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Blue Ridge Library Mystery #8
Murder Checks Out
It’s not all snowflakes and sugarplums when murder crashes Taylorsford’s first Winterfest in the eighth installment of the Blue Ridge Library series, perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams.
Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.
But when the chair of the festival committee is found dead as Dickens' proverbial door-nail at the town’s ice rink, Amy is determined to uncover the real perpetrator to protect her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, who was placed at the scene. The clock is ticking down as Sheriff Brad Tucker is equally sure that Ethan is guilty.
It's beginning to look a lot like the murderer hasn’t wrapped up his killing spree, and now, it might just be “lights out” on the holiday festivities—and on Amy’s life.
Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.
But when the chair of the festival committee is found dead as Dickens' proverbial door-nail at the town’s ice rink, Amy is determined to uncover the real perpetrator to protect her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, who was placed at the scene. The clock is ticking down as Sheriff Brad Tucker is equally sure that Ethan is guilty.
It's beginning to look a lot like the murderer hasn’t wrapped up his killing spree, and now, it might just be “lights out” on the holiday festivities—and on Amy’s life.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 14, 2023
79 people are currently reading
1542 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Gilbert
22 books859 followersVictoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountain, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 182 reviews
November 9, 2023
The eighth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. This is a Christmas story with a lovely seasonal cover.
Amy Muir is one busy lady. She shares the Directorship of the local library, has five year old twins, and has a choreographer and dancer as a husband. Luckily he is organizing a production of The Nutcracker in which the twins are performing, so he frequently takes them to work with him. This leaves Amy time to use her sleuthing abilities and discover who murdered the Chairman of the Festival Committee.
I always enjoy this author's books. The characters are entertaining and the mystery is intriguing. In this book there is the added fun of Christmas so it is all good!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Amy Muir is one busy lady. She shares the Directorship of the local library, has five year old twins, and has a choreographer and dancer as a husband. Luckily he is organizing a production of The Nutcracker in which the twins are performing, so he frequently takes them to work with him. This leaves Amy time to use her sleuthing abilities and discover who murdered the Chairman of the Festival Committee.
I always enjoy this author's books. The characters are entertaining and the mystery is intriguing. In this book there is the added fun of Christmas so it is all good!
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
November 6, 2023
Taylorsford's library director, Amy Muir, was busy in the lead up to Christmas, with her husband, Richard, preparing The Nutcracker as part of the town's festivities. Nicky and Ella, Amy and Richard's five year old twins, were performing this year, and their excitement was high. With Richard's mother Fiona, arriving for a week's holiday as well as normal, everyday activities, Amy wasn't sure she'd find time to wrap the gifts for the tree - and they still had to get the tree!
When the body of a woman was found the morning after the Winterfest activities and everything pointed to Amy's brother-in-law, Ethan, as being the killer, Amy knew she had to become involved in the investigation. She knew Ethan wouldn't kill anything, let along a person, but the Sheriff was fixated on Ethan. Could Amy uncover the real killer before it was too late?
Murder Checks Out is the 8th in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Catching up with the characters - Sunny, Aunt Lydia, Hugh, Scott, Ethan, Kurt - felt like catching up with old friends. There is an obvious gap of at least 5 years between #7 and #8, because of Amy and Richard's 5 year old twins who hadn't appeared in #7. But they definitely made a cute addition! I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to #9 in the future. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
When the body of a woman was found the morning after the Winterfest activities and everything pointed to Amy's brother-in-law, Ethan, as being the killer, Amy knew she had to become involved in the investigation. She knew Ethan wouldn't kill anything, let along a person, but the Sheriff was fixated on Ethan. Could Amy uncover the real killer before it was too late?
Murder Checks Out is the 8th in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Catching up with the characters - Sunny, Aunt Lydia, Hugh, Scott, Ethan, Kurt - felt like catching up with old friends. There is an obvious gap of at least 5 years between #7 and #8, because of Amy and Richard's 5 year old twins who hadn't appeared in #7. But they definitely made a cute addition! I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to #9 in the future. Highly recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 14, 2023
In the last book, book seven, we learned that Amy and Richard are expecting a baby. In this book, five years or so have passed and they now have five-year-old twins, Nicky and Ella. And being children of a dancer, dance instructor, and choreographer, they are both in the Christmas production of the Nutcracker. Richard's mom, Fiona, is staying with the Muir's for a week and it is not as bad as usual as it seems that grandchildren have softened her. It is Winterfest time too and a murder takes place where a family member is the leading suspect and Amy has to prove his innocence. This is an interesting mystery to solve with lots of possible suspects and old history to weed through to find answers. This series has interesting characters in a lovely small-town setting in Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.
