ON BORROWED TIME
By Jenn McKinlay
Sometimes I feel desperately guilty. ON BORROWED TIME is the fifth book in the Library Lover’s mysteries and in her quest for the truth, my amateur sleuth, library director Lindsey Norris has been close to death numerous times not the least of which were being frozen and blown up. How can I not feel guilty for subjecting her to such horrific events?
Then again, if she wasn’t such a curious sort, the mysteries would never happen, she’d just turn things over to the police and that would be that. The thing is, I used to be a librarian and by and large we are a terminally nosy bunch. Our entire life’s work is based on ferreting out information, anything from obscure Shakespeare quotes to why the rabbit’s foot is considered lucky to how to start a small business, so naturally if a murder were to happen in our midst we would feel compelled to solve it.
For balance, I try to give my characters something positive in their life. In Lindsey’s case she has a close group of friends, a crafternoon group, with whom she shares food, a favorite book and a craft. She also has a dog named Heathcliif who was found abandoned in the library book drop but has become her loyal companion. And lastly, she has the potential for a real romance in her life, assuming the man she is interested in can prove to her that he can handle a relationship.
This assuages some of the guilt but not all of it. When a character rattles around in your head for a few years, you get attached. I never thought it was possible but go through a few murders together and the bond is strong. I would like nothing more than to marry off my characters and let them ride off into the sunset without a care, but life doesn’t really work that way, does it? There is always a mix of good and evil, right and wrong, happy and sad. Besides if there were no more crimes there would be no more books and then I’d really miss my ladies.
In ON BORROWED TIME, available on Nov 4th, I really put Lindsey through the wringer. Yes, more guilt but I think the story was worth it and I hope you do, too. Here’s a snippet of the book so you can see what I mean:
Loving a good cup of coffee runs in the family for Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris. But when her brother, Jack, a consultant for a coffee company, goes missing, her favorite beverage becomes a key clue in a dangerous mystery.
Between preparing the library for the holidays and juggling the affections of ex-boyfriend, Captain Mike Sullivan, and her new crush, actor Robbie Vine, Lindsey has her hands full. But the mysterious disappearance of her world-traveling playboy brother takes precedence over all.
Afraid that involving the police could brew trouble for Jack, Lindsey takes matters into her own hands. But as her quest for her brother embroils her in a strange case involving South American business dealings and an enigmatic and exotic woman, it’ll take the help of both her library book club—the crafternooners—and her eager-to-please suitors to keep Jack from ending up in hot water…
I hope you enjoy reading ON BORROWED TIME as much as I enjoyed writing it. For more information about me or my books, you can go to my website www.jennmckinlay.com or find me on Facebook or Twitter.
Happy Reading!
Jenn
About the Author:
Jenn is the New York Times bestselling author of several mystery series. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with kids, pets and her husband’s guitars.
Loving a good cup of coffee runs in the family for Briar Creek library director Lindsey Norris. But when her brother, Jack, a consultant for a coffee company, goes missing, her favorite beverage becomes a key clue in a dangerous mystery.
Between preparing the library for the holidays and juggling the affections of ex-boyfriend, Captain Mike Sullivan, and her new crush, actor Robbie Vine, Lindsey has her hands full. But the mysterious disappearance of her world-traveling playboy brother takes precedence over all.
Afraid that involving the police could brew trouble for Jack, Lindsey takes matters into her own hands. But as her quest for her brother embroils her in a strange case involving South American business dealings and an enigmatic and exotic woman, it’ll take the help of both her library book club—the crafternooners—and her eager-to-please suitors to keep Jack from ending up in hot water…
Jennifer’s Review of On Borrowed Time
Review (4 Stars): I love small town mysteries and the Library Lover’s mystery series is one of my favorites. Lindsey and her staff are preparing for the holidays when she gets an welcome yet unexpected visitor, which she knows is a sure sign of trouble. Lindsey’s brother, Jack, appears on the doorstep of the library and before Lindsey can find out why he is there, a dead body is found and her brother mysteriously disappears. To find answers and hopefully clear her brother’s name, Lindsey searches for clues and finds that her brother is involved in something that could put them all in jeopardy.
On Borrowed Time was a thrill-ride of a mystery that is perfect for fans of the series. I adore Lindsey and her character is always fun to spend time with. Each book gets more entertaining than the last and I loved the international aspect of this story, which kept the mystery engaging and fresh. Such a charming series and I can’t wait to see what these characters will be up to next.
Giveaway
I’m excited to give away a copy of On Borrowed Time. This giveaway is for US Residents only. To be entered in the drawing by November 15th, leave me a comment below:
Looks like a fun read, thank you for the chance to win 🙂
jslbrown2009(at)aol(dot)com
I’m a huge fan of Jenn’s books and own quite a few of them. I’d love to add this one to my collection. Her stories are always intriguing and entertaining.
NoraAdrienne(at)gmail(dot)com
I never read her books before this sounds great thanks for the review
Penney
luvhistoricalromance(at)gmail(dot)com
I’ve loved pretty much all of Jenn’s book that I’ve read and have so been looking forward to On Borrowed Time’s release. Thanks for the chance to win.
robbfan141729@yahoo.com
Interesting mystery book
Thanks so much for the lovely review! You’re a doll!
~Jenn
I cannot wait to read another book by this author!
I love this series!
I have read many of Jenn’s books, each one as delectable as the last.
Cozies have always been a favorite genre of mine. There’s something that’s
small town charming and people-quirky infused in each book Jenn has
written. The Library series looks quite appealing, because as a youngster,
the library was the comfort zone for me, giving me a certain joy at holding
and reading a book which opened the world to me.
Thank you, Jenn, for writing such fun and enjoyable books.
I love this series and the cupcake bakery series!!!
Looks like another fun read, thanks for the giveaway!
I love both the Library and Cupcake mystery series and I’d love the next installment! Thanks
Thanks for the giveaway! I can’t wait to read this book.
I love this series, but then again I love all of Ms. McKinlay’s series.
momzillasteel at gmail dot com
I have loved every book in this series! I can’t wait to read this one!
Love this series! In fact, love all of Ms. McKinlay’s series! Thank you for the review and giveaway!
I’m sure this will be another fine book in this series. I wonder what trouble the brother is in. Thanks for the contest.
suefarrell.farrell@gmail.com
Love this series and look forward to reading this book.
This is a fun series! I especially like it because I got my MLS at SCSU too. 🙂
i love this series! Thanks for the giveaway.
Thanks for the giveaway! It sounds lie a really good book
I love Jenn’s books & all her different series. I am almost done with this wonderful story and will post a review afterwards. I can’t believe all the different ways Jenn tortures hrr characters. Thank for the giveaway.
One of my favorite biblio series. Glad to see a new one.
Thank you for the chance to get your book. I will be reading your books anyway but it’s fun to win something…doesn’t happen very often!
It sounds like a wonderful mystery. I’m glad that she involves everyone to solve it. I can’t wait to read it. Thanks for having the giveaway.
Looks like a great read.
I love this series and can’t wait for another one to come out…I’m always bummed that I’m always up to date with this series since I want to read another right after the last!