Hayley Burke is the curator of the Golden Age Mystery Books Collection at Middlebank House established in honor of its benefactor Lady Georgiana Fowling. Just when she’s finding her feet after her first year in the position, she is caught in a struggle between two potential heirs to Lady Fowling’s estate, the obnoxious nephew Charles Henry Dill, and John Aubrey, a newcomer with a mysterious connection to Lady Fowling. If that’s not enough, a murder takes place, and one of the two men is a considered lead suspect. Can Hayley employ her amateur sleuthing skills to help the police solve the murder, and keep the peace at the Golden Age

I spent the first part of the book not in love with the story and wondering where it was going. While books that have the plot centered around books are seriously my jam, I wasn’t connecting to the storyline or the characters beyond a minor level, although the more I read, the more interested I got. But honestly, I never ascended to a level beyond mild interest. I will say that I liked the conclusion a lot, and I feel that the mystery was well plotted. The characters were well-developed and each seemed to have a place in the story.

I have never read Frenchman's Creek by Daphne Du Maurier, but I appreciated how integral it was to the storyline. I also like the theme about how books can be so powerful to get people through tough times and often provide a way for their readers to relate to themselves and connect to others through the stories they read.

If I pick up other books in the series, it would be because of the book theme. I have become quite a big fan of mysteries, so that was the biggest draw to the book for me.

Haley Burke is the librarian and curator of Lady Fowlings magnificent mystery collection. She is charged with opening the library to the public.

She is to be overseen by an "assistant" who is actually Lady Fowling's nephew and has the worst of intentions.

Murder, mayhem and a fascinating mystery kept me engrossed. I am a fan of these characters and really enjoyed this

This is book 3 in the First Edition Library Cozy series and could be read as a stand alone. Hayley is about to finish her first year as the curator/librarian at Lady Fowling's mansion containing her Golden age of Mystery First edition collection. Hayley has convinced the board to allow scholars and researchers access to the books. Henry Dill, her obnoxious assistant and Lady Fowling's nephew still isn't making her life easy. Now a new threat to the collection arrives, a man claiming to be the Lady's grandson. A good story with many of the previous cast present in this book. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Mary Wingate continues her First Edition Library mysteries in The Librarian Always Rings Twice. Hayley Burke. librarian in in Lady Fowling's first edition library has opened the library to the public and is confronted by a man who says he is the grandson of Lady Fowling. Confusion ensues. There is a nephew as the only relative. and a man is murdered. Who is lying? What are the connections among the claimants? Curious cozy.

Stock up on biscuits and put on the kettle to enjoy The Librarian Always Rings Twice, book three of the First Edition Library Series, by Marty Wingate. Haley Burke, a divorced mother of an adult daughter, is about to celebrate her first year work anniversary at the Golden Age of Mystery special library and museum in Bath. The collection, in Middlebank House, contains Lady Georgiana Fowling’s first editions. When a mystery man, John Aubrey, arrives to claim he is Lady Fowling's grandson, the plot grows into its own mystery in a tight-knit society. Sherry and wine help Haley solve the mystery, with her boyfriend Val at her side to assist. Mrs. Woolgar, the secretary, and Charles Henry Dill, Fowling's nephew, add the to plot. A good read with many references to Daphne du Maurier's works.

This was fun! First book by Marty Wingate and I'm tempted to check the library for the first two titles in this series. I liked the whole concept of a first editions library so all the bookish stuff was a highlight for me. The mystery itself was decent and while I felt like things went a bit off the rails at the big reveal, this was an overall enjoyable read.

Hayley Burke is the curator of the collection of Golden Age Mystery writers' books at Middlebank House, where she also lives, along with Mrs. Woolgar, who was once Lady Fowling's secretary. Lady Fowling was a great lover of these mysteries and collected them throughout her life, but also had written stories herself, which were put to print by a local publisher.

Hayley has convinced Mrs. Woolgar that it would be fortuitous to open the collection to the public one day a week, and in doing so, garner an interest in the collection that would add to the coffers of Middlebank. Unfortunately, the board (consisting of five women who knew Lady Fowling) have offered up the woman's nephew -- Charles Henry Dill -- to work as Hayley's assistant one morning each week.

