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Checked Out (The Village Library Mysteries Book 1) Kindle Edition

4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,233 ratings

There are no renewals when you’re permanently checked out.

When librarian Ann Beckett finally reluctantly agrees to being set-up on a blind date by one of her over-eager patrons, she figures the worst that could happen would be the two of them wouldn’t hit it off.

Little did she know that she’d be stood up...because her date was murdered.

With help from her patrons, Ann tries to find out who might be responsible in the small town of Whitby before more residents are permanently checked out.

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From the Publisher

Photo of Author Elizabeth Spann Craig

Interview with Bestselling Cozy Mystery Author Elizabeth Spann Craig

How would you describe your mysteries?

I write old-fashioned puzzle-style cozy mysteries. These books are all about providing an armchair escape for the readers. I love the interactive nature of the stories where the reader safely solves cases alongside the sleuth.

Most of your books feature murders in sleepy Southern towns. Why do you choose these settings for your fiction?

Smaller towns work really well with the traditional mysteries (also called cozies) that I write. The suspects in these books must be known by the victim and the gifted amateurs that operate as sleuths need to be able to casually question them. This becomes a lot easier when you move the stories into a village setting.

The murder motives for these books also tend to be very basic…and annoyances in small towns tend to blow up into something a lot bigger. When everyone knows everyone else, there are plenty of opportunities for feuding.

Cat on book

What made you decide to write mysteries?

Mysteries are my favorite genre to read and write. I think my whole life prepared me for writing mysteries! Murder, She Wrote was one of my favorites when I was a teen. I started out reading Nancy Drew, Trixie Belden, and the Hardy Boys, then moved on to Agatha Christie . . . and I kept reading Agatha Christie. She was a huge influence on me.

Anything else about you that you'd like to share? I'm the mother of two and live with my husband in North Carolina--the setting for several of my series.

Praise for Elizabeth Spann Craig's Books

The Mystery Reader Magazine

quotation from Mystery Scene

Richmond Times-Dispatch

Cat in front of Shakespeare bust

Editorial Reviews

From the Author

Checked Out is the first book in the Village Library Mysteries.  It's easy to see where my inspiration for this series lies...I spend a good deal of my time writing books at my local library. 

I do write a lot at home, but sometimes the house can be distracting; the dishwasher stops, the dryer buzzer goes off, the cat walks across my keyboard, and I don't get quite as much done as I'd like. I hear a lot about people who work from home renting office space,  but I can't imagine doing that when the quiet area at the Matthews Library is available. 

I also spent a ton of time at the library, growing up. My father and I would go and spend hours there. I would look for a Nancy Drew I hadn't read and he'd read magazines and newspapers. We loved it there. 

I hope you'll enjoy this new adventure with sleuth Ann Beckett and a cuddly orange cat.

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B07PBLHGVQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Elizabeth Spann Craig (April 2, 2019)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 2, 2019
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3005 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Not Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 244 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.4 4.4 out of 5 stars 1,233 ratings

About the author

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Elizabeth Spann Craig
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Bestselling author Elizabeth Spann Craig weaves Southern charm into her cozy mystery series, featuring everything from quilting guilds to library cats. A lifelong mystery lover who grew up on Nancy Drew and Agatha Christie, Elizabeth has published over sixty books across five series. She shares writing tips on her blog and lives in Western North Carolina with her family and their corgi.

Customer reviews

4.4 out of 5 stars
1,233 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers enjoyed the book and found it well-written. They enjoyed the engaging mystery and likable characters. The humor was described as engaging and humorous. Readers appreciated the touching cat content and the perfect library setting. The pace was described as fast and you quickly got into the action. Overall, customers felt the book was cozy and enjoyable.

AI-generated from the text of customer reviews

62 customers mention "Readability"62 positive0 negative

Customers enjoyed the book. They found it easy to read, with a good storyline and well-written characters. The book is described as gentle English reading that would be enjoyable after a busy day.

"...The book moves at a good pace and was very enjoyable! I am looking forward to starting book 2...." Read more

"...Enjoyable read, I’ll be buying the next one." Read more

"I loved this book. It kept me guessing and changing my mind on who I thought 'had done it'. The characters were well developed as well...." Read more

"I had no idea who done it. I found the book very good and looking forward to each time I read. First time I've read any books by Craig...." Read more

55 customers mention "Mystery content"55 positive0 negative

Customers like the mystery content. They find the story well-developed and engaging. The book opens with a dramatic scene that draws them in. The relatable characters and events keep readers hooked. Overall, it's an enjoyable and non-threatening mystery.