October 27, 2023
Murder Checks Out is the 8th book in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. I have read all in the series from the first Murder by the Books. The story takes place in the town of Taylorsford. Amy Muir is the main character who works as library co=director at the Taylorsford Public Library along with her best friend and co-director Sonny Fields. Richard Muir is her husband who is a choreographer and teacher of dance. The main characters from the first book along with the new characters add to the story.
The town is doing their first Winterfest and the chair is Wendy Blackstone who's company, Blackstone Properties is building a new development which many people are opposed to. Amy's Aunt Lydia and her friend Zelda are at their booth for their garden club. Amy is taking some soup and a hot drink to them. She runs into her brother, Scott's husband Ethan Payne who is a firefighter at the Winterfest who is there to make sure there are no fires. He has a great dislike for Wendy. At the end of the first night of the Winterfest Wendy is found murdered. She fell down the steps.
This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure to find out who killed Wendy with Amy interested in solving as her brother-in-law, Ethan has disappeared and is the police are looking for him. There is so much going on in the story that I will leave to the reader to enjoy to the exciting finish.
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to the next adventure of Amy and Richard along with her family. and friends. Richard's mother is a new addition to the story with her planning to live in Taylorsford now that she is divorcing her husband.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
The town is doing their first Winterfest and the chair is Wendy Blackstone who's company, Blackstone Properties is building a new development which many people are opposed to. Amy's Aunt Lydia and her friend Zelda are at their booth for their garden club. Amy is taking some soup and a hot drink to them. She runs into her brother, Scott's husband Ethan Payne who is a firefighter at the Winterfest who is there to make sure there are no fires. He has a great dislike for Wendy. At the end of the first night of the Winterfest Wendy is found murdered. She fell down the steps.
This is where the story takes the reader on an adventure to find out who killed Wendy with Amy interested in solving as her brother-in-law, Ethan has disappeared and is the police are looking for him. There is so much going on in the story that I will leave to the reader to enjoy to the exciting finish.
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to the next adventure of Amy and Richard along with her family. and friends. Richard's mother is a new addition to the story with her planning to live in Taylorsford now that she is divorcing her husband.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
November 13, 2023
This is the eighth book in the Blue Ridge Library series, but it's the first one I've read. This one can easily be read as a stand-alone as I had no trouble following it. Normally I like to start at the beginning, but it doesn't always work out that way.
Description:
Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.
But when the chair of the festival committee is found dead as Dickens' proverbial door-nail at the town’s ice rink, Amy is determined to uncover the real perpetrator to protect her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, who was placed at the scene. The clock is ticking down as Sheriff Brad Tucker is equally sure that Ethan is guilty.
It's beginning to look a lot like the murderer hasn’t wrapped up his killing spree, and now, it might just be “lights out” on the holiday festivities—and on Amy’s life.
My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I liked Amy as a character and it's great that she wanted to investigate to make sure her brother-in-law, Ethan, didn't get charged with a murder he didn't have anything to do with. It was interesting that Amy's husband was a dancer and choreographer, and is such a great Dad to the twins. The children were fun with the Nutcracker costumes and getting ready for their performance. Amy's investigation was interesting to follow as she sifted through clues and gossip.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
Description:
Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.
But when the chair of the festival committee is found dead as Dickens' proverbial door-nail at the town’s ice rink, Amy is determined to uncover the real perpetrator to protect her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, who was placed at the scene. The clock is ticking down as Sheriff Brad Tucker is equally sure that Ethan is guilty.
It's beginning to look a lot like the murderer hasn’t wrapped up his killing spree, and now, it might just be “lights out” on the holiday festivities—and on Amy’s life.
