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The Librarian
Since that fateful night I have always kept myself to myself. Reserved. Private. Alone.
Some people think I am too quiet. That life is passing me by. But I know there is safety in my own company. That no one can hurt me if I don’t let them get too close.
Until the day I meet him. A handsome, charming stranger. A chance for me to take a risk…finally?
Or a man who threatens everything I’ve worked so hard for?
You’ll be sorry…
And that’s when my whole life begins to fall apart….
Some people think I am too quiet. That life is passing me by. But I know there is safety in my own company. That no one can hurt me if I don’t let them get too close.
Until the day I meet him. A handsome, charming stranger. A chance for me to take a risk…finally?
Or a man who threatens everything I’ve worked so hard for?
You’ll be sorry…
And that’s when my whole life begins to fall apart….
281 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 21, 2023
2471 people are currently reading
1658 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Keogh
41 books845 followersValerie started to write several years ago. She self-published eight crime novels and one psychological thriller before signing a two book contract with Bookouture in March 2018. The first of these, Secrets Between Us, is available now and the second is due in Feb 2019. She is a registered nurse with a degree in English and a Masters in American Literature. Recently she has given up nursing to concentrate on her writing career.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 394 reviews
April 4, 2023
A librarian with laser focus…….
Book Information
The Librarian was written by Valerie Keogh. It’s due to be published on April 21, 2023 and is 281 pages. Keogh is a bestselling international author of crime and psychological thriller series. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
Ava Warrington holds the coveted position of Head Librarian at the Tate Modern, a dream job that she adores. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the library provides her with an escape from the painful memories of her past. A decade earlier, during her university days, Ava experienced a traumatic incident that still haunts her. Despite her sister's assurances that it was not her fault, she can't shake off the feeling of guilt.
One night, Ava's best friend Poppy convinces her to step out of her comfort zone and join her at a local bistro. While Poppy finds love, Ava has an uncomfortable encounter with a persistent man. After finally extricating herself from the situation, the man ominously warns her that she will regret her actions.
Strange things start to happen to Ava, leaving her wondering if the man from the bistro is behind it all. But what is his motive, and how does he know her? The haunting memories of her past and the ominous warning from the man begin to merge, as Ava tries to unravel the mystery and discover the truth behind the strange events happening in her life.
My Thoughts
The Librarian is an engaging, well-written book that is easy to read. The story starts off quickly with an exciting incident, but then takes some time to rebuild momentum as the protagonist, Ava, worries and ponders. However, once the story picks up pace, it becomes a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
The book is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the end. There are plenty of red herrings and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While some of the surprises may be expected, not all of them are predictable. The suspense and tension steadily build up throughout the book, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, The Librarian is an enjoyable read. Despite the slow build (and a small confusing reveal at the end which I found unnecessary), the book is a quick and entertaining page-turner that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Recommendation
For readers who enjoy engaging "who done it" stories with relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns, The Librarian is a fantastic choice. I recommend it.
Rating
3.5 Quiet Stars
Book Information
The Librarian was written by Valerie Keogh. It’s due to be published on April 21, 2023 and is 281 pages. Keogh is a bestselling international author of crime and psychological thriller series. Thanks to Boldwood Books for providing me with an advanced reader copy for review.
Summary
Ava Warrington holds the coveted position of Head Librarian at the Tate Modern, a dream job that she adores. The peaceful and serene atmosphere of the library provides her with an escape from the painful memories of her past. A decade earlier, during her university days, Ava experienced a traumatic incident that still haunts her. Despite her sister's assurances that it was not her fault, she can't shake off the feeling of guilt.
One night, Ava's best friend Poppy convinces her to step out of her comfort zone and join her at a local bistro. While Poppy finds love, Ava has an uncomfortable encounter with a persistent man. After finally extricating herself from the situation, the man ominously warns her that she will regret her actions.
Strange things start to happen to Ava, leaving her wondering if the man from the bistro is behind it all. But what is his motive, and how does he know her? The haunting memories of her past and the ominous warning from the man begin to merge, as Ava tries to unravel the mystery and discover the truth behind the strange events happening in her life.
My Thoughts
The Librarian is an engaging, well-written book that is easy to read. The story starts off quickly with an exciting incident, but then takes some time to rebuild momentum as the protagonist, Ava, worries and ponders. However, once the story picks up pace, it becomes a thrilling rollercoaster ride.
The book is full of twists and turns, keeping readers guessing until the end. There are plenty of red herrings and surprises that will keep you on the edge of your seat. While some of the surprises may be expected, not all of them are predictable. The suspense and tension steadily build up throughout the book, leading to a satisfying conclusion.
Overall, The Librarian is an enjoyable read. Despite the slow build (and a small confusing reveal at the end which I found unnecessary), the book is a quick and entertaining page-turner that will keep you engaged until the very end.
Recommendation
For readers who enjoy engaging "who done it" stories with relatable characters and plenty of twists and turns, The Librarian is a fantastic choice. I recommend it.
Rating
3.5 Quiet Stars
March 18, 2023
3.5 rounded down
Ava Warrington is a quiet, reserved young woman who loves her dream job as head librarian at the Tate Modern. She has something hanging over her from university’s that always makes her super cautious. She goes to meet her outgoing friend Poppy at a bistro - Poppy is scouting for her next conquest and later she messages Ava to say she thinks she’s found him! Is it’s time for Ava to take a chance and live a little? However, it won’t be with the handsome stranger who oversteps the mark as she leaves the bistro, a guy who won’t take a polite no as the first and final answer. His parting words resonate around Ava’s head for the next few days ....
