This was a 3.5 for me. It started off good with a scream heard in the library by four people who just met. However, it then became a confusing mess with a plot within a plot and so many characters. By halfway it smoothed itself out and it became a good twisty thriller. I wish we could’ve gotten a lot from the end but it was abrupt. I did enjoy the sun plot of the emails because I had a lot of the same questions and it was thought provoking. All in all an enjoyable read

This is spectacular! Literary genius!

The best-selling author within our book, Hannah Tigone, is writing her book from her home in Australia, set in Boston in the US. The only time Hannah is mentioned is at the end of each chapter when she is emailed by her beta reader, Leo, who lives in the US. The beginning of the book is set in the Boston Public Library, where four strangers are brought together by a piercing scream. While security searched for the origin of the scream, but initially found nothing, the four strangers became acquaintances and then friends.

Freddie (Winifred) is the narrator of the story, and also a writer. She won an award in Australia which brought her to Boston to write her crime novel. Her meeting in the library with Cain (another author), Whit (a student trying to fail law) and Marigold (fixated on Whit) felt right. Freddie couldn’t believe how quickly the four became friends. When the body of a young woman was found in the library, it was just the start of their nightmare.

With the police focusing on the four friends, Freddie and Cain did their best to follow leads to find the killer. When another murder occurred, one of the four was in the frame. Strange text messages were sent to Freddie, odd happenings which were freaking her out – was the killer amongst them? Could Freddie identify the deranged murderer before anyone else died?

The Woman in the Library by Aussie author Sulari Gentill is so incredibly clever – I’ve never read anything like it! I loved the way it was done, loved the intricate juggling the characters perfected, and found the twists delicious! Ms Gentill has always had my admiration for her historical mystery series – Rowland Sinclair – and The Woman in the Library has cemented her place at the top of my favourite authors. Highly recommended.

With thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for my digital ARC to read in exchange for an honest review.

This is a book about someone who is writing a book about someone who is writing a book. It was an odd concept and in the beginning I wasn't sure it was going to work for me. The person writing the book is named Hannah. We know this through a series of messages we read from Hannah’s fellow writing friend Leo, who is reading her manuscript. We are reading it along with Leo and it’s a murder mystery. I liked that we never really get to meet Hannah but just read the story she's writing. It was an interesting way to go about writing the book, and after I got used to the idea, the story grew on me until I was very engrossed in it.

What I liked most about this book is something I can't put in my review because it would be a huge spoiler, so this review will be short. There was a twist in here that I didn't expect in the beginning that made this book unique compared to other books I've read. There was a point that I started to suspect it though, and I wish the author wouldn't have revealed it quite as soon as she did, so that I would have been left guessing for a while longer. I thought the characters were all very well drawn and for the most part likable, although Marigold got on my nerves at times.

Ultimately, I ended up liking this unique mystery, and it's made me want to try other books by this author.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for providing me with a copy of this book.

5⭐️
Firstly, thank you to NetGalley and Poisoner Pen Press for the E-ARC of The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill. The below is my honest opinion!

This is an unputdownable thriller murder mystery. The best part is that this is a story within a story!

Hannah Tigone is writing her next best seller, an almost reversed locked room murder mystery. The story is about 4 strangers meeting in the Boston Public Library and whose lives become entangle with one another after hearing a woman scream. They come to find out that the woman was murdered in the library. The main character on the novel Hannah is writing, Freddie is also an author who was at the BPL to gain inspiration for a novel she is writing. The 4 strangers quickly become each other’s alibi, but as they become closer, secrets are revealed that lead to the woman in the library’s murder and murderer.

Hannah sends drafts of her manuscript to a betareader and almost deranged fan, Leo. At the end of each chapter of manuscript, we get Leo’s correspondence about the chapter and his suggests/comments to help develop her story. However, Leo’s suggestions become increasingly darker as the story unfolds.

I really enjoyed this murder mystery and this bookception take on Inception. The story had a strong start and some plot points I did not see coming. The end felt a tad bit rushed but overall, it was beautifull executed and makes for a fun thriller read.

This mystery about 4 strangers who meet in a library was a quick and easy read. The characters were interesting but I wanted to know more about them all, they felt a bit surface level. The book also contains a story within a story which was an interesting idea but was distracting to the main plot. The device should have been used more or not used at all.

It was fun getting to read Sulari Gentill’s THE WOMAN IN THE LIBRARY due to the fact that it takes place in Boston. As a New England girl, I enjoyed seeing references to familiar places in and around the city.

The story itself is a modern take on the classic “locked room” style murder mystery. I will say that I honestly enjoyed the majority of the book, but found the ending to be a bit rushed. I I felt the story built up so much, only to hastily throw a quick (but sloppy) finish in. Also, there is one part that never seemed to really be resolved and was left hanging.

