Murder at the Lakeside Library (Lakeside Library Mystery #1)

Finished: January 2024
Book Source: Library

In this series debut perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James, Rain Wilmont must discover the killer, before the book closes on her life. 

Rain Wilmont has just returned to her family’s waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain’s corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain’s mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premise.

The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thornton. The town even thought they were having an affair.

While theories swirl about Thornton’s death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn’t careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at Lakeside Library the first in Holly Danvers’ new Lakeside Library mysteries.

Characters

• Rain – moves to her family cabin after the death of her husband
• Julia – long time friend of Rain and neighbor
• Jace – Julia’s brother, officer in the town
• Thornton – found on Rain’s property, murdered; town didn’t really like him

My Review

Murder at the Lakeside Library weaves together small-town life, family secrets, and a touch of romance, making it a perfect read for those who enjoy lighthearted mysteries. The setting of a family’s waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, provides a cozy atmosphere that enhances the overall reading experience.

I enjoyed the blossoming relationship between the protagonist, Rain, and her friend’s brother, Jace. Their dynamic adds an extra layer of warmth and relatability to the plot

While the story excels in creating a comfortable and mysterious atmosphere, the ending and the revelation of the murderer may leave some readers wanting more. The resolution was a bit convoluted, and the identity of the culprit felt a bit rushed. It seemed like the author had to cram as much information into the last chapter as possible.

For those seeking a light and entertaining mystery with a focus on a small-town library, Murder at the Lakeside Library fits the bill. It delivers a satisfying blend of cozy mystery, family drama, and budding romance. Despite a slightly underwhelming resolution, the novel succeeds in providing an enjoyable read set in a cozy lakeside community.

I think that I liked this book more than I normally would. Having read the third book in the series before this one, it was satisfying to see the larger narrative come together and already ‘knowing’ the characters ahead of time.

Click here for my review of Book #3 in the series.