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A Book Barn Mystery #4
Lethal Literature
Running an independent bookstore in small-town Hazel Rock, Texas, doesn’t sound like a high-risk pursuit. But when a fundraiser reveals a story with a truly killer ending, Charli Rae Warren will need to scramble to sort out the deadly plot…
Sponsoring the literacy drive to benefit the foster care system should be a feel-good endeavor, but one of Charli’s helpers is definitely on another page. Charli’s dad is distracted and keeping something secret, which Charli suspects is a harmless flirtation with an attractive county clerk who offered to lend them a hand. It’s nothing to worry about—until the same clerk winds up dead…
When nosy locals begin pointing fingers, Charli finds herself entangled in a race to uncover the killer’s identity—and to get to the bottom of a shattering family secret that could rewrite her history in alarming ways. Suddenly Charli is facing her worst fears and her childhood nemesis in order to unmask a murderer—before he silences her for good…
Sponsoring the literacy drive to benefit the foster care system should be a feel-good endeavor, but one of Charli’s helpers is definitely on another page. Charli’s dad is distracted and keeping something secret, which Charli suspects is a harmless flirtation with an attractive county clerk who offered to lend them a hand. It’s nothing to worry about—until the same clerk winds up dead…
When nosy locals begin pointing fingers, Charli finds herself entangled in a race to uncover the killer’s identity—and to get to the bottom of a shattering family secret that could rewrite her history in alarming ways. Suddenly Charli is facing her worst fears and her childhood nemesis in order to unmask a murderer—before he silences her for good…
- GenresCozy MysteryMysteryCozy
250 pages, Paperback
First published May 1, 2018
18 people are currently reading
945 people want to read
About the author
Kym Roberts
16 books208 followersThree career paths resonated for Kym during her early childhood, a detective, an investigative reporter, and a nun. Being a nun however, dropped by the wayside when she became aware of boys, they were a perk to life she couldn't deny. In high school her path was forged when she took her first job at a dry cleaners and met every cop in town, especially the lone female police officer in patrol. Following her dream led to a degree in Administration of Justice and the Kansas City Police Department. Kym followed her dream and became a detective that fulfilled her desire to be an investigative reporter, with one extra perk--a badge. Promoted to sergeant, she returned to SVU a short time later. She retired from the job reluctantly--her husband drug her kicking and screaming to another state,but writing continued to call her name.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
April 27, 2018
The Book Barn series fourth installment deals with several topics these include literary drives for the foster system, domestic violence, dysfunction families and their secrets and assisted living homes.
Charli Rae Warren is working on a book drive to collect books for the state foster system when the coordinator of the drive is stabbed to death. Evidence shows that victim was being abuse by her live in boyfriend. As Charli seems to connect with the state welfare system she find another woman and her children being control by her husband. Her Dad is acting strange and refused to tell Charli what he is worried about. She decided to make more visits to a elderly friend who is in an Assisted living home. Charli explores the evidence and her world suddenly shifts. The ending will shock and please you. It did me. Looking forward to Charli next adventure, it is sure to be good. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are
Charli Rae Warren is working on a book drive to collect books for the state foster system when the coordinator of the drive is stabbed to death. Evidence shows that victim was being abuse by her live in boyfriend. As Charli seems to connect with the state welfare system she find another woman and her children being control by her husband. Her Dad is acting strange and refused to tell Charli what he is worried about. She decided to make more visits to a elderly friend who is in an Assisted living home. Charli explores the evidence and her world suddenly shifts. The ending will shock and please you. It did me. Looking forward to Charli next adventure, it is sure to be good. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this book and series.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Lyrical Underground for a review copy. The opinions expressed are
May 12, 2018
Questa serie si conferma vincente.
La protagonista è, a volte, impulsiva e tende a partire per la tangente quando si mette in testa qualcosa, ma ha anche un cuore d'oro. In questo libro è convinto che il padre sia prossimo a essere accusato di omicidio e si mette a indagare, nonostante Mateo (lo sceriffo) faccia di tutto per rassicurarla del contrario. Quest'ultimo sta diventando, sempre di più, l'uomo ideale, quello che trovi, ahimè, solo nei libri...
Devo dire che avevo puntato sul colpevole sbagliato, a questo giro. Mi è piaciuta la storia che in questo caso ha permesso di trattare ancor di più il tema del razzismo. Quest'ultimo è presente, seppure lievemente, in tutta la serie perché la protagonista è birazziale, come dice lei (padre bianco e madre di colore), e vive in un paese del Texas più profondo, non esattamente avvezzo alla presenza di persone non bianche. In più anche Mateo, nonostante il nome (e cognome), se ben ricordo, è di colore.
Sì, decisamente questa è una serie da leggere.
La protagonista è, a volte, impulsiva e tende a partire per la tangente quando si mette in testa qualcosa, ma ha anche un cuore d'oro. In questo libro è convinto che il padre sia prossimo a essere accusato di omicidio e si mette a indagare, nonostante Mateo (lo sceriffo) faccia di tutto per rassicurarla del contrario. Quest'ultimo sta diventando, sempre di più, l'uomo ideale, quello che trovi, ahimè, solo nei libri...
Devo dire che avevo puntato sul colpevole sbagliato, a questo giro. Mi è piaciuta la storia che in questo caso ha permesso di trattare ancor di più il tema del razzismo. Quest'ultimo è presente, seppure lievemente, in tutta la serie perché la protagonista è birazziale, come dice lei (padre bianco e madre di colore), e vive in un paese del Texas più profondo, non esattamente avvezzo alla presenza di persone non bianche. In più anche Mateo, nonostante il nome (e cognome), se ben ricordo, è di colore.
Sì, decisamente questa è una serie da leggere.
April 12, 2018
This is the fourth book in this series and I have enjoyed all of them. This one was a two day read for me. Charli Rae is a different type of characters. She is a little scattered, impulsive and can be childish but she knows this about herself. She is loyal to those who are closest to her and will stand up and fight for them. The author has surrounded her with a good solid cast of secondary characters that balance and ground Charli Rae. The mystery was well written and flowed through the entire story. There were plenty of twists and turns that I did not see coming, relative to Charli's family. I was surprised but thought that the twists made sense and added to some of the tensions in the story. There were enough clues and some good red herrings thrown into the mix to keep the reader guessing as to the identity of the killer. And for those of you wondering, yes, Princess does play a role in helping save the day once again.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, through Netgalley.
I voluntarily read an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, through Netgalley.
April 3, 2018
Princess is back, both of them, to solve another mystery of a murder in town. This time she thinks her father will be accused of the crime, but when he isn't and someone tries to kill him and blow her to smithereens they all must team up to track down the culprit before someone ends up BBQ.
I love the armadillo Princess in this series! If only the armadillos that invade my yard were so nice and gentile instead of digging holes everywhere you look!
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
I love the armadillo Princess in this series! If only the armadillos that invade my yard were so nice and gentile instead of digging holes everywhere you look!
