Death Overdue: A Haunted Library Mystery
By: Allison Brook
Narrated by: Mia Gaskin
Length: 9 hrs and 27 mins
Release date: 10-10-17
Publisher: Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Genre: Amateur Sleuth, Cozy Mystery, Woman Sleuth
My Rating: 4.0 of 5.0 Overall; Story 4.0; Narration 4.0.
Publisher's Summary
For fans of Miranda James and Jenn McKinlay comes an enthralling series debut featuring a librarian who solves mysteries with the help of a ghost in the stacks.
Carrie Singleton is just about done with Clover Ridge, Connecticut until she is offered a job as the head of programs and events at the spooky local library, complete with its own librarian ghost. Her first major event is a program presented by a retired homicide detective, Al Buckley, who claims he knows who murdered Laura Foster, a much-loved part-time library aide who was bludgeoned to death 15 years earlier. As he invites members of the audience to share stories about Laura, he suddenly keels over and dies.
The medical examiner reveals that poison is what did him in, and Carrie feels responsible for having gone forward with the program despite pushback from her director. Driven by guilt, Carrie is determined to discover who murdered the detective, convinced it's the same man who killed Laura all those years ago. Luckily for Carrie, she has a friendly, knowledgeable ghost by her side. But as she questions the shadows surrounding Laura's case, disturbing secrets come to light, and with each step Carrie takes, she gets closer to ending up like Al.
©2017 Allison Brook (P)2017 Blackstone Audio, Inc.
Review:
Librarian Carrie was ready to move out of town when she is offered the job to head the programs and events department. She is surprised to be encouraged to accept the position by the whispers of the (previously) rumored library ghost. Apparently, Carrie, and one child, are the only ones able to see and hear the ghost, Evelyn.
Carrie soon realizes she has to deal with the sabotage of a disgruntled co-librarian who wanted the job. But Carrie is ready to change her work situation, moving from ‘goth’ librarian to a conservatively dressed supervisor. She is also able to find a very attractive cottage at a ridiculously affordable price offered to her by a mysterious man who owns the property and asks her to handle his mail while he is away. Carrie is intrigued by her new landlord but also finds herself being pursued by the son of the 15-year-old murder victim.
One of the first major events is a presentation by the retired detective who has been determined to solve the murder of a beloved library aide 15 years ago. Unfortunately, before he can share his latest information, the detective collapses due to poison. Carrie is sure that the murders are related, and she is determined to investigate even though she is discouraged by the authorities.
The story isn’t particularly exciting, but it is a nice, light cozy mystery. I enjoyed the element of a ghost in the library and the fun ideas that Carrie brings to her event planning. Although the dialogue of the romance interests is a bit awkward, the touch of romance adds a bit of interest to encourage continuing with the series. Which I will do since I have the next two on audible. I think readers who like easy, cozy mysteries would find this story acceptable.
Audio Notes: Mia Gaskin’s voice seems to fit this light female character. She presents the narration in a fashion that makes it an easy listen. I am glad I was able to enjoy this free audio.
Source: 1/23/2021 Audible Plus Catalog. This qualifies for 2022TBR and 2022Audiobook goals.
