Sometimes the situations in cozy mysteries test credulity. Sometimes, they are completely plausible situations, and frankly, as a librarian, the set up of library director Lindsey dealing with a stalker after a simple reference interaction was scarily believable. I continue to love this series both for its great characters and plots, but also for the fact that Jenn McKinlay writes a fictional library and librarian in this one that are some of the most realistic I've read in fiction, from the typical reference questions to the difficult issue the city faced in how to handle Lindsey's stalker. Can't wait for more!

I discovered this series this summer when I read A Likely Story. That is book 6 in McKinlay's Library Lovers' Mystery series. Since enjoyed that book I looked at NetGalley to see if McKinlay had any books coming out and discovered book 10 - Word to the Wise. Though I haven't had time to catch up on this series I decide to go ahead and read. And I'm glad I did - it's so enjoyable.

Some time has passed since book 6 but it didn't feel like a terrible lot of time. There weren't any new characters except for the ones involved in the mystery so I felt like I knew everyone. While Lindsey and Sully weren't together in A Likely Story, you knew they would get together eventually. And in the intervening books that apparently did happen as in this book, they are planning their wedding.

A Word to the Wise was an enjoyable, quick read. It was like I was catching up with friends that I hadn't seen in a while. The plot is a bit scarier, but that might be because it a scenario most women fear. A new resident has come into the library seeking information on growing roses. Lindsey helps him find what he needs, but the casual interaction leads to something much more disturbing. He begins to stalk her, and while her staff, friends, and even the police chief believe her, the mayor and his assistant do not. Of course, when the guy winds up dead outside the library Sully is the prime suspect. But was it another victim of his obsession?

As a single woman living alone, I have to say the story gave me the creeps. While I've never been the object of anyone's obsession, it could always happen. I like helping people and I have wondered if my helpfulness would be misconstrued. Lindsey has the same worries that many women would have in her situation. He hasn't tried to harm her. Should she take his attention as a compliment like the mayor suggested?

As the main characters are the focus of the mystery, I didn't feel like this one was as lighthearted. But it was still a fun read and there were enjoyable moments like the times with the Craftenooners Club. Again, there is a reading guide, recipe, and craft project included at the end if you want to create your own crafting book club.

Published at Girl Who Reads on Sunday, September 1 - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2019/09/word-to-wise-by-jennmckinlay-review.html

Aaron Grady appeared to be an ordinary patron, asking library director Lindsay Norris about saving his beloved roses from the summer drought. If he seemed more grateful for her help than the usual patron, perhaps he was socially inept, or a natural introvert. Lindsay gave him the benefit of the doubt - until he showed up at the library with an enormous bouquet of roses, until her staff informed her that he'd been hanging around and asking many personal questions about her, and until he showed up one night at her door with yet another huge bouquet of roses. "I thought you were my friend," he said, seeming hurt and puzzled when she refused the flowers and told him not to come back.

By then, her friends and co-workers had identified a creepy vibe from the man, but it took her friendly-to-all dog Heathcliff's growl to convince her. Mild-manned Grady was a stalker.

Lindsay was already distracted with planning her wedding to longtime love, Captain Mike Sullivan (Sully). So many choices, even for a small wedding on Bell Island in the Thumb Island archipelago. Those plans became more complicated and fraught on a trip to New Haven to shop for wedding dresses with her mother, Sully's mother, and her best friend Beth. After trying on two gowns, she chose the second, the perfect gown for a winter wedding - but her pleasure was rent when she received a text - clearly from Grady - telling her to buy the first dress "for me."

She finally decides to involve Emma Plewicki, chief of police, who confronts Grady when he rearranges the library furniture to secure a better view of Lindsay at her desk. Emma orders him to leave, and bans him permanently. This backfires when Grady's outrage is backed by the mayor and president of the library trustees, whose fear of a lawsuit seems to override Emma's common sense.

Lindsay feels deeply betrayed when these powerful men tell her she's overreacting. Sully tries to make things better for her by taking her to dinner, only to encounter Grady staring at Lindsay from the bar, and Grady's wife, Sylvia, screaming at Lindsay to stop trying to steal her man. Sully and Grady have an unnerving verbal encounter. Everyone is on edge.

