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Carmen King is a busy woman. Not only does she sit on the library board and dabble in the Friends of the Library, but she juggles quite a few relationships at once. Apparently, this doesn’t go over well with at least one of her boyfriends—Carmen is found dead at the bottom of the library staircase.
- GenresMysteryCozy MysteryCozy
224 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 19, 2019
148 people are currently reading
228 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Spann Craig
92 books480 followersAuthor also writes under Elizabeth Craig
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Find out more about her books and sign up for her newsletter on her website: http://elizabethspanncraig.com . Find her books on Goodreads here: https://www.goodreads.com/author/list...
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 64 reviews
December 5, 2019
Check out a book...check out a murder!
I enjoyed the second book in the Village Library series. When a demanding library trustee is pushed down a flight of stairs, at the library, Ann must solve the crime or be the next to check out!
The book has many "red herrings" (love this in a mystery) with convincing motives. While I thought I knew "whodidit", I didn't.
I would like to see Ann connect with her almost boyfriend Grayson and it would enhance the series to have Fitz, the library cat, more involved in the crime solving. I love the way the author weaves the descriptions of daily library activities into the books. It makes me want to visit!
Looking forward to the next book!
I enjoyed the second book in the Village Library series. When a demanding library trustee is pushed down a flight of stairs, at the library, Ann must solve the crime or be the next to check out!
The book has many "red herrings" (love this in a mystery) with convincing motives. While I thought I knew "whodidit", I didn't.
I would like to see Ann connect with her almost boyfriend Grayson and it would enhance the series to have Fitz, the library cat, more involved in the crime solving. I love the way the author weaves the descriptions of daily library activities into the books. It makes me want to visit!
Looking forward to the next book!
May 11, 2020
2.5 stars
I am really disappointed with this one. I love the other two series by this author, but this one is lackluster at best. It is formulaic and repetitive and feels like lazy writing in so many places. How many info dumps do we need because “I needed to talk through it”? Without the signature fun, quirky characters of the other series, this one falls very flat, so I think I will cut my losses and not continue with any more.
I am really disappointed with this one. I love the other two series by this author, but this one is lackluster at best. It is formulaic and repetitive and feels like lazy writing in so many places. How many info dumps do we need because “I needed to talk through it”? Without the signature fun, quirky characters of the other series, this one falls very flat, so I think I will cut my losses and not continue with any more.
March 31, 2020
Two books in and I can tell this will be one of my favorite series.
June 14, 2021
I am really enjoying this series. Book 2 was as entertaining as book 1 and this may become a favourite cozy series for me.
I like the main character, Ann, quite a lot. She is smart and capable, kind and thoughtful, and I like that the author writes the stories in such a way that the mysteries come to and involve Ann, not the other way around as frequently happens in cozies. It takes skill and creativity to write books in this genre that don't simply put the main character in a "sticking their nose in things that don't concern them" situation. This author writes stories that put Ann in the action, but not intentionally make her the town busybody who investigates on her own.
I also like the supporting characters in this series. They are all likable people and add unique aspects to the town and the relationships they variously have with Ann.
This is just a good, solid cozy series that checks all the genre boxes while also delivering a clever, entertaining and enjoyable plot with good writing and likable characters. I definitely plan to continue reading more books in this series.
I like the main character, Ann, quite a lot. She is smart and capable, kind and thoughtful, and I like that the author writes the stories in such a way that the mysteries come to and involve Ann, not the other way around as frequently happens in cozies. It takes skill and creativity to write books in this genre that don't simply put the main character in a "sticking their nose in things that don't concern them" situation. This author writes stories that put Ann in the action, but not intentionally make her the town busybody who investigates on her own.
I also like the supporting characters in this series. They are all likable people and add unique aspects to the town and the relationships they variously have with Ann.
This is just a good, solid cozy series that checks all the genre boxes while also delivering a clever, entertaining and enjoyable plot with good writing and likable characters. I definitely plan to continue reading more books in this series.
