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Bibliophile Mystery #3
The Lies That Bind
Book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright returns home to San Francisco to teach a bookbinding class. Unfortunately, the program director Layla Fontaine is a horrendous host who pitches fits and lords over her subordinates. But when Layla is found shot dead, Brooklyn is bound and determined to investigate—even as the killer tries to close the book on her for good.
275 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 2, 2010
307 people are currently reading
2710 people want to read
About the author
Kate Carlisle
97 books2,824 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.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 461 reviews
November 10, 2021
The Lies That Bind is the third book in Kate Carlisle's Bibliophile Mystery series. Right out of the gate, I will say that I really like this series and waited too long to pick up the first installment. I'll also note that it breaks the traditional cozy mystery rules by adding in more than the norm when it comes to some four-letter words. While it doesn't bother me, if you're looking for a clean and washed over version of a murder mystery, this probably isn't ideal. But it does have fantastic characters and an intriguing background setting: bookbinding in San Francisco. Who wouldn't love it?
I've also read Carlisle's Fixer-Upper series and am current on its new release. That's my goal for this series by the end of this calendar year so that in 2022 I can read the newest when it comes out, or maybe even get an ARC. For now, I'm buying or renting one from the library each month. In May in this book, we've returned from Scotland, and Brooklyn is teaching a course at a local non-profit institution where the beautiful but rich mean girl, Layla Fontaine, is murdered. Back in action, of course, is the relentless Minka, and the sexy but strange Gabriel, as well as Brooklyn's large family. But MIA in the beginning is her pseudo-love interest, Derek Stone. And he might be turning out to be a problem!
The mystery is good, perhaps a little simple. There's a new assistant director, Layla's niece, a couple of students with some varying levels of like/dislike for Layla, and mysterious book buyers. Which of them had it out for the woman who thought she could treat everyone like dirt? Brooklyn even threatened to kill her at one point, albeit in her own head, since she wanted to keep her job. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of two more siblings too... and with names like Savannah and China, the Decker family is quite interesting. Some of the side stories were left open-ended or not re-addressed (I don't think it's germane to the larger story, so it felt like maybe a couple of lines were left out to clarity red herrings). I was glad to see how one side plot ended in this book, and I look forward to picking up the fourth installment next month.
I've also read Carlisle's Fixer-Upper series and am current on its new release. That's my goal for this series by the end of this calendar year so that in 2022 I can read the newest when it comes out, or maybe even get an ARC. For now, I'm buying or renting one from the library each month. In May in this book, we've returned from Scotland, and Brooklyn is teaching a course at a local non-profit institution where the beautiful but rich mean girl, Layla Fontaine, is murdered. Back in action, of course, is the relentless Minka, and the sexy but strange Gabriel, as well as Brooklyn's large family. But MIA in the beginning is her pseudo-love interest, Derek Stone. And he might be turning out to be a problem!
The mystery is good, perhaps a little simple. There's a new assistant director, Layla's niece, a couple of students with some varying levels of like/dislike for Layla, and mysterious book buyers. Which of them had it out for the woman who thought she could treat everyone like dirt? Brooklyn even threatened to kill her at one point, albeit in her own head, since she wanted to keep her job. I enjoyed getting a glimpse into the lives of two more siblings too... and with names like Savannah and China, the Decker family is quite interesting. Some of the side stories were left open-ended or not re-addressed (I don't think it's germane to the larger story, so it felt like maybe a couple of lines were left out to clarity red herrings). I was glad to see how one side plot ended in this book, and I look forward to picking up the fourth installment next month.
November 20, 2019
After reading exactly 100 young adult nonfiction books between February 1st and November 9th, I needed a break.
I've long promised Dave I would read one of his kitty cat cozy mysteries, and when I told him I needed something brainless - irrefutably brainless - he excitedly rushed to the bookcase downstairs and pulled this one for me.
I read it.
And it was utterly asinine.
I guessed the murderer the moment they were introduced and before any murdering had even begun. There are paragraphs devoted to the intricacies of book-binding, all of which just washed over me - I had spent months immersed in nonfiction and didn't need how-to lessons in anything. There is an insane amount of time devoted to describing food (buttery and well-prepared pop up frequently, though I was particularly fond of ravioli nabbing pillowy as its descriptor). There's so much cock-teasing and breathless panting and mouthy kissing that it nearly slides into Old Lady Porn Territory*. There's New Age shit. There's a lot of wine drinking. And yes, there's a kitty cat. But I forget its name. Something idiotic.
So help me god, though. I didn't mind the book. I can't imagine reading them one right after the other the way my darling husband does, but I could probably stomach one every couple of years or so. Especially after reading gobs of nonfiction.
In fact, it was the perfect antidote to post-committee work.
Now onto my usual bread and butter.
* you guys, I don't know what Old Lady Porn Territory is. But I'm pretty sure this book is close. Apologies to Old Ladies everywhere if indeed you like the really kinky stuff.
I've long promised Dave I would read one of his kitty cat cozy mysteries, and when I told him I needed something brainless - irrefutably brainless - he excitedly rushed to the bookcase downstairs and pulled this one for me.
I read it.
And it was utterly asinine.
