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Library Lover's Mystery #4
Read It and Weep
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�
*Over 17,000
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�
*Over 17,000
284 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 5, 2013
336 people are currently reading
2,487 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 562 reviews
September 18, 2017
It's getting better. I really like the main characters - especially the new addition! I'm loving the library backdrop. Who doesn't love a librarian solving crimes. And those kooky colleagues. And the dress up shows they perform. Silly fun. It's a cozy for those who love books.
Plus we meet Robbie Vine... the Shakespearean actor who stumbles into the main character and interrupts her love life with a fellow town member. Robbie can be a little obnoxious, but he is a great character. And I probably shouldn't, but I'm rooting for him and Lindsey. I think they'd work well together! They're interactions are really fun and show potential.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on ŷ, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at , where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
Plus we meet Robbie Vine... the Shakespearean actor who stumbles into the main character and interrupts her love life with a fellow town member. Robbie can be a little obnoxious, but he is a great character. And I probably shouldn't, but I'm rooting for him and Lindsey. I think they'd work well together! They're interactions are really fun and show potential.
About Me
For those new to me or my reviews... here's the scoop: I read A LOT. I write A LOT. And now I blog A LOT. First the book review goes on ŷ, and then I send it on over to my WordPress blog at , where you'll also find TV & Film reviews, the revealing and introspective 365 Daily Challenge and lots of blogging about places I've visited all over the world. And you can find all my social media profiles to get the details on the who/what/when/where and my pictures. Leave a comment and let me know what you think. Vote in the poll and ratings. Thanks for stopping by.
April 11, 2021
Wow, what an unexpected twist. Everything about this book was enjoyable. I did predict the guilty culprit, but wow, what an ending.
January 9, 2014
The "bad guy" in this one was EXTREMELY obvious to me, but that's not a big problem. The BIG PROBLEM is Ms. McKinlay's decision to go the dreaded triangle route! She is such a good writer that she REALLY doesn't need such tired, played out gimmicks to build readership. If this continues I'll be forced to drop both this and her Cupcake Bakery series as there's a triangle brewing there, too. I love her writing style, I love her characters, but triangles drive me up the wall and I won't waste my time reading books that frustrate me anymore.
November 15, 2018
4.5 Stars.A great addition to the series!
July 13, 2019
All authors, repeat after me...
L O V E TRIANGLES are L A Z Y writing.
I think I sprained my eyes from rolling them so hard in this book. ANOTHER love triangle? REALLY Jenn McKinlay? R E A L L Y???
Sigh.
It is lazy writing and insulting to the readers. It is a gimmick to get the reader to continue reading the series. It is cheap and lazy and UGH!!!!! PLEASE STOP!!!
The story itself wasn't that bad - the village has decided to put on A Midsummer Night's Dream [my favorite of all the bards comedic plays] and not only do they have a famous retired Broadway performer directing the play, they have THE famous Robbie Vine to play Puck. Everyone and everybody knows Robbie Vine and the swooning starts almost immediately. And of course, since our MC and her fantastic boyfriend have broken up [because he is an insecure moron who doesn't actually KNOW how to listen to anything anyone says to him], Robbie is IMMEDIATELY drawn to Lindsey. Who is both attracted to him AND guilt-ridden because you know, SULLY is still out there . So of course, Sully get jealous. And has to strut around and do and say things that just confuse Lindsey further. Yeah, because THAT is super helpful. N O T.
It takes chapters for the murder to happen and then chapters to solve it and the ending is okay, but considering what the killer was suffering from , the end just felt forces and superficial. With the two men still "dueling" over Lindsey.
This was NOT my favorite of the series and I have to say that the next one is not high on my list considering the whole LOVE TRIANGLE crap. What a way to ruin a perfectly lovely series.
***A side note - the narrator for this book is just awful. Almost all of the older women sound like they have been smokers for 100 years and do not even get me started on the male voices. This is one instance where it would have been just awesome to have the book read to me. I ended up just finishing the book myself [and giving myself a headache in the process] because I just could not stand it anymore.
L O V E TRIANGLES are L A Z Y writing.
