Pages

Thursday, March 25, 2021

Book Review: Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay (Library Lover's Mysteries #10)

Stars: 5 out of 5
Pros: Characters, strong plot
Cons: Plot is a bit edgy for a cozy, but still works for the series
The Bottom Line:
A creeper is killed
Cozy with a thriller edge
It worked for this fan




Stalking Lindsey

They say you can’t judge a book by its cover.  I know this.  And yet, sometimes, I still do.  For example, when I looked at the cover of Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay, I focused on the roses and assumed there would be lots of romance.  While there was romance, the roses were much more sinister.

It all starts innocently enough.  Lindsey Norris is more than happy to help out Aaron Grady when he walks into the library asking for help with his roses.  But when he begins to show up with roses to offer to her as a thank you, she begins to grow concerned.  Despite repeated confrontations, Aaron doesn’t take no for an answer and shows up in places he doesn’t belong.  Until he turns up dead behind the library.  Lindsey’s fiancĂ©, Sully, quickly becomes the prime suspect.  Lindsey knows that Sully wouldn’t have killed Aaron despite the growing evidence.  So, what is really going on?

Obviously, this book delves into some serious subjects, and I appreciated how they were handled.  For the most part.  A couple of characters were out of line with how they reacted to Lindsey’s situation, and, honestly, I found their attitudes a bit unbelievable.  Or maybe it’s just because I would never have reacted to the situation the way they did.

For a cozy, this book really ramps up the suspense.  No, it isn’t a full on thriller, but it is certainly edging there without giving us the language, violence, or sex you would expect in a thriller.  Just know this going into the book and you’ll be fine.

Obviously, the book is very suspenseful.  I did think it was belaboring the point a bit near the beginning, but just as I was about to get impatient, things jump started, and it didn’t stop until the end.  You do have to pay close attention at the end as the twists are coming fast and furious, but things are logical.

All the series regulars make appearances here, and it is fabulous to see them.  We get to know a few new characters here, too, and they fit in well.

Believe it or not, this book does have some humor in it.  It balances out the serious plot perfect.  The story is taken seriously, but the humor helps lighten the mood.

Those familiar with the series will know what to expect at the end.  We’ve got the usual discussion questions, craft project, and recipes.

Word to the Wise will keep series fans turning pages until they reach the end.  It may be a bit of a departure for the series, but fans will still be satisfied with it.

Be sure to check out the rest of the Library Lover's Mysteries.

1 comment:

  1. I loved this one! I read the first few and the last few and am now reading the middle books so I can get caught up and this is such a reliable series. I don't think there's a single one I haven't enjoyed.

    ReplyDelete

Thanks for stopping by. In order to combat spam, I moderate most comments. I'll get to your comment as soon as I can.