This was a wonderful plot and I really liked the characters. It’s the first book in the series that I have listened to but it didn’t impact the story at all. Works well as a standalone.
Lovely cozy crime, easy listen and plenty going on.

From my mystery, queen, another absolute banger. I love everything Jen, right but I think the library lover series is one of my favorites in all time.

Lindsey is excited about the Christmas season and about their new Author-In-Residence, Helen. Getting ready for all the holiday events she is put off when another visiting author, Jackie, makes it known that she blames Helen for all the issues of her life. Then Jackie ends up dead and Helen is the main suspect. Doing what she's become known for, Lindsey dives in and starts trying to figure it out. Filled with all the delightful characters that have grown over the series, this is another cozy mystery filled with holiday delights and a quick wrap up that puts the bow on everything. A great addition to the series.

A fun Christmastime murder mystery. I enjoyed this book and would definitely read more in the series. I love the library/ book theme. Thank you to NetGalley, the author and publisher for an arc in exchange for my honest review.

This is a very charming holiday-themed cozy mystery and I really enjoyed it on audiobook. I did not realize that it was part of a series, and now I’m very excited to go back and read the previous books set in Briar Creek and involving this wonderful cast of characters. That the main thread of the plot involves a writer-in-residence at the public library and that the librarian is investigating suspicious acts makes this even better. The story is just twisty enough that readers will not quickly figure out what is going on, and that the action takes place largely at the holiday events in this small town adds to the fun. A perfect read for December! Thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the opportunity to review this audiobook.

I've read one other book in this series, and they are just delightful. I enjoy the whole crew, and I appreciate that they are an homage to the genre as much as they are their own solid cozy mysteries.

This installment didn't lose that vibe even though it's further along in the series. Sometimes a series like this can get stale over a couple of books, I've read the 14th (and with this the 15th) installment of this series, and I'd have thought they were books 2 and 3. The plots are well thought out, the characters are super interesting to get to know, and the whole experience of reading is delightful.

I recommend these books to anyone who is a fan of Gigi Pandian, the cozy genre, or to anyone dipping their toes in cozy from a more gritty mystery/thriller space. The stakes will be lower, but just as satisfying.

Thank you for the ARC!

Cute, cozy holiday mystery. The library group never strays away from a good mystery. There are unexpected twists and an ending you do not see coming. It was a great small town mystery with all of our favorite things included such as the holidays, books, a writer and a library! Definately interested in reading the rest of the series.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the ARC of this audiobook for my honest review

Cozy mystery but I felt like there were quite a few unrealistic and questionable things in this plot. It was just a fun mystery though. Nothing much went on. Didn’t really care about the characters and it took me a bit to realize who’s who. I liked that it’s a book about books but that’s about it. Cute easy and cozy Christmas read though.

I'll be publishing my review on Goodreads and StoryGraph 19th November and on Tik tok most likely will add to a monthly wrap up post with review the beginning of December.

I’m between a 3-4: First of all, not enough of the cute dog on the cover. This is not my typical type of read but I loved other Jen McKinlay books and wanted to see what else she could do. You can definitely calculate this as “cozy” and the murder was easily solvable, but that kinda of goes with the cozy genre. I enjoyed the Christmastime setting, the small town charm, and the characters that are so supportive of each other. But I lost interest when the cheesy characters were too trusting and too sweet and innocent - like I said, not my norm. However I can’t fault the author for it not being my style so if I’m objective, it was an interesting plot that I haven’t read before, holiday without being hokey, I like that it was bookish and centered around a library/writing, and even though it’s #15 in a series the reader is given enough background to not be lost. The audio narrator had a wide range of tones and accents, that was pretty impressive.

This is one of my absolute favorite cozy mystery series and the audiobooks are the best. Allyson Ryan knocks the narration out of the park on these. I love these characters, this town, just everything so much. This was a fun addition to the series and I loved visiting these characters at Christmas time.

Thank you @NetGalley for the ARC. Jenn McKinlay Library series are wonderful reads. I loved how this book was about an author and her thriller books that hit a little close to home. The mystery had me guessing until the end. A must read.

