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42nd Street Library Mystery #3
Murder Off the Page
The third book in an amazing series that features crime � la library at America's most famous institution of higher reading.
A note from bartender Brian McNulty, Raymond Ambler's friend, confidant, and sometimes adviser, sets the librarian sleuth off on a murder investigation, one that he pursues reluctantly until a second murder upends the world as he knows it. The second victim is a lady friend of McNulty's--and the prime suspect is McNulty himself.
As Ambler pursues his investigation, he discovers that the murdered woman had a double life. Her intermittent visits to the city--a whirlwind of reckless drinking and illicit liaisons with men she met in the cocktail lounges--had their counterpart in suburban Fairfield County Connecticut where, as Dr. Sandra Dean, she practiced dermatology and lived in a gated community with a doting husband and and a young daughter.
While Ambler looks into the past of Dr. Sandra Dean to understand the murder of Shannon Darling in the present, NYPD homicide detective Mike Cosgrove investigates the men in Shannon Darling's life. She might have been murdered because she frustrated the wrong man. It could have been a jealous wife. In fact, any number of people might have murdered Shannon Darling. Or, as Ambler suspects, did someone murder Dr. Sandra Dean?
Yet, no matter which way he turns, McNulty emerges as a suspect. Ambler's dilemma seems insurmountable: Should he keep searching for the truth behind the murders if the deeper he probes, the more evidence he finds that points to the morally rumpled bartender as a murderer?
A note from bartender Brian McNulty, Raymond Ambler's friend, confidant, and sometimes adviser, sets the librarian sleuth off on a murder investigation, one that he pursues reluctantly until a second murder upends the world as he knows it. The second victim is a lady friend of McNulty's--and the prime suspect is McNulty himself.
As Ambler pursues his investigation, he discovers that the murdered woman had a double life. Her intermittent visits to the city--a whirlwind of reckless drinking and illicit liaisons with men she met in the cocktail lounges--had their counterpart in suburban Fairfield County Connecticut where, as Dr. Sandra Dean, she practiced dermatology and lived in a gated community with a doting husband and and a young daughter.
While Ambler looks into the past of Dr. Sandra Dean to understand the murder of Shannon Darling in the present, NYPD homicide detective Mike Cosgrove investigates the men in Shannon Darling's life. She might have been murdered because she frustrated the wrong man. It could have been a jealous wife. In fact, any number of people might have murdered Shannon Darling. Or, as Ambler suspects, did someone murder Dr. Sandra Dean?
Yet, no matter which way he turns, McNulty emerges as a suspect. Ambler's dilemma seems insurmountable: Should he keep searching for the truth behind the murders if the deeper he probes, the more evidence he finds that points to the morally rumpled bartender as a murderer?
Audiobook
First published November 19, 2019
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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 70 reviews
November 17, 2019
This is the third book in the series set in New York Public Library crime fiction collection, featuring Raymond Ambler, the collection curator and a few other characters that seem to make up the permanent cast: Adele, another librarian and Raymond's love interest, Johnny,Raymond's grandson, and Brian McNulty, a bartender and Raymond's friend.
Shannon Darling is working on her first research which seems to be centered around a crime writer's old letters. Raymond and Adele also keep seeing her in a bar where Shannon completely changes her behaviour under the influence of just a few drinks. She starts saying things that make her an easy target of unwanted male attention. A few days later she appears to be involved in a murder that happened in a hotel room. Was the murder victim one of the men who took advantage of her vulnerability? and where did Brian, the bartender, disappear? he tried to protect Shannon mostly from her own bad choices. When Raymond finds out that both Shannon and Brian are on the run, he knows there must be more to this attractive and mysterious woman than meets the casual eye. Then, Shannon herself is found murdered and McNulty becomes the prime suspect. Can Raymond and Adele unravel the mystery which is also connected to the crime writer's letters, and therefore, the library collection?
I haven't read the previous books in the series, but there is enough in the book to fill the gaps. The story kept me engaged. There was something old-fashioned about it, something from black and white films with private investigators and amateur sleuths. Of course, that's what Raymond is, he is the guy who asks questions, gets data ( he keeps quoting Sherlock Holmes- 'Give me data, I cannot make bricks without clay!')and digs deep into the victim's murky past.
It was a quick and entertaining read and I would like to continue with the series, especially as I want to find out how Raymond's relationships with his friends and family are going to develop.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Minotaur Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
Shannon Darling is working on her first research which seems to be centered around a crime writer's old letters. Raymond and Adele also keep seeing her in a bar where Shannon completely changes her behaviour under the influence of just a few drinks. She starts saying things that make her an easy target of unwanted male attention. A few days later she appears to be involved in a murder that happened in a hotel room. Was the murder victim one of the men who took advantage of her vulnerability? and where did Brian, the bartender, disappear? he tried to protect Shannon mostly from her own bad choices. When Raymond finds out that both Shannon and Brian are on the run, he knows there must be more to this attractive and mysterious woman than meets the casual eye. Then, Shannon herself is found murdered and McNulty becomes the prime suspect. Can Raymond and Adele unravel the mystery which is also connected to the crime writer's letters, and therefore, the library collection?
I haven't read the previous books in the series, but there is enough in the book to fill the gaps. The story kept me engaged. There was something old-fashioned about it, something from black and white films with private investigators and amateur sleuths. Of course, that's what Raymond is, he is the guy who asks questions, gets data ( he keeps quoting Sherlock Holmes- 'Give me data, I cannot make bricks without clay!')and digs deep into the victim's murky past.
It was a quick and entertaining read and I would like to continue with the series, especially as I want to find out how Raymond's relationships with his friends and family are going to develop.
Thank you to Edelweiss and Minotaur Books for the ARC provided in exchange for an honest opinion.
November 16, 2019
Call it 3.75 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.
In the latest novel of this series, Con Lehane spins another tale of a dedicated librarian who seems always to be in the line of fire when murder strikes. Raymond Ambler has been working hard within the 42 St branch of New York City’s Library. He remembers a patron coming in and spending hours reviewing a recently donated collection of writings and correspondence of a popular author. He also notices that she has made an appearance at the watering hole of library employees. Shannon Darling is completely different when plied with alcohol, turning into quite the seductress. Brian McNulty is not only a friend of Ambler’s, but also the bartender of this establishment and takes it upon himself to help get Darling back to her hotel room safely. When, a few days later, Ambler learns that his friend has disappeared, he cannot help but worry. McNulty soon reaches out and promises that he is safe, but needs to handle a few things. When the body of a man turns up dead in a hotel room, Darling’s face shows up on the security camera. McNulty admits that he was with her, but refuses to come out of hiding. Ambler begins trying to see if he can determine what’s going on and if the correspondence Darling was reading could have something to do with what is going on. Darling turns up dead and McNulty is the prime suspect, but this is only the beginning. Ambler must try to protect his friend from a likely murder charge while determining what truths he can uncover. Meanwhile, Ambler must juggle issues with his grandson that have come to the surface, as if he did not have enough to keep in order. A murderer is out there and these letters donated to the library could hold all the answers. Lehane does well to keep the series going, even if things got a little busy throughout. Recommended to those who enjoy Con Lehane’s work, particularly this series of library sleuthing.
