Murder Out of Character by Olivia Matthews: Book Review

  **I received a complimentary copy for consideration. All thoughts are my own. 

Marvey, still adjusting to life in Peach Coast, Georgia, is at a library fundraising event when she comes across a list of four names. One is the name of someone who recently died—and who may have been murdered. Another is Spencer Holt, the handsome newspaper owner who’s become one of Marvey’s best friends.

The four people appear to have nothing in common other than living in Peach Coast. Spencer dismisses the list at first, but before long, he has to admit he may be in danger. As Marvey prepares for a visit from her parents, can she, Spencer, and their intrepid librarian friends stop a killer bent on long overdue revenge?

Patricia Sargeant is a national best-selling, award-winning author. She writes romance as Patricia Sargeant and mysteries as Olivia Matthews. Her work has been featured in national publications such as Publishers Weekly, USA Today, Kirkus Reviews, Suspense Magazine, Mystery Scene Magazine, Library Journal and RT Book Reviews.

Patricia was drawn to write romance because she believes in the Power of Love as the greatest motivation. Her mysteries put ordinary people in extraordinary situations to have them find the Hero Inside.

For more information about Patricia and her work, visit PatriciaSargeant.com.

Murder Out of Character is the second book in the Peach Coast Library Mystery series. While I had read the previous book in the series, I actually didn't realize that it was in a series (or that I'd read the first book) until probably a quarter or so through the story. I think it could definitely be read as a standalone with no problems.

I love bookish stories--- and especially cozy mysteries that are bookish with punny titles. This one definitely fits that. This is certainly not the first cozy with a mystery solving librarian--- nor is it likely to be the last--- but I'm not complaining in the slightest. This story is packed full of small town charm, and enough twists and turns to keep me guessing. And just a hint at romance too, which I hope to see more of in the future books in the series.

If you enjoy a good, clean cozy mystery, this is a good one to check out.