Kindle
$4.99
Available instantly
Audible Logo Audiobook
$0.00
with membership trial
Paperback
$10.99
Audio CD
$17.13
Kindle Price: $4.99

Save $6.00 (55%)

Promotions apply when you purchase

These promotions will be applied to this item:

Some promotions may be combined; others are not eligible to be combined with other offers. For details, please see the Terms & Conditions associated with these promotions.

Audiobook Price: $17.46

Save: $9.97 (57%)

Read with our free app
You've subscribed to ! We will preorder your items within 24 hours of when they become available. When new books are released, we'll charge your default payment method for the lowest price available during the pre-order period.
Update your device or payment method, cancel individual pre-orders or your subscription at
Your Memberships & Subscriptions

Buy for others

Give as a gift or purchase for a team or group.
Learn more

Buying and sending eBooks to others

  1. Select quantity
  2. Buy and send eBooks
  3. Recipients can read on any device

These ebooks can only be redeemed by recipients in the US. Redemption links and eBooks cannot be resold.
Kindle app logo image

Download the free Kindle app and start reading Kindle books instantly on your smartphone, tablet, or computer - no Kindle device required.

Read instantly on your browser with Kindle for Web.

Using your mobile phone camera - scan the code below and download the Kindle app.

QR code to download the Kindle App

Amazon book clubs early access
Loading your book clubs
There was a problem loading your book clubs. Please try again.
Not in a club? Learn more
Amazon book clubs early access

Join or create book clubs

Choose books together

Track your books
Bring your club to Amazon Book Clubs, start a new book club and invite your friends to join, or find a club that’s right for you for free.
Explore Amazon Book Clubs

Follow the author

Carmen DeSousa
Follow
Something went wrong. Please try your request again later.

The Library: Where Life Checks Out Kindle Edition

by Carmen DeSousa (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1,432 ratings
See all formats and editions
If you enjoy intricate mysteries that span several generations like Netflix's series Dark, then check out The Library today!

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐“The plot is intricate, while also being easy to follow...The paranormal aspect is well done. While not the central focus, the ghosts offer just enough to give Mark — and readers — something to think about.” — TOP 100 REVIEWER VINE VOICE

In 1934, the body of a beautiful, but poor young woman was found alongside a riverbank near The Depot. Beaten to a pulp, only recognizable by a tattoo on her ankle, and yet, days after the discovery, the story all but disappears.

Eighty years later, locals claim The Depot is haunted. But in all the years homicide detective Mark Waters has visited the historic 1800s train station turned restaurant, he's never seen proof. Until now.

As he sifts through evidence of a supposed suicide by train, he learns a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case.

Six months after the strange occurrences at The Depot, there's another murder. This time, The Library holds secrets of several murders, and the dead won't rest until the murderer checks out too.

Note: The Library (Where Life Checks Out) is a 50k-word follow-up novel to The Depot (When Life and Death Cross Tracks), which is included in this special edition so readers who haven't read The Depot won't miss anything.
Previous page
  1. Part of series
    American Haunts
  2. Print length
    239 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Sticky notes
    On Kindle Scribe
  5. Publication date
    August 7, 2014
  6. Reading age
    16 - 18 years
  7. File size
    2406 KB
  8. Page Flip
    Enabled
  9. Word Wise
    Enabled
  10. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
  11. See all details
Next page
Add a debit or credit card to save time when you check out
Convenient and secure with 2 clicks. Add your card
All 2 for you in this series See full series
See included books
Total Price: $4.99
By clicking on above button, you agree to the Kindle Store Terms of Use
More like The Library: Where Life Checks Out
Page 1 of 1Start overPage 1 of 1
Previous page
  1. The Big River
    Kindle Edition
    $5.99
  13. Rips and Tears
    Kindle Edition
    $2.99
  17. The Good Father
    Kindle Edition
    $3.99
  20. Rebecca's Rising
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
  21. Just Jonathan
    Kindle Edition
    $6.99
  22. The Gatsby Murders
    Kindle Edition
    $9.99
  23. The Devil Himself
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
  24. Journey of a Wildflower
    Kindle Edition
    $4.99
  29. The Little Band of Thieves
    Kindle Edition
    $0.99
Next page
Loading...

