The Library Murders (Flora Steele #8) by Merryn Allingham

The Library Murders (Flora Steele #8) Reviews

• 
  Phrynne

  This is the eighth book in the Flora Steele Mystery series.
  
  A Crime Writers Conference is taking place in the village of Abbeymead and Jack and Flora are both involved, Jack as an organiser and Flora selling books. Not one but two murders set the scene for our pair of sleuths to begin investigating.
  
  It is a good story with plenty of suspects and a nice, calm, 195o's feel to it. No mobile phones or computers always tend to make crime investigations more relaxed. I am hoping the author soon runs out of ways to keep our two main characters unmarried though. They seemed to work very independently in this book, and I wanted to see them communicating more.
  
  Maybe a wedding in the next book???
  
  Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
• 
  Lady Clementina ffinch-ffarowmore

  In The Library Murders, author Merryn Allingham once again brings readers a charming 1950s cosy (though there is some blood involved), with a mystery that keeps one guessing, a bookish backdrop and a chance to meet or catch up with the residents of Abbeymead, old and new!
  
  In their eighth adventure, bookshop-owner Flora Steele and her partner in crime solving and now life, mystery writer Jack Carrington are back in their Sussex village of Abbeymead (after their trip to France in their last outing). Here Jack has been roped into helping organise a mystery writers’ conference by Basil Webb, who runs the Dirk and Dagger society. Many eminent crime writers are on the list of speakers and Flora has been invited to set up a stall selling their bestsellers and new releases while the mobile library in the charge of Maud Frobisher, an old friend of Flora’s aunt Violet, will also be present at the venue for those who can’t afford to buy. But the conference has not even opened when Flora makes a chilling discovery, Maud Frobisher killed in cold blood in her van and a man standing beside her with the murder weapon (a very heavy and very bloody Tolkein trilogy, of all things). She is shocked to see that this is Lowell Gracey, an old friend she knew back in college and who was also a friend of Richard, her former boyfriend. Lowell, a chemist, turns out surprisingly to have been working for Maud. And she had with her a first edition Dickens saved up for auction—a book that’s now gone missing.
  
  There is much that is suspicious around Lowell and Inspector Alan Ridley is quick to take him into custody but Flora is not convinced Lowell could be a killer whatever the circumstances may be. Jack on the other hand, perhaps a tad jealous on account of the old friendship isn’t initially keen to help, but soon enough both begin to look into the matter. Lowell was in need of money and had argued with Maud on the day of the murder but it emerges that there are others at or connected with the conference who may have had motive as well—Rose Lawson, a divorcee who has just moved into the village and is in dire straits, Basil Webb the conference organiser himself, and crime writer Felix Wingrave known to go to any lengths to get his hands on a first edition, being among them. But who actually did it?
  
  Alongside, we follow the developments in the village with Flora and Jack’s wedding upcoming (postponed for the conference in fact), a stranger visiting Flora as also the minor tensions that arise between Flora and Jack when they are not quite communicative with each other. Flora’s friends Alice and Kate are excited about the wedding and trying to make preparations while Charlie Teague, Jack’s errand boy is growing up and turning to new ventures.
  
  The Library Murders turned out as delightful a read as I’d expected and I had fun with it all through. While the Flora Steele books generally have plenty to do with books (with Flora’s shop and often a reference or two to the new releases of the time, plus Jack as a writer), this one did even more so with a book as the murder weapon, a stolen first edition, crime writers (published and aspiring) and agents all over the village and even connections with book collectors and speciality book stores. This was something I particularly loved.
  
  As always, I was also pleased to follow along the developments in the village and Flora and Jack’s relationship; the former seeing some changes, for instance in the life of her friend Sally who runs the Priory hotel and young Charlie who’s exhibiting some surprising talents besides of course the excitement around Flora and Jack’s wedding. There are also developments in both Flora and Jack’s lives with unexpected offers coming to each and while a slight disconnect does arise between them, things are mended soon as well. Each time I read one of these books, especially the ones set in Abbeymead, it feels like I’m catching up with news about old friends and acquaintances—and some of the gossip too (incidentally, village gossip or at least that of Flora’s little group of friends provides our sleuths some useful information as well).
  
