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Library Lover's Mystery #16
Booking for Trouble: A Library Lover’s Mystery
It’s all hands on deck when a dead body is found near the small town of Briar Creek in this Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Murder Plot.
Just off the shores of the coastal Connecticut town of Briar Creek are two small islands, which library director Lindsey Norris visits with her new book-boat, inspired by the bookmobiles she’s seen traveling across the country. Nothing, not even the infamous feud between the families who own the Split Islands, can stop Lindsey from getting books into the hands of readers. But when Lindsey and her boat captain husband, Mike Sullivan, discover a body on the rocky outcropping of one of the islands, Lindsey’s new library venture quickly becomes a murder investigation.
At news of the crime, hostilities between the two families are reignited. Long buried secrets are revealed, tensions spark, and suspects abound. As Lindsey navigates treacherous waters (both literal and metaphorical), she must use her research skills and community ties to solve the murder and bring peace to the islands before her book-boat dreams are sunk.
Just off the shores of the coastal Connecticut town of Briar Creek are two small islands, which library director Lindsey Norris visits with her new book-boat, inspired by the bookmobiles she’s seen traveling across the country. Nothing, not even the infamous feud between the families who own the Split Islands, can stop Lindsey from getting books into the hands of readers. But when Lindsey and her boat captain husband, Mike Sullivan, discover a body on the rocky outcropping of one of the islands, Lindsey’s new library venture quickly becomes a murder investigation.
At news of the crime, hostilities between the two families are reignited. Long buried secrets are revealed, tensions spark, and suspects abound. As Lindsey navigates treacherous waters (both literal and metaphorical), she must use her research skills and community ties to solve the murder and bring peace to the islands before her book-boat dreams are sunk.
500 pages, Library Binding
First published February 24, 2026
209 people are currently reading
827 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
72 books5,398 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 141 reviews
March 2, 2026
I was so excited to see a new edition to the Library Lover's Mystery series. It's always fun to follow along with library director Lindsey Norris as we experience new events at the library, but there is also always a body discovered and a mystery to be solved. We start with Lindey's establishment of a book-boat, modeled after bookmobiles. But this boat will allow library staff to provide books to the families of the Split Islands, near Briar Creek. Not everyone is happy though, and one of the town councilmen is trying to reduce or eliminate the town's library.
Things don't go as planned though, when Lindsey and husband Sully (boat captain Mike Sullivan) discover a body at one of their first stops on their first day delivering. Police chief Emma is called out, but of course, Lindsey always ends up involved as well. The person killed had a longstanding feud with another islander, and there are clues leading to their involvement. But the violence and hostilities escalate, as well as the fight to save the library. Always a fun and interesting read, and the narration continues to be great.
Things don't go as planned though, when Lindsey and husband Sully (boat captain Mike Sullivan) discover a body at one of their first stops on their first day delivering. Police chief Emma is called out, but of course, Lindsey always ends up involved as well. The person killed had a longstanding feud with another islander, and there are clues leading to their involvement. But the violence and hostilities escalate, as well as the fight to save the library. Always a fun and interesting read, and the narration continues to be great.
March 6, 2026
This is my comfort series and this book absolutely delivered on this feeling. I absolutely LOVED this idea of a Book-boat and wish I could see one in action. What a delightful and caring idea to bring the library to the community that doesn't have easy access. I also enjoyed learning more about the islands around Briar Creek and envisioning them. I also really really love how this book focused on all the amazing things the library does. Books yes of course, but all the services, safe spaces, resources, etc and how it barely costs the townsfolk anything due to the amount of work Lindsay and her crew do in looking for outside grants and sources of funding. Her passion for the library is always wonderful to see and this seems like such a welcoming space. I had a great time reuniting with all the recurring characters and if this is the end of the series, I found it very satisfying. I also loved the mystery and fell for many of the red-herrings! I love how it ended and how everything came together (especially a big and touching reconciliation).
Note: I love love love the narration for this one! She is the voice for Briar Creek for me.
Note: I love love love the narration for this one! She is the voice for Briar Creek for me.
April 11, 2026
31/2 cozy with shades of the importance of using tax monies to fund libraries, parks, and schools.
This one was well done and fast paced.
This one was well done and fast paced.
March 17, 2026
I enjoy this series because the characters have become like family and, while the mysteries may not always be as complex as I would like them to be, McKinlay does a great job of pulling me in and getting me so invested in the story that I can’t help but finish them in one sitting. Unfortunately, while I have grown to love all of these characters, this is the last in the series. I love the setting of this series and of this one, since the Thumb Islands figure more prominently in this one. The solution of the Book Boat was interesting, and I loved Lindsey creative way of finding sponsors for the added expense as well as the well-timed lecture on how much it really costs to keep a library running; it seems all libraries are having to defend themselves these days. Overall, this was a great end to a series that I am sad to see end.
May 5, 2026
Review may be spoilerish for some readers!
The maybe, probably (PLEASE say it's not so!) final Library Lovers mystery. SNIFF SOB! finds Lindsey at odds with the town council over funding for the library. In a ripped from the headlines plot, the town council wants to "take a chainsaw" (i.e. DOGE the heck out of the library) to the budget and nothing Lindsey says or does can change their minds. Inspired by Beth's latest story time costume, Lindsey has the idea to start a book boat bringing books and media out to the Thumb Islands. First, she needs a boat. Easy peasy because luckily Lindsey knows a guy. Next she needs money to fix up the boat and run it out to the islands. A wealthy patron is needed ASAP as Councilman Gideon Trask is dead set against funding the library at all. Finding a wealthy sponsor turns out to be easier than expected when Robbie steps in. He's been invited to be a member of The Club, a prestigious ultra-exclusive member's only country club on King's Island. While Robbie could care less, Lindsey needs him to help obtain sponsorship from the wealthy members of The Club. The Club ladies reluctantly agree and the book boat project moves forward. Unfortunately, on Lindsey and Sully's first trip they run up against a long-standing feud between Lindsey's artist friend Ariel Montgomery, a big supporter of the library, and Ariel's neighbor, Gwen Capshaw. The families have been feuding since their now adult children were young. Gwen is NOT a fan of the library. On the next boat ride out to Split Island, Lindsey tries to win over Gwen but the Shakespearean tragedy goes from Romeo & Juliet beginning to Romeo & Juliet end when Lindsey finds Gwen dead under her rose bushes. Ariel becomes the prime suspect and Lindsey's sponsors are wary of continuing to pay for her book boat. Lindsey is certain her friend didn't kill anyone and has faith that Chief Emma Plewicki can solve this case, but Emma needs Lindsey's help and Lindsey needs to solve this mystery before her library is cancelled.
It was great fun visiting a fictionalized version of the Thimble Islands with Lindsey and Sully. The mystery kept me guessing. It seemed a little obvious at one point but not. The motive was super weird. There wasn't enough library or Crafternooners in this one for me. The first few chapters about the budget made me mad and sad and uncomfortable because they were so realistic. But that had nothing to do with the murder mystery directly and the focus switched to the murder.
Lindsey has to go out of her comfort zone here. She has to play nice with nasty ultra-wealthy individuals to save her library. Customer service is a pain and in library school you do learn how to deal with a crank or two but nothing like what's going on today. Gideon Trask wants toDOGE the heck out of eliminate waste in Briar Creek starting with cutting the library budget. He longs for the days when spinsters taught all the kids in one classroom and there was no need to pay for art and sports or anything. Let the parents pay for that! Why do you need story time at the library? Can't parents read to their own kids? Buy their own books? Why can't you pare down the staff to one spinster shushing people, checking out and reshelving books? That's all you need. Then let's cut funding for parks, and then police and don't even ask him to pay for paved roads. It's not HIS fault people are poor. 😠
Gideon Trask even makes MILTON want to throw things. Poor Lindsey! Her staff are behind her 110%, her volunteers, the library users and of course the mayor but the library users aren't the ones with money. It's always the wealthy who don't use the services their taxes pay for and then feel the need to complain about it. Dude it's not Lindsey's fault you don't read and probably lack reading comprehension but the library is more than books. Hence, Lindsey's plan for a book boat. With a book boat she can reach the wealthy people out on the islands and show them the value of the library while also helping families who may not be able to make it to the mainland.
