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Miss Zukas #9
Bookmarked to Die
The crime-solving doyenne of the Dewey Decimal System, Miss Zukas is back in circulation! Librarian extraordinaire Miss Wilhelmina "Helma" Zukas wakes up on the morning of her forty-second birthday in the throes of more than one midlife crisis. Her championing a collection of local authors' works ignites a dangerous firestorm of jealousy and anger in tiny Bellehaven. She's blackmailed by her conniving boss, library director May Apple Moon, into attending group counseling sessions -- and two of the participants turn up dead. An obnoxiously bubbly new librarian is turning the head of Helma's longtime admirer, Police Chief Wayne Gallant. And worst of all, her uncuddly feline companion, Boy Cat Zukas, disappears. Though she's been expressly forbidden to investigate (by the scheming Ms. Moon), it's Helma's nature to delve and research, and she figures there's nothing else now that she can lose. But too much nosing around in this case, and she's not going to make it to forty-three!
368 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 1, 2006
11 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Jo Dereske
22 books101 followersI grew up in rural Michigan, greatly influenced by my Lithuanian roots. I'm one of those tedious people who wanted to write stories as soon as I learned to read, but believed I had to leave Michigan first. In fact, I couldn't wait to shake off that Michigan dust! Curiously, everything I write seems to have a connection to Michigan or my Lithuanian heritage.
I now live in the beautiful foothills of Mount Baker, near Bellingham, Washington.
I've loved being a librarian: libraries are one of our last truly public institutions, where the whole world, in all its zits and glory, passes through.
There are twelve titles in the Miss Zukas mystery series. Miss Zukas is tough, honest, crafty, a complicated woman with a deep but futile desire to perceive the world in black and white. And yes, Helma Zukas is what used to be called, a “real” librarian. You might say she embraces the stereotype. Helma is unapologetic.
Ruby Crane is a forgery specialist, a subject that's fascinated me since I forged my first absence excuse in fourth grade. There are three books in the series.
My three young people's books were written when my children were young.
Please visit me on my website!
jo 5/26/2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews
April 19, 2017
This brought back fond memories of when I'd first read Miss Zukas mysteries"eons ago". I remembered enjoying them very much. This was a good mystery, as well; however, I was not so happy with Miss Zukas, herself. I had hoped that she would have developed some softer edges by this point in the series. I found myself wincing too often when she interacted with people. She was just too cool, bordering on cold, and unbending. Additionally, the editing suffered with this one. Not a bad read in general, just not heartwarming.
May 11, 2025
Helma Zukas is in a funk when the book begins, she's not sure why, but it might have something to do with her birthday. Fortunately it lifts well before the end of this charming story in the series. Helma finds herself searching for a murderer, her cat, and attending self-help groups because of blackmail by the library director. And then there's Glory, the new librarian, who put me in mind of Eve Harrington in the movie, All About Eve. Lots to keep track of here and the chief of police appears to have forgotten Helma's birthday and the satisfying way their relationship was going at the end of the last book. Well worth the time. Thoroughly enjoyable.
October 27, 2019
Another good entry into this series.
October 23, 2013
This one had everything I don't like in mysteries - people who don't share information with police; obnoxious people who won't listen to others; people who won't come right out and say what they're thinking to their significant others.
I like the series, and this one moves the store between Helma and Wayne along, but no, I didn't enjoy it.
I like the series, and this one moves the store between Helma and Wayne along, but no, I didn't enjoy it.
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May 6, 2012I had a problem staying in this book-just couldn't get interested or into the characters.
July 17, 2017
This is the first book that I have read by Jo Dereske, I will definitely read more of her books. I was having a bit of trouble at the beginning of the book getting the gist of things, but it is more my fault for not reading the start of the series to get a feel for the characters. Once I started to get a feel for the characters, I became very interested in the book. Looking forward to reading my next.