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
April 19, 2018
Lethal Literature
A Book Barn Mystery, Book #4
Kym Roberts
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Running an independent bookstore in small-town Hazel Rock, Texas, doesn’t sound like a high-risk pursuit. But when a fundraiser reveals a story with a truly killer ending, Charli Rae Warren will need to scramble to sort out the deadly plot…
Sponsoring the literacy drive to benefit the foster care system should be a feel-good endeavor, but one of Charli’s helpers is definitely on another page. Charli’s dad is distracted and keeping something secret, which Charli suspects is a harmless flirtation with an attractive county clerk who offered to lend them a hand. It’s nothing to worry about—until the same clerk winds up dead…
When nosy locals begin pointing fingers, Charli finds herself entangled in a race to uncover the killer’s identity—and to get to the bottom of a shattering family secret that could rewrite her history in alarming ways. Suddenly Charli is facing her worst fears and her childhood nemesis in order to unmask a murderer—before he silences her for good… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. The interactions between all of the characters is fascinating and enjoyable to read about. I really liked spending time with Charli and her friend Scarlet again. They are such good friends and would do just about anything for each other. They are also very smart and funny. I still think Charli has a couple of love interests, even though she thinks that she has made her decision. And you cannot help but love Princess, the pink armadillo.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. There is a lot of action taking place throughout the book and I kept swiping pages to see what would happen next long after I should have been sleeping. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it pulled me right into the book.
The mystery was well plotted and there were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through. With so many twists and turn and red herrings thrown in, it was not an easy mystery to solve.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and I think they get better with each one the author writes.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
A Book Barn Mystery, Book #4
Kym Roberts
5 Stars
Synopsis:
Running an independent bookstore in small-town Hazel Rock, Texas, doesn’t sound like a high-risk pursuit. But when a fundraiser reveals a story with a truly killer ending, Charli Rae Warren will need to scramble to sort out the deadly plot…
Sponsoring the literacy drive to benefit the foster care system should be a feel-good endeavor, but one of Charli’s helpers is definitely on another page. Charli’s dad is distracted and keeping something secret, which Charli suspects is a harmless flirtation with an attractive county clerk who offered to lend them a hand. It’s nothing to worry about—until the same clerk winds up dead…
When nosy locals begin pointing fingers, Charli finds herself entangled in a race to uncover the killer’s identity—and to get to the bottom of a shattering family secret that could rewrite her history in alarming ways. Suddenly Charli is facing her worst fears and her childhood nemesis in order to unmask a murderer—before he silences her for good… (Goodreads)
Review:
The characters are well developed and well rounded. The interactions between all of the characters is fascinating and enjoyable to read about. I really liked spending time with Charli and her friend Scarlet again. They are such good friends and would do just about anything for each other. They are also very smart and funny. I still think Charli has a couple of love interests, even though she thinks that she has made her decision. And you cannot help but love Princess, the pink armadillo.
The writing style flows smoothly and the book is an easy read. There is a lot of action taking place throughout the book and I kept swiping pages to see what would happen next long after I should have been sleeping. The author is very talented in her descriptive writing and it pulled me right into the book.
The mystery was well plotted and there were plenty of suspects to consider and clues to sift through. With so many twists and turn and red herrings thrown in, it was not an easy mystery to solve.
I would highly recommend this book to anyone who enjoys a well crafted cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and I think they get better with each one the author writes.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher, Kensington Books, and NetGalley, which I greatly appreciate.
April 15, 2018
Lethal Literature is the fourth book in Kym Roberts’ Book Barn Mystery series and is well plotted and steady paced, with well-developed and likeable characters, humor, a sense of community and friendship, plus a sweet pink Armadillo, named Princess. The books in this series can be read as standalones. The sensitive issues of domestic abuse, race and prejudice, and the sadness of Alzheimer’s are addressed in this book. There are enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing who the murderer is until the reveal.
Charli Rae “Princess” Warren moved back to her hometown of Hazel Rock, Texas, where she helps her dad, Bobby Ray, run the Book Barn Princess. Charli and Bobby Ray continue to work on repairing their estranged relationship, but hit a rough patch when secrets concerning their pasts become revealed. The Book Barn Princess is working with Ava James on the literacy drive for foster kids Ava organizes every year, but when Charli sees Ava leaving her dad’s house early one morning, she’s convinced there’s more going on than just a book drive. Ava is a caring woman who ex-sheriff and current judge, Jacob Sperry, and his wife, Isla, took under their wings years ago when she aged out of the foster care system. Charli Rae has never gotten along with the Judge but has always been close to Isla, who is currently in a nursing home recovering from a broken hip and suffering the begin stage of Alzheimer’s. Ava is found murdered in the Judge’s yard after a run in with Isla. Since Bobby Ray is found at the scene, Charli is concerned he’ll become a person of interest if anyone learns he was with Ava that morning and decides she has to investigate to clear both Isla and her dad’s names. Charli has a knack for getting into dicey situations and helping to solve crimes, but Bobby Ray, her best friend, Scarlett Jenkins, her boyfriend, Sheriff Mateo Espinosa, and her ex-boyfriend, Mayor Cade Calloway, worry about her safety and rightfully so because she always ends up in over her head and in harm’s way.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Charli Rae “Princess” Warren moved back to her hometown of Hazel Rock, Texas, where she helps her dad, Bobby Ray, run the Book Barn Princess. Charli and Bobby Ray continue to work on repairing their estranged relationship, but hit a rough patch when secrets concerning their pasts become revealed. The Book Barn Princess is working with Ava James on the literacy drive for foster kids Ava organizes every year, but when Charli sees Ava leaving her dad’s house early one morning, she’s convinced there’s more going on than just a book drive. Ava is a caring woman who ex-sheriff and current judge, Jacob Sperry, and his wife, Isla, took under their wings years ago when she aged out of the foster care system. Charli Rae has never gotten along with the Judge but has always been close to Isla, who is currently in a nursing home recovering from a broken hip and suffering the begin stage of Alzheimer’s. Ava is found murdered in the Judge’s yard after a run in with Isla. Since Bobby Ray is found at the scene, Charli is concerned he’ll become a person of interest if anyone learns he was with Ava that morning and decides she has to investigate to clear both Isla and her dad’s names. Charli has a knack for getting into dicey situations and helping to solve crimes, but Bobby Ray, her best friend, Scarlett Jenkins, her boyfriend, Sheriff Mateo Espinosa, and her ex-boyfriend, Mayor Cade Calloway, worry about her safety and rightfully so because she always ends up in over her head and in harm’s way.
I received an Advance Reader Copy of this book from NetGalley and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 14, 2018
Reading Lethal Literature was a fun way to spend a few days. As the 4th book in the series, we find Charli Rae Warren organizing and sponsoring a literacy drive to benefit the foster care system,
For me, Charli Rae is still a bit immature and impulsive. In small doses it can be quirky, I just hope it doesn't become obnoxious.
Be sure to grab a copy on May 1st from Lyrical Underground Mystery & Thrillers
#LethalLiterature #NetGalley
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley |
For me, Charli Rae is still a bit immature and impulsive. In small doses it can be quirky, I just hope it doesn't become obnoxious.
Be sure to grab a copy on May 1st from Lyrical Underground Mystery & Thrillers
#LethalLiterature #NetGalley
I volunteered to read and review an ARC of this book provided by the publisher and NetGalley |
April 19, 2018
Another wonderful novel in this mystery series, this story had a bit more bite to it because it truly affects Charlie more personally this time. The murder of Ava hits close to home and family secrets are at the forefront as Charlie delves into the mystery. This was a more emotional story this time and more touching for her relationship with her dad. The story really grabbed me and surprised me so I can't say much more. The only (very small) downside was too many "fuzz buckets". Otherwise, it's one of my favorites in the series.
