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Larkspur Library Mysteries #1
Death Checked Out
9 hours, 39 minutes
When in doubt, go to the library...and solve the murder mystery!
Greta Plank, library director in the small, lakeside town of Larkspur, Wisconsin, prefers her rose-tinted glasses extra rosy, thank you very much. It’s how she copes with the hard stuff in life…like her sister’s death and her ex-boyfriend’s deception. But Greta’s cheery resolve takes a hit when she stumbles upon a dead body on her way home from work. What she assumes is a terrible accident Greta soon learns is something more sinister, and to make matters worse, a new-to-town detective cites her as not only his primary source for the case, but his top suspect.
To clear her name and save her reputation, Greta decides to do some off-the-books clue cataloging of her own. After all, asking questions is what she does best. With the help of her fellow librarians and her lawyer mom, Greta flips through the pages of the murder, uncovering details about Larkspur’s real estate market and the deceased’s rare book collection as she tries to understand why anyone would have authored his death.
With friends and neighbors stacking up as both victims and suspects, Greta must cross reference the facts and put a hold on her idyllic worldview if she wants to get the full story without paying the fine of her life.
When in doubt, go to the library...and solve the murder mystery!
Greta Plank, library director in the small, lakeside town of Larkspur, Wisconsin, prefers her rose-tinted glasses extra rosy, thank you very much. It’s how she copes with the hard stuff in life…like her sister’s death and her ex-boyfriend’s deception. But Greta’s cheery resolve takes a hit when she stumbles upon a dead body on her way home from work. What she assumes is a terrible accident Greta soon learns is something more sinister, and to make matters worse, a new-to-town detective cites her as not only his primary source for the case, but his top suspect.
To clear her name and save her reputation, Greta decides to do some off-the-books clue cataloging of her own. After all, asking questions is what she does best. With the help of her fellow librarians and her lawyer mom, Greta flips through the pages of the murder, uncovering details about Larkspur’s real estate market and the deceased’s rare book collection as she tries to understand why anyone would have authored his death.
With friends and neighbors stacking up as both victims and suspects, Greta must cross reference the facts and put a hold on her idyllic worldview if she wants to get the full story without paying the fine of her life.
10 pages, Audiobook
First published December 6, 2022
14 people are currently reading
1122 people want to read
About the author
Leah Dobrinska
14 books284 followersLeah Dobrinska is the author of the Songwriter Sleuth Mysteries, the Larkspur Library Mysteries, the Fall In Love romcom series, and the Mapleton novels. She earned her degree in English Literature from UW-Madison where she was awarded the Dean’s Prize and served as a Writing Fellow. She has since worked as a freelance writer, editor, and content marketer. As a kid, she hoped to grow up to be either Nancy Drew or Elizabeth Bennet. Now, she fulfills that dream by writing mysteries and love stories.
A sucker for a good sentence, a happy ending, and the smell of books—both old and new—Leah lives out her very own happily ever after in a small Wisconsin town with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she's not writing, handing out snacks, visiting the local library, or doing projects around the house, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website, leahdobrinska.com.
A sucker for a good sentence, a happy ending, and the smell of books—both old and new—Leah lives out her very own happily ever after in a small Wisconsin town with her husband and their gaggle of kids. When she's not writing, handing out snacks, visiting the local library, or doing projects around the house, Leah enjoys reading and running. Find out more about Leah, join her newsletter community, and connect with her through her website, leahdobrinska.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 277 reviews
January 12, 2025
Greta Plank has moved to Larkspur, Wisconsin, for a fresh start. She’s loving her job as the director of the local library, and she’s become close friends with her fellow librarians. She’s even become friends with her neighbor, the town recluse. Unfortunately, she finds his dead body after work one day. But what she thinks is an accident the police label murder. Even worse, they think she is the prime suspect. Can she clear her name?
I thought this book sounded good, so I was looking forward to reading it. The initial set up was good, and I was getting cozy vibes from the characters and the setting. Sadly, that didn’t continue as the book progressed. I did like Greta’s arc, but the rest of the characters stayed pretty flat. The mystery did have some surprises, but I had things figured out very early. It’s not that the book is bad, but it’s not good either. This is one to pick up only is something in particular about the premise appeals to you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I thought this book sounded good, so I was looking forward to reading it. The initial set up was good, and I was getting cozy vibes from the characters and the setting. Sadly, that didn’t continue as the book progressed. I did like Greta’s arc, but the rest of the characters stayed pretty flat. The mystery did have some surprises, but I had things figured out very early. It’s not that the book is bad, but it’s not good either. This is one to pick up only is something in particular about the premise appeals to you.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
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February 6, 2023Unfortunately, this book did not grab my attention the way I hoped. DNF @ 22%
If you're looking for an easy book to pass an afternoon this is the book for you. Your average cozy mystery with no complicated plot loops or character trees to keep up with. Everything about it was average in every sense of the word
. ***Thank you to Netgalley and Level Best Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. ***
If you're looking for an easy book to pass an afternoon this is the book for you. Your average cozy mystery with no complicated plot loops or character trees to keep up with. Everything about it was average in every sense of the word
. ***Thank you to Netgalley and Level Best Books for an eARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. ***
December 17, 2022
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this first Larkspur Library Mystery, we meet Greta Plank. She has come to Larkspur and taken the job as Library Director to restart her life after a family loss. She feels that the little town is a safe place until she finds one of her new friends, her neighbor, and town recluse dead at the foot of his deck stairs. She thinks the wheelchair-bound man’s fall was an accident but as the evidence is collected the death is classified as a homicide and Detective Mark McHenry has decided Greta is his prime suspect.
