Death on the Shelf: A Haunted Library Mystery

Death on the Shelf by Allison Brook is the 5th A Haunted Library Mystery. Death on the Shelf can be read as a standalone if you are new to the series. I thought Death on the Shelf was well-written with engaging, developed characters. The story moved along at a good pace and the storyline will have you quickly turning the pages. Carrie’s life is in order with a job she loves, good friends, family, and a sweet boyfriend. I love Evelyn, the ghost that inhabits the library. She is a sweetie and helps Carrie with her sleuthing. This time, though, Evelyn needs some assistance in locating a relative. Evelyn’s niece, Michelle needs help and Evelyn believes the girl’s father is the answer. Carrie has her hands full with two murders, locating a missing person, and her job at the library. The mystery had several good suspects along with red herrings. If you pay close attention, you will find the clues needed to solve the crime. There was a twist or two along the way that keep things lively. I love that Dylan, Carrie’s boyfriend, supports her sleuthing as well at Lt. Mathers. The ending was delightful, and it has me looking forward to the next A Haunted Library Mystery. Death on the Shelf is a wild ride with wedding woes, a spirited request, a bothersome brother, curious cousins, a chocolate fountain catastrophe, and an inquisitorial librarian.

I love that the Carrie we first met, is a very different character from the Carrie we see today. She’s become more thoughtful and careful. I love how twisty and tangled the mysteries she gets involved in are. However, I think I just have to accept that for a series that’s supposed to be about a library and its resident ghost, it’s very food-centric. I had a lot of fun with this story. There was plenty going on that kept me from correctly guessing the villain at first, and also provided vast possibilities for a motive. Add to that, I really appreciate that we get to see growth and change in our leading lady. I’m still not completely sold on how much focus is placed on the food in this series, but I look forward to reading more about Carrie, her friends, and her family. I received a complimentary advanced copy of this book through NetGalley.

I have loved this series since the beginning, each one being better than the last! This talented author shares a great setting in Connecticut, where some of our favorite characters work at the library. Reading this is like visiting old friends. There is a light paranormal element, the ghost of a murdered former librarian. It was quite a challenge to guess whodunit. Angela, Carrie’s best friend and co-worker, is getting married in a few days, and they are tying up loose ends. Tommy, Angela’s older brother and in need of a serious attitude adjustment, is in town. He arrived early to find investors for his next movie project and has been speaking with relatives and acquaintances. He made Angela’s childhood miserable with his harassment. One of Angela’s cousins, Donna, provided her home for Angela’s shower. Another cousin, Roxy, will help, as well as the ladies from the library. Donna’s husband Aiden is a personable, highly respected surgeon. Roxy had just divorced her physician husband and Aiden’s best friend. The shower was a success. Carrie and the others met Aiden, who might provide some backing for Tommy’s next movie. Carrie is my favorite. She grew up in unusual circumstances, and with the love of her great uncle and aunt, Bosco and Harriet, made several positive changes in her life, including excelling at her job at the library. Evelyn, the resident ghost, is a delightful lady who can only be seen and heard by Carrie and her cousin’s four-year-old daughter. Carrie has helped solve several murders in town, including Evelyn’s cold case. Many good things have been happening for her, including having good friends, dating a special guy, and her father being back in her life after leaving a life of crime to work to help catch thieves. The mayor wants her to run for a vacant seat on the town council. Evelyn came to Carrie for help. Her brother Harold had been in trouble years ago, disappeared, and was not seen again. Evelyn heard someone talking about Harold’s daughter Michelle, who could use the love of a father. Her husband left with all their money right after she was downsized out of a job. She was extremely depressed, and her neighbor is worried she might do something foolish. Could Carrie possibly find Evelyn’s brother and get him and his daughter in touch? Angela and Steve’s wedding was beautiful, and the reception incredible. Carrie noticed that Aiden acted as if overtired, stumbling and blinking his eyes. Carrie was behind him at the chocolate fountain when Aiden began to fall. He was dead when he hit the floor. The lab tests showed that Aiden was poisoned. The main suspects included his wife, Donna, Tommy, whose movie Aiden decided not to back, and even Roxy, who had set her cap for Aiden and was rebuffed. Angela’s mother begged Carrie to find whodunit, as she couldn’t stand having her family being accused of murder. I had a rotating list of suspects, but when whodunit was revealed, could honestly saw I never saw it coming! There are stunning surprises at the end; I am looking forward to the next one! I highly recommend this, and the rest of the series, to those who enjoy well-written cozy mysteries that include endearing characters, humor, and library settings. From a thankful heart: I received a copy of this novel from the publisher and NetGalley, and this is my honest review.