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Library Lover's Mystery #7
Better Late Than Never
In the latest Library Lover’s Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of A Likely Story, a decades overdue book puts library director Lindsey Norris hot on the trail of a cold case...
When the Briar Creek Public Library holds its first overdue book amnesty day—no fines for late returns—the volume of incoming materials is more than Lindsey and her staff can handle. In a bind, Lindsey drafts the crafternoon ladies to help check in and sort the stacks of books.
But one tardy tome catches her attention—a copy of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, twenty years past due. When Lindsey looks up the borrower, she’s shocked to discover it was a murdered teacher named Candice Whitley, whose killer was never found.
Candice checked out the novel on the day she was murdered. Now Lindsey wonders if it could provide a clue to the decades-old cold case. No one noticed who brought the book back in, but could it be Candice’s killer? Lindsey is determined to catch the culprit one way or another, because justice for Candice Whitley is long overdue...
When the Briar Creek Public Library holds its first overdue book amnesty day—no fines for late returns—the volume of incoming materials is more than Lindsey and her staff can handle. In a bind, Lindsey drafts the crafternoon ladies to help check in and sort the stacks of books.
But one tardy tome catches her attention—a copy of J. D. Salinger’s The Catcher in the Rye, twenty years past due. When Lindsey looks up the borrower, she’s shocked to discover it was a murdered teacher named Candice Whitley, whose killer was never found.
Candice checked out the novel on the day she was murdered. Now Lindsey wonders if it could provide a clue to the decades-old cold case. No one noticed who brought the book back in, but could it be Candice’s killer? Lindsey is determined to catch the culprit one way or another, because justice for Candice Whitley is long overdue...
297 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2016
238 people are currently reading
2693 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
69 books5,238 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 513 reviews
January 22, 2020
When I need a go-to, guaranteed solid and sure-fire cozy mystery, I look to Jenn McKinlay for her wonderful settings, characters and plots. In the seventh book of the Library Lover's mystery series, I found another good read with Better Late Than Never. I give it 3.5 out of 5 stars and round it up to 4 on Goodreads and Amazon.
It's Amnesty Day at the Briar Creek Public Library where Lindsey receives hundreds of overdue library books, including one that was last handled by someone who was murdered--and the crime was never solved! Lindsey quietly investigates in the background while trying to keep famous actor Robbie Vine from convincing her to be his girlfriend. She also spends more time with Sully, and there's an actual decision in her love triangle in this book. While playing detective, Lindsey meets tons of staff at the local high school, learns more about the brother of another supporting character, and finds herself discovering someone isn't who they say they are... shocker! LOL
McKinlay always delivers characters you can believe and whom you want to know. The setting is cozy and makes you wish you lived in the town, minus the murders. The plot was strong in the beginning, but the case was solved too quickly. It was humming along with a few potential suspects and then BAM, the "I know who did it" scenario happens... but there weren't enough clues along the way. The book was 50% focused on her relationship issues which meant less time for the crime. In some ways, I'm cool with that, as I like Lindsey and it's always fun to just read about her life. But I think it would have been better with another 2 chapters leading readers around a bit before she guessed the killer and found herself in his/her clutches.
I'll keep reading as I'm a fan... maybe next time it will be even stronger. I have her Hat Shop series books on my shelf saying 'read me now please' but I can't listen until after I finish my Agatha Christie Readathon I'm hosting in April 2018.
It's Amnesty Day at the Briar Creek Public Library where Lindsey receives hundreds of overdue library books, including one that was last handled by someone who was murdered--and the crime was never solved! Lindsey quietly investigates in the background while trying to keep famous actor Robbie Vine from convincing her to be his girlfriend. She also spends more time with Sully, and there's an actual decision in her love triangle in this book. While playing detective, Lindsey meets tons of staff at the local high school, learns more about the brother of another supporting character, and finds herself discovering someone isn't who they say they are... shocker! LOL
McKinlay always delivers characters you can believe and whom you want to know. The setting is cozy and makes you wish you lived in the town, minus the murders. The plot was strong in the beginning, but the case was solved too quickly. It was humming along with a few potential suspects and then BAM, the "I know who did it" scenario happens... but there weren't enough clues along the way. The book was 50% focused on her relationship issues which meant less time for the crime. In some ways, I'm cool with that, as I like Lindsey and it's always fun to just read about her life. But I think it would have been better with another 2 chapters leading readers around a bit before she guessed the killer and found herself in his/her clutches.
I'll keep reading as I'm a fan... maybe next time it will be even stronger. I have her Hat Shop series books on my shelf saying 'read me now please' but I can't listen until after I finish my Agatha Christie Readathon I'm hosting in April 2018.
