Dollycas's Thoughts

Wedding bells are about to ring for librarian Carrie Singleton's best friend and co-worker Angela Vecchio but their bridal shower venue suffered extensive damage in a fire. Angela's cousins, Donna and Roxy offer to help with everything including hosting the shower, something Angela isn't sure about but with no other options she acquiesces. The event has strange undertones and many guests notice Roxy's fawning over Donna's husband Aidan.

Following the wedding guests are treated to an opulent reception but the party takes a drastic turn when Aiden collapses right in front of Carrie and into the chocolate fountain. It is clear the man is dead and there is a room full of suspects.

Carrie has a few true suspects in mind; his wife Donna, the flirt, Roxy, Roxy's ex-husband, Angela's angry brother, Aiden's partner, and even Aidan's controlling office manager who seems to have the dirt on everyone.

Carrie is also dealing with a request from the library's friendly ghost, Evelyn. She wants Carrie to find her brother Harold so he can help another family member. The mayor has her in mind for another job too. So between hunting down a missing person, and deciding whether she wants to honor the mayor's request, she now has to find a murderer. Can she do it all? or will she be another causality and join Evelyn in the afterlife where the wardrobe appears to be vast?

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Ms. Brook's characters continue to evolve in realistic ways. Carrie gets stronger in each story and people in the right places have noticed. She is actively participating in the library expansion planning and putting forth her ideas. The mayor has picked her for an important position in the city. Her relationship with Dylan is moving right along although Carrie believes he is keeping something from her. Dylan's business is growing. He already has brought Carrie's dad into the business and is now interviewing to bring in another investigator. Evelyn pops in often in this story and is putting pressure on Carrie to find her brother. We meet a plethora of new characters due to Angela's wedding and in Carrie trying to fulfill Evelyn's request. All the characters are skillfully created and have a purpose in the story.

Our protagonist is one industrious individual with two mysteries to solve in this book. They are expertly twisted together with all the other happenings that take place. Carrie finds a unique balance and I had a good time tagging along with her each step of the way. She was hindered by Angela's mother who begged her to prove all her family members innocent but Carrie had to follow where each clue led. One observation led to revealing all but put Carrie in a dire situation and made by heart race.

Death on the Shelf is a well-plotted cozy mystery with interesting characters. I was kept guessing throughout the entire story. The final chapter greatly piqued my interest to read the next book soon. Evelyn thinks "Clover Ridge is in for many changes". and I am excited to read all about them.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review. Thank you to Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for providing me with an ARC.

"Death on the Shelf," the fifth book in the Haunted Library cozy mystery series, is a delightful blend of romance, mystery, and paranormal elements. Set in Clover Ridge, Connecticut, this installment sees Carrie Singleton juggling her duties at the library with her role as the town's amateur sleuth. Amidst Angela's wedding celebrations, a murder occurs, sparking another investigation led by Carrie with help from the library's resident ghost. With its engaging plot and charming setting, this book offers a mix of suspense and whimsy, perfect for fans of cozy mysteries.

Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook is the fifth installment in the paranormal cozy The Haunted Library Mysteries series. As with most cozy mysteries each book of The Haunted Library Mysteries will contain their own mystery to be solved within the book so they all could be read as a standalone or in any order if choosing to do so. However, for those following along from the beginning there will be character development carried over from book to book.

Carrie Singleton had returned to Clover Ridge, Connecticut to stay with her aunt and uncle for a while but when she was just about to move on she was given the opportunity to become the head of programs and events at the local library. When she was offered the job Carrie was almost ready to turn it down when she heard a strange voice telling her to think on it. Thinking it was her own mind telling her not to pass up the offer quite so quickly she did just that. Carrie found the job was more than she could have wanted so she stayed and then found out the voice that convinced her to stay was not her conscience but a friendly ghost of a former employee that helps Carrie in her new position.

