Read It and Weep review

Read It and Weep by Jenn McKinlay is the fourth book in the Library Lovers series. I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for a review and have posted this review on additional sites. I have been in love with this series since the very first book, Books Can Be Deceiving, and it has not disappointed yet!

I have to admit I was a little worried about Read It and Weep as I was so mad at the ending of Book, Line, and Sinker, the third book in the series. I won't give any spoilers in case people haven't read it but I was afraid McKinlay was setting it up for Lindsey to become a pushover. I should have had more faith in McKinlay! While I am not thrilled at the love triangle that is set up in Read It and Weep - really cozy mystery authors, why must you all do this?!?! - Lindsey remained the strong, independent, smart, and funny character I've loved since the beginning.

The mystery part of Read It and Weep was a solid mystery with multiple suspect possibilities until McKinlay put forward the clue that allows Lindsey to figure it out. However, the "twist" wasn't particularly surprising. I suspected the truth from the beginning though perhaps that is what McKinlay wanted.

The best part of this series, besides Lindsey, is the Crafternoon members! McKinlay writes vivid secondary characters that grow with each book and make the world of Briar Creek feel very real and inviting. If it was a real place, I'd go visit! These are solid characters who are loyal to their friends, tease each other, laugh and cry together, and are just generally very authentic.

I also want to give a shout out to whoever - and I don't know who it is - that does the covers for this series. They are always perfect and evoke the feel of the book beautifully.

If you are looking for a solid cozy mystery series and love books, definitely check out the Library Lovers series by McKinlay - you won't be disappointed!

Synopsis

William Shakespeare is credited with inventing how many words?*

Answering Shakespeare trivia comes with the job description for library director Lindsey Norris. But when the Briar Creek Community Theater mounts their newest production of the Bard, she has no intention of leaving the stacks for the stage. Unfortunately a villain is waiting in the wings…

Former Broadway actress Violet La Rue is holding auditions for A Midsummer Night’s Dream—and everyone from the sour spinster librarian Ms. Cole to Lindsey’s youthful library pages are trying out for parts. Brought in to play the mischievous Puck is the flirtatious professional actor Robbie Vine, who seems to have eyes for Lindsey. Before her blush has faded, the Bard’s dream turns into a nightmare—when one of the cast is poisoned. Now Lindsey and her crafternooners must take center stage to unmask the culprit before the final curtain call….

*Over 17,000