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laurenjodi's review against another edition
3.0
Death in the Stacks
3.5 Stars
When the new library board president is found stabbed to death in the stacks, the library's newest hire becomes the prime suspect. Encouraged by friends and co-workers to investigate, library director Lindsay Norris begins delving into the life of Olive Boyle to determine which one of her many foes had had enough of her nasty intimidation.
Series note: There is a great deal of backstory in the earlier books of the series that might make it difficult to read this as a standalone.
While this addition to the series is entertaining overall and the developments in the lives of recurring characters are very appealing, especially Lindsay's relationship with sexy Sully, there are a number of problematic elements.
To begin with, there are two aspects of Lindsay's personality that are rather grating. First, she takes too long to act against the victim's truly vicious comments and actions - polite manners only go so far. Second, her decision to continue sleuthing despite her promise to stop is annoying. Yes, the circumstances may warrant her actions, but it is clear that the author found a way to force the issue.
Moreover, there are very few clues indicating the identity of the culprit and the motivation doesn't make much sense.
Finally, characters from McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mystery and Hat Shop mystery series put in an appearance. However, there is no crossover story arc, and their unnecessary inclusion feels too much like self-promotion for my tastes.
3.5 Stars
When the new library board president is found stabbed to death in the stacks, the library's newest hire becomes the prime suspect. Encouraged by friends and co-workers to investigate, library director Lindsay Norris begins delving into the life of Olive Boyle to determine which one of her many foes had had enough of her nasty intimidation.
Series note: There is a great deal of backstory in the earlier books of the series that might make it difficult to read this as a standalone.
While this addition to the series is entertaining overall and the developments in the lives of recurring characters are very appealing, especially Lindsay's relationship with sexy Sully, there are a number of problematic elements.
To begin with, there are two aspects of Lindsay's personality that are rather grating. First, she takes too long to act against the victim's truly vicious comments and actions - polite manners only go so far. Second, her decision to continue sleuthing despite her promise to stop is annoying. Yes, the circumstances may warrant her actions, but it is clear that the author found a way to force the issue.
Moreover, there are very few clues indicating the identity of the culprit and the motivation doesn't make much sense.
Finally, characters from McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery Mystery and Hat Shop mystery series put in an appearance. However, there is no crossover story arc, and their unnecessary inclusion feels too much like self-promotion for my tastes.
elkereads's review against another edition
5.0
Why does the development of “The Lemon” make me giddy with warm fuzzy feelings?? I love this series. It makes me feel like I am hanging out with a bunch of friends rather than listening to an audio book! An exceptional cozy series!
justkeyreads's review against another edition
adventurous
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
5.0
This was one of my favorites of the series, because I loved the amount of Easter eggs that we saw from Jenn’s other two ongoing cozies come into play all collide in this series and wow just it was done seamlessly. It was done well with also seeing our newest character Paula answered also The Lemon 🍋.
rants_n_reads's review against another edition
adventurous
emotional
funny
lighthearted
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
kbranfield's review against another edition
4.0
Death in the Stacks by Jenn McKinlay is a well-plotted and entertaining cozy mystery. This eighth installment in the Library Lovers Mystery series easily stands on its own.
Briar Creek Librarian Lindsey Norris and the rest of her staff including Paula Turner are about to host their annual fundraiser when newly elected library board president Olive Boyle begins issuing a plethora of unreasonable commands. She is planning on instituting a dress code, demands numerous staff changes and announces her decision to fire Lindsey. Needless to say, Lindsey is upset by the disagreeable woman's high-handed decrees but with the fundraiser to set up, she tries to ignore the unpleasant woman. The night of the gala, Lindsey, her staff and the other attendees are stunned when Olive takes to the stage and proceeds to defame the library staff. At the end of the night, Olive is murdered and it appears Paula might be her killer. Lindsey is certain Paula is innocent and despite her earlier promise not to become involved in any more murder cases, Lindsey and her friend Robbie Vine begin their investigation in an effort to clear Paula's name.
