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Library Lover's Mystery #6
A Likely Story
Jenn McKinlay, the New York Times bestselling author of On Borrowed Time, returns to coastal Connecticut, where librarian Lindsey Norris must solve a shooting and a missing person’s case involving two reclusive brothers…
One of the most adventurous aspects of Briar Creek Public Library director Lindsey Norris’s job involves a boat ride out to Star Island to deliver books to elderly hermits Stewart and Peter Rosen. The trip is even more exciting because the captain of the boat is Lindsey’s ex-boyfriend Sully. When Stewart fails to meet their boat, Lindsey and Sully venture onto the brothers’ property to investigate, risking their lives—as the brothers fiercely guard their privacy with deadly booby traps.
Once safely inside the brothers’ cluttered Victorian, they discover Peter—in his wheelchair with a bullet hole in his chest. Stewart is nowhere to be found. Have they stumbled upon a tragic scene of fratricide, or has Stewart fled to escape whomever shot his brother? To discover what really went down on the isolated island, Lindsey will need to untangle a family history of secrets and lies, and determine if this brother’s keeper needs to be rescued or arrested for murder…
One of the most adventurous aspects of Briar Creek Public Library director Lindsey Norris’s job involves a boat ride out to Star Island to deliver books to elderly hermits Stewart and Peter Rosen. The trip is even more exciting because the captain of the boat is Lindsey’s ex-boyfriend Sully. When Stewart fails to meet their boat, Lindsey and Sully venture onto the brothers’ property to investigate, risking their lives—as the brothers fiercely guard their privacy with deadly booby traps.
Once safely inside the brothers’ cluttered Victorian, they discover Peter—in his wheelchair with a bullet hole in his chest. Stewart is nowhere to be found. Have they stumbled upon a tragic scene of fratricide, or has Stewart fled to escape whomever shot his brother? To discover what really went down on the isolated island, Lindsey will need to untangle a family history of secrets and lies, and determine if this brother’s keeper needs to be rescued or arrested for murder…
292 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 3, 2015
362 people are currently reading
2678 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,248 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 548 reviews
March 26, 2018
4 out of 5 stars to A Likely Story, the 6th book in the "Library Lover's Mystery" series, written in 2015 by Jenn McKinlay. A good continuance in the cozy series and a quick read. Basic, but fun. Fans will enjoy it, but seemed a tad bit shorter and less complex than usual.
Why This Book
I've been reading lots of NetGalley approved thriller and suspense requests lately, which meant I needed something lighter for a few days. I'm a fan of Ms. McKinlay and had purchased a few of her books last month to insert between electronic-reads. It was time and I'd missed this series a bit. I am only 1 book behind now!
Plot, Characters & Setting
Lindsey, Briar Creek's town librarian, has taken a boat with Sully, her on-again / off-again boyfriends, to drop some books off for the reclusive Rosen brothers. Stewart and Peter, in their 70s, have lived on a small island off shore for their whole lives, but rarely come off or let anyone else on. Lindsey is one of their exceptions in this small Connecticut town. When she arrives, Stewart doesn't greet her at the dock and she's forced to walk up to the house. Unfortunately, the pathway is always booby-trapped, so she and Sully have to be careful to avoid the traps the Rosens have set for all other guests. When they arrive, poor Peter Rosen has been shot dead and Stewart is missing. They notice the Rosen boat, which had been docked just outside, was now missing. Did Stewart kill his brother and run off, or did he escape from an unknown killer? The cops investigate. Lindsey tries to figure it out on her own, as usual.
Along the path, she meets an older woman determined to buy up all the houses on the surrounding islands. Lindsey wonders what's lurking beneath the surface besides investment properties. She encounters two antique dealers from half way across the country, who claim to be there at Peter's request to help sell some of the belongings. But Lindsey knows them as hoarders with money, so she isn't buying it. As she investigates, her friends join in the fun and danger. Lindsey makes some enemies, but she's asked to help by the lead cop who was injured in one of the booby traps. And as Lindsey's searching the house, someone breaks in and captures Lindsey and Sully. Who is this person and what is going on in the Rosen household?
Lindsey of course solves the case, although she's almost shot in this one. A few new family members show up, the mystery of the old houses on the island comes out and Lindsey makes a decision between Sully and Robbie, who is also back from NYC with some interesting news about changes going in on his life. What's a girl to do? Besides help Beth through her new romance and Mary and Ian when something new pops up in their lives, too. All in good fun, Lindsey says... but she wants a break, too!
Approach & Style
I read the paperback version, which was about 300 pages long. It had some recipes, some commentary and a new short story from the author, which took up another 50 pages.
Similar to other books in the series, it's narrated by a third person with perspective set only on Lindsey. Minimal violence. Nothing overtly sexual other than a little light kissing between some characters.
Took me less than 3 hours to read over the course of 2 days. Finished it more quickly than usual, probably due to it having less characters than previous ones.
Strengths
Lindsey is a likable protagonist. She's not too simple or silly. She's not too dramatic or controlling. She seems like your average everyday gal who gets thrust into murder. Between her friends and her colleagues at the library, you get a bunch of side-stories that always make you laugh and feel connected with her as a character. I enjoy her relationship with Milton, and in this book, things with Ms. Cole take a new turn. The plot of the mystery, once it unwinds, is good. It has some family drama and other connections to the past which were a nice highlight. There's a suspenseful chase scene in the house with the criminal at one point where I kept turning the pages as I really thought Lindsey was either gonna catch him or get killed!
Concerns
Lindsey still seems caught up between Robbie and Sully. I'm a Robbie fan. But she's leaning towards Sully in this one. And just as it appears she made a choice between them, news comes in at the end of the book which could change everything. I'd really like her to make a choice and stick with it for a few books, letting the other character go for a while, so we have an opportunity for a little change.
