by Sandra Murphy & Allison Brook

This week we are reviewing Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson, the latest in her Haunted Library series, which is a perfect read for the Halloween season. We also have a fun ghost/Halloween related guest post by Allison. Details at the end of this post on how to enter to win a copy of the book and a link to purchase it from Amazon.

Dewey Decimated: A Haunted Library Mystery by Allison Brook
Review by Sandra Murphy

Carrie manages the special programs at the public library. In addition, only she and her young niece can see Evelyn, the resident ghost, a former librarian. She’s been caught up in a few murder investigations, but she’s done with that and focusing on newer, better programs for library patrons and her recent engagement to Dylan.

The library bought the building next door. It’d been empty for many years as three adult children owned it. Just when Carrie was finally getting used to all the construction noise, work shutdown. A body wrapped in a blanket was discovered in the basement. There’s no identification to be found, but authorities think the man died over five years ago.

The workmen broke a hole through the common wall between the abandoned building and the library, causing quite a mess. They didn’t know just how much of a mess because none of them could see the dead man’s ghost wander into the library. Unable to remember his name, why he was in town or in that building, or recognize anyone, he’s no help in finding out what happened. It turns out the dead man was Dylan’s uncle.
The body is not Carrie’s only concern. She was recently appointed to the city council. At her first meeting, she finds she could be the tie breaker vote about the future of the nature preserve.

A second murder victim is someone Carrie knows and she begins to think the death is tied to the body in the basement. Can she help find out what happened then and now before another life is lost, and would it be hers?

This is book six in the series. Carrie and Dylan have a good relationship. Her aunt and uncle are her support when needed, plus she has her cat, Smokey Joe, to keep her company at work and at home. Evelyn the ghost makes the perfect sounding board when Carrie wants to discuss a case, find out library history, or try to pry afterlife secrets from Evelyn. Allison Brook is the pen name of Marilyn Levinson, a prolific writer. Be sure to look for all their books—you won’t be disappointed!

Sandra Murphy lives in the shadow of the Arch in St. Louis Missouri. She’s editor for Peace, Love, and Crime: Crime Stories Inspired by the Songs of the ’60s, with twenty-two cozy stories. She also edited A Murder of Crows, twenty-one stories featuring animals and crime (no animals were harmed). She also writes for magazines, newsletters, and the occasional guest blog. Both anthologies are available at the usual outlets, print or ebook.

More Ghosts For Halloween
By Allison Brook aka Marilyn Levinson

Dewey Decimated, my latest Haunted Library Mystery that I write as Allison Brook, starts out in September. September is a glorious month! It’s the start of the new school year for many districts. It’s the start of autumn when the weather turns cooler and the leaves change to yellow, red and orange. This year the Clover Ridge Library, where my sleuth Carrie Singleton is head of programs and events, is holding its second Fall Festival on the Green across from the library. There are entertainers, rides, crafts, and food trucks. Fun for everyone, young and old.

Allison Brook aka Marilyn Meredith

September also means the start of renovations in the building adjoining the library that will become the library’s new addition. Under a shelf, in the dark recesses of the basement, a body is discovered. A body wrapped in a blanket that’s been there at least six years. Something frightens the burly crew foreman when he’s alone in the building. When the workers break through the wall to the library, the ghost of the dead man staggers into the library, creating a whirlwind that disturbs patrons and knocks books to the ground.

Who am I? the ghost wonders. Where am I and how did I get there? Carrie and her ghostly friend Evelyn Havers quickly take him under their wing and keep him out of sight as they, along with an in-your-face TV investigative reporter, investigate to find out who he is and who murdered him. Only then can Evelyn help guide him to his rest. A two-ghost feature in time for Halloween!

To enter to win a copy of Dewey Decimated, simply email KRL at krlcontests@gmail[dot]com by replacing the [dot] with a period, and with the subject line “dewey,” or comment on this article. A winner will be chosen October 8, 2022. U.S. residents only, and you must be 18 or older to enter. If entering via email please include your mailing address in case you win, it will be deleted after the contest. You can read our privacy statement here if you like.

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You can use this link to purchase the book. If you have ad blocker on you may not see the Amazon link. You can also click here to purchase the book.

A former Spanish teacher, Marilyn Levinson writes mysteries, romantic suspense, and novels for kids. Her books have received many accolades. As Allison Brook she writes the Haunted Library series. Death Overdue, the first in the series, was an Agatha nominee for Best Contemporary Novel in 2018. Dewey Decimated, the sixth in the series, was just published. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series, the Twin Lakes series, and Giving Up the Ghost. Her juvenile novel, Rufus and Magic Run Amok, was an International Reading Association-Children’s Book Council Children’s Choice. It will soon be reissued, followed by three more books in the series. And Don’t Bring Jeremy was a nominee for six state awards. Marilyn lives on Long Island where many of her books take place. She loves traveling, reading, doing crossword puzzles and Sudoku, and chatting on FaceTime with her grandkids.

Disclosure: This post contains links to an affiliate program, for which we receive a few cents if you make purchases. KRL also receives free copies of most of the books that it reviews, that are provided in exchange for an honest review of the book.