What do you think?
Rate this book
Strangely Scary Funny #3
The Librarian and the Time Machine
A fun, fast, fantastical In book 1 after an altercation with a clown, I get lost in the woods and find a strange town. When the librarian of the town dies in front of me, I try on his ring. It fits. I’m declared the new librarian by the mayor and townspeople. I get to live in a houseful of books. But I soon learn the job involves more than just tomes and information. In fact, my first assignment is to discover who murdered my predecessor.
In the third novel of the series, I use an object from the Collection of Curiosities to travel through time back to when I was a teenager and Lola, my best friend, disappeared and Bubba Lee, my mentor, was murdered. I have to face some demons from my past that lead, as often happens when you’re facing demons from the past, right into the present.
In the third novel of the series, I use an object from the Collection of Curiosities to travel through time back to when I was a teenager and Lola, my best friend, disappeared and Bubba Lee, my mentor, was murdered. I have to face some demons from my past that lead, as often happens when you’re facing demons from the past, right into the present.
212 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 27, 2023
394 people are currently reading
198 people want to read
About the author
Brian Yansky
44 books143 followersI write supernatural horror suspense comedy (a mix of dark humor, quirky, silly humor and satire.), .
I love many kinds of stories. I especially love off-beat, quirky stories with unusual characters and settings that have a sense of wonder and humor.…Falling in love with stories saved me from a life of crime (I’m only sort of kidding; they did save me from something). A lot of my main characters are adopted. Like them, I was adopted. I seem to write often about identity. I live in Austin, Texas. I have no horses or cowboy hats. I do have a 125 pound sheep dog. I’ve taught college, been a bartender and waiter and am now a full-time writer.
I've had five novels traditionally published and something like fifteen independently published. My independently published series, Strangely Scary Funny, is, by far, my most popular.
I like writing most anything. My grocery lists are excellent.
I love many kinds of stories. I especially love off-beat, quirky stories with unusual characters and settings that have a sense of wonder and humor.…Falling in love with stories saved me from a life of crime (I’m only sort of kidding; they did save me from something). A lot of my main characters are adopted. Like them, I was adopted. I seem to write often about identity. I live in Austin, Texas. I have no horses or cowboy hats. I do have a 125 pound sheep dog. I’ve taught college, been a bartender and waiter and am now a full-time writer.
I've had five novels traditionally published and something like fifteen independently published. My independently published series, Strangely Scary Funny, is, by far, my most popular.
I like writing most anything. My grocery lists are excellent.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
March 18, 2025
Entertaining fantasy listening 🎶🔰
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of twelve
They are facing the demons as they time travel to Las Vegas to gamble 🎰 and other adventures. It gets worse and worse until they meet and they part.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic fantasy world 🌐 family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰 2025 🌇😕
This kindle e-book novel is from my Kindle Unlimited account book three of twelve
They are facing the demons as they time travel to Las Vegas to gamble 🎰 and other adventures. It gets worse and worse until they meet and they part.
I would recommend this series and author to 👍 readers of romantic fantasy world 🌐 family and friends relationships adventure mystery novels 👍🔰 2025 🌇😕
September 21, 2024
The Librarian and the Time Machine
This is my third book about the librarian that I read. I enjoyed the quirky storyline and all the characters. Very interesting and extremely enjoyable.
This is my third book about the librarian that I read. I enjoyed the quirky storyline and all the characters. Very interesting and extremely enjoyable.
May 8, 2025
"The overall storyline for Eden is that there are no children, cats, or dogs. Eden has a history that parallels European history. At one point, a witch was burned; while burning, she cursed Eden. Now, with a not-so-pure Angel, four babies were born, left on a church step, and raised by the citizens. Now teenagers who have never left Eden, they long to escape the haunted forest (remember). This brings us to the lead character in book 3: The Time Machine. Lucky Kevin, as the Librarian, finds the machine listens to him.
Not H.G. Wells here. Our machine is a classic 1960s Cadillac DeVille who speaks in total Beach Boy lingo, dude. This is okay because our hero Kevin is also drawn to this era. Overall, book 3 looks backward, letting the reader know more about Kevin as a child and teen before he became an Angel's wanderer. We learn more about Bubba Lee, Kevin's true father. Of most importance is Lola, so aptly named, who is forever lodged in Kevin's heart.
Not to say that we linger in the past. No, the battle for both the soul of Kevin and perhaps the fate of the earth moves forward. Who will be trusted? Karl? Lord Blackstone? Olive's Dad? And who will be betrayed? A galloping plot that becomes a bit stream of consciousness from Yansky. This volume does feel like a placeholder, hence the 3 stars. After all, the time machine is 'too cool for school.'"
