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Bookmobile Cat Mystery #7
Booking the Crook
It's all paws on deck as a librarian and her rescue cat track down a killer in the newest book in the national bestselling Bookmobile Cat mystery series.
Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, cruise around lovely Chilson, Michigan delivering happiness and good reads in their bookmobile. But the feisty librarian is worried that the bookmobile's future could be uncertain when a new library board chair arrives and doesn't seem too friendly to her pet project.
Still, she has to put her personal worries aside when she and Eddie are out on their regular route and one of their favorite customers doesn't turn up to collect her books. Minnie, at Eddie's prodding, checks on the woman and finds her lying dead in her snow-covered driveway. Now it's up to Minnie and her friends--feline and otherwise--to find the perpetrator and give them their due.
Minnie Hamilton and her rescue cat, Eddie, cruise around lovely Chilson, Michigan delivering happiness and good reads in their bookmobile. But the feisty librarian is worried that the bookmobile's future could be uncertain when a new library board chair arrives and doesn't seem too friendly to her pet project.
Still, she has to put her personal worries aside when she and Eddie are out on their regular route and one of their favorite customers doesn't turn up to collect her books. Minnie, at Eddie's prodding, checks on the woman and finds her lying dead in her snow-covered driveway. Now it's up to Minnie and her friends--feline and otherwise--to find the perpetrator and give them their due.
342 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published July 2, 2019
142 people are currently reading
1075 people want to read
About the author
Laurie Cass
14 books579 followersLaurie Cass is the national bestselling author of the Bookmobile Cat Mysteries, including Wrong Side of the Paw, Cat With a Clue, and Pouncing on Murder. She lives on a lake in northern Michigan with her husband and two cats.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 183 reviews
July 3, 2019
Some authors are just on your auto buy, and Laurie Cass is one of those for me. I'd almost forgotten I'd preordered this, so when I got the email it was a nice surprise :)
I love reading about Minnie and Eddie, and it looks like Rafe will be a permanent fixture as well. She can use so many resources and now people are coming to her for help as well. She is going to have a harder time the more it goes on though, since people will get suspicious especially as they know she's feeding back to the police.
This is a fantastic series, one of my favorite cozies. Highly recommend!
I love reading about Minnie and Eddie, and it looks like Rafe will be a permanent fixture as well. She can use so many resources and now people are coming to her for help as well. She is going to have a harder time the more it goes on though, since people will get suspicious especially as they know she's feeding back to the police.
This is a fantastic series, one of my favorite cozies. Highly recommend!
March 28, 2020
Mrrrr.
That's Eddie-speak for...I love this series!
Librarian Minnie Hamilton, her rescue cat Eddie, and a whole cast of characters in Chilson, MI are on the case once again in Booking the Crook, the 7th book in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series. Minnie has a lot on her plate....wedding plans for two people she loves, another new library director, winter driving for the bookmobile....and, of course, murder.
I have been a devout reader of this series ever since I fell in love with Eddie in book 1. This is the first time I've listened to an audio book version....and hearing Eddie make his Mrrr commentary and demands just made the story even better! Narrated by Erin Bennett, the audio is just over 9 hours long. I listened to the story during my commutes to work....while working in the garden....and while cooking/baking, folding laundry, etc. It was a perfect story to enjoy while getting things done! Kept a smile on my face....and kept the adulting all done on time! Perfect!
I love the characters in this series....the setting....the mix of humor with the mystery. It's just a fun series to read. It's not absolutely vital to read the books in order....there aren't really any major spoilers for prior stories. But, to get the full character building and backgrounds, it's probably best to start with book 1 and go in order.
Another lovely visit to Chilson! I have a review copy of the new book, Gone With the Whisker, all ready to read! I can't wait to find out what Eddie's up to this time! Gone With the Whisker comes out March 31, 2020!
That's Eddie-speak for...I love this series!
Librarian Minnie Hamilton, her rescue cat Eddie, and a whole cast of characters in Chilson, MI are on the case once again in Booking the Crook, the 7th book in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series. Minnie has a lot on her plate....wedding plans for two people she loves, another new library director, winter driving for the bookmobile....and, of course, murder.
