Murder in the Library

by Linda Lowery

"Whoever said libraries are quiet places never visited the small town library that sits on the grounds of the old state hospital. Creaks and groans echo through the stacks as patrons peruse the shelves of the current library building. Larissa Lou Rue, reference Librarian and amateur sleuth could tell you a tale or two as she keeps the patrons in line, all the while battling a raging tornado, a rabid group of quilting ladies, and library ghosties. These three library mysteries will keep you laughing and guessing…Is it haunted? Maybe? Maybe not?"

320 pages, Paperback

First published June 19, 2015

About the author

Linda Lowery has been a library lady and a storyteller for most of her life. She received her BS in English with a concentration in Creative Writing from Bradley University, Peoria Illinois. She found that there was always one more story waiting to be told. Working over forty years in academia and public libraries she uses her love of literature and storytelling to share some fun times and great stories.

Reviews

[Johnathan Shoff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Best read while drinking a steaming grande-non-fat-no-water-extra-hot chai-tea-latte, this fun mystery is teeming with both typical death (the library itself is built near an abandoned graveyard!) and liveliness. The narrator, Larissa Rue, is both smart and spunky. Readers will delight in numerous pop culture references, well-written mysteries, and an extremely likable protagonist. Highly recommended!

[Adam · Rating 5 out of 5]

Murder in the Library is written by a local author and storyteller, Linda Lowery. I've had a copy of this book for several years now. I recently decided that I needed to be better about reading the books I own instead of simply reading other books (that's a readers/librarian problem). I'd like to mention that this book is not a genre (cozy mystery) I'd generally gravitate towards. However, I like to challenge myself and step outside my comfort zone occasionally. Besides, it is a local author that I want to support.

Murder in the Library...did not disappoint. In fact, I finished it and thought:


ADAM! WHY DID YOU WAIT?! First of all, the wit between the characters is excellent. I truly laughed out loud multiple times.



Linda does not claim to provide a mystery with the same depth as Agatha Christie. She also does not claim to provide you with the detail of George RR Martin. Linda's writing style is simple. She likes to provide detail only where necessary and gets to the point. That's quite refreshing as it makes for a quick read. The first story is the shortest and serves as a great introduction to the library and employees Linda has envisioned. It was solid!


The end of the first story made me want more and to continue reading. The second story was a bit longer and I totally didn't expect the ending. Finally, the third story was my favorite. The author did something completely unexpected that I did not anticipate happening. It was the longest story but totally worth it. It made me glad that I already purchased the second book. Now, keep in mind that each story is somewhat self contained. Each one is a murder mystery but they are all connected in various ways.

And finally...whatever you do...don't read this in the dark alone.

[Maria · Rating 4 out of 5]

This may not be high literature, but it was still a cute, fun story that was written by someone who obviously loves what shes does. It is most definitely a cozy little mystery, and I couldn't help but smile at the characters that were so full of life, especially dear Officer Friendly.

[Erin Finlen · Rating 5 out of 5]

So good! I loved every minute of it! The friendship between Larissa and Nate is so wonderful.