The second in the Larkspur Mysteries, Mayhem in Circulation follows tenacious library director Greta as she attempts to solve a murder and impress a journalist, in Larkspur to write a feature on their little town. Mayhem, hijinks and mysteries abound, and what about that Detective McHenry?
The plot of this was really funny, though I have to say I hadn’t read the first book. There were references to it scattered throughout but I didn’t feel it detracted from the read. The characters were lovely, cozy, small-town folk, who love their town and their community. The writing was a little clunky at times and the relationship development wasn’t always smooth, but it worked well and the plot twist was one I only just saw coming before it was revealed! I’m definitely interested in reading more by this author in the future.

This is the second in a mystery series set in a small town in Wisconsin. Greta, the director of the local library, gets involved in another local case when vandalism and then murder strike her adopted hometown. She works with her friends and the local detective to sort through a number of related mysteries. I’ve read both books and recommend them - they’re well written with good characters and intriguing mysteries. You could read this as a stand-alone, but the first is also great so I would recommend starting there. Looking forward to the next in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.

A small town, a Fall Festival, a librarian and a bunch of mysterious happenings. Mayhem in Circulation is the 2nd book in the Larkspur Library Mystery series and it's full of intrigue, romance, and cozy fall vibes (when people aren't being murdered, that is).

I found the characters extremely interesting, the plot moved and twisted at a rate that kept me engaged throughout, and like any good whodunnit I was kept guessing until the final pages. Great read!

✨Disclaimer ✨
I received a copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.

Cozy mystery with a. Strong willed lead, more what could you want, enjoyed this book every step of the way!

Mayhem In Circulation is the cutest cozy mystery! Greta and McHenry are loveable characters and I enjoyed their banter. It was an easy read filled with mystery, twists, and a little romance. I look forward to reading more in this series!

I absolutely adored this cosy crime mystery book set in small town America; a librarian-cop romance was unexpected but super fun, especially as it was such a slow burn. I didn't really see the twist coming either! this is definitely a nice fall/autumn read, with some great characters and a brilliant plot.

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for an eARC of this novel!! This book was the definition of a cozy autumnal mystery, filled with strong female friendships, a budding romance, and a sprinkle of murder. I really enjoyed how relatable our protagonist Greta was, and I looked forward to seeing her budding romance with McHenry, mainly due to their copious witty banter. Not only was the mystery well written, the setting and atmosphere were the perfect fall backdrop. If you are looking for a cozy fall murder mystery, look no further than Dobrinska’s newest release. I will look forward to revisiting the town of Larkspur in future books!

🤍 Thank you @netgalley and @whatleahwrote for the e-arc of Mayhem in Circulation 🤍

If you love cozy books that feel like a Hallmark Murder Mystery with a very lovely slow burn romance, then try the Larkspur Library Mysteries.

I love reading about all the very unfortunate situations Greta finds herself in and how she solves the mysteries that arise in small town!

Throw in a handsome detective, a strong group of friends, and all the fall vibes, and you have this story!

Book One, Death Checked Out, is available now!
★ ★ ★ ★/5
Steam: none
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Out Dec. 5
TW: death, mild violence

I really like Greta and the folks of Larkspur. This second book was like sitting down to visit old friends on a short get away. Settle in with a favorite beverage and prepare to be transported.

While visiting Larkspur, you’ll find Greta trying her best to make an event successful for her neighbors. When a murder mrs the beginning of the event, Greta puts on her sleuthing hat and we’re off to follow clues and try to find out whodunit and why.

Lots of suspects and red herrings along the way makes for a hard to put down read!

Larkspur, a small lakeside town in Wisconsin, has lately been suffering from vandalism. Dead bird and egg yolks were found scattered on the road. And it happened just before the upcoming Fall Festival, not mentioning the tourism showcase Mayor Sandra Collins and team have been working very hard to prepare for. But that was just the beginning. The next day the mayor was found dead. Even worse, it happens just when the reporter, who would do the town profile, arrives. Is it an accident? Or... murder?

It's a murder alright. Inspector McHenry is handling the investigation, and Miss Greta Plank, the thirty-years-old Larkspur Library Director, isn't supposed to involve in anything concerning the murder. But, how can she do nothing when their beloved town is suffered?

Though I didn't start from book one, I could immediately feel transported to the Larkspur town from the start, with its warm friendly community vibes. I loved Greta's three supportive girlfriends, and of course, her budding romance with McHenry. I loved the witty banters the two exchanging during their investigation.

