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Library Lover's Mystery #11
One for the Books
Wedding bells are ringing in the latest page-turning Library Lover's Mystery from the New York Times bestselling author of Word to the Wise.Love is in the air in Briar Creek as library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan are finally tying the knot. The entire town is excited for the happy day, and Lindsey and Sully's plan for a small wedding evaporates as more and more people insist upon attending the event of the year. When Lindsey and her crafternoon pals head out to Bell Island to see if it can accommodate the ever-expanding guest list, they are horrified to discover a body washed up on the rocky shore. Even worse, Lindsey recognizes the man as the justice of the peace who was supposed to officiate her wedding ceremony. When it becomes clear he was murdered, Lindsey can't help but wonder if it had to do with the wedding. Now she has to book it to solve the mystery before it ends her happily ever after before it's even begun....
300 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 1, 2020
527 people are currently reading
1825 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 431 reviews
October 26, 2020
One for the Books is the 11th book in the Library Lover's cozy mystery series written by Jenn McKinlay. It was released in 2020, and I've read all the previous books as well as a few of the author's other series. I like her writing style, character development, settings, and plots. This book, while a little shorter than the others, was no exception.
After ten books, it's difficult to keep bringing surprises and fun to the same characters. In this latest edition, Lindsey and Sully are set to get married on the island (in the Long Island sound off the Connecticut coastline) where he grew up. They visit a childhood friend of Sully's for an annual holiday party, but when they do, the couple sees a fight between the friend and his wife as well as one with a seemingly random guest. Later on, another fight happens between the friend and his own brother. Of course, someone winds up dead, and the mystery focuses on who killed Sully's friend.
I really enjoy the library setting, as Lindsey runs the local one in their town. She has wonderful friendships, a few pseudo-enemies, and finally a lukewarm relationship with the sheriff. So, when Emma asks Lindsey to poke around and ask questions of two people who confess to the crime who most likely didn't do it, readers witness a solid partnership forming. I am excited to watch the growth in their friendship. Poor Lindsey had a lot going on this time: issues with her wedding invitations, not knowing how many guests to plan for, a massive winter storm approaching, and then a second murder! What's going on in this sleepy little town?
Well... not so sleepy... after 11 books and at least 15 murders, this is not a place you want to call home... except you do because of it's beautiful seaside setting. I've been to this shoreline many times and while this town is fictional, I feel like I know it well. I recommend this series but definitely start from the beginning. What a joy it is to see how far they've all come.
After ten books, it's difficult to keep bringing surprises and fun to the same characters. In this latest edition, Lindsey and Sully are set to get married on the island (in the Long Island sound off the Connecticut coastline) where he grew up. They visit a childhood friend of Sully's for an annual holiday party, but when they do, the couple sees a fight between the friend and his wife as well as one with a seemingly random guest. Later on, another fight happens between the friend and his own brother. Of course, someone winds up dead, and the mystery focuses on who killed Sully's friend.
I really enjoy the library setting, as Lindsey runs the local one in their town. She has wonderful friendships, a few pseudo-enemies, and finally a lukewarm relationship with the sheriff. So, when Emma asks Lindsey to poke around and ask questions of two people who confess to the crime who most likely didn't do it, readers witness a solid partnership forming. I am excited to watch the growth in their friendship. Poor Lindsey had a lot going on this time: issues with her wedding invitations, not knowing how many guests to plan for, a massive winter storm approaching, and then a second murder! What's going on in this sleepy little town?
Well... not so sleepy... after 11 books and at least 15 murders, this is not a place you want to call home... except you do because of it's beautiful seaside setting. I've been to this shoreline many times and while this town is fictional, I feel like I know it well. I recommend this series but definitely start from the beginning. What a joy it is to see how far they've all come.
September 10, 2023
For those following this series, Briar Creek Library Director Lindsey Norris and Mike “Sully” Sullivan are finally getting married. Wealthy attorney Steve Briggs has offered to be the officiant of their ceremony. The only problem is that his body has washed up on the shore of Bell Island at his party the night before.
Now what?
Lindsey would like her friend Police Chief, Emma Plewicki to investigate the murder, so she can spend time on nailing down her wedding details.
Oh my goodness, Lindsey, is that all you care about is your wedding details, and not Steve’s death? Where is your empathy?
Well, someone has got to do the job, and Lindsey, after all is just a Library Director, so the Chief is back to work doing what Police Chief’s do…
Investigate murders, right?
But others aren’t making the investigating easy. Including a mysterious Woman in Black.
A very Merry Widow and her admittedly adorable emotional support dog highlight the buoyancy of the tone and help to keep the humor at the forefront of this 11th in the series.
Let’s hope so, because, come on, we have to feel badly for Steve, shouldn’t we? Or should we?
There are supportive guests, freezing boat trips, hidden secrets, mouthwatering winter meals, and Christmas-y feelings throughout the story.
But…
We are still in the middle of a murder mystery…
So why was Steve killed – and will this murder be solved?
But more importantly…
The big question remains…
Will Lindsey and Sully make it down the aisle?
Cozy cute little mystery, with lots of dog-love and a recipe at the back. Who could ask for more? 4.5 stars.
Now what?
Lindsey would like her friend Police Chief, Emma Plewicki to investigate the murder, so she can spend time on nailing down her wedding details.
