
Library Director Lindsey Norris finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. While looking out a library window she witnesses a hit and run. The victim survives and there is a second attempt on her life. The car used is found and appears to be stolen. A clue found tells police that a library patron may be connected to the crime. Before Lindsey has time to âcheck outâ the clue the driver who committed the hit and run is killed. Lindsey knows her research is now a top priority so the murderer can be caught before another Briar Creek resident is checked out permanently.
Book 9 in this series and it is still fresh and new. Lindsey has evolved so much since the beginning, She and Sully have even moved in together. There are still adjusting to the move, but it is presented very realistically. In fact, all the characters are well fleshed out and feel like old friends, even Ms. Cole. Lindsey is a keen amateur sleuth and she Police Chief Emma Plewicki have built up a friendship and understanding that means they can work together. In this installment, Lindsey stands up for her patron's rights and makes Emma get a warrant for the needed information. Friendship only goes so far ð
This story seemed to move at a faster pace than previous books. Starting with the hit and run that moved me to the edge of my seat and continuing on through subsequent scary moments and investigations the pages were flying. Seriously, I was reading a print copy, not a Kindle copy, my one working hand couldn't flip those pages fast enough and yes, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
I love the way Jenn McKinlay writes. The mystery is superb, her characters shine, her humor sparkles in all the right places, the romance never overtakes the mystery, and its theme is set in a library. What more could a bibliophile ask for? The only thing I can think of is book #10 in this series!
This is my new favorite book in the series and will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2018 list! I absolutely loved it!
Library Director Lindsey Norris finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. While looking out a library window she witnesses a hit and run. The victim survives and there is a second attempt on her life. The car used is found and appears to be stolen. A clue found tells police that a library patron may be connected to the crime. Before Lindsey has time to âcheck outâ the clue the driver who committed the hit and run is killed. Lindsey knows her research is now a top priority so the murderer can be caught before another Briar Creek resident is checked out permanently.
Book 9 in this series and it is still fresh and new. Lindsey has evolved so much since the beginning, She and Sully have even moved in together. There are still adjusting to the move, but it is presented very realistically. In fact, all the characters are well fleshed out and feel like old friends, even Ms. Cole. Lindsey is a keen amateur sleuth and she Police Chief Emma Plewicki have built up a friendship and understanding that means they can work together. In this installment, Lindsey stands up for her patron's rights and makes Emma get a warrant for the needed information. Friendship only goes so far ð
This story seemed to move at a faster pace than previous books. Starting with the hit and run that moved me to the edge of my seat and continuing on through subsequent scary moments and investigations the pages were flying. Seriously, I was reading a print copy, not a Kindle copy, my one working hand couldn't flip those pages fast enough and yes, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
I love the way Jenn McKinlay writes. The mystery is superb, her characters shine, her humor sparkles in all the right places, the romance never overtakes the mystery, and its theme is set in a library. What more could a bibliophile ask for? The only thing I can think of is book #10 in this series!
This is my new favorite book in the series and will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2018 list! I absolutely loved it!
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
When you want and need to read something light and fun, you can't go wrong with anything Jenn McKinlay has written, but I say she has a little thriller writer buried deep down inside who's begging to be turned loose. Hitting the Books opens with that hit and run scene, and it made my heart jump into my throat. (And that's not the only scene which had that effect on me.)
In this latest Library Lovers mystery, McKinlay has upped her game to a whole new level. From the pedal-to-the-metal pacing to an ingenious plot with a solution that blindsided me, I enjoyed every moment. What's even better-- McKinlay never once forgets her characters. Longtime fans are going to love the romantic doings between Lindsay and Sully, and since the author knows how to use a light touch, this I-don't-care-for-romance-in-my-mystery reader (me) loved it, too. Readers who haven't found that special person are going to read this and think, "That's what I want," and those of us who have been supremely lucky are just going to have big smiles on our faces.
It wouldn't be a McKinlay novel without the author's trademark humor, and there's plenty to be found here, as well as characters who change as they experience different things throughout this series of books. And may I just say that I'm thrilled to see that librarian fixture Ms. Cole (AKA "The Lemon") is changing as well. Watching her evolve from mean and nasty to almost-human is a joy. Speaking of librarians, the scenes in which Lindsey faces down the law over the subject of patrons' privacy highlight one of the many reasons why librarians are rock stars.
Hitting the Books hits all the right notes. Thrilling action scenes, the right touch of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, a compelling mystery, and characters you'd invite in your house for coffee. After watching McKinlay flex her writing chops in this book, I can't wait for the next Library Lovers mystery!