March 2, 2020
Better than a three, about 3.6. I still like the library setting and I adore Fitz the cat but I figured out whodunit too soon. I am not that bright, so it must have been really obvious. Still does a good job with books and patrons, so I will certainly be looking for the third in the series.
January 19, 2023
3.5 stars. Another decent murder mystery. Like the first one, simply told. I already have the third one but it’s going to need to get better for me to keep on with the series after that. It’s a bit formulaic, which is okay but it needs to stand out more if that’s the case.
April 12, 2022
I am enjoying this series.
January 24, 2020
A good read with a librarian who actually does library work while solving murder. High praise from this rather picky retired librarian. 😆
December 21, 2024
Second in a series, another cozy library mystery. Have to say my favorite character was the cat Fritz but it was a fast easy read. Free ebook from the library.
July 3, 2024
I have a lot of books. I will always have a lot of books. There's just something very calming about having full bookshelves around me...it makes my apartment feel more like home. Books make me feel comfy in my space. The only issue I have with my lovely book collection is that my reading time is limited. And unread books are a bit sad, or at the very least...wasted. So, I have made an effort to start reading books from my shelves and donating or trading them to friends when I'm finished. That's a win-win-win situation all the way around. The books get read...which is their purpose. I free up space on my shelves so I can buy new books without feeling the least bit of guilt. And, I pass my books on to friends and family who want to enjoy them.
Most of what I have on my shelves are mystery novels. I have loved reading mysteries ever since I read my first Agatha Christie book when I was 9. I pick a series from my shelves and read my way through it. Glad I decided to FINALLY start reading the books I have collected!!
The latest series from my shelves that I'm enjoying is The Village Library Mystery series by Elizabeth Spann Craig. This is the first series I've read by this author, although I do have several of her Myrtle Clover series on my shelves as well.
Overdue is the second book in the series. I'm enjoying the books so far! I like the setting and background plot. The main character is a librarian in a small town library. The side characters are a nice mix of quirky and likable. My favorite character is of course the library cat, Fitz. The library theme and the adorable kitty cat don't overshadow the mystery portion of the plot, but add depth to it. There is a nice mix of humor and amateur sleuthing. The mystery moved along at a nice pace and there were a couple nice twists before the reveal. All in all, Overdue is a great addition to this series.The story is entertaining and kept my attention from start to finish.
On to book 3 -- Borrowed Time! I do hope Ann stops discovering dead bodies all the time though. In a small town, that will start to look a bit suspect! :)
Most of what I have on my shelves are mystery novels. I have loved reading mysteries ever since I read my first Agatha Christie book when I was 9. I pick a series from my shelves and read my way through it. Glad I decided to FINALLY start reading the books I have collected!!
The latest series from my shelves that I'm enjoying is The Village Library Mystery series by Elizabeth Spann Craig. This is the first series I've read by this author, although I do have several of her Myrtle Clover series on my shelves as well.
Overdue is the second book in the series. I'm enjoying the books so far! I like the setting and background plot. The main character is a librarian in a small town library. The side characters are a nice mix of quirky and likable. My favorite character is of course the library cat, Fitz. The library theme and the adorable kitty cat don't overshadow the mystery portion of the plot, but add depth to it. There is a nice mix of humor and amateur sleuthing. The mystery moved along at a nice pace and there were a couple nice twists before the reveal. All in all, Overdue is a great addition to this series.The story is entertaining and kept my attention from start to finish.
On to book 3 -- Borrowed Time! I do hope Ann stops discovering dead bodies all the time though. In a small town, that will start to look a bit suspect! :)
April 17, 2025
This is another great book in a series that I am so glad I discovered. It is a well written story, engaging and with a lot going on, I could even picture it as a Hallmark mystery film. I love the library setting, having grown up spending at lot of time in one (I was more bookish than sporty), it reminded me of why I did. I really like the characters and even through they had nothing to do with the mystery I even liked the helpful advise from Fitz the library cat. There is a lot of activities surrounding the library but somehow it didn't feel like just add words and it always lead to some clue or important information for the case. The mystery was good and while I had my suspicions I hadn't picked up on the clue that lead to Ann's revelation. Off to visit the library again, well okay to start the next book without leaving the comfort of my own chair, not so likely to get murdered that way.