October 20, 2016
Librarian, Lindsey Norris, has decided to hold "Amnesty Day" at the library, where patrons can return late or damaged books and the fines will be waived. This is a huge success! The library gets a ton of returns, including a book that was checked out over twenty years ago. When she learns that the book was checked out by a young teacher who was murdered the same day and the murderer was never caught, Lindsey goes straight to the police. Lately in town there has been a rash of break-ins, and while the police chief will eventually get to it, a cold case just doesn't take precedence over an ongoing investigation. Well, everyone in town knows what a snoop Lindsey is, and she just can't handle not knowing. Lindsey finds out exactly what happens when a cold case starts to get red hot?
This is book 7 in the Library Lovers Mystery series. Unfortunately, I have not read the first 6, but this novel reads fine as a stand-alone novel. I was enchanted by the character of Lindsey. She is so curious and inquisitive, which is why she became a librarian in the first place, but she just cannot let a problem go unanswered. By now the whole town seems to know this about her, and it appears it is a running joke. She is resourceful and smart, which I really liked. The rest of the library staff was fantastic. They all had such unique personalities. Robbie, the Watson to her Sherlock, was very funny. He mostly just caused more harm than good, but really tried to help.
The mystery was awesome. I had no clue who the murderer was until the end. There are some twists that I saw very early, but some that I never even glimpsed. The conclusion was well thought out also, which I appreciated.
My only complaint about this book was the enormous amount of time spent on her romance. Instead of a cozy, it was starting to read like a romantic mystery. I realize that falling in love does sort of take over your thoughts, but I was here for the crime-solving! It was sweet, but there was just too much time devoted to this.
I would definitely recommend this book to mystery lovers out there and probably romance lovers also!
* I voluntarily read and Advance Reader Copy of this book and have given an honest review *
This is book 7 in the Library Lovers Mystery series. Unfortunately, I have not read the first 6, but this novel reads fine as a stand-alone novel. I was enchanted by the character of Lindsey. She is so curious and inquisitive, which is why she became a librarian in the first place, but she just cannot let a problem go unanswered. By now the whole town seems to know this about her, and it appears it is a running joke. She is resourceful and smart, which I really liked. The rest of the library staff was fantastic. They all had such unique personalities. Robbie, the Watson to her Sherlock, was very funny. He mostly just caused more harm than good, but really tried to help.
The mystery was awesome. I had no clue who the murderer was until the end. There are some twists that I saw very early, but some that I never even glimpsed. The conclusion was well thought out also, which I appreciated.
My only complaint about this book was the enormous amount of time spent on her romance. Instead of a cozy, it was starting to read like a romantic mystery. I realize that falling in love does sort of take over your thoughts, but I was here for the crime-solving! It was sweet, but there was just too much time devoted to this.
I would definitely recommend this book to mystery lovers out there and probably romance lovers also!
* I voluntarily read and Advance Reader Copy of this book and have given an honest review *
November 28, 2017
Monday morning I finished Jenn McKinlay's Better Late Than Never and I loved it. I loved it because of how the story unfolded and the clues were laid out. The idea that an overdue library book would be the catalyst to solving a murder is pretty darn cool and I love the idea of amnesty free day at the Library. My mother was always owing the library, it always made me laugh and fear bells and whistles going off when we would go. This book I felt involved in, felt very real to me. While I have read a few in this series, and liked them, I did not enjoy them as much as I did this one and I am anxious to read the next one. A joy to have had this to read over the weekend and one I can highly recommend.
August 21, 2022
This is the seventh book in the library lovers series. The library is holding its first amnesty day. It goes better than expected and bins and bins of overdue books are returned. One of the books is a copy of the cather in the rye that had been checked out by Candice Whitley twenty years ago on the day she was murdered.
I love this series. We finally get an answer to the love triangle and I will be honest I did squeal a little when the L word was exchanged. The mystery was well done and I really didn't guess who it was until the end. I hope that this isn't the end for this series because it is one of my favorites.
I love this series. We finally get an answer to the love triangle and I will be honest I did squeal a little when the L word was exchanged. The mystery was well done and I really didn't guess who it was until the end. I hope that this isn't the end for this series because it is one of my favorites.
November 25, 2016
Lindsey Norris, the director of Briar Creek Public Library still has not rid herself of her bittinsky ways. The library is having a book amnesty day much to librarian, Mrs.Cole aka "The lemon's" dismay. Lindsay discovers that someone has returned a book twenty years over due, "The Catcher in the Rye" that was checked out my a murdered high school teacher, Candice Whitley.