Recommended for YA through adult readers who are looking for a fun break from today's gloom and doom.
Not H.G. Wells here. Our machine is a classic 1960s Cadillac DeVille who speaks in total Beach Boy lingo, dude. This is okay because our hero Kevin is also drawn to this era. Overall, book 3 looks backward, letting the reader know more about Kevin as a child and teen before he became an Angel's wanderer. We learn more about Bubba Lee, Kevin's true father. Of most importance is Lola, so aptly named, who is forever lodged in Kevin's heart.
Not to say that we linger in the past. No, the battle for both the soul of Kevin and perhaps the fate of the earth moves forward. Who will be trusted? Karl? Lord Blackstone? Olive's Dad? And who will be betrayed? A galloping plot that becomes a bit stream of consciousness from Yansky. This volume does feel like a placeholder, hence the 3 stars. After all, the time machine is 'too cool for school.'"
Recommended for YA through adult readers who are looking for a fun break from today's gloom and doom.
June 15, 2025
I've enjoyed Yansky's quirky supernatural fantasy series so far, but I'm becoming increasingly distracted by the number of typos and other mistakes that should have been caught by even a marginally competent editor. A glaring example comes to mind in the first three pages of one chapter (no, I'm not going back to find the specific chapter; if his editor can't be bothered to scroll back a page or two, neither can I). In the opening paragraph, Kevin writes that he is seated on the library porch with a cup of tea. On the next page, the cop of tea has turned into a glass of iced tea. Then, on the following page, he places his teacup in the kitchen sink--so, back to a cup of tea again.
I began reading book four this morning and I nearly threw in the towel upon noting that Mary Shelley's maiden name is misspelled as Woolstencroft. That's beyond sloppy. It's egregious.
Mr. Yansky can spin a yarn, I'll give him that. But his clever little tales simply don't merit the annoyance of wading through his increasingly slipshod copyediting. Book four may well be my last.
I began reading book four this morning and I nearly threw in the towel upon noting that Mary Shelley's maiden name is misspelled as Woolstencroft. That's beyond sloppy. It's egregious.
Mr. Yansky can spin a yarn, I'll give him that. But his clever little tales simply don't merit the annoyance of wading through his increasingly slipshod copyediting. Book four may well be my last.
February 13, 2024
Strangely Scary Funny
So far I’ve been really enjoying this series, but I particularly liked book 3. As in the previous two books, I appreciated the weirdness of the imagery, which in Yansky’s words sort of becomes like even the oddest thing is normal.
What I liked the most though, was his personal creation myth, which kind of made sense to me, and not only in his town of Eden.
I’m already looking forward to reading the Librarian’s next adventure, and definitely more from Yansky.
Last thing before I leave you to the book. The title of my review wasn’t out of laziness. This series really is strange in its content, and funny maybe for the same reasons, and many of the passages leave you holding your breath wondering what will happen next, so in a way, scary.
My 3 words review: I loved it!
So far I’ve been really enjoying this series, but I particularly liked book 3. As in the previous two books, I appreciated the weirdness of the imagery, which in Yansky’s words sort of becomes like even the oddest thing is normal.
What I liked the most though, was his personal creation myth, which kind of made sense to me, and not only in his town of Eden.
I’m already looking forward to reading the Librarian’s next adventure, and definitely more from Yansky.
Last thing before I leave you to the book. The title of my review wasn’t out of laziness. This series really is strange in its content, and funny maybe for the same reasons, and many of the passages leave you holding your breath wondering what will happen next, so in a way, scary.
My 3 words review: I loved it!
March 12, 2025
Every so often I need to read something silly. I love the visuals Brian Yansky creates. I got a kick out of the Deville and of course the cat. I realize after reading this third book in the series that I have enjoyed them all immensely so I ordered the remaining eight books. I know how this will play out. I will read a few random books then I will read one by Brian Yansky then a few more random books and another by Brian Yansky. Laughter has a way of cleaning the slate and resetting the brain.
September 16, 2024
You can’t go home again.
Kevin learns that having a time machine means that you have the power to really screw things up. Especially if the people you are dealing with are somehow a step ahead of you.
And, just to complicate matters, it appears to be the End of Days and somehow you have a roll to play in it.
This was good fun to read. I especially enjoy how Kevin stays in character and remains true to himself no matter the temptation or risks.
Kevin learns that having a time machine means that you have the power to really screw things up. Especially if the people you are dealing with are somehow a step ahead of you.
And, just to complicate matters, it appears to be the End of Days and somehow you have a roll to play in it.
