Word to the Wise by @JennMcKinlay ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

I discovered this series this summer when I read A Likely Story. That is book 6 in McKinlay's Library Lovers' Mystery series. Since enjoyed that book I looked at NetGalley to see if McKinlay had any books coming out and discovered book 10 - Word to the Wise. Though I haven't had time to catch up on this series I decide to go ahead and read. And I'm glad I did - it's so enjoyable.

Amazon affiliate links are used on this site. A free book was provided for an honest review.

September 2019; Berkley; 978-0593100035
audio, ebook, print (304 pages); cozy mystery

Some time has passed since book 6 but it didn't feel like a terrible lot of time. There weren't any new characters except for the ones involved in the mystery so I felt like I knew everyone. While Lindsey and Sully weren't together in A Likely Story, you knew they would get together eventually. And in the intervening books that apparently did happen as in this book, they are planning their wedding.

Word to the Wise was an enjoyable, quick read. It was like I was catching up with friends that I hadn't seen in a while. The plot is a bit scarier, but that might be because it a scenario most women fear. A new resident has come into the library seeking information on growing roses. Lindsey helps him find what he needs, but the casual interaction leads to something much more disturbing. He begins to stalk her, and while her staff, friends, and even the police chief believe her, the mayor and his assistant do not. Of course, when the guy winds up dead outside the library Sully is the prime suspect. But was it another victim of his obsession?

As a single woman living alone I have to say the story gave me the creeps. While I've never been the object of anyone's obsession, it could always happen. I like helping people and I have wondered if my helpfulness would be misconstrued. Lindsey has the same worries that many women would have in her situation. He hasn't tried to harm her. Should she take his attention as a compliment like the mayor suggested?

As the main characters are the focus of the mystery, I didn't feel like this one was as lighthearted. But it was still a fun read and there were enjoyable moments like the times with the Craftenooners Club. Again, there is a reading guide, recipe, and craft project included at the end if you want to create your own crafting book club.

Buy Word to the Wise at Amazon

Donna Huber is an avid reader and natural encourager. She is the founder of Girl Who Reads and the author of how-to marketing book Secrets to a Successful Blog Tour.

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