Jenn McKinlay’s eleventh Library Lover’s Mystery, One for the Books, is definitely one for her long-time readers. Those of us who have been following the series are ready for Library Director Lindsey Norris and Captain Mike “Sully” Sullivan to tie the knot. But, of course, this couple can’t get married without drama. But, before a discussion of the story, I wanted to comment on the gorgeous cover. Because I read a .pdf, I don’t have the book in hand to praise the cover artist. But, the colors, the inclusion of Heathcliff, the dog, and the cover itself are just perfect.

Lindsey Norris and Sully are perfectly content to get married in front of family and a few friends in a small ceremony on Bell Island, where Sully’s parents live. However, it’s starting to dawn on them that more people are coming to the wedding than they expected. Sully’s a native son, and Lindsey is popular. It’s enough to make a shy librarian want to elope. The couple admit, though, that their parents would be disappointed. They already have everything planned, including a justice of the peace. Steve Briggs is a childhood friend of Sully’s, and he seems just the type to be a calming presence at the wedding.

Or, at least Briggs seemed to be a calming presence. But, different people witnessed him in tense scenes and arguments at his annual Christmas party. That doesn’t mean any of them expected him to be killed. On a trip to discuss the wedding with Sully’s parents, Lindsey and Sully find Briggs’ dead body on the beach on Bell Island. Now, it’s hard for either of them to enjoy the anticipation of their upcoming wedding. Sully wants to know who killed his old friend. So does Lindsey, but she’s also panicking when she realizes they have to find someone to officiate at their wedding.

I have to admit the mystery in One for the Books fell a little flat. There’s the drama of confessions and a chase. But, it was easy to guess who the killer was, and even easy to guess a secondary mystery. But, it also didn’t really matter in One for the Books. This book is a gift for Jenn McKinlay’s followers, for those of us who have been rooting for Sully and Lindsey all along, even early in the series.

All of the familiar, beloved characters are back. There are references to recent mysteries and novels. There are references to recent events in Lindsey’s life, and a storyline with her brother, Jack. There’s even a fun reference, an Easter egg for readers who know McKinlay’s novel,  Paris is Always a Good Idea, was just released.

I have no inside knowledge to say One for the Books is the last in this series. However, if it is, Jenn McKinlay wrapped up the series with a romantic Happily-Ever-After. If it’s not the final book, readers will be satisfied that Lindsey and Sully marry their best friend.

Jenn McKinlay’s website is www.jennmckinlay.com

One for the Books by Jenn McKinlay. Berkley Prime Crime, 2020. ISBN 9780593101742 (hardcover), 320p.

*****
FTC Full Disclosure – I read a .pdf for a journal.