My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I liked Amy as a character and it's great that she wanted to investigate to make sure her brother-in-law, Ethan, didn't get charged with a murder he didn't have anything to do with. It was interesting that Amy's husband was a dancer and choreographer, and is such a great Dad to the twins. The children were fun with the Nutcracker costumes and getting ready for their performance. Amy's investigation was interesting to follow as she sifted through clues and gossip.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
July 10, 2023
I curled up in a rainy and summer day reading this book and it was just what I needed. This is the 8th book in the series but I've only read the 5th book and had no issues picking up and reading Murder checks out. The characters were great, especially the twins, I loved the stoey line too. This book had me interested and hooked from the beginning. There wasn't anything I disliked about this book. I highly recommend it.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC for my biggest review.
Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC for my biggest review.
June 29, 2023
I received a free copy of, Murder Checks Out, by Victoria Gilbert, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book 8 in The Blue Ridge Library Series. Amy Muir is pretty busy, married with five year old twins, and working as a library director. The busy holiday season gets busier when someone is murdered, can Amy solve the murder before anyone else gets hurt or murdered? A great cozy holiday mystery.
February 26, 2024
Murder Checks Out is the 8th book in the Blue Ridge Library series, and although it can be read as a standalone book, you will miss out on the backstories and character development. This book takes place 5 years after the previous book. Amy and Richard are now parents of 5 YO twins. It is Christmas time and Richard and his crew are putting on The Nutcracker, with the twins performing as well as Richard playing Uncle Drosselmeyer. Richard's mother, who never saw him perform, is visiting and spending time with her grandchildren. With all this going on, there are developers in town as well as a group of environmental activists stirring things up. When one of the partners in the development company falls down stairs to her death, it seems to be an accident, but the autopsy shows she was murdered. Amy's brother-in-law, who was seen arguing with the woman, is suspected in her death, so Amy once again, finds herself investigating.
Amy is an excellent protagonist, one who has amazing research skills due to her job as a research librarian. She is able to ferret out information that leads her in her investigation. Looking into the company, she finds that they do not have a very good record with their developments. They have also been involved in some shady deals. There was a lot happening in this book with the Nutcracker being performed, dealing with Fiona, Richard's mother, although the visit went very well, preparing for Christmas with 5 year old twins, and trying to investigate the murder. I enjoyed the large part that Hugh played in this one. He is a shady character who was the adopted son of Richard's uncle. He is a softie inside for those he loves, but has a lot of contacts in the shady world. This story drew me in from the start and I enjoyed how the investigation played out. I had no idea who the culprit was, and the final showdown surprised me. I enjoyed this addition to the series and recommend it to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery. Once again, I listened to this book narrated by Coleen Marlo. I was used to her voices in this one, and did see some subtle differences between the male characters. She adds expression to the story and made it enjoyable to listen to.
Amy is an excellent protagonist, one who has amazing research skills due to her job as a research librarian. She is able to ferret out information that leads her in her investigation. Looking into the company, she finds that they do not have a very good record with their developments. They have also been involved in some shady deals. There was a lot happening in this book with the Nutcracker being performed, dealing with Fiona, Richard's mother, although the visit went very well, preparing for Christmas with 5 year old twins, and trying to investigate the murder. I enjoyed the large part that Hugh played in this one. He is a shady character who was the adopted son of Richard's uncle. He is a softie inside for those he loves, but has a lot of contacts in the shady world. This story drew me in from the start and I enjoyed how the investigation played out. I had no idea who the culprit was, and the final showdown surprised me. I enjoyed this addition to the series and recommend it to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery. Once again, I listened to this book narrated by Coleen Marlo. I was used to her voices in this one, and did see some subtle differences between the male characters. She adds expression to the story and made it enjoyable to listen to.
June 11, 2023
#MurderChecksOut #NetGalley is a page turning whodunit that will have you wishing for snow, ice skating and hot chocolate.
Amy and her husband Richard, and their 5 year old twins seem extremely busy this holiday season.
The children are excited to be part of The Nutcracker, and Amy has her hands full juggling everything around.
An unexpected visit from her mother in law has her picking up the pace, but everything gets put on hold when another murder victim turns up, and Amy's brother in law is the main suspect.
