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42nd Street Library Mystery #2
Murder in the Manuscript Room
When a murder desecrates the somber, book-lined halls of New York City's iconic 42nd Street Library, Raymond Ambler, the library's curator of crime fiction, has a personal interest in solving the crime. His quest to solve the murder is complicated by personal entanglements involving his friend--or perhaps more-than-friend--Adele Morgan. Not only does Adele's relationship with the young woman staffer who was murdered get in the way of Ambler's investigation, more disturbing for him is Adele's growing interest in a darkly handsome Islamic scholar.
Soon the Intelligence Division of the New York Police Department takes over the case from NYPD homicide detective Mike Cosgrove, Ambler's friend and sometimes partner-in-crime solving. Ambler suspects that the murder of the young woman, who'd been working at the library under an assumed name and the curious intervention of NYPD's intelligence division are connected. The trail of intrigue leads to a seemingly unrelated murder in an upstate prison and a long ago murder of a trade union reformer.
No one else sees the connections Ambler is sure are there--not an unusual state of affairs for Ambler. But with the city's law enforcement establishment determined to stop his investigation, the inquisitive and intrepid librarian faces challenges that may put his very life at risk.
Soon the Intelligence Division of the New York Police Department takes over the case from NYPD homicide detective Mike Cosgrove, Ambler's friend and sometimes partner-in-crime solving. Ambler suspects that the murder of the young woman, who'd been working at the library under an assumed name and the curious intervention of NYPD's intelligence division are connected. The trail of intrigue leads to a seemingly unrelated murder in an upstate prison and a long ago murder of a trade union reformer.
No one else sees the connections Ambler is sure are there--not an unusual state of affairs for Ambler. But with the city's law enforcement establishment determined to stop his investigation, the inquisitive and intrepid librarian faces challenges that may put his very life at risk.
305 pages, Hardcover
First published November 21, 2017
119 people are currently reading
475 people want to read
About the author
Con Lehane
15 books104 followersaka Cornelius Lehane.
Con Lehane grew up in the suburbs of New York City and currently writes from just outside of Washington, DC. Once a college professor, union organizer, bartender, and editor at the National Education Association, he now writes full time and teaches at The Writer's Center. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in fiction writing from Columbia University School of the Arts. Death at the Old Hotel is his third novel in the Bartender Brian McNulty mystery series. His newest offering, the first book in a new series, is due from Minotaur-Thomas Dunne Books in 2014.
Series:
* Brian McNulty Mystery
Con Lehane grew up in the suburbs of New York City and currently writes from just outside of Washington, DC. Once a college professor, union organizer, bartender, and editor at the National Education Association, he now writes full time and teaches at The Writer's Center. He holds a Master of Fine Arts degree in fiction writing from Columbia University School of the Arts. Death at the Old Hotel is his third novel in the Bartender Brian McNulty mystery series. His newest offering, the first book in a new series, is due from Minotaur-Thomas Dunne Books in 2014.
Series:
* Brian McNulty Mystery
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 130 reviews
November 7, 2017
Perhaps a generous 3.5 stars
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Con Lehane, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Returning to the majestic building of the 42 Street Library in New York City, Con Lehane continues the adventures of Crime Fiction librarian Raymond Ambler. In this story, Ambler finds himself in the middle of quite the conundrum. Tasked with preparing a display of crime fiction over the past century and a half, Ambler must come up with a collection that taps into all aspects of crime. In waltzes a former cop and aspiring author, Paul Higgins, who wishes to donate his private papers to the cause, but seeks a promise that they will not be shared with anyone. Ambler holds them in trust, but it is only then that the real trouble starts. Working alongside Adele Morgan has helped foster a close friendship, which may have more to it. However, when a murder occurs within Ambler’s own office, Adele’s closeness to the victim proves more an impediment than help. Leila Stone seems to have been working at the library under an assumed name and on a mission. As NYPD Homicide begin their investigation into the Stone murder, they are shoved aside when the Intelligence Division takes control of the case and quickly snatches up a suspect. Adele’s ongoing interest in this man, an Islamic scholar, leaves Ambler concerned that she might be shielding the truth out of a sense of romantic desire. Meanwhile, Ambler is trying to process having his grandson living with him while in a custody battle with the boy’s maternal grandmother. Seeking to uncover the rationale for this murder and if it might have ties to a case three decades in the past takes a back burner, as Ambler attempts to keep his personal life from falling apart. There seems to be more to every story in his life, but Ambler can find neither index nor cliff notes in an attempt to set it straight. Lehane offers some interesting sleuthing insight in this piece that meanders as much as this summary review. Possibly of interest to those who like a little mystery with the protagonist’s angst-filled journey.
I must congratulate Con Lehane for putting together the foundation of what looks to be a highly intriguing and captivating novel. This is the second in the series and I enjoyed the debut novel, though this piece seemed to lack a strong connection to the core essentials. The characters develop well, for the most part, particularly Raymond Ambler and Adele Morgan, though outside of their emotional tug-of-war, I found a number of the other characters out of sync with the story arc. Their personalities were present, the backstories seemed to fit, but the delivery seemed less than what I might have hoped to see. It was as though Lehane let his characters scurry around like ants and used the narrative to zoom in and offer some commentary before panning out and looking elsewhere. The story had the potential to be strong and well grounded, but meandered too much to really connect for me. Surely the present and past murders that are developed throughout have something that ties them, for that is the flavour that the narrative offers. However, nothing seemed to bring it all together smoothly for me. While some might say it is petty, I felt that Lehane did not use gaps in time effectively. Where some authors might use a set of asterisks or symbols to denote a delay in the narrative or even an empty line or two, Lehane seems to steamroll ahead two days between sentences. Yet, he does use the aforementioned ‘gap symbols’ on other occasions as well. This inconsistency left me wondering if the draft of the book was posted to the galley site before proofreaders or editors had done the job for which they are paid. I cannot be sure whether Lehane should be shamed on those who received payment for shoddy work. Either way, there is a glimmer of possibility here and I may return if a third novel surfaces, though I cannot promise to add it to my watchlist.
