Dear Fellow Reader,

Why is it I end up so behind on reviewing books? I have a stockpile of books to tell you about. I will admit that I have read a lot of cozy mysteries lately, but I think that is just to avoid doing other things.

Today’s book will be published on January 25, 2022. I was given an advance copy in exchange for my honest review.

In contrast to most of the books that I review in exchange for a review, this book is a mystery. I’m not sure why I don’t generally get mysteries since that I what I read most of the time. But I have a mystery for you today.

The Department of Rare Books and Special Collections by Eva Jurczyk introduces us to Liesl Weiss, who has just been elevated to acting director of the Department of Rare Books and Special Collections at the university library where she has worked for many years. Her boss has had a stroke and she suddenly has to step in. The first thing that happens is that a book that the library just purchased is missing. This is a problem not only because of the money spent but the money had been raised from donors who are anxious to see the book. Where is it? Liesl was on sabbatical when the book arrived, so she has never seen it. She wants to call in the police, but the University President tells her not to that they will have to have an internal investigation – i.e. Liesl should find the book first. She doesn’t feel that he is right but does try and find the thief herself. While she is looking for the thief, we get to meet the other library staff with all their quirks. In this process, we find that another book is missing AND a library staff member commits suicide.

Will she be able to solve the crime, or will the police be called in to help?

With this book review, we have something that doesn’t happen very often. As you may know, I do not generally review books that I don’t like. I know that the author has worked very hard on their book and I don’t see any reason to say that their hard work wasn’t worth it.

I did NOT like this book. I thought Liesl was a horrible character. I didn’t like anything about her. She was so insecure and selfish. I can’t recommend it. Harsh, huh? I know and I don’t like to say it but there are other books that are more enjoyable. I did finish it, which I guess says something because I have taken to not finishing books if I don’t like them. (too many books, so little time)

So, I will leave it up to you, fellow reader. If you read the book and think that I am completely wrong, please let me know.

Thanks for reading!