I enjoy this series and Fiona, Amy's mother in law turned out to be a very likable character.
I'm happy to recommend this book and series to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
Amy and her husband Richard, and their 5 year old twins seem extremely busy this holiday season.
The children are excited to be part of The Nutcracker, and Amy has her hands full juggling everything around.
An unexpected visit from her mother in law has her picking up the pace, but everything gets put on hold when another murder victim turns up, and Amy's brother in law is the main suspect.
I enjoy this series and Fiona, Amy's mother in law turned out to be a very likable character.
I'm happy to recommend this book and series to others.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book.
December 20, 2023
Quick, satisfying mystery. The series has jumped ahead five or so years, which is nice because I’d hate to think of the planning and logistics involved in securing babysitters while trying to solve a murder. I liked getting to know Richard’s mother better and enjoyed the focus on dance but felt that something was missing; I wanted more of the other characters that were so prevalent in other books, especially Hugh and Lydia. Hope to see more of them in future installments.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for an honest review.
I received a copy from #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for an honest review.
January 30, 2024
“ Murder Checks Out” by Victoria Gilbert the 8th instalment in the "Blue Ridge Library Mystery" series. I really enjoyed it. It’s not all snowflakes and sugarplums when murder crashes Taylorsford’s first Winterfest
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I loved the friendship between Amy and her bff Sunny as well as the new relationship building between Amy and Fiona..
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
I found myself engrossed in the story and reading it almost straight through. It was entertaining, full of twists and turns as well as a few surprises.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I loved the friendship between Amy and her bff Sunny as well as the new relationship building between Amy and Fiona..
I highly recommend this series to all my cozy loving friends.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
November 1, 2023
Unfortunately, this book was a miss for me. The culprit was too obvious and I struggled to connect with the characters. Those who have been reading the series from the beginning may appreciate the story more than I did.
Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
Thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book in exchange for my honest review. All opinions are my own.
February 2, 2024
I thought I had read more books by this author than I had but this is only my second read by the author. Despite that I fully enjoyed the book and don't feel as though I wasn't able to keep up with what is going on.
Amy Muir is the library director at the Blue Ridge Library in charming and beautiful North Carolina, mother of 5-year-old boy and girl twins, wife of a dance choreographer and her not so friendly mother-in-law is coming to stay for the holidays, and she's tasked for entertaining her. With the sugar cookie plate overflowing she now needs to return to her role as amateur detective when her brother-in-law is found to have been at the scene of a murder. She must avoid sliding down the slippery slope of exhaustion as she deals with the holidays, her extra responsibilities and helping to find the real perpetrator who did away with the chair of the festival committee which her twins are practicing for. I enjoyed the twins characters a lot. Children usually are always a bonus in books like this and they are here. The plot was entertaining and kept me guessing right til the end. The ballet aspect of the story was fun and entertaining and of course books about books, libraries and librarians are go to reads for me.
Pub Date 14 Nov 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
Amy Muir is the library director at the Blue Ridge Library in charming and beautiful North Carolina, mother of 5-year-old boy and girl twins, wife of a dance choreographer and her not so friendly mother-in-law is coming to stay for the holidays, and she's tasked for entertaining her. With the sugar cookie plate overflowing she now needs to return to her role as amateur detective when her brother-in-law is found to have been at the scene of a murder. She must avoid sliding down the slippery slope of exhaustion as she deals with the holidays, her extra responsibilities and helping to find the real perpetrator who did away with the chair of the festival committee which her twins are practicing for. I enjoyed the twins characters a lot. Children usually are always a bonus in books like this and they are here. The plot was entertaining and kept me guessing right til the end. The ballet aspect of the story was fun and entertaining and of course books about books, libraries and librarians are go to reads for me.
Pub Date 14 Nov 2023
I was given a complimentary copy of this book.
All opinions expressed are my own.
July 6, 2024
I loved this one. The mystery, as always is thought out, interesting, and hard to guess who! We skipped ahead five years and Richard and Amy's twins are so cute. The only thong is I think we got less "filler" (side characters ) cause the book is shorter so I missed Sunny and everyone. I got Kurt at least man, I think I have a book crush on him at this point. He is jyst my favorite character.
