4 1/2 stars

Death Overdue is a great first cozy mystery in A Haunted Library Mystery series. The characters were entertaining, the small town library setting was perfect, and the ghost wasn't spooky and was a natural fit in the story. The plot was interesting and I didn't figure out the identity of the murderer, which I enjoy in a mystery book.

Carrie Singleton has just moved back to Clover Ridge, CT. She's living with her aunt and uncle, and is thinking about moving on until she's offered a plum job at the local library. As the head of Programs and Events, Carrie is busy planning upcoming discussions etc., but first she has to host a talk by a local retired detective, Al Buckley, who failed to solve the murder of a popular librarian aide named Laura Foster but says he knows who did it now. Her entire family and her old friends come to hear Al speak. During hsi talk, Al suddenly falls over dead, and it turns out that he was poisoned.

Carrie is upset that this tragedy happened during her first event, and she meets Jared, Laura's son. They decide to investigate Al's death, presuming that whoever killed him also killed Laura. In the meantime, Carrie is dealing with issues at the library, especially one named Dorothy, a reference librarian who thinks she deserved Carrie's job. Carrie is at her wits end until she meets Evelyn, who turns out to be Dorothy's aunt. Unfortunately, Evelyn has been dead for some years so she can only do so much to help in her ghostly form.

This was a fun and enjoyable cozy mystery. The characters were so well written, it felt like they were people you'd love to meet in real life. The town of Clover Ridge sounds like a lovely place to live as well.

I highly recommend this book, and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series!

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for the ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A promising start to a new series! The cover alone will catch your eye and once you delve into the story, you cannot put it down! This book has all the elements of a perfect mystery, a librarian who has a wondering soul, a beautifully set town, and an engaging library ghost. This story had a strong story line that definitely keeps the reader engaged, well developed characters, humor, mystery, and an interesting love twist that doesn't take up the entire story. I cannot wait to see what else the author has in store for this diverse and engaging group of characters.

Carrie, a floating librarian at a Connecticut public library, decided it was time to move on when opportunity knocked on her door. While her uncle, a member of the library board was partially responsible for the opportunity, library director Sally offers her a permanent position in programs and events. After a brief consideration, she decides to accept the job and begins looking for a home. At the first event, set up by the librarian who moved away, the detective who failed to solve a case years before and suddenly claims to have solved it dies. A cookie unlike any purchased for the event bore the poison. Carrie and the son of the woman murdered years before set out to solve the crime. Carrie soon discovers the ghost of a former library director resides in the library. Only a few people see her. The ghost proves helpful to Carrie on a number of occasions. While I really don't like paranormal elements such as ghosts, this one is beneficent. I think it's a cute Halloween installment, but I'm not sure it will work long-term as a plot device. I fingered the murderer pretty early, but the author crafted several red herrings. I'll probably read the next installment. I received an advance uncorrected e-galley from the publisher through NetGalley with the expectation of an honest review.

A great first instalment to this cozy mystery series, love the way both the story and the main character develops.

Everything worked in this book, even the ghost of Evelyn. I empathized with Carrie and her issues with life. The mystery was gripping, the town and surrounding cast of characters were delightful, and the budding romance was engaging. I'm so glad this is billed as the first in a series, because I want more!

What could be better than a small town Connecticut library, a ghost and a murder for a wonderful new series. This is book 1 in the Haunted Library Mystery series and it's a good introduction to Carrie getting appointed to head programs and development, the sweet ghost Evelyn who died in the parking lot and the rest of the unusual characters that use the library. This appears to be Allison Brook's first book and she's off to a great start. The mystery moves along and introduces the town's population as needed to produce many more books in the series.

Clover Ridge, Connecticut doesn’t hold a lot of attraction for Carrie Singleton, and she is thinking of moving on to some place different. Then she is offered a position as the director of programs and events at the town public library. The library is old and haunted, or so it is suggested. After accepting the position, she starts working with her first major event, a discussion presented by retired homicide investigator, Al Buckley. Al wants to expose the murderer of Laura Foster, a part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death fifteen years previously.

During the talk, Al asks the audience to share stories about Laura. Unfortunately, someone decides to silence the aging detective before he can reveal whom he thinks the killer is.

