Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an ARC copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I stopped reading this book about 12% into it and it was enough for me to know that this book wasn't for me. The description made it sound like such a great concept but I quickly realized that it was more of a dark academia book and I generally do not enjoy those. There were also quite a few characters that are introduced within a very short time and I have a hard time with that. The writing was very chopping because it bounced around from one character to another and the chapters were very short so there was hardly time to get settled with one character before you moved on to another character. Even though the story didn't really have time to develop it was mentioned several times that there would be a Greek ritual of some kind but because of the dark academia feel and the amount of characters in it I really wasn't interested in reading anymore.

[arc review]
Thank you to Poisoned Pen Press for providing an arc in exchange for an honest review.
That Night in the Library releases June 11, 2024

A group of 7 individuals, mainly comprised of graduate students and library assistants, come together to take part in a ritual in the basement of the William E. Woodend Rare Books Library, the night before graduation.
Of course to no one’s surprise, a murder or two ensues in this locked room mystery while everyone is high on acid.

The characters were weak, unconvincing, and their archetypes didn’t compliment each other which made the whole group interaction feel awkward and forced.
The ritual, which should have been at the forefront of this story, was practically nonexistent, and everything else that transpired ended up being highly contrived — the paper cutter beheading? LOL OKAY.

All around, this wasn’t a great read.
When both the characters and plot are lacking, it’s hard to find any points for redemption, though an ending with more closure or an epilogue with character reflection set months afterwards would have done wonders.

Unlike the raving reviews it received I found this book rather dull. Locked basement, dark and sinister, a small group of collegues gathering to enact an old myth, only to be disturbed within minutes.
I had no connection with these characters moving around in circles all night. Too slow. I kept hoping one of them would need a bathroom break or at least a bite to eat. Apparently not.
Psychological thriller, yes, but nothing had me on the edge of my seat. I did finish it, only to see who dunnit.

Thank you Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the ARC.

It’s the night before graduation and college library worker Davey decides to host an after hours ancient ritual in the library basement amongst the rarest of books. Faye, a co-worker and physics major who doesn’t get invited to parties, joins the group; much of the story is told through her point of view.

The action in “That Night in the Library” begins when one of the party goes off by himself, then covered in blood, stumbles back to the main group huddled in the stacks. To the horror of the drug-addled group he drops dead and suspicions immediately rise. More bodies join the first. Who is killing off these college students and can that person be discovered before it’s too late?

I enjoy a good locked room mystery, but some of the action challenged my ability to suspend disbelief. While the characters were interesting and it was important to get some back story, I felt that the detail in the back story often served as a red herring. I loved the parts of the story that focused on conservation of rare books.

This book is great for those who enjoy locked room mysteries, ancient rituals gone wrong, and stories set on college campuses.

I received an advance review copy for free from NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

This book was not for me. I finished it only because I felt obligated to do so.

On the night before graduation, seven people gather in the basement of their university’s rare books library. They plan to perform a drug-infused ritual which will have participants “emerge unafraid of the horror of death.” Of course, a death occurs almost immediately. Since there is no one else in the place, one of them must be the murderer. They are effectively locked in together for the night with no contact with the outside world until the morning so tensions rise and panic ensues.

A major problem is that all the characters are easy to dislike. They are all self-absorbed and pretentious and just annoying. Because they are so unpleasant, I couldn’t connect with any of them. Though back stories are provided, I found it difficult to distinguish one character from another, and I didn’t care for any of them. I certainly didn’t care who might die next. Perhaps what is most unbelievable is that seven supposedly intelligent people would agree to gather with a group of virtual strangers for some bizarre ritual. Were the drugs the appeal? None of them seemed to have a fear of death so there seemed little motivation to attend. Then they act so irrationally and make such stupid decisions that even the effects of their taking acid don’t fully explain.

Interactions between characters feel contrived. One character accuses another of being a murderer but then ends by saying directly to the accused, “‘No offense’”?! Another character, when trying to determine the identity of a killer thinks, “There’s something about a person who wears glasses that makes them improbable as a villain”? One character dislikes strangers but agrees to spend a night with strangers?

A locked-room mystery lends itself to the creation of suspense, but that is not the case. Pacing is part of the problem. Some sections are very slow. And then there are the irrelevant tangents. The random story of the man who donated the money for the rare books library serves no purpose. The story of Demeter and Persephone, which inspires the ritual, is told twice?! Why would all workers in a library be forced to apply for a job even if they weren’t interested? And the reader is supposed to believe that the library doesn’t have smoke detectors or fire alarms linked to the fire department? The result is that the reader is anything but breathless with anticipation!

As I stated at the beginning, I often felt like abandoning the book. Rather than a thriller, it becomes more of a plotless, mindless horror requiring a great deal of suspension of disbelief. There is an interesting twist at the end, but there is so much drudgery to get to that ending. I can’t recommend this book. No offense.

