What do you think?
Rate this book
Bibliophile Mystery #17
The Twelve Books of Christmas
San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright and her hunky security-expert husband, Derek Stone, face a locked-room murder mystery during the holidays in Scotland.
In the middle of a wonderful Christmas holiday in Dharma, Brooklyn and Derek receive a frantic phone call from their dear friend Claire in Loch Ness, Scotland. The laird of the castle, Cameron MacKinnon, has just proposed to her! They plan to be married on New Year’s Day, and they want Derek and Brooklyn to be their witnesses. And while they’re visiting, Claire hopes that Brooklyn will be able to solve a little mystery that’s occurred in the castle library—twelve very rare, very important books have gone missing.
Once in Scotland, Brooklyn starts working on the mystery of the missing books but is soon distracted by all of the thumping and bumping noises she’s been hearing in the middle of the night. You’d think the Ghost of Christmas Past had taken up residence. But when one of the guests is poisoned and another is killed by an arrow through the heart, Brooklyn and Derek know this is not the work of any ghost. Now they must race to find a killer and a book thief before another murder occurs and their friends’ bright and happy future turns dark and deadly.
In the middle of a wonderful Christmas holiday in Dharma, Brooklyn and Derek receive a frantic phone call from their dear friend Claire in Loch Ness, Scotland. The laird of the castle, Cameron MacKinnon, has just proposed to her! They plan to be married on New Year’s Day, and they want Derek and Brooklyn to be their witnesses. And while they’re visiting, Claire hopes that Brooklyn will be able to solve a little mystery that’s occurred in the castle library—twelve very rare, very important books have gone missing.
Once in Scotland, Brooklyn starts working on the mystery of the missing books but is soon distracted by all of the thumping and bumping noises she’s been hearing in the middle of the night. You’d think the Ghost of Christmas Past had taken up residence. But when one of the guests is poisoned and another is killed by an arrow through the heart, Brooklyn and Derek know this is not the work of any ghost. Now they must race to find a killer and a book thief before another murder occurs and their friends’ bright and happy future turns dark and deadly.
308 pages, Hardcover
First published October 24, 2023
228 people are currently reading
2302 people want to read
About the author
Kate Carlisle
97 books2,819 followersGolden Heart and Daphne du Maurier Award winning author Kate Carlisle spent over twenty years working in television production as an Associate Director for game and variety shows, including The Midnight Special, Solid Gold and The Gong Show. She traveled the world as a Dating Game chaperone and performed strange acts of silliness on The Gong Show. She also studied acting and singing, toiled in vineyards, collected books, joined a commune, sold fried chicken, modeled spring fashions and worked for a cruise ship line, but it was the year she spent in law school that finally drove her to begin writing fiction. It seemed the safest way to kill off her professors. Those professors are breathing easier now that Kate spends most of her time writing near the beach in Southern California where she lives with her perfect husband.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
A lifelong love of old books and an appreciation of the art of bookbinding led Kate to create the Bibliophile Mysteries, featuring rare book expert Brooklyn Wainwright, whose bookbinding and restoration skills invariably uncover old secrets, treachery and murder. Kate is a member of Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, International Thriller Writers and Romance Writers of America. She loves to drink good wine and watch other people cook.
Despite the appearance of overnight success, Kate's dream of publication took many, many years to fulfill.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews
March 23, 2024
The Twelve Books of Christmas is the 17th book in the Bibliophile Mysteries written by Kate Carlisle. Usually I thoroughly enjoy these, and given the trip to Scotland and revisiting characters from a past book, it sounded promising. But ultimately, there was a lot less mystery and some strange scenes where things felt out of place. Loved the setting. Great to spend time with some of the key supporting cast. But the 12 books component was too weak. Still planning to read the rest in the series tho!
