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Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #10
Death on the Books
Not yet published
Expected 4 Aug 26A sleuthing library director is on the case when a patron drops dead in the tenth installment of Victoria Gilbert’s critically acclaimed Blue Ridge Library mysteries.
When a stranger falls over dead in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a crumpled piece of paper inscribed only with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must once again investigate. She soon learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who just so happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins.
When the autopsy reveals that the library patron was poisoned, suspicion falls on those who knew him—mainly Sanderson, his granddaughter Heather, and Kurt. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Amy digs into the contentious relationships between Kurt and the Sandersons. But as it turns out, suspects abound, and when Amy’s best friend’s boyfriend is implicated, the case becomes even more complicated.
Amy’s research ties the dead man’s note to a lost treasure of the Romanov empire. Then another person falls victim. With the bodies piling up, Amy knows better than anyone that killers often keep killing until they're caught, and she’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of this tangled mystery.
When a stranger falls over dead in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a crumpled piece of paper inscribed only with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must once again investigate. She soon learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who just so happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins.
When the autopsy reveals that the library patron was poisoned, suspicion falls on those who knew him—mainly Sanderson, his granddaughter Heather, and Kurt. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Amy digs into the contentious relationships between Kurt and the Sandersons. But as it turns out, suspects abound, and when Amy’s best friend’s boyfriend is implicated, the case becomes even more complicated.
Amy’s research ties the dead man’s note to a lost treasure of the Romanov empire. Then another person falls victim. With the bodies piling up, Amy knows better than anyone that killers often keep killing until they're caught, and she’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of this tangled mystery.
Kindle Edition
Expected publication August 4, 2026
4 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Gilbert
20 books875 followersVictoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountain, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received this book courtesy of Netgalley for the purpose of a fair and honest review.
Overview: Amy Muir is busy working in the Blue Ridge Library, when a man stumbles inside clutching his throat. Needless to say, no one is happy about that one. The man had a note with him that had the words hen and sapphire written on it. He was also associated with some guests that are currently staying with Kurt Kendrick, the godfather to Amy's children. Could Kurt have anything to do with this case? Can Amy help Brad with the research? And why is Fred Nash missing? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Warren Sanderson doesn't take 'no' for an answer. Everyone told him that Lydia Talbot was not going to sell any of her late husband's, Andrew Talbot's, paintings.
Likes: Kurt did grow a lot. This I can get just by taking him at his word. It's amazing what being a godparent, or parent for that matter, will do for you.
Richard did great with the children. I'm not so sure about holding The Nutcracker tryouts over their heads to keep them from bickering was totally right. But it worked.
Lydia and Hugh were fun. They both found a way to keep young at heart.
Richard got Amy to waltz with him in front of their children, and it was magical.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you are a fan of Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, or just a fan of cozy mysteries in general, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Overview: Amy Muir is busy working in the Blue Ridge Library, when a man stumbles inside clutching his throat. Needless to say, no one is happy about that one. The man had a note with him that had the words hen and sapphire written on it. He was also associated with some guests that are currently staying with Kurt Kendrick, the godfather to Amy's children. Could Kurt have anything to do with this case? Can Amy help Brad with the research? And why is Fred Nash missing? Let's find out.
Dislikes: Warren Sanderson doesn't take 'no' for an answer. Everyone told him that Lydia Talbot was not going to sell any of her late husband's, Andrew Talbot's, paintings.
Likes: Kurt did grow a lot. This I can get just by taking him at his word. It's amazing what being a godparent, or parent for that matter, will do for you.
Richard did great with the children. I'm not so sure about holding The Nutcracker tryouts over their heads to keep them from bickering was totally right. But it worked.
Lydia and Hugh were fun. They both found a way to keep young at heart.
Richard got Amy to waltz with him in front of their children, and it was magical.
Conclusion: This was a fun book. If you are a fan of Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, or just a fan of cozy mysteries in general, then this book is for you. Enjoy the read.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I've actually seen that series hanging out on the library shelves quite a few times. I even browsed through a couple of them before, so I figured it was high time I gave this particular story a proper read!
To be completely upfront, the beginning felt like a bit of a slow climb. I found myself waiting quite a while for the plot to truly kick into gear and really grab my attention; it just didn't quite build that compelling momentum I was hoping for early on.
I'm a massive fan of cozy mysteries, they're usually my absolute go-to for a bit of charming intrigue! But with this one, I just felt like it was missing that special sparkle, that certain 'oomph' that makes the genre so delightful. It seemed to rely a little too much on the central crime to drive the whole narrative, rather than weaving in those fun character moments or clever twists that I usually adore. It left me wishing for a bit more pizzazz!
To be completely upfront, the beginning felt like a bit of a slow climb. I found myself waiting quite a while for the plot to truly kick into gear and really grab my attention; it just didn't quite build that compelling momentum I was hoping for early on.
I'm a massive fan of cozy mysteries, they're usually my absolute go-to for a bit of charming intrigue! But with this one, I just felt like it was missing that special sparkle, that certain 'oomph' that makes the genre so delightful. It seemed to rely a little too much on the central crime to drive the whole narrative, rather than weaving in those fun character moments or clever twists that I usually adore. It left me wishing for a bit more pizzazz!
