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Library Lover's Mystery #9
Hitting the Books
It's murder by the book in the latest hit Library Lover's mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Death in the Stacks.
When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library's records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another "accident" and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.
A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. But things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead, Lindsey, her staff and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word...
When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library's records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another "accident" and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.
A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. But things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek and when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead, Lindsey, her staff and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word...
272 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published September 11, 2018
404 people are currently reading
1971 people want to read
About the author
Jenn McKinlay
70 books5,249 followersJenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 484 reviews
April 20, 2019
The 'Library Lover's Mystery' series by Jenn McKinlay is one of my favorite cozy mystery series. By reading the 9th book, Hitting the Books, I'm now current and eagerly awaiting the 10th one due to be released later this year. Although I thought this one was too simple from a mystery plot perspective, I enjoyed all the normal library shenanigans and small town community relationships.
When Lindsey notices a friendly library patron--famed tennis player, Theresa Huston--run down by a car, she tries to save the woman. Luckily, she's only injured and survives the accident. Then Lindsey's friend, Charlie, is hit by the same driver later that day. A gunman is shooting throughout the town. Is someone attempting to knock off Briar Creek residents? Or is it a misunderstanding? Emma, the Chief of Police, asks Lindsey to look into some library books that were in the car (once it's found), and it leads them to a young kid we've met before in a prior book. Liza, Theresa's soon-to-be step-daughter, is worried sick, but she's acting strangely, too. Ultimately, Larry, the soon-to-be husband and Liza's father, knows more than he's saying about his ex-wife, Liza's mother, who supposedly died. It comes together in a crashing finale where we know who and why, but I was left a little disappointed at the minimal amount of suspects and detail surrounding how it all came to pass.
That said, it wasn't enough to detract or worry me from moving on. I just think it could've been stronger to really intrigue me as to what was going on behind the scenes. Instead, I found the normal comings-and-goings around the library as my focal point. From 'The Lemon' to Mary's new baby, we had great moments of sentimentality and thought-provoking questions about Lindsey's relationship with Sully. Will he wants kids? How are they doing now that they're living together? What's Beth's new marriage like? I enjoy the side stories, so I am still happy with the book and will keep reading the future ones.
When Lindsey notices a friendly library patron--famed tennis player, Theresa Huston--run down by a car, she tries to save the woman. Luckily, she's only injured and survives the accident. Then Lindsey's friend, Charlie, is hit by the same driver later that day. A gunman is shooting throughout the town. Is someone attempting to knock off Briar Creek residents? Or is it a misunderstanding? Emma, the Chief of Police, asks Lindsey to look into some library books that were in the car (once it's found), and it leads them to a young kid we've met before in a prior book. Liza, Theresa's soon-to-be step-daughter, is worried sick, but she's acting strangely, too. Ultimately, Larry, the soon-to-be husband and Liza's father, knows more than he's saying about his ex-wife, Liza's mother, who supposedly died. It comes together in a crashing finale where we know who and why, but I was left a little disappointed at the minimal amount of suspects and detail surrounding how it all came to pass.
That said, it wasn't enough to detract or worry me from moving on. I just think it could've been stronger to really intrigue me as to what was going on behind the scenes. Instead, I found the normal comings-and-goings around the library as my focal point. From 'The Lemon' to Mary's new baby, we had great moments of sentimentality and thought-provoking questions about Lindsey's relationship with Sully. Will he wants kids? How are they doing now that they're living together? What's Beth's new marriage like? I enjoy the side stories, so I am still happy with the book and will keep reading the future ones.
September 9, 2018
When you want and need to read something light and fun, you can't go wrong with anything Jenn McKinlay has written, but I say she has a little thriller writer buried deep down inside who's begging to be turned loose. Hitting the Books opens with that hit and run scene, and it made my heart jump into my throat. (And that's not the only scene which had that effect on me.)