I guessed the murderer the moment they were introduced and before any murdering had even begun. There are paragraphs devoted to the intricacies of book-binding, all of which just washed over me - I had spent months immersed in nonfiction and didn't need how-to lessons in anything. There is an insane amount of time devoted to describing food (buttery and well-prepared pop up frequently, though I was particularly fond of ravioli nabbing pillowy as its descriptor). There's so much cock-teasing and breathless panting and mouthy kissing that it nearly slides into Old Lady Porn Territory*. There's New Age shit. There's a lot of wine drinking. And yes, there's a kitty cat. But I forget its name. Something idiotic.
So help me god, though. I didn't mind the book. I can't imagine reading them one right after the other the way my darling husband does, but I could probably stomach one every couple of years or so. Especially after reading gobs of nonfiction.
In fact, it was the perfect antidote to post-committee work.
Now onto my usual bread and butter.
* you guys, I don't know what Old Lady Porn Territory is. But I'm pretty sure this book is close. Apologies to Old Ladies everywhere if indeed you like the really kinky stuff.
October 26, 2014
I’m a Kate Carlisle fan despite her series not containing the atmosphere I interpreted from covers: cats and enchanting libraries. Complexity of mysteries and pace gallop ahead of contemporaries. Kate doesn’t write cute subjects into popular backdrops that might pass for mystery. She owns this craft. Her character is likeable, readers know her family well, and there is uniqueness in them and her career; with humour that is uplifting.
One aspect I dislike is coveting a group that doesn’t fit a story. It reminds me of Adam Sadler keeping friend actors in films. That’s all right if they’re likeable, anticipated personages but in literature pointless cameos don’t work. I get the impression Kate thinks she needs to stick to this style she introduced; that parents, best friend, nemesis, and beau must be squeezed in every time. The result feels contrived. Only one is a veritable sleuthing assistant. With her nemesis very disagreeable, inclusion is grating but not as the disenchanting villain the author might intend. It comes across as an instant drama trick, exhausted in the first novel.
Since Derek and Brooklyn came together in Scotland, finding Brooklyn wistful was off. We could do without “does he like me”. I always love best, the lore behind each rare book featured. For instance “Oliver Twist” by ‘Boz’, was released in 1838 without permission granted to Charles Dickens’ publishers. Brooklyn restored the 1838 authorized release, for a mean director insistent on passing it as the first edition. Gabriel fit this adventure at a personal level that I enjoyed acquainting. At last he is human. The most successful component of this adventure is a motive and murderer that really are a mystery. The revelation is a surprise as startling as any reader hopes. Gabriel had the information but others worked to uncover it.
One aspect I dislike is coveting a group that doesn’t fit a story. It reminds me of Adam Sadler keeping friend actors in films. That’s all right if they’re likeable, anticipated personages but in literature pointless cameos don’t work. I get the impression Kate thinks she needs to stick to this style she introduced; that parents, best friend, nemesis, and beau must be squeezed in every time. The result feels contrived. Only one is a veritable sleuthing assistant. With her nemesis very disagreeable, inclusion is grating but not as the disenchanting villain the author might intend. It comes across as an instant drama trick, exhausted in the first novel.
Since Derek and Brooklyn came together in Scotland, finding Brooklyn wistful was off. We could do without “does he like me”. I always love best, the lore behind each rare book featured. For instance “Oliver Twist” by ‘Boz’, was released in 1838 without permission granted to Charles Dickens’ publishers. Brooklyn restored the 1838 authorized release, for a mean director insistent on passing it as the first edition. Gabriel fit this adventure at a personal level that I enjoyed acquainting. At last he is human. The most successful component of this adventure is a motive and murderer that really are a mystery. The revelation is a surprise as startling as any reader hopes. Gabriel had the information but others worked to uncover it.
August 15, 2024
**Leído 15/08/24**
No tengo claro si voy a seguir esta serie. Este tercer libro no me ha gustado tanto como los anteriores y, encima, tienen más importancia los problemillas que ya le vi desde el minuto uno. El slut-shaming ha sido exagerado. Es más, sigue teniendo ese aire como de novela que se ha quedado anticuada pero en realidad está escrita en el año 2010 (a no ser que se me escape algo).
**He puesto la misma información en ambas novelas y cambiado tags para que llegue a el máximo de lectoras posible**
Mal, muy mal Alma editorial.
Esa manera de engañar a las lectoras. Resulta que han publicado una traducción al castellano de The Lies That Bind (aka "Mentiras encubiertas") como si fuera el segundo libro de esta serie cuando en realidad es el tercero...
Y por las reseñas y las explicaciones que ha dado la editorial "no tiene la calidad del resto de las novelas de la serie" parece ser que es porque hay un pelín más de romántica en esta segunda novela. Aún tengo que leer ambos libros y comprobar si mis sospechas son ciertas. Pero, PERO, es que me da igual.
1.No sé quienes se creen que son para decidir por todas las lectoras lo que es de la calidad suficiente y más si tenemos en cuenta que es una serie.
2.Si se toma la decisión de hacerlo porque creen que tienen esa autoridad (🙄), lo mínimo es avisar y no colarnos la tercera novela como si fuese la segunda (nótese que incluso aquí, en Goodreads, aparece como edición de la segunda).
3.Ahí. Manteniendo la tradición española de traducir las series y sagas como les viene en gana.
Al final siempre somos las lectoras quienes perdemos.
Yo soy afortunada, entre muchas, por leer también en inglés. Y este es uno de los motivos por los que suelo pasar de las editoriales de mi país. Pero, ¿y mis compis lectoras que no saben inglés?