When a trustee doesn't turn up to lend a hand, librarian Ann is asked to step in and move books from the basement. The problem is, it meant she discovers the dead body of one of the library board members, who was pushed down the steep stairs. Carmen's pushy personality might have meant that she wasn't well liked but she certainly didn't have a shortage of male suitors. Ann as a librarian is the perfect person for people to turn to when they need to talk, her boss recognizes that and puts her in charge of a new marketing campaign where people can ask the library cat for advice. Will the killer use this library service or is it just a library gigmic aimed at the kids? And more importantly can Ann discover the killer before she becomes a target?
I like the narrator. She has a pleasant voice that she uses well to give each character a voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
When a trustee doesn't turn up to lend a hand, librarian Ann is asked to step in and move books from the basement. The problem is, it meant she discovers the dead body of one of the library board members, who was pushed down the steep stairs. Carmen's pushy personality might have meant that she wasn't well liked but she certainly didn't have a shortage of male suitors. Ann as a librarian is the perfect person for people to turn to when they need to talk, her boss recognizes that and puts her in charge of a new marketing campaign where people can ask the library cat for advice. Will the killer use this library service or is it just a library gigmic aimed at the kids? And more importantly can Ann discover the killer before she becomes a target?
I like the narrator. She has a pleasant voice that she uses well to give each character a voice.
I was given this free review copy audio book at my request and have voluntarily left this review.
September 27, 2024
Today's fiction post is on Overdue by Elizabeth Spann Craig. It is 244 pages long and is was self-published by the author. As it is the second novel in the Village Library Mysteries, you need to have read the first one to know who the characters are. There is no foul language, no sex, and very mild violence in this novel. The cover has Fitz the cat on it. The intended reader is someone who likes cozy mysteries. The story is told from first person of the main character, Ann. There Be Spoilers Ahead.
From the back of the book- Carmen King is a busy woman. Not only does she sit on the library board and dabble in the Friends of the Library, but she juggles quite a few relationships at once. Apparently, this doesn’t go over well with at least one of her boyfriends—Carmen is found dead at the bottom of the library staircase.
Librarian Ann Beckett not only finds Carmen’s body, but finds herself entangled in Carmen’s mysterious death as she sets out to learn why Carmen’s death, from the killer’s perspective, was overdue.
Review- A cute second volume in a cute cozy series. The mystery is good but I guessed the killer before the end. The library setting is fun. The best thing about this volume is the character growth of the secondary characters. We get more with them than the first volume and they have started to become more than just background for Ann and the mystery. A good read and I am interesting in reading more.
I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.
From the back of the book- Carmen King is a busy woman. Not only does she sit on the library board and dabble in the Friends of the Library, but she juggles quite a few relationships at once. Apparently, this doesn’t go over well with at least one of her boyfriends—Carmen is found dead at the bottom of the library staircase.
Librarian Ann Beckett not only finds Carmen’s body, but finds herself entangled in Carmen’s mysterious death as she sets out to learn why Carmen’s death, from the killer’s perspective, was overdue.
Review- A cute second volume in a cute cozy series. The mystery is good but I guessed the killer before the end. The library setting is fun. The best thing about this volume is the character growth of the secondary characters. We get more with them than the first volume and they have started to become more than just background for Ann and the mystery. A good read and I am interesting in reading more.
I give this novel a Four out of Five stars. I get nothing for my review and I borrowed this novel from my local library.
September 20, 2024
Ann Beckett is busy as ever with the library, the upcoming Friends of the Library sale and the new Ask Fitz advice column Wilson is having her create. But all that gets pushed to the side when the library becomes the setting for murder and Ann finds herself once again picking up her sleuthing hat.
Like the first one, this was a fun relaxing mystery with a cosy cast of characters. All my favourites appeared - Luna, Wilson and Burton - and the rest of the cast were very entertaining. I liked the continuing low key nosy sleuthing style Ann favours, it's a bit of a unique one in cosies, but one I've found myself rather fond of.
