A fine example of Fiona Davis's books, interweaving (as Davis does) two tales 1913 and 1993. The mystery of stolen books in the NYPL in 1993 will keep you turning pages to find out whodunnit, meanwhile the tale of a woman crossing into "a man's world" (journalism) in 1913 will give your book group plenty to talk about re feminism and history.

I was hooked by the plot line, which included a family who lived in a library, book thefts, feminism, a budding journalist and mystery. I enjoyed Laura Lyons' story more than her granddaughter's. The connection between the two stories seemed forced, in my opinion. 

Thanks Netgalley for the advanced reading copy.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book which bridged genres, The focus is on family relationships but with a mystery to solve. I would highly recommend this book and presumably by this author.

When you love books, reading a book about the love of books, well, it doesn’t get much better than that. Written in a dual narrative, beginning in the early 1900s in New York City, a young family has the distinct pleasure of residing in a tucked away apartment in the New York Public Library. The one and only. He, as the superintendent with a promising literary career ahead of him. She, with grand plans to attend the Columbia School of Journalism in its debut year, while holding down the fort tending to their children. Eyes wide open and arms ready to embrace the world that lies ahead. This is Fiona Davis’s novel THE LIONS OF FIFTH AVENUE.
Fast forward to the 1990s, an accomplished young woman is pursuing her dream career as a curator at the very library where her grandparents used to reside. She lives and breathes rare books. However, her life outside of these hallowed halls is fraught with turmoil, just as her grandmother experienced all those years ago.
Overseeing an important collection or telling a story comes with significant responsibility, as both women come to find out. As well as a price.

A light piece of historical fiction for library lovers with intersecting stories that revolve around the theft of books at the New York Public Library in 1913 and again in 1993.

This book features two interconnected stories of strong women from two generations of the Lyon family who once lived in the New York Public Library. Laura Lyons lives in the NYPL in 1914 and wants to help her family financially by pursuing a career in Journalism. 1990's Sadie works at the NYPL and is accused of a crime just as she receives a promotion. As she tries to clear her name she also discovers some surprising family secrets.

Fiona Davis has such incredible skill in creating such rich detail for her readers. You were transported to the library on 5th Avenue with her words and drawn more so into the story of this family and the mysteries that lie within their dynamics. Even though I greatly enjoyed this book I did feel at times that the plot was rushed but it did not take away from my overall experience.

I loved this novel about a family living in the Library on 5th avenue. It was atmospheric, detailed, vivid and drew me in from the first page.

I loved this book! The setting, inside the New York Public Library, provide an interesting backdrop for a story of love, suspense,, family and unfulfilled dreams. A parallel story taking place in current times was a wonderful way to tie together the mystery of stolen books.

Loved the historical details in this story, the NYPL setting, and the mysteries of who stole the missing books.  The linkage between the two time periods resolved nicely but I felt the discussion of her Grandmother’s time in London seemed rushed, more detail would have been good. Can’t wait for the next story from Fiona Davis.

As a fan of Fiona Davis' previous books, this one did not disappoint! In 1913, Laura Lyons is the wife of the superintendant of the New York Public Library and lives in the apartment that is within the walls of the library. She is not satisfied with being a stay at home wife and mother and wants to go to journalism school. In 1992, Sadie Donovan is a curator at the New York Public Library and the granddaughter of Laura Lyons. We travel back and forth from these time periods to piece together the questions that Sadie has about her grandmother's life. I enjoyed the setting of this book and learning about the NYPL. The ending did seem a bit rushed and strained at tying up lose ends, but the rest of the book was very enjoyable.

I was given this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

This story is told from two point of views; Laura Lyons in 1933 and Sadie (I honestly can’t even remember her last name) in 1993.  Laura is Sadie’s grandmother, who died many years ago. They are also connected by the NYPL, as Laura and her family lived there when her husband was the caretaker, and Sadie is a librarian there, focusing on rare books.  They are also connected because there is a series of book thefts in both times. 

I have to say, this book was well written and researched, but I still couldn’t give it any more than 3 stars.  I didn’t find any of the characters very likable, other than Sadie’s niece.  The ending was cliched.  It was just not my cup of tea.

Always love Fiona Davis' writing and stories especially since I love NYC. I love the two timelines and The Lions of Fifth Avenue was one of my favorites - the NYPL is a special place to me so I went in with high expectations and this didn't disappoint.

Strong female characters and a book about books? Perfect.  The two timelines work in this well written story. Loved it and can’t wait to recommend!

The Lions of Fifth Avenue tells the story of two generations of a family connected to a series of thefts at the New York Public Library. One woman who lives in 1913 experiences her gradual liberation and embrace of feminist movements. The other woman living in 1993 is trying to make sense of her life several years after a rough divorce. I thought that the book was fine. It did focus on different historical periods in a different setting than normal, but I also thought that it was a bit predictable and did not have much new to say. I still did look forward to reading and finishing it, though.

Thank you for the opportunity to read and review this book!

📖: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ ~ As a library lover, I could not put this book down and cannot recommend it enough! It is a story of Laura Lyons and her family, who live in the New York Public Library...yes, they live there! (Although this family is fictional, there was a family that did live there for three decades!) Rare books go missing and her family is in the center of it all. Fast forward 80 years to Sadie, Laura’s granddaughter, who is a librarian and curator at the library, when more rare books go missing on her watch. This book is a story of love, forgiveness, family, mystery, history...so good!

This was the first book by Fiona Davis that I have read, and I will be searching for her others.  A wonderful story, that did not disappoint. I received this book in exchange for a review from Netgalley and the publisher.

This book sounded like it would be an amazing read for me, being a librarian, amateur genealogist and lover of history. Reading the plot summary, I was excited to dive into this multi-year story, set both in the past (1910s) and more recent future (1993). The writing was wonderful but the story was also a little boring for me - too full on some details (like Laura attending journalism school and taking a lover) that I felt like it distracted from the heart of the story. The mystery that the book revolves around (both in the past and in the recent future) is who is the book thief stealing rare books? In both cases, I was surprised by the outcome and thought the author expertly tied it all together. I definitely loved all the cool details about the New York Public Library as well - it is definitely on my lists of "must see destinations."

I struggled with this book when I first began reading it, so I put it aside for a couple of months.  When I picked it back up, I thought it was wonderful.  

About two-thirds of the way through, the plot shifts and takes off in a direction I never fathomed.  It was intriguing, surprising and genuine.  It dealt with subjects not spoken of decades ago that still exists in private.  I thought it brought everything together nicely and was a really good read.


I received an ARC from Penguin Group - Dutton through NetGalley.  This in no way affects my opinion or rating of this book.  I am voluntarily submitting this review and am under no obligation to do so.

This book was just ok for me. I became bored very fast. There was too much detail. It did not hold my interest. I would prefer more story than detail.