I received an ARC thru NetGalley for my honest opinion
I received an ARC thru NetGalley for my honest opinion
February 8, 2021
Charli is excited about helping out with the literacy drive for the foster care program. She thinks her dad is too but he seems to be hiding something, namely his love life has taken off again. Charli is a little weirded out to discover a woman leaving her father's house early in the morning. Charli recognizes Ava James, clerk to Judge Sperry and Charli's liaison to the foster care program. She is as uncomfortable discussing her dad's love life as she is her own, which actually is making progress. Charli and Mateo have a weekend in Dallas planned coming up soon and she doesn't know whether to be excited or nervous. When Charli learns the Judge's wife Isla has been diagnoses with Alzheimer's disease, Charli pays her old friend a call. The elderly woman is distracted and worried her husband is having an affair with Ava James! Charli doesn't know what to think but when she discovers a crime scene outside the Judge's house, she fears the worst. Charli is worried sick about her dad but he's fine, just shaken up by the fact Ava James has been murdered! Charli fears her dad will be a suspect again and the investigation will wreck her weekend plans with Mateo. It can't hurt to ask a few questions of some people, now can it? Charli's search for answers takes her to a trailer park, a nightclub in Fort Worth and reveals some uncomfortable truths about her family history that makes her upset and angry. Can she trust her father for once in her life and can he trust her not to run away again?
Kym Roberts saved the best for last. The plot hit a little too close to home with the Alzheimer's plot. It's just awful and heartbreaking to watch someone go through it so this story really touched my heart. (1 million curses to people who are spreading the insidious virus that prevents Alzheimer's patients from seeing and touching their loved ones!) Obviously this story takes place pre-COVID or in a COVID-free world (2018, actually).
The mystery is really good. Usually the books follow a pattern with Charli being alone with the killer at 90% of the book. This time it follows a different path and at 90% I still had no idea who the murderer was. I'm certain the author made this up as she went along because there's no indication this person is a murderer. The motive was really, really weird. This person is mentally unwell. The family drama plot was a bit unconventional but I liked learning more about Charli's family. Things that happened in her past make a lot more sense now. I loved the romantic subplot but was hoping for a little bit more!
Charli still needs to grow up. While I admire her willingness to help the community, she cant get over herself long enough to be an adult with her father. Her reaction to everything that happens is immature. Charli loves her dad more than anyone and she wants him to be happy but she's grossed out by the idea of him sleeping with younger women, especially one who was like a big sister to her. Bobby Ray also needs to accept that Chari is an adult and trust her more. He doesn't interfere with her love life anymore or ask questions. She doesn't provide him with any information. He doesn't trust her not to run away if he tells her something she doesn't want to hear and to be fair to him, when she learns the truth she does behave like a child. Charli does go through some character growth here and realizes her behavior has been wrong. Scarlet is still a sweetheart but rather naïve at times. Charli is more streetwise. I don't quite approve of Scarlet helping Charli with her investigation. Cade is still a jerk. His career is more important than anything else. He seems to truly care about Charli and Hazel Rock but he can't let go of the expectations his father has set for him. He hasn't really matured that much since high school. Cade needs to be tested to choose between career and Hazel Rock to realize his heart is at home. Mateo is much more worthy of Charli's affections. He's a man! He's oh so romantic and knows just how to please Charli, but why he's interested in her I don't know.
Daisy "that's my husband" Mahan comes through in this story. She uses her catchphrase to mean different things. Charli doesn't seem creeped out by Daisy and Jessie's love for each other, just her dad's love life. Daisy is so funny here. Jessie is more cautious and law abiding. Daisy is the risk taker in the relationship, which seems unusual because he was a bull rider. Mike Thompson is still a nasty sneak and snitch. Sure he had a duty to report what he saw but he should have thought about it a bit more. I love the Hazel Rock beauties and the community they form. Vigilante justice isn't quite legal but in this instance, it was deserved.
Liza Twaine also continues to be a pain in Charli's side. She's a go-getter but eager for a juicy story. She doesn't have much compassion but when she learns the truth of the situation, she becomes an unlikely ally. Who knew? Dalton, Travis and some of the riders are back in the area. Dalton is still a gentleman and crazy about Scarlet. I'm not sure why she's content with their relationship. I couldn't have a boyfriend on the road abusing animals all the time. Travis is still arrogant but he's chivalrous and seems to really find Charli interesting. She thinks he's not mature enough for her but she isn't very mature herself. That says a lot about Travis.
There aren't many new characters in this story. Ava is new to the reader. She was a foster child herself and works closely with the DFPS in the area to bring books to children in foster care. This sounds like an amazing program. Ava was a kind, big-hearted woman with a difficult past. Her life wasn't easy but Judge Perry kept her from becoming a statistic. She sounds like a wonderful woman and could be good for Charli's dad. Her death is a real tragedy. We get to know Judge and Isla Sperry as three-dimensional figures instead of Charli's impressions of the villainous judge. Isla seems lovely. My heart broke into a million pieces when I read she has Alzheimer's. Her storyline is not realistic. If she's in a nursing care facility, the doors lock so she can't go outside and wander off. She would be in memory care or if she's just there for rehab, a rehab floor or ward. The Judge should have the money to put in her a larger, better facility even if it's a bit farther away. Anyway, I expect someone is poisoning her and she doesn't really have Alzheimer's. Isla's relationship with Charli is very sweet and touching. Isla is the grandmother Charli never had. The Judge is not so charming. He was a real @hole to Charli as a kid, constantly quoting Scripture at her to try to make her behave. What the heck? Only in Texas! His ideas are outdated and I don't understand how he had such compassion for Ava but not for Charli? Once we find out the truth, his actions make a little more sense but he was really an awful person. He says he's changed but has he really?
At the nursing home in Oak Grove we meet a number of quirky characters. Joan at the front desk is awful. She's nosy, rude and mean. I understand she feels protective of the people in the home but she goes above and beyond caring and into excessive rudeness territory. Charli runs a business, she's a young woman living her life. How can she have time to visit Isla every day? They're not even related, just friends. It's the Judge who should be visiting every day. This is one instance where I expected Charli to mouth off. I sure would have. Frank, an elderly man in the nursing home, is a real character. He's funny and charming but Frank is always around and my senses are on alert. Is he trustworthy? I don't trust kidders. Mason Andrews, the nursing home director, is in every day. He even interacts with the residents, playing games and checking on their welfare. He's very dedicated and that's unrealistic. This must be a very small nursing home! His backstory is tragic and he sounds like a terrible son. He is atoning for that by spending time with other people's parents. I think he's a little weird.