While the plot had some good parts to it, it seemed to grow more complicated only near the end. The first half of the book was very light and at times, I wasn't very excited over what happened other than the fact one of the brothers was missing and could be alive/dead or the killer/victim. That kept me going, but I think the other characters should have been more prominent to make this more complex and intriguing.
Questions & Final Thoughts
It was a good read. Nothing extraordinary, nothing bad. I enjoyed it. I'll keep reading the series. The 7th book has been out in hardback for a few months, but I'll wait until November until the paperback release. Not in any rush. I may switch over to another of her series about hats and murders in London.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
Why This Book
I've been reading lots of NetGalley approved thriller and suspense requests lately, which meant I needed something lighter for a few days. I'm a fan of Ms. McKinlay and had purchased a few of her books last month to insert between electronic-reads. It was time and I'd missed this series a bit. I am only 1 book behind now!
Plot, Characters & Setting
Lindsey, Briar Creek's town librarian, has taken a boat with Sully, her on-again / off-again boyfriends, to drop some books off for the reclusive Rosen brothers. Stewart and Peter, in their 70s, have lived on a small island off shore for their whole lives, but rarely come off or let anyone else on. Lindsey is one of their exceptions in this small Connecticut town. When she arrives, Stewart doesn't greet her at the dock and she's forced to walk up to the house. Unfortunately, the pathway is always booby-trapped, so she and Sully have to be careful to avoid the traps the Rosens have set for all other guests. When they arrive, poor Peter Rosen has been shot dead and Stewart is missing. They notice the Rosen boat, which had been docked just outside, was now missing. Did Stewart kill his brother and run off, or did he escape from an unknown killer? The cops investigate. Lindsey tries to figure it out on her own, as usual.
Along the path, she meets an older woman determined to buy up all the houses on the surrounding islands. Lindsey wonders what's lurking beneath the surface besides investment properties. She encounters two antique dealers from half way across the country, who claim to be there at Peter's request to help sell some of the belongings. But Lindsey knows them as hoarders with money, so she isn't buying it. As she investigates, her friends join in the fun and danger. Lindsey makes some enemies, but she's asked to help by the lead cop who was injured in one of the booby traps. And as Lindsey's searching the house, someone breaks in and captures Lindsey and Sully. Who is this person and what is going on in the Rosen household?
Lindsey of course solves the case, although she's almost shot in this one. A few new family members show up, the mystery of the old houses on the island comes out and Lindsey makes a decision between Sully and Robbie, who is also back from NYC with some interesting news about changes going in on his life. What's a girl to do? Besides help Beth through her new romance and Mary and Ian when something new pops up in their lives, too. All in good fun, Lindsey says... but she wants a break, too!
Approach & Style
I read the paperback version, which was about 300 pages long. It had some recipes, some commentary and a new short story from the author, which took up another 50 pages.
Similar to other books in the series, it's narrated by a third person with perspective set only on Lindsey. Minimal violence. Nothing overtly sexual other than a little light kissing between some characters.
Took me less than 3 hours to read over the course of 2 days. Finished it more quickly than usual, probably due to it having less characters than previous ones.
Strengths
Lindsey is a likable protagonist. She's not too simple or silly. She's not too dramatic or controlling. She seems like your average everyday gal who gets thrust into murder. Between her friends and her colleagues at the library, you get a bunch of side-stories that always make you laugh and feel connected with her as a character. I enjoy her relationship with Milton, and in this book, things with Ms. Cole take a new turn. The plot of the mystery, once it unwinds, is good. It has some family drama and other connections to the past which were a nice highlight. There's a suspenseful chase scene in the house with the criminal at one point where I kept turning the pages as I really thought Lindsey was either gonna catch him or get killed!
Concerns
Lindsey still seems caught up between Robbie and Sully. I'm a Robbie fan. But she's leaning towards Sully in this one. And just as it appears she made a choice between them, news comes in at the end of the book which could change everything. I'd really like her to make a choice and stick with it for a few books, letting the other character go for a while, so we have an opportunity for a little change.
While the plot had some good parts to it, it seemed to grow more complicated only near the end. The first half of the book was very light and at times, I wasn't very excited over what happened other than the fact one of the brothers was missing and could be alive/dead or the killer/victim. That kept me going, but I think the other characters should have been more prominent to make this more complex and intriguing.
Questions & Final Thoughts
It was a good read. Nothing extraordinary, nothing bad. I enjoyed it. I'll keep reading the series. The 7th book has been out in hardback for a few months, but I'll wait until November until the paperback release. Not in any rush. I may switch over to another of her series about hats and murders in London.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on Goodreads, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at https://thisismytruthnow.com, where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by. Note: All written content is my original creation and copyrighted to me, but the graphics and images were linked from other sites and belong to them. Many thanks to their original creators.
March 9, 2016
Well the mystery story line was definitely better in this one than the last one but the dreaded love triangle is still hanging on by a thread. I do still really like the characters (except when Lindsey is swooning over both guys at the same time) and the series setting . The love triangle better be resolved for good in the next book because my patience for it has wore thin. It is sad because I love Ms. McKinlay and loved the first few books in this series. I will wait to see what my GR friends think of the next one before I pick it up.
February 6, 2016
Let's start with a hearty cheer; the love triangle is finished! But wait, the last line of the book ruins it. I really hate love triangles, and this series has had one going for the last bit. If a love triangle is slight and well-written I don't mind it, but this love triangle is not. The two men; Sully and Robbie spend half their times fighting. It's downright annoying and childish, and I was excited towards the middle and latter parts of this book when the author seemed to be ending the love triangle, but on literally the last page she restarted it again. Ugh. Ugh. UGH!
Besides that, though the book was mostly good. The characters not involved in the triangle were relatable and fun. Ms. Cole finally is becoming three-dimensional, though, for the life of me I can not imagine why, Lindsey, the boss, allows her employees to call Ms. Cole "the lemon." That is unbelievable unprofessional, not to mention rude.