Oh my goodness, Lindsey, is that all you care about is your wedding details, and not Steve’s death? Where is your empathy?
Well, someone has got to do the job, and Lindsey, after all is just a Library Director, so the Chief is back to work doing what Police Chief’s do…
Investigate murders, right?
But others aren’t making the investigating easy. Including a mysterious Woman in Black.
A very Merry Widow and her admittedly adorable emotional support dog highlight the buoyancy of the tone and help to keep the humor at the forefront of this 11th in the series.
Let’s hope so, because, come on, we have to feel badly for Steve, shouldn’t we? Or should we?
There are supportive guests, freezing boat trips, hidden secrets, mouthwatering winter meals, and Christmas-y feelings throughout the story.
But…
We are still in the middle of a murder mystery…
So why was Steve killed – and will this murder be solved?
But more importantly…
The big question remains…
Will Lindsey and Sully make it down the aisle?
Cozy cute little mystery, with lots of dog-love and a recipe at the back. Who could ask for more? 4.5 stars.
December 20, 2020
Fantastic story! Wonderful characters! Island setting! Darling schnauzer! It’s the week before Lindsay and Sully’s wedding and they’re attempting to solve the murder of one of Sully’s friends. Humor! I absolutely love this well-plotted story. The Library Lover’s Mystery is an excellent series to read.
September 26, 2020
Another great book for this series! Of course Lindsey and Sully are going to have something going on during their wedding planning and the days right before it. I liked how they worked together with each other and their friends. There weren't any of those stupid-girl moments that make you roll your eyes. The whodunit was a little easy to guess, but there was a little added bit that I didn't guess. Good story!
August 6, 2021
With a week to go before her wedding, Lindsey suddenly realizes her small wedding is going to be larger than she had planned. That necessitates a trip to Bell Island, the island where Sully’s family lives and where the couple is planning to get married. Once there, Lindsey and Sully make a horrific discovery – the body of Steve Briggs, the justice of the peace who is supposed to marry them. Sully has been friends with Steve since they were both kids, so he takes the death hard. For Sully’s sake, they start seeing what they can uncover. Can they solve the crime, find a new officiant, and still get married as planned?
This is a book for the fans. If you are new to the series, I suggest you go back and read the earlier books before picking up this book because you’ll enjoy it more that way. I love spending time with these characters, and watching their relationships grow as the characters themselves evolve, and we get more of that here. Overall, the book could have used a good polish, but it was mostly minor stuff that was bothering me as I read. I was certainly interested in the story as I was reading. I especially appreciate the police chief here – she does her job, but is willing to listen to Lindsey and is up front when she is following the evidence but still open to other possibilities. While the wedding is the focus, the book does take place during December, and I enjoyed the bits of Christmas that slipped into the book as well. As usual, I laughed at some of the scenes as I was reading. I also might have teared up at the wedding itself. Fans will be rewarded with this book. If that isn’t you yet, be sure to check out the entire series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
This is a book for the fans. If you are new to the series, I suggest you go back and read the earlier books before picking up this book because you’ll enjoy it more that way. I love spending time with these characters, and watching their relationships grow as the characters themselves evolve, and we get more of that here. Overall, the book could have used a good polish, but it was mostly minor stuff that was bothering me as I read. I was certainly interested in the story as I was reading. I especially appreciate the police chief here – she does her job, but is willing to listen to Lindsey and is up front when she is following the evidence but still open to other possibilities. While the wedding is the focus, the book does take place during December, and I enjoyed the bits of Christmas that slipped into the book as well. As usual, I laughed at some of the scenes as I was reading. I also might have teared up at the wedding itself. Fans will be rewarded with this book. If that isn’t you yet, be sure to check out the entire series.
Read my full review at Carstairs Considers.
March 12, 2023
Dollycas's Thoughts
Briar Creek is getting ready for the wedding of library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan. Sully and Lindsey are surprised at the number of people planning to attend because they had planned to have just a small wedding with family and a few friends. So Sully, Lindsey, Violet, and Nancy head over to Bell Island to meet with Sully's parents to work out the logistics of holding a much larger winter wedding than originally planned. His parents are not worried at all that the guest list has tripled. But then they find a body washed up on the shore. The dead body of the man who was supposed to officiate their wedding and a long-time friend of Sully. It isn't long before they realize his death was no accident, Steve Briggs was murdered.
Can Sully and Lindsey get married with a murderer on the loose? Can they find a new officiant with such short notice? With Lindsey and Sully get their happily ever after? Not leaving anything to chance Lindsey knows she has a mystery to solve before she walks down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams.
______
The big day is almost here. A day fans of this series have been waiting for. We also knew it would be easy sailing leading up to Sully and Lindsey's nuptials and author Jenn McKinlay did not disappoint.
Lindsey Norris has grown by leaps and bounds since this series began. In One for the Books, she really has her hands full which leads to some moments of panic but she is surrounded by wonderful friends and family willing to help and support her in any way they can. Sully, we learn is a lot like his parents. It takes a lot to ruffle his feathers. All he wants is to make Lindsay his wife and he will handle any obstacle that gets in the way. This couple's relationship evolved so naturally and their bond just continues to get stronger.