Of the mystery itself, I liked how the suspicion were equally divided over some close suspects - each with few mysterious snippets of action or conversation, which kept the story run along smoothly, until the disappearance of one of Greta's friends. That's when the story changed gear, from a sinister atmosphere to a truly murderous danger.

All in all, it's an enjoyable, charming, unputdownable cozy mystery - a perfect autumn read! I couldn't guess the murderer; it's a little bit surprising. I loved particularly how the writer made Larkspur, the town, become a unique character in this story. The other characters are believable, like what you'd expect in a small town, where gossips, friendship, and jealousy are bound to surface.

**The complete review is in my blog**

The annual Fall Festival is coming up in the quaint town of Larkspur, and with the boost that it is expected to give to the local economy, librarian Greta Plank and her cohorts are working hard to ensure that the festival will be a success, and the tourists all go home satisfied.

An important part of the challenge that lies ahead of the residents of Larkspur is to make sure that visiting travel and tourism journalist Rex Rossman gives the festive a positive review. He is known to be demanding but reasonably fair, so Greta and her friends do not anticipate major problems.

But a series of apparent pranks escalates quickly to include vandalism and sabotage, culminating in - of all things - a murder involving a local resident.

Now the bookish brains of Larkspur's amateur sleuths are set to figuring out whether this is a devious plot by outsiders, or if someone within their community is responsible for these incidents...

This is an entertaining and bookish cosy mystery with timely Fall vibes. There is a lot of humour in the storytelling, and a surprising amount of mystery and misdirection when it comes to working out the identity of the killer. A fun read that gets 3.5 stars from me.

First time reading this author's work. Not my typical genre but it was cute and cozy just like it promised. I love fall so this was a good time for me to read it. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

Imagine this: you, wrapped in cozy blankets, a glass of wine in hand, and a small town bustling with mysteries. That's exactly what this book delivers. It's like stepping into a charming autumn painting where you can almost smell the pumpkin spice in the air. In the heart of the story is Greta, a small-town librarian who unexpectedly finds herself tangled in a murder mystery. What makes this book special is how it paints the perfect autumn picture. Leah Dobrinska's words are like a warm invitation into a cozy world. One of the best parts is the characters. Greta, the main character, is endearing, and the other folks in the story are a bit quirky but feel just like people you might know. They add a lot of life to the tale, making it really interesting. And let's not forget the mystery; it's so well-done that you'll be turning pages like crazy to figure it all out.

Now, let's talk about the not-so-perfect bits. Sometimes, it felt like I missed some important stuff about the characters because this is the second book in a series. That left me feeling like I didn't know them as well as I'd have liked. Also, there were a few moments in the middle where the story seemed to slow down. It could have been a tad shorter.

But here's the bottomline: this book is a delightful mystery for the current season. It whisks you away to a world where every leaf has a secret, and the whole town buzzes with excitement. If you're up for a cozy fall read that's part mystery, part charm, this book should be on your list. It's like sipping a warm cup of cocoa on a chilly day - comforting, enjoyable, and full of surprises.

Thank you so much, Netgalley and Level Best Books for allowing me to read this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Another hit read for one of my favorite authors! Love visiting the Northwoods of Wisconsin. Larkspur library sounds like a place to visit. Greta is having a time with lots going on. Great descriptions find the reader so engaged they feel transported to there. Engaging characters. Solid mystery. Lots of red herrings. Thanks #Netgalley and #LevelBestBooks for the eARC in exchange for a honest review. All opinions are mine.

I liked this book but I just couldn't get into the story. I didn't like the writing style but overall the story was good.

Review – Mayhem in Circulation (A Larkspur Mystery Book 2) by Leah Dobrinska TBP 12/2023

Mayhem in Circulation is the newest Larkspur Mystery book by Leah Dobrinska set to be released in December 2023. The book centers around Greta Plank, the town of Larkspur’s Library Director. The story line finds Greta fielding problems with dead crows, confusing pranks, town politics, a prodigal son, business espionage (sorta) and unrequited love, all topped off with an unusual murder right outside the library doors. The book is an easy read – the author is very descriptive and evokes that small town feel (and sometimes pettiness) throughout the entire book. Some things in the book struck me far-fetched (like murder via spray paint) but they were easily forgiven in this fun little cozy with a lovely autumnal feel.

