GREAT. GOOGLY. MOOGLY.

This is probably the creepiest book I have ever read by Jenn McKinlay. Folks, it was C R E E P Y. Truly, I should have known since the title mimics an Edgar Allan Poe book and he is referenced throughout the story and is a BIG part of the reveal. And let's just TALK about that reveal...HOLY MOLEY!!! I will be honest here and say that I had some of it figured out, but the rest. Nope. Never saw that coming. WOW.

After struggling with this series for the first few books [love triangle nonsense anyone?], I have fallen in deep love with them in recent editions [this is my first 5 star review of any of the series so WHOOOO HOOOOOO!!!] - Lindsey, Sully, Beth and the rest of the crew are really, really, great characters [WHO would have ever guessed that about Miss Cole? Not THIS girl that is for sure] and I love the little town and the library so much. The love they all have for each other and the camaraderie just warms my heart and I love when I get to "spend time" in Briar Creek.

Allyson Ryan is one of my all-time favorite narrators [I sure wish she'd narrate more of my favorites cozies] and it was so lovely to hear the familiar voices of Lindsey and Sully and Robbie Vine [a male British voice CANNOT be easy and she does it SO well] and everyone else.

I am so glad I was able to get this audiobook and dive back into the crazy life of Lindsey and the crew; what a ride.

Thank you to NetGalley, Jenn McKinlay, Allyson Ryan - Narrator and Dreamscape Media for providing this audiobook ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Another great mystery by Jenn. This book had a great pace and plot. Cannot wait for the next one. This is a great series.

I suppose this is part of a series, but I haven’t read the books that came before. I enjoyed listening to this cozy mystery for the most part. I think it is inevitable that we figure out who the culprit is before the case is solved, and I’m fine with that overall. I would have given a higher rating had the author refrained from the references to harassment of woman, and how men took advantage of them because that’s the way things used to be. Then there was a bit about being an ally, and honestly I started to hope the book would take a darker turn. If only it turned out to be Sully... that would be a worthwhile twist. Overall., not bad but not fantastic either.

The Plot and the Pendulum by Jenn Mckinlay
Narrator Allyson Ryan
Library Lover’s Mystery Book 13
This is an enjoyable although short mystery in a well loved series. A couple of books ago I was about to give up on this series but I’m glad I didn’t. The last book was good and this one was even better. It had a bit of a spooky vibe but not really too scary.
Narration was good as always. Just a note to the narrator, the first syllable of the last name of P.G. Wodehouse is pronounced like the word wood. I don’t know why but that’s just the way it is.
Thanks to Netgalley.

I was in the mood for a cozy mystery, and fortunately, I had one at the ready! THE PLOT AND THE PENDULUM by Jenn McKinlay was a charming audiobook. A skeleton found in a locked room seemingly reading an Edgar Allan Poe tome is a quite a scene! 3.5 Stars, rounded up.

This 13th installment of the Library Lover's Mystery Series (of which I had read none) has a very intrepid librarian, Lindsey discovering the said mystery room and its contents while collecting a treasure of books donated to them. Her crew of helpers is there, and all are sure it is the missing newlywed from 30 years ago. As the bones have breathed new life into this cold case, Lindsey and her crafternoon crew find the danger is still lurking!

This was a very tame cozy for me. It was a bit too tame. I had it pegged from the beginning, though not completely. I did feel like this was just the right kind of easy story I could listen to at work today, and the narration by Allyson Ryan was very well done. I clipped along at 2x speed and had no issues with tone or clarity. I also felt that although it is in a series, I had no issues with it as a standalone.

If you are a fan of cozy mysteries and like them on the light side, then this is a fabulous choice, especially with echos of the Halloween season in the background! Thank you to @netgalley and @dreamscape_media for this delightful escape. This is available today!

Briar Creek Library is the beneficiary of the Dorchester book collection. However, while Lindsey is boxing up the books a secret room is discovered. Inside the room is a body. Is this the body of the runaway bride?.

