Loved going back to this town to visit the characters. It sounds like a great town (other than the murders). Carrie is working to find out who killed the person whose body was found in the building being renovated for the library expansion. The ghost hangs out at the library and causes more of a disturbance that the regular ghost Evelyn.

Thank you to the author, publisher and NetGalley for my eARC in exchange for an honest review.

I have been with this series from book one, and it’s one of my fave cozy mystery series. I haven’t missed an installment yet, and I don’t plan to. I love everything about it – the characters, the setting, the plots, and of course Smokey Joe the library cat. But the highlight for me in every book is the interactions between Carrie the librarian (with the best name) and Evelyn the resident library ghost. Their friendship, unconventional though it may be, adds warmth as well as a unique twist to the mystery solving process.

In Dewey Decimated, Carrie and Evelyn receive some unexpected (and not necessarily welcome) additions to their sleuthing team – an overly eager investigative reporter who sees Carrie as her ticket to fame & a murder victim who’s still sticking around as a frustrated & amnesiac ghost. These new characters keep Carrie and Evelyn on their toes and I enjoyed watching them juggle the shifting dynamics – though I will also be happy when it’s back to just the two of them.

The juggling continues for Carrie with the pressure to start wedding plans, problems with the library renovations, and her new role on the city council. Each element fleshed out the characters even more and also filled in any down time where the dual murder mysteries were concerned. Clover Ridge is a charming small town that I’d love to visit in real life, and I laughed at one character’s comment that, with all the recent murders, they didn’t want to become known as the Cabot Cove of Connecticut. Loved that nod to the quintessential & fan favorite cozy mystery small town.

Bottom Line: I’ve come to expect smart plots, charming characters, and intriguing twists from this series, and Dewey Decimated fit right in. The author took all the things I’ve loved from the previous books and added some fresh layers to enhance the continued character development and give readers more insight into the characters’ lives. I once again thoroughly enjoyed my time in Clover Ridge, and I also appreciated the new dynamics that the author introduced. Already looking forward to my next visit with Carrie and Evelyn and Dylan and Smokey Joe – and all the regular supporting characters. A must-read for fans of cozy mysteries, libraries, and friendly ghosts.

(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)

"Dewey Decimated" continues the adventures of Carrie the librarian, as she and her staff contend with construction workers and planning for a new addition to the library utilizing an old building next door. . During the construction, a body turns up in the building. While law enforcement investigates, Carrie engages with Evelyn, her local library spirit, and the spirit of "Charlie" the deceased individual. They try to find out more about who "Charlie" might have been in life. Carrie also deals with a nosy news reporter and members of the town council as they decide the fate of a community nature preserve.

Although I do not usually read books featuring supernatural characters, the spirits in this novel were friendly and lovable, not at all scary or fierce. The characters are described in detail and the plot features enough red herrings to keep most mystery readers interested. This is a clean novel, without any swear words, overt violence, or descriptive intimacy. Although part of a series, the book worked as a stand alone novel.

I received this novel from the publisher and from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. The opinions expressed here are entirely my own.

This is book 6 in the Haunted Library series. Carrie is hoping for a rest and no murders in small town Clover Ridge, Connecticut. First, a dead body is found in the basement of the building attached to the library, and it turns out to be Carrie’s fiancé’s Uncle Alec, who Dylan hasn’t seen in years. But Alec has no intention of truly checking out, and his ghost makes itself at home in the library, greatly upsetting the patrons. With the help of her cat Smoky Joe and her resident ghost Evelyn she narrows down the list of suspects. Then murder #2 of a council member happens and they think the two are connected. Can be read as a stand alone. An enjoyable quick read.

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In the latest Haunted Library Mystery, construction has begun on the building behind the library so that the two buildings can be attached to give the library more space. During a renovation nothing goes totally as planned, but this renovation has big problems when a dead body is found in the basement. Carrie doesn't plan on getting involved in this mystery, but then has no choice when a new ghost shows up in the library. I enjoyed learning more about Dylan's family and liked how he started opening up to Carrie more about his family and his childhood. The ties to the past strengthened this story and there was no shortage of suspects in the mysteries. This was a very good addition to this series.

