When I tell you I was excited for this one, I mean it!! It was so hard to put down. The twists & the turns were amazing.

The format of this book and the book within the book was intriguing but the mystery whodunit lacked cohesion. The big reveal felt stupid, rushed, and anticlimactic. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for a honest review.

"And so we go to the Map Room to found a friendship, and I have my first coffee with a killer."

Based on an intriguing premise, The Woman in the Library follows Australian writer Winifred as she pens a novel while she is in residence in Boston under the Marriott Scholarship. She goes to the Reading Room at the Boston Public Library to find inspiration, happening to sit at a table with three others she takes notes on to incorporate into her writing. She meets Cain (Handsome Man), Marigold (Freud Girl) and Whit (Heroic Chin), each with their own reasons for being in the library that day. Startled by a woman's scream and learning that a woman was killed in the library, the four establish a fast friendship as they try to find answers to explain what had occurred. Could one of them possibly be the killer?

This is a story within a story as Australian author Hannah Tigone is writing a novel set in Boston involving the four friends and the mysterious murder. Meanwhile, Hannah is corresponding with Leo Johnson, an aspiring writer who is acting as her beta reader and providing research and advice on her writing.

Despite the anticipation of a literary mystery involving a story within a story, I was left quite disappointed. Each character had an individual story to tell, but I didn't feel as if these stories came together seamlessly. And although it seemed intended for an exploration of the creative process, the correspondence between Hannah and Leo distracted from the flow of the events in the mystery itself. Perhaps it was a case of life imitating art imitating life but I expected more. I felt detached from the story as if I had been passively watching someone else solve the mystery rather than actively engaging in its outcome on my own. At the same time, I would have liked to read more about Hannah herself.

While the four characters become fast friends, bonding through tragedy and tension, I was not convinced that the shared mystery was something that would bring them so close together so quickly and cause them to be completely invested in its resolution. The instant friendship and trust levels seemed misplaced throughout the series of revelations as to each character's hidden secrets. Some of the reveals had also seemed implausible and overly coincidental.

Social commentary regarding racial prejudice, class differences and homelessness felt unsettling and somewhat biased while adding very little to the mystery itself beyond background information. It was a lost opportunity to present these issues in a respectful and statement making way.

As the final reveal approached, my interest piqued slightly but I was ultimately somewhat confused at the end. Perhaps this was the point, to indicate the story had an additional unsolved mystery, but I was left disillusioned nonetheless.

** Special thanks to Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and review this ARC. All thoughts and opinions expressed are my own. Available June 7, 2022. **

This story wasn’t for me. I was so confused by the rhythm of the story even though the story is very original.

Thanks netgalley and publisher for allowing me to read This book

All thoughts and opinions are my own and are not influenced by any other reviewers

This story is a “story within a story.” An author named Hannah is constructing the story of a murder mystery which begins at a library. As she’s putting the story together, we’re also introduced to a man she knows a Leo who is a beta reader for her. Hannah sends her chapters to Leo and he provides her feedback. I found this a little confusing for the first half of this book because I didn’t really understand why Leo’s words were even included because I was very interested in the story of “The Woman in the Library.” Hannah’s story follows a woman named Freddie, also a writer who meets several people in the Boston Public Library where a woman was also murdered. The story Hannah is creating takes the reader on the journey Freddie and her new friends Whit, Marigold and Cain who bond over their shared experience of hearing a scream and finding out a woman was murdered in the library. They work together to solve the murder, but it’s not as easy at it seems. I really enjoyed the story Hannah was creating and didn’t want to put it down.

With each chapter Hannah sends to Leo, the more Leo becomes invested into both Hannah and the story she is writing. He becomes more agitated with the world she is creating, why it doesn’t include information about the pandemic, about current racial issues and other criticisms. It sets Leo off until something eventually changes in their correspondence. I found the story of Leo to become more intriguing as book progressed, but it never truly held my interest. There were parts I skimmed because I did not think it was compelling at all, and I don’t think it was really developed enough. I think Leo’s story could have been higher stakes and more elaborate.

I overall did enjoy this story. I found it smart and creative once I finally picked up on what was going on. It wasn’t quite what I was expecting and I was a bit disappointed as it didn’t live up to the expectations I had set up for it. I am glad to have read this and would recommend it, and the cover is absolutely gorgeous. I hope this book falls into the hands of people who love it.

Published: June 7, 2022
Poisoned Pen Press
Pages: 292
Genre: Amateur Sleuth Mysteries
KKECReads Rating: 5/5
I received a copy of this book for free, and I leave my review voluntarily.

Sulari Gentill is Australian, born in Sri Lanka, learned to speak English in Zambia, and grew up in Brisbane.  She went to University to study Astrophysics, graduated in Law, and after years of corporate contracts, realized she just wanted to tell stories. Sulari lives and writes on a small farm in the Snowy Mountains of NSW, where she grows French Black Truffles, breeds miniature cattle, and where she raised two wild colonial boys.  Most of Sulari’s time is now happily devoted to researching and writing.  She likes painting, dogs, and ginger ice cream. 

