Checked Out For Murder by Allison Brook
Series: The Haunted Library Mysteries #4
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Carrie Singleton and Evelyn the ghost sleuth the slayings of a starlet and a star-crossed psychic in Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook's fourth Haunted Library mystery.
Daphne Marriott strolls into Clover Ridge and informs librarian Carrie Singleton that she's a psychic. But had she foreseen what fate awaited her, Daphne would have steered clear of the quaint Connecticut town. Evelyn, the library ghost, tells Carrie that there's more to Daphne than she lets on.
The mysterious woman grew up in Clover Ridge with her no-good dad, who apparently met his end at the hands of Daphne's brother, Billy. Still, Daphne proves a welcome distraction when Carrie's overbearing mother hits town. Mom's much younger husband, Tom, is in a movie that's lensing locally, and she's there to keep an eye on him: Tom's costar, sultry Ilana Reingold, is also his ex-fianc�e, and there's no denying the chemistry is still there. Soon after mingling with the moviemakers at a meet-and-greet, Daphne is found dead.
Carrie and Evelyn investigate, assisted by bushy-tailed library cat Smoky Joe. But the suspect list could overflow the library shelves. Has Billy killed another relative? Is their long-missing mother involved? Or Daphne's mean ex-husband? Carrie's sure she knows who committed the crime, but can she bind together the clues before the culprit Dewey-decimates the town?
I received this book for free from in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
Review
Carrie is a rather unique sleuth in that she has a ghost who helps her solve crime. It is a cute take on the cozy mysteries. Carrie’s mother and her younger second husband, Tom, are in town for the film he is staring in. Right away you know something is off between the couple. This makes an already strained relationship between Carrie and her mother even more strained. If all of that isn’t enough Carrie’s own boyfriend needs to go out of town and there’s a murder to solve! I mean what’s a crime solving librarian to do?
This was one of those feel good cozy mysteries (for everyone except the dead physic of course) where you will fall in love with the characters and the town. I really enjoyed that I couldn’t figure out who had done until the very end. There are plenty of clues but there are plenty of false leads as well. All in all this was a good read and a series I wouldn’t find visiting again.
Veronica Lee says
Sounds like a great addition to my Fall TBR. Love the adorable cover.
heather says
Sounds like a great Fall read and I think the cover is super cute.
Kelly Kimmell says
Sounds like it would be a good story to read in October.
Marisela Zuniga says
I enjoyed your review, I need to read this!
Jenn says
You had me at library! Libraries are just so cozy to me – I love that it is mostly a feel-good story too.
Victoria Alexander says
Thanks for sharing your review, I added this one to my TBR!
Lisa says
Ooh, library ghost? Interesting. It reminded me of Harry Potter for second there.
Barrie says
I love that part of this sleuth team is a ghost! Sounds like a busy and fun read!
tiffany dayton says
Sounds like a book I would read.
bn100 says
sounds interesting
Louise craney says
Fab
Jeanette Jackson says
This sounds like a story I would enjoy reading
Emily Gibb says
Thank you for your review! Sounds like something i would love! <3
Jeryl M. says
This sounds like a good book.
Sarah L says
That looks like a fun cozy to read this Fall. I like that you couldn’t figure it out until the end.
Judy Thomas says
Great review, I loved the cover too.
Bonnie says
What a great book for October! I enjoy books set in haunted libraries and Evelyn sounds like a very interesting character.
Gigi says
It sound so interesting
Linda says
I’m always up for a cozy mystery and I haven’t read this author yet. Thanks!
Betty Curran says
You have just added a new series to my must read list. Now to just find enough time to start reading.
Dandi D says
This looks like it would be a fun and interesting read!
Antoinette M says
Sounds like a great cozy! I love the cover & title.
Eva Millien says
Checked Out for Murder sounds like a great mystery for me, thanks for sharing your review and have a spectacular weekned!
Bea LaRocca says
Thank you for sharing your review of Checked Out For Murder, this sounds like a great cozy mystery book and series and I am looking forward to reading all of the stories
Adriane says
This really sounds like a book I’d enjoy!
Maria Malaveci says
This sounds like an excellent read that I would very much like!