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Rose Arbor #2
The Rhyme's Library
Crazy Aunt Charlotte is missing again. Blair Rhyme, Rose Arbor’s young librarian, doesn’t bother to check Charlotte’s regular haunts -- the Veteran’s of Foreign Wars lodge, the Four H-Club, or the bins behind Milton’s Fish shop – because Charlotte is dead. Blair discovered her body amongst the boxes of what-nots and whatevers in the library’s basement. Unfortunately, when she returns to the library with the police Charlotte is missing. Again.
Desperate to prove that she doesn’t share her aunt’s mental illness and that Charlotte really has been murdered, Blair tangles with a former lover, a disturbingly handsome stranger and a wacky cast of Rose Arbor characters.
At first Blair tries to dismiss the skin-pricking sensation of being watched, but as small disturbances grow increasingly threatening, she must confront the enemies, real or imagined, that drove her aunt to madness and death in the Rhyme’s Library.
Desperate to prove that she doesn’t share her aunt’s mental illness and that Charlotte really has been murdered, Blair tangles with a former lover, a disturbingly handsome stranger and a wacky cast of Rose Arbor characters.
At first Blair tries to dismiss the skin-pricking sensation of being watched, but as small disturbances grow increasingly threatening, she must confront the enemies, real or imagined, that drove her aunt to madness and death in the Rhyme’s Library.
323 pages, Kindle Edition
First published August 7, 2012
27 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Kristy Tate
104 books152 followersDr. Seuss was my first love. When my mom left me in the children’s section of the library I’d find Horton and the Cat. My mom hated the good doctor and refused to checkout his books. He was my secret, guilty pleasure. Eventually, I read about Narnia, Oz and Green Gables.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
When my mom grew too sick to visit the library, a friend brought her a stash of romances which she kept in a big box beside her bed. Weekly, this good friend replenished the box. My mom didn’t know I read her books; it was like the Seuss affair, only sexier. Reading became my escape from a horrific and scary situation. Immersed in a story, I didn’t have to think about the life and death drama taking place on the other side of my bedroom wall. Books were my hallucinogenic drug of choice. In college, I studied literature and fell in love with Elliot, Willa and too many others to mention. (This had no similarity to my dating life.)
I’m no longer a child living with a grieving father and a dying mother, nor am I the co-ed in search of something or someone real, nonfictional. I’m an adult blessed with an abundance of love. I love my Heavenly Father and His son, my husband and family, my dog, my friends, my neighbors, my writing group, the birds outside my window.
Because I’m a writer, I also love my characters. I adore their pluck, courage and mettle. I admire the way they face and overcome hardships. But, as in any romance, I sometimes I get angry with them and think that they are too stupid to live. At those times, I have to remind myself that they live only in my imagination, unless I share. Writing for me is all about sharing--giving back to the world that has so generously shared with me-- because I learned a long time ago that the world is full of life and death dramas. Sometimes we need a story to help us escape.
And we need as much love as we can find. That’s why I write romance.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews
October 1, 2014
I have to admit I am not really a fan of the cozy mystery genre so this one has done well to earn three stars from me! I always struggle with just how many shady characters can live in one small town and how they can all get away, literally, with murder while the local cop refuses to investigate anything. However, while still following that stereotype, this book managed to be entertaining and mostly interesting. There were a few mysteries which were not fully explained and I am never really happy when ghosts are introduced just to confirm a plot point but it was still a very readable book and I think fans of the genre will love it.
February 23, 2013
In the second book that I have read from this author, she is fast becoming an author for me to watch for in the contemporary mystery genre. The Rhyme’s Library is a clever murder mystery, rife with family and small-town secrets and an engaging, intelligent heroine at its center. Blair is cleverly created, a librarian by default, she has a fascination with the “word a day” theory, in fact each chapter starts with a word and its definition; some obscure, some not. When she finds the body of her newly deceased aunt in the basement of her family home, turned library, the coincidences, secrets and suspicious characters just seem to appear in every person she encounters. Stalled or put off by the police, injured, threatened and nearly drowned in several rainstorms, Blair perseveres trying to piece together the puzzle that is her family.