Estas cosas no se hacen y menos con estas formas.
Qué decepción. Yo que he defendido tanto esta editorial...
No tengo claro si voy a seguir esta serie. Este tercer libro no me ha gustado tanto como los anteriores y, encima, tienen más importancia los problemillas que ya le vi desde el minuto uno. El slut-shaming ha sido exagerado. Es más, sigue teniendo ese aire como de novela que se ha quedado anticuada pero en realidad está escrita en el año 2010 (a no ser que se me escape algo).
**He puesto la misma información en ambas novelas y cambiado tags para que llegue a el máximo de lectoras posible**
Mal, muy mal Alma editorial.
Esa manera de engañar a las lectoras. Resulta que han publicado una traducción al castellano de The Lies That Bind (aka "Mentiras encubiertas") como si fuera el segundo libro de esta serie cuando en realidad es el tercero...
Y por las reseñas y las explicaciones que ha dado la editorial "no tiene la calidad del resto de las novelas de la serie" parece ser que es porque hay un pelín más de romántica en esta segunda novela. Aún tengo que leer ambos libros y comprobar si mis sospechas son ciertas. Pero, PERO, es que me da igual.
1.No sé quienes se creen que son para decidir por todas las lectoras lo que es de la calidad suficiente y más si tenemos en cuenta que es una serie.
2.Si se toma la decisión de hacerlo porque creen que tienen esa autoridad (🙄), lo mínimo es avisar y no colarnos la tercera novela como si fuese la segunda (nótese que incluso aquí, en Goodreads, aparece como edición de la segunda).
3.Ahí. Manteniendo la tradición española de traducir las series y sagas como les viene en gana.
Al final siempre somos las lectoras quienes perdemos.
Yo soy afortunada, entre muchas, por leer también en inglés. Y este es uno de los motivos por los que suelo pasar de las editoriales de mi país. Pero, ¿y mis compis lectoras que no saben inglés?
Estas cosas no se hacen y menos con estas formas.
Qué decepción. Yo que he defendido tanto esta editorial...
August 25, 2025
Siento que estos libros son como una serie de los 2000, una en que la protagonista resuelve crímenes y, al mismo tiempo, hay una trama amorosa, pero sin mayores complicaciones o drama. No creo que sean una joya del misterio ni del romance, aunque su proceso de lectura me resulta muy entretenido.
Brooklyn está en San Francisco enseñando una clase de encuadernación en el BABA, misma organización que subastará una importante edición de Oliver Twist que la misma Brooklyn restauró. Sin embargo, la directora del BABA no da muestras de buenas prácticas y un día aparece muerta.
Hay una confusión extraña con los libros, porque este, en las versiones en español, aparece como el segundo, pero según entiendo es el tercero. De hecho, aquí se mencionan hechos de Edimburgo que es la trama de la segunda entrega, de la que no pude encontrar su versión en español. Lo bueno es que, dentro de todo, son historias autoconclusivas que se pueden leer en desorden, lo único fijo es Brooklyn y sus relaciones con los personajes, en particular, Derek.
En esencia, me pareció que el crimen estuvo más organizado que en el primer libro, aunque el final se sintió algo exagerado. De hecho, deduje quién era la persona responsable desde el inicio, pero no toda la motivación detrás, eso no me lo vi venir ni tampoco su relación con otros personajes. Aun así, en general disfruté del crimen, de la forma en que se presentó a estos personajes sencillos y las pistas que fue dando la autora.
Admito que el romance Brooklyn-Derek me gusta harto, muy de las series de los 2000, quizá por eso me gusta, es sencillo y cliché. Todo el libro pasó con una leve confusión en cuanto a las intenciones de Derek que eran evidentes, pero lo disfruté bastante. De verdad, feliz leería varios de estos libros, son como esas series de antes con 25 capítulos por temporadas y 12 temporadas en las que el romance va lento, va y vuelve y así.
Mentiras encubiertas fue una nueva entrega de Brooklyn a quien parecen rodearla los cadáveres, conservó todo ese encanto del cozy mystery, un crimen entretenido en su construcción aunque sencillo y el romance. En comparación con el primer libro, este tuvo un mayor foco en el romance, así que es imposible definirlo solo como un misterior.
Brooklyn está en San Francisco enseñando una clase de encuadernación en el BABA, misma organización que subastará una importante edición de Oliver Twist que la misma Brooklyn restauró. Sin embargo, la directora del BABA no da muestras de buenas prácticas y un día aparece muerta.
Hay una confusión extraña con los libros, porque este, en las versiones en español, aparece como el segundo, pero según entiendo es el tercero. De hecho, aquí se mencionan hechos de Edimburgo que es la trama de la segunda entrega, de la que no pude encontrar su versión en español. Lo bueno es que, dentro de todo, son historias autoconclusivas que se pueden leer en desorden, lo único fijo es Brooklyn y sus relaciones con los personajes, en particular, Derek.
En esencia, me pareció que el crimen estuvo más organizado que en el primer libro, aunque el final se sintió algo exagerado. De hecho, deduje quién era la persona responsable desde el inicio, pero no toda la motivación detrás, eso no me lo vi venir ni tampoco su relación con otros personajes. Aun así, en general disfruté del crimen, de la forma en que se presentó a estos personajes sencillos y las pistas que fue dando la autora.
