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Lakeside Library Mystery #1
Murder at the Lakeside Library
In this series debut perfect for fans of Jenn McKinlay and Miranda James, Rain Wilmont must discover the killer, before the book closes on her life.
Rain Wilmont has just returned to her family's waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain's corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain's mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premise.
The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thornton. The town even thought they were having an affair.
While theories swirl about Thornton's death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn't careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at Lakeside Library the first in Holly Danvers' new Lakeside Library mysteries.
Rain Wilmont has just returned to her family's waterfront log cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after the untimely death of her husband. The cabin is peaceful compared to Rain's corporate job and comes with an informal library that Rain's mother, Willow, used to run. But as Rain prepares for the re-opening of the library, all hopes for a peaceful life are shattered when she discovers the body of Thornton Hughes, a real estate buyer, on the premise.
The community of Lofty Pines starts pointing fingers at Willow, since she has been unusually absent from the library this summer. A fishy rumor surfaces when Rain learns that Willow had been spending a lot of time with Thornton. The town even thought they were having an affair.
While theories swirl about Thornton's death, Rain takes it upon herself to solve the case to exonerate her mother. As more clues surface, Rain will have to piece together the mystery. But if she isn't careful, she may be the next to end up dead in the water in Murder at Lakeside Library the first in Holly Danvers' new Lakeside Library mysteries.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published July 13, 2021
225 people are currently reading
1,558 people want to read
About the author
Holly Danvers
14books223followersDid you know? Holly Danvers also writes the Handcrafted Mystery series under Holly Quinn and the Mainely Murder Mystery series under Sherry Lynn.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 428 reviews
November 18, 2020
A summer cozy cottage mystery series is a cool concept and it was very atmospheric, taking me back to many summers spent lakeside up North. It was a fun easy read. The mystery was original and there were a few tense scenes where I wanted to yell at Rain to be more careful!
Rain goes back to her family's lakeside cottage after losing her husband and instead of solitude, gets an onslaught of old summer friends, an on property library to open and .. the body of a murdered man on her property! As with all cozies, Rain sets out with her friend Julia to help solve the mystery of who killed the man and why. This is the first in a series set in fictional Lofty Pines.
I wish there were a few more characters and I would have loved some more suspects. Her friendship with Julia was lovely and I enjoyed Rain's scenes with Jace, the officer in charge of the scene.
The dialogue could have been smoother with less time spent describing people making gestures with their hands while talking or handing things to each other during conversations, the story was good enough without and would have been more fluid. It hit a good pace 3/4 the way so that was nice.
There were some moments with police procedure that made me cringe but it is a cozy. But unfortunately as well, the ending explanation of the motive had a glaring problem for me and didn't make sense so that was unfortunate for the conclusion of the plot.
But, it was a good read, its a cozy! and who doesn't love a cottage on a sparkling lake and summer friends🥤
This book will publish July 2021 so look for it as an atmospheric cottage read for a day out on the boat. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an Advanced Reader Copy
Rain goes back to her family's lakeside cottage after losing her husband and instead of solitude, gets an onslaught of old summer friends, an on property library to open and .. the body of a murdered man on her property! As with all cozies, Rain sets out with her friend Julia to help solve the mystery of who killed the man and why. This is the first in a series set in fictional Lofty Pines.
I wish there were a few more characters and I would have loved some more suspects. Her friendship with Julia was lovely and I enjoyed Rain's scenes with Jace, the officer in charge of the scene.
The dialogue could have been smoother with less time spent describing people making gestures with their hands while talking or handing things to each other during conversations, the story was good enough without and would have been more fluid. It hit a good pace 3/4 the way so that was nice.
There were some moments with police procedure that made me cringe but it is a cozy. But unfortunately as well, the ending explanation of the motive had a glaring problem for me and didn't make sense so that was unfortunate for the conclusion of the plot.
But, it was a good read, its a cozy! and who doesn't love a cottage on a sparkling lake and summer friends🥤
This book will publish July 2021 so look for it as an atmospheric cottage read for a day out on the boat. Thanks to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for an Advanced Reader Copy
July 11, 2021
2.5★s
Rain Wilmont sold her home in Milwaukee and headed for the family cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, for some peace and relief from her grief and anger. She had only just arrived when she spotted Julia, her long-time friend, who lived in the cabin next door with her husband Nick. But it was when Marge arrived with books for the library which was set up inside Rain’s cabin that shock hit them all. A dead body was found behind the cabin, and it wasn’t long before Julia’s brother, Jace, the local policeman, arrived.
As Julia and Rain did their best to investigate the situation, Jace refused to fill them in on the case. There were too many angles and Rain was determined to discover why her family was implicated, but with past secrets coming to light, the confusion was high. Would they find the killer?
Murder at the Lakeside Library is the 1st in A Lakeside Library Mystery by Holly Danvers, and I was disappointed in it. Rambling and repetitious, the writing seemed immature. I loved the library idea, attached to the cabin, the old and new books, the way it ran each summer for the locals and tourists alike. But there was not a lot of focus on the murder mystery and the ending seemed rather flat. I’m really hoping #2 is a lot better as I already have it on my kindle.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
Rain Wilmont sold her home in Milwaukee and headed for the family cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin, for some peace and relief from her grief and anger. She had only just arrived when she spotted Julia, her long-time friend, who lived in the cabin next door with her husband Nick. But it was when Marge arrived with books for the library which was set up inside Rain’s cabin that shock hit them all. A dead body was found behind the cabin, and it wasn’t long before Julia’s brother, Jace, the local policeman, arrived.
