Review: Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook

Kerry Hammond is here today to give us her review of the third book in a haunted cozy mystery series.

Buried in the Stacks by Allison Brook was published on September 10, in Hardcover, by Crooked Lane Books. It’s the 3^rd book in the Haunted Library Mystery series featuring librarian Carrie Singleton and her library cat Smokey Joe. I’m always game for a cozy mystery set in a library so I decided to jump right in with book three to check it out. Besides, you had me at library cat.

In Buried in the Stacks, Carrie is pining for her boyfriend, Dylan, who is out of town investigating art theft. As much as she misses him, her job as a librarian has been keeping her busy. Several homeless people have taken to seeking refuge in the library, and unfortunately some of them are causing disruptions. Adding to that, her boss has asked her to take on the role of Sunshine Delegate, whose job it is to send good wishes to sick employees. Her first recipient is none other than her least favorite colleague, Dorothy, a woman who has caused Carrie a lot of trouble in the past. Dorothy has had a slip and fall at the supermarket and is laid up in the hospital.

Carrie does her duty and Dorothy is soon released from the hospital. She seems to be on the mend when, just a few days later, someone runs her off the road and the police find themselves investigating a murder. Dorothy’s penchant for blackmail is soon uncovered and the pool of suspects is a mile long. Carrie once again sticks her nose into police business and starts investigating Dorothy’s murder. In her defense, it’s at the insistence of Evelyn, Dorothy’s aunt. Evelyn died a few years back and her ghost lives at the library. Carrie and her young niece are the only ones who can see her.

It sounds like a lot to follow but the story flowed very smoothly. I liked the characters and had no problem with the fact that Evelyn appeared now and then to communicate with Carrie. The murder couldn’t have happened to a more deserving person, and I enjoyed following along with Carrie as she looked into all the suspects. This is a fun series and an enjoyable read.

This book was provided to Mystery Playground by the publisher. The review was fair and completely independent.

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