With the third installment of The Haunted Library Mysteries, Buried in the Stacks opens with our favorite librarian, Carrie Singleton, juggling the growing problem of the homeless taking shelter in the library and a new murder.

The Murder of a Rival
Carrie has been thrown into the role of Sunshine Delegate for the library. Her first task is to visit her rival, Dorothy, a fellow research librarian who is recovering from a fall. During her visit, Carrie is shocked to find out that Dorothy believes that it is her husband that is responsible for her fall. She is claiming that he pushed her. Even stranger, she is also claiming that it was her husband that caused the death of her Aunt Evelyn several years before. Aunt Evelyn is the haunted library's resident ghost. Dorothy eventually recovers from her injuries and returns to work, but upon her return home, she is killed in a car accident. Ghost Aunt Evelyn begs Carrie to uncover who killed her niece as well as who responsible for her death.

A Quest for Warmth
The Haunted Library is in Clover Ridge, CT which means, it is in a part of the United States that is frigid when winter comes. For Carrie, this also means that a large population of homeless people are using the library as a refuge from the February frost. Some of the homeless are loud and disruptive which is causing the patrons of the library to not want to come in or bring in their children for the programs that they are offering. Carrie is excited when a vacant house is purchased to turn into a retreat for the homeless but is quickly disheartened when she learns that the committee in charge of rehabbing the house is not on the up and up.

A Cozy Mystery
As with any cozy mystery, there is a bevy of storylines that transgress the pages. In Buried in the Stacks, we have the homeless plotline, the murder of Dorothy (and Evelyn), Angela's wedding where Carrie is her maid of honor, the search for Smokey Joe and of course, the interference of the library's resident cat. There is a lot going on in this book and a lot to keep straight as you read your way through it, however, that is what I always have loved about books like this. Cozy mysteries offer a plethora of loveable characters that are in crazy situations with several subplots and big life changes going their way. Buried in the Stacks delivers all of this and more. What I especially love about this series is the addition of the haunted library. I enjoyed how Ghost Evelyn and Carrie worked together to talk out the mystery, shares clues and uncover secrets. It was an element that was unique to this book and series. 

Book Information
 Buried in the Stacks: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook from Crooked Lane Books is scheduled to be released on September 10, 2019, with ISBN 9781643851389. This review corresponds to an advanced electronic galley that was received from the publisher in exchange for this review. To be linked to special pre-order pricing, click the link above!

Buried in the Stacks is the third installment in The Haunted Library Mysteries series set in Clover Ridge, CT and featuring librarian Carrie Singleton. Carrie has been thrust into the role of Sunshine Delegate for the library and her first assignment is to visit her nemesis and fellow research librarian Dorothy who is in the hospital recovering from a fall.

During her visit Carrie is shocked when Dorothy claims that it was her husband who had pushed her and that it was also him who'd caused the death of her Aunt Evelyn - the library's residence ghost - a few years before. Before Carrie can share the news with Evelyn, Dorothy makes her return to work and suffers a fatal car accident on the way home. Evelyn begs Carrie to find out who killed her niece and also solve the mystery of who had killed her.

In addition to tracking down a killer Carrie is faced with the growing problem of the homeless camping out in the library to escape the winter weather. A few ugly arguments between the homeless results in the library patrons unwilling to visit or to bring their children to the various programs being offered. Carrie is pleased to hear that a previously vacant house has been purchased and is slated to become a retreat for the homeless, but she quickly learns that things aren't on the up and up with the committee in charge.

A fast paced adventure with returning characters, just the right amount of romance and a feisty feline.

I received an advanced copy of Buried in the Stacks from NetGalley via Crooked Lane Books. While not required to write a review I am happy to offer my honest opinion.

Carrie Singleton works as a librarian in the town of Clover Ridge, Connecticut. She's been asked to be the new Sunshine Delegate - who sends cards and gifts to employees - and unfortunately her first assignment is Dorothy Hawkins, who dislikes Carrie because she believes Carrie's job should have gone to her.

When Carrie visits Dorothy in the hospital, she tells her that her husband tried to kill her. Carrie doesn't know what to think, but allows it to pass. Then, when Dorothy is murdered, she wonders if she could have prevented it and if Dorothy was really afraid of her seemingly gentle husband, Fred.

There's also a homeless problem in the library - they come there to keep warm this February, but several of them are disruptive and the patrons want them removed. When a solution is offered, Carrie jumps at the chance to help. But she soon finds that all is not what it seems, and the solution might be hiding something illegal.

Her ghost-in-residence Evelyn, Dorothy's aunt, asks her to find out who killed Dorothy. But when she starts investigating - against the wishes of the police - she discovers that it might be her who's next on the killer's list.

This is the third book in the series and I will say that it is better than the first two, but I have to wonder if anyone in this library ever comes to read books. People come in looking for solutions to household problems that they can figure out themselves on their own computers (unless they're dumber than a box of rocks you don't need books to figure out any of these problems), hold meetings, watch programs, etc.; but no one is ever reading (except the homeless people).