I have been a devout reader of this series ever since I fell in love with Eddie in book 1. This is the first time I've listened to an audio book version....and hearing Eddie make his Mrrr commentary and demands just made the story even better! Narrated by Erin Bennett, the audio is just over 9 hours long. I listened to the story during my commutes to work....while working in the garden....and while cooking/baking, folding laundry, etc. It was a perfect story to enjoy while getting things done! Kept a smile on my face....and kept the adulting all done on time! Perfect!
I love the characters in this series....the setting....the mix of humor with the mystery. It's just a fun series to read. It's not absolutely vital to read the books in order....there aren't really any major spoilers for prior stories. But, to get the full character building and backgrounds, it's probably best to start with book 1 and go in order.
Another lovely visit to Chilson! I have a review copy of the new book, Gone With the Whisker, all ready to read! I can't wait to find out what Eddie's up to this time! Gone With the Whisker comes out March 31, 2020!
August 11, 2019
It is always an entertaining visit to Chilson, Michigan to spend time with Eddie, the bookmobile cat and his person, Minnie Hamilton in the seventh book of this series. Changes are coming in the library and Minnie 's and Eddie's life. There is a new library director and a new head of the Library board. With her Aunt's marriage and a cousin taking over the B&B Minnie and Eddie must find a new home. Rafe is still working on the house that he is flipping. I looking forward to the next book. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK AND SERIES.
February 14, 2022
Books, a cat and a feisty librarian, what's not to love! This time Minnie (and Eddie) along with Minnie's volunteer assistant Julie are out in the bookmobile and they are a little concerned when a regular visitor to the bookmobile doesn't arrive for her appointment so on the way back to the library they decide to check on her - only to find her collapsed on her driveway! The two humans attempt CPR and phone for help, only to discover later that it wasn't a heart attack that killed Rowan but something a lot more malicious. Now Minnie and Eddie need to find out the truth of the matter to give closure to the woman's children.
However, along with this Minnie needs to sort out two weddings (not hers!) and make sure that her own relationship with Rafe stays on the straight and narrow, oh and pick out hardware for their new kitchen, and stay alive - no hassle then!
However, along with this Minnie needs to sort out two weddings (not hers!) and make sure that her own relationship with Rafe stays on the straight and narrow, oh and pick out hardware for their new kitchen, and stay alive - no hassle then!
January 10, 2020
good fun series!
April 3, 2020
4 stelle e mezza
Altra buona storia, con un colpevole che in parte mi ha spiazzato perché non lo avevo quasi considerato, come Minnie d'altra parte. Piacevole anche tutto il contorno e adorabile Eddie (il gatto).
Mrrr! (=ciao)
Altra buona storia, con un colpevole che in parte mi ha spiazzato perché non lo avevo quasi considerato, come Minnie d'altra parte. Piacevole anche tutto il contorno e adorabile Eddie (il gatto).
Mrrr! (=ciao)
November 12, 2023
Booking the Crook by Laurie Cass is book 7 in the Bookmobile Cat Mystery series, and I am quite sad that I'm getting caught up to the 11 books that are currently out. Minnie and her cat Eddie engage in yet another murder case, and she will stop at nothing to figure out who killed her bookmobile patron. There are a few heart-pounding moments in the story, and I loved the mix of humor, suspense, clean romance, and small-town antics. Like the other books, there are a few different subplots going on at the same time as the mystery, and it has been so fun watching many of the characters in these books find love and happiness.
I happen to highly recommend the audiobooks, and not just because Erin Bennett is the narrator. She does do a wonderful job with Minnie and Eddie, but time flies when you are listening to them and before you know it, the killer has been caught! Not that I want the books to go by faster or anything, but it is a great way to enjoy these stories. I love cozy mysteries and Booking the Crook was the perfect addition to this series.
I happen to highly recommend the audiobooks, and not just because Erin Bennett is the narrator. She does do a wonderful job with Minnie and Eddie, but time flies when you are listening to them and before you know it, the killer has been caught! Not that I want the books to go by faster or anything, but it is a great way to enjoy these stories. I love cozy mysteries and Booking the Crook was the perfect addition to this series.
July 15, 2019
One of my favourite cozy series.
July 8, 2019
I love the Bookmobile cat mystery series. It has all of the elements that I love in a cozy series: libraries, books, cats, a murder and a bookmobile. This seventh offering is terrific.
July 15, 2019
The characters in this series are so likeable that it makes it a joy to
read. Lots of excitement and red herrings along the mystery plot line.
