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Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #7
Death in the Margins
The theater is no place for murder—but a case of backstage betrayal drags library director Amy Webber into a case that could mean curtains in critically acclaimed author Victoria Gilbert’s Blue Ridge Library mystery.
It’s early summer, and while Richard Muir and his dance partner, Karla, are preparing their new choreographic piece, Richard’s wife, Amy, is gathering the dance’s source materials. Based on folktales and the music of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the production is set to premiere at an old cinema that has been converted to a theater. But when dancer Meredith Fox—Richard’s former fiancé—is found dead backstage, Amy is once again propelled into a murder case that threatens the careers and lives of those she loves.
After Amy teams up with Chief Deputy Brad Tucker and the sheriff’s department to discover the killer, they find that there’s no shortage of suspects: Meredith’s wealthy ex-husband, several fellow dancers, a romantically spurned accompanist, and others whom the talented but haughty dancer dismissed or betrayed over the years.
With Richard and Karla's help, and information gleaned from locals who know a wealth of small-town secrets, Amy desperately tries to unveil the killer before the premiere. But she’s pursuing a ruthless murderer who’s willing to kill again—and who might just be waiting for Amy in the wings.
It’s early summer, and while Richard Muir and his dance partner, Karla, are preparing their new choreographic piece, Richard’s wife, Amy, is gathering the dance’s source materials. Based on folktales and the music of the Blue Ridge Mountains, the production is set to premiere at an old cinema that has been converted to a theater. But when dancer Meredith Fox—Richard’s former fiancé—is found dead backstage, Amy is once again propelled into a murder case that threatens the careers and lives of those she loves.
After Amy teams up with Chief Deputy Brad Tucker and the sheriff’s department to discover the killer, they find that there’s no shortage of suspects: Meredith’s wealthy ex-husband, several fellow dancers, a romantically spurned accompanist, and others whom the talented but haughty dancer dismissed or betrayed over the years.
With Richard and Karla's help, and information gleaned from locals who know a wealth of small-town secrets, Amy desperately tries to unveil the killer before the premiere. But she’s pursuing a ruthless murderer who’s willing to kill again—and who might just be waiting for Amy in the wings.
329 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 6, 2022
68 people are currently reading
671 people want to read
About the author
Victoria Gilbert
19 books850 followersVictoria Gilbert, raised in the shadow of the Blue Ridge Mountain, turned her early obsession with reading into a dual career as an author and librarian.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
When not writing or reading, she likes to spend her time watching films, gardening, or traveling. She lives in North Carolina with her husband, son, and some very spoiled cats.
Victoria is a member of Sisters in Crime and Mystery Writers of America, and is represented by Frances Black of Literary Counsel, NY, NY.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 160 reviews
November 1, 2023
This is a great addition to the Blue Ridge Library Mystery series with the lovely mountain backdrop and small-town atmosphere. There are interesting and likable recurring characters with Amy, library director, and her husband Richard, dancer and dance professor, and others. Murder at dance rehearsal gets sticky with dancers, parents, and others in the suspect pool. Amy is helping out Deputy Brad again by asking questions and things do get dicey and scary before the mystery is solved. With a cool surprise at the end, there are great new beginnings to watch for in the future.
November 27, 2022
Dancer Meredith Fox, a vindictive, cruel and ruthless person, was found dead by librarian Amy Webber Muir. She'd been stabbed in the theatre, backstage, and standing over her body was a young sixteen year old dancer with the knife in his hands. Did he stab her, or was he trying to save her as he said? Amy's husband, Richard Muir and his dance partner, Karla, along with the dance group, were rehearsing in preparation for the premier of a new show in a few days time. But their preparations would be hindered by Meredith's death as one of the key dancers, also the young man who'd been arrested.
At the request of Chief Deputy Brad Tucker, Amy was investigating the many suspects, asking questions and generally making a nuisance of herself. No one had liked Meredith, so there were plenty who weren't sorry she was dead. But would any of those people resort to killing her? Amy thought not. But as she searched for answers, she came closer to the truth. Would there be someone out there who would kill again to keep their secrets?
Death in the Margins is the 7th in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and I enjoyed it. Fun, light, entertaining, with Amy being her usual amateur sleuth - which everyone was aware of by now - the combination of the library, Richard's dance production and catching up with Aunt Lydia, Sunny and others was great. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
At the request of Chief Deputy Brad Tucker, Amy was investigating the many suspects, asking questions and generally making a nuisance of herself. No one had liked Meredith, so there were plenty who weren't sorry she was dead. But would any of those people resort to killing her? Amy thought not. But as she searched for answers, she came closer to the truth. Would there be someone out there who would kill again to keep their secrets?
Death in the Margins is the 7th in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries by Victoria Gilbert and I enjoyed it. Fun, light, entertaining, with Amy being her usual amateur sleuth - which everyone was aware of by now - the combination of the library, Richard's dance production and catching up with Aunt Lydia, Sunny and others was great. Recommended.
With thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.
November 27, 2022
The seventh book in the series although I have not read all of them. I did find this was the best one I have read so far.
Amy and Richard are now married and their relationship seems solid. However in Death in the Margins Richard is spending all his time rehearsing for a dance performance and Amy, despite her job as Director of the local library, seems to have time on her hands. The murder of one of the dancers lets her do her favourite thing - sleuthing and assisting Chief Deputy Brad Tucker in finding the killer.
There are loads of possible suspects, lots of red herrings and Amy manages to survive despite several attacks on her person. There is a really nice ending for those who have been reading the series for a while.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
Amy and Richard are now married and their relationship seems solid. However in Death in the Margins Richard is spending all his time rehearsing for a dance performance and Amy, despite her job as Director of the local library, seems to have time on her hands. The murder of one of the dancers lets her do her favourite thing - sleuthing and assisting Chief Deputy Brad Tucker in finding the killer.
There are loads of possible suspects, lots of red herrings and Amy manages to survive despite several attacks on her person. There is a really nice ending for those who have been reading the series for a while.
Thanks to Netgalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read and review this book.
July 28, 2022
Death in the Margins is the 7th book in the Blue Ridge Library series. I have read all of them. Amy Moore Muir is the main character. She is the Director of the Taylorsford Public Library, She is married to Richard Muir a contemporary dancer and choreographer who taught at Clarion University. Karla Tansen is Richard's long time dance partner who runs a dance school. Lydia Moore is Amy's aunt who lives next door in their family home,
Amy told Richard she would do a dinner picnic for him and Karla as they were at rehearsals for their dance program called Forklore Suite. When arriving at the theatre Amy sees Meredith, Richard's ex fiancé arguing with Janelle DeFranzo about her daughter, Quinn who is autistic and easily overwhelmed by new experiences . Meredith finds her presence distracting. Karla had told she was including some of her disabled students in the production. Amy also meets Riley Irwin who plays the piano and also works at the college, Davonte Julian and Tamera Hardy professional dancers. Connor Vogler is a student who Richard feels has a lot of potential. They have all had run-ins with Meredith.