In this latest Library Lovers mystery, McKinlay has upped her game to a whole new level. From the pedal-to-the-metal pacing to an ingenious plot with a solution that blindsided me, I enjoyed every moment. What's even better-- McKinlay never once forgets her characters. Longtime fans are going to love the romantic doings between Lindsay and Sully, and since the author knows how to use a light touch, this I-don't-care-for-romance-in-my-mystery reader (me) loved it, too. Readers who haven't found that special person are going to read this and think, "That's what I want," and those of us who have been supremely lucky are just going to have big smiles on our faces.
It wouldn't be a McKinlay novel without the author's trademark humor, and there's plenty to be found here, as well as characters who change as they experience different things throughout this series of books. And may I just say that I'm thrilled to see that librarian fixture Ms. Cole (AKA "The Lemon") is changing as well. Watching her evolve from mean and nasty to almost-human is a joy. Speaking of librarians, the scenes in which Lindsey faces down the law over the subject of patrons' privacy highlight one of the many reasons why librarians are rock stars.
Hitting the Books hits all the right notes. Thrilling action scenes, the right touch of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, a compelling mystery, and characters you'd invite in your house for coffee. After watching McKinlay flex her writing chops in this book, I can't wait for the next Library Lovers mystery!
In this latest Library Lovers mystery, McKinlay has upped her game to a whole new level. From the pedal-to-the-metal pacing to an ingenious plot with a solution that blindsided me, I enjoyed every moment. What's even better-- McKinlay never once forgets her characters. Longtime fans are going to love the romantic doings between Lindsay and Sully, and since the author knows how to use a light touch, this I-don't-care-for-romance-in-my-mystery reader (me) loved it, too. Readers who haven't found that special person are going to read this and think, "That's what I want," and those of us who have been supremely lucky are just going to have big smiles on our faces.
It wouldn't be a McKinlay novel without the author's trademark humor, and there's plenty to be found here, as well as characters who change as they experience different things throughout this series of books. And may I just say that I'm thrilled to see that librarian fixture Ms. Cole (AKA "The Lemon") is changing as well. Watching her evolve from mean and nasty to almost-human is a joy. Speaking of librarians, the scenes in which Lindsey faces down the law over the subject of patrons' privacy highlight one of the many reasons why librarians are rock stars.
Hitting the Books hits all the right notes. Thrilling action scenes, the right touch of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, a compelling mystery, and characters you'd invite in your house for coffee. After watching McKinlay flex her writing chops in this book, I can't wait for the next Library Lovers mystery!
September 16, 2018
I really enjoyed this cozy! It’s a pageturner that I didn’t want to put down, and finished it it two days! This is the first time I’ve read a Library Lover’s Mystery, and I enjoyed the characters. This story can definitely stand alone without reading previous books, however, now I want to read all the previous stories beginning with book one! Excellent!
October 5, 2021
Amazing! I literally couldn't put it down. This will forever be one of my favorite series.
September 21, 2018
Dollycas’s Thoughts
Library Director Lindsey Norris finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. While looking out a library window she witnesses a hit and run. The victim survives and there is a second attempt on her life. The car used is found and appears to be stolen. A clue found tells police that a library patron may be connected to the crime. Before Lindsey has time to “check out” the clue the driver who committed the hit and run is killed. Lindsey knows her research is now a top priority so the murderer can be caught before another Briar Creek resident is checked out permanently.
Book 9 in this series and it is still fresh and new. Lindsey has evolved so much since the beginning, She and Sully have even moved in together. There are still adjusting to the move, but it is presented very realistically. In fact, all the characters are well fleshed out and feel like old friends, even Ms. Cole. Lindsey is a keen amateur sleuth and she Police Chief Emma Plewicki have built up a friendship and understanding that means they can work together. In this installment, Lindsey stands up for her patron’s rights and makes Emma get a warrant for the needed information. Friendship only goes so far 🙂
This story seemed to move at a faster pace than previous books. Starting with the hit and run that moved me to the edge of my seat and continuing on through subsequent scary moments and investigations the pages were flying. Seriously, I was reading a print copy, not a Kindle copy, my one working hand couldn’t flip those pages fast enough and yes, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
I love the way Jenn McKinlay writes. The mystery is superb, her characters shine, her humor sparkles in all the right places, the romance never overtakes the mystery, and its theme is set in a library. What more could a bibliophile ask for? The only thing I can think of is book #10 in this series!