In normal times, I believe it is the Institute for Museum and Library Studies that funds bookmobiles. Sadly, we are not in normal times and Gideon Trask is all too realistic. (CT solved the problem from the last book with an anti book-ban bill and now Lindsey needs to write to her U.S. Representative and tell them to push to include money for IMLS in the 2027 budget). And so Lindsey needs to win over the wealthy people but also stick it to Gideon Trask.
Robbie may be silly and cheeky most of the time but he knows what he's about and he has a plan to help Lindsey fund the library. His girlfriend's job is on the line as well so he's all for getting the better of Trask. Robbie is a celebrity and he has connections Lindsey needs and knowledge of how to play their game. On King Island there is an exclusive club for the wealthiest islanders. By exclusive, they mean SO exclusive, one has to be invited and Robbie is on their list. While he could care less, The Club is just who Lindsey needs to fund her book boat.
The ladies of the membership committee are not very nice or friendly. They're the mean girl clique from school with Leslie being the Queen Bee. Leslie is cordial and fair enough to keep an open mind but she's protective of the Club's name and reputation and will happily pull the plug on the book boat project if gossip associates The Club with the murder in any way. Mallory Masterson and Harper Winslow seem like bigger mean girls and not in agreement with Leslie. I'm saddened Mallory with red hair from a little village in Branford grew up to be a mean girl! No way! This is a different Mallory who also happens to have red hair! She's just awful. This Mallory seems to have a giant ego and enjoys being part of a mean girl clique because it feeds her ego. She doesn't seem to like Lindsey or want to fund the book boat but she knows she has to go along with the plan. Tina seems like the friendliest and nicest but is the classic wannabe. She goes along with the mean girls to be part of their clique. The Real Housewives of Thumb Islands want Robbie in their club and that means they have to be polite to Lindsey- for now. These ladies sure know how to play hardball. Yikes. It's almost not worth it... Avoid mean girls! SAVE IMLS!
Gwen Capshaw of Split Island is Lady Macbeth and Lady Capulet- meaning, she's horrid. Gwen's ego is put out of whack when Lindsey and Sully arrive on the other side of her island first. Pass the smelling salts! Sully knows how to be polite and and explain but this woman has Lindsey seeing red. The Capshaws and their island neighbors, the Montgomerys, have been engaged in a feud for decades and Gwen has to be first in consequence ALWAYS - in spite of not being a reader. She prefers the internet. She married the son of the wealthy landowners who gifted their servants (practically slaves) half the island. Gwen looks down her snooty nose at the Montgomerys. She longs to be a member of The Club and will do anything- ANYTHING- to belong. This modern day Shakespearean story comes to a tragic end with Gwen's death rather than her daughter's. I can't say Gwen didn't ask for it or deserve it but it's still horrible for her family and neighbors anyway. Her husband Perry, a noted ornithologist, seems genuinely shocked and saddened at her death but like Lindsey, I'm hesitant to say he didn't do it until he can be proven innocent. He SEEMS nice enough but you never know. I can't say I wouldn't blame Perry if he did kill Gwen but divorce is much easier and legal.
Perry accuses neighbor Ariel Montgomery of murdering his wife. Ariel is an artist. Outgoing, friendly and creative, she volunteers doing art classes at the library. Lindsey has gotten to know Ariel and considers Ariel a friend. Ariel can not be a murderer! Ariel's husband Dane seems nice and he's a devoted husband as far as Lindsey can tell. Dane and Gwen's husband Perry were best friends once upon a time but seem to be estranged now. I don't believe either of them killed Gwen but it must have been tempting, especially for Dane.
Other members of The Club are suspects. Malcolm Rutledge is cruel to women and one semi-likeable character seems to have a crush on him which is sad. Gwen was also said to be after Malcolm, which seems shocking given Perry's grief at her death. Gwen was typical new money. She'd chuck Perry in a heartbeat if it meant joining The Club. Hooking up with Malcolm would be a way to do it. Karl Kilkenny is from one of the most prominent families in The Club. Gwen was once after him for her daughter in spite of Karl being bad news. Gwen was absolutely horrid, unloving and uncaring towards Jordan and perhaps Karl resents Gwen. Surely he must have been humiliated by what happened. Perhaps his resentment led to his drinking problem and led to murder? Why now though?
Leslie's husband Arthur is a defense attorney and he's protecting Perry from being charged for Gwen's murder. He and Leslie seemed to have a happy marriage but Lindsey feels something is off about Arthur and his reaction to bad news. Robbie forms a wacky theory and there's no way Emma will believe it. I can believe it of these people but more the other way around... The women are the real power players in this group.
Gwen's daughter Jordan was estranged from her mother but close to her father. While Jordan and Ryan are away from their parents, they're a loving couple who support one another but I worry about their future happiness. Ryan is a good guy, he was friendly with Sully and Mary and the other island kids back in the day. Jordan was too but now she's facing a crisis and may have to choose whether to support the family who raised her or the family who loves her.
My new favorite character is Eleanor Whitcomb, a crusty old lady who lives at The Club. Her father was one of the founders and she's lived there her whole life. Current membership of new monied people do not like the original founders very much and are pretty horrid to Eleanor. In turn she tells it like it is and fills in some of the gossip to help Lindsey. She's a good judge of character. She knows Sully and therefore judges Lindsey accordingly. Eleanor sizes up Robbie pretty quickly as well.
We get to know Sully's parents a little better in this novel. His dad, Mike, loves dad jokes. They're really bad. Bad dad jokes are not funny. I'm not a fan of Mike Sullivan. Mom, Joan, loves to gossip. She'll tell you the neighbors on the islands look out for each other and that's how she knows everything that's going on. Sounds like gossip to me and reminds me of the neighborhood where I grew up. Everybody knew everyone else's business. Also not a fan. Sully, however, is a prince among men. He's the best husband ever and so sweet and devoted to Lindsey. He's come a long way since they first met. Sully is also a doting "dad" to the most adorable Mini Schnauzer, Heathcliff and Zelda, a cat who could care less about humans except for when she requires them to do something for her like rub her ears.
Emma and Robbie seem back to normal. She's busy trying to solve the murder her way and Robbie is busy trying to help Lindsey. Emma is tough but she's fair. She's not going to arrest Ariel on Perry's say so or Mallory's say so. Emma needs money in her budget but unlike Lindsey, she's not willing to compromise and cater to the wealthy islanders. I have always liked and admired her and now I like and admire her even more.
I am gutted this is the end of the line for Jenn McKinlay's cozy mysteries. I loved hanging out at Fairy Tale Cupcakes and in and around Scottsdale with Mel, Angie and the guys and I enjoyed visiting with Scarlet, Viv and everyone in London. I was saddened to say goodbye and now I have to say goodbye to Lindsey and everyone in Briar Creek? NOOO!! This is the only book themed series I've read that actually gets things right AND has engaging characters I can relate to. I am REALLY REALLY hoping for more from Lindsey and the Crafternooners. I am not ready to say goodbye. Plus this is one series I don't have to armchair travel or send my parents on vacation to visit the location. They actually live there LOL! I can visit any time I want but it's not much fun without Lindsey, the Crafternooners, Robbie and Emma, Beth, Mrs. Cole and the library. *sigh* Farewell but may we meet again soon!
