If Books Could Kill

This is the second in the bibliophile mystery series and I very much hope there is to be many more.
Brooklyn Wainwright, a rare books expert and restorer is in Edinburg, Scotland for a prestigious book fair. Brooklyn runs into an old flame, Kyle, who asks her to authenticate a book of lost poetry by Robert Burns. Then Kyle is killed by one of Brooklyn's restoration tools and Scotland Yard considers her a prime suspect. But security expert Derek Stone shows up to help her find the real culprit.

I loved the first in this series, Homicide in Hardcover. You can check out my review here. This follow up did not disappoint either. I love the cast of characters that Carlisle has assembled and brought back for part two: her hippie parents, best show more friend Robin, arch-enemy Minka, and of course the sexy Derek Stone. Also a mysterious man from the first book is back for another cameo.
I loved the setting of Edinburg and the fun storyline and the wacky adventures. This is a great combo of chick-lit (the good kind) and mystery. I compared these to the Sophie Katz series in my first review and I stand by that.

I have been having a very poor reading time lately and this was a great book to get me reading again. I may still be in a slump but I was able to enjoy this read immensely!

rating 4.5/5 show less

First Line: If my life were a book, I would have masking tape holding my hinges together.

Book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is still recuperating from the events in Homicide in Hardcover, but she's now in Edinburgh, Scotland attending the Book Fair. Her roguish ex, Kyle McVee, shows up with an original copy of a book that could very well change history and humiliate the British monarchy in the process.

When Kyle turns up dead, naturally Brooklyn is the first suspect out of the gate, so she starts conducting her own investigation to see if the motive for murder was a 200-year-old secret-- or something much more personal.

Although the main character is still suffering the effects from the first book in the series, there's no need show more to go back and get your hands on a copy to fill in the blanks. Carlisle provides enough detail for new readers to avoid confusion.

There is a lot to enjoy in this second book. I loved the Edinburgh setting, and-- just like the first time-- I really enjoyed the book restoration details which Carlisle provides. Brooklyn is a likable, interesting character who has a fascinating career, the promise of a lot of romance in her life, and a winning voice. The plot certainly has enough twists and turns to keep the pages turning, but there is trouble looming in my rearview mirror. I find two of the supporting cast of characters extremely annoying and more than a bit distracting.

Brooklyn's mother is a child of the 60's who never relinquished her hold on Flower Power. She's gone on to put New Age practices in a stranglehold as well. I found her dependence on spleen washes and other kooky-sounding stuff mildly amusing at first, but in this book she just got on my nerves.

The second character who chaps my hide is Minka LaBoeuf, Brooklyn's arch enemy. The character is so over the top she's like a cartoon character. Minka is screaming loud, she's obnoxious, and she's constantly telling the police that Brooklyn is responsible for whatever's gone wrong. I wouldn't be surprised if Minka also believes Brooklyn is responsible for global warming, the US deficit, and my trick knees. I really wish Carlisle would either have Minka put on some heavy duty meds... or have her committed. (Preferably the latter. I'd supply the strait jacket.)

When two secondary characters begin to annoy me to this degree, I begin to wonder if the series is really for me. The acid test will be Carlisle's third Bibliophile Mystery, The Lies That Bind. I'm keeping my fingers crossed. show less

[If Books Could Kill] by Kate Carlisle
Bibliophile Mystery series Book #2
3.5★'s

From The Book:
Murder is easy-on paper. Book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright is attending the world- renowned Book Fair when her ex Kyle shows up with a bombshell. He has an original copy of a scandalous text that could change history-and humiliate the beloved British monarchy.

When Kyle turns up dead, the police are convinced Brooklyn's the culprit. But with an entire convention of suspects, Brooklyn's conducting her own investigation to find out if the motive for murder was a 200-year-old secret-or something much more personal.

