Hitting the Books

There is quite a variety of personalities among the characters in this book. I enjoyed the interactions between Lindsey and the other employees in the library. They all seem to know her really well and her ability to stick her nose into business that she shouldn’t.

The mystery was wonderful. There were plenty of twists and turns that kept me guessing. I was surprised by the final reveal of who-done-it and why.

This book is not within the category of inspirational fiction. I did struggle some with the characters living together without being married. These are my personal feelings and I know that each person makes their own decision about this. If this will bother you then you may want to select a different book to read.

I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher. I have chosen to write this review to express my personal opinion.

Disclaimer: *Disclosure of Material Connection: I received a copy of this book for free in the hope that I would mention/review it on my blog. I was not required to give a positive review, only my honest opinion - which I've done. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.*

Hitting the Books by Jenn McKinlay is the ninth book A Library Lover’s Mystery series. Lindsey Norris is the library director for Briar Creek Public Library in Briar Creek, Connecticut. Linsey is tired from a late night of reading so during crafternoon she finds herself staring out the window (and avoiding holding a baby). She sees Theresa Huston, a local tennis coach, get hit by a car that then speeds away. The same car almost hits Charlie Peyton outside the Blue Anchor. Theresa ends up with a broken leg three weeks before her wedding to Larry Milstein. The car belonged to Kayla Manning who had reported it stolen. The pilfered car is later found with borrowed library materials inside. Before Lindsey can discover who checked out the items, Theresa is attacked in her home. Someone is determined to do away with the bride-to-be. Lindsey delves into the library records in hopes of discovering the identity of the guilty party. The killer makes another attempt which sends Lindsey into overdrive to unravel the clues and expose the predator. Will Theresa make it to her wedding?

Jenn McKinlay never fails to deliver an entertaining cozy mystery. I have read every book in this series and look forward to the latest release each year. It is like visiting old friends when I pick up A Library Lover’s Mystery. Hitting the Books could be read as a standalone, but I believe it would be beneficial to read Books Can Be Deceiving first. It is the first novel in A Library Lover’s Mystery series and it will give you the background on the characters. I thought Hitting the Books was well-written with a nice, steady pace. Briar Creek is a welcoming small town with pleasant townspeople. Lindsey Norris is a smart, friendly and caring woman who is the head librarian for Briar Creek. Her best friend and children’s librarian, Beth is a woman who really loves her job. I like the various costumes she wears to entertain the children’s during story time (she is clever). Lindsey and Captain Mike Sullivan are now living together, and it is an adjustment. I can understand Lindsey not enjoying Mike’s cheery whistling so early in the morning (that would be annoying). I felt there was too much time devoted to the romance, but I like seeing this pair together. Lindsey is worried about the future (marriage, kids) and needs to work through a few concerns. The mystery was intriguing. There are good clues that will aid readers in solving the crime before the solution is revealed. My rating for Hitting the Books is 4 out of 5 stars. The ending will have fans of the series smiling. Hitting the Books has friendly characters, a charming town, a cozy library, a perplexing mystery, a sweet romance and a cute dog.

Lindsey Norris is the Briar Creek head librarian.
During the library’s crafternoon group hour, Lindsey
noticed a car speeding through town hitting one of
the residents, Theresa Houston. Theresa is lucky as
she only suffers from a broken leg. But then Theresa
is attacked in her home. Someone is trying to kill
Theresa.
When the Sheriff finds the hit and run car, the driver
is dead. Shot to death. There are CD’s in the car from
the library. Lindsey immediately begins to investigate
along with the Sheriff.
Lindsey and her dog, Heathcliff are adjusting to her
move in with her boyfriend Captain Scully who is a
retired naval captain. He runs boat tours.
A fast paced, thought provoking and uniquely plotted
mystery. A cast of cleverly crafted, well defined and
interesting characters. Murder, hit and runs, missing
person, CDs, insurance policies, danger and intrigue,
all mix together for a well written suspenseful read.
While this is book # 9 in the Library Lover’s Mysteries
series, it can be read as a stand alone.
A real page turner providing a surprise ending!!
I volunteered to read Hitting the Books. Thanks to
First-to-Read for the opportunity. My opinion is my own.
The end of the book gives the reader, craft and recipes.
For book clubs, the end has a Reader’s Guide.