Kudos, Mr. Lehane for a valiant effort. The pieces may not have worked too well as a cohesive unit, but they were far from jagged and destructive.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
First and foremost, a large thank you to NetGalley, Con Lehane, St. Martin’s Press, and Minotaur Books for providing me with a copy of this publication, which allows me to provide you with an unbiased review.
Returning to the majestic building of the 42 Street Library in New York City, Con Lehane continues the adventures of Crime Fiction librarian Raymond Ambler. In this story, Ambler finds himself in the middle of quite the conundrum. Tasked with preparing a display of crime fiction over the past century and a half, Ambler must come up with a collection that taps into all aspects of crime. In waltzes a former cop and aspiring author, Paul Higgins, who wishes to donate his private papers to the cause, but seeks a promise that they will not be shared with anyone. Ambler holds them in trust, but it is only then that the real trouble starts. Working alongside Adele Morgan has helped foster a close friendship, which may have more to it. However, when a murder occurs within Ambler’s own office, Adele’s closeness to the victim proves more an impediment than help. Leila Stone seems to have been working at the library under an assumed name and on a mission. As NYPD Homicide begin their investigation into the Stone murder, they are shoved aside when the Intelligence Division takes control of the case and quickly snatches up a suspect. Adele’s ongoing interest in this man, an Islamic scholar, leaves Ambler concerned that she might be shielding the truth out of a sense of romantic desire. Meanwhile, Ambler is trying to process having his grandson living with him while in a custody battle with the boy’s maternal grandmother. Seeking to uncover the rationale for this murder and if it might have ties to a case three decades in the past takes a back burner, as Ambler attempts to keep his personal life from falling apart. There seems to be more to every story in his life, but Ambler can find neither index nor cliff notes in an attempt to set it straight. Lehane offers some interesting sleuthing insight in this piece that meanders as much as this summary review. Possibly of interest to those who like a little mystery with the protagonist’s angst-filled journey.
I must congratulate Con Lehane for putting together the foundation of what looks to be a highly intriguing and captivating novel. This is the second in the series and I enjoyed the debut novel, though this piece seemed to lack a strong connection to the core essentials. The characters develop well, for the most part, particularly Raymond Ambler and Adele Morgan, though outside of their emotional tug-of-war, I found a number of the other characters out of sync with the story arc. Their personalities were present, the backstories seemed to fit, but the delivery seemed less than what I might have hoped to see. It was as though Lehane let his characters scurry around like ants and used the narrative to zoom in and offer some commentary before panning out and looking elsewhere. The story had the potential to be strong and well grounded, but meandered too much to really connect for me. Surely the present and past murders that are developed throughout have something that ties them, for that is the flavour that the narrative offers. However, nothing seemed to bring it all together smoothly for me. While some might say it is petty, I felt that Lehane did not use gaps in time effectively. Where some authors might use a set of asterisks or symbols to denote a delay in the narrative or even an empty line or two, Lehane seems to steamroll ahead two days between sentences. Yet, he does use the aforementioned ‘gap symbols’ on other occasions as well. This inconsistency left me wondering if the draft of the book was posted to the galley site before proofreaders or editors had done the job for which they are paid. I cannot be sure whether Lehane should be shamed on those who received payment for shoddy work. Either way, there is a glimmer of possibility here and I may return if a third novel surfaces, though I cannot promise to add it to my watchlist.
Kudos, Mr. Lehane for a valiant effort. The pieces may not have worked too well as a cohesive unit, but they were far from jagged and destructive.
Like/hate the review? An ever-growing collection of others appears at:
http://pecheyponderings.wordpress.com/
A Book for All Seasons, a different sort of Book Challenge: https://www.goodreads.com/group/show/...
Read
November 24, 2017 I give this book 4 out of 5 enjoyable stars! When I picked out this title on NetGalley I didn’t realize it was the second one in the series and felt I just missed out on a tad but overall this was an enjoyable read. I thought the characterization in this book was highly entertaining and they dealt with realistic life issues. I loved the idea of the library setting. I love books that are set in libraries or bookshops! This was a complex mystery that was fun to fall into. I also enjoyed how this book had an underlying message about courage. I wish I would have read the first in the series first, but overall I liked this book! I recieved this book from the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 13, 2021
FIRST READ: Lehane has the whole package here: characters the reader cares about, plot twists like a grand slalom course, and in the middle of it, a story utterly relevant to the real-life horror story unfolding in America’s immigration politics.”
"The second title in a nicely bookish series, this one highlights the formidable memory and ratiocinative skills of Ambler, the curator of crime fiction at the landmark New York Public Library."
"Should particularly appeal to those of a bookish or historical turn of mind...witty"
"A nicely constructed murder mystery with an air of espionage. The past and present are nimbly woven into an intriguing tapestry that makes Murder in the Manuscript Room as much about our culture as it is about murder."
"Con Lehane's Murder in the Manuscript Room caught my attention because not only does its crime take place in a great library, its detective is also a believable librarian. That hook, though, brought me into a whole world of well-developed characters--relatives, crooks, good cops, bad cops, possible terrorists, and a plot ranging in scope from New York high society soirees down through back rooms in great neighborhood bars. I found, myself, Murder in the Manuscript Room is a fun book to read in a neighborhood bar!"―Thomas Mann, author of The Oxford Guide to Library Research
"A smart, compelling mystery in which the characters themselves are at least as interesting as the striking sleuthing."
"A complex mystery that forces people to ponder their responsibilities for others."
Praise for Con Lehane's Murder at the 42nd Street Library:
“Con Lehane provides a fine story, strong and believable characters, and a wonderful setting.”