I love Jenn McKinlay's Library Lover's Mystery series. The Plot and the Pendulum is the 13th book in the series. While I have read the last three new releases in the series, I started with book 6 in the series before jumping to book 10. I'm hoping to catch up with the series from the beginning, but it isn't necessary to have read the previous books to enjoy this one.

Are you looking for books to read for Halloween but don't want anything scary? Then this is the book to put on your list. It is a fun campfire ghost story type of story. And as a bonus, there's a mysterious kitten that appears which of course, Lindsey and Sully take home.

Allyson Ryan does a terrific job as the narrator. I've listened to a couple of books in this series now and Ryan's voices for the characters match what I hear in my head when I read the books myself.

I read a few cozy mysteries that feature a married sleuthing team, but I think this is only the second series that I'm reading where the characters date and then get married over the course of the series. But I have to say it doesn't diminish the story in any way. In fact, I think it makes the characters feel more real and keeps the series from becoming too silly. I'm reading another series where the main character can't decide between two guys and it has been going on for 20-something books - it's getting old. So I'm glad McKinlay has allowed her characters to grow and naturally progress in their relationship.

If you are reading this series, then you have probably already gotten your copy as you know how good this series is. If you haven't read this series, then this is a great book to start with. It is just an awesome cozy mystery, but it is also a perfect read for this time of year.

My review will be published at Girl Who Reads on Tuesday - https://www.girl-who-reads.com/2022/10/the-plot-and-pendulum-by-jenn-mckinlay.html

Lindsey Norris is a library director who is thrilled when the Creekside Public Library is the beneficiary of an impressive book collection. When Lindsey and volunteers go to the Victorian mansion to collect the books a turn of sinister events occur. A secret passage behind a bookcase reveal a skeleton clutching a copy of The Collected Works of Edgar Allen Poe. Lindsey is drawn in the case to find justice and crack the the cold case.

This book is such a treat! This author does a great job in bringing in several potential suspects to where the reader could see any number of people committing the crime. The writing style is told from Lindsey’s perspective and the reader can relate to her thoughts and emotions. This was a quick read for me and I had a hard time putting it down. The Plot and the Pendulum is a great book to read during October because it is set around Halloween and has the perfect amount of mystery and suspense! This book is part of a series but it does stand alone.

The narrator did a wonderful job! They are very engaging and did a great job of portraying the various characters.

Thank you NetGalley and Dreamscape Media for the advance audiobook copy. This audiobook was received in exchange for an honest review.

This series has slowly grown on me. I have started to really appreciate the tight-knit community that has welcomed Lindsey Norris and accepted her as one of their own. She really has they idyllic life in her small town, newly married, with the perfect job, and now a wonderful bequest of first editions and other books for the library. I love the addition of the cold case and while I figured out who the murderer was early on, it didn't take away from my enjoyment of the mystery (although the gruesome way the murder occurred was a little jarring). I can't wait to see what they get up to next..

Narration was well done, no issues.

The Plot and the Pendulum is another fantastic book in the series. Jenn McKinlay continues to hit home runs!!!

It was great to be back in Briar Creek at the library with Lindsey and the crafternoon ladies. This book is set in October and had Edgar Allen Poe referenced in the title and the story, perfect for Halloween. The story involved a cold case which is always a fun mystery to solve and much of the story takes place in a spooky Victorian mansion. I listened to this audio book in one day and the narrator did a great job distinguishing the voices of the many characters. The clues were leading me in different directions as to who was responsible for the murder until the very end. A great story, especially at Halloween.

I received a complimentary copy of this audio book from Dreamscape Media through NetGalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.

The next in the Library Lover's Mystery series from Jenn McKinlay.

