Murder Checks Out by Victoria Gilbert ~ a Review

by Donna Huber

Returning to her role as an amateur detective is the last thing library director Amy Muir wants. She’s already buried under an avalanche of responsibilities, including sharing the directorship of the local public library, parenting her holiday-obsessed five-year-old twins, and helping her choreographer husband, Richard, present The Nutcracker as part of the town’s festivities. With her frosty mother-in-law, Fiona, visiting for the holidays, Amy definitely has enough on her Christmas cookie plate.

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

November 2023; Crooked Lane Books; 978-1639105205
ebook, print (272 pages); cozy mystery

I somehow missed the last two books in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. Once I caught up on the fact that at least 5 years had passed since A Deadly Edition (read my review), I had no problems with jumping back into the series with book 8.  Even if you haven't read any books in this series, you shouldn't have any problems starting with this book.

I enjoy this bookish cozy mystery series a lot. I like that Amy uses her librarian research skills to help solve the mysteries and isn't just running around town seeking clues (though when she is out and about and has the opportunity to ask questions, she does). 

Murder Checks Out is also a wonderful seasonal read. I've always wanted to live in a town that had a Christmas or winter market so I enjoyed the little glimpse of Winterfest. Of course, with Amy's husband being a dancer and choreographer it is natural that he and his dance studio partner are staging a production of The Nutcracker. Again we only get a glimpse of the production, but it adds a nice festive feel to the story. Of course, Christmas is always more fun with children and Amy and Richard's five-year-old twins are adorable. 

It is a delightful read even with a murder to solve.

Buy Murder Checks Out 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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