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First Edition Library Mystery #3
The Librarian Always Rings Twice
When a mysterious stranger turns up making claims that threaten Lady Fowling’s legacy, Hayley Burke must dig deep into her late-benefactor’s history to uncover the truth and catch a conniving killer in this new mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate.
It has been nearly a year since I took up my position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. I have learned that I need to take the good with the bad. The good: I have finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The bad: although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now my personal assistant.
On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. Woolgar is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s heir, is furious. I do not know that I believe Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry.
As much as I would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And I also know there is something dead wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling. I will need to make sense of her past in order to suss out the true villain of this story.
It has been nearly a year since I took up my position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. I have learned that I need to take the good with the bad. The good: I have finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The bad: although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now my personal assistant.
On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. Woolgar is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s heir, is furious. I do not know that I believe Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry.
As much as I would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And I also know there is something dead wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling. I will need to make sense of her past in order to suss out the true villain of this story.
336 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 4, 2022
43 people are currently reading
685 people want to read
About the author
Marty Wingate
32 books694 followersUSA Today best-selling author Marty Wingate writes The First Edition Library series (Berkley) set in Bath, England, about the curator of a collection of books from the Golden Age of Mystery. Book one, The Bodies in the Library, concerns murder among an Agatha Christie fan-fiction writing group, and in book two, Murder Is a Must (October 2020), an exhibition manager is found dead at the bottom of a spiral staircase. Marty also writes historical fiction: Glamour Girls (Alcove Press, January 2021) follows Spitfire pilot Rosalie Wright through both the physical and emotional dangers of the Second World War. Marty writes two further mystery series: the Potting Shed books (Alibi) feature Pru Parke, a middle-aged American gardener transplanted from Texas to England, and the Birds of a Feather series (Alibi) follows Julia Lanchester, bird lover, who runs a tourist office in a Suffolk village.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
Marty prefers on-the-ground research whenever possible, and so she and her husband regularly travel to England and Scotland, where she can be found tracing the steps of her characters, stopping for tea and a slice of Victoria sponge in a café, or enjoying a swift half in a pub.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 142 reviews
November 2, 2022
At the end of September 2022, I heard MARTY WINGATE speak at a writer’s conference. At the time, I had no idea that for the next month I would be consuming only her series called First Edition Library Mysteries. But that is exactly what happened. The third book is titled THE LIBRARIAN ALWAYS RINGS TWICE. I hope that it is not the last one. I know that Ms. Wingate has two other British mystery series but I am not sure that the settings appeal to me as much as this one.
This contemporary cozy mystery series is set in the old city of Bath, England in and around the First Edition Society Library. The Library had been established by the deceased Lady Georgiana Fowling to house her collection of early Twentieth Century mystery writers, mostly women. The collection resides in Lady Georgiana’s former town house and in a bank vault. The books are extremely valuable (over 500,000 British Pounds).
Hayley Burke is approaching her one-year anniversary as the Curator of the Library. In that first year, Hayley has helped solve two prior mysteries and completely revitalized the Library and its mission. Hayley has an apartment in the town house, rent paid as part of her compensation. Also living in the house is Glynis Woolgar who is the Secretary of the Society and is Hayley’s boss. While not being best friends they are cordial to one another.
Hayley is divorced, in her mid-40s and has a 23-year-old daughter, Dinah, who is enrolled at Sheffield University. Every Saturday, Hayley boards a train to Liverpool to visit her mother. The three Burke women have a very close and loving relationship. Hayley’s ex-husband is a ne’er-do-well who tries to help but cannot. Hayley has added Val Moffatt to her life. He is a writing professor at Bath College and has become a vital addition to the Library. They are romantically involved. They met when Hayley asked the college to help with some activities at the Library.
Charles Henry Dill is Lady Fowling’s only living relative (a nephew). He is a thorn in the side of the Society. He is always trying to get more money from his aunt’s estate. The Society’s Board finally agree to let him work there on Monday afternoons only.
John Aubrey shows up one day claiming to be the grandson of Lady Fowling. That really upsets Charles. Nobody who knew Lady Georgiana knew of a child or grandchild. John has stories about his grandmother that cannot be explained by those who knew her. He claims he wants no money or anything else from the estate.
Milo Overton arrives claiming he is a friend and business acquaintance of Aubrey. Both are very secretive about their relationship. On a dark and stormy night, Val and Hayley find Milo in a park as he is dying from a knife wound. From his dying words, Hayley assumes the murder might be a case of mistaken identity because John and Milo look similar.
There are suspects galore for Detective Sergeant Hopgood and Detective Constable Pye to interrogate. Hayley does her bit as well. Relationships are explained and are very complicated.
From a purely selfish point of view, I hope that this is not the last we see of these characters. The books have been a revelation to me of the city of Bath and the world of rare books. They are also wonderful mysteries. If you want to lose yourself in a story well told then you should read these books, even if you are not a mystery fan. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
GO! BUY! READ!
This contemporary cozy mystery series is set in the old city of Bath, England in and around the First Edition Society Library. The Library had been established by the deceased Lady Georgiana Fowling to house her collection of early Twentieth Century mystery writers, mostly women. The collection resides in Lady Georgiana’s former town house and in a bank vault. The books are extremely valuable (over 500,000 British Pounds).
Hayley Burke is approaching her one-year anniversary as the Curator of the Library. In that first year, Hayley has helped solve two prior mysteries and completely revitalized the Library and its mission. Hayley has an apartment in the town house, rent paid as part of her compensation. Also living in the house is Glynis Woolgar who is the Secretary of the Society and is Hayley’s boss. While not being best friends they are cordial to one another.
Hayley is divorced, in her mid-40s and has a 23-year-old daughter, Dinah, who is enrolled at Sheffield University. Every Saturday, Hayley boards a train to Liverpool to visit her mother. The three Burke women have a very close and loving relationship. Hayley’s ex-husband is a ne’er-do-well who tries to help but cannot. Hayley has added Val Moffatt to her life. He is a writing professor at Bath College and has become a vital addition to the Library. They are romantically involved. They met when Hayley asked the college to help with some activities at the Library.
Charles Henry Dill is Lady Fowling’s only living relative (a nephew). He is a thorn in the side of the Society. He is always trying to get more money from his aunt’s estate. The Society’s Board finally agree to let him work there on Monday afternoons only.
John Aubrey shows up one day claiming to be the grandson of Lady Fowling. That really upsets Charles. Nobody who knew Lady Georgiana knew of a child or grandchild. John has stories about his grandmother that cannot be explained by those who knew her. He claims he wants no money or anything else from the estate.
Milo Overton arrives claiming he is a friend and business acquaintance of Aubrey. Both are very secretive about their relationship. On a dark and stormy night, Val and Hayley find Milo in a park as he is dying from a knife wound. From his dying words, Hayley assumes the murder might be a case of mistaken identity because John and Milo look similar.
There are suspects galore for Detective Sergeant Hopgood and Detective Constable Pye to interrogate. Hayley does her bit as well. Relationships are explained and are very complicated.
From a purely selfish point of view, I hope that this is not the last we see of these characters. The books have been a revelation to me of the city of Bath and the world of rare books. They are also wonderful mysteries. If you want to lose yourself in a story well told then you should read these books, even if you are not a mystery fan. VERY HIGHLY RECOMMENDED.
GO! BUY! READ!
August 28, 2022
Hayley Burke is the curator of the Golden Age Mystery Books Collection at Middlebank House established in honor of its benefactor Lady Georgiana Fowling. Just when she’s finding her feet after her first year in the position, she is caught in a struggle between two potential heirs to Lady Fowling’s estate, the obnoxious nephew Charles Henry Dill, and John Aubrey, a newcomer with a mysterious connection to Lady Fowling. If that’s not enough, a murder takes place, and one of the two men is a considered lead suspect. Can Hayley employ her amateur sleuthing skills to help the police solve the murder, and keep the peace at the Golden Age
I spent the first part of the book not in love with the story and wondering where it was going. While books that have the plot centered around books are seriously my jam, I wasn’t connecting to the storyline or the characters beyond a minor level, although the more I read, the more interested I got. But honestly, I never ascended to a level beyond mild interest. I will say that I liked the conclusion a lot, and I feel that the mystery was well plotted. The characters were well-developed and each seemed to have a place in the story.
I have never read Frenchman's Creek by Daphne Du Maurier, but I appreciated how integral it was to the storyline. I also like the theme about how books can be so powerful to get people through tough times and often provide a way for their readers to relate to themselves and connect to others through the stories they read.
If I pick up other books in the series, it would be because of the book theme. I have become quite a big fan of mysteries, so that was the biggest draw to the book for me.