The mystery was well plotted and included some clever details, although I found the reasoning for who was behind it a bit thin. Still, it was an enjoyable read.
The romance was average but it's not a focus of the book so it didn't bother me much. Although I would like to see Luna and Burton get together. I wasn't too fussed about Ann and Grayson though.
I loved the friendships between the library staff and the library patrons, that was great. I loved the Ask Fitz column and the inclusion of the questions with answers. It was a unique angle and a bit of a highlight of the book. I'd love to see more of it in future installments.
A funny and well plotted second installment of the series. 3 stars.
Like the first one, this was a fun relaxing mystery with a cosy cast of characters. All my favourites appeared - Luna, Wilson and Burton - and the rest of the cast were very entertaining. I liked the continuing low key nosy sleuthing style Ann favours, it's a bit of a unique one in cosies, but one I've found myself rather fond of.
The mystery was well plotted and included some clever details, although I found the reasoning for who was behind it a bit thin. Still, it was an enjoyable read.
The romance was average but it's not a focus of the book so it didn't bother me much. Although I would like to see Luna and Burton get together. I wasn't too fussed about Ann and Grayson though.
I loved the friendships between the library staff and the library patrons, that was great. I loved the Ask Fitz column and the inclusion of the questions with answers. It was a unique angle and a bit of a highlight of the book. I'd love to see more of it in future installments.
A funny and well plotted second installment of the series. 3 stars.
February 26, 2025
Overdue is the second story in the small-town library-centric Village Library Mysteries. The tale picks up not long after the first title, with Ann discovering the body of a library board member in the basement of the building. Soon Ann finds herself in the center of the investigation, helping the police as she uncovers clues.
After enjoying the first title in the series, I was excited to start Overdue; however, shortly into the book, I felt the writing was off and character traits that I noticed in the previous book really started bugging me.
I found it odd as Ann speaks to different people regarding the murder, she’s leaving out parts of the conversations without self-acknowledging it. Since the story is shared via Ann’s first person POV, the reader is in her head. If she is aware she’s hiding things, she would think about it and we would know it. But the way the story is written, it seems like there are continuity issues and different scenes don’t fit together. Also, it’s odd how everyone is making a huge deal over Ann discovering two bodies in such a short time, yet the same thing happened not that long ago (book 1).
The murder is pretty straightforward. I did figure out fairly quickly the who and why of the murder, but I still enjoyed watching Ann put it together. She’s very observant and always finds ways to get answers without appearing intrusive. That said, sometimes her detective work feels gossipy, especially when she makes a point of telling the reader she doesn’t like to gossip.
Unfortunately, Ann really started to annoy me as the story progresses. Ann is a pushover. She hates blind dates (for a good reason!), yet she won’t say no when she’s ask to go on one, and the date is cringy. She is overworked, but she never mentions to her boss that she needs help or time, or when he piles on more jobs. Some of the side characters are also annoying. Many of the characters feel one-dimensional; they have their “quirk” or “thing” and that’s all they are.
Narration: Overdue is shared via the first person POV of Ann. Overall, Nordlinger has an upbeat voice, with a touch of deepness, making it age appropriate and fitting for Ann. Nordlinger often softens her voice to project calm and caring. Dialogue is altered based on gender and age. In general, there aren’t big differences between characters but enough that I can generally tell when different people are talking. After a while, I noticed that sometimes Nordlinger speaks with a matter-of-fact sounding voice, which can be direct and a little void of emotion.
In the end, Overdue is a decent mystery, but I am not a fan of the characters.
My Ratings:
Story: C-
Narration: B-
Review copy provided by Publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
After enjoying the first title in the series, I was excited to start Overdue; however, shortly into the book, I felt the writing was off and character traits that I noticed in the previous book really started bugging me.
I found it odd as Ann speaks to different people regarding the murder, she’s leaving out parts of the conversations without self-acknowledging it. Since the story is shared via Ann’s first person POV, the reader is in her head. If she is aware she’s hiding things, she would think about it and we would know it. But the way the story is written, it seems like there are continuity issues and different scenes don’t fit together. Also, it’s odd how everyone is making a huge deal over Ann discovering two bodies in such a short time, yet the same thing happened not that long ago (book 1).