Animal lovers will find this an interesting series.
Find Booking the Crook at Westminster Public Library today!
read. Lots of excitement and red herrings along the mystery plot line.
Animal lovers will find this an interesting series.
Find Booking the Crook at Westminster Public Library today!
September 3, 2019
Minnie is still driving the bookmobile and worrying about the new library director and his plans for the bookmobile. When one of her regular bookmobile patrons doesn’t show up, she goes to check and finds her dead in her driveway. Even though she is busy helping her aunt and a friend with their weddings and helping her boyfriend fix up his house she finds time to become involved in finding the killer.
July 6, 2019
This series is one of my favorite cat cozy mystery series, and has been since the very first one. Minnie has a job I would love to have in a library, and Eddie adopted Minnie to be his person. I enjoy how close Minnie and Eddie are, how Eddie knows what she needs to do sometimes before she does. The intensity resulting from Minnie's search to find the bad guys is also appealing. The sound of the bookmobile is exciting, and since I hate driving, I can vicariously enjoy the experience through Minnie's confidence and success. The mysteries are challenging, and often the real bad guy/ gal is not someone high on my suspect list.
Minnie meets many new friends through the library's bookmobile service. One of those is Rowan, a loan officer who works from home part of the week. She has a dry sense of humor that is off-putting to some, while Minnie gets it. Minnie has a stack of books that Rowan requested, but today she doesn't get to the stop to pick them up. Eddie kicked up a fuss, so much so that Minnie and Julie, her assistant on the bookmobile, decide to stop and see if Rowan is feeling okay. When they found Rowan, she was on the snowy driveway, a shovel nearby. She had no pulse, and the two women tried CPR on her until the EMT's arrive. Sadly, the middle-aged woman couldn't be revived, and it was assumed she died of her heart ailment.
Days later, the local detective visited Minnie and told her that Rowan had been poisoned with drugs that would cause her heart attack. Her husband and adult twins, Anya and Collier, are devastated. The twins know Minnie from their time spent at the library when in high school, and two people they know suggested that Minnie find who killed their beloved mom. Minnie protests, but wants to help them. There seem to be a limited number of suspects, people either in her work or personal life who recently had run-ins with her. People turned down for loans can lose everything, either business or personal.
Minnie finally chooses to help them, and advises Detective Hal and Deputy Ash of anything she learns. While they laugh at some of what she considers "clues", she does find out things they weren't able to hear about. There is so much going on in Minnie's life otherwise - romance, upcoming weddings of Minnie's best friend and her beloved aunt, and changes at the library. For a young woman who doesn't like change, the days are very challenging! Thank goodness for Eddie!
The characters are very likable; I am happy to catch up with the people in Chilson, Michigan. The mystery is, again, hard to figure out. I was horrified at how Minnie and Eddie found out who the real bad guy was this time even as I was surprised at whodunit and why. This novel is so hard to put down, and I was so sad to see it end! I highly recommend it to all who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, libraries and bookmobiles, and cats - and maybe even appreciate a Michigan winter!
Minnie meets many new friends through the library's bookmobile service. One of those is Rowan, a loan officer who works from home part of the week. She has a dry sense of humor that is off-putting to some, while Minnie gets it. Minnie has a stack of books that Rowan requested, but today she doesn't get to the stop to pick them up. Eddie kicked up a fuss, so much so that Minnie and Julie, her assistant on the bookmobile, decide to stop and see if Rowan is feeling okay. When they found Rowan, she was on the snowy driveway, a shovel nearby. She had no pulse, and the two women tried CPR on her until the EMT's arrive. Sadly, the middle-aged woman couldn't be revived, and it was assumed she died of her heart ailment.
Days later, the local detective visited Minnie and told her that Rowan had been poisoned with drugs that would cause her heart attack. Her husband and adult twins, Anya and Collier, are devastated. The twins know Minnie from their time spent at the library when in high school, and two people they know suggested that Minnie find who killed their beloved mom. Minnie protests, but wants to help them. There seem to be a limited number of suspects, people either in her work or personal life who recently had run-ins with her. People turned down for loans can lose everything, either business or personal.
