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pussreboots's review against another edition
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
5.0
brianne_k's review against another edition
4.0
*4/5*
This series is just my comfort series right now. I love the majority of the characters, the setting, etc.
This series is just my comfort series right now. I love the majority of the characters, the setting, etc.
holly_keimig's review
4.0
Another great installment in the Library Lover's Mystery series! In this book, Lindsey is preparing the the library's biggest fundraiser dinner of the year. She is a bit blindsided when a new member of the library board, Olive, starts to criticize her staff members (especially the newest addition-Paula) and her management style. When Olive is found murdered, Lindesy must work hard to clear Paula's (and her own) name and quick! I really am enjoying this series. It's been nice to "spend time" in a library when I can't actually visit my library at the moment due to the pandemic.
kimdavishb's review
5.0
DEATH IN THE STACKS, the eighth book in the Library Lover’s Mysteries by Jenn McKinlay is a worthy addition to a charming series! The author’s clever, snappy dialog entertains the reader, bringing several laugh-out-loud moments. I loved the way the characters of Ms. McKinlay’s three separate series converge in this book, leading to some humorous moments. While I’ve read the majority of the books in her Cupcake Bakery Mystery series (and adore them!) I haven’t had the chance to read any of the Hat Shop Mystery series…yet. However, after being introduced to the Hat Shop’s cast of witty characters in DEATH IN THE STACKS, I’ll be remedying that.
The protagonist, Lindsey Norris, is a thoughtful, caring librarian. She seems to take those who don’t quite fit in under her wing, sticking up for them no matter what. The murder victim, Olive Boyle, was the new president of the library board. Olive proved herself to be a bully and went after Lindsey’s staff members, specifically new-hire Paula, and threatened Lindsey’s job. It’s no wonder there are a plethora of suspects, especially Paula. Lindsey decides she must find the killer and clear her employee’s name, even though she seems to be hiding something. The plot includes small-town politics and blackmail while middle-aged mean girls “travel in their pack of rude condescension.”
The library hosts a crafternoon group in which each member brings a dish to share for lunch, after which they participate in a craft and discuss a book every Thursday. The author provides recipes, a craft, and a book discussion form at the back of the book. This adds enjoyment after the delightful story is over.
I was provided an advance copy in hopes that I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The protagonist, Lindsey Norris, is a thoughtful, caring librarian. She seems to take those who don’t quite fit in under her wing, sticking up for them no matter what. The murder victim, Olive Boyle, was the new president of the library board. Olive proved herself to be a bully and went after Lindsey’s staff members, specifically new-hire Paula, and threatened Lindsey’s job. It’s no wonder there are a plethora of suspects, especially Paula. Lindsey decides she must find the killer and clear her employee’s name, even though she seems to be hiding something. The plot includes small-town politics and blackmail while middle-aged mean girls “travel in their pack of rude condescension.”
The library hosts a crafternoon group in which each member brings a dish to share for lunch, after which they participate in a craft and discuss a book every Thursday. The author provides recipes, a craft, and a book discussion form at the back of the book. This adds enjoyment after the delightful story is over.
I was provided an advance copy in hopes that I would review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
ametcalf's review against another edition
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
fremom3's review against another edition
4.0
Cute book! McKinlay introduces us (I assume) to the characters in her other two mystery series. Clever move, Ms. McKinlay, because now I will have to read the cupcake shop and hat shop books, as well!
I did feel as thought I had missed something, as this book skips a bit in time. I actually went back to the series list and my bookshelf to make sure I had not done that!
Overall, a satisfying mystery and engaging characters.
I did feel as thought I had missed something, as this book skips a bit in time. I actually went back to the series list and my bookshelf to make sure I had not done that!
Overall, a satisfying mystery and engaging characters.
amalies's review against another edition
3.0
This book is about the murder of a lady who is not mourned by many. There wasn't much character development needed to show just how much people in briarcreek did not like this woman. The lady is found dead in the stacks at the library...hence the title of the book. However, it happens during the annual dinner fundraiser in the library and she also happens to be the new chair of the library board. All of that complicates things for Lindsey and her employees. I don't think it is a spoiler to add, it was so fun to read this authors Hat shop series and Cupcake series and see a minor entrance of the characters from both those book series in this book. It added depth to the number of people a reader might enjoy as they are attending the dinner fundraiser. We see some interesting developments in the love triangle in this book and honestly it was a fun read.
rebeccasreadingrambles's review against another edition
5.0
This book made my heart happy. Author Jenn McKinlay is the author of three of my favorite cozy mystery series (and no I will not choose my number one). When I started this book and saw that my beloved characters from the other two series cameo in this book I almost sobbed with nostalgia and happiness. I love how I could see how different these characters are, even though they were written by the same author.
In this mystery we are introduced to one of the most blood-boiling characters I've seen in a while. Olive is hateful and out for vengeance on the LIBRARY of all places?! I have to admit I was extremely gleeful when she was later found murdered. Poor Lindsay has sworn off investigating murders after her most recent brush with death, just to find one of her employees being blamed. Her friends convince her to investigate to save her friend, and even her boyfriend Sully concedes that it is what Lindsay needs to do.
I especially like this mystery because we are really given the run-around. Every couple of chapters I was convince of a new murderer - hardly surprising given what a terrible and conniving person Olive was. I think the only person I didn't suspect, ending up being the killer.
I absolutely love the setting of this series. A small coastal Connecticut town full of quirky characters and more murders than should be possible. The library has always been my happy place, so I cannot get enough of the Briar Creek library, the crafter-nooners and all the lovable characters. Even Mrs Cole tugged on my heartstrings in this book! This book is the epitome of why I love Jenn McKinlay's writing so much!