Oh wow this was another exciting adventure for Amy and her family/friends. I thought it was such a cool idea to time-jump five years ahead to when Amy’s kids were in kindergarten basically skipping the years where you wouldn’t have much of a story anyway when the twins were babies and smaller. Now they were little kids and sometimes more like five going on fifteen as they followed in Richard’s dancing footsteps by being part of the modern dance Nutcracker he and Karla were presenting.

Every Grinch there ever was has had a change of heart, and it was no different for Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona. She actually turned out to be a really nice person and since I don’t wanna spill the reason why she’s so nice now, you’ll just have to read that part for yourself! She truly loved the little kids though which was pretty awesome in itself. I’d never have thought of Fiona from the earlier books wanting anything to do with grandkids until they were over the messy stage.

That was some showdown! And since Amy and Fiona had sleuthed together, they were in on this showdown together too. And they handled it like troopers until reinforcements came. Christmas at the Muir house was noisy, fun and amazing! I saw on the author’s website that the next book is scheduled for 2025 and was happy this series isn’t ending yet. I’d sure miss that wolfish rascal Kurt! 😉

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

This book may not cure COVID 19, but it helped distract me during a recent bout. It was easy to immerse myself in a story with strong characters, interesting plot and pleasant setting.. Since I have read earlier entries in this series, however, I did feel a bit of a disconnect when five years and the birth of twins occurred since last book. Nutcracker theme was my favorite and was delighted with the direction character Fiona has taken.. My only criticism is clueless book title. There were several themes in the story that could have been turned into a memorable title. This title is a zero.Thanks to #NetGalley and #Murderchecksout for advanced digital copy.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Victoria Gilbert for providing me with a complimentary digital ARC for Murder Checks Out coming out November 14, 2023. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

I didn’t read the other books in the series, but I figured I could pick up on this book. I really love cozy mysteries, especially when they’re set around Christmas. Victoria Gilbert always has fun names for her books. I’ve listened to a couple of them and really enjoy them. Books set around libraries are always really fun for me as a reader. Amy was a fun character. It was cool that she was married with children and also an amateur detective. I don’t really have any complaints. I thought the writing was solid. Even though cozy mysteries are a little predictable, I always find them really fun.

I would recommend this book to anyone who enjoys cozy mysteries set around the holidays!

In the last book, book seven, we learned that Amy and Richard are expecting a baby. In this book, five years or so have passed and they now have five-year-old twins, Nicky and Ella. And being children of a dancer, dance instructor, and choreographer, they are both in the Christmas production of the Nutcracker. Richard's mom, Fiona, is staying with the Muir's for a week and it is not as bad as usual as it seems that grandchildren have softened her. It is Winterfest time too and a murder takes place where a family member is the leading suspect and Amy has to prove his innocence. This is an interesting mystery to solve with lots of possible suspects and old history to weed through to find answers. This series has interesting characters in a lovely small-town setting in Virginia at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Recommended for cozy mystery lovers.
I received a copy for the purpose of an honest review. These are my thoughts.

I received a complimentary ARC copy of Murder Checks Out (Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #8) by Victoria Gilbert from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.

… a fun-filled entertaining cozy mystery, which I would definitely recommend …

Library Director Amy and her husband Richard, along with their 5-year-old twins are busily preparing for this holiday season. Richard and their twins are busy rehearsing for their upcoming production of the Nutcracker as well as their unexpected visit from Richard’s mother Fiona. Although Amy is dreading Fiona’s visit she is looking forward to the holidays, and when Fiona arrives Amy feels something isn’t right. While Amy is busy juggling all parts of her life everything comes to a standstill when the murder of a greedy land developer and town committee chair points Sheriff Brad Tucker in Amy’s brother-in-law, Ethan’s direction. Ethan was seen arguing with the victim at a festival and when Ethan mysteriously and very out of character disappears, he is the focus of a manhunt. In order to clear Ethan’s name and get to the bottom of things Amy must find the real murderer and uncover what has happened to Ethan. With help from an unexpected partner Amy is on the trail. The more Amy digs, the more she uncovers, including a mysterious set of past murders with a possible connection to the victim. Hot on the trail will Amy find the killer before they find her?
A fan of the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, this wasn’t my favorite, it had a different feel to it, but it was still a fun-filled entertaining cozy mystery, which I would definitely recommend.

Thank you to @crookedlanebooks and @netgalley for the arc of Murder Checks Out, book eight in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert @victoriagilbertauthor I just love this series so much and have read every entry!

