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Lakeside Library Mystery #3
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library
Perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Ellery Adams, Rain Wilmot must find a novel solution in order to catch another killer—before her book club members are picked off one by one.
Summer is in full swing as tourists flock back to the Northwoods and travel to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. For Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back her mother’s summer book club. But the summer sun starts to really heat up when one of the club’s members, Lily Redlin, is found dead in her own home not long after the first meeting.
Alongside her sidekick and neighbor Julia Reynolds and the charming Jace Lowe, Rain discovers that the murder is seemingly inspired by the book club’s recent selection of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel, Sparkling Cyanide. But who would kill Lily, and more importantly, why?
The deeper Rain goes into the story, the more confusing and complicated the plot becomes. Was Lily murdered to cover up a tragic accident involving an old classmate years earlier? Or were the rumors true—did Lily really possess priceless original Laura Ingles Wilder manuscripts and someone killed her for them? And who stands to gain the recently inherited piece of waterfront property that Lily received from a long-lost relative?
With a long list of suspects and motives, Rain realizes that all leads come back to people involved in the book club. Rain and her friends take a page from Agatha Christie’s book by hosting a reenactment of the club’s first meeting to flush out the killer. Will Rain’s plan succeed—or will this librarian’s book be checked out for good?
Summer is in full swing as tourists flock back to the Northwoods and travel to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. For Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back her mother’s summer book club. But the summer sun starts to really heat up when one of the club’s members, Lily Redlin, is found dead in her own home not long after the first meeting.
Alongside her sidekick and neighbor Julia Reynolds and the charming Jace Lowe, Rain discovers that the murder is seemingly inspired by the book club’s recent selection of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel, Sparkling Cyanide. But who would kill Lily, and more importantly, why?
The deeper Rain goes into the story, the more confusing and complicated the plot becomes. Was Lily murdered to cover up a tragic accident involving an old classmate years earlier? Or were the rumors true—did Lily really possess priceless original Laura Ingles Wilder manuscripts and someone killed her for them? And who stands to gain the recently inherited piece of waterfront property that Lily received from a long-lost relative?
With a long list of suspects and motives, Rain realizes that all leads come back to people involved in the book club. Rain and her friends take a page from Agatha Christie’s book by hosting a reenactment of the club’s first meeting to flush out the killer. Will Rain’s plan succeed—or will this librarian’s book be checked out for good?
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Published August 8, 2023
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About the author
Holly Danvers
5 books234 followersBook TWO in the Little White Lies series, LIE IN THE BAY releases June 2026.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 224 reviews
August 5, 2023
The third book in the Lakeside Library series and I have read all of them.
Rain, in her position as Librarian at the Lakeside Library, decides to set up a book club at the library. The first meeting goes reasonably well with a few minor confrontations between the attendees, but, later the same night, one of the people present is murdered. There are clues that indicate one of the other book club members must be responsible, so Rain and her best friend Julia begin their own investigation.
The mystery is well done and there are many red herrings as each of the club members' past histories have to be examined individually. Julia's brother Jace is also the policeman dealing with the case and he and Rain actually manage to move their romance a little further forward.
I am enjoying this series - nice, friendly characters, a library setting and now a new dog called Benzo. He is pictured on the cover. I look forward to book 4.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Rain, in her position as Librarian at the Lakeside Library, decides to set up a book club at the library. The first meeting goes reasonably well with a few minor confrontations between the attendees, but, later the same night, one of the people present is murdered. There are clues that indicate one of the other book club members must be responsible, so Rain and her best friend Julia begin their own investigation.
The mystery is well done and there are many red herrings as each of the club members' past histories have to be examined individually. Julia's brother Jace is also the policeman dealing with the case and he and Rain actually manage to move their romance a little further forward.
I am enjoying this series - nice, friendly characters, a library setting and now a new dog called Benzo. He is pictured on the cover. I look forward to book 4.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
August 5, 2023
As Rain Wilmot, Lakeside Library owner, and her best friend Julia, wait for the book club members to arrive for the discussion on Sparkling Cyanide, an Agatha Christie classic, they had no idea what was to follow. When Lily was found dead after the get together, poison was determined. Was it copying the plot of Agatha Christie's book? Rain and Julia were determined to discover who killed Lily and why.
With Julia's brother Jace the Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, cop, both Julia and Rain thought they'd hear what was going on in the investigation. But Jace was close lipped, so the need to find the answers themselves became urgent. Was it one of the book club members? Or was it a stranger - someone not connected to the book club?
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is the 3rd in the Lakeside Library Mystery series by Holly Danvers and I enjoyed it. I must say though - both Rain and Julia flew headfirst into danger, without much thought about it first! Silly girls! Rain's new dog, a gorgeous rescue called Benzo, was adorable. I'm looking forward to #4 already :)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
With Julia's brother Jace the Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, cop, both Julia and Rain thought they'd hear what was going on in the investigation. But Jace was close lipped, so the need to find the answers themselves became urgent. Was it one of the book club members? Or was it a stranger - someone not connected to the book club?
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is the 3rd in the Lakeside Library Mystery series by Holly Danvers and I enjoyed it. I must say though - both Rain and Julia flew headfirst into danger, without much thought about it first! Silly girls! Rain's new dog, a gorgeous rescue called Benzo, was adorable. I'm looking forward to #4 already :)
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
December 25, 2022
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is the 3rd book in the Lakeside Library Mysteries. I have read this series from the beginning. it takes place in the town of Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. Rain Wilmot runs the library that her grandfather started. Her friend Julia Reynolds lives next door with her husband, Nick. . They have been friends since they were young. Rain decides that she would like to have her first summer book club. Marge Duncan works for her and is also the library treasurer. Jace is Julia's brother is a policeman. He and Rain in the story become boy and girl friend. Hannah who is a traveling nurse who is taking care of Alex Shields missed the first meeting but later joins the book club.
