The Librarians

Historical mystery novelist Thomas (the Lady Sherlock series) tries her hand at a contemporary whodunit in this fun if far-fetched ensemble piece centered on the staff of a library in Austin, Tex. Hazel Lee, who has spent most of her life in Singapore, has just returned to the U.S. and started her new gig as a library clerk. Among her colleagues are Sophie, the branch administrator; Jonathan, a high school football player turned program director; and Astrid, a fanciful librarian with a romantic streak. Everyone is friendly but guarded, because they’re all harboring secrets—some deadlier than others. On Halloween night, Jonathan spearheads the library’s first annual murder mystery game night, which ends with two attendees dead. After the police arrive, the staff realize they’re better equipped to handle the investigation than law enforcement, with each of their secrets intersecting to help explain the tragedy. Thomas’s pacing is wonky: the narrative starts extremely slowly before it takes a sudden turn into high-octane territory and the once timid characters become gun-toting action heroes. Still, there’s an undeniable thrill to watching librarians morph into kick-ass crime solvers. This doesn’t totally hang together, but it’s still a good time. Agent: Kristin Nelson, Nelson Literary. (Sept.)