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theavidreaderandbibliophile's review
4.0
Word to the Wise is the tenth entertaining installment in A Library Lover’s Mystery series. If you have not read any of the previous books in the series, I do not recommend starting with Word to the Wise. You would be a little lost regarding the characters and their relationships. Jenn McKinlay skillfully tackles the serious topic of stalkers as well as online predators in Word to the Wise. We see how easily a stalker can fool people with their friendliness and lack of threatening demeanor. They are very careful to not break the law and use the law to their benefit. Of course, some people believe Lindsey is overreacting to Aaron Grady’s overtures and that she should be complimented by his attention. Stalking is one of those crimes that is hard to prosecute especially since the law has yet to catch up with disturbing crime. I believe the author accurately portrayed how victims feel and the attitudes of those around them (some are supportive, and others are not). I found Word to the Wise to be well-written and it proceeded along at an even pace. I love the characters in A Library Lover’s Mystery series. Beth Barker, the children’s librarian, is sweet and comes up with creative story hour ideas. She is wearing a bat costume in this book and Beth has some special news to share with her friends. Ms. Cole has changed from the lemon we first met her in Books Can Be Deceiving, and I was surprised by her decision in Word to the Wise. The rest of the Crafternooners are present with Violet and Nancy adding humor. There is an amusing scene between Robbie and Sully that will have you chuckling. The mystery was interesting with a good twist, but it was easily solved (that I found disappointing). Aaron Grady, in my opinion, is the creepiest villain Lindsey and the group has had to deal with to date. Unfortunately, Lindsey’s wedding planning takes a backseat while solving the whodunit. But her friends are ready to help especially with picking the cake flavor (cake for lunch). There is a section at the end that tells you what a crafternoon is and how to host one. I cannot wait for the next A Library Lover’s Mystery for the wedding of Lindsey and Sully. My favorite quote from the book is, “Life is uncertain—eat dessert first.” Word to the Wise has scary stalker, reeking roses, valuable friends, wedding work, a hound named Heathcliff, and one alarmed librarian.
brianne_k's review
4.0
*4.5/5*
Ugh, Aaron was creepy and the realities of men not believing women.
This one was really good.
Ugh, Aaron was creepy and the realities of men not believing women.
This one was really good.
tigger25k's review
5.0
I love this series. Jenn's books always go right to the top of my current reading stack.
kimdavishb's review against another edition
5.0
WORD TO THE WISE, the tenth book in the Library Lover’s Mystery series by Jenn McKinlay, weaves in the creepy issue of stalking into a well-plotted mystery. It’s always a pleasure sitting down and catching up with the characters in this long-enduring series and this new release didn’t disappoint. Protagonist Lindsey Norris is the library director at the Briar Creek Public Library in Connecticut. I so enjoy the interaction she has with her staff, all well-developed characters on their own. Sweet Beth, the children’s librarian, brings lighthearted fun to the story and I admire the close friendship she has with Lindsey. It’s been a pleasure watching the characters grow and develop, especially Mrs. Cole, aka The Lemon.
When the stalker increases his attentions toward Lindsey as she plans her wedding, her friends and co-workers provide support and try to protect her from harm. Ms. McKinlay ups the suspense by portraying the ways people can excuse or dismiss the behavior of stalkers and how it can turn deadly for the victim. Except in this story, the stalker ends up being murdered and Lindsey’s fiancé, Mike Sullivan, becomes a suspect. While the perpetrator wasn’t difficult to guess, there were some twists that kept the book entertaining and kept me turning pages.
One of the fun events included in each of the books in this series is the library’s Crafternoon events: a combination of crafts, book club, and shared food all in one. It’s a time for friends, new and old, to come together and forge stronger bonds. I love how Ms. McKinlay includes a book club list of questions for a book the group reads, directions for a craft, and a couple recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
When the stalker increases his attentions toward Lindsey as she plans her wedding, her friends and co-workers provide support and try to protect her from harm. Ms. McKinlay ups the suspense by portraying the ways people can excuse or dismiss the behavior of stalkers and how it can turn deadly for the victim. Except in this story, the stalker ends up being murdered and Lindsey’s fiancé, Mike Sullivan, becomes a suspect. While the perpetrator wasn’t difficult to guess, there were some twists that kept the book entertaining and kept me turning pages.
One of the fun events included in each of the books in this series is the library’s Crafternoon events: a combination of crafts, book club, and shared food all in one. It’s a time for friends, new and old, to come together and forge stronger bonds. I love how Ms. McKinlay includes a book club list of questions for a book the group reads, directions for a craft, and a couple recipes at the back of the book.
I was provided an advance copy via Netgalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
eustella's review against another edition
4.0
Really enjoyed the latest in this series - I figured out the killer early on but it didn't deter me from enjoying the rest of the book.
malreynolds111's review against another edition
4.0
I enjoy this series. The character of Aaron was extremely creepy. I thoroughly enjoyed the twist at the end. Can't wait to read the next in the series.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received an ARC from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
ametcalf's review against another edition
emotional
funny
mysterious
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
4.0
littletaiko's review
4.0
The thing I like most about the Library Lover's series is that while it's a cozy mystery, the author manages to handle some serious issues. This time there is a library patron who starts stalking Lindsay. However his stalking is done in subtle ways that could just be interpreted as him being nice. When the stalker is murdered, Lindsay's fiancee is at the top of the suspect list. Really good mystery and now I'm almost caught up with the series.
lesliewatwar's review against another edition
4.0
Lindsey has done it yet again! She can never seem to stay away from trouble. This time trouble comes for her in the form of a creepy stalker. While dealing with planning a wedding, Lindsey now has to figure out a way to keep her husband to be out of jail.
You won't be sorry with Word to the Wise because McKinlay continues to keep the series interesting.
Thank you to netgalley
You won't be sorry with Word to the Wise because McKinlay continues to keep the series interesting.
Thank you to netgalley