This is a good cozy mystery, with fun and likeable characters, and a whodunnit that wasn't easy to solve.

When you’re invested in reading a series, particularly a cozy series, each new installment is like reconnecting and catching up with old friends. Even though you may pick up the book for the mystery, the characters and their lives are why you keep coming back. This is a very appealing, well written series and this book is an entertaining addition!

I’m still invested in the The Haunted Library mystery series and this is book #7. Like most cozy mysteries half the fun is to catch up with the regulars although not much changes with them. Carrie Singleton (told from her POV) is over events at the town library. Her friends refer to her as their own Nancy Drew because she solves many of the towns murders. This time there is more than one murder and seemingly they are tied in with art forgeries. Evelyn, the ghost of a deceased librarian, appears at the library only to Carrie. She is a good sounding board for Carrie and a resource for her knowledge of old town gossip or connections. Evelyn doesn’t do anything supernatural to help solve cases. Carrie is the kind of person who people confide in but she isn’t afraid to go out and ask questions herself. And she does manage to have the police on speed dial when she needs them. I’m not sure about the time frame between books but on the personal side Carrie is looking for a venue for her engagement party and wedding to fiancé Dylan. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane for the ARC and I am leaving an honest review. (3.5 Stars)

I am loving this series. This story had some excitement in it. Sometimes we are quick to judge others when we should take a step back. Other times we shouldn’t be so trusting. I think Carrie has one of the best jobs ever and with the bonus of Evelyn. How fun would it be to have her job? Loved this story line and the characters – the good, the bad, and the ugly. I can’t wait to go visit them again. I received this book from NetGalley, but my opinion is my own.

Sometimes, I just need a break from heavy-duty, mind-bending thrillers and gory murders that make up the bulk of my reading matter - and that's when I turn to a trusted cozy mystery series like this one. In particular, I enjoy heroine Carrie Singleton, head of programs and events at the Clover Ridge library, just because she's not the typical cozy airhead who insists on nosing around where her nose (and the rest of her body) has been warned not to go by those in authority. Yes, she's a competent sleuth - aided by her almost-husband, investigator Dylan Avery - but she basically works with the cops, not behind their backs. Then too, she's got a cat; Smoky Joe not only lives with her and Dylan, but is the official library cat. What's not to love about that?

The only thing about this series I don't love is that the library is a haven for ghosts - yep, "real" ones that Carrie sees and talks to with regularity. It's sort of a cute touch, I suppose, but to me it's just a silly distraction. That said, as this begins, new programs are set to begin in the new addition to the library - an old adjacent building that's been renovated. Dylan has gone off to check out a painting that belonged to his recently deceased great-uncle; the plan is that sometime after he returns, he and Carrie will begin making plans to get married. As she and Dylan visit the home of a well-to-do local art collector to pick out some paintings for a library art show, Carrie is taken with the surroundings and wishes the wedding could be held at the opulent house and garden.

But at the library ceremony to show off the new facility, an elderly woman interrupts, claiming that she owns the building and the library has no claim on it - throwing a wrench in the deal. Not long thereafter, Carrie learns that Dylan is in the hospital; it seems that after he picked up his great-uncle's painting, he was mugged and the painting was stolen. Not long after that, the owner of a local art gallery - a woman who seems intent on poaching one of Carrie's best employees from the library - is found in her gallery, quite dead. But with few clues to go on, the suspect list is both highly speculative and almost endless. A couple more murders happen to complicate things, but of course Carrie carries on with help from Dylan and the local police. I had a suspect in mind for about the final third of the book and it turned out I was right, but I admit I'd never have guessed the motive in a million years.

All told, it's another fun adventure that stacks up well with the others I've read (this is the seventh book in the series). Many thanks to the publisher, via NetGalley, for allowing me to read and review a pre-release copy.

