What do you think?
Rate this book
The Village Library Mysteries #1
Checked Out
There are no renewals when you’re permanently checked out.
When librarian Ann Beckett finally reluctantly agrees to being set-up on a blind date by one of her over-eager patrons, she figures that the worst that could happen would be that the two of them wouldn’t hit it off.
Little did she know that she’d be stood up…because her date was murdered.
With the help from her patrons, Ann tries to find out who might be responsible in the small town of Whitby before more residents are permanently checked out.
When librarian Ann Beckett finally reluctantly agrees to being set-up on a blind date by one of her over-eager patrons, she figures that the worst that could happen would be that the two of them wouldn’t hit it off.
Little did she know that she’d be stood up…because her date was murdered.
With the help from her patrons, Ann tries to find out who might be responsible in the small town of Whitby before more residents are permanently checked out.
244 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 2, 2019
340 people are currently reading
3295 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Spann Craig
91 books472 followersAuthor also writes under Elizabeth Craig
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews
August 3, 2022
Fun start to a new-to-me library cozy complete with epic cat rescue in the very first chapter. Ann is a librarian after my own heart! And what a way to introduce a murder into a mystery -- he's Ann's blind date! I enjoyed getting to know Ann and the library staff and her always helpful patrons who assist in her sleuthing efforts. Sometimes I felt like they spoon-fed her leads...Ann didn't really have to work at investigating and there were some discrepancies in facts that is disconcerting in a mystery. Plus, I felt that the author never developed characterization and motivation beyond the surface level so that lowered my star rating. I still enjoyed the read -- it's quick and easy and entertaining and I'll continue on with the series since my library has the full set.
May 16, 2019
A new best friend...
I loved this book! Ann Beckett was the perfect new favorite character - smart, kind, not one to rush into danger and loves cats!
The mystery was well written and fast paced. I enjoyed introductions to all the library patrons I hope we see more of in the series. Luna, Wilson and the Chief kept the story fun and humorous. Of course, Fitz, the rescued library cat was precious.
I'm looking forward to more library visits with Ann and her friends!
I loved this book! Ann Beckett was the perfect new favorite character - smart, kind, not one to rush into danger and loves cats!
The mystery was well written and fast paced. I enjoyed introductions to all the library patrons I hope we see more of in the series. Luna, Wilson and the Chief kept the story fun and humorous. Of course, Fitz, the rescued library cat was precious.
I'm looking forward to more library visits with Ann and her friends!
January 31, 2020
A new series by a very well known to me author.. I'm a library person.. I distribute author bookmarks to libraries in two local counties here in NYC..
Library books make me happy, library cats make me itch (allergic) but I still love the furballs. The story starts out with a blind date and ends many chapters later with Anne our faithful librarian solving her first murder.. Everything in between you'll just have to read for yourself. I'm not sharing anything that will spoil the story.
Library books make me happy, library cats make me itch (allergic) but I still love the furballs. The story starts out with a blind date and ends many chapters later with Anne our faithful librarian solving her first murder.. Everything in between you'll just have to read for yourself. I'm not sharing anything that will spoil the story.
May 1, 2019
★★★★☆
October 11, 2019
After I finished a cozy mystery, I wanted a little more from this genre. When I saw two bootubers picking up this book as their book club pick, I checked on kindle and Scribd app if I can find the e-book, and I was happy to download it through Scribd.
I like it when having themes like libraries, book suggestions, new and old publications. I enjoy a book about books and people that love to read. Checked Out is a book with subjects I like reading.
Library as a setting is terrific, if not exactly a novel idea then definitely a library that I would like to be a patron. I was amazed at all the different activities and services it provided for the locals. I wish that my library was like the one Ann works. I appreciated that the characters are realistic and believable. The bits and pieces of their life outside their working place could easily relate. I liked that her fellow librarian is supporting the investigation from the background, occasionally providing relevant information and encouragement.
I feel happy when book recommendations are fulfilling their part when I find a new book and author. I know that I will continue with The Village Library Mysteries series, and I will try to look around for the other series that Elizabeth Spann Craig has written.