ARC provided by Penguin Random House via Netgalley for Review.
I spent the first part of the book not in love with the story and wondering where it was going. While books that have the plot centered around books are seriously my jam, I wasn’t connecting to the storyline or the characters beyond a minor level, although the more I read, the more interested I got. But honestly, I never ascended to a level beyond mild interest. I will say that I liked the conclusion a lot, and I feel that the mystery was well plotted. The characters were well-developed and each seemed to have a place in the story.
I have never read Frenchman's Creek by Daphne Du Maurier, but I appreciated how integral it was to the storyline. I also like the theme about how books can be so powerful to get people through tough times and often provide a way for their readers to relate to themselves and connect to others through the stories they read.
If I pick up other books in the series, it would be because of the book theme. I have become quite a big fan of mysteries, so that was the biggest draw to the book for me.
ARC provided by Penguin Random House via Netgalley for Review.
April 29, 2023
A stranger turns up at the First Edition Library claiming to be Lady Fowler's grandson. As Hayley gets to know John Aubrey she has more questions about him and his past. Meanwhile Charles Henry Dill is green with envy and feeling very insecure. John Aubrey turns almost everyone associated with the First Edition Library upside down. When a man whom John Aubrey depends on and has confided in is killed even more questions arise.
The main suspect is Charles Henry Dill. But does Dill have what it takes to kill a man in cold blood? Hayley works to put together the pieces of Aubrey's past while finding that his stories parallels that of DuMaurier's "Frenchman's Creek". Is his past real or fiction?
I continue to love this series and hope it will continue. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because Wingate (an American) overuses British slang. It is better in this book than the previous two, but I still find it jarring. The mystery in this book is good, but I knew whodunnit long before Hayley put the pieces together. It has inspired me to reread "Frenchman's Creek" and to read "The Postman Always Rings Twice". Since I have never read the latter, I don't get the connection to this book.
The main suspect is Charles Henry Dill. But does Dill have what it takes to kill a man in cold blood? Hayley works to put together the pieces of Aubrey's past while finding that his stories parallels that of DuMaurier's "Frenchman's Creek". Is his past real or fiction?
I continue to love this series and hope it will continue. I give it 4 stars instead of 5 because Wingate (an American) overuses British slang. It is better in this book than the previous two, but I still find it jarring. The mystery in this book is good, but I knew whodunnit long before Hayley put the pieces together. It has inspired me to reread "Frenchman's Creek" and to read "The Postman Always Rings Twice". Since I have never read the latter, I don't get the connection to this book.
February 8, 2022
Hayley Burke is coming up on her one year anniversary as curator of the First Edition Society and her latest project is opening the library to the public one afternoon a week. She's excited and nervous. If the plan bombs, Mrs. Woolgar will be pleased but Hayley will have failed the board and they could sack her. To make matters worse, she's stuck with Charles Henry Dill underfoot one morning a week. Oh well, better to have him there where Hayley and Mrs. Woolgar can keep an eye on him than plotting more ways to rob Lady Fowling's estate. On the first public day, a mysterious visitor arrives claiming to be the long last grandson of Lady Fowling! He asks for nothing more than to share his story and hear stories about his grandmother in return but Charles Henry Dill sees John Aubrey as a threat to his (already substantial) inheritance. John keeps dashing off but promises a friend will explain all. Milo is surprised and shocked that John has told his story backwards and claims he will help sort things out but he needs permission from John to tell his story. Before either of the men return, Hayley and her boyfriend Val find Milo stabbed and dying on the street corner near Middlebank. Milo's last words are "I am not..." leading Hayley to believe the stabbing was a case of mistaken identity. Could Charles have murdered Milo thinking he was John? The police seem to think so. Hayley is torn. While Charles Henry is a thorn in her side, is he really a killer? Where do her loyalties lie? Is John telling the truth and if so, does he really not expect any money? How does he know Lady Fowling's stories if they've never been published?
Wow this story was fascinating. At first it was a little slow and boring. Like Hayley, I haven't read many classic mysteries or suspense novels. I'm a 19th-century lit person, like Hayley, so for me, this story was lacking a bit at first. Then John came onto the scene and I got caught up in his mystery. I did figure out what might be his story when Hayley confronted him on the boat. His story is interesting to say the least. If true, his grandfather was quite the colorful character and I can see why Lady Fowling was smitten. She was a young widow, mourning her beloved husband, stressed and worried about the trust and here comes a dashing pirate to sweep her off her feet! Ooh la la! What I can't see is why she would leave her child behind. A pirate turned detective is not a great parent. Sure he was loving and fun but it sounds risky. What if he's killed? Lady Fowling could have passed him/her off as her husband's if the timing was right. That part of the story doesn't make sense.
I love the Bath setting! I had a lovely visit there in 2013 and explored many of the places Hayley visits. (I ate at an Italian restaurant near the theater LOL). I have a few nitpicky quibbles though. Characters wouldn't be running in and out of the Parade Gardens. When I was there it cost a small fee to enter and I see it still does- a larger fee than I remembered. Also, there is a refreshment kiosk in there and I remember having a lovely cream tea on a gorgeous fall afternoon in the garden. John is not a resident of Bath so he would need to pay the fee even if Hayley has a Discovery Card. I had a few other quibbles like routes taken (Google can't find a Laura Circle. I know there's a Laura Place which is what I think she means because it's near Grove Street and the Pultney Bridge) and the language. Try as I might, I could not make the characters sound British in my head.
I really liked the allusions to the mystery and suspense novels of the day. There are MANY references to Frenchman's Creek and Lady Fowling's own charming detective stories. I want to read more about Flambeaux! He sounds like quite the character.
I like Hayley. She's level-headed and she has some good ideas. Hayley goes to the extra mile to dig Lady Fowling's unpublished manuscripts out of the basement. She's been reading more of the mysteries or parts of them anyway. She hasn't read enough to say which one is her favorite but she's starting with Lady Fowling's Flambeaux stories and that makes perfect sense to me, especially if she's going to be hosting the public. It would be helpful to know how to answer questions! When Hayley comes across clues or has suspicions, she takes them to the police. When her boyfriend texts call police, she listens. Hayley shows a kind and empathetic side towards the strangers she meets- John and Cecilia. She's also kind to the library visitors-even the moron who hates mysteries and wants American westerns. UM okkaaayy... (He probably won't be the only idiot walking in off the street asking for something they don't have). Hayley tries to keep an open mind about John and she lets Lady Fowling's spirit and Bunter the cat move her in certain directions she needs to be moving in. I appreciate that she just wants to help mediate a tough situation and isn't sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong. She accidentially gets involved in the murder mystery because of the John mystery.
I like Hayley. She's level-headed and she has some good ideas. Hayley goes to the extra mile to dig Lady Fowling's unpublished manuscripts out of the basement. She's been reading more of the mysteries or parts of them anyway. She hasn't read enough to say which one is her favorite but she's starting with Lady Fowling's Flambeaux stories and that makes perfect sense to me, especially if she's going to be hosting the public. It would be helpful to know how to answer questions! When Hayley comes across clues or has suspicions, she takes them to the police. When her boyfriend texts call police, she listens. Hayley shows a kind and empathetic side towards the strangers she meets- John and Celia. She's also kind to the library visitors-even the moron who hates mysteries and wants American westerns. UM okkaaayy... (He probably won't be the only idiot walking in off the street asking for something they don't have). Hayley tries to keep an open mind about John and she lets Lady Fowling's spirit and Bunter the cat move her in certain directions she needs to be moving in. I appreciate that she just wants to help mediate a tough situation and isn't sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong. She accidentially gets involved in the murder mystery because of the John mystery.
I don't care for Hayley's personal relationships. There she comes across as very unemotional. We're told she can't wait to see Val and she misses him, loves him but there's absolutely no chemistry between them. (What dude is named Val anyway? That kept throwing me off thinking he was a woman, knowing it was Adele who had a girlfriend and not Hayley). Hayley is tough on her daughter and doesn't listen. She continues to treat her adult daughter like a child. Fortunately Delia doesn't listen to her Mum and recognizes she needs to SHOW her mother she's responsible. Wanting to fix Dinah up with Kenny Pyle is ridiculous. Let your adult daughter live her own life and your friend can find his own romance if he chooses.
John Aubrey is a complicated man. He seems genuine and simple. He only wants stories or so he says. I think he might be the real deal. There's no way he could know about Flambeaux and some of the details in the Lady F's stories unless she sent his family copies of the books. The books were ONLY given to close friends and family. Hayley uncovers some information that shows he might be a big reader with a bigger imagination but he seems so earnest and honest! Is he a scoundrel? His friend Milo seems to know the truth and wants to help John reveal his story in a more linear fashion. Milo seems smart and friendly but he too dashes off quickly and doesn't share anything before he's killed. What was he up to that got him killed or was it a case of mistaken identity?
