Take a photo of a barcode or cover
3.81 AVERAGE
3.81 AVERAGE
3.5 Stars - why can't you give a 1/2 star rating.
Perhaps it's because I have read to many books this year or because I finished an incredible one before but this one just didn't have anything great to me. It was a good story but just nothing extra-special about it.
Perhaps it's because I have read to many books this year or because I finished an incredible one before but this one just didn't have anything great to me. It was a good story but just nothing extra-special about it.
I received an advance copy of this book from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
I've read all of the author's previous books, and I love how she combines the old with the new and includes places and/or people that actually existed once upon a time.
I really, really enjoyed this book. What's not to like about a multi-POV, multi-timeline mystery set in a library?
I didn't really like Jack's character, but sadly I think that was probably accurate for the time period.
If I could change anything about the book, I would have wanted more time with Pearl, or an opportunity for her to tell more of her story in her own words.
I flew through this book and finished in one day, because the writing was easy to read and the story flowed very well. I didn't want to put it down!
I would recommend this book to anyone else who is an avid historical fiction reader.
All opinions are my own.
4.5 stars
I've read all of the author's previous books, and I love how she combines the old with the new and includes places and/or people that actually existed once upon a time.
I really, really enjoyed this book. What's not to like about a multi-POV, multi-timeline mystery set in a library?
I didn't really like Jack's character, but sadly I think that was probably accurate for the time period.
If I could change anything about the book, I would have wanted more time with Pearl, or an opportunity for her to tell more of her story in her own words.
I flew through this book and finished in one day, because the writing was easy to read and the story flowed very well. I didn't want to put it down!
I would recommend this book to anyone else who is an avid historical fiction reader.
Solidly good duel-timeline historical fiction centered around the New York Public Library in 1913 and 1993. This was the perfect souvenir book from The Strand during a recent trip to NYC, where we also visited the NY Public Library. I started it on the plane home and enjoyed the story.
For me it was very slow to start, but once the story picked up I couldn't put it down!
mysterious
medium-paced
Plot or Character Driven:
A mix
Strong character development:
Complicated
Loveable characters:
Complicated
Diverse cast of characters:
No
Flaws of characters a main focus:
Yes
A super fun and easy read that I blew through. Book lovers will definitely enjoy it- who wouldn’t want to live in a library?? I enjoyed the author’s tackling of social issues at the time. I wish we had a bit more time spent with the club and the ideas of the people that Laura interviewed. Give us the manuscript as a novella!
I'm working through Fiona Davis' backlist, mainly to justify getting her newest release from BOTM lol. And, after The Spectacular I knew her Historical Fiction was right up my alley. And that continues to be true. The mystery, the dual timelines, the history of such stunning landmarks - it all hits just right. Laura being queer was maybe not the biggest surprise (ladies in the early-mid 20th Century discovering feelings for women is a pretty common plot point) but I was still totally engaged. Jack was such a sad man who only seemed to be the "bad guy" towards the end which I felt wasn't necessary (as in, he could've been the problematic, old-fashioned, not-for-Laura guy without being an actual jackass). But I never love when suddenly a partner gets exponentially worse at the end.
But that's personal preference.
I loved the setting of the library (which I strangely have never been inside) and just all the vibes. I cannot wait to start on The Stolen Queen and am so glad Davis has so many books that I get to experience!
But that's personal preference.
I loved the setting of the library (which I strangely have never been inside) and just all the vibes. I cannot wait to start on The Stolen Queen and am so glad Davis has so many books that I get to experience!
Fiona Davis masters at alternating timelines. Her character have parallels yet stand clearly on their own. The strong, independent women were beautifully written and felt real. The mystery intertwined between the two decades in a natural way and had me guessing until the end.
My favorite scene is of Sadie handing over her bags, including her NPR tote, to a bartender so that she could dance and shake out her feelings without being weighed down by her things, physically or mentally. I could see that NPR logo passing across and being settled beneath the bar, waiting patiently for her to collect it, hear the alternative 90s music blaring around her. This painted such a picture of Sadie; I loved it so much!
Sadie's outfits deserve an illustrated annex of their own. I would love a coloring book of Sadie in her vintage looks in various locations in the library and NYC.
My favorite scene is of Sadie handing over her bags, including her NPR tote, to a bartender so that she could dance and shake out her feelings without being weighed down by her things, physically or mentally. I could see that NPR logo passing across and being settled beneath the bar, waiting patiently for her to collect it, hear the alternative 90s music blaring around her. This painted such a picture of Sadie; I loved it so much!
Sadie's outfits deserve an illustrated annex of their own. I would love a coloring book of Sadie in her vintage looks in various locations in the library and NYC.
emotional
reflective
medium-paced