The synopsis is brilliant but the book is not. I went into this reading expecting so more and this book feel flat for me.

Thank you for the arc of this, it unfortunately was just not my cup of tea and was not what I had hoped it would be.

I thought the premise of this book sounded interesting.
A group of people spending the night in the library. What could possibly go wrong?!
I didn’t really care for any of the characters, they all seem rather juvenile. This might appeal to the Ya book audience

This book was unfortunately quite drab to me. The setting was intriguing, but the plot and characters were lacking.

I wanted to love this more! I felt like it was very promising! I did love the locked room mystery vibe and it was sort of reminding me a bit of "And Then There Was None" by Agatha Christie. Loved the gothic feel/dark academia and atmosphere to it. I must say I didn't really like any of the characters and maybe that was what really did me in. I kind of didn't really care what would happen. I hate to say that since I can't write anything better but for me this was very okay. Nothing really sparked too much joy in reading it.

Thank you NetGalley for the opportunity in reading this book!

Many thanks to NetGalley, Poisoned Pen Press, and Recorded Books Media for gifting me both a digital and audio ARC of this new gothic-style mystery by Eva Jurczyk, wonderfully narrated by Hannah Cabell. All opinions expressed in this review are my own - 3.5 stars rounded up!

On the night before their graduation, seven students gather in the basement of their university's rare books library. One student has organized this event to recreate an ancient Greek ritual focusing upon Persephone, said to free those who take part from the fear of death. Then the lights go out and one of them drops dead. They are trapped in the library with no hope of getting out until morning and the body count begins to rise.

I am always up for a locked-room mystery and one that takes place in an academic library? Sign me up! This novel has a very creepy, gothic feel to it, with the hidden room, lights out, candles, and drugs. I mostly listened to the audiobook, and while the narrator did a great job, I seemed to have trouble keeping the characters straight in my mind. This may have been due to my inattention, but all the characters seemed to blur together and made me less involved, so I never felt fully invested in the story. Your experience may be different, so definitely give it a read if you like dark academic mysteries!

That Night in the Library by Eva Jurczyk was unfortunately a far cry from my hopes and expectations gleaned from the synopsis. The characters are despicable and frankly classless and base. Dark academia and locked-room mysteries usually draw me in but this was a different sort of permeating darkness which made me feel I needed to shower to rid myself of the vile blanket enveloping me. Stupid students high on drugs doing stupid things? No, thanks.

There was just no way I could finish this in good conscience. Not for me.

Seven college students spend the night in a library to do rituals to help them cheat death. What could go wrong? Unfortunately, everything about this book went wrong… The characters were flat the plot was confusing with unnecessary twist and turns just for the heck of it. The premise of this book sounded so very interesting and I could barely drag myself through it. Underdeveloped and not well written. I’m not sure what the author was thinking on this one. Thank you NetGalley for the advanced digital copy.

That Night in the Library by Eva Jurczyk  is a psychological thriller.

First, let me thank NetGalley, the publisher Poisoned Pen Press and of course the author, for providing me with a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

 
My Synopsis:    (No major reveals, but if concerned, skip to My Opinions):
Davey Kebede considers himself the head of the student assistant librarians. He is sure he will be hired full-time.  His thesis was about the Eleusinian Mysteries and so he organized a Greek ritual to take place in the basement of the William E. Woodend Rare Books Library in Vermont, on the night before graduation day.  The ritual is said to free all from the fear of death.  All invitees will be students (or so Davey thought).

Mary Xiao fell in love with the lions guarding the library on her first visit.  She snorts crushed Adderall between classes, and longs for friends.  She is a star in the library, and also a candidate for the full-time post.  Davey invited her to the ritual, and she suggested he invite Faye (although he doesn't admit that).

Faye Bradshaw, although working in the library, is actually a scientist, but the library pays more than her lab.  She is a very shy young woman, and was thrilled when Davey invited her.

Soraya Abbasi, the third candidate for the full-time job,  was invited by Davey, and after her finals, and five job interviews, she's there for the drugs.

Kip Pickens, also invited by Davey, is Soraya's boyfriend.  His ego knows no bounds, and he can't stand Davey.

Umu Owusu  was invited by Kip (her TA), mainly so that she could bring a drug dealer.

Ro Tucci is a drug dealer and a bartender, and was invited by Umu (his best friend).

They will not all survive the night.

 
My Opinions:
I had really high hopes for this book.  The atmosphere of a night in the basement of a library to re-enact a Greek myth?  Sounds promising.  So, good plot and atmosphere.  Great.

However, I must admit that I didn't really like any of the characters.  They were either egotistical, or beyond socially inept.  I did, like the relationship between Umu and Ro because it wasn't perfect - it was a true friendship.  But on their own, they weren't very likeable either.