This is my new favorite book in the series and will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2018 list! I absolutely loved it!
Library Director Lindsey Norris finds herself in the middle of another murder investigation. While looking out a library window she witnesses a hit and run. The victim survives and there is a second attempt on her life. The car used is found and appears to be stolen. A clue found tells police that a library patron may be connected to the crime. Before Lindsey has time to “check out” the clue the driver who committed the hit and run is killed. Lindsey knows her research is now a top priority so the murderer can be caught before another Briar Creek resident is checked out permanently.
Book 9 in this series and it is still fresh and new. Lindsey has evolved so much since the beginning, She and Sully have even moved in together. There are still adjusting to the move, but it is presented very realistically. In fact, all the characters are well fleshed out and feel like old friends, even Ms. Cole. Lindsey is a keen amateur sleuth and she Police Chief Emma Plewicki have built up a friendship and understanding that means they can work together. In this installment, Lindsey stands up for her patron’s rights and makes Emma get a warrant for the needed information. Friendship only goes so far 🙂
This story seemed to move at a faster pace than previous books. Starting with the hit and run that moved me to the edge of my seat and continuing on through subsequent scary moments and investigations the pages were flying. Seriously, I was reading a print copy, not a Kindle copy, my one working hand couldn’t flip those pages fast enough and yes, I read the whole thing in one sitting.
I love the way Jenn McKinlay writes. The mystery is superb, her characters shine, her humor sparkles in all the right places, the romance never overtakes the mystery, and its theme is set in a library. What more could a bibliophile ask for? The only thing I can think of is book #10 in this series!
This is my new favorite book in the series and will hold a place on my Best Reads of 2018 list! I absolutely loved it!
January 8, 2021
Spring has arrived in Briar Creek, and it’s such a beautiful day that Lindsey Norris can’t help but spend a few minutes looking out the window of the library. However, what she sees is someone hit tennis coach Theresa Huston and then drive off. It sure seemed to Lindsey that the car sped up as it approached the crosswalk. When the investigation points to the library, Lindsey can’t help but get involved. But was this a case of negligent driving? Or was it attempted homicide?
The book does a good job of slipping us back into the world of the series while also setting up the mystery. However, I did feel the pace lagged a bit in the middle before wrapping the major questions up with the climax. A couple things could have been explained better, but they were minor. On the other hand, I loved how the library came into play in the plot. We don’t see as much of the series regulars, but that allows us to really get to know Theresa and those in her life, which I enjoyed. Plus, we get some good development for Lindsey and Sully. The book has the usual classic book discussion questions, craft, and three recipes at the end. Fans will enjoy this book; I know I did.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
The book does a good job of slipping us back into the world of the series while also setting up the mystery. However, I did feel the pace lagged a bit in the middle before wrapping the major questions up with the climax. A couple things could have been explained better, but they were minor. On the other hand, I loved how the library came into play in the plot. We don’t see as much of the series regulars, but that allows us to really get to know Theresa and those in her life, which I enjoyed. Plus, we get some good development for Lindsey and Sully. The book has the usual classic book discussion questions, craft, and three recipes at the end. Fans will enjoy this book; I know I did.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
November 8, 2025
Hitting the Books was a filled with quirky hometown characters with a fun and easy entertainment vibe that included a good mystery. I enjoyed the hometown, where everyone knows everyone, feel.
I'm going to be vague but I did have an issue with specific character's immaturity and naivete, I can't see anyone being a young adult and that clueless and controllable.
In the end, I really enjoyed getting to know the Library Lover's clan. The characters are written to be familiar, your neighbor next door, type characters that invest the reader into the character's plight.
I received this ARC copy of Hitting the Books from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. b>Hitting the Books is set for publication 11 Sep 2018.