I remember stumbling on this series when perusing NetGalley a few years ago. The premise was intriguing and the narrative kept me wanting to know a little more. Ray Ambler proves to be an interesting protagonist, keen to work hard at his job and always the unwitting amateur sleuth on a murder investigation. Ambler must worry, as his friend is in the crosshairs of the police for a set of murders that are wrapped in an elusive seat of journals. He must also work hard to balance work and home life, both of which seem to be on shaky ground. Other characters work diligently to complement Ambler throughout the piece, serving their roles effectively as the narrative gains momentum. The story was slightly hokey, but one can expect that when a bumbling librarian is placed in the middle of a murder investigation, much like a Jessica Fletcher character in the 1980s mystery programme. Lehane keeps the story moving effectively and entertains the reader while keeping the characters developing throughout. I’ll surely tune in for the next book, though admit that it is lighter fare in the mystery department.
Kudos, Mr. Lehane, for a decent third novel. I am eager to see where you take things, as you left a number of crumbs that could be followed.
Love/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.
In the latest novel of this series, Con Lehane spins another tale of a dedicated librarian who seems always to be in the line of fire when murder strikes. Raymond Ambler has been working hard within the 42 St branch of New York City’s Library. He remembers a patron coming in and spending hours reviewing a recently donated collection of writings and correspondence of a popular author. He also notices that she has made an appearance at the watering hole of library employees. Shannon Darling is completely different when plied with alcohol, turning into quite the seductress. Brian McNulty is not only a friend of Ambler’s, but also the bartender of this establishment and takes it upon himself to help get Darling back to her hotel room safely. When, a few days later, Ambler learns that his friend has disappeared, he cannot help but worry. McNulty soon reaches out and promises that he is safe, but needs to handle a few things. When the body of a man turns up dead in a hotel room, Darling’s face shows up on the security camera. McNulty admits that he was with her, but refuses to come out of hiding. Ambler begins trying to see if he can determine what’s going on and if the correspondence Darling was reading could have something to do with what is going on. Darling turns up dead and McNulty is the prime suspect, but this is only the beginning. Ambler must try to protect his friend from a likely murder charge while determining what truths he can uncover. Meanwhile, Ambler must juggle issues with his grandson that have come to the surface, as if he did not have enough to keep in order. A murderer is out there and these letters donated to the library could hold all the answers. Lehane does well to keep the series going, even if things got a little busy throughout. Recommended to those who enjoy Con Lehane’s work, particularly this series of library sleuthing.
I remember stumbling on this series when perusing NetGalley a few years ago. The premise was intriguing and the narrative kept me wanting to know a little more. Ray Ambler proves to be an interesting protagonist, keen to work hard at his job and always the unwitting amateur sleuth on a murder investigation. Ambler must worry, as his friend is in the crosshairs of the police for a set of murders that are wrapped in an elusive seat of journals. He must also work hard to balance work and home life, both of which seem to be on shaky ground. Other characters work diligently to complement Ambler throughout the piece, serving their roles effectively as the narrative gains momentum. The story was slightly hokey, but one can expect that when a bumbling librarian is placed in the middle of a murder investigation, much like a Jessica Fletcher character in the 1980s mystery programme. Lehane keeps the story moving effectively and entertains the reader while keeping the characters developing throughout. I’ll surely tune in for the next book, though admit that it is lighter fare in the mystery department.
Kudos, Mr. Lehane, for a decent third novel. I am eager to see where you take things, as you left a number of crumbs that could be followed.
Love/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/...
October 26, 2019
Murder Off the Page is the 3rd book in the 42nd Street Library Mystery series. Ray is curator of the NY Public Library's Crime Fiction Collection. He and Adele often ends up investigating crimes together as well as curating the collections for the Library.
I rated this book 3 stars. I was expecting a cozy mystery, and the later is true, but the coziness is not. The author was brilliant at twisting a tale of mystery, and is intensely knowledgeable on the subject. I couldn't put it down. I had to find out who and why. On the other hand, I finished the book not knowing much about the town they lived in and where they worked. I didn't feel like I knew Adelle or Amble very well.
The mystery itself was absolutely intriguing. I loved the psychology part that is buried deep into it. It actually hit close to home. I was definitely feeling sympathetic towards Shannon.
Shannon the researcher comes in to use the collection at the library but something is off about her. She is unsure how research is done properly at a library and should being an “author”, or is she? She spends days gathering information from two authors. Later she is seen in a bar very intoxicated, and very much an entirely different person. The Bartender takes her to her hotel and is right back.
From there a dead body is found and unraveling the mystery around Shannon begins, not to mention clearing the innocent of crimes they may or may not have committed. We won't know until the end, who is guilty, and who has just been simply wronged.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.
I rated this book 3 stars. I was expecting a cozy mystery, and the later is true, but the coziness is not. The author was brilliant at twisting a tale of mystery, and is intensely knowledgeable on the subject. I couldn't put it down. I had to find out who and why. On the other hand, I finished the book not knowing much about the town they lived in and where they worked. I didn't feel like I knew Adelle or Amble very well.
The mystery itself was absolutely intriguing. I loved the psychology part that is buried deep into it. It actually hit close to home. I was definitely feeling sympathetic towards Shannon.
Shannon the researcher comes in to use the collection at the library but something is off about her. She is unsure how research is done properly at a library and should being an “author”, or is she? She spends days gathering information from two authors. Later she is seen in a bar very intoxicated, and very much an entirely different person. The Bartender takes her to her hotel and is right back.
From there a dead body is found and unraveling the mystery around Shannon begins, not to mention clearing the innocent of crimes they may or may not have committed. We won't know until the end, who is guilty, and who has just been simply wronged.
Thank you to Edelweiss for the Advanced Copy in exchange for an honest review.
October 19, 2019
Murder Off the Page is the 3rd book in the 42nd Street Library Mystery series. Ray Ambler is curator of the NY Public Library's Crime Fiction Collection. Along with his trusty assistant, Adele, he often ends up investigating crimes as well as curating the collection.
This time, a researcher comes in to use the collection, but it seems she is not who she says she is. The woman doesn't really seem to know how to properly research, but spends days gathering information on a particular writer. Later, they come across the same woman drunk in a bar. A friend of Ray's, Bartender Brian McNulty, seems to know the drunk woman and takes her back to her hotel. Later when a dead body is discovered in the room, the woman and McNulty are nowhere to be found. When the woman herself is killed, McNulty is immediately a suspect. Ray and Adele are on the case to solve two murders and to discover facts about the woman's past, plus prove McNulty is not a killer.
I had to read a couple chapters of this book twice to fully understand the characters. I realize this is because this book is the third in this series.....but the first I have read. I still enjoyed the story very much .... the investigation is complex and interesting! And, it all works into Ambler's specialty -- crime fiction and crime authors. I liked how Lehane worked that into the plot. I think I would have understood the setting and characters a bit better if I had started this series from the beginning. But with careful reading, a reader could jump in at this book and thoroughly enjoy the characters and story.
The mystery unravels at a nice page. There are plenty of clues, side investigations and suspects to keep the plot interesting. Ray and Adele work together perfectly.
I enjoyed this story! I am definitely back-tracking to start this series from the first book. Then I will re-read this one with a better understanding of the characters, the Crime Fiction Collection and past events.
Great book! I'm definitely reading more by this author!