The supporting cast has continued to grow and develop as well. Heck, "the lemon" Mrs. Cole is running for mayor. Beth, Lindsey's matron of honor, and her husband Aidan are having a baby. Paula comes up with a perfect wedding favor for the crafternooners to make. Violet and Nancy are the calm in the storm helping all the wedding plans fall into place. Almost everyone in Briar Creek is engaged and invested in this wedding taking place. I really enjoy the closeness of this community.
Ms. McKinlay has plotted out quite a mystery for her characters. Tons of twists served up plenty of suspects. There were a couple of unexpected turns when a secret is revealed but quickly they were understood. Soon thereafter, the pages were turning at breakneck speed as the quest for the real killer came more into focus, someone I had earlier discarded. My stars! The reveal and the aftermath had me practically falling off the edge of my seat. Any questions I had were fully answered by the end of the story.
Then it was time for a wedding the author didn't shortchange her readers one bit. The mother/daughter time, the father/daughter time, the beautiful wedding venue that family and friends created, the not-so-surprising officiant, the music, the happiness for all who attended, Heathcliff being a part of the ceremony, the beaming couple, everything was perfectly described to put readers right in the moment.
The theme of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, runs throughout the story and there is even a Reader's Guide for the book at the end of the story along with a couple of recipes and instructions for making the craft featured.
One for the Books was everything I had hoped it would be. A complex mystery with fabulous characters that takes place in a picturesque setting, and a wonderful winter wedding.
Briar Creek is getting ready for the wedding of library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike (Sully) Sullivan. Sully and Lindsey are surprised at the number of people planning to attend because they had planned to have just a small wedding with family and a few friends. So Sully, Lindsey, Violet, and Nancy head over to Bell Island to meet with Sully's parents to work out the logistics of holding a much larger winter wedding than originally planned. His parents are not worried at all that the guest list has tripled. But then they find a body washed up on the shore. The dead body of the man who was supposed to officiate their wedding and a long-time friend of Sully. It isn't long before they realize his death was no accident, Steve Briggs was murdered.
Can Sully and Lindsey get married with a murderer on the loose? Can they find a new officiant with such short notice? With Lindsey and Sully get their happily ever after? Not leaving anything to chance Lindsey knows she has a mystery to solve before she walks down the aisle to marry the man of her dreams.
______
The big day is almost here. A day fans of this series have been waiting for. We also knew it would be easy sailing leading up to Sully and Lindsey's nuptials and author Jenn McKinlay did not disappoint.
Lindsey Norris has grown by leaps and bounds since this series began. In One for the Books, she really has her hands full which leads to some moments of panic but she is surrounded by wonderful friends and family willing to help and support her in any way they can. Sully, we learn is a lot like his parents. It takes a lot to ruffle his feathers. All he wants is to make Lindsay his wife and he will handle any obstacle that gets in the way. This couple's relationship evolved so naturally and their bond just continues to get stronger.
The supporting cast has continued to grow and develop as well. Heck, "the lemon" Mrs. Cole is running for mayor. Beth, Lindsey's matron of honor, and her husband Aidan are having a baby. Paula comes up with a perfect wedding favor for the crafternooners to make. Violet and Nancy are the calm in the storm helping all the wedding plans fall into place. Almost everyone in Briar Creek is engaged and invested in this wedding taking place. I really enjoy the closeness of this community.
Ms. McKinlay has plotted out quite a mystery for her characters. Tons of twists served up plenty of suspects. There were a couple of unexpected turns when a secret is revealed but quickly they were understood. Soon thereafter, the pages were turning at breakneck speed as the quest for the real killer came more into focus, someone I had earlier discarded. My stars! The reveal and the aftermath had me practically falling off the edge of my seat. Any questions I had were fully answered by the end of the story.
Then it was time for a wedding the author didn't shortchange her readers one bit. The mother/daughter time, the father/daughter time, the beautiful wedding venue that family and friends created, the not-so-surprising officiant, the music, the happiness for all who attended, Heathcliff being a part of the ceremony, the beaming couple, everything was perfectly described to put readers right in the moment.
The theme of Dickens' A Christmas Carol, runs throughout the story and there is even a Reader's Guide for the book at the end of the story along with a couple of recipes and instructions for making the craft featured.
One for the Books was everything I had hoped it would be. A complex mystery with fabulous characters that takes place in a picturesque setting, and a wonderful winter wedding.
November 5, 2023
4.5 stars
October 19, 2020
This was my least favorite of the series. On the plus side, the wedding didn't overwhelm the story line, but the mystery was low key and lack luster to me. For the first time in this series, I didn't care about the characters and didn't feel their usual chemistry. Nancy, Violet, Robbie and Emma just showed up in a couple brief scenes.
If I hadn't read the 10 previous books, I could have put this one down unfinished.
Thanks to my public library for providing it.
If I hadn't read the 10 previous books, I could have put this one down unfinished.
Thanks to my public library for providing it.
January 9, 2021
The library crew are in overdrive as a wedding is looming, a pregnancy is blooming and an elf is murdered!?! Wait, what??? Yep, you read that right, but the story is even better with fantastic characters that feel like old friends that are back in action with a wonderful plot to entertain and delight you. So grab a cuppa, the book and your favorite spot to settle in and start reading! While you could start with this book, I would highly recommend reading the entire series if you haven't already as it is a wonderful series and this is the 11th book so look at all the entertainment you have waiting for you!