The murder is pretty straightforward. I did figure out fairly quickly the who and why of the murder, but I still enjoyed watching Ann put it together. She’s very observant and always finds ways to get answers without appearing intrusive. That said, sometimes her detective work feels gossipy, especially when she makes a point of telling the reader she doesn’t like to gossip.
Unfortunately, Ann really started to annoy me as the story progresses. Ann is a pushover. She hates blind dates (for a good reason!), yet she won’t say no when she’s ask to go on one, and the date is cringy. She is overworked, but she never mentions to her boss that she needs help or time, or when he piles on more jobs. Some of the side characters are also annoying. Many of the characters feel one-dimensional; they have their “quirk” or “thing” and that’s all they are.
Narration: Overdue is shared via the first person POV of Ann. Overall, Nordlinger has an upbeat voice, with a touch of deepness, making it age appropriate and fitting for Ann. Nordlinger often softens her voice to project calm and caring. Dialogue is altered based on gender and age. In general, there aren’t big differences between characters but enough that I can generally tell when different people are talking. After a while, I noticed that sometimes Nordlinger speaks with a matter-of-fact sounding voice, which can be direct and a little void of emotion.
In the end, Overdue is a decent mystery, but I am not a fan of the characters.
My Ratings:
Story: C-
Narration: B-
Review copy provided by Publisher
Originally posted at That's What I'm Talking About
May 22, 2023
“Friends” of the library
Ann is tasked to help one of the library board members bring up some books for the Friends of the Library book sale, but when she heads toward the basement to help, she finds the woman lying at the bottom of the stairs, dead; at first glance, most would think it was a sad accident, but Ann notices the gash in the back of the woman’s head and knows it was murder. The woman, difficult and demanding in life, has left a long list of spurned boyfriends and disgruntled people behind - who among them would have been angry enough with her to have caused her death? As Ann tries to make sense of it all, and handle the new advice column “Dear Fitz”, featuring advice from the library cat, she wishes she could get some advice on her own problems. Another blind date setup goes bust, her cute neighbor turns out to be the brother of the murdered woman, and oh yeah, she’s trying to read Ulysses, a huge tome that’s not grabbing her interest. Something in there will prove to be a real lifesaver.
Ann is tasked to help one of the library board members bring up some books for the Friends of the Library book sale, but when she heads toward the basement to help, she finds the woman lying at the bottom of the stairs, dead; at first glance, most would think it was a sad accident, but Ann notices the gash in the back of the woman’s head and knows it was murder. The woman, difficult and demanding in life, has left a long list of spurned boyfriends and disgruntled people behind - who among them would have been angry enough with her to have caused her death? As Ann tries to make sense of it all, and handle the new advice column “Dear Fitz”, featuring advice from the library cat, she wishes she could get some advice on her own problems. Another blind date setup goes bust, her cute neighbor turns out to be the brother of the murdered woman, and oh yeah, she’s trying to read Ulysses, a huge tome that’s not grabbing her interest. Something in there will prove to be a real lifesaver.
October 10, 2022
It's been a while since I visited with Ann and her friends at the Village Library, so I gave my own library some love and used Overdrive to borrow this. I'd forgotten what a kick I got out of Wilson and all his finicky ways. He's a real character for sure, and now there's a lady who might just have her eye on him. I loved Luna's character when I met her in the first book, and reliable Ann keeps this team at a fairly sane level lol. I thought it was cute when the police chief, Burton started asking Ann about Luna and thinking about asking her out.
I had a feeling of whodunit and why, but it was enjoyable to watch it play out and have the person get caught. The showdown was a good one with Ann definitely using her head. A big book she'd been struggling to read definitely came in handy! I hope now that Grayson's not seeing the woman he'd been dating that he and Ann can enjoy some dates. I'll have to get on the Overdrive list for the next book soon!
