Caffeinated Reviewer

Narrated by Louisa Zhu, The Librarians by Sherry Thomas delivered a delicious murder-mystery surrounding the library. While a departure from the Lady Sherlock historical mystery series, Thomas’s new series set in the suburbs of Austin, Texas, delivered unique characters and a suspenseful mystery. I am hoping for more stories with this motley crew.

Murder disrupts four quirky librarians' lives when they try to hide among books to keep their secrets.

Sometimes a workplace isn’t just a workplace but a place of safety, understanding, and acceptance. And sometimes murder threatens the sanctity of that beloved refuge....

In the leafy suburbs of Austin, Texas, a small branch library welcomes the public every day of the week. But the patrons who love the helpful, unobtrusive staff and leave rave reviews on Yelp don’t always realize that their librarians are human, too.

Hazel flees halfway across the world for what she hopes will be a new beginning. Jonathan, a six-foot-four former college football player, has never fit in anywhere else. Astrid tries to forget her heartbreak by immersing herself in work, but the man who ghosted her six months ago is back, promising trouble. And Sophie, who has the most to lose, maintains a careful and respectful distance from her coworkers, but soon that won't be enough anymore.

When two patrons turn up dead after the library’s inaugural murder mystery-themed game night, the librarians’ quiet routines come crashing down. Something sinister has stirred, something that threatens every single one of them. And the only way the librarians can save the library—and themselves—is to let go of their secrets, trust one another, and band together....

All in a day’s work.

I absolutely love the Lady Sherlock series by Sherry Thomas and was curious about her contemporary offering. This is nothing like the Sherlock series, but involves characters who work in a small suburban library in Austin, Texas. While it took a bit to set the stage, I thoroughly enjoyed this tale of murder, suspense and secrets.

When two patrons of the library are found dead after attending its inaugural murder-mystery themed game night, the police have questions, and so does our newest staff member Hazel.

The story is told from the points of view of the Austin Library staff:

• Hazel -the newest member, and resident of Austin. Hazel spent much of her life in Singapore and doesn’t need a job but took it at the encouragement of her grandmother, who doesn’t want her home all day.
• Jonathan – a former college football player with a crush on a friend from high school. However, he is too afraid to make a move.
• Astrid– made a mistake in college and has been trapped ever since. One of the victims is Perry, who used to be her boyfriend and then vanished.
• Sophie – is in charge of the library and a single mom with secrets.

The four of them end up investigating when one of them ends up as a suspect. Hazel is worried that a man she still holds a torch for might me guilty, and Sophie is worried her secret might be revealed. Thomas skillfully reveals throughout flashbacks and memories revealed through each point of view as the four work together.

We’ve got romances, confessions, twists and turns while surrounded by books. While this is a standalone murder mystery, I wouldn’t mind revisiting these characters.

Louisa Zhu narrates and did a splendid job of giving voice to our library staff and secondary characters. The story lends itself beautifully to the audio format, and I highly recommend grabbing your earbuds for this one!

Amazon | Audible | Libro.fm

About Sherry Thomas

Sherry Thomas is one of the most acclaimed historical romance authors writing today, winning the RITA Award two years running, and appearing on innumerable "Best of the Year" lists, including those of Publishers Weekly, Kirkus Reviews, Library Journal, Dear Author, and All About Romance. She lives in Austin, Texas, with her husband and sons.

Website | Facebook

About Louisa Zhu

Louisa Zhu is a Chinese-Canadian voice actress and performance combat artist. Her main roles on screen are Kavya in Endlings, Dale in Ghostwriter, Nicole Sun in the Rising Suns mini series and Tracey in Out with Dad.

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Reading this book contributed to these challenges:

• 2025 Audiobook Challenge

About Kimberly

Kimberly is a coffee loving book addict who reads and listens to fictional stories in all genres. Whovian, Ravenclaw, Howler and proud Nonna. She owns and manages Caffeinated PR. The coffee is always on and she is ready to chat. BlueSky | Facebook | Instagram

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