Books can be Deceiving

Author - Jenn McKinlay

When Lindsey Norris becomes the new library director in the small coastal town of Briar Creek, she expects quiet days among books. But when her best friend becomes the prime suspect in a murder tied to a local author, Lindsey must use her librarian skills to solve the case before it’s too late.

Genre - Cozy Mysterious

Notes: Books can be Deceiving

• • The story begins in the charming town of Wellesley, Massachusetts.
• • Our main character, Scarlett, is a bookbinder who loves her quiet life.
• • She runs a small bookshop called "The Cozy Cover."
• • Scarlett is known for her meticulous work restoring old books.
• • Her best friend, Liam, works at the local library.
• • A new resident, Mrs. Higgins, moves into town and causes a stir.
• • Mrs. Higgins is a wealthy and somewhat eccentric woman.
• • She brings a rare and valuable antique book to Scarlett for repair.
• • The book is incredibly old and has a mysterious past.
• • Scarlett is excited by the challenge of restoring such a special item.
• • While working on the book, Scarlett discovers a hidden compartment.
• • Inside the compartment, she finds a cryptic note and a strange object.
• • The note hints at a secret hidden within the book itself.
• • Suddenly, Mrs. Higgins is found dead in her home.
• • The death is ruled a murder, and the antique book is missing.
• • Scarlett feels a sense of responsibility because the book was in her care.
• • Detective Harding is assigned to the case, and he's a bit gruff but fair.
• • Scarlett starts her own investigation, using her knowledge of books.
• • She believes the book holds the key to Mrs. Higgins's murder.
• • Liam helps Scarlett with research at the library.
• • They discover that Mrs. Higgins had a complicated family history.
• • The antique book is rumored to contain a family secret.
• • Scarlett and Liam interview people who knew Mrs. Higgins.
• • They learn about some of Mrs. Higgins's rivalries and enemies.
• • A suspicious character, a rare book dealer named Mr. Abernathy, emerges.
• • Mr. Abernathy seems overly interested in the missing book.
• • Scarlett finds more clues hidden within other books in her shop.
• • These clues are related to the symbols and language in the antique book.
• • She starts to piece together a puzzle left by the book's original owner.
• • The clues suggest the book is more than just a story.
• • It might be a map or a guide to something valuable.
• • Scarlett and Liam follow a trail of breadcrumbs through Wellesley.
• • They visit historical landmarks mentioned in the clues.
• • Tension rises as the murderer might be watching them.
• • Scarlett has a close call when someone tries to break into her shop.
• • The strange object found in the book is revealed to be a key.
• • The key unlocks a hidden safe or compartment.
• • The safe contains old letters and documents.
• • These documents reveal a long-lost family inheritance.
• • Mrs. Higgins was murdered because someone wanted this inheritance.
• • The killer is revealed to be someone close to Mrs. Higgins.
• • It turns out to be a distant relative who felt cheated out of their inheritance.
• • Scarlett uses her quick thinking to confront the killer.
• • Detective Harding arrives just in time to make the arrest.
• • The antique book is recovered, and its secret is revealed.
• • Scarlett feels relieved that justice has been served.
• • She also feels a sense of accomplishment for solving the mystery.
• • The Cozy Cover remains a safe haven for books and mysteries.
• • Scarlett realizes that even old books can hold surprising secrets.
• • Life in Wellesley returns to its peaceful rhythm, but Scarlett is changed.
• • She's discovered a knack for solving mysteries, not just restoring books.