Lindsay's friends band together to escort her to and from work, so it is Sully's friend Robbie who first sees Grady leaning against the back of the library. He is also the one who discovers that Grady is dead of a gunshot wound to the chest.

Early in the book, Lindsay and her Crafternoons friends at the library had been discussing [book:The House on Mango Street|139253]. The theme of that book resonates throughout the leadup to, and investigation of, the murder. Can you really leave your past behind you? Sully's past in the Navy creates suspicion because the murder weapon is the same type of gun he still owns. Does Grady's past include incidences of stalking? And what past craziness is propelling Sylvia's outlandish rants, both before and after Grady's death?

The mystery is solved, the wedding plans go ahead, and the reader is left anticipating the next book. All in all, a stellar and thought-provoking mystery.

Thanks to NetGalley for giving me an ARC to preview. Five stars.

As a librarian and a knitter, I was especially delighted by two details. Lindsay muses about patrons who ask a question, but seem reluctant to take the materials once they are in the stacks. Been there! And a character, briefly mentioned, is learning how to knit. Will we meet her again next time? Will she join the Crafternoon gang? I hope so.

Word to the Wise: A Library Lover’s Mystery
By Jenn McKinlay
Berkley
September 2019

Review by Cynthia Chow

For a librarian there is nothing more satisfying than making a patron happy, be it by providing the right answer or by finding the perfect book. Unfortunately, that professional delight of providing public service is too often misinterpreted as personal interest, leading to dodgy situations that cross boundaries. That is the situation facing Briar Creek Public Library director Lindsey Norris, who is at first more than happy to provide new resident Aaron Grady with a number of rose gardening resources. By simply fulfilling her job requirements Lindsey becomes the subject of Aaron’s obsession, starting with the delivery of roses to the library and quickly escalating to him showing up at her doorstep. Lindsey’s fiancé Mike “Sully” Sullivan is understandably furious, but they take the right steps by reporting Aaron’s actions to the police. Their friend chief of police Emma Plewicki does what she can within the law to warn Aaron and protect Lindsey, but legally they find that their actions are limited. Almost as alarming as Aaron’s stalking is the treatment she receives from her own administration. Telling Lindsey that she should be flattered by Aaron’s “crush,” Mayor Hensen delivers the ultimate betrayal by overruling Aaron’s ban from the library, essentially making her favorite place unsafe.

When someone takes care of the problem – permanently – the situation only gets worse for Lindsey and Sully. Aaron’s wife proclaims to anyone who will listen that Lindsey was the instigator pursuing a relationship, and police target both her and Sully as possible suspects. Emma attempts to reassure them that police are only following the evidence, but more and more of it is pointing directly at Sully. Refusing to let her upcoming wedding be derailed by an imprisoned groom, Lindsey begins her own investigation into Aaron’s history of inappropriate obsessions. Lindsey was not the first woman whom Aaron stalked and she certainly wasn’t the first to have her complaints to be ignored. Along with Emma’s theatrical actor boyfriend Robbie Vine, Lindsey and Sully track down Aaron’s past and the victims who may have turned the tables on the source of their terror.

It’s impossible to read this enthralling novel without becoming enraged and frustrated on Lindsey’s behalf. When the law is legally unable to help her, and then the mayor tells her that she’s overreacting and should be complimented by the unwanted attention, readers will feel Lindsey’s frustration and powerlessness. Too frequently women are blamed for attracting their stalkers, whose behavior and gifts are seen as being “nice” and generous. This is a topic that needs to be discussed, and here the author interweaves it into a thoroughly engrossing mystery. Lindsey’s public service role as a librarian makes her particularly vulnerable, and seeing her fight back and protect herself is so rewarding. Despite the seriousness of the issue, humor is spread throughout due to Robbie’s exuberance, Lindsey’s librarian coworkers, and the supportive crafternoon patrons. This bestselling author of numerous cozy mystery series delights with her sharp dialogue, well-paced plot, and book-loving characters.