I think I sprained my eyes from rolling them so hard in this book. ANOTHER love triangle? REALLY Jenn McKinlay? R E A L L Y???
Sigh.
It is lazy writing and insulting to the readers. It is a gimmick to get the reader to continue reading the series. It is cheap and lazy and UGH!!!!! PLEASE STOP!!!
The story itself wasn't that bad - the village has decided to put on A Midsummer Night's Dream [my favorite of all the bards comedic plays] and not only do they have a famous retired Broadway performer directing the play, they have THE famous Robbie Vine to play Puck. Everyone and everybody knows Robbie Vine and the swooning starts almost immediately. And of course, since our MC and her fantastic boyfriend have broken up [because he is an insecure moron who doesn't actually KNOW how to listen to anything anyone says to him], Robbie is IMMEDIATELY drawn to Lindsey. Who is both attracted to him AND guilt-ridden because you know, SULLY is still out there . So of course, Sully get jealous. And has to strut around and do and say things that just confuse Lindsey further. Yeah, because THAT is super helpful. N O T.
It takes chapters for the murder to happen and then chapters to solve it and the ending is okay, but considering what the killer was suffering from , the end just felt forces and superficial. With the two men still "dueling" over Lindsey.
This was NOT my favorite of the series and I have to say that the next one is not high on my list considering the whole LOVE TRIANGLE crap. What a way to ruin a perfectly lovely series.
***A side note - the narrator for this book is just awful. Almost all of the older women sound like they have been smokers for 100 years and do not even get me started on the male voices. This is one instance where it would have been just awesome to have the book read to me. I ended up just finishing the book myself [and giving myself a headache in the process] because I just could not stand it anymore.
October 12, 2019
This fall, Lindsey’s friend Violet La Rue is directing a local theater production of A Midsummer Night’s Dream, and she is encouraging everyone to try out for it. Lindsey is more interested in working behind the scenes on the costumes, but many of her friends land parts in the play. The one non-community member cast is Violet’s friend, Robbie Vine, a celebrated actor. He brings with him his wife and his girlfriend, but he still is immediately smitten with Lindsey, and he starts flirting with her, which does nothing but irritate Sully, Lindsey’s ex. However, Lindsey’s romantic troubles aren’t the biggest issue on the stage. Instead, a series of increasingly more serious accidents seem to be happening in the theater. Is someone out to destroy the production? Is any one person the target? Will Lindsey get to the bottom of things before someone dies?
Since I’m behind on this series, I knew that Lindsey was going to have some serious issues with her love life, and that is the case here. In fact, it feels more like the focus of the book with the mystery being a sub-plot. I’m a guy, so I don’t tend to read romances, and I stir clear of many romantic comedies because they aren’t my thing. The romantic comedy aspect of this book certainly bothered me. While there are some mysterious occurrences, it wasn’t really until the second half when the mystery really got going and even then, is often overshadowed by the romance. There is a good twist to the mystery, however. And I adore the series characters. We get to see a different side of a couple of them and finally spend some time getting to know Violet. On the other hand, the suspects were rather weak. I’ve read enough of author Jenn McKinlay’s books to know this is a blip from an author I usually adore. If you are a fan of her books, you’ll still want to see what happens here. If you are new to her books, you’ll be better served starting with a different book and coming back to this one later. Personally, I am looking forward to visiting Lindsey again soon.
Read my full review at .
Since I’m behind on this series, I knew that Lindsey was going to have some serious issues with her love life, and that is the case here. In fact, it feels more like the focus of the book with the mystery being a sub-plot. I’m a guy, so I don’t tend to read romances, and I stir clear of many romantic comedies because they aren’t my thing. The romantic comedy aspect of this book certainly bothered me. While there are some mysterious occurrences, it wasn’t really until the second half when the mystery really got going and even then, is often overshadowed by the romance. There is a good twist to the mystery, however. And I adore the series characters. We get to see a different side of a couple of them and finally spend some time getting to know Violet. On the other hand, the suspects were rather weak. I’ve read enough of author Jenn McKinlay’s books to know this is a blip from an author I usually adore. If you are a fan of her books, you’ll still want to see what happens here. If you are new to her books, you’ll be better served starting with a different book and coming back to this one later. Personally, I am looking forward to visiting Lindsey again soon.