Meredith has words with Karla. Richard interferes and tells Meredith the project is Karla's and his. They will make the decisions. He hired her and can fire her. She tells him that he couldn't fire her as they could not train anyone to do her dance in that short of a time. Meredith became bitter and mean-spirited until her disastrous ,marriage to Nate Broyhill. When taking the cooler out of her car she sees a maroon SUV and a blue sedan in the parking lot. The man in the SUV is Meredith's ex-husband, Nate. When back in the theatre Amy watches the student dancers as well as Richard and Karla'. Richard asks Amy if she can go downstairs to the rooms to get Karla's choreographic notes she left there. When going into a dressing room she finds Connor Yogler standing over the body of Meredith dead with a knife. He states that he was only trying to help her as there was so much blood. Amy calls 911 and the police come including her friend chief deputy Brad Tucker. Conner is handcuffed and taken from the theatre.
This is where the story takes off with Amy not believing that Connor killed Meredith and decides to help her friend Brad find out who did kill her. The reader is taken on an adventure of Amy interviewing the supporting characters to the build-up of the ending to the reader. Also at the end after the murderer is caught Amy tells Richard that she is pregnant which is the end of the story.
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to what is next for Amy and Richard along with their friends.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
Amy told Richard she would do a dinner picnic for him and Karla as they were at rehearsals for their dance program called Forklore Suite. When arriving at the theatre Amy sees Meredith, Richard's ex fiancé arguing with Janelle DeFranzo about her daughter, Quinn who is autistic and easily overwhelmed by new experiences . Meredith finds her presence distracting. Karla had told she was including some of her disabled students in the production. Amy also meets Riley Irwin who plays the piano and also works at the college, Davonte Julian and Tamera Hardy professional dancers. Connor Vogler is a student who Richard feels has a lot of potential. They have all had run-ins with Meredith.
Meredith has words with Karla. Richard interferes and tells Meredith the project is Karla's and his. They will make the decisions. He hired her and can fire her. She tells him that he couldn't fire her as they could not train anyone to do her dance in that short of a time. Meredith became bitter and mean-spirited until her disastrous ,marriage to Nate Broyhill. When taking the cooler out of her car she sees a maroon SUV and a blue sedan in the parking lot. The man in the SUV is Meredith's ex-husband, Nate. When back in the theatre Amy watches the student dancers as well as Richard and Karla'. Richard asks Amy if she can go downstairs to the rooms to get Karla's choreographic notes she left there. When going into a dressing room she finds Connor Yogler standing over the body of Meredith dead with a knife. He states that he was only trying to help her as there was so much blood. Amy calls 911 and the police come including her friend chief deputy Brad Tucker. Conner is handcuffed and taken from the theatre.
This is where the story takes off with Amy not believing that Connor killed Meredith and decides to help her friend Brad find out who did kill her. The reader is taken on an adventure of Amy interviewing the supporting characters to the build-up of the ending to the reader. Also at the end after the murderer is caught Amy tells Richard that she is pregnant which is the end of the story.
I have enjoyed this series and look forward to what is next for Amy and Richard along with their friends.
Thank you NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this ARC.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 22, 2022
Death in the Margins is the 7th book in the series of which I have so far read only the previous two. I have kept saying in my earlier reviews that I will try to read books 1-4 but I have not managed to so far (so many books to read!). Nevertheless, like the previous ones I have read in the series, this too was good with a lot happening on the mystery front. This time the victim is Meredith Fox, a professional dancer and ex-wife to Amy's current husband Richard. There are enough suspects and reasons to sort through since Meredith wasn't exactly a well liked person which keeps the story moving at a good pace.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Victoria Gilbert for the e-Arc of the book. This series also has some eye catching cover designs.
My thanks to NetGalley, the publisher Crooked Lane Books and the author Victoria Gilbert for the e-Arc of the book. This series also has some eye catching cover designs.
August 7, 2022
Ms. Gilbert has written another winner in her Blue Ridge Library cozy mystery series.
Amy has become a dance widow as Richard and Karla are in rehearsals for a new choreography piece that includes all levels of dancers - professional, university students and young students from Karla's dance studio. While visiting Richard and Karla at the theater, Amy finds the body of Richard's ex with a young dancer standing over it. Amy begins to assist Chief Deputy Brad Tucker in ferreting out the clues of who would want to kill the woman.
A fast paced well-crafted plot, a victim who was one of those characters who I loved to hate, multiple suspects who had strong motives, plenty of twists and red herrings and a gripping reveal confrontation kept me glued to the pages until I reached the end. The final chapter was sweet.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
Amy has become a dance widow as Richard and Karla are in rehearsals for a new choreography piece that includes all levels of dancers - professional, university students and young students from Karla's dance studio. While visiting Richard and Karla at the theater, Amy finds the body of Richard's ex with a young dancer standing over it. Amy begins to assist Chief Deputy Brad Tucker in ferreting out the clues of who would want to kill the woman.
A fast paced well-crafted plot, a victim who was one of those characters who I loved to hate, multiple suspects who had strong motives, plenty of twists and red herrings and a gripping reveal confrontation kept me glued to the pages until I reached the end. The final chapter was sweet.
I voluntarily reviewed a digital Advance Reader Copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley. All of the above opinions are my own.
December 6, 2022
Besides being a fan of the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries, I am also a fan of Amy Webber, the director of the library. Although I opposed the plot of Amy investigating the murder of a dancer who is also Amy's husband and Richard's former fiancé because I don't like dancing. I enjoyed it overall. It's Victoria Gilbert's writing style that gets me hooked, which is why I love it so much. I found the small town secrets very intriguing. Amy's surprise at the end was worth waiting for and I loved how Richard helped her solve the case before the dance show premiered.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book. This was a honest review.
Thank you Netgalley and Crooked Lane Books for the ARC of this book. This was a honest review.
September 25, 2022
Amy and Richard Muir are settling nicely into married life, while Richard pursues a new dance choreographic piece based on their home -- the Blue Ridge Mountains. Unfortunately, Richard has hired his ex, Meredith Fox, and she makes it known that she doesn't think anyone in the cast is up to her own abilities. She heaps disdain and nasty remarks on anyone who happens to be within distance, and she's making new enemies right and left. When she's paired to dance with sixteen-year-old Connor, she makes it known she won't do it.
But Richard insists, and Meredith resists. Who is going to win? In the end, it doesn't matter, as Amy finds Meredith dead in one of the rehearsal rooms, and now anyone who was in the theatre is a suspect. Except for a few with solid alibis, of course. But when the police arrest someone Amy and her friends and family know can't be the suspect, she's asked by Chief Deputy Brad Tucker to listen to conversations and see if she can uncover information that he can't.
