I liked this book but I just couldn't get into the story. I didn't like the writing style but overall the story was good.

Review – Mayhem in Circulation (A Larkspur Mystery Book 2) by Leah Dobrinska TBP 12/2023

Mayhem in Circulation is the newest Larkspur Mystery book by Leah Dobrinska set to be released in December 2023. The book centers around Greta Plank, the town of Larkspur’s Library Director. The story line finds Greta fielding problems with dead crows, confusing pranks, town politics, a prodigal son, business espionage (sorta) and unrequited love, all topped off with an unusual murder right outside the library doors. The book is an easy read – the author is very descriptive and evokes that small town feel (and sometimes pettiness) throughout the entire book. Some things in the book struck me far-fetched (like murder via spray paint) but they were easily forgiven in this fun little cozy with a lovely autumnal feel.

I am grateful to the publisher for allowing me to read this advance readers copy; the opinions expressed in this unpaid book review are mine and mine alone.

Book Rating: 3 Stars

Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for the opportunity to read this book in exchange for my honest review.

My family visits the Northwoods of Wisconsin in the summer very often, so I was absolutely delighted with the setting of this book.

This is a cozy mystery that takes place in an idyllic town called Larkspur. All of the residents know everything about everyone and they wouldn’t have it any other way. When odd things keep happening in Larkspur, the library director and her friends are forced to play amateur sleuth to help solve the mystery of what is happening to the town and why (All while trying not to be a thorn in the side of the handsome detective). A sudden death, vandalism, and intrigue galore! The author does a great job of weaving complex narratives to keep you guessing on who is involved from the first chapter. Following Greta Plank is such an enjoyable read year round, but perfect for that beginning of fall cozy weather to hunker down with a good cozy mystery novel.

This book has a wonderful sense of place and beautiful imagery with the addition of a strong community bond. I’m giving this four stars, because occasionally I felt that the writing was slightly redundant but it didn’t take away from the pull of the story so it wasn’t as distracting and it could have been. I am excited that this book is part of a series and there will be more Larkspur adventures in the future. I will say, this is the second book in the series, so look up Leah Dobrinska for the first story!

"Mayhem in Circulation" by Leah Dobrinska presents a captivating blend of mystery, community, and the cozy charm of a small town, making it an enticing prospect for readers seeking an engaging whodunit.

The story's setting, centered around librarian Greta Plank's efforts to organize Larkspur's Fall Festival, instantly immerses readers into a charming and tight-knit community. The stakes are high as Greta strives to ensure the success of the festival, which could greatly benefit the town's economy. However, the emergence of pranks and a tragic murder threaten to derail her plans.

Dobrinska skillfully weaves a web of mystery and intrigue, as the escalating pranks and the murder create a sense of urgency and suspense. The mystery surrounding the crimes keeps readers guessing, and the promise of secrets, sabotage, and unusual mishaps adds depth to the plot. The dual challenge of solving the murder and preserving the town's reputation adds complexity to the narrative.

The character of Greta Plank, as a determined and resourceful librarian, offers a relatable and endearing protagonist. Her commitment to her town and her role in defending its honor make her a compelling character to root for.

The book's playful reference to a 'choose your own (disastrous) adventure' hints at a sense of humor and self-awareness in the storytelling, which can add an enjoyable layer to the reading experience.

"Mayhem in Circulation" appears to be a delightful addition to the cozy mystery genre, offering readers a mix of intriguing puzzles, small-town charm, and a relatable amateur sleuth. For those who appreciate cozy mysteries with a strong sense of community and a dash of humor, this book seems like an appealing choice.

Mayhem in Circulation is a cosy mystery book set in the small town of Larkspur. The people of Larkspur are preparing for their annual Fall Festival, when suddenly a series of what are initially thought to be teenage pranks turn into something far more sinister. Librarian, Greta is keen to discover who would do such a thing to their cosy, friendly town and begins compiling information on possible suspects. She befriends the local detective and begins to form her own conclusions about the town's devastations, not knowing where to turn next or who to trust.

I absolutely loved the characters names and descriptions, down to their cute autumnal outfits, this added to the cosy feel of the beginning of the book and gave a good picture of the town's residents as a whole. The main character, Greta has an amazing support network and I particularly loved her two closest friends that she worked with at the library, they had the perfect supportive girl group vibe. This book was the definition of a cosy mystery for me! And the romantic subplot was just the right amount, without taking away from the initial cause of the story at all. I also particularly enjoyed the bookish references and jokes throughout the book.

This book kept me guessing the whole time, as more and more characters seemingly had motives or were caught in the wrong place at the wrong time. Although I did feel that there were a lot of characters in this book which did get slightly confusing at times.

Overall, I would recommend this book to anybody looking for a cosy read coming into the Autumn / Winter time. Mayhem in Circulation had the perfect amount of suspense, friendship and romance and was the perfect read to kick off my transition from Summer to Autumn reading. I would also like to add that the cover design is absolutely beautiful and depicts the book perfectly.

What a great little book! Murder in Circulation is the second in a series of cozy mysteries with a nice little slow burn romance blooming!