Books mentioned:
Lily Leads the Way
Old Wood Boat
Sal Boat: A Boat by Sal
Mrs. Dalloway
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
The maybe, probably (PLEASE say it's not so!) final Library Lovers mystery. SNIFF SOB! finds Lindsey at odds with the town council over funding for the library. In a ripped from the headlines plot, the town council wants to "take a chainsaw" (i.e. DOGE the heck out of the library) to the budget and nothing Lindsey says or does can change their minds. Inspired by Beth's latest story time costume, Lindsey has the idea to start a book boat bringing books and media out to the Thumb Islands. First, she needs a boat. Easy peasy because luckily Lindsey knows a guy. Next she needs money to fix up the boat and run it out to the islands. A wealthy patron is needed ASAP as Councilman Gideon Trask is dead set against funding the library at all. Finding a wealthy sponsor turns out to be easier than expected when Robbie steps in. He's been invited to be a member of The Club, a prestigious ultra-exclusive member's only country club on King's Island. While Robbie could care less, Lindsey needs him to help obtain sponsorship from the wealthy members of The Club. The Club ladies reluctantly agree and the book boat project moves forward. Unfortunately, on Lindsey and Sully's first trip they run up against a long-standing feud between Lindsey's artist friend Ariel Montgomery, a big supporter of the library, and Ariel's neighbor, Gwen Capshaw. The families have been feuding since their now adult children were young. Gwen is NOT a fan of the library. On the next boat ride out to Split Island, Lindsey tries to win over Gwen but the Shakespearean tragedy goes from Romeo & Juliet beginning to Romeo & Juliet end when Lindsey finds Gwen dead under her rose bushes. Ariel becomes the prime suspect and Lindsey's sponsors are wary of continuing to pay for her book boat. Lindsey is certain her friend didn't kill anyone and has faith that Chief Emma Plewicki can solve this case, but Emma needs Lindsey's help and Lindsey needs to solve this mystery before her library is cancelled.
It was great fun visiting a fictionalized version of the Thimble Islands with Lindsey and Sully. The mystery kept me guessing. It seemed a little obvious at one point but not. The motive was super weird. There wasn't enough library or Crafternooners in this one for me. The first few chapters about the budget made me mad and sad and uncomfortable because they were so realistic. But that had nothing to do with the murder mystery directly and the focus switched to the murder.
Lindsey has to go out of her comfort zone here. She has to play nice with nasty ultra-wealthy individuals to save her library. Customer service is a pain and in library school you do learn how to deal with a crank or two but nothing like what's going on today. Gideon Trask wants to
Gideon Trask even makes MILTON want to throw things. Poor Lindsey! Her staff are behind her 110%, her volunteers, the library users and of course the mayor but the library users aren't the ones with money. It's always the wealthy who don't use the services their taxes pay for and then feel the need to complain about it. Dude it's not Lindsey's fault you don't read and probably lack reading comprehension but the library is more than books. Hence, Lindsey's plan for a book boat. With a book boat she can reach the wealthy people out on the islands and show them the value of the library while also helping families who may not be able to make it to the mainland.
In normal times, I believe it is the Institute for Museum and Library Studies that funds bookmobiles. Sadly, we are not in normal times and Gideon Trask is all too realistic. (CT solved the problem from the last book with an anti book-ban bill and now Lindsey needs to write to her U.S. Representative and tell them to push to include money for IMLS in the 2027 budget). And so Lindsey needs to win over the wealthy people but also stick it to Gideon Trask.
Robbie may be silly and cheeky most of the time but he knows what he's about and he has a plan to help Lindsey fund the library. His girlfriend's job is on the line as well so he's all for getting the better of Trask. Robbie is a celebrity and he has connections Lindsey needs and knowledge of how to play their game. On King Island there is an exclusive club for the wealthiest islanders. By exclusive, they mean SO exclusive, one has to be invited and Robbie is on their list. While he could care less, The Club is just who Lindsey needs to fund her book boat.
The ladies of the membership committee are not very nice or friendly. They're the mean girl clique from school with Leslie being the Queen Bee. Leslie is cordial and fair enough to keep an open mind but she's protective of the Club's name and reputation and will happily pull the plug on the book boat project if gossip associates The Club with the murder in any way. Mallory Masterson and Harper Winslow seem like bigger mean girls and not in agreement with Leslie. I'm saddened Mallory with red hair from a little village in Branford grew up to be a mean girl! No way! This is a different Mallory who also happens to have red hair! She's just awful. This Mallory seems to have a giant ego and enjoys being part of a mean girl clique because it feeds her ego. She doesn't seem to like Lindsey or want to fund the book boat but she knows she has to go along with the plan. Tina seems like the friendliest and nicest but is the classic wannabe. She goes along with the mean girls to be part of their clique. The Real Housewives of Thumb Islands want Robbie in their club and that means they have to be polite to Lindsey- for now. These ladies sure know how to play hardball. Yikes. It's almost not worth it... Avoid mean girls! SAVE IMLS!
Gwen Capshaw of Split Island is Lady Macbeth and Lady Capulet- meaning, she's horrid. Gwen's ego is put out of whack when Lindsey and Sully arrive on the other side of her island first. Pass the smelling salts! Sully knows how to be polite and and explain but this woman has Lindsey seeing red. The Capshaws and their island neighbors, the Montgomerys, have been engaged in a feud for decades and Gwen has to be first in consequence ALWAYS - in spite of not being a reader. She prefers the internet. She married the son of the wealthy landowners who gifted their servants (practically slaves) half the island. Gwen looks down her snooty nose at the Montgomerys. She longs to be a member of The Club and will do anything- ANYTHING- to belong. This modern day Shakespearean story comes to a tragic end with Gwen's death rather than her daughter's. I can't say Gwen didn't ask for it or deserve it but it's still horrible for her family and neighbors anyway. Her husband Perry, a noted ornithologist, seems genuinely shocked and saddened at her death but like Lindsey, I'm hesitant to say he didn't do it until he can be proven innocent. He SEEMS nice enough but you never know. I can't say I wouldn't blame Perry if he did kill Gwen but divorce is much easier and legal.
Perry accuses neighbor Ariel Montgomery of murdering his wife. Ariel is an artist. Outgoing, friendly and creative, she volunteers doing art classes at the library. Lindsey has gotten to know Ariel and considers Ariel a friend. Ariel can not be a murderer! Ariel's husband Dane seems nice and he's a devoted husband as far as Lindsey can tell. Dane and Gwen's husband Perry were best friends once upon a time but seem to be estranged now. I don't believe either of them killed Gwen but it must have been tempting, especially for Dane.
Other members of The Club are suspects. Malcolm Rutledge is cruel to women and one semi-likeable character seems to have a crush on him which is sad. Gwen was also said to be after Malcolm, which seems shocking given Perry's grief at her death. Gwen was typical new money. She'd chuck Perry in a heartbeat if it meant joining The Club. Hooking up with Malcolm would be a way to do it. Karl Kilkenny is from one of the most prominent families in The Club. Gwen was once after him for her daughter in spite of Karl being bad news. Gwen was absolutely horrid, unloving and uncaring towards Jordan and perhaps Karl resents Gwen. Surely he must have been humiliated by what happened. Perhaps his resentment led to his drinking problem and led to murder? Why now though?
Leslie's husband Arthur is a defense attorney and he's protecting Perry from being charged for Gwen's murder. He and Leslie seemed to have a happy marriage but Lindsey feels something is off about Arthur and his reaction to bad news. Robbie forms a wacky theory and there's no way Emma will believe it. I can believe it of these people but more the other way around... The women are the real power players in this group.
Gwen's daughter Jordan was estranged from her mother but close to her father. While Jordan and Ryan are away from their parents, they're a loving couple who support one another but I worry about their future happiness. Ryan is a good guy, he was friendly with Sully and Mary and the other island kids back in the day. Jordan was too but now she's facing a crisis and may have to choose whether to support the family who raised her or the family who loves her.
My new favorite character is Eleanor Whitcomb, a crusty old lady who lives at The Club. Her father was one of the founders and she's lived there her whole life. Current membership of new monied people do not like the original founders very much and are pretty horrid to Eleanor. In turn she tells it like it is and fills in some of the gossip to help Lindsey. She's a good judge of character. She knows Sully and therefore judges Lindsey accordingly. Eleanor sizes up Robbie pretty quickly as well.
