If you know me you know I love a story that has a book within a book. I'm not ashamed to say I devoured this book in less than 24 hours and I loved every minute of it. You know that happy, butterfly feeling you get when you start a new book and you just know immediately that you're going to absolutely love it? The moment I started chapter 1 I knew this was going to be a favorite of mine. I loved the narrative and how well it supported the story, I loved how the story was being told to me. The murder mystery was intense, the friendships were great, the romance was fantastic, there's nothing I didn't like about this book. I loved the beta reader aspect and how that all played into the story and I even loved that this book left off on a bit of a cliffhanger that had me scratching my head in confusion. I'm sad it took me so long to pick up this book but I'm so excited to read more from the author now.

Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for an ARC of this fantastic book.

This book was great. It was so much fun. A whodunnit that kept me guessing until the end.

This is the first book that I have read by this author but it certainly will not be the last.

So much fun!

Books, Libraries, Words, and Mystery! What more could you want? Sulari Gentill is a master of the craft. Thanks to NetGalley for the ARC.

I think I would consider this my first literary thriller. Based in the middle of a library in Boston, terrifying screams are heard from somewhere in the library. Four strangers sit there and watch this unfold while talking amongst each other learning the screams could be just a prank. Or was it a prank? NOT! They learn there was a woman murdered. They develop a friendship with each other and try to figure out what happened when they go on their own little investigation. They start to uncover secrets about each other and start doubting and suspecting each one other. I love the way this developed. I could not figure this book out and had me guessing the whole time.

This was excellent! Exciting and different, kept me on the edge of my seat. Highly recommend! A fun murder mystery that will keep you guessing. And keep you thinking about it even after you finish the last page

I had the pleasure of diving into The Woman in the Library, and what I particularly enjoyed was the unpredictable twists and turns that kept me guessing until the very end. The pacing was perfect, making it hard to put the book down once I started reading. Overall, I highly recommend this book to anyone who loves a thrilling ride filled with suspense, mystery, and unexpected surprises. It's a must-read for fans of the genre!

This was a great who-done-it murder mystery. It kept me on my toes the whole time, I did not see the ending coming!

I listened to this as an audio book and it was confusing sometimes keeping all the POV's separated. It was hard to remember who was talking at some points.

Overall an amazing novel!

"The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill is a captivating and atmospheric mystery novel that transports readers to the glamorous world of 1930s Australia. With its richly drawn characters, intricate plot, and evocative setting, Gentill weaves a tale of intrigue and suspense that keeps readers guessing until the very end.

At the heart of the novel is the intrepid heroine, Rowland Sinclair, a gentleman artist with a knack for stumbling upon trouble. When a body is discovered in the library of his family estate, Rowland finds himself drawn into a tangled web of secrets and betrayal that threatens to unravel the genteel facade of high society. Gentill deftly portrays Rowland as a charming and resourceful protagonist, blending his rakish charm with a keen intellect and unwavering sense of justice.

One of the novel's greatest strengths lies in its richly detailed setting. Gentill brings to life the vibrant world of 1930s Australia, with its opulent estates, bustling city streets, and shadowy underworld. The period details are meticulously researched and authentically rendered, immersing readers in a bygone era of elegance and intrigue.

The mystery at the heart of "The Woman in the Library" is both compelling and complex, with twists and turns that keep readers guessing until the very end. Gentill expertly navigates multiple narrative threads, weaving together clues and revelations with skill and precision. The result is a gripping page-turner that will leave readers eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth behind the mysterious death.

The supporting cast of characters is equally engaging, with each member of Rowland's eclectic circle of friends bringing their own unique talents and quirks to the table. From the fiery artist Edna Higgins to the enigmatic poet Milton Isaacs, Gentill populates her novel with a diverse and memorable cast of characters that readers will find themselves rooting for.

In conclusion, "The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill is a delightful and engrossing mystery novel that will delight fans of historical fiction and detective stories alike. With its richly drawn characters, evocative setting, and intricate plot, it offers a tantalizing glimpse into the glamorous world of 1930s Australia. Gentill's masterful storytelling and sharp wit make this book a must-read for anyone seeking an immersive and satisfying literary escape.

This book was a lot like Russian nesting dolls; there's a story within a story, within another story. I was first drawn to the book because of the cover and then of the synopsis of the book. I also started to compare this story to Agatha Christie stories, that I absolutely love. I really enjoyed the correspondence between Leo and Hannah and felt like it contributed so well to the book. Great read!

I’m really unsure of what I read. The concept itself seemed like something I would really enjoy, but everything just felt so off and I was unable to really get into it. The actions of the characters were weird and at times made me actually cringe. It was slow and I couldn’t connect with the characters at all. And by the end I didn’t even care whodunnit. Unfortunately overall just underwhelming and dull.

Such an intelligent book. h

Really enjoyed this read. Well written and great characters. Always happy to read a book I can’t figure out and any book that makes me say “no way!” Is one I’d recommend

An odd mystery that I honestly picked up because there's a library involved. It was an interesting story, and I'd definitely read more of this author's work.