February 26, 2020
2.5 stars. one of the best parts of a light mystery is missing here - the likable main character that you want to follow through a series of unlikely events. That's a big missing part because the very concept of cozy mysteries - the average person who regularly finds themselves mixed up in murder and mayhem - depends on it. You have to WANT to suspend disbelief. This character just isn't worth the investment for an otherwise average mystery.
July 8, 2017
This is another mystery in the 12-part series of cozies starring Miss Helma Zukas, endearing librarian and amateur sleuth. I missed this book when I read the rest, but a friend shared her ebook version. This book is as enjoyable as the others, and kept me guessing till the climax as to who the murderer was. Includes an important subplot concerning Helma's love interest Police Chief Wayne Gallant.
June 19, 2019
I've read a few of the Miss Zukas books and I want to like Helma, really I do, but I just can't. Also, I had everything figured out less than half way through. And seriously, give the cat a name already.
November 8, 2020
A fun mystery with a writing connection appropriate for a librarian to solve, but too many unreasonable risks used solely to move the plot along. Although I will finish the series, I think my mental state might be ready to tackle better quality prose.
March 12, 2022
My first Miss Zukas will not be my last. I think I picked this up once and was put off in the first few pages by Miss Z's rigid approach but I am so pleased I picked it up again. It's a delight-- I adore her friend Ruth-- and this was just a whole lot of fun.
January 9, 2018
Another fun, light mystery with public librarian Helma Zukas.
December 20, 2019
Comfortable strong woman
If u want friend, this Librarian would be someone I'd choose. For me a perfect meeting of place and characters.
If u want friend, this Librarian would be someone I'd choose. For me a perfect meeting of place and characters.
February 10, 2020
I love this series. Especially when Ruth is the side kick. Ruth just adds to the story.
July 13, 2022
This one was a good one! I didn't like a few characters in this one but as they say, "All's well that ends well"
I'm on to the next one!
I'm on to the next one!
August 17, 2022
It was ok. I was glad Ruth was back. Little weird with Helma waking up not herself. I’m annoyed at the lack of communication between Helma and Wayne.
May 30, 2024
Fun cozy mystery
October 20, 2024
Good mystery in this series!
March 31, 2009
One star instead of zero, because I did finish the book, and that deserves something.
The excerpt in the front was funny. The title was great. I thought I had found a nice new mystery series to share with my mystery-loving mother and grandmother. Not so.
Putting aside issues with the prose and plot (kinda important for this genre), the heroine was horrible. Not an intentionally flawed type of horrible, just horrible. I thought it dredged up so many bad stereotypes of librarians . . . and single women . . . and women over forty . . . and well all women.
Here's a brief list of traits that annoyed me about the protagonist:
Incredibly judgmental, especially if you have an answering machine (she leaves messages for no one! how dare they expect her to answer after the beep!), use breath mints, or have briefly lived in California. If you fall under any of these categories you are deemed rude, unintelligent and/or morally suspect.
Has food issues. Most of the novel, she is avoiding food, except for a pastry binge. This is not presented as a potential wrinkle to her character (or a reason why she's not thinking clearly and lacks energy - that's because she's now 42), but normal behavior.
Aging is bad, because it puts you further out of the marriage market and women can only be fulfilled if they have a husband and children (this actually makes the happy ending a bit more sad).
She doesn't seem to read books. She prides herself in being able to quote from ones she hasn't read (because apparently being a librarian is about the illusion of knowledge) and looks askance at people "misusing" books (okay, normally, I would support her "library books are not coasters" stance, but the patron was reading it - which is more than she does in the whole novel).
The excerpt in the front was funny. The title was great. I thought I had found a nice new mystery series to share with my mystery-loving mother and grandmother. Not so.
Putting aside issues with the prose and plot (kinda important for this genre), the heroine was horrible. Not an intentionally flawed type of horrible, just horrible. I thought it dredged up so many bad stereotypes of librarians . . . and single women . . . and women over forty . . . and well all women.
