This story was kind of hard to follow. There was spots where the story seemed to drag on . Characters and the story went in to many directions so I ended up not finishing the book

While I was surprised to see a mystery written in a library written by a non librarian, I was overall underwhelmed with the completed product. A third round purchase for libraries.

Overall, it was fine; it wasn't anything groundbreaking. For me, the writing was a bit juvenile at times and just really lacked depth and flavor. Everything seemed too generic and like it was following the script of other books before it. Readers looking for a clean read should enjoy it because there's no explicit content, and there were only 2 actual curse words used. I just wanted more from the story. It dragged and I wanted something super compelling to happen, but even when "exciting" things happened, it was very lackluster. It had all the elements that usually drive a story, like a small town setting, murder mystery, quirky main character, and a few twists and turns, but it all just didn't culminate into a truly compelling tale. I haven't read anything else from this author, so I don't know how this one compares to other works, but I don't plan on continuing the series.

First in a new library mystery, Death Checked Out was a well-written bookish mystery following Greta Plank, library director in the small town of Larkspur, Wisconsin. Forced into solving a murder to clear her name, Greta finds herself embroiled in something far more complicated that first thought. Overall, this was a really good read and complicated mystery. I recommend this book for anyone who loves bookish themed mysteries with characters who are starting a new journey.

This was a NetGalley Review.

Charming! The librarianship aspects were very sweet, as were the friendships. The love interest circumstance felt quite predictable and tropey (we know, earlier than when the detective directly says it, that he doesn't actually suspect our protagonist of murder, and he's channeling his attraction towards her into being aggravating--but our MC needs a motive to keep digging other than her investigative spirit, I suppose). It was fun and light, and I'd be curious to read a sequel.

I am struggling to write a review for this one but one thing is clear, I badly wanted to like to this book and it did not live up to any sensible expectations for me.

A single librarian who chose to look at the brighter side of things and sleuthing at the same time is a concept that held so much promise. What I got is a one dimensional and unrealistic characterization of the main lead, a cop out Nancy Drew story, over explanation of every tiny actions and thoughts, lame attempt to enemies to lovers theme and overall nonsensical plot line.

If only there were word building and realistic portrayal of events as well as characters, this could have made it more tolerable.

I usually don't review books this way as I understand not all books would be my go-to, however, the lack of transitions and attempts to just fill in the gaps in order to produce a book is just too much for me. I could've DFN'd this one to save me a some headache but I promised myself, I will only DNF 1 book per year

Death Checked Out was a another new cozy mystery series! It made me want to visit the town of Larkspur Wisc. . Even though Greta has only been in Larkspur for ashort time, she was able to obtain a job as Director of Larkspur Community Library.

When Gretta is suspected of killing her neighbor, she has to prove her innosence so she pulls in her friends who are also libraians to help. They all pinch in to help.

I am interested in reading further about whats next to happen in Larkspur.
Thank you Net Galley for introducing me to another series.

A cozy mystery set in a library, what’s not to love. You can tell the author loves books because there are so many bookish puns throughout. Managed to keep me guessing about the mystery which I appreciate.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley UK for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.

A murder-mystery and a library? Yes please. I really enjoyed this cozy mystery and all of the characters. I found myself turning the pages to find out what was going to happen next. Trigger warnings are definitely needed for this one.

This book was cute, This mystery was fun to read and it was cozy. I enjoyed it even though it is not a favorite of mine.

Thankyou to Netgalley, the publisher and the author for allowing me to read this ARC.
I loved this book alot as i always enjoy a cosy mystery.
This book was a awesome mystery novel that has small town vibes, being from a small town myself i really love that vibe.
I felt a vibe of Pretty little liars in this which i also love.
This is my first novel from this author and i will be reading more from them.
Thankyou again,
5/5 stars

A small town librarian solving cime? Sounds straight up my alley. Greta Plank is the new librarian in Larkspur, Wisconsin, and like the doctor in last month's Scottish mystery, she is haunted by something in her past that the author takes three-quarters of the book to reveal. Honestly, but the time Greta's secret came out, I didn't care, and when I learned what it was, I cared even less. Mountains out of molehills, indeed. I'm assuming this is the first in a new series, so here's your synopsis: Greta's hermit-like neighbor is found dead, and while it looks like an accident, Greta is not convinced it was. When she finally manages to convince Larkspur's new detective that he was murdered, she finds herself as the number one suspect. Greta and her two library colleagues set out to uncover the murderer. I did like Greta's happy and healthy relationship with her parents, whom I'd have liked to see more of (they are more interesting that her, to be honest). No blood or gore or cursing or sex, for those who like their mysteries squeaky clean.

One of the first ARC’s I’ve read and I thoroughly enjoyed it! Cosy mystery isn’t a genre I’ve read before and I was skeptical but I loved it!
The main character was likeable from the off and made me want to work in a library more than I already do!
I found this book truly delightful!

An excellent mystery novel, I loved the small town vibes of this book. A super great read for anyone who likes the vibes from Pretty Little Liars mixed with Gilmore Girls.

Leah Dobrinska does it again!! I am absolutely in love with this cozy mystery! Between the idyllic north woods setting, the adorable characters, and the ongoing investigation of the mystery, I could not put this book down! It kept me hooked to the very last page. Highly recommend...

I absolutely loved this cozy mystery. It was full of lovable characters, a mystery that held my interested and kept a great pace. This is my first Leah Dobrinska and it definitely won’t be my last. Can’t wait for the next installment of this series!

I am OBSESSED! with this unique and cozy mystery book. Its dark academia meets cottage core in the most perfect setting. The setting is captured perfectly in the beautiful writing by Leah Dobrinska. Descriptions, images and characters are all so well written with depth.
The cover was what initially caught my attention. it is goregus and i know its gonna be popular with the booktok girlies!
I cant wait to follow this series and explorer more of the authors writings.⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

Cute, cozy mystery that was fun to read

Many thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the advanced copy of the book.

3.5/5 stars, small town wisconsin vibes kept this story going for me it was so cute

<i> Thank you to Level Best Books for the arc in exchange for an honest review! </i>

I know that reading the description of this book says that this takes place in Larkspur, Wisconsin but it really didn't hit me that this was set here (in my state!) until I began reading. They kept saying names of places that I knew (never before have I seen culvers mentioned in a book - it's a midwest thing) and Green Bay, etc. This was so exciting and compiled with the small-town vibes I really felt like this was taking place in my town. I love living in the Midwest in a small town so this was a very welcome atmosphere for the story to take place.

This book is one that I would describe as a cozy mystery, and discovering this genre really makes me want to explore more books like this. I wish that I had been able to read this in the fall as I think I would have enjoyed it a little more, but everything about this was so cozy and sweet. I loved the relationship that Greta had with the other librarians and even the grumpy Detective. She herself was a really cute character too, and it was fun having her lead everyone on this mystery.

I think the mystery in this story was really fun to explore! While it wasn't my favorite I've ever read there will still high enough stakes that I enjoyed reading it. The story launched pretty fast to the story as well, and while I did love the mystery, I think it was a lot trying to both connect the dots and figure out who all the people in the town were at once. Because of the cozy mystery vibes, I'd definitely want to read the next book, especially as it may be easier to enjoy because I'd know most of the characters already.

[TW: death of a sister mentioned, death of a friend, murder, attempted murder, broken leg and concussion mentioned, emergency room visit, stealing]

I really enjoyed this book! I loved the setting, characters, and the plot. It did take me quite a while to get into it however, it is an absolutely gem of a book, anything death related in a book in a book is an instant win for me (yes , I am aware of how concerning that sounds haha).