Greta is shocked but decides to quickly prove him wrong by starting her own investigation. She definitely has the education to follow the clues wherever they lead. Unfortunately, the killer is not happy that she is on their trail and makes an effort to stop her permanently. Larkspur sure isn’t the town she hoped for and she may have to rethink her options. That is if she lives long enough to have options.
While Greta is the main character in this story and we have just scratched the surface of getting to know her I was drawn right away to her neighbor Franklin Halloway because we have things in common. He is a disabled man who has become a bit of a recluse. It had taken Greta some time to get on the man’s good side and become his friend. They both love books, in fact, he has a wonderful rare book collection. Greta visits him often, bringing books he requests from the library, and always takes time to visit with him and his golden Siberian tabby cat Biff. I could identify with him so easily because due to my disability I spend a lot of time in a wheelchair. We also both love books and have no problem being left alone to read and enjoy them. I was really sad that he was the victim in this story because he was a man I would have enjoyed spending a lot more time with.
We also meet Greta’s friends and fellow librarians Josie and Iris, her parents, a snooty library board member, and of course Detective Mark McHenry along with several others that come into Greta’s life. I really enjoyed meeting Greta’s mom Louisa and her friend Lori. Strong Wisconsin woman that I would easily be friends with in real life. The author has left plenty of room for growth and I am excited to see them get more fleshed out as the series continues.
The mystery was well-plotted but I focused on one character really early and came up with a theory that was surprisingly right. Each clue revealed firmed up my thinking. There was another secret reveal that was apparent to me early as well. I did like it when Greta and Detective McHenry started working together. Their meetings gave me a good chuckle. The final reveal was very exciting. It played out in a different and much better way than I thought it would.
I love that this series is set in my home state of Wisconsin. It is easy to see that Ms. Dobrinska also calls this state home because she captures the essence of this fine state and its small towns so well.
Death Checked Out has given this series a fine start. Writing the first book in a cozy mystery series is hard. You have to introduce all the characters and make them characters readers what to know better while wrapping them in a mystery that will those pages turning. I think the author did a great job. I do want to know more about Greta and the residents of Larkspur. I am intrigued to see what she has in store for her characters next.
In this first Larkspur Library Mystery, we meet Greta Plank. She has come to Larkspur and taken the job as Library Director to restart her life after a family loss. She feels that the little town is a safe place until she finds one of her new friends, her neighbor, and town recluse dead at the foot of his deck stairs. She thinks the wheelchair-bound man’s fall was an accident but as the evidence is collected the death is classified as a homicide and Detective Mark McHenry has decided Greta is his prime suspect.
Greta is shocked but decides to quickly prove him wrong by starting her own investigation. She definitely has the education to follow the clues wherever they lead. Unfortunately, the killer is not happy that she is on their trail and makes an effort to stop her permanently. Larkspur sure isn’t the town she hoped for and she may have to rethink her options. That is if she lives long enough to have options.
While Greta is the main character in this story and we have just scratched the surface of getting to know her I was drawn right away to her neighbor Franklin Halloway because we have things in common. He is a disabled man who has become a bit of a recluse. It had taken Greta some time to get on the man’s good side and become his friend. They both love books, in fact, he has a wonderful rare book collection. Greta visits him often, bringing books he requests from the library, and always takes time to visit with him and his golden Siberian tabby cat Biff. I could identify with him so easily because due to my disability I spend a lot of time in a wheelchair. We also both love books and have no problem being left alone to read and enjoy them. I was really sad that he was the victim in this story because he was a man I would have enjoyed spending a lot more time with.
We also meet Greta’s friends and fellow librarians Josie and Iris, her parents, a snooty library board member, and of course Detective Mark McHenry along with several others that come into Greta’s life. I really enjoyed meeting Greta’s mom Louisa and her friend Lori. Strong Wisconsin woman that I would easily be friends with in real life. The author has left plenty of room for growth and I am excited to see them get more fleshed out as the series continues.
The mystery was well-plotted but I focused on one character really early and came up with a theory that was surprisingly right. Each clue revealed firmed up my thinking. There was another secret reveal that was apparent to me early as well. I did like it when Greta and Detective McHenry started working together. Their meetings gave me a good chuckle. The final reveal was very exciting. It played out in a different and much better way than I thought it would.
I love that this series is set in my home state of Wisconsin. It is easy to see that Ms. Dobrinska also calls this state home because she captures the essence of this fine state and its small towns so well.
Death Checked Out has given this series a fine start. Writing the first book in a cozy mystery series is hard. You have to introduce all the characters and make them characters readers what to know better while wrapping them in a mystery that will those pages turning. I think the author did a great job. I do want to know more about Greta and the residents of Larkspur. I am intrigued to see what she has in store for her characters next.
October 27, 2022
Five stars from the author. I love Greta and the whole Larkspur gang. I hope you do, too. Thanks for giving DEATH CHECKED OUT a chance, readers!
March 25, 2023
3.5/5 stars, small town wisconsin vibes kept this story going for me it was so cute
Thank you to Level Best Books for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I know that reading the description of this book says that this takes place in Larkspur, Wisconsin but it really didn't hit me that this was set here (in my state!) until I began reading. They kept saying names of places that I knew (never before have I seen culvers mentioned in a book - it's a midwest thing) and Green Bay, etc. This was so exciting and compiled with the small-town vibes I really felt like this was taking place in my town. I love living in the Midwest in a small town so this was a very welcome atmosphere for the story to take place.