September 22, 2020
I don’t know if these have been getting cheesier, or if I’ve just become less forgiving of that, but this and the most recent few in this series just haven’t done it for me like the first ones did. Too much cutesy perfectness in too many characters’ lives, and then also too many things about the resolution of the murder plot that didn’t make sense to me. Not sure I’ll continue with the series, though I’d miss Heathcliff ...
December 13, 2021
Each book gets better & better. I will never get tired of this series.
September 30, 2020
This was another great book in this series. I got married 2 weeks before Christmas, people thought I was nuts, but I wouldn't have it any other way. 😀❤
September 3, 2020
Sweet cozy perfection! If you've been following the series you will absolutely be over the moon with this edition because...eeeepppp...wedding! But, of course, Lindsey can't have a boring, predictable wedding. Nope, murder and mayhem abound to add untold tension to her bridal jitters during the week leading up to her big day. All my favourite secondary characters are back (including Heathcliffe -- the dog) which made it all the more fun!!!
I listened to the audible version narrated by Allyson Ryan. Funny how I start associating a series with the narrator and hearing the same voice makes me feel like I'm meeting up with old friends. :-)
I listened to the audible version narrated by Allyson Ryan. Funny how I start associating a series with the narrator and hearing the same voice makes me feel like I'm meeting up with old friends. :-)
October 13, 2020
I've enjoyed this light and entertaining series over the years but am feeling this isn't one of the author's best efforts. Reading between the lines in the acknowledgements it sounds like she may have been dealing with some family health issues at the time so I'm willing to give her the benefit of the doubt. I think this book might have been better done as a novella with the focus on the wedding and a simpler mystery, not a murder, that didn't take as many pages to solve.
But what really disappointed me was how her editing team let her down. I found two fairly major errors: on page 96, Violet agrees with herself (it should have said Nancy in the second to last paragraph, guessing by what was said and how she said it, and then Violet agrees with her in the last paragraph as that sentence sounds more like Violet - very dramatic!) and on page 129 Nate is older than Steve, on page 136 Nate refers to Steve as his older brother. Those should have been caught by the proof readers or editors.
Still hoping the next one will be better!
But what really disappointed me was how her editing team let her down. I found two fairly major errors: on page 96, Violet agrees with herself (it should have said Nancy in the second to last paragraph, guessing by what was said and how she said it, and then Violet agrees with her in the last paragraph as that sentence sounds more like Violet - very dramatic!) and on page 129 Nate is older than Steve, on page 136 Nate refers to Steve as his older brother. Those should have been caught by the proof readers or editors.
Still hoping the next one will be better!
October 24, 2021
I had not read any of the earlier books in this series and this one did not inspire me to go back read them now. I had a hard time following the characters through the story as they seemed malleable and contradictory.
The main character, Lindsey is a kind, conscientious, detail-oriented librarian who is also scatterbrained enough to accidentally invite 100 people to her wedding at a venue that can accommodate 35. The murder victim is the lovable long-time friend of Lindey's fiance who turns out was anything but lovable yet somehow had Lindsay and her fiance completely fooled for years. I just could not follow all of the out-of-the-blue revelations. It almost seemed like an unreliable narrator story but it obviously was not meant to be.
I thought of putting the book down many times and, in hindsight, I should have.
The main character, Lindsey is a kind, conscientious, detail-oriented librarian who is also scatterbrained enough to accidentally invite 100 people to her wedding at a venue that can accommodate 35. The murder victim is the lovable long-time friend of Lindey's fiance who turns out was anything but lovable yet somehow had Lindsay and her fiance completely fooled for years. I just could not follow all of the out-of-the-blue revelations. It almost seemed like an unreliable narrator story but it obviously was not meant to be.
I thought of putting the book down many times and, in hindsight, I should have.
December 11, 2020
One for the Books was another wonderful addition to the Library Lover’s Mystery series that finally contained the long awaited wedding between two of the main characters.
Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike Sullivan are finally tying the knot. But their hopes for a small wedding quickly goes up in flames after an invitation mix-up leads to them inviting more than triple their planned number. When the couple heads to Bell Island to see if they can even accommodate a larger wedding, they're shocked to find a body on the beach. And when the man is revealed to be the justice of peace who was going to marry them, the couple is determined to find out who killed him before their walk down the aisle.
The entirety of this book takes place in the week leading up to Lindsey and Sully's wedding, so the plot does move quickly. Steve, the victim, had his fair share of problems and before his death, we see several confrontations that show more than one person wanted him dead. Multiple suspects definitely kept things interesting as they clearly all had motive but the author does a good job keeping you guessing as to who the real culprit is. The investigation had a few surprises I wasn't expecting and overall added to the mystery of who the killer could be. Emma, the police chief, actually solicits Lindsey's help during the case which I liked as it showed how much the pair's working relationship has grown. The ending of the book is suspenseful and overall I was happy with the reveal of the killer's identity and their motive.