I'm going to be vague but I did have an issue with specific character's immaturity and naivete, I can't see anyone being a young adult and that clueless and controllable.
In the end, I really enjoyed getting to know the Library Lover's clan. The characters are written to be familiar, your neighbor next door, type characters that invest the reader into the character's plight.
I received this ARC copy of Hitting the Books from Berkley Publishing Group. This is my honest and voluntary review. b>Hitting the Books is set for publication 11 Sep 2018.
July 22, 2018
I absolutely love this series! Interesting characters with unique personalities and it is primarily based around the library! Each book has a growth in the characters relationships to each other and to newcomers in the book as well as a delightful mystery to solve! In this case, the quiet town is completely disrupted by someone driving insanely and shooting at others! Lindsey once again finds her curiosity and research skills slowly dragging her to the center of the investigation. An excellent choice for an afternoon of entertainment!
June 9, 2019
Picked this up, hoping for it to be a light, quick, easy read. It was! Highly recommend this series.
August 27, 2018
Every time I see a new book releasing in McKinlay's Library Lovers series, I do a little happy dance inside. And then I try my hardest to get an advance copy somehow because I've already waiting a year or so and simply can't wait any longer. Such was the case with "Hitting the Books." In this installment, someone is trying to kill the town tennis coach before she can marry the man of her dreams and once again, Lindsey ends up in the thick of things.
I don't want to give a lot away since this is the 9th book in the series, but I love the progression McKinlay provides us for this town and the characters. Reading "Hitting the Books" really was like visiting with some old friends. Lindsey is such a wonderful character and even though she sometimes ends up in over her head, she always has a cast of loyal friends and family to help her out. In fact, I really can't think of one character I don't like in Briar Creek. Even Ms. Cole (aka The Lemon), the grumpy librarian, has grown on me over the years.
If you like cozy mysteries and aren't reading this series, then you need to - immediately. I will continue to recommend them as much as possible and only hope the author doesn't have an end in sight! (Hey Jenn, is there an end in sight???? Now I'm worried).
Also, since I am using this for the #DogDaysofSummer readathon, I must mention Heathcliff, Lindsey's best friend and faithful companion. That's him on the cover, sniffing out trouble. Many times throughout the series Heathcliff has saved Lindsey and I really don't know what she would do without him.
I received a copy of "Hitting the Books" from Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
I don't want to give a lot away since this is the 9th book in the series, but I love the progression McKinlay provides us for this town and the characters. Reading "Hitting the Books" really was like visiting with some old friends. Lindsey is such a wonderful character and even though she sometimes ends up in over her head, she always has a cast of loyal friends and family to help her out. In fact, I really can't think of one character I don't like in Briar Creek. Even Ms. Cole (aka The Lemon), the grumpy librarian, has grown on me over the years.
If you like cozy mysteries and aren't reading this series, then you need to - immediately. I will continue to recommend them as much as possible and only hope the author doesn't have an end in sight! (Hey Jenn, is there an end in sight???? Now I'm worried).
Also, since I am using this for the #DogDaysofSummer readathon, I must mention Heathcliff, Lindsey's best friend and faithful companion. That's him on the cover, sniffing out trouble. Many times throughout the series Heathcliff has saved Lindsey and I really don't know what she would do without him.
I received a copy of "Hitting the Books" from Penguin First to Read in exchange for an honest review.
August 5, 2018
In this latest edition of the library lovers series Lindsey has just moved in with her boyfriend sully and is still adjusting . During her afternoon with the crafternoon group she witnesses a hit and run outside the library . It turns out that the car belongs to the ex girlfriend of the victims boyfriend. She denies that she had anything to do with the accident. But when the victims house is broken into and she is nearly smothered it is clear that someone wants her dead. Lindsay and sully work with the chief of police to help tract down the culprit.
I always enjoy catching up with the citizens of briar creek . I love Lindsay and Sully relationship and how far they have come. The mystery was well done and I wasn't expecting who the culprit was. I can't wait to continue reading this series.