Admito que el romance Brooklyn-Derek me gusta harto, muy de las series de los 2000, quizá por eso me gusta, es sencillo y cliché. Todo el libro pasó con una leve confusión en cuanto a las intenciones de Derek que eran evidentes, pero lo disfruté bastante. De verdad, feliz leería varios de estos libros, son como esas series de antes con 25 capítulos por temporadas y 12 temporadas en las que el romance va lento, va y vuelve y así.
Mentiras encubiertas fue una nueva entrega de Brooklyn a quien parecen rodearla los cadáveres, conservó todo ese encanto del cozy mystery, un crimen entretenido en su construcción aunque sencillo y el romance. En comparación con el primer libro, este tuvo un mayor foco en el romance, así que es imposible definirlo solo como un misterior.
March 21, 2025
I find this series absolutely delightful. There's enough mystery and action to balance the romance aspect. I'm a firm believer in slow burn romance, and Carlisle has managed to keep Brooklyn and Derek in the unsure romance dance for three books. Well done!
At an early stage in the book, I was shocked, thinking that the author had killed off Brooklyn's nemesis, Minka LaBoef. What would we do without her malign influence? Thankfully she was merely injured and horrified to realize that Brooklyn rescued her. She lives to torment our bookbinder again. Carlisle also excels at producing murder victims who seem to deserve their fates. Layla Fontaine is an obnoxious bully who gets what she wants with money, so I was unsurprised when Brooklyn discovered her body. Carlisle makes a bit of a joke about Brooklyn's talent for tripping over corpses, but even though it's highly unlikely, it fit with the other facets of the plot.
As usual, Brooklyn's family and Guru Bob fill meaningful roles in the story. I love how Guru Bob seems to know everything and to have been everywhere. His sponsorship of the mysterious Gabriel is also intriguing.
Looking forward to the next book!
At an early stage in the book, I was shocked, thinking that the author had killed off Brooklyn's nemesis, Minka LaBoef. What would we do without her malign influence? Thankfully she was merely injured and horrified to realize that Brooklyn rescued her. She lives to torment our bookbinder again. Carlisle also excels at producing murder victims who seem to deserve their fates. Layla Fontaine is an obnoxious bully who gets what she wants with money, so I was unsurprised when Brooklyn discovered her body. Carlisle makes a bit of a joke about Brooklyn's talent for tripping over corpses, but even though it's highly unlikely, it fit with the other facets of the plot.
As usual, Brooklyn's family and Guru Bob fill meaningful roles in the story. I love how Guru Bob seems to know everything and to have been everywhere. His sponsorship of the mysterious Gabriel is also intriguing.
Looking forward to the next book!
September 9, 2021
Pretty decent story. I am enjoying Brooklyn and Derek's attempt at a relationship. They had a happy ending in this one but it took awhile. I didn't actually guess any of the ending so that was a good surprise. I have a few other books to read but the next in this series is getting pushed higher on that stack so I know what happens next!
August 10, 2019
Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert when it comes to restoring books, has recently returned home to San Francisco after attending a conference in Edinburgh. Her next job will be to teach a bookbinding class. She has several scheduled students for her course, but when the program's director, Layla Fontaine, adds another woman, Alice, for Brooklyn to teach, she is a bit thrown off.
This turns out to be the least of her problems, actually, because Layla is found dead. Brooklyn has to stop and think. This is hardly the first time she has stumbled across a dead body. So, not only does Brooklyn seem bound and determined to figure out what happened to Layla, she runs into security expert Derek Stone. The two had an almost relationship, but it seemed like nothing would ever come of it.
The more Brooklyn becomes involved, the more danger she places herself in. Meanwhile, she successfully works with her students and proves to be an intelligent teacher.
One reason that I enjoy reading various series so much is because of the continuity. In this case, not only is Derek back, but Robin, Brooklyn's best friend is back. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, her nemesis is back as well, and will also be teaching a class. Her neighbors, chainsaw sculptors, are back too. Of course, Brooklyn's parents make a cameo appearance.
I loved the mix of intrigue, friendship and family in this book. I also enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Brooklyn and Derek. Actually, I discovered this series with the 13th book, The Book Supremacy, so I already know how they end up, but it is a delight watching things form.
As of writing this review, I have also read the fourth book in the series, Murder Under Cover and look forward to continuing with Pages of Sin and One Book in the Grave.
This turns out to be the least of her problems, actually, because Layla is found dead. Brooklyn has to stop and think. This is hardly the first time she has stumbled across a dead body. So, not only does Brooklyn seem bound and determined to figure out what happened to Layla, she runs into security expert Derek Stone. The two had an almost relationship, but it seemed like nothing would ever come of it.
The more Brooklyn becomes involved, the more danger she places herself in. Meanwhile, she successfully works with her students and proves to be an intelligent teacher.
One reason that I enjoy reading various series so much is because of the continuity. In this case, not only is Derek back, but Robin, Brooklyn's best friend is back. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, her nemesis is back as well, and will also be teaching a class. Her neighbors, chainsaw sculptors, are back too. Of course, Brooklyn's parents make a cameo appearance.
I loved the mix of intrigue, friendship and family in this book. I also enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Brooklyn and Derek. Actually, I discovered this series with the 13th book, The Book Supremacy, so I already know how they end up, but it is a delight watching things form.
