Turns out you don't have to be a Hollywood star to act like a diva, just being married to an actor can have the same effect. Carrie, mild mannered librarian, daughter of a reformed con man, girlfriend to an investigator (priate sector), friend of the library ghost and former librarian Evelyn Havers and local sleuth, if caught up not only in some Hollywood style film drama but also with a mysterious woman who claims to be a psychic who is later murdered. Sort of draws you right in doesn't it? Well it gets even better as Carrie tries to calm her mother's nerves when her (younger than Mom) Stepdad is cast to star opposite of his former vixen-like fiancee who left him high and dry years ago has decided to flirt like there's no tomorrow. Carrie hates turmoil and wants to help everyone around her, including Daphne, the girl who claimed to be psychic. The two had hit if off and Carrie just knows that they would have been the best of friends if they had been given the chance. I really enjoy the way Carrie looks on the bright side and has a knack for hunting down knowledge, must be those librarian research super powers that make her such a natural sleuth. It seems that there are two and maybe even three mysteries to solve in this story and Carrie is ready and able with her guy and her friends ready to back her up. Excellant number of twists and turns that create a nice and tidy ending bringing it all together.

The latest addition to the Haunted Library series by Allison Brook, Checked Out For Murder, is a fast paced story that takes main character Carrie Singleton into the past to solve the crimes of today. Twenty years ago Chet Harper was fatally stabbed. His son, Jimmy, was falsely charged and convicted of the murder, but subsequently was released when evidence showed otherwise. Daphne Marriott, née Harper, has returned to Clover Ridge to try to discover her father’s killer with her newly discovered psychic powers to investigate her father’s death. Her brother, Billy, using the name of Robby Dowd, has returned for the same reason.

At the same time, there is a movie crew in town to shoot a beachside romcom. The cast includes Carrie’s mother’s much younger husband, Tom Farrell, as well as his one time fiancé, Ilana Reingold, who seems to conveniently forget that their engagement was in the past as she boldly flirts with Tom. Carrie’s mother becomes irate, to the point of issuing threats to Ilana.

When both Daphne and Ilana are murdered, the film crew, particularly Tom and Carrie’s mom, become persons of interest. With both of Carrie’s relatives under suspicion, it is no longer possible for her to keep her promise of no more investigations. And as she becomes more active in investigating, Carrie is able to convince her boyfriend, Dylan Avery, to help her.

In an interesting twisty turny mystery, Allison Brook has spun a tale in which the reader is always guessing who the villain is. In fact, it wasn’t until the very end that the villain was surprisingly revealed. This is a very good mystery and I do recommend it!

Librarian Carrie Singleton is very interested when a psychic, Daphne Marriott, approaches her to do a presentation for the library. Carrie is intrigued by the topic and starts to build a friendship with the psychic. Resident library ghost, Evelyn, lets Carrie know about Daphne’s past. Her brother had been found guilty of killing their father when they were teenagers.

Meanwhile, Carrie’s mother and her husband arrive in town. Tom is part of a movie that is being filmed in Clover Ridge. Carrie never had a good relationship with her mother and it hasn’t gotten any better over the years. Another reason for Carrie to befriend Daphne. It takes her mind off her mother and her troubles.

When Daphne is found dead, Carrie and Evelyn try to figure out who could have done the crime. Daphne was such a sweet, young woman Carrie couldn’t figure out why someone would kill her. She quickly learns her new friend had quite a few enemies.

This is the fourth book in the Haunted Library mystery series and I think it’s the best one yet. It’s a fast-paced mystery with several twists and turns along the way. I thought I had it all solved halfway through the book, but I was totally on the wrong track. I love when a book tricks me. So much fun.

The mystery is contained in this book so if you haven’t read the first three yet, I don’t think it will matter as the author gives plenty of background information throughout the story. However, it’s best to read from the beginning to see how Carrie’s relationship with Dylan grows. It, also, gives you a better feel for all the recurring characters. They are like visiting old friends.

My one complaint is that I want to see more of the library’s resident ghost, Evelyn, and of course the library cat, Smokey Joe. I can’t get enough of them.