“Con Lehane's Murder at the 42nd Street Library offers up a masterful tale of intrigue, jealousy, and revenge in the grand tradition of Ross Macdonald. Not to be missed.”
"Lehane awards his previous detective, bartender Brian McNulty, a cameo but focuses on the complicated Ray, who looks like a promising newcomer in the talented-amateur ranks."
"Lehane's enjoyable first in a new series introduces crime fiction librarian Raymond "Ray" Ambler...The bodies begin to pile up as Ambler and two librarian colleagues dig deeper, evoking poignant parallels in the lives of Ambler and his homicide detective friend, Mike Cosgrove. Fans of Lehane's cranky bartender Brian McNulty, the hero of his earlier series, will welcome his appearance in a supporting role."
"Lehane, better known for his "Bartender Brian McNulty" series (Death at the Old Hotel), brings McNulty along for the ride (as a minor character) in this library-set series launch. His protagonist, named after two masters of the genre (Raymond Chandler and Eric Ambler), reflects the author's in-depth knowledge of the history of the genre. A fun read for mystery buffs and librarians alike."―Library Journal
"Pick up D.C. author Con Lehane's Murder at the 42nd Street Library."―Michael Dirda, The Washington Post
"Ray makes a sturdy, believable hero for this new series. Murder at the 42nd Street Library will make readers want to schedule a visit to this archetypal library during their next visit to New York City."
“A sly and witty new mystery.” “An inventive tale of murder and mayhem. Con Lehane, like his librarian-sleuth Ray Ambler, knows how to keep his readers happy.”
“In Murder at the 42nd Street Library Con Lehane provides a riveting ride...Jam-packed with surprises!” ―Katherine Neville, New York Times bestselling author of The Fire and A Calculated Risk
"THIRD READ" The beautiful and iconic New York Public Library on 42nd Street in Manhattan-with its stone lions in front, multiple levels and history-makes a stimulating setting for the launch of what should be a lively series about librarian Ramond "Ray" Ambler. Murder at the 42nd Street Library is fueled by an energetic plot, an evocative setting one can literally get lost in, and realistic characters." This was a great read. Reminds me of possible reads by folks in 'my friends.' This is a great read and I recommend on many levels.
"The second title in a nicely bookish series, this one highlights the formidable memory and ratiocinative skills of Ambler, the curator of crime fiction at the landmark New York Public Library."
"Should particularly appeal to those of a bookish or historical turn of mind...witty"
"A nicely constructed murder mystery with an air of espionage. The past and present are nimbly woven into an intriguing tapestry that makes Murder in the Manuscript Room as much about our culture as it is about murder."
"Con Lehane's Murder in the Manuscript Room caught my attention because not only does its crime take place in a great library, its detective is also a believable librarian. That hook, though, brought me into a whole world of well-developed characters--relatives, crooks, good cops, bad cops, possible terrorists, and a plot ranging in scope from New York high society soirees down through back rooms in great neighborhood bars. I found, myself, Murder in the Manuscript Room is a fun book to read in a neighborhood bar!"―Thomas Mann, author of The Oxford Guide to Library Research
"A smart, compelling mystery in which the characters themselves are at least as interesting as the striking sleuthing."
"A complex mystery that forces people to ponder their responsibilities for others."
Praise for Con Lehane's Murder at the 42nd Street Library:
“Con Lehane provides a fine story, strong and believable characters, and a wonderful setting.”
“Con Lehane's Murder at the 42nd Street Library offers up a masterful tale of intrigue, jealousy, and revenge in the grand tradition of Ross Macdonald. Not to be missed.”
"Lehane awards his previous detective, bartender Brian McNulty, a cameo but focuses on the complicated Ray, who looks like a promising newcomer in the talented-amateur ranks."
"Lehane's enjoyable first in a new series introduces crime fiction librarian Raymond "Ray" Ambler...The bodies begin to pile up as Ambler and two librarian colleagues dig deeper, evoking poignant parallels in the lives of Ambler and his homicide detective friend, Mike Cosgrove. Fans of Lehane's cranky bartender Brian McNulty, the hero of his earlier series, will welcome his appearance in a supporting role."
"Lehane, better known for his "Bartender Brian McNulty" series (Death at the Old Hotel), brings McNulty along for the ride (as a minor character) in this library-set series launch. His protagonist, named after two masters of the genre (Raymond Chandler and Eric Ambler), reflects the author's in-depth knowledge of the history of the genre. A fun read for mystery buffs and librarians alike."―Library Journal
"Pick up D.C. author Con Lehane's Murder at the 42nd Street Library."―Michael Dirda, The Washington Post
"Ray makes a sturdy, believable hero for this new series. Murder at the 42nd Street Library will make readers want to schedule a visit to this archetypal library during their next visit to New York City."
“A sly and witty new mystery.” “An inventive tale of murder and mayhem. Con Lehane, like his librarian-sleuth Ray Ambler, knows how to keep his readers happy.”
“In Murder at the 42nd Street Library Con Lehane provides a riveting ride...Jam-packed with surprises!” ―Katherine Neville, New York Times bestselling author of The Fire and A Calculated Risk
"THIRD READ" The beautiful and iconic New York Public Library on 42nd Street in Manhattan-with its stone lions in front, multiple levels and history-makes a stimulating setting for the launch of what should be a lively series about librarian Ramond "Ray" Ambler. Murder at the 42nd Street Library is fueled by an energetic plot, an evocative setting one can literally get lost in, and realistic characters." This was a great read. Reminds me of possible reads by folks in 'my friends.' This is a great read and I recommend on many levels.
November 25, 2017
A murder! In a library! This one practically screamed my name. Unfortunately I just couldn't get into to, try as I might.
