As I sit here, curled up in my favorite armchair with a steaming cup of tea, I can’t help but reflect on the delightful journey I’ve just completed through the pages of Jenn McKinlay’s “Better Late Than Never.” It’s been a while since I’ve indulged in a cozy mystery, and this book reminded me why I fell in love with the genre in the first place.
I stumbled upon this gem quite by accident. During a recent visit to my local library, I overheard two patrons animatedly discussing a book about a librarian solving a cold case. As a lifelong bookworm and mystery enthusiast, my ears perked up immediately. When I asked the librarian about it, she pointed me towards McKinlay’s Library Lover’s Mystery series, and I knew I had to give it a try.
From the moment I cracked open “Better Late Than Never,” I was hooked. The premise is ingenious – a long-overdue book returned on amnesty day leads to the reopening of a 20-year-old murder case. As someone who’s always daydreamed about uncovering hidden secrets in dusty old books, this plot spoke to my inner Nancy Drew.
McKinlay’s protagonist, Lindsay Norris, is a character I instantly connected with. Her passion for books, her dedication to her job as a library director, and her natural curiosity make her incredibly relatable. I found myself nodding along as she navigated the challenges of running a small-town library while being drawn deeper into the mystery of Candice Whitley’s murder.
One of the book’s greatest strengths is how seamlessly McKinlay weaves the mystery into the day-to-day operations of the library. As Lindsay investigates, we get a behind-the-scenes look at library events, collection management, and community outreach. It’s clear that McKinlay has done her research, and as someone who’s always been fascinated by the inner workings of libraries, I found these details absolutely captivating.
The supporting cast of characters is equally well-developed. From Lindsay’s charming boat captain boyfriend to her feisty colleague Beth, each character feels like a real person you might meet in your own small town. I particularly enjoyed the dynamics between Lindsay and the local police chief – their banter and reluctant cooperation added both humor and tension to the story.
However, I will say that at times, the large cast of characters from previous books in the series could be a bit overwhelming. As a newcomer to the series, I occasionally felt like I was missing some backstory. But McKinlay does an admirable job of providing enough context that I never felt completely lost.
The mystery itself is well-crafted, with plenty of red herrings and unexpected twists. I pride myself on being able to solve mysteries before the protagonist, but “Better Late Than Never” kept me guessing until the very end. The way McKinlay ties the past and present together is masterful, and the resolution left me feeling both satisfied and a little emotional.
One passage that particularly stuck with me was when Lindsay reflects on the power of books to connect people across time and space. She says, “That’s the magic of libraries, isn’t it? We’re not just storing books; we’re preserving memories, dreams, and lives between these pages.” This sentiment resonated deeply with me and reminded me of why I love reading so much.
McKinlay’s writing style is engaging and accessible, with a perfect balance of description and dialogue. Her prose flows smoothly, making it easy to lose yourself in the story. I particularly appreciated her ability to inject humor into tense situations without undermining the gravity of the murder mystery.
As I turned the final page, I found myself reflecting on the themes of justice, closure, and the lasting impact of our actions. The book made me think about the secrets we all carry and how the past can ripple into the present in unexpected ways. It also rekindled my appreciation for libraries and the vital role they play in our communities.
Would I recommend “Better Late Than Never” to others? Absolutely, and without hesitation. It’s the perfect read for anyone who loves a good mystery, appreciates libraries, or simply enjoys a well-told story with heart. I’ve already ordered the previous books in the series and can’t wait to dive back into the world of Briar Creek.
In fact, I’m planning to suggest it for my book club next month. I can already imagine the lively discussions we’ll have about cold cases, library funding, and whether any of us have any shamefully overdue books hiding at home.
As I close this review, I’m filled with a warm sense of satisfaction – the kind that comes from discovering a new favorite author. Jenn McKinlay’s “Better Late Than Never” may have been my first foray into the Library Lover’s Mystery series, but it certainly won’t be my last. Now, if you’ll excuse me, I have some library fines to pay and a whole series to catch up on!