The autopsy proves that Al was poisoned. Carrie feels responsible for Al’s death, primarily because she had convinced the library director that everything would be fine. Carrie liked Al and is determined to track down who murdered the detective. She is convinced it’s the selfsame individual who killed Laura Foster. Much of her assertions come from the real-life ghost of Evelyn Havers. It isn’t long before she uncovers secrets in and out of the library.

Series: A Haunted Library Mystery
Author: Allison Brook
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books

Death Overdue is the first book in a new cozy series by Allison Brook. The story is an amusing journey through the life of a library and those who quietly keep the world of books revolving. The author writes with intelligence, the characters, and setting brought to life with the use of a fantastic imagination and an ability for making the ordinary extraordinary.

The role of Carrie Singleton is a mixture of someone who doesn’t want to grow up and someone who has never known a family’s love. When the story first opens, Carrie dresses like a “goth girl” but she is 30 years old. When she makes the switch to a working head of a department, she dresses as a professional adult. Carrie quickly realizes that she doesn’t miss her goth attire or her former life.

This is also a story of transformation. Carrie becomes someone the reader begins to love. They will cheer as they watch her grow into a settled, happy adult, instead of the never fit in, never loved, letting life pass her by girl. As she starts to bloom under a new environment and a loving family, Carrie changes. The reader begins to understand her past and encourages her with each accomplishment.

The additional characters in Death Overdue are charming and add to the appreciation of this book. Evelyn, the ghost is a pleasant and intelligent character that sometimes the reader forgets is not alive. Even Dorothy, the unlikeable nemesis becomes a little nicer by the end of the book but not altogether likable. Sally, Carrie’s boss and the head of the library starts out as a character the reader will not like. She will ultimately evolve into a cherished friend to Carrie and the reader. Carrie’s Aunt and Uncle are lovable and exceptional people who love Carrie like a daughter. They are thrilled she has come home at long last to settle down where they can see her and spend time with her.

The story is packed with twists and turns, and most readers will not be sure of who the murderer is until the very last minute. Ms. Brook has composed a fast-paced, suspenseful story with characters the reader will wish to read about over and over. The writing is smooth; the author never loses track of the primary plot. This book is recommended for anyone who enjoys their cozy with a slight twist of paranormal and a setting that they might find in their own neighborhood.


An ARC was provided by Netgalley

I really liked the story right up to the last half of the last chapter. That is why I only gave it 4 books.  It really was well written, really enjoyable, so much so that I stayed up half the night in order to finishing the book.  I am looking forward to the next book in the series in order to see what ahppens next, which is what I think you should do. . read the next book

It’s time to move on. Carrie didn’t work her way through library school so she could shelve books. Besides, she didn’t want to wear out her welcome, staying with her aunt and uncle. Perhaps coming home to Clover Ridge was a mistake. When she is offered the head of programs and events she decides to take a chance and remain. She feels a warm connection from her first program speaker, retired homicide detective Al Buckley, who is there to speak about a local cold case he was working on. Before his talk can get off the ground, Al collapses and dies. Carrie is devastated and vows to figure out what happened. Little did she know assistance would come from a former librarian.

This first installment in a new cozy series is peppered with a realistic look into small town politics and library melodrama. Brook’s details of the overall function and maintaining a harmonious work place within a library is spot on and adds to the storyline. The characters are authentically portrayed including the changes Carrie makes for her new position. Though I do see her reverting to her former self in future installments, if just for a short period. The characters are fun, devious, and loving. I don’t know if I enjoyed this so much because I felt comfortable within the pages of this book or it was just a good read. My own experience, working in a library, was very different from Carrie’s and I was blessed to be a part of a staff that managed to work together nicely. One thing I do know, I am looking forward to the next installment eagerly.

This was a fun read. I enjoyed getting to know the characters - the hunk of a neighbor, the cat, the ghost, and the librarians, some of my favorite things. I will be looking forward to more in this series.