Hayley -- nor Mrs. Woolgar -- want him there, as he is avaricious about the home, and believes it should all go to him. He has gone so far as to outright steal from the home. But Hayley cannot refuse, so she sets about creating tasks for him that are tedious.

On the first day of the weekly opening, a man appears and stays behind when the collection closes, telling Hayley and Mrs. Woolgar that he is the grandson of Lady Fowling, and can prove it. While neither woman really believes his claim, they know they must give John Aubery's claim thought. Yet it doesn't end there: his tales are indeed those of Lady Fowling, and Hayley vows to look into the matter. Yet another man shows up, who looks very much like John, and states he works with him; and is going to help Hayley sort out the matter.

But before it can happen, the man is murdered, and Hayley and her boyfriend are once again in the middle of it. Now Hayley has to wonder what is going on with John, and keep an eye on Charles Henry, who isn't pleased, to say the least. All she really wants is a vacation...

This is the third book in the series and I have read all of them. Actually, I have read all of Ms. Wingate's books, so you see that I am a fan. And there is a reason for this: Ms. Wingate is a talented writer that can take you into the pages of her book and stand alongside her characters as they sort things out between them. I feel as if I have visited Bath, and seen the collection, and what a wonderous thing that would be, to me, a great lover of mysteries!

When Hayley starts investigating she doesn't realize how tangled the story really is. Is this man truly a relation of Georgiana? Or a charlatan trying to claim where he shouldn't? Taking the high road, Hayley purposely intends to find out, with the blessing of Mrs. Woolgar.

But what she does discover changes things immensely for more than one person. It brings life where life wasn't; and happiness again. Yet there is a darkness, a murderer afoot, and unfortunately, she comes too close and must use her wits and her strength. Hayley is not a weak woman, nor is she wishy-washy. She is intelligent, loving, generous, and kind. She strives to be better. I love that Mrs. Woolgar is softening toward her, and that Hayley's relationship is moving along as it should.

When the killer is revealed, it is not so much a surprise as the reason for the murder, which could have been avoided all along. The ending was done nicely, and the threads all woven together and showing us a mystery that is worth reading again. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.

The third in the #CozyMystery series, #TheFirstEditionMysteries, author #MartyWingate has the Golden Age of Mysteries collection curator Hayley Burke digging into the past of the of library's late-benefactor 's life. As the curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s First Edition library kept at Middlebank House, in Bath, England, Hayley has been living on the premises and working with Glynis Woolgar, Lady Fowling’s former secretary, for almost a year. Hayley has finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open the First Edition Library one afternoon a week so that Lady Fowling's collection can be shared with the public.

When Mr. John Aubrey appears claiming to be Lady Fowling's grandson, Hayley becomes embroiled in a mystery. Charles Henry, Lady Fowling's nephew, is certain the Mr. Aubrey is a fraud, but not everyone is convinced based on Aubrey's knowledge of Lady Fowling's writings and life. When a friend of Mr. Aubrey's is murdered, the plot thickens.

This title is for Anglophiles and cozy mystery lovers alike. Thanks to #BerkleyPublishingGroup and #NetGalley for allowing me to read a preview copy of the book.

Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie

This novel was fun, intriguing, and at times, scary. I always enjoy seeing England through this author’s experiences. Setting and character descriptions are excellent. I always learn something new, such as about narrow boats. Bath, England sounds like a great place to visit, and Middlebank House sounds architecturally elegant. The library is astounding, made up of first edition, rare, and valuable books authored by women during the Golden Age of Mysteries. Included are a series of mysteries penned by Lady Georgiana Fowling. They were not published, but she had sets printed in elegant leather bindings, one for each of her friends.