Carrie never expected that her new job would come with tracking down so many murderers in the small town of Clover Ridge but with Evelyn the ghost’s help she has been doing just that. Now Carrie is just excited to be attending her best friend Angela’s wedding and hopefully enjoy some time just having fun. Unfortunately for Carrie during the bridal shower Angela’s cousin’s husband, Aiden, is murdered right there at the party. Of course Carrie feels she needs to do anything she can to help find the murderer but the suspect list is a mile long with all the guests in attendance.

The Haunted Library Mysteries series is another that I have been following from the beginning and while I was a bit so so at first with this series it has steadily grown on me with each new book. This one has that mix of genres I enjoy with having a resident ghost help solve the murders and the characters are quirky and fun which is always a bonus to me. Then there’s that resident kitty, Smokey Joe, to fill my cute critter quota. Wrap all of that up in a nice mystery and it brings me back time and again.

I received an advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley.

Great cozy mystery installment in a series. Setting was comforting and close knit. Liked the cast of characters.

Allison Brook delivers another spine-tingling installment in her Haunted Library mystery series with "Death on the Shelf," a thrilling whodunit that takes place at a wedding, blending love and murder in equal measure. The fifth book in the series continues to follow the adventures of Clover Ridge librarian Carrie Singleton, and it doesn't disappoint.

The story kicks off with the joyous occasion of Carrie's best friend Angela's wedding, but as any seasoned mystery reader knows, weddings in cozy mysteries are rarely without their fair share of drama. Brook masterfully sets the stage with an extravagant bridal shower turned gossip-fest, where suspicions arise about Donna's surgeon husband, Aiden. The tension reaches its peak when Aiden meets a chocolatey demise at the wedding reception.

What sets "Death on the Shelf" apart is its vibrant cast of characters. Brook introduces a diverse and colorful array of suspects, each with their own motives and secrets. From the flirtatious Roxy to Angela's disgruntled brother, the suspect list is as intriguing as it is extensive. The author skillfully weaves the complexities of relationships and motives, leaving readers guessing until the very end.

Carrie Singleton remains a relatable and engaging protagonist, and her determination to uncover the truth adds a layer of depth to the narrative. The inclusion of supernatural elements, with library ghost Evelyn and library cat Smoky Joe, adds a unique flavor to the mystery, enriching the storyline with a touch of the paranormal.

The pacing of the novel is well-executed, keeping readers hooked from the first page to the last. The blend of suspense, humor, and a touch of romance creates a well-rounded reading experience. The plot twists are cleverly orchestrated, and the narrative maintains a sense of urgency as Carrie races against time to unravel the mysteries surrounding the deaths.

While the book excels in many aspects, a minor critique lies in the abundance of suspects, which might overwhelm some readers trying to keep track of everyone's motives and alibis. However, the payoff in the form of a satisfying resolution compensates for this small hiccup.

In conclusion, "Death on the Shelf" is a captivating and well-crafted murder mystery that will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Allison Brook's ability to seamlessly intertwine elements of romance, humor, and the paranormal into a compelling whodunit makes this book a standout in the cozy mystery genre. If you're a fan of intriguing characters, clever plot twists, and a sprinkle of the supernatural, this installment in the Haunted Library series is a must-read. Get ready for a wedding you won't soon forget – a wedding with a deadly twist.

Loved the story. It is atmospheric and the mystery is intriguing. It is definitely a cozy mystery seriesworth reading.

I appreciate the publisher allowing me to read this book. I found the subject matter really interesting. The book was well written and easy to understand. I highly recommend this book.

I enjoy Carrie and her friends on these adventures. I do sometimes wonder how Evelyn keeps up on all the news, but she is a ghost after all. Why would someone murder the good doctor who appears to be loved by everyone who knows him? Who’s having an affair? Read this book in the series to find out.
Goodreads

I really enjoyed reading Death on the Shelf. The murder mystery was interesting and well-crafted. I do wish the ghost, Evelyn, would feature more in the books though. I'll definitely read the next book in the series.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for allowing me to review this ARC with honesty.

So this took me a little longer than I thought because when I went to read it and realized I was finding it difficult to read without reading the previous installments (it's not necessarily a must but my preference) I went back and did just that. So this story centers around a woman named Carrie who lives in a small town as the lead Event Librarian. This is the fifth installment in the series and this story centers on a murder at a wedding that Carrie attends.

