Checked Out for Murder is jam-packed with relationship drama and genuine characters. When a new town resident is murdered, library event director, Carrie, investigates. She believes it might be related to an unsolved homicide from twenty years earlier. Or could it really be as simple as the victim’s abusive ex-husband taking his final strike?

In addition, Carrie’s less-than-loving mother, Brianna, is back in town. A movie is being made locally with Brianna’s much younger husband, Tom, in a major supporting role opposite his former fiancée, Ilana. Ilana has designs on rekindling her relationship with Tom. That, of course, doesn’t sit well with Brianna, which leads to fireworks on the movie set.

Movie-making, relationship drama, and murder! Checked Out for Murder is a delightful cozy mystery with authentic characters that feel like family by the end of the book. 5 stars and a favorite!

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for a copy in exchange for my honest review.