I like it when having themes like libraries, book suggestions, new and old publications. I enjoy a book about books and people that love to read. Checked Out is a book with subjects I like reading.
Library as a setting is terrific, if not exactly a novel idea then definitely a library that I would like to be a patron. I was amazed at all the different activities and services it provided for the locals. I wish that my library was like the one Ann works. I appreciated that the characters are realistic and believable. The bits and pieces of their life outside their working place could easily relate. I liked that her fellow librarian is supporting the investigation from the background, occasionally providing relevant information and encouragement.
I feel happy when book recommendations are fulfilling their part when I find a new book and author. I know that I will continue with The Village Library Mysteries series, and I will try to look around for the other series that Elizabeth Spann Craig has written.
May 19, 2021
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and definitely plan to read more in the series!
First off, it's set in a library, which was an immediate draw for me, plus it was neat that I happened upon this on my library's website and it sounded good. It was! It had everything good about the cozy genre and nothing of the not-so-good.
Ann was a delightful main character! She is smart and kind and very easy to like. She is investigating the murders, but not in an annoying way, and she doesn't do those incredibly foolish risky things that make a reader roll their eyes at the stupidity. Ann does things as sensibly as a cozy heroine possibly could, and when she gets into danger it isn't because she brought it on herself.
I also really loved the supporting characters in this book! All of them are quirky and likable and come with interesting back-stories. Then, of course, there's the cat, who is absolutely charming and wonderful!
There's just nothing NOT to like about this book. I really enjoyed it and look forward to revisiting Ann and her motley band of supporters in future books.
First off, it's set in a library, which was an immediate draw for me, plus it was neat that I happened upon this on my library's website and it sounded good. It was! It had everything good about the cozy genre and nothing of the not-so-good.
Ann was a delightful main character! She is smart and kind and very easy to like. She is investigating the murders, but not in an annoying way, and she doesn't do those incredibly foolish risky things that make a reader roll their eyes at the stupidity. Ann does things as sensibly as a cozy heroine possibly could, and when she gets into danger it isn't because she brought it on herself.
I also really loved the supporting characters in this book! All of them are quirky and likable and come with interesting back-stories. Then, of course, there's the cat, who is absolutely charming and wonderful!
There's just nothing NOT to like about this book. I really enjoyed it and look forward to revisiting Ann and her motley band of supporters in future books.
December 12, 2023
A new series debut. Ann is the local librarian and she is set up by a patron on a blind date. Whenever she arrives for her date, she finds him dead. She decides to use her skills to find his murder and along the way starts to come out of the protective shell she has surrounded herself with. Cute debut
August 1, 2020
I love cozy mysteries with any of the following: cat, library, bookmobile, a librarian as the sleuth. Delightfully this series in the small town location of Whitby, North Carolina, has several favorites as the main character is Ann Beckett, one of the librarians at the town's public library. As the opening chapter begins Ann agrees to help 2 sopping wet little boys who dash into the library and over to the circulation desk quickly trying to get help for a cat caught in a culvert in a drenching downpour. In the early evening Ann arrives at the home of her blind date as set up by one of the library patrons. The adventures continue from her rescue of the day to her blind date unlike any other.
I do not often select a novel by cover art but was intrigued by the posting of this novel's cover on a Facebook group page for cozy mystery fans. The cover designer is credited to Karri Klawiter by the author. I'm always delighted when cover design is credited by the author in their acknowledgements or specifically named by the publisher on the copyright page as a book's cover art does enhance the reading experience. Ms. Klawkiter's art design captured my attention to learn more about the author and series.
I lower my star rating by 1 star when there are multiple errors that could have easily been corrected by an editor(s) or assistance by a beta reader(s). An editor and beta readers were given appreciation by the author at the end of the novel in a section titled, "This and That" so the errors are all the more disappointing.
I'm always curious when there is a discrepancy of facts in a mystery as I continue to keep it in mind as I like to be a sleuth as a reader to guess how this discrepancy will contribute to the solving of the crime. However, sometimes the discrepancy is never mentioned by any of the characters and has no relevance as the crime is solved. In the edition I read (ISBN13: 9781946227430), you may find the discrepancy of facts on pages 134 and 184.