After so many books, I was very happy we finally got to see Lindsey and Sully's wedding as there were times I never thought we'd get here. The pair's relationship has come a long way since the first book and I particularly like how Sully has come to accept that Lindsey will get involved in murder investigations. Sully is more involved in this investigation than in most of the previous ones as he was friends with the victim and has a vested interest in finding the killer. Lindsey and Sully work very well together and I definitely enjoyed them teaming up. The crafternooners return once again to assist and I love the antics the group get up to. Their friendship group is completely solid and I really enjoy them with each new book in the series.
Overall One for the Books was a fantastic read and I can't wait for the next book in the series to release next year. I highly recommend this series for those new to the cozy mystery genre or to those who like some romance with their mysteries.
Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris and boat captain Mike Sullivan are finally tying the knot. But their hopes for a small wedding quickly goes up in flames after an invitation mix-up leads to them inviting more than triple their planned number. When the couple heads to Bell Island to see if they can even accommodate a larger wedding, they're shocked to find a body on the beach. And when the man is revealed to be the justice of peace who was going to marry them, the couple is determined to find out who killed him before their walk down the aisle.
The entirety of this book takes place in the week leading up to Lindsey and Sully's wedding, so the plot does move quickly. Steve, the victim, had his fair share of problems and before his death, we see several confrontations that show more than one person wanted him dead. Multiple suspects definitely kept things interesting as they clearly all had motive but the author does a good job keeping you guessing as to who the real culprit is. The investigation had a few surprises I wasn't expecting and overall added to the mystery of who the killer could be. Emma, the police chief, actually solicits Lindsey's help during the case which I liked as it showed how much the pair's working relationship has grown. The ending of the book is suspenseful and overall I was happy with the reveal of the killer's identity and their motive.
After so many books, I was very happy we finally got to see Lindsey and Sully's wedding as there were times I never thought we'd get here. The pair's relationship has come a long way since the first book and I particularly like how Sully has come to accept that Lindsey will get involved in murder investigations. Sully is more involved in this investigation than in most of the previous ones as he was friends with the victim and has a vested interest in finding the killer. Lindsey and Sully work very well together and I definitely enjoyed them teaming up. The crafternooners return once again to assist and I love the antics the group get up to. Their friendship group is completely solid and I really enjoy them with each new book in the series.
Overall One for the Books was a fantastic read and I can't wait for the next book in the series to release next year. I highly recommend this series for those new to the cozy mystery genre or to those who like some romance with their mysteries.
April 28, 2021
Ohhhh this was a good one. There is so much going on with Lindsey and Sully's wedding [wrong guest list to the stationer's starts the craziness] that you don't really have time to dwell on the murder [even though that is part of the problems that L&S are dealing with in regards to their wedding] and so you are lulled into not really thinking about it so when the reveal happens its is quite a surprise. Sort of. I knew some of it, but that is only because towards the end, there was more of an emphasis on the murder because the Mom's took over the wedding. Still an excellent read and a fabulous ending. My favorite of the series, even though it was very sad.
September 25, 2020
Readers are thrown back into the world with Lindsey and Mike with ONE FOR THE BOOKS, the eleventh book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series. I feel like it’s been a while since the last book in the series, so it actually took me a bit to remember what happened. However, once I was all caught up again, I found that this book remained pretty light throughout the entire thing. Firstly, I will say that this book has more of a focus on the romance between Lindsey and Mike as their wedding approaches. Since I know that McKinlay is also a Romance author, I thought that this was a nice touch and it certainly shows off the development that both of these characters have shown over the course of the series. Lindsey is one of McKinlay’s more reserved characters, so I felt like her progress was a bit slower than others. However, I think it’s really cool that McKinlay can write such vastly different characters in her books. No matter who you are or what your personality is, she has a character for you.
There’s also a snowy vibe to the story, which I thought was really nice. So if you’re into the Hallmark type of stories, then this one might be a perfect match for you.
Reviewed by Ann❤ ♡ Don't want to miss any of our posts? Subscribe to our blog by email! ♡ ❤
August 19, 2023
Lindsey and Sully are preparing for their wedding, but everything goes awry when the man who's supposed to be marrying them winds up murdered. When their friends become suspects, Lindsey and Sully are determined to find out the truth before the blessed day.
Jenn McKinlay is one of those authors who always writes wonderful stories and they never let you down. Her characters are diabolically created, either you love them or hate them. She describes settings so well that even though I read this in August, I could feel the December cold. The plot kept me second guessing who the culprit was, and I was surprised in the end. A must read!
Jenn McKinlay is one of those authors who always writes wonderful stories and they never let you down. Her characters are diabolically created, either you love them or hate them. She describes settings so well that even though I read this in August, I could feel the December cold. The plot kept me second guessing who the culprit was, and I was surprised in the end. A must read!
November 23, 2024
Lindsey and Sully are finally getting married, but the ceremony, which was supposed to be small, has grown to pretty much the whole town, thanks to a mistake sending out the invitations.
There's a holiday party at the Justice of the Peace's house. There's some unpleasantness, and the Justice is offed.
Lindsey gets on the case, but she has so much to do, that it almost gets put on the back burner.
Not bad, actually a bit more fun than some in the series.
There's a holiday party at the Justice of the Peace's house. There's some unpleasantness, and the Justice is offed.
Lindsey gets on the case, but she has so much to do, that it almost gets put on the back burner.