April 3, 2020
Honestly I was disappointed in this book. It had gotten high marks but I found it rushed as well as difficult to follow. There were too many characters that were fairly randomly thrown into the mix. Sometimes the author would use the last name and sometimes the first. The characters did dangerous and stupid things and the whole plot didn’t make sense to me! The only characters that were easily identifiable with, were the little boy and his baby sitters. Really every character had tons of baggage..and it was never identified why the dead person was found where it was found. Not going to pursue this author.
January 22, 2018
Didn't flow very well, seemed very choppy. Main characters not very likable - just wanted to kick them and say, "Show some life, here." Convoluted mystery story. I was attracted to it since it was a library mystery, having worked in a library. Kind of reinforces the bad stereotypes of librarians.
September 15, 2020
Should be my kind of book. It just never resonated with me.
December 17, 2017
I had honestly forgotten reading the first in this series last year when I picked this one up--in fact, I thought it was part of an entirely different series. Ah, well...Raymond Ambler works at the 42nd Street library, hesitates about his younger girlfriend Adele, and doesn't much like her new friend and the library's new hire Leila Stone. Then Leila's body is found in his office, but there's something hinky about the investigation, at least according to Raymond's pal, homicide detective Mike Cosgrove. When one of the library patrons, a young Muslim scholar, is arrested, Adele's sympathies are engaged and Raymond is drawn into the investigation.
July 29, 2018
It's always fun to read about a murder in a library!
October 31, 2017
An employee of the New York City’s library is found murdered
It seems she is not the person she presented herself to be. Solving the case involves Raymond Ambler, the crime fiction curator at the library, a cast of his friends, family, and acquaintances, as well as the Intelligence Division of the NYPD, the investigation of the murder years ago of a trade union reformer, and perhaps some terrorists.
Despite all these characters, the story hangs together and the characters well developed. This is the second book in a series. Initially, some of the background was a little unclear. I do think reading the first book, though, would have helped in understanding the history of Ambler and his family.
It was a decent story that held my attention throughout.
It seems she is not the person she presented herself to be. Solving the case involves Raymond Ambler, the crime fiction curator at the library, a cast of his friends, family, and acquaintances, as well as the Intelligence Division of the NYPD, the investigation of the murder years ago of a trade union reformer, and perhaps some terrorists.
Despite all these characters, the story hangs together and the characters well developed. This is the second book in a series. Initially, some of the background was a little unclear. I do think reading the first book, though, would have helped in understanding the history of Ambler and his family.
It was a decent story that held my attention throughout.
March 21, 2023
I really enjoy the way Con Lehane writes and captures New York. This is somebody who lives here and I believe loves the city as much as I do. As far as the mystery goes it’s convoluted again. We have our same two male leads the cop and the librarian. Now I can honestly say the females, every damn last one of them is irritating, obnoxious, immature, and egocentric. Basically this writer never write female characters into his books. Sadly because of that I don’t know if I’ll continue the series. It’s a shame because the cop is growing on me.
August 19, 2017
Raymond Ambler, a librarian at the 42nd Street branch of the New York Public Library is curating an exhibit, "A Century-and-a-Half of Murder and Mystery in New York City." Raymond is the archivist for the crime fiction collection at the library. But when another librarian is murdered in Raymond's office, he is again caught up in the investigation. Unfortunately, his police buddy, Mike Cosgrove, is frozen out of the homicide investigation, which has been taken over the NYPD Intelligence Department, in the person of Bradley Cooper. Also involved is Raymond's dear friend, Adele Morgan, another librarian who does not agree with the NYPD's theory that Gobi Tabrizi, a scholar reading Islamic literature at the Library, is involved in Leila's murder. And when Raymond uncovers proof that Leila may well be involved with a murder dating back many years that also involved NYPD intelligence, no one is safe. Superb plotting and entertaining characters are the hallmarks of this second entry in the series.
January 9, 2024
Good read! 💖✨
June 9, 2024
2.5 actually. Main characters were interesting. Too many additional characters and story lines that clogged up the main mystery
December 6, 2025
I felt generous so gave this book three stars. I wanted to love it but the characters were rather indistinguishable and bland along with too many stores lines and it never bit its stride.
Read
December 22, 2025DNF
August 29, 2018
This is a good book to be reading when the weather keeps you down. It has a mysterious plot. The characters interact in a fairly civilized manner, except for the bad guys of course. People get murdered, kidnapped and hide. Detectives look for clues until they find the bad guys. Just a good story for a rainy day.
April 18, 2021
I suffered through half of this book and then skimmed the last couple of chapters to find out what happened. I still didn’t care.
February 3, 2018
This is such a fun series!
November 17, 2017
I was looking forward to reading this book, the main reason is the place where the murder took place - New York Public Library! This is a second book of the "A 42nd Street Library Mystery". I haven't read the first part.
The beginning of the story takes place in the 80s, with the murder of Richard Wright, a union representative who uncovered a contract between NY gangs and NYPD officials. An innocent man, Devon, is sent to jail. Years later he contacts his childhood friend, Raymond Ambler, and asks him to look into the case.
Ray Ambler, a librarian, is in charge of a new exhibit at takes place at New York Public Library - A Century-and-a-Half of Murder and Mystery in New York City. He is being introduced to Paul Higgins, retired detective and a murder mystery book writer. Paul "donates" to the exhibion his notes and some police files that he has been collecting and used as a material for his books. Ray questions Paul regarding the documents and Devon's case, however, Higgins denies having any knowledge or info on Devon/Wright case. Days later Paul's ex-wife Laila, a librarian and undercover cop, is found dead in Raymond's office. Godi, an Islamic scholar whom Laila was investigating is a suspect in the murder.
Mike Cosgrove, an NYPD retired cop and a friend of both Ambler and Higgins, is looking into the case. It seems that all the roads lead him to Richard Wright's murder back in the 80s. Coincidence? Mike doesn't think so. He is sure that Godi is framed for Laila's murder and Paul has to reasons to go after his ex-wife. Days later and both murders of Devon and Paul are confirming Mike's suspicions. He takes the investigation into his own hands and takes down NYPD Intelligence Department and the man behind it all - Bradley Cooper.