As Julia and Rain did their best to investigate the situation, Jace refused to fill them in on the case. There were too many angles and Rain was determined to discover why her family was implicated, but with past secrets coming to light, the confusion was high. Would they find the killer?
Murder at the Lakeside Library is the 1st in A Lakeside Library Mystery by Holly Danvers, and I was disappointed in it. Rambling and repetitious, the writing seemed immature. I loved the library idea, attached to the cabin, the old and new books, the way it ran each summer for the locals and tourists alike. But there was not a lot of focus on the murder mystery and the ending seemed rather flat. I’m really hoping #2 is a lot better as I already have it on my kindle.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
July 4, 2021
This is a nice introduction to a new series. The standard features for a cosy are all there - young, widowed woman returns to the small town where she grew up, falls over a dead body, develops a relationship with a local policeman and proceeds to investigate the murder herself.
The mystery is interesting, the characters attractive and the setting is beautiful. There is also a library involved which is always a good thing. I enjoyed Rain's friendship with Julia and her developing relationship with Jace. These things all add up to the possibility of good things in the future. I have already signed up for the next book.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
The mystery is interesting, the characters attractive and the setting is beautiful. There is also a library involved which is always a good thing. I enjoyed Rain's friendship with Julia and her developing relationship with Jace. These things all add up to the possibility of good things in the future. I have already signed up for the next book.
My thanks to Netgalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.
January 7, 2021
A great debut cozy that flows steadily along and is absorbing. The lakeside setting of Pine Lake, WI sounds lovely and relaxing. Widow, Rain Wilmot returns to the family’s summer cabin hoping for some peace and quiet to heal her battered emotions. Opening up the part of the house that was turned into a library for the locals to use isn’t on her bucket list; however, with her friend Julia’s help, Rain agrees to try.
Things rapidly shift into high gear when a lifeless body is discovered a few feet away from the cabin! Shockingly, a rare edition of a book written by Rain’s grandfather, Luis, lays near the corpse. Julia’s handsome brother, Jace; a lawman, does everything he can to catch the culprit and protect Rain and Julia, who tend to be snoops.
I found this story filled with plenty of surprise twists and turns and a splash of humor here and there; which are characteristics I look for in a great cozy mystery. I enjoyed the main characters, a cute cocker spaniel pet, and the murder mystery, and look forward to the next story.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
Things rapidly shift into high gear when a lifeless body is discovered a few feet away from the cabin! Shockingly, a rare edition of a book written by Rain’s grandfather, Luis, lays near the corpse. Julia’s handsome brother, Jace; a lawman, does everything he can to catch the culprit and protect Rain and Julia, who tend to be snoops.
I found this story filled with plenty of surprise twists and turns and a splash of humor here and there; which are characteristics I look for in a great cozy mystery. I enjoyed the main characters, a cute cocker spaniel pet, and the murder mystery, and look forward to the next story.
I honestly reviewed a digital arc provided by NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books. All opinions are my own. Thank you.
December 24, 2020
Although the characters were likeable, the plot was intriguing with some good plot twists and I drooled over the beautiful lakeside location, it was a struggle to get through this one. I was put off right from the start when main character Rain was ambushed within seconds of getting to the cottage by her neighbor steamrolling her to open the library. As it went on, there was just too much filler; at times the story would lose momentum as it took a backseat to Rain's constant hashing and rehashing, the weird descriptions of what everyone's hands were doing and all of the internal dialogue. I found myself doing more skimming than reading, which is a shame because at the heart of it all was a great story. I think a bit more editing and polishing is needed to bring all the elements together into more of a cohesive story.
February 6, 2022
2-1/2 stars, but I did enjoy it all right
But I can't write an honest review without mentioning that the writing was just not that great. The first half of the book had way too many commas, then the second half had too few. There was far too much explication in far too many sentences. There were also a good number of typos. The whole thing could have been so much tighter and so, so much better edited. It doesn't appear to be a self-published novel, but it reads like one. I feel really mean criticizing this one and I'm not sure why. Maybe because the story seems to reflect sweetness and earnestness from the author, so I feel as if I'm picking on her. But wow, the writing was awkward enough that it says a lot that I liked the story enough to read the whole thing.
I might read the next installment if I see it at my library. But I sure hope it gets better editing than this opener.
After the death of her husband, and with mixed emotions about her entire life, Rain heads to her family's lake house for the summer, hoping to relax and clear her mind. But her first day there, her childhood best friend Julia jumps on her about opening the community library that's part of the family cabin and traditionally run by Rain's mother. Then, a body is found at the back of Rain's family property. Thornton Hughes wasn't a Lakeside regular. But he was there long enough to stir up some rumors. And more than a few motives for killing him off. Julia's brother Jace, a cop, tells Rain to back off and let the authorities solve the crime. But Rain has some personal reasons for wanting to get to the bottom of the murder.I have mixed feelings about this book. The library title grabbed me. And the story was well plotted and decently complex, with a number of family and other complications to carry well forward into a series. I liked Rain and her friends Julia and Marge.
