A good standard cozy, I just wish the "haunted library' was more of a feature in the story. It feels like an aside to the story instead of a feature. (Considering the series is billed as "haunted library").

Most people would be skeptical of a person claiming to be a psychic and Carrie Singleton, who heads up programs and events for the local library, is no different. Yet something rings true. Add to that the fact that Carrie has a personal relationship with the library’s resident ghost, Evelyn, and Daphne’s psychic abilities seem more likely. There is a strong supporting cast of characters, including Carrie’s boyfriend Dylan and her best friend Angela.

The interactions are realistic and the protagonist is sensible and smart. There are a number of twists and turns, including two murders that may be tied to a cold case or are they? This mystery held my interest and makes me look forward to the next installment in this series.

This is the 4th book in the series and whilst it can be read as a standalone I think it would be better to read in order. I have read a couple but not all of the books and I think the character development and plot from before would be better if I had read them.

The overall plot is quite basic and I know it is haunted library but I felt that the ghost did not feature as much as usual which was a shame.

A quick, easy to read cosy murder mystery.

Thank you for providing me with an arc.

Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this book. It was with pleasure that I returned to Clover Ridge and read about Carrie's new investigations. In Checked Out for Murder, there are two investigations going on simultaneously. The first victim is a woman who has been a victim of domestic violence, while the second one is an unpleasant, flirty actress. Carrie is asked to investigate both murders, in the second case by her own mother, since the chief of police suspects her. It is great to see how Carrie's relationship with her mother is evolving, since Carrie had been badly hurt in the past. Evelyn the ghost is also there to provide information to Carrie for her investigations, and steer her in the good direction. It is a very enjoyable entry in the series, and I hope there are more to come.

A fun mystery that is a great addition to the series! The entire book was well written with developed characters. The plot was full of twists that keeps the reader guessing.

Daphne comes to cloveridge and informs the head librarian that shes psychic. Shes soon joined in town by her crazy family. The librarys resident ghost tells carrie the librarian that daphne is up to something. Carrie soon finds out that the crazy family grew up there. Then daphne is dead and carrie decides to investigate. This was a very cute cozy. I enjoyed it so much with the homey feel of the town and the eccentric characters. I also liked the humor. I found this book to be delightful. I will definitely recommend this book.

Checked Out for Murder is the fourth installment in The Haunted Library Mysteries series set in Clover Ridge, Connecticut and featuring library programs coordinator, Carrie Singleton and her bushy tailed cat, Smokey Joe. Firestone Productions has selected Clover Ridge as the location for their new motion picture, "I Love You, I Do" and this means that Carrie's mother Linda, aka Brianna and her actor husband Tom will be coming to town.

Shortly before the cast and crew arrives Daphne Marriott comes to the library to ask if she can do a program about the different types of psychic mediums. Daphne claims that due to a near death experience she developed psychic abilities, and fears that something or someone dangerous is coming to town. Not long after the movie begins production, Daphne is found murdered in her apartment. Carrie had been forming a bond with the younger woman and was hoping that they'd become fast friends, so despite the objections of Police Chief John Mathers and her investigator boyfriend Dylan Avery she sets out to find a killer.

Carrie soon learns that Daphne was keeping a secret about her past and a cold case murder may be connected to her death. When a member of the movie cast turns up dead on the beach, Carrie now begins to believe that all three murders and an attempted poisoning are all connected.

A fast paced plot with plenty of suspects, a returning cast of series regulars, a developing family relationship and a touch of romance. Readers of the series won't be disappointed with this latest addition but may be wishing for just a little more Evelyn.

Checked out for Murder is another HIT for the Haunted Library mystery series! I love a paranormal mystery but haven't found any that I want to read over and over again until I started these books! They are among my favorite cozies ever and I hope Brook writes many more in the series! Highly recommended!

Such a fantastic cozy mystery! I absolutely loved it! Incredibly well-paced and plotted, and hits that perfect work-life-murder balance you need in a cozy. The kitty and the ghost didn't do much but still didn't feel tacked on. The first murder was shocking and I was really rooting for the killer to be found. I did not see the end coming but the resolution was very satisfying. Even though it is the forth one in the series and I didn't read the previous three, I didn't feel like I was missing any crucial information as everything was concisely explained; at the same time, if you've read the previous books, it will feel like a refresher and not repetition.

I loved this book so much I immediately placed an order for the first one in the series. Looking forward to reading more of the Haunted Library series! Thank you, Netgalley and the publisher.

I just found this series a month or two ago and loved the first book, so I saw this up on Netgalley Read Now and grabbed it. There’s so much for cozy mystery fans to love about this series; quaint small town setting, a lovely community of people and great plots that keep you guessing.

