Victoria Gilbert launches a new cozy series, the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, with A Murder for the Books. Fans of Miranda James and Jean McKinlay can welcome a new librarian amateur sleuth to the fold. The story involves a cold case, current crimes, research, a budding romance, and a little woo woo. Add in the humor. What fan can resist this recipe for a cozy mystery?
Amy Webber abruptly left her position at Clarion University after a thrown drink, aimed at her cheating boyfriend, hit the dean of music instead. Now, she’s the library director in her historic family hometown of Taylorsford, Virginia. The library archives attract all kinds of people, including Doris Virts, a woman with dementia who often hides from the “person following her”. It also brings in Amy’s new neighbor, Richard Muir. The handsome dance instructor at the university inherited his house from his great-uncle, and wants to do some research. But, Amy’s instruction is cut short when they find Doris’ body in the archives. Evidently, someone was following Doris.
Amy’s Aunt Lydia has stories to tell about the victim. Those stories and the pair’s continued research leads them down an unexpected path of history, towards multiple deaths at an orphanage, a woman accused of witchcraft, and blame that could be laid on members of Amy’s own family. And, all of that research could lead to a killer in Taylorsford.
As I said, this mystery kicks off a new series in fine style. Who can resist a librarian sleuth, a cold case with local history, romance, and humor? A Murder for the Books is an appealing start.
Victoria Gilbert’s website is www.victoriagilbertmysteries.com
A Murder for the Books by Victoria Gilbert. Crooked Lane Books. 2017. ISBN 9781683314394 (hardcover), 336p.
*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I received the book to review for a journal.
Oh this looks good Lesa. I love libraries and local history, and I find the history behind so-called witches (ie, at least in King James' time, any woman who didn't tow the line) very interesting. There were many witch hunts in East Lothian in those days. Independent women were seen as a threat.
PS I am struggling with that 'captcha' thing! I'm never quite sure what it means by 'roads' or 'street signs' so it takes me ages…
Thanks Lesa for hosting this book and author on your blog. I really enjoy your blog and finding out about new series. robeader53(at)yahoo(dot)com
Thanks for this review Lesa. I am number 17 on 7 copies at my library.
Darn, Rosemary. I hate it that you have to deal with the captcha. It's the only way to keep automated things from commenting on my blog, and, even then, I do go in and delete comments once in a while from advertisers. I hope you keep trying! Thank you!
Thank you, Robin! I'm so glad readers are discovering new books through the blog. Thanks for telling me it works for you.
That's a good sign for the book and author, Sharon.
No worries Lesa, I get there in the end, and I totally understand why you have to have it. And after all, it's not as bad as having to remember passwords or 'usernames' (whatever they are). Spammers are such a pain.
I'd love to be able to read a copy of this new series. Unfortunately both the Brooklyn and Queens County libraries don't seem to have it on order at this time.
Well, that's just odd, Nora. You'd think one of those libraries would have it on order.
I put this one on my library list. We have 8 copies in the system.
I hope you enjoy it, Gram!