The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan drew me in with its beautiful prose and intriguing plot from the start. So often, we read stories of secret societies or cabals headed up by men. I really appreciated that instead, we see strong powerful women secretly calling the shots. I loved the mystery of academia and art research behind all the secrets.

My only complaint is we never really learn what “The Book of Wonders” really is…. What exactly is written in this book that would cause women to kill to obtain it? I understand that initially it’s not revealed, after all, both factions (the Larks and the Katherine’s) are still trying to find it. But not revealing its secrets by the end of the book seemed more like lazy writing to me….like even Macmillan didn’t know what to put in it that would make it worth women fighting for hundreds of years to obtain it. Especially since the beliefs of the two groups are so different…what would be so important to BOTH groups? The other thing that didn’t make a ton of sense to me is that a book based on the power of women instead gets its title (The Burning Library) from something that happened to a rich white powerful man whose library, which housed a clue to the hidden book’s location, burned down… but secretly he saved the important books in his collection. So…..a man was the quick thinking savior of the key to locating the hidden manuscript?

Overall I think this could have been something phenomenal…but instead ended up just being okay.
⭐️⭐️⭐️

Thank you to the author, publisher and netgalley for the opportunity to read this advanced reader copy in exchange for my honest review.

I couldn't get through this book? I'm not really sure why! I just lost interest very easily and couldn't bring myself to pick it back up.

For years we’ve heard about cabals run by the world’s wealthiest and most influential men. Finally, it’s a story about a Cabals run by women, they aren’t rich, wealthy or well known. These two different couples pull the strings in different ways, one group of women, the Kats, our traditional mothers, wives, and homemakers.. The other group, the Larks are independent women who run industries and hold positions of power. Both groups believe that women are a true keepers of peace on earth, but disagree about the role, they play to accomplish that. When one of the Kata appears to have been murdered by Larks, things come to head and a young student investigating a mysterious textile, becomes entangled and caught between the two groups. This is a highly original and captivating story.

The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan is the perfect dark academia thriller. It’s moody, atmospheric, and packed with secrets. The story mixes a murder mystery with centuries old rivalries. The plot is super layered as we follow Dr. Anya Brown, a brilliant but unsuspecting academic, as she’s pulled into a world of hidden manuscripts and coded texts. At the same time, Detective Clio Spicer is digging into the death of Eleanor Bruton, a woman who seemed totally ordinary but was keeping a dangerous secret. The dual POVs work so well and keep the tension building without ever feeling confusing. I love the way the author blends historical mystery with modern day ambition of complex female characters.

I think I'm the outlier on not enjoying this book, but here it is. I've read and loved this author before and this book was just not it for me.

A PhD student/newly graduated doctor is given the chance of a lifetime to study special manuscripts and work in a very select company of academics. She even gets to bring along her boyfriend for the ride!

But! Two groups of women are watching her every move. The groups of women are at war with each other because- gasp- one of the groups thinks women should stay at home and raise families and the other thinks women should focus on their careers! Even though they both agree women should have more control over men, this is the line they can't agree on!

Anyway, there's also a police officer who just found all this out and is trying to figure out what it means.

People are willing to kill to get THE elusive manuscript- that only this woman can find.

Twists? Sure, but, meh.

1,009 viewpoints? You betcha.

I finished it, but... maybe next time I'll skip this author.

Thank you, NetGalley, for the ARC!

In The Burning Library, Gilly MacMillan crafts a smart, suspenseful mystery steeped in dark academia vibes and literary intrigue. Set at the prestigious St. Andrews University, the story follows a tangled web of secrets linked to a long-lost manuscript, academic rivalries, and a chilling murder that refuses to stay buried.

Macmillan balances atmosphere and pacing beautifully—her descriptions of gothic halls, hidden archives, and obsessive scholars create a setting that’s as compelling as the plot itself. The characters are layered and flawed, each with their own agenda, which keeps the reader guessing about their true motives.

Twisty, intelligent, and emotionally charged, The Burning Library explores how far people will go to protect their legacy—and what happens when the truth is finally unearthed.

Perfect for fans of Ruth Ware, Kate Morton, and Tana French.

Thank you to NetGalley, Gilly MacMillan, and William Morrow Publishing for the ARC in exchange for my honest review.

This was my first Gilly Macmillan novel—and definitely not my last. Set in Scotland, The Burning Library is the perfect mix of dark academia, secret societies, and literary obsession. I mean, ancient texts, remote universities, hidden rivalries between powerful women’s groups? Count me in.

The mystery kicks off with a body on the shore of the Western Hebrides and unfolds into a layered thriller involving medieval manuscripts, dangerous secrets, and women determined to control history and power—by any means necessary. Dr. Anya Brown, freshly recruited to the mysterious Institute of Manuscript Studies, finds herself caught in a web of hidden agendas and deadly ambition. At the same time, a detective quietly investigates the death that starts it all.

What I loved most: the richly atmospheric setting of St Andrews, the literary lore, and the powerful female characters. If you love secret societies, rare books, and plots that slowly unravel with deadly consequences, this one's for you.