If a small town with a library and a coffee shop, a little lake and some gorgeous fall color sound like your dream setting, then you'll love this book! Greta, the local librarian, and Detective McHenry are working together to unravel a series of crimes in Larkspur!

Yes, it IS a murder mystery, but it is not graphic or frightening. The pace and tone tell the story, give a few chills, and set the scene without being overly scary!

If you are looking for the *perfect* book to curl up with next to the fire with a PSL in hand then you found your book. This book gives all of the perfect fall cozy mystery vibes. First of all, how stinkin' cute is this cover??? I need to buy the print version when it comes out so I can just stare at it. Not only is the cover beautiful, the story was a wonderful read. You are following Greta as she tries to solve the town murder while at the same time hoping Greta does not fall to the same fate! This story feels a bit like a silly (in the best way) detective novel but also has wonderful friendships and a bit of love. The writing is so easy to read and just makes you want to keep going until the end. This is the second book in the series and although you could read this as a standalone I would recommend checking out the first book. This book is currently at the TOP of my fall recommendation list.

The coziest of mysteries! Mayhem in Circulation is brimming with fall vibes and hometown fun. The Librarian Nancy Drew protagonist is a wonderful main character. I loved following her along to find out who is sabotaging the town of Larkspur and wreaking havoc on its inhabitants when the town plans a fall festival. This is a wholesome whodunit that will keep you guessing until the end. I can’t wait to read the other books in the Larkspur Library Mysteries series.

I’ll be honest, I saw Mayhem in Circulation by Leah Dobrinska on Net Galley and was 100% influenced to request it based on the cover. The illustrations and color give off the perfect fall vibes! 🍁🎃📚

Librarian Greta Plank is preparing for Larkspur’s fall festival and spotlight feature in the Midwest News. Larkspur’s tourism business is counting on the fall festival to go off without a hitch to impress Rex Rossman, an honest (but fair) tourism journalist. But disaster strikes and a positive review is looking unlikely. Not only does he witness a series of vandalism throughout the town, but a body is discovered- and it’s one of Larkspur’s own residents. Who is intent on harming Larkspur’s reputation? Is it someone close to home, or one of the many visitors in town for the upcoming event? Greta uses her sleuthing skills and enlists the help of her friends and fellow librarians to uncover a list of suspects. But she must decide who she can trust so she can close the book on these crimes before the shadowy vandal authors another kill.

I didn’t even realize it was the second book in the Larkspur Library Mysteries series at first, but couldn’t wait to read this one. I did not read book one, but would recommend it, as details from book one are mentioned throughout. I also think it’ll give you better background on the characters and their relationships.

Despite that, I loved the female main character, Greta, and was rooting for her budding “friendship” with Detective McHenry. Her friends and co-workers, Josie & Iris were likable and made fun additions to the sleuthing team. The author also did a great job building some suspicious characters for suspects. And for sneaking in a few fun book puns along the way 😂 I thought I had it all figured out but couldn’t have guessed the way it all played out.

This series is for fans of the Aurora Teagarden series by Charlaine Harris, another librarian incapable of staying out of a murder investigation.

Mayhem in Circulation will be published on December 5, 2023, just after the fall season, but who doesn’t want cozy vibes all year long. I’d love to visit Larkspur, the town library, the Fall Festival, and especially the cozy cafe- Hugs & Mugs. ☕️🧁💕

“I like books that read like Hallmark movies, okay? Real life can get a little chaotic, so I like the guaranteed happy ending of romance novels.”

This one might be a cozy mystery complete with a murder investigation, but I’m rooting for all the main characters to get their happily ever afters. We need more books in this series! 🙏🏼 In the meantime, you’ll find me going back to read Death Checked Out, the first book in the series to spend more time in Larkspur with Greta and her crew. ❤️

Rating ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️💫 (4.5/5 stars- rounded up)

Thank you to the publisher and Net Galley for providing me with an advanced reader copy in exchange for an honest review.

Crimes, suspens, fall vibes. It smells like hot chocolate with a blanket on a rainy day. It was a really interesting story. I liked the characters, how it was written. But I saw some little misspelling, but it's not that big of a deal for an ARC.
A awesome book for fall!

I decided to read this book on a whim. The title caught my eye, and the description really hooked me. A few chapters in, I had the thought, "who is this book for?" My answer is me. I have some minor issues with the books some too convenient developments and a few awkward instances of dialogue, but despite that I had a hard time putting this down and thought about it when I wasn't reading this. I will not spoil anything here, but I also was not to guess the ending, which I always think is the sign of a good mystery. I also had not read the first book before starting this and was happily surprised to realize that it wasn't necessary. The author does a good job of establishing the relationships between characters that I quickly understood the dynamics.

I wish this was releasing in October or November rather than early December because the fall setting of the book makes it a great read when the weather starts to cool. I was surprised to discover that the author was not a librarian herself. She is obviously an avid reader and loves her local library, but this is written from a point of authority that felt like someone who had worked behind the scenes before.

Overall, this was a charming and cute romance/mystery story that was a really engaging read. It is not a perfect book, but the fact that I had trouble putting it down speaks volumes.

