Index to Murder (2008)

Jo Dereske knows libraries. And she knows how to poke fun at librarians because she was one. Perhaps that makes her stories more fun if you've ever worked in a library but for a 'cozy' read with gentle humor, you can't beat the Miss Zukas mysteries.

Set in the charming Northwest community of Bellehaven, librarian Helma Zukas and her unlikely best friend Ruth, who is an artist, find themselves involved in solving local mysteries. This time someone has stolen two paintings from her friend's upcoming exhibit "Ruth Revealed". Those paintings were inspired by two former male friends who have recently died in 'accidents'.

The plot is not deep but the language is colorful and spending time with these characters is a pleasant diversion.

A Chill Rain in January (1990)

A Chill Rain in January by L.R. Wright


My rating: 4 of 5 stars
There are lots of times when I read a new author and that's as far as it goes. Then there are the 'discovered' authors where I seek out other titles.Canadian author L.R. Wright wrote the kind of mystery I really enjoy reading. This title is number three in a series which features Karl Alberg, Royal Canadian Mounted Police Staff Sergeant, and his on again off again love interest librarian Cassandra Mitchell.

Interesting stories, characters, and solutions make for a cozy read.

The Karl Alberg Mysteries

* The Suspect (1985)
* Sleep While I Sing (1986)
* A Chill Rain in January (1990)
* Fall From Grace (1991)
* Prized Possessions (1993)
* A Touch of Panic (1994)
* Mother Love (1995)
* Strangers Among Us (1996)
* Acts of Murder (1997)

View all my reviews >>

Catalogue of Death

If you've ever worked in a library and have an off-beat sense of humor, you will fall in love with librarian Helma Zukas. Some of the reviewers at Amazon.com don't get the joke and find the series flat. Jo Dereske knows libraries and the odd ways of some of the folks that choose to work there. I have read some of the other 10 titles in the series and in the Catalogue of Death, which was published in paperback this year (2007), and I am impressed with the quality of her storytelling.

A snowstorm unexpectedly hits Bellehaven, but the library must remain open! The snow will halt construction on the building site for the badly needed new library building generously offered by Franklin Harrington, a town father. After doing some research at the library, he heads out into the snow. Shortly thereafter an explosion is heard and the fun begins.

For those that love libraries, this is a cozy, undemanding mystery series. Index to Murder is coming in 2008!

Jo Dereske