October 31, 2023
What did I just read?!!! This is not like the books from the beginning of the series. There is so much time spent “setting the scene” and catching up with the various characters that there’s very little of anything else. I could tell you what everyone was doing on an almost minute-to-minute basis but I can barely remember any investigation into the murders or the missing books. The murders probably weren’t even needed; the missing books would have been mystery enough, especially since there was barely any investigation. This series has gone so far away from what I loved in the beginning that I think I’m done.
July 16, 2023
Number seventeen in the Bibliophile Mystery series has Brooklyn and Derek in Scotland with Brooklyn's parents to attend the wedding of their friends...and to find some missing books. But the missing books aren't the only problem they'll have to contend with as they try to get their friends to the alter!
Wow, was this terrible. I've loved this series as well as the author's other series, but this was just awful. There was entirely too much going on. Most of the motives didn't make sense. Plot points were picked up and discarded seemingly on a whim. There was entirely too much explaining where everyone was off to daily that just didn't matter. Then that idiotic ending?? Ug. Here's hoping this was just a very early draft and they fix a lot of this before it's published. Because this one is a MESS.
Wow, was this terrible. I've loved this series as well as the author's other series, but this was just awful. There was entirely too much going on. Most of the motives didn't make sense. Plot points were picked up and discarded seemingly on a whim. There was entirely too much explaining where everyone was off to daily that just didn't matter. Then that idiotic ending?? Ug. Here's hoping this was just a very early draft and they fix a lot of this before it's published. Because this one is a MESS.
January 4, 2024
Solid addition to the series! I had lots of fun but it did drag a little to get to the mystery. Overall it was still a relaxing and fun read.
November 27, 2023
DNF
I got about 66% of the way through.
Unnecessarily long descriptions of places and food.
Lots of unnecessary details. It’s a mystery, so I expect the details to matter.
Lots of rehashing who the characters are and where they’re from.
I picked this book up not realizing that it’s part of a series. Maybe if you already love the characters, you’ll like the book.
I got about 66% of the way through.
Unnecessarily long descriptions of places and food.
Lots of unnecessary details. It’s a mystery, so I expect the details to matter.
Lots of rehashing who the characters are and where they’re from.
I picked this book up not realizing that it’s part of a series. Maybe if you already love the characters, you’ll like the book.
December 25, 2023
This is an unusual mystery which takes place in Scotland. Some of the plot points are a little far-fetched and silly, but still entertaining. This was a quick read, so you could easily read it before year’s end if you need a few more books to fulfill your goal.
November 4, 2023
3.5 stars, actually.
Make no mistake: This is a favorite series of mine, and after reading this latest entry (the 17th), it still is. But I'll also say that if I listed them in rank order, this one wouldn't be anywhere near the top of the "best" list.
And why might that be? Mostly, I think, because it's more pomp than circumstance. The plot lacks pizzazz (or much of anything of substance), and there's way too much exposition and lengthy description of what people are doing, where they're going and what they're eating. Even the ending, while it did wrap everything up nicely, was a bit underwhelming.
Venting aside, though, it's still an entertaining read; I seriously doubt this talented author could ever write a dud. The story here begins as Brooklyn Wainwright, a book restoration expert, has moved to Sonoma wine country with her handsome husband, security consultant Derek Stone. In the midst of pre-Christmas celebrations, she gets a call from good friend Claire, who is in Scotland preparing to marry Cameron, a castle laird - and she wants Brooklyn and Derek to serve as their witnesses. Amid all the excitement, it's also decided that Brooklyn's parents (her mother is active in a local druidic Wiccan group) will tag along as well. Claire also hopes that Brooklyn will help solve a mystery: a dozen Christmas-related books, some quite valuable, have gone missing from the castle library - which is open to the public.
As might be expected, not everything goes exactly as planned; the young woman hired to maintain the previously neglected library doesn't seem up to the task; strange things go bump in the night, and the women of the town, located on the banks of Loch Ness, haven't exactly warmed up to the notion that Claire will be the lady of the castle - now or ever. On the plus side, thanks to the loyal keeper of the castle and her competent staff, no one will ever go hungry; at every opportunity, delicacies (and of course, tea) appear almost from nowhere.