I'm also amazed at how much money this library has for extra things - a charge card for gifts for employees? At most businesses, they take up a collection among employees for flowers when someone takes ill or dies, but I've never heard of a specific job for this. If this library has all this extra money - for programs, cafes, gardens, etc.; why doesn't the town have any money to help the homeless? As a note, you can't kick homeless people out of a library because patrons don't like them there. It's a public institution paid for with taxpayer dollars and is open to the public. The ACLU would make quick work of them.

I was irritated at Doris and Henry's son for not finding a way to keep his parents with him. They lose their business, and in order to live with him at all, he makes them get rid of their beloved pet, then gets a one-bedroom apartment and throws them out on the streets. What kind of jerk is he? I'd sleep on the floor and give my parents my bed before I'd allow this.

Also, Angela states how Carrie is her maid-of-honor, then later mentions how her cousin is, then even later it's back to Carrie; and more than once Carrie tells us that she wanted to live with her mother but she wouldn't let her. These are details that should have been picked up on but weren't. Honestly, we really don't care about Angela's wedding. We all know what brides are doing to prepare, and it's not interesting at all. (Although I did figure out that Carrie's favorite style of dress is sweetheart neckline).

As to the murder, I found it odd why Carrie would stand up at the funeral and basically tell people she was going to find the murderer. Nice way to make yourself a target, and then she's surprised when someone notices her investigating. Why would she do that? Announce it to all and sundry? It didn't make any sense.

I guess the truth of the matter is the book was disappointing. There was so much back-and-forth in the book so you really couldn't get into the murder at all: the murder, the homeless, the wedding, Dylan's business, Carrie's baggage, the library programs (which are mostly not plausible), Carrie's meals, Evelyn's withholding of information, looking for Smokey Joe, etc., and not enough on the straightforward murder investigation, which should have been the crux of the book. You couldn't really get drawn in when everything else was taking you back out.

I never felt that we really got to know the suspects, because there just wasn't any time given to any of them, so while the murderer was a surprise, it would have been no matter who the murderer was because we never got to investigate anything. We weren't given any clues at all because of the aforementioned back-and-forth.

I would have liked to have enjoyed the book more, but I basically finished it in order to find out the killer, and if I had realized the plot device addition, I would have known who the killer was (I'm not saying it here, but it pretty much explained it all). Anyway, I think I'm done with this series as it just doesn't seem believable to me. Sorry.

Carrie is a smart and energetic lead who I immediately connected with. The book has a few twists and turns right from the start.

Carrie has another library responsibility added to her plate, cheering up ill co-workers as a good will ambassador. This new task leads up to the first surprise in the book, who the murder victim was. I did not see that coming!

The second surprise was the victim's family. From the spouse to the siblings, I had a hard time liking any of them. They all had a motive to want the victim out of the way.

Shady real estate dealings and illegal activities added an interesting element to the goings on in the small town. This was the third surprise in that people have different sides that come out when greed and desperation get in the way of common sense and morals.

Evelyn and Carrie's relationship certainly was tested and strengthened throughout the book. Carrie pushed the friendly ghost to speak the truth and not keep anymore secrets. Working together and sharing information helps to uncover clues. I think this is why the final surprise, the revelation of Evelyn's death not being accident, was a significant moment.

Thankfully, Carrie and hero Smokey Joe came out of this unscathed and the killer was caught..

If you are looking for an engaging read with a smart lead and a great supporting cast, look no further then Buried in the Stacks!!

Buried In the Stacks is another great addition to this cozy series. I love the library setting, and the characters.

I read lots of books over the last few weeks trying to catch up on all the ARC's I picked. We drove to Vernon this last weekend and I had 7 hours both ways to read so was able to read almost 3!

I have not read the previous two books in the series but I did not have any trouble following along as the author did a wonderful job of retelling things without overloading you with the past books. She also dealt with some pretty uncomfortable/sad issues in society today like swindlers, homelessness, Alzheimer's care, and dealing with unpleasant judgmental people.

The protagonist Carrie is one of the librarians and Evelyn (ghost) was also before her untimely death.
The mystery is interesting and well plotted, and I loved the characters which are well developed. I also loved the inclusion of the library cat, Smokey Joe into the story.

There are plenty of twists and turns in this story, and I kept guessing and second-guessing myself on whodunnit right to the very end. The story moves at a steady pace, and I had a hard time putting it down.

I recommend this book to all my cozy lover friends, and plan on buying the first two books.

I requested and received an advance reader copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books and Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I  received a free digital copy of this book from Netgalley for an honest review.

I honestly loved this next installment to the Haunted Library Mystery series. I was sorta sad to see the last of Dorothy. Can't wait for the next one!

Buried In The Stacks once again brings back our favorite Library Program Director Carrie Singleton. Another mystery unfolds as someone is murdered and the homeless are using the library to get out of the cold. Carrie and our favorite ghost Evelyn work together to find solutions to both problems.