This leads her into another investigation, whether she wants it or not, and finding more suspects who weren't seen anywhere near the crime scene. Amy's entering the equestrian set and garden set, neither place interesting to her, but hoping to gain intel. Fortunately, she also has Kurt Kendrick to help, an enigmatic art collector with a shady past. While he's been helpful and generous to Amy, she still keeps him at arm's length. But it will be an unlikely source that draws her to the killer...and with another unlikely source to keep her out of danger...
This is the seventh book in the series and I have read them all. I am not going to tell you too much more about the book, because I do not want to spoil it for anyone (indeed, I have basically only expanded on the blurb itself); but I will say that this book is written very well, and draws us into the mystery quickly. As anyone who's read the other books, Meredith won't be missed, but still, as Amy states, no one deserves to die like that.
Watching Amy gather her information is effective, with people giving up what they know easily to a woman who seems merely intrigued by the murder. But then there is the killer who seemingly knows otherwise. With a few red herrings thrown in for good measure, we work our way through the story looking for clues as much as our protagonist.
I still like Kurt the best of all the characters; he seems secretive and protective, and intelligent as well. Amy should learn to give a little and not be so judgmental. Regardless of his past, he has true feelings for her and her family, and is a good man. But the other characters are great nonetheless, and they make the story definitely worth reading. When it all comes together and the killer is revealed, the climax is almost the best part of the story. I loved this and look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
But Richard insists, and Meredith resists. Who is going to win? In the end, it doesn't matter, as Amy finds Meredith dead in one of the rehearsal rooms, and now anyone who was in the theatre is a suspect. Except for a few with solid alibis, of course. But when the police arrest someone Amy and her friends and family know can't be the suspect, she's asked by Chief Deputy Brad Tucker to listen to conversations and see if she can uncover information that he can't.
This leads her into another investigation, whether she wants it or not, and finding more suspects who weren't seen anywhere near the crime scene. Amy's entering the equestrian set and garden set, neither place interesting to her, but hoping to gain intel. Fortunately, she also has Kurt Kendrick to help, an enigmatic art collector with a shady past. While he's been helpful and generous to Amy, she still keeps him at arm's length. But it will be an unlikely source that draws her to the killer...and with another unlikely source to keep her out of danger...
This is the seventh book in the series and I have read them all. I am not going to tell you too much more about the book, because I do not want to spoil it for anyone (indeed, I have basically only expanded on the blurb itself); but I will say that this book is written very well, and draws us into the mystery quickly. As anyone who's read the other books, Meredith won't be missed, but still, as Amy states, no one deserves to die like that.
Watching Amy gather her information is effective, with people giving up what they know easily to a woman who seems merely intrigued by the murder. But then there is the killer who seemingly knows otherwise. With a few red herrings thrown in for good measure, we work our way through the story looking for clues as much as our protagonist.
I still like Kurt the best of all the characters; he seems secretive and protective, and intelligent as well. Amy should learn to give a little and not be so judgmental. Regardless of his past, he has true feelings for her and her family, and is a good man. But the other characters are great nonetheless, and they make the story definitely worth reading. When it all comes together and the killer is revealed, the climax is almost the best part of the story. I loved this and look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I received an advance copy from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
July 25, 2022
I adore this series. While I somehow seem to have missed the book covering the wedding between Amy and Richard, this one would work nicely as a stand-alone. The characters are introduced in an efficient manner and brought to life, including the resident cats Loie and Fosse. As Fosse's name might hint to you, Richard is a dancer and dance coach/trainer/mentor, and it's his dance production that serves as the center of "Death in the Margins". Librarian Amy doesn't exactly discover the body of Richard's former girlfriend Meredith but she arrives on the scene just in time to see Conner, one of the young dancers in the show, holding a bloody knife beside the body. Conner is arrested on the scene but Amy, Richard, and several others question the teenager's ability to have done it. Although friend and sheriff Brad isn't the lead investigator this go round, Amy quickly becomes invested in "researching" the case, putting herself in danger. Oh, and horses are involved. No, they don't dance. Laugh.
Who killed the arrogant, not-very-nice Meredith. Besides Conner, several other suspects emerge. Was it her ex-husband? He was spied in the parking lot. How about the mother of the autistic and easily overwhelmed child that Meredith degraded in public? Or any of the other dance parents? Meredith wasn't a nice person, to be honest, although nice-guy Richard was trying to help her out by giving her the dance job in "The Folklore Suite" production. Even his partner, Karla, is harshly belittled by Meredith. Heck, she isn't even very nice to Amy. And, what's the pianist's connection to her? And, back to the horses, what was Meredith's connection to an odd illness that took the lives of some valuable show horses some four years ago? Or, was there even one? Could Amy be chasing red herrings with that bit of information? Who is keeping secrets? Or, oh, never mind. Enough teasers. I loved this book/series and am betting cozy mystery lovers who like their mysteries with a bit of romance will too.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrppledLaneBooks for inviting me to witness the birth of Richard's "Folklore Suite". Kudoes to Karla (and obviously author #VictoriaGilbert ) for emphasizing Richard and Karla's efforts to be inclusive and work with children.
Who killed the arrogant, not-very-nice Meredith. Besides Conner, several other suspects emerge. Was it her ex-husband? He was spied in the parking lot. How about the mother of the autistic and easily overwhelmed child that Meredith degraded in public? Or any of the other dance parents? Meredith wasn't a nice person, to be honest, although nice-guy Richard was trying to help her out by giving her the dance job in "The Folklore Suite" production. Even his partner, Karla, is harshly belittled by Meredith. Heck, she isn't even very nice to Amy. And, what's the pianist's connection to her? And, back to the horses, what was Meredith's connection to an odd illness that took the lives of some valuable show horses some four years ago? Or, was there even one? Could Amy be chasing red herrings with that bit of information? Who is keeping secrets? Or, oh, never mind. Enough teasers. I loved this book/series and am betting cozy mystery lovers who like their mysteries with a bit of romance will too.
Thanks #NetGalley and #CrppledLaneBooks for inviting me to witness the birth of Richard's "Folklore Suite". Kudoes to Karla (and obviously author #VictoriaGilbert ) for emphasizing Richard and Karla's efforts to be inclusive and work with children.
May 4, 2023
Another interesting installment in the series. All of our favorite people are here. With Richard very involved with he and Karla's new show and project for young and college age dancers, we know that Amy's going to get in trouble when one of the principal dancers is murdered. Not only does this have bearing on the show but also the dancer is Richard's former fiancee. Although her husband has an air tight alibi, Amy is convinced that the young man arrested is not the quilty party and so the adventure begins. With lots of suspects, can Amy figure things out without arousing any suspicion?
February 1, 2023
Fantastic fun read. Lots of twists ad turns. Honestly had no idea who did it until the end. Loved the ending!