“What story would I tell if I had to wear it on my body?”

Freddie is in Boston on a sponsorship to write a novel. She is provided ab apartment in a beautiful and central area, and she spends time at Boston Public Library. One afternoon, as she struggles to write, she notices the people sitting near her and tries to put together the beginning of a story- when there is a blood-curdling shriek. Hours later, a body is discovered in one of her library rooms. Suddenly, the strangers from the library have become both friends and possible foes.

I really enjoyed how this story was told. It was well executed and creative! I have never read anything with this sort of narrative, and I enjoyed it.

This is a slow burn, but it still sucks you into the story (alternating narrating helps here). Things do pick up a bit towards the end, but this is not a fast-paced free-falling thriller.

This was a controlled spiral, and the execution was fantastic. Everything was delivered perfectly, including the many chapters that ended on a cliffhanger! I very much enjoyed this slow burn!

That shouldn’t deter you, though. This novel is well-written and well researched, and the characters are fantastic. And as I’ve mentioned, the method of telling the story is brilliant.

I enjoyed these characters, and I loved how we learned about them. I loved that pen-pal Leo challenged so many of Hannah’s ideas, but Hannah stood her ground. Beautiful work.

I thought I had figured out the twist in this one, but I was wrong! And really, I shouldn’t have been (ha). This would be a fantastic series if done correctly. The action and intensity are there, albeit not at a 10.

I am intrigued by Surlari’s storytelling, and I would read her again. I enjoyed her narrative, and I appreciate the things she chose to emphasize and the things she didn’t.

This was a delightful read, and I am looking forward to recommending it!

Four strangers sit in a reading room at the Boston Public Library when they hear a bloodcurdling scream. It appears that a murder has taken place and the four are forced to remain there until security authorizes them to leave.

Winifred “Freddie” Kincaid, an Australian writer in residence in Boston, finds characters for her novel in these three people: Cain (Handsome Man) who is a published author, Marigold (Freud Girl), who is a psychology student, and Whit (Heroic Chin) who is trying to flunk out of law school, but to no avail.


Even though the others realize that Freddie is writing a novel based on them, they all develop a deep friendship. As days pass, more assaults and murders take place that seem related and each of the four are questioned by police. Worse, it appears that there are more to their pasts than meet the eye.

Even worse than that, some are blind sighted by love and friendship, and at times they’re even aware that they’re ignoring all rational thought.

But wait…there’s more to it! We know from the beginning that we’re reading the plot of a novel written by published Australian author Hannah Tigon. Hannah emails each chapter draft to a fellow writer, Leo, who not only corrects her American vernacular, but also gives his feedback on how the story should proceed.

This original plot structure contributes to the tension, and it works well with the related stories. It may sound complicated, but it’s easy to follow. Additionally, the characters are unpredictable, and their motives make sense. There’s even the right amount of dark humor sprinkled in for variation.

"The Woman in the Library" is a modern twist on the traditional whodunit that will keep readers captivated from beginning to end.

(A review will be posted on UnderratedReads on the release date of
June 7)

As an avid reader of female-centered thriller/mysteries, it's hard to find something truly unique, but Sulari Gentill's playful take on the locked room mystery. She toys with the tropes, acknowledging and defying them at every turn. Gentill's bold use of the 'meta' device-- the story-within-a-story-- was also brilliantly executed. By repeatedly returning to the Leo/Hannah correspondence, she's undermining her 'A story's' suspension of disbelief, but she manages with a deft hand to ensure that both are compelling enough to get lost in, and the lines are so blurred, with art imitating life imitating art that it's a sort of literary ouroboros of the best kind.
The only disappointment for me was the ending, as I wasn't particularly fond of how or who was revealed to be the killer, and I was expecting a bigger moment with Leo and Hannah! What happened there? Are we to expect a sequel? I need to know!
Despite the ending, I would say this is a <b>'must read' for 2022.</b>

Thanks to netgalley, poisoned pen press, and Sulari Gentill for allowing me to read this arc. I Really enjoyed this story, and although I was confused at first about the story within the story. I quickly realized what was going on. I would recommend this book and it's a great mystery. I look forward to others reading this book and seeing what they thought about it. I will be anticipating the authors next book.

I really enjoyed the unique formatting with the letters interspersed throughout chapters of the manuscript. It was fun to read about a book within a book (and then a mystery within a mystery)! I also really enjoyed the twist that happened between the author and the person they were corresponding with- I only wish there had been a bit more information provided afterwards maybe as a newspaper article or something. I quite enjoyed the twists and turns within the novel within the novel because it truly kept you guessing on who it could be.

3.5 stars rounded up to 4.
A writer looking for inspiration imagines a mystery involving some other sitters at her library table. They are incorporated into a mystery rather dependent on coincidences, and logistical leaps. But wait, there is another story in the background where the real danger lies.
This is a puzzle narrative and the characters play their roles without much psychological nuance. Yet somehow I found it oddly page-turning.and enjoyed it overall.

