A Mystery Review Crew Mini-Mystery: The Locked Library
Welcome to the first of a new series, Mini-Mysteries. A bite-sized whodunit designed to test your inner sleuth. Each installment is a short scene with a handful of clues. Some are obvious, some are hiding in plain sight. Your challenge? Read carefully and trust your instincts. Can you spot the clue that solves the mystery before the answer is revealed?
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Mini-Mystery: The Locked Library
Marcy, head librarian for the Milton Library, bent her head against the bitter cold gust of wind as she rushed toward the staff door. Once the library closed, it was quicker to use the staff door than to unlock the front door. In her haste to leave early to attend the Winter Craft Fair at the community center before it closed, she’d forgotten a ledger and file folder of bills. Inside, she pushed back the hood of her jacket and strode along the short hallway leading to the main area of the library. Ahead, she saw the glow of lights.
Amy, her assistant, must have stayed late, something she often did. A college student, she liked using the library’s resources for her assignments.
She stepped into the large room, with its rows of bookshelves, chairs, and sofas, expecting to see Amy seated behind the U-shaped circulation counter, listening to her music as she typed. Instead, the room was empty and silent, no music, no soft footsteps, or the click of a keyboard.
“Amy, are you here?” Marcy called out, thinking Amy was shelving books on one of the long shelves.
That was odd. Despite the warmth of the room, a chill raced over her when there was no response. Amy never left without turning off the lights.
Marcy crossed to the counter where the ledger and folder still lay. That’s when she saw Amy. The young woman lay crumpled on the floor beside her desk, one arm pinned beneath her. Her chair had been shoved back several feet, as if she’d risen too quickly or been startled into motion.
She rushed behind the long counter and dropped to one knee. The rise and fall of Amy’s chest brought a rush of relief. She fumbled for her phone and called 911.
While she waited for help to arrive, she rose, her gaze sweeping the room, trying to make sense of what had happened.
A cart of returned books had been knocked over, the volumes scattered across the floor. They hadn’t been there when she left. Near the fallen books lay an elegant, embroidered bookmark. Across the room, the glass case that held the library’s most valuable book stood open and empty. She twisted, checking the lock on the front door, the type you flipped as you exited. It was locked.
Marcy bent and picked up the bookmark. It still had a price sticker from the day’s craft show. She set it aside and looked again at the room.
Lights on. A quiet room. A locked front door. The overturned cart. The new bookmark.
One of these clues told her whether the attack and theft happened before or after the library closed.
Which clue reveals when the crime occurred?
The ANSWER is below.
Some library-themed books to sleuth through
Murder at the Library: A North Dakota Library Mystery Book 1 By Ellen Jacobson
Murder, mayhem, and a talking chameleon? Just another day at the library.
When Thea Olson agreed to volunteer at her local library in North Dakota, she expected overdue books and quiet reading corners—not a dead body in the stacks.
Her brother—the acting police chief—can’t make heads or tails of the case, so Thea steps in. With help from her grandmother and the handsome new library director, and fueled by endless cups of coffee, Thea is determined to solve the mystery.
But what Thea didn’t count on was the appearance of an interfering, snarky chameleon who only she can see. He’s got one heck of an attitude, but his cryptic clues might just help her crack the case.
The investigation is on—but the killer isn’t checking out anytime soon!
Murder, mystery, and a touch of magic in the heart of North Dakota. Murder at the Library is the first book in a humorous cozy mystery series full of eccentric characters, North Dakota charm, and a pinch of paranormal mischief. Perfect for fans of bookish whodunits and critters with attitude.
On Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
Murder in the Library: Calendar Mysteries #1 by Camilla Chafer
Each novel in the series works as a standalone – begin with any book and be charmed by them all!
Sara Cutler loves her job as head librarian in the charming mountain town of Calendar, where life revolves around books and quirky patrons. But her peaceful world is shattered when she discovers a body in the rare books section, threatening not only her quiet life but the library’s very survival.
To save it, Sara vows to solve the murder, even if it means clashing with Jason Rees, the dashing developer determined to demolish the library. Sparks fly as their rivalry deepens, especially when the victim is revealed to be a jewel thief—and her stolen treasure is still missing.
With the whole town abuzz and danger closing in, Sara must solve the case, recover the jewels, and avoid falling for the one man who could ruin everything.
On Goodreads, Amazon, and Bookbub.
ANSWER
In this case, it wasn’t about what Marcy found, but rather what was missing. When Amy stayed after closing, she settled in at the circulation desk with her music playing. Something she couldn’t do while the library was open. But the room was silent. Since the music was never turned on, Marcy knew Amy had been attacked before the library closed.
Stay tuned for more mini mysteries!