July 19, 2022
This is a fast paced cozy mystery that I have enjoyed reading.
Amy and her new husband Richard seem to be settling married life, but we know a murder was going to happen.
This time Amy has a lot to think about while she's investigating and I was thrilled for her and Richard at the end.
I'm excited to see where the next book takes us.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DeathintheMargins #NetGalley
Amy and her new husband Richard seem to be settling married life, but we know a murder was going to happen.
This time Amy has a lot to think about while she's investigating and I was thrilled for her and Richard at the end.
I'm excited to see where the next book takes us.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for selecting me to read an advanced copy of this book.
#DeathintheMargins #NetGalley
October 28, 2023
As too often happens when the author of a series marries off the main character, this series is becoming more about the dancer husband and domestic "bliss" than it is about the library and the mystery. Is it really necessary to have them kissing every other page?
January 10, 2023
It's summer in Taylorsville and Amy is a dance widow while Richard and his dance partner, Karla, put together a new show based on local folklore. The show will bring together dances of all ages and stages, all sizes and abilities. Amy's job is to bring Richard and Karla food as they barely have time to stop and eat. Tensions are running high with professional dancer, and Richard's ex-fiancé, Meredith Fox, acting like a diva and insulting everyone. When Karla realizes she misplaced her tablet with her notes, she sends Amy to search for it downstairs in the theater. Amy doesn't find the tablet but she finds another dead body! She wasn't the first to come across the body of Meredith Fox. She spots Conner Vogler, one of the dancers from Clarion University, holding the bloody knife! Conner becomes the chief suspect, the only suspect for the local authorities. It's out of Deputy Brad Tucker's jurisdiction but he wants to see justice done. Like Amy, he isn't convinced Conner is the killer and wants to find other suspects but how can he question them without proper authorization? Brad asks Amy to keep her ears open and talk to people to see what she can find. She's eager and willing to help do research and dig up more suspects, even after someone threatens her through Aunt Lydia.
Mystery wise this one is better than expected. I thought I knew who and why right away. I eliminated certain characters right off the bat because of who they are and I eliminated others in the hopes the author wouldn't make them villains if she's at all paying attention to what people have been saying the last few years. The suspect list shapes up early on but then new characters and situations are introduced to muddy the waters. I didn't actually guess whodunit and what was going on. A secondary mystery about Amy is lame and easy to figure out. She's supposed to smart but she can't recognize what's going on. I was surprised Zelda didn't figure it out and share with the whole world. I bet Aunt Lydia suspects but is wise enough NOT to share with Zelda.
I'm done with this series even if there are more. Amy is TSTL. She's told NOT to tell people she's involved in the investigation yet everyone knows, even the villain/s. She disregards danger to herself and her family and promises to be careful, yet isn't. Her worst moment comes at the end when There's not much research and too much gossip in this story.
Richard is a prince among men yet he puts the show ahead of the dancers by hiring Meredith Fox. Meredith is a nasty *itch. I picked up on Quinn DeFranzo's autism before it was even named. There's NO REASON - NONE AT ALL - to insult a kid with autism or to refer to her behavior as "weird." She exhibits signs of autism and I'm guessing Meredith is such a witch, she's never encountered anyone like Quinn much less have empathy. Being nasty to the other professionals is something I can see because they're rivals and adults. I don't know why she's so mean to Conner though. I can't believe Richard hasn't fired her yet. Insulting Amy would be his threshold. Um does Karla get a say because she wants to sack Meredith and I don't blame her.
Karla is sensitive because of everything she went through. I admire her overcoming her challenges and helping others who may look or act a little different to achieve their dreams. Brava! (Major props for letting Quinn be in the show, however autism is not disabled!) Quinn's mom, Janelle, is a Mama bear and protective of her child. She's ready to attack Meredith for causing Quinn to be upset. I don't think Meredith is worth it and she should talk to Karla and Richard about it when she calms down. Quinn has to learn to deal with people who can't see her as the sweet, enthusiastic young dancer she is. She appears to be a teenager and I'm sure kids at school can be mean. Did Janelle murder Meredith? I sure hope not. That would NOT do Quinn any favors. It would upset her very much to have her mom go to jail. Quinn needs her mom.
I think Riley Irwin, the accompanist, is also on the spectrum. Amy labels him as "shy" and he's portrayed as the nerdy, mousy type who secretly seethes with anger. I don't want him to be the murderer but I strongly suspect he might be. He's in the right place at the right time to "warn" Amy off her investigation. I think Riley killed Meredith because he loved her and she was horrible to him and dismissed him as an insignificant nobody. I also hope it is not Davonte Julian or Tamara Hardy, professional dancers, because they are people of color. Haters gonna hate but is it worth killing? Tamara and Meredith were rivals for professional roles and they usually went to Meredith in spite of her reputation for being a diva. Tamara acts suspicious and her story doesn't quite match up with what Amy observed and other people remember. Is she lying or just misremembering? Conner Vogler seems like a nice kid. He's young, inexperienced and his career has been hampered by Meredith's nastiness. Sure he had motive but like Amy I don't think he did it. He seemed genuinely in shock and acted like he was trying to help. The police are pretty dumb. Did they check his clothes for blood splatter? If he stabbed Meredith with that big of a knife, there had to have been some blood spatter in a certain pattern yes?
Amy spied someone who looks like Meredith's ex-husband, Nate Broyhill, in the parking lot of the theater just before Meredith died. Nate was known to be abusive and his plan to make Meredith the star of his own dance company failed, ending their marriage as well. Did he come back and kill her for some reason? Exes are always prime suspects! His mother, Glenda Lance, is a suspect as well. She co-owns a horse farm with her son Oliver and was a victim of art theft believed to have been an inside job. Did Meredith have something to do with that? Glenda seems to have a long memory and she never forgets or forgives. She takes offense at the slightest things and seems menacing. Why kill Meredith now though? The same goes for her son Oliver. He's a sleazy womanizer. Maybe he tried to steal his brother's ex-wife and when she rejected him, he killed her? That doesn't work because Amy is more his type. Perhaps Meredith knew something shady was going on at the farm and was blackmailing him? Again, why now though?
Amy is assisted in her sleuthing by Kurt and he knows a little more than he's sharing about that art theft. He's trying to be protective but he could help put some bad guys away for a long time. He seems to have pure motives though and is a softie at heart. Brad Tucker is a nice guy even if he's a bit old-fashioned and sexist. He means well, he just doesn't understand women. I'm glad he's happy with Alison though and they're doing well.
Amy and Richard are on to new adventures and I hope she has wised up after her last two investigations. I wish them well but don't feel the need to hang out in Taylorsford again.