Not bad, actually a bit more fun than some in the series.
September 29, 2020
Finally, sully & lindsey are having a wedding. woo hoo!
I love how they wanted to keep it small yet the whole town expects to attend.
But of course, an event in Briar Creek wouldn't be complete if there wasn't a dead body & a mystery to solve.
Liked the epilogue ending which summed up things very well. Sweet ending.
I hate to say this, but these cozies featuring books & librarians make me want to go back & major in library science. I thought of it but those classes were soooo boring, i nixed the idea. Someone should of mentioned the possibility of bodies, sexy guys, and mystery solving. Darn it! 😛
I love how they wanted to keep it small yet the whole town expects to attend.
But of course, an event in Briar Creek wouldn't be complete if there wasn't a dead body & a mystery to solve.
Liked the epilogue ending which summed up things very well. Sweet ending.
I hate to say this, but these cozies featuring books & librarians make me want to go back & major in library science. I thought of it but those classes were soooo boring, i nixed the idea. Someone should of mentioned the possibility of bodies, sexy guys, and mystery solving. Darn it! 😛
May 14, 2021
Just when I thought McKinlay had finally gotten past pointing out the color of a person's skin (white people don't count) I got to chapter 2. If you're going to point out skin color, it better be for every person in your book. This book was published in 2020. What century are you living in?
I did like the fact she said Mr. Lindsay Norris. So she's a feminist, but needs to work on her color skills. Also her stereotyping of who does what in society. 'It's weird someone being dressed in all black to a Xmas party.' Weird? How so? So if someone wears all black to a holiday party they're weird. Judgey much?
Weird, halfway through the book and I still don't know what color people are except for Violet. And thanks goodness McKinlay cleared up that she's not actually the color of violet as her name indicates. That's a relief. She even said Ronnie was colorful, but didn't mention which color she was.....
Colors aside, McKinlay is really using fillers for these books at this point. A lot of lingering on how much they love each other, pages of it- repeatedly- and how they're going to miss the dead guy so dang much. Pages of that too. She doesn't give any hints as to who the killer is or to have the reader solve the mystery. It's basically just a romance novel with a murder in it. No need for you the reader to do any detective work!
To conclude, the only character I actually liked in this book was Donna....
I did like the fact she said Mr. Lindsay Norris. So she's a feminist, but needs to work on her color skills. Also her stereotyping of who does what in society. 'It's weird someone being dressed in all black to a Xmas party.' Weird? How so? So if someone wears all black to a holiday party they're weird. Judgey much?
Weird, halfway through the book and I still don't know what color people are except for Violet. And thanks goodness McKinlay cleared up that she's not actually the color of violet as her name indicates. That's a relief. She even said Ronnie was colorful, but didn't mention which color she was.....
Colors aside, McKinlay is really using fillers for these books at this point. A lot of lingering on how much they love each other, pages of it- repeatedly- and how they're going to miss the dead guy so dang much. Pages of that too. She doesn't give any hints as to who the killer is or to have the reader solve the mystery. It's basically just a romance novel with a murder in it. No need for you the reader to do any detective work!
To conclude, the only character I actually liked in this book was Donna....
October 23, 2020
One for the Books is the 11th book in the Library Lover's Mystery series and I am always amazed at how authors who write long-running series like this manage to keep it fresh with new ideas and surprise for readers. I have loved following Lindsey on her journey and think Ms. McKinlay has done an excellent job with her character development. The long-awaited wedding of Lindsey and Sully is about to take place, but with them nothing is easy. This time around, the person who was going to marry them is murdered, and in between finding a new officiant and other wedding-related tasks, now they have to solve a murder. The library setting is definitely my cup of tea and I really enjoy the friendships Lindsay has made with all of the women in the crafting club. Even Ms. Cole has come around, which is saying a lot.
I enjoyed the mystery and it kept me on my toes. Ms. McKinlay always does a nice job of providing a mystery that really needs to be puzzled out and keeps me engaged and looking for clues. I am looking forward to seeing where she takes these characters now that they are married. We know the murders won't stop so it will be fun to see how Sully and Lindsay adapt to being married sleuths.
I enjoyed the mystery and it kept me on my toes. Ms. McKinlay always does a nice job of providing a mystery that really needs to be puzzled out and keeps me engaged and looking for clues. I am looking forward to seeing where she takes these characters now that they are married. We know the murders won't stop so it will be fun to see how Sully and Lindsay adapt to being married sleuths.
August 30, 2020
To say that I was disappointed in this book is an understatement.
As the build-up to Briar Creek’s wedding of the year, librarian Lindsey Norris and boat captain Sully Sullivan are in a mad dash to fix broken arrangements, resulting from a mix up with the guest list. All the while still working their day jobs and attending a holiday party. Good thing they have friends to step in to take over while Lindsey and Sully are trying to find a replacement officiant since Sully’s long-time friend, who was to perform the ceremony, has been found dead and no one else in town is available.
Other than the possible suspects in the murder are friends of the bride and groom; I am still not sure why they had to go out of their way to solve the murder, complete with a James Bond type of boat chase before they could be married. Yet that is just one of the many things which seemed out of place with this book.
The last few books of this series have been off for me, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I have invested in the series from the beginning, and I hold out hope for them to get better, I don’t know why I continue to read them.