Who killed Milo? Charles Henry Dill is the obvious suspect. That mean is a slimy worm. He's not intelligent enough to be a weasel. He's avaricious and lazy. His aunt left him a generous bequest of money so he technically wants for nothing but he's the type who will always want more and more. He sees his aunt's legacy in pounds and pence and not in her worth. Lady Georgiana was kind, generous and caring and felt family was important enough to leave her sister's son some money even though they were semi-estranged and CH never showed any affection for her. I don't think it was Charles Henry, as much as everyone wants him to be the murderer- except Mrs. Woolgar. Charles Henry isn't smart enough to quick enough to kill someone. He prefers to hide behind others.
I don't think Mrs. Woolgar did it either but she is acting a bit nervous and suspicious. I don't see why Mrs. Woolgar was so upset. Her memories aren't "tainted" - that's absurd. This all happened long before Glynnis met Georgiana and if Lady Fowling had a fling and a child she never told anyone about, that's her private business. It doesn't mean she didn't value your friendship enough to tell you her secret. Perhaps she comparmentalized it and tried to forget. The other board members seem more interested in hearing John out. The Moon sisters are charmed by his good looks and dashing manner. Adele doesn't seem to care one way or another. Lady Fowling was her friend only recently. She cares if John wants a portion of the estate but he isn't asking for that- so far. Maureen, the grande dame of the board, seems forbiddable to Hayley. She seems kind of old-fashioned and reserved to me. She's cautious about who she trusts and she doesn't seem to trust Hayley just yet. However, she does trust Charles Henry Dill! Should we trust her that he's not a murderer? I suppose we can rule out all the board members as suspects too.
Hayley's newest friends are Frances and Celia. Frances is a researcher writing a paper on depictions of women in Golden Age mysteries. Some of the paperback mystery covers she finds are apalling! (Miss Silver as a young woman in a see through dress?) I really like the idea of Frances's paper but I'm wary of her. She went through a bitter divorce and has sworn off men. I have a sneaking suspicion John or Milo reminded her of her ex and she went off the deep end. The same goes for Ceila. Celia is a lonely tourist, passionate about Golden Age mysteries and quite knowledable too. She seems to latch on to Hayley as a friend and pour out her troubles. Of course her problems are probably compounded by too much alcohol and smoking like a chimney. I didn't know you could do that anymore in public places. Celia hints at a dark past. She's divorced and upset about it. She's been unlucky in love and perhaps she was attached to the romantic idea of John who represented to her the embodiment of a dashing mystery hero. Perhaps she tried to kill him if she rejected her?
The other possibility is that Milo was killed for some reason no one knows. He has an ex-wife and he worked as a therapist. There has to be angry people and unbalanced people around. The only other named character is the mysterious Jelley, who sounds like a thug, who is looking for Milo. Why is he looking for Milo? Were they involved in some shady business together?
I couldn't put the book down but I'm not sure I'll be reading more. Hayley is becoming more well-versed in Golden Age mysteries and while her travels around Bath are fun, that's not enough for me.
Wow this story was fascinating. At first it was a little slow and boring. Like Hayley, I haven't read many classic mysteries or suspense novels. I'm a 19th-century lit person, like Hayley, so for me, this story was lacking a bit at first. Then John came onto the scene and I got caught up in his mystery. I did figure out what might be his story when Hayley confronted him on the boat. His story is interesting to say the least. If true, his grandfather was quite the colorful character and I can see why Lady Fowling was smitten. She was a young widow, mourning her beloved husband, stressed and worried about the trust and here comes a dashing pirate to sweep her off her feet! Ooh la la! What I can't see is why she would leave her child behind. A pirate turned detective is not a great parent. Sure he was loving and fun but it sounds risky. What if he's killed? Lady Fowling could have passed him/her off as her husband's if the timing was right. That part of the story doesn't make sense.
I love the Bath setting! I had a lovely visit there in 2013 and explored many of the places Hayley visits. (I ate at an Italian restaurant near the theater LOL). I have a few nitpicky quibbles though. Characters wouldn't be running in and out of the Parade Gardens. When I was there it cost a small fee to enter and I see it still does- a larger fee than I remembered. Also, there is a refreshment kiosk in there and I remember having a lovely cream tea on a gorgeous fall afternoon in the garden. John is not a resident of Bath so he would need to pay the fee even if Hayley has a Discovery Card. I had a few other quibbles like routes taken (Google can't find a Laura Circle. I know there's a Laura Place which is what I think she means because it's near Grove Street and the Pultney Bridge) and the language. Try as I might, I could not make the characters sound British in my head.
I really liked the allusions to the mystery and suspense novels of the day. There are MANY references to Frenchman's Creek and Lady Fowling's own charming detective stories. I want to read more about Flambeaux! He sounds like quite the character.
I like Hayley. She's level-headed and she has some good ideas. Hayley goes to the extra mile to dig Lady Fowling's unpublished manuscripts out of the basement. She's been reading more of the mysteries or parts of them anyway. She hasn't read enough to say which one is her favorite but she's starting with Lady Fowling's Flambeaux stories and that makes perfect sense to me, especially if she's going to be hosting the public. It would be helpful to know how to answer questions! When Hayley comes across clues or has suspicions, she takes them to the police. When her boyfriend texts call police, she listens. Hayley shows a kind and empathetic side towards the strangers she meets- John and Cecilia. She's also kind to the library visitors-even the moron who hates mysteries and wants American westerns. UM okkaaayy... (He probably won't be the only idiot walking in off the street asking for something they don't have). Hayley tries to keep an open mind about John and she lets Lady Fowling's spirit and Bunter the cat move her in certain directions she needs to be moving in. I appreciate that she just wants to help mediate a tough situation and isn't sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong. She accidentially gets involved in the murder mystery because of the John mystery.
I like Hayley. She's level-headed and she has some good ideas. Hayley goes to the extra mile to dig Lady Fowling's unpublished manuscripts out of the basement. She's been reading more of the mysteries or parts of them anyway. She hasn't read enough to say which one is her favorite but she's starting with Lady Fowling's Flambeaux stories and that makes perfect sense to me, especially if she's going to be hosting the public. It would be helpful to know how to answer questions! When Hayley comes across clues or has suspicions, she takes them to the police. When her boyfriend texts call police, she listens. Hayley shows a kind and empathetic side towards the strangers she meets- John and Celia. She's also kind to the library visitors-even the moron who hates mysteries and wants American westerns. UM okkaaayy... (He probably won't be the only idiot walking in off the street asking for something they don't have). Hayley tries to keep an open mind about John and she lets Lady Fowling's spirit and Bunter the cat move her in certain directions she needs to be moving in. I appreciate that she just wants to help mediate a tough situation and isn't sticking her nose in where it doesn't belong. She accidentially gets involved in the murder mystery because of the John mystery.
I don't care for Hayley's personal relationships. There she comes across as very unemotional. We're told she can't wait to see Val and she misses him, loves him but there's absolutely no chemistry between them. (What dude is named Val anyway? That kept throwing me off thinking he was a woman, knowing it was Adele who had a girlfriend and not Hayley). Hayley is tough on her daughter and doesn't listen. She continues to treat her adult daughter like a child. Fortunately Delia doesn't listen to her Mum and recognizes she needs to SHOW her mother she's responsible. Wanting to fix Dinah up with Kenny Pyle is ridiculous. Let your adult daughter live her own life and your friend can find his own romance if he chooses.
John Aubrey is a complicated man. He seems genuine and simple. He only wants stories or so he says. I think he might be the real deal. There's no way he could know about Flambeaux and some of the details in the Lady F's stories unless she sent his family copies of the books. The books were ONLY given to close friends and family. Hayley uncovers some information that shows he might be a big reader with a bigger imagination but he seems so earnest and honest! Is he a scoundrel? His friend Milo seems to know the truth and wants to help John reveal his story in a more linear fashion. Milo seems smart and friendly but he too dashes off quickly and doesn't share anything before he's killed. What was he up to that got him killed or was it a case of mistaken identity?
Who killed Milo? Charles Henry Dill is the obvious suspect. That mean is a slimy worm. He's not intelligent enough to be a weasel. He's avaricious and lazy. His aunt left him a generous bequest of money so he technically wants for nothing but he's the type who will always want more and more. He sees his aunt's legacy in pounds and pence and not in her worth. Lady Georgiana was kind, generous and caring and felt family was important enough to leave her sister's son some money even though they were semi-estranged and CH never showed any affection for her. I don't think it was Charles Henry, as much as everyone wants him to be the murderer- except Mrs. Woolgar. Charles Henry isn't smart enough to quick enough to kill someone. He prefers to hide behind others.