Carrie is busy and getting busier. Between searching for the perfect venue to her wedding and her job as events planner at the library, featuring its newly renovated meeting space, she doesn’t have time to add more to her plate. But that’s exactly what happens when one of the town residents is found dead, and her death opens a can of worms that leads to bigger and more dangerous things than anyone could have guessed.

This is another series I’ve been enjoying for years, yet every book makes me more and more envious of the public library in Clover Ridge. At a time when many of the libraries in my area are reducing hours and even cutting some services, it’s hard to fathom a library that can take on such an extravagant renovation, while offering things like art shows and more to its patrons. They must have a stable of generous donors.

I like Carrie and Evelyn, the library ghost, but Evelyn is annoying when Carrie puts other things ahead of whatever investigation Evelyn thinks is more important. Smoky Joe, Carrie’s library cat, is a doll, but another thing that seems unrealistic to me. How do they keep the cat away from patrons who are allergic, or prevent its dander from infiltrating the space? I like the support Carrie gets from her friends and family, and appreciate her concern for the health of her aunt and uncle that is especially evident in this book. I learned a lot about art forgery while reading this book, a theme I’ve run across in several recent reads.

At first, the murder victim appears to have been a well-respected resident of the town, but as the investigation into her death continues, they learn enough about her to compile a lengthy list of potential suspects. Even as the suspect pool is reduced, I still had trouble figuring out the guilty party until just before it was revealed in the book, and the motive was equally puzzling. Despite that, I look forward to reading the next book in the series.

Really enjoyed reading this one. Library, art, mystery and murder. The makings of a great mystery! It is written very well and is a pleasure to read. An absolute must read. Just loved it!

This is a very fun, easy to read cozy-mystery series. It's the second book in the series that I've read (I also read book 6), and I keep meaning to go back and start from the beginning. With how enjoyable the storylines are and how well the writing flows, I really need to actually do it!

Carrie and Dylan have a great relationship, the library location is interesting, the appearance of the ghost to help with clues is neat (though this wasn't very prevalent this time, with a lot of the art theft ring being outside the library). Following a rather large series of clues and characters with this one with the art theft and forgery ring - it's quite a runaround! This book had a few more deaths than I was expecting for a cozy mystery...

Hoping the wedding happens in the next book!

I received an advance copy from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books, and this is my honest feedback.

I gave Overdue or Die by Allison Brook 4 stars

Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé Dylan accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor's home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor's collection.

Then Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. With the assistance of Evelyn, the library ghost; the resident cat, Smoky Joe; and the office manager of Dylan’s private investigation company, Carrie comes up with a suspect list long enough to rival the size of an encyclopedia. During her investigation, Carrie stumbles across a terrible truth: Martha’s murder was part of something far bigger and more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. And it all leads back to the art gallery.

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I have liked all books in the series so far, and this was no exception. A good mystery, likable characters, and it was fun reading about the wedding preparations for the future book(s). I had no clue of whodunit until Carrie found out herself.

Something I like about this book series is that one character is a library ghost. However, I missed her a lot in this book, since she almost didn't have any scenes. I also would have wanted more scenes with Carrie's aunt and uncle, because they are amazing.

Highly recommend this cozy mystery series!

This book comes out 03 Oct.

Thank you, Net Galley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

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I really enjoyed the latest installment in this series! The mix of art forgeries, mobsters, affairs, legal misconduct, and more made for an exciting read. A LOT happened in this storyline but it tied together nicely.

I love the cast of characters in this series, but was sad that Evelyn was barely present in this installment with only the occasional comment here and there.

Looking forward to the next in the series. I can’t wait to see what Carrie, Evelyn and Dylan (and Smokey Joe) get up to next.

Thanks to #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Overdue or Die was another homerun in this series about Carrie and her family and her community. I cannot wait for the next book in the series to be out.

