This wasn't exactly what I was expecting and yet it was enjoyable. I particularly liked the mother character - she had unique spunk and some hidden depths. I work at a university so those scenes and politics and interactions were compelling (and largely accurate!) Annie the housekeeper/friend was a stabilizing presence throughout who represented someone who saw the family as they truly were and still stood by them.

My favorite character was Devan his true good nature; he was well written and his mystery was nicely explained.

I found the father's "military/war secrets" plot to be pretty thin and not well developed; it would have helped me to have a bit more background on what exactly he was hoarding and what he planned to do with it. I understood the potential damage that info about local folks' KKK ties and salacious assignations, but to have a random "faculty" person show up in town & later at the party, hide, jump out and wield a gun, was disjointed. I wasn't entirely sure where the story was going and then there was a bad thunderstorm and everything wrapped up.

Historical fiction mixed with some dark academia and well written characters. I really wanted to like this book more than I did the story was interesting and I liked the setting of the old Victorian mansion unfortunately it got a little lose for me in the last half and took a little too long for me to get into in the beginning. Would still recommend 3 stars and would read more from this author. I want to thank Netgalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the arc in exchange for an honest review.

The heavy gothic style of this book was so beautifully written. The story was very captivating, I just wanted to keep it reading to found the outcome. The book within a book theme was so fun to read and I had a great time with this.

“The Dark Library” was an excellent mix of dark academia and historical fiction. I really enjoyed the authors writing style, I found it to be immersive and detailed.

The book is a bit of a slow burn, but once it picked up, I really enjoyed it. Some of the twists weren’t surprising, but the plot definitely made up for it with it’s mystery.

Overall, the book was well-balanced and kept me interested once the slow burn ended. Definitely worth picking up when it’s released June 24th!

I loved the historical context and the dark academia/mystery vibes. The pace was tough for me but I know lots of people will love this one!

The premise of The Dark Library was interesting, but the pacing was difficult for me to stay focused with. I also think the author was trying to mesh together too many topics into one. It would have been more profound to address a few. I know many will enjoy this book- especially if you like historical fiction.

Thanks to NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for a digital ARC in exchange for my honest review.

A 1940's Gothic novel/academia mystery thriller that is surprisingly cozy.

Estella has come back home to her small town to help her family. her once domineering father is ill and her mother is missing. When scandal and death begin following her around as she attempts to uncover her family's secrets, she must figure out who her true friends are and who is threatening her life.

I found this story very enjoyable and the pacing was perfect. as a mystery, I don't think it's terribly evocative. however, the characters are engaging and we'll structured and the twists are compelling and original.

I really enjoyed this book, murder, mystery, academia. It had it all, it was slow to start but it picked up pace and I sped through it. Brilliant read just in time for summer

“The Dark Library” has a lot of potential, with an intriguing concept and a mysterious setting that initially drew me in. Mary Anna Evans sets the stage well and creates an atmosphere ripe for suspense. However, the story never quite reaches the depth it promises. The pacing falters at times, and while the buildup suggests a twist or revelation, the ending feels unoriginal and predictable. It’s not a bad read, but it left me wishing for more development and a more impactful conclusion. A decent book, but not as memorable as it could have been.

I was immediately convinced that I would’ve finished this one quickly. It was a slow start but it kept me turning pages quick. I enjoyed the story behind it and I am sure others would also.

It had a little bit of everything in this book. It was suspenseful, mysterious, intense, and a war story.

I would recommend this quick read!

3.5⭐️!! I enjoyed this! This was a little slow, but the twists were really good! This gave me huge like dark/gothic academia vibes!

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for this ARC digital copy. I was not compensated for this review and all opinions are my own.

Absolutely loved the setting!! Appreciated the scattering of strong female characters. Would have preferred the plot to have moved more quickly. For that reason, I’m rating this book 3.5 out of 5 stars with my respect to the author.

Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read this prior to release. This was a bit of a slow one for me, had I read the blurb properly I might not have requested as historical fiction isn’t for me, but I surprisingly enjoyed this, I didn’t see the twists coming!

3.5! ⭐️

Publication Date: June 24, 2025

Such a suspenseful mystery that blends academic intrigue with deeply human stakes. Gave me “gothic academia” vibes. Mary Anna Evans creates a compelling atmosphere where old secrets and rare books intertwine, drawing you into a world of quiet tension and intellectual curiosity (which I so desperately can relate to). The pacing was good. Although, the story just didn’t land for me, I felt like I was missing something… some of the characters lacked a bit of depth I was hoping for. Would still recommend as I don’t believe I was the target audience for this one, but others may be.

Thanks to the author, the publisher, and netgalley for the opportunity to read this arc. Much appreciated!

Estella or ‘E’ returns home after her father falls ill and her mother goes missing. She is strong and independent in a time that doesn’t value those qualities in a woman. As she fights to keep the family estate afloat she uncovers dark secrets that are completely mind blowing. The twists in The Dark Library were completely unexpected and while this was a slow read for me, overall it was worth it. I also appreciate the historical perspective of what E faced as a single woman during WWII. Thank you NetGalley and Poisoned Pen Press for the eARC.

Not my usual book to pick up which could explain the rating but it also just felt too slow paced for me. If dark academia/historical fiction (the book is set in WWII) this would be for you. Thanks to netgalley for the arc!

I read this very engaging, atmospheric book in a single day. While not an action packed page-turner, it kept me completely absorbed, doling out clues about the family secrets in a satisfying sequence.

I've never read anything by this author before, but I will definitely look for more of her books.

Thank you Poisoned Pen Press and NetGalley for the opportunity to get a sneak preview ARC of this book. #NetGalley #TheDarkLibrary

The Dark Library

This one was really engaging and I took to the authors writing style quickly. I had read some books lately that didn’t connect so I was happy to get an ARC of the Dark Library.

E has just moved home after the death of her father and her mother’s disappearance. Even though E is overqualified to teach, due to prevalent sexism, is hired as an assistant at the school.

Her father was by no means a hero, but uncovering what he did with his life, and what happened to her mother, takes the reader on quite a journey!

Something I really liked about this book was I had zero idea where the book was going. The ending was not predictable, but when I look back I enjoyed the “breadcrumbs” dropped by the author throughout. Also the characters of E, Leontine and Annie were exceptional and I genuinely liked them all.

Definitely a read I recommend!

I enjoyed this historical fiction novel. Slow paced but enjoyed the twist and turns. Emotional and atmospheric! Would recommend.

Thank you NetGalley for this ARC.

A slow paced family mystery that kept my attention from start to finish! I really enjoyed this one and the gothic undertones. I would consider this more of a cozy mystery, but nonetheless it was a very nice read.