The start of this psychological thriller is good and the initial encounter and the predatory intimidation will resonate with many women. You catch a definite air of unease and it’s clear that something is looming. As the drama intensifies you ask questions of Ava is she being a ‘drama queen’ or is she right to be concerned? Is she reading the warning signs correctly or exaggerating? She’s certainly a freaked out, cat on hot bricks and she makes you feel jumpy! There is a good contrast between the characters of Ava and Poppy and Ava and her sister Judy which works well.
However, it’s a suspend disbelief read and so you just have to go with the flow. Things worsen and get more sinister though it’s all a bit thin plot wise and as it builds it slots neatly into place although I really like the final reveal. You grow to understand Ava better and the reasons for her caution but it does get repetitive on several notes. There are instances too where the author includes inconsequential and unnecessary details which just gets in the way of the drama.
Overall though, it’s an entertaining popcorn read, one to curl up with on a chilly evening with a glass of your preferred or it’s one to take to the beach on a sunny day for a glide through easy read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
Ava Warrington is a quiet, reserved young woman who loves her dream job as head librarian at the Tate Modern. She has something hanging over her from university’s that always makes her super cautious. She goes to meet her outgoing friend Poppy at a bistro - Poppy is scouting for her next conquest and later she messages Ava to say she thinks she’s found him! Is it’s time for Ava to take a chance and live a little? However, it won’t be with the handsome stranger who oversteps the mark as she leaves the bistro, a guy who won’t take a polite no as the first and final answer. His parting words resonate around Ava’s head for the next few days ....
The start of this psychological thriller is good and the initial encounter and the predatory intimidation will resonate with many women. You catch a definite air of unease and it’s clear that something is looming. As the drama intensifies you ask questions of Ava is she being a ‘drama queen’ or is she right to be concerned? Is she reading the warning signs correctly or exaggerating? She’s certainly a freaked out, cat on hot bricks and she makes you feel jumpy! There is a good contrast between the characters of Ava and Poppy and Ava and her sister Judy which works well.
However, it’s a suspend disbelief read and so you just have to go with the flow. Things worsen and get more sinister though it’s all a bit thin plot wise and as it builds it slots neatly into place although I really like the final reveal. You grow to understand Ava better and the reasons for her caution but it does get repetitive on several notes. There are instances too where the author includes inconsequential and unnecessary details which just gets in the way of the drama.
Overall though, it’s an entertaining popcorn read, one to curl up with on a chilly evening with a glass of your preferred or it’s one to take to the beach on a sunny day for a glide through easy read.
With thanks to NetGalley and especially to Boldwood Books for the much appreciated arc in return for an honest review.
April 4, 2023
This was a story with potential and yet despite some interesting twists at the end, fell short for me.
Ava is a librarian at Tata Modern. Many of her friends graduated and travelled abroad getting into fancier jobs, but she is content as she loves her job and has a nice house her parents have given her. There is an incident from 10 years back, when she was in college, which continues to prey on her mind. Her sister Judy and good friend Poppy urge her to move on and have some fun in life. Poppy appears to be having Ava’s share of fun as well. One day Ava and Poppy visit a pub for a drink. Poppy gets chatting with a man very quickly. Another man approaches Ava, offering her a drink. She feels uneasy in his presence and declines. The man aggressively pursues her and when she moves away, warns her that she will be sorry. After this incident, a lot of things go wrong for her – she is suspended at her job, a dead bird is outside her window, and she feels unsafe. She feels the man from the pub is most likely involved as she has no other known enemies.
The story could have done with some more plot depth and despite a twist at the end, it still feels very usual for this genre. There are repeated references to the incident 10 years back with the details being revealed only near the end, and I found this very repetitious and tedious to read. The book does build good tension around Ava, but I found many aspects including incidents involving a couple of friends who try to help to be force-fitted.
My thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood books and the author for a free electronic review copy.
Ava is a librarian at Tata Modern. Many of her friends graduated and travelled abroad getting into fancier jobs, but she is content as she loves her job and has a nice house her parents have given her. There is an incident from 10 years back, when she was in college, which continues to prey on her mind. Her sister Judy and good friend Poppy urge her to move on and have some fun in life. Poppy appears to be having Ava’s share of fun as well. One day Ava and Poppy visit a pub for a drink. Poppy gets chatting with a man very quickly. Another man approaches Ava, offering her a drink. She feels uneasy in his presence and declines. The man aggressively pursues her and when she moves away, warns her that she will be sorry. After this incident, a lot of things go wrong for her – she is suspended at her job, a dead bird is outside her window, and she feels unsafe. She feels the man from the pub is most likely involved as she has no other known enemies.
The story could have done with some more plot depth and despite a twist at the end, it still feels very usual for this genre. There are repeated references to the incident 10 years back with the details being revealed only near the end, and I found this very repetitious and tedious to read. The book does build good tension around Ava, but I found many aspects including incidents involving a couple of friends who try to help to be force-fitted.
My thanks to NetGalley, Boldwood books and the author for a free electronic review copy.
May 1, 2023
I have read the authors previous 2 psychological thrillers and loved them
The Librarian was a quick punchy read with the story revolving around the main character of Ava and her past catching her up and now affecting her,her friends and her family…… what happened in her past is revealed in stages throughout the book which keeps the readers interest until the ending where all is revealed
I loved the book being set in the Tate and did like the character of Ava,the story built in tension and although did sometimes cause a ‘surely she would realise’ thought on the whole was a good read
Look forward to the authors next book
The Librarian was a quick punchy read with the story revolving around the main character of Ava and her past catching her up and now affecting her,her friends and her family…… what happened in her past is revealed in stages throughout the book which keeps the readers interest until the ending where all is revealed
I loved the book being set in the Tate and did like the character of Ava,the story built in tension and although did sometimes cause a ‘surely she would realise’ thought on the whole was a good read
Look forward to the authors next book
March 22, 2023
Ava Warrington has a dream job as a Head Librarian at the Tate modern. But life wasn’t always like that. Ten years previously whilst at Uni an incident happened involving Simon Loder will play on her mind for the rest of her life as she is convinced it was her own fault.
Present day, Now quite and reserved Ava is persuaded by her friend Poppy to go out for the night. They head for the local Bistro. Where a guy chats her up and but she has now learned to say no and walks away from him. Only for him to shout, ‘You will be sorry’. Is history repeating itself?
After that night, weird things start to happen including something at the gallery. Ava is convinced that it has something to do with the guy at the Bistro. Is he getting his revenge?
Thank you Boldwood books for Valerie Keogh’s latest offering. What can I say about this. For me personally I found the first half of this, with it twists and turns quite a crazy plot, but I continued nevertheless and I am so glad I did, because the style of the writing changed and it became a intriguing story with I ended up enjoying. Not her best work but well worth the read for entertainment value. 3.5 stars from me.
Present day, Now quite and reserved Ava is persuaded by her friend Poppy to go out for the night. They head for the local Bistro. Where a guy chats her up and but she has now learned to say no and walks away from him. Only for him to shout, ‘You will be sorry’. Is history repeating itself?
After that night, weird things start to happen including something at the gallery. Ava is convinced that it has something to do with the guy at the Bistro. Is he getting his revenge?
Thank you Boldwood books for Valerie Keogh’s latest offering. What can I say about this. For me personally I found the first half of this, with it twists and turns quite a crazy plot, but I continued nevertheless and I am so glad I did, because the style of the writing changed and it became a intriguing story with I ended up enjoying. Not her best work but well worth the read for entertainment value. 3.5 stars from me.
December 18, 2025
Ava is quiet, reserved, isolated since an unfortunate event in her past. Until she meets a handsome and charming stranger, then her life begins to fall apart…
This was an entertaining story, with ample psychological suspense.
This was an entertaining story, with ample psychological suspense.
December 31, 2023
After finishing The Housekeeper, I read this book. I didn't like The Housekeeper, but I enjoyed The Librarian The Housekeeper.
The book tells about a quiet librarian Ava who had a dramatic event 10 years ago as a college student. Since then she has enjoyed her job at Tate Modern in London and is sure that nothing exited is going to happen in her life. She enjoys her best friend Poppy's stories about romantic adventures but doesn't make an effort to have her own.
But one day meeting Poppy in a Bistro, she encounters a man who cannot take a "No" when Ava refuses to have a drink with him. His insistence frightens Ava and not without a reason. After their meeting strange and dramatic events start in Ava's life.
The book captivates the reader's attention from the first pages and keeps events coming one after another with increasing tension. The end I also very good. Ava is a very likeable and clever character ready to do everything for her best friend Poppy and Ava's sister Judy.
A good book recommended for everyone who likes a good thriller.
The book tells about a quiet librarian Ava who had a dramatic event 10 years ago as a college student. Since then she has enjoyed her job at Tate Modern in London and is sure that nothing exited is going to happen in her life. She enjoys her best friend Poppy's stories about romantic adventures but doesn't make an effort to have her own.
But one day meeting Poppy in a Bistro, she encounters a man who cannot take a "No" when Ava refuses to have a drink with him. His insistence frightens Ava and not without a reason. After their meeting strange and dramatic events start in Ava's life.
The book captivates the reader's attention from the first pages and keeps events coming one after another with increasing tension. The end I also very good. Ava is a very likeable and clever character ready to do everything for her best friend Poppy and Ava's sister Judy.
A good book recommended for everyone who likes a good thriller.
December 20, 2025
3.5★
Ava Warrington has a dream job as head librarian at the Tate Modern which she loves. It is here where she can forget and escape from her thoughts after having a traumatic incident during her university days that still haunts her today.
Ava’s best friend Poppy finally convinces Ava it’s about time she started to live and enjoy life so they head off one night to the local bistro. After chatting with a man for a short time, Ava feels quite uncomfortable because he's a bit persistent, so she excuses herself. It's what he says when she leaves that has Ava on edge. As the story continued, the intensity built, and I was curious to see how it would end. This was an entertaining read which I enjoyed.
Ava Warrington has a dream job as head librarian at the Tate Modern which she loves. It is here where she can forget and escape from her thoughts after having a traumatic incident during her university days that still haunts her today.
Ava’s best friend Poppy finally convinces Ava it’s about time she started to live and enjoy life so they head off one night to the local bistro. After chatting with a man for a short time, Ava feels quite uncomfortable because he's a bit persistent, so she excuses herself. It's what he says when she leaves that has Ava on edge. As the story continued, the intensity built, and I was curious to see how it would end. This was an entertaining read which I enjoyed.