This is definitely one of my favorite cozy mystery series and I look forward to the next adventure in Carrie’s life.

I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance reader copy of this story.

Checked Out For Murder, by Allison Brook, is available at booksellers on 9-8-2020. Unfortunately this is book 4 of 4 in Ms. Brooks A Haunted Library Mystery. I so enjoyed the plot and characters that I'm wishing for more. It's time to start at the beginning with book 1. Checked Out For Murder is intended as a stand alone story in a series but I think coming in at the end left questions. I can't believe I'm saying this but a little more background would have helped. Library or bookstore murder mysteries are my favorite, I'm a former librarian. Our heroine works in a library to die for, it's big and has all kinds of programs. A book lovers dream. Her boyfriend is perfect, if only he was real. The whole small town is written as friendly and everyone knows everyone. Kind of like Mayberry and a place I'd like to live. This was an enjoyable weekend read.

#AllisonBrook #CheckedOutForMurder #AHauntedLibraryMystery #Netgalley #CrookedLaneBooks

Checked Out For Murder is the first book I’ve read in the Haunted Library Mystery series, and I must say, I really enjoyed it. It was very easy for me to feel like I knew the characters though I will go back to read the prior three books so I can get a better grasp on the backstory of the library’s ghost, Evelyn.

I really enjoy cozy mystery books that involve libraries because, obviously, I love books! Thankfully, the library where Carrie works is a busy place unlike many libraries now. I think Carrie’s job, setting up and coordinating events that are held at the library, sounds like it would be fun and challenging. It’s definitely challenging when people want to set things up at the last minute! I also love that Carrie’s cat goes to work with her. Maybe 2 of my 4 cats would be open for that, but my Smoky isn’t one of them!

I enjoyed getting to know the main characters, regular (I assume) side characters, and special guests! Many of the special guests in Checked Out For Murder are either starring or have some sort of background role in filming a movie in town. Carrie’s “step-father” Tom is one of the stars which means Carrie’s mom is in town too. I loved Charlie, the movie’s leading actor, since he’s described as sort of Tom Selleck and sort of James Garner….as well as a (mostly) nice guy.

Solving the murders was not easy as there were many suspects, and I ended up being very surprised by the ending. With it’s fun plot, well-developed characters, and multiple murders, Checked Out For Murder makes for a great cozy read.

The fourth book in The Haunted Library Mysteries series by Allison Brook. In this latest book, Carrie sleuths to solve two murders. There is also some family drama when Carrie's mother comes to town.

I've read the previous three books in this series and have enjoyed each one. I recommend reading this series in order, since it helps to know everyone's backstory. Still, this could be read as a standalone if you don't get the chance to read the previous books.

Charming setting with the haunted library and plenty of quirky characters. Recommended to readers of cozy mysteries. Delightful and fun.

I received a digital copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.

I so enjoy this series and each book has just confirmed my love for it! I think I'd be on board regardless because no part of me can resist a haunted library. Luckily, I also enjoy the characters and the mysteries too! What really sells me on this series are the characters and their relationships. I appreciated that Carrie's feelings towards her mother were complicated. She was frustrated by her frequently and annoyed by her regularly but she was also protective of her at times and couldn't just write her off even if the woman was being awful to her. As well, I liked that Carrie listened to Dylan's concerns about the danger of getting involved in a murder investigation and Dylan was also willing to listen to Carrie's reasoning.

The mystery is a bit of a slower start in this book. We do get a lot of the threads that lead to the murder and mayhem but it takes a bit to fully come together. I didn't mind that as I enjoyed watching it all unravel and then come together and as I mentioned earlier I really love the characters.

If you're looking for a fun bookish cozy mystery with a tiny touch of supernatural this is a series that can't be beat!

CHECKED OUT FOR MURDER by Allison Brook
The Fourth Haunted Library Mystery

Although she has a job she loves, a great boyfriend, and wonderful friends and family to support her, Carrie Singleton is apprehensive. A movie is being filmed in town and since Tom, her mother's young husband, has a leading role, Brianna is coming to stay in Clover Ridge. Dealing with Brianna has never been easy and the fact that Tom is playing a romantic role against his former fiance doesn't help matters. When the actress is murdered days after Carrie's new friend is killed Carrie has no choice but to get involved.