I don't think Mrs. Woolgar did it either but she is acting a bit nervous and suspicious. I don't see why Mrs. Woolgar was so upset. Her memories aren't "tainted" - that's absurd. This all happened long before Glynnis met Georgiana and if Lady Fowling had a fling and a child she never told anyone about, that's her private business. It doesn't mean she didn't value your friendship enough to tell you her secret. Perhaps she comparmentalized it and tried to forget. The other board members seem more interested in hearing John out. The Moon sisters are charmed by his good looks and dashing manner. Adele doesn't seem to care one way or another. Lady Fowling was her friend only recently. She cares if John wants a portion of the estate but he isn't asking for that- so far. Maureen, the grande dame of the board, seems forbiddable to Hayley. She seems kind of old-fashioned and reserved to me. She's cautious about who she trusts and she doesn't seem to trust Hayley just yet. However, she does trust Charles Henry Dill! Should we trust her that he's not a murderer? I suppose we can rule out all the board members as suspects too.
Hayley's newest friends are Frances and Celia. Frances is a researcher writing a paper on depictions of women in Golden Age mysteries. Some of the paperback mystery covers she finds are apalling! (Miss Silver as a young woman in a see through dress?) I really like the idea of Frances's paper but I'm wary of her. She went through a bitter divorce and has sworn off men. I have a sneaking suspicion John or Milo reminded her of her ex and she went off the deep end. The same goes for Ceila. Celia is a lonely tourist, passionate about Golden Age mysteries and quite knowledable too. She seems to latch on to Hayley as a friend and pour out her troubles. Of course her problems are probably compounded by too much alcohol and smoking like a chimney. I didn't know you could do that anymore in public places. Celia hints at a dark past. She's divorced and upset about it. She's been unlucky in love and perhaps she was attached to the romantic idea of John who represented to her the embodiment of a dashing mystery hero. Perhaps she tried to kill him if she rejected her?
The other possibility is that Milo was killed for some reason no one knows. He has an ex-wife and he worked as a therapist. There has to be angry people and unbalanced people around. The only other named character is the mysterious Jelley, who sounds like a thug, who is looking for Milo. Why is he looking for Milo? Were they involved in some shady business together?
I couldn't put the book down but I'm not sure I'll be reading more. Hayley is becoming more well-versed in Golden Age mysteries and while her travels around Bath are fun, that's not enough for me.
April 30, 2022
Boring , confusing , much too long ….
January 17, 2022
The Librarian Always Rings Twice earns 5/5 Shocking IDs…Engaging & Clever!
Hayley Burke is the curator of the late Lady Fowling’s impressive book collection for The First Edition Society at Middlebank House. However, in the board’s wisdom, they have arranged for an assistant…Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s obnoxious nephew and one not to be trusted. Hayley is able to stave off his involvement until after their first public opening. One afternoon a week the public will be allowed to enjoy the collection, not as a “lending library,” but as guests to stay, peruse, read, and enjoy the atmosphere. The first opening is small, but a successfulmintertroduction, until…checking to make sure all guests had left, Hayley finds one man yet to leave. John Aubrey appears quite knowledgeable of Lady Fowling’s own mystery books and her fictional detective Flambeaux, but his claim to be her long-lost grandson is beyond shocking. His claim, of course, needs to be substantiated beyond his odd stories and a photograph, but seeing Charles Henry squirm and resorting to violence may just be a motive for murder. An associate of Aubrey’s who informed Hayley he had some background of interest on Aubrey’s claim is found murdered. Were the details he alluded to motive for murder or was someone else the intended target?
Marty Wingate has “wowed” me again with the third book in her First Edition Library Mystery series with a shocking claim Lady Fowling had a child, now a grandson, at the center, but the “maybe” grandson is evasive casting serious doubt on his character. Several, especially the bonafide nephew, are emotional about his claim, but the murder victim was a total, yet brilliant, surprise. The compelling journey is well paced and complex sending Hayley and her boyfriend Professor Val Moffatt on a search for answers and a killer, interviewing witnesses, avoiding personal injury, and compiling a fascinating story of personal loss, desire for belonging, and a fine line between reality and literature. The ins and outs of managing the library, its new events, and relationships between the very senior citizen board members, the selfish nephew, and the usurper creates a page-turning read, and Hayley’s romance with Val is delightful…supportive and loving. There are several references to real literary figures and their work for realism, but I wish Lady Fowling and her work wasn’t fictional; they sound exciting. Maybe another series, Ms. Wingate…the Flambeaux Mysteries by (pen name) Georgiana Fowling?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkley thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
Hayley Burke is the curator of the late Lady Fowling’s impressive book collection for The First Edition Society at Middlebank House. However, in the board’s wisdom, they have arranged for an assistant…Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s obnoxious nephew and one not to be trusted. Hayley is able to stave off his involvement until after their first public opening. One afternoon a week the public will be allowed to enjoy the collection, not as a “lending library,” but as guests to stay, peruse, read, and enjoy the atmosphere. The first opening is small, but a successfulmintertroduction, until…checking to make sure all guests had left, Hayley finds one man yet to leave. John Aubrey appears quite knowledgeable of Lady Fowling’s own mystery books and her fictional detective Flambeaux, but his claim to be her long-lost grandson is beyond shocking. His claim, of course, needs to be substantiated beyond his odd stories and a photograph, but seeing Charles Henry squirm and resorting to violence may just be a motive for murder. An associate of Aubrey’s who informed Hayley he had some background of interest on Aubrey’s claim is found murdered. Were the details he alluded to motive for murder or was someone else the intended target?
Marty Wingate has “wowed” me again with the third book in her First Edition Library Mystery series with a shocking claim Lady Fowling had a child, now a grandson, at the center, but the “maybe” grandson is evasive casting serious doubt on his character. Several, especially the bonafide nephew, are emotional about his claim, but the murder victim was a total, yet brilliant, surprise. The compelling journey is well paced and complex sending Hayley and her boyfriend Professor Val Moffatt on a search for answers and a killer, interviewing witnesses, avoiding personal injury, and compiling a fascinating story of personal loss, desire for belonging, and a fine line between reality and literature. The ins and outs of managing the library, its new events, and relationships between the very senior citizen board members, the selfish nephew, and the usurper creates a page-turning read, and Hayley’s romance with Val is delightful…supportive and loving. There are several references to real literary figures and their work for realism, but I wish Lady Fowling and her work wasn’t fictional; they sound exciting. Maybe another series, Ms. Wingate…the Flambeaux Mysteries by (pen name) Georgiana Fowling?
Disclosure: I received an ARC from Berkley thru NetGalley. My review is voluntary with honest insights and comments.
May 16, 2022
Hayley is still curator at the private First Edition Library, set up by the late Lady Fowling, and run by a board with many of her friends as members. So naturally they're all disturbed when handsome John Aubrey arrives, claiming to be Lady Fowling's grandson--and she had no children! When Milo, the man who works for Aubrey, and who also resembles him, is stabbed to death, Lady Fowling's boorish nephew comes under suspicion--he'd like nothing better than to get his greedy hands on the fortune that Lady Fowling left to the library. But things are more complicated than that, and hitherto unknown short stories written by Lady Fowling come to light, leading to the question: How did Aubrey know of these unpublished stories?
April 3, 2022
Another fantastic book in this series. I can’t wait to see if there’s a 4th!
January 20, 2022
I always look forward to reading new mysteries by this author; she has again exceeded my expectations! The people and places are described so well that I often felt as if I were there. Local flavor is added with the canals and locks in Bath, “narrow boats”, and terms unique to England. I enjoyed more about the Golden Age of Mysteries, the basis for this series.
Hayley’s first anniversary as curator for Middlebank House and the First Editions library. Middlebank is home to this fabulous collection made up primarily of rare, valuable, or otherwise vital first editions of mysteries authored by women of the Golden Age of Mysteries. The library and house were part of the late Lady Georgiana Fowling’s estate. When hired, only one board member knew Hayley had not read mysteries from that era but has since begun. She is very familiar with Daphne du Maurier, and while not a mystery author, she was one of Lady Fowler’s favorites and included in the library.
Hayley will soon meet with the board of the First Editions Society for her review. One of her goals has just been met, to open the library to the public once a week to introduce those interested to learn about these classics and read while visiting. She hopes to garner new local and younger members for the Society that has members around the world. The first afternoon, Hayley met a surprise visitor.
