sprinklesofspooky's review against another edition
4.0
A mystery novel involving librarians? Say no more, I’m all in. But let’s dangle a missing, rare manuscript, and a missing librarian.
“Liesl tries to sound the alarm and inform the police about the missing priceless book, but is told repeatedly to keep quiet, to keep the doors open and the donors happy. But then a librarian unexpectedly stops showing up to work. Liesl must investigate both disappearances, unspooling her colleagues' pasts like the threads of a rare book binding as it becomes clear that someone in the department must be responsible for the theft. What Liesl discovers about the dusty manuscripts she has worked among for so long—and about the people who care for and revere them—shakes the very foundation on which she has built her life.”
I loved this, and it will definitely keep the reader guessing who the culprit is. A four star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read that will delight anyone that loves mysteries and libraries.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.**
“Liesl tries to sound the alarm and inform the police about the missing priceless book, but is told repeatedly to keep quiet, to keep the doors open and the donors happy. But then a librarian unexpectedly stops showing up to work. Liesl must investigate both disappearances, unspooling her colleagues' pasts like the threads of a rare book binding as it becomes clear that someone in the department must be responsible for the theft. What Liesl discovers about the dusty manuscripts she has worked among for so long—and about the people who care for and revere them—shakes the very foundation on which she has built her life.”
I loved this, and it will definitely keep the reader guessing who the culprit is. A four star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ read that will delight anyone that loves mysteries and libraries.
**Many thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.**
msnikkiwilks's review against another edition
It was a bit slow for my liking. I never could quite get into a rhythm with it. I may try again at some point. We shall see.
robinwalter's review against another edition
More than a third through and the story completely failed to grab me. Dull characterisation, dull storytelling. For a book advertised as being a mystery about books it was lifeless and much more about the politics of academia.
yetilibrary's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
Very slow-moving, and that hampers the story (and my rating).
sabrinasayshey's review against another edition
emotional
hopeful
informative
mysterious
tense
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.75
goldxnapplxs's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? No
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
librarybrenna99's review against another edition
informative
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? Yes
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
3.0
april_reads_books's review against another edition
mysterious
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Plot
3.0
kgraham10's review against another edition
slow-paced
3.5
Liesl spends the first 2/3 of the book dithering, fearing her own choices and power, drinking so much that she is hungover every day. She finally solves a fairly minor mystery but struggles to ever actually examine her own desires. I really wish that her marriage and career goals and self-confidence was actually developed.