DEATH IN THE STACKS is the eighth book in Jenn McKinlay's Library Lover's Mystery series. This story is right up my alley because I love cozy mysteries and I work in a library. Working in a library myself, I feel that the library politics in DEATH IN THE STACKS ring true. Library board president Olive Boyle is a miserable woman, and has been a constant irritant to Briar Creek Library director Lindsey Norris -- along with just about anybody else Olive came into contact with. Given her unpleasant disposition, it's not too surprising when somebody ends her reign of terror permanently. It's a little unfortunate for Lindsey that Olive is murdered in the library, and that quite a few library staff members had motives for murder.

Before the actual murder happens, at the Briar Creek Library's annual Dinner in the Stacks fundraiser, Jenn McKinlay throws out enough hints for all the different people who might want to harm Olive. Lindsey's friend Robbie is her fellow amateur sleuth. Luckily for them, Robbie's girlfriend is the chief of police and not likely to throw them in jail for ruffling any feathers in their investigation. To ferret out the identity of the murderer, Lindsey and Robbie must dig into Olive's past and her personal life. Olive made an art form out of making people miserable, but the story takes a few twists and turns before the truth is revealed. Lindsey and Robbie are entertaining and likable characters, so it's enjoyable following them as they hunt down clues. Lindsey's sweetie Sully is a supportive partner and sounding board, while the fiery nature of Robbie's romantic relationship is a hoot.

DEATH IN THE STACKS is an intriguing whodunit with fun characters, and an entire town full of suspects. Characters from Jenn McKinlay's Cupcake Mysteries series and London Hat Shop series make appearances in DEATH IN THE STACKS, but the character cameos are fun without being cheesy. I look forward to the next Library Lover's Mystery book.