John Aubrey enjoyed seeing the classic detective novels. He knows the stories of Lady Fowling, who had written a series of mysteries, had them elegantly bound to give to only close friends. He claimed he grew up hearing Georgiana’s mysteries, and that when she was a young widow, she became the love of his grandfather’s life. After giving birth to one of John’s parents, Georgiana returned to Bath, leaving their child with its father. This is upsetting to the board, as they don’t want the name of their beloved Lady Fowling besmirched. One person is disturbed more than the rest. Her nephew and only living relative, Charles Henry, thought he should have inherited everything, including the library, but only inherited a much smaller, albeit huge by most standards, legacy. He’s afraid of this interloper taking everything. It doesn’t matter that John only wants to learn more about his grandmother. Since Charles Henry thinks only in terms of pence and pounds, he assumes John does, also.
Hayley is tasked with getting the situation sorted immediately. How could John have known the details of Georgiana’s fictional detective had he not had access to the novels? When one of John’s close friends is murdered, and an attempt is made on John’s life, the fingers point to Charles Henry based on being seen on CCTVs.
Charles Henry is not liked by many people, including Mrs. Woolgar, the secretary who had worked for Georgiana for many years, and Hayley. They realize that the whiny man had not the fortitude to kill anyone, despite having punched John. A board member asked Hayley to find whodunit, since she has helped solve a couple other murders. Hayley started asking questions, tried to understand the answers, and told the police what she learned.
It was a challenge to find other suspects, as John and his friend were visitors to Bath. The ending was satisfactory in every respect, with no loose ends remaining. I heartily recommend this to Anglophiles, and to fans of the author, of well-written cozy mysteries and of classic mysteries.
Hayley’s first anniversary as curator for Middlebank House and the First Editions library. Middlebank is home to this fabulous collection made up primarily of rare, valuable, or otherwise vital first editions of mysteries authored by women of the Golden Age of Mysteries. The library and house were part of the late Lady Georgiana Fowling’s estate. When hired, only one board member knew Hayley had not read mysteries from that era but has since begun. She is very familiar with Daphne du Maurier, and while not a mystery author, she was one of Lady Fowler’s favorites and included in the library.
Hayley will soon meet with the board of the First Editions Society for her review. One of her goals has just been met, to open the library to the public once a week to introduce those interested to learn about these classics and read while visiting. She hopes to garner new local and younger members for the Society that has members around the world. The first afternoon, Hayley met a surprise visitor.
John Aubrey enjoyed seeing the classic detective novels. He knows the stories of Lady Fowling, who had written a series of mysteries, had them elegantly bound to give to only close friends. He claimed he grew up hearing Georgiana’s mysteries, and that when she was a young widow, she became the love of his grandfather’s life. After giving birth to one of John’s parents, Georgiana returned to Bath, leaving their child with its father. This is upsetting to the board, as they don’t want the name of their beloved Lady Fowling besmirched. One person is disturbed more than the rest. Her nephew and only living relative, Charles Henry, thought he should have inherited everything, including the library, but only inherited a much smaller, albeit huge by most standards, legacy. He’s afraid of this interloper taking everything. It doesn’t matter that John only wants to learn more about his grandmother. Since Charles Henry thinks only in terms of pence and pounds, he assumes John does, also.
Hayley is tasked with getting the situation sorted immediately. How could John have known the details of Georgiana’s fictional detective had he not had access to the novels? When one of John’s close friends is murdered, and an attempt is made on John’s life, the fingers point to Charles Henry based on being seen on CCTVs.
Charles Henry is not liked by many people, including Mrs. Woolgar, the secretary who had worked for Georgiana for many years, and Hayley. They realize that the whiny man had not the fortitude to kill anyone, despite having punched John. A board member asked Hayley to find whodunit, since she has helped solve a couple other murders. Hayley started asking questions, tried to understand the answers, and told the police what she learned.
It was a challenge to find other suspects, as John and his friend were visitors to Bath. The ending was satisfactory in every respect, with no loose ends remaining. I heartily recommend this to Anglophiles, and to fans of the author, of well-written cozy mysteries and of classic mysteries.
March 26, 2022
Fun and scary, a murder mystery surrounding a library collection of murder mysteries. Sounds a bit tangled? So is the story, weaving different suspect after another in order for MC to try to solve the murder whilst managing a priceless collection of Golden Age mysteries written by women. Easy to read, and fun! Could not put it down!!
March 1, 2022
Cute, cozy mystery based in Bath, UK, whose title is of course a play on James Cain's The Postman Always Rings Twice. It's a bit meta as the setting is a library of first edition mystery novels written by women in the "Golden Age of Mysteries."
It was not as brilliant as Christie, Marsh, Allingham, or Sayers, but it was fun. Good stuff for listening to while I crochet. The reader was tolerable, although her choice for some of the male characters was grating and loud. I found myself reaching for the volume button frequently.
I liked the main character, Hayley, who is the library's curator and follows the time-honored tradition of being a busybody about any of the murders that come her way. She's smart and thoughtful. In fact, so much so that I found her stupid risk-taking toward the end to be put of character. It was definitely a case of my saying aloud in exasperation, "don't go in there alone, you idiot! Who does that??" But all's well that ends well, and Hayley lives to be a busybody another day.
This is the third in the series, but I was desperate for something to listen to and it was what the library had available at that moment. Now I will check out the first in the series, The Bodies in the Library, a play on Agatha Christie's The Body in the Library. I must say I'm a tiny bit disappointed that she chose a man's novel for the title homage on this book, given the focus on women authors in the series.
It was not as brilliant as Christie, Marsh, Allingham, or Sayers, but it was fun. Good stuff for listening to while I crochet. The reader was tolerable, although her choice for some of the male characters was grating and loud. I found myself reaching for the volume button frequently.
I liked the main character, Hayley, who is the library's curator and follows the time-honored tradition of being a busybody about any of the murders that come her way. She's smart and thoughtful. In fact, so much so that I found her stupid risk-taking toward the end to be put of character. It was definitely a case of my saying aloud in exasperation, "don't go in there alone, you idiot! Who does that??" But all's well that ends well, and Hayley lives to be a busybody another day.
This is the third in the series, but I was desperate for something to listen to and it was what the library had available at that moment. Now I will check out the first in the series, The Bodies in the Library, a play on Agatha Christie's The Body in the Library. I must say I'm a tiny bit disappointed that she chose a man's novel for the title homage on this book, given the focus on women authors in the series.
July 11, 2024
This is an excellent mystery set in a specialty library featuring a collection of Golden Age mysteries collected by Lady Georgina Fowling. The MC, Hayley, is the curator, and she has to deal with many problems, one of which is Lady Fowling's nephew who thinks he should own everything. The library is finally open to the public but that brings more problems when a man claiming to be Lady Fowling's only grandson shows up. Of course the nephew does not want the newcomer to usurp his 'territory', and so becomes a suspect when there is a murder of a man resembling the purported grandson. This is a well-plotted and well-charactered mystery for mystery readers who love reading even more about mysteries while trying to solve one.
January 26, 2022
This was fun! First book by Marty Wingate and I'm tempted to check the library for the first two titles in this series. I liked the whole concept of a first editions library so all the bookish stuff was a highlight for me. The mystery itself was decent and while I felt like things went a bit off the rails at the big reveal, this was an overall enjoyable read.
ARC Provided by NetGalley
ARC Provided by NetGalley
March 23, 2022
Bath, England
This story involves strangers, murder, mistaken identity, and romance gone wrong. The story was a little dry. At times, I had trouble staying focused. I enjoyed the mystery until the end. I was hoping for a different outcome for the one stranger. I didn't like ending for the murderer.
This story involves strangers, murder, mistaken identity, and romance gone wrong. The story was a little dry. At times, I had trouble staying focused. I enjoyed the mystery until the end. I was hoping for a different outcome for the one stranger. I didn't like ending for the murderer.
October 16, 2025
Book three is a good as books 1 & 2, picking up just about where the others left off.
I'm hooked and now have to hope the author writes more about this charming First Edition Library filled with woman murder mystery writer books and fans.
The third murder is just as shocking as the others, the tale convoluted, and the characters are great. I do have to wonder how the curator, Hayley, can just swan off and investigate.
Now I must find more books by Wingate.
I'm hooked and now have to hope the author writes more about this charming First Edition Library filled with woman murder mystery writer books and fans.
The third murder is just as shocking as the others, the tale convoluted, and the characters are great. I do have to wonder how the curator, Hayley, can just swan off and investigate.
Now I must find more books by Wingate.
March 31, 2022
I love this series. Always twists and turns and a very satisfying end. Can’t wait until the next book.
July 28, 2022
This was an interesting read.
February 10, 2023
I’m sorry, but I found this boring.