4/5 stars: This is the seventh entry in Brook's Haunted Library Mysteries series, it's a Paranormal Literary Cozy Mystery and takes place in Connecticut, during Thanksgiving. Brook has once again written a mystery that perfectly blends just the right balance of suspects, clues and red herrings that will leave you scratching your head until the last page. Brook's cast of characters are not only well written but incredibly likable. It's so much fun to catch up with Carrie and the library crew including Evelyn, the library ghost and everyone's favorite cat, Smoky Joe. Additionally, it's a joy to see Carrie and Dylan planning their wedding. Be sure to catch up with this great series and pick up book one, Death Overdue.

I received this eARC thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in exchange for an honest review. Publishing dates are subject to change.

Carrie Singleton is really busy in this seventh Haunted Library Mystery. The new wing is opening. She's trying to find a venue for her wedding. She's worried about losing her best assistant to the local art gallery. And she has three murders to solve.

A local art dealer is murdered in her shop which leads to an art forgery ring. Dylan has spotted a forgery at the home of Victor Zalinka who has a wonderful art collection. In fact, he will be showcasing some of his collection in the library's new gallery.

Then an elderly lady with dementia is murdered. She's the same lady who disrupted the dedication ceremony of the new wing by claiming that the building belonged to her. Evelyn, the library ghost, is encouraging Carrie to find her murderer since Evelyn knew and liked her when she was alive.

This story was filled with twists and turns and with lots of suspicious characters who have all sorts of hidden relationships with each other. I like the way Carrie manages to gather clues and share them with the police.

Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode. New readers will find great characters and an interesting plot.

Overdue or Die (The Haunted Library Mysteries, #7) is the seventh installment in Allison Brook's Haunted Library Mysteries series. Amidst planning her wedding, Carrie Singleton faces the task of finding the ideal venue. Yet, her search for a wedding location takes an unexpected turn when a series of murders disrupts her small town tranquility. The first casualty is Martha Mallory, the proprietor of the local art gallery. Prompted by Evelyn, a ghost that frequents the library, Carrie undertakes an investigation into Martha's tragic demise. With assistance from Smoky Joe, the library cat, and her fiancé, Dylan, Carrie compiles a suspect list extensive enough to fill an encyclopedia. As she delves deeper into the enigma, Carrie realizes that Martha's murder is merely a fragment of a larger and treacherous puzzle that revolves around the art gallery. Compounding matters, the evidence suggests the involvement of one of her dearest friends.

In general, I have found this series consistently enjoyable, having read all seven books. Consequently, I can assert that this particular book stands as a solid independent read. Although allusions to prior installments and mysteries exist, I believe that newcomers to the series would encounter no difficulties in immersing themselves in the narrative.

Why then, did I award this story a four-star rating? While my fondness for the series persists, and I eagerly anticipate forthcoming releases, I perceived a slight diminishment of the characteristic vivacity that distinguished the earlier books. I yearn for more substantial narrative progression within the overarching story arc. Beyond the quests for a wedding venue and the selection of an engagement party date for Carrie and Dylan, this book appears to lack significant developments that drive the series forward. While Carrie's uncle commences the story convalescing in the hospital, apart from the necessity of abstaining from sugary desserts, his situation scarcely evolves.

First of all - thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read one of my favorite series before it comes out into the world!

First off - I fell in love with this series and characters via the audiobooks through my local library. Now having read the actual words rather than listening to them, I can confidently say this is a fantastic cozy mystery series!

What makes this one just as good if not better than the rest of the series? It's the established relationships/friendships in the book. Allison Brook does such a fantastic job of setting up all of these relationships in the preceding books, so by the time you get to this one it's like meeting with an old friend. I absolutely adore when an author puts so much care into making YOU (the reader) care about their characters that you can't wait to jump back into their world. That's what happens with these books, you can't wait to jump back in with Carrie and the rest of the gang!

Another thing I love about not just this book but this series? The ghost aspect! This is such a fun added element because the information Carrie is able to glean from her ghost friend(s) makes for such a fun story and some interesting explanations as to why she knows what she does! I have read so many cozies and this has to be one of the most unique twists I have ever read in one!

