The Book Stops Here, by Kate Carlisle

Synopsis: Brooklyn Wainwright is thrilled to be appearing on the hit TV show This Old Attic as a rare-book expert. Her first subject is a very valuable first-edition copy The Secret Garden. Its owner, Vera, is eager to have Brooklyn recondition it for resale. But a furious man viciously accosts Brooklyn, claiming that Vera found the first edition at his garage sale, and he wants it back - or else. Randolph Rayburn, the handsome host of This Old Attic, is terrified by the man s threats. He confides in Brooklyn that he fears he is being stalked. In the days that follow, Brooklyn visits Vera s flower shop and discovers her dead. Brooklyn had better find the clever killer soon or more than her chance at prime time may be canceled permanently.

Thoughts: This book was better, to me, than the last two in the series. There was something less annoying about Brooklyn this time, although I couldn't put my finger on it. There was plenty of action, both in the main plot and in the subplots. All of the supporting characters are again well-written and enjoyable. There is plenty of humor, as usual, so that the suspense doesn't get overwhelming.

Rating: Four stars

A Cookbook Conspiracy, by Kate Carlisle

Synopsis: Brooklyn has always been a little obsessed with food, but it was her sister Savannah who became a chef, graduating from the prestigious Cordon Bleu school in Paris. She and her classmates all went on to successful careers, but none of them achieved culinary superstardom like Savannah's ex-boyfriend Baxter Cromwell. When Baxter invites the old gang to participate in his new restaurant's gala opening in San Francisco, Savannah asks Brooklyn to restore a tattered cookbook as a present for him. Shortly after receiving the gift, Baxter is found dead, with Savannah kneeling over him, bloody knife in hand, and the rare cookbook has disappeared. Brooklyn knows her sister didn't kill him, and she suspects the missing cookbook might lead to the real villain.

Thoughts: As much as I enjoy cozy mysteries, the main character in this series is really beginning to get on my nerves. If she isn't whining about something, she's behaving as though she can't function without her strong, handsome lover.

That aside, the mystery component of the book was a fabulous one. I had a couple of suspects right away,and was able to narrow it down to the correct one before it was revealed in the book.

The supporting characters, as always, were an enjoyable part of the plot and subplots.

Rating: Four stars

One Book In The Grave (Bibliophile Mystery #5), Kate Carlisle

Synopsis: Brooklyn's chance to restore a rare first edition of "Beauty and the Beast" seems a fairy tale come true-until she realizes the book last belonged to an old friend of hers. Ten years ago, Max Adams fell in love with a stunning beauty, Emily, and gave her the copy of "Beauty and the Beast" as a symbol of their love. Soon afterward, he died in a car crash, and Brooklyn has always suspected his possessive ex-girlfriend and her jealous beau.

Now she decided to find out who sold the book and return it to its rightful owner-Emily. With the help of her handsome boyfriend, Derek Stone, Brooklyn must unravel a murder plot-before she ends up in a plot herself.

Thoughts: Brooklyn gets herself and her family in the midst of yet another murder. This time, however, Brooklyn doesn't seem as scattered and is nearly domesticated. Her relationship with Derek is maturing, as is her character. The confrontation with the killer was one of my favorite scenes of the entire book. Already have the next three books in the series in my audiobook TBR lineup.

Murder Under Cover, Kate Carlisle

Synopsis: When she receives an exquisite copy of the Kama Sutra from her best friend, Robin, to appraise and restore, Brooklyn Wainwright anticipates both recreating a beautiful book and spicing up her love life. But then Robin's apartment is ransacked, and the great guy she recently met is murdered in her bed. Now Robin is the #1 suspect. Obviously, exploring the Kama Sutra's bliss will have to wait until after Brooklyn finds the killer.

Thoughts: Listened to this online, and loved it. Brooklyn and Derek are a great couple, and all the supporting characters are so real and believable. I absolutely LOVE her mother's personality, and was totally shocked at how the mystery played out. I look forward to reading/listening to more of this series.