I always enjoy catching up with the citizens of briar creek . I love Lindsay and Sully relationship and how far they have come. The mystery was well done and I wasn't expecting who the culprit was. I can't wait to continue reading this series.
September 11, 2018
I received this book for free from Publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
As a fan of Jenn McKinlay’s other series, I was very much looking forward to try her most popular series yet! Since I haven’t read the other books in the series, I was a little worried that I would be lost, but I thought it would be okay since Mysteries tend to standalone really well anyway.
HITTING THE BOOKS is book nine in the Library Lover’s Mystery series and right off the bat, I could tell that this one has a much different tone than some of McKinley’s other books. The others tend to be more upbeat and humorous where this one dabbles in all that too, but there’s a much tighter focus to these books. I enjoyed the differences and feel like it will appeal to a lot of different readers’ tastes.
As this was my first book in this series, it is also my first time being introduced to Lindsey. She is a very sweet girl who I think is very smart. However, she didn’t jump out at me very much. I think maybe because she is a librarian, she’s a little more quieter and a little more calm than some of the other amateur sleuths I typically go for, but like I said, I do like that McKinlay can write different types of characters.
The mystery of this book is pretty straightforward. McKinlay gets straight into the action and I do think it becomes quite a challenge to keep things fresh over the course of so many books. So I am looking forward to going back and reading the other books of the series to learn more about these characters and this world.
*ARC provided by publisher
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December 4, 2020
Each book in Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s Mystery series is the definition of a cozy mystery. Hitting the Books, the ninth book, likewise, is the best of both worlds, a well-plotted mystery with small-town appeal.
When Lindsey Norris witnesses a hit-and-run accident through the Briar Creek Library window, she can’t help but be involved. The victim is her friend, Theresa Huston, the local tennis coach, who is engaged to Larry Milstein, one of the town’s business owners. Coincidentally – or not – Charlie, another friend of Lindsey’s, is also the victim of a hit and run on the same day. Is there a connection? A collection of library materials may prove to be a vital clue. One thing is clear – nothing is quite as it seems, giving Lindsey plenty to investigate.
I really enjoyed this book! The mystery takes so many unexpected twists and turns, that it is a delight to read! The pacing is quick and the suspense full throttle. The ending, while in many ways improbable, wrapped things up nicely.
Lindsey’s deepening relationship with Sully, too, is a high note of the story. Yet, it is handled in realistic manner so that it does not detract from the mystery. Having read the prior eight books, it is nice to see how they have evolved as a couple. The other familiar characters (The Lemon, Beth, the Crafternooners) play peripheral parts in the book, but nonetheless add a touch of charm. The new characters were layered and interesting, full of secrets that brought a nice perplexity to the mystery.
Hitting the Books is another strong entry in this entertaining series. As always, the narration by Allyson Ryan, is spot on.
When Lindsey Norris witnesses a hit-and-run accident through the Briar Creek Library window, she can’t help but be involved. The victim is her friend, Theresa Huston, the local tennis coach, who is engaged to Larry Milstein, one of the town’s business owners. Coincidentally – or not – Charlie, another friend of Lindsey’s, is also the victim of a hit and run on the same day. Is there a connection? A collection of library materials may prove to be a vital clue. One thing is clear – nothing is quite as it seems, giving Lindsey plenty to investigate.
I really enjoyed this book! The mystery takes so many unexpected twists and turns, that it is a delight to read! The pacing is quick and the suspense full throttle. The ending, while in many ways improbable, wrapped things up nicely.
Lindsey’s deepening relationship with Sully, too, is a high note of the story. Yet, it is handled in realistic manner so that it does not detract from the mystery. Having read the prior eight books, it is nice to see how they have evolved as a couple. The other familiar characters (The Lemon, Beth, the Crafternooners) play peripheral parts in the book, but nonetheless add a touch of charm. The new characters were layered and interesting, full of secrets that brought a nice perplexity to the mystery.
Hitting the Books is another strong entry in this entertaining series. As always, the narration by Allyson Ryan, is spot on.