Editorial Reviews

Review

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "The plot is intricate, while also being easy to follow... The paranormal aspect is well done. While not the central focus, the ghosts offer just enough to give Mark - and readers - something to think about."Darcia Helle, TOP 50 REVIEWER VINE VOICE

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ "Based on a real life ghost story ... Carmen DeSousa unveils the mystery of the haunting with a compelling tale of murder, betrayal, and resolution. ... Great story. A leisurely read with lots of emotional content. -- Sandy Penny, Founder of SweetMysteryBooks.com"

From the Author

Full Book Description: In 1934, the body of a beautiful, but poor young woman was found alongside a riverbank near The Depot. Beaten to a pulp, only recognizable by a tattoo on her ankle, and yet, days after the discovery, the story all but disappears. Eighty years later, locals claim The Depot is haunted. But in all the years homicide detective Mark Waters has visited the ancient train station turned restaurant, he's never seen proof. Until now. As he sifts through evidence of a supposed suicide by train, he learns a murder that took place eighty years ago may directly affect his case. Six months after the strange occurrences at The Depot, there's another murder. This time, The Library holds secrets of several murders, and the dead won't rest until the murderer checks out too. 
My personal experience: In 1989, I worked at a restaurant in Rockledge, Florida called Ashley's Cafe. Although fictional, my idea for The Depot and The Library stemmed from the ghost who haunts the 1930s tavern.
 
My fascination with the restaurant came about the first night I served as the restaurant's general manager. I'd worked there for almost two years and had never heard or saw a thing, but my first night in my new position was a different story. It's been so long, I barely remember all that happened, but one thing that I'll never forget is one of those large oval trays--that can't possibly balance on its side--came sliding across the floor at me. Also, a five-gallon bucket of water spilled across the floor when no one was near it. Maybe the ghost was just reminding me who was boss.
 
But the most nerve-wracking occurrences throughout the years were the number of employees--including myself--who felt as though someone had pushed them down the service stairs.
 
My husband--who happened to be a police officer at the time--also got to hear all the stories from the other officers who'd searched the café in the middle of the night because of alarm calls. Unfortunately, he doesn't have any stories, but the detective's account in The Depot is based off several officers whom my husband knew and trusted.
 
Since I'd always been interested in the supernatural, I looked up the woman's death who supposedly haunts Ashley's via microfilm from the old library in Cocoa, Florida. 
 
At the time of her death, it was on record as one of the most heinous murders in Florida's history. The murderer had gone through great lengths to conceal the woman's identity, including smashing out all her teeth, cutting off her fingers, and burning her body. According to witnesses, the woman had been dating someone from power and wealth. And to my surprise, when I looked forward past a few days, the story had all but disappeared. Weeks later, nothing! Think about that! One of the most shocking crimes in Florida's history in the thirties, and the newspapers drop the story.
 
Yeah...things that make you say, "Hmmm...."
 
So, there you have it. While my story is fictional, there is a ghost story. Look inside for links to the real-life ghost story. 

Happy Reading!

Carmen

Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B00MJCMVIQ
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Written Musings (August 7, 2014)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ August 7, 2014
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 2406 KB
  • Simultaneous device usage ‏ : ‎ Unlimited
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Sticky notes ‏ : ‎ On Kindle Scribe
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 239 pages
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.0 4.0 out of 5 stars 1,432 ratings

About the author

Follow authors to get new release updates, plus improved recommendations.
Carmen DeSousa

Carmen DeSousa

Brief content visible, double tap to read full content.
Full content visible, double tap to read brief content.

Carmen DeSousa is an internationally bestselling author of twenty-three novels and short stories. Her paranormal romantic suspense Creatus series is a USA Today Indie Romance Bestselling Series.

Her novels share her love of the outdoors. She's hiked, kayaked, and dined across the U.S., so she can bring her stories to life. Other than locations you can feel, she concentrates on the human factor, working to bring her characters the happily ever after that seems impossible.

As most authors, Carmen blames her leap into a full-time career as a professional writer on her love of reading. She states that reading has always been an escape for her. When life was rough as a child, she could always disappear into a book. But she found something else, too... She discovered that writing out her thoughts was therapeutic. Not only could she create hope for her protagonists, but she could also do away with her antagonists—legally.

Carmen currently lives in "The Heart of Arizona" with her husband of thirty-three years and a very spoiled rescue, a cross-eyed Russian Blue, who's too cute for words.

Carmen and her husband love to experience different areas, so they move a lot. They’ve lived on both of Florida’s coasts: Cocoa Beach and Tampa Bay; Charlotte, North Carolina; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Chicago, Illinois; Bullhead City, Arizona, the Northern Central Valley of California, and now Arizona’s high desert. They’re always looking for their next adventure, so they travel every chance they get. If you've read about a place in one of Carmen’s stories, she’s been there!

