Retirement isn't proving at all dull for former social worker Julia Bird. She's just discovered another body. Who killed well=known author Vincent Andrews in the library? Having been the one to discover Andrews' body, Julia's intrigue with the case is probably inevitable although she does try, well, sorta try, to stay out of it.

So, who did it? Was it the wife, who he'd praised aloud during his presentation at the library to a crowd? Let's face it, the spouse is almost always a suspect. But, why would she have killed him? Or, hmm, maybe one of those unhappy locals who felt they'd been wrongly used as characters in the new book? Why did one man walk out on the presentation? Or maybe it was the attractive young publisher's assistant, Phoebe. Maybe an old flame? He did noticeably overlook one woman's attempts to ask a question during the Q/A session. Where's the murder weapon anyway? But, wait. There's a second murder? Why? Is there some unknown connection?

Why...oh, never mind, Enough teasers. Although I couldn't quite get as invested in the mystery as I'd have liked, that is probably on me, not the book. The plot moved along smoothly and it appealed to me that she's an older sleuth and has a much loved dog, Jake. So, I liked Julia, even if she did some rather impulsive things in her curiosity to solve the crime. That's rather typical of most cozy mysteries, of course, and the mystery was an interesting one and the ending did take me by surprise. Julia's relationship with sorta-almost-boyfriend Sean was adorable, too. It'll be interesting to see it grow.

Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me spend a bit of time in Cotswolds with Julia and Sean, not to mention Jake. Give that dog a virtual treat!

There is a big difference between recently retired Julia Bird’s years as a social worker in London and her new life of leisure in the small Cotswold village of Berrywick. She didn't used to have a dog, or chickens, she didn't bake scones either but just these three changes now give her great pleasure. Her volunteering in the one charity shop and spending time with her friend Tabitha at the picturesque library also fill her days with pleasure. Julia isn't quite as excited as the rest of the attendees about the visit of local boy and successful author Vincent Andrews, or Vince to his friends, but she’s determined to enjoy herself.

The evening is a great success but as Julia and Tabitha tidy the library ready for the next event they spot a shoe which shouldn't be there. To be fair, neither should the body to whom the footwear belongs and, once again, Julia finds her relaxing, stress free, existence interrupted by an investigation into a murder she can’t help but get involved with.

Her personal life at least, is on the up! The burgeoning friendship with local doctor Sean O'Connor is a very pleasant part of her days and having someone other than her chocolate Labrador, Jake, to discuss everything with is very satisfying. Unfortunately when a second death occurs everything Julia thought she knew fades away leaving her confused and determined to get back on the right track.

This is the second Julia Bird Mystery Series and has every chance of becoming a firm favourite with British cosy crime readers. The three main protagonists and their two canine companions have gelled well together, the secondary characters are a vital part of the action, as is the Cotswold countryside. So far everything works well together, the investigation was complicated enough to keep you thinking throughout, and the promise of more to come is enticing.

I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. There are a few excellent British countryside mystery series around and this is definitely going to join them. Easily recommended.

This ARC was provided to me via Kindle, from Bookouture and #NetGalley. Thank you for the opportunity to preview and review. Opinions expressed are completely my own.

A lovely addition to the Julia Bird cozy mystery series, Katie Gayle has a knack for the genre.

While other Netgalley members have given high praises for this book, my opinion differs. The conversations are somewhat robotic and the allure of the story is monotone, predictable that I knew who murdered V. F. Andrews only after reading a few chapters.

It's a quick read, however, which is why i give three stars instead of two

Murder in the Library was a fun and easy read. I have read books 3 and 4 of this series. Julia Bird is the main character. She lives in Berrywick. She is a retired social worker who has moved to this town after her divorce from Christopher but remained good friends. She volunteers at Second Chance a charity shop. The supporting characters are very important to this story. She and the rest of the villagers are going to the library to hear and met the author, Andrew Vincent. He is talking about his new book Raven's Call. She is sitting with her friends along with her friend and doctor, Sean O'Connor. After his lecture and Andrew answers questions certain people in the audience say that several of the people in the book are them and not happy about it and walk out. In the audience is also his wife, Sarah and his mother=in=law, Eleanor. . He later signs his books along with his publicist Phoebe Ailes.

The next day Julia goes to help her best friend and librarian Tabitha Fullergood to clean up after the program they come across a body that is Vincent. He was stabbed. They call the police. D.I.. Haley Gibson and her partner, DC Walter Farmer arrive. After questioning them Julia calls Sean to tell him of the death as his wife Sarah is his cousin and her mother is his aunt.
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This is where the story takes the reader into jealousies, suspense,, stolen manuscripts etc. that make this story exciting. Julia is an important part of this story that brings much intrigue to the unexpected ending.

I have enjoyed this series and plan to read book one. Look forward to the next book to find out what adventure Julia and her friends are involved in.

Thank you NetGalley and Bookouture for this ARC.

I had read and enjoyed the first Julia Bird mystery, so I was delighted to have the opportunity to read an advance copy of the next installment in the series, thanks to Netgalley and the publisher. I enjoyed the continuation of the series and was happy to read more about the village characters. Julia Bird is very likeable and has now become part of her new community. I found it a clever mystery with lots of red herrings, and I was surprised by the ending. I look forward to reading future books in the series. I recommend this for fans of cozy mysteries.

I was immediately hooked. A fast paced, effortlessly quick read where the pages just turned themselves and I was engaged throughout, mission accomplished. An ending I didn’t foresee either!

Murder in the Library is the second book in this fun English cozy. Julia Bird attends a talk at the library, by celebrated local author, Vincent Andrews. His new book causes a stir as it has similarities to some of the residents of Berrywick . Julia finds the author's body in the library the following morning and decides to do her own sleuthing to help the police find the murderer. Was it his wife, his publisher, his wife's ex boyfriend, a local resident upset with their depiction in the new book,, or an old girlfriend? There is no lack of suspects. This book was quick paced with lots of twists and turns, which kept me reading far into the night. I was surprised by who the murderer was. I thoroughly enjoyed this book. Thank you to the publisher and netgalley for the advance copy.


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This is a cozy mystery with a quirky fun protagonist…murder…library…author…and so it goes…discovering the body…family and friends…clues…red herrings…this talented author has woven a story that is quickly read to a satisfying ending…this book was sent to me by Netgalley for review…who doesn’t like a murder in a library? Who doesn’t love characters who are friends and help each other out? This book is fun…settle in your comfy chair, grab a cozy quilt…some steaming herbal tea…get ready for a cozy afternoon with the characters in this book.

I enjoyed this book. It’s got lots of twists and turns. The characters are great. I was truly surprised by the end of who the killer is. #MurderintheLibrary #NetGalley