Minnie finally chooses to help them, and advises Detective Hal and Deputy Ash of anything she learns. While they laugh at some of what she considers "clues", she does find out things they weren't able to hear about. There is so much going on in Minnie's life otherwise - romance, upcoming weddings of Minnie's best friend and her beloved aunt, and changes at the library. For a young woman who doesn't like change, the days are very challenging! Thank goodness for Eddie!
The characters are very likable; I am happy to catch up with the people in Chilson, Michigan. The mystery is, again, hard to figure out. I was horrified at how Minnie and Eddie found out who the real bad guy was this time even as I was surprised at whodunit and why. This novel is so hard to put down, and I was so sad to see it end! I highly recommend it to all who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries, libraries and bookmobiles, and cats - and maybe even appreciate a Michigan winter!
January 23, 2020
First dip into this series for me, but I had no problem settling in to enjoy the story. A lot changes from the earlier books, it seems, including the arrival of a new hypercritical library director. We meet a few librarians, a cat and a bookmobile, as we travel with books around Lake Wisconsin in the depths of snowy winter. What could be better?
A local lady is found dead in her snowy driveway and the distressed librarian tries to find out if she was killed and how, and then of course, by whom.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
A local lady is found dead in her snowy driveway and the distressed librarian tries to find out if she was killed and how, and then of course, by whom.
I was sent an e-ARC by Fresh Fiction. This is an unbiased review.
February 4, 2025
One of the problems with binging on a series is that it’s easy to get annoyed with the repetitive & more unrealistic plot lines and main character. Minnie has some annoying traits that are finally getting to me.
First, about the story…Minnie suspected too many people for too long, with no strong leads from anyone. I was surprised at her angry tirade with the detectives over the fact that they didn’t take a couple of clues as seriously as she did. I expected the pertinence of those clues to be revealed later to prove that Minnie was correct, but they weren’t. In the end, I started to think of Minnie as she thought of Mitchell—nosy and annoying. Even the police department should be tired of her by now!
Suddenly Minnie’s aunt & Otto need Minnie’s help w/ the planning of their wedding…strong characters made weak. Minnie’s crime-solving abilities are proven when it comes to murder, she never has a clue when it comes to what goes on at the library, her ‘real’ job.
Nobody would fare as well as Minnie does while enduring the extreme conditions of a Michigan winter, especially with no outerwear or shoes! And wasn’t she placed in the same type of life or death situation in a previous book? Perhaps a satellite phone would be a good idea for the bookmobile, since Minnie spends so much time in areas with no cell signal.
Minnie comes across more and more as a busybody who takes it upon herself to solve everyone else’s problems. What in the world qualifies her?! Too much of the writing went in unnecessary and/or uninteresting directions:
As in the previous book, Eddie played much less of a role in helping Minnie to solve the mystery, and for the things that he tried to communicate, there was no follow-up as to how they related to solving the crime.
My favorite characters? Rafe and Eddie. I question, however, what Rafe gets out of his and Minnie’s relationship, especially since he comes across much more invested in it than she.
First, about the story…Minnie suspected too many people for too long, with no strong leads from anyone. I was surprised at her angry tirade with the detectives over the fact that they didn’t take a couple of clues as seriously as she did. I expected the pertinence of those clues to be revealed later to prove that Minnie was correct, but they weren’t. In the end, I started to think of Minnie as she thought of Mitchell—nosy and annoying. Even the police department should be tired of her by now!
Suddenly Minnie’s aunt & Otto need Minnie’s help w/ the planning of their wedding…strong characters made weak. Minnie’s crime-solving abilities are proven when it comes to murder, she never has a clue when it comes to what goes on at the library, her ‘real’ job.
Nobody would fare as well as Minnie does while enduring the extreme conditions of a Michigan winter, especially with no outerwear or shoes! And wasn’t she placed in the same type of life or death situation in a previous book? Perhaps a satellite phone would be a good idea for the bookmobile, since Minnie spends so much time in areas with no cell signal.
Minnie comes across more and more as a busybody who takes it upon herself to solve everyone else’s problems. What in the world qualifies her?! Too much of the writing went in unnecessary and/or uninteresting directions:
As in the previous book, Eddie played much less of a role in helping Minnie to solve the mystery, and for the things that he tried to communicate, there was no follow-up as to how they related to solving the crime.
My favorite characters? Rafe and Eddie. I question, however, what Rafe gets out of his and Minnie’s relationship, especially since he comes across much more invested in it than she.
