Cover Image: Checking Out Crime

Checking Out Crime

Pub Date:   |   Archive Date:

Member Reviews

When Minnie narrowly misses running over a dead body lying in the road, she cannot help trying to solve the mystery. This is one of my favorites series. After all, it has a library, a bookmobile, a houseboat, and a bookmobile cat. And the cat is known for giving clues to solve the murder.

I have to admit I solved this one pretty early on. But I really didn't mind, even though I normally prefer to have the outcome harder to guess. I have read this series starting with the first book and was really too engaged with how the story was playing out. (I also guessed the other major thing that happened at the end of the book.) The appeal to this series is the engaging characters. I also appreciated the author's acknowledgment of the trauma that would be caused by finding a dead body.

Another appealing thing about this series is the healthy relationships. They aren't always perfect, but the main characters treat each other with respect. Minnie's fiancé and ex-boyfriend are not only civil, they are friendly. While her ex-boyfriend doesn't exactly appreciate her involvement in trying to solve his crimes, he listens to her (for the most part) when she comes to him with a theory.

Thanks to the publisher and to Net Galley for providing me with an ARC in exchange for my honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Minnie drives a bookmobile, is engaged to Rafe, and has a cat named Eddie. First in the series I've read, but overall didn't seem to be confused. When she literally almost drives over a corpse in the middle of the road, she decides to start asking questions to find out what happened. Good cozy mystery overall, although dragged a bit. Would still highly recommend, especially if you've read others in the series.

Was this review helpful?

I always look for the next release in this series. I love to read about Minnie and Eddie. Well, especially about Eddie. This one did not disappoint. It was so nice to read a book that I didn't want to rush through just to finish it ( I have read some stinkers lately). This one held my interest all the way through. The characters fit well with each other and even when introducing someone we haven't seen in awhile, the author is able to gently remind you who it is without a huge recap. I am glad that there is finally some resolution to the housing problem. It is one of those situations that is funny for a bit but then can get tedious if drawn out too long. The mystery itself was a new twist that I don't think I have seen before, so that was a good surprise. The only disappointing thing is that now I will have to wait awhile for the next one.

Was this review helpful?

I love the Bookmobile mysteries! Minnie and Rafe and Kristen and the whole gang just make me kind of happy. This is a well-plotted mystery with an interesting and unusual motive. And although the emotional ending of the story and Rafe's surprise is absolutely no surprise at all to the reader, it's still sweet and satisfying. There's no better getaway on a chilly day than curling up with the Bookmobile gang.

Review copy provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.

Was this review helpful?

Minnie Hamilton and Eddie are a dynamic duo! Don’t we all want to live on a houseboat and drive a bookmobile!
Minnie and Eddie are determined to find out why a few bicyclist were killed. This is a fun mystery with lovely characters. You can start with any book in the series and follow along.
#CheckingOutCrime #NetGalley

Was this review helpful?

I love this series, from the cast of colorful characters, to the intricate mysteries that always keep me guessing.
Minnie Hamilton is one of my top three favorite characters, and Eddie is certainly my favorite fictional cat.
Driving the library bookmobile brings so much pleasure to Minnie and the patrons, and getting to visit with Eddie seems to make everyone smile.
In Checking Out Crime, Minnie feels the need to investigate when she abruptly finds a body crumpled in the middle of the road. As Minnie embarks on her investigation, she is also wondering where she will live in the upcoming winter months. Rafe is still working on their home, but between his job and other obligations, it isn’t happening fast enough, so Minnie needs to make other arrangements.
I have to admit I didn’t want this book to end, I wanted to spend more time with Minnie and Eddie. I’m excited to see what happens next in this fantastic series.

Was this review helpful?

I loved it! Minnie is so nice! And funny too! The conversations she has in her own head and out loud to her cat are amusing and entertaining. The mystery is a good one and there are other surprises as well. All the revelations had breadcrumbs leading up which was satisfying to look back on when I reached the end. I wish I could visit this town with everyone in it! The author is wonderful and this is one of my favorite series.

Was this review helpful?

Thank you Netgalley for the early release copy of Checking Out Crime by Laurie Cass. Minnie Hamilton is the assistant director of a library in Michigan. She lives on a houseboat and drives a bookmobile with a cat copilot. Minnie also has a part time bookmobile clerk, Julia Beaton. On their way from a long day in the bookmobile, they find a man in the middle of the road. Barely stopping in time, they try CPR to save him. Police and ambulance came, but couldn't save the man. They find his bicycle and helmet nearby. Then a woman bicyclist is killed. What is going on? Tabitha, Inspector Inwoods wife, befriends Minnie and assists in the sleuthing to find the killer.
There are a lot of books to read with libraries in them, but not many with a bookmobile. It could be claustrophobic to drive around to many places, not everyone could do this. Thank goodness there are people that do. This is a well written book, the author made it exciting to read.

Was this review helpful?

An enjoyable cozy mystery that you can finish in one sitting. I really liked the animals in the story cans can't wait to read more.

Was this review helpful?

Cute series by Laurie Cass, A Bookmobile Cat Mystery.
Minnie and her cat Eddie take the Bookmobile out to the people who can't get to library. This is book 9 in the series. You don't have to read whole series, but it helps to understand Minnie and Eddie if you do.
Minnie, Julia (a volunteer), and Eddie come across a body on the way home from a Bookmobile run. Eddie always jumps in to help.
Cute cozy mystery

Was this review helpful?

Another fun cozy mystery, with likeable characters and an interesting puzzle to figure out. It was also much better proofread than the last cozy I read from this publisher (also as an ARC); I only found two places where there was a missing word, and one 'say' instead of 'stay'. If you like cozies, cats, and problem-solving, you'll enjoy this book.

Was this review helpful?