Overall I’d say still worth the read, but fair warning you may be a bit disappointed with the ending.

Thank you to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the chance to read a digital ARC.

The Woman in the Library releases on June 7th!

This just wasn't for me. The story within a story got old. The ending was so rushed for both stories. I was also heavily put off by the inclusion of the pandemic. We are still in this and so many people have lost their lives and are traumatized by it. Using the pandemic just didn't land right and made me dislike this book even more.

Winifred (Freddie) was a writer and she had met Cain McLeod (Handsome man), Marigold Anastas(Freud girl), Whit Metters (Heroic chin) in the library. When suddenly they all hear a woman scream. This is where this mystery starts but was it planned for them to all meet there? Is one of them the killer. As, Freddie writes her book it is playing out the murder and she is in contact with Leo and he is helping her with the correct wording. This kept me on the edge of my seat because I didn’t want it to be the one that Leo was suggesting. It went a total different way than what I was thinking. Enjoyed this book and would definitely read more from this author.

I received this ARC from Netgalley for free, and I am leaving an honest review.

I'm not sure what my thoughts are on this book yet. It was twisty and odd and interesting and creepy at times - pretty much everything you could want in a thriller. But it did leave me hanging just a little bit. This was such a unique writing and I don't think I've read something like it before, but I wish there was a little more to the Hannah/Leo story. The story-within-a-story was an interesting addition to this book. Overall, I did like this book and would recommend it to someone looking for a different kind of thriller. Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital arc of this title.

<ENG> & <ES>
The desperate scream of a female voice is the triggering spark of this slow burning mystery. A murder in the Boston Public Library? Are there witnesses? Slowly, the intrigue is getting temperature, seasoned with a combination of 'sweet, spicy, bland, refreshing, gloomy, provocative, controversial ingredients,... until reaching the boiling point, when I couldn't put it down until the resolution. I will not reveal details so as not to spoil the reading of this carefully intricate plot of writers and writings that I have enjoyed.

Maybe it is noteworthy that towards the 40%, the story seems to stagnate just before a significant twist. And although in retrospect I think it makes sense, I recommend not giving up because thereafter it is action-packed.

in my view, Sulari Gentil is an intelligent, sensitive and courageous author, that I definitely want to keep on my radar.

And, ladies and gentlemen, I think this is a great book to be discussed in a book club !!!

Thanks to Sulari Gentil for the opportunity to enjoy this thoughtful thriller, and to Sourcebooks and Netgalley for being able to access a copy in advance to give my honest opinion.

<SPANISH>
Misterio cocido a fuego lento.
El grito desesperado de una voz femenina es la chispa desencadenante. ¿Cómo? ¿un asesinato en la biblioteca de Boston? ¿Hay testigos? La intriga va cogiendo temperatura poco a poco, salteada con una combinación de ingredientes 'dulces, picantes, sosos, refrescantes, controvertidos, estimulantes,...' hasta llegar al punto de ebullición, momento en el que ya no he podido soltarlo. No desvelaré detalles para no arruinar la lectura de esta especialmente cuidada e intricada historia de escritores y escritos con la que he disfrutado.

Creo que Sulari Gentil, es inteligente, sensible y valiente. Arriesga desarrollando argumentos paralelos, y esa competencia por la atención tal vez frena un poco el ritmo en la primera mitad, pero con ello también alimenta el desconcierto, es provocativa y aviva la curiosidad. 

Creo que es digno de mención que hacia el 40%, la historia parece estancarse justo antes de un giro significativo. Y aunque en retrospectiva creo que tiene sentido, recomiendo no darse por vencido porque a partir de entonces está llena de acción.

Me ha gustado mucho por todo lo mencionado anteriormente y porque tiene un estilo fluido, aporta emoción y valores. Decididamente quiero leer más cosas de esta autora.

Por cierto al final, el ebook incluye una batería de preguntas para discutir, lo que añade un plus para tenerlo en cuenta para nuestro club de lectura. 

Gracias a Sulari Gentil por la oportunidad de disfrutar del suspense reflexivo, y a Sourcebooks y Netgalley por poder acceder anticipadamente a una copia para aportar mi honesta opinión.

The Woman in the Library is a story within a story. Hannah Tigone is writing a “reverse” locked room mystery. The story she writes is about four strangers whose lives become entangled after hearing a woman scream while sitting in the Boston Public Library. The four of them later learn that a woman was found dead and one of them is accused of being the murderer. Hannah is sending drafts of her book to Leo, a fan and aspiring writer. Leo sends comments and suggestions to help develop her story, but his correspondences become increasingly dark as the story progresses.