  The mystery in this instalment was nicely done with developments and a solution I did not see coming. There are plenty of people on whom suspicion falls at one point or other (each of whom has things to hide and possible motive) giving us many possibles to ponder over. This time around, that second body (of course there is one) took me completely by surprise as I neither expected it to turn up when it did, nor did I guess at who it could have possibly been right till the reveal. While by the time of the denouement, one does manage to work out the solution to an extent, there is still a little surprise waiting for us.
  
  I can’t wait to see what mystery faces our sleuths next; their wedding is something to look forward to as well, but I do hope the body doesn’t turn up amidst it!
  
• 
  Brenda

  With a crime festival running over a few days, a few authors giving talks and Flora with a stand of books from All's Well, Jack - as one of the organisers - and Flora were looking forward to the event. When she went to the library bus before the festival opened, to give her Aunt Violet's good friend, Maud Frobisher, a gift for her retirement, Flora was shocked and horrified to find Maud lying in a heap, her safe door wide open. Maud was dead and a man Flora hadn't seen in many years was standing over her with a blood stained book in his hands.
  
  Alan Ridley, local area policeman, was soon on the scene and was immediately sure he had an open and shut case. But Flora wasn't so sure, and it wasn't long before Jack came to her way of thinking. Jack and Flora had postponed their wedding because of the crime festival, now to take place in October. So between the two of the amateur sleuths, they were determined to find Maud's killer. When another body was discovered, they knew there was much more to find...
  
  
  The Library Murders is the 8th in the Flora Steele Mystery series by
  Merryn Allingham and it was entertaining. Flora and Jack always manage to get themselves elbow deep in trouble and this one was a beauty! With a storyline of books and libraries, what more could a reader want! Recommended.
  
  With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Robin Loves Reading

  Bookstore owner Flora Steele already has a full schedule with an upcoming event. It is a Crime Writers' Conference and Flora hopes to sell books during the event. However, she takes time away as she plans on delivering a gift to retiring librarian Maud Frobisher. As Flora approaches the library where Maud works, things do not look right. In fact, it does not take Flora long to realize what happened. Jack, Flora's fiancé Jack, a crime writer, will also be at the conference.
  
  Not only does Flora see a man standing rather close to Maud's body, she sees that he is holding something that clearly has blood on it. Putting two and two together, Flora is certain that she has run into the murderer.
  
  Flora and Jack live in the small village of Abbeymead and they are no strangers to nefarious activities. It is always fun to see Flora diving in headfirst while Jack tries to show more restraint, even when danger plays a huge role.
  
  It is hard to believe that The Library Murders is the eighth book in the delightful Flora Steele cozy mystery series. Having read and enjoyed all of the previous books in the series, I am glad to say that the stories are fresh, the characters are well-written and there is always a fair amount of intrigue. Meanwhile, Flora and Jack's wedding is coming up, albeit delayed by the conference. Many fans like me are eager for book nine so that we can see if the wedding will soon take place.
  
  Many thanks to Bookouture and to NetGalley for this book for review. This is my honest opinion.
• 
  June Price

  1958. A year of change for many, including Flora and Jack. Elvis is joining the army and the top song on the charts is "All I Have to Do Is Dream". Being involved in a murder mystery conference wasn't on either Flora or Jack's pre-wedding must-do list but, well, there they are. Oddly enough, Jack, a known mystery author, isn't involved, but is lending a hand as needed. Flora is busy with the sales booth outside the conference speaker's room selling books. They're making the best of the situation, even as murder intrudes.
  
  I've really come to enjoy my time in Abbeymead with Flora and Jack. Flora maintains her independent streak, of course, and is late getting to the conference after deciding to drop off a gift to Maud, a friend running the book mobile at the conference. Unfortunately, she finds her old friend dead. Standing near her, with a bloody book in hand, is another old friend, this time from her college days. A rare and valuable copy of a book Maud was proudly showing off is missing. Jack arrives to see what's keeping Flora and notifies the police. And, that's where the story really begins.
  
  I've come to like both Flora and Jack although, go figure, it took me longer to warm up to Flora than Jack. That may be due to Jack's steadfast devotion and support as well as the fact Flora seems to have mellowed a bit since finding some answers to her own family mysteries. They alternate narratives at times, so we get a first-hand look at what each is thinking and experiencing as the story progresses. Flora has a bit more to discover about family secrets, btw, though you're just going to have to read the book to find out what those secrets are. Why is she keeping it a secret from Jack, though? Will it cause a rift between them this close to the wedding?
  