February 6, 2020
I love this mystery's background and setting--a bookmobile and winter in Michigan. I also love Eddie, the rescue cat and Minnie's sidekick. This is the first book I've read in the series, and I see that Minnie has assorted relationships with the police, a former boyfriend, et al. (I enjoyed meeting Minnie's aunt and friends.) So now things are again changing in her life--I know I'd miss living in her aunt's boarding house--and I'm curious about where she will live now. Possibly in a house that's being renovated, and isn't that an interesting relationship. (If it were me, I'd enjoy browsing hardware choices.) And is her job--and her bookmobile--in jeopardy? The arrival of a new library director and a new board chairman with all their questions may not bode well. And then she finds the body of a bookmobile patron. When her death turns out to be a murder, Minnie works her way through assorted suspects--as she also works on two weddings--and that leads her to a harrowing ordeal when the murderer traps her and sends her on journey that could kill her. Now that is suspenseful and chilling. Well written with a satisfying ending!
October 13, 2022
This was an interlibrary loan, paperback edition.
I enjoy the setting, though northern winters will never be my thing!
I really enjoy the cast, for the most part. In this one, Minnie annoyed me, and I found the plot convoluted.
Specifically, the reader doesn't meet the victim in person, which creates an emotional distance. The suspects were also kept at a distance, so I had little emotional connection to them, and they were easy for me to confuse who was who. I had no chance to root for the suspects to be innocent or be guilty. Minnie's information-gathering also seemed to drag out.
Minnie annoyed me because of the kitchen hardware. Rafe is the love of her life and he's doing the house reno for her and waiting for her to select the pulls/ knobs for the kitchen. It's a small thing to ask, and she's balking. She doesn't need to be interested in decor, but she could've done research and had simple preferences and considerations. Or someone could've asked specific questions, such as what color and finish she's drawn to and does she want the color to contrast or blend with the color of the cabinets. There's also the simple consideration of Rafe's fingers being able to fit into a pull. As it was, she resisted the whole idea of helping and that seemed dismissive of Rafe's efforts.
I don't think that's a spoiler, so I'm not checking the spoiler box.
I enjoy the setting, though northern winters will never be my thing!
I really enjoy the cast, for the most part. In this one, Minnie annoyed me, and I found the plot convoluted.
Specifically, the reader doesn't meet the victim in person, which creates an emotional distance. The suspects were also kept at a distance, so I had little emotional connection to them, and they were easy for me to confuse who was who. I had no chance to root for the suspects to be innocent or be guilty. Minnie's information-gathering also seemed to drag out.
Minnie annoyed me because of the kitchen hardware. Rafe is the love of her life and he's doing the house reno for her and waiting for her to select the pulls/ knobs for the kitchen. It's a small thing to ask, and she's balking. She doesn't need to be interested in decor, but she could've done research and had simple preferences and considerations. Or someone could've asked specific questions, such as what color and finish she's drawn to and does she want the color to contrast or blend with the color of the cabinets. There's also the simple consideration of Rafe's fingers being able to fit into a pull. As it was, she resisted the whole idea of helping and that seemed dismissive of Rafe's efforts.
I don't think that's a spoiler, so I'm not checking the spoiler box.
May 26, 2024
I didn't think I'd get so addicted to this book series. I love cozy mysteries but I'm not a cat person. But this is very much my comfort read right now. May just try to finish what's out so my brain will let me read something else.
Was not expecting she'd end up with Rafe. It happened at the end of the last book. I. An openly take about it now. Not against it but I accepted they were just friends. I still like Ash. I like they're still friends. Wonder if dr. Ex boyfriend will show up again. Him I didn't like.
Bringing up moby dick in a promise to read any book of your choosing in a month if you finally pick the hardware for the kitchen was just mean. Funny but mean. I wonder if she'll stick with war and peace. Or if that was a joke too. I'm assuming joke but war and peace isnt 80% more than you need to know about whaling and 20% plot. There is a reason I gave up trying to read it. Never tried to read war and peace but I did try to read Anna karenina....it was so long. Kept meaning to go back to it, but it was so long....
Was not expecting she'd end up with Rafe. It happened at the end of the last book. I. An openly take about it now. Not against it but I accepted they were just friends. I still like Ash. I like they're still friends. Wonder if dr. Ex boyfriend will show up again. Him I didn't like.