**I voluntarily read a advance review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
This time, a researcher comes in to use the collection, but it seems she is not who she says she is. The woman doesn't really seem to know how to properly research, but spends days gathering information on a particular writer. Later, they come across the same woman drunk in a bar. A friend of Ray's, Bartender Brian McNulty, seems to know the drunk woman and takes her back to her hotel. Later when a dead body is discovered in the room, the woman and McNulty are nowhere to be found. When the woman herself is killed, McNulty is immediately a suspect. Ray and Adele are on the case to solve two murders and to discover facts about the woman's past, plus prove McNulty is not a killer.
I had to read a couple chapters of this book twice to fully understand the characters. I realize this is because this book is the third in this series.....but the first I have read. I still enjoyed the story very much .... the investigation is complex and interesting! And, it all works into Ambler's specialty -- crime fiction and crime authors. I liked how Lehane worked that into the plot. I think I would have understood the setting and characters a bit better if I had started this series from the beginning. But with careful reading, a reader could jump in at this book and thoroughly enjoy the characters and story.
The mystery unravels at a nice page. There are plenty of clues, side investigations and suspects to keep the plot interesting. Ray and Adele work together perfectly.
I enjoyed this story! I am definitely back-tracking to start this series from the first book. Then I will re-read this one with a better understanding of the characters, the Crime Fiction Collection and past events.
Great book! I'm definitely reading more by this author!
**I voluntarily read a advance review copy of this book from St. Martin's Press via NetGalley. All opinions expressed are entirely my own.**
November 18, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for a free Advance Copy of this book in return for an honest review. I am puzzled as I write this book. A very good plot and a super last 20% of the book, but until that time I felt the book was one of the slowest reads for me this year. Again the plot is very good: A man in shot in his hotel room, and a person who was researching at the public library was seen in that room. Later she herself is murdered in a hotel room in Connecticut. The race is on to find the killer and Librarian, Ray Ambler, is involved as his favorite bartender is the main suspect for both murders. Now this is the 3rd book of the series and I must admit that at times I was lost because the author gives us information that must have been part of the first two books, and do nothing to fill us first time readers in as to much of the background. Because of this I really recommend reading this book after you have read the first two of the series. I have never been involved in police investigations but I cannot believe all the police investigation info that Amblers police friend Mike Cosgrove gives out to him, nor can I fathom how Ambler and his fellow librarian/girlfriend Adele get so much time off. Do they ever work? At the end it says they used all their vacation days in their unofficial investigation of the murders which included multiple trips out of state. The plot and ending was good enough to garner this rating, but in the future the reader needs more background information and a a better explanation of why police would divulge information to Ray Ambler so he can go off and try to solve the murder.
August 15, 2022
I like the characters, tho their evasive & laconic ways get tedious. It’s a good read. No real surprises, but still enjoyable.
November 18, 2019
Thanks to NetGalley for a free Advance Copy of this book in return for an honest review. I am puzzled as I write this book. A very good plot and a super last 20% of the book, but until that time I felt the book was one of the slowest reads for me this year. Again the plot is very good: A man in shot in his hotel room, and a person who was researching at the public library was seen in that room. Later she herself is murdered in a hotel room in Connecticut. The race is on to find the killer and Librarian, Ray Ambler, is involved as his favorite bartender is the main suspect for both murders. Now this is the 3rd book of the series and I must admit that at times I was lost because the author gives us information that must have been part of the first two books, and do nothing to fill us first time readers in as to much of the background. Because of this I really recommend reading this book after you have read the first two of the series. I have never been involved in police investigations but I cannot believe all the police investigation info that Amblers police friend Mike Cosgrove gives out to him, nor can I fathom how Ambler and his fellow librarian/girlfriend Adele get so much time off. Do they ever work? At the end it says they used all their vacation days in their unofficial investigation of the murders which included multiple trips out of state. The plot and ending was good enough to garner this rating, but in the future the reader needs more background information and a a better explanation of why police would divulge information to Ray Ambler so he can go off and try to solve the murder.
November 8, 2019
My opinions of this book were definitely divided. Setting, story and mystery clue dropping all got high marks. Lehane plays fair with his clues, and leaves enough to keep the reader guessing, but doesn’t hide vital information. My issues were with the female characters who were all emotional and flighty and couldn’t seem to stop crying when they were frustrated. This decidedly dated treatment of women turned me off throughout the book.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 20, 2023
Really enjoyed this pleasantly convoluted plot and its equally intriguing characters. First one thing and then another—there’s more to the story. Like this author’s style and hope that I can read from future writing lists...
March 26, 2021
Raymond Ambler is a librarian at the New York Public Library, curator of the Crime Fiction Collection, and an amateur sleuth. The bartender at the nearby Library Tavern, favorite watering hole of at least some of the librarians, is a good friend, Brian McNulty. Another friend is Mike Cosgrove, an NYPD homicide detective. Adele Morgan is another librarian, a friend, and a potential love interest, if Ambler can figure out how human relationships work.
Ambler also has joint custody of his grandson, Johnny. His son, John, is in prison for second degree murder. Johnny's mother is deceased (apparently unrelated to John's case--hey, it's book three, and the first one I've read.) So Ambler has a lot on his plate without getting involved in a murder at a local hotel, that McNulty wants him to solve. But why? It seems a woman called Shannon Darling is involved.
Ambler and Adele first saw her at the Library Tavern, drunk, wild, and attracting men she didn't necessarily want to attract. The next time, she came into the Crime Fiction reading room, saying she was doing research on women crime writers. In particular, Jane Galloway, a favorite of Ambler's, who has recently donated her papers to the library. Yet Shannon Darling seems to have no idea how to do research, which seems inconsistent with her claim that she's a writer.
When she become connected to a murder, Ambler doesn't want to get involved. When it becomes clear that she and McNulty are involved, and worse yet, when the two of them disappear together, Ambler's resistance remains strong. Well, pretty strong.
When Shannon is murdered and McNulty is the prime, no, the only suspect, that resistance crumbles.
Shannon turns out to have another name, and a complicated past, and a connection to Jane Galloway. And a daughter about the same age as Johnny.
It's a pretty interesting plot, but I found Ambler hard to warm up to. He's not an unpleasant person; just, for me, not an engaging one. He has no sense about human relationships at all, even with his grandson, whom he loves and is devoted to. He's maddening even to his friends, and has no idea why.
The narrator is also--not good. All the women sound like hysterical ditzes, even when the author intends them to sound intelligent and strong. It's a disservice to the book.
It is, nevertheless, an interesting mystery, and others are likely to find Ambler more likeable, or at least more engaging, than I do. But I would recommend reading, not listening.
I bought this audiobook.
Ambler also has joint custody of his grandson, Johnny. His son, John, is in prison for second degree murder. Johnny's mother is deceased (apparently unrelated to John's case--hey, it's book three, and the first one I've read.) So Ambler has a lot on his plate without getting involved in a murder at a local hotel, that McNulty wants him to solve. But why? It seems a woman called Shannon Darling is involved.
Ambler and Adele first saw her at the Library Tavern, drunk, wild, and attracting men she didn't necessarily want to attract. The next time, she came into the Crime Fiction reading room, saying she was doing research on women crime writers. In particular, Jane Galloway, a favorite of Ambler's, who has recently donated her papers to the library. Yet Shannon Darling seems to have no idea how to do research, which seems inconsistent with her claim that she's a writer.
When she become connected to a murder, Ambler doesn't want to get involved. When it becomes clear that she and McNulty are involved, and worse yet, when the two of them disappear together, Ambler's resistance remains strong. Well, pretty strong.
When Shannon is murdered and McNulty is the prime, no, the only suspect, that resistance crumbles.
Shannon turns out to have another name, and a complicated past, and a connection to Jane Galloway. And a daughter about the same age as Johnny.
It's a pretty interesting plot, but I found Ambler hard to warm up to. He's not an unpleasant person; just, for me, not an engaging one. He has no sense about human relationships at all, even with his grandson, whom he loves and is devoted to. He's maddening even to his friends, and has no idea why.
The narrator is also--not good. All the women sound like hysterical ditzes, even when the author intends them to sound intelligent and strong. It's a disservice to the book.
It is, nevertheless, an interesting mystery, and others are likely to find Ambler more likeable, or at least more engaging, than I do. But I would recommend reading, not listening.
I bought this audiobook.
March 5, 2020
Raymond Ambler works as the curator of the 42nd Street Library's Crime Fiction Collection. He's also become a bit of an amateur sleuth.
One night after work, he and Adele (a fellow librarian) go to a nearby bar. They observe a woman being somewhat flirty then arguing with a group of men. The bartender, McNulty, gets her away from them and later walks her back to her hotel room.
A man is shot in her hotel room McNulty asks Ambler to look into some of the men in her journal as possible suspects. Ambler gives the list to his cop friend, Mike Cosgrove, but investigates on his own as well.
Not long afterward Shannon Darling aka Sandra Dean is shot in her hotel room and McNulty is the prime suspect. The more Ambler looks into it, the more it looks like McNulty would be the best possible suspect.
And the more Ambler looks into it, he begins to wonder if someone killed Sandra Dean or her alternate persona of Shannon. Sandra Dean was a successful dermatologist. Shannon went on trips to NYC and slept around when she wasn't looking into her mother's novels and work in the crime fiction collection.
Ambler, Adele, and their detective friend, Mike Cosgrove, all investigate. Ambler and Adele hope to find proof that McNulty is innocent. Cosgrove thinks that would be nice but is really just into solving the crimes and arresting the guilty party.
There are at least 2 subplots. One about the attraction between Adele and Ray Ambler. The other one is about Ray's grandson and Ray's son.
Overall I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The mysteries are interesting. I just have a bit of trouble with Ray's awkwardness at times, have a little trouble connecting with him. Sometimes I find it hard to like him. I like Adele better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
One night after work, he and Adele (a fellow librarian) go to a nearby bar. They observe a woman being somewhat flirty then arguing with a group of men. The bartender, McNulty, gets her away from them and later walks her back to her hotel room.
A man is shot in her hotel room McNulty asks Ambler to look into some of the men in her journal as possible suspects. Ambler gives the list to his cop friend, Mike Cosgrove, but investigates on his own as well.
Not long afterward Shannon Darling aka Sandra Dean is shot in her hotel room and McNulty is the prime suspect. The more Ambler looks into it, the more it looks like McNulty would be the best possible suspect.
And the more Ambler looks into it, he begins to wonder if someone killed Sandra Dean or her alternate persona of Shannon. Sandra Dean was a successful dermatologist. Shannon went on trips to NYC and slept around when she wasn't looking into her mother's novels and work in the crime fiction collection.
Ambler, Adele, and their detective friend, Mike Cosgrove, all investigate. Ambler and Adele hope to find proof that McNulty is innocent. Cosgrove thinks that would be nice but is really just into solving the crimes and arresting the guilty party.
There are at least 2 subplots. One about the attraction between Adele and Ray Ambler. The other one is about Ray's grandson and Ray's son.
Overall I give the book 4 out of 5 stars. It's well written. The mysteries are interesting. I just have a bit of trouble with Ray's awkwardness at times, have a little trouble connecting with him. Sometimes I find it hard to like him. I like Adele better.
Disclaimer: I received a copy of this book from the publisher through NetGalley. This did not influence my review. All opinions herein are my own and freely given.
November 11, 2019
Raymond, a librarian in the crime fiction reading room of the 42nd Street Library in New York City, is intrigued by Shannon, a woman using resources in the crime fiction section. Shannon doesn’t appear to be an experienced researcher and it seems she was fibbing during the Special Collections screening interview. Ray and Adele, his friend and co-worker, quickly become immersed in a murder investigation when a body is found in Shannon’s hotel room and she and their friend McNulty disappear, presumably together, implicating them in the murder.
I love mysteries that center libraries. Ray is very cerebral and I enjoyed that his investigations didn’t turn toward the stereotypical strong-arm, alpha male tactics you see not infrequently in mysteries/thrillers. Mike, a cop, and Adele, have occasional point of view chapters which help round out the story. The storyline involves investigating Shannon’s past/current lovers and there are some misogynistic comments from those characters; I appreciated that Adele’s perspective in particular provided some balance in opposition to that. I also liked the way the book ended, with no one morphing into a superhero as happens too often during book climaxes.
Although this book can be read as a standalone I believe it would be best to read the series in order to understand the character relationships and backstories.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #MurderOffThePage #mystery
I love mysteries that center libraries. Ray is very cerebral and I enjoyed that his investigations didn’t turn toward the stereotypical strong-arm, alpha male tactics you see not infrequently in mysteries/thrillers. Mike, a cop, and Adele, have occasional point of view chapters which help round out the story. The storyline involves investigating Shannon’s past/current lovers and there are some misogynistic comments from those characters; I appreciated that Adele’s perspective in particular provided some balance in opposition to that. I also liked the way the book ended, with no one morphing into a superhero as happens too often during book climaxes.
Although this book can be read as a standalone I believe it would be best to read the series in order to understand the character relationships and backstories.
Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC. The opinions in this review are honest and my own. #MurderOffThePage #mystery
November 30, 2019
I can't believe that I've read three of these without noticing that the main character, a curator of crime fiction at the 42nd Street Library, is named Raymond Ambler. What's next--Agatha Sayers? At any rate, Ray's friend McNulty the bartender seems to have gotten himself involved with a woman with problems--especially after a man is found dead in her hotel room and she goes on the lam. As usual, Ray--who is co-parenting his grandson with the boy's wealthy grandmother--has other problems, but he and his fellow curator Adele are all in to help McNulty when another corpse appears. If you've liked the earlier two in the series, you'll like this one, too. If you have a limited appetite for noir-ish guys who don't understand women, maybe not so much.
January 27, 2020
This is book 3 in the 42nd Street Library series. Set in New York City, the subtitle refers to the public library main building. There is crossover between this series and Coo LeHane's Brian McNulty series.When a woman comes into the library to use the special collection of a writer , librarian, Ray Ambler is suspicious. Now his good friend Brian is being accused of murder and he's sure that Brian is being set up. With a young girl's life in danger Ray and his friends must save the day. I received a copy of this ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 14, 2019
This is the first I have read by this author. There are a lot of twists and turns throughout the story but I did think there was some confusion with the characters. I would read this author again due to the attention grabbing stories.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for a copy to review.
Thank you to the author, publisher, and netgalley for a copy to review.
December 14, 2019
Semi-Coherent
What a disappointment.
So poorly written. A convoluted plot with wooden characters who spoke wooden dialogue.
Plus the author suffers from creepy old man syndrome. Book one was rated 2.90 book two 3.30 so do your due diligence.
Skip it!!!
The NY Public Library is amazing. One of the best buildings in all Manhattan. If you have the chance visit it or check out its website.
What a disappointment.
So poorly written. A convoluted plot with wooden characters who spoke wooden dialogue.