I had a feeling of whodunit and why, but it was enjoyable to watch it play out and have the person get caught. The showdown was a good one with Ann definitely using her head. A big book she'd been struggling to read definitely came in handy! I hope now that Grayson's not seeing the woman he'd been dating that he and Ann can enjoy some dates. I'll have to get on the Overdrive list for the next book soon!
July 28, 2024
A library, A cat, friends and murder
Overdue is the 2nd book in The.Village Library Mysteries by Elizabeth Spann Craig and I enjoyed it even more than the first book! The characters are likable and interesting and the cozy mystery kept me guessing due to a few twists. Ann Beckett works at the library along with Luna , their boss Wilson and Fitz the library cat. The library is having a big book sale and one of the library trustees ends up dead. There are some interesting details about the trustee that come to light as Ann begins to ask questions. There are only a few suspects and Ann is decent (no badgering or annoying interrogations) with how she finds out information to catch the culprit. Poor Ann goes on another blind date which causes problems for her. This was really a very enjoyable cozy mystery! i got this ebook from the library and I already have the next book too!
#Overdue #TheVillageLibraryMysteries #ElizabethSpannCraig
Overdue is the 2nd book in The.Village Library Mysteries by Elizabeth Spann Craig and I enjoyed it even more than the first book! The characters are likable and interesting and the cozy mystery kept me guessing due to a few twists. Ann Beckett works at the library along with Luna , their boss Wilson and Fitz the library cat. The library is having a big book sale and one of the library trustees ends up dead. There are some interesting details about the trustee that come to light as Ann begins to ask questions. There are only a few suspects and Ann is decent (no badgering or annoying interrogations) with how she finds out information to catch the culprit. Poor Ann goes on another blind date which causes problems for her. This was really a very enjoyable cozy mystery! i got this ebook from the library and I already have the next book too!
#Overdue #TheVillageLibraryMysteries #ElizabethSpannCraig
December 12, 2024
I do like this series so far. If you want something light where you don't have to use all your little gray cells this is the book. You just enjoy.
I love Fritz he is so cute. Ann has everyone concerned about her love life. This time it's her neighbor Zelda who sets her up with her nephew who is visting.....One he has a squeaky voice - Kevin.
This guy screams dork. He is 30 minutes late for this date and does not apologize #1 mistake.
He looks at the menu and complains about everything on the menu. He takes a long time to have the waitress come back a few times. He gives Ann a exhaustive narrative about himself...Ann was too nice to ask about his life. He sends the food back and gets the desert to go after his Aunt calls him which has him leaving fast leaving Ann with the bill. How rude. We have two murders in this book and it does go around and around for the list of who did the deed. But its a light cozy mystery so enjoy.
I love Fritz he is so cute. Ann has everyone concerned about her love life. This time it's her neighbor Zelda who sets her up with her nephew who is visting.....One he has a squeaky voice - Kevin.
This guy screams dork. He is 30 minutes late for this date and does not apologize #1 mistake.
He looks at the menu and complains about everything on the menu. He takes a long time to have the waitress come back a few times. He gives Ann a exhaustive narrative about himself...Ann was too nice to ask about his life. He sends the food back and gets the desert to go after his Aunt calls him which has him leaving fast leaving Ann with the bill. How rude. We have two murders in this book and it does go around and around for the list of who did the deed. But its a light cozy mystery so enjoy.
February 26, 2023
I enjoyed how Craig developed the relationships among the main characters in this book, picking up from where she left off in book one of the series. Character development was also obvious, especially with Ann, Luna's mother, Mona, and the police chief. I like book series that show character development. I also enjoy the tasks that the librarians do at their day-to-day job duties, which makes the book more believable and relatable. I also enjoyed learning a few new words. Elizabeth Craig has a rich vocabulary and this is evident in her writing. The one drawback was how Ann was constantly having conversations with all the different suspects. I wish that some of this information may have been shared though Burton's perspective instead of Ann's, but that may not be how the writer wanted to convey the plot. Overall I'd highly recommend this book.
September 20, 2022
Carmen King is a busy woman. Not only does she sit on the library board and dabble in the Friends of the Library, but she juggles quite a few relationships at once. Apparently, this doesn’t go over well with at least one of her boyfriends—Carmen is found dead at the bottom of the library staircase.