As the build-up to Briar Creek’s wedding of the year, librarian Lindsey Norris and boat captain Sully Sullivan are in a mad dash to fix broken arrangements, resulting from a mix up with the guest list. All the while still working their day jobs and attending a holiday party. Good thing they have friends to step in to take over while Lindsey and Sully are trying to find a replacement officiant since Sully’s long-time friend, who was to perform the ceremony, has been found dead and no one else in town is available.
Other than the possible suspects in the murder are friends of the bride and groom; I am still not sure why they had to go out of their way to solve the murder, complete with a James Bond type of boat chase before they could be married. Yet that is just one of the many things which seemed out of place with this book.
The last few books of this series have been off for me, and if it wasn’t for the fact that I have invested in the series from the beginning, and I hold out hope for them to get better, I don’t know why I continue to read them.
December 15, 2021
This is another series that I love! The characters are great and I love watching them grow. The mystery was good and the ending was exciting. I really loved so many elements in this book.
November 18, 2020
In January 2020, I learned of a "Name a Character Raffle" that was sponsored by The Lee County Library System and Southwest Florida Reading Festival Committee as part of the festivities for the Southwest Florida Reading Festival in March 2020. During the raffle purchase process online I was asked, "What author are you purchasing tickets for?" I don’t remember the names and/or number of authors participating but I didn’t hesitate to reply my answer of Jenn McKinlay.
I couldn’t believe my eyes as I read the library notification email on March 9th, to learn that I had won the raffle for a character in a book by Jenn McKinlay. What an exquisite delight to receive an email from Jenn McKinlay on April 8th, to share, "I'm working on the copy edits for ‘One for the Books’ and have put your name into the manuscript! Such fun!"
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine my name being used for a character in a favorite author’s novel. It seemed beyond comprehension but I can attest it’s true and makes me smile every time I think of the experience. As I’m a former librarian appearing in the "A Library Lover’s Mystery Series" as a character that is a former librarian is exhilarating. It’s charming to think of being a patron of Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut where Lindsey Norris is the library director. The pure delight of appearing as a character is that a character can have extraordinary talents that he/she does not exhibit in reality. Jenn very kindly gave me a quilting circle and nothing could be more impossible for me as I simply cannot sew more than buttons or to shorten a pair of slacks. I have three (3) dear friends that are very talented quilters so to think of myself among them with sewing prowess is a joy.
I had not yet had a chance to read the previous novels in the series but be assured that I’m looking forward to enjoying that reading pursuit. I’ve loved Jenn McKinlay’s writing since discovery and reading of the charming "The Hat Shop Mystery Series." Even without my name as a character in the novel I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as a stand-alone. The wedding day for Lindsey Norris and Mike (Sully) Sullivan is fast approaching in the midst of the Christmas holiday season. As they attend a holiday bash a week before their wedding the last thing on their minds is becoming in the midst of a murder investigation. It’s cozy mystery time at its finest!
I couldn’t believe my eyes as I read the library notification email on March 9th, to learn that I had won the raffle for a character in a book by Jenn McKinlay. What an exquisite delight to receive an email from Jenn McKinlay on April 8th, to share, "I'm working on the copy edits for ‘One for the Books’ and have put your name into the manuscript! Such fun!"
Never in my wildest dreams did I ever imagine my name being used for a character in a favorite author’s novel. It seemed beyond comprehension but I can attest it’s true and makes me smile every time I think of the experience. As I’m a former librarian appearing in the "A Library Lover’s Mystery Series" as a character that is a former librarian is exhilarating. It’s charming to think of being a patron of Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut where Lindsey Norris is the library director. The pure delight of appearing as a character is that a character can have extraordinary talents that he/she does not exhibit in reality. Jenn very kindly gave me a quilting circle and nothing could be more impossible for me as I simply cannot sew more than buttons or to shorten a pair of slacks. I have three (3) dear friends that are very talented quilters so to think of myself among them with sewing prowess is a joy.
I had not yet had a chance to read the previous novels in the series but be assured that I’m looking forward to enjoying that reading pursuit. I’ve loved Jenn McKinlay’s writing since discovery and reading of the charming "The Hat Shop Mystery Series." Even without my name as a character in the novel I thoroughly enjoyed this novel as a stand-alone. The wedding day for Lindsey Norris and Mike (Sully) Sullivan is fast approaching in the midst of the Christmas holiday season. As they attend a holiday bash a week before their wedding the last thing on their minds is becoming in the midst of a murder investigation. It’s cozy mystery time at its finest!