The mystery was good, though the ending seemed anticlimactic. However, the short-story at the end was purposeless from my view, besides to point out another reason why Lindsey should not be the director of a library. She hires a woman simply because she helps save a cat and her kittens and knows literature. Great, that would give her brownie points in my eyes, but aren't you at least going to make sure she can hold a job? Or at least check her references? She could steal from the businesses she works in or worse. Another ugh. I really just thought the entire short story at the end was juvenile.
Overall a simply okay book. It held my attention wonderfully, but there were some problems in it I hope are resolved in the next book, if I even read that one.
Besides that, though the book was mostly good. The characters not involved in the triangle were relatable and fun. Ms. Cole finally is becoming three-dimensional, though, for the life of me I can not imagine why, Lindsey, the boss, allows her employees to call Ms. Cole "the lemon." That is unbelievable unprofessional, not to mention rude.
The mystery was good, though the ending seemed anticlimactic. However, the short-story at the end was purposeless from my view, besides to point out another reason why Lindsey should not be the director of a library. She hires a woman simply because she helps save a cat and her kittens and knows literature. Great, that would give her brownie points in my eyes, but aren't you at least going to make sure she can hold a job? Or at least check her references? She could steal from the businesses she works in or worse. Another ugh. I really just thought the entire short story at the end was juvenile.
Overall a simply okay book. It held my attention wonderfully, but there were some problems in it I hope are resolved in the next book, if I even read that one.
November 19, 2016
I love libraries, I love being in one, I love sitting to observe and people watch, I go there to get away, a library is like a sancuary to me. I love to read and write there and just enjoy the quiet. That's why i'm such a big fan of Jenn Mckinlay's A library lovers Mysteries. A likely story has to be the best of the series so far.
Lindsey Norris is the library director of the Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut. Lindsey has heart and compassion for everyone that's one of the things I enjoy about her. Stewart Rosen is a library patron, along with his brother, Peter who Stewart takes care of they are strange, hermits and they live on an island
Lindsey takes a water taxi driven by her ex-boyfriend, Mike "Sully" Sullivan to the island to deliver library books to him, Stewart is not there at the dock to meet Lindsey as usual and her and Mike wonder were he is, they venture into their cluttered home to discover they are hoarder. In the kitchen discover Stewart'
s brother, Peter dead and Stewart is missing.
Could there be problems between the brothers? Could Stewart have killed him? Lindsey comes up with a plan to try to find Stewart by luring him to the library after hours but something goes wrong and all goes to hell in a hand basket. The banter and friendship between Lindsey and co-worker, children's librarian Beth had me in stitches this time around.
Even, Librarian Mrs Cole and her sourly "Lemon" disposition is sweetening up, what a surprise. The killer was a total surprise, I was wondering who could have possibly wanted Peter dead. Lindsey is a determined woman who always wants to find the truth, just what's not to love about her. Her relationship with Sully is the icing on the cake. I can't wait to read and review the next book in the series, Better Late than Never, Friday November,25 .
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
Lindsey Norris is the library director of the Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut. Lindsey has heart and compassion for everyone that's one of the things I enjoy about her. Stewart Rosen is a library patron, along with his brother, Peter who Stewart takes care of they are strange, hermits and they live on an island
Lindsey takes a water taxi driven by her ex-boyfriend, Mike "Sully" Sullivan to the island to deliver library books to him, Stewart is not there at the dock to meet Lindsey as usual and her and Mike wonder were he is, they venture into their cluttered home to discover they are hoarder. In the kitchen discover Stewart'
s brother, Peter dead and Stewart is missing.
Could there be problems between the brothers? Could Stewart have killed him? Lindsey comes up with a plan to try to find Stewart by luring him to the library after hours but something goes wrong and all goes to hell in a hand basket. The banter and friendship between Lindsey and co-worker, children's librarian Beth had me in stitches this time around.
Even, Librarian Mrs Cole and her sourly "Lemon" disposition is sweetening up, what a surprise. The killer was a total surprise, I was wondering who could have possibly wanted Peter dead. Lindsey is a determined woman who always wants to find the truth, just what's not to love about her. Her relationship with Sully is the icing on the cake. I can't wait to read and review the next book in the series, Better Late than Never, Friday November,25 .
FTC Disclosure: Thank you to the publisher and/or author or Net Galley for providing us with a copy of this book for review.This did not influence our thoughts in any way. All the opinions of the book are our own.
March 13, 2020
One of the things that librarian Lindsey Norris does as part of her job is take requests to the residents who live in the islands off the coast of Briar Creek, Connecticut. And that’s what she is doing this cold February day with the help of her ex-boyfriend, Sully. Their first stop is Star Island, the home of brothers Stewart and Peter Rosen. The brothers are recluses, and Lindsey knows to never leave the dock – Stewart will meet her there. This particular afternoon, Stewart doesn’t come to meet her. After waiting a few minutes, Lindsey and Sully can’t help but feel that something is wrong, so they venture up to the house to investigate. Inside, they find one brother dead with no sign of the other. Did one brother kill the other? Or is something even more sinister involved?
Since this is book six in the series, we’ve gotten to know the series regulars pretty well, and it is fun to check in with them again here. A couple of the supporting characters even get their own sub-plots, and they added some great humor to the book. The love triangle is still going strong here, although it takes a backseat to some of the other storylines of the book. Yes, the mystery is the more prominent story of the book. Once again for this series, it doesn’t unfold in typical fashion, but I was no less hooked, and I had to know what Lindsey would uncover next as she worked to piece everything together. I did feel the ending was rushed, which left a couple of things dangling, but the big questions were all answered. We get the typical extras for this series – literature discussion questions, a craft project, recipes – as well as a bonus short story that is a lot of fun. Fans new and old will enjoy catching up with Lindsey here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
Since this is book six in the series, we’ve gotten to know the series regulars pretty well, and it is fun to check in with them again here. A couple of the supporting characters even get their own sub-plots, and they added some great humor to the book. The love triangle is still going strong here, although it takes a backseat to some of the other storylines of the book. Yes, the mystery is the more prominent story of the book. Once again for this series, it doesn’t unfold in typical fashion, but I was no less hooked, and I had to know what Lindsey would uncover next as she worked to piece everything together. I did feel the ending was rushed, which left a couple of things dangling, but the big questions were all answered. We get the typical extras for this series – literature discussion questions, a craft project, recipes – as well as a bonus short story that is a lot of fun. Fans new and old will enjoy catching up with Lindsey here.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
June 12, 2017
For complete review check out my blog at https://booksaplentybookreviews.blogs...
