Hitting the Books

When you want and need to read something light and fun, you can't go wrong with anything Jenn McKinlay has written, but I say she has a little thriller writer buried deep down inside who's begging to be turned loose. Hitting the Books opens with that hit and run scene, and it made my heart jump into my throat. (And that's not the only scene which had that effect on me.)

In this latest Library Lovers mystery, McKinlay has upped her game to a whole new level. From the pedal-to-the-metal pacing to an ingenious plot with a solution that blindsided me, I enjoyed every moment. What's even better-- McKinlay never once forgets her characters. Longtime fans are going to love the romantic doings between Lindsay and Sully, and since the author show more knows how to use a light touch, this I-don't-care-for-romance-in-my-mystery reader (me) loved it, too. Readers who haven't found that special person are going to read this and think, "That's what I want," and those of us who have been supremely lucky are just going to have big smiles on our faces.

It wouldn't be a McKinlay novel without the author's trademark humor, and there's plenty to be found here, as well as characters who change as they experience different things throughout this series of books. And may I just say that I'm thrilled to see that librarian fixture Ms. Cole (AKA "The Lemon") is changing as well. Watching her evolve from mean and nasty to almost-human is a joy. Speaking of librarians, the scenes in which Lindsey faces down the law over the subject of patrons' privacy highlight one of the many reasons why librarians are rock stars.

Hitting the Books hits all the right notes. Thrilling action scenes, the right touch of romance, laugh-out-loud moments, a compelling mystery, and characters you'd invite in your house for coffee. After watching McKinlay flex her writing chops in this book, I can't wait for the next Library Lovers mystery! show less

When a member of the community is the victim of a hit and run in front of the library, library director Lindsey Norris has no intention of getting involved in the investigation. But when another attempt is made on the victim's life, Lindsey just can't help herself from doing a little sleuthing.

Not the strongest mystery in this cozy series but not a terrible time either. Fans of the series will want to pick it up for the important relationship developments woven in here.

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 show more 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. show less

While the mystery was a bit convoluted, the library was almost a central character in it's solution. I started reading this series because it was about a library and luckily 9 books into the series the library still stands as the most important setting in the book. Characters are great as always.

The ninth in the series, this mystery is a cozy with some bite to it. Librarian Lindsey Norris is smack in the middle of a crime scene when she witnesses a hit-and-run accident and rushes to help the victim. She becomes more deeply involved when she offers assistance to the victim, who was planning to be married soon. Trying to figure out who would want to kill the bride-to-be has her searching for clues and maybe even endangering her own life. This cozy has it all: well-developed characters, an intricate mystery, and good writing that furthers the storylines in the series. Each book that author Jenn McKinlay writes seems better than the last.

I can usually count on a cozy to pull me out of a book slump and this one did not disappoint. This is the ninth in the series but my first and I very easily slipped right into the characters and the story line. This one hit most of my cozy needs: library setting, crafting, books, and most importantly - the crime hit fast! This was so enjoyable that I have already purchased the first in the series so I can catch up to speed with the entire series. Many thanks to the publisher for providing me with an advanced copy to read in exchange for an honest opinion.

I'm never quite sure which of the three fabulous cozy mystery series from Jenn McKinlay that I like best, the cupcake bakery series, the hat shop mystery series, or the library lover's series. I've read them all, usually as soon as available, and they're all terrific. But of them all, probably the best series is the library lover's series featuring library director Lindsey Norris.

This ninth book in the series features a great cast of characters, another interesting plot, a love interest, and book talk...what could be better?

This is an outstanding cozy series. Highly recommended!!

(I received this book from First to Read in exchange for a fair and honest review.)