Plus the author suffers from creepy old man syndrome. Book one was rated 2.90 book two 3.30 so do your due diligence.
Skip it!!!
The NY Public Library is amazing. One of the best buildings in all Manhattan. If you have the chance visit it or check out its website.
January 27, 2020
Happy to run across this book, as it is a new series by a favorite author. A good read!
P.S. I need to read the first books in this series, as there's something puzzling about the narrator that I hope is explained there.
P.S. I need to read the first books in this series, as there's something puzzling about the narrator that I hope is explained there.
May 20, 2024
Good grief I don’t like Adele.
Everything else was good for me. I’m starting to believe Con Lehane simply can’t create decent female characters.
Everything else was good for me. I’m starting to believe Con Lehane simply can’t create decent female characters.
January 18, 2020
Couldn’t finish it; i liked the main characters but book dragged on
September 9, 2019
Semi-coherent.
September 26, 2019
This is the third book in the 42nd Street Library Mystery series. Ray Ambler, the curator of the Crime Fiction Collection at the NY Public Library, and his assistant, Adele, once again use their amateur sleuthing skills to help solve a mystery while trying to exonerate a friend accused of murder.
Ambler and Adele noticed the beautiful woman who requested items in their collection of claiming to be a researcher. She was unfamiliar with research procedures but worked diligently for days on materials in the recently acquired Jane Galloway Collection. The woman who signed in as Shannon Darling, was spotted one evening at The Library Tavern, an after hours bar that library employees frequented. She appeared to be drunk and sparring with a table full of leering men.
Brian McNulty, the longtime bartender, seemed to know Shannon and later made sure the drunk woman got back to her hotel safely. A week later, McNulty called the bar and said he would not be working for awhile. Ambler, who was friendly with McNulty, found an envelope with McNulty’s key and a short note telling him that McNulty would be away for awhile.
Later a dead body was found in Shannon’s hotel room but Shannon was nowhere to be found. McNulty was seen with Shannon before the body was discovered and he was still missing. After some investigating by Adele, it was discovered that Shannon’s real name was Sandra Dean and she was a married doctor from Connecticut. A visit to Jane Galloway’s Long Island home about the interest in her collection at the Library, convinced Ambler that Sandra was the daughter that Jane had left behind when she married her second husband.
Ambler also visited Sandra’s home where he met Simon, her controlling husband, and their young daughter. Simon seemed to accept the fact that his wife was missing since she often left the home for medical conferences.
Then Sandra was found dead in a hotel room in Stamford. The main suspect was McNulty who was nowhere to be found. However McNulty’s Dad had a heart attack and he visited his father in a Brooklyn hospital. The police caught him afterward and arrested him for Sandra’s murder.
Ambler and Adele teamed up with Mike Cosgrove, a local NYC police detective, who was investigating the murder of the man in Sandra’s room, to find out if McNulty was involved in the murder.
The rest of the story is about how the amateur sleuths investigated to try to solve the mysteries of the two murders as well the death of Jane Galloway.
This book was well written and It had my interest right to the surprising end. I had read another book in the series and will look forward to others by this author.
The ARC was made available by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
Ambler and Adele noticed the beautiful woman who requested items in their collection of claiming to be a researcher. She was unfamiliar with research procedures but worked diligently for days on materials in the recently acquired Jane Galloway Collection. The woman who signed in as Shannon Darling, was spotted one evening at The Library Tavern, an after hours bar that library employees frequented. She appeared to be drunk and sparring with a table full of leering men.
Brian McNulty, the longtime bartender, seemed to know Shannon and later made sure the drunk woman got back to her hotel safely. A week later, McNulty called the bar and said he would not be working for awhile. Ambler, who was friendly with McNulty, found an envelope with McNulty’s key and a short note telling him that McNulty would be away for awhile.
Later a dead body was found in Shannon’s hotel room but Shannon was nowhere to be found. McNulty was seen with Shannon before the body was discovered and he was still missing. After some investigating by Adele, it was discovered that Shannon’s real name was Sandra Dean and she was a married doctor from Connecticut. A visit to Jane Galloway’s Long Island home about the interest in her collection at the Library, convinced Ambler that Sandra was the daughter that Jane had left behind when she married her second husband.
Ambler also visited Sandra’s home where he met Simon, her controlling husband, and their young daughter. Simon seemed to accept the fact that his wife was missing since she often left the home for medical conferences.
Then Sandra was found dead in a hotel room in Stamford. The main suspect was McNulty who was nowhere to be found. However McNulty’s Dad had a heart attack and he visited his father in a Brooklyn hospital. The police caught him afterward and arrested him for Sandra’s murder.
Ambler and Adele teamed up with Mike Cosgrove, a local NYC police detective, who was investigating the murder of the man in Sandra’s room, to find out if McNulty was involved in the murder.
The rest of the story is about how the amateur sleuths investigated to try to solve the mysteries of the two murders as well the death of Jane Galloway.
This book was well written and It had my interest right to the surprising end. I had read another book in the series and will look forward to others by this author.
The ARC was made available by the publisher and Edelweiss in exchange for an honest review.
January 29, 2020
Raymond Ambler and his close friend Adele have solved a few murders before. This time the amateur sleuths are taking it personally. One of their close friends, bartender Brian McNulty, is wanted for murder and is on the lam. They are certain McNulty is innocent, but Mike Cosgrove, the officer in charge of the case, thinks differently. To complicate matters, Cosgrove, Ambler and Adele are more than acquaintances, they have “worked” other cases together, much to Cosgrove’s displeasure.
McNulty contacts Amber, asking him to look in on his elderly father and gives him little to no information other than he is innocent. As more bodies pile up, it is beginning to look worse for McNulty by the day. The dead woman at the center of all this has led a secret life in the open confusing police and McNulty’s friends. Her husband claims to know of her infidelities and looks the other way. Suspects are piling up like cord wood and the deeper Cosgrove and Ambler dig, the more disturbing the victim’s life becomes. Unfortunately, McNulty isn’t off the hook. He refuses to turn himself in and is on a personal mission to find the real killer himself.
Murder Off the Page is the third book in the 42nd Street Library Mystery Series. Both Adele and Ambler work in the Library and the plot winds in and out of the Special Collections reading room, painting the picture of a place I want to visit. Even though it only exists in Lehane’s pages, the Library is another character I adore.
Ambler and Adele are cantankerous and charming respectively. They have a close friendship and at times are on the verge of a deeper relationship. Miscues and misunderstandings have left them as close friends for the time being. I love the way that their interactions adds to the plot. Murder Off the Page is a full serving of who done it with a side of cozy mystery.
This is the second Lehane book I have read. Previously I read and thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Manuscript Room which is the second book in the series. Both of the books read well as standalone novels, but I am sure you will enjoy reading this entire series, and like me, search out his other works, a trio of mysteries featuring bartender Brian McNulty that were written before the 42nd Library Mystery Series.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from publicist Maryglenn McCombs in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman
McNulty contacts Amber, asking him to look in on his elderly father and gives him little to no information other than he is innocent. As more bodies pile up, it is beginning to look worse for McNulty by the day. The dead woman at the center of all this has led a secret life in the open confusing police and McNulty’s friends. Her husband claims to know of her infidelities and looks the other way. Suspects are piling up like cord wood and the deeper Cosgrove and Ambler dig, the more disturbing the victim’s life becomes. Unfortunately, McNulty isn’t off the hook. He refuses to turn himself in and is on a personal mission to find the real killer himself.