Here's a brief list of traits that annoyed me about the protagonist:
Incredibly judgmental, especially if you have an answering machine (she leaves messages for no one! how dare they expect her to answer after the beep!), use breath mints, or have briefly lived in California. If you fall under any of these categories you are deemed rude, unintelligent and/or morally suspect.
Has food issues. Most of the novel, she is avoiding food, except for a pastry binge. This is not presented as a potential wrinkle to her character (or a reason why she's not thinking clearly and lacks energy - that's because she's now 42), but normal behavior.
Aging is bad, because it puts you further out of the marriage market and women can only be fulfilled if they have a husband and children (this actually makes the happy ending a bit more sad).
She doesn't seem to read books. She prides herself in being able to quote from ones she hasn't read (because apparently being a librarian is about the illusion of knowledge) and looks askance at people "misusing" books (okay, normally, I would support her "library books are not coasters" stance, but the patron was reading it - which is more than she does in the whole novel).
May 4, 2009
I was crest-fallen to find that not everyone is in love with Miss Zukas. I read some other reviews where her character got bashed for the very things I love about her. She is a stereotype of a librarian, not a full flesh-and-blood person, says the gloom-and-doom spokesperson. Well, yes, that's the point, isn't it?
Real librarians have many ordinary human characteristics. They certainly don't all mimic Miss Zukas or her somewhat flawed fellow librarians. After all, two of her coworkers (years apart) turned out to be murderers.
Yes, her relationships are kind of prim and stilted, but you know what? She reminds me of someone... in some ways... me! Perhaps the doom-and-gloom person felt threatened by the stereotype?
Regardless, like with cartoons, you have to take this world with suspension of disbelief, and a sense of fun. To balance Helma at one extreme, you have her chum Ruth at the other. And you have the cut-out character of the chief of police.
Come on folks, this is comedy mixed with the mystery. If you're looking for serious drama style mystery, these books are not for you. If you're looking for something that makes you laugh at yourself rather than making fun of the characters... here's your series.
Loved it, like always, when read with the right frame of mind!
Real librarians have many ordinary human characteristics. They certainly don't all mimic Miss Zukas or her somewhat flawed fellow librarians. After all, two of her coworkers (years apart) turned out to be murderers.
Yes, her relationships are kind of prim and stilted, but you know what? She reminds me of someone... in some ways... me! Perhaps the doom-and-gloom person felt threatened by the stereotype?
Regardless, like with cartoons, you have to take this world with suspension of disbelief, and a sense of fun. To balance Helma at one extreme, you have her chum Ruth at the other. And you have the cut-out character of the chief of police.
Come on folks, this is comedy mixed with the mystery. If you're looking for serious drama style mystery, these books are not for you. If you're looking for something that makes you laugh at yourself rather than making fun of the characters... here's your series.
Loved it, like always, when read with the right frame of mind!
October 17, 2007
Two murders in as many nights is unheard of in Bellehaven. Miss Helma Zukas, local librarian and part-time sleuth tries to stay out of the fray but her boss (Miss May Apple Moon)puts her right in the middle of it.
Helma's character is a librarian who is tidy, organized, controlled, and in charge of her emotions. Her best friend, Ruth is just the opposite. Ruth is an artist, unorganized, living from one creative outlet to the other, and emotionally a mess.
But, Helma and Ruth are childhood friends from Scoop River, Michigan and their friendship runs deep.
The author's books are loosely based on many local spots in Bellingham, WA. So, it is easy to follow Helma and Ruth as they venture around 'Bellehaven' digging up clues and solving murders.
Helma's character is a librarian who is tidy, organized, controlled, and in charge of her emotions. Her best friend, Ruth is just the opposite. Ruth is an artist, unorganized, living from one creative outlet to the other, and emotionally a mess.
But, Helma and Ruth are childhood friends from Scoop River, Michigan and their friendship runs deep.