This was good fun to read. I especially enjoy how Kevin stays in character and remains true to himself no matter the temptation or risks.
January 2, 2025
Padding, filler getting painful.
No need to read previous books cause he's going to repeat everything again and often in the same book. There's one character who is a demon he will remind you of that fact every time she shows up. The fact everyone is some kind of demon or angel or supernatural. A good editor would have tossed out half the padding, there is an actual " I know you know I know you know I know you know" line in there.
No need to read previous books cause he's going to repeat everything again and often in the same book. There's one character who is a demon he will remind you of that fact every time she shows up. The fact everyone is some kind of demon or angel or supernatural. A good editor would have tossed out half the padding, there is an actual " I know you know I know you know I know you know" line in there.
December 14, 2025
Good Times...
Yansky is like a runner, he keeps a steady pace that he can sustain. The installments are so far unique and feel like they are moving the over all story along at a strady clip. Even wth their super natural powers the characters still feel and act very human, even the non-human ones. Cryptic quips and smart humor abound this time around, time is a construct but for Eden the clock is ticking...
Yansky is like a runner, he keeps a steady pace that he can sustain. The installments are so far unique and feel like they are moving the over all story along at a strady clip. Even wth their super natural powers the characters still feel and act very human, even the non-human ones. Cryptic quips and smart humor abound this time around, time is a construct but for Eden the clock is ticking...
November 10, 2023
Get ready to rumble!!!
The Time Machine is real, but..... You must watch the time or everything gets screwed up really BAD.
The war between US and THEM is waiting for the starting bell to ring!
But what will happen is left up for grabs!
If that isn't enough to get you to read the next book.....
The Time Machine is real, but..... You must watch the time or everything gets screwed up really BAD.
The war between US and THEM is waiting for the starting bell to ring!
But what will happen is left up for grabs!
If that isn't enough to get you to read the next book.....
January 17, 2024
Almost as good as the first
After the second book I almost chose not to continue the series, but I'm glad I did. This one definitely feels more in line with the first book slightly ridiculous yet charming and entertaining. I think if you give this one a chance you won't be disappointed.
After the second book I almost chose not to continue the series, but I'm glad I did. This one definitely feels more in line with the first book slightly ridiculous yet charming and entertaining. I think if you give this one a chance you won't be disappointed.
April 11, 2024
Amazing Read
The author’s imagination is incredible!! What is also so incredible is how much the characters are developing and the dialogue just flows. This is the third installment I have read and each one is unique and a page turner. Also the story is so well put together it starts your own imagination going to all the possibilities in life.
The author’s imagination is incredible!! What is also so incredible is how much the characters are developing and the dialogue just flows. This is the third installment I have read and each one is unique and a page turner. Also the story is so well put together it starts your own imagination going to all the possibilities in life.
September 5, 2024
Better & Better!
I'm loving this quirky, unusual series! There's a lot of sly humor, inside jokes, & funny remarks that catch me off guard & have caused me to snort laugh a time or two! I'm still not sure exactly what's going on or what's gonna happen next, but I am thoroughly enjoying finding out!
I'm loving this quirky, unusual series! There's a lot of sly humor, inside jokes, & funny remarks that catch me off guard & have caused me to snort laugh a time or two! I'm still not sure exactly what's going on or what's gonna happen next, but I am thoroughly enjoying finding out!
October 11, 2024
A bizarre and creative way to look at both creation and the End of Days. Imaginative, sad in some ways, and definitely thought provoking. The horror part can be subjective. If you are used to demons in your paranormal reading, this is not so horror based. Horrifying if you take all of the potential outcomes into consideration though.
January 2, 2025
Still here.
Lots of good bits. Not wild about the clowns (but who is, really?) and there’s a bit of navel gazing with the “writers are creators” trope, but still well worth the read and still a gateway to yet another late night I’ll likely regret when the alarm goes off tomorrow. And now, off to book 4…
Lots of good bits. Not wild about the clowns (but who is, really?) and there’s a bit of navel gazing with the “writers are creators” trope, but still well worth the read and still a gateway to yet another late night I’ll likely regret when the alarm goes off tomorrow. And now, off to book 4…
December 29, 2025
There is no lull in this series so far
Mr. Yansky's writing style reminds me of A. Lee Martinez written for an easier read. Which I love, as I read a lot of heavy books. The characters just keep getting more developed. And the story doesn't fall flat like some series do. Truly enjoying.
Mr. Yansky's writing style reminds me of A. Lee Martinez written for an easier read. Which I love, as I read a lot of heavy books. The characters just keep getting more developed. And the story doesn't fall flat like some series do. Truly enjoying.
