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A review by astoriareader
The Quiet Librarian by Allen Eskens

emotional mysterious tense fast-paced
  • Plot- or character-driven? A mix
  • Strong character development? Yes
  • Loveable characters? Yes
  • Diverse cast of characters? Yes
  • Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

5.0

SYNOPSIS
  • Hana Babic, a 47-year-old librarian in Minnesota, lives a quiet, solitary life until Detective David Claypool delivers devastating news—her closest friend has been murdered.
  • The crime forces Hana to confront a dark past she buried decades ago, one that began in the mountains of war-torn Bosnia thirty years earlier.
  • Set across dual timelines—modern-day Minnesota and war-ravaged Bosnia—this haunting story explores trauma, survival, and the lengths we go to for those we love.

MY THOUGHTS
  • Genre-Bending: Eskens masterfully blends historical fiction with suspense and mystery, creating a page-turner that kept me hooked until the end.
  • Dual Timeline: The seamless transitions between present-day Minnesota and the brutal realities of 1990s Bosnia add depth and tension without disrupting the flow.
  • Eye-Opening History: This book offered my first glimpse into the Bosnian War. Eskens highlights its atrocities—ethnic cleansing, war crimes, and unimaginable loss—while handling these brutal truths with care and sensitivity.
  • Complex Themes: The story tackles how war turns neighbors into enemies, how trauma lingers long after the violence ends, and how revenge can consume us. It also beautifully explores female friendship, survival, and the burden of dark secrets.
  • Strong Female Lead: Hana/Nura stands out as a resilient, complex, and deeply human protagonist. Watching her transform from a quiet librarian into a fierce protector felt both heartbreaking and empowering.
  • Beautifully Written: Eskens crafts haunting yet elegant prose, balancing heavy topics with moments of quiet beauty and human connection.
  • Gripping & Fast-Paced: Despite its weighty themes, the plot moves quickly. The suspense kept me turning pages, while the emotional stakes made it impossible to stop.
  • Satisfying Ending: The conclusion felt complete and well-earned—a rare achievement in stories this complex.
  • Delicately Handled Darkness: Eskens addresses graphic and traumatic moments with care, making the horrors real without relying on gratuitous detail.

TL;DR: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️A gripping, haunting, and beautifully written story about the ghosts of war, the strength of women, and the inescapable pull of the past. With a resilient female lead, fast-paced suspense, and thoughtful handling of heavy themes, this novel is as powerful as it is unforgettable. A must-read for fans of historical fiction and mystery. 

Thanks to Mulholland Books and Netgalley for this digital ARC in exchange for an honest review. This book is out now.
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