But alas; also from nowhere appears a dead body - followed not long after by a second one. Those discoveries, needless to say, force a wedding postponement and an investigation that, of course, is joined by Brooklyn and Derek (though the former is still focusing on the missing library books). Also of course, that's where I must stop; revealing anything more could spoil things for other readers. That said, this is a cozy mystery; I've yet to read one in which things don't work out well for the main characters, and this one's no exception. And Brooklyn remains a bit of an anomaly among cozy heroines; she doesn't go off on tangents, plays nice with the police and doesn't have a "sidekick" to whom she listens instead of the voice of reason (and for that, I'm eternally grateful and remain a loyal reader). I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this one.
Make no mistake: This is a favorite series of mine, and after reading this latest entry (the 17th), it still is. But I'll also say that if I listed them in rank order, this one wouldn't be anywhere near the top of the "best" list.
And why might that be? Mostly, I think, because it's more pomp than circumstance. The plot lacks pizzazz (or much of anything of substance), and there's way too much exposition and lengthy description of what people are doing, where they're going and what they're eating. Even the ending, while it did wrap everything up nicely, was a bit underwhelming.
Venting aside, though, it's still an entertaining read; I seriously doubt this talented author could ever write a dud. The story here begins as Brooklyn Wainwright, a book restoration expert, has moved to Sonoma wine country with her handsome husband, security consultant Derek Stone. In the midst of pre-Christmas celebrations, she gets a call from good friend Claire, who is in Scotland preparing to marry Cameron, a castle laird - and she wants Brooklyn and Derek to serve as their witnesses. Amid all the excitement, it's also decided that Brooklyn's parents (her mother is active in a local druidic Wiccan group) will tag along as well. Claire also hopes that Brooklyn will help solve a mystery: a dozen Christmas-related books, some quite valuable, have gone missing from the castle library - which is open to the public.
As might be expected, not everything goes exactly as planned; the young woman hired to maintain the previously neglected library doesn't seem up to the task; strange things go bump in the night, and the women of the town, located on the banks of Loch Ness, haven't exactly warmed up to the notion that Claire will be the lady of the castle - now or ever. On the plus side, thanks to the loyal keeper of the castle and her competent staff, no one will ever go hungry; at every opportunity, delicacies (and of course, tea) appear almost from nowhere.
But alas; also from nowhere appears a dead body - followed not long after by a second one. Those discoveries, needless to say, force a wedding postponement and an investigation that, of course, is joined by Brooklyn and Derek (though the former is still focusing on the missing library books). Also of course, that's where I must stop; revealing anything more could spoil things for other readers. That said, this is a cozy mystery; I've yet to read one in which things don't work out well for the main characters, and this one's no exception. And Brooklyn remains a bit of an anomaly among cozy heroines; she doesn't go off on tangents, plays nice with the police and doesn't have a "sidekick" to whom she listens instead of the voice of reason (and for that, I'm eternally grateful and remain a loyal reader). I thank the publisher, via NetGalley, for the opportunity to read and review this one.
December 30, 2023
I love books and Scotland, you would think I would love this book. But it was incredibly inane. Plus I know about First Footing, the way it's used here is silly. You're going to let someone disrupt your wedding because you like to keep the old traditions? And the caviler attitude of 'we'll just move the wedding'. Also the mystery doesn't make any sense. But hey, we managed to get pretty much every Scottish stereotype in the story.
November 5, 2023
Brooklyn and Derek are invited to Scotland to celebrate the wedding of their friends Cameron and Claire. I loved this mystery about missing books and murder to cover why the books are being stolen. Scotland, Christmas (actually the week after), books, and a castle make this a wonderful cozy!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 7, 2023
A story set around 12 books with a Christmas setting/theme. The novel is set mostly in Scotland where Brooklyn Wainwright, her parents and her husband, Derek Stone are attending a wedding. However strange things are happening in the castle so the wedding is put on hold. The book was an easy read.