Julia has her first meeting of the book club. The members are Kim Rogers, Lily Redlin, Shelby Sullivan, Naomi Mosley, a realtor, Chelsea McAdams and Ruth Thompson.. There is a conflict between Lily and Kim at the first meeting. Lily is very negative. The next day Julia and Rain were concerned about Lily being upset and decide to go to her house and see if she is alright. When they go they find her door is open so Julia calls Jace and ask that he come over. While waiting for Jace they push the door open and see Lily on the floor dead. Jace and the girls go into the house and look around. They find two glasses. They also see a letter from a lawyer James R. Schultz.
Jace comes to Rain's house and has a dog named Benzo. He is a husky whose owner had been killed in an auto accident. He was taking him to the shelter but Rain decides she would like to keep him. While there Jace tells her that Lily was poisoned. He tells her that the library will have to be closed for the time being. Julia and Rain realizes that someone in the book club or connected to the library had something to do with Lily's death. There is so much that is happening in the story that it would be hard to put it all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy and find out who killed Lily and why. It builds up to an exciting ending that leads the reader on an adventure.
Thank you NetGallely and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Julia has her first meeting of the book club. The members are Kim Rogers, Lily Redlin, Shelby Sullivan, Naomi Mosley, a realtor, Chelsea McAdams and Ruth Thompson.. There is a conflict between Lily and Kim at the first meeting. Lily is very negative. The next day Julia and Rain were concerned about Lily being upset and decide to go to her house and see if she is alright. When they go they find her door is open so Julia calls Jace and ask that he come over. While waiting for Jace they push the door open and see Lily on the floor dead. Jace and the girls go into the house and look around. They find two glasses. They also see a letter from a lawyer James R. Schultz.
Jace comes to Rain's house and has a dog named Benzo. He is a husky whose owner had been killed in an auto accident. He was taking him to the shelter but Rain decides she would like to keep him. While there Jace tells her that Lily was poisoned. He tells her that the library will have to be closed for the time being. Julia and Rain realizes that someone in the book club or connected to the library had something to do with Lily's death. There is so much that is happening in the story that it would be hard to put it all on paper. I will leave it to the reader to enjoy and find out who killed Lily and why. It builds up to an exciting ending that leads the reader on an adventure.
Thank you NetGallely and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
February 2, 2023
Wonderful, 5 Star cozy mystery! It features a library, a book club who meets on a deck overlooking a lovely lake, characters you’ll like rooting for, and an intriguing murder mystery.
This third story in Author Danvers Lakeside Library cozy series is plotted around the murder of a new book club member who just moved into a house at the lake. Protagonist, Rain Wilmot and her best friend, Julia Reynolds, feel like someone in the book group might have committed the murder, but why? The group was discussing the book, “Sparkling Cyanide” by Agatha Christie and it appears the killer is following the classic plot.
The story moves at a rapid pace with action scenes, humor, and interesting dialogue—all of which hold one’s attention. Beautiful scenery descriptions fill the scenes in between Rain and Julia’s determined efforts to figure out the villain before the book club gets a bad reputation. Jace, Julia’s brother is a local law official and is keen on Rain as he helps with the investigation. It turns out, a cold case from years before will have an impact on the current murder as the layers Danvers has built the mystery on begin to reveal the connections.
This story captivated me from the beginning and throughout all the intriguing surprises that spring up in the book. I highly recommend this cozy to mystery readers. The author also generously provides delicious recipes to try.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
This third story in Author Danvers Lakeside Library cozy series is plotted around the murder of a new book club member who just moved into a house at the lake. Protagonist, Rain Wilmot and her best friend, Julia Reynolds, feel like someone in the book group might have committed the murder, but why? The group was discussing the book, “Sparkling Cyanide” by Agatha Christie and it appears the killer is following the classic plot.
The story moves at a rapid pace with action scenes, humor, and interesting dialogue—all of which hold one’s attention. Beautiful scenery descriptions fill the scenes in between Rain and Julia’s determined efforts to figure out the villain before the book club gets a bad reputation. Jace, Julia’s brother is a local law official and is keen on Rain as he helps with the investigation. It turns out, a cold case from years before will have an impact on the current murder as the layers Danvers has built the mystery on begin to reveal the connections.
This story captivated me from the beginning and throughout all the intriguing surprises that spring up in the book. I highly recommend this cozy to mystery readers. The author also generously provides delicious recipes to try.
I honestly reviewed an unedited digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own.
June 13, 2023
It was fun to return to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin and the little library on the lake run by Rain Wilmot. She and her best friend, Julia Reynolds, make a fun and mischievous pair of crime solvers, even though they seem to get pulled in accidentally each time. This is their third adventure in the Lakeside Library Mystery Book series, and I'm happy to say I've read and enjoyed all of these cozy mysteries.
Description:
Summer is in full swing as tourists flock back to the Northwoods and travel to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. For Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back her mother’s summer book club. But the summer sun starts to really heat up when one of the club’s members, Lily Redlin, is found dead in her own home not long after the first meeting.
Alongside her sidekick and neighbor Julia Reynolds and the charming Jace Lowe, Rain discovers that the murder is seemingly inspired by the book club’s recent selection of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel, Sparkling Cyanide. But who would kill Lily, and more importantly, why?
