Murder in the Reading Room - (42nd Street Library Mystery) by Con Lehane (Hardcover)

Book Synopsis

New York crime-fiction librarian--and reluctant amateur sleuth--Ray Ambler investigates a puzzling murder that's too close to home for comfort.

Raymond Ambler, crime-fiction curator at New York City's prestigious 42nd Street Library, doesn't consider it a big deal when he misses a call from visiting professor Robin Cartwright . . . until she turns up dead in a hotel room.

Who killed the quiet academic, and why? Ambler feels duty-bound to find the culprit, and not just because the police half-suspect he's guilty of the crime. It wasn't just Professor Cartwright's phone call he missed, but any sign that she was in danger.

Robin was researching accidental deaths she believed were murders--could her work have got her killed? Soon Ambler's knee-deep in suspects, including a shady ex-husband, a slippery pastor, and several of his own colleagues. But the clock is ticking. If he doesn't catch a ruthless killer soon, it won't just be his own life in danger, but those of his partner and newborn child.

The 42nd Street Library mystery series blends traditional mystery with a hint of noir, and is a great pick for fans of quintessential New York writers like Ed McBain and S. J. Rozan, along with those who enjoy traditional amateur sleuths and fair-play puzzles.

Review Quotes

A treat . . . Draws us in and keeps us firmly glued to the page-- "Booklist on Murder by Definition"

Atmospheric setting . . . Those who love New York City and libraries will be rewarded-- "Publishers Weekly on Murder off the Page"

Fans and new readers will enjoy solving Ambler's latest puzzle. An apt choice for bibliophiles and those who like a New York City setting-- "Booklist on Murder off the Page"

Intense, thought-provoking-- "Library Journal on Murder in the Manuscript Room"

Intriguing . . . Those with a taste for noir lite will want to check this out-- "Publishers Weekly on Murder by Definition"

Laid-back noir-- "Booklist on Murder at the College Library"

Lehane still has a few tricks up his sleeve-- "Kirkus Reviews on Murder at the College Library"

Lehane's complex follow-up to Murder Off the Page will interest fans . . . [and] readers who enjoy cold-case stories-- "Library Journal on Murder by Definition"

Plot twists and multiple points of view add to a gritty, complex tale that weaves details of library work and references to crime novels throughout the story-- "Booklist on Murder in the Manuscript Room"

The complicated Ray . . . looks like a promising newcomer in the talented-amateur ranks-- "Kirkus Reviews Starred Review of Murder at the 42nd Street Library"