Kristy Tate has managed to craft Blair into an empathetic character that you do not pity, despite rather tragic and scary circumstances. While injecting a bit of humor into some of the situations, and adding several eccentric characters who manage to provide cryptic clues and miscues, the pacing never stalls, and there are more than enough suspects to wonder about. While never reaching a frenetic page-turning pace until the very end, this book was difficult to put down. A wholly surprising and satisfactory ending that hints at the potential for a romance leaves readers wondering just what the next book will bring.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of the Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Kristy Tate has managed to craft Blair into an empathetic character that you do not pity, despite rather tragic and scary circumstances. While injecting a bit of humor into some of the situations, and adding several eccentric characters who manage to provide cryptic clues and miscues, the pacing never stalls, and there are more than enough suspects to wonder about. While never reaching a frenetic page-turning pace until the very end, this book was difficult to put down. A wholly surprising and satisfactory ending that hints at the potential for a romance leaves readers wondering just what the next book will bring.
I received an eBook copy from the author for purpose of honest review as part of the Indie Authors Rock promotion on I am, Indeed. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
September 28, 2014
The Rhyme's Library is a fun, light hearted mystery novel. Blair is the town librarian in a small US town. One day she finds the body of her Aunt Charlotte in the library basement, however by the time the Police arrive, Aunt Charlotte is missing. Given her Aunt has dementia and a history of running off, no-one believes her.
Blair is determined to find her Aunt's body, and her killer, which sets off a chain of events that uncovers a town gigolo, a blackmail plot, millions of missing dollars, and secrets thought to be long buried.
Entertaining characters and good plot twists, make this a fun read. If you enjoy the genre of the untrained sleuths outwitting the trained professional, then give this one a shot.
Blair is determined to find her Aunt's body, and her killer, which sets off a chain of events that uncovers a town gigolo, a blackmail plot, millions of missing dollars, and secrets thought to be long buried.
Entertaining characters and good plot twists, make this a fun read. If you enjoy the genre of the untrained sleuths outwitting the trained professional, then give this one a shot.
January 28, 2020
I love a good mystery but this one was just no. This is all over the place even with the good bones. It is hard to follow and really needs an editor. I have purchased alot of this authors books and at this point I am disappointed that she doesn't take the time to make sure we get good product by hiring an editor. I love that they are clean reads which focus more on the mystery than the romance but come on. I say again there are good bones and great imagery and background but it really needs a decent editor to help it out.
September 26, 2018
Ten Years In The Making
Kristy Tate, the author said it took 10 years to write this book but it was sure worth waiting for. This story has everything you need. It has comedy, ghosts, murder, love and mystery. It's much more than a little Cozy mystery. Even though this is a series it still is a stand alone book. Yea!!! I want to read more of this author's work. This was a free book but in no way did it affect my review.
Kristy Tate, the author said it took 10 years to write this book but it was sure worth waiting for. This story has everything you need. It has comedy, ghosts, murder, love and mystery. It's much more than a little Cozy mystery. Even though this is a series it still is a stand alone book. Yea!!! I want to read more of this author's work. This was a free book but in no way did it affect my review.
September 24, 2017
3.5 star
It had good bits but it wasn't great. Some polish needed, but mostly nothing serious. 3.5 star. . . .
It had good bits but it wasn't great. Some polish needed, but mostly nothing serious. 3.5 star. . . .
May 7, 2018
An engrossing, intricate and convoluted murder mystery. Hoping to read more about Blair's research into her family history.
July 21, 2020
Decent mystery but the denouement was a little unbelievable.
apuntados
March 1, 2017Amazon - 03/09/2014
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 16, 2016
This is my second book by Kristy Tate and I liked this one much better than the other one I read ("Hailey's Comments"). This book was very interesting to me. It had a pretty good flow, and I loved the characters. It still was a little confusing to me at times (like the other book), but I think it is just the author's style of writing. Which is fine, it just takes some getting used to.
I am not a huge mystery fan but I found the mystery of the missing Aunt Charlotte a great storyline and very fun to read about. I think the author did a wonderful job of developing the suspense. The whole time I was reading I never did figure it all out. And it was definitely enough to keep me reading wanting to find out more!
I really liked Blair, the main character. Anyone who rescues a kitty from a storm drain is OK by me! She was very personable and likeable and I thought the author did a great job with her. And Alec... well I thought he was quite a shady character! I never knew if I should trust him or not - his character was developed nicely as well. And Floyd, the cop, was a terrible cop! He would never get a part on a good detective show! But that was just who is was. I kept yelling at the book "Just do your job!"
