Checked Out for Murder: A Haunted Library Mystery

Checked out for Murder touched my heart as much as it captured my avid interest. I loved the newest novel in the series as I have every Haunted Library Mystery. Every book seems to get better and I was sold from the first one. Allison Brooks always offers characters that I really want to get to know but this time, just as Carrie and I were becoming acquainted with Daphne who seemed like she would fit right in, the fabulous Ms. Brooks and some unknown person stole her from us. Although her ex was in town before she was killed, Carrie can't help feeling that Daphne's death was connected to her father's murder years earlier. With very little to go on, Carrie inched her way through a maze of distractions and limited clues. A second death turned the spotlight on Carrie's mother, so actress announced that she and her much younger actor husband will move into her librarian daughter's home for greater privacy. Those familiar with the series know how much that decision thrilled Carrie, so she had more reason than ever to uncover the murderer quickly. The twists and turns and red-herrings kept me guessing and reading. I did not want to put that book down. Our favorite library cat was around to delight us, and our favorite library ghost dropped in to make us think. Evelyn had known the victim’s family when they lived in Clover Ridge years earlier, so insight was helpful in guiding our amateur detective's search. I am happy to see that, while Dylan still has to travel, he was around more. He is a great partner for Carrie. I received an ARC from NetGalley much to my excitement and I am looking forward to sharing this special book with my friends. #NetGalley #CheckedOutforMurder

Checked Out for Murder is the fourth in the series, but I had not read the others. The author, however, did such a fantastic job of describing the characters that I was able to fully enjoy this edition despite not having read the others. The main character is a librarian who has the help of a ghost that lives in the library she works at. I am a big fan of cozy mysteries that have ghosts in them, and though this ghost was not a major factor in the story, the mystery was done well enough that the small amount of paranormal contact was not discouraging. I would have liked to have had more of the ghost, but the other characters in the story made up for it in leaps and bounds. I especially loved the best friend, and coworkers. The love interest was well done, but I think I may have to read the previous ones to be more attached to their relationship, as by this book, it is well established. Not a bad thing, just if one is looking for a little love interest, this book does not have much romantic tension between the two. I was very happy, however, with the plot and the who-done it aspect. The mystery lead me in many directions, and though I normally have cases solved before half the book is done, this book took me on a few red herrings that made me not realize who did it until close to the end. In the meantime, I enjoyed the ride as the main character, Carrie Singleton, tried to find out who killed two people, while possibly linking those deaths to a death years ago. It all takes place as her mother, and her mother’s husband are in town to film a movie; and two people are murdered back to back. Her mother is suspected at one point, which leads Carrie to ignore her first instinct to stay out of the murder. As others pull her into the investigation, she finds that the clues are falling one by one in her lap for her to find the killer. I will have to say that I am very much wanting to go back and read the others in the series, not only to see the beginnings of her love interest, but also because the author’s writing was so well done, and I enjoyed this story so much.I feel I need to relive the fun in another book. Highly recommend this book for those who like this author, and for others looking for a new cozy mystery. This one is a winner!

What a great new offering in one of my favorite series! Carrie, the Clover Ridge library’s head of programs and events, has come a long way from the purple-haired goth girl to shine in all of her creativity, talent, and personality! Oh, and helped solve a few murders, as well. The characters are well defined through actions and conversations. This novel is like visiting with old friends. The mystery is a real treat, and a challenge to solve. The setting of Connecticut in springtime sounds gorgeous. Carrie’s mom, Brianna, is married to Tom, a younger man who is an actor. The movie Tom was cast in will be filmed in town, so they will be visiting for several weeks. Carrie and her mom were never close, so it might be a challenge being around her for so long. Carrie has been dating her late brother’s childhood friend, Dylan for several months, and they are in it for the long haul. Evelyn is the delightful ghost of a woman who worked, and died, at the library many years ago. Evelyn has helped with the murder cases Carrie has inquired about in the past, and they are friends. Even if nobody except Carrie and her 4-year old cousin Tacey can see her. Carrie made a new friend, a young woman who wanted to make a presentation to library patrons. Daphne had a near death experience that left her with psychic abilities, and she talks about various types of psychic gifts. Evelyn is the only person in town who recognizes Daphne from the past. When she was a teen, her abusive father was stabbed to death, her mother left town without a trace, and her brother was in prison several years for the murder before being exonerated. In the meantime, Brianna’s husband Tom has an old friend on the movie set. He is playing opposite his ex-fiancé, and it looks like Ilana is trying to get him back at any cost. After a couple hours of watching a movie shoot and Ilana flirt with Tom, Carrie’s day could only get better until…it doesn’t. Daphne was found murdered in her apartment. Her brother has heard Carrie has solved murders in the past, but she has promised her boyfriend and the police chief she would not do so anymore, as the last time almost didn’t end well. The next day, Ilana is found murdered in her hotel room. This time, the first suspect is Carrie’s mother Brianna, then Tom. There are not enough clues to narrow down any one person, and Brianna pleads for Carrie’s help to keep her out of jail. She doesn’t want Brianna to go to prison, but she doesn’t want to lose Dylan, either. This cozy mystery is plotted and executed so well! I enjoyed every minute of it, especially when trying to guess who really “dunit”. The thought that there could be three killers at large – Daphne’s father’s, Daphne’s, and Ilana’s, is daunting. Even more so is the thought of there being a connection between the three that could be just one murderer. I loved watching Carrie and Dylan work together to discover what happened, especially in light of Carrie’s sadness at losing a new friend in such a terrible manner. It is a fabulous, frightening, and fun mystery! The end was a complete surprise, and very satisfying. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with a library setting, movie set, and slight paranormal twist. From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.