I positively LOVED this book. It has everything I wanted -including a sleuthing librarian with her very own ghost! I have been scrambling to find a new cozy series as the ones I have been recently reading are all older and I have certainly found it in this one! I can't wait until the next installment is released because I will be jumping on that faster than a cat being scared by a loud noise! Highly recommended!

Thank you to Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for an e-ARC of this title in exchange for my honest opinion. They'd asked me if I'd like to try it, and I'm glad I did. What's not to like about this....library setting, books, a haunting? It was a quick, easy read that had a clever plot. I'll look forward to more books in this series.

Death Overdue is the first book of the new Haunted Library Mystery series.

What's not to like here? We have a ghost "appearing" immediately in the first chapter, an intriguing mystery with lots of players, and a budding romance. Essentially, all one needs for a cozy mystery. While I agree with some of the reviewers that Carrie's obnoxious hair colors, wardrobe choices, and inability to commit to any one place at the beginning is quite juvenile, she appears to really mature in her role with her new job. Which I'm sure is exactly what the author was going for. Sometimes it is hard to grow up, even when you are almost 30.

Overall, a good read.

I had a hard time warming up to the main character, Carrie. She had a lot of baggage to have the temerity to accuse another character of being juvenile and needing therapy. At least she isn't a moocher and moves out of her aunt and uncle's place, only to fall into mini palace. Come on.

I live in a community with two award winning libraries and they don't offer all the stuff this little Podunk town's library does. So, there's a disconnect with reality. As well as the library cat. Yes, I've read about them, but Sally's reaction is too mild.

I really thought the killer could have been anyone up to the last chapter. The clues to that point we're non-existent. Could even have been planted so the killer outs themself. That's a strike in my book.

I still give Overdue an ok rating. The story moved along, the ghost was incorporated in the story, though not as much as I would have liked the mystery element. I'd give a second book a try.

I received a call from Netgalley in exchange for my honest review.

Ghosts, books, what could be better? A great start to a new series that captured me from the beginning. A well written book that I would recommend to cozy fans. Looking forward to more from this author.

In <i>Death Overdue</i> by Allison Brook, young librarian Carrie Singleton is ready to pack up and leave Clover Ridge, Connecticut when an opportunity she can’t refuse, being offered the position of head of programming for her small library, comes along. Carrie accepts the promotion and dives right into her new responsibilities. Her first program: hosting a retired police detective Al Buckley who will present about the cold-case murder of well-liked library aide, Laura Foster—a case that he believes he has solved. During the presentation, Al is poisoned and it is up to Carrie, with the aid of a group of unique characters, including the ghost of a former library employee, to solve both of the murders.

This was a nice, quick read, with a great setting and interesting characters and that cozy mystery fans will enjoy what looks to be a quirky new series.

What an interesting turn of events in this Haunted Library mystery. The main character, Carrie, returns to her hometown in Connecticut and accepts a position in the local library as Head of Programs and Events. Her first guest speaker, a retired detective, is poisoned at the event. Carrie, feeling responsible, tries to solve the crime with the help of a retired library ghost. Did I mention there's a hint of romance? Hope this author, Allison Brook, will continue the Haunted Library series.

I like the premise for this book, only problem the protagonist needs a good slap, she lacks an emotions that I could relate to. But it is a solid mystery and wonderful writing. If you can over look the protagonist

Death Overdue by Allison Brook captured my attention with the vibrant cover and the intriguing description.
A story involving a library, ghosts and jealousy is sure to be a hit. I love cozy mysteries that are centered around Halloween, so this book was at the top of my review list.
Carrie is a strong character and her colorful friends add some quirkiness to the story.

I didn't get the mystery solved as quickly as I hoped, but that's ok, it gives me an excuse to read it a few more times.
I can see the possibilities in this series and I'm looking forward to reading more by this talented author.

I would like to thank the publisher and NetGalley for letting me read this book.

Overall I liked it. I realized a few chapters in that the main character was never really described looks wise and I'm not sure if that was intentional. Also a librarian I was slightly confused by the staff of her library (4 library heads, three librarians and four assistant librarians). Not only was it a lot for the town that size but libraries don't normally have more than one head unless they are meaning department heads but it sounded like they meant 4 directors. People that don't work in libraries won't notice that but it really threw me for a loop.