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Killer Librarian #2

Death Overdue

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In the second novel in the “engaging” (Booklist) cozy library mystery series, Karen must work to clear her beau’s name after his ex-girlfriend is killed by a falling bookshelf while staying at his inn.

Spunky librarian Karen Nash is back in London and planning to open a bookstore with her beau, Caldwell Perkins, who owns a B&B. Unexpectedly, Sally, Caldwell’s tall, gorgeous, and blonde ex-girlfriend shows up—possibly to reclaim the B&B—and just maybe Caldwell, too. Sally’s current boyfriend, Alfredo, joins her, and they take a room.

That night, Karen is awakened by a horrible crash. Caldwell isn’t in bed with her. She rushes out to the hall to find him standing in the doorway of the inn’s library with a look of horror on his face. Inside the room all Karen can see is a woman’s hand sticking out from under a massive pile of pages and wood. While Sally’s death appears an accident, Karen finds it hard to believe. How did the heavy oak bookshelf topple over? Karen fears Sally has been murdered. The detective on the case comes to the same conclusion and decides Caldwell is the most likely suspect.

In order to save her boyfriend, Karen must figure out what Sally was looking for in the library and what Caldwell was doing up in the middle of the night. A story of intrigue and revenge, Death Overdue is a page-turning mystery featuring a loveable heroine who loves books almost as much as she loves her man.

256 pages, Paperback

First published November 5, 2013

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486 people want to read

About the author

Mary Lou Kirwin

3 books62 followers

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5 stars
64 (12%)
4 stars
168 (32%)
3 stars
214 (41%)
2 stars
55 (10%)
1 star
17 (3%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 112 reviews
Profile Image for Wanda Pedersen.
2,307 reviews370 followers
May 30, 2019
While this is a good cozy mystery, it really doesn’t live up to the charm of the first volume. Perhaps part of the problem is that Karen and Caldwell seem to have settled in as a couple, removing that source of tension from the plot. Add to that the fact that this plot seems to be a mere inversion of the plot of the previous book--in Killer Librarian, it was Karen who was under suspicion of killing her ex-boyfriend, Dave the plumber. This time around, Caldwell’s former woman pops back up in their B&B, accompanied by her Italian fiance, and ends up dead under a tipped-over bookcase.

Kirwin gives a tip of the hat to Agatha Christie, as she has Karen assemble all those involved in a Poirot-like reveal at the end of the book, but there is little time given to the book-love that brought Karen to London in the first place and cemented her relationship with Caldwell. The first volume also was somewhat amusing, with Karen’s pursuit of her cheating ex and a pair of eccentric sisters also staying in the B&B. That humour was missing from this volume and it suffered a bit from that lack.

I have to also say that although Karen & Caldwell are sharing a bed and are considering spending life together, the reader never observes them do more than kiss. Not that it’s necessary, but I just found it odd that their physical relationship received such short shrift.

Cozy mysteries really aren’t my thing--I prefer darker mysteries, preferably with forensics involved. I am always willing, however, to read a book featuring a library or librarian, so I had to give it a try. Although I can see where there is potential for future volumes involving Karen Nash, I am also unsurprised that there hasn’t been another volume published since 2013.
Profile Image for Linda C.
2,501 reviews4 followers
December 6, 2020
I was interested in reading the second and last in this series because I liked ending of the first book. As a retired librarian I felt and affinity and liked the sort of laid back style of the romance that developed between Karen and Caldwell and wanted to see where it would go. Well laid back doesn't describe their connection in this book. I was bored. They were deciding on a future but felt like a long married couple. The death of Caldwell's former business partner in his B & B just after announcing she wants her half of the business makes him a suspect. There are limited number of suspects so didn't take much to figure things out. Altogether a plod.
Profile Image for Grey853.
1,555 reviews61 followers
March 7, 2014
I rated this barely a two. It's the second book in the Killer Librarian series. I didn't much care for the first one because it was more romance than mystery and the main character was too whiny. I gave this a chance, but it's sadly more of the same.

We join Karen and her new boyfriend Caldwell as they're trying to figure out their relationship. Will they be a couple, sell the B&B, and open up a new bookshop in England? If not, will she return to Minnesota and leave her new man?

The wrench in the works happens when her boyfriend's ex shows up and wants him to buy her out of her half of the B&B. She left seven years before cleaning out their bank account and verbally telling him the B&B was his, so you can imagine his shock. Before they can work out what to do, the ex is killed under a fallen bookcase. Of course Caldwell becomes the prime suspect.

I had a lot of issues with the book. As in the first one, the ratio between romance to mystery is lopsided. The second problem is that much of the narrative is dry, especially the inquest section. The third big problem is that the characters aren't well developed and come across as one dimensional. Lastly, I knew who the killer was about halfway through.

