A Merry Little Murder Plot by Jenn McKinlay Narrator: Allyson Ryan
Series: Library Lover's Mystery #15
Published by Dreamscape Media on October 8, 2025
Source: NetGalley
Genres: Cozy Mystery
Length: 6 hrs 45 mins
Pages: 317
Format: Audiobook
Purchase at Bookshop.org or Audible
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During the most wonderful time of the year, famous author Helen Monroe arrives in Briar Creek to be the writer in residence, but her “bah humbug” attitude excludes her from the many holiday celebrations the town residents enjoy. To try to spread some Christmas cheer, library director Lindsey Norris invites the new writer in residence to join her crafternoon club. Helen politely refuses and when an altercation happens between Helen and another patron, Lindsey begins to suspect the author has been keeping to herself for a reason.
Another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, reveals she’s visiting Briar Creek to be near Helen because she believes they are destined to meet. Having dealt with a stalker in the past, Lindsey feels compelled to tell Helen about Jackie, as she suspects that Helen is unaware her “number one” fan is in town.
When Jackie’s body is later discovered in the town park beneath the holiday-light display with a copy of Helen’s latest manuscript in her hand, the reclusive novelist becomes the prime suspect in the murder of her self-proclaimed mega-fan. Helen’s frosty demeanor melts when Lindsey offers her help, and now the librarian and her crafternoon pals must prove the author innocent before "The End" becomes Helen's final sentence.
I am a sucker for Christmas cozies. So, even though A Merry Little Murder Plot is the 15th in the series and I haven’t read any of the others, I picked it up. It worked fine as a stand alone for me. I’m sure reading them all in order would have given me more background on the returning characters, but I never felt like I was missing out on something I needed to know.
This winter, the Briar Creek library is hosting a a writer-in-residence, thriller author Helen Monroe. She’s a bit stand-offish, but writes in the library daily and participates in talks required by her contract. Lindsey Norris, library director and our amateur sleuth, starts to get concerned when another newcomer, Jackie Lewis, is overly interested in the author, maybe even a bit stalkery. When Jackie is found dead, electrocuted by Christmas lights and holding Helen’s manuscript, Helen becomes the main suspect. Lindsey isn’t sure she’s guilty, but she is sure it was murder.
Since Helen victim was a visitor to town, there aren’t many suspects at first, but as the investigation continues, more names get added to the list. We had several clues and red herrings, and a couple of twists. I did change my mind several times about who the killer was, but eventually Lindsey puts it all together.
I really enjoyed the characters and the Christmas events, including the ugly sweater contest and singing carols at the local restaurant. There were some laugh out loud moments. I listened to the audiobook and the narrator did an excellent job, both as the main character’s voice and keeping the other characters distinct. Her pacing was good and she helped keep the overall tone of the book light.
About Jenn McKinlay
Jenn is the New York Times, USA Today, and Publishers Weekly bestselling author of several mystery and romance series. She is also the winner of the RT Reviewers’ Choice Award for romantic comedy and the Fresh Fiction award for best cozy mystery. A TEDx speaker, she is always happy to talk books, writing, reading, and the creative process to anyone who cares to listen. She lives in sunny Arizona in a house that is overrun with books, pets, and her husband’s guitars.
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