ARC Review: Overdue or Die by Allison Brook

Overdue or Die
Author: Allison Brook
Series: Haunted Library Mystery (Book 7)
Publication: Crooked Lane Books (October 3, 2023)

Description: Carrie Singleton has a wedding to plan, a killer to catch, and a conspiracy to uncover in this charming seventh novel of Agatha Award-nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mysteries.

Carrie Singleton has more than her fair share on her plate: her job at the Clover Ridge Library, preparing for her wedding to Dylan Avery, and hoping that the local art gallery doesn’t steal away one of her part-time employees. Her fiancé Dylan accompanies her to the beautiful home of Victor Zalinka—art collector and successful businessman—to select paintings for an art show at the library. While Carrie muses that Victor's home would be the perfect wedding venue, Dylan spots a forgery among the paintings in Victor's collection.

Then Martha Mallory is found murdered in her art gallery. With the assistance of Evelyn, the library ghost; the resident cat, Smoky Joe; and the office manager of Dylan’s private investigation company, Carrie comes up with a suspect list long enough to rival the size of an encyclopedia. During her investigation, Carrie stumbles across a terrible truth: Martha’s murder was part of something far bigger and more dangerous than she could have ever imagined. And it all leads back to the art gallery.

How far will Carrie go to find the killer and uncover the truth? If the killer finds her first—will Carrie finally be taken out of circulation?

My Thoughts: Carrie Singleton is really busy in this seventh Haunted Library Mystery. The new wing is opening. She's trying to find a venue for her wedding. She's worried about losing her best assistant to the local art gallery. And she has three murders to solve.

A local art dealer is murdered in her shop which leads to an art forgery ring. Dylan has spotted a forgery at the home of Victor Zalinka who has a wonderful art collection. In fact, he will be showcasing some of his collection in the library's new gallery. 

Then an elderly lady with dementia is murdered. She's the same lady who disrupted the dedication ceremony of the new wing by claiming that the building belonged to her. Evelyn, the library ghost, is encouraging Carrie to find her murderer since Evelyn knew and liked her when she was alive. 

This story was filled with twists and turns and with lots of suspicious characters who have all sorts of hidden relationships with each other. I like the way Carrie manages to gather clues and share them with the police. 

Fans of the series won't want to miss this episode. New readers will find great characters and an interesting plot. 

Favorite Quote:

"I think I'll stop in at the wake tomorrow evening," I said, remembering other wakes that had provided me with unexpected information. "Maybe I'll be lucky and solve a few mysteries while I pay my respects."

I received this one in exchange for an honest review from NetGalley. You can buy your copy here.