Wednesday, November 6, 2013

Review and Giveaway: Read It And Weep

Read It And Weep (Library Lover's Mystery - Book 4) by Jenn McKinlay

Publication Date: 11/05/2013
Publisher: Penguin Group
Imprint: Berkley Prime Crime 
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Pages: 304
ISBN-10: 0425260720
ISBN-13: 978-0425260722

(Received for an honest review from Berkley Prime Crime)

Purchase: Amazon, Barnes & Noble, Book Depository, IndieBound

Jenn McKinlay on the WEB: Website, Twitter, Facebook, Goodreads, Pinterest

Books in the series:

Books Can Be Deceiving (2011), Due or Die (2012), Book, Line and Sinker (2012) Read it and Weep (2013)

Coverart: Click the image for a larger, clearer view of the covers in this series.




Excerpt from Read It And Weep, courtesy of the authors website.

Synopsis:

William Shakespeare is credited with inventing how many words?* 

Answering Shakespeare trivia comes with the job description for library director Lindsey Norris. But when the Briar Creek Community Theater mounts their newest production of the Bard, she has no intention of leaving the stacks for the stage. Unfortunately a villain is waiting in the wings…

Former Broadway actress Violet La Rue is holding auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream—and everyone from the sour spinster librarian Ms. Cole to Lindsey’s youthful library pages are trying out for parts. Brought in to play the mischievous Puck is the flirtatious professional actor Robbie Vine, who seems to have eyes for Lindsey. Before her blush has faded, the Bard’s dream turns into a nightmare—when one of the cast is poisoned. Now Lindsey and her crafternooners must take center stage to unmask the culprit before the final curtain call…


Thoughts:

The fourth book in the Library Lover's Mystery series, Read It And Weep will have Jenn McKinlay fans enthralled. This is a great example of what a cozy mystery should be. McKinlay dabbles in the darker side of humanity but still manages to keep the book light and fun despite the circumstances. Public library awareness, as well as, local theatre support are ideas that permeate this book and readers will love all of the background knowledge and tidbits that the characters provide. With an idyllic setting, a complex and thrilling mystery and a surprise ending, this is one cozy fans won't want to miss!

Jenn McKinlay is a very good cozy mystery writer. She has several series' to her credit, but I have to admit that I am a bit partial to the Library Lover's series. Being a real book nerd, the Library is one of my favorite places on the planet. McKinlay being a librarian herself understands the ins and outs of what makes a library a special place in the community and that knowledge lends an authenticity to the setting and what happens there. 

The town of Briar Creek, Connecticut is a great cozy setting as well. It has that New England feel and the small town charm that readers generally expect with a good cozy series. I think McKinlay has done an excellent job of making the inhabitants of her fictional town come alive. Now in the fourth book in this series, fans know who these people are and what they can expect from there, but McKinlay is certainly not past surprising us. There is a twist in this one that I bet most readers wouldn't even dream of.

The community theatre aspect of this book was also something that I liked. I think these kinds of community events are so important in small and large towns a like. I think it inspires people who may never have thought they could possess a talent for something to try their wings and new possibilities. I loved this theme and thought it played very well with the mystery. A Midsummer Night's Dream is one of my all time favorite pieces of literature. Shakespeare being a particular favorite of mine. It added an interesting plot point and added a great chemistry to the story.

Lindsay is once again at her best. She is has one of those inquiring minds that readers love. There is a fine line between research and sleuthing and Lindsay can hop back and forth across it with ease. I liked the concept of a love triangle developing between Lindsay and one of the actors and her ex-boyfriend Sully, who is a real fan favorite. It added a human element to the story and character development. I can see lots of potential in where McKinlay is taking Lindsay's character. I think there will be a lot of good things coming up in this series.

The mystery aspect of the story, as always, was written to perfection. I figured it out a little bit before Lindsay did, but that only added to my surprise when the twist at the end became a factor. I think readers will really enjoy the new and old characters here. The suspects and motives and definitely the red herrings. McKinlay is one of the best in the genre and her latest book proves that out. 

Read It and Weep is available NOW from your favorite bookseller.

I'm giving this one 5 out of 5 apples from my book bag!




About the Author:


The hardest decision Jenn McKinlay ever had to make was what to major in during college. Then she discovered the sanctuary of the library and library science—a major that allowed her to study all the subjects. She loves working as a librarian. After all, what other occupation allows you to research the ethnobotanical properties of agave, perform a puppet show for twenty wiggly toddlers, and try to answer why the rabbit’s foot is considered lucky all in the same day? Jenn is the author of the Cupcake Bakery Mysteries and the Hat Shop Mysteries and lives in Scottsdale, Arizona, in a house that is overrun with books, pets, kids, and her husband’s guitars.


Giveaway Details:

The publisher is sponsoring a giveaway for one copy of Read It And Weep by Jenn McKinlay.