But I can't write an honest review without mentioning that the writing was just not that great. The first half of the book had way too many commas, then the second half had too few. There was far too much explication in far too many sentences. There were also a good number of typos. The whole thing could have been so much tighter and so, so much better edited. It doesn't appear to be a self-published novel, but it reads like one. I feel really mean criticizing this one and I'm not sure why. Maybe because the story seems to reflect sweetness and earnestness from the author, so I feel as if I'm picking on her. But wow, the writing was awkward enough that it says a lot that I liked the story enough to read the whole thing.
I might read the next installment if I see it at my library. But I sure hope it gets better editing than this opener.
August 12, 2021
I liked this book. I thought it had a nice beginning for a new series. I enjoyed the scenes around the lake and learning about the history of the characters.
However, I thought the story was "wordy." That's the first word that comes to mind. I felt like it was prodding through trying to get to the point sometimes. I hope that when I read the second book, the author will have left a lot of the descriptive portions and focus on the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
However, I thought the story was "wordy." That's the first word that comes to mind. I felt like it was prodding through trying to get to the point sometimes. I hope that when I read the second book, the author will have left a lot of the descriptive portions and focus on the plot.
Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for the opportunity to read and provide an honest review of this book.
July 10, 2021
After suffering a tragedy Rain has decided to spend some recovery time at a lakeside cabin that has been in her family for years. She quickly reconnects with a childhood friend and soon finds she will need her support in unraveling a family secret and a murder.
I liked Rain's friend Julia who is both supportive and fun but sometimes the dialogue between the two was a bit choppy. Overall it is a good mystery that will leave you wanting a friend like Julia. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
I liked Rain's friend Julia who is both supportive and fun but sometimes the dialogue between the two was a bit choppy. Overall it is a good mystery that will leave you wanting a friend like Julia. Thanks to Crooked Lane Books and NetGalley for an ARC. The opinions expressed are my own.
July 5, 2023
It was just OK. I will try another one in the series to see if the characters are more developed …
January 31, 2021
Life hands you lemons so you pack up and head to the lake! A great new series that finds our main character having to start her life over from scratch as she is widowed and lost so she retreats to her family's lakeside retreat to try to figure out what comes next. Unfortunately, her mom left a few details out like that the family had started a makeshift library for the locals and tourists to use and she would need to run that, that there is something odd about her family history and then of course there is the dead body that she finds before she even gets a chance to unpack! Great plotting wrapped around fantastic characters makes this a must read book! I can't wait to see happens next!
July 1, 2021
This cozy mystery is author Holly Danvers novel that takes place lakeside in Wisconsin. It is atmospheric and draws in the reader so that you feel you are a 'laker' (Lakers are people who grew up and reside in Lofty Pines). Good character development, love our main character and her friend Rain and Julia, easy to follow, very enjoyable. Thank you Netgalley for the opportunity to read this ARC in exchange for an honest review. 4 Stars
July 13, 2021
This was just awful and really not for me. You know it is bad when you are taking notes on what bugs you and you are on point 12 by chapter 5 [and I was going to add them here, but they just got to be too many and it just wasn't worth it]!! I did not enjoy this at all [the one star is simply because I was enchanted by the aspect of a little lake library] and am dreading the second one [though I have been surprised before by second books so here's hoping]. I really cannot recommend this to anyone. It is disjointed and upsetting, the writing and character development is really poor and the reveal was extremely anticlimactic; overall, it just was not a good book for me.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Danvers, and Crooked Lane Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
Thank you to NetGalley, Holly Danvers, and Crooked Lane Books for providing the ARC in exchange for an honest review.
May 17, 2021
An easy to read cozy mystery debut set at a lake in the North, with a library which sadly doesn´t appear much.
The main character Rain returns to her family´s lakeside library after having lost her husband, and doesn´t only find friends from childhood and other "Lakers", but also a body on her property. Her friend Julia helps to follow several tracks to the murder, though the police are the ones who puzzle the thing together, among them Jace, which whom Rain develps a good relationship.
The setting is nice and summery, and the non-mystery story about love, friendship and family is well written, but the mystery isn´t the main point. There are too many unnecessary descriptions and too many suspects, but the twists and turns lead to an end that´s not really relatable. A chance to develop more in this series.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.
The main character Rain returns to her family´s lakeside library after having lost her husband, and doesn´t only find friends from childhood and other "Lakers", but also a body on her property. Her friend Julia helps to follow several tracks to the murder, though the police are the ones who puzzle the thing together, among them Jace, which whom Rain develps a good relationship.
The setting is nice and summery, and the non-mystery story about love, friendship and family is well written, but the mystery isn´t the main point. There are too many unnecessary descriptions and too many suspects, but the twists and turns lead to an end that´s not really relatable. A chance to develop more in this series.
Thanks to the publisher and Netgalley for a free ebook in return for an honest review.
April 27, 2021
I really loved this book. Lofty Pines reminded me very much of my cousin's place at Sand Lake, NY. The characters were perfect for the story. I liked the way the author introduced each character into the story. Loved the two main characters, Rain and Julia and their friendship from childhood. The storyline kept the reader involved in the suspense with all the twists and turns until the ending which I thought was a nice way to end the book with enough openings to continue the story. I would certainly recommend reading this book. Holly Danvers did a great job with the first of the series. I look forward to watching the relationship between Rain and Jace develop as well as what the two friends will get themselves into next.