May 15, 2024
3.5 I like books about books, especially with a bit of intrigue and romance thrown in.
October 8, 2024
fun if a little forgettable.
3.35 stars
3.35 stars
November 20, 2024
This is quite a good book which I enjoyed very much. Didn’t take as long to read as the dates imply, just forgot to enter it as read.
August 10, 2022
This third installment was not *quite* as enjoyable to me, perhaps because I'm not as familiar with du Maurier's writing, and I also felt really annoyed with the evasiveness of some of the characters and other characters not trying to nail down the evasive ones sooner. But, it was still a pleasant read.
October 7, 2021
Hayley is the curator of a private first edition library of Golden Age mysteries by women writers gathered by Lady Fowling. Hayley is trying to open up the library to the public (not a lending library), but the first open afternoon brings a disturbing surprise when John Aubrey shows up and claims to be Lady Fowling’s grandson. Hayley is determined to find the truth, especially after a man who is connected to the possible grandson is stabbed to death.
References are made to many of my favorite authors from the Golden Age, which I now want to re-read! I enjoyed reading about Hayley’s life as she is learning about mystery books and finishing her first year as curator. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing the changes in the library. I also hope we see John in future stories as he is an interesting character. If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in England and centered around books, give this one a try.
References are made to many of my favorite authors from the Golden Age, which I now want to re-read! I enjoyed reading about Hayley’s life as she is learning about mystery books and finishing her first year as curator. I am looking forward to the next book in the series and seeing the changes in the library. I also hope we see John in future stories as he is an interesting character. If you enjoy cozy mysteries set in England and centered around books, give this one a try.
January 26, 2022
I chose to read this book because of the title. I thought it was an excellent title, mysterious and a little ominous.
The book was rather dull. Several of the characters who appear throughout the book series were unlikeable, even though they had some redeeming moments.
The murderer turned out to have a motivation that would have been impossible for reader or detective to guess. It felt a bit like cheating on the author's part.
The ending, and the revelation of the murderer and their motivation, felt jumbled and unclear to me. I had to read it twice because on the first read-through I didn't catch why the murderer had murdered that person.
Nothing that I read in the book explained the title, either, and I don't want to re-read to see if I missed anything. The title ought to refer to something that happened in the book, but I feel like it was chosen at random.
I would not recommend this book or read the others in the series.
The book was rather dull. Several of the characters who appear throughout the book series were unlikeable, even though they had some redeeming moments.
The murderer turned out to have a motivation that would have been impossible for reader or detective to guess. It felt a bit like cheating on the author's part.
The ending, and the revelation of the murderer and their motivation, felt jumbled and unclear to me. I had to read it twice because on the first read-through I didn't catch why the murderer had murdered that person.
Nothing that I read in the book explained the title, either, and I don't want to re-read to see if I missed anything. The title ought to refer to something that happened in the book, but I feel like it was chosen at random.
I would not recommend this book or read the others in the series.
January 18, 2022
https://openbooksociety.com/article/t...
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This novel was fun, intriguing, and at times, scary. I always enjoy seeing England through this author’s experiences. Setting and character descriptions are excellent. I always learn something new, such as about narrow boats. Bath, England sounds like a great place to visit, and Middlebank House sounds architecturally elegant. The library is astounding, made up of first edition, rare, and valuable books authored by women during the Golden Age of Mysteries. Included are a series of mysteries penned by Lady Georgiana Fowling. They were not published, but she had sets printed in elegant leather bindings, one for each of her friends.
Charles Henry is Lady Fowling’s nephew. He resents that, being her only living relative, he didn’t inherit Middlebank and the library even though the bequest he received was substantial. He has tried to get involved with the inner workings of Middlebank and managed to get the board to allow him to work there a few hours a week for Hayley. She and the board secretary, Mrs. Woolgar, will not allow him access to anything sensitive or of value, especially since he had stolen valuable serving pieces during Georgiana’s funeral.
Hayley got the board’s approval to open Middlebank to the public one afternoon a week. Books can be gently read in-house, but not checked out. Visitors can meet and converse with like-minded readers. They hope to attract new members to the First Edition Society to keep it a vibrant, active group. At the first Wednesday opening, Celia, an avid mystery reader in town on holiday, spoke with Hayley at length. At closing time, Hayley met visitor John Aubrey. They spoke briefly of the stories Lady Georgiana wrote. He claimed that after the death of her husband left her a young widow, Georgiana had an extended stay in Brittany. Georgiana was the love of his grandfather’s life. They had a child, one of John’s parents. She left their baby with him and returned to Bath to oversee Middlebank and her late husband’s holdings. Hayley had many questions, and John promised to return. He didn’t want even a pence from the estate; he only wants to meet and hear memories of her from those who knew and loved her.
When Charles Henry heard about him, he was furious, even punching John. Mrs. Woolgar, who had worked for Lady Fowling for over 30 years, was also upset about this claim against the woman she had on a pedestal, thinking he was running a scam. John wasn’t forthcoming in answering Hayley’s questions, even what his grandfather’s name was. Milo, a friend of John who resembled him and put Hayley in contact with someone who could tell her more about John, was murdered. John was later attacked in a similar fashion. The police have focused on Charles Henry as the suspect. Hayley had helped the local police solve two murders already. At the request of a board member, could she do so again and find out if John really is Lady Fowling’s grandson?
We learn more about Hayley, her boyfriend Val, and the mostly elderly board members. Things are revealed this time that show Charles Henry and board member Maureen better than before. I hope to learn more about the very proper Mrs. Woolgar. She doesn’t seem like a warm, welcoming person, yet after her years working for Lady Fowling, she clearly has more depth.
This fast-paced, intriguing novel with its plot twists and eclectic characters held my attention, as did Hayley’s new discovery about Lady Fowling. Hayley and Val can see only a few potential suspects. Rascal that he is, Hayley knew Charles Henry didn’t kill anyone. I followed a red herring for longer than I should have, rejecting my instinctual first suspect. The end is surprising and tremendously satisfying, and I am looking forward to the next visit to Bath. I highly recommend this and the two earlier mysteries!
Brought to you by OBS Reviewer Jeanie
This novel was fun, intriguing, and at times, scary. I always enjoy seeing England through this author’s experiences. Setting and character descriptions are excellent. I always learn something new, such as about narrow boats. Bath, England sounds like a great place to visit, and Middlebank House sounds architecturally elegant. The library is astounding, made up of first edition, rare, and valuable books authored by women during the Golden Age of Mysteries. Included are a series of mysteries penned by Lady Georgiana Fowling. They were not published, but she had sets printed in elegant leather bindings, one for each of her friends.
Charles Henry is Lady Fowling’s nephew. He resents that, being her only living relative, he didn’t inherit Middlebank and the library even though the bequest he received was substantial. He has tried to get involved with the inner workings of Middlebank and managed to get the board to allow him to work there a few hours a week for Hayley. She and the board secretary, Mrs. Woolgar, will not allow him access to anything sensitive or of value, especially since he had stolen valuable serving pieces during Georgiana’s funeral.
Hayley got the board’s approval to open Middlebank to the public one afternoon a week. Books can be gently read in-house, but not checked out. Visitors can meet and converse with like-minded readers. They hope to attract new members to the First Edition Society to keep it a vibrant, active group. At the first Wednesday opening, Celia, an avid mystery reader in town on holiday, spoke with Hayley at length. At closing time, Hayley met visitor John Aubrey. They spoke briefly of the stories Lady Georgiana wrote. He claimed that after the death of her husband left her a young widow, Georgiana had an extended stay in Brittany. Georgiana was the love of his grandfather’s life. They had a child, one of John’s parents. She left their baby with him and returned to Bath to oversee Middlebank and her late husband’s holdings. Hayley had many questions, and John promised to return. He didn’t want even a pence from the estate; he only wants to meet and hear memories of her from those who knew and loved her.
When Charles Henry heard about him, he was furious, even punching John. Mrs. Woolgar, who had worked for Lady Fowling for over 30 years, was also upset about this claim against the woman she had on a pedestal, thinking he was running a scam. John wasn’t forthcoming in answering Hayley’s questions, even what his grandfather’s name was. Milo, a friend of John who resembled him and put Hayley in contact with someone who could tell her more about John, was murdered. John was later attacked in a similar fashion. The police have focused on Charles Henry as the suspect. Hayley had helped the local police solve two murders already. At the request of a board member, could she do so again and find out if John really is Lady Fowling’s grandson?
We learn more about Hayley, her boyfriend Val, and the mostly elderly board members. Things are revealed this time that show Charles Henry and board member Maureen better than before. I hope to learn more about the very proper Mrs. Woolgar. She doesn’t seem like a warm, welcoming person, yet after her years working for Lady Fowling, she clearly has more depth.