July 19, 2023
It was good to get back and spend time with the Blue Ridge library crew.Thank you to #NetGalley for a chance to read this early! I will say that the author did something at the start of this book that I found very disconcerting and it stayed with me all the way thru the book. Amy and Richard are preparing for Christmas and Richard's production of the Nutcracker, but not everyone is happy. A land development company is trying to buy up a large portion of the mountain, wipe out the trees and build a luxury community. The is coming dangerously close to Amy's brother-in-law's property. After Ethan argues with one of the developers, at a public event, she is found dead and Ethan has disappeared. Is he guilty, is he in trouble, who else had a motive to kill Wendy? Come along for a wild and Christmassy ride!
February 26, 2025
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.
This was an entertaining read. There are lots of suspects in this mystery to investigate, as well as old history to sort through to find answers. An interesting cast of characters live in this series in the lovely setting of a small town in Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. However, I did not enjoy this one as much as the others in the series. This might be due to the five year period between the previous and this book.
December 6, 2023
This is book eight of the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries. I hadn't read the first seven, and although the murder mystery itself was easy to follow, I did feel like I was missing out on so much history between the characters. I might end up going back and reading them because I did enjoy this one.
It was lighthearted, and I liked the interactions between Amy and the people of Taylorsford. I especially loved Amy's twins Nicky and Ella. I also adored how Christmasy this book felt!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
It was lighthearted, and I liked the interactions between Amy and the people of Taylorsford. I especially loved Amy's twins Nicky and Ella. I also adored how Christmasy this book felt!
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
November 25, 2023
Amy has her hands full this Christmas season. Her plate keeps getting fuller. Her mother in law is coming to stay before Christmas. She doesn't think she can handle one more thing and then a dead body is found at the festival. Sheriff Brad Tucker thinks Amy's brother-in-law Ethan is the killer. So Amy has to prove the sheriff wrong.
I enjoyed following the clues with Amy and being surprised by the ending. Overall a good Christmas cozy mystery.
I enjoyed following the clues with Amy and being surprised by the ending. Overall a good Christmas cozy mystery.
December 5, 2023
I was very happy to be able to borrow this eBook from my library because I thought the cost of the Kindle was ridiculously high. Normally, I would preorder it, but $18.95 is more than John Grisham or James Patterson books cost. I was also a little disappointed with it at the beginning, because there was apparently over 5 years’ time that had passed in between the last book and this one. However, as I read on, got reacquainted with the characters, met some new ones, etc., I ended up loving this book just as much as all the others. I enjoyed getting to know the twins and Fiona in particular. I kind of guessed who did it ahead of time, just not the motive. But it was still a good plot, and I enjoyed the Christmas spirit that infused the story. Looking forward to future volumes of this series.
November 28, 2023
I’ve been a big fan of Victoria Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library series for as long as it’s been published. The plots are always well-crafted and plausible. Ms. Gilbert has a gift for writing dialogue that seems to effortless.y move the story along and hold the reader’s attention. The series centers around Amy Muir, a small-town librarian in Virginia with a reputation as a amateur sleuth whose knack for research has helped the local sheriff’s department solve several murders. There is a core group of characters who regularly appear in the series, which is a feature of the series that I especially like, and a lot of camaraderie among the characters as they interact.
In the latest book in the series, “Murder Checks Out,” Amy gets involved in a heated situation between a company owned by a family of shady land developers and a group of environmentalists from outside the community who have arrived in town to make clear that they are adamant.y against the company’s local land development plans. Wendy Blackstone, one of the partners in the company, is murdered and Amy’s brother-in-law, Ethan, had been seen by witnesses not long before her death having a heated argument with her. Worse, he’s now AWOL and thus has become Sheriff Brad Tucker’s chief suspect. Amy is certain of Ethan’s innocence and she fires up the library’s computer to do some research on both the Blackstone’s company and the environmentalist group. The plot moves at steady pace, and Amy finds out that there are any number of people who have a potential motive to want Wendy Blackstone dead,
One of the other things I want to mention about this series is the author’s use in this and earlier books in the series of excellent non-mystery subplots, often involving recurring characters. In “Murder Checks Out,” Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona, a woman who from her appearance in previous entries in the series, appears to be cold, distant, and disapproving, arrives for a week’s stay with her son, Richard, and Amy as well as Amy and Richard’s young twins. This particular subplot had relevance to someone in my own life in a similar situation as Fiona. I think others may also think of a friend or family member when they read it. I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll just say that readers may be quite surprised.by Fiona when they read the final chapters.
