Reviews

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

Only show reviews with written explanations

meghan_plethoraofpages's review against another edition

3.0

3.5. It’s an easy audiobook listen, I enjoyed it. The plot is pretty slow moving, nothing too mysterious but the format was interesting and I appreciated the unique take on a story within a story.

aubrea27h's review against another edition

Go to review page

mysterious tense medium-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? No
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? It's complicated
Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.75

This has such a cool narrative, I enjoyed it SO much up until the very last chapter. It fell so flat.
Despite that, I do recommend it. It was a good read! I just know it could have had a better ending.

artbookshelfodyssey's review against another edition

Go to review page

5.0

This book is a pure delight and intrigue, and I cannot wait for everyone to read it. The narrative structure of this book is brilliantly done.

The story begins with 4 strangers sitting together in a room in the Boston Public Library. Suddenly, a scream is heard, a body is discovered, and we are plunged into a twisting and turning mystery that will leave you guessing until the very end. In between chapters there is another story going on... The author of the story you're reading is corresponding with a fan. This device of a story within a story can often fail spectacularly, but Gentill makes you care deeply for both story lines.

The main story of the murder in the BPL is extremely good - it would be a great story on it's own. However, with the addition of the secondary plotline of the author communicating with a fan adds to the level of enjoyment and mystery. What Gentill does with that is incredible how she is able to tell a detailed story through one simple letter. I really can't say more about the plot without giving anything away.

This book will appeal to mystery lovers, especially those who enjoy locked room mysteries and unreliable narrators. The resolution of the book makes sense and I did not guess the ending. I'm willing to bet that it will keep many people in suspense as well, even hard core mystery fans. The revelation of "Who dunnit" is perfectly done, as the truth slowly dawns on you it blew my mind.

evarano's review against another edition

Go to review page

1.0

I tried to pick this up a couple of times but it didn't hold my interest past the first 5-10%. I'm giving up on this for now, but I may come back to it. It just wasn't interesting enough to me and I didn't find that the writing drew me in. Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for the free preview in exchange for an honest review.

roleynicoley's review against another edition

Go to review page

adventurous lighthearted mysterious slow-paced

Plot- or character-driven? Plot
Strong character development? It's complicated
Loveable characters? Yes
Diverse cast of characters? No
Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I thought this book was a lot of fun in the beginning. I loved the characters and the book within a book theme, but then it just got so slow and boring. Almost as if the author didn't know where it was going.