Checked out for Murder A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook

I received a digital advanced reader’s copy of Sugar and Vice from NetGalley. This review may contain minor spoilers. 

Carrie Singleton finds herself involved in a murder mystery again. In the 4th Haunted Library Mystery Series by Allison Brook Carrie tries to solve not one but three murders! Carrie is the head of programs and events at a library in Clover Ridge. Her friends and family want her to solve the recent murders. 

Carrie relies on tips from Evelyn, the ghost of a former librarian that only Carrie and her cousin can see. The unlikely pair are friends. Evelyn pops up at the Library to consult with Carrie over the most recent murder. Evelyn urges Carrie to solve the murder and gives her clues to help aid Carries investigation. Carrie’s unusual source of tips and information is very helpful to her this time. As one murder Carrie had to solve happened a long time ago.

Carrie has recently met Daphne, a local psychic, through her job. Carrie is under a lot of stress and sees Daphne as a new friend/distraction and spends time with her. When Daphne is murdered Carrie is trying to stay out of it to make Dylan her boyfriend and friend Lieutenant John Mathers happy. They feel concern for Carries safety as when Carrie investigates a murder it puts her in danger. However, Carries personal trainer Billy, who is Daphnes long-lost brother who wants Carrie to solve the murder.

To add to the drama Carries estranged mother Brianne and stepfather Tom show up to film a movie. Tom is co-starring in a movie that is being filmed in Clover Ridge. Brianne has a penchant for being overly dramatic, and Carrie soon finds herself dragged into her mother's marital issues. Mainly issues caused by Tom’s ex-finance and current co-star Ilana Reingold. Ilana wants Tom back and her behavior makes Carries mother Breanne crazy. Poor Carrie has her hands full trying to solve three murders and babysit her mother.

Overall, I like the Haunted Library Mystery Series. I love themed cozies, and a haunted library is perfect. Believe it or not, the ghost of Evelyn is believable and is subtle. You will not find yourself immersed in a story about a ghost that makes it hard to suspend disbelief. 

However, I felt Carrie was stretched too thin and had much to contend with, like having to solve three murders, handle her mother’s drama, and keep Evelyn and Smoky Joe (her cat) happy. Not to mention she is trying to spend time with her boyfriend Dylan.

My real problem was in a previous book we dealt with Carrie’s dad being involved with a murder. Another book where Carrie’s parent was involved in a murder Carrie must solve was a little too soon in the series. It was bad enough Carrie was dragged into the middle of Brianne and Tom’s marital woes. 

I felt bad for Carrie because the killer was a nobody in terms of the story/series. It made the murder harder to solve for me as a reader. It made no sense. Despite the suspense of disbelief, this killer came from left field. I dislike coming out of a killer reveal thinking what just happened here? The killer did not feel right. Seriously. It made little sense. Once you read the book you will get it. So I rated Checked out for Murder by Allison Brook four out of five stars on Goodreads. 

Although I felt there was too much going in Carries personal life and the killer made no sense, I still liked the Checked out for Murder. It was a welcome distraction, which is why I gave it a good rating. 

Have you read any of the Haunted Library Mysteries yet? If so, comment below.