This book is one that I would describe as a cozy mystery, and discovering this genre really makes me want to explore more books like this. I wish that I had been able to read this in the fall as I think I would have enjoyed it a little more, but everything about this was so cozy and sweet. I loved the relationship that Greta had with the other librarians and even the grumpy Detective. She herself was a really cute character too, and it was fun having her lead everyone on this mystery.
I think the mystery in this story was really fun to explore! While it wasn't my favorite I've ever read there will still high enough stakes that I enjoyed reading it. The story launched in pretty fast to the story as well, and while I did love the mystery, I think it was a lot trying to both connect the dots and figure out who all the people in the town were at once. Because of the cozy mystery vibes I'd definitely want to read the next book, especially as it may be easier to enjoy becasue I'd know most of the characters already.
[TW: death of a sister mentioned, death of a friend, murder, attempted murder, broken leg and concussion mentioned, emergency room visit, stealing]
Thank you to Level Best Books for the arc through netgalley in exchange for an honest review!
I know that reading the description of this book says that this takes place in Larkspur, Wisconsin but it really didn't hit me that this was set here (in my state!) until I began reading. They kept saying names of places that I knew (never before have I seen culvers mentioned in a book - it's a midwest thing) and Green Bay, etc. This was so exciting and compiled with the small-town vibes I really felt like this was taking place in my town. I love living in the Midwest in a small town so this was a very welcome atmosphere for the story to take place.
This book is one that I would describe as a cozy mystery, and discovering this genre really makes me want to explore more books like this. I wish that I had been able to read this in the fall as I think I would have enjoyed it a little more, but everything about this was so cozy and sweet. I loved the relationship that Greta had with the other librarians and even the grumpy Detective. She herself was a really cute character too, and it was fun having her lead everyone on this mystery.
I think the mystery in this story was really fun to explore! While it wasn't my favorite I've ever read there will still high enough stakes that I enjoyed reading it. The story launched in pretty fast to the story as well, and while I did love the mystery, I think it was a lot trying to both connect the dots and figure out who all the people in the town were at once. Because of the cozy mystery vibes I'd definitely want to read the next book, especially as it may be easier to enjoy becasue I'd know most of the characters already.
[TW: death of a sister mentioned, death of a friend, murder, attempted murder, broken leg and concussion mentioned, emergency room visit, stealing]
November 6, 2022
rated: 1 star
there is a line about 60% through this book where the MC says, and i quote, "I've never met a book I didn't like." genuinely miss main character greta, please be voraciously fucking for real with this one. i think i might absolutely slander this book in this review just because half the message of this book was to love all reading... and i can't say that i loved this book at all.
this book was filed with over-explanations of every scene the characters found themselves in, one of the most underdeveloped and pitiful attempts at enemies to lovers ive possibly ever seen and some redundant 1 dimensional side characters who did nothing to further the story except to attempt to grow greta, our main character, something that they completely failed at.
greta as an MC felt pretty stale - a basic mary sue complete with some past family death and relationship trauma who then has the most cheery attitude on life. complete with the reader having to suspend their disbelief completely to imagine that her and her two friends live in gorgeous lakefront properties while being town librarians and also amateur crime solvers??? the way that this random librarian managed to get in the middle of this investigation and solve it did not feel realistic in any way, and while i wasn't expecting it to, the amount of skepticism i had to put aside to make it even feel minorly okay was ridiculous. i didn't connect to her or her desire to solve this crime either, considering she had only moved into the town four months ago.
the side conflict of greta feeling unsafe in her neighbourhood was so half-baked as well, quick to appear and quick to resolve that it barely added anything to the story except to be an excuse for her to find common ground with the detective that was so obviously being set up as her love interest.
maybe i was not the target audience for this book, and thats okay, but the way that i did not have to use my brain a single time to even process an image and that every single thing was spelt out for me like i was a child made this book almost unreadable. overall, i just can't recommend this one.
I got an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
there is a line about 60% through this book where the MC says, and i quote, "I've never met a book I didn't like." genuinely miss main character greta, please be voraciously fucking for real with this one. i think i might absolutely slander this book in this review just because half the message of this book was to love all reading... and i can't say that i loved this book at all.
this book was filed with over-explanations of every scene the characters found themselves in, one of the most underdeveloped and pitiful attempts at enemies to lovers ive possibly ever seen and some redundant 1 dimensional side characters who did nothing to further the story except to attempt to grow greta, our main character, something that they completely failed at.
greta as an MC felt pretty stale - a basic mary sue complete with some past family death and relationship trauma who then has the most cheery attitude on life. complete with the reader having to suspend their disbelief completely to imagine that her and her two friends live in gorgeous lakefront properties while being town librarians and also amateur crime solvers??? the way that this random librarian managed to get in the middle of this investigation and solve it did not feel realistic in any way, and while i wasn't expecting it to, the amount of skepticism i had to put aside to make it even feel minorly okay was ridiculous. i didn't connect to her or her desire to solve this crime either, considering she had only moved into the town four months ago.
the side conflict of greta feeling unsafe in her neighbourhood was so half-baked as well, quick to appear and quick to resolve that it barely added anything to the story except to be an excuse for her to find common ground with the detective that was so obviously being set up as her love interest.
maybe i was not the target audience for this book, and thats okay, but the way that i did not have to use my brain a single time to even process an image and that every single thing was spelt out for me like i was a child made this book almost unreadable. overall, i just can't recommend this one.
I got an advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.
December 6, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books!
In a quaint lakeside town, a group of librarians have turned into a group of investigators in hopes of solving a series of crimes that has completely shaken this small community.