  As for the murder, there are plenty of suspects and viable red herrings. Maud didn't seem the type to have enemies but, well, that book was quite valuable. Could the money problems of the conference organizer have lead him to commit murder to steal the book? Or, uh-oh, how about Flora's temporary book store help? She was late that morning and came from the wrong direction, after all. And, there's that mysterious package. Did it contain the book? And, just to complicate things, why a second murder? Are the murders related? Did someone at the conference snap and commit murder? Will Flora or Jack....oh, never mind. Enough teasers. Read the book. You'll enjoy the characters and historical time setting. I mean, Jack's telephone is still a novelty and Flora rides her trusty bicycle everywhere, a sign of simpler times. Thanks #NetGalley and #Bookouture for letting me have this sneak peek back into the times of Flora and Jack.
• 
  Michaela

  I couldn´t really get warm with this book, obviously the eighth in the series. Explanation of the events having happened in the other books are explained person-wise, but at first it was irritating. Flora and Jack are the couple that investigate on their own. On the one hand they don´t seem like they are in love or would want to marry, on the other hand it´s a black-and-white description of the police who only keep to one suspect and the couple plus friend who are more intelligent than them. The setting is good but not very well written, I couldn´t get into the feeling.
  Thanks to Bookouture and Netgalley for a free ebook in exchange for an honest review.
• 
  Márcia Brilhante

  The Library Murders is the newest book of Flora Steele Mysteries Serie and it’s a page turner book full of realistic characters, secrets, and intrigue. This book takes place in the summer of 1958 and follows Flora – the bookshop owner - and Jack – crime writer - in the midst of a murder investigation.
  
  The setting was quite nice, English countryside in the 1950’s and the twists and turns was quite entertaining. I felt like this book is a cozy mystery one, that made me feel relaxed while unraveling a murder investigation.
  
  This was the first book I read in this series but I’ll be reading the rest of them because it was such a wonderful cozy mystery story, with a great pace and well written in such a cozy little setting.
  
  Thank you, Bookouture & NetGalley, for approving me to read this arc and write this review.
• 
  Chautona Havig

  I love this series so much, but this one totally annoyed me at times. Seriously, Flora and Jack need to be shaken sometimes. Grow up. They both play childish games with each other when one or the other doesn't like what the other does. Grr...
  
  That said, this was a great mystery. There was one aspect I totally should have gotten and totally missed. LOVED that. Now... to drum my fingers until the next.
  
• 
  Annarella

  The novels in this seres are one better than the previous as there a sense of passing of time in the evolution of the characters and the historical facts.
  Flora and Jack grew on me boook by book and I loved how they investigated in this solid mystery
  Highly recommended.
  Many thanks to the publisher for this ARC, all opinions are mine
• 
  Marygrace Depp

  2.5 starts rounded up:
  
  I liked the concept of having a murder take place during a crime book conference.
  
  I did not like Jack as a person or as Flora's significant other. I felt that he was condescending towards her and wasn't always thinking about their relationship. But also, Flora also wasn't the best with keeping things hidden. I wish that they weren't love interests but instead were just partners in crime, I think I would've liked that dynamic better.
  
  The time period was a great choice for this book. I felt that it added to some of the mystery since there is no social media and no cell phones to make communication easier. It is also just a fun time period to read about, and it definitely added some layers and helped the reader understand why some of the characters are thinking the way that they are.
  
  I feel that some of the investigation fell flat for me. I liked most of the main suspects that there were, but I felt that the investigation into Basil fell short for me.
  
  I hated Ridley as a character, but he did further the plot with letting Flora and Jack investigate by themselves and he did bring in some fun to some of the scenes. Lastly, I felt that the money that Flora gets didn't need to be in the book. It felt like a forgotten plot line in some places, especially since it didn't actually make anyone question Flora at all and what she was doing. I think this could have really added a bunch into the plot if people started to second guess Flora.
  
  I just reviewed The Library Murders by Merryn Allingham. #TheLibraryMurders #NetGalley
• 
  Tracy Wood

  Somewhat amazingly, the small village of Abbeymead is about to host a writers' conference featuring a number of popular authors. Both bookshop owner Flora Steele and her crime novelist fiancé, Jack Carrington, are involved in the new event, which, its organiser hopes, will be the first of many. That success looks unlikely, however, as just before the event begins, a body is found, and a recently discovered, extremely rare, first edition disappears.
  