There was a lot packed into this book; a woman, Daphne, comes to town claiming to be a psychic and requests a slot to do a program about psychic readings at the library. Carrie is happy to sign her up and finds herself enjoying the woman’s company and starts a friendship. At the same time, Carrie’s mother is coming to town with her actor husband, who will be filming a movie in Clover Ridge. Carrie is dreading the drama her mother brings as well as the hustle and bustle that a Hollywood movie filming will bring. The last thing on her mind is a murder, but when Daphne is found murdered and then the movie’s leading lady is also found dead, Carrie begins to connect the dots, past and present, to find a killer.

Like I said, a lot going on this book, which kept the plot moving very quickly. This was one of those books that made you think you knew whodunit, only to change your mind with each new chapter. I like seeing how Carrie has ‘grown up’ so much, from an angsty girl at the start of the first book to an engaging, professional woman in such a short time. The other characters are just as endearing, from Aunt Harriet and Uncle Bosco to Police Chief Mathers to Dylan, Carrie’s art theft investigator boyfriend. The dramatic ending was icing on the cake, and left me both satisfied and wanting more.

Libraries and Psychic Cozy
Librarian Carrie Singleton, lives with her investigator boyfriend Dylan Avery and cat Smoky Joe. She was no longer freaked out by seeing and hearing Evelyn, whose spirit hung around in the library, a font of local information that sometimes came in handy.
She was leery of new resident Daphne Marriot, who claimed to be a psychic and giving talks. They did become friends...until Daphnr was murdered and many secrets were no longer secrets. Her brother, who was a;so living under an assumed name filled in some of the blanks she still had and asked for help catching the murderer.
Carrie reluctantly and against Dylan's wishes investigated, more so after another death...one her recently back in town mother looked good for.
We have plenty of suspects, with many good reasons, but the killer wasn't on anyone's suspect list. There were threats and attempts, unsuccessful to the delight of those investigating.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC and offer my opinion freely. Ienjoyed this cozy installment in the Haunted Library series.

I am not much on paranormal books but I love being able to read this series for my cozy mystery book bingo. I find the paranormal aspect is done in great taste. Evelyn, the ghost, does not scare people unnecessarily which I appreciate very much.

I am so impressed with Carrie's character development. She is learning how to deal with her parents and their questionable pasts and not be angry. She has let someone special into her life and takes it one day at a time. I am most impressed with her growth in her job at the library. Yes, I realize it is a fictional world but I like seeing characters grow positively. It gives me hope that someone who will read this book and is struggling will get courage from the character.

I would think you could read this book as a standalone and be ok but as with any series, reading in order is probably the best. There are no sex scenes, no excessive foul language if any at all and no gory murder scenes.

I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. Any and all opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.

Checked Out for Murder is the fourth in the series, but I had not read the others. The author, however, did such a fantastic job of describing the characters that I was able to fully enjoy this edition despite not having read the others. The main character is a librarian who has the help of a ghost that lives in the library she works at. I am a big fan of cozy mysteries that have ghosts in them, and though this ghost was not a major factor in the story, the mystery was well done enough that the small amount of paranormal contact was not discouraging. I would have liked to have had more of the ghost, but the other characters in the story made up for it in leaps and bounds. I especially loved the best friend, and coworkers. The love interest was well done, but I think I may have to read the previous ones to be more attached to their relationship, as by this book, it is well established. Not a bad thing, just if one is looking for a little love interest, this book does not have much romantic tension between the two.

I was very happy, however, with the plot and the who-done it aspect. The mystery lead me in many directions, and though I normally have cases solved before half the book is done, this book took me on a few red herrings that made me not realize who did it until close to the end. In the meantime, I enjoyed the ride as the main character, Carrie Singleton, tried to find out who killed two people, while possibly linking those deaths to a death years ago. It all takes place as her mother, and her mother’s husband are in town to film and movie; and two people are murdered back to back. Her mother is suspected at one point, which leads Carrie to ignore her first instinct to stay out of the murder. As others pull her into the investigation, she finds that the clues are falling in her lap for her to find the killer.

I will have to say that I am very much wanting to go back and read the others in the series, not only to see the beginnings of her love interest, but also because the author’s writing was so well done, and I enjoyed this story so much.I feel I need to relive the fun in another book. Highly recommend this book for those who like this author, and for others looking for a new cozy mystery. This one is a winner!

One of my favorite series. Carrie works at the library. Her mom and husband come into town for a movie that is being filmed. When there is a murder carrie and her boyfriend Dylan set out to find the killer before they kill again

This is the 4th book in the Haunted Library series, and the 2nd one that I have read.
Carrie Singleton works in Clover Ridge Library as an events coordinator. She meets Daphne Marriott who wants to make a presentation about psychic abilities. Evelyn, the library ghost tells Carrie that there's more to Daphne's story than she lets on.
Carrie's overbearing mother is in town while her young actor-husband, Tom is making a movie.
Now Carrie and Evelyn need to solve the murders of the psychic and Tom's co-star before Tom is arrested.
This was a good read. I look forward to reading more

Another great story in this series! Loved how Carrie's family came together during the crisis. Really interesting story! A few twists and turns that I wasn't expecting. Love this series!

