Dewey Decimated (The Haunted Library Mysteries, #6), by Allison Brook

Publication September 6, 2022

Small town secrets can be deadly.

Although I found the book quite slow going at first, once the unknown body was found, things picked up big time. I realized at some point that I was fully invested, so it did grab my attention, even if it took awhile to click with me. I've read other books of this series but feel it worked nicely as a stand-alone. Brook introduces us to the main characters and shows rather than tells, a big plus, weaving past events smoothly into the plot. As always, Carrie seemed fully invested in her job despite the noise and confusion of the next door building that is being renovated to become part of the library. We do get quite a few looks into how many libraries operate, by the way, another plus for us book lovers. Now, true, I don't think most libraries have a resident ghost but, well, how would I know. Evelyn the ghost is a delight, in any case, and a definite help to Carrie throughout this book.

The plot centers about the discovery of the body of an unknown man, which may or may not be related to a later murder. Carrie is, for her, rather uninvolved in the investigation, her days being full of library business and her slowly dawning realization that husband-to-be Dylan and she still have things to learn about each other. Such as who he is related to. There are also several side stories, ranging from Angela's search for the "perfect dog" to the dimensions of the proposed auditorium to be build in the added building. It was interesting to see how Carrie, a new member of /the Clover Ridge, Connecticut, cautiously but effectively working her way into the city board and all the decisions it is ultimately responsible in making. She even deals with a pesty, ambitious reporter in the process.

Bottom line, despite the slow to me start, I enjoyed "Dewey Decimated" and recommend it to anyone who likes cozy mysteries with a helping of books, libraries, small town politics and secrets, and how the past often intertwines with the present. And, oh, did I mention ghosts, as in ghosts plural. It all somehow seems to, well, normal, even as those closest to Carrie are slowly coming to gripes with her talent for communicating with ghosts. Settle in and enjoy the read.

Thank you #NetGalley and #CrookedLaneBooks for inviting me over to Clover Ridge for a spell. Looking forward to more adventures with Carrie, Dylan, Smokey Joe, the library cat, and all the rest in the future.