Books of a Feather (Bibliophile Mystery)

I'm starting to find Brooklyn and her perfect beau a little tiresome. "darling this and darling that" paragraphs dedicated to how much in love they are etc. Her parents even got on my nerves and I usually think they're a hoot. So even though Derek is this crack pot security guy people keep breaking into their apartment at will. What's that about? The detailed descriptions of the art of bookbinding were way too long. It was like filler or something. There was one passage that just blew my mind: Brooklyn is trying to set up a person they believe to be a book thief. When she meets him: "charming, erudite, she's impressed with his knowledge of books and bookbinding. The only negative thing she thinks is that he may be wearing contacts and a wig. But when she relays the encounter to Inspector Lee..."I saw a flicker of pure raw anger..I would bet he''s bubbling cauldron of rage...he could be a sociopath..." WTH ? What is she talking about? I went back and re read the passage. nope - no mention of rage or anything. I guess I 'll keep reading this series. I usually like these books. This one was not up to par

Like many others here I have read all the "Bibliophile Mysteries" and, for the most part, really enjoyed them. I've actually learned a bit about bookbinding and repairs, got to re-visit my own "hippie days" via Brooklyn's parents, and had fun with a variety of different mysteries. But his book fell short of the earlier ones, unfortunately.

First of all I am completely fed up with Derek Stone. The man has no flaws whatsoever. He's tall, dark, handsome, rich, daring, manly, has a British accent, and can cook. He's more James Bond than Bond himself. And for some reason he is completely mad about Brooklyn who is nowhere near Bond Girl caliber. At first this was fun but now it's like eating sugar frosted with corn syrup. The two lovebirds chirp their "I love you more" at each other the entire book. All the fun and tension has been taken out and we are left with the Perfect Couple. Yuck.

Secondly, there were some really weird things happening in this book. Brooklyn's parents - who were always such fun in a nutty, peace-and-love sort of way, became cartoons. They come to San Francisco to go to - cliche anyone? - a Grateful Dead reunion and stay with Brooklyn and Derek in their brand-new, gazillion dollar place (have you priced San Francisco real estate??). They come back from the reunion with a bum, literally. A filthy, homeless guy that they think is a very old friend whose real name they never knew. What? You are visiting your daughter and her high-brow fiance in their newly remodeled home and you bring in a guest? A smelly, dirty, nameless guy? Actually, even bringing home a clean-cut guest would still be pretty brazen. Next they leave the guy in the apartment while they all go out to pick up breakfast. Some great security guy aren't you, Derek? Predictably the guy dies, and the four of them... go to the kitchen to eat breakfast. With the body of the parent's supposedly dear friend sitting on the floor nearby. Appetizing. And weird.

Then there is the final scene where Brooklyn decides Derek needs coffee because he's been drugged (with a curare derivative no less!) and of course that's the first thing you think to do when someone is pale, groggy, incoherent, etc. Give them coffee! By no means wait for medical assistance. Of course if you're up to eating waffles while sitting by a dead body, then sure, go ahead and have some coffee, too.

The mystery itself was OK but over all this was a kind of a strange, barely readable (in places) book which focused far more on Brooklyn and Derek's syrupy romance than anything else. Not a favorite - glad I didn't buy it in hardcover!

I love these books. I buy the newest one everytime a new one is released.

BOOKS OF A FEATHER by Kate Carlisle
This series (Bibliophile Mysteries) concerns a book binder/conservator who becomes involved with a murder very early on in each book. John James Audubon’s bird paintings figure prominently in this outing. You will learn a wee bit about painting and book conservation while solving an interesting mystery.
Brooklyn, the main character, has a long-term romance that seems to get regularly stalled while she is sleuthing. The mysteries are well plotted and well written with an occasional humorous incident. The characters are well rounded and Carlisle knows and relates interesting information about book binding, collecting and reading along the way.
Series readers will like following Carlisle’s mysteries and characters. These easy to follow mysteries won’t tax your brain but will provide hours of fun.
4 of 5 stars

good plot thank you

This series is so good that it’s hard to put down. I have truly enjoyed every book.

Great book.

Another good bibliophile mystery hard to put down.

Just as good as the previous books.

Good series, good author.