Read my full review at .
March 2, 2014
Read It And Weep is the 4th book in the Library Lover's Mystery series. And an exciting and fun series it is.
There's an often used cliche, "I couldn't put the book down" and that certainly describes this book for me.
Violet LaRue, former stage actress and a craftnooner at Briar Creek Library, is getting ready to stage a play at the local community theatre and has enlisted the notable actor Robbie Vine to lead the cast. As casting call gets underway, it is very evident that Robbie is living up to his playboy reputation and has set his sights on Lindsey, the community's library director. But when some attempts are made on his life, Lindsey feels that it's time to look into his past to try and determine who might want to see him dead. There are numerous suspects for Lindsey to look at. Could it be Brian, who Lindsey has heard threaten Robbie, possibly his wife, who he is separated from, or maybe his girlfriend that he has recently broken up with. Maybe Harvey Wargus, a critic who in the past has given Violet and Robbie bad reviews and who has been hired by the billionaire Sterling Buchanan, past lover of Violet.
All the wonderful characters are back once again and most are busy acting in the play and helping Lindsey to sort through the suspects. Even Ms. Lemon, oops, I mean Miss Cole is has a role and a possible budding romance. Meantime, Lindsey and Seth seem to be cooling their relationship.
A wonderful series and entertaining characters. So looking forward to the next book.
There's an often used cliche, "I couldn't put the book down" and that certainly describes this book for me.
Violet LaRue, former stage actress and a craftnooner at Briar Creek Library, is getting ready to stage a play at the local community theatre and has enlisted the notable actor Robbie Vine to lead the cast. As casting call gets underway, it is very evident that Robbie is living up to his playboy reputation and has set his sights on Lindsey, the community's library director. But when some attempts are made on his life, Lindsey feels that it's time to look into his past to try and determine who might want to see him dead. There are numerous suspects for Lindsey to look at. Could it be Brian, who Lindsey has heard threaten Robbie, possibly his wife, who he is separated from, or maybe his girlfriend that he has recently broken up with. Maybe Harvey Wargus, a critic who in the past has given Violet and Robbie bad reviews and who has been hired by the billionaire Sterling Buchanan, past lover of Violet.
All the wonderful characters are back once again and most are busy acting in the play and helping Lindsey to sort through the suspects. Even Ms. Lemon, oops, I mean Miss Cole is has a role and a possible budding romance. Meantime, Lindsey and Seth seem to be cooling their relationship.
A wonderful series and entertaining characters. So looking forward to the next book.
February 25, 2019
I am really enjoying this series. What I like the most about this author is her ability to create such diverse characters and settings. All of her series are different yet they all have terrific characters and engaging mysteries. Lindsey's life is a little chaotic now that she and Sully are no longer dating. I enjoyed how we got to see a bit more of the citizens of Briar Creek, especially Violet and Charlene in this book. I really liked the mystery, while I figure out the identity of the killer and the victim's secret, there was a really great twist at the end that I didn't see coming. That is another thing I enjoy about this author. She has two long running series and she has written her characters and mysteries in such a way that readers continue to return book after book.
On to the next book which I have on my shelf and then I will need to visit my own local library for the rest of the books in the series.
On to the next book which I have on my shelf and then I will need to visit my own local library for the rest of the books in the series.
July 14, 2023
I really enjoyed the mystery in this one, but the love triangle is getting old.
June 12, 2016
Whew.. this one was all over the place. The author was trying to " teach" me too much about too many different topics; books, Shakespeare, theater, crafting cards, using a library as a resource tool, Munchausen by proxy, relationship tension, etc...
Seriously, I do not know why I keep reading these..... I like the character of Lindsey, but I am growing weary of the seesaw between her and Sully. Either be together or don't. I read mysteries for the crime and intrigue and don't mind a little romance thrown in, but this is getting old.
Seriously, I do not know why I keep reading these..... I like the character of Lindsey, but I am growing weary of the seesaw between her and Sully. Either be together or don't. I read mysteries for the crime and intrigue and don't mind a little romance thrown in, but this is getting old.
