Book 37, 2021

Ripped From the Pages by Kate Carlisle

My rating: 4 of 5 stars



Finished my 'work' book today...at work! It was Ripped From the Pages by Kate Carlisle, which is the ninth book in the "Bibliophile" mystery series. This is the first I've read in the series, but I didn't feel like I was floundering. The main character is book restoration specialist, Brooklyn Wainwright.

During renovation of their loft, Brooklyn and her boyfriend, Derek, take up residence near her parents in the spiritual commune of Dharma where vineyards are the main business. The community is excited to create a new tasting room in the caves beneath the vineyard, but everyone is mystified when excavation reveals a mummified body hidden in a cavern filled with precious jewels, artwork, and artifacts. Among the treasures are valuable books, including a first edition of Journey to the Center of the Earth. When Brooklyn examines the book, she finds a map that leads to further treasures in another, hidden chamber of the cavern.

Soon members of the media and art appraisers are flocking to Dharma to see the wonders that have been revealed. With so much interest in the cavern and its contents, extra security becomes a necessity. However, even with the added security, another murder takes place much closer to home for Brooklyn. She and Derek become embroiled in the investigation in an effort to find the rightful owners of the treasures and to solve the murders, both old and new.

Quite an enjoyable story. Characters were fully realized, the plot progressed in sensible fashion, and there was enough "lag" time to see Brooklyn interacting with family and friends as well as plying her trade with books.

Favorite line: It wasn't as if they met weekly at the local Cranky People's Club, right?

Very good, and I will certainly look for more in this series--four stars.