My Thoughts:
In spite of my continued avoidance of the cozy mystery genre I found that I did rather enjoy this one. Again I show more have to confess if it had not been for the sub-genre challenge on the Mystery & Suspense Extra group on LibraryThing I would never have picked the book up and would have missed this well written mystery that is populated with lots of devious suspects, daunting detectives, and a few humerus Scots. I even learned some very interesting information about book restoration. show less

In this second book in the series, Brooklyn Wainwright is attending a book fair in Edinburgh, Scotland. She loves the city and is excited for her trip. Shortly after arriving, Kyle McVee, an old flame, entrusts her will a rare volume of Robert Burns poetry that he claims includes unpublished poems that are part of a royal scandal. He also tells her that someone has been threatening his life and he is sure the threats are linked to the book. Sure, enough, later that day, Kyle's body is discovered by Brooklyn and some friends while on a ghost tour. To make things worse, one of Brooklyn's book repair tools is the murder weapon. Good thing her best friend Robin, and Brooklyn's hippie parents show up to lend support. Even better, Derek show more Stone, man of mystery, is also there to help Brooklyn.

I love this series. Brooklyn is a murder magnet. And like all cozy sleuths, she is determined to solve the crime. Unfortunately, Brooklyn is not really good at the sleuthing and usually only draws more attention and trouble than anything else. I love Brooklyn, her friends and crazy family. The romance is just right for me. The information about books and book restoration is interesting and just the right amount. This Scottish romp is fun and full of laughs and crazy characters. I will be reading the next in the series. show less

If Books Could Kill by Kate Carlisle is is the second of the Bibliophile mystery series. This one is set in Edinburgh Book Fair in Scotland. I have to admit that the move away from San Francisco worried me but Carlisle managed to pull off the new location with panache.

Kate is there to demonstrate her expertise in book binding. Her ex-boyfriend and colleague (rival?), Kyle, tells her about a yet unseen Robert Burns poem. Next thing she knows, he's dead, killed with one of her book binding tools!

Usually in these situations, the amateur sleuth would be the number one suspect, and forced to solve the mystery while fleeing from the authorities. Thankfully, though, If Books Could Kill allows the police to be professionals while still show more providing entertainment.

Carlisle seems to understand Scotland as well as she does San Francisco. She provides a humorous but believable cast of characters, with comedic timing similar to what I've seen in British TV or read in British books.

I am eagerly looking forward to reading the third book in the series once time permits! show less

When Brooklyn Wainwright arrives in Edinburgh for an International Book Festival she is immediately caught up in literary intrigue. Her former main squeeze, Kyle McVee accosts her and talks her into validating a controversial book and several hours later he turns up dead, murdered with one of Brooklyn's binding hammers. The Scottish police lean toward Brooklyn as the prime suspect so she feels that she needs to exonerate herself.

Brooklyn is IMO a delightful character who has flaws that only make her more endearing. The mystery is not too over the top, leading the reader with numerous possible culprits. The manner in which the bookbinding world is woven in with many interesting and educational facts, also eases the reader through the show more adventure. show less

My Rating: 4.5 Stars

Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert book restorer, is excited to go to Edinburgh, Scotland to attend and run a few workshops and to participate in a bookbinding contest. She just had a terrible experience when her former mentor and friend, Abraham Karastovsky was murdered. This trip is just what she needs.

Brooklyn is looking forward to seeing her old friend Helen, but is also pleasantly surprised to be traveling along with security consultant Derek Stone. Why is he going to Scotland anyway? When she runs into her ex Kyle, he asks her to protect a rare book that might harm the history of the British monarchy. Before Brooklyn can get enough details as to what to do with the book, she finds Kyle dead.

Wondering why she has show more suddenly stumbled among dead bodies, seeing Kyle sends her into a frenzy. Fortunately Derek is around and he is highly respected and easily helps to prove that Brooklyn had nothing to do with Kyle's murder. Things are not right with Brooklyn on several levels. For starters, it seems that her bookbinding tools were used in the murder. Then her hotel room is broken into. Just as Brooklyn took things upon herself to investigate what happened to Abraham previously, she jumps into the fray with Kyle's murder.

In this fast-moving second title in the Bibliophile series, readers are treated with some familiar characters. Brooklyn's best friend Robin is back, as well as her parents. Her arch nemesis Minka is back too. Another likable feature to this book is the first-person narration. This was done exceptionally well.

I am loving this series and am eager to read the third book in the series, The Lies that Bind. There are currently 13 books in the series, and, having read the final book, The Book Supremacy, already, it will definitely be a pleasure to reach each title. show less