Read It and Weep by Jenn McKinlay is the fourth book in the “Library Lover’s” mystery series. Publisher: Berkley Prime Crime, November 2013

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

I had such a good time reading this light and airy whodunit. This fast-paced drama immediately pulled me into the strong storyline and kept me hunkered down until the last sentence was read. The mystery kept me going and it was enjoyable to see it all come to fruition when the killer’s identity was revealed. Lindsey is a great character and I especially love her interaction with her friends and foes in Briar Creek. The author did a good job in wrapping this delightfully charming drama in a way that I’m eager for the next book in the series.

FTC Disclosure – The publisher sent me a copy of this book, in hopes I would review it. I later read my kindle edition.

previously posted on the Cozy Chicks blog