"...I really enjoyed it! The characters are very likable and the mystery kept me guessing although I wondered about one of the suspects...." Read more

"...Main character who while a bit snoopy/inquisitive does not overtly confront suspects and shares everything with the very nice Chief of Police...." Read more

"...The characters were well developed as well. A great cosy mystery to curl up with and relax and enjoy. I am now going to order Book 2 in the series." Read more

"...First time I've read any books by Craig. I will read more. Lighthearted mystery." Read more

36 customers mention "Character development"36 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the characters' development. They find the characters dimensional and engaging, especially the small-town characters.

"...The characters are likable and interesting. There are only a few suspects and several locals throw another local into the suspect pool...." Read more

"Great cozy. Main character who while a bit snoopy/inquisitive does not overtly confront suspects and shares everything with the very nice Chief of..." Read more

"...The characters were well developed as well. A great cosy mystery to curl up with and relax and enjoy. I am now going to order Book 2 in the series." Read more

"Enjoying the characters, especially Fitz! Checked Out is an easy read, so a good book to sit down with after a long, busy day...." Read more

15 customers mention "Humor"15 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's humor. They find the characters interesting and likable, and the story relatable. The library cat adds humor to the story. While some found the ending abrupt, overall they found the book satisfying and relaxing.

"...The characters are likable and interesting. There are only a few suspects and several locals throw another local into the suspect pool...." Read more

"...A great cosy mystery to curl up with and relax and enjoy. I am now going to order Book 2 in the series." Read more

"...Interesting 🤔...." Read more

"It was good cute story, for a Murder mystery, good slice of life, ima buy the second book wanna see how the story goes on:)" Read more

13 customers mention "Cat content"13 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the cat content in the book. They find the cat charming and say it adds a touching element to the story. Readers also mention that libraries and cats make good books together.

"...I fell in love with Fitz. He is the perfect library cat! The murder mystery was very unexpected! The main character, Ann is a librarian...." Read more

"...Although there is a nice cat there are no recipes/craft ideas etc and we are spared going through all the characters motivations in an annoying way...." Read more

"...Loved Fitzgerald he seemed like such a loveable kitty...." Read more

"...my suspicions throughout the story and, of course, the cats added a touching element. I hope Fitz steals Ann's heart in the future." Read more

7 customers mention "Pace"7 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's brisk pace. They find it an enjoyable, fast read that quickly gets them into the action with believable characters.

"...I thought that was a good way to add the suspects. The book moves at a good pace and was very enjoyable! I am looking forward to starting book 2...." Read more

"...she faces the unexpected murderer, the books moves forward at a perfect pace balancing library life with intense investigation...." Read more

"Well paced with good characters. The story draws you in and stays interesting. I look forward to the next book." Read more

"...The mystery was well written and fast paced. I enjoyed introductions to all the library patrons I hope we see more of them in the series...." Read more

5 customers mention "Cozyness"5 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the cozy setting of the book. They find it a perfect fit for their tastes and can't wait for the next one.

"Great cozy...." Read more

"But to help solve mysteries? Settle in your comfy chair, this book, and a cute cuddly cat! And some charming library patrons." Read more

"...I love books, reading, libraries and mysteries so this was a perfect fit for me. I can't wait for the next one." Read more

"Good cozy and tons of library and librarian references (ha no pun!). Definitely recommend for any library and mystery lover." Read more

I enjoyed the book BACK PAGE MYSTERY
5 out of 5 stars
I enjoyed the book BACK PAGE MYSTERY
Did you know the date you purchased the book is stamped on the back page?Interesting 🤔.Love reading the book - already purchased the second book of the series and YES THE DATE PURCHASED IS TYPED ON THE BACK PAGE 📄 GREAT BOOK.LOVE THAT 🐈 KITTY
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Top reviews from the United States

