Thank you Libro.fm, #partner for the ALC of The Woman in the Library in exchange for my honest review. I purchased this book for my own collection.
Publisher: Poisoned Pen Press / Dreamscape Media
Published: June 7, 2022
Summary:
In every person’s story, there is something to hide…
The ornate reading room at the Boston Public Library is quiet, until the tranquility is shattered by a woman’s terrified scream. Security guards take charge immediately, instructing everyone inside to stay put until the threat is identified and contained. While they wait for the all-clear, four strangers sitting at the same table, pass the time in conversation and friendships are struck. Each has his or her own reasons for being in the reading room that morning—it just happens that one is a murderer.
Award-winning author Sulari Gentill delivers a sharply thrilling read with THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY, an unexpectedly twisty literary adventure that examines the complicated nature of friendship and shows us that words can be the most treacherous weapons of all.
My thoughts:
I am so glad my bookclub, @bookfriendsbookclub, picked this one to read…it was such a fun book! I’ve heard of Sulari Gentill before and I know she has s series out but I didn’t realize she has some stand-alones. After loving this book, I will certainly be going and checking out her backlist, for sure!
I’m always a fan of the amateur sleuth! Throw in a book set in a public library – and the Boston Public Library at that! – and someone writing a book and I could not have been happier This book just kept me on my toes throughout and I have a feeling it’s going to be one of those books that would benefit from a second and even third reading because I am sure there are clues and little nuances that I missed the first read-through.
The book within a book trope is one of my favorites and it is really done so well here. I loved how bits of Hannah’s manuscript were embedded throughout the story along with letters from Leo, an author who was helping Hannah with critique and research. It really keeps you on your toes as to who is trustworthy and whether the people are really who they say they are.
This story really was so cleverly written and kept me engaged throughout. It’s just a fun read, though you do need to pay attention or you might feel a little lost. I loved getting to chat with the author during our bookclub discussion – it really brought another dynamic to both the chat and a level of understanding about the book. Definitely add this one to your list if you enjoy books-within-books and murder mysteries!
Audio thoughts:
Listening to this one takes some concentration, but I quite enjoyed it. I did have the book on hand and I think that may be the best way to go. The author does a great job making the story come to life and her pacing was great.
