Debbie B. (orchid7) -
Helpful Score: 4
I have to agree with the other reviewer- this book did not live up to my expectations either. I found the actual storyline to be a bit repetitious, and I actually found myself groaning at the heroine's stupidity at the end. I may try the second book in this series, because I enjoy this author's other series, but hopefully we'll see more than sniping librarians and clam chowder in the next one!
Joy L. (vintagejoy) -
Helpful Score: 2
This is the first in a new series by Jenn McKinlay, writer of the "Cupcake Mysteries." I have to say I was a bit disappointed in this book, only because I don't think it is quite up to the same standard as "cupcakes." There were a couple incidents in the book that while dramatic, really didn't seem to fit in. A little disjointed, I guess. I will read the next book in the series, and I'm sure the writing will improve. Interesting characters and a fairly complicated plot.
Helpful Score: 2
I guess I am in the minority but I really enjoyed Books Can Be Deceiving. I was lured to the book by the pretty cover but when I read the description of a mystery featuring a librarian, I was hooked. I loved that Lindsay started a Crafternoon group at her library combining a book group with a craft session. I thought the plot was good and I loved all the characters. It is a "cozy" mystery and not the next great American novel afterall. I just purchased the second in the series and I am looking forward to reading it.
Cathy C. (cathyskye) -
Helpful Score: 2
First Line: "Oh, I just love that Maxim de Winter," Violet La Rue said, her knitting needles clacking together as if to emphasize her words.
Lindsey Norris has found a job she loves-- being the director of the Briar Creek Public Library-- in a town she's come to love, and she has to admit that her apartment is great and she's making lots of friends. Everything is just peachy, even if her co-worker (AKA "The Lemon") is determined to put a sour note or three in Lindsey's cheery song.
That changes when a New York editor shows up in town for some R&R. Lindsey's friend Beth has been working for years on a children's book, and she's finally persuaded to show her work to the editor. Beth's boyfriend, already a famous author, gets in the way, and when Beth goes to confront him, she finds his body and becomes the prime suspect in his murder. The local sheriff is convinced of Beth's guilt, so Lindsey has to work fast to prove her friend's innocence.
Sometimes I wish we could call a moratorium on big-bellied, stupid, belligerent sheriffs, but there must be enough of them in real life that I wouldn't be able to pull it off. Yes, there is one in this book, but-- thank heavens-- the state sends in a detective to keep the idiot in line.
The setting in a small town by the sea in Connecticut is very well done, and I definitely wouldn't mind going there for a visit. As befits all the best cozies, the cast is what reigns supreme in this book. Lindsey and her circle of friends drew me right in, and even the old sour puss, Ms. Cole, had me keeping my eye on her. There's also a handsome hunk of man that knows his way around a boat, and he's not about to repel all boarders when Lindsey's around.
About the only thing that bothered me in this book was the fact that I didn't really get to deduce whodunit because, by the time Lindsey and her friends started checking into the victim's background, it was close to the end and all the characters really weren't on the scorecard yet. Be that as it may, I still found this an enjoyable book filled with characters that I want to read about again. My favorite line? "Nobody threatens my library."
Lindsey Norris has found a job she loves-- being the director of the Briar Creek Public Library-- in a town she's come to love, and she has to admit that her apartment is great and she's making lots of friends. Everything is just peachy, even if her co-worker (AKA "The Lemon") is determined to put a sour note or three in Lindsey's cheery song.
That changes when a New York editor shows up in town for some R&R. Lindsey's friend Beth has been working for years on a children's book, and she's finally persuaded to show her work to the editor. Beth's boyfriend, already a famous author, gets in the way, and when Beth goes to confront him, she finds his body and becomes the prime suspect in his murder. The local sheriff is convinced of Beth's guilt, so Lindsey has to work fast to prove her friend's innocence.
Sometimes I wish we could call a moratorium on big-bellied, stupid, belligerent sheriffs, but there must be enough of them in real life that I wouldn't be able to pull it off. Yes, there is one in this book, but-- thank heavens-- the state sends in a detective to keep the idiot in line.
