What do you think?
Rate this book
Stolen Book Shuttered Library
A love letter to libraries. A puzzle for the ages. A fight for the future.
A stolen book. A cryptic note. Retired reporter Marvin MickleThwait knows something's wrong—and librarian Gloria Thanh is his only hope.
Their search plunges them into a long-forgotten part of the library's underground stacks, where they discover a code hidden behind several spurious call numbers. Each clue pulls them deeper into a conspiracy that threatens not just the library, but their growing feelings for each other.
Someone wants this library closed. Permanently. And Marvin and Gloria stand in the way.
The stakes are higher than they if the library falls, other public institutions will follow. Two unlikely detectives. One impossible puzzle. And a race against time to crack the code that will keep the library doors open.
Perfect for book-loving fans of intricate mysteries and clever code-cracking.
A stolen book. A cryptic note. Retired reporter Marvin MickleThwait knows something's wrong—and librarian Gloria Thanh is his only hope.
Their search plunges them into a long-forgotten part of the library's underground stacks, where they discover a code hidden behind several spurious call numbers. Each clue pulls them deeper into a conspiracy that threatens not just the library, but their growing feelings for each other.
Someone wants this library closed. Permanently. And Marvin and Gloria stand in the way.
The stakes are higher than they if the library falls, other public institutions will follow. Two unlikely detectives. One impossible puzzle. And a race against time to crack the code that will keep the library doors open.
Perfect for book-loving fans of intricate mysteries and clever code-cracking.
303 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 30, 2025
1 person is currently reading
4 people want to read
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews
January 4, 2026
"Stolen Book, Shuttered Library" by Stewart Buettner has a very intriguing tagline: "A love letter to libraries. A puzzle for the ages. A fight for the future." A stolen book. A cryptic note. Retired reporter Marvin MickleThwait knows something's wrong—and librarian Gloria Thanh is his only hope. Their search plunges them into a long-forgotten part of the library's underground stacks, where they discover a code hidden behind several spurious call numbers. Each clue pulls them deeper into a conspiracy that threatens not just the library, but their growing feelings for each other.
I was so excited about this premise. I love libraries and it sounded like there was going to be a treasure hunt through a library system. While this description is true, it takes quite a while to get there. I found it very difficult to like Marvin and the only character I really came to like was Juan Jose. The beginning was slow and I wasn't really interested in Marvin's amateur painting or his weird behaviors in the library and with the staff. It was only later when the books start disappearing and clues are seemingly left for Marvin was I pulled into the story. This would have been an amazing sci-fi novella. I really liked the futuristic twist in the end and I was on board with the overall messaging about needing to fight against banned books and the corruption within the government, but I think it would have had a stronger impact without Marvin's love life being part of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Performance Art Press for an eArc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
I was so excited about this premise. I love libraries and it sounded like there was going to be a treasure hunt through a library system. While this description is true, it takes quite a while to get there. I found it very difficult to like Marvin and the only character I really came to like was Juan Jose. The beginning was slow and I wasn't really interested in Marvin's amateur painting or his weird behaviors in the library and with the staff. It was only later when the books start disappearing and clues are seemingly left for Marvin was I pulled into the story. This would have been an amazing sci-fi novella. I really liked the futuristic twist in the end and I was on board with the overall messaging about needing to fight against banned books and the corruption within the government, but I think it would have had a stronger impact without Marvin's love life being part of the story.
Thank you to NetGalley and Performance Art Press for an eArc of this novel in exchange for an honest review.
January 9, 2026
Stolen Book, Shattered Library is a very strong mystery with an intriguing blend of fantasy elements and a distinctly urban atmosphere. While I did feel the book ran a bit longer than necessary, and the slower sections dulled the pacing for me at times, the mystery itself is excellent and kept me engaged.
The payoff is especially satisfying. By the end, many of the more futuristic fantasy and even sci-fi elements come fully into view, and that reveal made the journey feel worthwhile. I also appreciated a few pointed, satirical lines clearly aimed at a certain president I enjoy seeing mocked, which added an extra layer of enjoyment. Overall, despite some pacing issues, this was a rewarding and clever read.
The payoff is especially satisfying. By the end, many of the more futuristic fantasy and even sci-fi elements come fully into view, and that reveal made the journey feel worthwhile. I also appreciated a few pointed, satirical lines clearly aimed at a certain president I enjoy seeing mocked, which added an extra layer of enjoyment. Overall, despite some pacing issues, this was a rewarding and clever read.
Currently reading
January 4, 2026I want to thank the author and publisher for providing an e-ARC via Netgalley. This does not affect my opinion regarding the book.
Displaying 1 - 3 of 3 reviews