Shirley at DFPS was Ava's best friend. Charli butts into Shirley's office and does the unthinkable. She should have let Mateo handle things before nosing around. Shirley seems a lot like Scarlet. She likes to talk, gossip and was a kind and caring friend. Ava's boyfriend, John Luke, should be the primary suspect. He's abusive, an alcoholic and no good. I don't understand how someone who has been through so much as Ava could keep going back to him. She should know she deserves better. The same with Naomi. Why the heck did she go to the prom with that loser, let alone have unprotected sex with him? She needed to get out of Texas. There are more options for a woman in her situation even if she couldn't go to college and play basketball. Being pregnant without being married is so not a "mortal sin." Jimmy's whole life is one big mortal sin. Naomi's husband, Jimmy, is truly despicable. Was he always a bully and a loser? He is just supremely nasty and I hope he goes to jail and rots there. Lily is cute but her brother is bratty and shaping up to be a loser like his father. Fortunately Jimmy, Jr. is still young enough to discipline and make sure he does NOT turn out like his father. I feel so horrible for Naomi. It's heartbreaking. John Luke's other girlfriend, Ab, keeps feeding his addiction. She seems OK, for someone who works at a bar, but I don't know why she keeps taking him back when he's bad news. John Luke's pal Boone, from a place called Cut and Shoot, is a goon from the Wild West. I can't believe he's not in jail yet. Go Scarlet and Charli for putting him in his place!
As always, Princess Junior is the best character in the whole novel. She has another large role to play in the story. I love her reaction to Tweedledee and Tweedledum. I doubt an armadillo would react like that but she's used to getting all the attention, like a cat or dog and doesn't like competition. Still, she's devoted to her humans and willing to protect them at all costs.
This story is extra sad because now Tony Bennett has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Charli missed her opportunity to see him in concert!
Books mentioned in this story:
Milo Armadillo
Gone with the Wind
The Great Gatsby
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Carolyn Keene
Jane Eyre (t-shirt pun)
Edgar Allen Poe (t-shirt pun)
[b]Trigger warnings:[/b]
Domestic violence, inappropriate, unwanted touching, violence, unwanted pregnancy, Alzheimer's delusions, Scripture quoting
Kym Roberts saved the best for last. The plot hit a little too close to home with the Alzheimer's plot. It's just awful and heartbreaking to watch someone go through it so this story really touched my heart. (1 million curses to people who are spreading the insidious virus that prevents Alzheimer's patients from seeing and touching their loved ones!) Obviously this story takes place pre-COVID or in a COVID-free world (2018, actually).
The mystery is really good. Usually the books follow a pattern with Charli being alone with the killer at 90% of the book. This time it follows a different path and at 90% I still had no idea who the murderer was. I'm certain the author made this up as she went along because there's no indication this person is a murderer. The motive was really, really weird. This person is mentally unwell. The family drama plot was a bit unconventional but I liked learning more about Charli's family. Things that happened in her past make a lot more sense now. I loved the romantic subplot but was hoping for a little bit more!
Charli still needs to grow up. While I admire her willingness to help the community, she cant get over herself long enough to be an adult with her father. Her reaction to everything that happens is immature. Charli loves her dad more than anyone and she wants him to be happy but she's grossed out by the idea of him sleeping with younger women, especially one who was like a big sister to her. Bobby Ray also needs to accept that Chari is an adult and trust her more. He doesn't interfere with her love life anymore or ask questions. She doesn't provide him with any information. He doesn't trust her not to run away if he tells her something she doesn't want to hear and to be fair to him, when she learns the truth she does behave like a child. Charli does go through some character growth here and realizes her behavior has been wrong. Scarlet is still a sweetheart but rather naïve at times. Charli is more streetwise. I don't quite approve of Scarlet helping Charli with her investigation. Cade is still a jerk. His career is more important than anything else. He seems to truly care about Charli and Hazel Rock but he can't let go of the expectations his father has set for him. He hasn't really matured that much since high school. Cade needs to be tested to choose between career and Hazel Rock to realize his heart is at home. Mateo is much more worthy of Charli's affections. He's a man! He's oh so romantic and knows just how to please Charli, but why he's interested in her I don't know.
Daisy "that's my husband" Mahan comes through in this story. She uses her catchphrase to mean different things. Charli doesn't seem creeped out by Daisy and Jessie's love for each other, just her dad's love life. Daisy is so funny here. Jessie is more cautious and law abiding. Daisy is the risk taker in the relationship, which seems unusual because he was a bull rider. Mike Thompson is still a nasty sneak and snitch. Sure he had a duty to report what he saw but he should have thought about it a bit more. I love the Hazel Rock beauties and the community they form. Vigilante justice isn't quite legal but in this instance, it was deserved.
Liza Twaine also continues to be a pain in Charli's side. She's a go-getter but eager for a juicy story. She doesn't have much compassion but when she learns the truth of the situation, she becomes an unlikely ally. Who knew? Dalton, Travis and some of the riders are back in the area. Dalton is still a gentleman and crazy about Scarlet. I'm not sure why she's content with their relationship. I couldn't have a boyfriend on the road abusing animals all the time. Travis is still arrogant but he's chivalrous and seems to really find Charli interesting. She thinks he's not mature enough for her but she isn't very mature herself. That says a lot about Travis.
There aren't many new characters in this story. Ava is new to the reader. She was a foster child herself and works closely with the DFPS in the area to bring books to children in foster care. This sounds like an amazing program. Ava was a kind, big-hearted woman with a difficult past. Her life wasn't easy but Judge Perry kept her from becoming a statistic. She sounds like a wonderful woman and could be good for Charli's dad. Her death is a real tragedy. We get to know Judge and Isla Sperry as three-dimensional figures instead of Charli's impressions of the villainous judge. Isla seems lovely. My heart broke into a million pieces when I read she has Alzheimer's. Her storyline is not realistic. If she's in a nursing care facility, the doors lock so she can't go outside and wander off. She would be in memory care or if she's just there for rehab, a rehab floor or ward. The Judge should have the money to put in her a larger, better facility even if it's a bit farther away. Anyway, I expect someone is poisoning her and she doesn't really have Alzheimer's. Isla's relationship with Charli is very sweet and touching. Isla is the grandmother Charli never had. The Judge is not so charming. He was a real @hole to Charli as a kid, constantly quoting Scripture at her to try to make her behave. What the heck? Only in Texas! His ideas are outdated and I don't understand how he had such compassion for Ava but not for Charli? Once we find out the truth, his actions make a little more sense but he was really an awful person. He says he's changed but has he really?
At the nursing home in Oak Grove we meet a number of quirky characters. Joan at the front desk is awful. She's nosy, rude and mean. I understand she feels protective of the people in the home but she goes above and beyond caring and into excessive rudeness territory. Charli runs a business, she's a young woman living her life. How can she have time to visit Isla every day? They're not even related, just friends. It's the Judge who should be visiting every day. This is one instance where I expected Charli to mouth off. I sure would have. Frank, an elderly man in the nursing home, is a real character. He's funny and charming but Frank is always around and my senses are on alert. Is he trustworthy? I don't trust kidders. Mason Andrews, the nursing home director, is in every day. He even interacts with the residents, playing games and checking on their welfare. He's very dedicated and that's unrealistic. This must be a very small nursing home! His backstory is tragic and he sounds like a terrible son. He is atoning for that by spending time with other people's parents. I think he's a little weird.