Lindsey really tries to keep her word to her boyfriend, Sully, not to endanger herself by investigatng Olive's murder. However, when police chief Emma Plewicki has no choice but to consider Paula a suspect, Lindsey cannot sit on the sidelines waiting to see whether or not her co-worker will be arrested. Unfortunately, since Olive was a particularly mean and vindictive woman, the list of suspects is vast. With Robbie at her side, they begin their quest for Olive's killer with her posse of mean girl friends, Amy, LeAnn and Kim. When it appears the trio have rock solid alibis, Lindsey and Robbie then turn their sights to Olive's ex-husband Kyle and his current wife, Molly. Once again they hit a dead end, so they then question Olive's sister, Margaret, where they discover the reason for the sisters' estrangement. Quickly clearing Margaret, Robbie and Lindsey find themselves at somewhat of dead end. However, in a sudden turn of events, they are certain they know murderer's identity, but are they on the right track?
With an endearing lead protagonist, a cast of quirky yet likable characters and an intriguing murder to solve, Death in the Stacks is a fast-paced mystery. The plot is interesting and easy to follow despite a bit of confusion due to the sheer number of characters introduced early in the story. The mystery element is well executed and Jenn McKinlay does an outstanding job keeping the murderer's identity and motive for the crime under wraps until the novel's exciting conclusion. This rather light-hearted addition to the Library Lovers Mystery series is sure to appeal to fans of cozy mysteries.
Briar Creek Librarian Lindsey Norris and the rest of her staff including Paula Turner are about to host their annual fundraiser when newly elected library board president Olive Boyle begins issuing a plethora of unreasonable commands. She is planning on instituting a dress code, demands numerous staff changes and announces her decision to fire Lindsey. Needless to say, Lindsey is upset by the disagreeable woman's high-handed decrees but with the fundraiser to set up, she tries to ignore the unpleasant woman. The night of the gala, Lindsey, her staff and the other attendees are stunned when Olive takes to the stage and proceeds to defame the library staff. At the end of the night, Olive is murdered and it appears Paula might be her killer. Lindsey is certain Paula is innocent and despite her earlier promise not to become involved in any more murder cases, Lindsey and her friend Robbie Vine begin their investigation in an effort to clear Paula's name.
Lindsey really tries to keep her word to her boyfriend, Sully, not to endanger herself by investigatng Olive's murder. However, when police chief Emma Plewicki has no choice but to consider Paula a suspect, Lindsey cannot sit on the sidelines waiting to see whether or not her co-worker will be arrested. Unfortunately, since Olive was a particularly mean and vindictive woman, the list of suspects is vast. With Robbie at her side, they begin their quest for Olive's killer with her posse of mean girl friends, Amy, LeAnn and Kim. When it appears the trio have rock solid alibis, Lindsey and Robbie then turn their sights to Olive's ex-husband Kyle and his current wife, Molly. Once again they hit a dead end, so they then question Olive's sister, Margaret, where they discover the reason for the sisters' estrangement. Quickly clearing Margaret, Robbie and Lindsey find themselves at somewhat of dead end. However, in a sudden turn of events, they are certain they know murderer's identity, but are they on the right track?
With an endearing lead protagonist, a cast of quirky yet likable characters and an intriguing murder to solve, Death in the Stacks is a fast-paced mystery. The plot is interesting and easy to follow despite a bit of confusion due to the sheer number of characters introduced early in the story. The mystery element is well executed and Jenn McKinlay does an outstanding job keeping the murderer's identity and motive for the crime under wraps until the novel's exciting conclusion. This rather light-hearted addition to the Library Lovers Mystery series is sure to appeal to fans of cozy mysteries.
peggyemi's review against another edition
4.0
This has to be one of my favorite books in this series. Everything just came together perfectly. All of the characters are hitting their stride; relationship issues have been resolved and their is plenty of growth and character development. I really liked how the author had the characters from all three series in one book. It was woven in nicely. The mystery was well done and I was surprised at the identity of the killer. It was a nice twist I didn't see coming. There were plenty of suspects to choose from as the victim was particularly nasty.
This is a fun series and I am glad that I have been able finally work my way through most of the series. I'll be getting book 9 from the library this weekend and then I will be caught up on all of this author's series.
This is a fun series and I am glad that I have been able finally work my way through most of the series. I'll be getting book 9 from the library this weekend and then I will be caught up on all of this author's series.