Lindsey Norris has found solace in Briar Creek and has settled in quite nicely as the director of the local library. Learning to knit while discussing books, enjoying some homemade treats, and putting up with a cranky employee are all in a day's work. When Lindsey hears that an editor from New York will be visiting, she persuades Beth, her friend and the children's librarian, to pitch her children's book to the editor. However, Beth's boyfriend Rick is rather adamantly against the idea claiming that Beth lacks the skill of a true author. All too soon they discover the true reason for his unusual behavior. Why would Rick do something like this? Did Beth know anything about him?

Beth is so furious at Rick's betrayal that she cannot wait to confront him. However, once she finally arrives on the island where he lives, she finds that someone has already beaten her there. She finds Rick murdered, and it soon becomes apparent that she is the number one suspect. Since it is obvious the police chief thinks this is an open and shut case, Lindsey knows that she has to do something before Beth ends up behind bars. Finding a murderer is bad enough, but Lindsey must deal with the public and their opinion of how she runs a library that employs a murderer. How can she clear Beth's name? When can all their lives be back to normal?

Jenn McKinlay settles more comfortably into the cozy mystery niche with a delightful new series. She introduces us to Lindsey Norris, a spunky librarian willing to use all the resources at her disposal to save a friend. Lindsey, along with most of the other inhabitants of Briar Creek, will do anything to clear Beth's name and keep her from being placed behind bars. The suspenseful story quickly captured my interest, and soon I was entwined in the quaint New England town, its quirky inhabitants, and an enticing mystery. BOOKS CAN BE DECEIVING is a fun, exciting mystery and it is one to place on the keeper shelf so it can be checked out again and again. Ms. McKinlay creates a memorable mystery and I look forward to more mischief in Briar Creek.