I really enjoyed the story within a story concept. I thought this book had a strong start but the ending felt a bit rushed and I had wished we got more of the Hannah/Leo story. I would still recommend this one if you want a quick read as the chapters are short.

Oh my goodness-a fantastic book;. Creative literary devices; entertaining characters. So many layers-so many mysteries! And the setting added so much to the story. A high recommend. To write more would give away the complexities of the plot.

This was a smart, tense, twisty story, and I enjoyed it very much. This is a story within a story, about an author actively working on a book. We read what's happening in the author's world, but then also get glimpses into her manuscript. It's really clever, and I enjoyed the back-and-forth.

Add in a crowded library, a table full of strangers, a mysterious scream, and you have a wonderful adventure.

The portrayal of an author being distracted by the details of her surroundings instead of getting work done is laughingly perfect.

The Woman in the Library is an ingenious mystery within a mystery. It begins with a murder in the library when four strangers hear a scream and retire for some coffee to talk it over. They subsequently learn there was a murder and think they might solve it. And they’re off…

Or more accurately, a new mystery novel is off to a bracing start. The author shares her ongoing manuscript with her greatest fan who offers his opinions along the way. His opinions get more forceful as the mystery takes shape. She includes a character with his name which flatters him tremendously but he becomes dogmatic and demanding when the character does not meet his expectations. She is simply not writing the mystery the way he wants.

Meanwhile, the four sleuths learn more about each other and find reasons to suspect the killer might be one of them.



I have enjoyed Sulari Gentill’s series featuring the charming Rowland Sinclair and his coterie of creative and interesting friends. The characters are easy to love and I usually enjoy the characters more than the plot. The Woman in the Library is a stand-alone novel and I am blown away by both the characters and the plot. It is ingenious, so very ingenious and you simply have to take my word for it because I absolutely will not spoil the surprise for you.

I received an e-galley of The Woman in the Library from the publisher through NetGalley

The Woman in the Library at Poisoned Pen Press | Sourcebooks
Sulari Gentill author site
My reviews of five Rowland Sinclair novels

This was the mystery I didn't know I needed! Not only was the story amazing, but the format made it even better. It all starts with a scream at the Boston Public Library that tie four strangers together. We follow them as they try to determine the killer. But wait! We, the reader are following Australian writer, Hannah, as she writes this book and sends chapter's to her colleague in Boston. Things get a little strange as we follow their correspondence. Two mysteries in one book! Thank you, NetGalley!

Author Sulari Gentill gives us a story within a story and I was here for it!
I love reading keeping me on my toes books on the final outcome.
Well written thriller, suspenseful, and had me feeling like I was part of the story.
Good read!

(3.75 stars)

This was a strange one for me. I don't usually go for thrillers/murder mysteries but I found it quite difficult to put down. And yet, I can't say for sure that I particularly enjoyed it. The writing style was strange, I thought it fluctuated between flowery prose and very blunt and straight to the point sentences, and I didn't really care for any of the characters outside of Joe the Doorman and occasionally Marigold when she wasn't blindly following Whit. What really hooked me in was the fact that we got two books in one: the main plot (a novel being beta read by Leo), and what was unfolding in the emails between Hannah and Leo. Leo, I think, was the most interesting character in the novel and we never even met him outside of his emails.

Overall, it was an intriguing novel but not one I'm sure I'll ever go back to.

A story, within a story, within a story? Sign me up! This was a very unique novel that turned out to be a cozy, reverse locked room mystery. The emails from beta reader, Leo, confused me as first but when I realize their context to the overall plot I really enjoyed them and their increasing intensity. I enjoyed the COVID commentary that includes the pandemic but also doesn’t really include the pandemic. If your looking for a mind-bending mystery, this one is for you!

"The Woman in the Library" by Sulari Gentill is a book with a Double Mystery and a quadrilateral cast of interesting characters. This twisted story begins when a Mysterious Woman's SCREAMS in the Boston Public Library! We have strangers in the library Freddie, Cain, Whit, and Marigold who are terrified and curious by the SCREAM of death! Next we have a Cat and Mouse twisted style Who Done It Mystery!! Are the strangers really strangers and who is telling the truth and who is keeping big secret's and who had coffee with the murderer?!?! Definitely a must fast paced read!!
⭐⭐⭐⭐

💫THANK YOU TO THE AUTHOR, Poisoned Pen Press, AND NETGALLEY FOR THE E-ARC IN EXCHANGE FOR AN HONEST REVIEW!!

#TheWomanintheLibrary
#NetGalley

I thought the book was intelligent and an unputdownable book. I enjoy books that have a story inside the main story since it makes the book very interesting. even though you may have to go back a few times to see if you read something correctly.