Charles Henry is Lady Fowling’s nephew. He resents that, being her only living relative, he didn’t inherit Middlebank and the library even though the bequest he received was substantial. He has tried to get involved with the inner workings of Middlebank and managed to get the board to allow him to work there a few hours a week for Hayley. She and the board secretary, Mrs. Woolgar, will not allow him access to anything sensitive or of value, especially since he had stolen valuable serving pieces during Georgiana’s funeral.

Hayley got the board’s approval to open Middlebank to the public one afternoon a week. Books can be gently read in-house, but not checked out. Visitors can meet and converse with like-minded readers. They hope to attract new members to the First Edition Society to keep it a vibrant, active group. At the first Wednesday opening, Celia, an avid mystery reader in town on holiday, spoke with Hayley at length. At closing time, Hayley met visitor John Aubrey. They spoke briefly of the stories Lady Georgiana wrote. He claimed that after the death of her husband left her a young widow, Georgiana had an extended stay in Brittany. Georgiana was the love of his grandfather’s life. They had a child, one of John’s parents. She left their baby with him and returned to Bath to oversee Middlebank and her late husband’s holdings. Hayley had many questions, and John promised to return. He didn’t want even a pence from the estate; he only wants to meet and hear memories of her from those who knew and loved her.

When Charles Henry heard about him, he was furious, even punching John. Mrs. Woolgar, who had worked for Lady Fowling for over 30 years, was also upset about this claim against the woman she had on a pedestal, thinking he was running a scam. John wasn’t forthcoming in answering Hayley’s questions, even what his grandfather’s name was. Milo, a friend of John who resembled him and put Hayley in contact with someone who could tell her more about John, was murdered. John was later attacked in a similar fashion. The police have focused on Charles Henry as the suspect. Hayley had helped the local police solve two murders already. At the request of a board member, could she do so again and find out if John really is Lady Fowling’s grandson?

We learn more about Hayley, her boyfriend Val, and the mostly elderly board members. Things are revealed this time that show Charles Henry and board member Maureen better than before. I hope to learn more about the very proper Mrs. Woolgar. She doesn’t seem like a warm, welcoming person, yet after her years working for Lady Fowling, she clearly has more depth.

This fast-paced, intriguing novel with its plot twists and eclectic characters held my attention, as did Hayley’s new discovery about Lady Fowling. Hayley and Val can see only a few potential suspects. Rascal that he is, Hayley knew Charles Henry didn’t kill anyone. I followed a red herring for longer than I should have, rejecting my instinctual first suspect. The end is surprising and tremendously satisfying, and I am looking forward to the next visit to Bath. I highly recommend this and the two earlier mysteries!

The Librarian Always Rings Twice earns 5/5 Shocking IDs…Engaging & Clever!

Hayley Burke is the curator of the late Lady Fowling’s impressive book collection for The First Edition Society at Middlebank House. However, in the board’s wisdom, they have arranged for an assistant…Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s obnoxious nephew and one not to be trusted. Hayley is able to stave off his involvement until after their first public opening. One afternoon a week the public will be allowed to enjoy the collection, not as a “lending library,” but as guests to stay, peruse, read, and enjoy the atmosphere. The first opening is small, but a successfulmintertroduction, until…checking to make sure all guests had left, Hayley finds one man yet to leave. John Aubrey appears quite knowledgeable of Lady Fowling’s own mystery books and her fictional detective Flambeaux, but his claim to be her long-lost grandson is beyond shocking. His claim, of course, needs to be substantiated beyond his odd stories and a photograph, but seeing Charles Henry squirm and resorting to violence may just be a motive for murder. An associate of Aubrey’s who informed Hayley he had some background of interest on Aubrey’s claim is found murdered. Were the details he alluded to motive for murder or was someone else the intended target?

