Trudell Becket is the assistant librarian in the small town of Cypress, where the Mayor announces a significant transformation to the library as a money-saving move: no more books and, as soon as new equipment arrives, the library is all digital.
The story begins with Tru breaking into the library late one night while a cat observes her lock picking techniques. Tru patiently explains to the cat that she must save the books slated for the landfill, only to have the feline race inside once the door is open.
Once inside the library, Tru begins moving books to the basement, where she plans to open a secret bookroom. Tru’s helpers, Flossie, Tori, and Tori's date Charlie, show up to assist. After moving books all night, Tru hears a loud crash and rushes to find Duggar Hargrove’s dead body under a shelf of DVDs.
Police detective Jace Bailey begins by interviewing Tru and head librarian Lida Farnsworth since both resent Duggar, who is behind the idea to modernize the library. Other suspects emerge: Anne Lowery, technology specialist in charge of the transformation; Charlie Newcastle, who is opening a used bookstore; and oddly enough, Mayor Goodvale. But Tru decides it is up to her to find the killer.
Tru adopts the stray cat, names him Dewey, and takes him home. Detective Bailey develops a fondness for Dewey and brings toys for the cat when he keeps tabs on Tru, whom he considers his leading suspect.
Dorothy St. James’ new series, the Beloved Bookroom Mysteries, begins with an intriguing premise--a bookless library. A creative storyteller, Ms. St. James, spins an imaginative yarn peopled with well-developed characters and somewhat believable situations. Tru’s relationship with Dewey provides charming interactions, especially when Det. Bailey appears. Crazy twists are a little distracting, and how the author plans to continue the series is a real mystery.
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