Read and Gone: A Haunted Library Mystery

Brook’s workmanlike sequel to 2017’s Death Overdue finds Carrie Singleton, the head of programs and events at the Clover Ridge, Conn., public library, “deliriously happy” with the love of her life, Dylan Avery, who works “as an investigative investigator” for an insurance company that recovers stolen art and jewelry. Her joy turns to dismay with the unexpected arrival of Jim Singleton, her estranged father and a professional thief. Jim asks her to set up a meeting between himself and Benton Parr, owner of the local jewelry store. Years earlier, Benton and Jim stole $7 million worth of loose stones, and Benton failed to divvy up the loot with Jim. Benton ends up dead, and soon the race is on to recover the stolen gems. The ghost of former library aide Evelyn Havers, to whom Carrie occasionally confides her troubles and suspicions, does little more than lend a sympathetic ear. Cozy fans who don’t mind a lack of deductive reasoning will be satisfied. [em]Agent: Dawn Dowdle, Blue Ridge Literary Agent. (Sept.) [/em]