  Flora and Jack once again find themselves working together to discover who brought murder back to their village and when a friend Flora has known since college becomes the main focus of the police investigation she knows they have to find the person responsible as soon as possible. Unfortunately, as it's not even clear why their victim was killed, that might not be an easy task.
  
  Book eight in this great series takes place in the summer of 1958 with Flora and Jack's wedding plans on hold while they concentrate on the writers' conference. I enjoyed the social history in this novel almost as much as the whodunnit elements, which once again were excellent. This was almost a calm before the storm of major changes for some of the main protagonists, none of whom, it has to be said, looks to be hurtling confidently towards the next decade!
  
  I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers, Bookouture, but the opinions expressed are my own. This was another very good instalment of a high-quality cosy crime series, all of which are easily recommended.
• 
  Kathleen Brunnett

  Another installment of this cozy mystery series.
• 
  Connie

  Am I getting too picky with these 'cozy' mysteries? Probably.
• 
  Srivalli Rekha

  4 Stars
  
  One Liner: A good mystery
  
  Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are back in action to solve yet another crime in Abbeymead.
  Flora and Jack are busy helping Basil Webb to organize a crime Conference in the village. Despite their apprehensions, they hope the conference will bring enough people and sales. However, the last thing they expect is the death of Maud Frobisher, the retirement-ready librarian.
  
  When Inspector Alan Ridley makes an immediate arrest, the sleuthing duo is not convinced. They decide to investigate on the side and soon find out that almost everyone seems to have a motive for murder. When another death rocks the village, Flora and Jack know they should act fast and catch the killer (without getting killed).
  
  The story comes in Flora and Jack’s third-person POVs.
  
  My Thoughts:
  
  How did we reach the eighth book already? Flora and Jack are delightful characters, and you can’t help but root for them when they go sleuthing.
  
  While the book still works as a standalone, it’ll be more enjoyable if you read at least the previous 2-3 books. The dynamics in their relationship will be easier to understand with some background knowledge.
  
  The mystery is independent and decently done. The reveal makes sense, and we take a logical path to uncovering the secrets. Flora and Jack have some differences of opinion, but both have the same goal –dig up the truth and find the killer.
  
  There’s a sub-track, which I thought would be complex. However, I like how it is sorted. This is a cozy mystery, after all. No point in complicating things more than necessary.
  
  Young Charlie is fifteen now! Can you believe it? I miss his younger days, though I hope he’ll one day play a bigger role in solving a crime (pretty please).
  
  The books in the series are small, compact, and steady-paced. This one is no different. I’d have liked it better if we got a little more detail about the crime conference and the authors who attended. While one of them gets space, there is no chance of character development.
  
  As always, I love historical settings in my cozy mysteries. Abbeymead village in 1958 is old-school but with more touches of modernity than the locals would like to accept. Yet, we see a balanced narrative where the side characters are good but with some flaws, and the grumpy ones have some redeeming qualities.
  
  To summarize, The Library Murders is a solid addition to the series and an entertaining read. There are a couple of leads for the next book, so I’m curious to see where it goes (and hopefully no more delays for the wedding).
  
  Thank you, NetGalley and Bookouture, for the eARC. This review is voluntary and contains my honest opinion about the book.
  
  #NetGalley #TheLibraryMurders
  
• 
  Nina

  W roku 1958 Abbeymead w hrabstwie Sussex gości miłośników literatury kryminalnej. Decyzję o zorganizowaniu właśnie tutaj, na prowincji, czterodniowej konferencji podjął prezes Stowarzyszenia spod znaku kindżału i sztyletu (Dirk and Dagger Society). Jack Carrington, od siedmiu lat mieszkaniec wioski i tutaj piszący swoje powieści, automatycznie ponosi współodpowiedzialność za przygotowania i przebieg obrad, mimo że ani on ani jego narzeczona, Flora Steele, do samego pomysłu ze specjalnym entuzjazmem się nie odnosili. Satysfakcję z powodzenia, jakim cieszy się w kuluarach stoisko Flory z książkami, przyćmiewa tragedia, do której dochodzi już pierwszego dnia - morderstwo znanej i lubianej, dobiegającej sześćdziesiątki kierowniczki biblioteki mobilnej. Czy Maud Frobisher straciła życie dlatego, że niebacznie zapowiedziała, że na zakończenie konferencji przekaże na aukcję pierwsze ilustrowane wydanie „Christmas Carol” Charlesa Dickensa? W każdym razie sejf, w którym znajdowała się książka jest pusty. A Flora i Jack zamiast poświęcić się przede wszystkim przygotowaniom do ślubu, znowu muszą tropić mordercę.
  