The deeper Rain goes into the story, the more confusing and complicated the plot becomes. Was Lily murdered to cover up a tragic accident involving an old classmate years earlier? Or were the rumors true—did Lily really possess priceless original Laura Ingles Wilder manuscripts and someone killed her for them? And who stands to gain the recently inherited piece of waterfront property that Lily received from a long-lost relative?
With a long list of suspects and motives, Rain realizes that all leads come back to people involved in the book club. Rain and her friends take a page from Agatha Christie’s book by hosting a reenactment of the club’s first meeting to flush out the killer. Will Rain’s plan succeed—or will this librarian’s book be checked out for good?
My thoughts:
The characters and the setting are fun to return to with each installment of this series. The banter between Rain and Julia is witty. Their adventures sometimes make me laugh. I liked the initiative of creating the book club and the way the book club became involved in a mystery. The relationship between Rain and jace developed a little more - will Rain find love again after her husband's death? This is a good cozy series and I hope Holly Danvers has much more to come for Lofty Pines!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 8, 2023.
Description:
Summer is in full swing as tourists flock back to the Northwoods and travel to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. For Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back her mother’s summer book club. But the summer sun starts to really heat up when one of the club’s members, Lily Redlin, is found dead in her own home not long after the first meeting.
Alongside her sidekick and neighbor Julia Reynolds and the charming Jace Lowe, Rain discovers that the murder is seemingly inspired by the book club’s recent selection of Agatha Christie’s classic mystery novel, Sparkling Cyanide. But who would kill Lily, and more importantly, why?
The deeper Rain goes into the story, the more confusing and complicated the plot becomes. Was Lily murdered to cover up a tragic accident involving an old classmate years earlier? Or were the rumors true—did Lily really possess priceless original Laura Ingles Wilder manuscripts and someone killed her for them? And who stands to gain the recently inherited piece of waterfront property that Lily received from a long-lost relative?
With a long list of suspects and motives, Rain realizes that all leads come back to people involved in the book club. Rain and her friends take a page from Agatha Christie’s book by hosting a reenactment of the club’s first meeting to flush out the killer. Will Rain’s plan succeed—or will this librarian’s book be checked out for good?
My thoughts:
The characters and the setting are fun to return to with each installment of this series. The banter between Rain and Julia is witty. Their adventures sometimes make me laugh. I liked the initiative of creating the book club and the way the book club became involved in a mystery. The relationship between Rain and jace developed a little more - will Rain find love again after her husband's death? This is a good cozy series and I hope Holly Danvers has much more to come for Lofty Pines!
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy. This book will be published on August 8, 2023.
January 10, 2024
This is a fun installment when Rain starts a book club @ the library! I love Wisconsin for a cozy location, the mystery was fast paced, and left me guessing. I recommend this book to cozy mystery lovers!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Holly Danvers and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
I would like to thank netgalley, the author Holly Danvers and the publisher for the opportunity to review this book!
January 2, 2023
I love the idea of this unique library and the settings and characters make it an enjoyable book. Rain oversees the little library with the help of her friends, however, they have been known to become involved in local murder investigations. This is the style of cozy mystery that makes my heart flutter whenever I see a new title available. This is a must read series and I would suggest reading them in order so you don't miss anything. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of the book. #ReadtoDeathattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
February 6, 2023
A unique library is the charming setting for this fun cozy mystery. Rain Wilmot and her Lakeside Library patrons are looking forward to a relaxing summer. When a member of Rain's book club is found murdered, it's anything but relaxing. Combine the mysterious death with the book the club was reading and you have a mystery that will keep you guessing. By the way, the book was Agatha Christie's Sparkling Cyanide!
Rain is a likable character who is believable and fun. There's romance but it doesn't overshadow mystery and the reenactment of the crime, by the book club members, kept me reading and guessing. A perfect cozy for summer or a cold winter's day!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
Rain is a likable character who is believable and fun. There's romance but it doesn't overshadow mystery and the reenactment of the crime, by the book club members, kept me reading and guessing. A perfect cozy for summer or a cold winter's day!
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 12, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
What happens when the book your book club just read and discussed looks to have been the inspiration for the murder of one of the club's members? Well, the members of the Lakeside Library Book Club are about to find out.
Rain's mother hosted a summer book club for years and Rain thought it was time to bring that back. Their first read was Sparkling Cyanide by Agathe Christie. A lively discussion was had but Rain never imagined one of the members would be found dead in their new lakeside cabin the next day.
Rain and her BFF Julia, try to do some investigating on their own, much to the despair of their significant others. Was the woman killed for something that happened in her past? Or did she really have a priceless manuscript someone was willing to kill her for? Or was it an unknown relative mentioned in a letter she had just received the thing that led to her death?
In their quest to find the truth Rain and Julia realize it all comes back to the book club. Well since Agatha Christie's book set up the means for the killing they decide to use Dame Agatha's way to expose the killer. Will it work? Or will the tables be turned on Rain and Julia and conclude with their and the book club's demise?
______
With every book in this series, the core characters become nearer and dearer. Rain and Julia truly are best friends who have each other's backs come hell or high water and water was definitely an issue in this story. They are also there for their friend Marge who is starting to have some age-related issues. Julia's husband Nick is a great handyman to have around and her brother, police officer, Jace Lowe is on the case while he and Rain start to talk about their feelings for each other. I am loving the way these characters continue to evolve in realistic ways and at a comfortable pace. All the dialogues ring true to this Wisconsinite too.
Speaking of Wisconsin, Ms. Danvers's descriptions of Lofty Pines in the Northwoods, really take her readers to the lake, on the lake, and the whole surrounding area so well. The sights, sounds, and even smells help bring this story to life. Books like this one help everyone see why vacationing in the area is so appealing, sans the murder, of course.