Greta loves life as she has created it in Larkspur, Wisconsin. She has a good job and good friends. She wants to do all she can to promote the community and its upcoming fall festival. When the mayor is found dead near a graffitied building, Greta's "Nancy Drew" genes kickin. Even though the local police detective, hunky McHenry, warns her to backoff, she persists. She thankenlists the aid of her library co-workers to find out who did it. Along the way, the author introduces some good background characters--a bossy head library trustee, noisy neighbors who mean well, and local characters who prove you can come home again. I was a shoe-in for this cozy--I grew up in Wisconsin and I am a retired librarian. Looking forward to the next in the series. It is light and a quick read, but satisifies Thanks to NetGalley for the arc.

This second book in the Larkspur Library series did not disappoint. I was excited to visit Greta and her friends in their small town, and I'm so glad I did! The twists and turns were so much fun and kept me guessing. Bring on the next book! I need more Larkspur!
Thank you to NetGalley for an advanced copy in exchange for my unbiased review.

Rounded up to 3.5 ⭐️

A cozy mystery with a librarian MC and a shot of budding romance? Sign me up!

Greta, and the rest of Larkspur, WI, are gearing up for the annual Fall Festival. There’s more pressure than normal to have the festivities go off without a hitch because the town is to be featured in a regional travel magazine.

When tragedy strikes and bizarre events keep occurring putting the festival and townspeople in danger, Greta can’t help but try to get to the bottom of things. That her sleuthing brings her closer to handsome Detective Mark McHenry is just an added bonus.

There were times when the writing felt stilted and awkward in some spots and there wasn’t as much character development as I’d hoped. However, Mayhem in Circulation was a light, charming read perfect for an autumn day.

Thank you NetGalley and Level Best Books for an advanced copy.

For someone who has grown up reading and loving Nancy Drew books, this book was right up my alley. I loved everything from the backdrop of a quaint town to all the main characters and the side characters with such vivid personalities. The mystery part was great as well with the stakes rising surprisingly high at the end. It kept me flipping pages and finishing the last few chapters in one sitting. Although I liked the book, it did feel like the story was dragging on in the middle and could have been wrapped up a few chapters earlier. Other than that, it was an enjoyable read. I will be looking out for the next book in the series.

The town of Larkspur is hard at work preparing for their Fall Festival. But disaster soon strikes as the mayor is murdered and multiple instances of vandalism occur. Greta, the small town librarian, finds herself investigating the murder with her friends and the towns handsome Detective. As they work to solve the mystery of who is causing all these issues for their beloved town, Greta and the Detective grow closer.

This book is definitely a cozy mystery with small town vibes. It's a quick easy read, perfect for fall. I did find the characters difficult to connect with and thought that a lot of the dialogue seemed overly formal and slightly awkward.

I love cozy mysteries. One strong willed main character deciding to solve the mystery themselves, usually with friends help is an amazing comfort read.

Greta doesn't dissapoint as usual with her take charge attitude, the book opening with what at first looks like a teenagers prank of vandalism.

But it wouldnt be a mystery if thats all it was right? The fall showcase has many on edge as we begin our journey so everything needs to go smoothly. But of course it doesn't when a murder of a local happens right before and our Greta finds herself involved again as she helps get ready for the festival.

As always I love the accuracy of a close knit community in between the suspense but also like any good mystery youre faced with several options for the who dun it.

This kept me guessing until the end and I canf wait for our next adventure in Lakespur.

Thank you to the author and netgalley for allowi ng me to read this arc!

"Mayhem in Circulation" is a cozy mystery I enjoyed reading. I found the characters to be relatable and found their small town endearing. The main character, Greta, is deadset on being active in figuring out the crimes that are plaguing her beloved community.

I haven't read the first installment of the Larkspur Library series, so it's safe to say you can read this as a standalone novel.

This mystery book is a breath of fresh air and I will be buying it and its predecessor!
Thank you, NetGalley, Author, and publisher for the opportunity to read this ARC.

Get yourself ready for Fall with this second instalment in the Larkspur Library Mystery series.

Librarian Greta and her friends are trying to set things right in their Wisconsin town after the mayor is murdered right before the Fall Festival.

With suspects aplenty, the book does a good job of re-establishing the likeable characters for anyone who may not of read the first book (this reader included).

I absolutely loved all of the literary references in the book, and enjoyed reading the mystery unfold.

A perfect read for a warm sweater and cup of apple cider.

Thank you to NetGalley and Level Best Books for the opportunity to read this book and give my honest review.

Oh this book gave me all the cozy feels - What I would call a good old fashioned “ Who done it “ story.
Having not read the first in the larkspur murder series I didn’t know what to expect and it did not disappoint . I was drawn straight in with the whole community feel , I could picture the town with its library being the focal point , And I’d love to visit Mugs and Hugs .
Loved how Greta and her friends take it upon themselves to discover the villian when tragedy strikes and the towns reputation hangs in the balance . Plot twists and new directions sewn in so intricately it made for a very pleasant read and I now what to know where the lives of the ladies of larkspur go next .
A heart felt story of community spirit and protecting what’s yours really enjoyed it.