Some of the other characters were not developed quite as well. That is where my confusion come in - I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. The next Kristy Tate book I read I will make a cheat sheet list of characters! This will be helpful.
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
All in all this was a very fun, quirky, great little mystery to read. It was interesting, well developed, with a great cast of characters. It was very clean. I would have no problems with younger readers reading this. I certainly would not turn down another book from Kristy Tate.
I am not a huge mystery fan but I found the mystery of the missing Aunt Charlotte a great storyline and very fun to read about. I think the author did a wonderful job of developing the suspense. The whole time I was reading I never did figure it all out. And it was definitely enough to keep me reading wanting to find out more!
I really liked Blair, the main character. Anyone who rescues a kitty from a storm drain is OK by me! She was very personable and likeable and I thought the author did a great job with her. And Alec... well I thought he was quite a shady character! I never knew if I should trust him or not - his character was developed nicely as well. And Floyd, the cop, was a terrible cop! He would never get a part on a good detective show! But that was just who is was. I kept yelling at the book "Just do your job!"
Some of the other characters were not developed quite as well. That is where my confusion come in - I had a hard time keeping everyone straight. The next Kristy Tate book I read I will make a cheat sheet list of characters! This will be helpful.
THE ALL-IN-ALL -
All in all this was a very fun, quirky, great little mystery to read. It was interesting, well developed, with a great cast of characters. It was very clean. I would have no problems with younger readers reading this. I certainly would not turn down another book from Kristy Tate.
September 18, 2014
I really enjoyed this book :)
The characters each have their own quirks and the twists and turns to the storyline keep it interesting to the end. I like characters who have personality - and these really do. The reader is kept wondering about the motives behind many of the residents of the peaceful Rose Arbor... for such a quiet little town there is a lot going on, and isn't that just like a small town, so many noses in so much business?
The history of Crazy Aunt Charlotte gives everyone lots to think about, the vulnerability of Blair keeps you keen and the intricacies of the neighbourhood give you laughs, creepy moments galore, and a couple of frights. The emotional pulls from the likes of Drake and Alec are well written and well, quite hilarious at times. Of course Poor Blair's emotions get a bit of a workout, but from all the right causes. It's not as though she's a soppy girl - I thought it quite brave of her to go into the basement in the first place, and resourceful to climb onto the roof to save the kitten (good suspense), and to talk to herself about her fears seemed a very human thing to do :) ... I could imagine me doing that.
I like the word definition at the beginning of each chapter... sometimes it gave a hint about what was in store, and other times I wondered how would that word be incorporated into the story!
A very enjoyable novel.
The characters each have their own quirks and the twists and turns to the storyline keep it interesting to the end. I like characters who have personality - and these really do. The reader is kept wondering about the motives behind many of the residents of the peaceful Rose Arbor... for such a quiet little town there is a lot going on, and isn't that just like a small town, so many noses in so much business?
The history of Crazy Aunt Charlotte gives everyone lots to think about, the vulnerability of Blair keeps you keen and the intricacies of the neighbourhood give you laughs, creepy moments galore, and a couple of frights. The emotional pulls from the likes of Drake and Alec are well written and well, quite hilarious at times. Of course Poor Blair's emotions get a bit of a workout, but from all the right causes. It's not as though she's a soppy girl - I thought it quite brave of her to go into the basement in the first place, and resourceful to climb onto the roof to save the kitten (good suspense), and to talk to herself about her fears seemed a very human thing to do :) ... I could imagine me doing that.
I like the word definition at the beginning of each chapter... sometimes it gave a hint about what was in store, and other times I wondered how would that word be incorporated into the story!
A very enjoyable novel.
March 19, 2016
I enjoyed this book. Blair Rhyme has had a lot of loss in her life. Her mother, grandparents and now her grand-aunt have all left Blair. Her mom has left for a commune, her grandparents died in a tragic accident and now her grand-aunt has died mysteriously. I have to say one of my favorite parts of the book was when Blair got back at her ex-boyfriend. There's a mysterious new man who seems to be around every time Blair seems to need help - could he replace the old boyfriend? I liked the mysteries that popped out throughout the story and I was surprised by some of the ending - which is a good thing. The only thing I didn't like was that there was a bit of a cliffhanger, not a major one but an end that leaves me wanting to know just a bit more.