July 22, 2023
So far fetched!
So before reading this, I glanced a few reviews and as crime/thrillers tend to be what I go for most, I thought I’d give this a shot. Crime dramas tend to be what I pick most in my TV shows as well so let’s say it’s an area I’m familiar with.
This was far from thriller for me; instead I found myself annoyed and repeatedly wanting to bang my head against the wall with just how BAD parts of this “thriller” were. I spent most of the book wanting to shake the life out of Ava; while I like my heroines strong and complex, Ava was more damsel in distress and weakling than I usually like and worst of all, she complained about her own shortcomings constantly and yet did nothing to change them. She had a few redeeming qualities but mostly, I felt she was a terrible person who surrounded herself with equally terrible people; her “best friend” Poppy treated her like crap and yet Ava had this odd hero-like worship of her when she ended up in hospital, saying, when Ava stayed with her through the night, that “Poppy would do the same for me”. You know what love, I don’t think she would considering how she’d literally blown you off for a man she’d just met a few chapters before when you desperately needed her support. She was also gaslit by her constantly about being a drama queen which, as it turns out, wasn’t true at all! Another thing Ava conveniently forgot when she was singing Poppy’s praises.
The overall climax to the book wasn’t much of a surprise either; it was glaringly obvious that it was all about the “event” from 10 years ago coz it was mentioned in pretty much every chapter to the point where I actually rolled my eyes. It made the story and Ava sound like broken records and took any suspense out the narrative. It was also glaringly obvious that Dustin was not who he said he was when he had those violent outbursts; something which Ava brushed off very easily for someone who’d been so on edge through out the entire book. It frustrated me how someone as smart as Ava clearly was, was also so dumb in that situation. As someone who dabbles in forensic psychology outside of their academic studies, I found the motivation of the two men who ended up being the perpetrators of everything far from convincing. Yes, psychopaths do do things described in the book for less but it was all so inconsistent. They had enough forensic awareness to leave no prints on the syringe but left them on the drug foils. Nah, I’m not buying it. I also highly doubt that a murderer like Dustin would have met a petty criminal like Noah in the same institution. It was also mentioned that Dustin had just got out; I don’t believe that he wouldn’t have been under some kind of surveillance given his crime. The time line also doesn’t match up as it’s implied that he’s around Ava’s age and if he’d just done 18 years, he’d have been a kid when he was jailed. As I said at the start of this review, it was all so far fetched.
Writing wise, this book was problematic for me. Simon’s surname went from Loden to Loder and then back again on multiple occasions. The artist mentioned in the Tate also had a name change. Some of the writing of the prose felt like something I’d read in a GCSE English Literature essay rather and a published novel. Far from thrill you, this novel only fizzled at best for me, and that’s being extremely generous. Hard pass on reading from this author again I’m afraid.
So before reading this, I glanced a few reviews and as crime/thrillers tend to be what I go for most, I thought I’d give this a shot. Crime dramas tend to be what I pick most in my TV shows as well so let’s say it’s an area I’m familiar with.
This was far from thriller for me; instead I found myself annoyed and repeatedly wanting to bang my head against the wall with just how BAD parts of this “thriller” were. I spent most of the book wanting to shake the life out of Ava; while I like my heroines strong and complex, Ava was more damsel in distress and weakling than I usually like and worst of all, she complained about her own shortcomings constantly and yet did nothing to change them. She had a few redeeming qualities but mostly, I felt she was a terrible person who surrounded herself with equally terrible people; her “best friend” Poppy treated her like crap and yet Ava had this odd hero-like worship of her when she ended up in hospital, saying, when Ava stayed with her through the night, that “Poppy would do the same for me”. You know what love, I don’t think she would considering how she’d literally blown you off for a man she’d just met a few chapters before when you desperately needed her support. She was also gaslit by her constantly about being a drama queen which, as it turns out, wasn’t true at all! Another thing Ava conveniently forgot when she was singing Poppy’s praises.
The overall climax to the book wasn’t much of a surprise either; it was glaringly obvious that it was all about the “event” from 10 years ago coz it was mentioned in pretty much every chapter to the point where I actually rolled my eyes. It made the story and Ava sound like broken records and took any suspense out the narrative. It was also glaringly obvious that Dustin was not who he said he was when he had those violent outbursts; something which Ava brushed off very easily for someone who’d been so on edge through out the entire book. It frustrated me how someone as smart as Ava clearly was, was also so dumb in that situation. As someone who dabbles in forensic psychology outside of their academic studies, I found the motivation of the two men who ended up being the perpetrators of everything far from convincing. Yes, psychopaths do do things described in the book for less but it was all so inconsistent. They had enough forensic awareness to leave no prints on the syringe but left them on the drug foils. Nah, I’m not buying it. I also highly doubt that a murderer like Dustin would have met a petty criminal like Noah in the same institution. It was also mentioned that Dustin had just got out; I don’t believe that he wouldn’t have been under some kind of surveillance given his crime. The time line also doesn’t match up as it’s implied that he’s around Ava’s age and if he’d just done 18 years, he’d have been a kid when he was jailed. As I said at the start of this review, it was all so far fetched.
