Dewey Decimated (A Haunted Library Mystery)
by Allison Brook
It is my pleasure to welcome Allison Brook to
Escape With Dollycas today.
Hi Allison,
Tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was a Spanish high school teacher many years ago. I started out writing books for kids. AND DON’T BRING JEREMY, my first published novel, was published in 1985 and was a nominee for six state awards. About twenty years ago I started writing mysteries. My most recent series is the Haunted Library series. DEWEY DECIMATED
is the sixth in the series.
What kind of research do you do, and how long do you spend researching before beginning a book?
I do a lot of research, and I do it as I’m writing. Sometimes I’ll start a sentence and realize I need information. It could be something as simple as selecting various dishes because Carrie is serving dinner to company. Because the Clover Ridge Library where Carrie works has purchased the building next door to be converted into an addition, the building is undergoing construction, I’ve had to learn what’s involved when a building is stripped down to its exterior walls and renovated. And I’ve had to learn technical information about the stadium-seating auditorium that will be installed in the new wing of the library.
Do you ever suffer from Writer’s Block?
Not really. If I get stuck plot-wise, I reread what I’ve written. That usually sets me on the right track of what needs to come next.
What advice do you have for someone who would like to become a published writer?
Write regularly; join writer groups and take part in their list servs and Facebook pages. Don’t be afraid to ask questions. Become part of a critique group that is supportive and helpful. Write regularly.
When you are not writing what do you like to do?
Spend time with friends; talk to my grandkids on FaceTime; read and listen to novels; eat out occasionally; do crossword puzzles and Sudoku.
Did the COVID pandemic affect you and your writing?
It really didn’t affect my writing since I spend so much time at home in front of my computer anyway. Though it has affected me in that I haven’t been traveling and it’s created a pall over my everyday life.
If you could travel anywhere in the world where would you go and why?
I’d like to go back to England. My husband and I used to go there often and I miss driving through the countryside and stopping at various towns and villages. I’d also like to go to Australia and China.
What is next on the horizon for you?
I’ll write the eighth and last book of the Haunted Library series and then I’ll start a new mystery series. I have a four-book contract for a children’s book series. The first book, RUFUS AND MAGIC RUN AMOK, was published some years ago and was a Children’s Choice. After it comes out in its new edition next year, a new Rufus book will be published the following three years.
About Dewey Decimated
Dewey Decimated (A Haunted Library Mystery)
Cozy Mystery
6th in Series
Setting – Connecticut
Crooked Lane Books (September 6, 2022)
Hardcover : 336 pages
ISBN-10 : 1639100903
ISBN-13 : 978-1639100903
Digital ASIN : B09N6M1SNP
Librarian Carrie Singleton is back on the case, alongside library ghost Evelyn, in the sixth installment of Agatha Award nominee Allison Brook’s Haunted Library mysteries.
Carrie Singleton is just off a hot string of murder cases centered around the spooky local library in Clover Ridge, Connecticut. She could really use a break—but no such luck, as she; Smoky Joe, the resident cat; and Evelyn, the library’s ghost, are drawn into another tantalizing whodunit.
First, a dead body is found in the basement of the building attached to the library, and it turns out to be Carrie’s fiancé’s Uncle Alec, who Dylan hasn’t seen in years. But Alec has no intention of truly checking out, and his ghost makes itself at home in the library, greatly upsetting the patrons. Carrie and Evelyn work hard to keep Alec out of sight, but what was he doing in Clover Ridge to begin with? And why was he killed?
Meanwhile, the town council, of which Carrie is also a member, is embroiled in a hot-headed debate over the fate of the Seabrook Preserve, a lovely and valuable piece of property that runs along Long Island Sound. Turn it into an upscale park? Sell it to a condo developer? Or keep it as protected land?
As the dispute rages, there’s another murder, this time involving a council member. Could the two murders be connected? And could Carrie be next on the hit list?
More About Allison Brook
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. Other mysteries include the Golden Age of Mystery Book Club series and the Twin Lakes series.
Author Links
Website Amazon Page Facebook Goodreads Pinterest BookBub
Twitter: @MarilynLevinson; @AllisonBrookML
Purchase Links
Amazon Penguin Random House B&N Kobo Google Play
Great Escapes Praise for Dewey Decimated (A Haunted Library Mystery)
by Allison Brook
I am giving Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook five stars, recommending it to anyone who wants an excellent September read. You might want to enjoy a nice mug of apple cider while you are at it!
~Baroness’ Book Trove
I highly recommend Dewey Decimated and the Haunted Library series to fans of cozy mysteries, and especially for anyone who enjoys small-town settings, a gentle paranormal element, and cats
~View From The Birdhouse
DEWEY DECIMATED combines greed and family dynamics in a captivating ghostly mystery.
~Cozy Up With Kathy
Dewey Decimated is a fun and calming read from Allison Brook. Over all rating for Dewey Decimated by Allison Brook: 4 stars
~Nadenness In Motion
Cozy mystery lovers will enjoy Dewey Decimated for its realistic characters and well-plotted mystery. They’ll appreciate the little details that make this delightful cozy mystery book come to life. I highly recommend it!
~Christy’s Cozy Corners
Makes for a fabulously fun read that is sure to delight cozy fans. I totally loved it so I give it 5/5 stars.
~Books A Plenty Book Reviews
Bottom Line: I’ve come to expect smart plots, charming characters, and intriguing twists from this series, and Dewey Decimated fits right in.
~Reading is my Superpower
Dewey Decimated is a fun and calming read from Allison Brook.
~Nadaness In Motion
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This sounds really good. Love the cover.
Love the clever title. How many younger people know the reference, I wonder?
Congrats on the new release! Excited to read this new one in the series.
Are you ok? This is two days without a post.