Word to the Wise is the 10th book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series. Jenn McKinlay writes several cozy mystery series that are among my “must-reads” so I’m always excited when she puts out a new book!
Title: Word to the Wise
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Series: Library Lover’s Mystery #10
First Published: September 3, 2019
Publisher: Berkley
Categories: Mystery
Acquired: from the publisher via NetGalley
*** Thank you to the publisher, Berkley, for providing me with an e-copy of this book in exchange for an unbiased review. ***
Briar Creek’s library director, Lindsey Norris is FINALLY getting married to the man of her dreams but gardening enthusiast and town newcomer Aaron Grady gives the term “book lover” a whole new meaning. Inappropriate looks and unwelcome late-night visits to Lindsey’s house have everyone from the crafternooners to Lindsey’s fiancé, Sully, on edge.
When Grady’s dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it’s up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady’s previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully’s name. But becoming a thorn in the killer’s side is not without its consequences, and the closer Lindsey gets to the truth, the more determined the murderer is to make her just a footnote.
Word to the Wise deals with current issues and scary experiences
Ok, every cozy mystery, no matter how “cozy” is still really about a murder (or most of the of time, multiple murders) so none of the books are sunshine-and-rainbows, all-is-well books, but honestly, Word to the Wise freaked me out more than a little.
Grady’s character was SCARY. He wasn’t big or ugly and didn’t have special powers or a whole team of baddies behind him, but he is scary in a way that, unfortunately, many women know firsthand.
His behaviour towards Lindsey INFURIATED me and made me want to reach into the book and throttle him. McKinlay wrote him perfectly. Because not every “bad guy” out there is someone you can see coming – they can be unassuming, bland, quiet – the ones that people scoff at you and say “You have nothing to worry about.”.
Speaking of scoffing, some of the town’s people reactions to Lindsey’s concerns about Grady are also very spot-on with how the world often treats victims of stalkers or unwanted attention. Again, I wanted to scream at some of these idiots.
A cozy mystery with a twist
One big twist, of course, is that Grady himself becomes the murder victim. I couldn’t feel sorry for him but of course I was concerned because those that cared about Lindsey, especially Sully, were now the prime suspects.
One thing about reading a long-running series is that you become attached to some characters and each book seems like a long-overdue visit with old friends. In the Library Lover’s Mystery series, I’m definitely fans of Lindsey, Sully and their friends, Robbie and Emma (the police chief). I really enjoy the interactions between these four characters and could read chapters just with their banter alone.
The ending is satisfying and pretty much what I’ve come to expect from McKinlay. I’m looking forward to returning to Briar Creek and catching up with everyone in the next book.
p.s. Lemon for Mayor!!!
Read Word to the Wise for yourself
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