A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert

 A Cryptic Clue

Book Summary

A retired librarian gets back to the books—and into a devilish murder case—in acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s new series, the perfect literary adventure for fans of Kate Carlisle and Jenn McKinlay.

Sixty-year-old Jane Hunter, forced into early retirement from her job as a university librarian, is seeking a new challenge to keep her spirits up and supplement her meager pension. But as she’s about to discover, a retiree’s life can bring new thrills—and new dangers.

Cameron “Cam” Clewe, an eccentric 33-year-old collector, is also seeking something—an archivist to inventory his ever-expanding compendium of rare books and artifacts. Jane’s thrilled to be hired on by Cam and to uncover the secrets of his latest acquisition, a trove of items related to the classic mystery and detective authors. But Jane’s delight is upended when a body is discovered in Cam’s library. The victim, heir to a pharmaceutical fortune, was the last in line of Cam’s failed romances—and now he’s suspect number one.

Cam vows to use his intelligence and deductive skills to clear his name—but with a slight case of agoraphobia, rampant anxiety, and limited social skills, he’ll need some help. It comes down to Jane to exonerate her new boss—but is he truly innocent?

My Thoughts

A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert is the first A Hunter and Clewe Mystery.  We are introduced to Jane Hunter, a sixty-year-old librarian.  I like that she is an older protagonist.  She has been hired by Cameron “Cam” Clewe, a thirty-three-year-old eccentric millionaire (who has more than a few quirks), to catalogue his large collection of books and artifacts.   Cam’s ex-girlfriend is found dead in the library by Jane the day after a party.  Cam, of course, becomes a person of interest.  Jane and Cam team up to find the guilty party.  I found that the story moved along at a slow pace.  It needed an injection of action, intrigue, and suspense.  Cam is a unique character.  I like how Jane helped him.  I have a feeling Cam’s horizons will be broadening in the future. It is a shame that Cam’s father did not appreciate his talents.  Jane is a likeable character.  She is an experienced librarian and knowledgeable about classic mysteries written by women.  The mystery was good.  It was obvious who would die and who would end up at the top of the suspect list.  Cam and Jane are happy to conduct their own investigation.  Witnesses are more than willing to share what they know (very helpful).  There are townspeople who are happy to spill the local gossip.  The whodunit is straightforward.  The red herrings are not convincing.  While it seemed to take years to reach the reveal, the ending seemed rushed.  The story was sadly lacking in humor.  I wanted to enjoy The Cryptic Clue, but I only felt relief when I turned the final page.  

A Cryptic Clue is available from Amazon*.  Victoria Gilbert has Murder Checks Out coming out November 14.  It is the eighth A Blue Ridge Library Mystery.  I am looking forward to Amy's Christmas adventure.  You can find Victoria Gilbert's other novels here.  Thank you for joining me today.  I will return on July 18 with A Hope for Healing by Jo Ann Brown.  It is the fourth novel in the Secrets of Bliss Valley.  I am off to put together a cabinet for my mother's bathroom.  She has enough towels for a family of four and needs a cabinet to store them in (along with all the magazines she keeps in the bathroom).  Hopefully, I will not harm myself putting it together.  I have been accident prone latterly.  I hope that you have an enjoyable weekend.  Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader 

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