Fiction, Cozy Mystery
3***
Blurb: Murder disrupts the peaceful, predictable daily routine of life for four quirky librarians who must protect their life-altering secrets in the first contemporary mystery from USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas.
Sometimes a workplace isn’t just a workplace but a place of safety, understanding, and acceptance. And sometimes murder threatens the sanctity of that beloved refuge…. In the leafy suburbs of Austin, Texas, a small branch library welcomes the public every day of the week. But the patrons who love the helpful, unobtrusive staff and leave rave reviews on Yelp don’t always realize that their librarians are human, too. Hazel flees halfway across the world for what she hopes will be a new beginning. Jonathan, a six-foot-four former college football player, has never fit in anywhere else. Astrid tries to forget her heartbreak by immersing herself in work, but the man who ghosted her six months ago is back, promising trouble. And Sophie, who has the most to lose, maintains a careful and respectful distance from her coworkers, but soon that won’t be enough anymore. When two patrons turn up dead after the library’s inaugural murder mystery–themed game night, the librarians’ quiet routines come crashing down. Something sinister has stirred, something that threatens every single one of them. And the only way the librarians can save the library—and themselves—is to let go of their secrets, trust one another, and band together…. All in a day’s work.
THOUGHTS: The librarian in me was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, I had trouble getting into the story. The only saving grace for me was the ending. This story takes place in a small branch library in Austin, TX. There are four librarians: Sophie (branch manager), Hazel (brand new to the library), Jonathan (big guy librarian, ex-football player), and Astrid (librarian). Each one has secrets of their own that they are reluctant to share, but when a murder happens that ties the library to it, they have to come clean.
Honestly, with all the different POVs, this reminded me a little of the movie “Clue”. We learn all about each one, and about their secrets, and why they kept such secrets. They band together to help each other and to help solve the mystery.
It’s an “okay” book, but not one I’d read again. It’s not bad, it’s just not great.
Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”
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