Book restoration expert Brooklyn Wainwright returns home to San Francisco to teach a bookbinding class. Unfortunately, the program director Layla Fontaine is a horrendous host who pitches fits and lords over her subordinates. But when Layla is found shot dead, Brooklyn is bound and determined to investigate—even as the killer tries to close the book on her for good ( )

Very Slow read. Slogged through it. ( )

Brooklyn Wainwright, an expert when it comes to restoring books, has recently returned home to San Francisco after attending a conference in Edinburgh. Her next job will be to teach a bookbinding class. She has several scheduled students for her course, but when the program's director, Layla Fontaine, adds another woman, Alice, for Brooklyn to teach, she is a bit thrown off.

This turns out to be the least of her problems, actually, because Layla is found dead. Brooklyn has to stop and think. This is hardly the first time she has stumbled across a dead body. So, not only does Brooklyn seem bound and determined to figure out what happened to Layla, she runs into security expert Derek Stone. The two had an almost relationship, but it seemed like nothing would ever come of it.

The more Brooklyn becomes involved, the more danger she places herself in. Meanwhile, she successfully works with her students and proves to be an intelligent teacher.

One reason that I enjoy reading various series so much is because of the continuity. In this case, not only is Derek back, but Robin, Brooklyn's best friend is back. Unfortunately for Brooklyn, her nemesis is back as well, and will also be teaching a class. Her neighbors, chainsaw sculptors, are back too. Of course, Brooklyn's parents make a cameo appearance.

I loved the mix of intrigue, friendship and family in this book. I also enjoyed watching the romance bloom between Brooklyn and Derek. Actually, I discovered this series with the 13th book, The Book Supremacy, so I already know how they end up, but it is a delight watching things form.

As of writing this review, I have also read the fourth book in the series, Murder Under Cover and look forward to continuing with Pages of Sin and One Book in the Grave. ( )

Delightful book in a delightful series. ( )

The Lies That Bind
4 Stars

Book restorer, Brooklyn Wainwright, is caught up in another mystery when the director of the center hosting her class is murdered. The victim, Layla Fontaine, was rude, manipulative and deceitful, so it is no surprise when the suspects start piling up. Nevertheless, Brooklyn is determined to investigate, especially when someone close to her is targeted.

A definite improvement on book #2.

Brooklyn is a likable heroine although she has one or two questionable moments in this installment. The fact that she was willing to overlook Layla’s blatant fraud scheme put me off her character somewhat. The developments in her romance with Derek are entertaining and it looks like they are finally getting somewhere. Gabriel’s character is also very intriguing as more details concerning his past are revealed.

The mystery and investigation are well-developed and the victim certainly had it coming. That said, the identity of the villain is obvious mainly due to the fact that there is something off about them from the start.

In terms of the writing, the information on book binding techniques is interesting, especially for a book lover, but there are times where it feels overdone and seems like unnecessary filler. Moreover, the dialogue can be clunky.

Eileen Stevens’ narration is good although she really needs to pick up the pace.

All in all, the cozy mystery plots, quirky characters and light romance make the Bibliophile Mystery series an entertaining experience. ( )