Jenn McKinlay, the author of Booking for Trouble, is the author of multiple series, however, she’s also a former librarian. The sixteenth in her Library Lover’s series deals with a major problem in many communities, council members who want to close down public libraries. According to them, because of the Internet, no one needs libraries. If they want a book, they should buy it. I could go on a rant here, but Library Director Lindsey Norris Sullivan does that for me in the book.

When a new council member wants to slash the Briar Creek Public Library’s budget, followed by the budget for Parks and Rec and education services, in order to leverage property tax cuts to wealthy residents, Lindsey knows she needs to build awareness for the library. How about a book boat? There are twenty-three islands with houses, and those residents might have unserved needs. She gets funding from the affluent ladies of The Club, a private club on one of the islands. Robbie Vine, the English actor and friend, is her way into the exclusive circle, but she knows she’s not really acceptable to them.

Lindsey’s husband, Sully, owner of a water taxi business, is also her captain for the new book boat, The Jolly Reader. The first visit to the islands introduces Lindsey to stories her husband knows, including the feud between neighbors, the Capshaws and Montgomerys on Split Island. Gwen Capshaw hates her neighbors, and she’s rude to Lindsey as well. It’s Lindsey, though, who finds Gwen’s body two weeks later when the boat book returns. And, of course, people point to the neighbors as suspects. When there’s a second murder on the islands, Lindsey’s library staff pull out the white board to list suspects and compare crimes.

For a library lover, Jenn’s mysteries are always entertaining, and the library problems are handled perfectly. Despite the suspicions, the cases are wrapped up beautifully. I always like these cozies for involving the staff and community, but Lindsey and Sully keep the police in the loop and relies on them. These amateur sleuths work hand-in-hand with the police. Very satisfying.

And, speaking of hand-in-hand, I always appreciate it when the author identifies the cover artist. Nice job, Julia Green.

Jenn McKinlay’s website is https://jennmckinlay.com/

Booking for Trouble by Jenn McKinlay. Berkley, 2026. 304p.

FTC Full Disclosure – I read a galley furnished by the publisher through NetGalley, with no promise of a positive review.