  • Reviewed in the United States on July 25, 2024
    Checked Out: The Village Library Mysteries by Elizabeth Spann Craig came out in 2019 but I am so glad I picked it up. I really enjoyed it! The characters are very likable and the mystery kept me guessing although I wondered about one of the suspects. Librarian Ann Beckett lives in Whitby, NC. One of the library patrons fixes her up on a blind date and it goes horribly wrong and.she finds the man dead. They have a new Police Chief Burton Edison, a new Children's Librarian Luna and Ann's new mysterious neighbor. The characters are likable and interesting. There are only a few suspects and several locals throw another local into the suspect pool. I thought that was a good way to add the suspects. The book moves at a good pace and was very enjoyable! I am looking forward to starting book 2. #CheckedOut #TheVillageLibraryMysteries #ElizabethSpannCraig
    4 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on September 21, 2024
    Great cozy. Main character who while a bit snoopy/inquisitive does not overtly confront suspects and shares everything with the very nice Chief of Police. I didn’t know who did it till the end and that’s always a good thing. Enjoyable read, I’ll be buying the next one.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 2, 2024
    I loved this book. It kept me guessing and changing my mind on who I thought 'had done it'. The characters were well developed as well. A great cosy mystery to curl up with and relax and enjoy. I am now going to order Book 2 in the series.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on October 29, 2024
    I had no idea who done it. I found the book very good and looking forward to each time I read. First time I've read any books by Craig. I will read more. Lighthearted mystery.
    3 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on August 1, 2024
    Enjoying the characters, especially Fitz! Checked Out is an easy read, so a good book to sit down with after a long, busy day. I love the idea of small town setting and a library with a resident cat. Looking forward to reading the other books in this series.
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Did you know the date you purchased the book is stamped on the back page?
    Interesting 🤔.

    Love reading the book - already purchased the second book of the series and YES THE DATE PURCHASED IS TYPED ON THE BACK PAGE 📄 GREAT BOOK.
    LOVE THAT 🐈 KITTY
    Customer image
    5.0 out of 5 stars I enjoyed the book BACK PAGE MYSTERY
    Reviewed in the United States on July 13, 2024
    Did you know the date you purchased the book is stamped on the back page?
    Interesting 🤔.

    Love reading the book - already purchased the second book of the series and YES THE DATE PURCHASED IS TYPED ON THE BACK PAGE 📄 GREAT BOOK.
    LOVE THAT 🐈 KITTY
    Images in this review
    Customer image
    Customer image
    2 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on May 4, 2019
    A very non-threatening story. Ann is the local librarian in a cookie cutter small town. Of course, we have a murder and our librarian must investigate when an old friend is a suspect. Very much a bedtime book with gentle stereotypical characters. The main character our librarian has no depth at all. Very one dimensional. We learn more about the various visitors to the library then about the librarian. Has a very timeless feel to it. If it where not for the references to modern technology you would think the story was placed in the fifties. Great book to relax with since it has few high points.
    15 people found this helpful
    Report
  • Reviewed in the United States on January 28, 2020
    I’m so excited one of my favorite authors is starting a new series! I love libraries! What a great setting for this series!! I also love cats! I was so intrigued with the beginning of the story about how the library gets a library cat named Fitz! I fell in love with Fitz. He is the perfect library cat! The murder mystery was very unexpected! The main character, Ann is a librarian. I really felt the book rang true for what librarians deal with on a day-to-day basis. A new librarian gets hired for the young people, Luna! Ann swings with her quirkiness and they end up becoming friends. Luna really added a lot of sparkle to the book. I think this is going to be a great series! What goes better together than cats and libraries? Oh yes, murder...
    3 people found this helpful
    Report

Top reviews from other countries

  • Gina Bosetti
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good
    Reviewed in Canada on June 29, 2019
    Good
  • Shuz
    5.0 out of 5 stars Good start to the series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on April 17, 2019
    I liked the characters in this book. They blended well. I liked it well enough to be looking forward to reading the 2nd book in the series.
  • Amazon Customer
    5.0 out of 5 stars Wonderful cozy murder mystery series, I can’t put the books down
    Reviewed in Australia on August 17, 2019
    Loved this book, this is definitely another series of cozy murder mysteries that I will be reading for as long as the author writes the series. I absolutely love everything about it, the setting, the town, the characters and the stories, just perfect!
  • TJS
    4.0 out of 5 stars A fun read
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 26, 2024
    I don't usually read murder mysteries set in the USA but got this without realising and I am pleasantly surprised. I am a big fan of cats and books so the idea of a library cat really made me smile, the storyline held it's own and the read was overall very enjoyable.
  • philip gosling
    4.0 out of 5 stars good read.
    Reviewed in Canada on June 20, 2019
    Pleasing and homely read.

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