In the latest book in the series, “Murder Checks Out,” Amy gets involved in a heated situation between a company owned by a family of shady land developers and a group of environmentalists from outside the community who have arrived in town to make clear that they are adamant.y against the company’s local land development plans. Wendy Blackstone, one of the partners in the company, is murdered and Amy’s brother-in-law, Ethan, had been seen by witnesses not long before her death having a heated argument with her. Worse, he’s now AWOL and thus has become Sheriff Brad Tucker’s chief suspect. Amy is certain of Ethan’s innocence and she fires up the library’s computer to do some research on both the Blackstone’s company and the environmentalist group. The plot moves at steady pace, and Amy finds out that there are any number of people who have a potential motive to want Wendy Blackstone dead,
One of the other things I want to mention about this series is the author’s use in this and earlier books in the series of excellent non-mystery subplots, often involving recurring characters. In “Murder Checks Out,” Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona, a woman who from her appearance in previous entries in the series, appears to be cold, distant, and disapproving, arrives for a week’s stay with her son, Richard, and Amy as well as Amy and Richard’s young twins. This particular subplot had relevance to someone in my own life in a similar situation as Fiona. I think others may also think of a friend or family member when they read it. I don’t want to spoil things, so I’ll just say that readers may be quite surprised.by Fiona when they read the final chapters.
November 2, 2023
Murder Checks Out is book #8 in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries and is a great cozy mystery with likeable characters, family and a.mystery that kept me guessing. Amy Muir is a librarian and her husband Richard is a dancer, choreographer, and dance.teacher. They have 5 year old twins Nicky and Ella. Richard and Karla are putting on a contemporary performance of The Nutcracker and the kids are in it. This works well to free up Amy to sleuth. There is a Holiday Festival going on as well. The chairperson of the.festival ends up dead. There are only a few suspects and some secrets. Amy's brother-in-law is one of the suspects. Many of the regulars from the other books make an appearance and the one I liked the most was Richard's mother Fiona who has turned over a new leaf. This was an enjoyable Christmas cozy mystery and this series continues to be entertaining. I received an advance copy for free from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books and I voluntarily leave this review. #MurderChecksOut #BlueRidgeLibraryMysteries #NetGalley #CrookedLaneBooks
December 18, 2023
I love this series what's not to love about a librarian turned sleuth. However this one was not my favorite of the series. I think it has to do with the fact that there is a five year jump between the previous book and this one. To the point that it almost took me out of the story.
July 13, 2023
Amy & Richard now have 5 year old twins (fast forward much? She was barely expecting in the last story), as well as her brother having married. A murder, brother-in-law being accused, with lots of suspects. A fast paced story that is fine once you realize you did not miss a filler book or two. As always, drama at the end with the suspenseful "will Amy make it out alive" factor. Thanks to Ms Gilbert & NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review
July 18, 2023
3.5 stars
The mystery portion of this book wasn't hard to figure out which is the only slight criticism I have of this story. Other than that, it was a nice cozy story with many diverse characters. The storytelling itself is enjoyable, allowing me to immerse myself in the story and its characters easily. Overall, this was a good light read, perfect for my weekend.
Note: A big thank you to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
The mystery portion of this book wasn't hard to figure out which is the only slight criticism I have of this story. Other than that, it was a nice cozy story with many diverse characters. The storytelling itself is enjoyable, allowing me to immerse myself in the story and its characters easily. Overall, this was a good light read, perfect for my weekend.