It’s Christmas time in Taylorsford, North Carolina and we’re back with library director Amy Muir. Five years have passed in the series timeline so now Amy and her husband have five-year-old twins! Needless to say, Amy has her hands full. She is sharing the directorship of the library with her friend Sunny, parenting her twins and helping her husband Richard, who is choreographing a revised version of The Nutcracker as part of the town’s holiday festivities.

Unfortunately, the chair of the festival committee and local developer Wendy Blackstone is found dead at the town’s ice rink. The police believe Amy’s brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, is the number one suspect. Amy is determined to uncover the real villain and as she investigates she finds many potential suspects!

What a strong mystery! I’ve always enjoyed reading about Amy’s adventures–she’s a strong woman, with wonderful research and people skills that make her a perfect sleuth. I loved the addition of the kiddos–that seems unusual in cozy mysteries and it worked well here. Gilbert adds such great cozy details to her writing that I feel like I’m actually in Taylorsford. I especially enjoyed the Christmas details. This is an excellent addition to the series and would work perfectly as a stand alone for the reader looking for a Christmas themed cozy mystery.

Murder Checks Out is the latest in the Blue Ridge Library Cozy Mystery series. This book can be read as a stand-alone.

Murder Checks Out is set at Christmas time, so if you are looking for a cozy mystery to get you in the Christmas mood, this one is a good one.

Our amateur detective, Amy Muir, is also the part-time director of the local library, a job she shares with her friend. In Murder Checks Out, our amateur sleuther also has a husband and twin five year olds. Often, in cozy mysteries, the sleuther is single or involved in some sort of will they or won't they relationship. I loved the family dynamic in this story. Amy's mother in law, who she's had a fractious relationship with, comes for a visit before Christmas and ends up getting involved in some amateur sleuthing.

The mystery is interesting. A local developer found murdered, with so many potential suspects. Amy's brother-in-law is the prime suspect, though, as many witnesses came forward to say he'd had an altercation with the victim the night before she was found dead. So Amy has to get involved to help clear her brother in law. But, will Amy end up in danger as a result.

This was definitely an enjoyable, cozy mystery that kept me guessing. There were signs that pointed to a likely suspect, but I definitely didn't put it all together. If you like cozy mysteries set during Christmas time, I'd definitely recommend this one.

It is awesome to be back in the Blue Ridge Library area checking on old friends! I was a bit startled to find that we had time hopped 5 years in the series timeline, but it turned out to be a great place to be! I kept going back to the list of books in the series to see if I missed one as suddenly Amy and Richard have a set of precocious 5 yr old twins that are integral to the storyline by helping to bring some new characters into the series that definitely have future potential to be involved in future mysteries. The writing of this series always keeps me coming back for more. The main character is a smart, intelligent, strong woman with a wonderful mix of family, friends, library patrons and townspeople to round out the cast. I like how she works with the police as much as they will let her rather than showing the police force as a weak and inefficient organization. The interactions between the characters are funny, sad, touching, frustrating and more to make the story feel so much more alive than just a book with words on the pages. I absolutely can't wait for more from this series and I absolutely think the twins are going to bring a lot of chaos in the future! I can't wait!

This is the eighth book in the Blue Ridge Library series, but it's the first one I've read. This one can easily be read as a stand-alone as I had no trouble following it. Normally I like to start at the beginning, but it doesn't always work out that way.

Description:
Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.

But when the chair of the festival committee is found dead as Dickens' proverbial door-nail at the town’s ice rink, Amy is determined to uncover the real perpetrator to protect her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, who was placed at the scene. The clock is ticking down as Sheriff Brad Tucker is equally sure that Ethan is guilty.

It's beginning to look a lot like the murderer hasn’t wrapped up his killing spree, and now, it might just be “lights out” on the holiday festivities—and on Amy’s life.

My Thoughts:
This was an enjoyable cozy mystery. I liked Amy as a character and it's great that she wanted to investigate to make sure her brother-in-law, Ethan, didn't get charged with a murder he didn't have anything to do with. It was interesting that Amy's husband was a dancer and choreographer, and is such a great Dad to the twins. The children were fun with the Nutcracker costumes and getting ready for their performance. Amy's investigation was interesting to follow as she sifted through clues and gossip.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.

Murder Checks Out is the eighth book in the A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series by Victoria Gilbert.

