I love a good cozy mystery. Murder in a small, lake-side library? Count me in!

Initially, when I sat down to read this book, I couldn't put it down. I finished it in 24 hours because I had to know who did it. Once I got to the end thought, I found myself frustrated more than satisfied by my reading experience.

In some instances, extreme amounts of detail were given. In others, it seemed like events were unfolding completely randomly and the reader was left trying to play catchup. The descriptions of the lake-side setting, the town and the donuts were the best part while the characters were tough to connect with or care about.

I did like that the murder happened quickly in Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers. The plot was good, but I struggled to really get into the story. When there is too much unnecessary details and dialogue that feels like it’s just thrown in there to fill up space, I get pulled out of the story and find myself skimming information. For me, the book had too much detail in describing things.

Murder at the Lakeside Library is an okay start to a new cozy series. I do like the cover; it’s quite relaxing.

#MurderattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley

Rain Wilmot heads to her childhood vacation home in the Midwest to get away from a tragedy at home. The lakeside setting and family library that is open to other ‘lakers’ creates a natural way to get to know characters and describe the setting. Shortly after her arrival, an unidentified body is found close to her cabin. As the man is identified, clues are uncovered that reveal well kept family secrets. In order to defend her family’s name, Rain commits to finding out who is responsible. As the investigation continues, she is able to reconnect with some childhood friends who come alongside her.
If you like a cozy mystery, this one adds an extra layer of elements to the story that are satisfying and keep you turning the pages. Not only do you want to find out ‘whodunnit’ but also how the characters are connected to each other.

This is the perfect cozy mystery. Hard to resist the idyllic Wisconsin lakeside setting, the generations of old friends who have lake houses there, and an actual summer library! I would recommend this to readers who enjoy Jenn Mckinlay, Leslie Meier, Lee Hollis, and Marty Wingate.

I received this book from NetGalley and the publisher, in return for an honest review. This review is based entirely on my own thoughts and feelings.

Overall rating : 3*
Writing skill : 4*
Setting:4*
Plot: 4*
Characters: 3*
Cute cozyness: 3*

This is a very strong 3.5* read, but I don’t round up because I’m mean. This was a super cute and cozy who done it murder mystery that made me long for a summer holiday, minus the murder. The characters were good, but not great, Ive forgotten nearly all the characters names already a few days after reading. The relationship between Julia and Rain (go me) was lovely, clearly long lost friends, but it didn’t really go much further than that. There were at times infuriating parts of the plot that I just couldn’t fathom but it flowed well and the setting was beautifully described and I really felt I was there. If you want a quick read that you don’t need much brain power for this is ideal.

I'm not really sure why, but I didn't connect strongly to the lead or the circle of friends featured in the novel. Perhaps, considering the circumstances of Rain's return to the family holiday home at the Lakeside and length of time that had passed, it all felt just a little too unrealistic for me. Even the actions taken by the friends to get to the bottom of things jarred at times.

However, I'm sure there will be many who enjoy this cozy, murder mystery series going forward.

With thanks to #NetGalley, Crooked Lane Books and the author for my advance reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Rain has returned to the family lakeside cabin after the death of her husband. Planning to isolate herself, she is quickly pulled into Laker life, being reminded that she would need to open the library everyone uses at her cottage. Murder occurs quickly and the novel moves forward with difficult family relationships added in the mix. A bit muddled at times, it was still a fun read and has promise if another novel follows.

Wonderful setting, plenty of twists, turns, and secrets to keep it interesting. Decent start for a first in series.

Rain Wilmont heads to her family’s waterfront cabin to heal from the recent death of her husband. The community is eager for the informal library that Rain’s mom ran out of the cabin to open. Shortly after her arrival, a body is discovered by the outhouse in the back. When the body is identified, questions arise as to whether Rain’s mom Willow and her relationship to the victim is a factor in the murder. Or did the victim’s desire to develop condominiums in the community result in his death.
Good start to a new series.

Copy received via Netgalley.

What a joy this book was to read! First in a series, "Murder at the Lakeside Library" will grab your attention from page one. Thankful to NetGalley for providing me a copy.

