Checked Out for Murder is the 4th book in The Haunted Library Mysteries, and I do enjoy them. Carrie Singleton is a librarian in Clover Ridge, Connecticut. She has a friendly spirit, Evelyn, who helps her to solve crimes. In this book, a young woman, Daphne Marriott comes to town and wants to give talks at the library. She claims she is a psychic who got her powers after almost being killed by her ex-husband. Meanwhile, Daphne's mother and her much younger husband, Tom, are in town with a group filming a movie. Also in the movie is his ex-fiancée, Iliana Reingold. Shortly after a meet and greet with the cast, Daphne is found dead. It turns out that Daphne is not who she says she is. She grew up in Clover Ridge and someone killed her father years ago, but her brother Billy went to jail for the crime, until DNA proved his innocence. Now his sister is dead. Are the two crimes related? Is Billy in danger now? Can Carrie, Evelyn and Smokey Joe, the bushy-tailed library cat find the killer before someone else ends up dead?

I enjoy this series. I like the setting, the characters, the library and the role it plays in the books and the plots. There are lots of suspects, and clues to follow and pick at. I like the blend of personal life with the mystery, as it makes the characters more like friends and relatable to the reader. The mystery was a good one, with some red herrings to keep the reader guessing. This mystery had some history and cold case aspects that come into play, which made it a more complicated mystery, but one that could still be solved. With a trip to Long Island, it gave Carrie and Dylan some alone time. There is a bit of spousal abuse in the story, which was well handled, but gave creedence to Daphne's claim of how she got her psychic powers, also adding another suspect. With great characters, a well-plotted mystery, an interesting investigation, some psychic and ghostly vibes and a great ending, I enjoyed this addition to the series. I definitely recommend this book and series to those who enjoy a good cozy mystery.

In the next book of the series Carrie has her hands full with her Mother and her Moms husband Tom while they are filming a movie. Little do they know there will be another murder. With the help of the resident library ghost Evelyn, and Smokey Joe the library cat Carrie is on the case.

What a delightful cozy mystery. Checked Out for Murder was a fun read that had me guessing until the very end. Kudos to the author for a great job.

Dollycas's Thoughts

Clover Ridge librarian Carrie Singleton has an unexpected visit from Daphne Marriott. She tells Carrie that she is a psychic and would like to do a library program about psychic abilities and give some minute readings. Carrie has a cancellation to fill so she agrees to allow Daphne to present her program. After the woman leaves, library ghost Evelyn informs Carrie that Daphne is up to something. Evelyn knows Daphne and explains that Daphne grew up in an "unhappy dysfunctional family. Her father drank and was abusive. Her mother worked two jobs, and she has an older brother Billy. Daphne's father was murdered when she was 16 or 17 and her brother was convicted of the crime and went to prison. He was later released and the case reopened when new evidence was found. Evelyn believes Daphne's return to Clover Ridge may have something to do with the murder.

Carrie's mother is also in town with her much younger husband Tom. Tom has been cast in a movie that is filming in Clover Ridge along with his ex-fiancée, Ilana Reingold. Her mother can see their chemistry with her own eyes and plans to attend each day of shooting to be sure their affection is only on film. The residents of Clover Ridge have a chance to meet the "movie people" at a meet-and-greet on the Green. Carrie runs into Daphne at the event and helps her out of a sticky situation but later the psychic is found dead.

Carrie feels a little responsible for Daphne's death, she should have reached out to the woman but her friend, police Lieutenant John Mathers does his best to get her to let him handle the case. But soon she, Evelyn, and library cat Smoky Joe start their own investigation. Could Daphne's brother be responsible? Her ex-husband? Someone else from her past? or could the killer be someone Carrie knows in Clover Ridge? It is going to take a clever plan to catch the killer. Can Carrie do it and keep herself safe?

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I have wanted to get back to this series for a while. The core characters are so strong I knew even after a few years, I would be able to pick up right where I left off. I was right.

Carrie continues to grow stronger in each story. She has come a long way from the day she came to Clover Ridge. Her relationship with Dylan is going strong. Her mother has a tough time in this story and my heart warmed when her dad came into town for a few days to support her. The tension between Carrie and her mother started to ease too. Librarian ghost Evelyn is a wise one. She can fill Carrie in on things that happened long before Carrie arrived. I love the way Carrie is still startled when Evelyn appears but then is so comfortable talking with her. Smokey Joe is a neat cat, who loves his library and all the attention he receives. It was funny that he was having Spring Fever and really wanted to be outside. Ms. Brook has created such dynamic characters. It is very easy to get caught up in everything that is happening around them.