July 31, 2015
I've just finished Read It and Weep and I can say that I enjoyed it even though it wasn't the best or most original murder mystery I have read. In my opinion, Jenn McKinlay is a skilled writer and she is able to turn a mediocre plot into a fun story. Of course the love triangle that makes its appearance in this book is not the best way to proceed with the whole series but I hope the next installment will be better.
March 11, 2024
Best book in the series thus far I loved it! Wish I could give it 10 stars!
August 4, 2020
Lindsey's, (a white woman) love life takes center stage in this round, as her (black) friend Violet has a play and decides to hire everyone in town to be in it. Including her dear and asinine fellow actor friend, who just happens to show up in town. We're not sure what color his skin is, the author only points out black people.
At this point if you continued to read this review, it will basically consist of me yelling at the book/author. See below:
*You can't claim a woman as a prize, she's a not merchandise, ffs.
*At least McKinlay isn't pointing out who's black, but now she's making it worse, she has to point out their skin color. Gods....
*Wait- she pointed out they're black.
*"Plenty of artsy types". Ooookay. I think she meant that as a derogatory comment....
*"With our braun and your girls of sense of aesthetic". Braun? And they're women, not girls. Since when did Jenn McKinlay become misogynist? Oh wait, the cupcake series, I forgot..
*She literally just spent two paragraphs describing her co-workers clothing choices. Wtfc.
*McKinlay decides this is the book where the dude plays head games with our main character as she pines over him every three pages. Gag.
*How is Chief Plewski new if she's a native Creeker?
*Maybe you should have investigated the attempts of murder before the victim was actually murdered!!! I thought for once there could be a murder mystery with an attempt at it, but NOOOO had to go and kill them.
Oh, wait......
*Ruth Ives Cinderella doesn't even look like a pumpkin. Poor cover choice to have the pumpkin be the main character.. (You'll get it when you read the book)
*Gee, on one hand we have the silent and devoted strong type. On the other, a narcissistic married guy with also a gf on the side. Who on EARTH do we pick? Seriously McKinlay? That's just stupidity if there's even a comparison.
At this point if you continued to read this review, it will basically consist of me yelling at the book/author. See below:
*You can't claim a woman as a prize, she's a not merchandise, ffs.
*At least McKinlay isn't pointing out who's black, but now she's making it worse, she has to point out their skin color. Gods....
*Wait- she pointed out they're black.
*"Plenty of artsy types". Ooookay. I think she meant that as a derogatory comment....
*"With our braun and your girls of sense of aesthetic". Braun? And they're women, not girls. Since when did Jenn McKinlay become misogynist? Oh wait, the cupcake series, I forgot..
*She literally just spent two paragraphs describing her co-workers clothing choices. Wtfc.
*McKinlay decides this is the book where the dude plays head games with our main character as she pines over him every three pages. Gag.
*How is Chief Plewski new if she's a native Creeker?
*Maybe you should have investigated the attempts of murder before the victim was actually murdered!!! I thought for once there could be a murder mystery with an attempt at it, but NOOOO had to go and kill them.
Oh, wait......
*Ruth Ives Cinderella doesn't even look like a pumpkin. Poor cover choice to have the pumpkin be the main character.. (You'll get it when you read the book)
*Gee, on one hand we have the silent and devoted strong type. On the other, a narcissistic married guy with also a gf on the side. Who on EARTH do we pick? Seriously McKinlay? That's just stupidity if there's even a comparison.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 6, 2015
Not much to say about this installment in the Library Lover's Mysteries.
Usually I don't care what the outcome of a mystery is; I just want to see how it all happens.The killer was obvious at the beginning of the book. That just made the rest of the book a behind the scenes look at the making of a community theater play.
Pythagoras of Samos would be disappointed to know that his theorem has been used in such an obtuse form between Lindsey, Sully and Robbie.
There were a few things left open at the end of this book.
What's up with Charlene's dad?
Is Robbie here to stay? Oh dear, WHY?
Will we get more Ian?