Marty Wingate has “wowed” me again with the third book in her First Edition Library Mystery series with a shocking claim Lady Fowling had a child, now a grandson, at the center, but the “maybe” grandson is evasive casting serious doubt on his character. Several, especially the bonafide nephew, are emotional about his claim, but the murder victim was a total, yet brilliant, surprise. The compelling journey is well paced and complex sending Hayley and her boyfriend Professor Val Moffatt on a search for answers and a killer, interviewing witnesses, avoiding personal injury, and compiling a fascinating story of personal loss, desire for belonging, and a fine line between reality and literature. The ins and outs of managing the library, its new events, and relationships between the very senior citizen board members, the selfish nephew, and the usurper creates a page-turning read, and Hayley’s romance with Val is delightful…supportive and loving. There are several references to real literary figures and their work for realism, but I wish Lady Fowling and her work wasn’t fictional; they sound exciting. Maybe another series, Ms. Wingate…the Flambeaux Mysteries by (pen name) Georgiana Fowling?

With the one year anniversary of her first year as curator of the First Editions Library collected by Lady Fowling, Hayley is determined to open the library up to the public. When she finally receives permission for the library to be open one day a week, she is overjoyed however she is less than thrilled to take on Charles, Lady Fowling's nephew, as her assistant. The first afternoon they are open is a resounding success until a gentlemen by the name of John Aubrey arrives claiming to be Lady Fowling's grandson. And while John Aubrey seems to know lots of information about Lady Fowling and her famous fictional detective, he does not offer anything in regards to his past or his relationship with Lady Fowling. Before Hayley and Mrs. Woolgar can determine the truth however John's assistant Milo is murdered in a most violent manner and Charles immediately falls under suspicion given his less than warm reception of John and the threat he posed to John as Lady Fowling's rightful heir. As much as she would love to have Charles out of her hair, Hayley can't sit by and watch him be charged for a murder he didn't commit. Hayley begins he own investigation into the murder and the truth behind John Aubrey's claims.

The Librarian Always Rings Twice is the third book in the first edition library mystery series featuring library curator and amateur sleuth Hayley Burke. There is much to love in this charming story full of murder, mayhem romance, and of course books. The plot is intriguing with a great whodunnit at the heart of it. The characters are lively and well drawn and the delightful private library setting is a unique twist on the libraries at the center of other cozy mysteries. With all of the literary references to female authors from the golden age of mysteries readers will have of new (to them) authors to add to their ever growing to read pile. I can't wait to find out what is in store for Hayley, Charles and the first edition library in the future and look forward to future books in the series. I highly recommend The Librarian Always Rings Twice to fans of cozy mysteries, libraries, golden age mysteries, or all of the above.

This is a fun series with an interesting premise. Hayley is the curator of a members only library stocked with first editions of memory. The mystery takes place surrounded by first editions of the some of the most classic mysteries with lots of mentions of different mysteries. The founder of the library the late Lady Georgiana Fowler has always been a somewhat mysterious character really only existing in occasional mentions and Hayley's discussions with her through her portrait.

This third mystery is really focused on Lady Georgiana and I felt like I really got to know her much better than I did at the beginning of the book. I also really enjoyed the library's secretary, Ms. Woolgar having to come to terms with how well she knew Lady Georgiana. I really enjoyed the development of the different characters and Lady Georgiana.

While I really enjoyed the character development I do think it came a bit at the expense of the mystery. The story of Lady Georgiana very much overshadowed the mystery which felt a bit like a side plot. As well, the reasons given for one of the character's behavior seemed a bit outlandish.

This is an interesting series with likable characters and fun bookish mentions. While I did enjoy this one I don't think it was the strongest mystery though it was a great one to get to know the characters better.

Hayley Burke is nearing the one-year anniversary of being hired as curator of the collection of Golden Age mysteries collected by Georgiana, Lady Fowler before her death. Things are going well. She has finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to allow the collection to be opened to the public one day a week. But she has also had to agree to take Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowler's unscrupulous and greedy nephew, as her personal assistant.

Their first open afternoon is going well until a man named John Aubrey arrives claiming to be Lady Fowler's grandson. He seems to know quite a bit about her and about her fictional detective Flambeaux. However, Mrs. Woolgar, who thought she knew everything about Lady Fowler, doesn't believe him. Nor does Hayley who dislikes the very vague answers he gives when questioned about details of his past and relationship with Lady Fowler.