Murder Off the Page is the third book in the 42nd Street Library Mystery Series. Both Adele and Ambler work in the Library and the plot winds in and out of the Special Collections reading room, painting the picture of a place I want to visit. Even though it only exists in Lehane’s pages, the Library is another character I adore.
Ambler and Adele are cantankerous and charming respectively. They have a close friendship and at times are on the verge of a deeper relationship. Miscues and misunderstandings have left them as close friends for the time being. I love the way that their interactions adds to the plot. Murder Off the Page is a full serving of who done it with a side of cozy mystery.
This is the second Lehane book I have read. Previously I read and thoroughly enjoyed Murder in the Manuscript Room which is the second book in the series. Both of the books read well as standalone novels, but I am sure you will enjoy reading this entire series, and like me, search out his other works, a trio of mysteries featuring bartender Brian McNulty that were written before the 42nd Library Mystery Series.
DISCLOSURE OF MATERIAL CONNECTION: I have a material connection because I received a review copy from publicist Maryglenn McCombs in exchange for a fair and honest review. Copyright © 2020 Laura Hartman
July 10, 2020
Reading successfully as a standalone, Con Lehane graces us with another in his 42nd Street Library Mystery series, “Murder Off the Page,” as we follow Raymond Ambler and detective Mike Cosgrove.
“Ambler sat for some time after Mike left, disturbed more than he’d let on by Mike’s suggestion that the 42nd Street Library’s crime fiction collection somehow begat murders, not only on the pages of its mystery novels but off the page as well.” – p. 26
There are many characters introduced within the folds of this page-turner. From bartender, Brian McNulty, to co-worker and crush, Adele, the characters are as quirky as the mystery within. Primarily reading from Ambler’s point of view, readers are offered some glimpses into Cosgrove and Adele’s head as well, as the team seeks to clear their friend’s name in a succession of murders.
Beginning with scenes from the bar and library, the author builds the suspense as he introduces us to the history of our cast. From someone that hasn’t read books one or two of this series, “Murder Off the Page” reads successfully as a standalone, but there is certainly some history readers miss by not reading books one or two – none of which seems to detract from the overall story. This “missing” history surrounds the entrance of Adele as Ambler’s crush, Ambler’s friendship with Cosgrove and even his previously absent grandson. This chronicle of characters is briefly explained and quickly incorporated into Lehane’s third book of Ambler’s murder mysteries.
Regardless, this read starts slow, building momentum as readers are introduced to new settings. About halfway through the book, those immersed in the pages start to find themselves simultaneously rooting for Ambler to solve the crime and clear his friend’s name, while also finding themselves angry for his “investigative decisions” despite his financial woes and lack of law enforcement expertise. Ambler certainly lacks the resources and expertise afforded to Cosgrove and his team, but his motivation for clearing his friend’s name and uncovering the truth does exceptionally well in driving his justice.
This cozy murder mystery houses an at times comedic entourage of intrigue, sophistication, and secrecy – a whodunnit classic. Fall into the story of Ambler and friends as you work to stay a step ahead of the real killer.
“Ambler sat for some time after Mike left, disturbed more than he’d let on by Mike’s suggestion that the 42nd Street Library’s crime fiction collection somehow begat murders, not only on the pages of its mystery novels but off the page as well.” – p. 26
There are many characters introduced within the folds of this page-turner. From bartender, Brian McNulty, to co-worker and crush, Adele, the characters are as quirky as the mystery within. Primarily reading from Ambler’s point of view, readers are offered some glimpses into Cosgrove and Adele’s head as well, as the team seeks to clear their friend’s name in a succession of murders.
Beginning with scenes from the bar and library, the author builds the suspense as he introduces us to the history of our cast. From someone that hasn’t read books one or two of this series, “Murder Off the Page” reads successfully as a standalone, but there is certainly some history readers miss by not reading books one or two – none of which seems to detract from the overall story. This “missing” history surrounds the entrance of Adele as Ambler’s crush, Ambler’s friendship with Cosgrove and even his previously absent grandson. This chronicle of characters is briefly explained and quickly incorporated into Lehane’s third book of Ambler’s murder mysteries.
Regardless, this read starts slow, building momentum as readers are introduced to new settings. About halfway through the book, those immersed in the pages start to find themselves simultaneously rooting for Ambler to solve the crime and clear his friend’s name, while also finding themselves angry for his “investigative decisions” despite his financial woes and lack of law enforcement expertise. Ambler certainly lacks the resources and expertise afforded to Cosgrove and his team, but his motivation for clearing his friend’s name and uncovering the truth does exceptionally well in driving his justice.
This cozy murder mystery houses an at times comedic entourage of intrigue, sophistication, and secrecy – a whodunnit classic. Fall into the story of Ambler and friends as you work to stay a step ahead of the real killer.
September 22, 2019
Murder Off The Page, the third book in the series by Con Lehane is a book that keeps you guessing until the very end.
Description: A note from bartender Brian McNulty, Raymond Ambler’s friend, confidant, and sometimes adviser, sets the librarian sleuth off on a murder investigation, one that he pursues reluctantly until a second murder upends the world as he knows it. The second victim is a lady friend of McNulty’s—and the prime suspect is McNulty himself. As Ambler pursues his investigation, he discovers that the murdered woman had a double life. Her intermittent visits to the city—a whirlwind of reckless drinking and illicit liaisons with men she met in the cocktail lounges—had their counterpart in suburban Fairfield County Connecticut where, as Dr. Sandra Dean, she practiced dermatology and lived in a gated community with a doting husband and a young daughter. While Ambler looks into the past of Dr. Sandra Dean to understand the murder of Shannon Darling in the present, NYPD homicide detective Mike Cosgrove investigates the men in Shannon Darling’s life. She might have been murdered because she frustrated the wrong man. It could have been a jealous wife. In fact, any number of people might have murdered Shannon Darling. Or, as Ambler suspects, did someone murder Dr. Sandra Dean? Yet, no matter which way he turns, McNulty emerges as a suspect. Ambler’s dilemma seems insurmountable: Should he keep searching for the truth behind the murders if the deeper he probes, the more evidence he finds that points to the morally rumpled bartender as a murderer?
Raymond Ambler is pulled in to investigate a murder when his bartender friend Brian McNulty asks for his help. He agrees even though he is merely a librarian. The problem is the more he investigates the more the clues point to his friend. Is he guilty? And, to make matters worse, a woman Sandra is murdered next. Detective Cosgrove believes adamantly that McNulty is guilty. Can Raymond figure who is the real killer?
I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I definitely give this a 5 star!
Description: A note from bartender Brian McNulty, Raymond Ambler’s friend, confidant, and sometimes adviser, sets the librarian sleuth off on a murder investigation, one that he pursues reluctantly until a second murder upends the world as he knows it. The second victim is a lady friend of McNulty’s—and the prime suspect is McNulty himself. As Ambler pursues his investigation, he discovers that the murdered woman had a double life. Her intermittent visits to the city—a whirlwind of reckless drinking and illicit liaisons with men she met in the cocktail lounges—had their counterpart in suburban Fairfield County Connecticut where, as Dr. Sandra Dean, she practiced dermatology and lived in a gated community with a doting husband and a young daughter. While Ambler looks into the past of Dr. Sandra Dean to understand the murder of Shannon Darling in the present, NYPD homicide detective Mike Cosgrove investigates the men in Shannon Darling’s life. She might have been murdered because she frustrated the wrong man. It could have been a jealous wife. In fact, any number of people might have murdered Shannon Darling. Or, as Ambler suspects, did someone murder Dr. Sandra Dean? Yet, no matter which way he turns, McNulty emerges as a suspect. Ambler’s dilemma seems insurmountable: Should he keep searching for the truth behind the murders if the deeper he probes, the more evidence he finds that points to the morally rumpled bartender as a murderer?