The mystery was cleverly plotted with several suspects, twists, and turns. A second murder adds extra drama. There were plenty of clues to work through and follow, some going back years. Carrie tries hard to keep her promise to John and Dylan but I think they both knew that was never going to happen. She does keep them abreast of everything she learns. The set-up to catch the killer was smart. I fell for all the misdirection Ms. Brook threw into this story. The killer was not on my radar at all. It did make me feel better that Carrie was surprised as well, but she held it together for the perfect takedown.

Enjoyable, entertaining, and fun, Checked Out for Murder was another Perfect Escape from Allison Brook. Death on the Shelf is calling to me from my Kindle. I will be reading and reviewing it soon.

“Checked Out For Murder” by Allison Brook it's an absolute gem of a cozy mystery that effortlessly blends murder, books, and a captivating amateur sleuth. From the very first page, readers are transported to the charming Havenwood, a small town filled with quirky characters and a love for literature. The authors writing style is engaging and immersive, painting vivid scenes that make the town and its library come alive. Protagonist Carrie, a librarian with a penchant for solving crimes, is a relatable and intelligent character who leads us through a maze of clues and red herrings. The intricate plot keeps readers guessing until the thrilling conclusion, and the seamless integration of bookish elements adds an extra layer of enjoyment for bibliophiles. With its perfect balance of mystery, charm, and a touch of romance, “Checked Out For Murder” is a must-read for fans of the genre and a delightful escape into a world of books and intrigue.

Checked Out for Murder is a great cozy mystery. It is the third in a series. I recommend this to all readers who love cozy mysteries.

This was a cute cozy mystery and I’m glad that I picked it up.

It reminded me of one of those mysteries you’d see on the Hallmark channel.

I had mixed thoughts about the characters, though I feel like starting with the fourth book in the series put me at a disadvantage because there was some development that I missed. There were moments where I found the main character to be annoying, there were also moments when I found the main character’s significant other to be a bit condescending.

As far as the mystery goes, I enjoyed it. It wasn’t that twisty but it was entertaining to read.

I've been binging these fun, quick mysteries gearing up for spooky season, and this one was really fun! Solid who done it, very well written. Glad I picked this one up!

I really enjoy the Haunted Library series. This is the fourth book and I feel the author does a good job of retelling some back story for those who are just starting the series.

This story was great, as it played into some of the family dynamics that our heroine, Carrie is dealing with. Her mother was less than attentive and her dad, who is now on the straight and narrow but was a career con man. I enjoyed the plot of the book, bringing her mother and step-father into town so that he could shoot a movie. I thought it was a great story.

I would recommend this book and the series to anyone who enjoys a great cozy mystery.

Love this series that takes place around the library and it’s permanent resident Evelyn the ghost. Carrie’s mom comes to town to watch her husband film a movie. Carrie meets a new resident and just as friendship starts to form, she is murdered. Dylan and the police chief want Carrie to stay out of the investigation but with Evelyn’s help Carrie try’s to figure it out. Then one of the movie actors is murdered. Are they related? Does the past play into both murders? Read this cozy mystery and find the answers.
Goodreads

There is a movie crew coming to town to film, including Carrie's stepfather Tom. Her mother is also coming which is giving Carrie some anxiety. They haven't always gotten along very well. On top of that Carrie has made a new friend, Daphne Marriott, who comes into the library to ask about doing a program. She is a psychic and has recently moved to town. There were a lot of new characters introduced in this book, which I liked, but I had to stop a few times to figure out who was who. The mystery really kept me guessing up to the end when the culprit was revealed. I like how Carrie has grown and matured over the series so far and can't wait to read the next book.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

This was a nice, relaxing mystery. It wasn't boring, but it wasn't too bloody, either. I admit, I'm a sucker for library mysteries, but this book will appeal to non-librarians, too.

