The Librarians

I possess real expertise in only a few areas. Just two, in fact. One is crime fiction, and the other is public libraries and what makes them work. So naturally I was pretty elated to come across The Librarians, and I’m happy to report that Sherry Thomas portrays libraries and librarians as accurately as I have ever come across in a book. Set in a modest branch library in the suburbs of Austin, Texas, the novel dwells on four quirky staff members, each of whom has found both a sense of purpose and a home in the library, as well as strong friendships. But after the library’s new game night, two library users are found dead. And remarkably, these deaths trigger stories from each of the librarians, with each one finding their lives turned upside down. Thomas is a much-lauded author of historical romance, and this book shares in the eloquent writing she is known for. Perfect for a book-group discussion.