March 19, 2019
I have really enjoyed this series and think it just get's better with each book. Who knew that being a librarian could be such a hazardous job. Our favorite buttinsky librarian Lindsay Norris is back and this time she is a witness to a hit and run of one of the local citizens. I love the relationship that has developed between her and Robbie. The two of them make a pretty good crime solving team and terrific friendship has formed. This series has a great cast of secondary characters that just complete's the series. I think all of the characters are well written, smart, fun and interesting. It doesn't take me long to finish a story once I am pulled back to Briar Creek. The mystery was engaging and there were some twists along the way.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series due out later this year.
I'm really looking forward to the next book in the series due out later this year.
September 12, 2018
As a fan of Jenn McKinlay’s other series, I was very much looking forward to try her most popular series yet! Since I haven’t read the other books in the series, I was a little worried that I would be lost, but I thought it would be okay since Mysteries tend to standalone really well anyway.
HITTING THE BOOKS is book nine in the Library Lover’s Mystery series and right off the bat, I could tell that this one has a much different tone than some of McKinley’s other books. The others tend to be more upbeat and humorous where this one dabbles in all that too, but there’s a much tighter focus to these books. I enjoyed the differences and feel like it will appeal to a lot of different readers’ tastes.
As this was my first book in this series, it is also my first time being introduced to Lindsey. She is a very sweet girl who I think is very smart. However, she didn’t jump out at me very much. I think maybe because she is a librarian, she’s a little more quieter and a little more calm than some of the other amateur sleuths I typically go for, but like I said, I do like that McKinlay can write different types of characters.
The mystery of this book is pretty straightforward. McKinlay gets straight into the action and I do think it becomes quite a challenge to keep things fresh over the course of so many books. So I am looking forward to going back and reading the other books of the series to learn more about these characters and this world.
August 13, 2018
Jenn McKinley has been on my TBR list for a long time. This book appear on myshelf, I decided to requested even though it is the 9th book in the Library Lovers series. I will definitely read her again. I was able to follow it but reading the previous books would have help me understand the characters better.
Lindsey Norris, the head librarian and her dog, Heathcliff have been living with her boyfriend Scully, a retired naval captain for 6 months They are learning to live with each other. Lindsey is at the library were sees Theresa Houston hit by a car speeding through town. Lindsey gets involved in the case. Theresa has only a broken leg. While healing,Theresa is recovering another attempt is made to kill her. The twist and turns the tale takes will keep you reading until done. Who is trying to kill Theresa? Does the million dollar insurance policy play into it? Will Lindsey and her friends safe Theresa's life? Long time readers will like the ending. I highly recommend this book.
Recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
Lindsey Norris, the head librarian and her dog, Heathcliff have been living with her boyfriend Scully, a retired naval captain for 6 months They are learning to live with each other. Lindsey is at the library were sees Theresa Houston hit by a car speeding through town. Lindsey gets involved in the case. Theresa has only a broken leg. While healing,Theresa is recovering another attempt is made to kill her. The twist and turns the tale takes will keep you reading until done. Who is trying to kill Theresa? Does the million dollar insurance policy play into it? Will Lindsey and her friends safe Theresa's life? Long time readers will like the ending. I highly recommend this book.
Recipes are included.
Disclosure: Many thanks to Berkley for a review copy. The opinions expressed are my own.
October 7, 2018
If you are looking to fall in love with a mystery series and characters, I would say this is the series for you. I could see this story being a standalone or read out of order, but I have really enjoyed reading the series in order. It has all the charm and more for cozy mystery fans. Jenn McKinlay is talented and charming with Lindsey and crew.
April 13, 2021
3 1/2 stars. 1/2 star off for repetition. It bugs me. 3 times characters were said to have heart shaped face. 3 different characters. And phrases were repeated in whole more than once. But good developments moving story line along.
August 16, 2018
Lindsey Norris is the Briar Creek head librarian.