Note: A big thank you to NetGalley for giving me a digital copy of this book to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 12, 2023
Many times, I've gone on record as not being a wholehearted fan of cozy mysteries - mostly because the heroines therein tend to be airheads, stubbornly pushing their way into murder investigations even after they've been told by authorities to butt out. Still, cozies do play a role in my life by offering much-needed relief after reading a string of knock-down, drag-out, shoot-'em-up (and worse) thrillers. And I don't recall the last time I read an actual book instead of on one of my e-readers, I'm a huge supporter of libraries and all the wonderful things that happen in them. So when I saw that this book has a bookish focus - and I'd read and enjoyed an earlier book in a different series by the author - well, reading it was kind of a no-brainer. It's the eighth in this series and my first, so I hoped that late start wouldn't put me at a disadvantage; for the record, it did not.
The star of this show is Amy Muir, co-director of the Taylorsford Pubic Library with her friend Sunny. Job-sharing allows Amy to better care for twins Nicky and Ella, whom she shares with her professional dancer/choreographer husband Richard. As the story begins, Richard and his professional partner are in charge of the upcoming community theater production of "The Nutcracker," in which the 5-year-old twins have roles. The couple also awaits a visit from Richard's mother, who isn't, shall we say, the most lovable person on earth (but she adores the twins and they her).
The chairwoman of the overall holiday festival in town also is not much beloved, since she heads up a company that's running roughshod over property owners with the intent of building upscale development projects. But when she's found dead by the hand of someone else, one of the suspects turns out to be Amy's brother, Ethan, who lives with his husband Scott and oversees the town's volunteer fire department. When Ethan suddenly goes missing, he suddenly becomes law enforcement's primary target.
Amy, understandably, is certain her brother is innocent - and in between shuffling the twins to rehearsals and from babysitters to babysitter, working and prepping for what is expected to be a stressful MIL visit, she sets out to prove it. Accomplishing that, she says, will require her to put to put all her "research skills" to the test - though honestly, based on what I read, said skills seemed to be limited to Google searches that most seventh-graders could do. Overall, though, Amy is a likeable, competent person; and while there's very little dangerous action going on - the bulk of the story is about the daily comings and goings of her and her family interspersed with a few hints as to who the culprit might be - I really enjoyed the reading experience. No blood, no guts here - the most "rugged" parts were the times Amy got annoyed enough to swear (well, just in her head a couple of times till she finally let one actually get past her lips). There's a titch of danger near the finish line, when everything comes together to usher in an "all's right with the world" ending.
All told, it's a perfect book to read, especially over the holiday season (a gift, perhaps, for someone one your list? I'm sure they'd love it too). As for me, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to sample a series I'm now looking forward to reading more of. Nicely done!
The star of this show is Amy Muir, co-director of the Taylorsford Pubic Library with her friend Sunny. Job-sharing allows Amy to better care for twins Nicky and Ella, whom she shares with her professional dancer/choreographer husband Richard. As the story begins, Richard and his professional partner are in charge of the upcoming community theater production of "The Nutcracker," in which the 5-year-old twins have roles. The couple also awaits a visit from Richard's mother, who isn't, shall we say, the most lovable person on earth (but she adores the twins and they her).
The chairwoman of the overall holiday festival in town also is not much beloved, since she heads up a company that's running roughshod over property owners with the intent of building upscale development projects. But when she's found dead by the hand of someone else, one of the suspects turns out to be Amy's brother, Ethan, who lives with his husband Scott and oversees the town's volunteer fire department. When Ethan suddenly goes missing, he suddenly becomes law enforcement's primary target.
Amy, understandably, is certain her brother is innocent - and in between shuffling the twins to rehearsals and from babysitters to babysitter, working and prepping for what is expected to be a stressful MIL visit, she sets out to prove it. Accomplishing that, she says, will require her to put to put all her "research skills" to the test - though honestly, based on what I read, said skills seemed to be limited to Google searches that most seventh-graders could do. Overall, though, Amy is a likeable, competent person; and while there's very little dangerous action going on - the bulk of the story is about the daily comings and goings of her and her family interspersed with a few hints as to who the culprit might be - I really enjoyed the reading experience. No blood, no guts here - the most "rugged" parts were the times Amy got annoyed enough to swear (well, just in her head a couple of times till she finally let one actually get past her lips). There's a titch of danger near the finish line, when everything comes together to usher in an "all's right with the world" ending.
All told, it's a perfect book to read, especially over the holiday season (a gift, perhaps, for someone one your list? I'm sure they'd love it too). As for me, I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to sample a series I'm now looking forward to reading more of. Nicely done!
