Murder at the 42nd Street Library

It's Monday once again.  I actually got my mother to her appointment on time.  She did not like what the doctor had to say, but I got her there!  I treated her to a coke and donut afterwards (its what she wanted). Unfortunately, she noticed my new Kindle cover and now she wants one. It is Love a Tree Day!  You could consider adding another tree to your yard (like my neighbors who have planted at least six trees on the property line) or giving one of your current trees a hug (watch out for bugs).  Since Reign is on tonight, I thought I would share a historical fact associated with Mary, Queen of Scots.  On May 16 in 1568 Mary flees Scotland for England.  Mary will spend the rest of her life in England (in captivity thanks to Elizabeth I).  Did you know that we used to have a half-dime coin?  In 1866 Congress eliminated the half-dime and replaced it with a nickel (which makes more sense).  

Murder at the 42nd Street Library by Con Lehane is a new mystery novel.  Raymond Ambler is the curator of the crime fiction collection in the 42^nd Street Library in New York that is devoted to research.  Ray arrives at work one day to find out that James Donnelly was shot while visiting Harry Larkin, supervisor at the library.  Why did someone kill James and shoot at Harry?  Ray cannot help but look into the matter.  Ray has read so many crime novels, that he would like to try his hand at solving real crimes.  James was asking Harry about the Nelson Yates collection the library recently acquired.   The library was able to purchase the collection thanks to an anonymous donor.  There is something fishy about this collection.  Is it somehow connected to the murder?  Ray works with Mike Cosgrove, NYPD Homicide Detective to solve the crime.

I had a difficult time reading Murder at the 42^nd Street Library.  I was originally not going to request the book, but then someone said it was such a wonderful novel.  I thought that maybe I was wrong with my initial impression, and I requested it.  I should have listened to my inner voice.  The novel is oddly (awkwardly) written.  It is an extremely convoluted novel.  There is really too much going on and the writer seemed to delight in using big words when they were not needed.  Big words can be fun (do not judge), but they should not be used to just to show off (which is what it felt like in this book).  You are never quite sure who is talking sometimes and the way the book is written just leads to confusion.  I have to admit that after a while I just started speed reading towards the end.  Some sections you have to read, and then reread trying to figure out (you should only have to do that with math and science textbooks).  I loved the idea of a mystery set at a big research library, but the execution was severely lacking.  The novel needs a severe rewrite in order to be enjoyable (actually, just keep the premise and start over with everything else including the characters). The writer tried to make a very complex mystery, but did not succeed.  A reader can easily figure out the who committed the crime.  I give Murder at the 42nd Street Library 2 out of 5 stars (I have to admit that I am being generous). 

You can follow Con Lehane on Amazon to get updates on his new books. I received a complimentary copy of the book from NetGalley (and the publisher) in exchange for an honest review of the novel.

I hope all of you had a delightful day!  Tonight is the final episode of Castle (such a shame). I am starting Enchanted Islands by Allison Amend.  Let us hope for a winner. I am off to cook dinner. Take care and Happy Reading!

Kris

The Avid Reader