Does Lindsey's library have the latest addition of Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne?
Because I really like Jenn McKinlay and am willing to go along for the ride, I'm going to have to read the next book to find out.
Usually I don't care what the outcome of a mystery is; I just want to see how it all happens.The killer was obvious at the beginning of the book. That just made the rest of the book a behind the scenes look at the making of a community theater play.
Pythagoras of Samos would be disappointed to know that his theorem has been used in such an obtuse form between Lindsey, Sully and Robbie.
There were a few things left open at the end of this book.
What's up with Charlene's dad?
Is Robbie here to stay? Oh dear, WHY?
Will we get more Ian?
Does Lindsey's library have the latest addition of Heir to the Jedi by Kevin Hearne?
Because I really like Jenn McKinlay and am willing to go along for the ride, I'm going to have to read the next book to find out.
January 21, 2019
Although I've enjoyed the series, this fourth installment was a bit disappointing. The mystery was weak- very predictable with obvious clues. The love triangle thing is getting old, and Lindsey is starting to get annoying with her romantic melodrama. In fact, if the romance portion of this book weren't so juvenile I'd probably rate it higher.
2.5*- Not the best, and it almost made me give up on the series, but not quite yet. I just hope the author will show Lindsey some redemption in the next book. I'll keep reading the series hoping this was a one off thing.
2.5*- Not the best, and it almost made me give up on the series, but not quite yet. I just hope the author will show Lindsey some redemption in the next book. I'll keep reading the series hoping this was a one off thing.
September 10, 2019
This series is so easy to love. I enjoyed the play setting in this one. I had some things figured out(including the murderer) but was definitely surprised at the ending too. Looking forward to seeing what happens next with Lindsey and Sully too!
July 16, 2017
Another great book in this series. I guessed the suspect early on but what a surprise ending. Can't wait to read the next one.
October 25, 2018
Annnd Love triangle means I’m out. Had a really hard time getting through this one which is a shame as the series had a promising opening.
December 4, 2024
Book 4 of the Library Lover’s Mystery. I feel like I’m always in my Jenn McKinlay era. I just love her writing style, rather it be a fun cozy mystery or a spicy bit of romance. She’s so incredibly good at creating likeable characters and quickly drawing you into her storylines surrounding them.
Here’s what I loved about this book:
- Briar Ridge, Connecticut. This coastal setting is super charming and full of a tight knit community.
- MC is a fantastic librarian. Love the scenes that take place in the library, especially when it shows the unexpected, chaotic joys of helping its patrons. From finding vague books about pumpkins to identifying a snake in a jar, a librarian has wicked research skills at snooping out any answer.
- Crafternoon Club. Think book club meets crafting and add a bit of snark and a side of sweet treats. There is a recipe included as well as a card-making idea and a readers guide to Pride and Prejudice.
- Quirky side characters. It’s hard to pick a fav because they are all fabulous. I’ve always loved the children’s librarian / bestie Beth and Violet La Rue, former actress turned play director, had some stellar scenes in this book, especially when she stood up to her ex!!
- Community Theater. They are tackling Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Loved watching rehearsal and didn’t envy the fact that Lindsay was tasked with making a paper mache donkey mask.
- Heathcliff. A good cozy mystery isn’t complete without a cute furry sidekick.
I enjoyed gathering clues with the characters and slowly watching them piece together the mystery. Even though I spotted the culprit almost immediately upon introduction and knew why the victim was targeted, I was still suddenly shocked by a huge twist towards the ending!!!
We know Sully and Lindsey belong together, they just need to share their inner thoughts and feelings better. I’m not a fan of a love triangle, but I understood the attraction to Robbie and his charming, attentiveness. Question is, how long will he stick around and draw out this storyline?
Here’s what I loved about this book:
- Briar Ridge, Connecticut. This coastal setting is super charming and full of a tight knit community.
- MC is a fantastic librarian. Love the scenes that take place in the library, especially when it shows the unexpected, chaotic joys of helping its patrons. From finding vague books about pumpkins to identifying a snake in a jar, a librarian has wicked research skills at snooping out any answer.