We get to know Sully's parents a little better in this novel. His dad, Mike, loves dad jokes. They're really bad. Bad dad jokes are not funny. I'm not a fan of Mike Sullivan. Mom, Joan, loves to gossip. She'll tell you the neighbors on the islands look out for each other and that's how she knows everything that's going on. Sounds like gossip to me and reminds me of the neighborhood where I grew up. Everybody knew everyone else's business. Also not a fan. Sully, however, is a prince among men. He's the best husband ever and so sweet and devoted to Lindsey. He's come a long way since they first met. Sully is also a doting "dad" to the most adorable Mini Schnauzer, Heathcliff and Zelda, a cat who could care less about humans except for when she requires them to do something for her like rub her ears.
Emma and Robbie seem back to normal. She's busy trying to solve the murder her way and Robbie is busy trying to help Lindsey. Emma is tough but she's fair. She's not going to arrest Ariel on Perry's say so or Mallory's say so. Emma needs money in her budget but unlike Lindsey, she's not willing to compromise and cater to the wealthy islanders. I have always liked and admired her and now I like and admire her even more.
I am gutted this is the end of the line for Jenn McKinlay's cozy mysteries. I loved hanging out at Fairy Tale Cupcakes and in and around Scottsdale with Mel, Angie and the guys and I enjoyed visiting with Scarlet, Viv and everyone in London. I was saddened to say goodbye and now I have to say goodbye to Lindsey and everyone in Briar Creek? NOOO!! This is the only book themed series I've read that actually gets things right AND has engaging characters I can relate to. I am REALLY REALLY hoping for more from Lindsey and the Crafternooners. I am not ready to say goodbye. Plus this is one series I don't have to armchair travel or send my parents on vacation to visit the location. They actually live there LOL! I can visit any time I want but it's not much fun without Lindsey, the Crafternooners, Robbie and Emma, Beth, Mrs. Cole and the library. *sigh* Farewell but may we meet again soon!
Books mentioned:
Lily Leads the Way
Old Wood Boat
Sal Boat: A Boat by Sal
Mrs. Dalloway
The Book That Wouldn’t Burn
April 4, 2026
The latest installment in the Library Lover’s Mysteries series.
McKinlay is now 16 volumes deep in this series and it’s been a pretty good run, but this one is showing signs that it’s probably time to wrap things up. The writing is a little tired and the characters are starting to feel stale.
McKinlay is now 16 volumes deep in this series and it’s been a pretty good run, but this one is showing signs that it’s probably time to wrap things up. The writing is a little tired and the characters are starting to feel stale.
November 29, 2025
Librarian Lindsey and husband Captain Sully are back for the latest in this enjoyable series. Lindsey's library funding is threatened by a local anti-tax wealthy man who is on the town council and wants to do away with "non-essential" services like libraries and recreational and cultural operations.
Lindsey counters this by offering more services to highlight the library's usefulness and finds private funding. They come up with the idea of a book boat to offer mobile services to the inhabitants of the many small islands in the area. And rich friend Robbie helps persuade the members of a snooty and exclusive local club to foot the bill.
All is fine until Lindsey and Sully find a body when making a book delivery. The country clubbers are uncomfortable with Lindsey's penchant for detecting and try to slither out from their commitment
The supporting cast of friends, co-workers and family is always fun and these mysteries are a soothing and upbeat read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
Lindsey counters this by offering more services to highlight the library's usefulness and finds private funding. They come up with the idea of a book boat to offer mobile services to the inhabitants of the many small islands in the area. And rich friend Robbie helps persuade the members of a snooty and exclusive local club to foot the bill.
All is fine until Lindsey and Sully find a body when making a book delivery. The country clubbers are uncomfortable with Lindsey's penchant for detecting and try to slither out from their commitment
The supporting cast of friends, co-workers and family is always fun and these mysteries are a soothing and upbeat read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
October 11, 2025
I will never turn down a Jenn McKinlay mystery. That includes this new one in the Library Lovers series! This time, the library is under fire from one entitled citizen who wants to close it entirely so he won't have to pay as much in taxes. But Lindsey has his number when she begins a new book boat (think bookmobile, but on water) for all the residents of the islands off their coast. But on their first outing, they find the body of one of the residents and Lindsey must solve the murder of she's to keep the funding for the boat. Along with her husband and friends, they're immediately on the case!
October 9, 2025
I found the solution to the mystery to be a little far-fetched, but I always enjoy spending time with Lindsey and her crew.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
*Thanks to Edelweiss and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.
March 30, 2026
The perfect Sunday read, once again I just loved it! Lindsey's library services are under threat because a citizen is claiming a library is not needed and would save taxpayer money if eliminated. Lindsey comes up with the brilliant plan to create a library delivery boat for the islands in her service area. So begins another fantastic story with our beloved characters from the previous books in the series. I think I say this every time and I will again! I am so struck by Jenn's actual librarian experience and how she weaves that it into each story. For a librarian like me, the stories are gratifying and validating. General readers get an insight into the "library life". This makes me so happy. (The more people know what the work truly is, the more they can convincingly and honestly advocate for us.) Here are some of the nuggets in this book: The dedication page made out to Jenn's library supervisors, lovely! p.9 "The next book they had agreed to read was a currently popular romantsy that featured dragons and their riders." (Yes! Different genres are born. Romantsy is as it sounds. It is a romance and fantasy mashup genre.) p.9 again "Lindsey was thrilled. She was a firm believer that great writing could be found in all genres." (Yes!) p.54 "She now had her tablet enabled to check out and take new requests in real time so she didn't have to wait until she returned to the library to process holds and loans." (Yes! Technology has given us the capacity to "library" anywhere. Remarkable!) p.60 "It was a long shot but Lindsey had to give it her all. She was fighting for the library, after all, and personal feelings had to be put aside for the greater good." (Yes, yes and yes! As directors, we have this sentiment many times in our careers.) p.70 "Also, Callie had become a regular library patron over the past couple of years and her love of manga and graphic novels had informed Beth as to what to buy for the collection." (Yes! We listen to our patrons about their reading habits and purchase what they are seeking.) p.88 "The tablet is janky and needs to be handled with care. One more reason why the library can't afford any more budget cuts." (Yes! We find ourselves making do and always being careful about the budget.) p.146 "That was heartening. They might not be book borrowers but they liked the programs. She'd take the win." (Oh, I definitely have evolved into agreeing with this. Yes!) p. 233 "Paula used interlibrary loan to get the books for the club as there was no way the library could purchase that many copies of their chosen selections." (Yes! The turbo power of resource sharing across libraries. So fiscally conscious and sensible!)
February 25, 2026
I always enjoy this series! Lindsey is a librarian in a small town on the Connecticut coast. As a booklover and resident of Connecticut, this series has always been a little special for me! As a long-lasting series, we have lots of friends and relationships that add to the flavor of the series, Lindsay has a devoted (and dashing) husband and adorable pets. Probably the thing I enjoy the most is that our MC is an intelligent woman who rarely does something that doesn't make sense or is irrational, in other words, she uses her brain to solve mysteries! All this to say that I was very sad to learn that this would be the last book in the series. It would appear the author is stepping away from cozy mysteries, which is indeed a shame. Fortunately, we get a very pleasant send-off, including all of our series favorite folks. We spend time on the water as a new bookboat figures into our mysteries, we spend time with family and friends, and we leave the library, Lindsay and Briar Creek, in a good place. Thank you to #Netgally, #BerkleyPress, and the author for an opportunity to read! #BookedforTrouble #LibraryLover'sMysteries #JennMcKinlay #bookreview #bookideas #retiredreaders
March 4, 2026
I love reading Jenn McKinlay’s romcom novels so I was excited to read the latest novel in her cozy mystery library series. This is book #16 however this novel can be read as a standalone, as this is the first one that have read!
It was a wonderful cozy mystery, featuring Lindsey Sullivan, the director of the local town library, who stumbles across a dead body while delivering books with the library’s new ‘boat mobile’, to give access to those residents in neighbouring islands surrounding the town.