During the library’s crafternoon group hour, Lindsey
noticed a car speeding through town hitting one of
the residents, Theresa Houston. Theresa is lucky as
she only suffers from a broken leg. But then Theresa
is attacked in her home. Someone is trying to kill
Theresa.
When the Sheriff finds the hit and run car, the driver
is dead. Shot to death. There are CD’s in the car from
the library. Lindsey immediately begins to investigate
along with the Sheriff.
Lindsey and her dog, Heathcliff are adjusting to her
move in with her boyfriend Captain Scully who is a
retired naval captain. He runs boat tours.
A fast paced, thought provoking and uniquely plotted
mystery. A cast of cleverly crafted, well defined and
interesting characters. Murder, hit and runs, missing
person, CDs, insurance policies, danger and intrigue,
all mix together for a well written suspenseful read.
While this is book # 9 in the Library Lover’s Mysteries
series, it can be read as a stand alone.
A real page turner providing a surprise ending!!
I volunteered to read Hitting the Books. Thanks to
First-to-Read for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
The end of the book gives the reader, craft and recipes.
For book clubs, the end has a Reader’s Guide.
During the library’s crafternoon group hour, Lindsey
noticed a car speeding through town hitting one of
the residents, Theresa Houston. Theresa is lucky as
she only suffers from a broken leg. But then Theresa
is attacked in her home. Someone is trying to kill
Theresa.
When the Sheriff finds the hit and run car, the driver
is dead. Shot to death. There are CD’s in the car from
the library. Lindsey immediately begins to investigate
along with the Sheriff.
Lindsey and her dog, Heathcliff are adjusting to her
move in with her boyfriend Captain Scully who is a
retired naval captain. He runs boat tours.
A fast paced, thought provoking and uniquely plotted
mystery. A cast of cleverly crafted, well defined and
interesting characters. Murder, hit and runs, missing
person, CDs, insurance policies, danger and intrigue,
all mix together for a well written suspenseful read.
While this is book # 9 in the Library Lover’s Mysteries
series, it can be read as a stand alone.
A real page turner providing a surprise ending!!
I volunteered to read Hitting the Books. Thanks to
First-to-Read for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
The end of the book gives the reader, craft and recipes.
For book clubs, the end has a Reader’s Guide.
June 9, 2023
Although these mysteries get pretty out there (do things like this ever happen? and yes, I imagine they do) they are very engaging, fun to read, and of course the touch of romance is always great. I love the characters, and this one was especially engaging for me.
December 25, 2020
One of the better written cozies. Nothing sappy, some real suspense, good diversion, and probable. Couple laugh out loud lines. Only qualm was too many characters thrown at me too soon, but I’m bad with names, so might not bother anyone else. I like the characters and found them believable, as was the story. Now I have to find the first 8.
October 13, 2018
The ninth in the series, this mystery is a cozy with some bite to it. Librarian Lindsey Norris is smack in the middle of a crime scene when she witnesses a hit-and-run accident and rushes to help the victim. She becomes more deeply involved when she offers assistance to the victim, who was planning to be married soon. Trying to figure out who would want to kill the bride-to-be has her searching for clues and maybe even endangering her own life. This cozy has it all: well-developed characters, an intricate mystery, and good writing that furthers the storylines in the series. Each book that author Jenn McKinlay writes seems better than the last.
October 3, 2019
First one in the series I didn't enjoy. Found this one boring
October 23, 2021
Hitting the Books
3.5 Stars
The quiet Connecticut town of Briar Creek becomes a hotbed of action when Theresa Houston, the local tennis coach, is the victim of a series of accidents beginning with a hit and run. Local librarian Lindsey Norris soon finds herself dragged into the investigation when some library materials are found alongside a dead body inside the stolen car. What is the connection between the library and the attempts on Theresa's life?
The series is almost back on track with an interesting case and some delightful developments in Lindsey and Sully's romance.
It seems that Lindsey is making a concerted effort to avoid interfering in police business and at least this time her involvement is somewhat warranted. The case itself is intriguing although the Jane Eyre/Bertha Mason allusion is quite heavy-handed, some of the supporting cast is not very likable, and there are no real consequences for their problematic actions - .