I really enjoyed The Woman in the Library. This is the first book by this author that I have read and look forward to reading more!

I’m still trying wrap my head around the very, very end of this 🤯🤯

I enjoyed this a lot. Light romance, mystery, and murder. And the killer was honestly not who I thought it was going to be.

And Leo? Both Leo’s were a bit crazy. It was interesting to see beta reader Leo clearly devolve throughout his communication with the author. At first I didn’t quite get that part of the story but as it went on it became clearer what was going on with that story line. The dual mystery aspect of this actually made for a very intriguing story I thought.

But that last few sentences…seriously 🤯 because it makes you think about not only the ending, but back through the whole book that was written within this story.

Overall a very solid read I thought. I’d definitely recommend it!

4.5⭐️

The mystery starts in the Reading Room of the Boston Public Library, where four individuals are quietly working, until they hear a scream in the next room. Security doesn’t find anything amiss, so they are all allowed to leave the library, but the four agree to meet again. Marigold is a psychology student. Whit is studying law. Cain is a writer with a book already in The New York Times. And Winifred, Freddie, is a visiting writer from Australia, in the country for a prestigious writing fellowship. And Freddie can’t help but be inspired by what they experienced in the library.

Especially after she sees the news later and finds out that the body of a woman had been found in the library. Had she been sitting in the Reading Room with a killer? If so, having three witnesses during the woman’s scream was a fantastic alibi, Freddie can’t help but notice, as her pen goes flying across the pages.

Freddie doesn’t know anyone in Boston, so she’s happy to meet these other three and learn more about Boston’s restaurants and attractions. She also makes the acquaintance of Leo Johnson, another writer with the same fellowship she has, who can help her adjust to America as well.

As Freddie and her new friends start to investigate the woman’s murder, she keeps up with her writing and finds herself drawn to Cain. But when his phone is used to call her, and all that’s heard is a scream, exactly like the scream they all heard in the library, Freddie doesn’t know what to think. Cain said that his phone had been missing, but who would know that she’s looking into the murder, other than the three other people who were in the library with her when it happened?

As Freddie keeps writing her story, the killer comes closer, sending photos of her door and then coming after those she cares about. And when she finds out that Cain had spent time in prison, Freddie doesn’t know what to believe. But she’ll need to figure it out quickly, as her novel takes shape, because she doesn’t have much time before the killer comes for her.

Meanwhile, as readers get caught up in the story of Freddie and her Boston mates, the real writer of this story, bestselling author Hannah Trigone, is writing this story from her home in Australia, and she sends each chapter to Leo in Boston, who fact checks for her and offers her the American equivalents of the words or phrases she uses. It’s like pulling back the curtain and seeing the magic of the writing. And where these stories go will surprise and thrill.

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill is a funhouse of thriller stories, with the details of one story bleeding into the other and sometimes making you forget where you are. It’s layers of questions, compounded by secrets and lies and danger and intrigue. And it’s an amazing story that sucks you in and won’t let go, or at least, that was my experience.

I got to listen to this book on audio, narrated by Katherine Littrell, and I thought she was masterful. She had the Australian accent I thought was perfect for Freddie (most of the story is told by her), and she hit every beat with intelligence and strength, bringing the character to life.

The Woman in the Library is a suspenseful story on more than one level, and I’m not sure any description would do it justice. But if you love a good thriller and haven’t yet visited Boston with Freddie and her library friends, then this is a trip you’ll want to take. But make sure you’re seatbelt is on nice and tight and keep your hands inside the car at all times. Things get a little wild.

Egalleys for The Woman in the Library were provided by Poisoned Pen Press, with many thanks, but I bought the audio book through Chirp Books myself.

This book was so fun & loved the narrative structure. Really look look forward to reading more books by her!

The Woman in the Library was a really fun thriller within a thriller. I loved the different viewpoints and the story within a story structure. There were a few twists that surprised me and a lot of moments that were a lot of fun to read. A few moments were a bit over the top, but that didn't detract from my overall enjoyment of the story, and it was incredibly well-written. I fully intend to read more from this author in the future.

I'm giving this 2.5 stars rounded up. The premise is great - a quiet public library shattered by a woman's scream. While waiting for news, four strangers at a table pass the time in conversation and develop a friendship. One, however, is the killer. What a great concept, but I found the execution to be lacking in the last third of the book. The motivation was too flimsy to be believable and the mystery became messy. There was also a metafiction element that I typically enjoy, but this one distracted from the plot rather than adding to it.

I absolutely adored this book. A murder mystery taking place in the library? Truly does it get any better? Full of twists and suspense. The Woman in the Library was a quick read that kept me engaged from start to finish. I look forward to reading more from this author.

Thank you to NetGalley and Poison Pen Press for the advanced copy in exchange for my honest review. Review also being posted to Amazon and Barnes & Noble pending approval.