Writing wise, this book was problematic for me. Simon’s surname went from Loden to Loder and then back again on multiple occasions. The artist mentioned in the Tate also had a name change. Some of the writing of the prose felt like something I’d read in a GCSE English Literature essay rather and a published novel. Far from thrill you, this novel only fizzled at best for me, and that’s being extremely generous. Hard pass on reading from this author again I’m afraid.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 21, 2023
I think this is my first novel of Valerie Keogh's - and it was certainly different.
Ava has her dream job - head librarian at the Tate Gallery. Quiet and reserved, there is something in her past which has caused her to be cautious but we're not privy to the details until later in the book. However, her friend Poppy drags her out to socialise from time to time - when she's between boyfriends, that is. Each and every one of Poppy's conquests are always 'the one' - at least for a while. The latest one is no different. Until, that is, things change . . .
I couldn't quite make up my mind about this one as I was reading; the hints are there that something happened in Ava's past which obviously affected her confidence but I was a bit annoyed that it took so long to find out what. However, having reached the end of the book, I can quite see why the author wrote it that way. Did I see what was coming? No. I was completely unsuspecting of the guilty party until it was too late (by then, it was spelled out on the page and I couldn't miss it)! The story with her sister distracted me sufficiently - and wow, I want her on my side if I ever find myself in a 'situation'. Well written, I'm just not sure it was meant for me. However, I'm sure many others will love this one, and I'm happy to give it four stars.
Ava has her dream job - head librarian at the Tate Gallery. Quiet and reserved, there is something in her past which has caused her to be cautious but we're not privy to the details until later in the book. However, her friend Poppy drags her out to socialise from time to time - when she's between boyfriends, that is. Each and every one of Poppy's conquests are always 'the one' - at least for a while. The latest one is no different. Until, that is, things change . . .
I couldn't quite make up my mind about this one as I was reading; the hints are there that something happened in Ava's past which obviously affected her confidence but I was a bit annoyed that it took so long to find out what. However, having reached the end of the book, I can quite see why the author wrote it that way. Did I see what was coming? No. I was completely unsuspecting of the guilty party until it was too late (by then, it was spelled out on the page and I couldn't miss it)! The story with her sister distracted me sufficiently - and wow, I want her on my side if I ever find myself in a 'situation'. Well written, I'm just not sure it was meant for me. However, I'm sure many others will love this one, and I'm happy to give it four stars.
April 6, 2023
I rounded down but would give this a 3.5 stars
I am a sucker for this kind of psychological thriller, and what drew my attention was how unusual it is for the quiet life of a librarian to center around this type of genre.
Ava is a librarian who lives a quiet life ever since something that happened ten years before that changed her and her dreams for her future. One night she goes out for drinks with her friend Poppy and has an unnerving interaction with a man that leaves her feeling unsettled. From that moment on things begin to go wrong for her and she can't help but wonder if it is connected to that interaction or what happened all those years earlier
.
While this book grabbed my attention in the first chapter, I found the plot to be somewhat flimsy. It took a long time to build, and most of the details were so sparse that I struggled to care as she seemed to be getting so worked up about nothing. Once things started to come together at the end it picked up and I rather enjoyed it. I just feel that the book would have had more weight if we would have known more of "the incident" earlier in the book.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ebook for an honest review.
I am a sucker for this kind of psychological thriller, and what drew my attention was how unusual it is for the quiet life of a librarian to center around this type of genre.
Ava is a librarian who lives a quiet life ever since something that happened ten years before that changed her and her dreams for her future. One night she goes out for drinks with her friend Poppy and has an unnerving interaction with a man that leaves her feeling unsettled. From that moment on things begin to go wrong for her and she can't help but wonder if it is connected to that interaction or what happened all those years earlier
.
While this book grabbed my attention in the first chapter, I found the plot to be somewhat flimsy. It took a long time to build, and most of the details were so sparse that I struggled to care as she seemed to be getting so worked up about nothing. Once things started to come together at the end it picked up and I rather enjoyed it. I just feel that the book would have had more weight if we would have known more of "the incident" earlier in the book.
Thank you NetGalley for allowing me to read this ebook for an honest review.
September 21, 2023
ARC provided in exchange for an honest review.
I really enjoyed the storyline at the heart of this book! The mystery aspect kept me guessing until the end and even when I thought I had it figured out there was still more to discover! The writing was complex and kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes mysteries about librarians with hidden pasts!
I really enjoyed the storyline at the heart of this book! The mystery aspect kept me guessing until the end and even when I thought I had it figured out there was still more to discover! The writing was complex and kept me engaged and entertained throughout. I would definitely recommend to anyone who likes mysteries about librarians with hidden pasts!
January 20, 2025
SO SLOW!!! Did not like the pace of this book. Things only started to escalate a little bit at the end and I was already super bored by then.
Writing style was akin to Freida McFadden's - one of the reasons why I continued reading and did not decide to DNF it, because I had faith in it but I guess I seriously should have earlier on ...
The story was predictable for me so I did not find this one exciting at all
Shame! This was frustrating because I actually liked the writer's style and language. I also liked that it was set in Tate Modern/London :)
Character: 6
Setting & Atmosphere: 6
Plot & Structure: 4
Style & Language: 6
Themes & Motifs: 7
Narrative Perspective: 5
Reading Experience: 4
Average Score: 5.43
Rating: 2/5
Goodreads Rating | Score Threshold
1 | 3.00
2 | 6.00
3 | 7.50
4 | 9.00
5 | 10.00
Writing style was akin to Freida McFadden's - one of the reasons why I continued reading and did not decide to DNF it, because I had faith in it but I guess I seriously should have earlier on ...