I always enjoy Jenn's books, and this one was no exception. We head back to Briar Creek, where Lindsey in the library has just been offered the Dorchester collection - a vast collection of old, rare and valuable books from a local family's library. While the library staff are evaluating the books at the old Victorian mansion, a secret room is discovered complete with a skeleton. It quickly appears that the location of the 'runaway bride' from the 1980's has been found....

Lindsey and the crafternooners start their investigations, but this time, do they have some help?

Set at Hallowe'en, this is the 13th book in the series, and the skeleton is found holding a copy of a book by Edgar Allan Poe. Is the mansion haunted? Is the cat that is frequently seen really there? Several spooky happenings add a slightly darker feel to this book.

I listened to the book, and feel that the narrator did a very good job of portraying the atmosphere of the mansion, and keeping the multiple characters and their voices distinct.

I didn't guess the true identity of the perpetrator until very late in the book, and so enjoyed trying to sort out the clues.

A good read, and a great book to listen too. Looking forward to the next in the series.

I listened to this audio book in one sitting, it was that engrossing. (Approx. 7 hrs) The gift of a large, private book collection to a local library uncovers a hidden room. The room meant to protect rare books contains a skeletonized body, a woman thought missing for 33 years. Like all mysteries, I tried to guess the killer. I was wrong because I was looking at the wrong reason. Love can be more dangerous than hate. I received this from "Net Galley".

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The reader is welcomed back to Briar Creek and the library in the fall near Halloween. Lindsey is looking forward to the next crafter noon for the food. She is interrupted by William Dorchester who hasn’t been seen in Briar Creek for 30 years or more. William wants to gift the library the Dorchester library as he is needing to sell the Dorchester mansion to finance a care facility for his mother.
The story is deliciously creepy. The lights go out at the mansion when Lindsey and friends go to check out the books. A cat seems to appear and disappear. There are cold spots in the rooms. And they find a secret room with a skeleton.
Events of 30 years past come to light. I thought I knew who was responsible but ended up being wrong. The outcome was definitely worthy of the twist on an Edgar Allen Poe title.
The narrator was excellent.
This is a recommended addition to the Library Lovers mystery series.
Thanks to #DreamscapeMedia for the opportunity to listen to the book prior to publication.

I love the Library Lover's Mystery series by Jenn McKinley and The Plot and the Pendulum, book 13, is an awesome addition!. Lindsey Norris Sullivan is the Director of the Briar Creek Library. In this book, William Dorchester is back in town after a long absence and wants to donate his family's book collection to the library. Lindsey and her friends from the Crafternoon Book Club box up the books. They accidentally find a secret room and a skeleton. Police Chief Emma is on the case. I really like Sully, the Crafternnon ladies, Robbie and Enma. The characters are wonderful and really add to the story! The ending is well done and although I got part of it, there are some twists that kept me guessing until the end. Even though this is a long running series, Jenn McKinley keeps them interesting and unique.. The audiobook is very well done and the narrator is awesome! The characters come to life! Very enjoyable book and audiobook! #ThePlotAndThePendulum #NetGalley #Dreamscape

An other great Libray mystery with Lindsay and all the crafter ladies of Briarcreek.
about them finding a body in a secret locked room. turns out to be a cold case missing person.
LIke how all the characters are involed in the story.
a cozy mystery with suspense, intirgue,twists,
Good narration easy to listen to

Voluntarily reviewed.

The Poe-tie in, the Halloween-esque murder mystery, and the cast of characters I adore made for a fun ride in this new addition to the Library series! My only hang up is that now I have to wait even longer for the next addition since they doesn’t release until next week. I read it too fast; I should have paced myself.

I always love reading about Lindsay and what she gets into while just trying to work her job at the library. I like the relationship between all the characters, a bond built over the love of books.

I did not really care for the narrator as she was reading the male parts, but I’m not sure how that could be any different.

I received an advanced copy. All thoughts are my own.

