The Librarians was slow to get started as the author set up each of the main characters and a little bit about their lives. Details were added as the book progressed but for the most part they never became relatable. It felt like the author wanted to check boxes by being inclusive, definitely a positive feature of the library world. However, that goal seemed to overshadow a plot that just didn’t really flow. The part where the library team played Nancy Drew and helped solve the murder mystery kept the plot going. Then the end was a bit long as all the characters’ individual storylines were neatly tied up. This novel was generally readable but just not compelling.

Okay, so this one was… fine. Like, not a total miss, but not something I’m gonna be raving about over brunch either. I was totally sold on the idea — quirky librarians with messy secrets and a murder at a mystery game night? Yes please! But the actual execution felt a little clunky.

The characters should’ve been the best part. And honestly, I did like how different they all were — it’s kind of fun when you can pick out which one you’d be at the table (I’m probably an Astrid, let’s be real). But the constant hopping around between their POVs made it tough to fully settle into any of them. It’s like, every time I started vibing with one, we’d jump to another scene, another character, another secret.

The mystery itself was decent, though pretty predictable. It gave off those slightly darker cozy mystery vibes — like, not blood-spattered walls, but also not cutesy cupcakes and cats. It hit a middle ground. There were definitely some plot holes and moments where I was like “wait, what now?” but nothing too egregious.

All in all, it’s a cute concept with some pacing issues and a few too many moving parts. Worth a library borrow or a rainy weekend read, but probably not a forever favorite. Big thanks to NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for my honest opinion!

Thank you, @netgalley for the ARC.
I did not care for this book, although I had high hopes for the premise. The story was very confusing to me and didn't hold my attention at all. I skimmed the last third.

Not at all what I expected but very entertaining. I liked the cast of characters. They kept ‘the
Story moving. Look for the two who played a big part in the story even though we never saw them alive.

THOUGHTS: The librarian in me was really looking forward to this book. Unfortunately, I had trouble getting into the story. The only saving grace for me was the ending. This story takes place in a small branch library in Austin, TX. There are four librarians: Sophie (branch manager), Hazel (brand new to the library), Jonathan (big guy librarian, ex-football player), and Astrid (librarian). Each one has secrets of their own that they are reluctant to share, but when a murder happens that ties the library to it, they have to come clean.

Honestly, with all the different POVs, this reminded me a little of the movie “Clue”. We learn all about each one, and about their secrets, and why they kept such secrets. They band together to help each other and to help solve the mystery.

It’s an “okay” book, but not one I’d read again. It’s not bad, it’s just not great.

Disclosure of Material: I received a final and/or advanced reader copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher with the hope that I will leave my unbiased opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that… My Opinions. I am posting this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission’s 16 CFR, Part 255: “Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising”

*The Librarians* by Sherry Thomas is a fun and engaging mystery with a dynamic cast of characters. Hazel, Jonathan, Sophie, and Astrid each bring unique perspectives and rich backstories that tie together beautifully as the plot unfolds. The blend of mystery and character development keeps the story moving at a good pace and makes it hard to put down. However, the frequent use of flashbacks and layered backstories can get a bit confusing at times, and I found myself rereading sections to keep track of the timeline. Despite this, the overall story is clever and satisfying, making it a worthwhile read for fans of character-driven mysteries.

Sherry Thomas’ The Librarians was totally Not what I was expecting as a series-long lover of her Lady Sherlock series; BUT, to borrow Hazel’s words, it was WONDERFUL!!!!


I mean, I am a little biased, as a huge fan of Thomas’ work, but also because I have lived in Austin for years and years, and it made me so happy to have my city described on the page for all to read. Having major plot devices depending on trips to HEB (the world’s Best grocery store) was just giggle-and-squee inducing amazingness.

Also, I LOVE the library. This book has the protagonists be a merry band of a branch library’s entire staff (in varying degrees). I LOVED all of the library love written and alluded to in this book.

I think that it should be required reading for all freshman lit classes. Less for any high-brow prose, but more for encouraging all learners to keep loving the library and the potentially amazing and diverse people who frequent and work in them, which I think that Thomas did seamlessly, without overemphasizing any theme in the book.

The crazy cast of characters brought to life in this novel are all people that I have been or known or want to know. I loved the character-driven themes, subplots, and vignettes used in the telling of this tale of mystery, romance, intrigue, loss, and socioeconomic struggles.

It totally left me wanting more. Hint-hint to Sherry Thomas.

Thank you SO much to NetGalley and Berkley and Berkley Publishing Group for this wonderful and unforgettable ARC!!!

This book took a little bit to get going but once it did it was the perfect rainy day dark cozy mystery. I mean how can you pass up a library themed who-dun-it?
It was predictable and has some plot holes scattered throughout but I didn’t mind as i connected with most of the characters.

Because of the 4 main women and the time line jumping all around you definitely need to pay attention but what I liked is that they were all different from one another making a reader able to find at least one of the women that they could identify with.

I always try to think about how a book makes me feel and focus on that instead of potential issues and this book left me wanting to run to my local library and try to solve a fake crimes or ghost hunt. While this is NOT anything to do with the paranormal it just gave me good vibes where it made me want have an alternative experience in a library surrounded by books. Or even a Halloween scavenger hunt ….