It’s nearly Christmas time in Taylorsford, North Carolina. Amy Muir is busy finishing Christmas shopping, co-directorship of the local library, managing their 5-year-old twins, and the town Winter Festival. Richard, Amy’s husband, is helping with the twins, as he and his dance partner are producing the Nutcracker Suite, and the twins, Ella and Nicky, will be dancing in the production. Also, Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona, will be coming to spend Christmas with Amy, Richard, and her grandchildren.

A group of environmental activists are at the festival to protest the development of prime mountainside property by Wendy Blackstone’s Blackstone Development. The group opposes the plans to cut down the standing trees and bud ManMansions on the land. Wendy is at the festival, and someone pushes her down some stairs. She dies from injuries suffered in the fall. Amy, when listening to various people talking about Wendy’s death, learns that several people would like her dead. When her brother-in-law comes under suspicion and disappears, she has to begin to investigate, hoping to find the murderer.

This book is a wonderful addition to this engaging series. The book is well-written, plotted, and delightful. The characters are all interesting, believable, and well-developed. The story moved at a good pace. Amy and Richard’s twins were especially adorable. Fiona’s visit particularly touched me. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the final reveal about who the murderer was.

I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

I somehow missed the last two books in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. Once I caught up on the fact that at least 5 years had passed since A Deadly Edition (read my review), I had no problems with jumping back into the series with book 8. Even if you haven't read any books in this series, you shouldn't have any problems starting with this book.

I enjoy this bookish cozy mystery series a lot. I like that Amy uses her librarian research skills to help solve the mysteries and isn't just running around town seeking clues (though when she is out and about and has the opportunity to ask questions, she does).

Murder Checks Out is also a wonderful seasonal read. I've always wanted to live in a town that had a Christmas or winter market so I enjoyed the little glimpse of Winterfest. Of course, with Amy's husband being a dancer and choreographer it is natural that he and his dance studio partner are staging a production of The Nutcracker. Again we only get a glimpse of the production, but it adds a nice festive feel to the story. Of course, Christmas is always more fun with children and Amy and Richard's five-year-old twins are adorable.

It is a delightful read even with a murder to solve.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Monday, Nov. 13 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2023/11/murder-checks-out-by-victoria-gilbert.html

I've really liked the Blue Ridge Library series of cozy mysteries. Amy Muir is a library director and her husband is a dancer/choreographer. And, apparently, they suddenly have twins who are 5 years old! I must have missed a book or two. The story begins when Amy attends a festival in her town and observes a group of environmental activists protesting a big development in the area. The next day, one of the owners of the development company is found murdered and Amy's brother-in-law is a suspect. The remainder of the book focuses on finding the true killer.
But, the other story line was even more interesting to me. Ever since Amy met her husband Richard, she's not liked or gotten along with Richard's parents. In this episode, Richard's mother Fiona is visiting for Christmas and to see her grandchildren dance in the Nutcracker. During the course of this visit (and of this book), we find Amy's and Fiona's relationship evolving in an unexpected way. This also made me want to see what happens in the next book.
The pace of this book was a tad slow, but helped by the addition of the mother-in-law storyline. The characters in the book are diverse and believable. It's a good read!
Thank you to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley, who generously shared an advance review copy. All opinions are my own.

Library director Amy Muir is feeling buried under all the responsibilities she has with the holidays, work, family and the towns festivities. Now she has to again become an amateur sleuth to save her brother-in-law from being convicted of a murder that even the sheriff believes he committed.

Murder Checks Out
(Blue Ridge Library 8)
Victoria Gilbert



We return to Taylorsford and the Muir family after a Five-year hiatus. A lot of things have changed, Brad is now Sheriff Tucker. Sunny is no longer the mayor, now she’s the co-director of the library. There are new residents and businesses. So many wonderful changes that have allowed time in Taylorsford to quietly pass us by.

It’s Christmas time now in Taylorsford, North Carolina. Amy is super busy with the twins, who are participating in their dad Richard’s Nutcracker show, work, and other commitments. Sunny is protesting a proposed mountainside development by Wendy Blackstone and has invited some of the visiting protesters to stay on the farm. She has also invited friends to come out on the weekend to cut down their own Christmas trees. The twins Ella & Nicky (Elenora & Nicholas) are super excited about the outing!

After Wendy Blackstone is hit and killed after the Winter Festival. Innuendo, lies, comments, and facts all take on a sinister cast forcing Amy to fall back into her former role as a sleuth to clear family and friends. A recurring theme seems to be past land deals and questionable business practices. Crystal Lake is one of the questionable situations.