It had a great group of characters and red herrings sprinkled throughout. It kept you guessing until the end. It was a fun and entertaining read which I devoured in one day!
I am now starting the series at book #1 so I have a lot of reading to do!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
It was a wonderful cozy mystery, featuring Lindsey Sullivan, the director of the local town library, who stumbles across a dead body while delivering books with the library’s new ‘boat mobile’, to give access to those residents in neighbouring islands surrounding the town.
It had a great group of characters and red herrings sprinkled throughout. It kept you guessing until the end. It was a fun and entertaining read which I devoured in one day!
I am now starting the series at book #1 so I have a lot of reading to do!
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC!
March 11, 2026
Flew through this one!
I adored this installment of the Library Lover's mysteries. I enjoyed the serious amount of time we spent with Lindsey, Sully, and Robbie. The mystery (and the obvious play on Romeo and Juliet) were equally engaging and I was able to figure out most of the ending, but still had a little surprise waiting for me.
I adored this installment of the Library Lover's mysteries. I enjoyed the serious amount of time we spent with Lindsey, Sully, and Robbie. The mystery (and the obvious play on Romeo and Juliet) were equally engaging and I was able to figure out most of the ending, but still had a little surprise waiting for me.
Read
April 3, 2026"Gawrsh, I need a way to sucker people into reading my book, whatever will I do... oh, I know! CAT DOG. LIBRARY. BOOKS. LIBRARIANS. COZY. Pandering protocol COMPLETE! NYT bestseller list, here I come!" 🤮
March 8, 2026
Maybe 3.5 based on the murder. I understood but didn't care much and the reason was meh.
The library funding parts were good as was the book boat.
Love the usual characters!
The library funding parts were good as was the book boat.
Love the usual characters!
March 21, 2026
The main character is fighting to keep the library open. Of course there is murder but that is solved by the end of the book as is the fight to keep the library open. The book was an easy read.
March 29, 2026
I love this series so much!!
May 2, 2026
Book 16 and the last (!?!) in the Library Lover’s Mystery series. I have read this series since the very start – right when I was a brand new library director and it has held a special place in my heart. I adore Jenn’s writing style – wonderful cozy descriptions and characters I love. Each character has grown throughout the series, and while I’m sad to say goodbye, the series ended in such a lovely way that I can imagine life going on in Briar Creek. I’d love to visit.
May 4, 2026
another great visit to Briar Creek
Lindsey and the crafternooners find themselves trying to save a friend and the library in this latest installment. This book has a take on the Romeo and Juliet story with a modern twist. In a race against budgets Lindsey and her friends attempt to solve the crimes at hand. A great new character is introduced and she fits in well with the crafternooners.
Lindsey and the crafternooners find themselves trying to save a friend and the library in this latest installment. This book has a take on the Romeo and Juliet story with a modern twist. In a race against budgets Lindsey and her friends attempt to solve the crimes at hand. A great new character is introduced and she fits in well with the crafternooners.
April 8, 2026
Lighthearted, quirky, and entertaining!
In the latest instalment of the Library Lover’s Mystery series, Booking for Trouble, we return to Briar Creek, Connecticut, and the ever-busy life of library director Lindsey Norris, who after launching a mobile library on the water, soon finds herself swept up in a murder investigation when a routine book delivery to a nearby island leads to the shocking discovery of a body.
The writing is smooth and inviting. The characters are perceptive, supportive, and engaging. And the plot unfolds as a delightfully whimsical whodunit, filled with clever misdirection, amateur sleuthing, suspicious personalities, community drama, and the comforts and drawbacks of small-town life.
Overall, Booking for Trouble is another playful, mysterious, charming addition by McKinlay to a series that is consistently fun and enjoyable.
In the latest instalment of the Library Lover’s Mystery series, Booking for Trouble, we return to Briar Creek, Connecticut, and the ever-busy life of library director Lindsey Norris, who after launching a mobile library on the water, soon finds herself swept up in a murder investigation when a routine book delivery to a nearby island leads to the shocking discovery of a body.
The writing is smooth and inviting. The characters are perceptive, supportive, and engaging. And the plot unfolds as a delightfully whimsical whodunit, filled with clever misdirection, amateur sleuthing, suspicious personalities, community drama, and the comforts and drawbacks of small-town life.
Overall, Booking for Trouble is another playful, mysterious, charming addition by McKinlay to a series that is consistently fun and enjoyable.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay: A Library Lover’s Mystery (Book 16) from NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group in order to read and give an honest review.
Librarian Lindsey Norris is back, but things are far from quiet in Briar Creek! In this 16th installment, the library’s future is hanging by a thread thanks to town councilman Gideon Trask. Trask is determined to slash the budget, claiming the library isn’t “essential” but Lindsey begs to differ and in true “Lindsey form” she will prove her point, winning support along the way.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Lindsey dreams up a brilliant, if ambitious plan: a “book boat” to bring library services to the isolated residents of the nearby Split Islands. With the help of her husband, water taxi owner; Sully, and a bit of clever maneuvering to get the local elite to fund the project, the venture is ready to set sail. However, the maiden voyage takes a dark turn when Lindsey and Sully stumble upon a body. Now, Lindsey must navigate a sea of red herrings, ancient family feuds, and fickle donors to solve a murder before the library’s funding sinks for good.
Returning to a Jenn McKinlay series always feels like catching up with old friends, and Booking for Trouble was no exception. There is a reason this series has lasted sixteen books; the mix of “found family” and clever plotting makes for a perfect cozy mystery.
I loved the idea of adding a boat-mobile library on the water! It felt fresh and perfectly suited to the coastal Connecticut setting. It added a great sense of adventure to the story.
As always McKinlay does an amazing job at crafting supporting characters who are relatable as well as villains you love to hate. Gideon Trask is one of those villains, he represents a very real-world frustration for library lovers, which made me root for Lindsey even harder as she fought to prove the library’s worth and resolved in a “give someone enough rope…” manner, truly brilliant.
This entry wasn’t a “seen it coming” kind of puzzle. With two murders to track and a web of secrets among the island residents, the pacing stayed brisk and the clues were layered beautifully. True to McKinlay's character development she provides us with an incredible supporting cast comprised of the library staff, the “crafternooners” and the townspeople who all contribute to providing that warm, upbeat atmosphere that makes this series a go-to comfort read for me.
Booking for Trouble is an incredible addition to the Library Lover’s Mystery series. It’s a fast-paced, fun-filled cozy that balances a tricky mystery with quirky characters, engaging plot, as well as a brilliant and an unexpected reveal at the end. As always, she always adds interesting craft ideas, book club questions and even recipes in a book that feeds the mind, soul, and belly! Whether you’ve been with Lindsey from the start or are just jumping aboard, this is a voyage worth taking! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the Library Lover’s Mystery Series
Librarian Lindsey Norris is back, but things are far from quiet in Briar Creek! In this 16th installment, the library’s future is hanging by a thread thanks to town councilman Gideon Trask. Trask is determined to slash the budget, claiming the library isn’t “essential” but Lindsey begs to differ and in true “Lindsey form” she will prove her point, winning support along the way.
Never one to back down from a challenge, Lindsey dreams up a brilliant, if ambitious plan: a “book boat” to bring library services to the isolated residents of the nearby Split Islands. With the help of her husband, water taxi owner; Sully, and a bit of clever maneuvering to get the local elite to fund the project, the venture is ready to set sail. However, the maiden voyage takes a dark turn when Lindsey and Sully stumble upon a body. Now, Lindsey must navigate a sea of red herrings, ancient family feuds, and fickle donors to solve a murder before the library’s funding sinks for good.
Returning to a Jenn McKinlay series always feels like catching up with old friends, and Booking for Trouble was no exception. There is a reason this series has lasted sixteen books; the mix of “found family” and clever plotting makes for a perfect cozy mystery.