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Amy is ready to close the library for the evening and just before she does a man walks in and drops in front of her. Dead. There’s nothing she and her coworker can do but soon Amy finds herself working to find out who the man was and why he died in her library..
With a connection to guests staying at Kurt’s house, who want something from her Aunt, Amy finds her late Uncle may have left clues that point to the present day murder. Can Amy figure out what the clues mean before a killer gets the drop on her, or will this be Amy’s final chapter?
This series always leaves me happy when I finish an entry. Amy and Richard’s life moves on and it fits in with the times as they change throughout the series. Having lived in DC and further south in Virginia at points in my life, I really enjoy the series. It’s a combination of a visit back home as well as a mystery that keeps me guessing until the end. Victoria Gilbert knows how to weave a cozy whodunit for sure.
With a connection to guests staying at Kurt’s house, who want something from her Aunt, Amy finds her late Uncle may have left clues that point to the present day murder. Can Amy figure out what the clues mean before a killer gets the drop on her, or will this be Amy’s final chapter?
This series always leaves me happy when I finish an entry. Amy and Richard’s life moves on and it fits in with the times as they change throughout the series. Having lived in DC and further south in Virginia at points in my life, I really enjoy the series. It’s a combination of a visit back home as well as a mystery that keeps me guessing until the end. Victoria Gilbert knows how to weave a cozy whodunit for sure.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Death on the Books by Victoria Gilbert was exactly what I needed. After a stretch of intense thrillers and horror, it was refreshing to pick up something lighter, as light as a murder mystery can be. This cozy mystery felt like the perfect palate cleanser. It was engaging, charming, and easy to sink into.
This was my first time reading Victoria Gilbert, but it definitely will not be my last. I really enjoyed the premise, and it reminded me of another cozy mystery series I love, Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James. If you enjoy that classic Murder, She Wrote feel, this is one to pick up. You will not regret it.
Thank you to Victoria Gilbert, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
This was my first time reading Victoria Gilbert, but it definitely will not be my last. I really enjoyed the premise, and it reminded me of another cozy mystery series I love, Cat in the Stacks by Miranda James. If you enjoy that classic Murder, She Wrote feel, this is one to pick up. You will not regret it.
Thank you to Victoria Gilbert, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the ARC.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
#DeathontheBooks #NetGalley is another exciting book in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries.
Librarian Amy Muir has a habit of becoming involved in murder investigations, so it's no surprise when a stranger stumbles into the library and dies, right in front of her.
Amy enjoys the thrill of the hunt, researching anything that might shed light on the victim and his death.
This is a fun cozy series, with strong characters who play important roles in her investigations.
The dynamics of her marriage and children shines in this story.
Librarian Amy Muir has a habit of becoming involved in murder investigations, so it's no surprise when a stranger stumbles into the library and dies, right in front of her.
Amy enjoys the thrill of the hunt, researching anything that might shed light on the victim and his death.
This is a fun cozy series, with strong characters who play important roles in her investigations.
The dynamics of her marriage and children shines in this story.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
Although book 10, as a new reader to the series, I didn’t find myself confused or wondering what went where or who mattered.
This is a fun book full of all that makes a cozy one of my fave genres - and it’s in a library setting! I enjoyed the twists & turns of the book as well as the surprise ending.
Unfortunately, I loved the characters too much & wanna read the rest of the series. Bad for my wallet but good for the brain, I suppose.
Thank you so much to Victoria Gilbert, Crooked Lane Books, & NetGalley for this entertaining read. :)
This is a fun book full of all that makes a cozy one of my fave genres - and it’s in a library setting! I enjoyed the twists & turns of the book as well as the surprise ending.
Unfortunately, I loved the characters too much & wanna read the rest of the series. Bad for my wallet but good for the brain, I suppose.
Thank you so much to Victoria Gilbert, Crooked Lane Books, & NetGalley for this entertaining read. :)
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very fast paced and cozy read. This is my first book that I have read by Victoria Gilbert. My only complaint was some of the pages felt unnecessary. Other than that, I really enjoyed this book. There were a lot of important and fun characters, Kurt being my absolute favorite.
Thank you NetGalley and Victoria Gilbert for this ARC.
Thank you NetGalley and Victoria Gilbert for this ARC.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
I received a free copy of, Death on the Books, by Victoria Gilbert,from the publisher and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. This is book ten in the Blue Ridge Library series. Amy Muir has a mystery to solve, who is the dead man in her library and who killed him? This was a nice cozy mystery. I liked the characters and the setting.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a very cozy, cute and fast paced, lighthearted murder mystery. I kept turning the pages to see what information would come to light next and to see who really did it. The characters were likeable and the dialogue was realistic and engaging.
Review of advance copy received from NetGalley
This was a captivating and intriguing story in which Amy once again caught the murderer's attention. Faced with decisions that may be hurtful to her family, Amy decided to dress back, but this time it was death that intruded.
Displaying 1 - 10 of 10 reviews