Of coarse because of the returned library book, Lindsey investigates to try to find out who returned the book. Was it the killer? Or some random person. All the while there are home invasions and Emma the police chief needs to make that her number one prority. Candice was a well liked teacher and friend and who wanted her dead in this cold case will remain a mystery until Lindsey can find the murderer.
Lindsey still has mixed feelings about her relationship with boat captain, Mike"Sully"Sullivan, not wanting to jinx anything and British theater actor, Robbie Vine is still trying to win Lindsey's heart, but don't worry readers it ends well for this fun love triangle.
The Crafternoon girls of the library are a close-knit group of friends that I am growing to love.Robbie Vine, the British actor brings life to the story but is a thorn in everyone's side. The killer turned out to be someone unexpected but not totally. It was fun trying to figure it out. Better Late than Never had it all, a library, books, great friendships and wouldn't be complete with out Lindsey getting in harms way to solve a murder.
Of coarse because of the returned library book, Lindsey investigates to try to find out who returned the book. Was it the killer? Or some random person. All the while there are home invasions and Emma the police chief needs to make that her number one prority. Candice was a well liked teacher and friend and who wanted her dead in this cold case will remain a mystery until Lindsey can find the murderer.
Lindsey still has mixed feelings about her relationship with boat captain, Mike"Sully"Sullivan, not wanting to jinx anything and British theater actor, Robbie Vine is still trying to win Lindsey's heart, but don't worry readers it ends well for this fun love triangle.
The Crafternoon girls of the library are a close-knit group of friends that I am growing to love.Robbie Vine, the British actor brings life to the story but is a thorn in everyone's side. The killer turned out to be someone unexpected but not totally. It was fun trying to figure it out. Better Late than Never had it all, a library, books, great friendships and wouldn't be complete with out Lindsey getting in harms way to solve a murder.
June 29, 2021
I love this series and this author. Both the Library Lover's series and Cupcake Bakery series are amazing!
January 6, 2019
One of my favourite books in the series so far!
June 26, 2020
Lindsay Norris has declared an overdue book amnesty day for the Briar Creek Public Library, but even she is surprised when a book that was checked out twenty years ago is returned. Further research indicates that it was checked out by Candice Whitley on the day she was murdered – a crime that remains unsolved. Why was this book returned now? Will it help solve this cold case?
I was intrigued by the premise of this book as soon as I learned what it was. I was rewarded with a well-executed mystery that provided clues and red herrings that kept me guessing until I reached the suspenseful climax. The romantic triangle that has been going on for the last few books appears to have wrapped up here, but it looks like everyone will be staying in town, which I am very happy about since I just love these characters. We got a few new regulars here, too, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better. This book included plenty of laughs and grins, so if you are looking for a light, fun murder mystery, this is the book to check out.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
I was intrigued by the premise of this book as soon as I learned what it was. I was rewarded with a well-executed mystery that provided clues and red herrings that kept me guessing until I reached the suspenseful climax. The romantic triangle that has been going on for the last few books appears to have wrapped up here, but it looks like everyone will be staying in town, which I am very happy about since I just love these characters. We got a few new regulars here, too, and I’m looking forward to getting to know them better. This book included plenty of laughs and grins, so if you are looking for a light, fun murder mystery, this is the book to check out.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 23, 2016
Dollycas’s Thoughts
It’s a cold case this time for Lindsey as a book is returned to the library 20 years after it was checked out. Imagine the fine if it wasn’t Overdue Book Amnesty Day! I know they wouldn’t charge more than it cost to restock the book but think of all those days adding up, right around 7300. The creepy part comes when we learn that the book was checked out by a teacher that was murdered on the same day as she checked out the book. Who had the book? Why did they return it to the library? Lindsey just can’t let it go. She turns over the book to the police but like an awesome research librarian she starts investigating on her own. She wants justice for the victim but she may find herself checked out permanently.
This was a super mystery. Lindsey wasn’t in Briar Creek 20 years ago so she needed to reach out to people that were. The former police chief, the victim’s friends, students and even her boss, who is still principal at the school today. It meant digging into the archives for newspaper articles and year books. I really enjoyed this because I used to spend a lot of time in the old stacks and basement of our community library during high school and college. I loved the hunt and finding out about things long forgotten. I never had to search out a killer but some of the old history did include a few mysteries, some still unsolved
It’s a cold case this time for Lindsey as a book is returned to the library 20 years after it was checked out. Imagine the fine if it wasn’t Overdue Book Amnesty Day! I know they wouldn’t charge more than it cost to restock the book but think of all those days adding up, right around 7300. The creepy part comes when we learn that the book was checked out by a teacher that was murdered on the same day as she checked out the book. Who had the book? Why did they return it to the library? Lindsey just can’t let it go. She turns over the book to the police but like an awesome research librarian she starts investigating on her own. She wants justice for the victim but she may find herself checked out permanently.