August 29, 2020
One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay strikes all the right notes. It is the 11th A Library Lover’s Mystery which can be read as a standalone, but you will be missing out on a delightful literary cozy mystery series. Jenn McKinlay has created a wonderful cast of characters. Lindsey Norris is the head librarian at Briar Creek Public Library where she works with her best friend, Beth Barker. Ms. Cole still works there as well, and she has decided to run for mayor. Ms. Cole has been given some tips to help with her campaign, and I was amazed at the change. She has certainly come a long way since Books Can Be Deceiving as have all the characters. Lindsey and Sully are having a winter wedding on Bell Island where Sully’s parents reside. They have planned a gathering of family and close friends. It appears, though, that many others are planning to attend. This sends Lindsey into panic mode. Then their officiant is murdered. I enjoyed reading One for the Books. I just love cozy mysteries set during the holiday season. This one also has a special wedding. The mystery was entertaining. Secrets always come out during a murder investigation. Chief Emma Plewicki has her hands full with this one. Solving it is a cinch, but that did not hinder my reading pleasure. The reveal scene is a doozy. It was spectacular. I appreciate that all the details were wrapped on the case. One for the Books is an amusing tale. There is humor from beginning to end that will have you laughing. I especially enjoyed the literary references throughout the book along with unique details regarding Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. I did not want One for the Books to end. Now we must wait a year for the next A Library’s Lover Mystery. I am curious to see how Ms. Cole will do in the mayoral election. There is a reader’s guide for A Christmas Carol, a crafternoon craft, and recipes for two items from the book. One for the Books is a diverting cozy mystery with a body on the beach, deficient an officiant, scavenger hunt chaos, wedding worries, theatrical histrionics, boat bedlam, and Christmas cheer.
February 12, 2022
One for the Books
3 Stars
Briar Creek librarian Lindsey Norris and her fianće, Mike "Sully" Sullivan are about to tie the knot when the local justice of the peace, who is supposed to officiate at the wedding, is found dead on the beach of Bell Island. When his death is ruled a homicide, questions arise as to who could have killed the seemingly friendly and gregarious man - was it his disillusioned wife, his bitter business partner, or perhaps even his supportive brother?
Although entertaining enough, this 11th installment in the Library Lover's mysteries is lacking in any real intrigue and suspense. To me, this signals that the series is losing steam and perhaps it is time to end it while the going is good.
There is too much focus on the trivial issues and concerns surrounding Lindsay and Sully's wedding, and not enough on the murder and investigation. While Lindsay and Sully are an engaging couple who deserve every happiness, this is a cozy mystery series and not a contemporary romance.
The revelations regarding the seemingly charming and affable victim's true nature are jarring, and it is difficult to believe that he fooled so many people including the usually perceptive Sully. The red-herring suspects are far too obvious and the ultimate explanation is predictable.
All in all, this is not the best that the series has to offer, and I had higher expectations for Lindsay and Sully's wedding book.
3 Stars
Briar Creek librarian Lindsey Norris and her fianće, Mike "Sully" Sullivan are about to tie the knot when the local justice of the peace, who is supposed to officiate at the wedding, is found dead on the beach of Bell Island. When his death is ruled a homicide, questions arise as to who could have killed the seemingly friendly and gregarious man - was it his disillusioned wife, his bitter business partner, or perhaps even his supportive brother?
Although entertaining enough, this 11th installment in the Library Lover's mysteries is lacking in any real intrigue and suspense. To me, this signals that the series is losing steam and perhaps it is time to end it while the going is good.
There is too much focus on the trivial issues and concerns surrounding Lindsay and Sully's wedding, and not enough on the murder and investigation. While Lindsay and Sully are an engaging couple who deserve every happiness, this is a cozy mystery series and not a contemporary romance.
The revelations regarding the seemingly charming and affable victim's true nature are jarring, and it is difficult to believe that he fooled so many people including the usually perceptive Sully. The red-herring suspects are far too obvious and the ultimate explanation is predictable.
All in all, this is not the best that the series has to offer, and I had higher expectations for Lindsay and Sully's wedding book.
August 23, 2020
ONE FOR THE BOOKS, the eleventh book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay, strikes all the chords for a delightfully humorous cozy mystery set during the Christmas season! I can always count on being entertained with a lighthearted read when I pick up a McKinlay book, despite the theme of murder. In this newest release, the protagonist, Lindsey Norris, is looking forward to her impending nuptials to Sully Sullivan. When they find their officiant murdered several days before the wedding, the mayhem starts. The author has created a cast of memorable characters in this series and it’s been enjoyable to watch their growth throughout the years. I love how Lindsey and Sully work together and support each other, no matter what situation they find themselves in... like interviewing a perspective officiant who doesn’t believe in marriage. It brings some laugh out moments in between the solemn loss brought about by death.
The murder mystery was well plotted and as I turned the pages it felt like unpeeling an onion as layers of secrets and deceit were revealed. The twists certainly upended my preconceived ideas of who the victim would be and who the villain would be. With a show stopping conclusion, this book certainly entertained and has me looking forward to the next in the series!
As an added bonus included at the back of the book are a couple recipes, a readers’ guide for A Christmas Carol, and a fun winter-themed craft.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The murder mystery was well plotted and as I turned the pages it felt like unpeeling an onion as layers of secrets and deceit were revealed. The twists certainly upended my preconceived ideas of who the victim would be and who the villain would be. With a show stopping conclusion, this book certainly entertained and has me looking forward to the next in the series!
As an added bonus included at the back of the book are a couple recipes, a readers’ guide for A Christmas Carol, and a fun winter-themed craft.
I was provided with an advance copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 20, 2021
My ratings for this series are nearly always based on my mood at the time or whether the book helped to pick it up (my mood that is). This gave me a nice distraction from my crazy job. Who doesn't love a book about a gal who loves books, her dog, and her dreamy curly-haired beau?!!
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