A Novel Idea

A Novel Idea

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A Novel Idea

The Village Library Mysteries | Book 8

Perfect for fans of small-town Southern cozies, library settings, and an ensemble cast you'll love returning to — including Fitz the library cat.

January 31, 2023

Sometimes a novel idea can turn out to be a bad one. 

Sally Simmons was rather misunderstood in the small town of Whitby, North Carolina. An awkward woman with a sly countenance, she became a regular at the library, spending a good deal of time scribbling in a notebook and staring vacantly off into space.

It turned out, to everyone’s surprise, that Sally had been industriously penning a novel. To their greater surprise, it became something of a sensation, even landing itself on the bestseller lists.


Since much of the novel had been written within the hallowed walls of the Whitby Library, reference librarian Ann and other staff members decide to hold an event to celebrate Sally’s accomplishment and learn more about her book.

Sadly, it soon becomes evident that Sally’s book was inspired by actual residents of Whitby—and that she concealed their identities poorly.


When Sally meets an unfortunate demise, it’s up to Ann to figure out the killer so the police can throw the book at him. 

Series: Village Library Mysteries, Book 8
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Setting: Whitby, North Carolina — Blue Ridge mountain town
Protagonist: Ann Beckett, research librarian and accidental detective
Tone: Light, humorous, feel-good
Recurring cast: Fitz the library cat · Luna · Wilson · Grayson Phillips · Burton · Linus
Formats: Ebook · Paperback · Audiobook

New to the series? Start with Checked Out (Book 1)
ISBN: 978-1-955395-16-8 (print) · 978-1-955395-17-5 (ebook)

Praise for Elizabeth's Books

“Sparkles with Craig’s cleverness and plenty of Carolina charm.”—Richmond Times-Dispatch

“As warm and cozy as a favorite quilt.” —Krista Davis, New York Times bestselling author of the Paws & Claws Mysteries and the Domestic Diva Mysteries

“A great read…full of twists and turns that keep it fresh.”—Fresh Fiction

About the Author

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Elizabeth is the bestselling cozy mystery author of the Southern Quilting mysteries, the Myrtle Clover Cozy Mysteries, the Village Library Mysteries, and Memphis Barbeque mysteries for Penguin Random House, Midnight Ink, and independently. Follow her at her blog where she offers tips for writers: https://elizabethspanncraig.com . She lives in Matthews, North Carolina with her husband and is the mother of two.


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