4.25 ⭐

Setting ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Story/Mystery ⭐⭐⭐⭐
MC ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Side Characters ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Whodunnit ⭐⭐⭐

• Cosy
• Simple, plain, comfortable, relaxing
• Likeable female MC and supporting characters
• I actually really liked the grumpy detective. A bit different for a change.
• Books 🫶
• Whodunnit: motive was fine, but they were a bit weak in general.
• But that ending was........ 🤨

The detective forgot how to be a detective in several parts, particularly in the closing scenes. A detective wouldn't willingly let her handle evidence. Wouldn't bring her and her parents along for a good snoop inside the crime scene.

The closet was the last straw and the main reason this wasn't a fiver. What the HECK was that? A detective wouldn't pull her into a closet (not once but TWICE!? Or was it 3.. can't remember) - they have private interview rooms and offices for that. And wouldn't tell her so much info about the investigation.

The majority was very relaxing and enjoyable though. I'd definitely read another.

“I don't always love the content of the books I read. Or the writer's style. But I can always learn something from them. I maintain there is at least one decent line, one takeaway, if you will, in every book. That's why I like them all. There's something good somewhere in every book.”

Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC!

A great introduction to the new Larkspur Library Mysteries, a cozy mystery series. Can't wait to continue and see what other things Greta gets involved in!

The mystery is well plotted. I was able to get the correct murderer rather early but it was still enjoyable to listen to. Greta is a likeable fun character to follow. And I feel there is so much more to get to know about her. And I love the Midwest setting being from there myself.
Overall a really solid start to a new series and I’m interested in reading more

This is an interesting mystery with characters that are both entertaining and intriguing. There is banter and the plot moves at a good pace. Therefore, it’s a book I would recommend.

This was a really cosy and charming cosy mystery set in a small-town with the most endearing characters. The plot was enjoyable throughout and kept you guessing.

Death Checked Out is a charming cozy mystery set in a quaint small town with lovable characters who feel like old friends. The plot strikes a perfect balance of intrigue and heartwarming moments, making it an enjoyable read. A great pick for anyone seeking a light, entertaining whodunit. Highly recommend!

Not my usual kind of read but it was good fun and I'd definitely 'check out' the author's other works!

Death Checked Out is a delightful, cute cozy mystery that charmed me from start to finish. Leah Dobrinska has created a quaint small-town setting and a cast of characters that feel like old friends by the end. The plot is engaging, with just the right mix of intrigue and heartwarming moments. As a librarian, this book brought back fond memories of reading Leaf Man to my students—it has that same cozy, comforting feeling wrapped up in a clever mystery. If you're looking for a light, entertaining whodunit with lovable characters, this book is a perfect pick. Highly recommend!

Unfortunately, this book didn't hold my attention. I DNF'd early in the book, and I couldn't get back into it. Thank you NetGalley and the author for the digital copy.

Unfortunately this book didn't snag my attention like I'd hoped. DNF @ 20%.

This book is cute and cozy and uncomplicated.

Thanks you Netgalley for my complimentary e-arc. All opinions here are my own.

Greta is the newish librarian in town and when she finds her neighbor dead, she finds herself needing to solve the mystery! I loved how this book has a ton of characters, but they were introduced with so much personality that it was easy to keep everyone straight. The twist at the end had me wanting to speed up the audio so I could listen faster. I immediately picked up book 2.

Thanks to the author for a digital copy. All opinions are my own.

What is better than a book with a librarian main character and a bunch of book puns? I enjoyed this very cozy mystery, where we follow a small town rocked by a murder. There's a new detective in town who is trying to solve it and he points the finger at the town librarian who always seems to be there when trouble happens. The small town dynamics are lovely and the dialogue is smart and fun. The characters are warm and real. The town is a character. I'm excited for the next book in the series!

I enjoyed This book. It was well written. I was able to engage with characters and plot. I would Read another book by this author and I recommend This book

A cozy mystery that centers around librarians? Yes, please!

This was such a cute cozy mystery! It was the perfect book to read between heavier reads. I'll absolutely be picking up more books in this series.

I loved the town, with its quirky little shops, and all the characters. Our grumpy MMC, Detective Mark McHenry, was fun and I really liked our FMC, Greta. I didn't predict the ending, which is super rare for me in a cozy mystery so that was a huge plus. I don't know that it broke any new ground, but it left me happy and I found myself smiling as I read it.

A huge thank you to the author and the publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.

Get ready to cozy up with a captivating whodunit in 'Checked Out for Murder' by Leah Dobrinska. Greta Plank's idyllic life takes a sinister turn when she stumbles upon a dead body in her small lakeside town. As suspicions swirl and Greta finds herself at the center of the investigation, she embarks on a quest to clear her name and uncover the truth behind the murder. With wit, charm, and a keen eye for detail, Greta delves into the town's secrets, relying on her librarian instincts to piece together clues and unearth hidden motives. 'Checked Out for Murder' is a delightful blend of mystery and humor, filled with quirky characters and clever plot twists that will keep readers guessing until the final page. Perfect for fans of cozy mysteries, this charming tale proves that when in doubt, the library is always the best place to start unraveling a mystery.

I don’t even know where to begin, except to say that I was entertained once again NetGalley! Glad I was honored with this ebook ARC! #forevergrateful

I absolutely love small town mysteries, especially when they're about libraries! I honestly think this is the first book I've ever read that was set in Wisconsin and I adored the writing style. This was a great start to a cozy mystery and I absolutely look forward to what this series will be like going forward and what other mysteries the town of Larkspur has to offer.

I think i tried to read this at the wrong time and im glad i waited. I wanted a book to pass time travelling and it was easy and accessible to come in and out of.

3.5 stars

This book was cute, but it had trouble keeping my attention. I really loved the cover of the book and the concept, but the characters were just so simple. Greta reads like she’s 80 years old instead of in her 30s.
I don’t think I would continue reading this series.

Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and the author for my free copy in exchange for my honest review.

Greta is the library directory in Larskspur and has befriended her older neighbor. When she stops in she finds him dead and she has become the prime suspect. She takes it upon herself to work on the case without the newest detective finding out.

I liked that the main character was a librarian and all the elements that came along with that. Especially the ending, but those are reading goals. The side characters were great and added to the story. I think the new detective is meant to be a love interest, but I didn't get that vibe from the two characters.

I enjoyed the pacing of the story and the build up. I didn't see the ending coming.

This is the first book in a new series by the author and I will be reading the second book.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this book.