Bringing up moby dick in a promise to read any book of your choosing in a month if you finally pick the hardware for the kitchen was just mean. Funny but mean. I wonder if she'll stick with war and peace. Or if that was a joke too. I'm assuming joke but war and peace isnt 80% more than you need to know about whaling and 20% plot. There is a reason I gave up trying to read it. Never tried to read war and peace but I did try to read Anna karenina....it was so long. Kept meaning to go back to it, but it was so long....
October 8, 2019
Things are changing at the Chilson public library. There is a new director, AND a new Chair of the Board. Minnie finds herself wondering about her beloved bookmobile's future as she watches these two men whisper and peek about. However, her mind is soon (mostly) taken off of this problem when a bookmobile patron is found murdered...by Minnie and her bookmobile staff, including the indomitable Eddie the Bookmobile Cat. Faced with the obvious distress of the victim's two adult children, what can Minnie do but assure them that she will try her best to help find a killer. Now if only she can keep that promise without becoming the next victim! And you may rest assured that Eddie will keep Minnie FIRMLY in paw!
July 24, 2019
I love Chilson and the bookmobile and Eddie. I love amateur sleuth Minnie, her care for her bookmobile patrons and town residents, and how she can't help but want to solve everyone's problems - or stop herself from getting dragged into them. It was only a little jarring to read book set in blustery Michigan winter when in real life it's the tail end of a heat wave. The killer revealed/Minnie in danger was heart-pounding and I love that she never gives up! Absolutely cannot wait for the next book in this series.
May 10, 2021
Another fun entry in the series. I now get why these kinds of books are called "cozy mysteries," because reading (or listening) to one really does give me a warm cozy feeling. All of the same familiar characters make cameo appearances, although they're also making advances in their situations (biggest stretch has been annoying library patron Mitchell, who has gotten a gainful job and a girlfriend!), and it's just nice to revisit old friends. There's just enough suspense and danger for our heroine to find herself in, with a good mix of gentle romance and some funny kitty antics. Love these books! Plus I never guess who the killer is, ever.
March 29, 2020
Really about a 3.7 for me. I prefer classic mysteries, where readers have all the clues. This time, motive was pretty much obscured and had to be explained. Also the danger scene near the end rather annoyed me because, HELLO, the heroine was so slow on the uptake even though she had just found an important clue that related. On the other hand, I read these for the characters and Eddie the cat, plus the library setting so that was all good.
July 13, 2019
Minnie, Eddie and the Bookmobile have another suspenseful adventure in this 7th in the series. Eddie, of course, is always in fine fettle and his 'mrrs' say more than many humans do with words. I read this pretty much straight through and enjoyed all story lines. I will continue to follow this series and hope there will be a book published yearly!
August 1, 2019
A librarian, a bookmobile, a cat, and a crime...what’s not to love! Bonus points for being set in Michigan! Will be going back to read the first 6!
November 23, 2019
This is was good entry in the series which has a lot of great characters starting with Minnie and ending with Eddie her bookmobile cat. The mystery was also pretty good if just a bit convoluted.
January 31, 2022
In which we are reminded to pay attention to all the little clues because sometimes they make the biggest difference.
July 21, 2025
Another good entry in the series. The characters are great and I always love catching up with them. It was fun seeing Kristen in Chilson in the winter. The mystery was good and the ending exciting.
April 30, 2019
I am liking this series more and more with each new book! I love the characters and the mysteries keep me guessing right along with Minnie. I can't wait to see what adventures Minnie and Eddie go on next!
March 24, 2021
Oh, Minnie. Even though you are getting smarter about your love life, you’re getting dumber by the minute when it comes to crime solving.
As far as plot goes, reasonable number of suspects for the murder. Semi-reasonable rationalization for Minnie to be involved. Then the book goes kafutz with Minnie bouncing like a pinball from one suspect to another, generally with minimal basis for her assumptions.
At the point we reach the dramatic conclusion, Minnie’s current suspect of the minute is known to drive an SUV. When an SUV deliberately drives her off the road, she gets out of the bookmobile to go see if they’re all right?? As has been pointed out by other reviewers, a quick bit of research could have saved the ending. As written, it’s laughable. Even with a cozy I expect some realism. All is well after cocoa in front of a blazing fire.