All the world's a stage and in CHECKED OUT FOR MURDER no one is who they seem. A murder from long ago, a shattered family, it's no wonder the players wish to reimagine themselves and start fresh with new names.

I admire the complexity of the mystery in the fourth Haunted Library Mystery. Three murders, one years earlier, how could they possibly be related? The first two have a ready connection, but the third seems to be a total outlier. I love how Carrie tracks down clues, with a little help from Dylan, and pieces the puzzle together. I love the friendship and caring prominently shown throughout the story. From the way everyone cares about the lovable Smoky Joe to meals with friends and family, it's heartwarming and comforting. It's cozy and it's important.

CHECKED OUT FOR MURDER is a well structured complex mystery that delves into identity. You may take on other disguises, but in the end, for better or worse, the real you will shine through.

A fairy quick cozy mystery read set in a library complete with resident ghost. I keep reading this series because I keep hoping it will grow on me. But four books in I've come to the conclusion that this series is not for me. Though I tend to love books set in libraries with librarian's and library employees but alas this one wasn't for me. But I still think that this one would be great for fans of cozy's who like their mysteries with a ghost.

This is the 4th book in the popular cozy series "Haunted Library Series" by author Alison Brook. I love this series for its wonderful charcters and great mysteries . I have read the previous in the series and highly recommend this series.

Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley. My review opinions are my own.

Carrie is the perfect protagnist. She is a librarian, savvy and curious. She is also very good at solving three previous murders in the town of Blue Ridge. When a women walks in her library and claims she is a psychic Carrie believes something else is going on with the women. She agrees to book a class for the women through the library. The library ghost tells Carrie that something is off about the women and she is right to be concerned. Soon after the women is found dead Carrie's curiosity gets the best of her and she steps up to investigate. The victim had several secrets she must uncover first to find out the reason behind her murder.

I loved this next in series for the fun charcters, the library ghost that is a fun part of this series and the library setting. The sleuth was very well crafted and kept me guessing throughout . I enjoyed being surprised by the ending. Very well done to the author and I look forward to the next in series.

Carrie Singleton is working at the small Connecticut library she loves when she meets psychic Daphne Marriott, who wants to host a program at the library. The women become friends and Carrie is saddened when Daphne is murdered. When a second murder occurs, a starlet in a movie shooting in town, Carrie goes to work to solve the crimes -- with the help of her boyfriend, Dylan (a private investigator), library ghost Evelyn, and of course, her cat Smokey Joe.

I wanted to read Checked Out for Murder because I have enjoyed all the books in the Haunted Library series.

This is another fun read from Allison Brook. I love the cozy library setting, the library ghost, and the cat-character of Smokey Joe.

Carrie has her work cut out for her in this mystery, with not one but two murders to solve. The cases seem very different too, so she has to do a lot of research of suspects' histories to connect the dots. This one kept me guessing until the denouement!

This is a well written, fast-paced mystery that can be read in a couple of evenings. The author does an especially good job at setting the scene and creating interesting characters.

I enjoyed Checked Out for Murder and recommend this mystery (and the series) for fans of cozy mysteries, library settings, and mysteries that involve pets. I look forward to the next read in this series!

Carrie is a rather unique sleuth in that she has a ghost who helps her solve crime. It is a cute take on the cozy mysteries. Carrie's mother and her younger second husband, Tom, are in town for the film he is staring in. Right away you know something is off between the couple. This makes an already strained relationship between Carrie and her mother even more strained. If all of that isn't enough Carrie's own boyfriend needs to go out of town and there's a murder to solve! I mean what's a crime solving librarian to do?

This was one of those feel good cozy mysteries (for everyone except the dead physic of course) where you will fall in love with the characters and the town. I really enjoyed that I couldn't figure out who had done until the very end. There are plenty of clues but there are plenty of false leads as well. All in all this was a good read and a series I wouldn't find visiting again.