The murder mystery was very complicated due to the unclear motives. The victim's history was very interesting as is her other house. She was a real bookworm who was very serious about her books. All these "clues" send Rain and Julia in many directions and even Marge helps out. I really enjoy following along with all the clues. The real guilty party was on my suspect list along with a couple of others. The author placed some nice twists that really keep me guessing the whole way. I did like the way the reveal played out as well as the links to the book club book in the mystery. You can't go wrong with Agatha Christie.
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library was a Perfect Escape to the Wisconsin Northwoods with fun and engaging characters and a very well-plotted mystery. The Lakeside Library has become one of my favorite literary libraries especially now with its new four-legged resident. I can't wait to visit again soon.
What happens when the book your book club just read and discussed looks to have been the inspiration for the murder of one of the club's members? Well, the members of the Lakeside Library Book Club are about to find out.
Rain's mother hosted a summer book club for years and Rain thought it was time to bring that back. Their first read was Sparkling Cyanide by Agathe Christie. A lively discussion was had but Rain never imagined one of the members would be found dead in their new lakeside cabin the next day.
Rain and her BFF Julia, try to do some investigating on their own, much to the despair of their significant others. Was the woman killed for something that happened in her past? Or did she really have a priceless manuscript someone was willing to kill her for? Or was it an unknown relative mentioned in a letter she had just received the thing that led to her death?
In their quest to find the truth Rain and Julia realize it all comes back to the book club. Well since Agatha Christie's book set up the means for the killing they decide to use Dame Agatha's way to expose the killer. Will it work? Or will the tables be turned on Rain and Julia and conclude with their and the book club's demise?
______
With every book in this series, the core characters become nearer and dearer. Rain and Julia truly are best friends who have each other's backs come hell or high water and water was definitely an issue in this story. They are also there for their friend Marge who is starting to have some age-related issues. Julia's husband Nick is a great handyman to have around and her brother, police officer, Jace Lowe is on the case while he and Rain start to talk about their feelings for each other. I am loving the way these characters continue to evolve in realistic ways and at a comfortable pace. All the dialogues ring true to this Wisconsinite too.
Speaking of Wisconsin, Ms. Danvers's descriptions of Lofty Pines in the Northwoods, really take her readers to the lake, on the lake, and the whole surrounding area so well. The sights, sounds, and even smells help bring this story to life. Books like this one help everyone see why vacationing in the area is so appealing, sans the murder, of course.
The murder mystery was very complicated due to the unclear motives. The victim's history was very interesting as is her other house. She was a real bookworm who was very serious about her books. All these "clues" send Rain and Julia in many directions and even Marge helps out. I really enjoy following along with all the clues. The real guilty party was on my suspect list along with a couple of others. The author placed some nice twists that really keep me guessing the whole way. I did like the way the reveal played out as well as the links to the book club book in the mystery. You can't go wrong with Agatha Christie.
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library was a Perfect Escape to the Wisconsin Northwoods with fun and engaging characters and a very well-plotted mystery. The Lakeside Library has become one of my favorite literary libraries especially now with its new four-legged resident. I can't wait to visit again soon.
April 10, 2023
My sleuthing skills are improving vastly because I had the killer pegged fairly early on for once!! The ‘why’ was still missing but the author did a great job at ironing out the kinks for the reader! In this book Rain and Julia have started a book club and their first meeting results in an argument between a couple members. Shortly after, one of those members is found dead. ☠️ Can they solve this mystery before they are next? Are they next? Perhaps they should be looking over their shoulders at all times from now on.
I really enjoyed the addition of Benzo!! Rain needed a dog for sure! Also….hearts and romance are in the air and I’m here for it!!
I really enjoyed the addition of Benzo!! Rain needed a dog for sure! Also….hearts and romance are in the air and I’m here for it!!
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August 17, 2023It's here! The latest release in my Lakeside Library Mysteries under the name Holly Danvers! Check it out!! :)
August 20, 2023
"Read to Death at the Lakeside Library" by Holly Danvers is the 3rd book in the A Lakeside Library Mystery series. I just can’t get enough of this series, I loved this book!
Rain Wilmot must find a novel solution in order to catch another killer—before her book club members are picked off one by one.
I really like Rain, and her bff Julia they are relatable, fun and full of shenanigans. As Jace says they are a dangerous combination. I was happy that there is a new addition to the library family Benzo or aka Puppers. I also like the direction Rain’s love life is going …
There were plenty of red herrings, twists, and turns to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next.
I cant wait for the 4th instalment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
Rain Wilmot must find a novel solution in order to catch another killer—before her book club members are picked off one by one.
I really like Rain, and her bff Julia they are relatable, fun and full of shenanigans. As Jace says they are a dangerous combination. I was happy that there is a new addition to the library family Benzo or aka Puppers. I also like the direction Rain’s love life is going …
There were plenty of red herrings, twists, and turns to keep you wanting to find out what will happen next.
I cant wait for the 4th instalment in this series, I highly recommend this to cozy lovers.
I requested and received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my OWN.
November 30, 2023
Most of the suspects are members of the book club, but there are a few red herrings to keep readers guessing the killer's identity. Unfortunately, I knew almost immediately who the culprit was, but this did not distract from my enjoyment in reading the entire book.
This new addition to the series has characters growing emotionally, with Rain and Jace, Julia’s brother and Rain’s love interest, becoming more than just childhood friends. We also get the experience of Rain and her new furry companion learning how to live with each other.