September 5, 2024
I have read these and i
I have started these as an ode to this time of yr since I. Hate being scared. This is the silly scary that I like . I hope that that helps become I don't give spoilers .if
I have started these as an ode to this time of yr since I. Hate being scared. This is the silly scary that I like . I hope that that helps become I don't give spoilers .if
September 7, 2024
Proofread please🙏
These are odd, quirky stories. There is a very good lead character. The town of Eden is filled with wonderful characters. Yet, I keep getting pulled out of the story by grammatical errors. Please do better. I would have given this 4 stars otherwise.
These are odd, quirky stories. There is a very good lead character. The town of Eden is filled with wonderful characters. Yet, I keep getting pulled out of the story by grammatical errors. Please do better. I would have given this 4 stars otherwise.
September 15, 2024
Great story
I have been reading the Librarian series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each book. I think each book is taking us closer and closer toward an ending I can't quite see yet! I plan to keep on reading to see where we go from here.
I have been reading the Librarian series, and I have thoroughly enjoyed each book. I think each book is taking us closer and closer toward an ending I can't quite see yet! I plan to keep on reading to see where we go from here.
December 6, 2024
liked the story
This book, like the two previous ones, I liked very much. They are different, which is good, and funny too, so how could you not like it. Brian has a different view of everything so these books give me a thrill. You write em, I’ll read em.
This book, like the two previous ones, I liked very much. They are different, which is good, and funny too, so how could you not like it. Brian has a different view of everything so these books give me a thrill. You write em, I’ll read em.
December 19, 2024
Great Series
I love this series. The people are all interesting & the story lines seem to fit together. It's especially funny when they argue . . . . . "Good plan", " We don't have a plan", "We sort of have a plan" . . . I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
I love this series. The people are all interesting & the story lines seem to fit together. It's especially funny when they argue . . . . . "Good plan", " We don't have a plan", "We sort of have a plan" . . . I'm looking forward to reading the rest of the books.
December 23, 2024
Librarian
I started this series around Halloween and definitely fell in love with it. I enjoy the comedy in both a serious scary and religious theme. I will follow you for more of this kind of story.
I started this series around Halloween and definitely fell in love with it. I enjoy the comedy in both a serious scary and religious theme. I will follow you for more of this kind of story.
December 27, 2024
Still haven't quite decided on this series. Interesting premise, heading into religiosity with a slight dose of humor but still feels bland. Picks up at times, in this book particularly with almost Armageddon. I bought the series, though, so I might as well keep going.
March 21, 2025
Silly funny and great characters
Fun fast read. Characters stay the same Thru the series so that's nice . The setting was a surprise but a really neat explanation of how it became. Bravo
Fun fast read. Characters stay the same Thru the series so that's nice . The setting was a surprise but a really neat explanation of how it became. Bravo
April 15, 2025
Fun reads
Mr. Yansky did it again. Fun read about the perils of time travel wrapped up in a Supernatural tale of love and Doom. Give the series a try, I have really enjoyed his run so far.
Mr. Yansky did it again. Fun read about the perils of time travel wrapped up in a Supernatural tale of love and Doom. Give the series a try, I have really enjoyed his run so far.
April 19, 2025
Unique Story
Angels, demons and librarians……never would have put these 3 groups together. There is irony, humor, and mystery - and some very cool time travel and curiosities. I LOVED this book and plan on reading the entire series.
Angels, demons and librarians……never would have put these 3 groups together. There is irony, humor, and mystery - and some very cool time travel and curiosities. I LOVED this book and plan on reading the entire series.
May 19, 2025
I like these books. Not too serious, pretty easy to read, fun, I can't complain about them. My singular complaint has do with needing someone so edit the book for grammatical and spelling mistakes because there are enough that I notice it. Small petty complaint but otherwise excellent read.
July 20, 2025
Continuing straight after the events of the previous book, Kevin is introduced to the world of time travel. At first it starts out as helping the teenagers see outside of Eden, then a fight for the survival of Eden.
October 19, 2025
engaging series!
I have read three books in this series so far, and I am hooked! Like the witty banter, the incredibly rich cast of characters, and the original take on good Vs evil.
I have read three books in this series so far, and I am hooked! Like the witty banter, the incredibly rich cast of characters, and the original take on good Vs evil.
October 31, 2023
Unique read
This series lives up to its title. The characters are well thought out. This book is clever and funny! Hope you enjoy this series as much as I do.
This series lives up to its title. The characters are well thought out. This book is clever and funny! Hope you enjoy this series as much as I do.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews