Victoria GilbertCritiques

4.5 rounded up.

I absolutely loved this book. It didn't quite have the pizzazz that puts it up to a 5-star read for me, but it is definitely a solid 4.5!

A book that makes me laugh from the very first sentence is definitely worth my time to read. I'm a librarian so I'm interested in all cozy mysteries with a library setting and this one did not disappoint!

I really enjoyed our two main characters, Amy and Richard. They're both well-rounded, developed characters. Their chemistry together is amazing. I'm looking forward to learning more about them and seeing their relationship blossom in further books in the series.

The setting descriptions were just right - not too little, but not too much either. I could easily imagine the town, the buildings we were in, the surrounding countryside, all of it. I like the setting. The town sits close enough to various larger towns/cities so there are all types of people who are included in the town. It's a nice variety.

This plot moved along at a pretty steady pace. There were lots of subplots that were entangled with the main plot, but I was able to keep everything straight in my head so the subplots were a nice addition. I wondered briefly about the villain, but I really didn't think it was them until it was revealed. It's amazing the motives that make people kill. This was one motive I just couldn't wrap my head around. I mean, I understood what the author meant, it just seemed like a not-so-good reason to commit murder!

I highly recommend this book if you like cozy mysteries! It's a great start to a new series!

4.5 rounded up.

I absolutely loved this book. It didn't quite have the pizzazz that puts it up to a 5-star read for me, but it is definitely a solid 4.5!

A book that makes me laugh from the very first sentence is definitely worth my time to read. I'm a librarian so I'm interested in all cozy mysteries with a library setting and this one did not disappoint!

I really enjoyed our two main characters, Amy and Richard. They're both well-rounded, developed characters. Their chemistry together is amazing. I'm looking forward to learning more about them and seeing their relationship blossom in further books in the series.

The setting descriptions were just right - not too little, but not too much either. I could easily imagine the town, the buildings we were in, the surrounding countryside, all of it. I like the setting. The town sits close enough to various larger towns/cities so there are all types of people who are included in the town. It's a nice variety.

This plot moved along at a pretty steady pace. There were lots of subplots that were entangled with the main plot, but I was able to keep everything straight in my head so the subplots were a nice addition. I wondered briefly about the villain, but I really didn't think it was them until it was revealed. It's amazing the motives that make people kill. This was one motive I just couldn't wrap my head around. I mean, I understood what the author meant, it just seemed like a not-so-good reason to commit murder!

I highly recommend this book if you like cozy mysteries! It's a great start to a new series!

series, librarian, bookseller, reclusive, wealthy, amateur-sleuth, cozy-mystery, multiple-deaths, cold-case, local-law-enforcement, locked-room-mystery

Since her forced retirement from the university library, middle aged Jane has taken a new job in the private library on the Clewe estate. Her employer is the thirty something wealthy and reclusive Cam Clewe. Jane's landlord (a retired journalist) is there to rather stridently urge her on to extricate the clues to the murders and more.
Eloise Anderson operates a rare books store and when she delivers Cam's latest purchase, she asks him to investigate a cold case. Her mother recently died in prison for killing Eloise's father and Eloise wants Cam and associate Jane to help clear her mother's name. Shortly thereafter, Eloise is arrested for the murder of the lead detective from her mother's case with the cases being eerily similar. The story held my interest with it's fast pace, engaging characters, and surprising twists. Great!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

On her first day working for a semi-reclusive multi-millionaire, Jane Hunter stumbles across the body of his ex-girlfriend in the library she is meant to be cataloguing.

Jane Hunter has an intriguing backstory and I like Cam Clewe, so I will probably continue with this series despite my disappointment that my vague idea going in that the mystery involved cryptic crosswords turned out to be false.

Book Review: Murder Checks Out...Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #8
Stars: 4 X 5
Author: Victoria Gilbert. @victoriagilbertauthor
Publisher: Crooked Lane Books @crookedlanebooks
Thank You @netgalley for this ARC

In the town of Taylorsville there is a library and Amy Muir is the Co-Director along with her best friend Sonny. For those who have read the first seven books, Amy is now married to Richard and they have twin girls, Nicky and Ella. Richard is a choreographer and dance teacher.

Taylorsville is hosting its first ever Winterfest. Taylorsville resident Wendy Blackstone is the chair of Winterfest. She is not a very popular person at the moment as her company Blackstone Properties has a new construction project planned that many of the townsfolk are opposed too. At the end of the first night of Winterfest Wendy is found dead.

Amy is very busy as she does have those fiver year old twins. She is also helping her husband with the yearly production of The Nutcracker all while working at the library. On top of all of that her mother-in-law Fiona has arrived for a holiday visit.
Amy loves being an amateur sleuth and. She is determines to find out who is responsible for Wendy’s murder. Amy also wonders is Wendy the start of a murder spree of just a one and done? There an only a few suspects and one of those is her brother-in-law which makes her even more determined to fine the killer and prove him innocent. The question is will she be successful?

The Blue Ridge Library Mystery series are sweet and a fun read. I also love a who done it with a bit of romance. This book is just as wonderful as the other books in this series.

#blueridgelibrarymystery #cozymystery #cozymysteries #holidayreads
#holidayreading #newbook #newbooks #reading #booknerd #booksofinstagram #bookclub #readingtime #bookphoto #readabook #totalbooknerd #getlit #bookrecommendations #iread #fortheloveofreading #booksaremagic #idratherbereading #booksarelove #momswhoread #bookblog #goodreads #bookblogging #booksofinsta #ireadbooks #bookstagram

I have liked her Blue Ridge librarian mystery series pretty well, so when I ran across this, I picked it up.

Maybe it's because I didn't realize until I was into it that I'd missed the first of the series. But, alas, I was not super impressed.

She does a good job of filling in the backstory necessities I presume were in Book 1, but I never really felt connected to the protagonist, Charlotte. I loved the setting -- was just at Emerald Isle and Beaufort in November. So that was very well done. But something just seemed .. missing somehow. I felt like I knew the details of the B&B's decor more than why I should care about the protagonist or the other characters, really.

However, it was a well-paced, satisfyingly twisty plot, with a few insights into darker side of the competitive world of fan fiction.

I am liking this series more and more. This 2nd offering was well-plotted and the details were intricate without being overwhelming; well-researched without being a distraction.

Fun.

Another interesting diversion. I like the occasional bit of the unexplained that occurs. Because, as she vaguely hints, those mountains are very, very old and there are older beings there than we modern interlopers understand. Too bad that’s not the main focus, but I do appreciate the occasional seasoning of it.

Murder Checks Out by Victoria Gilbert takes us back to Taylorsford, Virginia for the holidays and the town’s first Winterfest. I was a little confused when I began the story. In Renewed for Murder, Amy is married to her neighbor, Richard and she is the director of the Taylorford Public Library. Fast forward five years, Amy and Richard have a pair of energetic fraternal twins who will be appearing in Richard’s modern dance version of the Nutcracker (no ballerinas). Amy is co-director of the library with her best friend, Sunny (you will have to read the book to find out the other changes). For those new to the series, you may find yourself confused by the onslaught of characters and all the activities. I have read all the books, and I had trouble adjusting to the time jump. Amy’s life is full with the twins, work, the holidays, Winterfest, and the upcoming visit of her mother-in-law, Fiona. Just thinking about Amy’s schedule wore me out. The chair of Winterfest, Wendy Blackstone, is murdered and Amy’s brother-in-law, Ethan, is Brad Tucker’s prime suspect. Amy swaps out her Santa hat for a deerstalker cap and sets out to prove Ethan’s innocence. The crime can easily be solved. There is a tense reveal where all final puzzle pieces fall into place. We get to enjoy the holidays with Amy and her extended family. Murder Checks Out is a bustling book with spirited twins, a murdered committee chair, development disputes, a slew of suspects, and a happy holiday.½

Murder Checks Out is the eighth book in the A Blue Ridge Library Mystery series by Victoria Gilbert.

It’s nearly Christmas time in Taylorsford, North Carolina. Amy Muir is busy finishing Christmas shopping, co-directorship of the local library, managing their 5-year-old twins, and the town Winter Festival. Richard, Amy’s husband, is helping with the twins, as he and his dance partner are producing the Nutcracker Suite, and the twins, Ella and Nicky, will be dancing in the production. Also, Amy’s mother-in-law, Fiona, will be coming to spend Christmas with Amy, Richard, and her grandchildren.

A group of environmental activists are at the festival to protest the development of prime mountainside property by Wendy Blackstone’s Blackstone Development. The group opposes the plans to cut down the standing trees and bud ManMansions on the land. Wendy is at the festival, and someone pushes her down some stairs. She dies from injuries suffered in the fall. Amy, when listening to various people talking about Wendy’s death, learns that several people would like her dead. When her brother-in-law comes under suspicion and disappears, she has to begin to investigate, hoping to find the murderer.

This book is a wonderful addition to this engaging series. The book is well-written, plotted, and delightful. The characters are all interesting, believable, and well-developed. The story moved at a good pace. Amy and Richard’s twins were especially adorable. Fiona’s visit particularly touched me. There were plenty of twists and turns that I kept guessing until the final reveal about who the murderer was.

I’m looking forward to more books in this series.

Sadly, this one is a let-down after the last book. The mystery is fine, and Amy is still keeping law enforcement in the loop and not taking stupid chances. Trauma and disagreements are handled well. One thing I appreciate about this series is how the older generation continues to be at the forefront of the mysteries. This book showed me that most of the murders in this series are tied to the past of these characters. In fact, I really noticed that the entire cast of this series is mid-30s and older, something really refreshing.

So why rated lowish? I'm really sad to see that Sunny is being pushed by the author into marriage, based on all the hints being dropped in this book. I had hoped to finally find a series that accepted that when a woman said she doesn't want to get married, she means it. And that ruined a lot of it for me. Richard and Amy are married, Brad and Alison have their engagement party, and another long-time couple gets engaged at the end of the book. Leave Sunny alone! (Sadly, that won't happen. Sigh.)

It's nearing Christmas and Amy Muir is busy. Not only is the co-director of the Public Library but her five-year-old twins are very involved in the local production of The Nutcracker which her husband Richard is directing and dancing in. She is also prepping for a visit by Richard's mother.

When the chair of the festival committee is found dead on the skating rink, Amy needs to become an amateur sleuth again. After all, her brother-in-law Ethan was seen arguing with her shortly before her death. And now Ethan has disappeared...

Wendy Blackstone didn't make any friends in her role as the chair of the festival, but her real enemies come from her position as a property developer. She and her partner Tim have made many enemies at their other development projects and protesters are in town picketing her current project too.

As a librarian, research is what Amy does and research is widening the pool of suspects who might have wanted Wendy dead. Even her mother-in-law Fiona is adding information since she knows others who are familiar with the Blackstones' other projects. Amy is getting threats telling her to back off which she'll be willing to do as soon as she clears her brother-in-law's name.

This was another enjoyable episode in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series.

When Jane’s career as a university librarian ended, at age 60, she was too young to retire. She gets a job at a private residence, to inventory and catalog an extensive collection. She also gets a chance to investigate and solve a murder, along with the aid of her reclusive employer, Cam. Since the deceased had been close to Cam at one time, he is high on the list of suspects. The mystery has its share of twists and turns, and the murderer is likely to be a surprise to readers. This first book in a new series shows promise of better books to come. The characters are an interesting mix of young and old, and of mixed personalities, with Jane being the out-going sort and Cam being much more introspective. I look forward to more stories with this unlikely duo.

A Cryptic Clue by Victoria Gilbert is the first A Hunter and Clewe Mystery. We are introduced to Jane Hunter, a sixty-year-old librarian. I like that she is an older protagonist. She has been hired by Cameron “Cam” Clewe, a thirty-three-year-old eccentric millionaire (who has more than a few quirks), to catalogue his large collection of books and artifacts. Cam’s ex-girlfriend is found dead in the library by Jane the day after a party. Cam, of course, becomes a person of interest. Jane and Cam team up to find the guilty party. I found that the story moved along at a slow pace. It needed an injection of action, intrigue, and suspense. Cam is a unique character. I like how Jane helped him. I have a feeling Cam’s horizons will be broadening in the future. It is a shame that Cam’s father did not appreciate his talents. Jane is a likeable character. She is an experienced librarian and knowledgeable about classic mysteries written by women. The mystery was good. It was obvious who would die and who would end up at the top of the suspect list. Cam and Jane are happy to conduct their own investigation. Witnesses are more than willing to share what they know (very helpful). There are townspeople who are happy to spill the local gossip. The whodunit is straightforward. The red herrings are not convincing. While it seemed to take years to reach the reveal, the ending seemed rushed. The story was sadly lacking in humor. I wanted to enjoy The Cryptic Clue, but I only felt relief when I turned the final page.

Amy Muir is enjoying her life as a wife and mother, aside from the fact that it's keeping her so busy she's exhausted -- it's not easy being the mother of five-year-old twins, especially at Christmas, and double especially when they find out their grandmother Fiona, Amy's husband Richard's mother, is coming to spend the holiday with them.

When Amy visits her Aunt Lydia at Winterfest, she notices a steep snow-covered slope near where her aunt has her craft booth set up. It's not until later when the sponsor, Wendy Blackstone, is found murdered that Amy really has her hands full. She thought she was done with murder, but it seems that the spotlight is on her brother-in-law, Ethan Payne, for the deed. Now, she'll have to sift through suspects and clues to find the real killer -- and hope that she can do it before Christmas...

This is the eighth book in the series and I have read them all. I thought because of the time progression (stay with me) that I had missed one, but nope. This one takes place five years after the last book, and now Amy's given birth and her twins are ruling her life. There are several changes also, one in which how Amy treats Kurt (my favorite character) and I approve of that. They've not only come to an understanding, they've become friends. He's also the twins' godfather, and that shows how far Amy's come. Good move.

When Ethan is accused of murder, Amy isn't happy. People know he doesn't have the temperament to commit murder, but there's a problem that no one in the town can get past (and I won't reveal it here since this book is not yet published). This only adds confusion to the investigation and makes Amy's personal investigation harder. Not to mention her brother Scott hasn't yet arrived, so Amy is on her own.

Then Fiona arrives, and while Amy is apprehensive at first, things begin to change between them, and Amy comes to a greater understanding of Fiona as well. I like how this has progressed, and how Amy has become softer since motherhood; she's no longer so judgmental of people, and it works so well in this book.

When the murderer is discovered, it was hidden well until nearly the last, and I found the reasons behind the murder believable and sad, and while murder is wrong, one can sympathize (to a point) but derangement is what it is.

All in all, I found this one of my most favorite books of the series, and I hope that they keep coming for a long time yet. I read all of Ms. Gilbert's books and have yet to be disappointed. She is a talented writer with an ability to create interesting storylines. Highly recommended.

I received an advance copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.

The blurb for this book caught my attention and I was eager to read it. Unfortunately, I keep getting distracted by little things as I was reading. For example, why did so many of the characters have alliterative names? Besides Cam Clewe, there were at least three others that popped up in the first chapters that have first and last names that began with the same letter. I wondered if that was relevant to the plot rather than getting sucked into the story. It wasn't a bad story, but the book just didn't hook me.

Thanks to Crooked Lane Books for access to a digital ARC on NetGalley.

first-in-series, new-series, librarian, library, amateur-sleuth, cozy-mystery, country-estate, entitled-attitude, mental-health-awareness, mental-health-issues, reclusive, wealthy****

01/21/23 The new librarian found the body in the library and the candlestick is missing.
It was the Monday after a fundraising gala on the estate and Jane Hunter's first day at her new job on the Clewe estate since her forced retirement from the university library. An unlikely alliance is formed between middle aged Jane, her employer the thirty something Cam Clewe, and Jane's new landlord (a retired journalist) to extricate the clues to the murder and more. Very good start to a promising new series by an excellent author of cozy mysteries!
I requested and received a free e-book copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you! 6/26/23 I've been lucky enough to be granted a temporary audio copy from Dreamscape media!
Voice actor Carrington MacDuffie took the material and ran with it to make a good story even better. Now I want to get my own audio copy!

A Cryptic Clue is the first book in the Hunter and Clewe Mystery series.

Jane Hunter has been forced into retirement from her job as a university librarian due to a so-called reorganization. Jane needs work to supplement her meager pension.

Jane soon finds a position with Cameron(Cam) Clewe, for who she will be cataloging his extensive collection of books and artifacts. Cam inherited his historical estate, Aircroft, from his father, who was also a collector of books and artifacts. Om Monday, Jane’s first day of work, she meets the housekeeper, the chef, and Cam’s personal assistant, Lauren. After meeting the staff, Jane heads for the library to begin her first day at work. But that will have to wait as a young lady's body is on the floor. Lauren identifies the young lady as Cam's former girlfriend, whom he had broken up with during a gala at Aircroft the previous weekend. Cam will become the primary suspect in the murder of the young lady.

Jane will offer to help Cam clear his name. Cam is a recluse. He is knowledgeable but has difficulty being away from his home and dealing with strangers. Jane will interview possible suspects away from Aircroft while Cam researches on his home computer, something he is very adept at. Jane soon finds that there are several suspects that she needs to investigate.

Jane’s neighbor, a retired newspaper reporter, wants to write about the history of Aircroft and a suspicious death before the Clewe family purchased the estate.

Hopefully, Jane can solve these mysteries before any more deaths, including her own.

The book was very well written, plotted, and descriptive enough that I felt I was there with Jane. The characters are all quite interesting and believable. They are well-developed, but I would like to learn more about Jane and Cam.

I’m looking forward to the next book in this interesting series.

What we have here is a new spin on the Archie and Nero relationship only this time around Nero is Cameron Clewe, a rich thirty three year old man that has social anxiety and is agoraphobic and Archie is now Angela Lansbury and it’s fabulous! While not as cozy as a typical ‘cozy’ mystery it’s an intricately thought out mystery that kept me guessing until the end. This goes to the top of my list of favorite first in series and I can’t wait to see where it goes from here.

twins, family, family-dynamics, amateur-sleuth, friends, friendship, Virginia, dance-instructor, librarian, library, festivals, series, family-drama, friction, protests, research, Christmas-season, threats, developers, environmentalists, local-law-enforcement, murder, murder-investigation, suspense, suspicion, abduction*****

Library director Amy Muir, her dance instructor husband, five year old twins, and the rest of her friends and family are back! Including Aunt Zelda.
At first it looked like an accidental fall, but then forensics showed that the fall was secondary to ye olde blunt instrument. The victim in question was a particularly nasty and almost universally despised developer who also was threatening others on the festival committee. The local law is good, but when research is needed, a librarian is who you really need!
Another great mystery!
I requested and received an EARC copy from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. Thank you!

Jane Hunter has recently been downsized from her job as a university librarian and, at sixty, is looking for a job until she reaches retirement age. A chance to work for reclusive Cameron Clewe cataloging his large collection of rare books and artifacts seems like just the thing. She'll begin by cataloging his collection of golden age mysteries.

She isn't anticipating what actually occurs and she finds herself really investigating a mystery of her own when Cam's ex is found dead in the library killed with a candlestick during a fundraising gala. Ashley Allen was the victim. It doesn't take much investigating to learn that any number of people could have wanted her dead.

Besides her ex Cam with whom she was seen having an arguement, the cook at Cam's estate could have held a grudge since Ashley had promised to finance his new restaurant and then backed out leaving him with all kinds of debts. Then there is the artist who was planning an art gallery and artists' cooperative with Ashley's help until she backed out of that deal too. Then there was her most recent ex who was a musician working in a studio Ashley had leased for him.

I enjoyed this mystery and getting to know Jane and Cam. Jane was a curious and adventurous woman who had a difficult past. She raised her daughter, now an actress, herself after leaving a verbally abusive marriage when her daughter was a baby. Cam, about thirty, is the only child a rich man who suffers from anxiety, OCD, occasional depression and generally lacks social awareness. Although he could clearly benefit, he has never sought therapy since his father didn't believe in it.

I enjoyed the cast of characters in this story. They provided a plentiful number of suspects in this cozy mystery.

A delightful eighth installment in the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series. This one centers around the holidays, including a performance of the Nutcracker led by librarian Amy Muir's husband Richard and including Amy and Richard's 5-year old twins. All while Amy's mother in law is visiting for the holidays. Of course, there is a murder and, naturally, Amy is involved in trying to solve it.