The Burning Library is an extraordinary novel that masterfully combines suspense, emotional depth, and social commentary. From the very first page, I was completely captivated by her intricate storytelling and richly developed characters. Set against a backdrop of secrets and lies, the story weaves together multiple perspectives, each revealing new layers of mystery and human frailty. Macmillan’s writing is sharp, evocative, and immersive, pulling readers into a world where nothing is quite what it seems. What sets this novel apart is its profound exploration of identity, truth, and the scars of the past. The pacing is impeccable, with unexpected twists that kept me guessing until the final reveal. It’s a compelling read that challenges perceptions and leaves a lasting impact. The Burning Library is a brilliant addition to Macmillan’s oeuvre and a must-read for fans of literary thrillers that are as thought-provoking as they are suspenseful. An unforgettable journey into the depths of human nature!

I feel like an idiot every time I envy the brilliance of creative authors—miles ahead of me—crafting intricate twists while I’m here, straining my spidey senses to detect them!”

Gilly MacMillan’s latest thriller isn’t just smart—it’s wickedly clever, densely layered, and more taut than a celebrity face post-triple Botox. This isn’t a casual read—it’s an immersive journey that demands your attention and rewards it tenfold.

The novel opens with a slow burn, introducing readers to two powerful, ideologically opposed secret women's groups: The Larks and The Katherines (or Kats). It may take a moment to absorb their differences, but doing so is crucial to fully appreciate the scale and brilliance of this book.

The Kats, or the Order of St. Katherine, revere their namesake saint and gain power through traditional roles—as wives, mothers, and caretakers. Their strength lies in subtle manipulation and persuasion within domestic and political spheres. They work behind the scenes, pulling strings through family connections, often hiding in plain sight.

In contrast, The Larks represent the feminist modern woman. Named after the bird that sings at dawn, they symbolize the “new morning” for women—independent, unapologetic, and outwardly ambitious. They hold positions of power, create academic networks, and wear their influence on their sleeves. They are not hidden within families—they are the ones shaping institutions.

This elaborate backdrop sets the stage for a chilling opening: on the rugged shores of Scotland’s Western Hebrides, Eleanor Bruton, a seemingly ordinary middle-aged woman, is found dead after being attacked by campers. But what police don’t realize is that Eleanor was no ordinary woman—she was a high-ranking member of the Kats. And her murder? Not random. It was orchestrated by the Larks.

What follows is a high-stakes game between two covert factions locked in a century-long war over an ancient artifact known only as the “Book of Wonder.” Both sides are willing to deceive, manipulate, and kill to find it first. Their influence runs deep through academia, politics, and even law enforcement—no one is safe.

Enter Dr. Anya Brown, a 26-year-old Cambridge prodigy who gained international fame for decrypting Folio 9, a long-lost manuscript. Just as she begins receiving job offers—including one from Yale—her plans are derailed by her mother’s declining health and her strong bond with Sid, her brilliant, tech-savvy boyfriend.

Then comes a lifeline: a mysterious and enticing job offer from The Institute of Manuscript Studies at St. Andrews. The position includes a seaside cottage, a competitive salary, and a role for Sid in the university’s computer science department. The offer is perfect—maybe too perfect.

Anya accepts, unaware she’s stepping into a conspiracy far deeper than she could imagine—one that intertwines with her family’s past and may determine her future. Before her, two other female assistants vanished under mysterious circumstances. Now, Anya may be next.

Meanwhile, Scotland Yard detective Clio Spencer is drawn into the same dark web after witnessing the suspicious death of her mentor—an incident tied to the Kats and Larks. Her investigation into Eleanor Bruton’s murder leads her straight into the heart of an ancient, ideological war. As Clio uncovers the chilling truth, she realizes the Institute—and the Fellowship mission behind it—might not be what they seem.

Once the pieces fall into place, the story transforms into an unputdownable thriller. The pacing escalates dramatically, the tension mounts, and MacMillan’s signature multi-perspective storytelling hits full throttle. It’s a narrative masterclass—packed with secrets, betrayals, philosophical dilemmas, and shocking revelations.

From misty Hebridean shores to the final, haunting pages set in Verona, the setting itself becomes a character—rich, evocative, and deeply tied to the story’s emotional weight. The symbolic echo of the Capulets and Montagues looms large as the two rival factions spiral into destruction—showing us that, when ideology is weaponized, even the noblest causes can turn monstrous.

Final Thoughts:
This isn’t just a thriller. It’s an intellectual feast, a feminist mystery, a secret society drama, and a deeply emotional character study. Gilly MacMillan delivers her finest work to date—a dazzling, high-stakes novel that challenges, thrills, and devastates in equal measure.

I cannot imagine rating this anything less than five stars. It’s a flawless execution of concept, character, and craft.

Gilly MacMillan is, without a doubt, one of the most important thriller authors of our time—and one I will always auto-approve!

Enormous thanks to NetGalley and William Morrow for providing a digital review copy of this mesmerizing academic thriller in exchange for my honest thoughts.