There was quite a bit of breached police protocol and tampering of evidence/crime scenes which is the only reason this book did not receive five stars. This was a simple and easy read! A good clean mystery that anyone is sure to enjoy!
https://www.tiktok.com/@pageturner247...
In a quaint lakeside town, a group of librarians have turned into a group of investigators in hopes of solving a series of crimes that has completely shaken this small community.
There was quite a bit of breached police protocol and tampering of evidence/crime scenes which is the only reason this book did not receive five stars. This was a simple and easy read! A good clean mystery that anyone is sure to enjoy!
https://www.tiktok.com/@pageturner247...
December 13, 2022
A small town mystery with a broody detective and a meddling librarian. I loved the small town business names. I loved Mugs & Hugs but absolutely giggled at the name of the taco spot! I liked the librarians and the friendship they had. I loved the small town feel and the MC. I didn't guess the twist and just enjoyed the fun ride. I'd definitely read a book 2 to this series!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
November 8, 2022
I received a free copy of Death Checked Out, by Leah Dobrinska, from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Greta has a mystery to solve, someone has set her up for murder. I enjoyed this quirky mystery.
January 7, 2023
I would like to thank Level Best Books and NetGalley for granting me this ARC in exchange for writing an honest review!
I AM TOTALLY NOT WEEPING 😭, I just can't.
I walked into this book excepting a comfy read but little did I know that a huge plot twist would fall and shatter that idea; I literally wept because of it. This book is about new beginnings, betrayal, friendship, grief, and it does contain thriller (hence the plot twist- ain't spoiling much). Imagining the events taking place made it feel like a warm and genuine book (aside from the plot twist of course). As I imagined it unfold, I felt happiness radiating and how it captivates you. It is written in a simple way compared to advanced English books but nonetheless, I loved this book. I would recommend this to people who enjoy thriller (not extreme) and would love to follow a girl life who works in a library.
Comments about the characters (may contain spoilers):
- I relate to Gret way more than I expected to.
- Dolores is sweet
- I want a friend like franklin, ugh so sweet.
- I would love to work in a library like Greta and live in a small community.
- I would love to live in a cabin that’s identical to Franklin's (especially the books room)
"Like crisp pages brimming
with fairy tales and happy endings"
"What I wouldn't give for your heart. But I'd hate to see it come back to bite you. Even you can't cure everything with your kindness!"
"Life is messy"
"The truth will come to light."
"You can do this. Think happy thoughts. Everything will be okay."
"Being cheerful is a great gift, G. But you also have to let yourself feel real feelings, too. You like to keep things all tidy and wrapped in a nice little box because it makes you feel in control, but life is messy. More like a package that's ripped open or split at the seams with its contents spewed everywhere?"
"There's something good somewhere in every book?"
“There will always be bad things that happen, to greater or lesser degrees. You can't run from the bad in the world"
“It’s better to put roots down and surround yourself with people who'll support you and lift you up when you get trampled down by some of the bad"
"All these friends and neighbors. They had their own stories. Their own secrets. And that was just the way it was, wasn't it? People were messy. Life was, too."
I AM TOTALLY NOT WEEPING 😭, I just can't.
I walked into this book excepting a comfy read but little did I know that a huge plot twist would fall and shatter that idea; I literally wept because of it. This book is about new beginnings, betrayal, friendship, grief, and it does contain thriller (hence the plot twist- ain't spoiling much). Imagining the events taking place made it feel like a warm and genuine book (aside from the plot twist of course). As I imagined it unfold, I felt happiness radiating and how it captivates you. It is written in a simple way compared to advanced English books but nonetheless, I loved this book. I would recommend this to people who enjoy thriller (not extreme) and would love to follow a girl life who works in a library.
Comments about the characters (may contain spoilers):
- I relate to Gret way more than I expected to.
- Dolores is sweet
- I want a friend like franklin, ugh so sweet.
- I would love to work in a library like Greta and live in a small community.
- I would love to live in a cabin that’s identical to Franklin's (especially the books room)
"Like crisp pages brimming
with fairy tales and happy endings"
"What I wouldn't give for your heart. But I'd hate to see it come back to bite you. Even you can't cure everything with your kindness!"
"Life is messy"
"The truth will come to light."
"You can do this. Think happy thoughts. Everything will be okay."
"Being cheerful is a great gift, G. But you also have to let yourself feel real feelings, too. You like to keep things all tidy and wrapped in a nice little box because it makes you feel in control, but life is messy. More like a package that's ripped open or split at the seams with its contents spewed everywhere?"
"There's something good somewhere in every book?"
“There will always be bad things that happen, to greater or lesser degrees. You can't run from the bad in the world"
“It’s better to put roots down and surround yourself with people who'll support you and lift you up when you get trampled down by some of the bad"
"All these friends and neighbors. They had their own stories. Their own secrets. And that was just the way it was, wasn't it? People were messy. Life was, too."
September 5, 2023
Un misterio en un pueblecito que tiene como resultado un "cozy mystery" sin grandes expectativas pero que es entretenido y fácil de leer. No es un thriller ni pretende serlo, y creo que estos libros tienen su espacio también y no es justo pedirles algo que no son.
October 27, 2022
Thank you to NetGalley for gifting me this ARC read!
I highly recommend this read to everyone, especially those who, like me, enjoy curling up with a blanket, hot drinks, and a cosy mystery on a autumnal rainy day and evening! The storyline is perfect, the characters are perfect, and it is by far the best cosy mystery I have read in a long time! I already can’t wait for any future reads by this author!