There are umpteen different threads going on in this book. Having read the series since book 1, I’m familiar with the characters and what their current situations bring to the story. If this were my first time meeting Minnie and Eddie, it would be way too many things out in left field. Minnie traumatized over having to pick kitchen hardware. The soon to be married Aunt Frances agonizing over a kitchen she doesn’t love. The occasional references to the new boardinghouse owner. The uncertainties of the long distance relationship between Kristen and her fiancé. The request for mediation in Mitchell and Bianca’s relationship. No discussion of Eddie’s behavior(s) that added an assist to the investigation. The covert behavior of new hires at the library and the tension it causes longstanding employees. There are probably more but I’ll end with a question: was there any reason the McCade’s were there?
This book had a little right with it and a lot wrong.
As far as plot goes, reasonable number of suspects for the murder. Semi-reasonable rationalization for Minnie to be involved. Then the book goes kafutz with Minnie bouncing like a pinball from one suspect to another, generally with minimal basis for her assumptions.
At the point we reach the dramatic conclusion, Minnie’s current suspect of the minute is known to drive an SUV. When an SUV deliberately drives her off the road, she gets out of the bookmobile to go see if they’re all right?? As has been pointed out by other reviewers, a quick bit of research could have saved the ending. As written, it’s laughable. Even with a cozy I expect some realism. All is well after cocoa in front of a blazing fire.
There are umpteen different threads going on in this book. Having read the series since book 1, I’m familiar with the characters and what their current situations bring to the story. If this were my first time meeting Minnie and Eddie, it would be way too many things out in left field. Minnie traumatized over having to pick kitchen hardware. The soon to be married Aunt Frances agonizing over a kitchen she doesn’t love. The occasional references to the new boardinghouse owner. The uncertainties of the long distance relationship between Kristen and her fiancé. The request for mediation in Mitchell and Bianca’s relationship. No discussion of Eddie’s behavior(s) that added an assist to the investigation. The covert behavior of new hires at the library and the tension it causes longstanding employees. There are probably more but I’ll end with a question: was there any reason the McCade’s were there?
This book had a little right with it and a lot wrong.
January 1, 2021
This is still one of my favorite cozy series and I enjoyed this book quite a bit, however I hope the author continues to move the MCs personal life along at a faster pace. Maybe I'm not the typical cozy reader, but I'm tired of all the same issues for Minnie's job and friends and personal life. The last two books have started to make some changes and I really hope they're followed through. I'm also ready for the two weddings to be over, as I don't find those conflicts believable at all.
On the mystery front I wasn't fascinated. Minnie suspected someone different at the end of every chapter, and I didn't actually remember who the bad guy was when he was revealed. So that's not great. At least it wasn't obvious who did it and the motive came completely out of left field. I'm not sure I like that but it did keep me wondering. One other little gripe - Still I did like most of this book, so three solid stars.
On the mystery front I wasn't fascinated. Minnie suspected someone different at the end of every chapter, and I didn't actually remember who the bad guy was when he was revealed. So that's not great. At least it wasn't obvious who did it and the motive came completely out of left field. I'm not sure I like that but it did keep me wondering. One other little gripe - Still I did like most of this book, so three solid stars.
April 18, 2021
I have loved this series from the opening pages of the first novel in the series! Minnie is a wonderful librarian and assistant director of a public library in Chilson, Michigan who cherishes every patron that she can assist particularly via the bookmobile. Her handsome cat Eddie with his little Mrrs! shared with purr-fect timing to Minnie's driving, questions, or out-loud analyses add a special feline delight for all. Minnie is also a very personable soul with an interest to helping the local police solve murders and is surrounded by an extraordinary community of characters that are also well-known and well-loved at this point in the series. This novel will remain my favorite of the series or at least until the next one in the series is available to read.
If you enjoyed this novel, you might also like to discover the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series by Eva Gates, or the Cat in the Stacks Mysteries by Miranda James. A trio of wonderful authors with exquisite series that should not be missed by readers loving stories about libraries, librarians, and cats. Purrs. :)
If you enjoyed this novel, you might also like to discover the Lighthouse Library Mystery Series by Eva Gates, or the Cat in the Stacks Mysteries by Miranda James. A trio of wonderful authors with exquisite series that should not be missed by readers loving stories about libraries, librarians, and cats. Purrs. :)
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