Rain has a way of investigating that can irritate suspects and sometimes readers, but her heart is in the right place. The killer is found, but not before Rain and Julia find themselves in danger once again. Overall, this is an interesting and enjoyable read that fans will appreciate.
This new addition to the series has characters growing emotionally, with Rain and Jace, Julia’s brother and Rain’s love interest, becoming more than just childhood friends. We also get the experience of Rain and her new furry companion learning how to live with each other.
Rain has a way of investigating that can irritate suspects and sometimes readers, but her heart is in the right place. The killer is found, but not before Rain and Julia find themselves in danger once again. Overall, this is an interesting and enjoyable read that fans will appreciate.
February 23, 2023
Where to start with this book!? It was SO good, I could hardly put it down!
As a librarian, I love the idea of having a lakeside library (wish I could work there)! But, on to the review...Rain and Julia are back on a new case in Lofty Pines and this one hits close to home - one of their fellow bookclubbers is killed by the same means as the victim is killed in their first book club book - yowie wowie (something I think Julia would say haha)!
This book had red, green, and blue herrings, but I was able to piece together some of the mystery - the who (after many wrong guesses), part of the how, and part of the why. Greed and money were at the heart of this mystery, as with so many across the board, but Holly Danvers made it interesting and suspenseful - like I said, I could hardly put it down.
I also could NOT stop smiling when Rain and Jace were tiptoeing around each other - so obviously into each other - I can't wait to see what happens with their relationship in the next book.
One of my favorite parts of this story had absolutely nothing to do with the mystery - it was when Rain adopted a husky dog, named Benzo. The husky on the front cover and the description look just like my husky puppy, Loki.
Needless to say, this should definitely be on your TBR list, but read the first two first!
4.9 out of 5 stars.
I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
As a librarian, I love the idea of having a lakeside library (wish I could work there)! But, on to the review...Rain and Julia are back on a new case in Lofty Pines and this one hits close to home - one of their fellow bookclubbers is killed by the same means as the victim is killed in their first book club book - yowie wowie (something I think Julia would say haha)!
This book had red, green, and blue herrings, but I was able to piece together some of the mystery - the who (after many wrong guesses), part of the how, and part of the why. Greed and money were at the heart of this mystery, as with so many across the board, but Holly Danvers made it interesting and suspenseful - like I said, I could hardly put it down.
I also could NOT stop smiling when Rain and Jace were tiptoeing around each other - so obviously into each other - I can't wait to see what happens with their relationship in the next book.
One of my favorite parts of this story had absolutely nothing to do with the mystery - it was when Rain adopted a husky dog, named Benzo. The husky on the front cover and the description look just like my husky puppy, Loki.
Needless to say, this should definitely be on your TBR list, but read the first two first!
4.9 out of 5 stars.
I received an arc from Netgalley for an honest review.
December 17, 2022
I enjoyed this book. I thought the characters were great and the setting is stunning. I liked the twist of who the killer is. I appreciate that the author tied up the loose ends at the end. #ReadtoDeathattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
August 9, 2023
3.5 stars, rounded up
Rain, Julia and Marge have decided to start a book club for the residents of Lofty Pines, and have chosen an Agatha Christie book for their first meeting. When one of their members is found dead soon after the meeting, and the murder seems to have been inspired by their book, Rain and the rest start their own investigation, hoping to uncover a murderer before someone else turns up dead.
This is the third book in the Lakeside Library series, and I liked it as much as the first two books. I love the setting of a small town on a Wisconsin lake, and the descriptions make me feel like I’m there with the characters. I like the recurring characters, although Julia seems a little pushy at times and Marge plays the “poor me, I’m old” card a bit too often.
The murder victim in this story was new to the area, so there weren’t many suspects to consider at first. As they learned more about her, they discovered several avenues that could lead to possible suspects, which added more names to my list. I was suspicious of one character, and that increased as the book progressed, so I wasn’t surprised when the killer’s identity was revealed, but I wasn’t quite right about the motive.
The last part of this book read almost like the end of the series, but I hope that’s not the case. If there are more books, I will certainly read them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Rain, Julia and Marge have decided to start a book club for the residents of Lofty Pines, and have chosen an Agatha Christie book for their first meeting. When one of their members is found dead soon after the meeting, and the murder seems to have been inspired by their book, Rain and the rest start their own investigation, hoping to uncover a murderer before someone else turns up dead.
This is the third book in the Lakeside Library series, and I liked it as much as the first two books. I love the setting of a small town on a Wisconsin lake, and the descriptions make me feel like I’m there with the characters. I like the recurring characters, although Julia seems a little pushy at times and Marge plays the “poor me, I’m old” card a bit too often.
The murder victim in this story was new to the area, so there weren’t many suspects to consider at first. As they learned more about her, they discovered several avenues that could lead to possible suspects, which added more names to my list. I was suspicious of one character, and that increased as the book progressed, so I wasn’t surprised when the killer’s identity was revealed, but I wasn’t quite right about the motive.
The last part of this book read almost like the end of the series, but I hope that’s not the case. If there are more books, I will certainly read them.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
February 27, 2023
Thank you to NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books, and Holly Danvers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library contains all of the elements of a good cozy mystery. I read the first two books in the Lakeside Library Murders after receiving the ARC to get a feel for the whole story. It flowed very well, something that I appreciated even after reading the other books. I love Rain and Julia's friendship and the addition of Jace into their crew as well. I can't wait to see how Rain and Jace's relationship develops and read more from Holly in this series!
