Death on the Books by Victoria Gilbert

 Death on the Books

Book Summary

A sleuthing library director is on the case when a patron drops dead in the tenth installment of Victoria Gilbert’s critically acclaimed Blue Ridge Library mysteries.

When a stranger falls over dead in the Taylorsford Public Library, clutching a crumpled piece of paper inscribed only with the words hen and sapphire, Library Director Amy Muir must once again investigate. She soon learns that the man is the personal assistant to Warren Sanderson, an art collector and dealer who just so happens to be visiting Kurt Kendrick, the godfather of Amy’s twins.

When the autopsy reveals that the library patron was poisoned, suspicion falls on those who knew him—mainly Sanderson, his granddaughter Heather, and Kurt. Determined to get to the bottom of the mystery, Amy digs into the contentious relationships between Kurt and the Sandersons. But as it turns out, suspects abound, and when Amy’s best friend’s boyfriend is implicated, the case becomes even more complicated.

Amy’s research ties the dead man’s note to a lost treasure of the Romanov empire. Then another person falls victim. With the bodies piling up, Amy knows better than anyone that killers often keep killing until they’re caught, and she’ll stop at nothing to get to the bottom of this tangled mystery.

My Thoughts

Victoria Gilbert’s Death on the Books opens with exactly the kind of library-side trouble cozy mystery fans love: another body drops in front of Amy Muir at the Taylorsford Public Library. I enjoy the characters in this series, and after the five-year jump, it feels like things are back on track. Amy’s twins, Ella and Nicky, bring plenty of energy to the story, with the kind of sibling bickering that feels true to life. The mystery itself kept me engaged, with plenty of twists, turns, red herrings, and clues to sort through. The missing Fabergé egg and hidden clues added extra intrigue, and I was especially glad to see Amy acting with more caution than she has in some previous books. As the tenth entry in A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series, Death on the Books is best enjoyed in order—and for longtime readers, it offers a cozy, clue-filled return to Taylorsford.

Death on the Books is available now on Amazon, along with the rest of Victoria Gilbert’s delightful Blue Ridge Mystery series. Be sure to follow Victoria on Amazon so you’ll get a friendly heads-up whenever a new cozy mystery hits the shelves. And don’t forget to swing back by on Wednesday, August 12, when I’ll be featuring The Amish Widower’s Dilemma by Christina Rich. Until then, keep your teacup full and your sleuthing instincts sharp!

Kris

The Avid Reader

*I voluntarily read an advanced copy of this book.  I am not required to leave a review.  The comments and opinions expressed are strictly my own.