The Silence of the Library by Miranda James

For those who are interested, the author has made the entire story available on his website. Perhaps I did not enjoy Nancy Drew enough as a child to appreciate the homage to her here. I appreciate that the author weaved one of Cartwright’s detective stories into the narrative of the book, and that it played a role in Charlie solving the crime, but I must admit I found these bits a little boring. I found that it dragged a bit throughout. This installment, however, is not the strongest of the books. I enjoy the mature sleuth, Charlie, and his Maine coon cat, Diesel. This is the fifth Cat in the Stacks mystery, and the series has become one of my favorites. He solves the crime by doing what he does best – research. When Cartwright’s unpublished manuscripts are stolen, Charlie is urged to help the police determine if the crimes are related and who committed them.

The president of Cartwright’s fan club is found strangled in her home. Add to them a slippery publisher who is lacking funds, a literary agent who goes missing, and rare copies of Cartwright’s first book containing an error, and it is no surprise that someone ends up murdered. Trouble quickly comes knocking when news of her visit goes viral, and a slew of dedicated fans and collectors arrive at the library. During their preparations, they discover that Charlie’s favorite author of the bunch, Electra Barnes Cartwright, is still alive at almost one hundred years of age, living nearby, and willing to make an appearance.

With National Library Week quickly approaching, the Athena librarians and Charlie, who volunteers at the library, have put together an exhibit and retrospective honoring girl detectives in young adult literature. When the author agrees to make a rare public appearance, the news of her whereabouts goes viral overnight, and series devotees and book collectors converge on Athena.Īfter all, it’s rumored that Cartwright penned Veronica Thane stories that remain under wraps, and one rabid fan will stop at nothing-not even murder-to get hold of the rare books (Goodreads) It’s National Library Week, and the Athena Public Library is planning an exhibit to honor the centenary of famous novelist Electra Barnes Cartwright-creator of the beloved Veronica Thane series.Ĭharlie has a soft spot for Cartwright’s girl detective stories (not to mention an extensive collection of her books!). He’s returned to his hometown to immerse himself in books, but a celebrated author’s visit draws an unruly swarm of fanatic mystery buffs and one devious killer. The Silence of the Library Cat in the Stacks, Book #5 By Miranda James ISBN# 9780425257289 Author’s Website: Brought to you by OBS reviewer DanieleĮveryone in Athena, Mississippi, knows Charlie Harris, the librarian with a rescued Maine coon cat named Diesel.

The Silence of the Library by Miranda James