The idea of the book is very catching. In my opinion, there are too many characters involved, way too much inside drama that didn't have much to do with the actual case. Bradley Cooper was portraited as a dirty cop since the first pages, so I expected him to be behind the murders by the end of the book. I still do not understand what exactly Godi was researching in the library, why it was important, and why Laila was investigating him. And who exactly shot Richard Wright?! I wish the story included Cooper's trial and how it actually ended.
As I said, I like the idea of the book, I just don't feel it was completed, it has a few loose ends, and I wish it had more reasons to be tied to the Library.
The beginning of the story takes place in the 80s, with the murder of Richard Wright, a union representative who uncovered a contract between NY gangs and NYPD officials. An innocent man, Devon, is sent to jail. Years later he contacts his childhood friend, Raymond Ambler, and asks him to look into the case.
Ray Ambler, a librarian, is in charge of a new exhibit at takes place at New York Public Library - A Century-and-a-Half of Murder and Mystery in New York City. He is being introduced to Paul Higgins, retired detective and a murder mystery book writer. Paul "donates" to the exhibion his notes and some police files that he has been collecting and used as a material for his books. Ray questions Paul regarding the documents and Devon's case, however, Higgins denies having any knowledge or info on Devon/Wright case. Days later Paul's ex-wife Laila, a librarian and undercover cop, is found dead in Raymond's office. Godi, an Islamic scholar whom Laila was investigating is a suspect in the murder.
Mike Cosgrove, an NYPD retired cop and a friend of both Ambler and Higgins, is looking into the case. It seems that all the roads lead him to Richard Wright's murder back in the 80s. Coincidence? Mike doesn't think so. He is sure that Godi is framed for Laila's murder and Paul has to reasons to go after his ex-wife. Days later and both murders of Devon and Paul are confirming Mike's suspicions. He takes the investigation into his own hands and takes down NYPD Intelligence Department and the man behind it all - Bradley Cooper.
The idea of the book is very catching. In my opinion, there are too many characters involved, way too much inside drama that didn't have much to do with the actual case. Bradley Cooper was portraited as a dirty cop since the first pages, so I expected him to be behind the murders by the end of the book. I still do not understand what exactly Godi was researching in the library, why it was important, and why Laila was investigating him. And who exactly shot Richard Wright?! I wish the story included Cooper's trial and how it actually ended.
As I said, I like the idea of the book, I just don't feel it was completed, it has a few loose ends, and I wish it had more reasons to be tied to the Library.
December 7, 2017
(2 1/2). This is an interesting little diversion. A little chaotic, a little unsettling, a little unfolding, a little confounding, often a little confusing, a little intriguing. You get the picture. Lots going on, all centered around our able bodied protagonist, Ray Ambler, who is more than a little presence. It starts and ends at the library, which certainly brings it near and dear to my heart. Strangely contemporary within its very old fashioned structure (the story-not the library) it was more than a little fun!
November 28, 2017
I was initially attracted to this book because the story took place in a library, had librarians and the location was New York. The book is a bit slow in the beginning, and has a fairly large number of characters with side stories, so it took awhile to sort everyone out. The beginning was also a bit depressing due to the extremely large number of very dysfunctional families and individuals. The main character is Raymond Ambler a librarian. His son, John, and a good friend were both in jail for murders they said they didn’t commit. Even though his ex-wife was an alcoholic, he let her raise their son. At some later date, Ambler discovers that John had a son whose mom was killed. Whew! If that isn’t enough grief for one book, other characters have sad stories and problem family lives too.
If you are looking for a page turner, with lots of excitement. This isn’t it. The plot is carefully constructed, but there wasn’t a time when I had to get to the end of an exciting passage before I could go to sleep. While interesting enough, it also didn’t keep me awake mulling over passages, considering what had gone before. I also didn’t notice any particularly happy characters, and while I didn’t openly dislike many of them, I also was not led to really like them either.
After saying all that, you can tell, this book covers some of the harder elements of life, and it does it in a carefully constructed fashion. I liked it, but it wasn’t one of my favorites; I prefer a bit of action to pick up the pace. That’s why I’m giving it a very solid three stars.
Warning: Somewhere around the 25% mark, the author begins peppering the book with curse words. While some books have cops using a lot of foul language, in this one the librarians join in too. I really dislike that police are always portrayed this way; I’ve known quite a few police officers over the years, and I have never heard them talk like this (just setting the record straight). Unfortunately there were quite a few f bombs as well as the words I hate the most: the ones that take the Lord’s name in vain. In some places there is a good bit of cursing, and in others, where the situation is frustrating—no cursing: in those cases, the author did a nice job of showing how the characters felt instead of throwing in bad language.
If you are looking for a page turner, with lots of excitement. This isn’t it. The plot is carefully constructed, but there wasn’t a time when I had to get to the end of an exciting passage before I could go to sleep. While interesting enough, it also didn’t keep me awake mulling over passages, considering what had gone before. I also didn’t notice any particularly happy characters, and while I didn’t openly dislike many of them, I also was not led to really like them either.
After saying all that, you can tell, this book covers some of the harder elements of life, and it does it in a carefully constructed fashion. I liked it, but it wasn’t one of my favorites; I prefer a bit of action to pick up the pace. That’s why I’m giving it a very solid three stars.
Warning: Somewhere around the 25% mark, the author begins peppering the book with curse words. While some books have cops using a lot of foul language, in this one the librarians join in too. I really dislike that police are always portrayed this way; I’ve known quite a few police officers over the years, and I have never heard them talk like this (just setting the record straight). Unfortunately there were quite a few f bombs as well as the words I hate the most: the ones that take the Lord’s name in vain. In some places there is a good bit of cursing, and in others, where the situation is frustrating—no cursing: in those cases, the author did a nice job of showing how the characters felt instead of throwing in bad language.