This was a super mystery. Lindsey wasn’t in Briar Creek 20 years ago so she needed to reach out to people that were. The former police chief, the victim’s friends, students and even her boss, who is still principal at the school today. It meant digging into the archives for newspaper articles and year books. I really enjoyed this because I used to spend a lot of time in the old stacks and basement of our community library during high school and college. I loved the hunt and finding out about things long forgotten. I never had to search out a killer but some of the old history did include a few mysteries, some still unsolved
June 6, 2022
Connecticut shore. Briar Creek Library. Book Amnesty Day. Jenn McKinley’s Better Late Than Never (Library Lover’s Mystery, #7) is the first of this series that I have read, and I must say that I liked it. Lindsey Norris, the head of Briar Creek Public Library, Ms. Cole, the old school librarian, Beth Stanley, Lindsey’s college roommate, best friend, and part-time clerk at BCP library, and Paula, the latest hired clerk who sports many arm tattoos and long purple hair - these characters add all kinds of interesting facets to the library’s day, but today is Amnesty Day when all books and materials may be returned for free - no fines. It is a madhouse. One book in particular (The Catcher in the Rye by Salinger which was banned at my high school) is returned this day twenty years after it had been checked out by a young teacher who was murdered. The mystery was never solved. How the author has the character mentioned along with other characters - Robbie, an Englishman and well-known actor, Sully, actually Captain Mike Sullivan who spends hours on his boat, and Emma, Police Chief Plewicki, solve this mystery makes this a very enjoyable book. 4.5 stars.
March 13, 2019
I am really enjoying this series and happy that I finally bumped it to the top of the TBR pile as part of my New Years resolution to make a dent in the list. Lindsay is a wonderful character and I am always drawn into the story. I know the joke running through the series is that she is a buttinsky, but she doesn't come off that way. She is usually in the wrong place at the wrong time and her natural curiosity always manages to get her involved somehow. I liked that the mystery in this story was a cold case and that virtually anyone who lived in town at the time could have been a suspect. The killer's identity was not a surprise but there were other twists that I didn't catch on to until they were revealed. The secondary characters in this series are some of my favorites and I like that the author is adding to Lindsay's circle of friends. I do have to say that I am thrilled that the love triangle has been resolved.
I will be starting book 8 next as I am trying to catch up so I'll be ready for book 10 later this year.
I will be starting book 8 next as I am trying to catch up so I'll be ready for book 10 later this year.
January 2, 2022
Better Late Than Never is another great book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. I love the idea of an overdue book amnesty day. Late books can be returned without fear of a fine. The event is a hit and the sheer number of books returned overwhelms the library. Everything comes to a screeching halt when a decades-old book is found among the returns. Checked out 20 years prior, Lindsey learns the person who borrowed the book is former teacher, Candice Whitley who was murdered the same day she died. Her murdered still hasn’t been found. Now, Lindsey finds herself immersed in a cold case and she just knows the returned book the key to solving the mystery.
I enjoyed Better Late Than Never and devoured it as fast I could without compromising my ability retain the story. The characters are kind and lovable, and I love Ms. Cole. She's a character in her own right. I love the author's writing style, the pacing was good, and the story compelling. The continued character development allowed for me to further get to know the citizens of Briar Creek. The author created a wonderful town, with wonderful characters, and I was able to visualize the entire story. The author did a great job writing this book realistically. I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to dive into the next book.
I borrowed this book from my library.
I enjoyed Better Late Than Never and devoured it as fast I could without compromising my ability retain the story. The characters are kind and lovable, and I love Ms. Cole. She's a character in her own right. I love the author's writing style, the pacing was good, and the story compelling. The continued character development allowed for me to further get to know the citizens of Briar Creek. The author created a wonderful town, with wonderful characters, and I was able to visualize the entire story. The author did a great job writing this book realistically. I'm invested in these characters and can't wait to dive into the next book.
I borrowed this book from my library.
November 30, 2016
This book gets me caught up on the Library Lovers Mystery series for now.
When Lindsay hosts a Library Fee Amnesty Day, she gets a library full of returned materials, but one of the books is 20 years overdue and last checked out to a woman murdered the same day she checked it out. Of course, Lindsay is curious about this. She turns the book over to the police, but can't help investigating on her own particularly since the police are busy with a series of break-ins happening around town.