The setting in a small town by the sea in Connecticut is very well done, and I definitely wouldn't mind going there for a visit. As befits all the best cozies, the cast is what reigns supreme in this book. Lindsey and her circle of friends drew me right in, and even the old sour puss, Ms. Cole, had me keeping my eye on her. There's also a handsome hunk of man that knows his way around a boat, and he's not about to repel all boarders when Lindsey's around.
About the only thing that bothered me in this book was the fact that I didn't really get to deduce whodunit because, by the time Lindsey and her friends started checking into the victim's background, it was close to the end and all the characters really weren't on the scorecard yet. Be that as it may, I still found this an enjoyable book filled with characters that I want to read about again. My favorite line? "Nobody threatens my library."
Tim H. (Timbuktu126) reviewed Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover, Bk 1) on + 482 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 1
This was book was decent, but not fantastic. Halfway into the book, I realized that all that had happened thus far was what was written on the back cover- not one thing more than that. But the second half had more detecting/sleuthing/mystery to it. I did like the end, particularly as they neared fingering the killer. It's good enough for me to try the next in the series.
Helpful Score: 1
Lindsey Norris loses her job and boyfriend in he same week. She moves to a tiny, coastal, New England town as the new library director. Her life is almost perfect----until she stumbles onto the body of a local award-winning children's author-----and her best friend is accused of the murder!
This first of a three-book(so far)series is an easy, fun read with knitting instructions and recipes, too. I've ordered the 2nd book and am looking forward to another delightful story.
This first of a three-book(so far)series is an easy, fun read with knitting instructions and recipes, too. I've ordered the 2nd book and am looking forward to another delightful story.
Bonnie A. (ladycholla) -
Very good 1st book in a series. Looking forward to the next one. Interesting ending to this. The murderer was completely unexpected. Light romance beginning, hope it continues. Nice characters. Enjoyable cozy.
Patti I. (craftypatti) reviewed Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover, Bk 1) on + 146 more book reviews
WOW! What a great first book in the series. I like the author's "Cupcake" mystery series and I can't wait to read more in this series too.
Love the characters and story line. I am glad it came with the recipe for chowder because it was making my mouth water every time it was mentioned.
Love the characters and story line. I am glad it came with the recipe for chowder because it was making my mouth water every time it was mentioned.
This was a great cozy mystery, the 1st of a new series. I am looking forward to reading more about Briar Creek Library & friends. As in the Cupcake mysteries, Jenn McKinlay keeps us wanting more. Great stories to read in-between those "heavier" reads.
I never expected the turn of events that took place. good writing.
I was excited to read this new series. But like the other reviewers I was alittle disappointed. But will try book 2 in the series. The reference to the character Ms. Cole as "the lemon" was kinda funny.
Pamela C. (pj-s-bookcorner) reviewed Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover, Bk 1) on + 885 more book reviews
First book in the Library Lover series. First time read of this author. Things in the small town are going well for the newly arrived head librarian. She's making friends and enjoying her new town. When her best friend's (Beth) newly ex-boyfriend is discovered dead, Beth is the number one suspect. Lindsay is determined to prove the small town sheriff wrong and clear her friend's name.
Linda R. (wolfie123) - , reviewed Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover, Bk 1) on + 422 more book reviews
First in the series....was ok.....I will read the next one to see if the characters develop...When the local police chief refuses to look at anyone but Beth, the children's librarian, for the murder of her boyfriend. Lindsey, the library's new director and Beth's best friend must take action and solve "who done it"...............
LeeAnn S. (acrazycowgirl) reviewed Books Can Be Deceiving (Library Lover, Bk 1) on + 12 more book reviews
I enjoyed reading this light fun book.
Sandra C. (shinypenny) -
This a first in a series by Jenn McKinlay. Lindsey is a director of the Briar Creek Public Library. After a break up she decides to go to this small town. Lindsey has to help her new friend from the local chief of police. He seems to only look at her friend is the murderer and isn't interested in looking any further
