Would you believe a mystery about a librarian starts with a delivery of books to an island, picks up speed, and never lets up the suspense?You’ll probably say, “A Likely Story”. Just the name of Jenn McKinlay’s latest Library Lover’s mystery, A Likely Story.
Lindsey Norris, Library Director at the Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut, travels by water taxi with her ex-boyfriend, Captain Mike Sullivan to Star Island. It took time, but Lindsey befriended two octogenarian brothers who lead isolated lives on the island. Now, she regularly delivers books to them. This time, something is off, though. Stewart Rosen isn’t waiting for her at the dock. So, Lindsey and Sully cautiously approach the house, dealing with the brothers’ booby traps on the way. After making their way through traps and a house buried under the brothers’ hoarded collections, they find the murdered body of Peter Rosen. But, where is Stewart? How does an eighty-year-old man disappear, and where did he go? Is Stewart a victim or a killer?
Lindsey and Sully’s call to the police ends with the police chief out of commission. And, Lindsey has enough guilt and curiosity to plunk herself right down into the middle of the case. It takes a couple dangerous escapes, more guilt, and a librarian’s skillful research, but Lindsey finally uncovers secrets that have been buried in the islands for generations.
Intrepid. Foolhardy. Impetuous. Rash. Loyal. Lindsey Norris can be called all of those. But, she does have a librarian’s curiosity. Jenn McKinlay creates a realistic library, genuine library issues, staff and customers, and then plunges the library and her characters right into the middle of a murder investigation. She adds touches of romance, and some island history for an enjoyable mystery. We all know murder investigations are unlikely most of the time in small town libraries. This time, it’s intriguing. This time, it’s A Likely Story.
Jenn McKinlay’s website is www.jennmckinlay.com
A Likely Story by Jenn McKinlay. Berkley Prime Crime. 2015. ISBN 9780425260746 (hardcover), 292p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of the book, hoping I would review it.
I'd love to own a copy of this story, but until I do I've placed a hold for the book with my local library. I can't wait to read it.
I sent my copy to my sister. Darn! If she reads this, I spoiled the surprise. She was #55 on the waiting list in her library system. Jenn would be pleased.