November 14, 2016
Oh dear, this woman does believe in telling AND showing. And then some more of both. Being more than halfway through because I had no proper alternative, I'll now struggle to the bitter end, I expect. Fortunately I'm mildly interested in the case ....
How can someone who writes so badly sell so many books? Shame on the editor.
I am frustrated.
How can someone who writes so badly sell so many books? Shame on the editor.
I am frustrated.
Read
April 27, 2020Gah! Love triangles. Gah! I can't even star this review because I don't like love triangles, especially the kind that linger on longer than they should and when both guys are heart throbs but there's clearly only one true love for Lindsey but I love this series and I enjoyed every agonizing minute of it anyway despite my sense of betrayal due to the previous book ending in a mistletoe kiss. Pause, takes deep breath. Sorry, run on sentence.
But really, I thought the love triangle was sorted so I happily dove into this one and found out otherwise. Parts are absolutely hysterically funny, so kudos to the author for getting me to laugh through my misery. I even thought everything on the romance front was finally clear until that diabolical last sentence. Pffffftttt!
But really, I thought the love triangle was sorted so I happily dove into this one and found out otherwise. Parts are absolutely hysterically funny, so kudos to the author for getting me to laugh through my misery. I even thought everything on the romance front was finally clear until that diabolical last sentence. Pffffftttt!
August 29, 2019
I was ready to give a 4 and then Robbie reappeared. I’m so tired of him always being around.
May 3, 2020
Freaking. Love. Triangles. I am so over it. SO. OVER. IT.
I seriously hope that it is over. Because I don't know how much longer I can keep reading these if it continues. It is absolutely ridiculous and so not needed.
Other than that, this was an excellent read. A 4 star read [minus the stupid love triangle crap]. There were a couple of moments that were really heart-pounding and edge-of-your-seat that were just amazing writing. And it what was keeping me reading. That and the fact that Lindsey spends most of the book with Sully and it gives me hope. And I love the story of Beth and her surprise. It was a lovely bonus.
Included is the short story "An Unlikely Meeting [#6.5] - which is a fun quick story to introduce a character that appears in the next book.
I seriously hope that it is over. Because I don't know how much longer I can keep reading these if it continues. It is absolutely ridiculous and so not needed.
Other than that, this was an excellent read. A 4 star read [minus the stupid love triangle crap]. There were a couple of moments that were really heart-pounding and edge-of-your-seat that were just amazing writing. And it what was keeping me reading. That and the fact that Lindsey spends most of the book with Sully and it gives me hope. And I love the story of Beth and her surprise. It was a lovely bonus.
Included is the short story "An Unlikely Meeting [#6.5] - which is a fun quick story to introduce a character that appears in the next book.
September 25, 2018
I extend my thanks again to my library for the 6book in the Library Lover's series. Lindsey has extended the library service to the islands off the coast of Connecticut. She is delivering books to one of the islands with the water taxi and on arrival, Stewart Rose does not meet them. Sully is the driver of the taxi. Lindsey goes with him to see if the Rosen brothers are okay. The island is bobby trap and Sully goes first checking to see if it is okay. They find one of the brothers, Peter shot in his wheelchair and the other missing. Emma Plewicki is now the Chief of Police and when she arrives to investigate she sets off one of the traps and incapacitated her self and calls in the state police force. Two other suitors of Lindsey and Heathcliff are present in the story. The twists and turns will hold your attention. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES. Craft patterns and recipes are included.
June 25, 2021
Another great addition to the series. The characters and the town are enjoyable. Interesting plot and conflict. Excited to read the next.
November 8, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
An excellent story.
This time Jenn McKinlay takes us to a little island off the coast to meet 2 elderly brothers, one like me spends his days in a wheelchair. Sully takes Lindsey there in his water taxi to deliver books. Stewart, the older brother, always meets them on the dock. She has never ventured beyond there to the house until now. She and Sully approach the old house carefully because they have been warned the place is booby-trapped to keep away unwanted visitors. They immediately know something is wrong when they reach the porch and Stewart has still not appeared. What they find into addition to the traps deterring their entrance is a house full of everything you can think of, the brothers are major hoarders. They make their way through the small open paths to find Peter, the younger brother dead. Stewart is nowhere to be found. They call the police but Lindsey knows she needs to find Stewart and find the killer.
This was a bendy twisty mystery that could have gone several ways and included more suspects than I at first imagined. It was very well plotted and written and kept this reader very engaged.
In addition to the mystery we have the love triangle of Lindsey, Sully and Robbie. I was feeling this was going the way I wanted and would be wrapping up, but then, on the last page of the story, just one word through a monkey wrench into the saga which will now continue on.
I did enjoy children’s librarian Beth stepping beyond her comfort zone and meeting someone new. I also enjoyed Ms. Cole’s relationship with town historian Milton Duffy as well. It had a few tense moments. Stewart Rosen is also a very interesting character. His family, one of the first in the area, gave some history to the story. Of course, the crafternooners were back sticking their noses into everything.
Jenn McKinlay is an expert of blending a suspenseful mystery with the proper amounts of humor and romance. She always leaves us wanting more, ready to jump into the next Library Lover’s Mystery. She didn’t make us wait long this time as there is a short story, A Unlikely Meeting, at the end of this book. No, the romantic cliffhanger was not addressed but she does introduce us to a new Briar Creek resident and the lovable Heathcliff plays a major role.