Raymond Ambler is pulled in to investigate a murder when his bartender friend Brian McNulty asks for his help. He agrees even though he is merely a librarian. The problem is the more he investigates the more the clues point to his friend. Is he guilty? And, to make matters worse, a woman Sandra is murdered next. Detective Cosgrove believes adamantly that McNulty is guilty. Can Raymond figure who is the real killer?
I was provided this book free of charge in exchange for my honest opinion. I definitely give this a 5 star!
November 19, 2019
Originally published on my blog Nonstop Reader.
Murder Off the Page is the third of the 42nd St. Library mysteries by Con Lehane. Released 19th Nov 2019 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 336 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
The main protagonist isn't young, tough, or wisecracking. He's a mild mannered librarian with a melancholy background, entangled in a tense custody truce over his grandson with one of the boy's other grandparents. I loved that he wasn't a superhero. The characters are well written, with well plotted motivations and, in some cases, agendas. There's a lot going on: an estranged daughter from a fragile/neglect background whom he meets in the course of his job as a library curator, murder, a "lost weekend" type subplot involving a secondary character (McNulty the bartender) from the other books, a lesser known author whose papers have been donated to the library, and more. Despite so many subplots, the author handled the complex storyline well, and I never felt lost or confused. The murders are bloodless and off-scene. The denouement is tense and action filled and mostly satisfying.
One of the main characters in this book (McNulty) is also the protagonist in his own series of 3 books, making this book a tie-in/crossover. Though I haven't read the tie-in books, this book works well as a standalone. I had read the previous book in this (42nd St. Library) series, but it had been a while; so I effectively read it by itself.
The language in this book is rough (R rated), there's is potentially triggering discussion of sexual background and abuse/abandonment.
Four stars, entertaining, well written, and satisfying.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
Murder Off the Page is the third of the 42nd St. Library mysteries by Con Lehane. Released 19th Nov 2019 by Macmillan on their Minotaur imprint, it's 336 pages and available in hardcover, audio, and ebook formats.
The main protagonist isn't young, tough, or wisecracking. He's a mild mannered librarian with a melancholy background, entangled in a tense custody truce over his grandson with one of the boy's other grandparents. I loved that he wasn't a superhero. The characters are well written, with well plotted motivations and, in some cases, agendas. There's a lot going on: an estranged daughter from a fragile/neglect background whom he meets in the course of his job as a library curator, murder, a "lost weekend" type subplot involving a secondary character (McNulty the bartender) from the other books, a lesser known author whose papers have been donated to the library, and more. Despite so many subplots, the author handled the complex storyline well, and I never felt lost or confused. The murders are bloodless and off-scene. The denouement is tense and action filled and mostly satisfying.
One of the main characters in this book (McNulty) is also the protagonist in his own series of 3 books, making this book a tie-in/crossover. Though I haven't read the tie-in books, this book works well as a standalone. I had read the previous book in this (42nd St. Library) series, but it had been a while; so I effectively read it by itself.
The language in this book is rough (R rated), there's is potentially triggering discussion of sexual background and abuse/abandonment.
Four stars, entertaining, well written, and satisfying.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
January 10, 2020
"Murder off the Page: A 42nd Street Library Mystery" is the third book in a series that makes us all shelf conscious and which features “crime à la library” at one of America's most famous institutions of higher reading.
Author Con Lehane once again gives us Raymond Ambler, the librarian sleuth, and he leaves no pages unturned in wrapping up this edition. A note from his bartender friend Brian starts the ball rolling—murder number one. And as the book would have it, Brian becomes the chief suspect, especially after a second victim, a lady friend, is murdered.
As Sherlock would say, the game is afoot, and off Ambler goes. It’s not so clear cut, he finds. The murdered woman (Shannon Darling) has led a double life! And not just a simple one—it’s filled with “reckless drinking and illicit liaisons with men she’d met in one cocktail lounge or another.” Enter Dr. Sandra Dean, dermatologist, with doting husband and young daughter, to whom Ambler now looks to to understand the murder (it’s complicated). He delves into her past to work the present. Then, of course, Sandra Dean comes up murdered.
All roads continue to lead to Brian, but Ambler is determined to see this to the end, even thought the “evidence” keeps pointing to Brian as the culprit. What’s a body to do? Will the card catalog help him? What noted librarians will he call on to help with those Dewey decimals. All would surely to lead him to the killer!
Actually, the book reads well, quickly, and plausibly (well, sort of: all those coincidences and drama, though, can get to you!). Still, rolling eyes aside, it’s a good read.
What would any fiction subject be without the occasional cozy? (These cozy authors tackle just about any subject, persuasion, hobby, or profession!)
Author Con Lehane once again gives us Raymond Ambler, the librarian sleuth, and he leaves no pages unturned in wrapping up this edition. A note from his bartender friend Brian starts the ball rolling—murder number one. And as the book would have it, Brian becomes the chief suspect, especially after a second victim, a lady friend, is murdered.
As Sherlock would say, the game is afoot, and off Ambler goes. It’s not so clear cut, he finds. The murdered woman (Shannon Darling) has led a double life! And not just a simple one—it’s filled with “reckless drinking and illicit liaisons with men she’d met in one cocktail lounge or another.” Enter Dr. Sandra Dean, dermatologist, with doting husband and young daughter, to whom Ambler now looks to to understand the murder (it’s complicated). He delves into her past to work the present. Then, of course, Sandra Dean comes up murdered.
All roads continue to lead to Brian, but Ambler is determined to see this to the end, even thought the “evidence” keeps pointing to Brian as the culprit. What’s a body to do? Will the card catalog help him? What noted librarians will he call on to help with those Dewey decimals. All would surely to lead him to the killer!
Actually, the book reads well, quickly, and plausibly (well, sort of: all those coincidences and drama, though, can get to you!). Still, rolling eyes aside, it’s a good read.
What would any fiction subject be without the occasional cozy? (These cozy authors tackle just about any subject, persuasion, hobby, or profession!)
January 19, 2020
The appearance of a beautiful young woman at Raymond Ambler's Crime Reading Room raises questions in the minds of both Raymond and his colleague, Adele. Her name is Shannon Darling, and she is researching the recently donated papers of a once-popular mystery writer. It's clear that this young woman has never done any research before and is entirely ignorant of the usual procedures. Their questions only increase when they encounter her in their local watering-hole. Shannon Darling is acting flirty with every man in the place, and as she continues to drink, she becomes more inappropriate in her behavior. Their friend, bartender, and confidant, Brian McNulty hands off the bar and escorts her to her hotel room. It's clear to all that McNulty has a prior connection to Shannon. Two murders later, Brian is on the run and a suspect in both killings. It turns out that Shannon Darling is actually Dr. Sandra Dean, a dermatologist living in Connecticut, and Dr.Dean has been leading a double life. Raymond's sleuthing skills will all be needed if McNulty is to be cleared.