As of writing this review, I have also read the fourth book in the series, Murder Under Cover and look forward to continuing with Pages of Sin and One Book in the Grave.
December 15, 2017
Questa serie mi piace sempre di più! Ci sono ampi riferimenti al restauro di libri, cosa che mi affascina tantissimo, ma purtroppo riesco a capire bene solo un terzo delle spiegazioni al riguardo... Il cast dei personaggi è buono e sono sempre curiosa di sapere come si evolverà la vita della protagonista. In questo libro la storia gialla era ben congegnata e la soluzione mi ha colto di sorpresa. Meno male che ho appena iniziato questa serie perché vuol dire che ho ancora tanti libri da leggere per mettermi in pari!
July 5, 2020
This is another series that has been on my TBR list for way too long. Earlier this year I finally started the series and enjoy it. It is a little edgier than some of the cozy mysteries out there, in terms of the language. There is swearing, which I know some cozy readers find objectionable. I love that this is book related and that Brooklyn has a unique occupation - she is a bookbinder and she repairs/restores old books. She is probably one of the most unlucky main characters of any series I've read. If there is a dead body, there is a 100% chance that she will find it or stumble across it. There is a large cast of secondary characters, and I really like it when the reader gets a chance to visit with her family. There are all unique and add to the flavor of the story. I like that Brookly is a bit self-deprecating, but I would love to see a bit more growth in her characters and little less focus on herself. I like her romance with Derek and hope they they will settle a bit more in future books so the romance isn't so prominent. I thought the mystery was solid and that the author provided sufficient suspects and clues to keep the reader guessing. I have the next two books on my bookshelf and will hopefully get to those in the near future.
February 13, 2012
Ok, I realize that it is my own fault for even purchasing this book but it is far and away one of the WORST books I have ever read. Had I even opened the book and just looked at the names of some of the characters, I would have never bothered to bring it home. I thought I would try a new genre just for fun and so I picked this up. The writing was so incredibly simplistic it was painful, it was tacky, ridiculous and childish. The "murderer" was obvious and the main character was a twit. I am floored that there is an entire series that people are willing to read. I could write down an entire list of one liners that this author used and each time I went "Really, are you serious???" I am the first to admit I am not a huge fan of contemporary fiction but a book like this leads me to believe that even a math oriented analytical person such as myself could write a book and people would buy it. Unbelievable.
June 18, 2018
The Lies That Bind by Kate Carlisle was a fun cozy mystery with twists that I never saw coming and wonderful historical info about a Charles Dickens' copy of Oliver Twist. I like that as Brooklyn was teaching a class for beginning bookbinding that the information of the different tools and processes was "dumb downed" for those of us who are just entering into Brooklyn's world. A few scary moments, a fast paced plot, red herrings and so many suspects kept me turning the pages.
July 11, 2020
This one made me laugh more often due to the sexual rension building up. The surprising twist of whodunnit was a fun mystery to solve. I can't wait to start the 4th book in the series. I recently purchased the entire collection so I have plenty to read while on bedrest at 8 and a half months pregnant! I just wish I could get a signed copy of the newest in this series or a signed copy of her other fixer upper series. I must say Kate Carlisle has definitely made a new book geek fan with me!
May 6, 2021
I loved this one! Why did I wait so long to read this series?!
July 14, 2013
I was prepared to love this series about a bookbinder who seems to attract murder, because I'm an amateur bookbinder myself. However, the characters are pretty one-dimensional and everyone is categorized by how beautiful or attractive they are. Seemed pretty shallow to me, so even though the crime story was mildly interesting, I'm walking away from this series.
October 17, 2017
I couldn't read more than half this book. It was terrible. The characters were unlikeable and immature, and behaved, all too often, like middle school-aged children. And if I ever have to read descriptions like "his muscular thighs hard beneath the denim" again...it will be too soon.
September 26, 2019
I give this 3 1/2 stars. A good storyline, but I would prefer that Brooklyn not find, or be witness to every hurt or dead person in the book. Also, a few editing issues. But that could just be me.
January 1, 2025
Fabulous Cozy
This series is a book lovers' dream. We catch up with Brooklyn, book repairer extraordinaire, as she teaches some book making classes. Class is going well until a string of awful events starts happening, going from an attack to murders. Brooklyn is stuck in the middle whether she wants to be or not, leading to her investigating. Add sexy hot Derek to the mix, and the story really gets good. Makes for a fabulously enjoyable read as the story plays out. I highly recommend it to cozy fans. I totally loved it, so I give it 5/5 stars.
This series is a book lovers' dream. We catch up with Brooklyn, book repairer extraordinaire, as she teaches some book making classes. Class is going well until a string of awful events starts happening, going from an attack to murders. Brooklyn is stuck in the middle whether she wants to be or not, leading to her investigating. Add sexy hot Derek to the mix, and the story really gets good. Makes for a fabulously enjoyable read as the story plays out. I highly recommend it to cozy fans. I totally loved it, so I give it 5/5 stars.
April 30, 2024
Muy interesante, sí 🤔.
Me ha gustado y he adivinado el ¿asesino/a/os/as? a mitad de libro, así que todo bien.
Me ha gustado y he adivinado el ¿asesino/a/os/as? a mitad de libro, así que todo bien.