Lately I've been feeling a little burnt out on cozy mysteries, but this one came in from my library hold and I felt I'd better read it. I'm really glad I did as McKinlay writes another great book in the series.
For those already reading the series, you know what to expect. If you haven't read the series, I feel like you may be better served starting with an earlier book in the series. However, there are no spoilers to previous books and aside from relationships, this book should be fairly easy to pick up and start at.
When Lindsay hosts a Library Fee Amnesty Day, she gets a library full of returned materials, but one of the books is 20 years overdue and last checked out to a woman murdered the same day she checked it out. Of course, Lindsay is curious about this. She turns the book over to the police, but can't help investigating on her own particularly since the police are busy with a series of break-ins happening around town.
Lately I've been feeling a little burnt out on cozy mysteries, but this one came in from my library hold and I felt I'd better read it. I'm really glad I did as McKinlay writes another great book in the series.
For those already reading the series, you know what to expect. If you haven't read the series, I feel like you may be better served starting with an earlier book in the series. However, there are no spoilers to previous books and aside from relationships, this book should be fairly easy to pick up and start at.
September 4, 2020
Lindsey, library director, has an amnesty day at the library. Tons of books are turned in, including one that was checked out a woman who was murdered 20 years ago.
This one reeeeally bugged me. Robbie is a misogynist. Robbie is a jerk. Robbie is a manipulator. Robbie needs a restraining order. It's not affectionate, it's not funny. It's harassment. No means no. Ms. McKinlay should NOT be glorifying this type of behavior. I can't believe that it's 2016 and this woman thinks this is okay. It's not. This character gives me the creeps. I wouldn't want him anywhere near me.
This one reeeeally bugged me. Robbie is a misogynist. Robbie is a jerk. Robbie is a manipulator. Robbie needs a restraining order. It's not affectionate, it's not funny. It's harassment. No means no. Ms. McKinlay should NOT be glorifying this type of behavior. I can't believe that it's 2016 and this woman thinks this is okay. It's not. This character gives me the creeps. I wouldn't want him anywhere near me.
July 7, 2017
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October 1, 2018
My thanks to my library for my copy. The library has amnesty day for the return of overdue library books and material. It is a success as the number of books being returned is huge. Among the Books is one that has been overdue for twenty years. In checking out who the borrower. Lindsey finds the book was checked by Candice Whitley the day she was murdered. The case went unsolved Lindsey feel she needs to learn what happened that day. Her romance with Sully is covered and Robbie begins to become in involved with the Police chief. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
August 9, 2024
This is my favorite book from the series so far. ❤
November 4, 2017
Better Late Than Never is the seventh book in the A Library Lover’s Mystery series.
It’s always a joy to visit Briar Creek Public Library and catch on what Lindsey, Ms. Lemon(Miss Cole), her staff and the Crafternoons.
The staff is overwhelmed with returned books, as Lindsey has decided on a day of amnesty for fines on overdue books much to Miss Cole’s chagrin. Everyone is shocked when Paula brings in a book that appears to have been 20 years overdue. Miss Cole digs through her immaculate records to find that the book had been checked out by Candice Whitley. In fact, it had been checked out on the same day that Whitley’s strangled body was found near the football field. The book is in very good condition, making it clear that it has been kept hidden for all this time and Lindsey is leaning towards the killer being the one that has returned it. She takes the book to Emma Plewicki, the police chief, and expresses her feelings. But at the moment Emma has some recent break-ins to investigate and the will have to take precedence over a cold case that is 20 years old.
Lindsey, with the help of her staff and friends, begins to look into the life of Whitley, hoping to find something that will lead to learning the identity of the killer. She soon learns that more than likely, the rash of break-ins might be connected to the return of the book.
The book has a wonderful cast of interesting and believable characters. The storyline it well-plotted and read at a consistent pace. The character that I particularly enjoyed was Robbie Vine. Vine is a British actor who came to Briar Creek and decided to stay once he learned that he had a teen-age here. Vine fancies himself as a detective, or as he puts it, he is Dr. Watson to Lindsey’s Sherlock Holmes. Vine is practically Lindsey and more often than not is more of a hindrance than a help. His ulterior motive is to try and win Lindsey’s heart.
Instructions for a Beaded Daisy Chain and delicious sounding recipes are included with the book.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series.
It’s always a joy to visit Briar Creek Public Library and catch on what Lindsey, Ms. Lemon(Miss Cole), her staff and the Crafternoons.