This fast-paced, intriguing novel with its plot twists and eclectic characters held my attention, as did Hayley’s new discovery about Lady Fowling. Hayley and Val can see only a few potential suspects. Rascal that he is, Hayley knew Charles Henry didn’t kill anyone. I followed a red herring for longer than I should have, rejecting my instinctual first suspect. The end is surprising and tremendously satisfying, and I am looking forward to the next visit to Bath. I highly recommend this and the two earlier mysteries!
January 23, 2022
Hayley Burke is the curator of the collection of Golden Age Mystery writers' books at Middlebank House, where she also lives, along with Mrs. Woolgar, who was once Lady Fowling's secretary. Lady Fowling was a great lover of these mysteries and collected them throughout her life, but also had written stories herself, which were put to print by a local publisher.
Hayley has convinced Mrs. Woolgar that it would be fortuitous to open the collection to the public one day a week, and in doing so, garner an interest in the collection that would add to the coffers of Middlebank. Unfortunately, the board (consisting of five women who knew Lady Fowling) have offered up the woman's nephew -- Charles Henry Dill -- to work as Hayley's assistant one morning each week.
Hayley -- nor Mrs. Woolgar -- want him there, as he is avaricious about the home, and believes it should all go to him. He has gone so far as to outright steal from the home. But Hayley cannot refuse, so she sets about creating tasks for him that are tedious.
On the first day of the weekly opening, a man appears and stays behind when the collection closes, telling Hayley and Mrs. Woolgar that he is the grandson of Lady Fowling, and can prove it. While neither woman really believes his claim, they know they must give John Aubery's claim thought. Yet it doesn't end there: his tales are indeed those of Lady Fowling, and Hayley vows to look into the matter. Yet another man shows up, who looks very much like John, and states he works with him; and is going to help Hayley sort out the matter.
But before it can happen, the man is murdered, and Hayley and her boyfriend are once again in the middle of it. Now Hayley has to wonder what is going on with John, and keep an eye on Charles Henry, who isn't pleased, to say the least. All she really wants is a vacation...
This is the third book in the series and I have read all of them. Actually, I have read all of Ms. Wingate's books, so you see that I am a fan. And there is a reason for this: Ms. Wingate is a talented writer that can take you into the pages of her book and stand alongside her characters as they sort things out between them. I feel as if I have visited Bath, and seen the collection, and what a wonderous thing that would be, to me, a great lover of mysteries!
When Hayley starts investigating she doesn't realize how tangled the story really is. Is this man truly a relation of Georgiana? Or a charlatan trying to claim where he shouldn't? Taking the high road, Hayley purposely intends to find out, with the blessing of Mrs. Woolgar.
But what she does discover changes things immensely for more than one person. It brings life where life wasn't; and happiness again. Yet there is a darkness, a murderer afoot, and unfortunately, she comes too close and must use her wits and her strength. Hayley is not a weak woman, nor is she wishy-washy. She is intelligent, loving, generous, and kind. She strives to be better. I love that Mrs. Woolgar is softening toward her, and that Hayley's relationship is moving along as it should.
When the killer is revealed, it is not so much a surprise as the reason for the murder, which could have been avoided all along. The ending was done nicely, and the threads all woven together and showing us a mystery that is worth reading again. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
Hayley has convinced Mrs. Woolgar that it would be fortuitous to open the collection to the public one day a week, and in doing so, garner an interest in the collection that would add to the coffers of Middlebank. Unfortunately, the board (consisting of five women who knew Lady Fowling) have offered up the woman's nephew -- Charles Henry Dill -- to work as Hayley's assistant one morning each week.
Hayley -- nor Mrs. Woolgar -- want him there, as he is avaricious about the home, and believes it should all go to him. He has gone so far as to outright steal from the home. But Hayley cannot refuse, so she sets about creating tasks for him that are tedious.
On the first day of the weekly opening, a man appears and stays behind when the collection closes, telling Hayley and Mrs. Woolgar that he is the grandson of Lady Fowling, and can prove it. While neither woman really believes his claim, they know they must give John Aubery's claim thought. Yet it doesn't end there: his tales are indeed those of Lady Fowling, and Hayley vows to look into the matter. Yet another man shows up, who looks very much like John, and states he works with him; and is going to help Hayley sort out the matter.
But before it can happen, the man is murdered, and Hayley and her boyfriend are once again in the middle of it. Now Hayley has to wonder what is going on with John, and keep an eye on Charles Henry, who isn't pleased, to say the least. All she really wants is a vacation...
This is the third book in the series and I have read all of them. Actually, I have read all of Ms. Wingate's books, so you see that I am a fan. And there is a reason for this: Ms. Wingate is a talented writer that can take you into the pages of her book and stand alongside her characters as they sort things out between them. I feel as if I have visited Bath, and seen the collection, and what a wonderous thing that would be, to me, a great lover of mysteries!
When Hayley starts investigating she doesn't realize how tangled the story really is. Is this man truly a relation of Georgiana? Or a charlatan trying to claim where he shouldn't? Taking the high road, Hayley purposely intends to find out, with the blessing of Mrs. Woolgar.
But what she does discover changes things immensely for more than one person. It brings life where life wasn't; and happiness again. Yet there is a darkness, a murderer afoot, and unfortunately, she comes too close and must use her wits and her strength. Hayley is not a weak woman, nor is she wishy-washy. She is intelligent, loving, generous, and kind. She strives to be better. I love that Mrs. Woolgar is softening toward her, and that Hayley's relationship is moving along as it should.
When the killer is revealed, it is not so much a surprise as the reason for the murder, which could have been avoided all along. The ending was done nicely, and the threads all woven together and showing us a mystery that is worth reading again. I look forward to the next in the series. Highly recommended.
I was given a copy of this book from the publisher and NetGalley but this in no way influenced my review.
April 12, 2025
"When a mysterious stranger turns up making claims that threaten Lady Fowling’s legacy, Hayley Burke must dig deep into her late benefactor’s history to uncover the truth and catch a conniving killer in this new mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate, now in paperback.
"It has been nearly a year since I took up my position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. I have learned that I need to take the good with the bad. I have finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now my personal assistant.
"On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. C is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s heir, is furious. I do not know that I believe Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry.
"As much as I would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And I also know there is something dead wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling. I will need to make sense of her past in order to suss out the true villain of this story."
~~front flap
Another charming little mystery, with a soupcon of spice: Val and Haley trying for a naughty weekend away and always being thwarted by current events in the Library. Another easy read, with developing relations with Mrs. Wollgar (and are she and the attorney an item. or aren't they?) and the Board. Halley is anxious as her first year in the curator position draws to a close: will she retain the position ...or not?
They murder mystery is exciting, and frustrating, as one by one the usual suspects are eliminated ... but who is left? Apparently no one, but of course it must be someone. Someone who mistook Milo for John ...
"It has been nearly a year since I took up my position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. I have learned that I need to take the good with the bad. I have finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now my personal assistant.
"On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. C is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s heir, is furious. I do not know that I believe Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry.
"As much as I would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And I also know there is something dead wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling. I will need to make sense of her past in order to suss out the true villain of this story."
~~front flap
Another charming little mystery, with a soupcon of spice: Val and Haley trying for a naughty weekend away and always being thwarted by current events in the Library. Another easy read, with developing relations with Mrs. Wollgar (and are she and the attorney an item. or aren't they?) and the Board. Halley is anxious as her first year in the curator position draws to a close: will she retain the position ...or not?
They murder mystery is exciting, and frustrating, as one by one the usual suspects are eliminated ... but who is left? Apparently no one, but of course it must be someone. Someone who mistook Milo for John ...
February 23, 2022
SPOILER ALERT
Hayley Burke, curator of the First Edition Society, finds herself in the middle of the controversy of John Aubrey, a man who claims to be the grandson of Lady Georgiana Fowling, and his stories of her life while she was away from Bath and in Brittany. But as the story progresses his claims do not hold up, and only serve to see a murder and the ire and machinations of Charles Henry Dill, her nephew, a lout who constantly tries to get his hands on her estate.
Another man shows up looking for Milo Overton, John's ballast, Jelley. He is after something that Milo has. Then Milo is murdered, stabbed, and Hayley and Val, her boyfriend, find him. Mrs Woolgar is incensed that this man would try to claim he is Lady Fowling's grandson; she would never have abandoned a child. In fact, Lady Fowling helped John's grandmother when she was pregnant, and she told stories that began her series of Francois Flambeaux, fashioned after du Maurier's Frenchman's Creek. Hayley begins to look for other writings by Lady Fowling and finds several short stories in the basement, that prove that John Aubrey did know about the books, though he had never read them.