I do not often select a novel by cover art but was intrigued by the posting of this novel's cover on a Facebook group page for cozy mystery fans. The cover designer is credited to Karri Klawiter by the author. I'm always delighted when cover design is credited by the author in their acknowledgements or specifically named by the publisher on the copyright page as a book's cover art does enhance the reading experience. Ms. Klawkiter's art design captured my attention to learn more about the author and series.
I lower my star rating by 1 star when there are multiple errors that could have easily been corrected by an editor(s) or assistance by a beta reader(s). An editor and beta readers were given appreciation by the author at the end of the novel in a section titled, "This and That" so the errors are all the more disappointing.
I'm always curious when there is a discrepancy of facts in a mystery as I continue to keep it in mind as I like to be a sleuth as a reader to guess how this discrepancy will contribute to the solving of the crime. However, sometimes the discrepancy is never mentioned by any of the characters and has no relevance as the crime is solved. In the edition I read (ISBN13: 9781946227430), you may find the discrepancy of facts on pages 134 and 184.
May 12, 2019
I purchased this novel due to the simple fact of anything Elizabeth Spann Craig writes...I like. So, when I learned that there was a new series coming...I was on board.
This series is a delight. It opened with a dramatic scene unfolding, which won over my heart, and then we are gradually introduced to the main characters of the novel. Setting? A library. As an avid reader, there is no more ideal setting for me. Ann is a Reference Librarian and what sold me on this is the continuity of scenes having Ann doing her job!
And, Ann. Oh boy does she have events happen to her! From saving drowning cats to going on dates with dead men, Ann is doing it all!
I truly don't want to give away the story line, however, it is a good one and persons loving cozy murder mysteries will be drawn to Ann and the citizens of Whitby, North Carolina. I certainly am.
This series is a delight. It opened with a dramatic scene unfolding, which won over my heart, and then we are gradually introduced to the main characters of the novel. Setting? A library. As an avid reader, there is no more ideal setting for me. Ann is a Reference Librarian and what sold me on this is the continuity of scenes having Ann doing her job!
And, Ann. Oh boy does she have events happen to her! From saving drowning cats to going on dates with dead men, Ann is doing it all!
I truly don't want to give away the story line, however, it is a good one and persons loving cozy murder mysteries will be drawn to Ann and the citizens of Whitby, North Carolina. I certainly am.
August 3, 2023
Rating: 3.3 / 5
Fairly slow-moving, but also sweet. Fitz (the cat) was a welcome addition to the story, though at times acted very un-catlike. I did guess who the murderer was, though not for any obvious reason, just that I think I've gotten used to suspecting people that don't seem like obvious suspects in cozy mysteries, and then ba-da-bing ba-da-boom, it turns out to be them in the end!
Fairly slow-moving, but also sweet. Fitz (the cat) was a welcome addition to the story, though at times acted very un-catlike. I did guess who the murderer was, though not for any obvious reason, just that I think I've gotten used to suspecting people that don't seem like obvious suspects in cozy mysteries, and then ba-da-bing ba-da-boom, it turns out to be them in the end!
December 18, 2024
Well, apparently, I don't like the "cozy mystery" genre. This book mildly annoyed me. But, the last chapter had me laughing out loud a few times, with the murderer saying that she had been training to become an Olympic javelin thrower prior to the murder, so throwing a skewer into the guy's head felt natural!! And then later she was saying she was disappointed she was about to kill the librarian because then, who else would be there to recommend books to her?! So at least the end was comedic.
Book Club read
Book Club read
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 7, 2019
I am a huge fan of the Myrtle Clover series. so when I saw that Elizabeth Spann Craig had a new series, I just had to read it. I already love the "cast of characters" such as Ann, Luna and of course Fitz. I love books, reading, libraries and mysteries so this was a perfect fit for me. I can't wait for the next one.
October 28, 2019
I really enjoyed this cozy mystery. The mystery had me stumped, and I loved that! The main character was both sweet and likable. I loved the cat, who became a wonderful and permanent part of the story. I will definitely continue this series!
August 28, 2021
This is between 2.5 and 3 stars for me.
