This is a series that started well and just keeps getting better. From using library skills to research information into a murder, to the 'there's always one in the bunch' rulemeister, to the knockout scene where Lindsay helps a little girl find her book with the pumpkin on the cover, the author shows what magical places libraries are. What's more, anyone who's ever checked out a book will certainly enjoy this one (and the series) for the glimpses into life in the stacks that real-life librarian McKinlay shares. Scenery, costume fittings, assigning understudies, run-throughs of the script- all these things and more fit snugly into the story. In Read It and Weep, we learn a bit about putting on a play, especially behind the scenes. But there's more to this Library Lovers series than well-told tales and interesting characters. Romance is in the air for more people than just Lindsey, and there's a heart-stopping brush with death. The plot is a good one with shades of the Bard throughout. It's a wise writer who realizes that- regardless how much fans may whine and complain- the best characters to come back to time and again are the ones who experience ups and downs just like we readers do. Lindsey's relationship with Sully may be at an end, but someone new in town is obviously attracted to her.

We finally learn a little more about Violet La Rue and her daughter Charlene. “Read It and Weep” is a nicely done cozy mystery. Hopefully this will get settled in the next book(s) in the series. The one thing I didn't like about this book is the Sully/Lindsey/Robbie triangle which reminds me a bit too much of the romantic complications in McKinlay's Cupcake Bakery cozy mystery series - at times I found that the romance aspects were taking over the mystery aspects. Some of these twists are easy to figure out others may seem a little unfair but did ultimately remind me of an Agatha Christie mystery. The mystery itself is well plotted (if a bit over-the-top) with the lot of twists and turns. Cole who added an unexpected bit of humor to the book. Four books into the series the characters are well-developed and feel like old friends - even Ms. This is a nice change of pace and offers some interesting behind the scenes glimpses of what it is like to put on a play. Much of the action in the book takes place not at the library but at the theater where the group is putting on the play.

“Read It and Weep” is the fourth book in Jenn MacKinlay’s Library Lovers cozy mystery series - a series that I like more and more with each book. Before she can begin sort out her feelings for each of them, tragedy strikes and Lindsey discovers there is danger backstage and she may be the next victim. However, actor Robbie Vine is willing to try and help her get over Sully.

Read it and weep by jenn mckinlay