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library contains all of the elements of a good cozy mystery. I read the first two books in the Lakeside Library Murders after receiving the ARC to get a feel for the whole story. It flowed very well, something that I appreciated even after reading the other books. I love Rain and Julia's friendship and the addition of Jace into their crew as well. I can't wait to see how Rain and Jace's relationship develops and read more from Holly in this series!
February 13, 2023
This book presents a charming story set in a lively lake town, with likable characters and a light, easy reading style. It is sweet and simple, about lively lake, busy library, best friend beside you, romantic interest ahead of you, cold drinks on hot summer days. However, the behavior of the heroine in solving the crime is unrealistic. The main police detective, who is also a romantic interest and brother of one of the heroines, is kept intentionally in the dark by the main characters. While the genre may dictate a certain level of simplicity, I had higher expectations for this book. Despite these elements, the book has a pleasant atmosphere and is a good choice for those looking for a light, summer read.
Overall, I would rate it 2 stars, mainly because the killer can be guessed way ahead of the reveal and the lack of critical reasoning.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book.
Overall, I would rate it 2 stars, mainly because the killer can be guessed way ahead of the reveal and the lack of critical reasoning.
Thank you to Netgalley for providing me with a copy of the book.
November 11, 2023
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is book three in the Lakeside Murder Mystery series by Holly Danvers. Summer was coming to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, so Rain Wilmot, the owner of Lakeside Library, decided to bring back her mother's summer book club with the help of her friends Julia Reynolds and Jace Lowe and the first chosen to read was Agatha Christie's novel, Sparkling Cyanide. However, to Rain Wilmot's horror, one of the book club members was murdered. To save her book club, Rain decided to investigate. The readers of Death at the Lakeside Library will continue following Rain Wilmot to discover what happens.
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is a fantastic, cozy mystery. I enjoy that Holly Danvers talks about some of my favourite things book clubs, libraries, and pets. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. I love Holly Danvers's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Death at the Lakeside Library is well-written and researched by Holly Danvers. I like Holly Danvers's description of the settings, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Read to Death at the Lakeside Library will learn how to set up a book club. Also, the readers of Read to Death at the Lakeside will learn about living in a small community in Wisconsin.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for my free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library is a fantastic, cozy mystery. I enjoy that Holly Danvers talks about some of my favourite things book clubs, libraries, and pets. I engaged with the story and the characters from the first page. I love Holly Danvers's portrayal of her characters and how they intertwine throughout this book. Death at the Lakeside Library is well-written and researched by Holly Danvers. I like Holly Danvers's description of the settings, which allows me to imagine being part of the book's plot.
The readers of Read to Death at the Lakeside Library will learn how to set up a book club. Also, the readers of Read to Death at the Lakeside will learn about living in a small community in Wisconsin.
Thanks to the author and the publisher for my free ARC copy in exchange for an honest review. I recommend this book.
September 16, 2023
I will start by saying I enjoy the characters and the scenery of where this book is set. I will continue with the series because of those things. However, I really am shocked when people are published that have editors supposedly there to catch things. Repeating phrases constantly, as well as descriptive words where everybody is always grinning apparently.
I am grateful for my library for many reasons, but mostly for borrowing books that would really frustrate me if I had purchased.
I realize this is a review/rant. ;)
I am grateful for my library for many reasons, but mostly for borrowing books that would really frustrate me if I had purchased.
I realize this is a review/rant. ;)
August 11, 2023
Loved this story of book club and murder. I also liked that the tension regarding a boyfriend for Rain was resolved. A good plot with interesting twists. I couldn't put it down!
March 3, 2023
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for giving me access to this book early in return for an honest review.
This is the third book in the Lakeside Library Mystery Series, and the first that I have read. It’s always hard jumping into the series midstream. The author does a really great job at giving enough information about all the characters as they’re introduced that the reader can get a really good feel for who they are regardless of whether they have read the preceding two books or not. I do wish that a bit more about Max, Rain’s deceased husband, was explained. It was the only shortfall of all the character descriptions and does make me want to go back and read the series from the beginning.
This book follows Rain and her best friend Julia as they try to solve the murder of one of their book club members, Lily. There are some delicious twists and turns in this delightful cozy mystery that will keep you guessing with enough crumbs to solve it on your own. There is also an abundance of adorable dogs, a welcome addition to any cozy mystery.
This book was paced really nicely and had a really vidid setting. I love books set in alternative library spaces, like Eva Gates’ Lighthouse Library series. This one is a small converted cottage on a lake which was absolutely charming. I wish we spend a little more time in the library and with its patrons as they are all well fleshed out characters that add a lot to the story.
Overall a very enjoyable read. I’m definitely going to go back to the beginning on this series to read some more.
This is the third book in the Lakeside Library Mystery Series, and the first that I have read. It’s always hard jumping into the series midstream. The author does a really great job at giving enough information about all the characters as they’re introduced that the reader can get a really good feel for who they are regardless of whether they have read the preceding two books or not. I do wish that a bit more about Max, Rain’s deceased husband, was explained. It was the only shortfall of all the character descriptions and does make me want to go back and read the series from the beginning.
This book follows Rain and her best friend Julia as they try to solve the murder of one of their book club members, Lily. There are some delicious twists and turns in this delightful cozy mystery that will keep you guessing with enough crumbs to solve it on your own. There is also an abundance of adorable dogs, a welcome addition to any cozy mystery.
This book was paced really nicely and had a really vidid setting. I love books set in alternative library spaces, like Eva Gates’ Lighthouse Library series. This one is a small converted cottage on a lake which was absolutely charming. I wish we spend a little more time in the library and with its patrons as they are all well fleshed out characters that add a lot to the story.
Overall a very enjoyable read. I’m definitely going to go back to the beginning on this series to read some more.
