The suspense in this one was more intense than others and it was great. Loved the personal stuff for Lindsey and Sully, too. A well done newest addition to this fun series. (Advanced reader’s copy from Netgalley)

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 and 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.

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Series: A Library Lover’s Mystery - Book 9
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Genre: Cozy Mystery/ Library
Publisher: Berkley

Publishing Date: September 11, 2018

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.

Lindsey 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, Lindsey jumps in to solve the mystery before Theresa ends up a victim of a killer bound and determined to put an end to her.

Lindsey 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. Lindsey 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 Lindsey 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 rich, 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.

Who's trying to kill Theresa? And why? She has no enemies.

Berkley and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published September 11th.

A pile of library books in the car used for hit and run is one clue. But they were checked out by the victim's soon to be step daughter. Why would she want to kill her? Then someone tries to suffocate her with a pillow. They're serious about this.

There are secrets from the past and the present. Lies are being told, and they don't have much time to stop murder. Can they do it? Just watch...

One of the few cozy mysteries I have read where there is no murder, although someone is really trying! Library Director Lindsay Norris is looking out the window during one of the Crafternoon meetings and witnesses a car hitting a women and speeding off. She rushes to her aid beginning a series of incidents where someone is trying to kill the woman. Lindsay is drawn into investigating when library materials are found in the car that was used to try and run down the woman. In the meantime, Lindsay has moved in with Sully and there are problems to overcome there. The author keeps the pace going and the reader will race to the end to find out what happens. I was so glad to get an ARC of this book through NetGalley.

DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy for free from Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Librarian Lindsey Norris is back for the ninth book in Jenn McKinlay’s Library Lover’s Mystery series. Lindsey is a full time librarian and a part-time amateur sleuth. Lucky for her, the small town she lives in has its full share of nosy-rosies that feed her obsession with solving crimes. The only person it town that does not support her sleuthing is her friend Emma Plewicki, the chief of police.

Emma does not encourage Lindsey’s need to poke her nose in police business, but seems to tolerate it. As the top cop, Emma appreciates the help Lindsey gives her when solving cases. Of course the librarian is instrumental in finding crucial information to help solve the mysteries in this tiny town.

To be honest she doesn’t seek out drama. As Hitting the Books begins, Lindsey is working at the library, minding her own business, when someone runs down a friend of hers right outside. The case takes a nastier turn when someone tries to suffocate the convalescing friend; Lindsey is determined to get to the bottom of the murder attempts.

Aside from the mysterious attacks on her friend, Lindsey has a full personal life. She has recently moved in with Captain Mike Sullivan. Sully as he is called is an ex-Navy man, who loves her, but does not especially like the danger she flirts with while poking around in attempted murders. Lucky for Lindsey, he is supportive of all her endeavors and seems to always be in the right place and the right time to keep her safe.

It may sound like Lindsey is so busy solving crimes that she doesn’t spend any time in the library. That is far from true. She is busy managing the quirky characters that work for her. I would love to visit their library. They have a group that meets for “Crafternoons”. Think a book club on steroids.

The Crafternooners discuss a book they’ve all read, enjoy a delicious lunch and create a craft. I love the bond that is created in these gatherings. The characters share their lives and loves, worries and concerns all the while supporting each other. It is a great way for the reader to learn about the personalities and quirks of the characters.

enn McKinlay has written several different books in addition to the Library Lover’s Mysteries. This is the first book I have read by this author. Even though it was the ninth in the series, I did not feel lost or confused. If you are a fan of cozy mysteries, I highly recommend Hitting the Books, as well as checking out McKinlay’s other books. There is nothing more fun than finding a new author with a long list of interesting books to enjoy.

Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman

When a hit-and-run happens right in front of the public library, Lindsey, the librarian, finds herself involved in another murder. Who would want the fiance of the wealthiest man in town dead? That's what Lindsey has to figure out, while trying to sort out her relationship with her on-again, off-again boyfriend, Scully. A satisfying cozy mystery, with enough humor to keep the story interesting..

Those of us who like well-done cozy mysteries can only imagine how difficult it is to sustain a series over multiple books. The Library Lovers mysteries are a favorite of mine and hats off to the author for keeping it fresh.

