I recently finished reading “Due or Die”, the second book in the cozy Library Lover’s Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay. As an avid reader and library enthusiast myself, I was immediately drawn to the premise of a mystery set in and around a public library. The charming small-town setting of Briar Creek, Connecticut also appealed to me, as I’ve always enjoyed stories that capture the close-knit dynamics of tight-knit communities.
Diving into the book, I was quickly captivated by the character of Lindsey Norris, the spunky library director who finds herself entangled in a murder investigation when her friend Carrie is accused of killing her husband. Lindsey’s loyalty to her friends and determination to uncover the truth, even in the face of a raging nor’easter, immediately endeared her to me. I found myself rooting for her from the very first page.
One of the strengths of “Due or Die”, in my opinion, is the vividly portrayed setting. As a book lover, I absolutely adored the detailed descriptions of the library and the cozy crafternoon club gatherings. It felt like I was right there among the stacks, sipping tea and discussing books with Lindsey and her quirky group of friends. The author’s love for libraries and books shines through on every page, adding an extra layer of delight for bibliophiles like myself.
Another aspect I appreciated was the character development, particularly the relationships between Lindsey and her friends, family, and potential love interests. The budding romance between Lindsey and Sully, the town’s swordsmith, added a sweet and lighthearted touch to the story. As someone who enjoys a bit of romance alongside my mysteries, I found myself invested in their will-they-won’t-they dynamic.
That said, I did find certain elements of the book to be somewhat predictable. As an avid mystery reader, I was able to guess the identity of the killer relatively early on. While this didn’t ruin my enjoyment of the story, I would have appreciated a few more twists and turns to keep me guessing until the very end.
One of the most memorable parts of the book for me was the inclusion of Heathcliff, the adorable abandoned puppy that Lindsey rescues and adopts. As a dog lover myself, I found the puppy subplot to be utterly charming and heartwarming. Heathcliff’s presence added an extra layer of coziness to the already inviting atmosphere of the story.
In terms of writing style, I found Jenn McKinlay’s prose to be engaging and easy to read. Her descriptions are vivid without being overly flowery, and her dialogue feels natural and authentic to each character. As someone who appreciates a well-crafted cozy mystery, I was pleased with the balance of humor, heart, and suspense that McKinlay achieves in her writing.
Reading “Due or Die” also prompted me to reflect on the importance of community and the power of friendships. Lindsey’s unwavering support of Carrie, even in the face of damning evidence, was a poignant reminder of the lengths we go to for the people we care about. It made me appreciate my own circle of friends and the strength we draw from one another in difficult times.
While I thoroughly enjoyed “Due or Die”, I recognize that it may not be everyone’s cup of tea. Readers who prefer grittier, more complex mysteries may find the cozy atmosphere and somewhat predictable plot a bit too lightweight for their tastes. However, for readers like myself who appreciate character-driven stories set in charming locales with a dash of romance and humor, this book is an absolute delight.
In conclusion, I would wholeheartedly recommend “Due or Die” to fellow fans of cozy mysteries, especially those who love books, libraries, and quirky small-town settings. Jenn McKinlay has crafted a warmhearted and engaging story that left me eager to revisit the world of Briar Creek and see what new adventures await Lindsey and her friends. If you’re in the mood for a cozy read that will leave you feeling warm and fuzzy inside, look no further than “Due or Die”.