I really enjoyed the setting of this book and the author does a good job of bringing the Wisconsin lake district to life. The plotting was sound, but I really struggled to get into the story. There was far too much extraneous dialogue and unnecessary details. Meandering conversations are pleasant in real life but frustrating in a book. I really wish that an editor had tightened up this copy before publication.

I received an advance an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Rain moves back to Lofty Pines where she reunites with her childhood friend Julia. As they are getting ready to unpack books for the summer library their friend discovers a dead body. Rain and Julia team together to solve the murder and prove neither of Rain’s parents is the killer.
Goodreads

It's a cozy read, perfect to read at this time of the year. I loved the characters, though I wish there was more depth to the mystery and a little more insight to the characters. Anyways, it's a good read overall.

A summer cozy cottage mystery series is a cool concept and it was very atmospheric, taking me back to many summers spent lakeside up North. It was a fun easy read. The mystery was original and there were a few tense scenes where I wanted to yell at Rain to be more careful!

Rain goes back to her family's lakeside cottage after losing her husband and instead of solitude, gets an onslaught of old summer friends, an on property library to open and .. the body of a murdered man on her property! As with all cozies, Rain sets out with her friend Julia to help solve the mystery of who killed the man and why. This is the first in a series set in fictional Lofty Pines.

I wish there were a few more characters and I would have loved some more suspects. Her friendship with Julia was lovely and I enjoyed Rain's scenes with Jace, the officer in charge of the scene.

The dialogue could have been smoother with less time spent describing people making gestures with their hands while talking or handing things to each other during conversations, the story was good enough without and would have been more fluid. It hit a good pace 3/4 the way so that was nice.

There were some moments with police procedure that made me cringe but it is a cozy. But unfortunately as well, the ending explanation of the motive had a glaring problem for me and didn't make sense so that was unfortunate for the conclusion of the plot.

But, it was a good read, its a cozy! and who doesn't love a cottage on a sparkling lake and summer friends🥤

This book will publish July 2021 so look for it as an atmospheric cottage read for a day out on the boat. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an Advanced Reader Copy

Honestly all Crooked Lane cozies are a hit for me. This one is no different. Rain returns to her childhood lakefront cottage to grieve her recently deceased husband. Her mother has other ideas and has arranged for Rain to run the local library in her absence. A dead body shows up outside her cabin and its thought the deceased had a relationship with her mother. Small town rumors percolate and it's up to Rain to come out of her shell, start living and help solve the murder.

This cozy mystery is a good start to a new series. The lakeside setting is so inviting and I enjoyed the cast of characters. It was a nice, breezy read.

A very satisfying premiere entry to a new series. I would love to meet Rain and the other Lakers. It is just as I would imagine a lakeside summer community would be like (or I would like it to be like). Sometimes the first book in a cozy series is overwhelmed with the creation of the community and introduction of so many new people and the mystery is neglected or there isn’t enough buildup and the community and characters feel flat. That is not the case in this book.

The mystery was well plotted and had surprises to keep the reader guessing. There were outrageous moments and some danger thrown in to raise the heartbeat. My favorite part was the characters though. Rain and the other characters were relatable and someone you would like to spend a summer’s day or night with.

Thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for a free copy of the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I thoroughly enjoyed reading this novel and found myself completing it in one sitting. The story is fast paced with a protagonist that you will root for the entire way. The characters are just like the next door neighbors that you enjoy visiting and the plot is well worth the time invested to read and find out the ending. I had no idea what to expect as this was the first by this author but I must say I was thrilled to find myself enthralled totally in the book. This is one I highly recommend.

Read this one on a wintry afternoon cuddled in a comfy chair. Character driven...try it. The protagonist is endearing and one wants her to win.

I cannot say enough about this book! It was refreshing and Rain is like an old friend. I enjoyed every minute. Losing her husband after discovering he had an affair was difficult for rain. She packs up and moves back to her families Pine Lake cabin to spend the summer. She reconnects with her best friend and is annoyed to she needs to open her mother’s library. Rain discovered deep seeded secrets of her families while doing her best to find a murderer.
#MurderattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley