🍂 Larkspur, a small lakeside town in Wisconsin, has lately been suffering from vandalism. Dead bird and egg yolks were found scattered on the road. And it happened just before the upcoming Fall Festival, not mentioning the tourism showcase Mayor Sandra Collins and team have been working very hard to prepare for.
🍂 But that was just the beginning. The next day the mayor was found dead outside the municipal building, amidst graffiti paint. Even worse, it happens just when the reporter, who would do the town profile, arrives. Is it an accident? Or... murder?
🍂 It's a murder alright. Inspector McHenry is handling the investigation, and Miss Greta Plank, the thirty-years-old Larkspur Library Director, isn't supposed to involve in anything concerning the murder. But, how can she do nothing when their beloved town is suffered? Greta is an amateur sleuth, and she has done some sleuthing before (in book one). Despite of McHenry's concerns of her safety, Greta does involve in the case. Suspicious (and often dangerous) things seem to be happening wherever she is. What's happening to this town? Who would do such an unthinkable thing? Is it an outsider's job? Or anyone of the community?
🍂 Though I didn't start from book one, I could immediately feel transported to the Larkspur town from the start, with its warm friendly community vibes. I loved Greta's three supportive girlfriends, and of course, her budding romance with McHenry. I loved the witty banters the two exchanging during their investigation, and McHenry's reliable and protective support to Greta.
🍂 Of the mystery itself, I liked how the suspicion were equally divided over some close suspects - each with few mysterious snippets of action or conversation, which kept the story run along smoothly, until the disappearance of one of Greta's friends. That's when the story changed gear, from a sinister atmosphere to a truly murderous danger.
🍂 All in all, it's an enjoyable, charming, unputdownable cozy mystery - a perfect autumn read! I couldn't guess the murderer; it's a little bit surprising. I loved particularly how the writer made Larkspur, the town, become a unique character in this story. The other characters are believable, like what you'd expect in a small town, where gossips, friendship, and jealousy are bound to surface. It's not difficult to guess that I'd be waiting expectantly for the next book!
Rating: 4,5 / 5
**Mayhem in Circulation (A Larkspur Library Mystery #2) will be published on 5th December 2023.
This does sound like a fun cozy mystery.
ReplyDeleteAnd the amateur sleuth is a president to a library, too! ;)
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