2 Bloggers 1 Book - Word to the Wise (Library Lovers Mystery #10)

I knew it wouldn't be too long before Stormi and I got to this book when we both received it.  After all, it's a favorite series for both of us.  So read on for my thoughts and then hop over to Stormi's at Books, Movies, Reviews! Oh My! for hers.  

TITLE: Word to the Wise (Library Lover's Mystery #10)

AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay

PUBLISHER: Berkley

PUBLISHING DATE: September 3, 2019

FROM GOODREADS: Lindsey Norris is finally getting married to the man of her dreams--but it's not all roses for Briar Creek's beloved library director, as gardening enthusiast and town newcomer Aaron Grady gives the term "book lover" a whole new meaning. Inappropriate looks and unwelcome late-night visits to Lindsey's house have everyone from the crafternooners to Lindsey's fiancé, Sully, on edge. 

When Grady's dead body is found staged outside the library and all the clues point to Sully, Lindsey knows it's up to her to dig through the hidden chapters of Grady's previous life to find the real culprit and clear Sully's name. But becoming a thorn in the killer's side is not without its consequences, and the closer Lindsey gets to the truth, the more determined the murderer is to make her just a footnote. 

MY THOUGHTS: Most of you are aware that I love this series as well as this author.  It's one of the few series I'm actually current on so that tells you something.  The mysteries are always fun, the small town atmosphere is so quaint that I can see myself living there (even though I vowed to live in a small town after growing up in one) and the characters are awesome.  "Word to the Wise" is a strong addition to the series but I can't say that it was my favorite.

Lindsey and Sully are finally getting married and what should be a happy time is clouded by the appearance of a rose-growing stalker.  This man is more persistent than the most tenacious weed and it's no real surprise, as well as no real loss, when he ends up dead.  Once again Lindsey is thrown into trying to solve a murder to protect those she loves.

I pretty much had the mystery figured out about halfway through the novel but McKinlay still through a twist or two in at the end which kept me on my toes.  The book manages to introduce a few new characters while still showing us plenty of our favorites and I like the direction the next book seems to be heading.  Plus I give the book extra kudos for featuring Lindsey's pooch Heathcliff on the cover.

The only real negative I found in the book is at times it seemed to be pushing feminism too much.  Now I'm all for that as well as equality but it felt almost forced at times and I'm not sure it needed to have such a strong presence in a cozy mystery.

If you haven't picked up this series and you love cozy mysteries, then you are really missing out.  I hope McKinlay has no end in sight for this because this is one series that I am not tired of even though this is the 10th book in the series.

MY RATING: 4 PAWS

COYER CHALLENGE UPDATE: Strong female protagonist