Jenn McKinlay brings so many fun elements together in her latest Library Lover’s Mystery, Fatal First Edition. There’s a murder on a train with a closed group of suspects, a cameo appearance from Kate Carlisle’s book restorer character, Brooklyn Wainwright and her husband, Derek, and references to a few other authors. But, the best element is the first edition itself, a signed copy of Strangers on a Train, signed by Patricia Highsmith to Alfred Hitchcock.
Library Director Lindsey Norris, and her husband, Sully, are at an archivists convention in Chicago. One of the last programs features book restorer Brooklyn Wainwright. When Lindsey reaches under her chair for her tote, she finds a bag containing a signed first edition of Strangers on a Train. Lindsey shows it to Brooklyn, who only has a brief glimpse, but guesses it’s the real deal, and it’s worth a great deal of money. Lindsey turns it over to Henry Standish, the conference director, to return the book to the rightful owner.
The train back to Briar Creek, Connecticut is filled with people from the convention, including Henry, his assistant, and a woman who was responsible for Henry’s firing from his position as a billionaire’s archivist. There are a few tense moments in the dining car, witnessed by Lindsey and Sully. But, it’s the nighttime that is most disturbing. Lindsey blames her restlessness on watching “Strangers on a Train” before bed. She hears thumps from the compartment next door, and when she gets up to investigate, a number of people seem to be disturbed in the middle of the night. Lindsey feels guilty the next morning when a body is found in that next door compartment. And, someone hid that first edition back in Lindsey’s bag during all the disturbance.
If Briar Creek hadn’t been the next railroad stop, Lindsey would have been in trouble. There she is with a signed first edition, and a body in the compartment next to hers. But, Police Chief Emma Plewicki is a friend. However, it doesn’t help Lindsey’s nerves when Sully disappears in the middle of a blizzard.
McKinlay throws everything at the reader in the latest book, and it makes for an entertaining read. Longtime fans of the series will be pleased when the Crafternoon women come to Lindsey’s rescue in her last ditch attempt to solve the mystery.
Jenn McKinlay’s website is https://www.jennmckinlay.com/
Fatal First Edition by Jenn McKinlay. Berkley, 2024. ISBN 9780593639337 (hardcover), 304p.
FTC Full Disclosure – I received a galley from the publisher through NetGalley.