Because I was late reading this installment, my wait to read the next is quite short. Better Late Than Never comes out November 1!
An excellent story.
This time Jenn McKinlay takes us to a little island off the coast to meet 2 elderly brothers, one like me spends his days in a wheelchair. Sully takes Lindsey there in his water taxi to deliver books. Stewart, the older brother, always meets them on the dock. She has never ventured beyond there to the house until now. She and Sully approach the old house carefully because they have been warned the place is booby-trapped to keep away unwanted visitors. They immediately know something is wrong when they reach the porch and Stewart has still not appeared. What they find into addition to the traps deterring their entrance is a house full of everything you can think of, the brothers are major hoarders. They make their way through the small open paths to find Peter, the younger brother dead. Stewart is nowhere to be found. They call the police but Lindsey knows she needs to find Stewart and find the killer.
This was a bendy twisty mystery that could have gone several ways and included more suspects than I at first imagined. It was very well plotted and written and kept this reader very engaged.
In addition to the mystery we have the love triangle of Lindsey, Sully and Robbie. I was feeling this was going the way I wanted and would be wrapping up, but then, on the last page of the story, just one word through a monkey wrench into the saga which will now continue on.
I did enjoy children’s librarian Beth stepping beyond her comfort zone and meeting someone new. I also enjoyed Ms. Cole’s relationship with town historian Milton Duffy as well. It had a few tense moments. Stewart Rosen is also a very interesting character. His family, one of the first in the area, gave some history to the story. Of course, the crafternooners were back sticking their noses into everything.
Jenn McKinlay is an expert of blending a suspenseful mystery with the proper amounts of humor and romance. She always leaves us wanting more, ready to jump into the next Library Lover’s Mystery. She didn’t make us wait long this time as there is a short story, A Unlikely Meeting, at the end of this book. No, the romantic cliffhanger was not addressed but she does introduce us to a new Briar Creek resident and the lovable Heathcliff plays a major role.
Because I was late reading this installment, my wait to read the next is quite short. Better Late Than Never comes out November 1!
August 22, 2015
A Likely Story is another entertaining installment in McKinlay's Library Lovers Series. Lindsey, Sully, and the rest of the great cast of characters from the series are in for another dangerous and exciting adventure in this one.
Lindsey regularly takes a boat to one of the nearby islands in order to deliver books to the Rosen brothers - Stewart and Peter. The two odd elderly brothers are hermits and hoarders, and Lindsey's standing instructions are to meet Stewart on the dock when she arrives with books. On this particular trip, when Sully and Lindsey arrive at the island, there is no one to great them. When Lindsey decides she must go to the Rosen home, which she's been instructed to never do, she and Sully make a gruesome discovery. With one of the brothers dead and one missing, Lindsey decides she needs to draw Stewart to the library and find out what is going on. As she does this, she finds her own safety, as well as that of her friends, at risk.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was great to be back in the world of Lindsey and her friends, and this installment was great! It is a must read for fans of the series! Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
Lindsey regularly takes a boat to one of the nearby islands in order to deliver books to the Rosen brothers - Stewart and Peter. The two odd elderly brothers are hermits and hoarders, and Lindsey's standing instructions are to meet Stewart on the dock when she arrives with books. On this particular trip, when Sully and Lindsey arrive at the island, there is no one to great them. When Lindsey decides she must go to the Rosen home, which she's been instructed to never do, she and Sully make a gruesome discovery. With one of the brothers dead and one missing, Lindsey decides she needs to draw Stewart to the library and find out what is going on. As she does this, she finds her own safety, as well as that of her friends, at risk.
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. It was great to be back in the world of Lindsey and her friends, and this installment was great! It is a must read for fans of the series! Thanks to the publisher and Edelweiss for providing a copy of the book in return for an honest review.
November 2, 2015
Spectacular! Once again author Jenn McKinlay has penned a wonderful story!
Any time I can spend in Briar Creek with head librarian Lindsey Norris, her friends of the Crafternooner’s group, Captain Sully, and the rest of this delightful town, I’m as happy as can be. And every minute of time spent with this book was no different.
A LIKELY STORY, book six in the Library Lover’s Mystery series is another well written, funny, intriguing, entertaining story. I finished this book in record time, but wish I had paced myself to make it last a lot longer. A superb plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, led to a half surprising reveal, but definitely a satisfying one! (Half surprising to me because I managed to guess half of it right. Okay, I lucky guessed it.)
As Jenn McKinlay is known to do, even after everything is all wrapped up, she hits us with a surprise ending. This is one author who knows how to kept her readers coming back for more!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for some yummy recipes and a never before published short story, AN UNLIKELY MEETING!
My review of the short story
AN UNLIKELY MEETING
On no. You have to read get A LIKELY STORY and find out for yourself. But I will tell you this much, you’re going to love it!
Any time I can spend in Briar Creek with head librarian Lindsey Norris, her friends of the Crafternooner’s group, Captain Sully, and the rest of this delightful town, I’m as happy as can be. And every minute of time spent with this book was no different.
A LIKELY STORY, book six in the Library Lover’s Mystery series is another well written, funny, intriguing, entertaining story. I finished this book in record time, but wish I had paced myself to make it last a lot longer. A superb plot that kept me on the edge of my seat, led to a half surprising reveal, but definitely a satisfying one! (Half surprising to me because I managed to guess half of it right. Okay, I lucky guessed it.)
As Jenn McKinlay is known to do, even after everything is all wrapped up, she hits us with a surprise ending. This is one author who knows how to kept her readers coming back for more!
Make sure to check out the back of the book for some yummy recipes and a never before published short story, AN UNLIKELY MEETING!
My review of the short story
AN UNLIKELY MEETING
On no. You have to read get A LIKELY STORY and find out for yourself. But I will tell you this much, you’re going to love it!