This is one of my favorite cozy series, and this newest installment did not disappoint. The plot was fast paced and kept me interested the whole time. Lindsey and the other residents of Briar Creek are like old friends. The description of Grady, Lindsey's stalker, was very realistic. In fact, I had to keep putting the book down because Aaron Grady's behavior reminded me of a patron I had a few years ago that was over interested in me. Thankfully, that person did not escalate like Mr. Grady did. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.

I received a copy of the book, via Netgalley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.

As Lindsey struggles with making choices for her upcoming wedding, a newcomer to Briar Creek asks for her help at the library. She thinks that passing on relevant information will satisfy the man, but she didn't count on his persistent attention after the fact. When his body is found staged in an obvious attempt to implicate Sully, Lindsey and friends dig in to help clear his name.

This is the tenth book in this series, and I have enjoyed every one of them. I feel like the residents of Briar Creek are friends, and it's been fun watching relationships grow, develop and change as the series progresses, and some day, I would love to visit the Thimble Islands (the real-life counterpart of the books' Thumb Islands). As in several other cozy mysteries I've read recently, this book took a more serious tone, dealing with an issue that most cozies wouldn't touch, and I think that's a good thing. It was done in a 'cozy-friendly' manner, but was it was enough to make people think twice about the problem. The mystery in this book was relatively easy to figure out, but that didn't bother me. I look forward to reading the next book in the series!

Loved this book! I've read all the books in this series, and this one did not disappoint. The story moved along and I couldn't put the book down. I needed to know what happened and why there was a murder. Jenn McKinlay did a fantastic job describing the town and the events that I felt as if I was there. I want to be a part of the Crafternooners and go to that library. The ending left it open for yet another adventure with Lindsey and the gang. Can't wait for the next book in the series.

Word to the Wise is 300-plus pages that come oh-so-close to being perfection. The only thing that kept it from being perfect was a killer who was a bit too easy to pick out of a lineup, but you know what? I don't care because I loved every other molecule of this story.

The more Jenn McKinlay writes, the better she gets-- and she was good to begin with. There's something for everyone in Word to the Wise: a killer to catch, wedding plans to carry out, a stalker to make readers' blood run cold, and meeting up with all these characters who have become good friends.

Being an introvert like Lindsey, I think McKinlay nailed her character's reactions to things like wedding planning and constantly being in a group of people (even when they're people she cares about). Then there's the ongoing evolution of a lemon called Ms. Cole. The Lemon has gone from the early days of me wanting to lock her in an iron maiden to now when I find myself cheering her on. Don't worry, though, all her rough edges have not been worn down!

For those readers like me who don't care for a lot of gushy romance stuff in their mysteries, McKinlay has a light touch that never makes me growl or scowl. And for those who appreciate scenes that ratchet up the suspense, I'll tell you right now that McKinlay's stalking scenes are right on target and so vivid that they brought back memories of the stalker I had to deal with. (Don't like to be too scared when you read a book? Don't worry. Jenn takes care of you.)

One element after another in Word to the Wise made this a gripping read, but if I had to choose one word to describe it, I would choose "happy." It made me smile and feel all's right with the world. This isn't the only book of Jenn McKinlay's to show the all-encompassing power of friendship, but it's certainly one of her best.

WORD TO THE WISE, the tenth book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay, weaves in the creepy issue of stalking into a well-plotted mystery. It’s always a pleasure sitting down and catching up with the characters in this long-enduring series and this new release didn’t disappoint. Protagonist Lindsey Norris is the library director at the Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut. I so enjoy the interaction she has with her staff, all well-developed characters on their own. Sweet Beth, the children’s librarian, brings lighthearted fun to the story and I admire the close friendship she has with Lindsey. It’s been a pleasure watching the characters grow and develop, especially Mrs. Cole, aka The Lemon.