December 22, 2023
this was great as an audiobook i was so hooked. i could see how it could be boring and long for people familiar with the world and the series, but i was new to it and really appreciated the world building and introduction to each character and their previous adventures together
February 9, 2024
You know that feeling you get when the latest installment of a beloved series releases? That's how I always feel about this series. Kate Carlisle has a knack for moving along the character and overarching plot development at such a realistic pace that it's easy to forget these people are fictional at times. I so enjoy hanging out with Brooklyn and Derek.
What I liked about The Twelve Books of Christmas:
I love when they travel - This series does an excellent job with varying the location. I truly appreciate that. And each location feels natural, which I also appreciate. I am especially partial to visiting Scotland and I am happy that Ms Carlisle found a way to bring us back there.
Creepy culprit - I mean bonechilling. That's not something I encounter in cozy series that often. There are times the culprits take on a more silly nuance but this one was not that at all. Substituting sinister for silly was an unxpected twist!
Christmas! - This isn't over the top seasonal, but more a backdrop, with some Christmas woven into places that felt right. It was a treat to get a holiday-themed book in this series after so long.
What I didn't care for:
The murder mystery - Without spoilers, I am relegated to simply saying it was just weird and uncomfortable.
What left me conflicted:
I was really split on the cast - While I always love our regular cast, I found myself on both sides of the fence with the rest of the characters. Some of the characters, I just wasn't sure what purpose they served. Others were caricature-like. There were a couple I enjoyed. It felt like there were a lot of characters in general, and I didn't feel connected to most of the ones I didn't really know.
The mysteries - Yes, multiple. And while it felt as if they should be related, it turns out maybe not so much? At least it sure didn't feel that way. It made the plot feel disjointed at times, occasionally messing with the pacing. It certainly lept me guessing, but also I couldn't have figured them out if I tried, not because I was fooled by red herrings, but because I couldn't keep solid track of what was going on and how it worked together.
I won't say this was one of my favorites in this series, but it was solid. I loved the setting and the Christmas atmosphere. It was the case itself that felt off to me a bit, but that's ok. It was still a pleasure to see what my friends were up to and to take a little trip across the ocean.
What I liked about The Twelve Books of Christmas:
I love when they travel - This series does an excellent job with varying the location. I truly appreciate that. And each location feels natural, which I also appreciate. I am especially partial to visiting Scotland and I am happy that Ms Carlisle found a way to bring us back there.
Creepy culprit - I mean bonechilling. That's not something I encounter in cozy series that often. There are times the culprits take on a more silly nuance but this one was not that at all. Substituting sinister for silly was an unxpected twist!
Christmas! - This isn't over the top seasonal, but more a backdrop, with some Christmas woven into places that felt right. It was a treat to get a holiday-themed book in this series after so long.
What I didn't care for:
The murder mystery - Without spoilers, I am relegated to simply saying it was just weird and uncomfortable.
What left me conflicted:
I was really split on the cast - While I always love our regular cast, I found myself on both sides of the fence with the rest of the characters. Some of the characters, I just wasn't sure what purpose they served. Others were caricature-like. There were a couple I enjoyed. It felt like there were a lot of characters in general, and I didn't feel connected to most of the ones I didn't really know.
The mysteries - Yes, multiple. And while it felt as if they should be related, it turns out maybe not so much? At least it sure didn't feel that way. It made the plot feel disjointed at times, occasionally messing with the pacing. It certainly lept me guessing, but also I couldn't have figured them out if I tried, not because I was fooled by red herrings, but because I couldn't keep solid track of what was going on and how it worked together.
I won't say this was one of my favorites in this series, but it was solid. I loved the setting and the Christmas atmosphere. It was the case itself that felt off to me a bit, but that's ok. It was still a pleasure to see what my friends were up to and to take a little trip across the ocean.
January 2, 2025
So…I received this book as a Christmas gift. While I didn’t really enjoy it, that’s ok - reading new things can be like a treasure hunt. Sometimes you find a gem; sometimes you find fool’s gold.