March 10, 2019
A Likely Story is the sixth installment in the Library Lover's Mystery series and I am really happy that this is one of the series I decided to bump up on my TBR pile. I love any cozy mystery that is related to or has a book theme so this series is right up my ally. The characters are well written and strong. The secondary cast is diverse and adds so much depth and dimension to the overall stories. I've decided that I want to belong to the crafternoon club. They are a terrific group of women. The mystery was woven nicely through the entire story and the book had a brisk pace that kept me turning pages. Unlike other books in the series, the suspects were somewhat limited so this time around I thought I had an idea of the killer's identity. That being said, the author did throw in a nice twist at the end and I didn't totally guess right.
I'm off to read book 7 in the series. I'm trying to catch up so that I am current when book 10 comes out later this year.
I'm off to read book 7 in the series. I'm trying to catch up so that I am current when book 10 comes out later this year.
February 13, 2017
I think this is the one that I bow out of the series on. I like they mysteries well enough but I don't have patience enough for the dreaded love-triangle that's kinda not but is, thing. It's ruined contemporary heroine centered cozy mysteries for me before so I think this may be a facet of the genre that isn't for me. This time McKinlay even got my hopes up that the triangle was no more but alas... at the very end that door is opened all over again. I may pick up the next one day but for now, I'm letting this series go. Five books in isn't bad for weekend-type mysteries and I recommend it to any and all who don't have a problem with the triangle. I have to believe I'm an outlier on this one.
August 25, 2017
I really enjoyed this book, as I do all Ms. McKinlay's books. I love the characters, people that I would love to hang around with. I do admit I'm not crazy about the love triangle story, but I love the insults that Sully and Robbie pass back and forth, that had me laughing. The mystery was good, I do admit I figured out the who but it was still a fun read. I did need a little more of the why explained to me, which it was in the end. I will continue on with this series.
There is the added bonus of a enjoyable short story at the ended.
There is the added bonus of a enjoyable short story at the ended.
December 14, 2019
When Lindsey goes to deliver a crate of books to local hermit Stewart Rosen, who lives on one of the islands with his brother Peter, she is shocked to discover Peter dead, sitting in his wheelchair with a bullet in his chest. The house is booby trapped and dangerous. Who could have killed Peter? Stewart is missing and Lindsey feels compelled to find him. With Robbie gone off to New York, Lindsay must rely on Sully for help which complicates their already complicated relationship! Meanwhile, Beth is in agony because her storytime numbers have dipped to an all time low. Her search for answers leads to an unexpected discovery.
This story is back on target with the usual sort of plot. I always enjoy the library and all the crazy things Lindsey has to deal with. The opening scene is laugh out loud funny- unless you've been there with your own toddler. Beth's drama seems kind of inconsequential at first and her discovery and what follows is a little too nice and convenient. She deserved a bit more of a plot but I'm happy with the way things are going for her. As always, the Crafternoon ladies are excellent, in their loving and overprotective ways. It's nice for Lindsey to have that community.
The mystery kept me guessing and reading late into the night. I wasn't surprised at the person that instigated the conflict but the reveal was shocking. The booby trapped house was ingenious and I don't know how the author came up with it. I don't watch Hoarders so I don't know if that served as inspiration. My heart was beating wildly as Lindsey navigated through the house more than once, but especially towards the end. I like that the story doesn't follow the usual cozy mystery pattern with the heroine going off on her own and nearly getting killed before she's rescued. Sully has Lindsey's back and her other friends are there for her as well.
I can't tell you about the new characters because they are central to the plot. There are the two Rosen brothers - recluses and junk collectors whose family has been on their island forever. They seem a little crazy and paranoid to me but anyone who loves to read is OK in my book. There is one woman, Evelyn Dewhurst, who is trying to buy all the islands to preserve them. Her true intentions are unknown and she is not a likable character. There are also two antique collectors from Illinois claiming that Peter contacted them about selling some things. I was highly suspicious of them from the start, as Lindsay was. Lindsay again uses library resources to check them out and research the Rosens. She's highly intelligent and has good instincts but there hasn't been much character growth. Sully is growing and learning to communicate. His development has been excellent so far. I loved how Lindsay and Sully's relationship progressed and she finally told him how she feels. It ended kind of abruptly though so I need to know what happens! Ms. Cole's character development really takes a leap forward here and I actually liked seeing another side of her. It makes her more than the stereotypical "old school" librarian.
This book includes a bonus short story titled An Unlikely Meeting. Lindsay is out of patience waiting for an interview with a potential new circulation clerk, Paula Tanner, when Charlie rushes in to inform Lindsay Heathcliff has run away! I can relate to Lindsay's panic over her missing furchild. I was really worried right along with her and surprised at what happened. It wasn't what Lindsay - or I- expected. The story sets up an introduction to a new character who will likely appear in future books. I really liked the story because I'm an animal lover as well as a librarian.
This story is back on target with the usual sort of plot. I always enjoy the library and all the crazy things Lindsey has to deal with. The opening scene is laugh out loud funny- unless you've been there with your own toddler. Beth's drama seems kind of inconsequential at first and her discovery and what follows is a little too nice and convenient. She deserved a bit more of a plot but I'm happy with the way things are going for her. As always, the Crafternoon ladies are excellent, in their loving and overprotective ways. It's nice for Lindsey to have that community.
The mystery kept me guessing and reading late into the night. I wasn't surprised at the person that instigated the conflict but the reveal was shocking. The booby trapped house was ingenious and I don't know how the author came up with it. I don't watch Hoarders so I don't know if that served as inspiration. My heart was beating wildly as Lindsey navigated through the house more than once, but especially towards the end. I like that the story doesn't follow the usual cozy mystery pattern with the heroine going off on her own and nearly getting killed before she's rescued. Sully has Lindsey's back and her other friends are there for her as well.