September 17, 2021
Some time ago, I read the first of Lehane's "42nd St Library" series...(can a series be just two books?) and so was curious about this title.
By page 57 I had found three typos, some body location confusion (so in his office/reading room/library shelf? make up your mind!) and a stilted stereotype of "gumshoe" style that I found less than comforting. Female characters especially came across as stiff or brainless or both. The best rounded portrait was the bartender who obviously benefits from Lehane's own life experience.
The bigger picture of intrigue however, just wasn't working for me as it bounced around several complex plot lines and layers that all seemed dated in a way which may reflect the author's own era right down to some peculiar specifics: what business has customers sign credit card slips anymore? and T.V. dinners...do they still exist? Good lord.
Checked the copyright date. Nope. Not 1976. Yup. 2017. Hum.
At least the references to texting were minimally accurate. But it's these little things that kept me skipping pages and finally just turning to the last three chapters to catch up on all the myriad of minutiae that would have been taxing my brain with minimal entertainment for 300 odd pages had I not cut to the chase.
I like libraries but...this cursed one I don't think I'll visit again.
By page 57 I had found three typos, some body location confusion (so in his office/reading room/library shelf? make up your mind!) and a stilted stereotype of "gumshoe" style that I found less than comforting. Female characters especially came across as stiff or brainless or both. The best rounded portrait was the bartender who obviously benefits from Lehane's own life experience.
The bigger picture of intrigue however, just wasn't working for me as it bounced around several complex plot lines and layers that all seemed dated in a way which may reflect the author's own era right down to some peculiar specifics: what business has customers sign credit card slips anymore? and T.V. dinners...do they still exist? Good lord.
Checked the copyright date. Nope. Not 1976. Yup. 2017. Hum.
At least the references to texting were minimally accurate. But it's these little things that kept me skipping pages and finally just turning to the last three chapters to catch up on all the myriad of minutiae that would have been taxing my brain with minimal entertainment for 300 odd pages had I not cut to the chase.
I like libraries but...this cursed one I don't think I'll visit again.
October 20, 2019
The story was okay but I didn’t like the writing style.
This book was clearly written by a man. The main male characters were all referred to by their last names. All the women were called by their first names as were the minor male characters. The Muslim man who was one of the murder suspects seemed to be included as Muslim only to make him look suspicious - the current bad guy stereotype.
I had trouble keeping track of some of the minor characters because of the writing style. Men who were referred to by their last names were suddenly referred to by their first names and vice versa. It was only the males. The women were always referred to by their first names or by their full names.
The bad guys were oily and abrasive from page one. The good guys sometimes became frustrated. The women were often emotional and irrational. Everyone was a stereotype.
This book was clearly written by a man. The main male characters were all referred to by their last names. All the women were called by their first names as were the minor male characters. The Muslim man who was one of the murder suspects seemed to be included as Muslim only to make him look suspicious - the current bad guy stereotype.
I had trouble keeping track of some of the minor characters because of the writing style. Men who were referred to by their last names were suddenly referred to by their first names and vice versa. It was only the males. The women were always referred to by their first names or by their full names.
The bad guys were oily and abrasive from page one. The good guys sometimes became frustrated. The women were often emotional and irrational. Everyone was a stereotype.
August 3, 2019
This book was really poorly written and I didn't finish it.
January 26, 2018
Raymond Ambler doesn’t want to be involved with murder. He is a librarian, not a cop. But when it hits close to home, he is not only upset, he is driven to help his buddy NYPD Detective Mike Cosgrove work the case. Cosgrove doesn’t always welcome Ambler’s assistance, but the homicide detective realizes quickly that Ambler is invaluable to the investigation since the body was found in his library and he knows all of the suspects.
Unfortunately, Cosgrove and other police officials don’t always listen to or appreciate Ambler’s take on the case. Knowing he is just an amateur detective, most of the time Ambler is good with that, but when it gets too close, he has no choice. What Ambler doesn’t bargain for is his personal, professional and amateur sleuthing worlds colliding with such force. Threats are being made and chances are being taken that only police professionals should be involved in, not librarians. Should Ambler back off or is it too late?
Lehane’s story could be ripped from today’s headlines. One of the suspects is under scrutiny because he is Islamic. It doesn’t matter that he is a scholar; the authorities are suspicious of him and possibly rightly so. The resulting fallout could seriously affect the relationship Ambler has with his friend Adele Morgan. She sympathizes with the suspect, maybe a bit too much and Ambler is a little jealous of the two of them.
I love the writing style as well as the characters. The story is an intricate web but never confusing. It took me less than 48 hours to finish it because I absolutely had to know what was going to happen next. Don’t confuse easy reading with simplicity. Lehane knows how to draw his reader in and keep them wanting more throughout the entire book.
Murder in the Manuscript Room ticks all the boxes for a cozy mystery. Raymond is the curious librarian that helps solve murders that he quite accidentally encounters. But it is much meatier than most cozies. It is like comparing a 99 cent burger from a nationwide chain to a specialty burger bar that has fresh beef, caramelized onions, homemade sauces and artisanal cheeses. They are both burgers, but occasionally you really love to be treated to the surprise of flavors you enjoy with that specialty – in this case Lahane’s fabulous book.
I am delighted that this is a series. This is the first I have read, but it was not confusing in the least and easily works as a stand-alone novel. That being said, I am going to put the first in the 42nd Street Library mystery series Murder at the 42nd Street Library, on my list to read. Outside of the series, Lahane has published three other mysteries.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
Unfortunately, Cosgrove and other police officials don’t always listen to or appreciate Ambler’s take on the case. Knowing he is just an amateur detective, most of the time Ambler is good with that, but when it gets too close, he has no choice. What Ambler doesn’t bargain for is his personal, professional and amateur sleuthing worlds colliding with such force. Threats are being made and chances are being taken that only police professionals should be involved in, not librarians. Should Ambler back off or is it too late?