  Zawsze najbardziej wciągające u Merryn Allingham są dla mnie opisy realiów czasu i miejsca, tym razem wzbogacone o emocje buzujące w niszowym ale interesującym środowisku. A jest tego sporo, począwszy od narzekań autorów kryminałów na kiepskie gaże, przejawy bezwzględnej konkurencji i deprecjonowania jakości twórczości kolegów, aż po skrupulatne śledzenie pomocy udzielanej przez lokalne władze instytucjom kulturalnym - na przykład bibliotekom mobilnym - łącznie z analizą ksiąg rachunkowych i faktur. Mieszkańcom Wysp zapewne łza w oku się kręci na wspomnienie, jaką wartość miał wówczas funt szterling. Kto jeszcze pamięta, że za pięćset funtów można było planować miesiąc miodowy w Wenecji!
  
  W rozwiązywaniu zagadki zbrodni duet amatorów jak zwykle jest lepszy od ekipy policyjnej z Brighton, kierowanej przez Alana Ridleya. Wśród ciekawostek należy wymienić, że tym razem wkład Jacka w szukanie sprawcy jest nieco większy niż Flory. Nic dziwnego, on lepiej orientuje się w środowiskowych klimatach. Z drugiej strony wściekłość Flory na permanentne pomijanie przez Ridleya jej roli w prowadzonych przez parę śledztwach jest w pełni uzasadniona. Z kolei niektórzy przyjaciele dają upust swoim negatywnym emocjom na niektóre decyzje narzeczonych, co z literackiego punktu widzenia wzbogaca fabułę o dodatkowe smaczki.
• 
  Lisa

  Jack has been roped into serving as an organizer of a crime writers’ conference coming to Abbeymead, of all places. Basil Webb, who runs the Dirk and Dagger Society, has high hopes for the conference. Jack isn’t thrilled about his role in it, but Flora hopes she’ll turn a tidy profit selling books by participating authors. Things turn ugly, though, when Flora finds family friend and librarian Maud Frobisher coshed in the head in the mobile library van. One possible clue is the open safe in the van, with the rare first edition it had presumably held gone.
  
  If you’ve been around for a while, you know I just love Merryn Allingham’s Flora Steele series. I adore the Abbeymead setting. I feel like the residents are old friends, and every new book gives me a chance to catch up with them. Maud’s death hurt my heart, I tell you.
  
  And who would have wanted her dead? The first edition she had was presumably worth a lot of money, and as the story unfolds, Allingham gives us several possible suspects who might have been willing to kill to make a profit. The police focus on Lowell Gracey, though. He’s an old school friend of Flora’s who’s been working with Maud. Since he’s found in the mobile van with a heavy, bloodied book in his hand, the evidence does seem stacked against him. Flora isn’t convinced of his guilt, and it’s here that she and Jack disagree.
  
  Unlike previous books where Flora and Jack work together to solve the mystery, Lowell’s presence and status as number one suspect pushes them apart. They each approach the mystery here from different angles, and as it happens, those different lines of inquiry bring them back to working together before the end of the book.
  
  Other than the mystery, there’s a lot in this book! Charlie Teague is growing up and engaging in surprising new pursuits. Flora’s friends are gung-ho to plan her wedding to Jack. And Flora and Jack both receive unexpected and interesting news that could impact their future together. (I didn’t say it would be a negative impact!) With all those threads plus a solution to the crime that I didn’t see coming right away, this was another delightful visit to Abbeymead. Maybe we’ll be going to a wedding in the next book in the series!
  
  Thanks to Bookouture and NetGalley for an advance copy. I was not obligated to write a review. All opinions here are mine, and I don’t say nice things about books I don’t actually like.
• 
  Barbara Schultz

  Name of Book: The Library Murders
  Series: The Flora Steel Mysteries #8
  Author: Merryn Allingham
  Genre: Cozy Mystery
  Publisher: Bookouture
  Pub Date: February 20, 2024
  My Rating: :3.6 rounded up
  Pages: 288
  
  It is the summer of 1958 and bookshop owner Flora Steele owner of “All’s Well’ and her crime novelist fiancé, Jack Carrington are attending a Crime Writers Conference in an old schoolhouse in the quaint village of Abbeymead.
  Flora brought books to sell and Jack is helping the organizer, Basil Webb who is the President of the Dirk and Dagger Society.
  