September 8, 2021
Brooklyn goes to San Francisco to teach a bookbinding class. The director is an awful woman who wants Brooklyn to lie about a book being a first edition. Later the director is found dead and her past is mixed up with Brooklyn’s beau things gets serious.
January 16, 2016
Brooklyn Wainwright is the master when it comes to restoring rare and antique books. In this third installment of the series, she is teaching a class on bookbinding at the San Francisco Bay Area Center for Book Arts, BABA. The director of the center is a real witch and has recently hired another teacher, a former classmate that Brooklyn absolutely hates, but Brooklyn loves what she does and loves to share it by teaching others, so she decides she can endure their presence for a few weeks.
Unfortunately the center is not the safest place to be, first the former classmate is assaulted in the hallway and then the director is found dead. Brooklyn starts to believe she is a dead body magnet as bodies seem to keep turning up wherever she is. The only good thing is that Derek Stone keeps turning up too and if things would just stop going wrong their passionate kisses could actually turn into a relationship. But first she must find out how Derek's relationship with the director is bound into the rest of the story, a story that leads to a murderer.
I LIKED IT!!!!
This was a brand new series for me and not only did I enjoy the mystery parts but I also learned a lot about bookbinding and restoring old and rare books.
It is not only the mystery that keeps the pages turning but you find yourself rooting for Derek and Brooklyn to finally get together. Time after time just when things look promising, a phone rings, someone knocks on the door, or another lead needs to be followed. Maybe that is why I didn't love this book, I was getting frustrated for them, but the good thing is that the next book, Murder Under Cover, will be out in May 2011, and while I know there will be a body or two, I am hoping that just maybe Brooklyn and Derek can actually go on an entire date, and maybe more, without any interruption.
The other characters in this series, especially Brooklyn's mom and dad, a couple of real life hippies, may make you laugh out loud. I really don't want to give too much away but if you are not familiar with this series start with Homicide in Hardcover, then If Books Could Kill and The Lies That Bind, each book builds on the last and each book is better than the one before.
To find out more about Kate Carlisle, the other books in the series, and more about Brooklyn's world be sure to check out Kate's Website.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free Obsidian, .a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 19s 16 CFR, Part 255 : 1CGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 1D
Unfortunately the center is not the safest place to be, first the former classmate is assaulted in the hallway and then the director is found dead. Brooklyn starts to believe she is a dead body magnet as bodies seem to keep turning up wherever she is. The only good thing is that Derek Stone keeps turning up too and if things would just stop going wrong their passionate kisses could actually turn into a relationship. But first she must find out how Derek's relationship with the director is bound into the rest of the story, a story that leads to a murderer.
I LIKED IT!!!!
This was a brand new series for me and not only did I enjoy the mystery parts but I also learned a lot about bookbinding and restoring old and rare books.
It is not only the mystery that keeps the pages turning but you find yourself rooting for Derek and Brooklyn to finally get together. Time after time just when things look promising, a phone rings, someone knocks on the door, or another lead needs to be followed. Maybe that is why I didn't love this book, I was getting frustrated for them, but the good thing is that the next book, Murder Under Cover, will be out in May 2011, and while I know there will be a body or two, I am hoping that just maybe Brooklyn and Derek can actually go on an entire date, and maybe more, without any interruption.
The other characters in this series, especially Brooklyn's mom and dad, a couple of real life hippies, may make you laugh out loud. I really don't want to give too much away but if you are not familiar with this series start with Homicide in Hardcover, then If Books Could Kill and The Lies That Bind, each book builds on the last and each book is better than the one before.
To find out more about Kate Carlisle, the other books in the series, and more about Brooklyn's world be sure to check out Kate's Website.
Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free Obsidian, .a division of Penguin Publishing. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission 19s 16 CFR, Part 255 : 1CGuides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising. 1D
May 18, 2020
Poor Brooklyn & Derek. they just want some time alone in order to move their relationship to the next level. (becoming intimate) but they keep getting interrupted just as they start which adds humor to the story.
unfortunately, b/c i've done a later book, i already knew who the culprit was in the story which ruined the element of surprise for me.
but it was still a good story. lots of red herrings to lead the reader onto suspect tangents.
As i started this series out of order, i'm going back now & catching myself up.
it's good b/c i'm trying to fill in the holes left by things mentioned in the later books.
unfortunately, b/c i've done a later book, i already knew who the culprit was in the story which ruined the element of surprise for me.
but it was still a good story. lots of red herrings to lead the reader onto suspect tangents.
As i started this series out of order, i'm going back now & catching myself up.
it's good b/c i'm trying to fill in the holes left by things mentioned in the later books.
July 26, 2017
Robin, North River patron, July 2017, 4 stars:
An enjoyable light read, but not a particularly plausible situation and a bit too much emphasis on wanting to sleep together, which was unnecessary for the story. I did learn a bit about book binding and what makes a first edition of an antique book.
An enjoyable light read, but not a particularly plausible situation and a bit too much emphasis on wanting to sleep together, which was unnecessary for the story. I did learn a bit about book binding and what makes a first edition of an antique book.