I can't tell you about the new characters because they are central to the plot. There are the two Rosen brothers - recluses and junk collectors whose family has been on their island forever. They seem a little crazy and paranoid to me but anyone who loves to read is OK in my book. There is one woman, Evelyn Dewhurst, who is trying to buy all the islands to preserve them. Her true intentions are unknown and she is not a likable character. There are also two antique collectors from Illinois claiming that Peter contacted them about selling some things. I was highly suspicious of them from the start, as Lindsay was. Lindsay again uses library resources to check them out and research the Rosens. She's highly intelligent and has good instincts but there hasn't been much character growth. Sully is growing and learning to communicate. His development has been excellent so far. I loved how Lindsay and Sully's relationship progressed and she finally told him how she feels. It ended kind of abruptly though so I need to know what happens! Ms. Cole's character development really takes a leap forward here and I actually liked seeing another side of her. It makes her more than the stereotypical "old school" librarian.
This book includes a bonus short story titled An Unlikely Meeting. Lindsay is out of patience waiting for an interview with a potential new circulation clerk, Paula Tanner, when Charlie rushes in to inform Lindsay Heathcliff has run away! I can relate to Lindsay's panic over her missing furchild. I was really worried right along with her and surprised at what happened. It wasn't what Lindsay - or I- expected. The story sets up an introduction to a new character who will likely appear in future books. I really liked the story because I'm an animal lover as well as a librarian.
August 14, 2019
A Likely Story was another wonderful installment in the Library Lover’s Mystery series and I enjoyed it quite a bit.
Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris enjoys delivering books to the residents of the Thumb islands. But one day when Lindsey arrives with books for the Rosen brothers, Stewart isn’t waiting for her on the docks like he usually is. When Lindsey heads up to their home to investigate, she finds Peter Rosen dead and Stewart missing. As evidence begins piling up against Stewart, Lindsey, not believing Stewart’s guilt, begins looking into the murder where it quickly becomes clear someone wants to stop Lindsey’s investigation before it has a chance to get started.
The mystery of who killed Peter Rosen was a good one and I had my theories about what happened to him. Like Lindsey, I had a hard time believing Stewart was the responsible party due to the fact that I felt he would be too much of an obvious choice. When we do find out what actually happened to him and who was responsible, it made sense and I thought the author did a great job dropping hints throughout the book. Ultimately I was a bit off on the why of the crime, but I did correctly guess the persons responsible. One of my favorite things about the mystery in this book was how much Lindsey and Sully worked together to solve it. Their relationship dynamics are some of my favorites in the series, so I enjoyed seeing them sleuth together.
Lindsey continues to be a wonderful main character as she’s clever, a quick thinker, and has the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. Her friend group, the crafternooners, continue to be a fantastic bunch and I love the scenes where they all get together. There is a bit of progress on the love triangle between Lindsey, Sully, and Robbie which I’m thankful for. I’m not a fan of one of the men as a match for Lindsey and I’m looking forward to her choosing one and not having to deal with the back and forth anymore.
At the back of this book is a little bonus short story, An Unlikely Meeting, that introduces a new character to the series as well as features some adorable shenanigans from Heathcliff, Lindsey’s dog. I enjoyed the story and I thought it was a great way to add in a new character as the addition wouldn’t have fit well into the main story. Plus there’s an adorable scene of Heathcliff with a local cat and its’ kittens. What more could you want from a bonus scene?
Overall A Likely Story was just as fantastic as the rest of the series and I’m looking forward to getting to the next book, Better Late Than Never, soon. I highly recommend this series to those new to the genre or those who don’t mind a bit of romance in their cozies.
Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris enjoys delivering books to the residents of the Thumb islands. But one day when Lindsey arrives with books for the Rosen brothers, Stewart isn’t waiting for her on the docks like he usually is. When Lindsey heads up to their home to investigate, she finds Peter Rosen dead and Stewart missing. As evidence begins piling up against Stewart, Lindsey, not believing Stewart’s guilt, begins looking into the murder where it quickly becomes clear someone wants to stop Lindsey’s investigation before it has a chance to get started.
The mystery of who killed Peter Rosen was a good one and I had my theories about what happened to him. Like Lindsey, I had a hard time believing Stewart was the responsible party due to the fact that I felt he would be too much of an obvious choice. When we do find out what actually happened to him and who was responsible, it made sense and I thought the author did a great job dropping hints throughout the book. Ultimately I was a bit off on the why of the crime, but I did correctly guess the persons responsible. One of my favorite things about the mystery in this book was how much Lindsey and Sully worked together to solve it. Their relationship dynamics are some of my favorites in the series, so I enjoyed seeing them sleuth together.
Lindsey continues to be a wonderful main character as she’s clever, a quick thinker, and has the ability to make connections between seemingly unrelated pieces of information. Her friend group, the crafternooners, continue to be a fantastic bunch and I love the scenes where they all get together. There is a bit of progress on the love triangle between Lindsey, Sully, and Robbie which I’m thankful for. I’m not a fan of one of the men as a match for Lindsey and I’m looking forward to her choosing one and not having to deal with the back and forth anymore.
At the back of this book is a little bonus short story, An Unlikely Meeting, that introduces a new character to the series as well as features some adorable shenanigans from Heathcliff, Lindsey’s dog. I enjoyed the story and I thought it was a great way to add in a new character as the addition wouldn’t have fit well into the main story. Plus there’s an adorable scene of Heathcliff with a local cat and its’ kittens. What more could you want from a bonus scene?
Overall A Likely Story was just as fantastic as the rest of the series and I’m looking forward to getting to the next book, Better Late Than Never, soon. I highly recommend this series to those new to the genre or those who don’t mind a bit of romance in their cozies.