  Maud Frobisher who is friends with Flora’s Aunt Violet Steele – has the mobile library to the school playground. She has two reasons for doing this
  1. Books are expensive and some may wish to check out a library book. The other reason
  2. She has received a donation of an illustrated first edition of “A Christmas Carol” published in 1843- which is accompanied with a letter from Dickens.
  
  Maud plans to auction the book so that the funds may be used help fund the mobile service.
  
  The next morning a few minutes before the conference was starting Flora stops by the Mobile Library as she has a birthday gift for Maud; however, when she arrives she is surprised that the door is still closed. She knocks but when it isn’t answered she trying the door handle and sure enough it opens. She sees Maud on the floor and a man with a bloody heavy book standing over her. The man is Lowell Gracey a friend!
  
  Jack and Flora amateur sleuths immediately start investigating and discover that the first edition book that Maud is so proud of is missing!
  
  I always enjoy reading the Author’s Note in this case Ms. Allingham ‘A Letter from Merry’ she tells us that she finds the 1950s a fascinating period. Seeming conforming but under the surface there is a rebellion brewing.
  
  I believe we are going to hear about the 1950’s in her next story.
  I found this story entertaining; even though I hadn’t read the earlier books in the series, I wasn’t lost.
  Now I am curious what adventure
  Merryn Allingham has in store for Flora and Jack.
  
  Want to thank NetGalley and Bookouture for this early eGalley.
  Publishing Release Date scheduled for February 20. 2024.
• 
  StinaStaffymum

  Abbeymead is once again awash with crime as it hosts it very own crime writing festival to rival Bloody Scotland!
  
  As a bookshop owner, Flora Steele has been asked to host a stall at the event which is sure to garner much publicity and loads of sales for the All's Well. And as a crime writer in situ, Jack Carrington is well placed to help Basil Webb, founder of the Dirk and Dagger society, host the event and introduce its variety of crime writers.
  
  What no one expects is to find elderly librarian Maud Frobisher dead in her mobile library van on the morning the conference is due to start! And found by none other than amateur sleuth Flora! But then this is Abbeymead...
  
  Inspector Ridley is called in from Brighton and it appears to be an open and shut case in his opinion but Flora is not so sure. Yes, she knows the person who she found standing over the body with a bloodstained copy of "Lord of the Rings" but she finds it difficult to believe that he is the killer. And so with Jack's help, she endeavours to dig deeper to find the real culprit.
  
  It isn't long before another body turns up, this time in the Cross Keys pub, wrapped up tight like a mummy. Significant? Maybe. But what is even more surprising is the identity of the anonymous guest, now body in situ.
  
  Flora and Jack must work doubly hard to prove the police's current suspect's innocence by digging deeper to uncover the real motive and real killer. But can they do so before it's too late? And with their own wedding to plan in their midst?
  
  Another entertaining addition to this delightful cosy series in which Flora and Jack, and even Charlie Teague, endear the reader to become firm favourites that warm the heart. Another wonderful read that was quick to devour and thoroughly entertaining from start to finish.
  
  Can't wait for book 9 and the prospect of Flora and Jack's upcoming nuptials. A murder at the wedding I see coming...
  
  I would like to thank #MerrynAllingham, #Netgalley and #Bookouture for an ARC of #TheLibraryMurders in exchange for an honest review.
  
  This review appears on my blog at
  https://stinathebookaholic.blogspot.com/.
• 
  Julie

  Flora Steele and Jack Carrington need to turn detectives yet again in The Library Murders, the latest in Merryn Allingham’s addictive cozy mystery series.
  
  Abbeymead librarian Maud Frobisher is about to retire and to celebrate this event, Flora is cycling over to her house to deliver a gift to mark the occasion. However, Flora is shocked when she finds the librarian slumped in a corner and a man standing over her with the murder weapon: an enormous hardback book. Worse, Flora immediately recognises Lowell Gracey. But he couldn’t possibly have murdered Maud…could he?
  
  Flora has known Lowell since her college days and he swears he is innocent. However, Lowell is heavily in debt and that rare first edition that has gone missing could certainly have got him out of the very tight spot he is in. Lowell maintains he is innocent, but with the evidence stacked against him, Flora and Jack are going to have quite a challenge on their hands to prove that he didn’t kill Maud. But who would kill the much-loved librarian? Might the killer have been newcomer Rose Lawson? Best-selling author Felix Wingrave? Or somebody else Flora and Jack might have overlooked?
  