This was a cute cozy mystery and a nice start to a new series. I liked the library setting and Fitz the cat; overall, however, I found it to be a slow-moving read and Ann was a little bland. Future books in the series could be worth a read if the pace is a little faster.
Thank you to Goodreads for sending me this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
This was a cute cozy mystery and a nice start to a new series. I liked the library setting and Fitz the cat; overall, however, I found it to be a slow-moving read and Ann was a little bland. Future books in the series could be worth a read if the pace is a little faster.
Thank you to Goodreads for sending me this book through a Goodreads Giveaway.
May 28, 2019
The cover caught my eye and when I noticed who the author is, Elizabeth Span Craig. Have enjoyed the Myrtle Clover so I decided to read the book. I found a well-written story with improvement from the last time I read one of her books. I will be looking forward to the next in this series. The main character is developing, but the secondary characters need more development.
Anne Beckett is a library and friends are concerned about age and are setting up blind dates for her. The last one she arrives to find her date has MURDERED. She becomes concerned about the MURDER and investigates the case. The library cat adds humor to the story. It is called Fritz. I highly recommend this book.
Anne Beckett is a library and friends are concerned about age and are setting up blind dates for her. The last one she arrives to find her date has MURDERED. She becomes concerned about the MURDER and investigates the case. The library cat adds humor to the story. It is called Fritz. I highly recommend this book.
December 25, 2019
3.5 stars
Some highs and lows for me in this one. The first book in a series is always a challenge. I’ll absolutely be continuing with book two.
Some highs and lows for me in this one. The first book in a series is always a challenge. I’ll absolutely be continuing with book two.
May 27, 2021
New series for me. I enjoyed it very much.
July 13, 2021
I enjoyed this cozy mystery and look forward to reading more of her books.
March 10, 2020
Cute but not as good as some of the author's other books.
July 1, 2022
I might review this properly one day. This was good!
January 17, 2023
3 to 3.5 stars. Any book that’s about a library and has a library cat is definitely a book to read. Pretty decent murder mystery — loads of potential suspects so it was tough to figure out “who dunnit.” (I didn’t figure it out). The book was written in a simple style but it was an enjoyable read.
February 5, 2020
A great cozy mystery! I enjoyed all the characters, especially the main one (MC), librarian Ann Beckett, and her community. Anne’s backstory was interesting and it left a lot unsaid while adding a realistic layer to the story. The plot was intriguing and the culprit was a total surprise! Fitz the cat had a minor role until the climax and he didn’t act out beyond normal cat roles.
About the MC: "…you're totally a reasonable person. Someone a person can trust. Okay, you might be super-nosy, but I guess that might be an occupational hazard for a librarian." The new police chief seems to agree and, rather than telling her to mind her own business, just uses her information and tells her to be cautious.
The author apparently self-published this book and did a good job. Nice layout, good type choices, and cute cover. Part of the enjoyment of reading cozies, for me at least, is holding a good book in your hand. This succeeds on all points!
About the MC: "…you're totally a reasonable person. Someone a person can trust. Okay, you might be super-nosy, but I guess that might be an occupational hazard for a librarian." The new police chief seems to agree and, rather than telling her to mind her own business, just uses her information and tells her to be cautious.
The author apparently self-published this book and did a good job. Nice layout, good type choices, and cute cover. Part of the enjoyment of reading cozies, for me at least, is holding a good book in your hand. This succeeds on all points!
Read
November 17, 2020Another winner by Elizabeth Spann Craig!
This is the beginning to another series and it's going to be great. I loved the introduction to the town and the cast of characters. At the heart of the story is Ann - a librarian who is smart and caring. She's learned to be tough as well - due to a lot of loss in her life.
The mystery in the story is a complex one with all sorts of clues and red herrings to figure out along the way! A fun story with a cast I know I'm going to enjoy getting to know better in future books!
This is the beginning to another series and it's going to be great. I loved the introduction to the town and the cast of characters. At the heart of the story is Ann - a librarian who is smart and caring. She's learned to be tough as well - due to a lot of loss in her life.
The mystery in the story is a complex one with all sorts of clues and red herrings to figure out along the way! A fun story with a cast I know I'm going to enjoy getting to know better in future books!
October 14, 2019
Generous 2 stars. Boring. Flat writing, too many "did this and this and then this and this" pages and pages of that. I struggled with finishing this one. Characters were ok. Ending was unsatisfying.
If you want to read a good mystery that includes library and a cat, go read "A Bookmobile Cat Mystery" series.
If you want to read a good mystery that includes library and a cat, go read "A Bookmobile Cat Mystery" series.
November 14, 2022
This is a cute 1st in series about a cat, a librarian, quirky characters, and murder.
I love kitty mysteries, libraries, and quirky characters, so it was a natural choice.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book.
I love kitty mysteries, libraries, and quirky characters, so it was a natural choice.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book.
March 11, 2019
Checked Out by Elizabeth Spann Craig is the first book in Village Library Mystery series and it's another thrilling read from the pen of one of the leading author's of cozy mystery world.
Main character is Ann, a librarian in a small town. As a girl of thirty something living in a tiny place she is often set up with eligible bachelors. When she arrives for yet another blind date things go from bad to worse when she finds her date dead, stabbed in the neck.
As it appears that one of the people of interest is her beloved professor she decides to do a little investigating, just asking a question or two to help out a local chief. She has an unlikely group of people helping her along the way as she gets closer and closer to finding out the truth.
I liked pretty much everything about this series.
Library as a setting is wonderful, if not exactly a novel idea than definitely a library that I would like to be a patron of. I was amazed at all different activities and services it provided for the locals. I just wish that my library was like that.
Another huge bonus was a library cat. I don't think that I have met friendlier and cuter animal or one more lovable that Fritz.
I did find it a bit odd how she just jumps right into investigating. Usually amateur sleuths are quite reluctant at least at the beginning to get involved. Also chief didn't try to too hard to keep her away but rather welcomed her help. And I found it puzzling that everyone was more than willing to talk to her openly and without any restraint. On the other hand, as it is stated in the book, it could just be a small town thing, so what do I know.
It is a clever and well written story. Apart from the fabulous setting, characters are more than likable. Heroine is smart, nice, inquisitive without being silly or reckless. The cat as I have said is absolutely adorable.
I appreciated that characters are realistic and believable. The bits and pieces of their life outside their working place could easily be related to.I really liked that her fellow librarian is supporting the investigation from the background occasionally providing relevant information and encouragement. Though not conventionally looking librarian she is obviously in favor of her colleague and extremely nice person. I especially liked old man as a source of information and think that he could continue to play a big part of her group of helpers.
I liked the fact that there is also a romantic aspect and a bit of humor as well.
I am so glad that I was given a chance to read and enjoy this great book and I can honestly say that I can't wait for book number two as there are many venues for the series to develop and this first book has definitely piqued my interest.
I have received an arc copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Main character is Ann, a librarian in a small town. As a girl of thirty something living in a tiny place she is often set up with eligible bachelors. When she arrives for yet another blind date things go from bad to worse when she finds her date dead, stabbed in the neck.
As it appears that one of the people of interest is her beloved professor she decides to do a little investigating, just asking a question or two to help out a local chief. She has an unlikely group of people helping her along the way as she gets closer and closer to finding out the truth.
I liked pretty much everything about this series.
Library as a setting is wonderful, if not exactly a novel idea than definitely a library that I would like to be a patron of. I was amazed at all different activities and services it provided for the locals. I just wish that my library was like that.
Another huge bonus was a library cat. I don't think that I have met friendlier and cuter animal or one more lovable that Fritz.
I did find it a bit odd how she just jumps right into investigating. Usually amateur sleuths are quite reluctant at least at the beginning to get involved. Also chief didn't try to too hard to keep her away but rather welcomed her help. And I found it puzzling that everyone was more than willing to talk to her openly and without any restraint. On the other hand, as it is stated in the book, it could just be a small town thing, so what do I know.
It is a clever and well written story. Apart from the fabulous setting, characters are more than likable. Heroine is smart, nice, inquisitive without being silly or reckless. The cat as I have said is absolutely adorable.
I appreciated that characters are realistic and believable. The bits and pieces of their life outside their working place could easily be related to.I really liked that her fellow librarian is supporting the investigation from the background occasionally providing relevant information and encouragement. Though not conventionally looking librarian she is obviously in favor of her colleague and extremely nice person. I especially liked old man as a source of information and think that he could continue to play a big part of her group of helpers.
I liked the fact that there is also a romantic aspect and a bit of humor as well.
I am so glad that I was given a chance to read and enjoy this great book and I can honestly say that I can't wait for book number two as there are many venues for the series to develop and this first book has definitely piqued my interest.
I have received an arc copy from the author in exchange for an honest review.
December 2, 2022
This was such a good book! The mystery was just about perfect—I figured out who the villain was only very shortly before they were revealed and that made me really happy. It wasn’t obvious from the beginning who it was, and Ms. Craig gave enough clues that I could start figuring things out. It made me feel like I was detective-ing along with Ann. There were a lot of twists and turns as well as potential suspects, making for a very enjoyable read.
The characters—both the suspects and the non-suspects—were all fun and interesting. My favorite character was probably the new police chief. He was the kind of character I really like, where he’s kind of gruff, but underneath he’s very nice and a little awkward. 😂 His interactions with both Ann and Luna were fun (especially with Luna XD). And Luna herself was a good addition to the story. The kind of quirky children’s librarian who looks a little different but is super nice. The reasoning for Ann helping the chief also made sense. And sure, sometimes Ann was a little reckless, but it never made me feel like “ANN! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING RIGHT NOW?!?”
Also, can I just say how Ann felt so much like a librarian? The book was always describing her days at the library and the different things she helped patrons with. She actually seemed like a librarian and not just “Let’s have a mystery at a library, so I guess she can work there.”
I also enjoyed getting to find out about the murdered man from so many different perspectives. It really showed how people’s opinions and overall judgment of a person can be colored because of their interactions with him.
I also appreciated how the author didn’t go into very much detail about the murders. It’s enough to know that they’re murdered. I don’t need all the gruesome details. 😅
Something else I liked was how the mystery was wrapped up, but other parts felt like they were just starting. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes it from here.
The book did start off a little slow, but once the mystery started, it didn’t feel slow at all.
All in all, I highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a cozy murder mystery!
The characters—both the suspects and the non-suspects—were all fun and interesting. My favorite character was probably the new police chief. He was the kind of character I really like, where he’s kind of gruff, but underneath he’s very nice and a little awkward. 😂 His interactions with both Ann and Luna were fun (especially with Luna XD). And Luna herself was a good addition to the story. The kind of quirky children’s librarian who looks a little different but is super nice. The reasoning for Ann helping the chief also made sense. And sure, sometimes Ann was a little reckless, but it never made me feel like “ANN! WHAT ARE YOU EVEN DOING RIGHT NOW?!?”
Also, can I just say how Ann felt so much like a librarian? The book was always describing her days at the library and the different things she helped patrons with. She actually seemed like a librarian and not just “Let’s have a mystery at a library, so I guess she can work there.”
I also enjoyed getting to find out about the murdered man from so many different perspectives. It really showed how people’s opinions and overall judgment of a person can be colored because of their interactions with him.
I also appreciated how the author didn’t go into very much detail about the murders. It’s enough to know that they’re murdered. I don’t need all the gruesome details. 😅
Something else I liked was how the mystery was wrapped up, but other parts felt like they were just starting. I’m looking forward to seeing where the author takes it from here.
The book did start off a little slow, but once the mystery started, it didn’t feel slow at all.
All in all, I highly recommend if you’re in the mood for a cozy murder mystery!
January 30, 2025
Ann is a small town librarian situated in the mountains of North Carolina. She enjoys helping out and doesn’t mind working long hours. Not one to go out, she final agrees when one of her patrons set up Ann on a blind date with her grand-nephew, Roger. When Ann arrives at his home, she finds Roger stabbed and dead, putting Ann in the middle of a police investigation.
Check Out is the first book in what promises to be an entertaining cozy series. I always love when stories center around books, and the library is a central setting in this mystery. Overall, I enjoyed the setting and characters and found the mystery engaging.
The book opens with Ann rescuing two cats from a filling storm drain. The author uses great descriptions here and throughout the book, which helps me visualize the scenes. I liked that opening scene because it sets the mood and shows the reader that Ann is a kind and caring person, and she’s level headed. I love how the cats become central to the story. Ann is smart and inquisitive, which could get her into more trouble than it does, but I like that she works in concert with the police. I didn’t love that she frequently judges folks; however, she does realize her errors almost immediately and it’s all internal.
I enjoyed many of the side characters. As a librarian, Ann comes into contact with a lot of people, and I like how the author allows us to learn more about each as they interact with Ann. I really enjoyed the new-to-town police chief. He is not the stereotypical by-the-book, grumpy chief who assumes the worst in all and sees suspects everywhere. He’s intelligent and kind, and he listens well. He also doesn’t mind Ann helping him out, but asks her to be safe.
The overall mystery of who killed Roger is interesting and well-written. However, I was devastated by the outfall from catching the killer. I can’t be specific without giving away who did it, but I felt Ann and the chief make light of a really bad situation which made me mad, and it’s why I didn’t rate the story higher.
Narration: Checked Out is shared via the first person POV of Ann. Overall, Nordlinger has an upbeat voice, with a touch of deepness, making it age appropriate and fitting for Ann. Nordlinger often softens her voice to project calm and caring. Dialogue is altered based on gender and age. In general, there aren’t big differences between characters but enough to be able to tell when different people are talking. After a while, I noticed that sometimes Nordlinger speaks with a matter-of-fact sounding voice, which can be direct and a little void of emotion.
In the end, I enjoyed the overall story and characters, despite the frustration right at the end of the book. I will certainly look for more books in the Village Library Mysteries series.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B-
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
review copy provided by publisher
Check Out is the first book in what promises to be an entertaining cozy series. I always love when stories center around books, and the library is a central setting in this mystery. Overall, I enjoyed the setting and characters and found the mystery engaging.
The book opens with Ann rescuing two cats from a filling storm drain. The author uses great descriptions here and throughout the book, which helps me visualize the scenes. I liked that opening scene because it sets the mood and shows the reader that Ann is a kind and caring person, and she’s level headed. I love how the cats become central to the story. Ann is smart and inquisitive, which could get her into more trouble than it does, but I like that she works in concert with the police. I didn’t love that she frequently judges folks; however, she does realize her errors almost immediately and it’s all internal.
I enjoyed many of the side characters. As a librarian, Ann comes into contact with a lot of people, and I like how the author allows us to learn more about each as they interact with Ann. I really enjoyed the new-to-town police chief. He is not the stereotypical by-the-book, grumpy chief who assumes the worst in all and sees suspects everywhere. He’s intelligent and kind, and he listens well. He also doesn’t mind Ann helping him out, but asks her to be safe.
The overall mystery of who killed Roger is interesting and well-written. However, I was devastated by the outfall from catching the killer. I can’t be specific without giving away who did it, but I felt Ann and the chief make light of a really bad situation which made me mad, and it’s why I didn’t rate the story higher.
Narration: Checked Out is shared via the first person POV of Ann. Overall, Nordlinger has an upbeat voice, with a touch of deepness, making it age appropriate and fitting for Ann. Nordlinger often softens her voice to project calm and caring. Dialogue is altered based on gender and age. In general, there aren’t big differences between characters but enough to be able to tell when different people are talking. After a while, I noticed that sometimes Nordlinger speaks with a matter-of-fact sounding voice, which can be direct and a little void of emotion.
In the end, I enjoyed the overall story and characters, despite the frustration right at the end of the book. I will certainly look for more books in the Village Library Mysteries series.
My Ratings:
Story: B-
Narration: B-
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
review copy provided by publisher
September 7, 2023
Librarian Ann Beckett loves her job. Spending all day surrounded by books, helping patrons to socialise or discover the resources available, finding new books to recommend and being part of the community makes her happy - even if she doesn't have many close friends or a partner to share with. She just wishes everyone else would agree and stop trying to set her up on blind dates. But when her latest blind date results in death, her curiosity is aroused and she finds herself in the middle of a murder investigation, sleuthing her way to the guilty party.
Elizabeth Spann Craig is pretty much my go to when I want a relaxing cosy mystery with a decent plot and funny characters. And the first book of the Village Library Mysteries is no exception. Plus it's based in a library. I mean it's hard not to love it for that alone.
Ann was great. I liked her humour and easy going attitude. Her sleuthing was low key nosy and it suited her style. The cast of characters were all great as well - I loved the library manager, Wilson, the children's librarian, Luna and the police chief, Burton and I adored the sense of community the library fostered. I'm not a cat person but I enjoyed the inclusion of the library cat and how he won over the patrons and Wilson into keeping him about. Plus I loved the discussions about books and movies - like Ann I'm always on the lookout for recommendations to add to my reading/watching list. You know that list that's thousands and thousands of books and movies long. But of course, new reccs.
The plot was well constructed and kept me entertained sleuthing along with Ann. I didn't guess who it was but then I very rarely do. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation and the reveal of the guilty party.
An enjoyable start to a new cosy mystery series. 4 stars.
Elizabeth Spann Craig is pretty much my go to when I want a relaxing cosy mystery with a decent plot and funny characters. And the first book of the Village Library Mysteries is no exception. Plus it's based in a library. I mean it's hard not to love it for that alone.
Ann was great. I liked her humour and easy going attitude. Her sleuthing was low key nosy and it suited her style. The cast of characters were all great as well - I loved the library manager, Wilson, the children's librarian, Luna and the police chief, Burton and I adored the sense of community the library fostered. I'm not a cat person but I enjoyed the inclusion of the library cat and how he won over the patrons and Wilson into keeping him about. Plus I loved the discussions about books and movies - like Ann I'm always on the lookout for recommendations to add to my reading/watching list. You know that list that's thousands and thousands of books and movies long. But of course, new reccs.
The plot was well constructed and kept me entertained sleuthing along with Ann. I didn't guess who it was but then I very rarely do. I enjoyed the twists and turns of the investigation and the reveal of the guilty party.
An enjoyable start to a new cosy mystery series. 4 stars.
August 31, 2024
Today's post is on Checked Out by Elizabeth Spann Craig. It is 242 pages long and is published by the author. The cover has a cute orange kitty sitting on a book with some blood spots on the book. As it is the first in the series, you can start here. The intended reader is someone who likes cozy mysteries. There is very mild foul language, no sex, and no on page violence. The story is told from first person perspective. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the novel- There are no renewals when you’re permanently checked out.
When librarian Ann Beckett finally reluctantly agrees to being set-up on a blind date by one of her over-eager patrons, she figures that the worst that could happen would be that the two of them wouldn’t hit it off.
Little did she know that she’d be stood up…because her date was murdered.
With the help from her patrons, Ann tries to find out who might be responsible in the small town of Whitby before more residents are permanently checked out.
Review- A very cute start to a cozy series. Ann is a local librarian in a small town where there is not much crime. That all changes when she finds her blind date dead in his home. The mystery continues to grow with the bodies and the murderer is very clever. The strongest point to the novel are the characters, they are fun and interesting. Ann, our main character, is interesting with her own story and desires. She is, of course, very curious about what is happening in her town. The kitty on the cover, Fritz, very cute and he adds to the cozy ambience. The mystery was fun and I look forward to reading the next one.
I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.
From the back of the novel- There are no renewals when you’re permanently checked out.
When librarian Ann Beckett finally reluctantly agrees to being set-up on a blind date by one of her over-eager patrons, she figures that the worst that could happen would be that the two of them wouldn’t hit it off.
Little did she know that she’d be stood up…because her date was murdered.
With the help from her patrons, Ann tries to find out who might be responsible in the small town of Whitby before more residents are permanently checked out.
Review- A very cute start to a cozy series. Ann is a local librarian in a small town where there is not much crime. That all changes when she finds her blind date dead in his home. The mystery continues to grow with the bodies and the murderer is very clever. The strongest point to the novel are the characters, they are fun and interesting. Ann, our main character, is interesting with her own story and desires. She is, of course, very curious about what is happening in her town. The kitty on the cover, Fritz, very cute and he adds to the cozy ambience. The mystery was fun and I look forward to reading the next one.
I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 185 reviews