The book looked at drug use, and the reactions of those who took the acid.  It looked at behaviours, at arrogance, at lies, at morals, at insecurities and at loneliness.

It was basically a locked-room mystery with most of the characters on drugs. Some of it was a little far-fetched (the paper-cutter), but that's okay, it's fiction.

So, overall, the premise was great and the book okay.  I think, since it's about college-age students, it should appeal to more the YA crowd.

When I saw this title and cover I knew I needed to grab That Night in the Library. This I read the premise and I was double sold, a bunch of senior college kids in a library overnight yes please. Unfortunately, this book was not it. Yes they were kids in a library overnight but it was so boring and all over the place that it was hard to read. I was going to DNF it but decided I’d finish just incase something actually happened that wasn’t boring. Like how can murders be boring you ask? I don’t know but they were. There were too many characters for me to try and keep track of and I didn’t care for any of them. This was like being on a bad trip myself, I couldn’t wait for it to end.
I wouldn’t recommend this to any of my friends.
Thanks you as always to Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the copy.

I was so taken by the idea of this book -- a bunch of students in a locked library to conduct a ritual? Sounds like an intriguing premise and I was happy to receive an ARC of this from Poisoned Pen Press on NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. I feel the need to apologize for my honesty on this one, because I can't really sugarcoat it: this book is not great. Every character is a caricature, every motive is flimsy, every event is chaotic and unbelievable. The ritual that sounded so interesting on the book jacket? Barely appears, is never really explained, and serves as little more than a lackluster inciting incident. Perhaps the worst part of all is how smug and pretentious the entire book is -- it's the thread that connects all seven forgettable and unlikeable people as they torture one another. This book wants to be so clever, so shocking, and so mysterious but it actually just ends up obnoxious and unreadable. If I hadn't gotten this book in exchange for a review, I would have DNF'd it after the first thirty pages.

What in the world?
Okay I went into this book thinking that there was going to be some sort of supernatural element to it, A bunch of university students on the eve of graduation going into the second basement of a rare books library to perform an ancient Greek ritual to rid themselves of all fear, following in the steps of Demeter trying to find her daughter Kore who eventually became known as Persephone when she was taken by Hades.
This book goes through each of our students back stories and what brought them to be spending time at the library, be it working there to pay bills. hopes to have it become a career, using the books for their education, or getting wrapped up in the ritual because they happened to be friends with someone,
Was this a book about magical rituals and ancient gods? No. Was it a book about pretentious students who all take themselves way too seriously, drop acid and end up killing each other over the night? Yes. I was really disappointed that nothing came of the rituals and that the characters were all unlikable and kind of terrible humans. The twist at the end was just kind of dumb when you realise that the lives lost were for absolutely no reason. However, it did keep me engaged until the very last page where I let out a groan of annoyance that that was it and no one was redeemed and a whole lot of nothing seems to be the outcome. No lessons learned, no growth in our characters, no enlightenment. Just the same jerks who now have shared trauma.

The night before graduation a graduate student organises a group of six others to hide in the University rare book library where he has worked all year. He plans for them to sneak into the basement where the most valuable books are kept and be locked in overnight so they can perform ritual based on the Greek story of Persephone and Hades that will free from fearing death. Some of the group of three women and three men are fellow graduate students, one is an undergraduate and one is her boyfriend who is providing the drugs they need to take to complete the ritual. When the library is locked for the night, the lights go off and not long afterwards one of them dies. Now locked in with no way out, high on acid and with a possible killer in their midst they must survive until the library is unlocked in the morning.

I expected to enjoy this (literally) locked room thriller set in a library but unfortunately, I didn’t. While the setting has a good horror vibe, I found the characters bland and colourless and hard to connect with. The events became boring and relentless as they turned on each other one by one and I got to the point where I just wanted the book to finish. I had also thought enacting the ritual would provide a scary atmosphere but despite the author providing a lot of information about Demeter and Persephone, the ritual was disappointingly never carried out.
Not for me, but others might enjoy it more.

This is a murder mystery set place in a gothic library. Seven kids perform a ritual and now they must pay. Easy read but not as many twists as I typically like from a thriller. it was more mellow and relied more on that horror factor. Its a twisted game of clue and I was trying to figure out the ending but was unsuccessful.

Ooof. This one was hard to get through. I had such high expectations for this one based on the premise alone - I live for thrillers with dark academia settings, cult/ritual themes, and pretentious college student MCs, but this just was not it for me. Great concept, poor execution. I thought this would be a quick read for me given the length of the novel but I found myself reluctant to pick this one up and had it been any longer, I fear it would've sent me into a reading slump.

The characters were annoying, unrelatable, and just generally not realistic - I can't imagine people acting the way some of these characters were written? And then on the flip side, some of the characters were so boring and on both sides of the spectrum, the characters had murky motivations and the writing style lacked basic clarity. I wanted to like this so much but it just was not for me.