I loved the idea of adding a boat-mobile library on the water! It felt fresh and perfectly suited to the coastal Connecticut setting. It added a great sense of adventure to the story.
As always McKinlay does an amazing job at crafting supporting characters who are relatable as well as villains you love to hate. Gideon Trask is one of those villains, he represents a very real-world frustration for library lovers, which made me root for Lindsey even harder as she fought to prove the library’s worth and resolved in a “give someone enough rope…” manner, truly brilliant.
This entry wasn’t a “seen it coming” kind of puzzle. With two murders to track and a web of secrets among the island residents, the pacing stayed brisk and the clues were layered beautifully. True to McKinlay's character development she provides us with an incredible supporting cast comprised of the library staff, the “crafternooners” and the townspeople who all contribute to providing that warm, upbeat atmosphere that makes this series a go-to comfort read for me.
Booking for Trouble is an incredible addition to the Library Lover’s Mystery series. It’s a fast-paced, fun-filled cozy that balances a tricky mystery with quirky characters, engaging plot, as well as a brilliant and an unexpected reveal at the end. As always, she always adds interesting craft ideas, book club questions and even recipes in a book that feeds the mind, soul, and belly! Whether you’ve been with Lindsey from the start or are just jumping aboard, this is a voyage worth taking! I really enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more in the Library Lover’s Mystery Series
March 1, 2026
📚Booking For Trouble
✍🏻Jenn McKinlay
Blurb:
It’s all hands on deck when a dead body is found near the small town of Briar Creek in this Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Murder Plot.
Just off the shores of the coastal Connecticut town of Briar Creek are two small islands, which library director Lindsey Norris visits with her new book-boat, inspired by the bookmobiles she’s seen traveling across the country. Nothing, not even the infamous feud between the families who own the Split Islands, can stop Lindsey from getting books into the hands of readers. But when Lindsey and her boat captain husband, Mike Sullivan, discover a body on the rocky outcropping of one of the islands, Lindsey’s new library venture quickly becomes a murder investigation.
At news of the crime, hostilities between the two families are reignited. Long buried secrets are revealed, tensions spark, and suspects abound. As Lindsey navigates treacherous waters (both literal and metaphorical), she must use her research skills and community ties to solve the murder and bring peace to the islands before her book-boat dreams are sunk.
My Thoughts:
Briar Creek is in crisis again - this time it’s the Haves vs the Have-not-as-much. New Council members want lower taxes and the only way to do that is cut city services..When a new council member wants to slash the Briar Creek Public Library’s budget, followed by the budget for Parks and Rec and education services, in order to leverage property tax cuts to wealthy residents, Lindsey knows she needs to build awareness for the library. How about a book boat? There are twenty-three islands with houses, and those residents might have unserved needs. She gets funding from the affluent ladies of The Club, a private club on one of the islands. Robbie Vine, the English actor and friend, is her way into the exclusive circle, but she knows she’s not really acceptable to them.
Lindsey’s husband, Sully, owner of a water taxi business, is also her captain for the new book boat, The Jolly Reader. The first visit to the islands introduces Lindsey to stories her husband knows, including the feud between neighbors, the Capshaws and Montgomerys on Split Island. Gwen Capshaw hates her neighbors, and she’s rude to Lindsey as well. It’s Lindsey, though, who finds Gwen’s body two weeks later when the boat book returns. And, of course, people point to the neighbors as suspects. When there’s a second murder on the islands, Lindsey’s library staff pull out the white board to list suspects and compare crimes.
Thanks NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Author Jenn McKinlay for the complimentary copy of "Booking For Trouble" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BerkleyPublishing
#JennMcKinlay
#BookingforTrouble
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
✍🏻Jenn McKinlay
Blurb:
It’s all hands on deck when a dead body is found near the small town of Briar Creek in this Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Merry Little Murder Plot.
Just off the shores of the coastal Connecticut town of Briar Creek are two small islands, which library director Lindsey Norris visits with her new book-boat, inspired by the bookmobiles she’s seen traveling across the country. Nothing, not even the infamous feud between the families who own the Split Islands, can stop Lindsey from getting books into the hands of readers. But when Lindsey and her boat captain husband, Mike Sullivan, discover a body on the rocky outcropping of one of the islands, Lindsey’s new library venture quickly becomes a murder investigation.
At news of the crime, hostilities between the two families are reignited. Long buried secrets are revealed, tensions spark, and suspects abound. As Lindsey navigates treacherous waters (both literal and metaphorical), she must use her research skills and community ties to solve the murder and bring peace to the islands before her book-boat dreams are sunk.
My Thoughts:
Briar Creek is in crisis again - this time it’s the Haves vs the Have-not-as-much. New Council members want lower taxes and the only way to do that is cut city services..When a new council member wants to slash the Briar Creek Public Library’s budget, followed by the budget for Parks and Rec and education services, in order to leverage property tax cuts to wealthy residents, Lindsey knows she needs to build awareness for the library. How about a book boat? There are twenty-three islands with houses, and those residents might have unserved needs. She gets funding from the affluent ladies of The Club, a private club on one of the islands. Robbie Vine, the English actor and friend, is her way into the exclusive circle, but she knows she’s not really acceptable to them.
Lindsey’s husband, Sully, owner of a water taxi business, is also her captain for the new book boat, The Jolly Reader. The first visit to the islands introduces Lindsey to stories her husband knows, including the feud between neighbors, the Capshaws and Montgomerys on Split Island. Gwen Capshaw hates her neighbors, and she’s rude to Lindsey as well. It’s Lindsey, though, who finds Gwen’s body two weeks later when the boat book returns. And, of course, people point to the neighbors as suspects. When there’s a second murder on the islands, Lindsey’s library staff pull out the white board to list suspects and compare crimes.
Thanks NetGalley, Berkley Publishing and Author Jenn McKinlay for the complimentary copy of "Booking For Trouble" I am leaving my voluntary review in appreciation.
#NetGalley
#BerkleyPublishing
#JennMcKinlay
#BookingforTrouble
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
March 13, 2026
Lindsey Norris is concerned about the future of the Briar Creek Library. Local councilman Gideon Trask is wanting to shut her down. He is part of the wealthy who live on the Thumb Islands off the coast of Briar Creek, Connecticut, and they want to lower their property taxes. He’s decided to go after the waste in the budget, and he wants to start with the library.
Lindsey and her fellow librarians know how much they offer the community, and they are determined to keep the doors open. But Lindsey knows that she has to do something to impress the island residents, since they don’t utilize the library services as often as the mainlanders. Her idea: a book boat. It would be like a bookmobile, but on a boat instead of a bus.
She wants to get the wealthier inhabitants of the islands involved with the library, to offset Trask’s campaign to close the library, so she talks three of the more charitable women into making a donation that will cover the costs of the boat. And once it’s up and running, complete with beautiful shelves with watertight doors, Lindsey and Sully head out to take books to the islanders.
The first trip goes pretty well, with several islanders impressed with the boat and checking out books. But when Lindsey and Sully head back out, they find one of their patrons has been murdered. They call the police, but Lindsey knows she has to investigate it herself, or she will be giving Trask and the council another reason to cut the library funding. She understands just how important the library is to the area, from providing children’s story time to a free place for local groups to gather to providing diapers for new parents who need them.
But when another murder happens in the islands, Lindsey loses more support from the council. She will need to fight hard to save the library and to solve the murders, before a killer comes after her too.
Booking for Trouble is book 16 in Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lovers Mystery Series. These mysteries feature Lindsey and her library book club, which includes fellow librarians and friends from town, and they discuss books, eat delicious food, and do crafts. These books celebrate the power of the library and what it can do for its community, even more so in this book, where she literally has to fight to keep the library funded.
I enjoyed Booking for Trouble. I have been a longtime fan of these characters, and I loved the addition of the book boat and the island residents. The mystery was well plotted and interesting. And there are always recipes and crats included at the end of the book, so readers can start their own Crafternoons These books are consistently good and fun to read, and I will always be a fan of Brian Creek Library.