I gave it a two instead of a one because there is potential here. It's a great idea and the main characters of Karen and Caldwell aren't bad. I just wish there were more mystery and development.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
Profile Image for Dawn.
570 reviews12 followers
February 8, 2020
Karen Nash is back in London with her new boyfriend, Caldwell Perkins. She has taken a leave from her job as a librarian in Golden Valley, MN to see if there is promise in this relationship. The two are planning to open a vintage book shop with the proceeds from the sale of Caldwell’s B&B. A wrench is thrown in the works when Caldwell’s ex-girlfriend Sally arrives to lay claim to the B&B. Sally arrives with her current beau, a handsome Italian, in tow. To make matters worse, the couple has reserved a room at the B&B.
The evening of Sally’s arrival is filled with horror when a heavy bookcase topples over and kills the woman. The death appears suspicious and soon everyone in the B&B is a suspect. Soon Caldwell is arrested for murder and Karen must figure out what really happened and who is responsible.
This is the second and last book in the Killer Librarian series by Mary Lou Kirwin. I enjoyed the first book and the second did not disappoint. I recommend this book and the first. I wish there was a next book to look forward to. The characters are written well and believable. I enjoy the setting in the B and B situated in a quiet London neighborhood. The plot moves at a steady pace. There was never a lull that made me want to set the book down. I enjoyed the idea of Karen and Caldwell opening a vintage book shop. I was already thinking about what might happen in the next book when I looked for a title and found it was never completed. I have found other mysteries (that don’t appear to be cozy) written as Mary Logue. I may pick one up and give it a try.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
1,015 reviews24 followers
March 14, 2018
Transplant librarian Karen Nash is deciding whether to take up her love's "proposal" to open a bookstore with him and stay on as his partner. Locations and the sale of his current B&B are being contemplated to finance the venture. What is not in the planning is his ex-girlfriend/partner showing up after 7 years abandonment and pilferage and staking claim in 1/2 the equity. When she is found dead under a bookshelve of rare books, all hands on deck are suspect.
It's a classic whodunnit with Karen at the helm. A quick read that could have been fleshed out more with character building, scenery and just more place viewing, still, a lively read and good between book against those that drain the psyche.
Profile Image for Cheryl.
6,600 reviews240 followers
November 3, 2013
Karen and her boyfriend, Caldwell are in the stages of looking to sell the B&B that Caldwell and his ex opened together and start their own bookshop. Before they can take two steps forward, Caldwell's ex appears back into their lives. She wants the B&B.

Before Caldwell can process the reappearance of his ex, she is found murdered by a book case. Caldwell becomes the prime suspect. It will be up to Karen to clear his name, if they want their happy ever after.

I have not read the first book in this series. However this book can be read as a stand alone novel. The only thing that you would miss from the first book I would say is just the relationship structure of Karen and Caldwell. Which to be honest, I was not really feeling Karen and Caldwell's relationship. Maybe it works for them to not admit they are a couple when it is obvious to others that they are and be so casual about it. However for me, I was wanting to see some of that tenderness between the two.

It seemed that the only one smart enough to solve the case was Karen. Everyone else was just there. Kind of like the board game Clue. You needed a bunch of suspects but none of them were really the main characters. I did think that this book is a nice cozy, mystery read.
Profile Image for Ursa.
122 reviews51 followers
December 16, 2015
This book is categorized as "cozy mystery" and I did get that feeling reading it. Or it might be due to the fact I was lying snug under my blankets at that time. Either way, I'm wondering whether "cozy" in this context is an euphemism for "juvenile & make-believe" because that what this book is--mystery that generates neither anticipation, atmosphere or complexity. I don't ask for gritty or grotesque description, but the writing of this book makes a murder sounds like part of a doll tea party, the narrator just sounds hilariously bored or unimpressed upon discovering the body.

Truth to be told, I skipped one third of the book and still identified the perpetrator miles before it was revealed. What else? Oh stereotypical portrayal of librarians and book lovers, paper-thin romance and nonexistent characterization. I also didn't care for the ending in which the heroine took a big leap to alter her lifestyle, like almost completely, for marriage. Well, nothing is wrong with a woman taking the initiative in a relationship, it's just that the book fails to convince me that their romance is worthwhile.

Having said so, it's not a terrible book, just overly simple to my liking. If you're interested in a tame and breezy detective story, this book could be it.





Profile Image for Star.
1,290 reviews61 followers
January 7, 2014
DEATH OVERDUE is the second book in the Killer Librarian series and Karen Nash is back in London. She’s deciding if she and Caldwell can make a go of their relationship and of opening a bookstore together. As they are talking through plans, Sally Burroughs, Caldwell’s ex-girlfriend and ex-business partner shows up and wants the B&B back. Before they have a chance to discuss this all, Sally is found dead by Caldwell, killed by a bookshelf in his private library. Caldwell is accused of the crime and Karen has decided it’s up to her to discover the truth about the murder.