Mystery wise this one is better than expected. I thought I knew who and why right away. I eliminated certain characters right off the bat because of who they are and I eliminated others in the hopes the author wouldn't make them villains if she's at all paying attention to what people have been saying the last few years. The suspect list shapes up early on but then new characters and situations are introduced to muddy the waters. I didn't actually guess whodunit and what was going on. A secondary mystery about Amy is lame and easy to figure out. She's supposed to smart but she can't recognize what's going on. I was surprised Zelda didn't figure it out and share with the whole world. I bet Aunt Lydia suspects but is wise enough NOT to share with Zelda.
I'm done with this series even if there are more. Amy is TSTL. She's told NOT to tell people she's involved in the investigation yet everyone knows, even the villain/s. She disregards danger to herself and her family and promises to be careful, yet isn't. Her worst moment comes at the end when There's not much research and too much gossip in this story.
Richard is a prince among men yet he puts the show ahead of the dancers by hiring Meredith Fox. Meredith is a nasty *itch. I picked up on Quinn DeFranzo's autism before it was even named. There's NO REASON - NONE AT ALL - to insult a kid with autism or to refer to her behavior as "weird." She exhibits signs of autism and I'm guessing Meredith is such a witch, she's never encountered anyone like Quinn much less have empathy. Being nasty to the other professionals is something I can see because they're rivals and adults. I don't know why she's so mean to Conner though. I can't believe Richard hasn't fired her yet. Insulting Amy would be his threshold. Um does Karla get a say because she wants to sack Meredith and I don't blame her.
Karla is sensitive because of everything she went through. I admire her overcoming her challenges and helping others who may look or act a little different to achieve their dreams. Brava! (Major props for letting Quinn be in the show, however autism is not disabled!) Quinn's mom, Janelle, is a Mama bear and protective of her child. She's ready to attack Meredith for causing Quinn to be upset. I don't think Meredith is worth it and she should talk to Karla and Richard about it when she calms down. Quinn has to learn to deal with people who can't see her as the sweet, enthusiastic young dancer she is. She appears to be a teenager and I'm sure kids at school can be mean. Did Janelle murder Meredith? I sure hope not. That would NOT do Quinn any favors. It would upset her very much to have her mom go to jail. Quinn needs her mom.
I think Riley Irwin, the accompanist, is also on the spectrum. Amy labels him as "shy" and he's portrayed as the nerdy, mousy type who secretly seethes with anger. I don't want him to be the murderer but I strongly suspect he might be. He's in the right place at the right time to "warn" Amy off her investigation. I think Riley killed Meredith because he loved her and she was horrible to him and dismissed him as an insignificant nobody. I also hope it is not Davonte Julian or Tamara Hardy, professional dancers, because they are people of color. Haters gonna hate but is it worth killing? Tamara and Meredith were rivals for professional roles and they usually went to Meredith in spite of her reputation for being a diva. Tamara acts suspicious and her story doesn't quite match up with what Amy observed and other people remember. Is she lying or just misremembering? Conner Vogler seems like a nice kid. He's young, inexperienced and his career has been hampered by Meredith's nastiness. Sure he had motive but like Amy I don't think he did it. He seemed genuinely in shock and acted like he was trying to help. The police are pretty dumb. Did they check his clothes for blood splatter? If he stabbed Meredith with that big of a knife, there had to have been some blood spatter in a certain pattern yes?
Amy spied someone who looks like Meredith's ex-husband, Nate Broyhill, in the parking lot of the theater just before Meredith died. Nate was known to be abusive and his plan to make Meredith the star of his own dance company failed, ending their marriage as well. Did he come back and kill her for some reason? Exes are always prime suspects! His mother, Glenda Lance, is a suspect as well. She co-owns a horse farm with her son Oliver and was a victim of art theft believed to have been an inside job. Did Meredith have something to do with that? Glenda seems to have a long memory and she never forgets or forgives. She takes offense at the slightest things and seems menacing. Why kill Meredith now though? The same goes for her son Oliver. He's a sleazy womanizer. Maybe he tried to steal his brother's ex-wife and when she rejected him, he killed her? That doesn't work because Amy is more his type. Perhaps Meredith knew something shady was going on at the farm and was blackmailing him? Again, why now though?
Amy is assisted in her sleuthing by Kurt and he knows a little more than he's sharing about that art theft. He's trying to be protective but he could help put some bad guys away for a long time. He seems to have pure motives though and is a softie at heart. Brad Tucker is a nice guy even if he's a bit old-fashioned and sexist. He means well, he just doesn't understand women. I'm glad he's happy with Alison though and they're doing well.
Amy and Richard are on to new adventures and I hope she has wised up after her last two investigations. I wish them well but don't feel the need to hang out in Taylorsford again.
February 26, 2024
Death in the Margins is the 7th book in the Blue Ridge Library series. It is set in the small town of Taylorsford, Virginia in the Blue Ridge Mountains. Amy Webber, now Amy Muir, is the library director, specifically in charge of research and the archives. Amy's husband, Richard, is a famous ballet dancer, now turned teacher and choreographer. He is planning his newest ballet, when the principal dancer, also his ex-fiancé, is found stabbed and dead backstage. Amy sets to work to find the killer before the young man who found Meredith is arrested for her murder. It is quickly apparent that Meredith wasn't a very nice person and there were many suspects among the dancers, an accompanist, her ex-husband and more. Gathering information, secrets about the past are revealed, and soon Amy finds herself in danger. Can they find the killer before there are any more deaths?
It has been awhile since I read a book from this series, so I enjoyed getting to know Amy, Richard, friend Sunny, Aunt Lydia and Deputy Brad. They are a great team when it comes to solving crimes with Amy and Brad leading the way. This is one series where the protagonist works with the police. As the book unfolds it was obvious that Meredith was not a very nice person, but she didn't deserve to die. The world of horses, breeding and boarding plays a part in this book and I found that interesting. There were a lot of clues to pick apart and follow and many suspects to investigate to keep me guessing. I didn't get pulled in as much as in the past and the library didn't play a very big role in this one, but it was still a solid cozy mystery that I enjoyed. With the character development playing a large part in these stories, I recommend you read from the beginning if you plan to read the full series, but each book has a standalone mystery. I listened to this book, narrated by Coleen Marlo. She gives voice to the various characters, but I find the male characters all sound quite similar. Overall, she does a nice job with the story.
It has been awhile since I read a book from this series, so I enjoyed getting to know Amy, Richard, friend Sunny, Aunt Lydia and Deputy Brad. They are a great team when it comes to solving crimes with Amy and Brad leading the way. This is one series where the protagonist works with the police. As the book unfolds it was obvious that Meredith was not a very nice person, but she didn't deserve to die. The world of horses, breeding and boarding plays a part in this book and I found that interesting. There were a lot of clues to pick apart and follow and many suspects to investigate to keep me guessing. I didn't get pulled in as much as in the past and the library didn't play a very big role in this one, but it was still a solid cozy mystery that I enjoyed. With the character development playing a large part in these stories, I recommend you read from the beginning if you plan to read the full series, but each book has a standalone mystery. I listened to this book, narrated by Coleen Marlo. She gives voice to the various characters, but I find the male characters all sound quite similar. Overall, she does a nice job with the story.