The staff is overwhelmed with returned books, as Lindsey has decided on a day of amnesty for fines on overdue books much to Miss Cole’s chagrin. Everyone is shocked when Paula brings in a book that appears to have been 20 years overdue. Miss Cole digs through her immaculate records to find that the book had been checked out by Candice Whitley. In fact, it had been checked out on the same day that Whitley’s strangled body was found near the football field. The book is in very good condition, making it clear that it has been kept hidden for all this time and Lindsey is leaning towards the killer being the one that has returned it. She takes the book to Emma Plewicki, the police chief, and expresses her feelings. But at the moment Emma has some recent break-ins to investigate and the will have to take precedence over a cold case that is 20 years old.
Lindsey, with the help of her staff and friends, begins to look into the life of Whitley, hoping to find something that will lead to learning the identity of the killer. She soon learns that more than likely, the rash of break-ins might be connected to the return of the book.
The book has a wonderful cast of interesting and believable characters. The storyline it well-plotted and read at a consistent pace. The character that I particularly enjoyed was Robbie Vine. Vine is a British actor who came to Briar Creek and decided to stay once he learned that he had a teen-age here. Vine fancies himself as a detective, or as he puts it, he is Dr. Watson to Lindsey’s Sherlock Holmes. Vine is practically Lindsey and more often than not is more of a hindrance than a help. His ulterior motive is to try and win Lindsey’s heart.
Instructions for a Beaded Daisy Chain and delicious sounding recipes are included with the book.
I am looking forward to reading the next book in this enjoyable series.
October 28, 2016
Read Full & Detailed review: http://cynthology.blogspot.com/2016/1...
The main reason why I chose to read this book was the fact that it was set in a library. I love books and for a brief while, I wanted to become a librarian when I grew up.
The book contained interesting information about books. For instance, we learn that Salinger didn’t want a cover design for his book in order to avoid distracting the reader. Though those references were interesting, they couldn’t raise this book above the ordinary.
The writing is far from distinctive in any way. Of course, mystery writing isn’t meant to be literary fiction, but a few gems worth quoting would have helped. Instead you have nearly all the characters shuddering and getting goose bumps at the thought of the murdered woman checking out the book on the day of her murder.
All the characters are involved in far too much unnecessary drama, taking away from the mystery that should have occupied the author’s sole attention. Not that all this time spent helped. None of the characters actually stood out. They were all flat and insipid.
Lindsey’s third person PoV didn’t sit well with the running commentary of what was going on in her mind. Instead the author should have used the first person viewpoint; that would have made it far more direct and believable.
To make matters worse, there was the romance between Sully and Lindsey. It was such a huge part of the book that it overshadowed the murder. What’s more, it felt drab.
This was not a cozy mystery at all. I wish someone had warned me.
The main reason why I chose to read this book was the fact that it was set in a library. I love books and for a brief while, I wanted to become a librarian when I grew up.
The book contained interesting information about books. For instance, we learn that Salinger didn’t want a cover design for his book in order to avoid distracting the reader. Though those references were interesting, they couldn’t raise this book above the ordinary.
The writing is far from distinctive in any way. Of course, mystery writing isn’t meant to be literary fiction, but a few gems worth quoting would have helped. Instead you have nearly all the characters shuddering and getting goose bumps at the thought of the murdered woman checking out the book on the day of her murder.
All the characters are involved in far too much unnecessary drama, taking away from the mystery that should have occupied the author’s sole attention. Not that all this time spent helped. None of the characters actually stood out. They were all flat and insipid.
Lindsey’s third person PoV didn’t sit well with the running commentary of what was going on in her mind. Instead the author should have used the first person viewpoint; that would have made it far more direct and believable.
To make matters worse, there was the romance between Sully and Lindsey. It was such a huge part of the book that it overshadowed the murder. What’s more, it felt drab.
This was not a cozy mystery at all. I wish someone had warned me.
June 30, 2017
In Better Late than Never by Jenn McKinlay, the library is having a day of amnesty, when people can turn in late books for no fees. Paula, the new librarian, finds a book in perfect condition that is 20 years overdue. In curiosity, they get Ms. Cole to look up who checked out the book 20 years earlier, which sends her into a hyperventilating fit. They learn that the book was checked out by Candice Whitley, the deeply-loved young English teacher known for making a significant difference among her students. But adding to this drama, Candice checked out the book, The Catcher in the Rye, a book about teenage angst, which suits the situation of the young people she taught, on the very day she was murdered. She was strangled and then laid out carefully under the bleachers of the football field.