Egalleys for Booking for Trouble were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
Lindsey and her fellow librarians know how much they offer the community, and they are determined to keep the doors open. But Lindsey knows that she has to do something to impress the island residents, since they don’t utilize the library services as often as the mainlanders. Her idea: a book boat. It would be like a bookmobile, but on a boat instead of a bus.
She wants to get the wealthier inhabitants of the islands involved with the library, to offset Trask’s campaign to close the library, so she talks three of the more charitable women into making a donation that will cover the costs of the boat. And once it’s up and running, complete with beautiful shelves with watertight doors, Lindsey and Sully head out to take books to the islanders.
The first trip goes pretty well, with several islanders impressed with the boat and checking out books. But when Lindsey and Sully head back out, they find one of their patrons has been murdered. They call the police, but Lindsey knows she has to investigate it herself, or she will be giving Trask and the council another reason to cut the library funding. She understands just how important the library is to the area, from providing children’s story time to a free place for local groups to gather to providing diapers for new parents who need them.
But when another murder happens in the islands, Lindsey loses more support from the council. She will need to fight hard to save the library and to solve the murders, before a killer comes after her too.
Booking for Trouble is book 16 in Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lovers Mystery Series. These mysteries feature Lindsey and her library book club, which includes fellow librarians and friends from town, and they discuss books, eat delicious food, and do crafts. These books celebrate the power of the library and what it can do for its community, even more so in this book, where she literally has to fight to keep the library funded.
I enjoyed Booking for Trouble. I have been a longtime fan of these characters, and I loved the addition of the book boat and the island residents. The mystery was well plotted and interesting. And there are always recipes and crats included at the end of the book, so readers can start their own Crafternoons These books are consistently good and fun to read, and I will always be a fan of Brian Creek Library.
Egalleys for Booking for Trouble were provided by Berkley through NetGalley, with many thanks, but the opinions are mine.
February 27, 2026
⭐⭐⭐⭐☆ (4/5 stars)
Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay was such a cozy, comforting return to Briar Creek, honestly, slipping back into this series always feels like catching up with old friends, and this installment reminded me exactly why I’ve loved spending time in this world.
This time around, librarian Lindsey Norris is facing a very real threat: library funding is on the chopping block thanks to a town council member who believes libraries are “non-essential.” (Rude.) Determined to prove just how important the library is to the community, Lindsey comes up with a creative and honestly adorable idea, a floating book boat that brings library services to nearby island residents. It’s the perfect fit for the coastal setting and added a fresh twist that made this entry feel new while still keeping the classic cozy vibes.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Library Lover’s Mystery without trouble… and Lindsey and Sully’s book delivery quickly turns deadly when they stumble across a body. Suddenly, Lindsey is juggling suspicious island residents, reluctant wealthy donors, town politics, and a murder investigation, all while trying to keep the library afloat (literally and financially).
One of my favorite parts of this series has always been the characters, and this book really shines there. The supporting cast- the library crew, friends, and townspeople- brings so much warmth and humor to the story. The relationships feel lived-in and genuine, and Lindsey and Sully continue to be such a solid, lovable duo. The mystery itself kept me guessing longer than I expected, with enough twists and red herrings to stay engaging without ever losing that cozy charm.
What I especially appreciated was how much heart this story had. The love for libraries, community spaces, and small-town connections really comes through, giving the book an extra layer beyond just the mystery. It felt both fun and a little nostalgic at the same time.
Overall, Booking for Trouble is a charming, feel-good cozy mystery with a clever premise, a strong sense of community, and a satisfying whodunit. Fans of the series will absolutely enjoy this one, and honestly, Briar Creek remains a place I’m always happy to visit.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay was such a cozy, comforting return to Briar Creek, honestly, slipping back into this series always feels like catching up with old friends, and this installment reminded me exactly why I’ve loved spending time in this world.
This time around, librarian Lindsey Norris is facing a very real threat: library funding is on the chopping block thanks to a town council member who believes libraries are “non-essential.” (Rude.) Determined to prove just how important the library is to the community, Lindsey comes up with a creative and honestly adorable idea, a floating book boat that brings library services to nearby island residents. It’s the perfect fit for the coastal setting and added a fresh twist that made this entry feel new while still keeping the classic cozy vibes.
Of course, this wouldn’t be a Library Lover’s Mystery without trouble… and Lindsey and Sully’s book delivery quickly turns deadly when they stumble across a body. Suddenly, Lindsey is juggling suspicious island residents, reluctant wealthy donors, town politics, and a murder investigation, all while trying to keep the library afloat (literally and financially).
One of my favorite parts of this series has always been the characters, and this book really shines there. The supporting cast- the library crew, friends, and townspeople- brings so much warmth and humor to the story. The relationships feel lived-in and genuine, and Lindsey and Sully continue to be such a solid, lovable duo. The mystery itself kept me guessing longer than I expected, with enough twists and red herrings to stay engaging without ever losing that cozy charm.
What I especially appreciated was how much heart this story had. The love for libraries, community spaces, and small-town connections really comes through, giving the book an extra layer beyond just the mystery. It felt both fun and a little nostalgic at the same time.
Overall, Booking for Trouble is a charming, feel-good cozy mystery with a clever premise, a strong sense of community, and a satisfying whodunit. Fans of the series will absolutely enjoy this one, and honestly, Briar Creek remains a place I’m always happy to visit.
A big thank you to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing Group | Berkley for an advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.
February 24, 2026
many thanks and gratitude to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for providing me with an advanced digital copy of Booking for Trouble by Jennifer McKinlay in exchange for my thoughts and honest review.
in this story, we find librarian Lindsey Norris trying to come up with ideas to ensure her beloved library can receive funding amidst budget cuts and some community members who are objecting to having a library at all. her bright idea is to create a book boat (think a book mobile on the water) and soon her idea comes to fruition. i have to say, this was a brilliant idea, especially given the town of Briar Creek is next to a body of water and there are many islands near it that have residents living on them.
unfortunately, as i previously mentioned, there are some people that are not fans of the library, let alone a book boat, citing wasteful spending on books that “should be bought” by the people who want to read them. thankfully, Lindsey has a lot of support, including a group of wealthy women who belong to the towns most exclusive country club. with this, she is almost floating herself as the maiden outing of the book boat gets underway.
needless to say, tragedy strikes as one of the objecting residents is found dead by Lindsey…
the mystery in this book is stellar. as always, Jenn McKinlay does a terrific job at keeping the reader (me) on their toes and guessing the whole way through! and of course, i would be remiss if i didn’t mention the fabulous supporting cast of characters. they are always charming, funny, and insightful. they make every scene memorable!
i absolutely love Briar Creek and relished being back in this fictional town! if this is the final book, i am saddened but also grateful for the delightful stories, memorable characters, and the idyllic setting that made this series so special.
Booking for Trouble is available for purchase today, February 24, 2026
February 28, 2026
There are several islands off the shores of Briar Creek including two small ones known as theSplit Islands, a small town on the coast of Connecticut. Lindsey Norris, the town's library director, visits each island with her new book boat which is inspired by bookmobiles, but set up to serve the island residents. She's not about to let anything, not even a feud, stop her from delivering books. But Lindsey's new venture quickly becomes a murder investigation when she and her husband, Captain Mike "Sully" Sullivan, find a woman's body on the larger of the Split Islands. Hostilities are soon reignited and secrets come to light. There are many suspects so Lindsey must use all her skills and her community ties wisely. She needs to find a killer before her dreams of a successful book boat are sunk.
I've really enjoyed this amazing series and this book's no exception. The book was well-written with well-developed characters, both those you like and the ones you don't, while the plot moves along quickly. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. This is a fairly lengthy series but the author, Jenn McKinlay, has kept it fresh. Each book is an automatic must-read and I don't even bother with the synopsis. I did receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley and this is my honest, unbiased review. This was a quick, fun read with an intriguing mystery. There's are strong bonds of family and friendship as well as the essence of small town life and the sense of community. There's also some sweet romance sprinkled throughout. I absolutely loved this book. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order so you get the most out of things. However, each book has a self-contained mystery so you can read them individually.