I'm not going to say too much as to avoid spoiling anything but for the most part I found the mystery decent and kept me reading. The development over certain relationships however felt weirdly rushed and predictable at the same time with the clue dropping that kept happening throughout the book. I still like the characters however there were a few that just seemed - odd. It may just be a build up for the next installment which I do intend to read.

Overall, I did have a good time with the group of characters and would say for anyone that likes light mystery/murders then this is a good pick. It can be cheesy at times but that doesn't make it bad.

My Rating: 3.5 🌟🌟🌟💫 (rounded up to 4) Also Posted to Good Reads.

Who doesn't love a library ??? And add to that it is haunted !!!! This is a great mystery that kept me guessing until the very end. A murder at your best friend's wedding??? Who would have ever thought this could happen but unfortunately it did.

A library, a cat, a ghost, and murder.... what isn't there to enjoy about this series?!?!?!

This Who Dunnit could have been anyone. I was suspicious of the culprits early on but kept going back and forth.

With this being book 5, I’m already invested in the characters and their relationships. It’s great to see thing progressing for them.

A fire at the restaurant where librarian Carrie Singleton had arranged to hold a wedding shower for her best friend Angela coincidentally sets the stage for the demise of one of Angela’s wedding guests in “Death on the Shelf,” the fifth book in The Haunted Library Series.

When less than a week prior to the shower, Carrie is notified that the event cannot be held at the restaurant as planned, Angela’s cousin Donna Harrington offers her home as the new site for the shower and Carrie gratefully accepts. Another cousin of Angela’s, Roxy, offers to help with the shower. Unfortunately, Angela is wary of the arrangement as she and Donna have had a rocky relationship because as a child she was treated unkindly by Donna.

Between the day of the shower and day of the wedding, we begin to learn just how dysfunctional Angela’s extended family is. The odd love-hate relationship between Roxy and Donna as well as the relationship between Roxy and Donna’s husband Aiden that appears to be inappropriately intimate, for example. Then there’s Angela’s brother Tommy, a mean and unpredictable bully.

But no one thought that Aiden’s fall into the chocolate fountain at the wedding reception would be ruled a homicide by the police. And there is no scarcity of suspects with motives for wanting Aiden dead. Aiden, as it turns out, appears to have been both shady and a philanderer. Who could be the culprit that could have killed him? Was it Tommy, the hothead who was seen arguing with Aiden at the reception? Roxy, Angela’s flirtatious but emotionally unstable cousin? Or perhaps even Donna?

This is the first book in the Haunted Library series that I read. While I enjoyed the plot involving Aiden’s murder and found it well-developed with interesting characters, I found the book to be bogged down with subplots and the paranormal device of a ghost helping to solve cases to be, well, weird. That having been said, I do know that Ms. Brooks’ books are very popular, so clearly there is a wide audience for cozy mysteries with paranormal elements. Although I’m not among that audience, I do think Ms. Brooks is a talented author and while I won’t be reading any other books in The Haunted Library series, were she to write another series or a standalone cozy mystery without any paranormal elements, I would definitely be interested in reading them.

Felt like this cozy had a little more to it than others with multiple bodies and storylines. The ghost in the library is kind of random, but I'm guessing if you start with book one you get a little more info about what is going on with that.

Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook is book five in the A Haunted Library Mystery series.
It's time for Carrie's best friend to tie the knot and things are starting to unravel. First, the venue for the shower has to cancel. Allison's cousins volunteer to host to her dismay. She feels they are just trying to front and center since they had never been very close growing up. Then when one of their husbands drop dead at the rehearsal dinner, fingers are pointed at numerous suspects. Then when one of the cousins ends up dead due to a car accident, Carrie finds it strange and too much a coincidence and her radar is high alert.
There are plenty of suspects and twists and turns. There is a secondary mystery also Carris is involved with. You also get romance, family, and a ghost.
I was given an ARC by Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley for an honest review.