I highly recommend this read to everyone, especially those who, like me, enjoy curling up with a blanket, hot drinks, and a cosy mystery on a autumnal rainy day and evening! The storyline is perfect, the characters are perfect, and it is by far the best cosy mystery I have read in a long time! I already can’t wait for any future reads by this author!
October 27, 2022
Disclosure: I received a free arc through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
"There's no way there could have been a murder in this idyllic little town. Right?"
Wrong.
After a bit of a rocky start, I enjoyed Death Checked Out. It sure hit a lot of the cozy mystery marks -- murder, a small town, a job involving books, and a cat. Oh, a main character who likes to snoop in ways I don't have the courage to emulate.
I have to say the start of the Death Checked out concerned me. The writing seemed stilted, and everything was told and over-explained. I wasn't really enthused with the first chapter, but it felt like the author really got her feet underneath her, and everything flowed better.
I could nitpick word usage now and again. The quote I began with is not something I see anyone saying non--ironically, but it turned out to be a small issue as I got into the story.
Greta was a quite likeable main character, and I found her to be really sympathetic, especially when encountering friends in peril. Being a mystery, this happened a fair amount. I felt sadness about the murder victim, as well as a potential romance that was nipped in the bud as a result.
The small town midwest setting on a lake is pretty spot on. My credentials are I live in a small town where you can't throw a rock without hearing a splash a state over from the setting off this book. Greta explains quite convincingly and accurately how nothing is a secret, although she has a more benevolent outlook on her neighbors, at least for a while, than I do mine. Well, some of them.
Greta does tend to tell everyone everything anyhow. Everyone. Everything.
The detective investigating the case is set up to be a love interest, and I'm sorta here for it. They have nice chemistry, and I'd like to know more of his back story in future books, which I'm planning to read.
I figured out who done it instantly, as well as who else not to trust. I might be a genius. No, seriously, I think I've just read enough books that it popped out for me.
The book definitely ticks off the "sweet" or "clean" box. I don't like those terms, and it's not something I particularly seek out, but if that's what you like, here is a book for you. What I mean is that I think there's 0 swearing, and the potential romance isn't spicy not even in thought, let alone deed.
This is probably a 3.5 read for me that I'm rounding up to 4 because I can't deny I'm looking forward to the next installment. I can't give it higher because of that rocky beginning and a few small issues with the prose. And the title doesn't thrill me. Cover's cute!
If you are looking to spend time with the start of a very nice cozy series with a likeable heroine, a peaceful setting -- when the bodies aren't racking up -- a cat named Biff, and a stoic detective/cutie, I can recommend this.
"There's no way there could have been a murder in this idyllic little town. Right?"
Wrong.
After a bit of a rocky start, I enjoyed Death Checked Out. It sure hit a lot of the cozy mystery marks -- murder, a small town, a job involving books, and a cat. Oh, a main character who likes to snoop in ways I don't have the courage to emulate.
I have to say the start of the Death Checked out concerned me. The writing seemed stilted, and everything was told and over-explained. I wasn't really enthused with the first chapter, but it felt like the author really got her feet underneath her, and everything flowed better.
I could nitpick word usage now and again. The quote I began with is not something I see anyone saying non--ironically, but it turned out to be a small issue as I got into the story.
Greta was a quite likeable main character, and I found her to be really sympathetic, especially when encountering friends in peril. Being a mystery, this happened a fair amount. I felt sadness about the murder victim, as well as a potential romance that was nipped in the bud as a result.
The small town midwest setting on a lake is pretty spot on. My credentials are I live in a small town where you can't throw a rock without hearing a splash a state over from the setting off this book. Greta explains quite convincingly and accurately how nothing is a secret, although she has a more benevolent outlook on her neighbors, at least for a while, than I do mine. Well, some of them.
Greta does tend to tell everyone everything anyhow. Everyone. Everything.
The detective investigating the case is set up to be a love interest, and I'm sorta here for it. They have nice chemistry, and I'd like to know more of his back story in future books, which I'm planning to read.
I figured out who done it instantly, as well as who else not to trust. I might be a genius. No, seriously, I think I've just read enough books that it popped out for me.
The book definitely ticks off the "sweet" or "clean" box. I don't like those terms, and it's not something I particularly seek out, but if that's what you like, here is a book for you. What I mean is that I think there's 0 swearing, and the potential romance isn't spicy not even in thought, let alone deed.
This is probably a 3.5 read for me that I'm rounding up to 4 because I can't deny I'm looking forward to the next installment. I can't give it higher because of that rocky beginning and a few small issues with the prose. And the title doesn't thrill me. Cover's cute!
If you are looking to spend time with the start of a very nice cozy series with a likeable heroine, a peaceful setting -- when the bodies aren't racking up -- a cat named Biff, and a stoic detective/cutie, I can recommend this.
May 26, 2023
In an attempt to leave a bad breakup behind, Greta moves to Larkspur, WI, a quaint, small town about an hour away from where she grew up. She’s not been there long, but she’s got a job she loves as the library director, and she’s made fabulous friends. However, when she discovers the deceased body of one of new friends, Greta becomes the primary suspect in a murder investigation. Determined to find evidence to clear her name, Greta enlists the help of her friends to uncover the truth.
Death Checked Out is entertaining whodunit with lots of potential for subsequent stories. Greta is an extremely likable main character. She’s intelligent and kind, looking to help others when she can. But she’s also got a spine, which we see first hand when she stands up to big city Detective McHenry and calls him out on his less than stellar attitude. I was sad that Greta has to lose a friend for the sake of the storyline, but I love that even in death, she gets to know him better and does her best to honor her departed friend.