- Crafternoon Club. Think book club meets crafting and add a bit of snark and a side of sweet treats. There is a recipe included as well as a card-making idea and a readers guide to Pride and Prejudice.
- Quirky side characters. It’s hard to pick a fav because they are all fabulous. I’ve always loved the children’s librarian / bestie Beth and Violet La Rue, former actress turned play director, had some stellar scenes in this book, especially when she stood up to her ex!!
- Community Theater. They are tackling Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream. Loved watching rehearsal and didn’t envy the fact that Lindsay was tasked with making a paper mache donkey mask.
- Heathcliff. A good cozy mystery isn’t complete without a cute furry sidekick.
I enjoyed gathering clues with the characters and slowly watching them piece together the mystery. Even though I spotted the culprit almost immediately upon introduction and knew why the victim was targeted, I was still suddenly shocked by a huge twist towards the ending!!!
We know Sully and Lindsey belong together, they just need to share their inner thoughts and feelings better. I’m not a fan of a love triangle, but I understood the attraction to Robbie and his charming, attentiveness. Question is, how long will he stick around and draw out this storyline?
August 28, 2021
This was a delightful cozy mystery. It had a similar feel to the old Murder She Wrote tv shows. The ending was neatly wrapped up but there was still a bit of a surprise and all the characters are enjoyable with a variety of personalities. But a cast full of interesting personalities is just what you'd expect when the murder mystery is set during the production of Shakespeare's A Midsummer Night's Dream ;)
April 16, 2020
Lindsey gets involved in the current local theater production and *nearly* gets involved with the famous actor who comes to town for a role in the play, all while still working out her feelings for Handsome Boat Captain Who Dumped Her in the Last Book. Oh, and there's a murder.
The writing isn't great (or even good in parts) and the story is kind of silly, but I can't help it: I love cozy mysteries. So comforting and non-brain-cell-needing. I love to love the characters and the small towns they inhabit, plus this series heavily involves a small-town library. I can overlook lack of quality in some areas for the equally important value of comforting happiness it brings.
The writing isn't great (or even good in parts) and the story is kind of silly, but I can't help it: I love cozy mysteries. So comforting and non-brain-cell-needing. I love to love the characters and the small towns they inhabit, plus this series heavily involves a small-town library. I can overlook lack of quality in some areas for the equally important value of comforting happiness it brings.
April 13, 2014
Book No. 4 in the “Library Lover’s Mystery� series has Lindsay Norris, town librarian, participating in the community theater’s production of Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night ‘s Dream.� Everyone in town is trying out for a part, including the Lemon (aka Ms. Cole, Lindsay’s sour, disapproving employee). Lindsay is content with her backstage role in the costume department.
A handsome, famous actor, Robby Vine, is brought in to play one of the lead roles. Coincidentally he has a connection to assorted Briar Creek residents, and he may have the hots for Lindsay as well.
The complicated relationship between Lindsay and the handsome boat captain, Sully, is still stuck in neutral. At the end of book three, Sully dumps her and they spend most of this book dancing around their attraction to each other. The ending was a surprise to me � but then I don’t read mysteries to figure out whodunit; I read more for the relationships between the characters and I like to be carried along in the story and find out when the characters find out.
As always, this series veers a little too close to “romance wearing mystery clothing� for me, but even with that, I have grown attached to the characters and I want to know what happens next. I’m a huge fan of Jenn McKinlay’s anyway, and this series just makes me like her work all the more.
A handsome, famous actor, Robby Vine, is brought in to play one of the lead roles. Coincidentally he has a connection to assorted Briar Creek residents, and he may have the hots for Lindsay as well.
The complicated relationship between Lindsay and the handsome boat captain, Sully, is still stuck in neutral. At the end of book three, Sully dumps her and they spend most of this book dancing around their attraction to each other. The ending was a surprise to me � but then I don’t read mysteries to figure out whodunit; I read more for the relationships between the characters and I like to be carried along in the story and find out when the characters find out.
As always, this series veers a little too close to “romance wearing mystery clothing� for me, but even with that, I have grown attached to the characters and I want to know what happens next. I’m a huge fan of Jenn McKinlay’s anyway, and this series just makes me like her work all the more.