Checked Out for Murder is the 4th book in a series featuring Carrie Singleton a small-town Connecticut library worker. I haven't had the pleasure of reading the first 3 mysteries, but it was not necessary to connect with Carrie and her world. The story has two main plots, the introduction of a woman named Daphne Marriott who comes to Carrie at the library to set up a seminar where she can display her psychic abilities. She has come to town after leaving an abusive relationship and immediately connects with Carrie. The other plot involves a hollywood production that is filming in town featuring Carrie's estranged mother's new husband. Carrie has not been close with her mother for many years and her being in town is cause for anxiety.

The mysteries begin when both Daphne and someone related to the film turn up dead. Carrie is asked to try and find out who may be involved and if one or both murders is related to the stabbing of Daphne's abusive father years ago. She works with her boyfriend Dylan, who is a private investigator and local law enforcement to bring justice for the crimes. She also has help from Evelyn, a ghost who lives in the library! This was the most "cozy" element of this mystery and to be honest it shouldn't put you off reading it if you're used to more traditional female driven mysteries. The supernatural touches were very subtle.

The whodunnit had many layers that kept the reader entertained and even if I had an idea of the killer before the big reveal, the why remained a mystery until the very end. I enjoyed it!

This is another good addition to the Haunted Library series. I have read the previous books, but you could start with this one and not feel lost. I like how the characters have developed over the series and within this book they experience some more personal growth. Carrie is involved in a mystery because her mother is in town with her actor husband, filming a movie. One of the actors is killed. I thought the mystery played out well, it kept moving at a good pace and a surprise at the end. For once I didn't have it figure out by chapter 4! This was a great rainy afternoon book.

Surprisingly good! My very first Cozy Mystery and I really liked it. After an intense series of hardcore mysteries and thrillers, "Checked Out for Murder," was the perfect respite. The book is entertaining, yet has enough mystery to keep the reader engaged in the story. I couldn't wait to find out "whodunnit."

"Checked Out for Murder," is the fourth book in the "Haunted Library Mysteries." I didn't read the first three, but now I can't wait to read them in order.

There's no carnage and violence. It a pretty "clean" read that I found to be well written. The only thing that I wasn't particularly fond of was the presence of a ghost. But that really didn't deter my enjoyment of the book.

Four stars -- I really liked it. Thanks to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for an honest review.

Carrie Singleton lives in small-town Clover Ridge, Connecticut, and is the director of library events and programs. When a woman strolls into her office and claims she's a psychic and wants to give a talk to people, Carrie is skeptical. But when Daphne Marriott seems to know things about Carrie, and even senses Evelyn, the library ghost, nearby, Carrie agrees. After spending time talking with Daphne, Carrie also thinks they may even become friends.

Also on Carrie's agenda is the fact that her mother Brianna (who changed her name from Linda), is going to be in town because her husband Tom is filming a movie there. Carrie's relationship with her mother has been strained for many years, since Brianna left Carrie and her brother Jordan; and wouldn't even allow Carrie to live with her for awhile when she needed someone.

But when Daphne is murdered, and one of the cast members of the film is killed - Tom's ex-fianceé, and Carrie's mother is a suspect, Carrie is finding things aren't going the way she expected them to: her mother temporarily moves in with her, Carrie's personal trainer Robby Dowd has a secret of his own to confess; and her father Jim, a reformed ex-thief, turns up to give Brianna moral support, Carrie's life is definitely becoming confusing. But when she's asked to help solve both murders, she's in a quandary: she's promised both the police and her boyfriend Dylan, a private investigator, that she'll stay out of both of the murder investigations. But with her mother's life on the line, and discovering that both murders might just be connected to an old cold case, she knows that she has to do the right thing...even if it means putting herself in the sight of a cold-blooded murderer...

This is the fourth book in the series and I'm glad that I stuck with it. I wasn't terribly impressed by the first, but as I'd hoped, the author has managed to allow her characters to develop over time, and that made this a pleasant book to read. I also like the fact that now Smoky Joe is being put in a carrier for safety and an indoor cat. (They tend to be healthier and live much longer).

The mystery was very interesting, as it not only contained two separate murders that should have had absolutely nothing to do with each other, but managed to add a twenty-year-old cold case of a man who was stabbed to death -- Daphne's father -- and bring it into view again of the police. Watching Carrie connect the dots on the three cases was a plus, as was watching her try to surreptitiously ask questions, and this time report her findings to the police instead of going off on her own.

It was also delightful to see that while last time she managed to come to terms with her father's past and finally put it at peace and become not only friends but rather close to him; and this time out, even though for the most part her mother is selfish and self-centered, there was a place in her heart for Carrie, and we watch as they work to make something of each other.

I thought the murderer was well-hidden, and we were given a workout to find the killer, which is always a good thing. While it came as a bit of a surprise, it was worth the read to discover their identity, and the reason for the murder. I've come to enjoy this series, and I will definitely read the next one. Recommended.