The 42nd Street Library Series is a good example of a character-driven mystery, which is my preferred type. In the case of this book, I found all the character extras a little tedious and that they detracted somewhat from the narrative flow. For all his skills, Raymond is a bit slow in catching on to relationship dynamics, especially with Adele. He does try though with his grandson Johnny, who we met in the first book of the series. Murder Off the Page. I enjoyed this third book but thought it fell short of the first two in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.
The 42nd Street Library Series is a good example of a character-driven mystery, which is my preferred type. In the case of this book, I found all the character extras a little tedious and that they detracted somewhat from the narrative flow. For all his skills, Raymond is a bit slow in catching on to relationship dynamics, especially with Adele. He does try though with his grandson Johnny, who we met in the first book of the series. Murder Off the Page. I enjoyed this third book but thought it fell short of the first two in the series. Thanks to NetGalley and Minotaur for an advance copy. The opinions are my own.
November 18, 2019
Raymond is a librarian working in the crime fiction section of the 42nd street branch of the New York library. Sounds like a nice safe job, to be surrounded by books of the criminal sort.. He works with Adele who is more than just a co-worker. He manages to balance his job, his love life, his family life and his relationships with friends very well.....most of the time, as this new mystery by con Lehane shows us. We meet Raymond in the library delivering some research materials to a woman who, it seems, has no experience in doing research in a library. He has crossed paths with her before, at his favorite haunt, the Library Tavern. It was a memorable encounter on several levels, not the least of which was the fact that she managed to break his very, very new reading glasses. (They are now held together with electrical tape.) One thing leads to another and Raymond is thrust into another murder mystery, this one centering on the mysterious lady in the library and her connection to his friend, bartender Brian McNulty. She was not who she appeared to be, having two very different identities. How does her researching the journals of a mystery writer, Jayne Galloway progress to the death of a man in her hotel room, then her death and Brian in jail, accused of murder? I won't say any more for fear of spoilers slipping out.
This is the third in the series and can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone. The puzzle is full of twists, turns and red herrings and had me engaged to the last page. I hope I don't have to wait too long for book #4.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in echange for my honest review.
This is the third in the series and can easily be enjoyed as a stand alone. The puzzle is full of twists, turns and red herrings and had me engaged to the last page. I hope I don't have to wait too long for book #4.
My thanks to the publisher Minotaur and to NetGalley for giving me an advance copy in echange for my honest review.
November 10, 2021
Murder Off the Page is a very densely plotted murder mystery with an ensemble cast of characters and set at the corner of 42nd and Fifth Ave. in The Naked City, give or take a few city blocks this way or that.
At first I had to accept that the main character’s name was en homage to Eric Ambler, the great crime writer. Just a little familiar something from the author to make his murder mystery more palatable to readers of crime fiction , I told myself.
About 200 pages on, I was starting to get antsy about the author pretending that living in NYC was equivalent to living in a quaint village in Idaho, with all the villagers knowing everybody’s personal business, cozy restaurants, bars or bakeries on every block and characters concerned about cat, dog or parrot care.
Well, gosh dang it, right at that juncture, didn’t the author do an about face and throw the story right into my old ‘hood , my old stomping grounds from Amherst to Greenfield, MASS., USA, right up my back alley at the memory disorders clinic at the Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield MASS., and into the Berkshire woods.
It was just a diversion tactic, but, I say, some authors will write any damn thing to keep a gal hooked on the storyline.
Then the author delved into Dashiel Hammet’s oeuvre a bit and revealed that a dismissed character who was dead early on was in actual fact a Continental Op. ha ha ha LOL !
Poirot was mentioned.
Cabot Cove , was it mentioned in this novel, just like that ? or was that in the previous murder mystery I read, MURDER IN THE FAMILY ?
All in all very entertaining but no mention made yet of the author’s next murder mystery.
At first I had to accept that the main character’s name was en homage to Eric Ambler, the great crime writer. Just a little familiar something from the author to make his murder mystery more palatable to readers of crime fiction , I told myself.
About 200 pages on, I was starting to get antsy about the author pretending that living in NYC was equivalent to living in a quaint village in Idaho, with all the villagers knowing everybody’s personal business, cozy restaurants, bars or bakeries on every block and characters concerned about cat, dog or parrot care.
Well, gosh dang it, right at that juncture, didn’t the author do an about face and throw the story right into my old ‘hood , my old stomping grounds from Amherst to Greenfield, MASS., USA, right up my back alley at the memory disorders clinic at the Franklin Medical Center in Greenfield MASS., and into the Berkshire woods.
It was just a diversion tactic, but, I say, some authors will write any damn thing to keep a gal hooked on the storyline.
Then the author delved into Dashiel Hammet’s oeuvre a bit and revealed that a dismissed character who was dead early on was in actual fact a Continental Op. ha ha ha LOL !
Poirot was mentioned.
Cabot Cove , was it mentioned in this novel, just like that ? or was that in the previous murder mystery I read, MURDER IN THE FAMILY ?
All in all very entertaining but no mention made yet of the author’s next murder mystery.
May 5, 2024
Reading this book made me realize how easy it is to be spoiled by really good mystery writers. And how important it is to have a good editor and someone who can cross check plot inconsistencies.
A couple of examples…
- this would have benefitted from a cleaner edit. Sentences were often wordy, and there were many cases where content was or appeared contradictory. At one point, a female character says, referring to herself, something along the lines of “the sins of the mother fall on the daughter.” Maybe one page later she mentions a woman and says she couldn’t be my daughter, to which the protagonist responds, “I didn’t know you had a daughter until you told me just now.”
At another point, someone talks about being in Denver and coming into town later in the week. Then a sentence later they are planning to meet at a NYC hotel that night. It took several rereads to figure out that the first reference was not mentioned the same day.
I can totally accept a plot line where a cop and protagonist are friends and the cop doesn’t get mad about the protagonist holding back information. But it’s not believable that evidence that both the police and the protagonist have is not examined closely by the police u til the protagonist points it out.
As a subplot, the Protagonist laments his lack of money to hire a private investigator to help get information to get his son out of prison for murder. In the mean time, he uses all of his vacation time and free time to investigate this murder. The premise is ridiculous. Bad subplot to interplay here. I want to save my son and am too broke but I’m going to spend all my time and resources on another murder.
A couple of examples…
- this would have benefitted from a cleaner edit. Sentences were often wordy, and there were many cases where content was or appeared contradictory. At one point, a female character says, referring to herself, something along the lines of “the sins of the mother fall on the daughter.” Maybe one page later she mentions a woman and says she couldn’t be my daughter, to which the protagonist responds, “I didn’t know you had a daughter until you told me just now.”
At another point, someone talks about being in Denver and coming into town later in the week. Then a sentence later they are planning to meet at a NYC hotel that night. It took several rereads to figure out that the first reference was not mentioned the same day.
I can totally accept a plot line where a cop and protagonist are friends and the cop doesn’t get mad about the protagonist holding back information. But it’s not believable that evidence that both the police and the protagonist have is not examined closely by the police u til the protagonist points it out.
As a subplot, the Protagonist laments his lack of money to hire a private investigator to help get information to get his son out of prison for murder. In the mean time, he uses all of his vacation time and free time to investigate this murder. The premise is ridiculous. Bad subplot to interplay here. I want to save my son and am too broke but I’m going to spend all my time and resources on another murder.
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