Several of Mary Anna Evans’ books deal with World War II and secrets. The Dark Library is no exception, although it will take a while to pick up the war connection, other than rationing and shortages. The latest book is a gothic mystery that involves one troubled family.

Estella Esker was enjoyed her life in Boston when her beloved housekeeper, Annie, called her home to Bentham-on-Hudson in New York. Her mother was missing, and her professor father had a stroke, dying soon afterwards. The local police chief insisted her mother was dead, and the police even dragged the river. But, Estella (E), felt as if she needed to continue to search for her missing mother, although it would take take over 400 days to find answers.

In the meantime, E and Annie live in Rockfall House, overlooking the town, as they struggled to feed themselves. In 1942, although men were off to war, E couldn’t get promoted to full professor at the local university because she was a woman. But, as she explores the house, including rooms she had never entered, E exposed secrets kept by other professors and townspeople, secrets that might be why she was not accepted or respected. There are so many secrets hidden in The Dark Library.

Evans introduces us to a mature woman who had to flee from her domineering father and his house in order to find herself. But, when forced to return, she learned shocking secrets about the man she had always feared. It seems other people feared him as well. It’s fascinating to uncover the secrets of the house, and the community, and E’s own strength as she’s supported by only a couple people that she trusts. But, is that trust deserved? That’s just one more secret in The Dark Library.

Mary Anna Evans’ website is https://maryannaevans.com/

The Dark Library by Mary Anna Evans. Poisoned Pen Press, 2025. ISBN 9781728293677 (paperback), 384p.

FTC Full Disclosure. – The author sent me an ARC, with no promise of a positive review.