Checked Out for Murder by Allison Brook is the fourth installment in the paranormal cozy The Haunted Library Mysteries series. As with most cozy mysteries each book of The Haunted Library Mysteries will contain their own mystery to be solved within the book so they all could be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. However, for those following along from the beginning there will be character development carried over from book to book.

Carrie Singleton had returned to Clover Ridge, Connecticut to stay with her aunt and uncle for a while but when she was just about to move on she was given the opportunity to become the head of programs and events at the local library. When she was offered the job Carrie was almost ready to turn it down when she heard a strange voice telling her to think on it. Thinking it was her own mind telling her not to pass up the offer quite so quickly she did just that. Carrie found the job was more than she could have wanted so she stayed and then found out the voice that convinced her to stay was not her conscience but a friendly ghost of a former employee that helps Carrie in her new position.

Carrie never expected that her new job would come with tracking down so many murderers in the small town of Clover Ridge but with Evelyn, the ghost’s, help she has been doing just that. With Carrie’s mother now in town with her new husband filming a movie she had hoped to not have to use her sleuthing skills yet again. Unfortunately for Carrie though a new woman in town, Daphne, is found murdered. Carrie had already crossed paths with her abusive ex and had suspected he was involved until yet another murder occurs which brings Carrie’s mother under suspicion and her wanting to track the murderer down more than ever.

The Haunted Library Mysteries series is another that I have been following from the beginning being drawn in with sharing the same name with the main character. Of course her name is not the only draw with this one being a mix of a cozy with a paranormal touch with a resident ghost with my love for crossing genres in reading. The characters are quirky and fun and there’s that resident kitty, Smokey Joe, to fill my cute critter quota. All of this means I will definitely return to this series in the future.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

I liked that the mystery kept me guessing and that Carrie, the main character, acted like an adult and realistically with her mother.

What I was less happy with is calling this a "Haunted Library" mystery. Evelyn might as well not have been in this book. I also found the story a little slow going with a lot of time spent on multiple family relationships and day to day things especially almost every meal Carrie eats. On the other hand, it may have been nice to have some realism, Carrie actually eats and goes to work and can't leave on a whim. Still, it slowed the story down for me.

This was also a ridiculous bit about the cops not being able to find out who rented a car because it was booked with a burner phone and the person picked it up after the rental place closed. Documentation and credit cards are needed!

I received my copy from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

This is a cozy mystery, and it is the fourth book in the Haunted Library Mystery series. I really enjoyed this book. The mystery part was really great, but I do not think the character development was the best. I have not read the first three book in this series, so that could be why the character development is not the best. I really loved the plot and mystery part, so I will keep reading this series. I was kindly provided an e-copy of this book by the publisher (Crooked Lane Books) or author (Allison Brook) via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review , and I want to send a big Thank you to them for that.

I keep enjoying these very much. In the beginning, as much as I liked Evelyn, I wasn't sure I would 'buy' her role in the stories. But Carrie, Evelyn and everyone else in Clover Ridge has won me over, I like this series a lot.

Another amazing addition to this series. I love these characters and seeing them grow. If you love libraries and book centered mysteries filled with fun and quirky characters, this is the series for you!!!

This book was the first one in The Haunted Library Mystery series I read, and I enjoyed it a lot. A good mystery, Evelyn the Ghost sleuth kept me entertained throughout. The detective Carrie Singleton made the story clever, and shrewd, too. On edge of my seat, I kept wondering what was going to happen next. It was very relatable, reading Carrie and her relationship with her mother. The cat Smoky Joe made me fall in love. All the questions I had baffled me; however, Carrie sorted them out all in the end.

Thank you Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley for the ARC of this book. This was an honest review.

I feel really awkward in giving this a star rating because I didn't finish it. I requested it for a change from my usual dark & gruesome mystery/thrillers. I was hoping to like or at least enjoy a cozy mystery, but unfortunately, I did not. I can't fault the book, the author, or the writing. Cozy mysteries are just not for me.

A library, a cat, a ghost, and murder.... what isn't there to enjoy about this series?!?!?!

This book was all over the place in such a good way. A ton of new and extra characters, some older ones, a film crew and celebrities, and murders. Yes, I said murders, past and present. Can they be connected? There were many twists in the plot and I didn't see them coming.

I enjoy how Carrie and Dillon's relationship is progressing and even though its a cozy, I want more!!

Looking forward to see what happens next in Clover Ridge.