November 23, 2015
A Likely Story is the sixth book in the Library Lover's Mysteries, and I can't believe that I have missed the first five books! A Likely Story is a book that grabs you early on, and does not let go -- I had a hard time putting it down as I read about Librarian Lindsey Norris investigating who killed recluse Peter Rosen on his booby-trapped private island off the Connecticut coast, and what happened to his brother, Stewart, who is now missing. With help from her library friends and her erstwhile boyfriend, water taxi Captain Sully, Lindsey is determined to find Stewart and learn just what happened to Peter on the island, despite being told by Police Chief Emma Plewicki to step aside and let the police do their job. Lindsey decides to investigate the murder anyway, not only because she and Sully discovered Peter's body while delivering books to the island, but also because of her concern for Stewart. The mystery only heightens and becomes more complex the more Lindsey learns about the Rosen brothers
I really enjoyed this book; its setting and cast of characters are engaging ( I loved the Crafternooners), the mystery gripping and fast paced. A Likely Story was truly a delight to read, and should not be missed. This book can definitely stand alone, but the further I read, the more I wanted to go back to the beginning of the series because it is just that good! I can't wait to start on the series from Book One, Books Can Be Deceiving.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I really enjoyed this book; its setting and cast of characters are engaging ( I loved the Crafternooners), the mystery gripping and fast paced. A Likely Story was truly a delight to read, and should not be missed. This book can definitely stand alone, but the further I read, the more I wanted to go back to the beginning of the series because it is just that good! I can't wait to start on the series from Book One, Books Can Be Deceiving.
I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
February 3, 2016
Strong characters and twisted murder plots revolve around a town's library for some of the best adventures you can find. Lindsey is the Director of the Briar Creek Public Library and along with her best friends investigate a murder and disappearance of reclusive brothers who live on their own island. When one brother fails to meet Lindsey at his dock, she and her friend, Sully check the house. There they find booby traps, hoarding beyond belief and the dead body of the other brother. This series will take you on new adventures in directions that you can't imagine. This is the sixth book and they can be read alone or in order, but read them you should. I can't wait for the next one to come out.
June 23, 2022
I love this series. What could be better than a book that is set in a library. Lindsey and Sully go to drop off books at Peter and Stewart Rosen's home on Thumbs island. After getting around the traps that the brothers set up they discover Peter dead and his brother Stewart missing. This makes it look like Stewart killed his brother. Lindsey doesn't beleive that is the case and goes in search of the killer. This is one of my favorite series and I will continue to read the books in the series.
December 28, 2015
I swear this series gets better with every book and this book was no exception. The author does a wonderful job of winding the plot of the murder throughout the daily lives of the characters so while you have two or more plots twirling together it all goes together very seamlessly. While I must confess that I like all of this authors cozy mystery series and characters, this set of characters will always be my favorite. What could be better than a librarian with a knack of attracting corpses!?! This is a definite must read if you like the cozy mystery genre!
November 4, 2015
I still like these characters, but I wasn't a huge fan of the fifth book, and I just didn't care for this one either. The mystery was alright, though I was figuring out connections as they were presented (which I normally don't do), and saw the ending coming pretty quickly. Also, the love story needs to resolve. I loved Robbie on his first introduction, but I feel like he's now relegated into a red herring rather than an actual interest, and that's frustrating. I did like the short story at the end - maybe the new character can help spice things up?
January 3, 2017
This is the first book I read in the new year. It's a series I like about a librarian in a seaport in Connecticut. While delivering books to a housebound man on a nearby island, Lindsey and Sully discover him dead and his brother missing. This was a pretty good read, and I'm ready for the next one.
I like that the library has crafternoons on Thursdays, during which the members discuss a book and do a craft while eating lunch. It sounds like fun.
I like that the library has crafternoons on Thursdays, during which the members discuss a book and do a craft while eating lunch. It sounds like fun.
August 17, 2016
Another great book in this series! Lindsey is still in a love triangle with Sully and Robbie. I'm hoping this is resolved in the next book. She's going to end up with Sully, everyone knows that's the guy for her. I love the town and the people who live there. They are fun to read about. The mystery/suspense in this one was pretty good, too. ☺
May 29, 2017
As A Likely Story by Jenn McKinlay opens, head librarian Lindsey and her friend Sully, the captain of the water taxi service in Briar Creek, are taking books to a pair of reclusive senior citizen brothers on one of the many small islands in their Connecticut coastal area when they find the body of Peter Rosen in his wheelchair with a gunshot through his head. The brothers are notorious for having booby trapped their island, so Chief Emma gets caught in an explosion, breaking her leg and keeping her out of action. In the meantime, Stewart, the other brother, has disappeared, and no one knows whether he is a victim, the murderer, or a fugitive in hiding from the killer. Trying to find some answers to this crime, Lindsey and Sully find some curious inconsistencies in the stories they hear from others around.
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
Read the rest of this review, more reviews, and other wonderful, geeky articles on FangirlNation
October 30, 2022
This is the sixth in the Library Lover's Mysteries. I don't know why I haven't just sat down and read these all the way through, they are that good! I feel like I'm visiting old friends when I read these. I am getting ready for the love triangle to come to an end, and I feel like we are getting there. In this one, Lindsay and Sully are on their way out to one of the islands to deliver some books to two hermit brothers. They have a normal routine of meeting one of the brothers on the dock, but when he fails to meet them, they know something is wrong. Luckily, Sully has a little bit of knowledge about this particular island and its peculiar inhabitants, so `he is able to safely navigate them through the minefield that the brothers have built. When they finally gain access to the house, they find one of the brothers dead and the other missing.
Of course Lindsay can't just sit this one out, and has to involve herself in the mystery! I love that Beth is finally finding someone. I am excited to see where that goes.
Of course Lindsay can't just sit this one out, and has to involve herself in the mystery! I love that Beth is finally finding someone. I am excited to see where that goes.
January 13, 2024
1-13-24 The mystery in this was really good! Was happy to see the side story with Beth! Lindsey really needs to be a detective on the police force and work with Emma. Lindsey basically solved this one by herself! Took some unrealistic risks but it was good. Enjoyed learning more about the Rosen family and their past. Hope we see more about this family in future stories. I might have given this a 5 star if the Robbie - Sully issue had been resolved. Still some silliness that went on with them! This needs to be resolved soon!
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