Touted as a cozy mystery, DEATH OVERDUE is just that – cozy. Don’t expect a lot of romance or action from this book or outstanding characters. I did like DEATH OVERDUE better than the first book, KILLER LIBRARIAN, but I think that’s because I had the set-up from the first book. Played out like a real-life game of Clue, Karen uses her powers of research and observation to track down the true killer. I do like the fact that Karen is a middle-aged woman who is planning on starting a new life with Caldwell. DEATH OVERDUE is a quiet mystery with an interesting twist when it’s discovered who perpetrated the crime.
Profile Image for Melodie.
1,278 reviews84 followers
March 28, 2015
I liked this one okay, but not near as good as the first one. I was able to figure out the killer immediately, and in this case, it took a lot away from the story for me. If there is another of these I'll probably read it, solely on the strength of the first one. Had I only read this one, I'd never bother with another.
Profile Image for itskaileysworld.
353 reviews1 follower
December 18, 2023
As librarians we know our stuff!

Karen holds a special place in my heart. Really enjoyed this series. Her and Caldwell are just perfect for eachother.

The plot thickens as to who killed Sally. Sleuthing around that Karen is on the case!

So good.
422 reviews8 followers
March 9, 2014
Speedy summer read. Very predictable
Profile Image for Ann.
1,436 reviews
October 7, 2021
I like this series and hope there are more episodes coming. The story combines a mystery (even though it was a bit obvious who done it) with a charming love story proving that aging people can still fall in love. Well done

In the second novel in the “engaging” (Booklist) cozy library mystery series, Karen must work to clear her beau’s name after his ex-girlfriend is killed by a falling bookshelf while staying at his inn.

Spunky librarian Karen Nash is back in London and planning to open a bookstore with her beau, Caldwell Perkins, who owns a B&B. Unexpectedly, Sally, Caldwell’s tall, gorgeous, and blonde ex-girlfriend shows up—possibly to reclaim the B&B—and just maybe Caldwell, too. Sally’s current boyfriend, Alfredo, joins her, and they take a room.

That night, Karen is awakened by a horrible crash. Caldwell isn’t in bed with her. She rushes out to the hall to find him standing in the doorway of the inn’s library with a look of horror on his face. Inside the room all Karen can see is a woman’s hand sticking out from under a massive pile of pages and wood. While Sally’s death appears an accident, Karen finds it hard to believe. How did the heavy oak bookshelf topple over? Karen fears Sally has been murdered. The detective on the case comes to the same conclusion and decides Caldwell is the most likely suspect.

In order to save her boyfriend, Karen must figure out what Sally was looking for in the library and what Caldwell was doing up in the middle of the night. A story of intrigue and revenge, Death Overdue is a page-turning mystery featuring a loveable heroine who loves books almost as much as she loves her man.
Profile Image for Lizzie.
336 reviews19 followers
November 4, 2021
I actually liked this one better than the first one. I don’t know if it was just the right time for me to be reading this or what.

I started it, read some chapters, put it down for a few weeks, read other books, then picked it back up.

I enjoyed it more when I picked it back up.

This mystery doesn’t have a lot of “adventure” or life threatening situations, it’s just an easy read with likable characters.

Karen is likable to me. She’s sensible. Smart. Determined. And a librarian.

I rated this 4 stars because when it was over I was disappointed that there wasn’t a third book. It doesn’t look like this author has written anything else. I am sad about that. I wanted to read more of Karen and Caldwell.
1,011 reviews10 followers
August 24, 2018
Surprisingly enjoyable. Karen is back in England with Caldwell trying to decide if she wants to move there permanently and open a book store with him. His ex-girlfriend shows up and of course someone ends up dead. Karen solves the mystery in the end. Made me think though about how many cozy mysteries have a librarian as the heroine- or hero. Do women wish to be librarians? As a librarian I must say it is a good job but not nearly as thrilling as all these mystery books make it out to be! (P.S. my daughter would jump at the chance to move to England!)
Profile Image for Connie Hansmeyer.
258 reviews
July 13, 2020
A nice 'cozy' murder mystery. Who done it in the Library with a book case of books? All suspects are staying at a B 'n B in London. The protagonist, Karen Nash a librarian from the USA, works to solve the mystery because she is in love with the B 'n B owner Caldwell. It's a low key non thriller mystery with enjoyable characters. Karen solves the mystery in a Hercule Poirot fashion by pulling all suspects and police into a room and tells how the murder took place and why. SPOILER: I'm a sucker for a happy ending.
Profile Image for Ryan Hoffman.
1,215 reviews1 follower
March 3, 2024
The second in this series has Karen Nash, a former libarian from Minnesota now living in London at the B&B of her beau Caldwell Perkins. Currently the tow are working on opening up a bookshop. An ex of Caldwell, Sally shows up at the B&B to cause trouble and then finds herself under a bookcase in his library and the police include the DCI investigating the case believe that Caldwell is guilty. There are two other guest, Sally's sister Penelope and also Sally's current beau Alfredo. It had a great mystery like the first book and liked the characters. A treat of a cozy mystery
Profile Image for Kim Sasso.
512 reviews36 followers
May 21, 2023
Ew. My expectations are not terribly high for cozy mysteries and I'm a sucker for books about books....but three very short chapters in and I hate everyone, including the writer. I can't blame this one on "a reading slump." I am just absolutely not the target audience for this book. If I'd read the back cover more carefully I'd have known...it's about a "sassy" librarian and her "squeeze," Caldwell.
Profile Image for Sarah Mae.
686 reviews31 followers
November 3, 2017
Plot and character were even weaker than the first book. Motivation of the killer is lacking.

