Editorial Reviews
for Murder in the Manuscript Room:
“Con Lehane has the whole package here: characters the reader cares about, plot twists like a grand slalom course, and in the middle of it, a story utterly relevant to the real-life horror story unfolding in America’s immigration politics.”―Sara Paretsky
“Con Lehane’s Murder in the Manuscript Room caught my attention because not only does its crime take place in a great library, its detective is also a believable librarian. That hook, though, brought me into a whole world of well-developed characters–relatives, crooks, good cops, bad cops, possible terrorists, and a plot ranging in scope from New York high society soirees down through back rooms in great neighborhood bars. I found, myself, Murder in the Manuscript Room is a fun book to read in a neighborhood bar!”―Thomas Mann, author of The Oxford Guide to Library Research
Praise for Con Lehane’s Murder at the 42nd Street Library:
“Con Lehane provides a fine story, strong and believable characters, and a wonderful setting.” ―NY Journal of Books
“Con Lehane’s Murder at the 42nd Street Library offers up a masterful tale of intrigue, jealousy, and revenge in the grand tradition of Ross Macdonald. Not to be missed.” ―Megan Abbott
“Lehane awards his previous detective, bartender Brian McNulty, a cameo but focuses on the complicated Ray, who looks like a promising newcomer in the talented-amateur ranks.”―Kirkus (starred)
“Lehane’s enjoyable first in a new series introduces crime fiction librarian Raymond “Ray” Ambler…The bodies begin to pile up as Ambler and two librarian colleagues dig deeper, evoking poignant paralles in the lives of Ambler and his homicide detective friend, Mike Cosgrove. Fans of Lehane’s cranky bartender Brian McNulty, the hero of his earlier series, will welcome his appearance in a supporting role.”―Publishers Weekly
“Lehane, better known for his “Bartender Brian McNulty” series (Death at the Old Hotel), brings McNulty along for the ride (as a minor character) in this library-set series launch. His protagonist, named after two masters of the genre (Raymond Chandler and Eric Ambler), reflects the author’s in-depth knowledge of the history of the genre. A fun read for mystery buffs and librarians alike.”―Library Journal
“Pick up D.C. author Con Lehane’s Murder at the 42nd Street Library.”―Michael Dirda, The Washington Post
“Ray makes a sturdy, believable hero for this new series. Murder at the 42nd Street Library will make readers want to schedule a visit to this archetypal library during their next visit to New York City.”―Sun Sentinel
“A sly and witty new mystery.” ―Reed Farrel Coleman, award-winning author of The Hollow Girl
“An inventive tale of murder and mayhem. Con Lehane, like his librarian-sleuth Ray Ambler, knows how to keep his readers happy.” ―Daniel Stashower, Edgar-winning author of The Hour of Peril
“In Murder at the 42nd Street Library Con Lehane provides a riveting ride…Jam-packed with surprises!” ―Katherine Neville, New York Times bestselling author of The Fire and A Calculated Risk
“The beautiful and iconic New York Public Library on 42nd Street in Manhattan-with its stone lions in front, multiple levels and history-makes a stimulating setting for the launch of what should be a lively series about librarian Ramond “Ray” Ambler. Murder at the 42nd Street Library is fueld by an energetic plot, an evocative setting one can literally get lost in, and realistic characters.”―Oline H. Cogdill, Florida Sun-Sentinel