Monday, September 10, 2018

Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay


First Line: He was whistling.

A stack of library materials found at the scene of a hit and run draws Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris into the heart of an investigation as police race to link the driver to the person who borrowed the items. And the police must move even faster when the victim of the hit and run suffers another "accident." This investigation has shifted from driver negligence to attempted murder, and those library materials may just give Lindsey the information she needs to crack the case right open.


When you want and need to read something light and fun, you can't go wrong with anything Jenn McKinlay has written, but I say she has a little thriller writer buried deep down inside who's begging to be turned loose. Hitting the Books opens with a hit and run scene that made my heart jump into my throat. (And that's not the only scene which had that effect on me.)

In this latest Library Lovers mystery, McKinlay has upped her game to a whole new level. From the pedal-to-the-metal pacing to an ingenious plot with a solution that blindsided me, I enjoyed every moment. What's even better-- McKinlay never once forgets her characters. Longtime fans are going to love the romantic doings between Lindsey and Sully, and since the author knows how to use a light touch, this I-don't-care-for-romance-in-my-mystery reader (me) loved it, too. Readers who haven't found that special person are going to read this and think, "That's what I want," and those of us who have been supremely lucky are just going to have big smiles on our faces.

It wouldn't be a McKinlay novel without the author's trademark humor, and there's plenty to be found here, as well as characters who change as they experience different things throughout this series of books. And may I just say that I'm thrilled to see that librarian fixture Ms. Cole (AKA "The Lemon") is changing as well. Watching her evolve from mean and nasty to almost-human is a joy. Speaking of librarians, the scenes in which Lindsey faces down the law over the subject of patrons' privacy highlight one of the many reasons why librarians are rock stars.

Hitting the Books hits all the right notes. Thrilling action scenes, the right touch of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, a compelling mystery, and characters you'd invite in your house for coffee. After watching McKinlay flex her writing chops in this book, I can't wait for the next Library Lovers mystery!


Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay
eISBN: 9780451492692
Berkley Prime Crime © 2018
eBook, 304 pages

Cozy Mystery, #9 Library Lovers mystery
Rating: A+
Source: Net Galley 


10 comments:

  1. You can't go wrong with that library context, Cathy, as far as I'm concerned. And this done does sound like a solid, light read that also has some substance to it. Glad you enjoyed it.

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    1. Yes, it does have some substance to it, Margot.

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  2. Yes, and even though this is #9 in the series (one I haven't sampled yet), I'm very tempted to try it anyway. Think I will. Your review certainly makes it very, very appealing and who doesn't love to read about libraries?

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  3. Replies
    1. Denis and I are looking forward to seeing you and Paige tomorrow night!

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  4. Mine just arrived, can't wait! I was wondering if you would head to the PP, I saw via her email newsletter she will be there! Have fun!

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    1. I always do when she's there. If you ever get a chance to meet her, DO NOT MISS IT. She is a gem!

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  5. I love this series and definitely need to download this newest installment!

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