“Better Late than Never” Finds a Library Book Out for 20 Years

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Better Late than NeverIn Better Late than Never by Jenn McKinlay, the library is having a day of amnesty, when people can turn in late books for no fees. Paula, the new librarian, finds a book in perfect condition that is 20 years overdue. In curiosity, they get Ms. Cole to look up who checked out the book 20 years earlier, which sends her into a hyperventilating fit. They learn that the book was checked out by Candice Whitley, the deeply-loved young English teacher known for making a significant difference among her students. But adding to this drama, Candice checked out the book, The Catcher in the Rye, a book about teenage angst, which suits the situation of the young people she taught, on the very day she was murdered. She was strangled and then laid out carefully under the bleachers of the football field.

This leads to all sorts of drama and plans by Lindsey to sleuth as usual, and the British actor Robbie, who really wants Lindsey to date him, has fashioned himself as her “Dr. Watson.” The investigation leads to the police department and the high school, where the murdered woman worked. The library’s initiative to team up with the high school library gives a good excuse for Lindsey to spend time at the high school snooping.

In the meantime, Lindsey’s romantic life progresses. After being badly hurt by Sully once before, Lindsey decides to take things very slowly with him this time, but they really dragged things out over several books to an annoying level. As Robbie enters the series, the fight between the two men for Lindsey becomes too extensive. Thus, it was a relief to see that in this book, they finally get together publicly.

This book used a creative and plausible plot that did plenty to entertain. I liked the way it worked The Catcher in the Rye into themes throughout the book, such as the struggles of the students Candice has been teaching.

I enjoyed reconnecting with all the women of the Crafternoon club, with life moving forward with each. But I also enjoyed getting to meet a couple new members of the club, including the unique new library employee with a purple braid and plenty of tattoos, in particular one of flying books.

Allyson Ryan performs the audio edition of this book. I listened to the MP3-CD, and it played very smoothly. The narration went smoothly, and Ryan uses clear voices for each character. I thought her forms of expression were suited very well to the content of this book.

In my opinion, Better Late than Never is one of the stronger of the Library Lover’s books. The situation is plausible and enjoyable. I thoroughly enjoyed my experience listening to this book. I give it five stars!

Disclaimer: I received this book for free from the publisher, but that in no way affected my review.

To purchase this book for yourself, click here on Amazon.

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One Response

  1. Tara Brown June 30, 2017 Reply

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