Shirley at DFPS was Ava's best friend. Charli butts into Shirley's office and does the unthinkable. She should have let Mateo handle things before nosing around. Shirley seems a lot like Scarlet. She likes to talk, gossip and was a kind and caring friend. Ava's boyfriend, John Luke, should be the primary suspect. He's abusive, an alcoholic and no good. I don't understand how someone who has been through so much as Ava could keep going back to him. She should know she deserves better. The same with Naomi. Why the heck did she go to the prom with that loser, let alone have unprotected sex with him? She needed to get out of Texas. There are more options for a woman in her situation even if she couldn't go to college and play basketball. Being pregnant without being married is so not a "mortal sin." Jimmy's whole life is one big mortal sin. Naomi's husband, Jimmy, is truly despicable. Was he always a bully and a loser? He is just supremely nasty and I hope he goes to jail and rots there. Lily is cute but her brother is bratty and shaping up to be a loser like his father. Fortunately Jimmy, Jr. is still young enough to discipline and make sure he does NOT turn out like his father. I feel so horrible for Naomi. It's heartbreaking. John Luke's other girlfriend, Ab, keeps feeding his addiction. She seems OK, for someone who works at a bar, but I don't know why she keeps taking him back when he's bad news. John Luke's pal Boone, from a place called Cut and Shoot, is a goon from the Wild West. I can't believe he's not in jail yet. Go Scarlet and Charli for putting him in his place!
As always, Princess Junior is the best character in the whole novel. She has another large role to play in the story. I love her reaction to Tweedledee and Tweedledum. I doubt an armadillo would react like that but she's used to getting all the attention, like a cat or dog and doesn't like competition. Still, she's devoted to her humans and willing to protect them at all costs.
This story is extra sad because now Tony Bennett has been diagnosed with Alzheimer's and Charli missed her opportunity to see him in concert!
Books mentioned in this story:
Milo Armadillo
Gone with the Wind
The Great Gatsby
Laura Ingalls Wilder
Carolyn Keene
Jane Eyre (t-shirt pun)
Edgar Allen Poe (t-shirt pun)
[b]Trigger warnings:[/b]
Domestic violence, inappropriate, unwanted touching, violence, unwanted pregnancy, Alzheimer's delusions, Scripture quoting
April 29, 2018
Lethal Literature is the fourth installment in the A Book Barn Mystery series set in Hazel Rock, Texas featuring book barn co-owner, Charli Rae Warren and her pet armadillo Princess. Charli and her father, Bobby Ray, are working with County Clerk Ava James on a literacy fund raising drive for the local foster care system.
Making a surprise early morning visit to see Bobby Ray, Charli is shocked to discover a disheveled looking Ava coming out of his house. Knowing the woman has a live in boyfriend with a bad temper, Charli is worried that her father is having an affair. Things become even more complicated when Isla Sperry, the wife of Ava's employer, Judge Sperry accuses the woman of having an affair with her husband.
When Ava's body is discovered stabbed and laying in the Judge's yard it's really no surprise but, which one of the many suspects finally had enough with her over the top flirting. With Bobby Ray on the top of the suspect list, Charli sets out with best friend Scarlet to find the killer and not only clear her father's name but also Isla, who is suffering from dementia.
A fast paced plot featuring the return of many series characters including County Sheriff Mateo Espinosa. The story line touches on domestic violence, racial tensions and Alzheimer's Disease which are topics usually not featured in a cozy, but these topics tie the mystery together and result in shocking discovery.
I enjoy this series but the one thing that completely drove me nuts in this installment was the constant use and overuse of the phrase "Fuzz Buckets". I seriously hope that the author curbs the use of Charli's favorite phrase in the next addition to the series "Perilous Poetry".
I received an advanced copy of Lethal Literature from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground, a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
Making a surprise early morning visit to see Bobby Ray, Charli is shocked to discover a disheveled looking Ava coming out of his house. Knowing the woman has a live in boyfriend with a bad temper, Charli is worried that her father is having an affair. Things become even more complicated when Isla Sperry, the wife of Ava's employer, Judge Sperry accuses the woman of having an affair with her husband.
When Ava's body is discovered stabbed and laying in the Judge's yard it's really no surprise but, which one of the many suspects finally had enough with her over the top flirting. With Bobby Ray on the top of the suspect list, Charli sets out with best friend Scarlet to find the killer and not only clear her father's name but also Isla, who is suffering from dementia.
A fast paced plot featuring the return of many series characters including County Sheriff Mateo Espinosa. The story line touches on domestic violence, racial tensions and Alzheimer's Disease which are topics usually not featured in a cozy, but these topics tie the mystery together and result in shocking discovery.
I enjoy this series but the one thing that completely drove me nuts in this installment was the constant use and overuse of the phrase "Fuzz Buckets". I seriously hope that the author curbs the use of Charli's favorite phrase in the next addition to the series "Perilous Poetry".
I received an advanced copy of Lethal Literature from NetGalley via Lyrical Underground, a division of Kensington Publishing. While not required to write a review I am more than happy to offer my honest opinion.
March 19, 2018
While I will say that I enjoyed this mystery, I did have problems with the characters and the writing that ultimately knocked a few stars off for me. I liked the setting and the idea of the Book Barn, but Charli Rae AKA Princess just didn't do it for me. Her thought processes are often bizarre, and I couldn't relate to her at all. The very first chapter threw me off, where she's making assumptions and then chiding herself, but still, it didn't need to be there.
I also ultimately couldn't get the motives behind the killer, as well as how it all came to light. It was sloppy. Plenty of action though, and a happy ending I guess?
All in all, I enjoyed some aspects but the negatives dragged me down. I would still probably read more from this author, but I'd go in with gritted teeth for another round with Princess. Three stars.
I also ultimately couldn't get the motives behind the killer, as well as how it all came to light. It was sloppy. Plenty of action though, and a happy ending I guess?
All in all, I enjoyed some aspects but the negatives dragged me down. I would still probably read more from this author, but I'd go in with gritted teeth for another round with Princess. Three stars.
April 15, 2018
This is the first book I've read in the Book Barn Mystery series, and now I'll be going back to read the earlier titles. Princess is a funny and smart and down-to-earth bookstore owner in small-town Texas, and I want to spend more time with her.
The plotting is complex but rational, and though all the family dynamics/relationships were a bit confusing to me, it was worth sticking it out, as they all made sense in the end.
I enjoyed not only the main character, but also her father, best friend, boyfriend (sort of), and pet armadillo. Now I just need to read books 1-3 so that I'm all set for book 5 when it comes out!
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
The plotting is complex but rational, and though all the family dynamics/relationships were a bit confusing to me, it was worth sticking it out, as they all made sense in the end.
I enjoyed not only the main character, but also her father, best friend, boyfriend (sort of), and pet armadillo. Now I just need to read books 1-3 so that I'm all set for book 5 when it comes out!
Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
June 19, 2020
This is a fantastic series and I always love going back to Hazel Rock since it is set somewhere close to where I live in Texas. The characters deal with issues that may seem familiar to many. And we can't forget unearthing the killer!
This book is a little different from a normal cozy because family secrets are being revealed and while I don't want to spoil anything, it is relevant to what is going on in our world right now. I can understand how Charli aka Princess feels about what she discovers.
Solving the mystery of who killed Ava and attempted to kill others was harder to figure out The cast of characters isn't large and when the killer was revealed it shouldn't have too big of a surprise, but the why wasn't anything a reader could have guessed.
