The Librarians

By Sherry Thomas

  • Release Date: September 30, 2025
  • Publisher: Berkley Pub Group
  • Pages: 368
  • Rating: 3.5/5
  • Genre: Fiction/Mystery thriller
  • Language: English
  • Source: Goodreads
  • Why Read It: Dive in if you think libraries are quiet — this one roars with magic. Perfect for thriller fiction lovers.

Blurb:

“This delicious murder mystery is a must-read for any library lover!”—New York Times bestselling author Shelby Van Pelt
Murder disrupts four quirky librarians’ lives when they try to hide among books to keep their secrets.
Sometimes a workplace isn’t just a workplace but a place of safety, understanding, and acceptance. And sometimes murder threatens the sanctity of that beloved refuge….
In the leafy suburbs of Austin, Texas, a small branch library welcomes the public every day of the week. But the patrons who love the helpful, unobtrusive staff and leave rave reviews on Yelp don’t always realize that their librarians are human, too.
Hazel flees halfway across the world for what she hopes will be a new beginning. Jonathan, a six-foot-four former college football player, has never fit in anywhere else. Astrid tries to forget her heartbreak by immersing herself in work, but the man who ghosted her six months ago is back, promising trouble. And Sophie, who has the most to lose, maintains a careful and respectful distance from her coworkers, but soon that won’t be enough anymore.
When two patrons turn up dead after the library’s inaugural murder mystery–themed game night, the librarians’ quiet routines come crashing down. Something sinister has stirred, something that threatens every single one of them. And the only way the librarians can save the library—and themselves—is to let go of their secrets, trust one another, and band together….

“In a library of secrets, sometimes the most dangerous story is your own.”

Inspired by Sherry Thomas, The Librarians

Quick Review Summary:

Murder disrupts the peaceful routine of four quirky librarians in The Librarians, the first contemporary mystery from USA Today bestselling author Sherry Thomas. Set in a cozy Austin, Texas library, the story follows four librarians—each hiding life-altering secrets—whose world is turned upside down when two patrons are murdered during a library mystery game.

What begins as a workplace full of comfort, safety, and understanding soon becomes a place shadowed by suspicion. As the police close in, the librarians must confront their own secrets and learn to trust one another in order to uncover the truth.

While the novel promises a classic whodunit, it leans more toward emotional exploration than pure mystery. Thomas beautifully captures the emotional depth, quiet strength, and human vulnerability of her characters, even if the suspense occasionally takes a back seat.

Despite this, The Librarians remains a warm, engaging, and deeply human story—about friendship, redemption, and the hidden lives we all protect.

Book Ratings:

  • Storyline: 3.5/5 – A calm, character-led mystery with a softer suspense.
  • Characters: 4/5 – Quirky, layered, and emotionally grounded.
  • Narrative: 3.5/5 – Flows well but lacks the sharp edge of a true thriller.
  • Relatability: 4/5 – The secrets, emotions, and fears feel deeply human.
  • Overall: 3.5/5 – Engaging and heartfelt, though lighter on mystery than expected.

Final Thought:

The Librarians isn’t your typical edge-of-the-seat mystery. Instead, it’s a warm, introspective story about four flawed yet endearing librarians learning to face their pasts and trust one another. Sherry Thomas focuses more on emotional truth than shocking twists, creating a tale that feels human, heartfelt, and quietly powerful.

If you’re looking for a fast-paced thriller, this might not be it — but if you enjoy character-driven mysteries filled with secrets, healing, and connection, The Librarians will definitely speak to you.

Verdict:

A cozy yet emotional mystery that whispers more than it shocks — perfect for readers who love quiet intrigue over high drama.

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