These are fun, clever and peopled with appealing characters. Small town librarian Lindsey Norris and her entourage of library folks and townspeople are fun to spend time with.

This time around, town residents are horrified when what appears to be a deliberate hit and run injures a local woman right outside the library. When there are more attempts on the woman's life, local Police Chief Emma Plewicki has her hands full. The victim is well-liked and is engaged to marry a local wealthy businessman. Does the disappearance of his first wife 15 years ago have anything to do with it? What about his daughter -- is she as happy about her new stepmother as she says?

The mystery is interesting and the side plot thread about the adjustments that Lindsey and her boyfriend Sully are making after moving in together are realistic and touching.

Thanks to Net Galley and the publisher for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest reviews.

Onee of my favorite series! I absolutely love each character and how realistic, in my opinion, the author has created them, I will continue to look forward to each book and seeing what the future holds for these beloved characters.

I absolutely love this series! Interesting characters with unique personalities and it is primarily based around the library! Each book has a growth in the character's relationships to each other and to newcomers in the book as well as a delightful mystery to solve! In this case, the quiet town is completely disrupted by someone driving insanely and shooting at others, but why is one of the nicest people in town the apparent target of the attacks? Lindsey once again finds her curiosity and research skills slowly dragging her to the center of the investigation. An excellent choice for an afternoon of entertainment!

Lindsey and Sully's story continues. Lindsey seems to 'fall into murder' and Sully wants her to be safe. This story has twists and turns that will keep you riveted. I cou!d not put this book down.

This review was posted on Goodreads.

Better than the last one in the series. I still felt like Lindsay spent too much time pretending she wasn't going to investigate but it wasn't nearly as bad as the previous book. I also thought the murderer was a little too obvious but that might have just been me.

I did love to see Sully, Beth, and the rest of the gang again and I like the way McKinlay has moved the characters and their lives forward over the course of the series.

This is such a great series! I didn't want to start this one, because I knew it was going to go fast (which it did). The mystery was a little different (no one died), but I was still guessing until the end. The story moved along at a great pace and had enough of the personal lives of the characters to keep me interested in the story aside from the mystery. I can't wait for the next one! (And the sneak peak of the author's new series was great! I can't wait for it either!)

Another winner from Jenn McKinlay! I really enjoyed this one. McKinlay's Lindsay Norris is back for another adventure in Briar Creek. I love how even though it's a cozy mystery, her characters show growth and substance. The storyline kept me reading, and I kept guessing on who was behind it all. As a fellow librarian, her accuracy of the library world is spot on, and I appreciate that. 5 stars and I cannot wait for the next book.

Lindsay is back in the latest Library Lover's mystery. Although she has vowed to not get involved in any more mysteries after her life has been in danger multiple times, she just can't resist trying to figure out who threatened Theresa, a mild-mannered tennis instructor with no known enemies. She is also navigating her relationship with her significant other. This is a well-written mystery with colorful characters and an interesting plot with a few twists here and there.

A very pleasant cozy mystery for those who prefer their reading to not be grusom or bloody. It starts nicely and continues on in the same manner. It also has a bit of romance between some of the characters for the reader who likes a love story to unfold along with their mystery. I enjoyed the book and have no qualms on recommending it to the aforementioned class of readers.

I have rated this book 4 stars.

I received an ARC from Netgalley for my unbiased review.

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An intriguing addition to the series! This one was a fast read and a little bit eerie, too. I always like it when mysteries (especially cozy series) acknowledge that people are complex, and nobody is all good or all bad. In this case, I guess the killer is indeed all bad and a bit one-dimensional. But everybody else feels more real--from the best friend who can't stop talking about her wedding, to the person trying to do the best he or she can do as a parent, to the lemon. Also, I was really sick of the Robbie vs. Sully dithering and am glad storyline is finished!

Another fun entry in the series. The mystery was suspenseful and the main characters had their storylines moved along as well.

*Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for providing an e-galley in exchange for an honest review.

This was a fun read devoured in one day. What's not to love about a mystery involving books, a library and a library director?