December 21, 2023
Murder Checks Out by Victoria Gilbert is a Blue Ridge Library Mystery and we join Amy, her husband Richard, and various members of those she calls friends and family. It is Christmas time and Richard and their twins are busy at work on a new version of “The Nutcracker” to be presented as part of the festival taking place. Amy is not too involved but she goes along to support those who are. While she is there she sees a demonstration against a development begin considered and sees her brother-in-law arguing with one of the developers. The one who turns up dead the next day. Even the sheriff knew that Ethan was innocent but he had to follow the evidence. Then just as her brother Scott returned to support his husband, Ethan disappeared. It sure made him look guilty, but things didn’t add up. Amy responded by doing what she does best: research.
Amy is a regular forty-ish mom. She is a well-liked member of the community as is her husband who had pretty much stopped dancing but still teaches and does more choreography. Her twins are rambunctious five-year-olds but she and Richard work well together so although it is pandemonium much of the time, they manage. It doesn’t hurt that Amy’s aunt Lydia lives next door. The mystery was a good one and it was no wonder that Sheriff Brad suspected Ethan. But, Amy’s research paid off when she was able to help him solve the crime. This was a definite cozy read. I enjoyed it immensely.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of Murder Checks Out by Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #VictoriaGilbert #MurderChecksOut
Amy is a regular forty-ish mom. She is a well-liked member of the community as is her husband who had pretty much stopped dancing but still teaches and does more choreography. Her twins are rambunctious five-year-olds but she and Richard work well together so although it is pandemonium much of the time, they manage. It doesn’t hurt that Amy’s aunt Lydia lives next door. The mystery was a good one and it was no wonder that Sheriff Brad suspected Ethan. But, Amy’s research paid off when she was able to help him solve the crime. This was a definite cozy read. I enjoyed it immensely.
I was invited to read a free e-ARC Of Murder Checks Out by Crooked Lane Books, through Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are mine. #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks #VictoriaGilbert #MurderChecksOut
November 13, 2023
It is awesome to be back in the Blue Ridge Library area checking on old friends! I was a bit startled to find that we had time hopped 5 years in the series timeline, but it turned out to be a great place to be! I kept going back to the list of books in the series to see if I missed one as suddenly Amy and Richard have a set of precocious 5 yr old twins that are integral to the storyline by helping to bring some new characters into the series that definitely have future potential to be involved in future mysteries. The writing of this series always keeps me coming back for more. The main character is a smart, intelligent, strong woman with a wonderful mix of family, friends, library patrons and townspeople to round out the cast. I like how she works with the police as much as they will let her rather than showing the police force as a weak and inefficient organization. The interactions between the characters are funny, sad, touching, frustrating and more to make the story feel so much more alive than just a book with words on the pages. I absolutely can't wait for more from this series and I absolutely think the twins are going to bring a lot of chaos in the future! I can't wait!
January 20, 2024
So I live a good murder mystery and this one doesn’t disappoint but not nearly as suspenseful as I expected. For a cookie cutter hallmark channel type style with a local town who everyone knows everyone it’s actually quite predictable ending. Probably should have friend earlier works in the series to possibly get some more background on the main characters but it wasn’t required to follow along with the story line. I just would have liked a little more suspense or mystery to it. The ending seemed rushed for some reason and I’d of liked to read more about why this librarian seems to aways assist in police investigations in the past. Something I would know perhaps had I read the earlier novels in the series. Overall though an enjoyable read.
December 22, 2023
Librarian and mother of twins Amy Muir doesn't plan to get involved when a developer is murdered during her small town's winterfest celebration, but when her brother's husband, an ardent environmentalist, becomes a suspect, she feels impelled to help clear him. She's busy because her twins are dancers in her choreographer-husband's production of The Nutcracker at a nearby college, and his unsympathetic mother comes to visit in the run-up to Christmas, but never too busy to research (or snoop, as some might call it).
January 18, 2024
I feel like a missed a book with so much happening between the last book and this one, but it was a fun read nonetheless. Happy Richard's mom is changing for the better. Fun read and great ending. Can't wait for the next one!
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