Audio book review - narration can make a book and Allyson Ryan does a wonderful job on this novel. Not the most challenging story line but she manages to keep the audience fulfilled and enjoyable. I found the plot to be scarce and limited but the luckily Allyson pulled it through

This series always brings me good vibes. This one included. The library has it's first ever writer in residence and they are trying to figure out if they can include her in all their merry making or if they should leave her be. However, there is a new person in town who appears to be a rabid fan and she she verbally attacks the author all bets are off. Soon there is a murder and the usual sleuths are hard at work trying to figure out who did it. Along with all the Christmas activities, they still celebrate but get things done.

I do so enjoy this series. This one had an interesting twist for the readers. Looking forward to the next installment.

An other good murder mystery in Briar Creek with all the great characters.
Always great drama,suspense intense engaging mystery with twists.
Good story.
Voluntarily reviewed.
Very good narration.

Aaaaand we are back [see my review for #14 for context]!! I am so glad - this was 1. just what I needed, and 2. exactly what I have come to expect from this author!

It's Christmas [again, this feels so weird to write on a 75 degree, sunny, October day] and Lindsey and Co. are in full-blown celebration mode. There are parties galore, cookies in abundance, and of course [because nothing says Happy Holidays like finding a body], murder.

This was more twisted than usual [and I was totally here for it], and there was some deep sadness here, as well as a big side of FAFO [which, like the killer, I never saw coming]. This was a very good mystery [I was 100% clueless and of course the one I hoped it was, was not. Sigh. I am so afraid we will see this obnoxious character again IYKYK], and an excellent reveal [YES!!!]; this was a truly excellent [much needed] read.

Allyson Ryan is one of my favorite narrators and I love visiting my Briar Creek "friends" through her excellent narration. I highly recommend this audiobook!!

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenn McKinlay, Allyson Ryan -Narrator and Dreamscape Media for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

"Merry Little Murder Plot" by Jenn McKinlay, expertly narrated by Allyson Ryan, is a delightful holiday mystery that perfectly captures the cozy yet chilly essence of New England in winter. The story unfolds with the intriguing premise of famed author Helen Monroe potentially having a stalker, leading to unexpected twists as the wrong person ends up dead. McKinlay's clever plotting and engaging characters keep readers on their toes, while Ryan's narration enhances the atmospheric setting, making you feel the snow and cold with each turn of the page. This festive whodunit is a must-read for fans of cozy mysteries—perfect for curling up by the fire!

I want to thank Netgalley and the author for gifting me the audiobook.
I really enjoyed this book. It is very Christmasy and I have read a few books from this series. If you like cozy mystery novels you will like this author and this book! Highly recommend.

A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay
Narrator, Allyson Ryan
Library Lovers Mystery Book 15
I have read most all of the books in this series but have to confess I got a bit tired of it after the wedding. This one was cute but a bit short and included the usual cast. I enjoyed the mention of A Christmas Memory by Truman Capote. That is a very special little holiday story.
Slight Spoiler:
I thought the culprit was a bit of a cheat since that character was very insignificant in the story and the rationale was a bit weak.
The narration was very good as always and the cover was very Christmassy. I will just say these people eat a lot of chowder.

I am a sucker for Christmas cozies. So, even though A Merry Little Murder Plot is the 15th in the series and I haven’t read any of the others, I picked it up. It worked fine as a stand alone for me. I’m sure reading them all in order would have given me more background on the returning characters, but I never felt like I was missing out on something I needed to know.

This winter, the Briar Creek library is hosting a a writer-in-residence, thriller author Helen Monroe. She’s a bit stand-offish, but writes in the library daily and participates in talks required by her contract. Lindsey Norris, library director and our amateur sleuth, starts to get concerned when another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, is overly interested in the author, maybe even a bit stalkery. When Jackie is found dead, electrocuted by Christmas lights and holding Helen’s manuscript, Helen becomes the main suspect. Lindsey isn’t sure she’s guilty, but she is sure it was murder.

Since Helen victim was a visitor to town, there aren’t many suspects at first, but as the investigation continues, more names get added to the list. We had several clues and red herrings, and a couple of twists. I did change my mind several times about who the killer was, but eventually Lindsey puts it all together.

I really enjoyed the characters and the Christmas events, including the ugly sweater contest and singing carols at the local restaurant. There were some laugh out loud moments. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job, both as the main character’s voice and keeping the other characters distinct. Her pacing was good and she helped keep the overall tone of the book light.