"In the latest in this New York Times bestselling series, matrimony and murder collide as San Francisco book-restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright walks down the aisle... Brooklyn has it all covered. She's triple-checked her wedding to-do list, and everything is on track for the upcoming ceremony with the love of her life, security expert Derek Stone. Not everyone has been as lucky in love as Brooklyn. Her old college roommates Heather and Sara lost touch twelve years ago when Sara stole Heather's boyfriend. Brooklyn was caught in the middle and hasn't seen her former besties since their falling-out. When they both show up at her surprise bridal shower, Brooklyn is sure drama will ensue. But she's touched when the women seem willing to sort out their differences and gift her rare copies of The Three Musketeers and The Red Fairy Book. Brooklyn's prewedding calm is shattered when one of her formerly feuding friends is found murdered and Brooklyn determines that one of the rare books is a forgery. She can't help but wonder if the victim played a part in this fraud, or if she was targeted because she discovered the scam. With a killer and con artist on the loose, Brooklyn and Derek--with the unsolicited help of their meddling mothers--must catch the culprit before their big day turns into a big mess"--
I used to love this series, but at this point it's more a nostalgic fondness. I love reading about books, book binding, and book restoration, and the characters are all just ... awesome. Quirky, kind, strong, and the friendships and family dynamics are amazing. There was a stupid nemesis character for awhile at the beginning, but Carlisle dumped her, an action with did nothing but improve the story lines.
Alas, this book centered around Brooklyn and Derek's wedding, and I don't like weddings much. On top of this, while there is a book at the center of the mystery, there's only one scene about bookbinding/conservation and it was brief and had little to do with the plot.
Speaking of plot it was ... scattered. Even with an epilogue that tied things up it never felt like the criminal solution ever came together. Everything is answered, but there wasn't a sense of satisfaction about it. Carlisle does get a bonus point for incorporating every bibliophile's secret fear: death by book avalanche.
Buried in Books struck me as more about Brooklyn and Derek's romance than about plotting out a great murder mystery. This is a letdown, but the characters go a long way towards staving off complete disappointment. Hopefully if there's a next book, it'll be more focused on the dead bodies and books.
Reading updates
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Started reading
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4 August, 2018:
Finished reading
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4 August, 2018:
Reviewed