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megdobrinska's review
lighthearted
mysterious
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
jkjoy_books's review
4.0
3.5
This cozy mystery will captivate readers with its relaxing atmosphere that lingers from the very beginning till the end. While some may find the pacing a bit slow and subdued, it was a good read.
One of the highlights of this book is the charming setting of Northern Wisconsin during the vibrant autumn season, which adds an extra layer of warmth and coziness to the overall reading experience. Additionally, the choice of a librarian as the main character adds a unique and intriguing element to the story.
Overall, despite the slower pace, I enjoyed reading it and would highly recommend it to fellow book lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
This cozy mystery will captivate readers with its relaxing atmosphere that lingers from the very beginning till the end. While some may find the pacing a bit slow and subdued, it was a good read.
One of the highlights of this book is the charming setting of Northern Wisconsin during the vibrant autumn season, which adds an extra layer of warmth and coziness to the overall reading experience. Additionally, the choice of a librarian as the main character adds a unique and intriguing element to the story.
Overall, despite the slower pace, I enjoyed reading it and would highly recommend it to fellow book lovers.
Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for allowing me to read and review this book.
bookrechargingstation's review
3.75
Thank you to Netgalley and Level Best Books for this ARC!
I had a lot of fun ready this cozy mystery, and will definitely be reading more books by Leah Dobrinska
All of the characters are so lovable and the blooming romance between Greta and McHenry is to die for!
My only gripe with this book was that it wasn't quite as intense as I'd hoped it would be. Which does make sense for a cozy mystery, but I still wish they'd spent a bit more time on every exciting event that happens, instead of moving on as quickly as they did
All in all, I seriously enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it!
I had a lot of fun ready this cozy mystery, and will definitely be reading more books by Leah Dobrinska
All of the characters are so lovable and the blooming romance between Greta and McHenry is to die for!
My only gripe with this book was that it wasn't quite as intense as I'd hoped it would be. Which does make sense for a cozy mystery, but I still wish they'd spent a bit more time on every exciting event that happens, instead of moving on as quickly as they did
All in all, I seriously enjoyed this book and I definitely recommend it!
reading__queerly's review
4.0
A librarian solving mysteries? Count me in!
Mayhem in Circulation is the second book in the Larkspur Library Mysteries, a series that follows the main character Greta Plank, a librarian in a small Wisconsin town. When there is vandalism and a murder leading up to the town’s highly anticipated tourism showcase, she can’t help but become involved. Alongside her best friends, the charming Detective McHenry, and a cast of other charismatic characters, Greta sets out to uncover the truth behind the events that have unfolded in her normally peaceful town.
While I’m not a huge reader of mysteries, I was drawn to this one with the premise of a librarian MC solving the mysteries. Greta Plank knows how to do her research, and while at times she is idealistic, she is most importantly curious and driven. Her curiosity especially moves the plot forward, gliding the book smoothly between lulls and points of tension. However, if I had one word to describe the book, it would be cozy. Despite the premise around solving a murder-mystery, there are not many points in which there are high stakes, and it is easy to get sucked into the relationships of the townsfolk and the descriptions of the picturesque setting. Further, the romantic relationship developed between Greta and Detective McHenry felt authentic and soft. It had a slow build-up and instead of upstanding the mystery plot, it seemed like a reasonable development alongside it.
Overall, this was a pleasant read. It lacked a bit in character development – for both Greta and other characters – as well as “told” rather than “showed” some of the pieces coming together at the end of the novel, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. The book took me out of my head and had me relaxing into the world of Larkspur.
This book is the second of the Larkspur Library Mysteries, but I found that it can certainly be read as a standalone. I had not previously read Death Checked Out, the first in the series, and I did not think that it had an impact on my comprehension or enjoyment of Mayhem in Circulation. Now that I’ve read one book in the series, I would like to read the first or even a following novel to really see how certain relationships either came together or pan out in the future.
Thank you to Level Best Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers copy.
Mayhem in Circulation is the second book in the Larkspur Library Mysteries, a series that follows the main character Greta Plank, a librarian in a small Wisconsin town. When there is vandalism and a murder leading up to the town’s highly anticipated tourism showcase, she can’t help but become involved. Alongside her best friends, the charming Detective McHenry, and a cast of other charismatic characters, Greta sets out to uncover the truth behind the events that have unfolded in her normally peaceful town.
While I’m not a huge reader of mysteries, I was drawn to this one with the premise of a librarian MC solving the mysteries. Greta Plank knows how to do her research, and while at times she is idealistic, she is most importantly curious and driven. Her curiosity especially moves the plot forward, gliding the book smoothly between lulls and points of tension. However, if I had one word to describe the book, it would be cozy. Despite the premise around solving a murder-mystery, there are not many points in which there are high stakes, and it is easy to get sucked into the relationships of the townsfolk and the descriptions of the picturesque setting. Further, the romantic relationship developed between Greta and Detective McHenry felt authentic and soft. It had a slow build-up and instead of upstanding the mystery plot, it seemed like a reasonable development alongside it.
Overall, this was a pleasant read. It lacked a bit in character development – for both Greta and other characters – as well as “told” rather than “showed” some of the pieces coming together at the end of the novel, but for the most part, I enjoyed it. The book took me out of my head and had me relaxing into the world of Larkspur.
This book is the second of the Larkspur Library Mysteries, but I found that it can certainly be read as a standalone. I had not previously read Death Checked Out, the first in the series, and I did not think that it had an impact on my comprehension or enjoyment of Mayhem in Circulation. Now that I’ve read one book in the series, I would like to read the first or even a following novel to really see how certain relationships either came together or pan out in the future.