Carrie is excited by her best friend's wedding. She will be in it and she can't wait. But something unfortunate happens...
Crooked Lane Books and Edelweiss let me read this book for review (thank you). It will be published November 9th.

As they are getting ready to cut the cake, the local doctor falls into the cake and lands on the floor dead. He was poisoned and it's murder.

Then the woman who was getting divorced and had been a little too friendly with the doctor drives off the road and dies too. She had a tranquilizer in her blood which also indicated murder.

Carrie is snooping around for clues and finds out who did it. Will she survive long enough to tell someone?

Clover Ridge librarian Carrie Singleton is thrilled to attend her best friend Angela's wedding, but Angela's family can be a bit...much. Angela’s wealthy cousin Donna hosts an extravagant bridal shower at her resplendent home, but the celebrations turn to gossip as the guests notice Donna's surgeon husband, Aiden, spending a bit too much time with Donna’s cousin Roxy. At the wedding reception, the sweet occasion turns darkly bitter when Aiden topples into the chocolate fountain--dead.

While Carrie is a normal librarian she has special gifts where she is the only one who can see and speak to a departed librarian that has passed. Evelyn helps her to solve these crimes. This one hits home as it is during her best friend's wedding she is taken aback but turns it around and solves it. I was a little surprised by who the killer was but I guess I should never be surprised. These stories keep you totally engaged and I am never disappointed with one of Allison's stories.

Carrie's best friend and library co-worker Angela is getting married and Carrie is in the wedding party and co-hosting the bridal party. When a death occurs at the wedding Angela's family asks Carrie to investigate. Carrie is reluctant after what has happened in the past, but finally agrees. I like Carrie and the other recurring characters in this series, but am always surprised at how people divulge information to Carrie that they don't tell the police. There were several red herrings in this story and I kept changing my mind about who the culprit was. This fast moving mystery kept me glued to the pages until the end.

I received a complimentary copy of this ebook from the publisher through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

Release Date: November 9, 2021

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Wedding fever is sweeping Clover Ridge. Angela’s wedding is front and center and Carrie can not be more excited. When a guest at Angela’s wedding drops dead in front of Carrie and Dylan and a number of Angela’s relatives are suspects, how can Carrie not investigate. Promising to be careful Carrie begins sleuthing away. Will she unravel the mystery or become the next casualty?

This latest book in the #hauntedlibrarymysteries series is a surprise. I was kept in the dark as to who the killer was until the very end. More is revealed about Evelyn’s former life and oh! Boy! The ending! I loved it and I can’t wait till the next book!!

#hauntedlibrary #deathontheshelf #crookedlanebooks #bookstagram #bookrecommendations #cozymysteryseries #netgalleyreview

This is the 5th book in The Haunting Library Mysteries series. However, I read this as a stand alone.

This was a book I received from NetGalley without realizing it was in a series.

Carrie Singleton is a librarian at the local library. She can see ghosts and Evelyn is haunting the library. In this one, Evelyn needs Carries help finding her son because his daughter just came back to town and is in need of help.

Then there’s Angela, Carries best friend and her wedding planning. There is so much to do and things start to fall apart with the bridal shower venue has to cancel their reservations. Carrie is on a mission to find another venue. Angela’s cousin, Donna offers to host at her home. Angela isn’t thrilled and says she only invited them because she had to.

Her family is a mess and full of drama. Which is a great start to suspects. While Carrie is trying to deal with all this, she barely has time for her boyfriend when she’s offered a new job on the town council.

The wedding goes awry when Donna’s husband, Aiden keels over at the wedding reception. There are so many people there that have motive and Carrie decides to jump into the investigating herself but another murder makes everyone nervous.

Are they the same murderer? Will they find the killer before someone else ends up dead? And can Carrie stay out of trouble?

There was so much drama in the story and several story lines. If you can’t handle to many people in a book you may want to skip this one. I enjoyed it but it was a lot at times since I wasn’t already privy to all the characters from the previous books. I really loved the ghost in the library.

I will probably pick up the first book in this series and start it from the beginning and rereading it once I get past the 4th book in the series. I do think it is one that I will really enjoy and I would love to see more of Evelyn.