I have not read any books in this series. I don’t think it was necessary to do so. The author spends a great deal of time telling you about characters, their relationships to one another and summarizing former storylines from the series. If you pick this one up, you won’t be lost.
Some other reviewers loved this book and felt it carried the positive aspects from the previous books. I’m not sure what they loved exactly, so I agreed with other reviewers who struggled through it. The narration was at times too much, describing inane aspects of life that did not do anything to add to the plot or characterization. The plot would lag during these sections. At other times, the narration or dialogue would repeat earlier descriptions or lines - again, without a real purpose. It felt like the writer wrote it in pieces and then didn’t stitch it together correctly.
Seriously, what do editors do anymore? I thought they were supposed to help clean up the writing. Instead, it feels like they are just marketing people. Writers rely on their beta readers or writing groups for feedback. Not sure that is helpful if your group isn’t honest with you.
The plot made little sense. It was a mess of a mystery. The characters were unbelievable. So many Scottish stereotypes that I grew annoyed. The ending was goofy. I just didn’t care for it and I’m not sure I would risk reading the earlier ones in the series. Maybe just not for me. I would rather pick up an Agatha Christie novel!
I have not read any books in this series. I don’t think it was necessary to do so. The author spends a great deal of time telling you about characters, their relationships to one another and summarizing former storylines from the series. If you pick this one up, you won’t be lost.
Some other reviewers loved this book and felt it carried the positive aspects from the previous books. I’m not sure what they loved exactly, so I agreed with other reviewers who struggled through it. The narration was at times too much, describing inane aspects of life that did not do anything to add to the plot or characterization. The plot would lag during these sections. At other times, the narration or dialogue would repeat earlier descriptions or lines - again, without a real purpose. It felt like the writer wrote it in pieces and then didn’t stitch it together correctly.
Seriously, what do editors do anymore? I thought they were supposed to help clean up the writing. Instead, it feels like they are just marketing people. Writers rely on their beta readers or writing groups for feedback. Not sure that is helpful if your group isn’t honest with you.
The plot made little sense. It was a mess of a mystery. The characters were unbelievable. So many Scottish stereotypes that I grew annoyed. The ending was goofy. I just didn’t care for it and I’m not sure I would risk reading the earlier ones in the series. Maybe just not for me. I would rather pick up an Agatha Christie novel!
April 19, 2024
Another delightful book in this series with characters that truly feel like family at this point. I LOVE how Brooklyn's parents are invited along on this adventure and how vital a rule they play in bringing calm to the situations, loving parental presences, and of course help and laughs along the way. Scotland at Christmastime - YES PLEASE! Scotland is somewhere I've always wanted to visit and I really felt like I was able to get a glimpse of this small adorable town from this book. There are some truly horrid people (KC can write some drama!) but overall some lovely ones as well. Books, mystery, a wedding (or will there be?!), mysterious sounds, a sneaky cat or two, I was enraptured the whole time and had so much fun with this book (and tears in my eyes at the end).
October 24, 2023
Pub date 10/24/23
Brooklyn and her husband Derek head to Loch Ness Scotland to attend the wedding of their friends. The wedding is being held at their castle. Such a great location. This book is a mystery within a mystery. Who is stealing books from the castle library, and then there is a murder or two to contend with. I loved the setting and learning about the castle and the local village. I also learned a few new Scottish customs. This book made me happy and I didn't want to put it down. The main characters are wonderful and make you want to spend time with them.
I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
Brooklyn and her husband Derek head to Loch Ness Scotland to attend the wedding of their friends. The wedding is being held at their castle. Such a great location. This book is a mystery within a mystery. Who is stealing books from the castle library, and then there is a murder or two to contend with. I loved the setting and learning about the castle and the local village. I also learned a few new Scottish customs. This book made me happy and I didn't want to put it down. The main characters are wonderful and make you want to spend time with them.