October 31, 2025
The Lies that Bind by Kate Carlisle is the 3rd book in the Bibliophile Mystery series. Book restorer Brooklyn Wainwright returns to San Francisco to teach a class on book binding at Bay Area Book Arts, only to clash with director Layla Fontaine, who is passing off a recently restored book of Oliver Twist as a first edition. When Layla is shot dead shortly afterwards, Brooklyn investigates. I loved this book and enjoyed learning about aspects of book binding along with Brooklyn's class. It was interesting the way the author drew out parallels of the current mystery with the Oliver Twist story. It was nice to see Brooklyn and Derek Stone rekindle their relationship and also catch up with Brooklyn's family. My main letdown was the way Brooklyn pushed her way into the takedown at the end putting herself and others in unnecessary danger. Otherwise a captivating and intriguing cozy mystery.
May 5, 2019
Great read. I love these characters and the plot. I can’t wait to read the next book in the series.
February 23, 2015
This was a decent installment of Brooklyn Wainwright and her escapades with hunky Derek Stone.
I've fallen behind in the series, and while I'm up-to-date with my purchases, I've got a lot of reading to go to catch up to the current book. I'm looking forward to "hanging out" with Brooklyn and Derek and making a few more trips to Dharma to interact with her family.
So, the nuts and bolts: the mystery was solid, interesting and while I had an inkling who the killer might be, it still kept me guessing. I wish she delved a bit more into "Oliver Twist" – what I'm saying will be apparent after you read – angle but at the same time, as a news writer myself, I can appreciate that this could have lead to a confusing tangent.
I also wish there was more depth to Layla and Naomi's characters. For being centralized figures, we really didn't get to know them very well. What were their motives for their behavior. It didn't need to be much, just maybe some "show" as to why their personalities lead them to their current states. Also, the familial relationship between Layla and Naomi wasn't good - why? Perhaps we'll get to know more about Naomi in future installments? I don't know ... but I have a feeling most all of Kate Carlisle's other loyal readers already know the answer to that question.
One of the things I've always enjoyed about this series is Brooklyn's friends and family. Her friends are wacky and her commune family is new agey crazy. The author has managed to give us an in depth feel for each of them and in my case, I've grown to absolutely adore them, and wish I had devoted and dedicated friends and family just like them - quirks and all!!
I also hope to "see" more of Gabriel .....
****** Spoiler of sorts******
Dang, I'm glad Brooklyn and Derek did the deed finally. I was hoping this wasn't going to go on book after book!
I've fallen behind in the series, and while I'm up-to-date with my purchases, I've got a lot of reading to go to catch up to the current book. I'm looking forward to "hanging out" with Brooklyn and Derek and making a few more trips to Dharma to interact with her family.
So, the nuts and bolts: the mystery was solid, interesting and while I had an inkling who the killer might be, it still kept me guessing. I wish she delved a bit more into "Oliver Twist" – what I'm saying will be apparent after you read – angle but at the same time, as a news writer myself, I can appreciate that this could have lead to a confusing tangent.
I also wish there was more depth to Layla and Naomi's characters. For being centralized figures, we really didn't get to know them very well. What were their motives for their behavior. It didn't need to be much, just maybe some "show" as to why their personalities lead them to their current states. Also, the familial relationship between Layla and Naomi wasn't good - why? Perhaps we'll get to know more about Naomi in future installments? I don't know ... but I have a feeling most all of Kate Carlisle's other loyal readers already know the answer to that question.
One of the things I've always enjoyed about this series is Brooklyn's friends and family. Her friends are wacky and her commune family is new agey crazy. The author has managed to give us an in depth feel for each of them and in my case, I've grown to absolutely adore them, and wish I had devoted and dedicated friends and family just like them - quirks and all!!
I also hope to "see" more of Gabriel .....
****** Spoiler of sorts******
Dang, I'm glad Brooklyn and Derek did the deed finally. I was hoping this wasn't going to go on book after book!
September 23, 2015
The Lies That Bind
4 Stars
Book restorer, Brooklyn Wainwright, is caught up in another mystery when the director of the center hosting her class is murdered. The victim, Layla Fontaine, was rude, manipulative and deceitful, so it is no surprise when the suspects start piling up. Nevertheless, Brooklyn is determined to investigate, especially when someone close to her is targeted.
A definite improvement on book #2.
Brooklyn is a likable heroine although she has one or two questionable moments in this installment. The fact that she was willing to put me off her character somewhat. The developments in her romance with Derek are entertaining and it looks like they are finally getting somewhere. Gabriel’s character is also very intriguing as more details concerning his past are revealed.
The mystery and investigation are well-developed and the victim certainly had it coming. That said, the identity of the villain is obvious mainly due to the fact that there is something off about them from the start.
In terms of the writing, the information on book binding techniques is interesting, especially for a book lover, but there are times where it feels overdone and seems like unnecessary filler. Moreover, the dialogue can be clunky.
Eileen Stevens’ narration is good although she really needs to pick up the pace.
All in all, the cozy mystery plots, quirky characters and light romance make the Bibliophile Mystery series an entertaining experience.
4 Stars
Book restorer, Brooklyn Wainwright, is caught up in another mystery when the director of the center hosting her class is murdered. The victim, Layla Fontaine, was rude, manipulative and deceitful, so it is no surprise when the suspects start piling up. Nevertheless, Brooklyn is determined to investigate, especially when someone close to her is targeted.
A definite improvement on book #2.
Brooklyn is a likable heroine although she has one or two questionable moments in this installment. The fact that she was willing to put me off her character somewhat. The developments in her romance with Derek are entertaining and it looks like they are finally getting somewhere. Gabriel’s character is also very intriguing as more details concerning his past are revealed.
