Read and Gone (Haunted Library Mysteries 2), by Allison Brook

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You can read my review of the first book in this series, Death Overdue, here.

From the moment I closed the book on Death Overdue, I have been looking forward to reading the second installment in the Haunted Library Series, Read and Gone, by Allison Brook. Although I liked the first one a little more, I am pleased to say I enjoyed this second one. It was perfect for the week leading up to Christmas.

Carrie Singleton has had a strained relationship with her father. When he suddenly shows up at her cottage and pleads with her to assist him in recovering his portion of gems from a heist that he took part in, Carrie finds herself in the midst of a two-fold investigation - to recover the gems and to solve the murder mystery of Benton Parr, Carrie's father's former partner in crime.

This is another strong book in the Haunted Library Series. Although I was suspicious of the person who ended up being the main culprit, I still enjoyed this twisty mystery. There were times when I briefly wavered due to red herrings, opportunities, and motives, but I always went back to who I originally thought it was. It also became clear, before Carrie found them, where the gems were hidden.

Relationships play a key role in this book, which I enjoyed reading about. I loved seeing Carrie's relationship with her father evolve throughout their ordeal.  She also faces challenges with her boyfriend. Although I do mostly enjoy reading about relationships that don't emphasis complications, it's sometimes refreshing to read about ones that are met with challenges. The reality of life is that not every relationship is perfect. This book illustrates that point beautifully. There are also some characters in this series that Carrie has a close relationship with, so it was a nice balance.

There are two main reasons why I gave this book four instead of five mushrooms/stars. One is that I would have liked to see more of the "haunted" side. It is a Haunted Library Series, after all, but I felt the haunted part was lacking a bit. I also have a gripe about how Carrie frequently leaves her cat, Smoky Joe, in the car alone. The story takes place around Christmas. Maybe it's not too cold yet, but I still think it's a bad idea to leave Smoky Joe alone in the car...especially in what is apparently a high crime area! Smoky Joe is delightful, though, and I do love his role in this book. 

I can't end this review without commenting on the book cover. Being someone who prefers to read books when they're "in season", I love when I can look at the cover and know in which season the story takes place. It is clear from the cover of this book that it takes place around Christmas. I suppose it could be Christmas in July, but it would still be a celebration of Christmas. Not all books are set during one season, but cozy mysteries usually take place in a fairly short period of time and I prefer to read them during that time of year when they take place.

Whether you're a seasonal reader or not, I definitely recommend adding Read and Gone, by Allison Brook, to your TBR list after reading Death Overdue. I can't wait to read the next one, Buried in the Stacks which takes place in the depths of winter. I already requested it at my local library.

Have you read Read and Gone? If so, what are your thoughts on it? If you haven't read it, does it sound like one you might enjoy?