Thanking you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Thanking you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
July 24, 2021
Dollycas’s Thoughts
In this first Lakeside Library Mystery, we meet Rain Wilmot. She has come home to the family’s cabin in Lofty Pines where she reconnects with her childhood best friend Julia. She hopes for a relaxing solitary summer to start to heal from the grief of losing her husband. Her friend Julia has other ideas. She expects Rain to open the library that is part of the family’s cabin. Rain’s mother usually runs the library but is traveling with no plans to visit Lofty Pinesthis summer. Julia has big plans so she needs Rain on board and opening the library.
Julia’s plans go seriously awry when they find a very dead Thorton Hughes on the property. Hughes, a real estate developer, had some big plans of his own and had made a few enemies around the area but he was apparently close to Rain’s mother, Willow. Her absence in Lofty Pines this year is questioned and some people think she had something to do with the man’s murder.
Rain decides to do some investigating of her own while rumors fly. She needs to be careful of she could be the next dead body found in Lofty Pines.
I was immediately drawn into this story by the author’s descriptions of Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods. I have been to several places like Lofty Pines, none that had a library in one of the cabins, but Ms. Danvers descriptions rang true and made it very easy to picture the setting.
I liked Rain and totally understood her need for a quiet place. I also understood Julia’s quest to not allow her friend to wallow in her pain, but boy, that Julia is a pushy woman. She made plans and expected Rain to just fall in line. There was one scene where Rain spends the night in the library and Julia arrives the next morning like a bull in a china shop. I wish Rain would have responded in a stronger way. More insight into Rain and her adult life would have been helpful. We know that the cabin was a special place for her but because her husband didn’t appreciate the area they rarely went there. Again, she allowed another person to make decisions for her. Her behavior really does show a pattern.
I did love the “Laker” attitude. The people that own property in the area and spend every summer there or live there full time are a very cool group. They reach out to help each other whether it be doing a little yard work or bringing treats to share on the deck or just have a listening ear when needed.
The mystery was a little murky for me. There was a bit of repetition and Rain seemed unfocused at times but again she is dealing with a loss and then found a dead body that was oddly connected to her family. Of course, she does get some assistance from Julia, and an elderly library volunteer Marge. They know the people and all the connections that Rain is now unfamiliar with because she has been away so long. The author has a very descriptive writing style but here some of the narration and descriptions get to be too much. I found the treasure found in the library to be a very interesting twist, revealing something important that did move the story forward.
I did have a few issues with the story but Murder at the Lakeside Library was a very entertaining read. It has laid the groundwork for what I hope will be a long-running series. I really liked how important literacy was to Rain’s family going back to her great grandfather, himself an author. The library is a wonderful family legacy. That gives this series a grand uniqueness that cozy readers will love.
In this first Lakeside Library Mystery, we meet Rain Wilmot. She has come home to the family’s cabin in Lofty Pines where she reconnects with her childhood best friend Julia. She hopes for a relaxing solitary summer to start to heal from the grief of losing her husband. Her friend Julia has other ideas. She expects Rain to open the library that is part of the family’s cabin. Rain’s mother usually runs the library but is traveling with no plans to visit Lofty Pinesthis summer. Julia has big plans so she needs Rain on board and opening the library.
Julia’s plans go seriously awry when they find a very dead Thorton Hughes on the property. Hughes, a real estate developer, had some big plans of his own and had made a few enemies around the area but he was apparently close to Rain’s mother, Willow. Her absence in Lofty Pines this year is questioned and some people think she had something to do with the man’s murder.
Rain decides to do some investigating of her own while rumors fly. She needs to be careful of she could be the next dead body found in Lofty Pines.
I was immediately drawn into this story by the author’s descriptions of Wisconsin’s beautiful Northwoods. I have been to several places like Lofty Pines, none that had a library in one of the cabins, but Ms. Danvers descriptions rang true and made it very easy to picture the setting.
I liked Rain and totally understood her need for a quiet place. I also understood Julia’s quest to not allow her friend to wallow in her pain, but boy, that Julia is a pushy woman. She made plans and expected Rain to just fall in line. There was one scene where Rain spends the night in the library and Julia arrives the next morning like a bull in a china shop. I wish Rain would have responded in a stronger way. More insight into Rain and her adult life would have been helpful. We know that the cabin was a special place for her but because her husband didn’t appreciate the area they rarely went there. Again, she allowed another person to make decisions for her. Her behavior really does show a pattern.
I did love the “Laker” attitude. The people that own property in the area and spend every summer there or live there full time are a very cool group. They reach out to help each other whether it be doing a little yard work or bringing treats to share on the deck or just have a listening ear when needed.
The mystery was a little murky for me. There was a bit of repetition and Rain seemed unfocused at times but again she is dealing with a loss and then found a dead body that was oddly connected to her family. Of course, she does get some assistance from Julia, and an elderly library volunteer Marge. They know the people and all the connections that Rain is now unfamiliar with because she has been away so long. The author has a very descriptive writing style but here some of the narration and descriptions get to be too much. I found the treasure found in the library to be a very interesting twist, revealing something important that did move the story forward.
I did have a few issues with the story but Murder at the Lakeside Library was a very entertaining read. It has laid the groundwork for what I hope will be a long-running series. I really liked how important literacy was to Rain’s family going back to her great grandfather, himself an author. The library is a wonderful family legacy. That gives this series a grand uniqueness that cozy readers will love.