Overall - in case you couldn't tell - I love this series and feel so lucky to have been able to read the next installment early. If you are looking for a new cozy mystery series this fall this is it! Pick this one up and you won't regret it (since the first book takes place in the Fall)!

Overdue or Die, the 7th book in Allison Brook's Haunted Library Mysteries, is quite the winner. I've been a fan of the author for several years, and this clever whodunit is a clear reason why. The Connecticut setting is vibrant and relaxing, but it offers a cast of characters with seedy backgrounds, prosperous hope for the future, and decades of drama yet to unfold. A witty but secretive ghost in the library leads our resident librarian, Carrie, to seek the killer in another gruesome (for a cozy) series of murders. Carrie's impending nuptials also take center stage, showcasing the wonderful changes in her character ever since settling with her aunt and uncle nearly two years ago. Brook's writing is easy and casual, yet contains great depth to the mystery and a fun sense of paranormal (just the library ghost) which makes the charm even more present. Love the series. Can't wait for more!

Overdue or Die by Allison Brook has Carrie starting to plan her wedding and getting caught in a serious murder investigation with lots of twists and turns.

What does an art gallery owner do to get murdered?

Carrie Singleton and Dylan Avery
Evelyn tasks Carrie Singleton to figure out who would kill Martha Mallory. Martha owns Gallery on the Green with her husband, Ron Mallory. Carrie has been walking on Cloud 9 since she got engaged to Dylan Avery. When Martha was killed, the library ghost Evelyn asked her to investigate it. Carrie has her hands full with all her tasks throughout the story. I have to say that I admire Carrie for working in the library and being able to get her work done. Well, despite other things happening around her.

Dylan Avery is Carrie's fiance, and they are a cute couple together. I love being able to read about them. Dylan has been traveling for work again, which agitates Carrie, but it's all connected to the last book. I have to say that I love how everything ends up getting connected and seeing these two work together.

The Mystery
Carrie Singleton, our sleuth, investigates why Martha Mallory was killed in her art gallery. This opens up a can of worms for Carrie. Carrie finds a web of lies within the art world, allowing her to work with Dylan on this case. However, she keeps finding dead bodies. This brings with them other possible suspects, which makes the list longer. I admit I had a feeling of who did it, and I was right, but wow, did I wish I was wrong just this one time.

Five Stars
I am giving Overdue or Die by Allison Brook five stars and recommend it. The Haunted Library Mysteries series keeps me entertained throughout while reading it. It's such a fantastic series.

I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

Thank you for dropping by! I hope you enjoyed this review of Overdue or Die by Allison Brook.

Until the next time,
Karen the Baroness

If you would like to see other reviews like this one, check out Baroness Book Trove.

This was a nice escape. Carrie and her fiance are trying to plan their wedding in between work and other stuff. Dylan inherits a famous painting, but before he can get it home, he is attacked. Back at home, one of the local art gallery owners is killed in her own store. Dylan notices a forgery in a local collectors home. What is going on? Add to all this, a shady character, a step son to the deceased gallery own is murdered as is a little senile elderly woman. Carrie can't let a good mystery go by so she starts to ask questions. With a little (very little) help from the ghost of the past librarian, Carrie sets out to discover the true killer.

Overdue or Die by Allison Brook is the latest book in the Haunted Library series. Carrie Singleton, who plans the social events at the Clover Ridge library, is starting to plan her wedding. Then one day Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. As usual Carrie gets involved and discovers that Martha may have been involved with some dishonest dealings in the past.

Overdue or Die is a delightful cozy with some fun characters including a library ghost! Besides the interesting mystery, readers are also treated to hearing about the latest events both good and bad which involve Carrie’s friends and family. I have thoroughly enjoyed reading each book in the series and I am looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

An absolute delight.
Carrie & co. are back in full force with a wedding to prepare and mysteries to solve.
I've not been able to put down a single one of Brook's cozy mysteries down and this is no different.