A Lakeside Library Mystery: Murder at the Lakeside Library: A Lakeside Library Mystery (Hardcover)

Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers has Rain Wilmot, a recent widow, arriving at her familys lakeside cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin looking for time alone to relax and read. She discovers that her mother forgot to mention that she has been operating a library during the summer for the residents and Rain is expected to fill her place. Before Rain can absorb the news, a body is found by the outhouse. It belongs to Thornton Hughes who was rumored to have been having an affair with Rains mother, Willow the previous summer. When Rain learns her father may be in town, she is worried that he will be a suspect. Rain with help from her childhood friend, Julia begins digging into Thorntons life looking for suspects. Murder at the Lakeside Library is the debut of A Lakeside Library Mystery series. There are beautiful descriptions of the Wisconsins Northwoods. I especially enjoy reading about Rains family cabin and library (what booklover would not love a library attached to their home). I would have liked to learn more about Rain Wilmot. We are given a brief history along with what has her returning the Lofty Pines after a long absence. The Lakers are a friendly bunch. They are quick to lend a helping hand such as cutting a neighbors lawn, bringing over treats, picking up tab for meal, and holding impromptu barbecues. I liked Julie, Rains childhood friend and neighbor. She is a friendly woman and something of a free spirit. The mystery plays out slowly over the course of the book. I wish it had been little peppier with less repetition. The investigation is a little scattered like Rains thoughts. I did feel the ending was rushed as we are finally given all the details. I was not a fan of all the internal dialogue and the numerous descriptions of what peoples hands were doing (I wonder if the author talks with her hands). The repetition was too much. I found myself skimming past these rehashed details. I am curious to see what happen next in Lofty Pines. I have a feeling that Rain is not going to get the quiet time she desired. Murder at the Lakeside Library is a blithe cozy mystery with a lakeside library, a curious corpse, a firm friend, uncertain rumors, and a boatload of books.