July 7, 2015
An odd story. Slightly unsatisfying, now that I've finished it. The story was all over the place and it felt like the author only discovered the real murderer (this is a cosy murder mystery) when she wrote it. There were lots of red-herrings and possible endings suggested in the plot, but the real ending left many unanswered questions. What happened to William, and Audrey, who sent the bell and the key (the key probably being a link to the next book in the series)? There are several more questions to ask, but i dont want to include any spoilers.
So, as I said it was a bit weird, but I read it right through ... was compelled to. So I suppose it was a successful book.
So, as I said it was a bit weird, but I read it right through ... was compelled to. So I suppose it was a successful book.
December 1, 2015
Cozy and sweet
I really liked this story, I know you'll ask yourself why a 3 star rating? Several factors lead me to this:
1. I knew who did it early on
2. I know it's a mystery , but it's a cozy one, and I feel the violence in some of the crimes was a bit much.
3. The female lead was a doormat until she wasn't, she NEVER ASKED obvious questions, regarding her past, new acquaintances and odd circumstances.
4. She liked to live in her comfort zone until she was almost killed.
5. Then it's wrapped too quickly with a lot of questions left unanswered.
I would read more stories by this author.
I really liked this story, I know you'll ask yourself why a 3 star rating? Several factors lead me to this:
1. I knew who did it early on
2. I know it's a mystery , but it's a cozy one, and I feel the violence in some of the crimes was a bit much.
3. The female lead was a doormat until she wasn't, she NEVER ASKED obvious questions, regarding her past, new acquaintances and odd circumstances.
4. She liked to live in her comfort zone until she was almost killed.
5. Then it's wrapped too quickly with a lot of questions left unanswered.
I would read more stories by this author.
October 7, 2014
I found this to be very disjointed and the story really didn't flow at all. I found myself left wondering what was the role of Alec - had he just arrived in town to live, or was he a current resident? Why was there no real background? And why was everything focussed on the basement? Why was the character murdered all of a sudden. I felt that it started with a lot of promise, but it fluttered about from one plot point to another, without ever following up on the reason the plot had gone that way in the first place.
July 27, 2015
Interesting storyline although it jumped all over the place making it seem choppy and some of the characters are half developed. There were so many twists it seemed like a soap opera by the end....
I like the lexicon, word definition references at the beginning of each chapter and how it related to the theme of the chapter.
I like the lexicon, word definition references at the beginning of each chapter and how it related to the theme of the chapter.
October 9, 2014
It was a great book, cute and relatable. I loved the setting and being able to vicariously experience all the stormy weather. This was a free book from Kindle and it made me want to read more when I have money again. I would have never guessed the who-dun-it in a million years.
September 24, 2014
Is a great book to read
September 7, 2014
A great cast of characters and interest "who done it" story line! Many twists and turns and unique scenarios...just when you think you've figured it out you realize you are not even close!
April 10, 2016
I liked the story....I liked the characters....I liked the whodunit aspect. I didn't like how it hoped around. I think its nice. I'd like a followup story/novel.
September 10, 2014
Too many mysteries left unsolved.
September 14, 2014
Good
the murder mysteries and the mysteries of the deaths in the past were very surprising.the many people who were committing crimes.f.the ending were surprising.
the murder mysteries and the mysteries of the deaths in the past were very surprising.the many people who were committing crimes.f.the ending were surprising.
September 20, 2014
Seems unfinished, too many red herrings and loose strings.
October 12, 2014
Good mystery, with some romance and a hint of humor. Well written.
October 26, 2014
This was a good book. The time line seemed skewed and there were a number of things that seemed to drag the story along. But even with the editing troubles it was a worthwhile book to read.
December 11, 2014
Sweet story, easy read, very predictable – holiday read.
December 16, 2015
This book was different and that is a good thing, I really enjoyed the story and the characters.
December 27, 2015
I agree with other reviews that the ending didn't quite live up to the promise of the beginning. However, it was fun and engaging enough that I would at least start the next book in the series.
January 22, 2016
So many grammatical errors, I couldn't stand to continue the book. That's a shame. It promised to be a good story.
Displaying 1 - 29 of 29 reviews