Overall, I found it difficult to get into the rhythm of story, then Leo's letters... This will appeal most to Boston Public Library fans, and Bostonians who read mysteries.

💭MY THOUGHTS💭
With this novel being released right at the beginning of the summer, don’t be fooled thinking this is a pool side read. This book is cerebral, literary, and written in such a unique style that you will need to give it your full attention. The novel is a book within a book. Each chapter is a story about four strangers who meet at the Boston Public Library when they hear a blood curdling scream and through figuring out who killed the girl who screamed they become friends (oh and one of them is a murderer too 🧐). The end of each chapter is letter from an obsessive super fan to the author of the book from the first part of the chapter. In the letter he give her pointers, tips, and ideas about how to improve her chapter because Covid will not allow them to meet in person. The two part chapters and writing style is a little hard to get into right away at the beginning and every time you pick it back up, but once you get the hang of the storyline it is hard to put down!! When I was reading I was sucked into the story and the unique characters and their quick bond with each other. Each character adds a unique perspective and backstory. At some point in the course of the novel, I suspected each and every single one of the friends.

With this being chosen as a book club pick for June and marketed as a thriller, please know it is a whodunit mystery. While it does have some thrilling parts, this is a slow burn!!! It is a smart, creative, intricate and one to read on a rainy day! Enjoy! 💗

Thank you @netgalley and @poisonedpenpress for this arc in exchange for my thoughts!

4 stars!
The Woman in the Library was delightfully charming and delectably confusing at the same time. At first, I had no idea what was going on, until I realized it's a book within a book.
What I loved:
- The book-within-a-book perspective.
- The overall unravelling of a specific character. You can see how this person literally gets intensely more agitated and aggressive throughout the novel.
- The lighthearted and quirky characters.
- The mention of the pandemic and how it can affect people globally. I think this was beautifully rendered.
What I disliked:
- The ending. I understand that we were meant not to see the actual author (Hannah) and only know about her life through letters, but I wished the ending brought out HER perspective and more action. There was so much tension leading up to the point of being apprehended, it would have been great to see it "first-hand".
- Some parts I felt were just thrown in or TOO lighthearted. It felt a bit all over the place.

I devoured this book in just a couple days. I loved the format and looked forward to the end of each chapter to read the feedback given in the form of an email by a fan of the author in the story. This murder mystery made me suspect everyone at one time or another. I have to admit, I’m not sure how I feel about the ending. It wasn’t what I expected and left me with questions, but any book that makes you continue to think about it after the last page, is a success in my opinion!

I have mixed thoughts about this one … I was super excited to get the ARC for this super hyped up book, but it fell completely flat for me.

the pacing was glacier slow, and I found myself actually skipping paragraphs that were unnecessary to the plot and characterization.

I really enjoyed the theming and the clue-like vibes of the murder mystery, but unfortunately, the writing style couldn’t save the ingenious plot.

a huge thank you to netgalley and the publisher for the advanced copy in exchange for an honest review.

rating: 3 stars
wine pairing: napa valley merlot

Thanks to NetGalley for an advanced copy.

I must admit I was a little confused at first. But In the end the book was just ok for me.

The premise sounded great for this mystery, but I ended up hating the writing and the characters felt unbelievable.

This story is entertaining enough. I enjoyed the slow progression into obsession you read between Hannah and Leo. About mid point of the story was a little boring. Too much time, too many pages are devoted to obsessing where Cain is.

The Woman in the Library is a story within a story. The first storyline follows the Australian mystery author Hannah through letters from her beta reader Leo. Hannah's book is set in Boston, where Leo lives, and he gives her inside information about the town, because Hannah can't travel there herself because of the Covid restrictions. The letters with annotations and tips from Leo alternate with the chapters from the book Hannah is writing, and that's how you get to know how Hannah's book develops.

The second storyline is the book Hannah is writing. The main character, Freddie, is writing on her book in the Boston Public Library, but is easily distracted by the architecture of the building and the three other people at her table. Freddie starts to take notes about them to include them in her book, when suddenly the silence in the library is shattered by a horrible scream. Security guards take charge and everyone has to stay in the library, which is why the four strangers start a conversation. They later discover, that someone has been murdered in the building and the four begin to bond over the incident and quickly become close friends, and each other alibis.

The mystery in Hannah's book isn't the only one you follow. The more chapters Hanna sends Leo, the more invested he becomes in her novel and his behavior begins to change.

It took me a few pages to get into the writing and the two storylines, but then I loved it. The way both stories developed around and through each other was intriguing and clever! Surprisingly, I really liked all the characters, which is pretty rare. It's hard to give more in depth information about the two stories, but if you're looking for an entertaining mystery and a (for me) not too dark thriller, I think you would like The Woman in the Library.