Whispers in the Reading Room

Whispers in the Reading Room
(The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series)
Shelley Gray
(Zondervan)
ISBN: 978-0310338499
November 2015/352 pages/$15.99
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.


ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Shelley Gray is the author of The Heart of a Hero series. Her Amish novel (written as Shelley Shepard Gray), “The Protector,” recently made the New York Times best seller list. A native of Texas, she earned her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Colorado and taught school for ten years. She and her husband have two children and live in Southern Ohio. Find out more about Shelley at http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com.



MY THOUGHTS

Shelly Gray is well-known for her Amish novels, but she is multi-talented and this book and series is a keeper! She has created an intriguing plot with captivating characters. The charm of this story lies in the interactions between Lydia and Sebastian. Clever dialogue, romantic tension, and escalating danger completely engrossed me in this tale, and I couldn't put it down. This is a thoroughly delightful novel. Highly recommended.


Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from Harper Collins/Zondervan and Litfuse Publicity Group as part of a blog tour. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising.”

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