Thank you to Level Best Books and NetGalley for providing me with an advanced readers copy.
readingasiknit's review
4.0
Fall festival feels in a small town, makes for one cozy setting. Add in a splash of murder and you have created some mayhem. Book two in the series takes us back to Larkspur, where we get a peek more into the lives of the librarians we have come to love. Greta and her gang try to solve the latest string of vandalism and a dead body before the sabotage takes over the town and leaves some of the local businesses questioning if they can continue.
I enjoy this book, not as much as the first one but I would 100% pick up the next book in the series to see what adventures await the librarians.
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. This book hits the shelves December 5, 2023.
I enjoy this book, not as much as the first one but I would 100% pick up the next book in the series to see what adventures await the librarians.
Thank you Net Galley for this ARC. This book hits the shelves December 5, 2023.
annie14's review
4.0
Oh this book gave me all the cozy feels - What I would call a good old fashioned “ Who done it “ story. Having not read the first in the larkspur murder series I didn’t know what to expect and it did not disappoint . I was drawn straight in with the whole community feel , I could picture the town with its library being the focal point , And I’d love to visit Mugs and Hugs . Loved how Greta and her friends take it upon themselves to discover the villian when tragedy strikes and the towns reputation hangs in the balance . Plot twists and new directions sewn in so intricately it made for a very pleasant read and I now what to know where the lives of the ladies of larkspur go next . A heart felt story of community spirit and protecting what’s yours really enjoyed it.
trisha_thomas's review
3.0
A cute cozy mystery and a quick read. We're back in the town of Larkspur. It doesn't take long before another body is found! It's on the heels of a festival and celebration for the town, and recognition from a big magazine the town's tourism could use.
I loved the characters in this one, just like the first one. Greta is feisty and fun and I like her POV. The budding romance with the new detective in town is just adorable and I loved their interactions. Cozy mysteries are so fun to just sit back and roll with the twists, so I didn't even try to solve this one and just rolled with each new suspect the MC focused in on. Even if the ending had some over-the-top moments, I loved it all the same. I think I'll read book 3, it's such a cute little group of librarians - I'd love to visit them again for another mystery!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
I loved the characters in this one, just like the first one. Greta is feisty and fun and I like her POV. The budding romance with the new detective in town is just adorable and I loved their interactions. Cozy mysteries are so fun to just sit back and roll with the twists, so I didn't even try to solve this one and just rolled with each new suspect the MC focused in on. Even if the ending had some over-the-top moments, I loved it all the same. I think I'll read book 3, it's such a cute little group of librarians - I'd love to visit them again for another mystery!
A huge thank you to the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
sometimesalyreadsbooks's review
3.0
Greta Plank and the gang are back and ready to solve another murder in this sequel to Death Checked Out!
This time, the fall festival is fastly approaching and things are getting bad. Vandalism, murder and shady characters all around and Greta's friend has gone missing.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but it was difficult to connect with. I felt like there was less chemistry between the characters and no one really cared about the murder victim. All of the suspects were unlikable to the point where I almost thought every single one of them committed the murder together.
I also know this author writes closed door romances, which is fine, but the main character and her love interest still hasn't even held hands by the end of this one so I found myself losing any investment into that.
I will say that the mystery elements kept me on my toes and I was guessing almost to the end. I like when books make me second guess myself.
I give this read 3 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
This time, the fall festival is fastly approaching and things are getting bad. Vandalism, murder and shady characters all around and Greta's friend has gone missing.
I really wanted to enjoy this one, but it was difficult to connect with. I felt like there was less chemistry between the characters and no one really cared about the murder victim. All of the suspects were unlikable to the point where I almost thought every single one of them committed the murder together.
I also know this author writes closed door romances, which is fine, but the main character and her love interest still hasn't even held hands by the end of this one so I found myself losing any investment into that.
I will say that the mystery elements kept me on my toes and I was guessing almost to the end. I like when books make me second guess myself.
I give this read 3 stars.
Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.
melycp's review
3.0
After listening to the audiobook version of the first book, I was really hoping to enjoy this series more in the written format. I definitely did enjoy my reading experience of this one more, but I do think the story of the first book was stronger.
Don’t get me wrong, I didn’t hate this, but I definitely didn’t love it. The mystery element never feels very urgent. There was a literal murderer walking around and at no point did the book feel tense nor did the suspense grow. It does live up to the cosy small-town murder mystery vibes it promised, but I think I’m a bigger fan of grisly mysteries.
My favourite parts of this book were watching Greta and McHenry grow closer. I personally think the author excels more at writing romance than a mystery. However, I don’t have a lot of experience with cosy mysteries so my opinion could be wrong.
I’m not going to give the mystery away, but I do think the resolution was a bit of a cop-out. I don’t feel like it was developed enough to have an impact. It was a good storyline but I feel like it needed just a little more time to really add shock value.
It sounds like I hated every moment of this but I really didn’t. The characters are fun and I love small-town books. I’m not sure if I would consider continuing this series, maybe if there’s a promise of Greta and McHenry’s relationship progressing.
booksspiceandeverythingnice's review
4.0
A small town, a Fall Festival, a librarian and a bunch of mysterious happenings. Mayhem in Circulation is the 2nd book in the Larkspur Library Mystery series and it's full of intrigue, romance, and cozy fall vibes (when people aren't being murdered, that is).
I found the characters extremely interesting, the plot moved and twisted at a rate that kept me engaged throughout, and like any good whodunnit I was kept guessing until the final pages. Great read!
✨Disclaimer ✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
I found the characters extremely interesting, the plot moved and twisted at a rate that kept me engaged throughout, and like any good whodunnit I was kept guessing until the final pages. Great read!
✨Disclaimer ✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.