A charming Christmas mystery with a terrific plot and the usual wonderful characters.

Highly recommended for cozy mystery fans!!

(I received a copy of this book from the publisher, via Net Galley, in exchange for a fair and honest review.)½

A Cryptic Clue is the first in a new cozy mystery series by Victoria Gilbert, and one that I am looking forward to reading more of!

One of the things I really love in this series is the age difference and relationship between Jane and Cam. It’s also nice to have a cozy that doesn’t have a 28 year old as the main character. And it’s interesting to see the interaction between Cam, who is rich and really doesn’t have good social manners, combined with Jane, who is a single mother who has worked in a library for many years and has to deal with all sorts of people. I’m excited to see how their relationship progresses.

Besides excelling at writing very complex characters, I also really enjoyed when Jane brought forth her various library skills, having worked at a library myself for 14 years, seven of them in the cataloging department. I knew exactly how she felt when she was exhausted after cataloging for four hours. You may be just sitting in a chair, “reading” a book(s), but it really does take a lot of mental energy out of a person.

The mystery had lots of suspects and I’m really happy about the way that Jane ended up going through them and their alibis, since it wasn’t over and over again. There was actually a lot of the main story and some side stories/mysteries included so it read like a good mystery, not just the main character reviewing a list for two-thirds of the book.

Can’t wait to see what mystery Cam and Jane tackle next, and to see how Jane’s daughter reacts to Cam whenever she meets him.

I have mixed views regarding Victoria Gilbert's A Cryptic Clue. Given that it's subtitled Hunter and Clewe #1, I'm assuming this is the beginning of a series. Will I read new volumes as they come out? I'll definitely try the next, but beyond that, it's a toss-up.

What I enjoyed about this book
• It didn't include the two-detectives-falling-in-love trope of which I am heartily sick. Can't a man and a woman try to work out a puzzle together without burning with secret passions, etc.?
• I feel quite fond of the first of the two "detectives," Jane Hunter, an aging librarian who has lost her university job due to budget cuts. She's just beginning a job working with Cam Clewe, a millionaire who wants his collection of classic mysteries and related documents catalogued so they can be made available to scholars. She knows her stuff.
• The use of a collection of classic mysteries at the heart of this tale. It's fun to be getting some real-world reading info while moving through the story. And the books referenced are all by women—real women who wrote real mysteries that are too-little-known today.

What I didn't enjoy about this book
• I have my usual string of complains, primarily about things like
1. interfering with a police investigation
2. witnesses willing to speak in detail to anyone who asks them questions
3. over-explaining villains
4. convenient gossipy locals
You know what I mean. There's a formula here, but it's handled pretty successfully.

If you enjoy reading series mysteries, I would recommend this title—as much for the fact that it will set a context for future volumes as for the story it narrates. I received a free electronic review copy of this title from the publisher via NetGalley; the opinions are my own.

A Murder for the Books
2 Stars

Amy Webber, the new library director in the historic town of Taylorsford, Virginia, is struggling to run the charming library, which is short of funds yet long on eccentric patrons. The situation is made even more difficult when she, together with her handsome new neighbor, Richard Muir, discovers a body in the archives building. As Amy and Richard become embroiled in the investigation, questions arise regarding its connection to both of their families. Who would want to kill a batty old lady, and how is it connected to a decades-old murder case?

Unfortunately, the slow-pacing, predictable plot and lack of chemistry between the hero and heroine make an otherwise interesting premise fall flat.

The first half of the book focuses on introducing the excessively large cast of characters as well as several mystery threads that ultimately coalesce, but nevertheless require a chart to keep track. While these plotlines have potential, the details are provided in drips and drabs, and it is easy to lose interest. Moreover, the eventual explanations are overly convoluted, and the villains easy to guess due to the heavy foreshadowing. Finally, the inclusion of a paranormal element is completely out of place in an otherwise conventional cozy-mystery.

Amy and Richard are both appealing characters, but their slow-burn romance is also disappointing. It starts out well with some sweet and endearing moments, but ultimately gets lost in all of the other threads.

Overall, this is not a satisfying read and if I hadn't been reading it for a challenge, I would have DNF'd.