~ You must be an email subscriber to participate.
~ US Addresses only.
~ The deadline to enter this giveaway is Midnight EST, November 20th.

1. Please leave a comment describing your experiences with your local library.
2. Please fill out the FORM.

25 comments:

Charlotte said...

I have a great library and it keeps up with the new books. Everyone is helpful.
CABWNANA1@bellsouth.net

traveler said...

My neighborhood library has all the books I request and wonderful programs and speakers. saubleb(at)gmail(dot)com

Linda Kish said...

I spend my time at our library bookstores instead of in the actual library. I like to bring the books home to stay. And, the prices are so good.

justpeachy36 said...

I peruse my local library constantly. I love the online feature they have now, where I can download books for my reader, just like checking out a book that expires after so long. I used to work in the college library in our community as well. I loved it and still love the library very much.

Susie R said...

I started with Jenn's Cupcake series and now have been reading all of them. I can't wait to catch up with Lindsay and the gang!

Karen B said...

When my boys were little (back in the 60-70s) we would go to the library every other week. They had their own library cards and loved picking out their own books. Soon we had a bunch of their friends begging to come along with us. It was so gratifing to hear from them years later how much this meant to them.

NoraA said...

I deal with three different library branches. Two are in my neighborhood, the other is across the county line in Queens, NY.

For the most part I get along fantastically with my librarians. I'm the one who supplies them with bookmarks and cover cards from the authors. They are all friendly and helpful to me when I come in to get a book or ask a question.

Rita Wray said...

I live in a small town so our library is small. If I want to read a book and they don't have it they order it for me and call me when it comes in. The library is only a few blocks from my house which is great.

Kit3247(at)aol(dot)com

Carol N Wong said...

I know the Allen Library more than the one for the town that we live in now. They have a great snack bar downstairs with the library bookstore there. My favorite thing to do is to pick up the monthly Book News in the main part of the library. The librarians are great! I love to inhale the smell of the books. I have read many of the cozies on the shelves already.

CarolNWong(at)aol(dot)com

lag123 said...

My library is wonderful. I have gotten to know the staff personally and they go out if their way to assist me.

lag110 at mchsi dot com

Elizabeth Schroedle said...

I love my local library. It is only a 5 block walk from my house. I hadn't been to the library in a very long time. I signed up again about a year ago and was surprised to see that they have scanners so you can check yourself out, WI-FI,lend out movies, TV show DVDs and audiobooks. Just goes to show how long it has been since I used my local library.

Sue Farrell said...

I used to go to the library almost daily as a child and teenager and loved it. But the last few years I've lived in a small town that at first had no library and now finally has a library---but a very small one. I'm hoping to get more familiar with it when I retire next year and have more time for reading.

Unknown said...

I have a marvelous library. The ladies are so kind and helpful. I had surgery and then recently became disabled because of a medical error. I would request the book through the computer and they would pull the books and waiting at the front desk when my Mom walked in the door. Wonderful service!
Barbara Thompson
barbmaci61(at)yahoo(dot)com

holdenj said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
holdenj said...

I love my library! They just broke ground for a new building. The last time I stopped in to pick up books, the librarian showed me the plans, and how the new library will orient toward Main Street. It will be well worth the wait!

My Recent Favorite Books said...

I have always loved visiting the libraries that I live close to!

Our local library is a newer library, that has great books, lots of Audio books ( I like the Playaway audio books..they are about the size of a regular paperback, and you just plug your headphones in and enjoy! )

And..our local library has a drive-thru! Love it!

Thanks for the giveaway!
I enjoy Jenn McKinlay's books!

ann said...

I love my library but getting older now and owning a Kindle I download books online all the time are so much easier for me.

Wendy Newcomb said...

I don't go to the library a lot, but I do like that you can borrow e-books now!

wfnren(at)aol(dot)com

Anita Yancey said...

I use to spend a lot of time in our library and really enjoyed it. But when the economy took a turn for the worse they closed it. Thanks for having the giveaway.

ayancey1974(at)gmail(dot)com

Mary V said...

My library just got a new director about 2 years ago and ever since she has been here they have been adding a lot more cozy mysteries to the shelves as well as more best sellers.

Brooke Showalter said...

The library in my tiny little town has been closed for several years. :( It was small, but I loved going there when I was a kid. It was my favorite place to be! I loved the summer reading programs, and getting to go in and choose from so many books.

Renee said...

Every time I walk into my library, or any library, I never want to leave. I just want to sit in a comfy chair and wallow in the words of a book.

Renee G said...

Our local library is fantastic. There is no where else I can spend so much time, and so little money.

Karin said...

I don't go to the library much...I buy most of my books new or at garage sales. I did go several times in October though to use their computer because my internet connection went "kaput".

Michelle F. said...

I love the library and I'm there right now. I don't own a computer so I use theirs a lot. I can walk to the library. I love the library's books, DVD's, & books on C.D., etc.
catbooks72(at)gmail(dot)com