The mystery of who killed Franklin is solid. Greta is someone who always sees the good in others, so it’s hard for her to try and build a case against anyone in town. She and her friends gather information and at times, she acts a bit recklessly, which I didn’t love. With that said, I appreciate that she does confide in the detective or her friends and family.
Detective McHenry is also new to town, but he hasn’t grasped the way of life in small towns. He is bullish and at times, an ass, especially to Greta who is trying to help him out. What I didn’t love is that her girlfriends constantly imply McHenry likes her or that he would make a good match, especially in the middle of this investigation and coupled with the fact that he’s rude to Greta. That said, the author does a great job of allowing McHenry to grow, and I can see a friendship developing between the pair, with an option for a future romance.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person POV of Greta, with Ms. Summers using an upbeat feminine voice for the narrator/Greta. She infuses her performance with a lot of emotion by changing pitch, elongating words, and using pauses. The narrator adjusts her performance for each character’s dialogue, deepening her voice somewhat for males and adding some accents. However, the modifications are slight, and without dialogue tags, it would be hard to identify a character based on voice alone. Her most effective adaptations are for age, with older characters sounding different than younger ones.
In the end, Death Checked Out is a delightful start to this new cozy series. I enjoyed the characters, and the mystery was pretty good. I look forward to more stories in the Larkspur Library Mysteries.
Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: B
Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
Death Checked Out is entertaining whodunit with lots of potential for subsequent stories. Greta is an extremely likable main character. She’s intelligent and kind, looking to help others when she can. But she’s also got a spine, which we see first hand when she stands up to big city Detective McHenry and calls him out on his less than stellar attitude. I was sad that Greta has to lose a friend for the sake of the storyline, but I love that even in death, she gets to know him better and does her best to honor her departed friend.
The mystery of who killed Franklin is solid. Greta is someone who always sees the good in others, so it’s hard for her to try and build a case against anyone in town. She and her friends gather information and at times, she acts a bit recklessly, which I didn’t love. With that said, I appreciate that she does confide in the detective or her friends and family.
Detective McHenry is also new to town, but he hasn’t grasped the way of life in small towns. He is bullish and at times, an ass, especially to Greta who is trying to help him out. What I didn’t love is that her girlfriends constantly imply McHenry likes her or that he would make a good match, especially in the middle of this investigation and coupled with the fact that he’s rude to Greta. That said, the author does a great job of allowing McHenry to grow, and I can see a friendship developing between the pair, with an option for a future romance.
Narration: The story is shared via the third person POV of Greta, with Ms. Summers using an upbeat feminine voice for the narrator/Greta. She infuses her performance with a lot of emotion by changing pitch, elongating words, and using pauses. The narrator adjusts her performance for each character’s dialogue, deepening her voice somewhat for males and adding some accents. However, the modifications are slight, and without dialogue tags, it would be hard to identify a character based on voice alone. Her most effective adaptations are for age, with older characters sounding different than younger ones.
In the end, Death Checked Out is a delightful start to this new cozy series. I enjoyed the characters, and the mystery was pretty good. I look forward to more stories in the Larkspur Library Mysteries.
Ratings:
Story: B
Narration: B
Review copy provided by publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
August 10, 2023
I really thought I would love this book, but it really didn’t do it for me. I didn’t enjoy any of the characters as they all felt very one dimensional and…unfortunately rather dull. I would have loved to have gotten to know the characters in order to root for them. There were a lot of characters and they all merged a little as every character felt one dimensional - toxically positive, grumpy, loved up etc. Who asks someone on a date at a funeral? You just met and exchanged maybe two sentences? I didn’t buy McHenry as a detective. Just bring the suspect into the house for a wee nosey, sure! Then let her parents come too. Ah it’s fine, just wear gloves This book quickly became infuriating and I wish I’d DNF’d but I did want to know who the murderer was…I called it quite early on and wanted to know if I was right. I was.
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries however, so another reader might enjoy it very much so. Just not my cup of tea.
I don't read a lot of cozy mysteries however, so another reader might enjoy it very much so. Just not my cup of tea.
did-not-finish
July 13, 2023DNF at 3%.
Death checked out... and so did I.
It probably didn't help that the audiobook file seemed to be corrupted. But I just didn't care to push back that annoyance.
Death checked out... and so did I.
It probably didn't help that the audiobook file seemed to be corrupted. But I just didn't care to push back that annoyance.
September 21, 2024
Death Checked Out by Leah Dobrinska
Larkspur Library Mystery #1
415-page Libby Ebook (phone) 364-page Libby Ebook (tablet) switched tablet with Chapter 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Praise, Book Analogies, Director of the Library, House Calls, Librarians, Fictional Small-Town Wisconsin, Autumn, Tabby Cat, Lakeview, Green Bay, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Detective Dreamy, Book About Books, Bibliography
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "My Girl" by The Temptations, "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette
Books and Authors mentioned: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery #1, The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery #2, The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery #3, Deathgame by Franklin W. Dixon - Hardy Boys Casefiles #7, Back to the Future by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, The Man with the Golden Gun: A James Bond Novel by Ian Fleming, Harry Potter, and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter #1, Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming - James Bond #2, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, Sarah Adams, Arthur Conan Doyle, Ursula K. Le Guin, Jenn McKinlay, Marilynne Robinson, Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert, The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust by Diana B. Henriques, The Story of the Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve translation by James Planché, Jane Austen, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter #6
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📖☕️🐈🪴
My thoughts: 🔖Page 39 of 415 (phone)[33 of 364 on tablet] Chapter Five - The director of the library making house calls, I was so confused but unbothered, makes more sense now. I'm enjoying the story, but I need to switch it up because I've spent more time documenting than reading in these waiting rooms with slow Wi-Fi and internet blockers.
