When library colleague Ms. Cole finds a dead body hidden by political yard signs in her car’s trunk, Library Director Lindsey Norris begins searching for clues in Jenn McKinlay’s KILLER RESEARCH, the latest Library Lover’s Mystery.

Following the crafters’ book club discussion, the group follows Ms. Cole to her car to pick up yard signs supporting Ms. Cole’s campaign for Mayor. As they wrestle to get the yard signs out of the trunk, Ms. Cole discovers a man’s body underneath. As police conduct interviews with the women involved inside the library, one observer, a friend of the Mayor’s wife, loudly accuses Ms. Cole of murder.

Later in the day, Mayor Hensen returns to the library and insists Lindsey put Ms. Cole on leave. Lindsey refuses, but Ms. Cole thinks she needs to drop out of the mayoral race. After deciding to stay in the race, interest in Ms. Cole’s candidacy gains momentum with more speaking opportunities. Finally, at the Chamber of Commerce luncheon, Mayor Hensen asks, “Do tell us, why did you murder that man and stuff him into the trunk of your car?”  Her reply, “What's the matter, Mayor? Feeling so desperate that you have to make a scene?”

The Mayor and his friends continue to gossip and make trouble for Ms. Cole, especially when police identify the dead man. An old friend of Ms. Cole, Bob Spielman, identifies the deceased as Henry Lewis, who was once engaged to Ms. Cole more than 40 years ago. According to Spielman, his business partner Henry came to Briar Creek to see an old friend.

Two factors contribute to a long suspect list. First, what’s behind the bitter political campaign? And second, a large conglomerate offered Bob and Henry $360 million for their business. Ms. McKinlay concocts a delightful mystery taking advantage of political hijinks and red herring to confuse and deflect.  At 12 books in, this series continues to surprise and impress as Ms. McKinlay hones her storytelling skill.  KILLER RESEARCH is a solid entry in this very successful series.