What a great new offering in one of my favorite series! Carrie, the Clover Ridge library’s head of programs and events, has come a long way from the purple-haired goth girl to shine in all of her creativity, talent, and personality! Oh, and helped solve a few murders, as well. The characters are well defined through actions and conversations. This novel is like visiting with old friends. The mystery is a real treat, and a challenge to solve.

The setting of Connecticut in springtime sounds gorgeous. Carrie’s mom, Brianna, is married to Tom, a younger man who is an actor. The movie Tom was cast in will be filmed in town, so they will be visiting for several weeks. Carrie and her mom were never close, so it might be a challenge being around her for so long. Carrie has been dating her late brother’s childhood friend, Dylan for several months, and they are in it for the long haul. Evelyn is the delightful ghost of a woman who worked, and died, at the library many years ago. Evelyn has helped with the murder cases Carrie has inquired about in the past, and they are friends. Even if nobody except Carrie and her 4-year old cousin Tacey can see her.

Carrie made a new friend, a young woman who wanted to make a presentation to library patrons. Daphne had a near death experience that left her with psychic abilities, and she talks about various types of psychic gifts. Evelyn is the only person in town who recognizes Daphne from the past. When she was a teen, her abusive father was stabbed to death, her mother left town without a trace, and her brother was in prison several years for the murder before being exonerated. In the meantime, Brianna’s husband Tom has an old friend on the movie set. He is playing opposite his ex-fiancé, and it looks like Ilana is trying to get him back at any cost.

After a couple hours of watching a movie shoot and Ilana flirt with Tom, Carrie’s day could only get better until…it doesn’t. Daphne was found murdered in her apartment. Her brother has heard Carrie has solved murders in the past, but she has promised her boyfriend and the police chief she would not do so anymore, as the last time almost didn’t end well. The next day, Ilana is found murdered in her hotel room. This time, the first suspect is Carrie’s mother Brianna, then Tom. There are not enough clues to narrow down any one person, and Brianna pleads for Carrie’s help to keep her out of jail. She doesn’t want Brianna to go to prison, but she doesn’t want to lose Dylan, either.

This cozy mystery is plotted and executed so well! I enjoyed every minute of it, especially when trying to guess who really “dunit”. The thought that there could be three killers at large – Daphne’s father’s, Daphne’s, and Ilana’s, is daunting. Even more so is the thought of there being a connection between the three that could be just one murderer. I loved watching Carrie and Dylan work together to discover what happened, especially in light of Carrie’s sadness at losing a new friend in such a terrible manner. It is a fabulous, frightening, and fun mystery! The end was a complete surprise, and very satisfying. I highly recommend it to those who appreciate well-written cozy mysteries with a library setting, movie set, and slight paranormal twist.

From a thankful heart: I received an eARC of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.

A psychic, a ghost and a movie cast walk into a library……. Well not really walk into a library but all three are the makings of a good mystery

Carrie is the programs and events director for the Clover Ridge library. Her little town has a lot going on and is filled with excitement and anticipation for the movie about to be filmed. Along with the excitement of the movie, Carrie is approached by a patron who is wanting to give a program on psychic abilities and her mother is in town as her husband is an actor in the movie. If things were already all over the place add in not one but two murders to place the icing on the cake. So to speak. Carrie can’t help but want to help find out who’s wreaking havoc in their small cozy town.


Checked Out for Murder is an engaging and fast paced read with a lot of fun characters. Carrie is a fun lead. She goes out of her way to those she cares for and admits her faults. With a little bit of luck and some ghostly help, Carrie seems to get to the bottom of what is going on. I loved Smokey Joe the cat and Evelyn the Ghost. Both played an important role to Carrie and they just add that extra to the story. The story is well written and entertaining. The plot had layers that unfolded complexities well weaves within the story. I also love that there was a romance within the story.
All in all I enjoy Checked Out for Murder. The Haunted Library Mysteries series is one I can see myself going back and reading previous titles.