July 26, 2021
This year my promise to myself was not to start any new cozy mystery series until I finished a few I had going but the cover of this debut series sucked me right on in. I am so glad it did. Is it a perfectly written cozy mystery? No, but for me, it felt very real. Rain is dealing with the loss of her husband and the realization that he was unfaithful. She decides to move back to her hometown and stay at her parents' place while they are away for the summer. Before she even gets unpacked she learns that she is expected to run the summer library for her absentee mom and in the process finds a dead body on her property. Rain is starting to wonder if moving home was her best choice. She really just wanted a quiet place to grieve and lick her wounds.
Rain appears fickle at times but coming from my own experience of grief you don't always think like you normally would. Some days you are lucky to remember to tie your shoes before walking out the door. Rain's childhood friend, Julia, is a tad irritating as she tends to railroad Rain and then afterward apologizes. I wouldn't pick Julia as a friend but she seems to be the right one for Rain.
I hope in book 2, Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library (out 2.2022) that we get to meet Rain's parents and find out what is really going on with them. There is quite a story going on there.
If you love cozy mysteries set by water and involving books this is a series for you. Trigger warning: unfaithfulness, death of a spouse, and murder.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
Rain appears fickle at times but coming from my own experience of grief you don't always think like you normally would. Some days you are lucky to remember to tie your shoes before walking out the door. Rain's childhood friend, Julia, is a tad irritating as she tends to railroad Rain and then afterward apologizes. I wouldn't pick Julia as a friend but she seems to be the right one for Rain.
I hope in book 2, Long Overdue at the Lakeside Library (out 2.2022) that we get to meet Rain's parents and find out what is really going on with them. There is quite a story going on there.
If you love cozy mysteries set by water and involving books this is a series for you. Trigger warning: unfaithfulness, death of a spouse, and murder.
I received a complimentary copy from the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All opinions expressed in the above review are entirely my own.
May 11, 2021
Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers is more than just a mystery. It's a story about loss, family, family history and secrets and a mysterious death of a newcomer to Lofty Pines, Wisconsin.
The story is smoothly paced with family secrets that provide many of the twists, very few suspects with motivations to murder the victim, an idyllic setting along a beautiful lake and strong characters who are developing organically throughout the book. A strong beginning to a new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
The story is smoothly paced with family secrets that provide many of the twists, very few suspects with motivations to murder the victim, an idyllic setting along a beautiful lake and strong characters who are developing organically throughout the book. A strong beginning to a new series.
I voluntarily reviewed an Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
May 25, 2021
If you are looking for a book to read by the lake this summer, here it is!
Our main character, Rain, is newly widowed and decides to move back to her childhood lakeside summer home for some time away from the big city. Upon arrival there is a dead body discovered and Rain is wondering what the dead guy's connection is to her family. This of course leads to uncovering family skeletons and a little danger to herself.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
Our main character, Rain, is newly widowed and decides to move back to her childhood lakeside summer home for some time away from the big city. Upon arrival there is a dead body discovered and Rain is wondering what the dead guy's connection is to her family. This of course leads to uncovering family skeletons and a little danger to herself.
I was given an eARC by the publisher through NetGalley.
November 1, 2021
This book is like jello: easy to digest but completely lacking in anything to sink your teeth into. The story floats along from one head-scratching moment to the next. In the first few pages we’re told that a recently widowed Rain, in her mid-thirties, has decided to leave her corporate job and move back to her family home. Yet she has all her possessions in an SUV?
With her parents both away on separate extended trips Rain arrives hoping for some serious alone time with little responsibility. She is pleasantly surprised to be greeted by longtime friend and neighbor, Julia. Head scratcher number two is that during summer months the family runs a lending library out of their home. Rain’s mother runs the library but she left the continent without telling any of the locals. Head scratcher number three: Julia convinces the apparently spineless Rain that it will be her responsibility to run the library since her mother isn’t there.
Almost immediately a body is found on the property. The town rumor mill has Rain’s mother and the victim as friendly acquaintances. Head scratcher number four: Rain is unsure if her parents are even still together, giving credence to the “friendly acquaintance” rumors. The mystery deals with Rain trying to determine how the dead man fits in with her family history. Head scratcher number five: despite Rain’s attempts to reach her parents by phone and email, neither connects with her throughout the entire book.
And a final observation, this book has one of the worst “Too Stupid to Be Alive” scenes I’ve read in a long time.
With her parents both away on separate extended trips Rain arrives hoping for some serious alone time with little responsibility. She is pleasantly surprised to be greeted by longtime friend and neighbor, Julia. Head scratcher number two is that during summer months the family runs a lending library out of their home. Rain’s mother runs the library but she left the continent without telling any of the locals. Head scratcher number three: Julia convinces the apparently spineless Rain that it will be her responsibility to run the library since her mother isn’t there.
Almost immediately a body is found on the property. The town rumor mill has Rain’s mother and the victim as friendly acquaintances. Head scratcher number four: Rain is unsure if her parents are even still together, giving credence to the “friendly acquaintance” rumors. The mystery deals with Rain trying to determine how the dead man fits in with her family history. Head scratcher number five: despite Rain’s attempts to reach her parents by phone and email, neither connects with her throughout the entire book.
And a final observation, this book has one of the worst “Too Stupid to Be Alive” scenes I’ve read in a long time.