I am grateful to the publisher for allowing me to read this advance readers copy; the opinions expressed in this unpaid book review are mine and mine alone.

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

My family visits the Northwoods of Wisconsin in the summer very often, so I was absolutely delighted with the setting of this book.

This is a cozy mystery that takes place in an idyllic town called Larkspur. All of the residents know everything about everyone and they wouldn’t have it any other way. When odd things keep happening in Larkspur, the library director and her friends are forced to play amateur sleuth to help solve the mystery of what is happening to the town and why (All while trying not to be a thorn in the side of the handsome detective). A sudden death, vandalism, and intrigue galore! The author does a great job of weaving complex narratives to keep you guessing on who is involved from the first chapter. Following Greta Plank is such an enjoyable read year round, but perfect for that beginning of fall cozy weather to hunker down with a good cozy mystery novel.

This book has a wonderful sense of place and beautiful imagery with the addition of a strong community bond. I’m giving this four stars, because occasionally I felt that the writing was slightly redundant but it didn’t take away from the pull of the story so it wasn’t as distracting and it could have been. I am excited that this book is part of a series and there will be more Larkspur adventures in the future. I will say, this is the second book in the series, so look up Leah Dobrinska for the first story!

"Mayhem in Circulation" by Leah Dobrinska presents a captivating blend of mystery, community, and the cozy charm of a small town, making it an enticing prospect for readers seeking an engaging whodunit.

The story's setting, centered around librarian Greta Plank's efforts to organize Larkspur's Fall Festival, instantly immerses readers into a charming and tight-knit community. The stakes are high as Greta strives to ensure the success of the festival, which could greatly benefit the town's economy. However, the emergence of pranks and a tragic murder threaten to derail her plans.

Dobrinska skillfully weaves a web of mystery and intrigue, as the escalating pranks and the murder create a sense of urgency and suspense. The mystery surrounding the crimes keeps readers guessing, and the promise of secrets, sabotage, and unusual mishaps adds depth to the plot. The dual challenge of solving the murder and preserving the town's reputation adds complexity to the narrative.

The character of Greta Plank, as a determined and resourceful librarian, offers a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her commitment to her town and her role in defending its honor make her a compelling character to root for.

The book's playful reference to a 'choose your own (disastrous) adventure' hints at a sense of humor and self-awareness in the storytelling, which can add an enjoyable layer to the reading experience.

"Mayhem in Circulation" appears to be a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a mix of intriguing puzzles, small-town charm, and a relatable amateur sleuth. For those who appreciate cozy mysteries with a strong sense of community and a dash of humor, this book seems like an appealing choice.

Mayhem in Circulation is a cosy mystery book set in the small town of Larkspur. The people of Larkspur are preparing for their annual Fall Festival, when suddenly a series of what are initially thought to be teenage pranks turn into something far more sinister. Librarian, Greta is keen to discover who would do such a thing to their cosy, friendly town and begins compiling information on possible suspects. She befriends the local detective and begins to form her own conclusions about the town's devastations, not knowing where to turn next or who to trust.

I absolutely loved the characters names and descriptions, down to their cute autumnal outfits, this added to the cosy feel of the beginning of the book and gave a good picture of the town's residents as a whole. The main character, Greta has an amazing support network and I particularly loved her two closest friends that she worked with at the library, they had the perfect supportive girl group vibe. This book was the definition of a cosy mystery for me! And the romantic subplot was just the right amount, without taking away from the initial cause of the story at all. I also particularly enjoyed the bookish references and jokes throughout the book.

This book kept me guessing the whole time, as more and more characters seemingly had motives or were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although I did feel that there were a lot of characters in this book which did get slightly confusing at times.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a cosy read coming into the Autumn / Winter time. Mayhem in Circulation had the perfect amount of suspense, friendship and romance and was the perfect read to kick off my transition from Summer to Autumn reading. I would also like to add that the cover design is absolutely beautiful and depicts the book perfectly.

What a great little book! Murder in Circulation is the second in a series of cozy mysteries with a nice little slow burn romance blooming!

If a small town with a library and a coffee shop, a little lake and some gorgeous fall color sound like your dream setting, then you'll love this book! Greta, the local librarian, and Detective McHenry are working together to unravel a series of crimes in Larkspur!

Yes, it IS a murder mystery, but it is not graphic or frightening. The pace and tone tell the story, give a few chills, and set the scene without being overly scary!