April 10, 2023
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library Is the 3rd book in the Lakeside Library Mystery series. I hadn’t read the previous two books but had no trouble in immersing myself with the characters.
Set in Wisconsin, USA, widow, Rain Wilmot, who runs the Lakeside Library, decides to start a Bookclub and the story starts with the participants gathering to discuss their first Bookclub book - an Agatha Christie cosy mystery. The group are not all strangers to each other - and discussions get a bit heated and personal. Later that night one of the members, Lily, is found dead - murdered. Rain and her best friend, Julia, find Lily’s body when they go over to apologise for the heated discussion. Rain is worried the members of the Bookclub might be suspects when it is found that Lily was poisoned, just like in the Agatha Christie book.
As with all cosy mystery heroines Rain decides to look into the murder herself but it is not as straightforward as she thought - there are a lot of twists and turns. Was she murdered because she was about to reveal what really happened at a tragic death of a class mate back in high school? Came into the possession of a long lost manuscript? Or, to get access to a waterfront property she had just inherited? As a reader my suspicions swayed back and forth as I decided on different suspects as clues were revealed. I did end up working out who the murderer was, but not until almost at the reveal. The ending was nail biting as our heroine nearly loses her life in pursuit of the truth.
There is the start of a romance, Rain decides she is ready to move on and not mourn her late husband. Julia’s brother, Jace, who just happens to be the local lawman, hints he wants their relationship to move from that of longtime friends to something closer. I really like Rain as a character and her relationship with Julia and Jace. Rain is caring and tenacious and I would love to spend more time with her. Read to Death at the Lakeside Library was a great read and I recommend it.
With thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for my copy to review
Set in Wisconsin, USA, widow, Rain Wilmot, who runs the Lakeside Library, decides to start a Bookclub and the story starts with the participants gathering to discuss their first Bookclub book - an Agatha Christie cosy mystery. The group are not all strangers to each other - and discussions get a bit heated and personal. Later that night one of the members, Lily, is found dead - murdered. Rain and her best friend, Julia, find Lily’s body when they go over to apologise for the heated discussion. Rain is worried the members of the Bookclub might be suspects when it is found that Lily was poisoned, just like in the Agatha Christie book.
As with all cosy mystery heroines Rain decides to look into the murder herself but it is not as straightforward as she thought - there are a lot of twists and turns. Was she murdered because she was about to reveal what really happened at a tragic death of a class mate back in high school? Came into the possession of a long lost manuscript? Or, to get access to a waterfront property she had just inherited? As a reader my suspicions swayed back and forth as I decided on different suspects as clues were revealed. I did end up working out who the murderer was, but not until almost at the reveal. The ending was nail biting as our heroine nearly loses her life in pursuit of the truth.
There is the start of a romance, Rain decides she is ready to move on and not mourn her late husband. Julia’s brother, Jace, who just happens to be the local lawman, hints he wants their relationship to move from that of longtime friends to something closer. I really like Rain as a character and her relationship with Julia and Jace. Rain is caring and tenacious and I would love to spend more time with her. Read to Death at the Lakeside Library was a great read and I recommend it.
With thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for my copy to review
November 13, 2025
Read to Death at the Lakeside Library (Lakeside Library Mystery #3) by Holly Danvers
As Rain Wilmot, Lakeside Library owner, and her best friend Julia, meet for the first book club meeting they waited for the members to arrive for the discussion on Sparkling Cyanide, an Agatha Christie classic, they had no idea what was to follow. When Lily was found dead after they get together, poison was determined. Was it copying the plot of Agatha Christie's book? Rain and Julia were determined to discover who killed Lily and why.
Jace the local police officer and Julia brother is on the case, but can he keep his sister and Rain from interfering with the case? Will Rain and Jace express feeling for each other in a romantic way? So much happening in this book and the reveal of the murderer takes you by surprise you do not instantly suspect the killer.
I like how this cozy mystery flowed and I am always a fan of amateur sleuths who want to involve themselves into solving a crime. Rain and Julia do not disappoint playing this role in the book. I would recommend this book if you were a fan of cozy mysteries.
Thank You to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free copy of Read to Death at the Lakeside Library for an honest review.
As Rain Wilmot, Lakeside Library owner, and her best friend Julia, meet for the first book club meeting they waited for the members to arrive for the discussion on Sparkling Cyanide, an Agatha Christie classic, they had no idea what was to follow. When Lily was found dead after they get together, poison was determined. Was it copying the plot of Agatha Christie's book? Rain and Julia were determined to discover who killed Lily and why.
Jace the local police officer and Julia brother is on the case, but can he keep his sister and Rain from interfering with the case? Will Rain and Jace express feeling for each other in a romantic way? So much happening in this book and the reveal of the murderer takes you by surprise you do not instantly suspect the killer.
I like how this cozy mystery flowed and I am always a fan of amateur sleuths who want to involve themselves into solving a crime. Rain and Julia do not disappoint playing this role in the book. I would recommend this book if you were a fan of cozy mysteries.
Thank You to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for a free copy of Read to Death at the Lakeside Library for an honest review.
September 23, 2023
I'd like to thank NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the Advanced Readers Copy (ARC) of Read To Death At The Lakeside Library (Lakeside Library Mystery, #3) by Holly Danvers. Being a huge Agatha Christie fan, I knew I wanted to read Holly Danvers' latest book since the storyline revolved around one of Christie's novels. When I was approved to receive a copy for free in exchange for my honest review, I was happy.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading Read To Death At The Lakeside Library. It was a super cute and fun read . . . a beach read if you will. The only thing I didn't care for, and it was a minor thing, is when Julia would substitute cute sayings like fiddlesticks instead of the actual curse word.