April 26, 2021
Murder at the Lakeside Library is the first book in the new Lakeside Library Mystery series by author Holly Danvers. I was drawn to this book because it was set in the midwest and I like the idea of a lakeside library located inside the protagonist's family home. I really wanted to like this book more than I did, but to be honest, struggled to finish this book. I loved the location and the idea of the library where you could sit on the deck and read by the lake. The characters were okay but I didn't feel drawn to them which always makes it hard for me to connect with the story. At times, I felt that the plot was slowed by too much filler and too many descriptions of what people were doing with their hands, and internal dialogue that felt irrelevant. I'll admit I did skim parts just so that I could finish the book. I wanted to like this book but honestly, I just don't think this series is for me, and that's okay.
I received an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
I received an advanced reader copy provided to me by the publisher, Crooked Lane Books, through NetGalley. All opinions and thoughts are my own.
February 2, 2021
A good debut cozy mystery. Rain has gone to her family's lakeside cottage to attempt to heal after the death of her husband. The quiet she craves doesn't happen as she is immersed back into the community of year round lakeside residents, finding both old friends and new. The community is anxious for her to open the library that her mother has opened each season for the small town. Then there's a murder on her parents' property.
The characters were well developed. I liked the rekindling of the friendship between Rain and Julia. It's so true how old friends, even after not seeing each other for a long time, can see each other and immediately they are as close as they were before. The plot was good - not one of those you couldn't put down, but kept my interest. Overall I found it an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
The characters were well developed. I liked the rekindling of the friendship between Rain and Julia. It's so true how old friends, even after not seeing each other for a long time, can see each other and immediately they are as close as they were before. The plot was good - not one of those you couldn't put down, but kept my interest. Overall I found it an enjoyable read.
Thanks to Crooked Lane Books through Netgalley for an advance copy.
December 5, 2020
I did like that the murder happened quickly in Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers. The plot was good, but I struggled to really get into the story. When there is too much unnecessary details and dialogue that feels like it’s just thrown in there to fill up space, I get pulled out of the story and find myself skimming information. For me, the book had too much detail in describing things.
Murder at the Lakeside Library is an okay start to a new cozy series. I do like the cover; it’s quite relaxing.
#MurderattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
Murder at the Lakeside Library is an okay start to a new cozy series. I do like the cover; it’s quite relaxing.
#MurderattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
April 28, 2023
In Lofty Pines, there’s a woman looking for a distraction after the death of her husband, a cabin library in need of a librarian, and a dead body by the outhouse. Yes, Murder at the Lakeside Library is most definitely a cozy mystery.
Author Holly Danvers has tapped into perhaps the coziest of backdrops for a mystery. Log cabins, a lakefront community, and a library? Her vivid descriptions of Wisconsin, complete with tranquil wilderness and an idyllic mainstreet, had me practically packed and ready to move north for the summer. Unfortunately, it’s not all fishing and bonfires, and it’s clear very early that the murder rate is about to skyrocket.
Fortunately, Rain Wilmont is on the case. Having spent her summers at the cabin growing up, as an adult she’s ready to return to more comfortable quarters. While certainly a strong character with grit, she’s navigating a difficult point in her life, and Danvers skillfully weaves this turmoil—from the death of her husband to more complicated secrets—into the story. What’s more, it plays against the murder investigation she’s pulled into. As Rain finds herself questioning her past, she probes deeper into the death of a mysterious man found near her cabin, ultimately unwinding both sets of questions in tandem.
While Danvers has no problem delving into the darker side of these mysteries, that’s not to suggest she doesn’t know how to let her characters have fun. This is a cozy, after all, and she packs in enough levity to keep things lively—particularly in scenes featuring Rain’s ragtag group of investigation pals.
With a solid mystery, an inviting setting, and plenty of drama, Murder at the Lakeside Library is the first in a cozy series worth checking out.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at
Author Holly Danvers has tapped into perhaps the coziest of backdrops for a mystery. Log cabins, a lakefront community, and a library? Her vivid descriptions of Wisconsin, complete with tranquil wilderness and an idyllic mainstreet, had me practically packed and ready to move north for the summer. Unfortunately, it’s not all fishing and bonfires, and it’s clear very early that the murder rate is about to skyrocket.
Fortunately, Rain Wilmont is on the case. Having spent her summers at the cabin growing up, as an adult she’s ready to return to more comfortable quarters. While certainly a strong character with grit, she’s navigating a difficult point in her life, and Danvers skillfully weaves this turmoil—from the death of her husband to more complicated secrets—into the story. What’s more, it plays against the murder investigation she’s pulled into. As Rain finds herself questioning her past, she probes deeper into the death of a mysterious man found near her cabin, ultimately unwinding both sets of questions in tandem.
While Danvers has no problem delving into the darker side of these mysteries, that’s not to suggest she doesn’t know how to let her characters have fun. This is a cozy, after all, and she packs in enough levity to keep things lively—particularly in scenes featuring Rain’s ragtag group of investigation pals.
With a solid mystery, an inviting setting, and plenty of drama, Murder at the Lakeside Library is the first in a cozy series worth checking out.
Note: I received an ARC of this book from the publisher through NetGalley.