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
January 9, 2017
Really 3.5 stars, but I rounded up.
Extremely quick read that I mostly enjoyed. Most of the problems in the last book were remedied. However, Lindsey was still immature at times. This book leaves with a solid ending that almost hints that this is the last book in the series. With Berkley's broad cozy cut in the last year or so, I wouldn't be surprised, but I hope not. I enjoy the setting and characters for the most part and I will read the next one if one indeed comes out.
Extremely quick read that I mostly enjoyed. Most of the problems in the last book were remedied. However, Lindsey was still immature at times. This book leaves with a solid ending that almost hints that this is the last book in the series. With Berkley's broad cozy cut in the last year or so, I wouldn't be surprised, but I hope not. I enjoy the setting and characters for the most part and I will read the next one if one indeed comes out.
August 2, 2017
I like this series a lot and it's stayed fresh for over seven books. The best part about the series is that a lot of the action revolves around the library or books. Favorite new character is Paula the punk rock librarian. The only issue I had with the book
September 26, 2017
Great story, great mystery! Different layers to this mystery really kept me guessing and looking for clues on every page. Looking forward to reading #8!
July 27, 2021
Great mystery with some romance added. An awesome cozy! I love this series!!
June 14, 2020
F I N A L L Y!!!!!!!
Whew. I really didn't want to give up this series.
This was a good one - no dead body found [it is a cold case], and lots of twists and turns. I was SURE I knew what and who. I was wrong. HOW glorious. :-)
Whew. I really didn't want to give up this series.
This was a good one - no dead body found [it is a cold case], and lots of twists and turns. I was SURE I knew what and who. I was wrong. HOW glorious. :-)
July 15, 2025
Ugh I love this series
November 10, 2016
Better Late Than Never by Jenn McKinlay is the seventh book in A Library Lover’s Mystery series. It is First Annual Amnesty Day at the Briar Creek Public Library. They library clerks are being overwhelmed with returned books. The day is an overwhelming success. Lindsey Norris instigated a contest with a prize for the clerk who finds the grungiest book and the oldest due book. One clerk shows Lindsey J.D. Salinger’s Cather in the Rye that was due October 23, 1996. Lindsey takes the book to Miss Eugenia Cole. Miss Cole has records on all overdue books (even those that are 20 years old). Miss Cole looks shocked when she finds out who checked out the book. The book was checked out on October 2, 1996 by Candice Whitley. Candice was murdered on this day, and her killer has never been found. Lindsey’s curiosity will not let her rest. She sets out to get answers to this twenty-year-old mystery. Lindsey has started seeing Captain Mike “Sully” Sullivan, but they are keeping it quiet (or so they think). The two of them are going slow, but Sully has competition. Robbie Vine, British actor and new citizen to Briar Creek, has taken a fancy to Lindsey. Robbie believes the two of them will be the perfect couple (and is very vocal about it). How will Sully handle the competition? Join Lindsey and friends in Briar Creek for another fun installment in Better Late Than Never.
Better Late Than Never was a charming novel. It is nice revisiting the characters to see how they are faring. Robbie Vine is a nice addition to the series and he is very entertaining. The focus of the novel was on the romance between Sully and Lindsey. In addition, to space devoted to Lindsey thinking and contemplating. I give Better Late Than Never 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The novel is well-written and easy to read. The story moves along nicely. The mystery, though, was uncomplicated and could be figured out easily. There were two references in the novel that I particularly enjoyed. One was the mention of Harry Potter. The second was the mention of a cozy mystery series that Lindsey enjoyed reading. It involves two Arizona women who enjoy baking cupcakes. I thought it was a nice plug for Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. I look forward to reading the next installment in A Library Lover’s Mystery series.
Better Late Than Never was a charming novel. It is nice revisiting the characters to see how they are faring. Robbie Vine is a nice addition to the series and he is very entertaining. The focus of the novel was on the romance between Sully and Lindsey. In addition, to space devoted to Lindsey thinking and contemplating. I give Better Late Than Never 4 out of 5 stars (I liked it). The novel is well-written and easy to read. The story moves along nicely. The mystery, though, was uncomplicated and could be figured out easily. There were two references in the novel that I particularly enjoyed. One was the mention of Harry Potter. The second was the mention of a cozy mystery series that Lindsey enjoyed reading. It involves two Arizona women who enjoy baking cupcakes. I thought it was a nice plug for Jenn McKinlay’s Cupcake Bakery Mystery series. I look forward to reading the next installment in A Library Lover’s Mystery series.