Librarian Ann Beckett not only finds Carmen’s body, but finds herself entangled in Carmen’s mysterious death as she sets out to learn why Carmen’s death, from the killer’s perspective, was overdue. [amazon synopsis]
Cute library cozy. Can do without the cat, tho.
Librarian Ann Beckett not only finds Carmen’s body, but finds herself entangled in Carmen’s mysterious death as she sets out to learn why Carmen’s death, from the killer’s perspective, was overdue. [amazon synopsis]
Cute library cozy. Can do without the cat, tho.
October 25, 2020
This is the perfect mystery for the fans of Miranda James, Victoria Gilbert, and Allison Brook. It is the second in the Village Library Mysteries by Elizabeth Span Craig. Librarian Ann Beckett is it involved in another mystery and another murder investigation when she finds, Carmen King, the woman who runs the Friends of the Library Book sales dead at the bottom of the stairs to the basement. It's a great Series so far and I like the characters.
October 29, 2020
Love it. The epitome of a cozy mystery. A gentle, in control main character who is a librarian! I can't resist checking out books with librarians and this series is one of the best. I can't wait to get to know Ann better and see where life takes her. I bought this book as soon as I finished the first and bought the third book as soon as I finished this one.
Some really unexpected turn of events and Ann handles them with a calm that is perfect in a public librarian but is far outside my ability. Fun read!
Some really unexpected turn of events and Ann handles them with a calm that is perfect in a public librarian but is far outside my ability. Fun read!
July 25, 2022
The library is a hotbed of intrigue, esp. surrounding the Friend's Book Sale donations. Staffing seems a bit uneven with a director who doesn't seem to do much other than cater to the board and assign work to Ann and there seems to be no technicians or aides to run the circulation desk or shelve. Ann needs to learn to say "No" to the blind dates and to the extra, unpaid library work. She made best use of Ulysses ;-)
August 16, 2022
An easy, quick, entertaining read. Not much depth in characterization and Fitz our library cat didn't play a major role which was disappointing. As in the first book, I found a discrepancy in a major fact that jarred me out of the mystery. Let's just say it inferred something that hasn't happened yet so was a bit of a spoiler. Not ready to count this series out just yet though so I've put a hold at my library for the third book and we'll go from there.
July 13, 2024
The second Village Library book. I am enjoying this series. What happens when a woman with a difficult personality is found murdered in a small town? Sheriff Burton has a long list of suspects. When it is discovered that Carmen had a lot of boyfriends it makes Burton’s job more difficult.
Fritz the library cat 🐈 is the advice columnist and Ann is his ghost writer. When will people learn to stop setting Ann up on blind dates??
Fritz the library cat 🐈 is the advice columnist and Ann is his ghost writer. When will people learn to stop setting Ann up on blind dates??
November 18, 2025
As I said in my previous review of this series, I'm hooked. All the regulars are back and this time the first murder happens in the library. Unfortunately Ann finds the body. Once again Ann and the police chief work together so that she is snooping around for clues with his encouragement (as long as she doesn't do anything dangerous). This book encompasses a lot of bed hopping but nothing too explicit. Again Fitz in right in the center of the action. I have already ordered books 3 and 4.
September 10, 2020
A delightful cozy mystery with all the classic parts (curious amateur investigator, cat, library, small town). I had a pretty good idea of the culprit early on but still enjoyed a well-written story with interesting people. The books in this series are short, with larger type and margins, more of in the way of being novellas.
August 16, 2021
Disappointing. I really enjoy this author's Southern Quilting Mystery & the Mytrle Clover series. This one falls far from the mark. It was so drawn out with nothing of value happening for so many chapters that I put it down more times than I picked it up. What happened? Where are the interesting character and plot developments??
March 31, 2022
I am enjoying this series!! This is the second book. I am getting used to all the characters and the library etc. Kind of nice to get the inside scoop about what a librarian does! The mystery was well done as well. I love the author’s writing style. I really can sink into it and just enjoy going where the mystery leads.
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