Review also posted at
July 9, 2021
This is the first book in the Lakeside library series. Rain Wilmont returns to her family's summer cabin in Lofty Pines, Wisconsin after her husband, Max, dies. Rain realizes that her mother left her to run the towns library by herself. As she prepares to reopen, she finds the body of Thornton Hughes near her cabin. Found near the body is a copy of Rain's grandfathers rare edition book. This naturally makes Rain curious and she and her friend Julia investigate.
What I liked about this book was that it felt natural that the characters investigated. They didn't try to do the job of the police and had a good relationship with the detective. I really liked the characters and the setting. I love that even though so much time has passed that Rain and Julia can pick up their friendship right where it left off. The murder was okay. I didn't figure out who the killer was and I kind of felt like it wrapped up too quickly. Overall this was a great start to a series. I received this book from netgalley and Penguin random house publishing in exchange for an honest review.
What I liked about this book was that it felt natural that the characters investigated. They didn't try to do the job of the police and had a good relationship with the detective. I really liked the characters and the setting. I love that even though so much time has passed that Rain and Julia can pick up their friendship right where it left off. The murder was okay. I didn't figure out who the killer was and I kind of felt like it wrapped up too quickly. Overall this was a great start to a series. I received this book from netgalley and Penguin random house publishing in exchange for an honest review.
March 26, 2021
I love library or bookstore cozy mysteries and with the visual delights of the book cover it was even easier to imagine the peaceful and wonderful experience of visiting a lakeside library. Holly Danvers is a pseudonym used by Holly Quinn and has written an intriguing mystery in the beautiful setting of Lofty Pines, Wisconsin.
Rain Wilmont is returning from Florida to a family-owned cabin with hopes of a peaceful summer healing her heart following the death of her husband and even being a suspect in his death. But life on the lake is anything but peaceful with discovery of a murder victim in the first hours of her arrival "at home." It's an interesting story related to a question asked by many generations that is still relevant, "Can one return home again as an adult and be happy?" Will memories of happier times spent with family and friends now be marred by rumors and tragedy? Until we learn the answers to these questions, Rain’s forever friend Julia provides the best comic relief with her unique version of swearing so she doesn’t return to teaching in the fall as she describes "like a drunken sailor."
As many love to barbecue all year-round now but especially when fresh ingredients may be sourced from local farmers' markets it was a pleasure to view a recipe at the end of the cozy for one of the menu items served at a barbecue that sounds easy-to-prepare and positively delicious.
For readers who love to travel you may be interested to note that there is a Lofty Pines Resort with over 350 feet of prime lake frontage nestled among the pines on the northwest corner of Big St. Germain Lake, between Minocqua and Eagle River. There may not be a library onsite but it might be fun to read the opening of this series during a visit. I couldn't wait to travel there to read the opening book of the series and without a doubt I'm ready for my next armchair travel to Lofty Pines.
My sincere thanks to Holly Danvers and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
Rain Wilmont is returning from Florida to a family-owned cabin with hopes of a peaceful summer healing her heart following the death of her husband and even being a suspect in his death. But life on the lake is anything but peaceful with discovery of a murder victim in the first hours of her arrival "at home." It's an interesting story related to a question asked by many generations that is still relevant, "Can one return home again as an adult and be happy?" Will memories of happier times spent with family and friends now be marred by rumors and tragedy? Until we learn the answers to these questions, Rain’s forever friend Julia provides the best comic relief with her unique version of swearing so she doesn’t return to teaching in the fall as she describes "like a drunken sailor."
As many love to barbecue all year-round now but especially when fresh ingredients may be sourced from local farmers' markets it was a pleasure to view a recipe at the end of the cozy for one of the menu items served at a barbecue that sounds easy-to-prepare and positively delicious.
For readers who love to travel you may be interested to note that there is a Lofty Pines Resort with over 350 feet of prime lake frontage nestled among the pines on the northwest corner of Big St. Germain Lake, between Minocqua and Eagle River. There may not be a library onsite but it might be fun to read the opening of this series during a visit. I couldn't wait to travel there to read the opening book of the series and without a doubt I'm ready for my next armchair travel to Lofty Pines.
My sincere thanks to Holly Danvers and Crooked Lane Books for my complimentary digital copy of this title, via NetGalley, in exchange for my honest review.
#MurderattheLakesideLibrary #NetGalley
November 16, 2021
Totally blown away by this book!!!
July 25, 2021
*I received a free copy of this book which I voluntarily chose to write an honest review for.
What a fabulously fun start to a new cozy series. We meet Rain as she travels to her family's summer cabin at the lake to put her life back together after some horrible events. The last thing she thought of was the family library needing to be run as part of the property. As if that doesn't pose enough of a challenge shortly after arrival she helps to find a dead man. Rain had no clue who he was but the small town gossip has him at her mothers secret. She cannot help but to ask questions in an effort to clear her mom. Makes for a fun delightful read full of clues mixed with characters you can really picture while getting to know them. I really look forward to more in this series. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
What a fabulously fun start to a new cozy series. We meet Rain as she travels to her family's summer cabin at the lake to put her life back together after some horrible events. The last thing she thought of was the family library needing to be run as part of the property. As if that doesn't pose enough of a challenge shortly after arrival she helps to find a dead man. Rain had no clue who he was but the small town gossip has him at her mothers secret. She cannot help but to ask questions in an effort to clear her mom. Makes for a fun delightful read full of clues mixed with characters you can really picture while getting to know them. I really look forward to more in this series. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
June 5, 2023
2.5 rounded to 3 stars. I wanted to love this, but I struggled with it a lot. The premise of the storyline was good, especially since most authors starting a new cozy series use the main character as the suspect in the murder.