The story was predictable for me so I did not find this one exciting at all
Shame! This was frustrating because I actually liked the writer's style and language. I also liked that it was set in Tate Modern/London :)
Character: 6
Setting & Atmosphere: 6
Plot & Structure: 4
Style & Language: 6
Themes & Motifs: 7
Narrative Perspective: 5
Reading Experience: 4
Average Score: 5.43
Rating: 2/5
Goodreads Rating | Score Threshold
1 | 3.00
2 | 6.00
3 | 7.50
4 | 9.00
5 | 10.00
March 24, 2023
Such a shame as I usually enjoy Valerie’s books but, this one just didn’t do anything for me. It was slow and quite a lot different from her usual type of book. At first it read like a chick lit book until the story finally developed.mat times I found it a little strange as the characters were all over the place. He story seemed very rushed so that was disappointing. My thanks to Netgalley and the publishers for giving me the opportunity to read this book in return for an honest review.
April 13, 2023
This latest book by Valerie Keogh is not what I had hoped. I love ALL of her books but this one I could not get interested in. Maybe it’s just me?? DNF 39% which I think is plenty of time to know if I like the book or not? Thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for this early release. Looking forward to Valerie’s next book!
March 10, 2024
The Librarian is a melodrama mystery with a sprinkle of a light thriller leaving me with a set of mixed feelings.
Ava Harrington has something in her past she wants to forget.
Now she works as head librarian in the Tate Modern.
One night out with her best friend Poppy, she is harassed by a stranger.
The stranger is insistent and doesn’t understand the word no.
As she walks away, he yells “you’ll be sorry”.
That’s when everything begins to fall apart
An easy read, starts off with a bang and the it’s a slow burn towards tension and suspense until a decent ending.
It’s being marketed as a “psychological thriller” but I found it more a mystery drama and domestic noir than thriller.
The premise makes it inviting but once opened I was a little disappointed.
There’s elements that I enjoyed, the setting was fab and some of the characters intriguing but I couldn’t warm to the main character of Ava.
Generally speaking it’s a moderate read with some moments of strength.
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #domesticnoir #mystery #secrets #whodunnit #thriller #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #booksofinstagram #femalewriters #womenwriters #ukwriters #supportwomenwriters #book #bookgeek #bookstagram #bookblog #bookblogger #bookreview #bookreviewer #booknerd #bookworm #booklover #bookobsessed #bookaddict #wordofmouthbooks #valeriekeogh #thelibrarian
Ava Harrington has something in her past she wants to forget.
Now she works as head librarian in the Tate Modern.
One night out with her best friend Poppy, she is harassed by a stranger.
The stranger is insistent and doesn’t understand the word no.
As she walks away, he yells “you’ll be sorry”.
That’s when everything begins to fall apart
An easy read, starts off with a bang and the it’s a slow burn towards tension and suspense until a decent ending.
It’s being marketed as a “psychological thriller” but I found it more a mystery drama and domestic noir than thriller.
The premise makes it inviting but once opened I was a little disappointed.
There’s elements that I enjoyed, the setting was fab and some of the characters intriguing but I couldn’t warm to the main character of Ava.
Generally speaking it’s a moderate read with some moments of strength.
#contemporaryfiction #domesticdrama #domesticnoir #mystery #secrets #whodunnit #thriller #authorsofinstagram #writersofinstagram #booksofinstagram #femalewriters #womenwriters #ukwriters #supportwomenwriters #book #bookgeek #bookstagram #bookblog #bookblogger #bookreview #bookreviewer #booknerd #bookworm #booklover #bookobsessed #bookaddict #wordofmouthbooks #valeriekeogh #thelibrarian
August 18, 2023
This one was not my cup of tea. I knew from the start it wasn’t just Noah but also Dustin. Now I didn’t know why they were after her and determined to ruin her life but it was easy to work out the more you read. Like she possibly lied about what happened with a guy named Simon. Claimed he tried to rape her. Did he? Did he not? We end the book still not being 100% certain. However these two guys were his friends. Simon committing suicide, made Noah spiral and turn to hard drugs and ended up in jail. Jail produced the friendship with the murderer Dustin. They teamed up to ruin her and her life. They almost succeeded if her sister hadn’t showed up. Bam done. Whole story there.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 10, 2025
This is unfortunately one of the worst books I’ve ever read. The writing is repetitive and boring, even the way the sentences are constructed is exhausting to read through. The plot was obvious and so basic it made my eyes roll. Several topics were open without development or closure. The weakness of the main character’s writing is glaring. I’m usually the chillest person on Earth with books and will read and enjoy anything, but this one I simply couldn’t cope with. Hope this helps! I’m sure there are people out there that may enjoy it, but it just really wasn’t my thing. And I have many ‘things’!
January 19, 2024
If I ever read the word Bistro again, it will be too soon.
March 15, 2023
Since that fateful night I have always kept myself to myself. Reserved. Private. Alone.
Some people think I am too quiet. That life is passing me by. But I know there is safety in my own company. That no one can hurt me if I don’t let them get too close.