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

Carrie Singleton, head of Programs and Events at the Clover Ridge library could really use a break, but it doesn’t look likely when a dead body is found in the basement of the building attached to the library. It turns out to be Carrie’s fiancé’s Uncle Alec, who Dylan hasn’t seen in years. But Alec has no intention of truly checking out until the mystery surrounding his death is solved. Meanwhile, the town council, of which Carrie is a member, is embroiled in a debate over the fate of the Seabrook Preserve, a lovely and valuable piece of property that runs along Long Island Sound. As the dispute rages, there’s another murder, this time involving a council member. Could the two murders be connected? And could Carrie be next on the hit list?
This cozy mystery was great to read during the season prior to Halloween, it really got me in the mood. Reading about the new ghost’s antics gave a little comedic relief, and this story never became too scary. Carrie is a great sleuth, but I missed the interplay and subplot of her relationship with Dylan. All in all, it’s a very good mystery, and I can’t wait until the next installment in the series. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader’s copy. This review is my unbiased opinion.

I received a copy of this book for review from NetGalley. I chose this book because this hits so many of my buttons: mysteries, library cats, and ghostly assistance. However, I did not realize that this is the 6th book in a series, and it needs to be read in order. There were so many references to past cases and adventures that I spent a good chunk of the book feeling left out and behind.
As a mystery, this was a fairly standard cozy. It was cute, fairly sweet, and not especially memorable. I enjoyed it, but I probably will not pursue the rest of the series.

Dewey Decimated (Haunted Library 6)
by Allison Brook


Yay! It’s September in New Haven. We’re back in joining Carrie and her ghostly helper Evelyn Havers. If you’ll remember Carrie is an events coordinator at Clover Ridge Library and new on the town council. She’s also engaged to Dylan Avery, a successful investigator.
The library is being connected to a new purchase of a late 1700s building next door. On the first day of the new construction, Carrie sees Sally the library director is arguing with the foreman about patron parking. Later that morning a body was found in the house, and we’re off! From chapter three forward with few exceptions, we’re in a race to solve the crime and keep Carrie from joining her ghostly friend Evelyn!


I have gifted and read every book in this series. This series is a favorite that never disappoints. Ms. Brooks does a wonderful job with her characters in terms of personal progression. I would not think twice about letting 6th grade and higher read this series. A good solid mystery from a talented writer! 5*****



Thank you to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for the ARC.

Fictional librarians are a favorite read for me, a retired librarian and Allison Brook’s stories are so good I can get passed the ghost character. But having 2 ghosts was just annoying. Also annoying is another example of a book title having absolutely nothing to do with the story.Nevertheless I recommend the book because the plot, setting and other characters are well written. Thanks to #NetGalley and #Dewey Decimated
for advanced digital copy.

This sixth book in the Haunted Library Mysteries was set in early fall so it was just perfect for my start of fall. I have read other books in this series before and have enjoyed my visits to fictional Clover Ridge, CT, and it’s librarian Carrie who can communicate with the library’s resident ghost Evelyn which gives her and decided advantage over the police when solving crimes from the past. This book starts out with a new ghost appearing - a body has been found in the old building next to the library now that it’s undergoing renovations to be an addition to the library. Who is this body and the connected or disconnected ghost who appeared in the library at the time the body was discovered …
Each of the books in this series can be read as a standalone, but, as with any series, the reading experience is so much more enjoyable when starting from the beginning, Carrie, the sleuth has come a long way since the first book and her personal growth is fun to observe and cheer on.
All the characters, both human and ghostly, are well developed and likable. The library setting adds a nice touch that I appreciate a lot. This book ends up having two murders one from five years ago one current and the strands that connect them or potentially connect them, the multiple suspects and red herrings keep you wondering and trying to solve the mystery.