I thought that Rain and Julia were fun, but their banter was really juvenile. They also did stupid things throughout the story...I mean, who leaves their cell phone at home nowadays? Nobody.
It was ok, so I may read the next in the series.
I thought that Rain and Julia were fun, but their banter was really juvenile. They also did stupid things throughout the story...I mean, who leaves their cell phone at home nowadays? Nobody.
It was ok, so I may read the next in the series.
September 1, 2021
This was a great start to a new series! I liked that I could relate to the images & smells that the author wrote. It was fun watching Rain and Julia reconnect after such a long time. Oh & what a mystery that murder was!! I feel like there was more focus on Rain & her family than the murder, but I enjoyed the story. I am looking forward to the next adventure that awaits Rain!
July 24, 2021
Murder at the Lakeside Library by Holly Danvers is a fun summer vacation read. The idyllic lake setting in the Northwoods is almost another character in the book, and Danvers warmly brings the sights, sounds, and smells of a Wisconsin lake town to life. When I was growing up in Northern Illinois (almost on the Wisconsin border) we would often visit the Northwoods area & the Wisconsin Dells for our family vacations, and reading Murder at the Lakeside Library brought back so many fond memories for me. Even though I now live in Georgia, I’d love to go back to the Wisconsin Northwoods sometime! Murder notwithstanding haha.
A lot of this book is setting the stage for why Rain has returned to her family lake cabin and how she’s been out of touch with her parents, so that she doesn’t know what to believe when rumors about them start whispering through Lofty Pines. I love how she reconnected to her childhood best friend Julia, who is a hoot by the way, and I had fun watching their friendship pretty much pick up where they left off, with some small gaps of course. It’s good for Rain to have that solid connection when everything else goes a bit topsy-turvy. See, in her mother’s absence, Rain is suddenly in charge of the lending library that’s attached to their cabin and scrambles a bit to deal with all the new information and puzzling questions that arise. Then there’s a murder and all that uncertainty magnifies even more.
The mystery is well done, with a couple of suspects that are very close to Rain’s heart, and a long held family secret that further muddies the waters. She and Julia are more of a Lucy & Ethel crime fighting duo than Nancy Drew & her chums but they are highly entertaining in the process – and maybe a bit savvier than their TV counterparts. I enjoyed the way Danvers added Julia’s brother Jace to the mix – a police officer for Lofty Pines and a potential romantic interest for Rain in future books, I’m guessing. This allowed Rain & Julia some security even when they took dumb risks (as all cozy mystery sleuths are wont to do) but also added extra layers to the mystery because Jace wasn’t handing out unauthorized updates willy-nilly.
Bottom Line: Murder at the Lakeside Library is a cute start to a new cozy series! I loved the Wisconsin Northwoods setting, as it brought back delightful family vacation memories from my childhood, and the author did a great job of making it come alive for readers. While I thought the dialogue between Rain and her childhood summer bestie Julia was sometimes too old for women in their 30s – and there was some repetition of information throughout – overall I enjoyed the writing pace & style. The murder mystery is intriguing & mixed with unanswered questions and a dose of family drama, and readers will embrace their inner Nancy Drew to put all the pieces together. The bonus of a lakeside library attached to the side of Rain’s cabin is icing on the cake for bookworms!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
A lot of this book is setting the stage for why Rain has returned to her family lake cabin and how she’s been out of touch with her parents, so that she doesn’t know what to believe when rumors about them start whispering through Lofty Pines. I love how she reconnected to her childhood best friend Julia, who is a hoot by the way, and I had fun watching their friendship pretty much pick up where they left off, with some small gaps of course. It’s good for Rain to have that solid connection when everything else goes a bit topsy-turvy. See, in her mother’s absence, Rain is suddenly in charge of the lending library that’s attached to their cabin and scrambles a bit to deal with all the new information and puzzling questions that arise. Then there’s a murder and all that uncertainty magnifies even more.
The mystery is well done, with a couple of suspects that are very close to Rain’s heart, and a long held family secret that further muddies the waters. She and Julia are more of a Lucy & Ethel crime fighting duo than Nancy Drew & her chums but they are highly entertaining in the process – and maybe a bit savvier than their TV counterparts. I enjoyed the way Danvers added Julia’s brother Jace to the mix – a police officer for Lofty Pines and a potential romantic interest for Rain in future books, I’m guessing. This allowed Rain & Julia some security even when they took dumb risks (as all cozy mystery sleuths are wont to do) but also added extra layers to the mystery because Jace wasn’t handing out unauthorized updates willy-nilly.
Bottom Line: Murder at the Lakeside Library is a cute start to a new cozy series! I loved the Wisconsin Northwoods setting, as it brought back delightful family vacation memories from my childhood, and the author did a great job of making it come alive for readers. While I thought the dialogue between Rain and her childhood summer bestie Julia was sometimes too old for women in their 30s – and there was some repetition of information throughout – overall I enjoyed the writing pace & style. The murder mystery is intriguing & mixed with unanswered questions and a dose of family drama, and readers will embrace their inner Nancy Drew to put all the pieces together. The bonus of a lakeside library attached to the side of Rain’s cabin is icing on the cake for bookworms!
(I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book)
first reviewed at
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