As I sit here, sipping my coffee and reflecting on the latest book I’ve just finished, I can’t help but feel a mix of emotions. “On Borrowed Time” by Jenn McKinlay has been quite the journey, and I’m excited to share my thoughts with you.
Let me start by saying that I stumbled upon this book quite by accident. I was browsing through the library’s mystery section, looking for something light and entertaining to read during my weekend getaway to the beach. The colorful cover caught my eye, and when I realized it was part of a series about a librarian solving mysteries, I was instantly intrigued. As someone who’s always harbored a secret fantasy of being a detective (while surrounded by books, of course), this seemed like the perfect escape.
From the first few pages, I was drawn into the world of Lindsey Norris, our protagonist librarian in a quaint Connecticut coastal town. The story kicks off with a bang – Lindsey’s brother shows up unexpectedly and then vanishes, followed by the discovery of a dead body in the library. Talk about a plot that grabs you! I found myself completely engrossed, eager to unravel the mystery alongside Lindsey.
One of the things I absolutely loved about this book was the authentic portrayal of small-town life. As someone who grew up in a tight-knit community, I could relate to the dynamics between the characters. The crafternoon meetings, in particular, reminded me of my aunt’s knitting circle – full of gossip, support, and the occasional drama. McKinlay has a knack for creating a sense of place that feels real and lived-in.
However, I must admit that there were moments when the plot felt a bit far-fetched. The connection between Lindsey’s brother’s disappearance and the murder, intertwined with white-collar crimes and the coffee business, sometimes stretched my suspension of disbelief. There were instances where I found myself thinking, “Would this really happen in a small town library?” But then again, isn’t that part of the charm of cozy mysteries?
One aspect that kept me thoroughly entertained was Lindsey’s quick wit and the sarcastic quips from other characters. There’s a particular exchange between Lindsey and her potential love interest, Sully, that had me laughing out loud. Their banter felt natural and added a layer of lightness to the otherwise serious plot. It reminded me of conversations with my own friends, full of playful jabs and inside jokes.
Speaking of love interests, the love triangle subplot was a bit of a mixed bag for me. On one hand, it added an extra layer of tension and kept me guessing about Lindsey’s romantic future. On the other hand, there were moments when the male characters’ behavior seemed a bit immature, especially given their professions. I found myself wanting to shake some sense into them at times!
One of the unexpected delights of this book was the educational elements woven into the story. I never thought I’d learn so much about white-collar crimes and the coffee business from a cozy mystery! There’s a particular scene where Lindsey explains the intricacies of a financial scheme that left me feeling both informed and slightly paranoid about my own investments.
McKinlay’s writing style is engaging and easy to follow. Her descriptions of the library and the town made me feel like I was right there, browsing the shelves or walking along the coastal streets. However, there were a few instances where the pacing felt a bit off – some scenes seemed to drag, while others rushed by too quickly.
What I appreciated most about this book was how it made me reflect on the role of libraries in our communities. Through Lindsey’s dedication to her job and her patrons, I was reminded of the importance of these institutions as more than just repositories of books, but as community hubs and safe spaces for learning and connection.
After finishing “On Borrowed Time,” I found myself with a renewed appreciation for librarians and the work they do. It also sparked a desire in me to get more involved in my local library’s activities. Who knows, maybe I’ll even join a crafternoon group!
Would I recommend this book to others? Yes, with a few caveats. If you’re a fan of cozy mysteries, enjoy small-town settings, and don’t mind a bit of romantic drama mixed in with your whodunits, then you’ll likely find this an entertaining read. It’s perfect for a lazy weekend or a beach day when you want something engaging but not too heavy.
However, if you’re looking for a gritty, realistic crime novel, this might not be your cup of tea (or coffee, given the book’s subplot). The charm of “On Borrowed Time” lies in its blend of mystery, humor, and community spirit, rather than in hard-hitting detective work.
In conclusion, while “On Borrowed Time” may not be a literary masterpiece, it’s a fun, cozy read that left me with a smile on my face and a desire to visit my local library. And really, isn’t that what a good book should do – entertain us and inspire us in equal measure? Now, if you’ll excuse me, I think I hear a crafternoon group calling my name!