Linda S. (Ladyslott) reviewed The Case of the Missing Books (Mobile Library, Bk 1) on + 113 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 22
This book had a great premise, a âfish out of water' story of a librarian from London who takes a job in rural Ireland only to find the library closed and all the books missing. He then decides to solve the mystery of the missing books. I love books, I love mysteries and I like books set in countries other than my own, so what's not to like about this book? Unfortunately just about everything. I found the main character, a nebbishy Jewish vegetarian named Israel, to be so annoying I wanted to smack him upside the head more than once. All of the local people he meets are eccentric beyond belief, and scenarios are repeated more than once, losing whatever charm they had along the way. The plot about the missing books, and its ridiculous resolution, was unbelievable and more than a little flimsy. All in all a waste of a couple of days vacation time.
Karen S. (CacaoBear) reviewed The Case of the Missing Books (Mobile Library, Bk 1) on + 87 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 12
I just LOVE mysteries about books. Usually.
Unfortunately, the characters and storyline in this book were so woefully underdeveloped that the only reason I finished it was sheer cussedness!
Four days after finishing it, I can't call to mind a single memorable scene.
Unfortunately, the characters and storyline in this book were so woefully underdeveloped that the only reason I finished it was sheer cussedness!
Four days after finishing it, I can't call to mind a single memorable scene.
Helpful Score: 10
Nice little story about Israel Armstrong, a librarian, who gets a job in a small North Ireland town - only it's not what he expected it to be. The library is closed and he even has to find all the books. The writing style gets a little repetitive and tedious after a while, but a nice read, nevertheless.
Helpful Score: 5
If you like mysteries, literature and comedy-- this is a great series. Because the author lives in Northern Ireland, American readers will be unfamiliar with some of the references. The author is British like Israel, the protagonist. I've been to a number of the places mentioned - the dialogue and setting are spot-on, as they might say over the pond. Try a computer search engine if you find that you don't understand what Israel is all about.
Kathleen J. (cozyreader) reviewed The Case of the Missing Books (Mobile Library, Bk 1) on + 101 more book reviews
Helpful Score: 2
I loved this series and have read all of them. You have to be able to deal with the main character, though, who is an unbelievable loser, BUT VERY FUNNY. Don't try to like Isreal(main character- a British Woody Allen) and you will enjoy this. It is more about the townspeople trying to get him in line then about him being wonderful.