John Aubrey is assisted by Milo Overton who is working as his assistant. The two men look quite a bit alike at first glance. When Milo is murdered, Charles Henry comes under suspicion because of his angry attack on John when he feared that he would take his place as Lady Fowler's heir.

Much as she would like Charles Henry to be guilty, she can't make herself believe that he is. She becomes determined to find out who murdered Milo and what secrets John Aubrey is concealing.

This was a fun cozy mystery. I like Hayley who has big plans for the collection and a strong admiration for Georgiana, Lady Fowler, despite never having met her. I liked the literary references to the great female mystery writers of the 1930s. I liked the excerpts from Lady Fowler's own detective stories.

Fans of cozy mysteries with literary ties will enjoy this story.

Hayley has convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open the First Editions Library to the public, for browsing only, one day a week. During the first of these sessions, a stranger arrives, claiming to be a descendant of Lady Georgiana. He knows things about her personal life and her writing that only those close to her would know, but he refuses to provide details about his own life, and that makes everyone suspicious. When one of his associates is murdered and Hayley's personal assistant becomes the primary suspect, Hayley is determined to find the identity of the killer.

This is the third book in the First Editions Library series, which I enjoyed even more than the first two. The setting is described so well I can picture it in my head while reading, and the recurring characters are people I would like to get to know. I liked that there were several threads in the book with puzzles to figure out, and I will admit that I was wrong about most of them, just as I was wrong about the identity of the killer. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.

<i>Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.</i>

What another wonderful cozy mystery. If you need a good mystery with no gore then this is the way to go. Great read!

I really don't like Charles. I know that is the point however. The rest of the characters I do like, and enjoy visiting with them again to see what is going on at the First Edition Library. I was very curious about John and his backstory. I felt really bad about Milo. Some nice little twists as well.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

Hayley's first year as curator at First Editions Library is fast approaching. It's been an interesting and eventful year and it becomes even more so when a mysterious stranger comes to Middleton House claiming to be Lady Fowling's grandson. Lady Fowling's only known relative, Charles Henry Dill is not happy and at a library open house proceeds to punch the claimant in the nose. John Aubrey's story holds enough truth that Hayley, Mrs. Woolgear and the Board members are giving him the benefit of the doubt. His stories relate to scenes from du Maurier's Frenchmen's Creek and when copies of unpublished short stories written by Lady Fowling are found the truth begins to appear. But not before there's a murder and threats to Hayley and other characters. This is the 3rd in the series and they get better and better. The criminal activity is counterbalanced by romance and an article in an old newsletter that will bring a tear to your eye.

Mischief and mayhem ensue when a strange threatens Hayley’s opening and is found dead. In order to protect the legacy, Hayley must put on her sleuthing cap and look for a killer before they strike again. This well-written drama had a comfortable tone that made it easy to follow along with what the author has intended. A strong plot, plenty of suspects and clues spliced into the telling of this story kept me intrigued throughout. Love the character buildup and how their role and interactions enhanced how well this whodunit was being told. Overall, this was one of the best book and a delightfully charming addition to this series.

3.5 stars

Another entry in a pleasant series featuring a private Golden Age Detective Library and its curator Hayley. She has finally succeeded in getting the entrenched staff and board to open the collection once a week. Unfortunately, the first day of the experiment ends badly when a strange young man appears and claims to be the library's late benefactor's grandson -- which is a shock to staff since she allegedly had no children.

The setting and cast are nicely drawn and the plot is a bit interesting. Hayley and boyfriend Val and the library's lawyer start investigating the claim but they are confused: the young man doesn't seem to be after any money. Soon a friend of his appears and says he will explain everything. But before that can happen, the friend is stabbed to death.

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

Haley Burke is a curator at Lady Georgiana Fowling's collection of Golden Age of Mystery Writers first editions in Middlebank House library in Bath, England. When a stranger shows up to threaten the legacy of the collection Haley must search to find answers and catch a killer. This is the third book in the First Edition Library Mystery series and I think readers would benefit from reading the first two books in the series Bodies in the Library and Murder is a Must first. This is a quick enjoyable read with loveable characters and a delightful cozy mystery.