Word to the Wise: A Library Lover’s Mystery by Jenn McKinlay

    While the mystery in Word to the Wise is good, it is the situation surrounding the mystery that is important to read about.  It is a situation that needs to be taken seriously.  A situation that is often discarded or seen as someone overreacting.  Beliefs held until it is too late.

Book Stack/Artwork by Kate Dorsey

    Lindsey Norris tries to be nice to everyone who comes into her library.  As the library director, this is usually a good thing.  In the case of Aaron Grady, it is not.

    At first the attention Grady gives Lindsey seems innocent enough.  A note expressing appreciation for the help she gave him.  Flowers following to reemphasize the sentiment.  But then things go to far.  Grady shows up at Lindsey’s home.  He follows her wedding dress shopping; an event held out of town.  With each further incident, Lindsey tells Grady his behavior is inappropriate.  He refuses to listen.

    Grady goes so far as to come to the library simply to stare at Lindsey.  In a restaurant, he tries to take on Sully, Lindsey’s fiancé.  Grady is convinced he is the right man for Lindsey, and one day they will get married.

    Eventually, Grady’s actions get bad enough Chief of Police Emma Plewicki bans Grady from the library.  This is a relief for only a short time.

    Fearing a lawsuit, the mayor and his right-hand man reinstate Grady’s library access.  They tell Lindsey she is overreacting about Grady’s behavior.  She should be flattered by his attention.  It is a belief that happens all too often.

    Fortunately, Lindsey’s friends take what is happening seriously.  They rally around her.  Make sure she gets from place to place safely.  But still, there are problems.

    One morning, Lindsey and her friend Robbie Vine find Grady dead.  Killed with Sully’s gun.  Everyone knows Sully would never kill anyone.  To prove it, Lindsey is going to need help.  She has to find the only other person she knows of who can understand what she went through.  Another woman harassed and stalked by Grady.

    The reason I believe the subject matter is more important than the mystery is because what happened to Lindsey does happen.  And far too often.  Someone is getting harassed and they are not taken seriously.  They are turned into the bad guy.  Told they are overreacting.  Not believed.  Fortunately, Lindsey had friends who supported her.  Not everyone does.  That is why it is important to believe people when they tell you something is wrong.  Don’t dismiss them offhand.  You never know the consequences.