  Flora and Jack need to work fast if they are to find out whodunnit and when a second body is found, they realise they have no time to lose…
  
  Merryn Allingham always leaves her readers guessing till the end and she has done it again with The Library Murders. Atmospheric, fast-paced and wonderfully entertaining, The Library Murders is another exquisitely plotted Flora Steele mystery that I struggled to put down. Fun, entertaining and delightful, Merryn Allingham’s The Library Murders has me eagerly anticipating the next Flora Steele adventure.
  
  I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
  
• 
  Alison C

  Reluctantly, Jack Carrington has been dragged into helping organize a crime conference in the village of Abbeymead, complete with several authors of crime fiction giving talks and other delights. Flora Steele, on the other hand, is happy to be able to set up a booksellers booth at the conference, while a new acquaintance, Rose Lawson, looks after Flora’s bookstore. Meanwhile, Maud Frobisher has placed her mobile library van at the venue to promote her services as well. It turns out that Maud has come across a rare first edition of Dickens’s “A Christmas Carol,” which she hopes to auction off in order to raise money for the mobile library, but before that can happen, she is found dead in the van and the rare book gone. The police believe that Maud’s assistant must have done it, but Jack and Flora realize that many more people could have had the opportunity, and the motive….This is the eighth book in the Flora Steele cozy series, set in late 1950s England and featuring the very plucky Flora Steele and her fiance, crime writer Jack Carrington. Their relationship has grown throughout the series, which is nice to see, but I like that the solving of the mystery is given more weight than the romance. The main characters and their friends are also likable and interesting, and the setting of a small village in the 1950s is well depicted. I think one could pick up this book without having first read the previous seven, although most likely the reader would then want to go back to the beginning (“The Bookshop Murder”) to better understand the relationships between Flora, Jack and the rest of the village; recommended.
• 
  Scilla

  Abbeymead is having a Crime Conference gathering. Jack is helping the organizer, Basil Webb, Flora, who is engaged to Jack, has brought many books to sell at a stand inside the old schoolhouse, and Maud has brought the mobile library to the school play ground. A relative newcomer to town, Rose Lawson, is filling in at Flora's bookstore, All's Well. Flora has brought a birthday gift for Maud, her aunt's best friend, but when Flora enters the Mobile Library van, she sees Maud on the floor and a man with a bloody heavy book standing over her. The man is a long ago friend of Flora, Lowell Gracey!
  
  Flora wants to protect her friend who claims he had just found the body and the book. However, Jack and Detective Ridley are sure that Gracey is the killer, and puts him in jail. Flora feels she needs to find another suspect. To make matters worse, a very valuable first edition book is missing from the mobile Library safe. It turns out that Webb who is running the conference may not be making as much money on it as he hoped, and his sister's husband needs money desperately to pay his debts. Another possible suspect to look into is one of the mystery writers talking at the conference, Wingrave. He is a very obnoxious man who is known to covet rare books. Lastly, Flora is a little wary about Rose.
  
  The book is clever and there is another murder near the end of the book before the REAL murderer is discovered! I enjoy this series very much. I thank Netgalley and Bookouture for an ARC to read the book ahead of publication.
• 
  Janet

  Abbeymead is hosting a Crime Writers’ conference at the local school, Jack is an organiser & Flora has a bookstall. Flora goes to the local travelling library van, which is parked in the school playground, planning to deliver a retirement gift to librarian Maud Frobisher. But Flora is shocked when she finds Maud slumped in the corner, and even more startled when she recognises the man holding the murder weapon – an enormous hardback book.Flora’s known Lowell Gracey since her college days, he’s now working for Maud and the main suspect in her murder. Suspicion mounts when Flora and Jack discover that Lowell is heavily in debt, and that a priceless rare Charles Dickens first edition has gone missing, but Lowell is adamant that he’s innocent, and Flora believes him. Of course the couple are once more drawn into an investigation, then the village is rocked by the discovery of a second body.
  The eighth book in the series & whilst it could be read on its own the relationships between the inhabitants of Abbeymead have grown & changed. There are quite a number of suspects as well as twists & turns plus red herrings. Flora & Jack are at odds at times, maybe prewedding nerves? But eventually they put their differences to one side & work together to find the villain. I love this gentle cosy mystery series the characters have depth & with each new book it’s like catching up with old friends. A very well written engrossing murder mystery, which I thoroughly enjoyed
  My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
  