This series has taken an interesting turn and I can't wait to see what happens next.
This book is a little different from a normal cozy because family secrets are being revealed and while I don't want to spoil anything, it is relevant to what is going on in our world right now. I can understand how Charli aka Princess feels about what she discovers.
Solving the mystery of who killed Ava and attempted to kill others was harder to figure out The cast of characters isn't large and when the killer was revealed it shouldn't have too big of a surprise, but the why wasn't anything a reader could have guessed.
This series has taken an interesting turn and I can't wait to see what happens next.
April 18, 2018
It's always nice to visit with Charli Rae aka Princess and her pet armadillo (this detail sets the series apart from other cozies.). This time around, she's poking into the death of a county clerk who was helping her father, who has, of course, become a suspect. There's a family secret and the plot veers a bit into some more serious issues. I had an ARC and hope that it received a good copy edit before publication. Thanks to Netgalley for the ARC. I've read all four books in the series but I think you'd be fine with this as a standalone.
August 5, 2018
Charlie Rae Warren should have enough on her plate with managing the pink Book Barn, but helping organize a book drive for foster kids leads to investigating a murder. If a murder isn't terrible enough, some family secrets are another bomb eating to explode. This is the fourth book in the series and it took me awhile to get a handle on all the players and their backstories. The setting and characters are interesting.
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review..
Thanks to netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review..
May 5, 2018
Lethal Literature by Kym Roberts is the 4th book in A Book Barn Mystery series, and another fun addition. This book had a surprise ending, which I always enjoy. Charli Rae Warren is helping with a literacy book drive after the person in charged is murdered. There is so much going on in Charli's life that she seems to be running in circles, with secrets and twists and turns around every corner. I found this book to be a quick read, with a well developed plot and characters. If you love cozy mysteries and pink armadillos, I recommend this book. I am anxiously waiting for the next book in the series.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
I received this book in exchange for a fair and honest review.
April 9, 2018
These are great books. Rarely do cozies address race and issues of prejudice in such a meaningful and beautiful way.
March 22, 2018
Any book that stars a pink Armadillo has to be good. Princess, the human, not the armadillo, can't stay away from murder. It always seems to find her and then, well she just has to do some investigating to help out her favorite officer. Running the Book Barn and helping with a book drive, doesn't leave a lot of time to ask questions of her suspects, but she always finds a way.
March 27, 2018
I was immediately drawn to this book for two reasons:
1. Cozy Mystery - and I LOVE cozy mysteries
2. Set in TEXAS!!
So those two qualities prompted me to read Lethal Literature by Kym Roberts. And while the premise of the novel is sound, it left me feeling a bit "bleh."
In a nutshell, Charli Rae Warren runs a bookstore with her father called "The Book Barn." They are currently working together to host a fundraiser for underprivileged foster children in addition to keeping themselves busy in the hubbub of daily small town life. And as cozy mysteries go - we have a dead body that tends to put a dark damper on the uplifting event.
Add to this her father keeping some sort of secret he refuses to reveal and a little "on the side" flirting from Charli while she puts her sleuthing skills to work, and you have a case to be solved. As Charli attempts to uncover the killer's identity and break her father's silence on the secret he is holding, she finds herself in precarious situations not only with those she loves, but those from the past that threaten to haunt her forever.
So - solid story...we have an amateur sleuth, a dead body, a secret to reveal, and a past that's making it challenging. Unfortunately, the plot doesn't quite roll out this smoothly. The author also spends a fair amount of time discussing the protagonist being of mixed race, and while lovely to know, it's really not relevant. The diversity is admirable, but unwarranted as a focal point.
Charli is clunky at best in her characterization and erratic with her thought process. I'm sure this is to add to her quirky charm, but I found it irritating. Additionally, her father's somewhat stoic behavior makes the reader feel disconnected from the novel. As far a cozy mystery goes, this one left me less than cozy.
Additionally - where is the editor? I try really hard to overlook the occasional typo, but multiple uses of incorrect sentence structure and verb use by page fifteen left me less than enthused to read the text. I know my writing isn't perfect, but had I paid an editor for this, I would not be a happy camper.
My advice is to pass on this series - this is book four, but it didn't leave me with any desire to go back and read books one through three.
Just 🍷🍷on this one folks and that's because it was set in Texas and had a pink armadillo as the bookshop pet. Gotta love a pink armadillo.
1. Cozy Mystery - and I LOVE cozy mysteries
2. Set in TEXAS!!
So those two qualities prompted me to read Lethal Literature by Kym Roberts. And while the premise of the novel is sound, it left me feeling a bit "bleh."
In a nutshell, Charli Rae Warren runs a bookstore with her father called "The Book Barn." They are currently working together to host a fundraiser for underprivileged foster children in addition to keeping themselves busy in the hubbub of daily small town life. And as cozy mysteries go - we have a dead body that tends to put a dark damper on the uplifting event.
Add to this her father keeping some sort of secret he refuses to reveal and a little "on the side" flirting from Charli while she puts her sleuthing skills to work, and you have a case to be solved. As Charli attempts to uncover the killer's identity and break her father's silence on the secret he is holding, she finds herself in precarious situations not only with those she loves, but those from the past that threaten to haunt her forever.
So - solid story...we have an amateur sleuth, a dead body, a secret to reveal, and a past that's making it challenging. Unfortunately, the plot doesn't quite roll out this smoothly. The author also spends a fair amount of time discussing the protagonist being of mixed race, and while lovely to know, it's really not relevant. The diversity is admirable, but unwarranted as a focal point.
Charli is clunky at best in her characterization and erratic with her thought process. I'm sure this is to add to her quirky charm, but I found it irritating. Additionally, her father's somewhat stoic behavior makes the reader feel disconnected from the novel. As far a cozy mystery goes, this one left me less than cozy.
Additionally - where is the editor? I try really hard to overlook the occasional typo, but multiple uses of incorrect sentence structure and verb use by page fifteen left me less than enthused to read the text. I know my writing isn't perfect, but had I paid an editor for this, I would not be a happy camper.
My advice is to pass on this series - this is book four, but it didn't leave me with any desire to go back and read books one through three.
Just 🍷🍷on this one folks and that's because it was set in Texas and had a pink armadillo as the bookshop pet. Gotta love a pink armadillo.
May 28, 2018
The author has a wonderful way of setting a scene that makes the reader think he knows exactly what is happening and then the truth is revealed and it is nothing like the reader imagined. An example: Charlie Rae Warren does up to "a bachelor's house" in the morning and se him standing in the doorway saying good-bye with a tender kiss on the cheek to a woman whose blouse is missing buttons. Well, of course the reader is thinking that Charli has caught her boyfriend with another woman. But it turns out, this is her father's house and he is a widower. When the woman is brutally murdered there are any number of suspects including a judge and his wife who is currently in a nursing home.
The big story here is naturally who killed the woman. But there are numerous subplots that are almost impossible to unravel.
The author did a good job of developing characters. This book is the fourth in a series and while I haven't read the others. I had no problems learning the relationships with those i believe must be recurring characters. This is set in a small town, so it is no wonder that everyone's lives are interconnected as they are.