I received a free copy from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for my honest review.
October 23, 2025
I’ve read all the other books in the series (and all the books in the Fixer Upper series by Carlisle). I’ve been disappointed in this particular series since book 1 due to how Carlisle writes a lot of the women in the books.
From the earlier books where she fat shames a character, to her tendency to give the any female “bad characters” stereotypical cliched flaws associated with women.
This book had plot points that made no sense, a frankly unnecessary murder, and the whole point of the book, the 12 missing books, is practically an afterthought.
I don’t like to give up on series but I can’t take any more of Carlisle’s internalised misogyny and frankly poor writing.
From the earlier books where she fat shames a character, to her tendency to give the any female “bad characters” stereotypical cliched flaws associated with women.
This book had plot points that made no sense, a frankly unnecessary murder, and the whole point of the book, the 12 missing books, is practically an afterthought.
I don’t like to give up on series but I can’t take any more of Carlisle’s internalised misogyny and frankly poor writing.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 14, 2023
Ridiculous
September 3, 2023
Kate Carlisle is back with another exciting installment to the Bibliophile mystery series. THE TWELVE BOOKS OF CHRISTMAS is the first ever Christmas mystery in the series, so I was very excited to see what would happen.
As expected, Shannon has a mix of warm moments with her husband, Derek. But when a friend calls and tells her that she is getting married and want them to be their witness in Scotland, they are excited to visit. However, a murder and 12 missing books await them and they have to catch the killer before they strike again.
You can always count on Kate Carlisle to deliver a good book but this one surpasses my expectations. I would’ve been happy with a cozy Christmas mystery set in San Francisco. But the fact that they went to Scotland made this even more special.
I’ve read several Christmas cozy mysteries releasing this year and this one is among my most favorites. Treat yourself this holiday season and make sure the Twelve Books of Christmas is on your wish list!
As expected, Shannon has a mix of warm moments with her husband, Derek. But when a friend calls and tells her that she is getting married and want them to be their witness in Scotland, they are excited to visit. However, a murder and 12 missing books await them and they have to catch the killer before they strike again.
You can always count on Kate Carlisle to deliver a good book but this one surpasses my expectations. I would’ve been happy with a cozy Christmas mystery set in San Francisco. But the fact that they went to Scotland made this even more special.
I’ve read several Christmas cozy mysteries releasing this year and this one is among my most favorites. Treat yourself this holiday season and make sure the Twelve Books of Christmas is on your wish list!
December 5, 2024
This book had such a Christmas-y cover & title that I was expecting more Christmas vibes than what I ended up getting. I just wanted more Christmas!
This seemed like a pretty standard mystery novel. I'm not familiar with the series and there are references to past cases in the book, but I do think you could just read this without reading the preceding 16 books because the case is stand-alone. Normally I don't really like to read a series out of order (although my mother reads murder mystery series like this all the time & often reads them out of order so I know it's possible to do that), but for some reason I was looking for Christmas books and decided to give this one a shot and I don't think I realized it was part of a series when I picked it.
I didn't find the book to be all that unique, it was pretty middle of the road where non-law enforcement characters investigate a mystery and solve the case, but I also didn't dislike the book or think it was bad. It was pretty exactly met my expectations for this type of novel.
This seemed like a pretty standard mystery novel. I'm not familiar with the series and there are references to past cases in the book, but I do think you could just read this without reading the preceding 16 books because the case is stand-alone. Normally I don't really like to read a series out of order (although my mother reads murder mystery series like this all the time & often reads them out of order so I know it's possible to do that), but for some reason I was looking for Christmas books and decided to give this one a shot and I don't think I realized it was part of a series when I picked it.
I didn't find the book to be all that unique, it was pretty middle of the road where non-law enforcement characters investigate a mystery and solve the case, but I also didn't dislike the book or think it was bad. It was pretty exactly met my expectations for this type of novel.