Richard’s mom Fiona surprises the couple by arriving for a holiday visit alone. It is only after her arrival, that they find out she is filing for divorce! Aunt Lydia is thrilled with a house full of family! Amy’s parents arrive on Christmas Eve along with her brother and his husband.

This is a busy book from start to finish. It may be a bit much for a new reader to keep up with if they for instance try to understand Kurt and Amy’s looks, but not if they just stick to this storyline.
No blood, gore, or profanity.

Excellent mystery! 5*****



Thank you to the authors, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.
#MurderChecksOut #Christmas #BlueRidgeLibrary #VictoriaGilbert #mystery #landdevelopment #cozy #twins #5yearslater

I loved this story and the characters in it. What fun the twins are! I would love to see this version of the Nutcracker. Amy and Richard have such a great relationship. I would like to hang out with their family. I feel a good time would be had by all. I hope I get the chance to return to Taylorsford to see how and what they are doing. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

The eighth book in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. This is a Christmas story with a lovely seasonal cover.

Amy Muir is one busy lady. She shares the Directorship of the local library, has five year old twins, and has a choreographer and dancer as a husband. Luckily he is organizing a production of The Nutcracker in which the twins are performing, so he frequently takes them to work with him. This leaves Amy time to use her sleuthing abilities and discover who murdered the Chairman of the Festival Committee.

I always enjoy this author's books. The characters are entertaining and the mystery is intriguing. In this book there is the added fun of Christmas so it is all good!

I thoroughly enjoyed visiting Amy Muir and family in the 8th Blue Ridge Library mystery. This book takes place five years after book 7. Amy and Richard have twins Nicky and Ella, who have their fathers dancing talent. It’s Christmas time and the twins are part of a production of the Nutcracker that Richard and Karla are producing. Richard’s mom Fiona has come for a visit. She gets to be herself in this book and is a great grandmother and helps Amy in the mystery.
The mystery involves a land development company and the death of one of the owners.
I liked everything about this story. I enjoyed how the different pieces came together to reveal the person behind the murder.
I think the book could be read as a stand-alone, but for the most impact from all the interpersonal relationships it’s best to read the series in order.
Thanks to Netgalley and Crooked Lane books for the opportunity to read this book.

Taylorsford's library director, Amy Muir, was busy in the lead up to Christmas, with her husband, Richard, preparing The Nutcracker as part of the town's festivities. Nicky and Ella, Amy and Richard's five year old twins, were performing this year, and their excitement was high. With Richard's mother Fiona, arriving for a week's holiday as well as normal, everyday activities, Amy wasn't sure she'd find time to wrap the gifts for the tree - and they still had to get the tree!

When the body of a woman was found the morning after the Winterfest activities and everything pointed to Amy's brother-in-law, Ethan, as being the killer, Amy knew she had to become involved in the investigation. She knew Ethan wouldn't kill anything, let along a person, but the Sheriff was fixated on Ethan. Could Amy uncover the real killer before it was too late?

Murder Checks Out is the 8th in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and once again I thoroughly enjoyed it. Catching up with the characters - Sunny, Aunt Lydia, Hugh, Scott, Ethan, Kurt - felt like catching up with old friends. There is an obvious gap of at least 5 years between #7 and #8, because of Amy and Richard's 5 year old twins who hadn't appeared in #7. But they definitely made a cute addition! I'm really enjoying this series and look forward to #9 in the future. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a fun holiday-themed 8th installment in the Blue Ridge Library series. For those who have read the last book, this one begins with an unmentioned nearly 6 year time jump (I actually went back to the end of the last book to make sure I hadn't missed a book or two in between), but it also works well as a stand-alone novel. The mystery was interesting and kept me guessing, and the supporting characters in this series are fun additions to the cast. I look forward to the next in the series! Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the advance digital copy!

This is a well written Christmas cozy mystery. It follows The MC Amy as she tries to juggle the busy holiday season with her family, while also doing some amateur sleuthing.

I think that fans of this cozy mysteries will enjoy this, but personally I’m starting to suspect that cozy mysteries just aren’t my jam. For me, there was just too much detail about Amy’s personal life, and how she coped with all her responsibilities.

I would recommend this book to fans of the series, and lovers of festive cozies.

Thank you to Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for providing me with an ARC of this book to read and review.