A Lemon in a Santa Suit!

 

TITLE: A Merry Little Murder Plot (Library Lovers #15)

AUTHOR: Jenn McKinlay

PUBLISHER: Berkley

PUBLISHING DATE: October 8, 2024

PAGES: 317   

SOURCE: Library

FROM GOODREADS: During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. To try to spread some Christmas cheer, library director Lindsey Norris invites the new writer in residence to join her crafternoon club. Helen politely refuses and when an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, Lindsey begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason. 

Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town. 

When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before "The End" becomes Helen's final sentence.

MY THOUGHTS: There's a certain feeling you get when you pick up one of your favorite series and immediately feel transported to a town you know and love.  That's how I feel whenever I visit Briar Creek each time McKinlay writes a new installment.  Plus, it says something that I'm still rating books in this series so high given this is number 15.

It's Christmas time and the Lindsay's library is sponsoring a visiting writer, Helen Monroe. However, Lindsay soon starts to believe someone else visiting the town is there to cause Helen some trouble and her feelings are validated when someone ends up being electrocuted by Christmas lights in the town square.  Lindsay and her husband Sulley, along with their pals Robbie and his cop girlfriend, team up to figure out what is going on before Helen goes down for a murder she may have not committed.

This book had quite a few twists and turns and I loved how McKinlay kept me guessing until the very end.  I also loved seeing some of my favorite characters show back up again.  Briar Creek has some truly colorful people living there. I hope the author has plenty more tricks up her sleeves and plans on keeping this series going.  Oh, and the new Mayor and old librarian, Ms. Cole, also known as the "lemon" dresses up like Santa at the end.  Seeing her character development has been a joy.

MY RATING: 5 Paws