In this latest Library Lovers mystery, McKinlay has upped her game to a whole new level. From the pedal-to-the-metal pacing to an ingenious plot with a solution that blindsided me, I enjoyed every moment. What's even better-- McKinlay never once forgets her characters. Longtime fans are going to love the romantic doings between Lindsay and Sully, and since the author knows how to use a light touch, this I-don't-care-for-romance-in-my-mystery reader (me) loved it, too. Readers who haven't found that special person are going to read this and think, "That's what I want," and those of us who have been supremely lucky are just going to have big smiles on our faces.
It wouldn't be a McKinlay novel without the author's trademark humor, and there's plenty to be found here, as well as characters who change as they experience different things throughout this series of books. And may I just say that I'm thrilled to see that librarian fixture Ms. Cole (AKA "The Lemon") is changing as well. Watching her evolve from mean and nasty to almost-human is a joy. Speaking of librarians, the scenes in which Lindsey faces down the law over the subject of patrons' privacy highlight one of the many reasons why librarians are rock stars.
Hitting the Books hits all the right notes. Thrilling action scenes, the right touch of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, a compelling mystery, and characters you'd invite in your house for coffee. After watching McKinlay flex her writing chops in this book, I can't wait for the next Library Lovers mystery!
Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay is the ninth book A Library Lover's Mystery series. Lindsey Norris is the library director for Briar Creek Public Library in Briar Creek, Connecticut. Linsey is tired from a late night of reading so during crafternoon she finds herself staring out the window (and avoiding holding a baby). She sees Theresa Huston, a local tennis coach, get hit by a car that then speeds away. The same car almost hits Charlie Peyton outside the Blue Anchor. Theresa ends up with a broken leg three weeks before her wedding to Larry Milstein. The car belonged to Kayla Manning who had reported it stolen. The pilfered car is later found with borrowed library materials inside. Before Lindsey can discover who checked out the items, Theresa is attacked in her home. Someone is determined to do away with the bride-to-be. Lindsey delves into the library records in hopes of discovering the identity of the guilty party. The killer makes another attempt which sends Lindsey into overdrive to unravel the clues and expose the predator. Will Theresa make it to her wedding?
Jenn McKinlay never fails to deliver an entertaining cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and look forward to the latest release each year. It is like visiting old friends when I pick up A Library Lover's Mystery. Hitting the Books could be read as a standalone, but I believe it would be beneficial to read Books Can Be Deceiving first. It is the first novel in A Library Lover's Mystery series and it will give you the background on the characters. I thought Hitting the Books was well-written with a nice, steady pace. Briar Creek is a welcoming small town with pleasant townspeople. Lindsey Norris is a smart, friendly and caring woman who is the head librarian for Briar Creek. Her best friend and children's librarian, Beth is a woman who really loves her job. I like the various costumes she wears to entertain the children's during story time (she is clever). Lindsey and Captain Mike Sullivan are now living together, and it is an adjustment. I can understand Lindsey not enjoying Mike's cheery whistling so early in the morning (that would be annoying). I felt there was too much time devoted to the romance, but I like seeing this pair together. Lindsey is worried about the future (marriage, kids) and needs to work through a few concerns. The mystery was intriguing. There are good clues that will aid readers in solving the crime before the solution is revealed. My rating for Hitting the Books is 4 out of 5 stars. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. Hitting the Books has friendly characters, a charming town, a cozy library, a perplexing mystery, a sweet romance and a cute dog.
Jenn McKinlay never fails to deliver an entertaining cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and look forward to the latest release each year. It is like visiting old friends when I pick up A Library Lover's Mystery. Hitting the Books could be read as a standalone, but I believe it would be beneficial to read Books Can Be Deceiving first. It is the first novel in A Library Lover's Mystery series and it will give you the background on the characters. I thought Hitting the Books was well-written with a nice, steady pace. Briar Creek is a welcoming small town with pleasant townspeople. Lindsey Norris is a smart, friendly and caring woman who is the head librarian for Briar Creek. Her best friend and children's librarian, Beth is a woman who really loves her job. I like the various costumes she wears to entertain the children's during story time (she is clever). Lindsey and Captain Mike Sullivan are now living together, and it is an adjustment. I can understand Lindsey not enjoying Mike's cheery whistling so early in the morning (that would be annoying). I felt there was too much time devoted to the romance, but I like seeing this pair together. Lindsey is worried about the future (marriage, kids) and needs to work through a few concerns. The mystery was intriguing. There are good clues that will aid readers in solving the crime before the solution is revealed. My rating for Hitting the Books is 4 out of 5 stars. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. Hitting the Books has friendly characters, a charming town, a cozy library, a perplexing mystery, a sweet romance and a cute dog.