This book combines several of my favorite things: libraries, cats, and a behind-the-scenes look at the entertainment industry, mixing it with some sinister intrigue. While I enjoyed this book, I noticed that I experienced some of the same things that I didn’t have as much fun with in the previous books. I found the book to be paced kind of slowly with lots of details about Carrie’s daily routine. Though it is a noticeable improvement over the last book. I also wonder why this series needs to be set in a library. There doesn’t seem to be very many library-like activities that take place in the building. This was another mystery where the villain wasn’t a surprise to me. I didn’t have a clue as to the hows or the whys, but there was something that just set this character apart. It might have had something to do with the fact that this was the one character with the least amount of page time out of the whole quirky cast. I found that oversight to be highly suspicious to my deeply untrusting mind. But, as I said, I didn’t know the hows or the whys behind the villain’s dastardly deeds, so it was interesting to watch Carrie and Dylan untangle the few clues they had. I really liked seeing that Carrie is growing into a strong independent young woman and that she’s now taking more precautions with her personal safety. Even though there were some things that weren’t quite right for me, I look forward to reading more about Carrie, her friends, family, and co-workers. And Smokey Joe.
I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.

Checked Out for Murder by Allison Brook is the 4th book in The Haunted Library Mystery series. It can be read as a standalone if you are new to this series. I thought Checked Out for Murder contained good writing and developed characters. My favorite character is Evelyn Havers, the ghost who lives at the library. She is delightful. I liked that we saw more of Evelyn in this book. Two murders take place in this story. We all know Carrie will investigate despite being told repeatedly by boyfriend, Dylan Avery and Lt. John Mathers to stay out of the case. There are multiple suspects and a variety of clues to aid in readers in solving the crimes. Evelyn provides good insight and intel that helped Carrie’s investigation (and John’s). Carrie certainly has her hands full in Checked Out for Murder with her work, Smoky Joe feeling spring fever, her mother, Dylan traveling, two murders, and her father’s surprise visit. Carrie will need a long weekend away after her mother leaves town. Mother and daughter have different personalities which can lead to clashes. They get a chance to do some bonding in this tale and maybe Brianna will change her ways (or not). I do want to let you know that the story does contain some mild foul language. I hope Dylan will be more open to Carrie’s investigating in the future. He needs to realize that a leopard does not change its spots. Checked Out for Murder is an entertaining whodunit with a temptress thespian, a manipulating mother, a fugitive feline, a perished psychic, a troubled beau, and a curious Carrie.

Checked Out for Murder by Allison Brook is the fourth in the A Haunted Library Mystery series. This a a easy to read cozy and it can be read as a stand alone. I have read all in the series and enjoyed all of them.
A new resident has approached Carrie wanting to do a presentation on psychics, since Daphne claims to be one. Carrie schedules the presentation, which is a hit. Carrie feels she and Daphne will become fast friends even though Evelyn, the library ghost has warned her Daphne has a history.
The town is also excited since a movie is being filmed in town with some big names in it. Carrie's mother's younger husband is also in it so her mother is in town. After a meet and greet with the stars, Daphne is found dead. Carrie starts looking into Daphne's sad past. Then when one of the female stars is found murdered, Carrie's mother is a suspect. Now Carrie is investigating two murders and hopes she isn't next.
There are plenty of plot twists that have you wondering until the end. There are also likeable characters and a great setting. There is romance and a touch of humor. Of course, as with most Cozies, there is a loveable cat.
I was given an ARC by Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an honest review.

I always enjoy reading the newest of this series when it comes out! I just love Evelyn, the library ghost and was just a little worried when she didn't seem to pop in a whole lot, but her appearances got to be a little more normal later in the book. I like where Dylan and Carrie were in their relationship and continue to be. It was interesting to spend more time with Carrie's mom, since she was in this book quite a bit more than any others. She and her current husband Tom were in town for a movie he was acting in.

I was proud of Carrie for being more cautious and trying to do a good job of staying safe by taking someone with her whenever she went someplace that could end up dangerous. I was surprised by who the killer was. Because of some very clever red herrings, I had my sights on someone else. The showdown was nice and peaceful. After one murder attempt and some threats, that was a nice change of pace. And everything was wrapped up at the end with Carrie's dinner she had. I'm already anxious for the next book!

I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.

Carrie Singleton and the Evelyn the library ghost investigate a visiting psychic Daphne's murder. Smokey the cat lends a hand. Moderately interesting cozy.

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.