Shelley Gray concludes her Chicago World’s Fair Trilogy with “Whispers in the Reading Room” — a tale of two people from very different worlds.
Beginning in January 1894, just after the closing of the Chicago World’s Fair, the novel tells the story of prim-and-proper Lydia Bancroft, a somewhat plain but extremely intelligent librarian who catches the eye of mysterious Sebastian Marks, who unbeknownst to her is the well-known owner of a popular gentleman’s club and gambling institution.
What follows is a great story with twists and turns, filled with both bad and blooming relationships, murders, rivalry and devotion.
Ms. Gray does a great job building the relationship between the lovely Lydia and the enigmatic Sebastian. They are so different, and yet so alike. They pull out the best in each other. The author also includes several other intriguing characters like personal assistant Vincent Hunt, maid Bridget O’Connell, rival Sergio Vlas, and the not-so-nice Jason Avondale.
“Whispers in the Reading Room” touches on many themes — being vulnerable and letting down one’s guard, our perception of others, accepting help when needed, overcoming ego and selfishness and pride, finding our worth, escaping reality, and accepting God’s grace. It faces the reality that we all go through ups and downs in life, as Sebastian tells Lydia: “We can’t expect only happiness here on earth. One must experience a bit of dirt and grime. Builds character, you see.”
This is a fun story with a bit of romance and a bit of mystery.
Five stars out of five.
Zondervan provided this complimentary copy for my honest, unbiased review.
“Whispers in the Reading Room” (Chicago World’s Fair Mystery, #3) by Shelley Gray