January 4, 2023
Death In The Margins is the newest book in the “Blue Ridge Library Mystery” series. As with all of the books in this series, it centers on Amy, a librarian, and her famous dancer husband, Richard. The suspects are assembled from the cast of an upcoming performance, exes, and their families. Old rumors of art theft, an ex-husband near the crime scene, and the parents of dancers who have a problem with the victim all coalesce into a mystery worth reading. There is no shortage of suspects or motives, and Amy chases down every one of them to get to the truth and unmask the killer.
Richards’s ex-fiancé is found dead with a young dancer standing over her body. The police are confident they have their killer, but Amy doesn’t believe it. Searching through the victim’s background leads her to secrets of all kinds. Meredith’s ex-husband and his family come under scrutiny when she discovers they lost a great deal of money with the closure of Meredith and her exes’ dance group, and an art theft may be linked to Meredith’s murder. At least one of Richard’s dancers’ mother is a suspect, and for a good reason. But in the end, it comes down to Amy stumbling on the truth and finding the killer; unfortunately, the killer is hot on her trail and determined to keep Amy from revealing their name.
There is nothing in Death In The Margins that detracts from the mystery or keeps readers from enjoying the story. I think Amy’s dancer husband is delightful, his dance partner always makes me wish I was taller, and Amy’s work at the library gives me the desire for more books and research. The art theft also gave me an appreciation for the magnificent paintings hanging on the walls of my home. I loved the ending, even though I saw it coming a mile away. The mystery is well written; the characters are lively, and there is enough action to keep readers turning the page. This is a well-done book and series. I look forward to future installments.
Richards’s ex-fiancé is found dead with a young dancer standing over her body. The police are confident they have their killer, but Amy doesn’t believe it. Searching through the victim’s background leads her to secrets of all kinds. Meredith’s ex-husband and his family come under scrutiny when she discovers they lost a great deal of money with the closure of Meredith and her exes’ dance group, and an art theft may be linked to Meredith’s murder. At least one of Richard’s dancers’ mother is a suspect, and for a good reason. But in the end, it comes down to Amy stumbling on the truth and finding the killer; unfortunately, the killer is hot on her trail and determined to keep Amy from revealing their name.
There is nothing in Death In The Margins that detracts from the mystery or keeps readers from enjoying the story. I think Amy’s dancer husband is delightful, his dance partner always makes me wish I was taller, and Amy’s work at the library gives me the desire for more books and research. The art theft also gave me an appreciation for the magnificent paintings hanging on the walls of my home. I loved the ending, even though I saw it coming a mile away. The mystery is well written; the characters are lively, and there is enough action to keep readers turning the page. This is a well-done book and series. I look forward to future installments.
January 2, 2023
Death in the Margins by Victoria Gilbert is the seventh book in the 'Blue Ridge Library Mystery' series. I wanted to read this because I have a fancy for cozies about librarians, bookshops and other book-related things.
Centred around a library director in the Blue Ridge mountains, Taylorsford, Virginia, I thought this was a very good story. Protagonist Amy Muir (Webber) is smart and savvy as well as being personable, friendly, and loyal. She is getting on with married life with her dancer hubby, Richard. This mystery centers more around Richard and the mystery itself strikes the right chord of possible murderers, motives and accomplices. I haven't read all of the books in the series, though this can be an individual read. The descriptions of small-town life with all its complicated relationships were very believable and I enjoyed Victoria Gilbert's engaging, alluring style of writing. The characters were distinct and entertaining, I felt as though I had made some new friends by the end and I loved the friendship between Amy and her bff, Sunny. This was a quick read that kept me guessing with well placed red herrings and a super surprise. I intend to continue the series but hope to read the books I've missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
Centred around a library director in the Blue Ridge mountains, Taylorsford, Virginia, I thought this was a very good story. Protagonist Amy Muir (Webber) is smart and savvy as well as being personable, friendly, and loyal. She is getting on with married life with her dancer hubby, Richard. This mystery centers more around Richard and the mystery itself strikes the right chord of possible murderers, motives and accomplices. I haven't read all of the books in the series, though this can be an individual read. The descriptions of small-town life with all its complicated relationships were very believable and I enjoyed Victoria Gilbert's engaging, alluring style of writing. The characters were distinct and entertaining, I felt as though I had made some new friends by the end and I loved the friendship between Amy and her bff, Sunny. This was a quick read that kept me guessing with well placed red herrings and a super surprise. I intend to continue the series but hope to read the books I've missed.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from Crooked Lane Books via NetGalley and this is my own unbiased opinion.
December 2, 2022
Big things are afoot in this installment of the Blue Ridge Library series! Richard and Karla are about to put on a big show featuring student dancers, but someone doesn't want the show to go on as they kill off a dancer! However, as Amy digs into the past of all the potential suspects it seems that there are layers of dirt on everyone involved. The plot of this book is excellently crafted to offer multiple realistic suspects and keep you involved in the untangling of the truth. I was up late turning pages as I consumed the book to find out who the guilty party was and what other secrets the parties involved were hiding! I love the characters are they are so well written that they feel like people you could meet on the street! I absolutely can't wait to see what happens in the next book! If you haven't started the series, you really should. I do recommend reading the books in order as they build on each other and help really flesh the characters out into three-dimensional people rather than just a sketch of a person on paper! Now, I just have to be patient for the next book to come out.
June 29, 2024
I loved it. The ending wasn’t really a surprise but it was so sweet I love Richard and Amy are just an amazing couple. The mystery was interesting too. They are always so good and it kept me guessing again. The o Lu negative is not enough Kurt. Excited for the next one!
February 19, 2023
Loved this book!! There were plenty of red herrings, and clues sprinkled through out, and it was fun to spend time with these characters again. Although I know Ms. Gilbert has a new series in the works, I'm hoping this is not the end of this series. There were a few things that felt like they might be wrapping up the series, but I'm really hoping to see Amy and her crew again!!
December 6, 2022
Death In The Margins is the seventh book in The Blue Ridge Library Mysteries series by Victoria Gilbert.
Richard Muir is working on a summer dance program with his long-time dancing Karla, and his wife, Amy, uses computer research skills to find information on folktales and Blue Ridge Mountains music to use in the program. Richard’s ex-fiance, Meredith Fox, is also a member of the troupe, Richard's college dance group, and children from Karla’s dance studio. The rehearsals are going on, and Meredith is needed on stage. Richard asks Amy to check in the basement for Meredith and ask her to come to the stage. When Amy finds Meredith, she is dead, and Conner, a sixteen-year-old male dancer, is standing over her, holding a bloody knife in his hands. Conner is immediately taken into custody.