Lehane’s story could be ripped from today’s headlines. One of the suspects is under scrutiny because he is Islamic. It doesn’t matter that he is a scholar; the authorities are suspicious of him and possibly rightly so. The resulting fallout could seriously affect the relationship Ambler has with his friend Adele Morgan. She sympathizes with the suspect, maybe a bit too much and Ambler is a little jealous of the two of them.
I love the writing style as well as the characters. The story is an intricate web but never confusing. It took me less than 48 hours to finish it because I absolutely had to know what was going to happen next. Don’t confuse easy reading with simplicity. Lehane knows how to draw his reader in and keep them wanting more throughout the entire book.
Murder in the Manuscript Room ticks all the boxes for a cozy mystery. Raymond is the curious librarian that helps solve murders that he quite accidentally encounters. But it is much meatier than most cozies. It is like comparing a 99 cent burger from a nationwide chain to a specialty burger bar that has fresh beef, caramelized onions, homemade sauces and artisanal cheeses. They are both burgers, but occasionally you really love to be treated to the surprise of flavors you enjoy with that specialty – in this case Lahane’s fabulous book.
I am delighted that this is a series. This is the first I have read, but it was not confusing in the least and easily works as a stand-alone novel. That being said, I am going to put the first in the 42nd Street Library mystery series Murder at the 42nd Street Library, on my list to read. Outside of the series, Lahane has published three other mysteries.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy that I can keep for consideration in preparing to write this content. I was not expected to return this item after my review. Copyright © 2018 Laura Hartman
November 12, 2017
Raymond Ambler, is a grandfather, a librarian who specializes in detective stories and murder and he also investigates where his curiosity leads him.
His grandson Johnny is the apple of his eye. Adele, his sort of, kind of lady friend is someone he cares for deeply. He has one good friend who is a cop, Mike Cosgrove and another good friend who is a bartender, McNulty.
Each of these people fill his life when he is not absorbed by his work. He loves what he does at the library. And the work collecting books about detectives and murder and mayhem has created an exhibition which is about to begin.
There is a murder in Ray's library room. A body is found stuffed on the shelves. But, it is not simply a murder. It involves the present and the past. Ray is led to investigate what happened years ago and how it is connected to another recent murder. This time, the victim is someone who grew up with Ray. The man ended up in prison for a murder he did not commit. And he asked for Ray's help.
This story keeps the reader involved along with the investigation. Mike has been pushed into investigating but he is not happy with the way things are being run. McNulty's family history may help Ray find someone who may have all the answers or maybe not. Adele travels all the way to Texas to attend a funeral and ask many questions.
I really enjoyed the mystery. The writing is very good. But, I was made crazy by the way one sentence ended and the next sentence was a completely different scene and a different time. It was jarring and it made me lose rhythm.
At least putting some white space in to allow the reader to understand about moving to a new scene would have helped.
The plot is one which keeps everyone guessing. The characters are mostly people who hold the reader's interest. Some of the characters are villains. Some of the characters are simply not very bright. Or that is the impression they give.
I liked this book
I received the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
His grandson Johnny is the apple of his eye. Adele, his sort of, kind of lady friend is someone he cares for deeply. He has one good friend who is a cop, Mike Cosgrove and another good friend who is a bartender, McNulty.
Each of these people fill his life when he is not absorbed by his work. He loves what he does at the library. And the work collecting books about detectives and murder and mayhem has created an exhibition which is about to begin.
There is a murder in Ray's library room. A body is found stuffed on the shelves. But, it is not simply a murder. It involves the present and the past. Ray is led to investigate what happened years ago and how it is connected to another recent murder. This time, the victim is someone who grew up with Ray. The man ended up in prison for a murder he did not commit. And he asked for Ray's help.
This story keeps the reader involved along with the investigation. Mike has been pushed into investigating but he is not happy with the way things are being run. McNulty's family history may help Ray find someone who may have all the answers or maybe not. Adele travels all the way to Texas to attend a funeral and ask many questions.
I really enjoyed the mystery. The writing is very good. But, I was made crazy by the way one sentence ended and the next sentence was a completely different scene and a different time. It was jarring and it made me lose rhythm.
At least putting some white space in to allow the reader to understand about moving to a new scene would have helped.
The plot is one which keeps everyone guessing. The characters are mostly people who hold the reader's interest. Some of the characters are villains. Some of the characters are simply not very bright. Or that is the impression they give.
I liked this book
I received the book from the publisher through NetGalley. I am voluntarily writing this review and all opinions are my own.
August 5, 2017
I love libraries. I love everything from the atmosphere to the endless exciting possibilities they represent to the unique personality of almost every library whose threshold I've crossed. I even love the smell of libraries.
Personally I'm also predisposed to liking mysteries and thrillers, so, a mystery/thriller in a library? Yes, please!
This is the second book in the 42nd Street library mystery series. I read the book without having read any of the author's other books. This one didn't suffer in my estimation for having been read as a standalone.
The characters are well written, with well thought out motivations and, in some cases, agendas. There's a lot going on: terrorist fanatics, murder, espionage, prison politics, murky dealings, kidnapping and long ago history tied to politics and the murder of a labor union boss for which the wrong man was imprisoned. Despite so many subplots, the author handled the complex storyline well, and I never felt lost or confused.
The main protagonist isn't young, tough or wisecracking. He's a mild mannered librarian with a melancholy background, entangled in a custody battle over his grandson. I loved that he wasn't a superhero.
One of the secondary characters in this book (a bartender!) is the protagonist in his own series of 3 books, making this book a tie-in/crossover. Again, I don't think it suffered for my not having read the other books, an oversight I intend to remedy soon.
It's clear that the author is also a bibliophile and as a bonus this book is a rich source of book-hunting gems for further reading because of the classic mystery thriller name dropping. It inspired me to revisit Dashiell Hammet, Vera Caspary, and to look up Chester Himes. I like it when my reading list leads me to more books!