🔖Page 43 of 364 Chapter 6 - I shouldn't have stopped because now I'm missing my other book as this one is no longer thrilling.
🔖91 Chapter Twelve - I was hoping to finish this today, but phone calls happened instead.
🔖273 Chapter Thirty-Eight - This is giving me mixed feelings, but as a cozy mystery, it's great.
This was pretty enjoyable other than me guessing the guilty party and reason early on, I was partially correct. I'm certainly going to read book 2 soon.
Recommend to others: Yes. I'm totally saving this one for a future book club option.
Larkspur Library Mystery
1. Death Checked Out (2022)
2. Mayhem in Circulation (2023)
Larkspur Library Mystery #1
415-page Libby Ebook (phone) 364-page Libby Ebook (tablet) switched tablet with Chapter 5
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Featuring: Praise, Book Analogies, Director of the Library, House Calls, Librarians, Fictional Small-Town Wisconsin, Autumn, Tabby Cat, Lakeview, Green Bay, Wisconsin; Chicago, Illinois; Detective Dreamy, Book About Books, Bibliography
Rating as a movie: PG-13
Songs for the soundtrack: "My Girl" by The Temptations, "Ironic" by Alanis Morissette
Books and Authors mentioned: Crime and Punishment by Fyodor Dostoevsky, The Secret of the Old Clock by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery #1, The Hidden Staircase by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery #2, The Bungalow Mystery by Carolyn Keene - Nancy Drew Mystery #3, Deathgame by Franklin W. Dixon - Hardy Boys Casefiles #7, Back to the Future by Robert Zemeckis and Bob Gale, The Man with the Golden Gun: A James Bond Novel by Ian Fleming, Harry Potter, and the Philosopher's Stone by J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter #1, Live and Let Die by Ian Fleming - James Bond #2, The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society by Mary Ann Shaffer and Annie Barrows, Sarah Adams, Arthur Conan Doyle, Ursula K. Le Guin, Jenn McKinlay, Marilynne Robinson, Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert, The Wizard of Lies: Bernie Madoff and the Death of Trust by Diana B. Henriques, The Story of the Beauty and the Beast by Gabrielle-Suzanne de Villeneuve translation by James Planché, Jane Austen, Wuthering Heights by Emily Brontë, Harry Potter, and the Half-Blood Prince J. K. Rowling - Harry Potter #6
My rating: ⭐️⭐️⭐️½📖☕️🐈🪴
My thoughts: 🔖Page 39 of 415 (phone)[33 of 364 on tablet] Chapter Five - The director of the library making house calls, I was so confused but unbothered, makes more sense now. I'm enjoying the story, but I need to switch it up because I've spent more time documenting than reading in these waiting rooms with slow Wi-Fi and internet blockers.
🔖Page 43 of 364 Chapter 6 - I shouldn't have stopped because now I'm missing my other book as this one is no longer thrilling.
🔖91 Chapter Twelve - I was hoping to finish this today, but phone calls happened instead.
🔖273 Chapter Thirty-Eight - This is giving me mixed feelings, but as a cozy mystery, it's great.
This was pretty enjoyable other than me guessing the guilty party and reason early on, I was partially correct. I'm certainly going to read book 2 soon.
Recommend to others: Yes. I'm totally saving this one for a future book club option.
Larkspur Library Mystery
1. Death Checked Out (2022)
2. Mayhem in Circulation (2023)
December 27, 2022
Thank you NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a free eARC in exchange for an honest review!
This was such a cute cozy small town mystery. I liked the descriptions of the town it sounded quaint and cute. The main character was interesting, but I did find her perspective boring at times. I will say I did guess some of the plots, but i didn't guess the main one at the end! While some of the descriptions were overexplained, i did enjoy this! I will definitely be reading the next one in the series!
This was such a cute cozy small town mystery. I liked the descriptions of the town it sounded quaint and cute. The main character was interesting, but I did find her perspective boring at times. I will say I did guess some of the plots, but i didn't guess the main one at the end! While some of the descriptions were overexplained, i did enjoy this! I will definitely be reading the next one in the series!
May 25, 2025
This was cute. I really like Greta and the whole Larkspur gang.
January 15, 2023
Leah Dobrinska does it again!! I absolutely loved this cozy mystery! Between the idyllic north woods setting, the lovable characters, and the ongoing investigation of the mystery, I could not put this book down! It kept me hooked every step of the way! Highly recommend getting yourself a copy - you won’t be disappointed…plus, the cover is gorgeous!! Can’t wait for the next book in the series! Happy reading!
October 25, 2022
This was such an enjoyable read. Great characters. The characters were all fun and multi-dimensional. Great description for the setting. The mystery kept me guessing to the end. This is a strong start to the series.
October 22, 2022
What a fun read and a great start to a new series! Life isn't as peaceful in the small town of Larkspur, Wisconsin as the local librarian would want it to be. When a terrible tragedy happens to one of her shut-in patrons, Greta Plank and her friends put their research skills to good use to prove the death was no accident.
February 16, 2024
3.5 stars
This book was cute, but it had trouble keeping my attention. I really loved the cover of the book and the concept, but the characters were just so simple. Greta reads like she’s 80 years old instead of in her 30s.