When the stalker increases his attentions toward Lindsey as she plans her wedding, her friends and co-workers provide support and try to protect her from harm. Ms. McKinlay ups the suspense by portraying the ways people can excuse or dismiss the behavior of stalkers and how it can turn deadly for the victim. Except in this story, the stalker ends up being murdered and Lindsey’s fiancé, Mike Sullivan, becomes a suspect. While the perpetrator wasn’t difficult to guess, there were some twists that kept the book entertaining and kept me turning pages.

One of the fun events included in each of the books in this series is the library’s Crafternoon events: a combination of crafts, book club, and shared food all in one. It’s a time for friends, new and old, to come together and forge stronger bonds. I love how Ms. McKinlay includes a book club list of questions for a book the group reads, directions for a craft, and a couple recipes at the back of the book.

I always enjoy catching up with characters in my favorite series! I would definitely recommend reading it from the beginning in order to to have the best experience!

I have been reading this series since the beginning and I really enjoy the library setting and the characters. Lindsey is planning her wedding to Sully. When she helps a patron find a book on roses she finds she has a stalker. When he is found dead at the library and Sully is the prime suspect she sets out to solve the crime. I liked visiting Briar Creek and the craftnooner club. The author does a very good job with New England Setting. The mystery was OK, I found it was easy to solve as there were not a lot of suspects. There is some suspense and a few twists. This series does not have to read in order. I am looking for word to my next visit to Briar Creek, Enjoy

Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for this lovely little ARC.

I love this series, as both a reader and librarian. Sadly, I did not realize I missed book 9 so there was a BIG item that took place in this book that I was unaware of, but a happy surprise, so yay.

In Word to the Wise, Lindsey is plagued by an overly affectionate patron who doesn't understand her disinterest. Unfortunately, he also ends up dead outside the library and Sully is the prime suspect. Thus begins the sluethy librarian's quest to find the real killer. (Seriously, she has a career as a private investigator if the librarian stuff fails lol)

As usual, fun book. But there was a loose end that I don't think was wrapped up, thankfully it isn't enough to be really bothersome.

I have followed this series from the beginning, so when an ARC from NetGalley became available on the latest in the series, I grabbed it.

Lindsey Norris is finally getting married to the man of her dreams--but it's not all roses for Briar Creek's beloved library director, as gardening enthusiast and town newcomer Aaron Grady gives the term "book lover" a whole new meaning. Inappropriate looks and unwelcome late-night visits to Lindsey's house have everyone from the crafternooners to Lindsey's fiancé, Sully, on edge.

When Grady's dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it's up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady's previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully's name. But becoming a thorn in the killer's side is not without its consequences, and the closer Lindsey gets to the truth, the more determined the murderer is to make her just a footnote.

Lindsay's life is going great she's working at the library and getting married to the man of her dreams. Then she helps a patron of the library check out gardening books so he can help his roses survive the drought they are going through. The next time he comes in, he brings her some of his roses. She tells him thank you but it's not really appropriate for him to do that and to please stop.

Berkley and Net Galley let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published September 3rd.

Then he comes back again and just watches her. When she goes to her office to work, he moves so he can still see her. She calls the police chief who is a friend of hers and she escorts him from the library and bans him from returning. He complains to the Mayor and he rescinds the ban and tells the ladies they can't do that. After all, he's just flirting. What harm is there in that?

Her soon-to-be husband gets his friends to escort her so she's never alone. He changes his work schedule so he can take her back and forth to work. Then one lunch hour at a restaurant, his wife comes in and accuses her of stealing her husband. Sully gets involved in the argument and threatens the man stalking his girlfriend. Then the man is found dead at the back door of the library. He's been shot and Sully's pistol is found in the bushes next to him. Lindsay knows Sully didn't do it. So who did and how did they get his gun?

This is an interesting mystery with danger close to Lindsay. It also shows how women can be tormented by men and other men find nothing wrong with that. That's changing, slowly. I'm glad.

This is a good read with an exciting ending.

Lindsay and Sully are finally planning their wedding! Things aren't all sunshine for long though, as a newcomer to town seems to become too interested in Lindsay. When he turns up dead, all the evidence points to Sully having been involved. Once again, Lindsay is in the middle of a murder investigation, but this time the stakes are more personal than ever.