February 14, 2020
Better Late than Never, the seventh book in Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s Mystery series, is another entertaining visit with librarian Lindsey Norris and her “Crafternooners” group. While the series, as a whole, is a good one, this particular book really grabbed my interest.
When the Briar Creek Public Library decides to hold a book amnesty day, where overdue books can be returned without paying fines, Lindsey is shocked to discover that one of those books had been checked out twenty years ago. Even more distressing, the patron who had borrowed the book was a local schoolteacher who was murdered on the day the book was checked out. Her curiosity aroused, Lindsey suspects that the book had been returned by the perpetrator, and before she knows it, she is on the trail of a cold case killer.
In my opinion, this is the best book in the series so far. Not only is the mystery compelling, it kept me guessing until the end. The perpetrator was as much a surprise to me as it was to Lindsey. The characters, too, are distinct and appealing. From “the Lemon” to the children’s librarian, Beth, they all add touches of realism and humor to the story. And, after seven books, they feel like old friends. In addition, Better Late than Never had a strong secondary focus on romance, defining Lindsey’s relationships with both Robbie and Sully, and providing an impetus for future novels.
All told, Better Late than Never is a solid cozy mystery, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
When the Briar Creek Public Library decides to hold a book amnesty day, where overdue books can be returned without paying fines, Lindsey is shocked to discover that one of those books had been checked out twenty years ago. Even more distressing, the patron who had borrowed the book was a local schoolteacher who was murdered on the day the book was checked out. Her curiosity aroused, Lindsey suspects that the book had been returned by the perpetrator, and before she knows it, she is on the trail of a cold case killer.
In my opinion, this is the best book in the series so far. Not only is the mystery compelling, it kept me guessing until the end. The perpetrator was as much a surprise to me as it was to Lindsey. The characters, too, are distinct and appealing. From “the Lemon” to the children’s librarian, Beth, they all add touches of realism and humor to the story. And, after seven books, they feel like old friends. In addition, Better Late than Never had a strong secondary focus on romance, defining Lindsey’s relationships with both Robbie and Sully, and providing an impetus for future novels.
All told, Better Late than Never is a solid cozy mystery, and I look forward to the next book in the series.
January 6, 2018
I read this book to dabble in reading “cozy mysteries” while also enjoying the thought of reading a murder mystery with a librarian protagonist (as I am a librarian and general book enthusiast). There were some notably funny and enjoyable parts to this book. I really enjoyed the descriptions of librarians, library clerks/staff, and patrons. The author really nailed some of the personality quirks specific to the library world, which was pretty hilarious and awesome. However, the mystery itself, beyond the basic premise of a book being returned after 20 years that just happened to be checked out by a murder victim on the day she died, was awful. Seemingly sane people clutched their heaving bosoms and gasped, blanched, clenched, and shook a littttle too often when the word murder was bandied about (complete with implied duh, da, da music). Also, the romantic elements between the investigating librarian and her seaman hunk were annoying. The crafternoon ladies sure did enjoy many an extended discussion of who should declare the word “love” in a burgeoning relationship while eating ham balls and crocheting; soooo not my thing. If the camp and cliche had been ramped up a bit more, this might have been fun as a satire, but alas.
November 22, 2017
Lindsey is back - and so is another mystery. When the library hosts amnesty day, the returns are so many that the staff has a hard time managing it all.
When a book that was checked out over 20 years ago is returned, Lindsey is curious as to who the book was loaned to. Enter Ms. Cole. She keeps impeccable records. It turns out, the book was checked out to an English teacher who was murdered the same day.
But surely the book's return 20 years later isn't related to the crime. Or is it?
McKinlay delivers in book 7 of this series, and I continue to love this series and Lindsey as a character. Briar Creek is a place I want to live, and I would work for Lindesy in a heartbeat.
I really enjoy the pacing of McKinlay's storytelling as well as her character development. She reveals to us just enough to keep us turning the page and questioning what will come next. This is true in all of her mysteries, but the library lover's series is my favorite.
When a book that was checked out over 20 years ago is returned, Lindsey is curious as to who the book was loaned to. Enter Ms. Cole. She keeps impeccable records. It turns out, the book was checked out to an English teacher who was murdered the same day.
But surely the book's return 20 years later isn't related to the crime. Or is it?
McKinlay delivers in book 7 of this series, and I continue to love this series and Lindsey as a character. Briar Creek is a place I want to live, and I would work for Lindesy in a heartbeat.
I really enjoy the pacing of McKinlay's storytelling as well as her character development. She reveals to us just enough to keep us turning the page and questioning what will come next. This is true in all of her mysteries, but the library lover's series is my favorite.
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