There really isn't anything to make this a "book" mystery except that Charli works in a bookstore and is running a book drive. I had hoped for more literary references.
What I hadn't realized (did I just miss it or was this explained in an earlier book) is that Charli is biracial. I realized in reading that it doesn't really matter what race she is except that her parent's marriage explains some of the tensions with other characters. One thing that surprised me is that I usually form mental images of characters when i read and for some reason, I never really did that with the characters in this book. When all was said and done, the only characters I could actually picture were Caleb and Scarlet. Everyone else was nebulous. Perhaps the descriptions of the other characters were not full enough to help my imagination. Regardless, I liked them all.
I will be looking for more of Ms Robert's Book Barn Mysteries.
The big story here is naturally who killed the woman. But there are numerous subplots that are almost impossible to unravel.
The author did a good job of developing characters. This book is the fourth in a series and while I haven't read the others. I had no problems learning the relationships with those i believe must be recurring characters. This is set in a small town, so it is no wonder that everyone's lives are interconnected as they are.
There really isn't anything to make this a "book" mystery except that Charli works in a bookstore and is running a book drive. I had hoped for more literary references.
What I hadn't realized (did I just miss it or was this explained in an earlier book) is that Charli is biracial. I realized in reading that it doesn't really matter what race she is except that her parent's marriage explains some of the tensions with other characters. One thing that surprised me is that I usually form mental images of characters when i read and for some reason, I never really did that with the characters in this book. When all was said and done, the only characters I could actually picture were Caleb and Scarlet. Everyone else was nebulous. Perhaps the descriptions of the other characters were not full enough to help my imagination. Regardless, I liked them all.
I will be looking for more of Ms Robert's Book Barn Mysteries.
May 5, 2018
The cutest town with the highest murder rate in Texas returns!
Charli Rae (aka Princess) is back with the rest of the Hazel Rock Crew and sure enough mayhem, murder and mystery aren't that far behind!
Charli is involved in fundraising for books for Foster families. But she has a couple of big shocks to her system coming. Like realising her father has a life which may not centre around her, the Mayor has been keeping secrets and Mateo...well they might just get to spend some time together...at last!
But when Charli's dad gets caught up with an investigation into the murder of Ava, assistant to the puritanical, tyrannical former sheriff of Hazel Rock and Charli's teenage Nemesis, Charli and Scarlet end up knee deep in the investigation. Ava was the victim of domestic abuse and Charli follows the trail of devastation to Dallas. She learns some family secrets along the way that may just clear up a few of her childhood memories.
I love this series so much. The characters all leap off the page and into my brain. With the usual Hazel Rock quirky inhabitants popping up to be some comic relief, Charli deals with some powerfully emotive topics such as domestic abuse, child neglect, the Foster Care System and does so with care, empathy and conviction. There are family twists that I DID NOT see coming but explains so much! Mateo...well he is just such a sweetheart even when he has to be cop Mateo and not boyfriend Mateo. The scene in Dallas, well that just took my breath away!
Come on Hazel Rock, what are you going to come up with next!
Charli Rae (aka Princess) is back with the rest of the Hazel Rock Crew and sure enough mayhem, murder and mystery aren't that far behind!
Charli is involved in fundraising for books for Foster families. But she has a couple of big shocks to her system coming. Like realising her father has a life which may not centre around her, the Mayor has been keeping secrets and Mateo...well they might just get to spend some time together...at last!
But when Charli's dad gets caught up with an investigation into the murder of Ava, assistant to the puritanical, tyrannical former sheriff of Hazel Rock and Charli's teenage Nemesis, Charli and Scarlet end up knee deep in the investigation. Ava was the victim of domestic abuse and Charli follows the trail of devastation to Dallas. She learns some family secrets along the way that may just clear up a few of her childhood memories.
I love this series so much. The characters all leap off the page and into my brain. With the usual Hazel Rock quirky inhabitants popping up to be some comic relief, Charli deals with some powerfully emotive topics such as domestic abuse, child neglect, the Foster Care System and does so with care, empathy and conviction. There are family twists that I DID NOT see coming but explains so much! Mateo...well he is just such a sweetheart even when he has to be cop Mateo and not boyfriend Mateo. The scene in Dallas, well that just took my breath away!
Come on Hazel Rock, what are you going to come up with next!
May 10, 2018
This is a fun cozy mystery series with characters you will want to be friends with. I have read the entire series and highly recommend the entire series. A bookstore in a barn, armadillo's and quirky Southern neighbors are just some of the fun aspects of these books.
Lethal Literature is the fourth book in Kym Roberts’ Book Barn Mystery series and is well plotted with well-developed and likeable characters, humor, a sense of community and friendship, plus a Armadillo, named Princess. Charli Rae Warren moved back to her hometown of Hazel Rock, Texas, where she helps her dad, Bobby Ray, run the Book Barn.
She is working with Ava James on the literacy drive for foster kids Ava organizes every year, but when Charli sees Ava leaving her dad’s house early one morning, she’s convinced there’s more going on than just a book drive. Inquiring minds want to know but her attention is soon turned to a murder and she is once again on the case. Much to the chagrin of her policeman boyfriend who she is building a relationship with.
The mystery is well plotted with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the conclusion. I enjoy the fun quirky dialogue and each unique Southern character adds to the fun. The book barn is amazing and somewhere all book lovers would want to visit. The stories and people stay with you as we wait with baited breath for the next installment.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next in series and more adventures.
Lethal Literature is the fourth book in Kym Roberts’ Book Barn Mystery series and is well plotted with well-developed and likeable characters, humor, a sense of community and friendship, plus a Armadillo, named Princess. Charli Rae Warren moved back to her hometown of Hazel Rock, Texas, where she helps her dad, Bobby Ray, run the Book Barn.
She is working with Ava James on the literacy drive for foster kids Ava organizes every year, but when Charli sees Ava leaving her dad’s house early one morning, she’s convinced there’s more going on than just a book drive. Inquiring minds want to know but her attention is soon turned to a murder and she is once again on the case. Much to the chagrin of her policeman boyfriend who she is building a relationship with.
The mystery is well plotted with enough twists and turns to keep the reader guessing until the conclusion. I enjoy the fun quirky dialogue and each unique Southern character adds to the fun. The book barn is amazing and somewhere all book lovers would want to visit. The stories and people stay with you as we wait with baited breath for the next installment.
I highly recommend this series and look forward to the next in series and more adventures.
May 6, 2018
Lethal Literature by Kym Roberts is the 4th installment in the Book Barn mysteries. I like that the characters still have surprises up their sleeves. The main characters are well-developed and continue to grow and change as we learn more about them. I particularly liked learning more about Isla, the judge's wife. I enjoyed the chemistry in the budding relationship between Charli and Mateo.
The setting for the series expands as well. It now includes another small neighboring town.
The mystery is well-written. The pacing is good for the most part. The end felt a little rushed to me, but it was still good and wrapped up loose ends. I was surprised as to who the killer was.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written with interesting characters and a good plot and pacing. I would recommend this book for people who enjoy cozy mysteries. Charli and her friend Scarlet make a good pair of amateur sleuths. While you could read this as a standalone, the book does refer to events that take place in other installments in the series. It might just hook your interest to go back and read the others.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
The setting for the series expands as well. It now includes another small neighboring town.