Until the day I meet him. A handsome, charming stranger. A chance for me to take a risk…finally?
Or a man who threatens everything I’ve worked so hard for?
I always enjoy this authors books, Ava is a librarian and loves her job. She is out one night with her best friend Poppy when a strange man offers her a drink to which she refuses. She feels there is something not right about him and as she goes to leave the venue, he follows her and calls out "you will be sorry". She becomes totally obsessed with worry that the strange things that are now happening in her life are due to this mans presence. Once again this is a cleverly crafted story and one I enjoyed although I did find it a little predictable in parts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own. 3 stars
Some people think I am too quiet. That life is passing me by. But I know there is safety in my own company. That no one can hurt me if I don’t let them get too close.
Until the day I meet him. A handsome, charming stranger. A chance for me to take a risk…finally?
Or a man who threatens everything I’ve worked so hard for?
I always enjoy this authors books, Ava is a librarian and loves her job. She is out one night with her best friend Poppy when a strange man offers her a drink to which she refuses. She feels there is something not right about him and as she goes to leave the venue, he follows her and calls out "you will be sorry". She becomes totally obsessed with worry that the strange things that are now happening in her life are due to this mans presence. Once again this is a cleverly crafted story and one I enjoyed although I did find it a little predictable in parts.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for an advanced copy of the book, all opinions are my own. 3 stars
July 4, 2023
This was an excellent thriller with twists and turns. I did guess a few things but there were still some surprises. I listened to the audiobook (unfortunately not yet listed on goodreads) and the narration was perfect! It was riveting and I will be reading more from this author.
November 14, 2023
I was so excited to read this after enjoying Keogh's The Nurse. Unfortunately, The Librarian was a let down.
The first half of the book is filled by the main character Ava's constant rumination over a brief but ominous encounter with a stranger at a bistro. Talk about over-analyzing (which I often do, so that says something). I skim-read so many paragraphs and pages.
The pace finally picks up during the second half. Things get more interesting, yet somehow feel forced. The story is no longer about "The Librarian" as a profession, but more about Ava's past catching up with her present.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
The first half of the book is filled by the main character Ava's constant rumination over a brief but ominous encounter with a stranger at a bistro. Talk about over-analyzing (which I often do, so that says something). I skim-read so many paragraphs and pages.
The pace finally picks up during the second half. Things get more interesting, yet somehow feel forced. The story is no longer about "The Librarian" as a profession, but more about Ava's past catching up with her present.
2.5 stars rounded up to 3.
November 29, 2025
Wow I didn’t like this book. I think I rage read just to finish it. The only reason why I gave it a higher score than I could have was because the initial twists kept me going. But it wasn’t good.
April 21, 2023
I went through a chunk of this book wondering how and who would fit together. I got so far and figured out the hows and the whys but oh my, not the complete picture! That shocked me!
I adore Valerie’s writing! In each book, she brings a slightly fresher sting to the tale, and this was not one I was expecting! With this book, there wasn’t a lot set in the Tate Modern or a library which I was a bit sad about. But the bits that are set are the start of the unraveling.
Some of this book gobsmacked me! One shocking scene inside a flat, had me holding my breath that’s for sure! I listened to the audiobook and I was willing for the fantastic narrator to hurry up as I needed to know what was going on, but I was also praying she slow down so that this didn’t end. But I blitz the audiobook in a day, so guess who the winner was there! LOL. I mean there was one bit I was shouting at the characters to not open the front door to a flat!
I must say I didn’t particularly like anyone in the book, I did find Ava was a little tedious at times, and Poppy well she was very self-centered for a stage. It was Judy to who my heart went out. I liked how everyone had time in the book and we got to see glimpses of the other characters’ lives.
Cleverly done as normal. Her twisty mind knows no end! Especially as she unravels a shock that I didn’t even predict, leaving you to make of what you will. I was shocked! It then made me question the entire book and Ava’s previous 10 years!!!!
Another winner by the awesome Ms Valerie and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
I adore Valerie’s writing! In each book, she brings a slightly fresher sting to the tale, and this was not one I was expecting! With this book, there wasn’t a lot set in the Tate Modern or a library which I was a bit sad about. But the bits that are set are the start of the unraveling.
Some of this book gobsmacked me! One shocking scene inside a flat, had me holding my breath that’s for sure! I listened to the audiobook and I was willing for the fantastic narrator to hurry up as I needed to know what was going on, but I was also praying she slow down so that this didn’t end. But I blitz the audiobook in a day, so guess who the winner was there! LOL. I mean there was one bit I was shouting at the characters to not open the front door to a flat!
I must say I didn’t particularly like anyone in the book, I did find Ava was a little tedious at times, and Poppy well she was very self-centered for a stage. It was Judy to who my heart went out. I liked how everyone had time in the book and we got to see glimpses of the other characters’ lives.
Cleverly done as normal. Her twisty mind knows no end! Especially as she unravels a shock that I didn’t even predict, leaving you to make of what you will. I was shocked! It then made me question the entire book and Ava’s previous 10 years!!!!
Another winner by the awesome Ms Valerie and I can’t wait to see what she comes up with next!!
April 7, 2023
This is a great psychological thriller.
Ava likes a quiet life but when things start to happen around her, she becomes very unsettled.
It’s the ten year anniversary of an incident which Ava can’t forget and this is also playing on her mind.
