Larceny at the Library
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GENRE: Mystery/cozy mystery
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BLURB:
Congressional chief of staff Kit Marshall is finally figuring out what it takes to work for a newly minted committee chair in the House of Representatives. After a swanky evening soiree at the Library of Congress, Kit’s husband Doug discovers the body of a high-ranking librarian inside a ceremonial office. In addition to a murder, there’s also a major theft to complicate the situation. The contents of Abraham Lincoln’s pockets the night he was assassinated have gone missing. Kit’s political boss and the Librarian of Congress ask Kit to investigate, and she’s released into a world of intrigue populated by a frisky donor, an ambitious congressional relations specialist, a cagey rare books curator, an overly curious congressman, and a baseball-loving lawyer. Kit must solve the crime before Doug’s career is tanked by suspicion. The case takes her to the inner bowels of the Library of Congress, Ford’s Theatre, the National Portrait Gallery, and the D.C. Public Library. In the end, Kit must put her own life on the line to retrieve her most valuable possession, which goes unexpectedly missing as she hunts down the killer and thief.
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EXCERPT:
Despite the swarm of police officers, the Great Hall shone with ornate regality. I scanned the marble expanse, which was now filled with law enforcement and officials in dark suits. Finally, I spotted Doug, deep in conversation with O’Halloran.
Maeve Dixon was here, too, but my first priority was Doug. From across the way, I could see the worry lines on Doug’s forehead. In his case, graceful aging wasn’t the culprit. My husband was distressed. Calm and collected, Doug rarely became flustered. His apparent anxiety upped my own blood pressure several points.
I hustled over to the two men. Placing a hand on Doug’s shoulder, I leaned in. “Good morning,” I said evenly, extending my hand. “I understand it’s Sergeant O’Halloran these days.”
The edges of the beefy cop’s mouth inched upward ever so slightly. “Correct, Ms. Marshall. Unfortunately, we meet under difficult circumstances.” He added, “Once again.”
This could only mean murder. “Can you tell me what happened?”
O’Halloran tried to speak, but Doug cut him off. “I came into work early today, as you know. After dropping off my coat at my office, I walked over here to the Great Hall to make sure everything was in order.” Doug pointed to the Librarian’s ceremonial office, the same place we’d been last night. I noticed a piece of yellow police tape cordoned off the entrance.
I nodded my head and massaged Doug’s shoulder. “Go on. What happened next?”
Doug’s face was now flush. “That’s when I discovered him.”
“Who, Doug?” I asked. Clearly, the shock had affected his thinking. Maybe he didn’t realize I had no idea what happened.
“My boss,” said Doug, his fingers pinching the bridge of his nose, no doubt in a futile attempt to forestall an impending headache. “Gustav Gaffney has been murdered, and the killer stole the contents of Lincoln’s pockets.”
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AUTHOR Bio and Links:
Colleen J. Shogan has been reading mysteries since the age of six. A political scientist by training, Colleen has taught American politics at several universities and previously worked on Capitol Hill as a legislative staffer in the United States Senate and as a senior executive at the Library of Congress. She is currently the Senior Vice President of the White House Historical Association.
Colleen is a member of Sisters in Crime. "Stabbing in the Senate" was awarded the Next Generation Indie prize for Best Mystery in 2016. "Homicide in the House" was a 2017 finalist for the RONE Award for Best Mystery. “Calamity at the Continental Club” was a 2018 finalist in the “best cozy mystery” at Killer Nashville. She lives in Arlington, Virginia with her husband Rob and their beagle mutt Conan.
Purchase Links:
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GIVEAWAY:
Colleen J. Shogan will be awarding $75 Amazon or Barnes and Noble GC to a randomly drawn winner via rafflecopter during the tour.
DON'T FORGET TO FOLLOW THE TOUR AND COMMENT
ON EACH STOP TO EARN MORE ENTRIES TO WIN!
September 7: Mythical Books
September 7: The Reading Addict
September 14: Fabulous and Brunette
September 14: She Just Loves Books
September 21: Hurn Publications
September 21: Locks, Hooks And Books
September 21: Our Town Book Reviews
September 28: Becoming Extraordinary
September 28: Iron Canuck Reviews and More
September 28: Enchanting Reviews
September 28: Reviews by Sammi
September 7: The Reading Addict
September 14: Fabulous and Brunette
September 14: She Just Loves Books
September 21: Hurn Publications
September 21: Locks, Hooks And Books
September 21: Our Town Book Reviews
September 28: Becoming Extraordinary
September 28: Iron Canuck Reviews and More
September 28: Enchanting Reviews
September 28: Reviews by Sammi
My Review
Larceny at the Library is the sixth installment from Colleen J Shogan’s Washington Whodunit series. Even though it is part of a series, I believe it can be read as a stand alone. I have only read one other book in the series and did not feel like I was missing anything by not reading the prior books. I thought it was a great read. I adored Kit’s character. She was quite entertaining trying to solve the mystery. I loved every single page.
I am giving Larceny at the Library a very much deserved five plus stars.
I received Larceny at the Library from the publisher. This review is one hundred percent my own honest opinion.
Thanks for hosting!
ReplyDeleteI liked the blurb and excerpt. It sounds like a really interesting book. Thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteGreat excerpt & review!
ReplyDeleteSounds like a great read.
ReplyDeleteI like the cover! It’s very intriguing!
ReplyDeleteIt's been great getting to discover your book and share with the readers in my family. Thank you and thanks for the giveaway.
ReplyDeleteA Washington Whodunnit Book Series is so good. I sped right through them to get to the end.
ReplyDeleteEnjoyed the excerpt and the review! Thanks for sharing~
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very good book.
ReplyDeleteSounds like a very good book.
ReplyDeleteI always thought while wandering the stacks at university, anything could happen here. Love the cover!
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