The mystery is well-written. The pacing is good for the most part. The end felt a little rushed to me, but it was still good and wrapped up loose ends. I was surprised as to who the killer was.
Overall, I give this book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well-written with interesting characters and a good plot and pacing. I would recommend this book for people who enjoy cozy mysteries. Charli and her friend Scarlet make a good pair of amateur sleuths. While you could read this as a standalone, the book does refer to events that take place in other installments in the series. It might just hook your interest to go back and read the others.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
April 25, 2018
Lethal literature by Kim Roberts is a well told mystery about a small town antics. Even though this is the fourth book in the series, and the first one for me it can be read as a standalone.
Charlie Rae runs a Book Barn, bookshop with her dad, and all is good and well until one day her dad's girlfriend is killed. Charlie's boyfriend who just happens to be the current Sheriff doesn't want her to get involved but she can't help it, she thinks that somehow her father will become a person of interest and she needs to find out who the killer is.
It's very easy to get to know all characters. The atmosphere was a bit gloomy and dark, I could literally tension between Charlie Rae and her dad , judge and her ex-boyfriend, like a black cloud hanging over them and just waiting for something manacing to happen.
I liked the fact that her pet is armadillo and pink of all things and the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
It's a well crafted mystery with very distinctive characters. Well described surroundings and it deals with so many important issues, abuse, racial prejudice and illness.
Charlie Rae runs a Book Barn, bookshop with her dad, and all is good and well until one day her dad's girlfriend is killed. Charlie's boyfriend who just happens to be the current Sheriff doesn't want her to get involved but she can't help it, she thinks that somehow her father will become a person of interest and she needs to find out who the killer is.
It's very easy to get to know all characters. The atmosphere was a bit gloomy and dark, I could literally tension between Charlie Rae and her dad , judge and her ex-boyfriend, like a black cloud hanging over them and just waiting for something manacing to happen.
I liked the fact that her pet is armadillo and pink of all things and the cover is absolutely gorgeous.
It's a well crafted mystery with very distinctive characters. Well described surroundings and it deals with so many important issues, abuse, racial prejudice and illness.
April 30, 2018
Charli Rae Warren runs her book store in Hazel Rock Texas. She loves what she does but she wishes that she hadn't found a body. Ava was a friend from her youth. Now she's dead. Who killed her and why? Charli is fearless. I like that she's compassionate as well as a fighter. Family secrets play a part in this story. They added strong emotional elements to the book. I enjoyed how Kym Roberts was able to write a suspenseful mystery with humor and a touch of romance. Her characters are complex and the story is filled with unexpected twists. The dialogue is well written and I enjoy the small town feel. The people are there to help or, in some cases, to cause trouble. Charli has a way of getting riled up. Scarlett is such a great friend. When these two are together I know that there would be plenty of action. Princess, the armadillo, is as feisty as her owner. I wish I could visit the Book Barn. It is my type of place.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
I received a copy of this book which I voluntarily read and reviewed. My comments are my honest opinion.
May 30, 2018
Lethal Literature by Kym Roberts
Book #4: Book Barn Mystery Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars
**MINI-REVIEW**
The Bottom Line: I could go on and on about this book, its twists and turns, quirky characters, and witty banter, but it all boils down to one thing: this series just makes me happy! I absolutely delight in the fact Charli keeps tripping into trouble, she has a pink armadillo, and her small Texas town is always up to its butt in drama. I read this series because I know nothing is going to freak me out or creep me out, I’m going to be led down a weird, twisty road, and the big bad will always get what he/she has coming. Most importantly, I read this series because of the personalities, the characters, and the quirkiness of everyone who populates these books. Reading should always be about pure pleasure, enjoyment, and escape from reality, and that is what I always find in the Book Barn Mystery series. Rock on, Kym Roberts, and keep ‘em coming ‘cause I’m on board for the long haul 😊
Book #4: Book Barn Mystery Series
Source: Netgalley
My Rating: 4/5 stars
**MINI-REVIEW**
The Bottom Line: I could go on and on about this book, its twists and turns, quirky characters, and witty banter, but it all boils down to one thing: this series just makes me happy! I absolutely delight in the fact Charli keeps tripping into trouble, she has a pink armadillo, and her small Texas town is always up to its butt in drama. I read this series because I know nothing is going to freak me out or creep me out, I’m going to be led down a weird, twisty road, and the big bad will always get what he/she has coming. Most importantly, I read this series because of the personalities, the characters, and the quirkiness of everyone who populates these books. Reading should always be about pure pleasure, enjoyment, and escape from reality, and that is what I always find in the Book Barn Mystery series. Rock on, Kym Roberts, and keep ‘em coming ‘cause I’m on board for the long haul 😊
May 10, 2018
****Copy from NetGalley in return for an honest review******
It took until the armadillo appeared for me to realise that I'd already read one book in this series! And I liked this a lot less than the other one that I read (which was book 2). Back then Charli was a bit too stupid to live and the plot not quite balanced, but I liked the setting. But in this one, it was all just a bit too much. The writing needed some work - I got super confused early on about Charli's relationship history and ended up reading a few passages a couple of times to try to work it out. The plot resolution feels very stop-start and the ending is something of a rush. Not really for me in the end.
It took until the armadillo appeared for me to realise that I'd already read one book in this series! And I liked this a lot less than the other one that I read (which was book 2). Back then Charli was a bit too stupid to live and the plot not quite balanced, but I liked the setting. But in this one, it was all just a bit too much. The writing needed some work - I got super confused early on about Charli's relationship history and ended up reading a few passages a couple of times to try to work it out. The plot resolution feels very stop-start and the ending is something of a rush. Not really for me in the end.
August 30, 2018
This is a great book; this is the fourth book in the Book Barn Mystery series written by Kym Roberts. Running an independent bookstore in small-town Hazel Rock, Texas, doesn’t sound like a high-risk pursuit. But when a fundraiser reveals a story with a truly killer ending, Charli Rae Warren will need to scramble to sort out the deadly plot. This is a great book with a wonderful story and well developed characters. This book will keep you reading long into the night and guessing until the end. If you are looking for a great book, then you need to read this book. I am looking forward to reading the next book by this great author.
November 6, 2018
This is the 4th book in the Book Barn Mystery series. Not reading the previous 3 books did not make reading and enjoying this book difficult. It is obvious I missed a good bit of the background related to Charli's aka Princess running away years ago and her return to her hometown and her father. In this story, Charli is looking for the killer of a woman she is friends with and who might be having a relationship with her father. Is that the secret her father is keeping or is there something else he has not told her? I did enjoy this book and would like to read the previous 3 to learn more about Charli's history. I am giving this a solid 3-star review
April 13, 2018
This is a series however it was my first book by Kym Roberts that I had read. It was good as a standalone as the author provided lots of background, this might have been frustrating if you were reading the third back and then this fourth straight after. I enjoyed Charli Rae’s character and her recognition of her flaws.
I had some issues with the writing which detracted from the plot and I felt the ending was rushed however I thought the author addressed race and issue of prejudice well.
I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I had some issues with the writing which detracted from the plot and I felt the ending was rushed however I thought the author addressed race and issue of prejudice well.
I received an advanced copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
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