Meredith was not well-liked, and many thought she was arrogant. She had argued with the mother of a young autistic daughter, and a dance couple tried to get Richard to get rid of her. Amy, Richard, and Karla don’t think Conner can murder. Amy decides to investigate and attempt to find the killer. Her friend Deputy Brad Tucker is not working the case as it is out of his district but has said he will try to help her without interfering with the other department's investigation. Amy will soon learn that there are many other suspects, including her ex-husband and the mother she argued with, among others.
The book is well-written and plotted with enough red herrings that I kept guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and believable. The book moves at a nice pace. Amy and Kurt seem to be getting together better and might be leaving the past.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
Richard Muir is working on a summer dance program with his long-time dancing Karla, and his wife, Amy, uses computer research skills to find information on folktales and Blue Ridge Mountains music to use in the program. Richard’s ex-fiance, Meredith Fox, is also a member of the troupe, Richard's college dance group, and children from Karla’s dance studio. The rehearsals are going on, and Meredith is needed on stage. Richard asks Amy to check in the basement for Meredith and ask her to come to the stage. When Amy finds Meredith, she is dead, and Conner, a sixteen-year-old male dancer, is standing over her, holding a bloody knife in his hands. Conner is immediately taken into custody.
Meredith was not well-liked, and many thought she was arrogant. She had argued with the mother of a young autistic daughter, and a dance couple tried to get Richard to get rid of her. Amy, Richard, and Karla don’t think Conner can murder. Amy decides to investigate and attempt to find the killer. Her friend Deputy Brad Tucker is not working the case as it is out of his district but has said he will try to help her without interfering with the other department's investigation. Amy will soon learn that there are many other suspects, including her ex-husband and the mother she argued with, among others.
The book is well-written and plotted with enough red herrings that I kept guessing until the end. The characters are well-developed and believable. The book moves at a nice pace. Amy and Kurt seem to be getting together better and might be leaving the past.
I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series.
December 6, 2022
I received a complimentary ARC copy of Death in the Margins (Blue Ridge Library Mysteries #7) by Victoria Gilbert from NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books in order to read and give an honest review.
… as always, the author penned a fast-paced mystery, with an abundance of twists and turns and a cast of unique and quirky characters. A fantastic and fun cozy mystery read which I definitely recommend. …
Library director Amy Muir is back again this time supporting her famous dancer/choreographer, husband Richard with his new youth theatre production. Richard’s first step towards his dream of opening a program for youth. The Folklore Suite is due to open in a neighboring town and features in the lead role Richard’s struggling nasty ex-fiancée, Meredith Fox. Unfortunately, Meredith has managed to insult and alienate the rest of the cast and crew with her constant berating and horrible disposition.
While preparing for opening night Amy volunteers to work behind the scenes to help Richard and his business partner Karla’s production runs smoothly. While going into the deep recesses of the theatre on break Amy does what she does best, she stumbles upon one of the young dancers, knife in hand, standing over Meredith’s dead body pleading he was trying to save her.
While the neighboring town’s Sheriff’s Department, who has authority, believes the young dancer is guilty Amy, Richard Karla and their hometown Sheriff Brad do not agree. Amy does what she always does and takes up the charge to prove his innocence. While investigating Amy puts herself in the crosshairs of the real killer and this time around, she has much more to lose.
A fan of the series Death in the Margins is an excellent entry and as always, the author penned a fast-paced mystery, with an abundance of twists and turns and a cast of unique and quirky characters. A fantastic and fun cozy mystery read which I definitely recommend.
… as always, the author penned a fast-paced mystery, with an abundance of twists and turns and a cast of unique and quirky characters. A fantastic and fun cozy mystery read which I definitely recommend. …
Library director Amy Muir is back again this time supporting her famous dancer/choreographer, husband Richard with his new youth theatre production. Richard’s first step towards his dream of opening a program for youth. The Folklore Suite is due to open in a neighboring town and features in the lead role Richard’s struggling nasty ex-fiancée, Meredith Fox. Unfortunately, Meredith has managed to insult and alienate the rest of the cast and crew with her constant berating and horrible disposition.
While preparing for opening night Amy volunteers to work behind the scenes to help Richard and his business partner Karla’s production runs smoothly. While going into the deep recesses of the theatre on break Amy does what she does best, she stumbles upon one of the young dancers, knife in hand, standing over Meredith’s dead body pleading he was trying to save her.
While the neighboring town’s Sheriff’s Department, who has authority, believes the young dancer is guilty Amy, Richard Karla and their hometown Sheriff Brad do not agree. Amy does what she always does and takes up the charge to prove his innocence. While investigating Amy puts herself in the crosshairs of the real killer and this time around, she has much more to lose.
A fan of the series Death in the Margins is an excellent entry and as always, the author penned a fast-paced mystery, with an abundance of twists and turns and a cast of unique and quirky characters. A fantastic and fun cozy mystery read which I definitely recommend.
September 13, 2022
With the weather getting warmer in Taylorsford, library director Amy Muir is busy but nowhere near as busy as husband, Richard. A successful dancer and choreographer his new show, the Folklore Suite, is due to open at the recently renovated art deco movie theatre in the next town over and rehearsals are in full swing. Kind hearted and generous Richard has invited his ex-fiancee, Meredith Fox, to be a lead dancer in the show. He may however be starting to regret his offer as her reputation for being difficult to work with is proving to be all too accurate and she hasn't endeared herself to anyone.
As opening night gets closer Amy is spending more of her downtime at the theatre so she at least sees her husband, if only from a distance! After she, once again, stumbles across a dead body everything connected to the production has to stop, but with the Sheriff's Department convinced someone closely linked to the show is responsible Amy knows she has to step in and help. With no shortage of suspects she soon finds herself in the killer’s sights, and as opening night draws ever closer Amy realises it isn't only the show that needs saving.
In the seventh book in this series Amy is helping Richard with his show which gives a good variety of scenes for them to share. The main protagonists are once again all present to varying degrees and new characters are easily absorbed into an exciting storyline which, in part, kept me guessing until the end. There are a few obvious solutions to the extra interwoven mysteries but the identity of the killer was far harder to work out.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good extension to a popular series which I very much enjoyed and happily recommend.
As opening night gets closer Amy is spending more of her downtime at the theatre so she at least sees her husband, if only from a distance! After she, once again, stumbles across a dead body everything connected to the production has to stop, but with the Sheriff's Department convinced someone closely linked to the show is responsible Amy knows she has to step in and help. With no shortage of suspects she soon finds herself in the killer’s sights, and as opening night draws ever closer Amy realises it isn't only the show that needs saving.