Allison Brooks has written a fun, easy to read mystery series that keeps you coming back to find out the rest of the story. Each book gets better and I truly enjoy this series!

Thank you to #netgalley and #crookedlanebooks for allowing me to read this for a fair and honest review.

Every time I pick up one or Allison's story's I am immediately drawn in to them.
I like the book talks about book's in a book.
She be very good plots.
Loved the cover.
Good characters.
Never guessed who the killer was.
My favorite character or the story was Carrie because she always wants involved with it.
I really wanted to read this book.
The title goes well with it to.

Love mysteries set around libraries. This time the day to day problem focuses around homelessness. They mystery involves the unpleasant Dorothy, who will no longer be causing problems for our main character Carrie.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the eARC in exchange for an honest review. - I look forward to more in this series

Enjoyable quick read. I appreciate the library elements of the book and the issue of homelessness in the library is very relevant today. This was not my favorite book in this series, but I will keep reading.

I have not read any of this series before but I enjoyed the entire book, and there were hardly any concerns. Carrie's relationship is making progress with Dylan. We were left with a surprise for the upcoming book. And we dealt with a social and humanitarian issue (homeless) where people tried to solve it rather than avoid it. What a great approach to incorporate into a book. Brook has a wonderful writing style and I have come to appreciate the subtle humor and lessons we take away from each read. I am going to go back now and read the other books in this series.

New author to me and this book was really good. Well written and keeps you interested. The author writes so well you feel like you are there with the characters and keeps you interested with some twists and turns and a few false hints. The book kept me guessing til the end. Will be looking for more in this series.

Carrie is working in a library with her special ghostly friend Evelyn when things go wrong with Evelyn's family members and she is hoping Carrie can work things out for the best.

I enjoyed the first two books in the Haunted Library Mystery Series more than this book. Like the others, it's a cozy mystery with a touch of the paranormal. Everything about this book just fell flat for me though. My library will still purchase it because the other books in the series have been popular, but I will no longer follow the series.

This was an enjoyable and fairly credible read (spoiler alert - one of the characters is a ghost). The story moved along at a good pace, and the main protagonists were believable _even the ghost!

Allison Brook has done it again! This is the third book in the Haunted Library Mystery series, and it does not disappoint! Librarian Carrie Singleton is once again drawn into the twists and turns of a new mystery. Her first assignment after being named Sunshine Delegate, is to visit her nemesis Dorothy in the hospital. That’s all fine and dandy, but according to Dorothy, her accidental fall at the supermarket was no accident. She claims that her husband is attempting to kill her AND that he is responsible for the death of her Aunt Evelyn, the library’s friendly ghost. Needless to say, Carrie sets out to discover the truth. In the meantime, a haven that is being constructed for the homeless, has a nefarious and hidden agenda. With both of these mysteries, Carrie and Evelyn definitely have their hands full. If you enjoy a well-written cozy mystery, this is definitely the book for you. You will find yourself rooting for Carrie and will definitely enjoy the hijinks of Evelyn. I definitely enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for a copy thru NetGalley.

Librarian Carrie Singleton know that her Haunted Library is warm safe place for the local homeless people to gather, and she willingly opens her library to a committee of folks interested in turning a vacant house into a refuge for the homeless. But it soon appears Haven House is not all it professes to be. At the same time, Carrie’s co-worker, Dorothy has taken a bad fall and landed in the hospital. Dorothy tells Carrie that her husband tried to kill her and that he also murdered Aunt Evelyn, the library ghost, years before. Carrie isn’t sure what to think, but then Dorothy is murdered and ghost Evelyn tasks Carrie with finding her killer. Who doesn’t like the idea of a library with a friendly ghost?

Dorothy, the library's research librarian, has come up murdered. After a brief stay in the hospital after a serious fall, Dorothy blames her husband. So when when someone runs her off the road, suspicion falls on his shoulders. But Dorothy, being a not so nice person, as many enemies. Can Carrie, the towns resident sleuth, weed through all the suspects, before she becomes the killers next victim?

Full of stories within the main stories, there is a lot going on. But some how the author pulls off an entertaining mystery without overcrowding the story, while dropping clues to who done it.

Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook was a first rate addition to this series. I was intrigued from the first page.

Carrie has certainly grown in this series and everything seems to be going well in her life now. I appreciated the way that Ms. Brook's approach to a prevalent issue in today's society - the homeless. I loved seeing more of Evelyn in this book even if she did try to keep secrets from Carrie during the investigation. I felt like I got to know her much better in this book. I found the story to be well-crafted with few suspects for consideration and enough twists to keep me turning the pages. I was glad to see that one of the continuing subplots was finalized in this book. I would definitely recommend this book to cozy mystery readers.

This happens to be a fantastic paranormal cozy mystery.
Evelyn portrays a great ghost and her bond with Carrie makes for a great story.
I loom forward to the next book in the series.