I am so happy to see that this creative, engaging mystery series is continuing with a third book. I thought this one was the best of all. Hayley, the new curator of a British museum devoted to books and authors from the Golden Age of Mysteries, has the idea to open the collection to the public one afternoon a week. This brings in some suspicious patrons, and later, a murder. Love Hayley and the supporting cast of characters. I love recommending this new series to readers who enjoy cozies, but would appreciate something a little more sophisticated and less daffy. The writing here is smart and appealing.

It has been nearly a year since Hayley Burke took up her position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. She has learned that she needs to take the good with the bad. The good: she has finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The bad: although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now her personal assistant. On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. Woolgar is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s only heir, is furious. Hayley does not know if she believes Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry. As much as Hayley would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And she also knows there is something wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling.

I stumbled across the first volume in this series and was intrigued with the description and thoroughly enjoyed it. I have since read the second one and now this one. The premise of the story about the library of Golden Age mystery writers first editions is something new and interesting to me. She throws in titles/authors that I note and want to read. The characters are interesting and sometimes quirky. Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the opportunity to read this book.