Both Carmen and her husband not only write, but also love to read outside—or a coffee shop if it's raining. And if the weather is really nice, they enjoy kayaking and hiking. Carmen says they rarely spend their days off at a movie theater or the mall. In fact, she hates shopping, and her husband would rather do anything than take her to a movie when she’s already read the book.

Customer reviews

4 out of 5 stars
4 out of 5
1,432 global ratings

Top reviews from the United States

PA
5.0 out of 5 stars A compelling tale filled with mystery and paranormal twists.
Reviewed in the United States on June 22, 2015
Verified Purchase
This is a compelling tale filled with mystery that spans generations in a well-woven story involving betrayal upon betrayal. The characters are slowly revealed to be interrelated with a paranormal twist that quickly engages the reader to see what happens next. The short story at the beginning was the perfect intro to the "rest of the story." The author, Carmen, has written a suspense-filled tale of mystery that keeps you turning the pages. And that is what a well written mystery is supposed to do: draw the reader in to keep you turning those pages to find out what happens next. The dialogue was never stilted, but character-driven and the scenes were vividly drawn. Carmen is a talented author not only in the mystery genre, but in the paranormal/fantasy genre as well. An engaging and enjoyable read.
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Kimberly
4.0 out of 5 stars Great Story, but Sometimes Hard to Follow
Reviewed in the United States on March 1, 2020
Verified Purchase
Let me start by saying I loved the storyline of this book. It is engaging and pulls you in. Between the few books I was reading at the time, I was mostly interested in picking up this book to see where the story was going. The author does a great job of not being too predictable and allowing you to be a bit of a detective while you read it. I also appreciated the sprinklings of "real life" in the book, the conversations between the main characters and the people in his life. The author did a great job of describing behavior so I could see what Detective Mark Waters saw.
However, there were parts when the backstories of characters were intertwined and I would lose track easily of the web trying to be woven. Especially at the end for the big reveal, it was a bit harder to follow because I had to reread a few sections to understand what was happening. This is why I would give it 4 stars. It was a great story, but could use just a bit more clarity in parts of it. I would recommend for a fun read, especially if you like the tie between crime, backstories, and supernatural.
Helpful
 Report
Lauren
3.0 out of 5 stars Interesting mystery with ghosts
Reviewed in the United States on January 21, 2018
Verified Purchase
The beginning novella was good, didn't understand why the directive got drunk. Also, Ashlyn seems like a shallow, gold digger. Then the book starts when Ashlyn and the detective, Mark, are together and Ashlyn is 8 months pregnant. And all of a sudden the reader is told that she's this independent, generous and loving woman.

The mystery is good and the added input by a ghost is interesting. However the romance is soooo syrupy it made my teeth ache. Mark is believable and interesting, except where Ashlyn is concerned. He is so ridiculous about his relationship. He has a dream about a woman he met and Is anguished and guilt ridden because he never wants any other woman but Ashlyn.

When Mark tells Ashlyn about the ghost of a young and beautiful woman, she starts this weird jealous rant.

I also got confused about who was who. Too many intertwined family members.

But the mystery kept my attention and it was an easy read.
Helpful
 Report
Rural Reader
5.0 out of 5 stars Well Written Paranormal Mystery
Reviewed in the United States on June 21, 2015
Verified Purchase
If you're looking for a paranormal mystery, that is free of vulgar language and explicit sex, then you've found it in "The Library: Where Life Checks Out".

This is the first book I have read by Carman DeSousa, but it won't be the last. The main characters are well developed and I especially loved the chemistry and passion between Mark Walters and Ashlyn. At first, I had a little trouble with the "who's who" and felt like a needed a score card. However, I just kept reading more carefully (not skimming), and the tightly woven plot and players began to click. The paranormal facet just added the right amount of zest.

This book is complete (no cliffhangers) but the epilog hints at a sequel. I hope Ms. DeSousa writes more about Mark and Ashlyn.
2 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
Southern gal
4.0 out of 5 stars The Library: Where Life Checks Out
Reviewed in the United States on February 14, 2018
Verified Purchase
It was a fun and great little mystery to read. I chose it because it was set in a library! How fun! I get most of my reading material from my public library, so thought this would be a fun story. My only complaint...SPOILER ALERT!!!!!