December 10, 2024
"The Twelve Books of Christmas (Bibliophile Mystery #17)" by Kate Carlisle starts out at a Christmas Celebration and wraps up at a New Year wedding. Brooklyn, her husband and her parents all get flown to visit their Scottish friends over the week of New Year's for their wedding (the two friends' wedding). While there, Brooklyn is asked to help figure out what happened to some books that have gone missing.
There ends up being several mysteries that suck Brooklyn and her crew in. Eventually, there's not 1 but 2 deaths. There's been some really odd and loud noises at night. Finally, who has been bad mouthing Brooklyn's friend? For the most part they all worked out about how I expected them too.
There ends up being several mysteries that suck Brooklyn and her crew in. Eventually, there's not 1 but 2 deaths. There's been some really odd and loud noises at night. Finally, who has been bad mouthing Brooklyn's friend? For the most part they all worked out about how I expected them too.
November 21, 2023
I wanted a Christmas Audiobook to get me slowly in the mood for the time of year. I did not know that this was one in a series of books with the same characters. But they seem to work as standalone books. I enjoyed the lighthearted mystery, had to get used to some of the female voices sounding very much like heavy male voices, but Christmas, sorry Hogmaney in a Scottish castle was well written.
The only thing I would change, are the constant "reminders" of exerts of what happened in the other books and those stories.
The only thing I would change, are the constant "reminders" of exerts of what happened in the other books and those stories.
December 30, 2023
It took a while to get going, but it was ok for me because this is a long series and this book is the first I've read of it -- it was good to get a chance to get to know the recurring characters. I enjoyed the Scottish setting and the description of bookbinding, as well as the quirky characters. It's rather daunting that there are 16 previous books in the series, but I will most likely read at least a few more. Recommended for those who like Christmas mysteries, Scotland, and learning a little while enjoying a mystery.
November 12, 2023
This is the 17th book in the Bibliophile Mysteries series, set in San Francisco and the Napa Valley. Brooklyn Wainwright is a book restorer who’s well known in her field. She’s married to Derek Stone, a former SAS member who runs his own security business. Just before Christmas, Brooklyn gets a call that sends them to a Scottish castle to watch their friends get married and solve a mystery of missing rare books.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed as in this review are completely my own.
March 12, 2024
In this mystery, Brooklyn and her husband and parents go to Scotland to visit friends who are getting married, they find much more going on than a wedding. There are women in the town who want to kill the bridge and stop the wedding, and are trying to do everything they can to accomplish that. Brooklyn and Derek have to do what they can to avoid the catastrophes that are looming. This is a satisfying read that will leave readers wanting more time with these great characters.
November 16, 2024
Great series. Good mystery as usual. Why not a 5? Too many "thank you's" and "so lovely" and other niceties. But the plots are always good and surprises at the end. I'll continue to read them, just because they are about books and I love the characters. I just wish they would get angry with each other sometimes!
BTW, I read it one day!
BTW, I read it one day!
December 27, 2023
The 17th book in the Bibliophile Mystery series is okay but not one of Ms. Carlisle's best. I guess 17 plot lines are hard to conjure up.
That said, I want to keep reading this series for the characters. I enjoy catching up on the happenings of Brooklyn's family. Ms. Carlisle has a way of developing her characters that makes it feel like old friends you are happy to see again!
That said, I want to keep reading this series for the characters. I enjoy catching up on the happenings of Brooklyn's family. Ms. Carlisle has a way of developing her characters that makes it feel like old friends you are happy to see again!
December 23, 2024
I’m rounding this up to a 3.5. I enjoyed some of the descriptions of Scotland and book binding, but there were too many characters and events taking place. Brooklyn and Derrick go to Scotland to attend the wedding of friends and get tangled up in a mystery theft and murders.
December 17, 2023
I really enjoyed this and would read others in the series!
August 2, 2024
Not the best of the series but it takes place in Scotland so it had some redeeming factors.
October 22, 2024
Funny and thrilling with a cast of characters I want to read more of. I may have just found a new series to devour!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 351 reviews