A Perfect Bind

A Perfect Bind by Dorothy St. James has Tru Beckett discovering that someone has broken into the secret bookroom in the basement of the Cypress, South Carolina bookless library for the third time. Tru cannot figure out how someone is getting into the private space. A short time later, Owen Maynard is found dead behind the library. Tru wonders if the two incidents can be connected, but she cannot risk telling the police about the secret bookroom. Tru with Flossie and Tori work to find who is behind both crimes. A Perfect Bind is the 2nd A Beloved Bookroom Mystery. It can be read as a standalone for those who have not read The Broken Spine. I like Tru Beckett with her passion for books. She has a sweet cat named Dewey Decimal. I do wish, though, that Tru would stand up to her mother. There is a cast of secondary characters that include Tru’s friends, Flossie, and Tori. There are two mysteries in the story. Someone is breaking into the secret bookroom in the basement of the library, and the murder of local mechanic, Owen. Tru hopes the two incidents are not connected. She is afraid if the police are told about the bookroom, it will get closed down. There are good clues to help readers figure out why the crime happened. The guilty party can be identified early on in the story. I would have liked it to be more of a challenge. I enjoyed the lively reveal. I like how Tru, and Dewey are together. She talks to Dewey who responds to her in his own way. It is cute. At the end of the book, I was left with a couple of questions. I am curious as to why this hi-tech library does not have a matching security system. I would think the door to the basement would have a lock (the type where you need to enter a code or have a card). Also, now that the town manager who forced the library to get rid of the books is gone, why have the books not returned. Those readers who enjoy lighthearted cozy mysteries with books, a sweet cat, and good friends will enjoy reading A Perfect Bind. A Perfect Bind is a cute cozy mystery with a murdered mechanic, a bothered bookroom, a prodding detective, apple pie problems, a meddlesome assistant librarian, and a fun Fall Festival.