Reviews

Word to the Wise by Jenn McKinlay

emilythelibrarian23's review against another edition

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5.0

Library Hardback

git_r_read's review

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5.0

I really like this series and I feel bad that it's been so long since my last visit with Lindsey and Sully, Ms Cole and the library gang. I've not read the series in any kind of order and found that Lindsey and Sully are getting married.
It could easily be a fairly benign cozy but it was much edgier than I expected. Stalking is not to be taken lightly, especially when some weren't taking Lindsey's complaints seriously. "You should take it as a compliment" is not what the victim wants to hear.
Her dismay and growing dread she felt was written really well by Jenn McKinlay. I got a good sense of what Lindsey was feeling as I read.
This was a really good book, especially for my early morning patio reading time. I am going to look at my list to see what I've missed reading in this series and add them to the nightstand for soonest reading.
I can definitely recommend this book, series and author.

cradlow's review

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mysterious

5.0

laurenjodi's review

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4.0

Word to the Wise
4 Stars

Briarcreek librarian, Lindsay Norris, is preparing for her wedding when she becomes the target of an obsessed patron who stalks her at every turn. After her stalker turns up dead on the library doorstep, Lindsay's fiancé, Mike "Sully" Sullivan, is the prime suspect, and Lindsay will do anything to find the real killer.

One cannot fail to notice the strong #MeToo vibes in this installment of the Libary Lover's Mysteries. The tone of the story is noticeably darker and more serious with Lindsay's stalker invading her space, threatening her job, and making her life thoroughly miserable. The appalling reactions of the mayor and Herb only highlight the uphill battle woman (and men) have when trying to rid themselves of these insidious threats.

The mystery itself is rather obvious as the dearth of new characters means that there is only one possible killer. Thus, it is actually the motive that becomes the focus, and it is interesting albeit rather convoluted.

In sum, this is one of the more intense books in the series and the temporary change in tone was satisfying overall.

justkeyreads's review against another edition

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emotional lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0

This one Lindsey has a stalker and we spotlight on sexual harassment that women have to go through from men. We also see the relationship between Lindsey and Sully progress even more.

peggyemi's review against another edition

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4.0

I binged this series earlier this year to catch up so I would be ready when this book came out. I was fortunate enough to be approved for an ARC through Edelweiss. I think this book has to be one of my favorites in the series. It is fast-paced and will keep the reader engaged from start to finish. In this 10th book, the reader finds Lindsey and Sully preparing for their winter wedding. However, as usually happens in this series, a wrench is thrown into their plans by a new resident who becomes a stalker and Lindsey is his target. The characters in this series are well developed by this point and all very likable. I love how diverse they are in age, experience, and background. They make a terrific group and complement each other in various ways just when it is needed the most. I like the relationship between Sully and Lindsey. He is protective without being cloying and he gives Lindsey advice without coming across as controlling but rather just a man looking out for the woman he loves. I even liked how the author had developed the friendship between Sully and Robbie.

I thought the mystery in the book was excellent. Lindsey's stalker is found murdered outside the library and Sully is the prime suspect. There are plenty of twists and turns throughout the story to keep the reader guessing as to the identity or identities of the killer. I also appreciate that Lindsey is one of those characters who doesn't go, rogue when investigating. She is level-headed and keeps the chief of police informed along the way.

This is a terrific series and I am looking forward to more to come. I voluntarily read a digital ARC provided to me by the publisher through Edelweiss.

crystenaq's review

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4.0

Solid entry to the series. Pretty straight forward mystery that kept me engaged. Love the characters! Looking forward to the next one.

kristenlcoates's review against another edition

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dark funny fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Plot
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes

4.0

mbedrosian's review against another edition

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funny lighthearted mysterious fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? Character
  • Strong character development? It's complicated
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.0

rants_n_reads's review against another edition

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emotional funny lighthearted mysterious medium-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? No
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? No

4.0