Hitting the Books
When a stack of library materials is found at the scene of a hit and run, library director Lindsey Norris finds herself dragged into the investigation as the police try to link the driver of the stolen car to the person who borrowed the books. Before Lindsey can delve into the library’s records, the victim of the hit and run, Theresa Houston, suffers another “accident,” and the investigation shifts from driver negligence to attempted homicide.
A clue surfaces in the confiscated library materials that could crack open the case, and it is up to Lindsey to piece it all together. Things are not as they seem in the sleepy town of Briar Creek when the driver of the stolen car turns up dead. Lindsey, her staff, and her library friends have to hit the books before the murderer gets the last word.
Series: A Library Lover’s Mystery – Book #9
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Genre: Cozy Mystery/Library
Publisher: Berkley
Rating: 
Hitting the Books is Jenn McKinlay’s ninth book in the “A Library Lover’s Mystery” series. This series is going strong and only gets better with each new addition. The characters are well-rounded, likable, and even lovable in many cases. Ms. McKinlay’s writing is superb, there are few mistakes, and the flow is smooth. Her characters hold true from beginning to end, and with each new addition to the series, they feel more and more real. It’s very easy to think of someone, friend, or relative who a particular character reminds you of him or her.
Lindsay is horrified when she sees her friend, Theresa, mowed down by a car in what appears to be a deliberate hit-and-run. When other attempts threaten Theresa’s life, Lindsay jumps in to solve the mystery before Theresa ends up a victim of a killer bound and determined to put an end to her.
Lindsay is adjusting to her new life with her live-in boyfriend, Sully, but it isn’t all champagne and roses. His incessant whistling every morning is driving her crazy; she’s not sure how much more she can take. Lindsay is much like anyone who is coming to grips with a new living arrangement. It is easy for the reader to empathize with her. Adjusting to living with someone is hard on most people, especially those who are used to being in their own space and doing whatever they want, whenever they want. Top all of this off with Lindsay worrying about her friend Theresa, and you have a situation that sooner or later will come to a head.
All the characters in this book and series are written well and have enormous appeal. The characters are multifaceted and vibrant, with lives that readers can relate to. The location is wonderful and makes the reader want to explore every inch. The town is not described in detail in this installment, but if the reader goes back to the beginning of the series, they will have a better understanding of what the town is made up of and where it is located.
This book can stand on its own but is more enjoyable if the reader has a good idea of the dynamic between the characters. Overall I recommend Hitting the Books to anyone who enjoys a great who-done-it with a side plot that will have you guessing up to the end.
About the Author
Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publisher’s Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewer’s Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for the best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk about books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
Represented by the Jane Rotrosen Agency.
Find Jenn on Social Media:
Facebook – https://www.facebook.com/JennMcKinlayAuthor/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/mckinlayjenn/
Pinterest – https://www.pinterest.com/jennmckinlay/
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