The author's books are loosely based on many local spots in Bellingham, WA. So, it is easy to follow Helma and Ruth as they venture around 'Bellehaven' digging up clues and solving murders.
March 1, 2018
I miss Miss Zukas. With this title, I've begun re-reading the series. Somewhere along the line, I lost this title so last week bought it and read it in two days. I would've consumed it in one day, if life's chores and stuff didn't interfere. I must've only read this adventure once because I didn't remember the plot at all. My only memory was that Miss Zukas woke up on her 42nd birthday completely off her game. Her neighbors, co-workers, mom and aunt, and friends noticed it too. To top it all, Miss Zukas had to deal with Gloria "call me Glory", a new co-worker who tried to steal away Miss Zukas's police chief's heart, along with her big pet project, and make Miss Zukas feel "old". It took detecting the murder of two authors to get her mojo back in line.
April 27, 2008
I met Jo Dereske at the PLA Conference where she signed a copy of this book for me. I had never read her before, but we have lots of patrons at our library who adore her. Well, I am now a member of that club. Jo Dereske was wonderful and so was her book. As a public librarian who used to live in Bellingham (the model for the book's fictional setting of Bellehaven), how could I not love this book?! Okay, I'm not usually a mystery reader, and certainly not a cozy mystery reader, but I am now a Jo Dereske/Miss Zukas fan. I'm certain I'll read all of the books in the series over time -- whenever I need a little cozy librarian fix.
June 10, 2011
#9 Helma Zukas mystery. Helma's forty-second birthday comes around and leaves her feeling a little out of sorts, especially when Chief of Police, Wayne Gallant, doesn't send a card or gift or even acknowledge the day. Distracted as she is, Helma still has time to investigate the deaths of a couple of Local Authors who have attended a meeting at the library to spotlight their works. She's also busy looking for her cat, whom Helma's friend Ruth managed to lose. Enjoyable visit to Bellehaven and the library as always.
February 2, 2012
This one struck me as a very average cozy. Nothing particularly unique or interesting about it to set it apart, but not bad. I did have two points untangled relatively early though.
While I don't normally read series out of order, I got this one free on Kindle and gave it a go even though it was book 9. Given that it wasn't a first book in a series, I probably won't go out of my way to read more from the series.
While I don't normally read series out of order, I got this one free on Kindle and gave it a go even though it was book 9. Given that it wasn't a first book in a series, I probably won't go out of my way to read more from the series.
March 30, 2009
Best of the series so far. As an over 40s librarian myself, I identify with Helma (I feel like I know her well enough to use her Christian diminutive). We are of the generation that is between when the rules were back-and-white and when the rules were all thrown out. We like to see things done correctly the first time and we do not suffer fools well.
March 15, 2010
Helen had no way of knowing how many authors lived in her Bellingham, Washington area, until her plan to set up a special section honoring local scribes in her library brought the writers out in a flood. That two died within two days of the writer's meeting left Helen feeling responsible in solving the murders. Will Boy Cat ever return?
September 2, 2010
The Miss Zukas mysteries are just the best. This one has all the good stuff: challenging library colleagues, (including the wonderfully despicable Glory Shandy), romance with Chief of Police Wayne Gallant, wacky artist friend Ruth, drama with Boy Cat Zukas, and of course a delightfully unfolding murder mystery.
August 16, 2013
Helma Zukas, the main character in this series, is an acquired taste. She's a stereotype of a spinster librarian. As she turns 42, Helma is just as rigid as always although her friend, Ruth, is there to loosen her up. Not much progress in the relationship with the police chief, Wayne Gallant, in this story.
May 4, 2012
Local authors are turning up dead in this installment of the Miss Zukas, librarian, series. Worse yet for Helma, she must attend self-help workshops, and her cat, Boy Cat Zukas, has disappeared. Is there a serial killer on the loose in Bellehaven, WA? Who cares - it's just fun following fussy, precise, Helma and her crazy friend, Ruth,
Displaying 1 - 30 of 47 reviews