This is the thirteenth book in Jenn McKinlay's Library Lover's Mystery series. This mystery revolves around a runaway bride, a valuable personal library, a secret room, and Edgar Allan Poe. The autumn setting makes it a perfect read for this time of year.

Few mystery series sustain good, quality writing over many books, but this is one of the few that genuinely delivers a well-written story every single time. I gave this book 5 stars, not only for its well-crafted plot, but also for the way in which the author weaves the lives of her characters into the main story, and the way she accurately and lovingly portrays public libraries. Every time I read one of these books, it's like visiting old friends in a beloved location.

You can enjoy The Plot and the Pendulum on its own if you haven't read the series before, but I personally recommend starting at the beginning so you can follow the ups and downs of all the characters' personal lives along with trying to solve the cases. I don't read many cozies these days, but I will always be ready for another title in this series.

Many thanks to Netgalley and Dreamscape for the audio review copy. The audio narration is beautifully done by Allyson Ryan, whose voices for each of the characters really capture their personalities. The audiobook made for a very pleasant companion on a few stroller walks!

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Jenn McKinlay for providing me with a complimentary digital audiobook ARC for The Plot and the Pendulum coming out October 11, 2022. The honest opinions expressed in this review are my own.

Lindsey Norris is the library director of Briar Creek Public Library. She learns the library will be the beneficiary of the Dorchester family’s rare book collection and couldn’t be more excited. However, when Lindsey and the other employees arrive at the old Victorian estate to get the books, things take a dark turn. One of the bookcases is actually a secret passage. It leads to a room where a skeleton is found. The skeleton is holding an old copy of The Collected Works of Edgar Allan Poe.
 
Ever the librarian, Lindsey researches missing persons, using the distinctive 80s era clothing that the skeleton was wearing. She finds out that Briar Creek has an unsolved missing person’s case from 1989. A bride went missing weeks after her wedding. It’s a cold case. Lindsey and her crew set out to solve the murder mystery. Will they be able to find out what happened to the runaway bride?

Overall, I enjoyed listening to this book! I love rare books and library stories. Librarians are one of my favorite type of detectives. I didn’t realize this was 13 in the series, so I may have to listen to the other books. The ending felt like a little too much was happening all at once. There was a bit of arguing. But I enjoyed the mystery surrounding the Victorian mansion and murder.

I would recommend this to anyone who enjoys cozy library mysteries!

One of my favorites of the series. A Cold Case instead of a fresh murder. This book had such a great plot and storyline with several twists. I was concerned how the story would progress with Lindsey and Sully as a married couple, but I like that they are investigating together. I loved the Edgar Allan Poe references as well. Robby and Emma's relationship seems to be progressing as well.

Now to wait for the next....

4.5 stars rounded down, simply because I rarely give 5 stars

When Lindsey learns that the Dorchester family is donating their extensive book collection to the Briar Creek Library, she is stunned. When she and her staff arrive at the home to sort and start packing the books, they realize what a job it’s going to be. A cat that seems to appear out of nowhere and the discovery of a secret passage leading to a room occupied by a skeleton makes everyone feel uncomfortable in the home. Lindsey’s curiosity compels her to try to figure out who was locked in that room – and who was responsible.

I’ve enjoyed this series since the first book, and this was no exception. This was the first book I listened to (rather than reading it), and I really liked the narrator and felt she did a good job giving different voices to the characters.

Reading one of these books makes me feel like I’m visiting old friends, and I would love to spend time in Briar Creek, browsing the shops I’ve come to know, eat at the Blue Anchor, and join in one of the Crafternoon sessions. It has been fun watching relationships change over the course of the series, and this book introduced some new things to think about.

The mystery in this book was different from many others in the series, but it was still done well. There were several suspects to think about, all of them with motives that were similar but from different points of view. The guilty party was at the top of my list by the time it was revealed, although there were some extra wrinkles that I didn’t anticipate. I’m eager to read (or listen to) the next book in the series to find out what happens next to Lindsey and her friends.