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.

Library director Lindsey is excited to have famous thriller novelist, Helen Monroe, as their writer-in-residence for the winter season. But when an old acquaintance of Helen's, Jackie, arrives in town and starts causing trouble, things don't look so cheery. Lindsey worries that Jackie is stalking Helen and that her life could be in danger. But when Jackie is discovered dead under suspicious circumstances, it shocks the town... especially when Helen is named the chief suspect.

I love this series so, so much. I've listened to almost all fifteen books on audio because the narrator is so fabulous. She captures Lindsey's voice so well, in addition to perfectly portraying all the other chaotic characters in town. This story was also such a fun read--it really did keep me guessing until the end. I had suspected the killer early on, but then honestly forgot about that possibility with all the other elements going on, so it did end up being a surprise. No complaints, and a great holiday read (or listen).

Thanks to Dreamscape Media for my ALC! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

5 stars - 9/10

This latest book was a great addition! I loved seeing Mayor Cole in action, and there were some interesting developments with Chief Emma and Robbie!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the ARC.
I love this author and everything she writes.
This was a great cozy mystery book and the start of a new series. Loved the characters and the narration was perfect!

Librarian Lindsey and the residents of Briar Creek are back and ready to solve another crime. This time the mystery surrounds the town’s first writer in residence, Helen Monroe, who seems to have found herself on local snob and incoming Friends of the Library president, Betty’s naughty list. Between Betty wanting to ban her books, getting her newest book started, and the reappearance of her former friend turned stalker, Jackie Lewis, poor Helen is struggling to get in the holiday spirit. When Jackie turns up dead under suspicious circumstances, Lindsey must work to unearth the truth before any more lives are lost.

I love this cozy mystery series and was excited to receive an advance copy from the publisher. All the major players return with their usual charm and quirks and the current true crime obsession helps shape the plot. While this is part of a well established series, you can read it as a stand alone without much issue.

A Merry Little Murder Plot and that is just what this is.
This is part of a series but easily could be read as a standalone despite the characters already being established with one another.
The murder mystery was interesting and kept me engaged however not riveting or exciting in the least.

Helen Monroe is the author in residence at the Briar Creek library. I didn't really love her; she was not kind or very likeable.
Lindsey was fun and easy to like. After an unexpected death of an acquaintance, Lindsey feels compelled to investigate the death and determine if this was accident or murder.
Many of the characters have secrets keeping this suspenseful and interesting.
I feel like starting at book 15 probably wasn't the best idea and I think I would possibly have enjoyed it if I started with book one. Looking forward to back tracking a bit with this series.

I listened to the audio book and really enjoy Allyson Ryan. This is not my first book she has narrated, and she was just as great with this one.

Thanks to NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the opportunity to listen to this book in exchange for an honest review.

Fun little holiday season cozy murder mystery. It was an entertaining story. I did not initially realize it was book 15 of a series. Despite not knowing a lot of backstory, it really wasn’t necessary for the plot of the book. So dig in and read as a standalone and enjoy!

I was provided with a review copy of the audiobook and this is my honest opinion. I gave this book 3.5 stars. (If I am unable to leave partial stars, I will always round up.)

Narration was great. I plan to go back and check out the rest of this series.

Thank you NetGalley, Dreamscape Media, and Jenn McKinlay!

Thank you to the author, narrator, publisher and Net Galley for providing a free e-audio version of this title in exchange for my review.

I have to admit, I have read and loved this series since book 1! I look forward to the new book each year, and this one didn't disappoint. I love catching up with Lindsey and all the characters who seem to come off the page and feel very real. It has been 15 books, though, so they should feel like real people!

I look forward to listening to this one again, closer to the holiday. For lovers of cozy mysteries or books set in a small town library, I encourage you to pick up this series. They are well worth it!

4 stars for "really liked it."

Another good episode in the ongoing 'Library Lover's Mystery' series.

Briar Creek gains a writer-in-residence when author Helen Monroe comes to town. But she isn't very welcoming of any attention, and she doesn't get involved in many of the town activities.

Lindsey Norris, library director, starts to get concerned when another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, is very interested in the author. She is giving off the 'vibe' of a stalker and Lindsey thinks Helen needs to be aware of the interest. When Jackie is found dead, electrocuted by Christmas lights, Helen becomes the main suspect. Lindsey offers to help Helen clear her name.

Set against the backdrop of the towns Christmas festivities, there are several elements to the plot, including concerns about the banning of books. Lots of red herrings were encountered, and several suspects were indicated before we found out who really was the killer. The typical cast of old favorite characters were there, although we didn't see much of Sully in this book.

I listed to the book, and the narrator did a very good job of keeping all the individual characters separate and distinct. I liked the pacing of the narration.

All in all, it was another lovely read from Jenn McKinlay.

I found this cozy mystery series a while ago and have truly enjoyed it. I have only listened through book 4, but I saw this ARC, decided to request it, and I wasn't disappointed.

This book centers around the winter holidays and a Writer-in-Residence program that the library has set up. And, of course, a murder mystery. It's up to Lindsey Norris (library director) and a variety of citizens to solve the mystery and bring the killer to justice.

The characters are well-developed and the pacing of the story is good. I think this book can be read as a standalone, but I had a few spoilers occur of events that take place from books 5 to 14. It wasn't a big deal, but just know it could happen if you're not caught up.

Thank you to Dreamscape Media and NetGalley for an ARC audiobook in exchange for an honest review.

Another winner! I was almost expecting there to not be a murder the way this one starts, but I knew Jenn would never let us down! The perfect cozy murder!

Cozy murder mystery about a resident writer in a small town at Christmas time... Yes please! These are all the ingredients for a wonderful story. The narration is beautifully executed. I want more!

This book was a happy delight! I immediately liked the shape of the story, the twists and the main characters. This was the 15th book in a series but I hadnt read any of the others and it was good as a stand alone also although I plan on reading more of hers! The narrator was good!

4 stars!

Thank you Netgalley for the advanced reader copy!

Publish date:10/08/2024