Fans of the series will be very happy when Word to the Wise comes out. It's a look at what women deal with regularly and it moves the community, particularly Lindsay and Sully, forward. Plus they solve a murder, of course.

Lindsey Norris is back, and this time she has a stalker who won't be deterred. This was a great installment to this series, and there is a scene where the level of male entitlement made me actually feel angry on Lindsey's behalf. Looking forward to the next one!

Lindsey Norris is looking forward to tying the knot with her fiance Sully, but before that can happen, she attracts the attention o the neighborhood's newest creep. After one encounter where Lindsey was just doing her job, Aaron Grady decides that to turn his attentions on the Library Director. When things go too far, Sully decides to step in and threaten Grady to stay away or else.
Unfortunately, not too long afterwards, Grady is found dead in the back of the library, and Sully is the prime suspect. In order for there to be a wedding, Lindsey's fiance can't be in jail for murder. Once again, Lindsey finds herself on the path of a dangerous killer.
McKinlay has an ear for dialog that is hard to beat and I just love the way she weaves in story with the real world. Throughout the book, there are all the appropriate twists and turns, and the final showdown with the killer keeps you on the edge of your seat. With a series like this, it's easy to see that at some point these stories might become tired, but McKinlay's mysteries are always fresh and new, and they keep me guess at what might come next.

Lindsey steps into it again! Are Lindsey and Sully going to actually make it to the altar? Keep reading! Murder and Mayhem seem to find Lindsey or is the other way around? The characters in this series have become friends to us. I love the crafternoon group.! I'm already looking forward to the next book in this series.

Though I did enjoy this one I guess there comes a time in about ever series that there is bound to be one you just didn't think was as great as the others and this one would be it. I will say though that it has probably one of the creepiest villain yet to date in this series or in any cozies I read so far! 

Lindsay is on cloud nine as she should be as she is getting married to my favorite man! I thought they might not ever make it to through as they did have some rough patches. Instead of being excited about making her wedding plans she has to deal with a stalker, a creepy creepy stalker! A newcomer to Briar Creek comes into the library and ask for help finding books on roses and Lindsay treats him just like any other patrion the library. She is kind and helpful and all that backfires when it comes to this guy. He sends her roses, ask her friends about her, comes into the library and literally pulls a desk and chair over to where he can stare at her while she is in her office!!! See what I mean creepy! 

Aaron follows her around town and at first she just kind of shook it off as friendly but when it gets worse she starts to get a little frightened. Especially when he sends her creepy text telling her which wedding dress he liked! Sully confronts him when he is staring at them while they eat dinner and Ian kicks him out of his restaurant, then of course the man ends up dead at the library.

Everything points to Sully but Lindsay knows that even though he was irritated with that guy stalking her he would never resort to murder. So she starts snooping with Robby (whose character has progressed into one of my favorites though we had a rocky start), even though Robby's girlfriend the chief of police doesn't want them too. 

The characters in this series are just great and I love the overall arc of all the characters that even if there was one you didn't like at the beginning when you get to know them and find out more about them you can start to enjoy them. Robby is one of those but also Mrs. Cole aka the Lemon, she has really come a long way and I really like her. Sully still stands out as my favorite character because I just like how kind and sweet and did I mention he is a boat  captain...sighs. 

Okay so let's talk about why I didn't care for this one as much as I have the others in this series. The mystery even though there was a bit of a twist at the end, was just to easy to solve. I don't feel the author gave me enough suspects or red herrings to fool me in any way. Though the twist was different it was still who I guessed from the very beginning. I just expected something better. The other thing might not bother some but I thought this one preached feminism to much and that is not my thing. Actually it's probably one of the reasons I am having such a hard time figuring out my rating for this book. I am so on the fence with my feels and well I almost gave it a 3.5 but after much consideration I rated it up a half star because this book has some of my favorite characters and story arcs and I do like the place the next one is headed. And boy I am getting rambly so that's it. :)