Librarian Karen Nash is back in England with her beau. Just as they are deciding whether to sell the B&B and start a used/rare bookstore, his ex and old partner shows up demanding half the business and then winds up dead, crushed under a bookcase.
Profile Image for Jenna.
2,010 reviews20 followers
April 29, 2018
2.5 stars

this wasn't as great as the first one but still a good series.

it has short chapters and moves quickly.

it was nice to see the relationship b/w Karen and Caldwell continue. You want to root for them to be successful.
and poor karen, another dead body on her holiday in england.

i hope there will be more in the series.
Profile Image for Melissa.
1,156 reviews1 follower
March 5, 2019
Karen returns to London to open a bookshop with Caldwell but Caldwell's long-lost girlfriend returns wreaking havoc. When she is murdered the culprit has to be found. Book ends with two weddings. I really liked this cozy series but the auhor hasn't written anything since 2013...so perhaps this will be he last of the series. Recommended.
758 reviews
March 12, 2019
Easy reading, I liked the short chapters. They may have short but they kept you reading. Librarian Karen Nash is trying to decide if the life in London is for her when a bookcase falls on her new boyfriend's ex girlfriend killing her. Karen feels something is not right and starts researching the other guests at the bed and breakfast
Profile Image for Nina Cast.
377 reviews3 followers
May 25, 2021
I forgot I already read this one, didn't like it because I'm not a big fan of including ghosts in the story (I want my mysteries to be at least somewhat plausible!), but apparently forgot to add a date and managed to have this as my only downloaded book for my hour long commute one day last week. Ugh.
Profile Image for Peter  Hanson.
101 reviews
March 15, 2025
A fun mystery

This is a fun mystery. I like the contrast between Minnesota and Brit language and customs. The books and literary references are enjoyable. And the characters, their interactions and their growth are believable and interesting. I enjoy a story with a female protagonist.
Profile Image for Jessica.
604 reviews19 followers
June 18, 2017
It wasn't awful, but it wasn't all that great either. There wasn't much sleuthing and the mystery itself was a bit of a disappointment since it was pretty obvious from almost the beginning who the murderer was. The romance was lukewarm at best. Basically a big meh all around.
Profile Image for Debbie.
1,679 reviews
October 20, 2017
ho-hum - if you read mysteries you will know who the killer is as soon as the murder is discovered. That's not necessarily a bad thing - after all there are only so many characters in the story and one of them has to be the murderer. But over all it was just kind of ho-hum.
1,878 reviews8 followers
May 12, 2018
Spent a long time working on this one. Spotted the killer very early on but kept hoping that the story would get better. But a too long tale with just little interest in the main characters. Read book some time ago and was not overly impressed with it.
Profile Image for Lynn.
369 reviews14 followers
July 13, 2018
3.5 stars - a quick cozy mystery read, in the style of Agatha Christie, keeps you guessing until the end. Everyone has a motive but who has the most to lose? A great read for bibliophiles, with great descriptive writing encapsulating the love of books!
Profile Image for Karen.
167 reviews2 followers
January 16, 2020
Nice little cozy mystery that I had figured out about a third of the way in. No depth to the characters but nice atmosphere. Even learned about a new author I wanted to read. Good for a cold winters night, decent writing job.
Profile Image for Carrie McCullough Jenkins.
60 reviews9 followers
April 18, 2020
I loved both of the novels in this series. Karen is a down-to-earth librarian who is back in London after her exciting trip there just six months earlier. She hardly has time to ponder her future with her B and B beau when a dead body spoils their plans.
Profile Image for Diane.
1,160 reviews
July 12, 2022
I enjoyed this book because when it comes to libraries, people who love books I'm hooked.
It was a little boring at one point but I figured out who killed Sally just when Karen figured
it out. Easy reading and enjoyable.
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