I've really enjoyed this amazing series and this book's no exception. The book was well-written with well-developed characters, both those you like and the ones you don't, while the plot moves along quickly. I was drawn into this captivating story and kept hooked from beginning to end. This is a fairly lengthy series but the author, Jenn McKinlay, has kept it fresh. Each book is an automatic must-read and I don't even bother with the synopsis. I did receive an ARC of this book from NetGalley and Berkley and this is my honest, unbiased review. This was a quick, fun read with an intriguing mystery. There's are strong bonds of family and friendship as well as the essence of small town life and the sense of community. There's also some sweet romance sprinkled throughout. I absolutely loved this book. I highly recommend both book and series which I believe is best read in order so you get the most out of things. However, each book has a self-contained mystery so you can read them individually.
Review of advance copy received from Netgalley
As I was enjoying this sixteenth delightful entry in the Library Lover's series, I read Jenn's post that this is likely the final book in the series. I finished it with a sad heart as I simply love the patrons of the Briar Creek library and appreciate the setting which includes not just a sweet small Connecticut town, but the Thumb Islands. They provide such rich possibilities and in this book, the author takes full advantage of them.
First let me say, that I now think every library near a coastline of any sort needs a book boat! Lindsey comes up with this idea as a way to add value and hopefully new supporters for her beloved Briar Cliff library when it is threatened by a new member of the town council. When a member of the community is found dead by Lindsey and Sully, accusations start flying, mostly involving residents of the Thumb Islands surrounding Briar Cliff, including members of the extremely exclusive Club residing on one of the islands.
As the pressure mounts to find ways to continue supporting this new way of getting books and library services into more hands and to find the killer, Lindsey trusts her instincts and sadly finds another body. She, Sully, Robbie and Chief Emma Plewicki are working to find the killer, while Lindsey and Mayor Cole (aka Miss Lemon) search for a way to shut down the penny-pinching council member. Mayor Cole proves herself to be a more than worthy ally to the library as well as as quite the savvy politician! Lindsey, Sully, Robbie, Emma and the rest of the crafternooners concoct a plan to out the killer and foil the rest of the selfish plot.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the chance to read an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
First let me say, that I now think every library near a coastline of any sort needs a book boat! Lindsey comes up with this idea as a way to add value and hopefully new supporters for her beloved Briar Cliff library when it is threatened by a new member of the town council. When a member of the community is found dead by Lindsey and Sully, accusations start flying, mostly involving residents of the Thumb Islands surrounding Briar Cliff, including members of the extremely exclusive Club residing on one of the islands.
As the pressure mounts to find ways to continue supporting this new way of getting books and library services into more hands and to find the killer, Lindsey trusts her instincts and sadly finds another body. She, Sully, Robbie and Chief Emma Plewicki are working to find the killer, while Lindsey and Mayor Cole (aka Miss Lemon) search for a way to shut down the penny-pinching council member. Mayor Cole proves herself to be a more than worthy ally to the library as well as as quite the savvy politician! Lindsey, Sully, Robbie, Emma and the rest of the crafternooners concoct a plan to out the killer and foil the rest of the selfish plot.
My thanks to NetGalley and Berkley Publishing for the chance to read an early copy of this book in exchange for my honest thoughts.
March 27, 2026
Lindsey Norris needs to plan to save the libraries funding when town councilman, Gideon Trask, decides he wants to cut their budget and even get rid of the library entirely. Her idea, a book boat, like a bookmobile, to take library resources to the surrounding islands and the people who live on them. Robbie has an idea that The Club might want to sponsor the books boat. Luckily they do and soon Lindsey has a boat full of books to sail. With her husband, Sully, they begin sailing the Jolly Reader, to the islands and things go well until they reach Split Island. That’s where two families, the Capshaw’s and the Montgomery’s, have been feuding for years. When Gwen Capshaw is found dead in her garden things go from bad to worse on Split Island. Gwen’s husband, Perry, is certain that Ariel Montgomery is the one who killed his wife and it doesn’t help that the murder weapon is a palette knife because Ariel is a painter. Lindsey thinks that someone i trying to frame Ariel, but why?
Gwen’s death does bring her daughter, Jordan, back along with her husband, Ryan Montgomery. They haven’t been back in town since they left during high school graduation, when they eloped. Lindsey begins to wonder if The Club might be involved when she discovers that Gwen had been trying to join for years but was always turned down. With Robbies help, Lindsey gathers information from The Club’s members. Meanwhile, she must also argue her case for the library at the next town council meeting against Gideon. Of course she beats him much to Gideon’s disappointment. At an auction, with The Club, Lindsey realizes who the killer is and it turns out to be two people, Mallory and Harper. They killed someone for each other and because they both had something to gain.
The best part was when Perry Capshaw and Dane Montgomery finally have a long overdue conversation and finally make amends with each other. The feud is over and just in time too, because they will soon be grandparent.
Gwen’s death does bring her daughter, Jordan, back along with her husband, Ryan Montgomery. They haven’t been back in town since they left during high school graduation, when they eloped. Lindsey begins to wonder if The Club might be involved when she discovers that Gwen had been trying to join for years but was always turned down. With Robbies help, Lindsey gathers information from The Club’s members. Meanwhile, she must also argue her case for the library at the next town council meeting against Gideon. Of course she beats him much to Gideon’s disappointment. At an auction, with The Club, Lindsey realizes who the killer is and it turns out to be two people, Mallory and Harper. They killed someone for each other and because they both had something to gain.
The best part was when Perry Capshaw and Dane Montgomery finally have a long overdue conversation and finally make amends with each other. The feud is over and just in time too, because they will soon be grandparent.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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March 28, 2026Five stars for a great final book in this highly entertaining series. Lindsay Norris Sullivan has come a long way since she arrived in Briar Creek, Conn. to be the town’s library director. She’s established herself in the community, made good friends, transformed the library into a much-loved anchor for the town, and married the dashing boat captain. She has also used her research skills (“I do not snoop!”) to solve several murders.
I was a librarian, and when I read the first book in the series when it first came out, I KNEW the author had been a librarian. She had the staff members personalities down pat, as well as it’s-day-to-day routines. I immediately fell in love with the series.
Aside from solving murders (and making friends with a skeptical police chief), Lindsay has had to deal with real library issues, like censorship, budgeting, and people who believe that libraries are obsolete.
This story could be sub-titled The Real Wives of Briar Creek. Lindsay has to deal with bitchy rich women who are condescending to the local librarian. She has them pegged right away, but needs to put on a good face to get the funding she needs to establish a “book boat.” She keeps her poise and stands up for herself and in the end, gets her revenge of sorts. This book was full of humor, too. (Lindsay trying to walk in Labouton spiked heels was a hoot.).
This series has heart, lovable recurring characters, nasty villains, and deals with real-life issues as well.
It’s always been a gem. Thanks, Jenn McKinlay.
I was a librarian, and when I read the first book in the series when it first came out, I KNEW the author had been a librarian. She had the staff members personalities down pat, as well as it’s-day-to-day routines. I immediately fell in love with the series.
Aside from solving murders (and making friends with a skeptical police chief), Lindsay has had to deal with real library issues, like censorship, budgeting, and people who believe that libraries are obsolete.
This story could be sub-titled The Real Wives of Briar Creek. Lindsay has to deal with bitchy rich women who are condescending to the local librarian. She has them pegged right away, but needs to put on a good face to get the funding she needs to establish a “book boat.” She keeps her poise and stands up for herself and in the end, gets her revenge of sorts. This book was full of humor, too. (Lindsay trying to walk in Labouton spiked heels was a hoot.).
This series has heart, lovable recurring characters, nasty villains, and deals with real-life issues as well.
It’s always been a gem. Thanks, Jenn McKinlay.
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