Was trying to keep the generational names of the living and dead from getting confused; especially, since all the murdering men were from the same family and the murdered women were from another family! I had to scroll back several times to re-read something and get it straight in my mind. This is not the only book to do this to me! Probably just my ol' tired brain! Otherwise, an enjoyable mystery and well worth your time to curl up under a toasty warm blanket with a cup of hot cocoa on a wintry cold day...or laying on the warm sand soaking up the glorious sun on some beautiful, quiet, beach paradise on a sultry summer day sipping a cool glass of iced....
One person found this helpful
Helpful
 Report
ZacharyKindle Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars The Library: Where Life Checks Out: Supernatural Checks In
Reviewed in the United States on November 17, 2015
Verified Purchase
What a great read! I couldn't put this book down if I tried. I have read all of Ms DeSousa's books from "The Pit Stop," "The Depot," and "The Library," and I have to say that each book just got better as I went on. I really hated to see this book end. I like to read novels that have 20-25 books to go with them so you can grow with the characters. Me DeSousa, you asked for feedback from your readers where do we think you should go with your novel? This is just my opinion, but I think you should slowly develop all of the characters that you have right now! You have a " Great Bunch " to work with. Just don't be in a hurry to develop them in 1, 2, or even 3 novels. Take your time, and let readers like me enjoy watching the characters "grow" throughout the years. John Sandford was great for doing that with his "Lucas Davenport" novels. I have read all 25 of them
from beginning to end, so it can be done. (Developing characters for that length of time and still keep it interesting) Just don't be in a hurry to have the baby grow up to quickly etc.. You've developed a great cast of characters. From Detective Mark Waters to Ashlyn, (his fiancee, now wife) I really enjoyed their first encounter. I definitely don't think you should take your novel and build it around one of the minor characters, ( you can build on your other novels with them.) Whatever you do "Keep Up The Supernatural End"of it. I Love It!!!!!!! Can't Wait for your next book, please, please, don't make it a love story. Keep going like you are and you'll do great!
7 people found this helpful
Helpful
 Report

Top reviews from other countries

Birdy
5.0 out of 5 stars Well written
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on May 28, 2019
Verified Purchase
This is a romance with a new man male lead. The ghosts seem plausible and not so off the wall, this gives impetus to read on. The book is suitable for young teens to anyone upwards of that group.

It's nice to read a well written book at such a good price.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Amazon Customer
5.0 out of 5 stars Past with the present mixed well in this story.
Reviewed in Canada on August 31, 2015
Verified Purchase
I really enjoy this book as it seamlessly wove the past with the present. I am one who usually can figure out the guilty party quite early in the book, but this story was the exception. Part of the early murder was easy to solve but not all of the mysteries where as easy to come up with the solution. I really enjoyed the ending it not only gave us a conclusion to what had happened but it also solidified a cop and the partner who had his back. There is a wealth of emotions in this book, but all are well balanced. I will read something else by this author.
Report
Peanut
4.0 out of 5 stars Different twist on things
Reviewed in Canada on June 7, 2019
Verified Purchase
I liked this book very much. It was a different kind of story in a way and although I didn't have me keeping the lights on it was interesting and enjoyable. The story also had surprising curves and twists which crept up on the reader and which one hadn't figured out ahead of time.
I really would recommend "The Library" to all our readers out there. I truly think they would enjoy it.
Report
Bartlett
2.0 out of 5 stars Life checks out.
Reviewed in Australia on October 14, 2016
Verified Purchase
An intersting story line which had lots of potential that wasn't met. A very disjointed story.
One person found this helpful
 Report
KL.Caley
4.0 out of 5 stars A light-hearted cosy mystery
Reviewed in the United Kingdom on September 14, 2015
Verified Purchase
This mainly follows the story of Mark Waters a homicide detective. When investigation a case he comes across a beautiful young barmaid who is suspect in a murder case. Months later the couple are together, with a baby on the way, a baby that isn’t Mark’s. Alongside Marks troubled social life he is called in to investigate a new murder in a local library. Mark’s new in-laws could be caught up in the case and with difficult decisions ahead Mark’s investigation takes some interesting turns.
The story had an interesting premise and with a touch of paranormal involved I was looking forward to this read and it didn’t disappoint. It is a light-hearted cosy thriller that is easy to read and flows quite naturally. I did feel the characters could be explored/ explained a little more as there was gaps in their personalities with quite a lot of characters for the novel length but I am hoping that is because the author is creating a series and looking to grow the characters.
The authors writing style is quite slow making this story ideal for lazy afternoon reads. Although there are a few action based scenes, it is mostly a book about the investigation and waiting for the clues to drop, with just enough twists to keep the reader guessing.
One person found this helpful
 Report
Report an issue

Does this item contain inappropriate content?
Report
Do you believe that this item violates a copyright?
Report
Does this item contain quality or formatting issues?
Report