August 11, 2014
I didn't put the book down. Sure, I guessed the suspect, surprises, plot twists and was satisfied that the one I wanted to be the "bad guy" really was, but I had to keep reading to make certain the book fulfilled all my guesses. Delightful series. I look forward to reading the next one. Lots of potential romance and development of other characters. Diverse group.
October 5, 2014
I like this one & think it's a fine cozy series. I was reading them in order but my library had the third in the series checked out so I went with this one & I can say, I don't think it matters with regard to continuity. After reading the first and second these can likely be read out of order without causing one to be lost. I'll likely continue with the series.
June 15, 2021
My first book of 2021 is a re-read. I love, love, LOVE this series!! I feel like I can relate to Lindsey and so I get sucked in on page 1. I really like the twist that is part of this book and I am so hungry for more!! If you like cozies, definitely try this series!! (Also, I recommend reading this one in order)
September 10, 2019
In this fourth book, the community is putting on the play, A Midsummers Night's Dream by Shakesphere. Doing a guest appearnace as Puck is a professional actor by the name of Robbie Vine, a real charmer. Unfortunatley, someone seems to have it in for him, as there are several "accidents" and finally a poisioning. Who is trying to ruin the performance for everyone?
One thing that really annoyed me at the beginning of the book was how many times it was mentioned that Sully had mahogany curls. It was getting very tiresome and I am surprised that editing didn't catch it.
One thing that really annoyed me at the beginning of the book was how many times it was mentioned that Sully had mahogany curls. It was getting very tiresome and I am surprised that editing didn't catch it.
April 27, 2021
Read It and Weep
3.5 Stars
When renowned actor Robbie Pine drops dead during a rehearsal of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Briar Creek community theatre, librarian and amateur sleuth Lindsay Norris is determined to expose the culprit.
While entertaining overall, this is not one of the better installments in the series.
To begin with, the heavy-handed foreshadowing means that the identity of the killer and the motive are clear quite early on. Thus, all that remains is going along for the ride as Lindsay follows the clues to the inevitable conclusion.
There is, nevertheless, some promising character development for some of the secondary cast, especially Violet and her daughter, Charlene, as well as Milton and Ms. Cole. It will be interesting to see where McKinlay takes this.
On the romance front. Lindsay and Sully are still at odds over the events from the last book and it is clear that the two need to have a serious discussion. The inclusion of a love triangle is really not my cup of tea, and I hope this is resolved quickly and does not span beyond the next book.
3.5 Stars
When renowned actor Robbie Pine drops dead during a rehearsal of A Midsummer Night's Dream at the Briar Creek community theatre, librarian and amateur sleuth Lindsay Norris is determined to expose the culprit.
While entertaining overall, this is not one of the better installments in the series.
To begin with, the heavy-handed foreshadowing means that the identity of the killer and the motive are clear quite early on. Thus, all that remains is going along for the ride as Lindsay follows the clues to the inevitable conclusion.
There is, nevertheless, some promising character development for some of the secondary cast, especially Violet and her daughter, Charlene, as well as Milton and Ms. Cole. It will be interesting to see where McKinlay takes this.
On the romance front. Lindsay and Sully are still at odds over the events from the last book and it is clear that the two need to have a serious discussion. The inclusion of a love triangle is really not my cup of tea, and I hope this is resolved quickly and does not span beyond the next book.
June 9, 2022
I still like the core cast of characters but did not enjoy this mystery much because of the "crazy did it" conclusion - this time Munchausen By Proxy syndrome rears its ugly head. That seems to be a theme of this series - lots of mentally ill characters/perpetrators.
Robbie, what a messy-lived, irresponsible man - he is definitely NOT serious competition for Sully, imo.
I am going to have to take a break before I continue with Lindsey and Sully's story.
Robbie, what a messy-lived, irresponsible man - he is definitely NOT serious competition for Sully, imo.
I am going to have to take a break before I continue with Lindsey and Sully's story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 8, 2020
I haven't read any of this series for ages. It's still fun.
July 14, 2022
Another fantastic book in the series. I love all the characters.
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