Death and the Librarian - (Blue Ridge Library Mystery) by Victoria Gilbert (Paperback)

Book Synopsis

It's summertime in Virginia, but things are about to get out of hand when murder darkens the annual arts festival in this ninth installment of the critically acclaimed Blue Ridge Library mystery series, perfect for fans of Ellery Adams and Miranda James.

Library director Amy Muir has always been suspicious of wealthy art dealer Kurt Kendrick. As a close family friend, the ties that bind them are strong, but his murky past is concerning, especially since he is the godfather to Amy and her husband Richard's six-year-old twins. When a visitor to their small, historic Virginia town is found dead after publicly accusing Kurt of committing a decades-old murder, Amy is determined to prove that Kurt didn't kill anyone, in the past or the present. But the evidence Kurt's accuser sent to Sheriff Brad Tucker before her untimely demise indicates otherwise.

With Amy's own aunt and other older town residents corroborating some of the details related to the first murder and a witness placing Kurt near the scene of the second crime, it seems Kurt is doomed to swift and severe justice. Amidst the fun and excitement of an arts festival that features the premiere of Richard's new dance company, Amy faces her own challenging performance--balancing her work and family life while dancing on the edge of danger.

With family and friends harboring suspicions about Kurt and Amy bedeviled by her own wavering trust in his innocence, she must fight to uncover the truth before a hidden killer strikes again.

Review Quotes

Praise for Death and the Librarian
"A perfect cozy mystery, from the setting and characters to the pacing and plot development."
--Library Journal

"A past disappearance may provide the impetus for a current murder in Taylorsford, Virginia . . . the librarian's research is the key to solving the case."
--Kirkus Reviews

"Beautifully plotted with memorable characters and many an unexpected plot twists."
--Midwest Book Review

"Gilbert does a terrific job of keeping the pace while showcasing a realistic small town with relatable characters."
--First Clue Review

"[A] very enjoyable return to the Blue Ridge Library."
--Kings River Life

About the Author

Raised in a historic small town at the foot of the Blue Ridge Mountains, Victoria Gilbert turned her early obsession with books into a dual career as an author and librarian. Now retired after over thirty years in the library field, she's worked as a reference librarian, research librarian, and university library director.

Victoria writes the Blue Ridge Library mystery series, the Booklover's B&B mystery series, and the Hunter and Clewe traditional mystery series for Crooked Lane Books. A member of Mystery Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, and International Thriller Writers, Victoria lives in North Carolina.