I don’t think I would continue reading this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.
This book was cute, but it had trouble keeping my attention. I really loved the cover of the book and the concept, but the characters were just so simple. Greta reads like she’s 80 years old instead of in her 30s.
I don’t think I would continue reading this series.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.
February 10, 2023
This book was definitely a fun cozy mystery. I enjoyed it a lot. I loved the cover a lot too. It was definitely a good book for everyone to enjoy
May 16, 2024
A cozy mystery that centers around librarians? Yes, please!
This was such a cute cozy mystery! It was the perfect book to read between heavier reads. I'll absolutely be picking up more books in this series.
I loved the town, with its quirky little shops, and all the characters. Our grumpy MMC, Detective Mark McHenry, was fun and I really liked our FMC, Greta. I didn't predict the ending, which is super rare for me in a cozy mystery so that was a huge plus. I don't know that it broke any new ground, but it left me happy and I found myself smiling as I read it.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
This was such a cute cozy mystery! It was the perfect book to read between heavier reads. I'll absolutely be picking up more books in this series.
I loved the town, with its quirky little shops, and all the characters. Our grumpy MMC, Detective Mark McHenry, was fun and I really liked our FMC, Greta. I didn't predict the ending, which is super rare for me in a cozy mystery so that was a huge plus. I don't know that it broke any new ground, but it left me happy and I found myself smiling as I read it.
A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
December 6, 2022
This is the first book I've ever read by Dobrinska, and it didn't disappoint.
Death Checked Out is a cozy mystery, featuring a nosy librarian, a shocking murder in a safe and charming town, and a bunch of intrigue. To begin, Greta is the main character. There is a tiny bit of mystery surrounding her because the reader is informed from the very beginning that she left her old stomping grounds to move here to start over. But the question is, what is she starting over from?
I loved Greta. She was down-to-earth, smart, not too nosy and inquisitive, which I found refreshing because in cozy mysteries I always feel that the main character can be too much of a busy-body sleuthing machine, so it was cool to see that Greta's actions stimmed from the need to prove her innocence, and there was a small part of a busy-body that drove her actions, too. However, it came together nicely.
There are a few things that begin in the book that are used to further the plot for future books and the growth of the characters introduced in the story, but there were no cliff-hangers, or anything like that. There is a lot of promise for future stories in the years to come.
My favorite things about the book were Greta-she was strong and smart, and I liked that she had this identity and strength outside of her mystery-solving hobby. I loved the tight knit group of friends and Greta's family. Side characters can be so crucial to a good story because they supply additional warmth and intrigue, which definitely occurs here with these characters. And I am looking forward to what might happen between Greta and the detective.
I received this advance reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Death Checked Out is a cozy mystery, featuring a nosy librarian, a shocking murder in a safe and charming town, and a bunch of intrigue. To begin, Greta is the main character. There is a tiny bit of mystery surrounding her because the reader is informed from the very beginning that she left her old stomping grounds to move here to start over. But the question is, what is she starting over from?
I loved Greta. She was down-to-earth, smart, not too nosy and inquisitive, which I found refreshing because in cozy mysteries I always feel that the main character can be too much of a busy-body sleuthing machine, so it was cool to see that Greta's actions stimmed from the need to prove her innocence, and there was a small part of a busy-body that drove her actions, too. However, it came together nicely.
There are a few things that begin in the book that are used to further the plot for future books and the growth of the characters introduced in the story, but there were no cliff-hangers, or anything like that. There is a lot of promise for future stories in the years to come.
My favorite things about the book were Greta-she was strong and smart, and I liked that she had this identity and strength outside of her mystery-solving hobby. I loved the tight knit group of friends and Greta's family. Side characters can be so crucial to a good story because they supply additional warmth and intrigue, which definitely occurs here with these characters. And I am looking forward to what might happen between Greta and the detective.
I received this advance reader's copy from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
November 20, 2022
An enjoyable easy read.
Greta is a librarian and has moved to Larkspur to escape her past mistakes .
She has made friends with Franklin he’s a private serious man and doesn’t make friends easily .
Greta finds Franklin dead , and her world is turned upside down and she makes it her mission to find out the truth behind his death.
The characters are amiable and the story makes for an easy to read cosy mystery.
Looking forward to more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books.
Greta is a librarian and has moved to Larkspur to escape her past mistakes .
She has made friends with Franklin he’s a private serious man and doesn’t make friends easily .
Greta finds Franklin dead , and her world is turned upside down and she makes it her mission to find out the truth behind his death.
The characters are amiable and the story makes for an easy to read cosy mystery.
Looking forward to more in the series.
Thanks to NetGalley and Level Best Books.
January 2, 2023
Small town mystery, a library, and female friendships... sign me up. Death Checked Out was a delightful cozy mystery. Larkspur and the characters were quirky and fun. Being from a small town in the midwest, I felt very at home in this novel. This was a great opener to the Larkspur Library Mysteries and I am very much looking forward to the upcoming books in this series.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.
December 24, 2022
Rounding up to 4 stars - I ended up enjoying this one much more than I expected! A very Nancy Drew-like murder mystery. The town and its characters were so likable, and I loved the setting. I need to read books like this more often. I also appreciated the subtle romance and that it didn’t completely take over the book. While obviously some of the plot points weren’t realistic, I still really enjoyed this.
April 28, 2023
A cozy mystery set in a library, what’s not to love. You can tell the author loves books because there are so many bookish puns throughout. Managed to keep me guessing about the mystery which I appreciate.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
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