I also liked that it low key called out poor behavior when a character would say something you shouldn’t in 2025. It was a way for the author to advocate without throwing it in anyone’s face. It also had fun cultural references that I think will stand the test of time.

This book comes out September 30 2025 just in time for Spooky Season reading!
I am thankful to have gotten a complimentary eARC from Berkley Publishing through NetGalley to read which gave me the opportunity to voluntarily leave a review.

My rating system since GoodReads doesn’t have partial stars

⭐️ Hated it
⭐️⭐️ Had a lot of trouble, prose issues, really not my cup of tea (potentially DNF’d or thought about it)
⭐️⭐️⭐️ Meh, it was an ok read but nothing special
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Really enjoyed it! Would recommend to others
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ Outstanding! Will circle back and read again

Sherry Thomas’s latest book is a departure from her previous adult works. It’s a contemporary standalone cozy-ish mystery set in a public library branch in Austin,Texas. Four librarians are featured as they all come together to solve the murders of two people who have recently used the library, while also forging new friendships and self awareness. Thomas is a good writer so the story flows and it was hard to put down. Recommended.

I liked the premise of this book but there were too many subplots to keep me on the edge of the seat and turning pages.

This was a satisfying story of friendship and love, wrapped around two mysterious deaths.

I enjoyed the characters and was curious about the mysterious murders, but somehow found the book unsatisfying. I was perplexed by my reaction, but I think it was the writing itself that detracted from my reading experience. It wasn’t colorful, or witty, or philosophical, just kind of workmanlike.
I almost gave up on the book because I was mildly bored with it…but I DID care about the characters, and who was manipulating them.

A branch library is turned on its ear when two murders occur after a game night at the Austin library. Our four librarians--Sophie, Astrid, Jonathan and Hazel are each unique and carry a history that helps develop the story. At times the characters topple into each other as the reader goes from chapter to chapter featuring a character. Hazel, the newest member of the group, brings sophisitcation, Astrid brings feelings of inferiority, Jonathan seeks a relationship, and Sophie hides from the truth. As a former librarian, I had to pick this up. At times, it moves a bit slowly. Not a real thriller, but more like a game of Clue. Thanks to Net Galley for the arc.

As a library staff member myself, I simply couldn't see this title and not be interested - crime fighting librarians? Yes please!
The entire story and the mystery itself is a bit out there, but that's kind of what I anticipated, so im glad it delivered on that front. We're there holes? Sure. Did I expect a rock solid who-dun-it? Nope. Again, it was exactly what I thought it would be.
Its not exactly a cozy mystery, it's a bit darker than that genre. However it's still not an edge-of-your-seat thriller either.
The only thing I didn't like was how the various characters were woven into the chapters with others. I felt like sticking to one person at a time would have helped the flow better.
Overall, a solid 4 star read.
My thanks to the author, publisher, and NetGalley for an advance reader copy of this title in exchange for my honest review.

The Librarians by Sherry Thomas is the story of a group of Librarians dealing with two strange deaths in their orbit. Hazel, who lived in Singapore for many years previously, is the newest librarian in the Austin library where she joins executives Jonathan and Sophie and the sometime Swedish accented Astrid. When two patrons turn up dead the library workers band together to solve the crimes.

I wanted so badly to love this story--I mean a murder mystery at a library and so many cool book tropes to explore, but it was a bit of a messy execution. So many characters, and the book takes us through four of their POVs. While I liked the detail and information bestowed on each individual, it became a bit overwhelming to keep track of the plot and who was doing what when. Great location and well built characters, often confusing narrative delivery and storyline, so unfortunately this book filled thriller only gets 3 stars.

I received this advance copy from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.

The library setting is absolutely perfect for this cozy mystery! Turns out this seemingly innocuous place can be some a hot bed of scandal! Highly fun and readable!

I have enjoyed Thomas’s Lady Sherlock series very much, so I was shocked that it took me awhile to get into this book. I really struggled getting started with this book. I felt like you were jumping from character to character. It wasn’t until halfway through that I finally started to get into this book. Thomas did a fairly decent job with the development of the characters in this story. Hazel, Jonathan, Astrid, Sophie are all librarians that work at a small branch outside of Austin, Texas. You really got to know them and the secrets that could potentially get them into trouble. When during a murder mystery game at the library a patron is murdered, that is when things start to go sideways for our librarians. If you enjoy a mystery, then you will enjoy this book. Thank you Netgalley and Berkley for the ARC in Exchange for an honest review.

This was a DNF for me. This was a great look at public library programming and work life in libraries, but it seemed as though anytime momentum began to build there was a flashback or shift in POV.. The book simply did not engage me and hold my attention.

Too many characters with too many flashbacks and complicated backstories. The many characters weren't coalescing into one group well either, in my opinion. Did not finish this book though I kept trying. I made it about 35% of the way and finally gave up. I wanted to like this book due to the description, but it was just too busy. I didn't feel engaged.

A group of four staff members from a local Austin public library branch have secrets and are caught up in a murder investigation due to their relationships with the two murder victims. As a public librarian, I found this book to be a fun read.

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.

This book was a delight to read. I haven't read any other books by Sherry Thomas, but this was a good first book for me to read by her. She have complex characters and a great mystery.