In the seventh book in this series Amy is helping Richard with his show which gives a good variety of scenes for them to share. The main protagonists are once again all present to varying degrees and new characters are easily absorbed into an exciting storyline which, in part, kept me guessing until the end. There are a few obvious solutions to the extra interwoven mysteries but the identity of the killer was far harder to work out.
I was able to read an advanced copy of this book thanks to NetGalley and the publishers but the opinions expressed are my own. This is a good extension to a popular series which I very much enjoyed and happily recommend.
December 1, 2022
This was definitely a mystery with lots of twists and turns along with some good action. Richard even got in on the showdown with Amy, and not from the standpoint he's usually at which is with the reinforcements coming to assist said showdown. He was in the thick of it right along with her. And he'll have even more of a reason to worry about her sleuthing in the near future. ;)
I was never really sure whodunit and kept changing my mind. I didn't trust any of those suspects, lol. After a couple incidents that Amy took as a personal threat, she could tell she was getting close. That was one exciting showdown that was fairly lengthy but I couldn't read fast enough! A gorgeous horse got to be the hero (I LOVE when that happens!) and got some sweet revenge along with it. You'll find out what all that means when you read this latest installment in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries. I'm super happy that the author was contracted to do books 8 and 9! Yay, more time with Amy, Richard, Aunt Lydia and all these people I call my book friends in Taylorsford, Virginia. Don't miss this book coming out on December 6, 2022!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
I was never really sure whodunit and kept changing my mind. I didn't trust any of those suspects, lol. After a couple incidents that Amy took as a personal threat, she could tell she was getting close. That was one exciting showdown that was fairly lengthy but I couldn't read fast enough! A gorgeous horse got to be the hero (I LOVE when that happens!) and got some sweet revenge along with it. You'll find out what all that means when you read this latest installment in the Blue Ridge Library Mysteries. I'm super happy that the author was contracted to do books 8 and 9! Yay, more time with Amy, Richard, Aunt Lydia and all these people I call my book friends in Taylorsford, Virginia. Don't miss this book coming out on December 6, 2022!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book provided by the publisher via NetGalley, and my opinions are my own.
December 2, 2022
Big things are afoot in this installment of the Blue Ridge Library series! Richard and Karla are about to put on a big show featuring student dancers, but someone doesn't want the show to go on as they kill off a dancer! However, as Amy digs into the past of all the potential suspects it seems that there are layers of dirt on everyone involved. The plot of this book is excellently crafted to offer multiple realistic suspects and keep you involved in the untangling of the truth. I was up late turning pages as I consumed the book to find out who the guilty party was and what other secrets the parties involved were hiding! I love the characters are they are so well written that they feel like people you could meet on the street! I absolutely can't wait to see what happens in the next book! If you haven't started the series, you really should. I do recommend reading the books in order as they build on each other and help really flesh the characters out into three-dimensional people rather than just a sketch of a person on paper! Now, I just have to be patient for the next book to come out.
September 20, 2022
This is the 7th release in this charming cozy series set in Blue Ridge mountains . I have enjoyed the entire series and this new release is a exciting fun addition to the series. Thank you to the publisher and to Net Galley for the opportunity.
In this next in series our intripid protagnist Amy is working on a theater production for the town. When a murder occurs it halts the production as many are suspect especially friends of Amy. She must help to clear their name by investigating on her own. The clues abound and red herrings are many as Amy and friends discover the clues that may lead them into danger.
This was a fun read with a surprising conclusion. The sleiuth was well crafted and the supporting charachters all add to the fun. I look forward to the next in series by this favorite cozy author. ,
In this next in series our intripid protagnist Amy is working on a theater production for the town. When a murder occurs it halts the production as many are suspect especially friends of Amy. She must help to clear their name by investigating on her own. The clues abound and red herrings are many as Amy and friends discover the clues that may lead them into danger.
This was a fun read with a surprising conclusion. The sleiuth was well crafted and the supporting charachters all add to the fun. I look forward to the next in series by this favorite cozy author. ,
November 5, 2023
It’s early summer, and Richard Muir and his dance partner, Karla, are preparing their new choreographic piece, based on folktales and the music of the Blue Ridge Mountains. Then dancer Meredith Fox is found dead backstage. Amy, Richard's wife, is propelled into a murder case that threatens the careers and lives of those she loves. After Amy teams up with Chief Deputy Brad Tucker and the sheriff’s department, they find that there’s many suspects. With Richard and Karla's help, and information gleaned from locals, Amy desperately tries to unveil the killer before the premiere. But is the murderer waiting for Amy in the wings?
This was a great story in this wonderful series. The surprise in the end was both heartwarming and scary because I hope it won't be the end of a series. I love Amy, her grandmother, and all of the other characters. Reading this series always makes me happy. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy.
This was a great story in this wonderful series. The surprise in the end was both heartwarming and scary because I hope it won't be the end of a series. I love Amy, her grandmother, and all of the other characters. Reading this series always makes me happy. Thank you to NetGalley and Crooked Lane Books for this advanced reader's copy.
December 17, 2022
3.5 stars rounded up
Amy and Richard have recently been married. Amy is a librarian and Richard is a dancer and is trying to open his own production company. He is working with his friend Karla on a new show. He has hired his ex fiance Meredith Fox, she is awful to everyone. Amy is asked to find Karla's table in the dressing rooms. Amy finds Conner over the body of Meredith's body holding a bloody knife. Amy must find the true killer.
This is the seventh in the series and my first. I found I wasn't really excited or interested to find out who did it. This book wasn't for me.
Amy and Richard have recently been married. Amy is a librarian and Richard is a dancer and is trying to open his own production company. He is working with his friend Karla on a new show. He has hired his ex fiance Meredith Fox, she is awful to everyone. Amy is asked to find Karla's table in the dressing rooms. Amy finds Conner over the body of Meredith's body holding a bloody knife. Amy must find the true killer.
This is the seventh in the series and my first. I found I wasn't really excited or interested to find out who did it. This book wasn't for me.
December 3, 2022
Was difficult for me to connect initially. There were so many details that sometimes weren’t needed imo.
It also felt like the MC told every single person that she was working with the police and each thing she had discovered. Even the potential suspects. Amy and her family are so well-known so it’s crazy she’d just share everything. It is only after a hiccup that she would consider “I should have not mentioned that”. Overall excited for her and Richard.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this
It also felt like the MC told every single person that she was working with the police and each thing she had discovered. Even the potential suspects. Amy and her family are so well-known so it’s crazy she’d just share everything. It is only after a hiccup that she would consider “I should have not mentioned that”. Overall excited for her and Richard.
Thanks to netgalley for the opportunity to read this
December 25, 2022
This was a fun, action-packed cozy mystery, revolving around a murder within a dance company. We are also treated to scenes with the local Garden Club and some horse stables. With the number of enemies that the unlikeable victim has, and the witness that Amy questions, there is no shortage of potential murderers and accomplices to sift through. I think this may be my favorite in the series so far.
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