It is the first mystery in the Haunted Library series that I read and it was a good one, easily readable as a standalone too. I enjoyed the overall small town ambiance with its town council drama; and the presence of actual ghosts in the library makes it a great choice to get into the Halloween spirit.

It’s a well written whodunnit with a cast of relatable characters. Recommended!

Dewey Decimated is book #6 in the Haunted Library Mystery series by Allison Brook.

Carrie is Clover Ridge’s version of Nancy Drew. The library is expanding and, during construction, a body is discovered. His ghost shows up and needs Carrie’s help. She also has to make a decision on property as part of the town council.

I enjoyed this book. Carrie, her friends and family are likable characters as is Smokey Joe. The antics of the reporter were over the top and entertaining for the reader, not so much for Carrie and the police. I recommend this book.

Thank you to the author, Crooked Lane Books, and NetGalley for the Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

Loved reading this book and author. If you haven't read it yet I highly recommend her and her books. Read in order

This has been one of my favorite cozy mystery series since book one and this was no different. Carrie has grown up a lot and now we see her dealing with her new position on the town council as well as trying to figure out what her life with Dylan will look like. As well, she is kept busy by her job as program director at the local library. Oh - and in investigating a murder or two!

One of my least favorite things in books with ghosts is the awkward situations that occur when a character is talking to a ghost that no one else can see. This has been mostly avoided in this series and I've really enjoyed that Carrie is also honest with those close to her. It cuts down on unnecessary misunderstandings and allows the focus to be on the plot.

The mystery kept me engaged and guessing though it did take a bit to develop as the bulk of the first half of the book is filled with just figuring out who the corpse belongs to. I liked that Evelyn and Dylan took a more active role in the investigation and the addition of another ghost was entertaining.

I very much enjoy this cozy mystery series and feel like with each book I get to know Carrie and the community of Clover Ridge a bit better.

⭐⭐⭐⭐ -- Cute cover!

This is one of those times where my horrible memory of late has worked to my advantage. 😆 I read a couple of the previous books in this series and didn't love them. If I had remembered that detail, i probably wouldn't have requested an ARC of this one. And that would have been unfortunate because I actually ended up enjoying this one quite a bit! Carrie wasn't overly annoying. Angela was barely in it. The mystery was engaging and kept me guessing. I'll definitely be checking out the next book in the series. 👍🏻

**ARC Via NetGalley**

I was happy to visit Carrie, her family, and friends in Clover Ridge! The author paints beautiful pictures of Connecticut in early autumn, especially the preserve. My favorite parts are catching up with Carrie and her friends and watching the new mystery unfold, as I’ve loved this upbeat series from the beginning.

It is September, almost a year since Carrie was promoted to a dream job as head of programs and events at the library. It has also been nearly a year since she became reacquainted with Dylan, a childhood friend. I am delighted to see how this former goth girl blossomed into a beloved community member who has helped the police solve several murders.

It is interesting to me to see what Carrie and her assistants put into the various events. Until reading this series, I didn’t know how much goes into quality programs. She and Dylan recently became engaged and will set a wedding date soon. Carrie has overseen planning for construction on the auditorium portion of the new library annex. The structure had stood vacant for more than a decade and is close enough to the library building that they are being combined. As if that isn’t enough, she is also filling in a town council seat that was recently vacated. One of her close friends is Evelyn, who had worked at the library and was murdered behind it several years ago. Evelyn is a ghost, and her murder is one that Carrie helped solve. Evelyn is always interested in local news and is a font of wisdom.

Construction comes to an abrupt halt when someone finds the remains of a man in the annex. It has been years since the man died, so there was little forensic evidence. They learn that he was murdered about 5 to 8 years ago and had no ID. His ghost has just come into the library. He has no idea who or where he is or what happened. He is not wise and peaceful like Evelyn, instead, he scares the patrons and badgers Carrie constantly.