When a friend who tries to help her gets killed, Ava knows she needs to find the man who she thinks is responsible, before anyone else gets hurt.
This is a gripping psychological that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
Ava likes a quiet life but when things start to happen around her, she becomes very unsettled.
It’s the ten year anniversary of an incident which Ava can’t forget and this is also playing on her mind.
When a friend who tries to help her gets killed, Ava knows she needs to find the man who she thinks is responsible, before anyone else gets hurt.
This is a gripping psychological that I really enjoyed.
Thanks to Boldwood Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book.
April 23, 2023
On the edge of your seat read. Twisty and full of crazyness that only you will understand if you read it. Great book!!
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
Thanks to the author, the publisher and NetGalley for an early release of this book.
July 20, 2023
Difficult to read
This one was difficult to read; the writing is so odd. I’ve read The Widow which I see this author has also written, and seem to remember that one being badly written too, though it is a better story. I am a journalist and editor and I read about 2-3 books a week on kindle, audible and IRL collectively, so I’m probably more sensitive to writing that sticks out to the point of not be able to enjoy the story. I feel like stories should be a description of actions and thoughts and the reader should be able to go on that journey without realising they’re reading, but more that they’re right there every step with the main character(s).
For example, in this book, the writer uses the word “smile” more than 70 times because the main character is randomly smiling at crap - in chapters 2 and 4 more than 3 times which is far too many smiles for one person. The editing has also been lacklustre as there are a few spots of repeated words in the same sentence etc.
Sorry to go on about this but I’m also not a fan of the metaphors, they interfere with the writing and actually put me off the main character.
To clarify, I’m not averse to metaphors in general, just the ones written like the excerpt (from this book) below:
“She stared out the window as the refilled kettle settled into doing what it should. When it switched off with a click that seemed louder than usual, it seemed to be saying ‘see I can do my job when treated properly’. She walked away, coffee in hand, a bemused smile on her face; there was something seriously wrong with her if she was anthropomorphising the chair and the kettle.”
This one was difficult to read; the writing is so odd. I’ve read The Widow which I see this author has also written, and seem to remember that one being badly written too, though it is a better story. I am a journalist and editor and I read about 2-3 books a week on kindle, audible and IRL collectively, so I’m probably more sensitive to writing that sticks out to the point of not be able to enjoy the story. I feel like stories should be a description of actions and thoughts and the reader should be able to go on that journey without realising they’re reading, but more that they’re right there every step with the main character(s).
For example, in this book, the writer uses the word “smile” more than 70 times because the main character is randomly smiling at crap - in chapters 2 and 4 more than 3 times which is far too many smiles for one person. The editing has also been lacklustre as there are a few spots of repeated words in the same sentence etc.
Sorry to go on about this but I’m also not a fan of the metaphors, they interfere with the writing and actually put me off the main character.
To clarify, I’m not averse to metaphors in general, just the ones written like the excerpt (from this book) below:
“She stared out the window as the refilled kettle settled into doing what it should. When it switched off with a click that seemed louder than usual, it seemed to be saying ‘see I can do my job when treated properly’. She walked away, coffee in hand, a bemused smile on her face; there was something seriously wrong with her if she was anthropomorphising the chair and the kettle.”
March 12, 2023
Shhhhh....Silence is safer.
Ava Warrington head librarian at the Tate Modern London is doing her dream job.
What happened in her life ten years ago, Simon Loder would still be alive and she has learned she has to say No.
Out with her best friend Poppy at the Belevedere Bistro, a chat up line leads her to say no and walking away to a voice shouting "You'll be sorry" and she flees home to Streatham.
Things start to occur that sets off Ava's paranoia and her imagination making her once again subconscious and that bistro man is getting under her skin.
There's a lot more trouble ahead for her as I kept reading on.
Let me start by saying this book is so good, it has all the potentials added to draw you in with almighty twists, and turns unimaginable, that made me jump and keep looking over your shoulder.
every chapter tells a different side that will keep readers hooked with characters that you are unable to trust.
This author knows how to push buttons in her readers to bring you a big slap bang ending, I loved it all, and could not put it down till I had finished.
An absolutely mind blowing stand alone, to sit read and open your eyes to blinding chapters.
5 stars.
Ava Warrington head librarian at the Tate Modern London is doing her dream job.
What happened in her life ten years ago, Simon Loder would still be alive and she has learned she has to say No.
Out with her best friend Poppy at the Belevedere Bistro, a chat up line leads her to say no and walking away to a voice shouting "You'll be sorry" and she flees home to Streatham.
Things start to occur that sets off Ava's paranoia and her imagination making her once again subconscious and that bistro man is getting under her skin.
There's a lot more trouble ahead for her as I kept reading on.
Let me start by saying this book is so good, it has all the potentials added to draw you in with almighty twists, and turns unimaginable, that made me jump and keep looking over your shoulder.
every chapter tells a different side that will keep readers hooked with characters that you are unable to trust.
This author knows how to push buttons in her readers to bring you a big slap bang ending, I loved it all, and could not put it down till I had finished.
An absolutely mind blowing stand alone, to sit read and open your eyes to blinding chapters.
5 stars.
April 29, 2023
Really enjoying Valerie Keough’s books at the moment and this one had some excellent twists and plot reveals but wasn’t as gripping as the widow. The ending felt a little anti-climatic but still enjoyed it for the most part!
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