The mystery and investigation are well-developed and the victim certainly had it coming. That said, the identity of the villain is obvious mainly due to the fact that there is something off about them from the start.
In terms of the writing, the information on book binding techniques is interesting, especially for a book lover, but there are times where it feels overdone and seems like unnecessary filler. Moreover, the dialogue can be clunky.
Eileen Stevens’ narration is good although she really needs to pick up the pace.
All in all, the cozy mystery plots, quirky characters and light romance make the Bibliophile Mystery series an entertaining experience.
August 28, 2018
The Lies That Bind by Kate Carlisle
Brooklyn Wainwright is teaching a bookbinding course at Bay Area Book Arts Center created and maintained by a woman well on her way to being her number two nemesis, Layla Fontaine. Unfortunately, Fontaine is how she actually got the job, so sucking it up falls well into her job description. Then worse gets worser when her number one nemesis is hired in to teach, too. Minka LaBeouf is known for being about the worst bookbinder in the business, so it’s perplexing that she winds up at a school to teach.
During a break that first night, Brooklyn heads out to talk to Layla and walks into an oddly dark hallway to her office and stumbles over the knocked out and bloody body of Minka, unconscious and quite bloody, but alive.
There is also a reunion with British security hunk, Derek Stone, who appears to be soon a permanent character in this series. It’s into his arms she runs when later finding Layla shot dead, but not during their planned date later that very evening, which, alas, happens receptively through the book. Bullets and bodies, usually quite connected, pile up and appear to be tied to a (not so) rare first edition of Oliver Twist.
But wait, that’s not all. A slew of forged antiquarian books seem to be the scam and my first assumption (always stick to first) came true in the end. It was a fun ride with a few pit stops, but that’s what makes for a fun read. On to the next.
Brooklyn Wainwright is teaching a bookbinding course at Bay Area Book Arts Center created and maintained by a woman well on her way to being her number two nemesis, Layla Fontaine. Unfortunately, Fontaine is how she actually got the job, so sucking it up falls well into her job description. Then worse gets worser when her number one nemesis is hired in to teach, too. Minka LaBeouf is known for being about the worst bookbinder in the business, so it’s perplexing that she winds up at a school to teach.
During a break that first night, Brooklyn heads out to talk to Layla and walks into an oddly dark hallway to her office and stumbles over the knocked out and bloody body of Minka, unconscious and quite bloody, but alive.
There is also a reunion with British security hunk, Derek Stone, who appears to be soon a permanent character in this series. It’s into his arms she runs when later finding Layla shot dead, but not during their planned date later that very evening, which, alas, happens receptively through the book. Bullets and bodies, usually quite connected, pile up and appear to be tied to a (not so) rare first edition of Oliver Twist.
But wait, that’s not all. A slew of forged antiquarian books seem to be the scam and my first assumption (always stick to first) came true in the end. It was a fun ride with a few pit stops, but that’s what makes for a fun read. On to the next.
February 5, 2011
Reviews Of Unusual Size -
Re: Brooklyn Wainwright is teaching a bookbinding class and having lots of internal monologues about her feelings when a co-worker drops dead, another is assaulted and two dreamy men from her past appear. Are any of them connected? Will there be more murders? Did the people in her class pay to take it? Cause if they did, they've gotta be feeling ripped off.
Outstanding: The art of bookbinding and repair is vividly detailed and more interesting that I would have guessed. The idea for the series and it's location - San Francisco, is pretty cool.
Unacceptable: There was just so much time spent yammering on about how assorted people felt about other assorted people and how they were either annoying or sexalicious. The entire side trip to the Dharma Hippie commune felt tacked in and out of place.
Summary: This was the first "Cozy Mystery" that I've read and while I can certainly see the appeal - it's a kind of light romance/ lighter mystery hybrid - it didn't hit the spot at all. Carlisle has an upbeat and easy writing style, yet it took me weeks to finally finish.
2/5
Notes: Although her Bibliophile series suffers from a bad case of clip-art painting, they're pretty appealing. The same can not be said for her romance covers, which are truly horrid.
http://reviewsofunusualsize.blogspot....
Re: Brooklyn Wainwright is teaching a bookbinding class and having lots of internal monologues about her feelings when a co-worker drops dead, another is assaulted and two dreamy men from her past appear. Are any of them connected? Will there be more murders? Did the people in her class pay to take it? Cause if they did, they've gotta be feeling ripped off.
Outstanding: The art of bookbinding and repair is vividly detailed and more interesting that I would have guessed. The idea for the series and it's location - San Francisco, is pretty cool.
Unacceptable: There was just so much time spent yammering on about how assorted people felt about other assorted people and how they were either annoying or sexalicious. The entire side trip to the Dharma Hippie commune felt tacked in and out of place.
Summary: This was the first "Cozy Mystery" that I've read and while I can certainly see the appeal - it's a kind of light romance/ lighter mystery hybrid - it didn't hit the spot at all. Carlisle has an upbeat and easy writing style, yet it took me weeks to finally finish.
2/5
Notes: Although her Bibliophile series suffers from a bad case of clip-art painting, they're pretty appealing. The same can not be said for her romance covers, which are truly horrid.
http://reviewsofunusualsize.blogspot....
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