Enjoyed this one very much and I fully intend to read the other books in the related series.
Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
Personally I'm also predisposed to liking mysteries and thrillers, so, a mystery/thriller in a library? Yes, please!
This is the second book in the 42nd Street library mystery series. I read the book without having read any of the author's other books. This one didn't suffer in my estimation for having been read as a standalone.
The characters are well written, with well thought out motivations and, in some cases, agendas. There's a lot going on: terrorist fanatics, murder, espionage, prison politics, murky dealings, kidnapping and long ago history tied to politics and the murder of a labor union boss for which the wrong man was imprisoned. Despite so many subplots, the author handled the complex storyline well, and I never felt lost or confused.
The main protagonist isn't young, tough or wisecracking. He's a mild mannered librarian with a melancholy background, entangled in a custody battle over his grandson. I loved that he wasn't a superhero.
One of the secondary characters in this book (a bartender!) is the protagonist in his own series of 3 books, making this book a tie-in/crossover. Again, I don't think it suffered for my not having read the other books, an oversight I intend to remedy soon.
It's clear that the author is also a bibliophile and as a bonus this book is a rich source of book-hunting gems for further reading because of the classic mystery thriller name dropping. It inspired me to revisit Dashiell Hammet, Vera Caspary, and to look up Chester Himes. I like it when my reading list leads me to more books!
Enjoyed this one very much and I fully intend to read the other books in the related series.
Four stars
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher.
May 21, 2018
Raymond Ambler, curator of crime fiction at NYC 42nd Street Library, is once again too close to a crime at his library in this second book in the series. A woman is murdered and left in the crime fiction reading room. She had been working in the library under false pretenses, under an assumed name. Raymond's friend Adele had gotten close to this woman, and also to a young Islamic scholar, studying at the library. This man quickly becomes the number one suspect, if only because he is Muslim, as the Intelligence Division of NYPD, Homeland Security, and a private security firm take over the investigation, quickly pushing aside Raymond's friend and NYC homicide detective, Mike Cosgrove. Ambler discovers a possible link to a long-ago crime, the murder of the head of the Transportation Union, when the intervention of the Intelligence Division and the head of the private security firm seem to want to cover up any real investigation into the woman's murder in the library. Following his suspicions lands Ambler in the cross-hairs of some high-up folks who will do anything to cover their tracks, including murder.
This was an intense tale, with possibly too many bad guys, but extremely well-plotted, if perhaps a bit hard to follow at times. Also, the ending left a great many questions unanswered, although the reader could reasonably guess at some of them. Part of the story includes people who are given too much power and not enough oversight, leading to those who believe they are above the law, giving them, as one character states "a license to kill." Ties in with what seems to be happening with some sectors of government these days, with too much weaponry and too much bias, an eagerness to use might, and no willingness to wait determine right.
This was an intense tale, with possibly too many bad guys, but extremely well-plotted, if perhaps a bit hard to follow at times. Also, the ending left a great many questions unanswered, although the reader could reasonably guess at some of them. Part of the story includes people who are given too much power and not enough oversight, leading to those who believe they are above the law, giving them, as one character states "a license to kill." Ties in with what seems to be happening with some sectors of government these days, with too much weaponry and too much bias, an eagerness to use might, and no willingness to wait determine right.
November 27, 2017
What could be better to wile away the hours of a trip spanning almost the length of Mississippi highway than a good murder mystery? I’d saved Murder in the Manuscript Room by Con Lehane for this occasion.
In good crime novel tradition, amateur sleuth Raymond Ambler, who is NYC’s 42nd Street Library’s curator of crime fiction, sets out to solve the murder of a young woman who may or may not have been the person she claimed to be. Multiple suspects turn up, all with questionable motives for the crime. Could it be the young Islamic scholar doing research in the library, an ex-husband, or a member of a corrupt police department? Is the crime related to another in the upstate prison or maybe to a long-ago murder of a union reformer? Winding through this plot is Ambler’s growing relationship with Adele Morgan, a custody battle for his grandson, and redemption help for the grandson’s babysitter caught with drugs. Adele’s friendship with the murder victim makes her an avid partner in the search for her killer. Her fondness for the grandson makes her a willing ally in the custody fight and enhances her relationship to Raymond.
This book is second in a series and although I had not read the first, enough pertinent items from it were included so that I did not feel lost, but I think not so many that readers of the first would feel bored. It also wrapped up and closure while hinting at another mystery to come.
The book accomplished its purpose as I lost myself in the streets of New York City while the miles flew by to North Mississippi. It brought no new insights on life nor did it teach any grand lessons, but it took away my question of “Are we there yet?”
In good crime novel tradition, amateur sleuth Raymond Ambler, who is NYC’s 42nd Street Library’s curator of crime fiction, sets out to solve the murder of a young woman who may or may not have been the person she claimed to be. Multiple suspects turn up, all with questionable motives for the crime. Could it be the young Islamic scholar doing research in the library, an ex-husband, or a member of a corrupt police department? Is the crime related to another in the upstate prison or maybe to a long-ago murder of a union reformer? Winding through this plot is Ambler’s growing relationship with Adele Morgan, a custody battle for his grandson, and redemption help for the grandson’s babysitter caught with drugs. Adele’s friendship with the murder victim makes her an avid partner in the search for her killer. Her fondness for the grandson makes her a willing ally in the custody fight and enhances her relationship to Raymond.
This book is second in a series and although I had not read the first, enough pertinent items from it were included so that I did not feel lost, but I think not so many that readers of the first would feel bored. It also wrapped up and closure while hinting at another mystery to come.
The book accomplished its purpose as I lost myself in the streets of New York City while the miles flew by to North Mississippi. It brought no new insights on life nor did it teach any grand lessons, but it took away my question of “Are we there yet?”
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