Sully and Lindsey's relationship quirks are very entertaining now that they are living together. The portrayal of their individual habits and traits is realistic and makes them even more likable. I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
Overall, a solid addition to an enjoyable series.
3.5 Stars
The quiet Connecticut town of Briar Creek becomes a hotbed of action when Theresa Houston, the local tennis coach, is the victim of a series of accidents beginning with a hit and run. Local librarian Lindsey Norris soon finds herself dragged into the investigation when some library materials are found alongside a dead body inside the stolen car. What is the connection between the library and the attempts on Theresa's life?
The series is almost back on track with an interesting case and some delightful developments in Lindsey and Sully's romance.
It seems that Lindsey is making a concerted effort to avoid interfering in police business and at least this time her involvement is somewhat warranted. The case itself is intriguing although the Jane Eyre/Bertha Mason allusion is quite heavy-handed, some of the supporting cast is not very likable, and there are no real consequences for their problematic actions - .
Sully and Lindsey's relationship quirks are very entertaining now that they are living together. The portrayal of their individual habits and traits is realistic and makes them even more likable. I look forward to seeing where they go from here.
Overall, a solid addition to an enjoyable series.
October 18, 2022
Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay is the 9th book in the Library Lover's Mystery series. Librarian Lindsay Norris witnesses a hit and run and when further murder attempts are made on the victim she finds herself drawn into the investigation. An excellent addition to the series. It is nice to see Lindsay and Sully's relationship progress and how they sort through their issues and to catch up with the other residents of Briar's Creek. An entertaining and fun mystery.
November 5, 2019
While the mystery was a bit convoluted, the library . I started reading this series because it was about a library and luckily 9 books into the series the library still stands as the most important setting in the book. Characters are great as always.
November 26, 2018
Great story that includes a current mystery and a bonus, older mystery! I love this library-centered series and its characters. The reveals at the end had me surprised, and the journey I took to get there kept me captivated. Though Hitting the Books can easily be read as a stand-alone, you'll want to read the whole series after you've immersed yourself in librarian Lindsey's world. So why not just start at the beginning and follow the characters' live chronologically?
September 13, 2018
The best in what has already been one amazing series. Just love it!
January 13, 2019
There were some good twists and turns in this ninth Library Lovers mystery, and though some of them were a bit far-fetched, they worked in the context of this series. As always, I enjoyed the little details about public library work that made their way into the story, including Lindsay's insistence that she have a subpoena before turning over patron borrowing records to law enforcement. I also really enjoyed the interactions between Lindsay and Emma (the police chief) in general, because, unlike police officers in a lot of cozies, Emma is actually a very pleasant character. She is competent, and though she would prefer that Lindsay consider her own safety before jumping into solving murders all the time, she doesn't treat Lindsay like a total idiot and sometimes relies on her expertise as a librarian to shed new light on a case. There is also a sweet development in Lindsay and Sully's relationship that long-time followers of the series will be very glad to see. Now that I'm caught up on this series until the next one comes out in the fall, I plan to get more into the Hat Shop mysteries, which I've been borrowing as audiobooks from the library via Hoopla.
September 16, 2018
This series continues to be wonderfully entertaining and I'm only sad that I've finished the newest entry in the Library Lover's Mystery saga. Lindsay, Sully, Chief Emma and her friends continue to be a lineup of some of my favorite cozy mystery characters. This newest storyline begins with an unexpected hit and run, witnessed by Lindsay while staring out the library window. Narrowly missed by the mystery car, Theresa is taken home to heal where she is again attacked in her weak state. Who could have it out for Theresa, recently engaged to the popular furniture dealer in town? Beginning from the first page, this story is a quick read, with great character dialogue and descriptions of a library life you wish was in your own town. Readers won't be able to put this story down - this will be the book which will cause you to suffer from OMC (one more chapter) and keep you up until the wee hours of dawn. Fast and entertaining, this well thought out mystery will keep you on your toes until the very last page!
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