There is an attempt on John's life, and Celia, a woman interested in the library that is now open to the public on Wednesdays, seems to know something about it. It turns out that her surname is Jelley, and her ex-husband has killed Milo out of jealousy, and then gone after John. He then goes after Celia, and Hayley gets in the middle, finding herself in the canal, and then pushed about. Celia is stabbed. They both recover, Jelley having fallen on his own knife as he leaps toward Celia and she holds the knife. Val comes to the rescue.
John had been staying on a narrow boat, and Val finds an interest in them. Hayley arranges for their next vacation to be on one. She gets a smashing year evaluation, another year and a raise. She proposes to have the short stories published and the proceeds go toward a scholarship for women writers.
Hayley Burke, curator of the First Edition Society, finds herself in the middle of the controversy of John Aubrey, a man who claims to be the grandson of Lady Georgiana Fowling, and his stories of her life while she was away from Bath and in Brittany. But as the story progresses his claims do not hold up, and only serve to see a murder and the ire and machinations of Charles Henry Dill, her nephew, a lout who constantly tries to get his hands on her estate.
Another man shows up looking for Milo Overton, John's ballast, Jelley. He is after something that Milo has. Then Milo is murdered, stabbed, and Hayley and Val, her boyfriend, find him. Mrs Woolgar is incensed that this man would try to claim he is Lady Fowling's grandson; she would never have abandoned a child. In fact, Lady Fowling helped John's grandmother when she was pregnant, and she told stories that began her series of Francois Flambeaux, fashioned after du Maurier's Frenchman's Creek. Hayley begins to look for other writings by Lady Fowling and finds several short stories in the basement, that prove that John Aubrey did know about the books, though he had never read them.
There is an attempt on John's life, and Celia, a woman interested in the library that is now open to the public on Wednesdays, seems to know something about it. It turns out that her surname is Jelley, and her ex-husband has killed Milo out of jealousy, and then gone after John. He then goes after Celia, and Hayley gets in the middle, finding herself in the canal, and then pushed about. Celia is stabbed. They both recover, Jelley having fallen on his own knife as he leaps toward Celia and she holds the knife. Val comes to the rescue.
John had been staying on a narrow boat, and Val finds an interest in them. Hayley arranges for their next vacation to be on one. She gets a smashing year evaluation, another year and a raise. She proposes to have the short stories published and the proceeds go toward a scholarship for women writers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 1, 2022
Book number 3 in this series. Seemed to drag a bit with too many new characters, but it was interesting to learn more about Lady Fowling's past and I love that Daphne duMaurier was part of the storyline.
"When a mysterious stranger turns up making claims that threaten Lady Fowling’s legacy, Hayley Burke must dig deep into her late-benefactor’s history to uncover the truth and catch a conniving killer in this new mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. It has been nearly a year since I took up my position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. I have learned that I need to take the good with the bad. The good: I have finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The bad: although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now my personal assistant. On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. Woolgar is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s heir, is furious. I do not know that I believe Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry. As much as I would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And I also know there is something dead wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling. I will need to make sense of her past in order to suss out the true villain of this story."
"When a mysterious stranger turns up making claims that threaten Lady Fowling’s legacy, Hayley Burke must dig deep into her late-benefactor’s history to uncover the truth and catch a conniving killer in this new mystery from USA Today bestselling author Marty Wingate. It has been nearly a year since I took up my position as curator of Lady Georgiana Fowling’s collection of Golden Age of Mystery writers’ first editions at her library in Middlebank House. I have learned that I need to take the good with the bad. The good: I have finally convinced Mrs. Woolgar to open up the collection to the public one day a week so that they too can share in Lady Fowling’s passion. The bad: although he would not be my first, or even tenth, choice, at the insistence of the board Charles Henry Dill, Lady Fowling’s unscrupulous nephew, is now my personal assistant. On one of our first days open to the public, Mr. John Aubrey shows up at Middlebank House and insists that Lady Georgiana Fowling is his grandmother. Mrs. Woolgar is scandalized by his claims, and Charles Henry, who feels he has been cheated out of his rightful inheritance as Lady Fowling’s heir, is furious. I do not know that I believe Mr. Aubrey, yet he has knowledge of Lady Fowling’s life and writings that few possess. To further complicate matters, an associate of Mr. Aubrey’s intends to help us uncover the truth of John’s story. But before he can do that, he is murdered and the police have reason to suspect Charles Henry. As much as I would like to lock up Charles Henry and throw away the key, I cannot believe he is a killer. And I also know there is something dead wrong about Mr. Aubrey’s tales regarding his “grandmother” Lady Fowling. I will need to make sense of her past in order to suss out the true villain of this story."
November 26, 2023
The Librarian Always Rings Twice is a middling work of fiction whose storyline is marginally interesting at best.
Set in Bath, England, the novel's protagonist is mystery buff Hayley Burke. She works at The Middlebank House museum, which houses numerous manuscripts and whose upkeep keeps Hayley and Glynis Woolgar, her superior at the museum, incessantly busy.
Hayley, who is a recurring character in Marty Wingate's First Edition Library series, is tasked with overseeing the Golden Age Mystery Books collection at Middlebank. The late Lady Georgiana Fowling, a mystery writer whose character Flambeaux is frequently referenced in the book, helped set up this collection and is referred to in reverential tones by the Middlebank museum's staff.
The mystery portion gets underway when a man named John Aubrey shows up at a museum open house, telling Hayley he is a relative of Lady Fowling. He professes a deep knowledge of the Golden Age Mystery Book's patroness, but does not appear to be after anything financial.
The only living relative who was in line to receive inheritance was thought to be Charles Henry Dill, a recently hired employee at Middlebank that Hayley (and pretty much everyone who knows him) finds obnoxious and conceited. When a series of attacks take place against John and a man affiliated with him (Milo Overton), the frustration Charles has revealed over another possible Fowling relative surfacing makes him a suspect. The author does nice work making Dill come across as a uniquely needy and unappealing character.
The mystery portion of The Library Always Rings Twice is mostly standard who-inherits-the-old-lady's-fortune sort of motive guessing. The book is populated by individuals like Bath College professor and Hayley love interest Val Moffatt; Val's love of boats is about the only distinguishing characteristic of this flat character. Detective Sergeant Hopgood, whose presence in the book is limited, is semi-compelling and has more originality to him than the remainder of The Library Always Rings Twice's cast.
This is not an awful book, but neither is it groundbreaking either. The manner in which Wingate builds the plot around other literary references is a nice touch, and Hayley's personality will be enough to keep most readers engaged. But on the whole it is a semi-serviceable mystery read, and the Agatha Christie novels it references might be better for those looking for a version of this genre done right.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
Set in Bath, England, the novel's protagonist is mystery buff Hayley Burke. She works at The Middlebank House museum, which houses numerous manuscripts and whose upkeep keeps Hayley and Glynis Woolgar, her superior at the museum, incessantly busy.
Hayley, who is a recurring character in Marty Wingate's First Edition Library series, is tasked with overseeing the Golden Age Mystery Books collection at Middlebank. The late Lady Georgiana Fowling, a mystery writer whose character Flambeaux is frequently referenced in the book, helped set up this collection and is referred to in reverential tones by the Middlebank museum's staff.
The mystery portion gets underway when a man named John Aubrey shows up at a museum open house, telling Hayley he is a relative of Lady Fowling. He professes a deep knowledge of the Golden Age Mystery Book's patroness, but does not appear to be after anything financial.
The only living relative who was in line to receive inheritance was thought to be Charles Henry Dill, a recently hired employee at Middlebank that Hayley (and pretty much everyone who knows him) finds obnoxious and conceited. When a series of attacks take place against John and a man affiliated with him (Milo Overton), the frustration Charles has revealed over another possible Fowling relative surfacing makes him a suspect. The author does nice work making Dill come across as a uniquely needy and unappealing character.
The mystery portion of The Library Always Rings Twice is mostly standard who-inherits-the-old-lady's-fortune sort of motive guessing. The book is populated by individuals like Bath College professor and Hayley love interest Val Moffatt; Val's love of boats is about the only distinguishing characteristic of this flat character. Detective Sergeant Hopgood, whose presence in the book is limited, is semi-compelling and has more originality to him than the remainder of The Library Always Rings Twice's cast.
This is not an awful book, but neither is it groundbreaking either. The manner in which Wingate builds the plot around other literary references is a nice touch, and Hayley's personality will be enough to keep most readers engaged. But on the whole it is a semi-serviceable mystery read, and the Agatha Christie novels it references might be better for those looking for a version of this genre done right.
-Andrew Canfield Denver, Colorado
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