From the beginning, Holly Danvers gives us lots of clues as to who the murderer was going to be as well as giving the reader a couple of red herrings, but I kept thinking she was doing that to throw us off. For whatever reason, I kept thinking that Marge was somehow going to be the murderer, but I read too much into it and was wrong.
I really enjoyed the characters of Rain and Julia and wanted to be a part of their friend group!! Nick and Jace were really great characters as well. For the most part, all the characters were likable, which is a bit refreshing as I'm getting tired of books that only have unlikable characters.
Five out of five stars is what I gave Read To Death At The Lakeside Library (Lakeside Library Mystery, #3) by Holly Danvers. I can definitely say I will be reading other books in this series and can't wait to see what other mischief Rain and Julia get themselves into.
All in all, I really enjoyed reading Read To Death At The Lakeside Library. It was a super cute and fun read . . . a beach read if you will. The only thing I didn't care for, and it was a minor thing, is when Julia would substitute cute sayings like fiddlesticks instead of the actual curse word.
From the beginning, Holly Danvers gives us lots of clues as to who the murderer was going to be as well as giving the reader a couple of red herrings, but I kept thinking she was doing that to throw us off. For whatever reason, I kept thinking that Marge was somehow going to be the murderer, but I read too much into it and was wrong.
I really enjoyed the characters of Rain and Julia and wanted to be a part of their friend group!! Nick and Jace were really great characters as well. For the most part, all the characters were likable, which is a bit refreshing as I'm getting tired of books that only have unlikable characters.
Five out of five stars is what I gave Read To Death At The Lakeside Library (Lakeside Library Mystery, #3) by Holly Danvers. I can definitely say I will be reading other books in this series and can't wait to see what other mischief Rain and Julia get themselves into.
January 27, 2023
Rain Wimot is running the lakeside library in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. She is excited to host the first book club group discussion on Sparkling Cyanide by Agatha Christie.
Then the next day Lily from the book club is discovered murdered by poison. Could it be someone in the book group is a murderer?
Rain and her best friend Julia will look at all the clues and investigate to figure out who the murder is. I like how they try and re-enact the book club just like they did in the book.
This is first book that I have read by this author and even though this is third in series it works as a stand alone. I was drawn to this book as it gives off Agatha Christie vibes, has a book club, library and takes place in Wisconsin. I enjoyed all the Green Bay Packer references and history of the old fashion drink and recipes in the back of book.
Then the next day Lily from the book club is discovered murdered by poison. Could it be someone in the book group is a murderer?
Rain and her best friend Julia will look at all the clues and investigate to figure out who the murder is. I like how they try and re-enact the book club just like they did in the book.
This is first book that I have read by this author and even though this is third in series it works as a stand alone. I was drawn to this book as it gives off Agatha Christie vibes, has a book club, library and takes place in Wisconsin. I enjoyed all the Green Bay Packer references and history of the old fashion drink and recipes in the back of book.
December 30, 2022
OK, I know I say it every time but here it goes again, I love cozy mysteries. Every time I read one I like them more and more. From the cute titles to the mystery of "who done it" I'm always drawn in to the story line. Now this book had me at the Lakeside Library, and the location did not disappoint! An old log cabin turned library, on the lake, with book club meetings...perfection. That is until one of the book club members is found dead after the first meeting! The book clubs first book is an Agatha Christie novel and the group discusses the fact Visine can help red eyes but it can also be put in a drink to kill someone. The group finds out that Lilly had this compound found in Visine in your toxicology report. Is life imitating art? Did Lilly do this to herself or did someone else? The group won't stop until they seek justice for Lilly.
August 9, 2023
Rain and Julia start a book club at the Lakeside Library, but what happens when one member dies and it appears another member may be a killer! Fabulous twists and turns make this plot a fun one to unravel while following the carefully crafted clues. It is a fun read that ties into an Agatha Christie book that was the chosen read for the club. The characters are so relatable that they feel like old friends that you have gathered to talk books with rather than characters on a page. I have fallen in love with this series and can't wait to see what comes next both in mystery and in the characters personal lives! I do highly recommend starting with book one of the series so that you get both more enjoyment and the full backstory as each book builds a bit more upon the last.
December 24, 2022
Summer is in full swing as tourists flock back to the Northwoods and travel to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin. For Rain Wilmot, owner of the Lakeside Library, this is the perfect opportunity to bring back her mother’s summer book club. But the summer sun starts to really heat up when one of the club’s members, Lily Redlin, is found dead in her own home not long after the first meeting. I love this series the location, characters and all the adventures. It took me a while to guess the murderer. Rain, Julia and Marge all are friends that I would love to have. Finally Rain and Jace are moving outside the friend zone. Benzo is a great addition to this amazing family of characters.
#ReadtoDeathattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
#ReadtoDeathattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
September 14, 2023
It's summer at the Lakeside Library and Rain is holding the first meeting of the book club. But things really heat up when one of the members is found dead.
I liked this mystery because the plot kept me guessing, even though it took a while to get to the end. Rain is a wonderful amateur sleuth who tries to stay out of the way of the police and her hunky boyfriend. Julia, her best friend, is another fun character who always finds herself in deep water during their investigations. I can't wait until the next installment in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy.
I liked this mystery because the plot kept me guessing, even though it took a while to get to the end. Rain is a wonderful amateur sleuth who tries to stay out of the way of the police and her hunky boyfriend. Julia, her best friend, is another fun character who always finds herself in deep water during their investigations. I can't wait until the next installment in this series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy.
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