Series: Library Lover's Mystery #1
Author: Jenn McKinlay
Genre: Mystery, Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Berkley Books
Source: Library
Challenge: Literary Escapes
My review:
I was drawn to Books Can be Deceiving for two reasons. The first was the title. The second was the series name Library Lover's Mystery. I love books and libraries and couldn't wait to dig into this one. This is my first introduction to Jenn McKinlay's books.
Books Can be Deceiving has a slow start. There are quite a few characters to keep track of, and the writing is description driven. There are a lot of unnecessary details, and I just wanted the story to get to the point. The first third of the book is setting the stage for the mystery to happen. For me, that is too long for anything to happen. This was my first cozy mystery. I am used to mysteries where the murder or incident happens within the first couple of pages.
I love the crafternoon idea. It would be so much fun to have afternoons at the library where you craft and discuss books. I also appreciated that several characters work in the library, which gives the reader good insight into what librarians do.
Overall, a decent read, but I am not sure I will continue the series. There was not enough there to make me care about what happens next.
★★★/5
Synopsis (Goodreads):
Lindsey is getting into
her groove as the director of the Briar Creek Public Library when a New
York editor visits town, creating quite a buzz. Lindsey’s friend Beth
wants to sell the editor her children’s book, but Beth’s boyfriend, a
famous author, gets in the way. When they go to confront him, he’s found
murdered—and Beth is the prime suspect. Lindsey has to act fast—before
they throw the book at the wrong person.
Most cozies I've read have that much set up. Usually the murder happens right away. I might give this book a try, but I am definitely a jump right into the action person.
ReplyDeleteCheryl, yes, I love when the action sucks you right in!
DeleteSlow starts are never a good thing. Did you at least like the characters?
ReplyDeleteLark, yeah, they were really memorable, but I liked then alright.
DeleteI like that this is set in a Library. I like action to start right away too.
ReplyDeleteWendy, yep!
DeleteThis one did have a slow start! I liked the characters and am interested in what happens to them next.
ReplyDeleteGretchen, once you read it come back and let me know if I should continue, LOL!!!
DeleteCindy - I'll let you know 😉. I'm not in a rush to read the second one, but will probably get to it eventually.
DeleteGretchen, Understand.
DeleteAgreed on the slow start - unless the writing is something special or there's some other pull, I often will DNF a slow starter. I don't read many cozies either - they somehow seem more formulaic than other thriller/mysteries. But then, when I think about it, the joy is really in finding a book that doesn't fit all those formulas....those are the ones I want to read.
ReplyDeleteTerrie @ Bookshelf Journeys
Terrie, I totally agree! I love stories that are unique.
Delete