• 
  loopyloulaura

  Flora and Jack are organising a book event in the village. But a first edition Dickens is stolen and the librarian is found dead. The main suspect is someone Flora used to know but his arrival in the village seems odd and he was discovered standing over the body...
  The Library Murders is the 8th book to feature bookshop owner Flora and crime writer Jack in the 1950s.
  Despite a wedding on the horizon, it still isn't smooth sailing for our pair of sleuths. A face from Flora's past stirs ups some jealousy. She is also given more information about her family history which is a plotline that follows from earlier books.
  Flora faces a dilemma because she can't believe that Lowell is a killer but his sudden appearance is definitely odd. There are other suspects and motives that revolve around money and the temptation of the valuable book. Of course, the title gives a clue! Then there is another murder which makes Flora and Jack rethink the evidence.
  Being set in the 1950s, there is a range of historical social comments that add to the development of the characters and plot. I still feel frustrated with the delays to the relationship between Flora and Jack but they are also impatient to wed!
  The Library Murders is an enjoyable cosy historical murder mystery.
• 
  Elaine - Splashes Into Books

  Flora and her crime writing fiancé, Jack,
  Together on a new case they are back!
  Supporting the crime conference in Abbeymead
  Not expecting the police they'll actually need!
  
  Flora really isn't thrilled
  When she discovers the local librarian killed.
  She was a close family friend
  Not deserving such a sticky end!
  
  With an old college friend as chief suspect
  Other possibilities and clues the police neglect.
  There are so many others who could be the killer
  A dreadful thought and a real chiller.
  
  The intrepid duo are on the case
  Looking for clues, anything out of place.
  But where is the missing rare book
  Is it something the killer took?
  
  With dangerous encounters once more
  These two need to take care as they explore.
  There are surprise revelations and jealousy, too,
  Wedding plans and so much to do!
  
  Another intriguing cosy murder mystery
  With great characters and fab community.
  I really enjoyed it from beginning to end
  And have no hesitation, it I highly recommend!
  
  For my complementary copy, I say thank you,
  As I share with you this, my honest review.
• 
  Kelly

  This is the eighth book in the Flora Steele cosy mysteries series. These books are set in the 1950s, in a countryside Sussex village known as Abbey mead. The protagonist is Flora, a bookshop owner, who solves crimes with her crime writer fiancé, Jack Carrington.
  
  I discovered this series a few years ago, and I'm very glad I did. It's one of my favourite cosy mysteries series. I love the connection between Flora and Jack, as they are best friends and a great deal more besides. There's also something about the countryside village setting, and I feel as though the characters all look out for each other. These books guarantee a comforting, cosy read, and this instalment is no exception.
  
  On this occasion, it seemed that Flora had a more personal connection to the crime, so I became very invested. This was another cosy, comforting murder mystery that was easy to read in one sitting.
  
  Thank you to NetGalley and the publishers for a free copy to review.
• 
  Alisa Hobson

  Thank you so much to NetGalley and Bookouture for the ARC copy of The Library Murders.
  
  The Library Murders follow Jack and Flora as they try to uncover the identity of the murderer who struck down the beloved librarian during a crime author seminar in their small English village.
  
  This book was like Murder She Wrote meets Father Brown in all the best ways. The cast of characters provide for loads of entertainment and red herrings, keeping you guessing all along the way as to who the real killer is. I started this book with my morning coffee and didn't put it down until it was finished. It was so well written that I could not tear myself away from it except to grab snacks and more coffee.
  I look forward to following the rest of the series, and especially excited to see how the relationship between Jack and Flora flourishes.
• 
  Helen

  I thank NetGalley and Bookouture for an advance reader copy of The Library Murders. All opinions and comments are my own.
  
  Flora Steele and Jack Carrington are well up in their “amateur detective” game again in The Library Murders, eighth in the series by Merryn Allingham. This time they’re caught up in putting the pieces together for who killed the retiring librarian in her mobile library, building a case for the local constabulary. And that’s just the start.
  
  For all that Flora and Jack work to discover, and it’s a lot (The Library Murders will keep you busy from page to page), age-old reasons for murder are never out of style. An engaging book filled with a thought-provoking plot and, for fans of the series, more updates in the lives of our series characters, with some interesting changes that bode well for the future.