Word to the Wise

July 29, 2019
McKinlay’s gripping 10th Library Lover’s mystery (after 2018’s Hitting the Books) finds Briar Creek, Conn., librarian Lindsey Norris preparing for her upcoming wedding to her longtime love, Mike “Sully” Sullivan—and dealing with the unwelcome advances of a new library patron, Aaron Grady. Aaron’s stalking of Lindsey results in his obsessive wife, Sylvia, publicly accusing Lindsey of trying to steal her husband away. British actor Robbie Vine, police chief Emma Plewicki’s significant other, volunteers to help protect Lindsey from Aaron, but when Aaron’s body is found outside the library’s employee entrance, even Lindsey’s friendship with Emma doesn’t prevent Sully from becoming the chief suspect in the man’s murder. The couple are determined to do their own sleuthing to prove Sully’s innocence and keep their nuptials on track. The real killer, however, has other plans for Lindsey. McKinlay does a good job building the suspense. Rarely does a clean-as-a-whistle cozy qualify as riveting, but this one definitely does. Agent: Christina Hogrebe, Jane Rotrosen Agency.

Narrator Allyson Ryan convincingly depicts Briar Creek, Connecticut-- a small seaside town--along with its inviting public library and feisty director, Lindsey Norris. As Lindsey plans her wedding to boat skipper Mike "Sully" Sullivan, she becomes the target of a library patron who is stalking her. Ryan realistically portrays Aaron Grady, a seemingly nice guy who's obsessed with Lindsey. Listeners will savor the behind-the-scenes details on the library, its down-to-earth staff, and diverse patrons. The excitement and danger escalate when Grady goes missing and Lindsey and her friends decide to search for him. One of Ryan's best creations is the boyfriend of Police Chief Emma Plewski, a British actor named Robbie Vine, whose accent and biting sense of humor add to the fun of a story filled with clever literary asides. S.G.B. � AudioFile 2019, Portland, Maine