Julie, an aggressive investigative reporter from the local TV station, began to investigate when she thought the police department was not working fast enough. She discovered the man was Alec, from Chicago. He was Dylan’s uncle and had not been seen for several years. Dylan and his now-deceased parents had cut him off from the family long before he died. Julie, knowing Carrie’s ability to solve murders, tries to team up with her, but Carrie has neither time nor inclination to do so.

An important vote has just been taken at the town council that left two members very unhappy with the loss of their pet projects. Hours later, Sean, another of the members, was found murdered. He had been well-liked by the town and recently learned his cancer was terminal. The suspect list is a work in progress, as each plot twist adds to who may have done it.

Carrie and her friends invited me into the novel from the start and kept me engaged throughout. The author has a perfect balance between funny, warm-hearted, romantic, and sad moments. While romance is present, it does not overwhelm the plot. There are also brief, enlightening discussions on family dynamics experienced by Dylan and Carrie. The mysteries were challenging, and while I guessed part of the solution, I was totally surprised at part of it. I highly recommend this novel and series to those who enjoy dynamic characters and libraries with a light paranormal element.

From a thankful heart: I received an ARC of this novel from the publisher through NetGalley, a positive review was not required.

I received a free epub copy from NetGalley!

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. The pacing was on the slow side to me but not in an annoying way. The characters were well developed and showed growth through the course of the book. The book had several moments that shocked me as well as made me laugh.

I enjoyed where the characters stood in regards to their relationship. Having an established relationship where they are both comfortable with each other was nice. I also liked how the relationship was still with an investigator but not the one directly working the case.

Dewey Decimated is the sixth book in The Haunted Library Mysteries by Allison Brook.

The addition will give the library much-needed space and provide an auditorium for Carrie, director of events and programs. Construction halted when a body was found under a shelf in the basement. The body is believed to have been in the basement for around five years. The next day, Carrie is talking with Evelyn, the library’s resident ghost. Carrie and her young niece are the only persons who can see and hear Evelyn. As Carrie is telling Evelyn about the body, the spirit of that body shows up. The ghost doesn't know who he is, where he is from, or why he is in Clover Ridge. Julie, Carrie’s nemesis, an investigative reporter, provides Carrie with his name-Alec Dunmore Alec, it turns out, is the estranged uncle of her fiance, Dylan. Dylan had lost contact with his uncle in his teen years. Carrie and Dylan will work together to learn how Alec met his tragic end.

A subplot to the story involves the recent appointment to the Town Council. The council needs to decide within three months about a plot of land called Seabrook Preserve, or it will lose its sanctuary status. The council needs to determine if the property will be sold for condominium development, turn it into a park, or keep it as a sanctuary.

The book is another excellently written and plotted story from Ms. Brook. Most of the well-developed and interesting characters are back once again. There were plenty of red herrings that I kept guessing until the end about who the killer was.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this wonderful series.

Carrie Singleton is excited about the expansion of her beloved library -- until a body is found at the site. As police (and Carrie!) work to solve that mystery, Carrie becomes involved in a second mystery. She is member of the town council, and after a controversial vote, one of the council members also turns up dead. Carrie works to solve this mystery as well, often with the help of her ghostly librarian friend, Evelyn.

I wanted to read Dewey Decimated because I have read all the previous books in this series and have enjoyed them all. The little Connecticut town is charming, and I love the library, the staff, Carrie's aunt and uncle, and especially her ghost friend Evelyn, her fiance Dylan, and her library cat, Smokey Joe.

This cozy mystery was such a treat -- it had not one but two mysteries to solve, and all the regular, favorite cast members were part of the story. Carrie did a great job of detecting - with the help of Evelyn, and with the help/not-help (!) of an ambitious local reporter, Julie, who wants to team up with her.

I was a bit surprised by the answers to the two mysteries, but I enjoyed seeing how Carrie solved both. The book is well written and the mystery moves along at a brisk pace.

I highly recommend Dewey Decimated and the Haunted Library series to fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who enjoys small town settings, a gentle paranormal element, and cats.