The third book in Marty Wingate’s First Edition Library mystery series, The Librarian Always Rings Twice, is an intriguing story that includes an homage to Daphne du Maurier’s Frenchman’s Creek and an enviable collection of Golden Age Mysteries. But, this time, the focus is on Lady Georgiana Fowling’s own writing, and her influence on others.
Hayley Burke is the curator of the First Edition Society, and the collection left by Lady Fowling at Middlebank in Bath, England. She encouraged the board members to open the library to the public on Wednesday afternoons, so she’s nervous on the first day. They do have a dozen visitors, but one of them stirs up trouble. Although he seems so knowledgeable and interested, John Aubrey claims to be Lady Fowling’s grandson. As far as anyone knew, the troublesome Charles Henry Dill, her nephew, is her only living relative. But, Aubrey seems to know stories that only someone close to Lady Fowling could know. Mrs. Wingate, the Society’s secretary, denies the relationship. And, Charles Henry is furious.
When a man shows up who claims to know John Aubrey, Hayley is struck by his resemblance to Aubrey. But, before he can tell share Aubrey’s story, the man is killed. It’s Hayley and her boyfriend, Val, who find the man as he’s dying. Now, the question is, was he killed because of his identity, or was he mistaken for John Aubrey?
Hayley Burke is an excellent narrator, putting together clues about the people who show up on Wednesdays when the First Edition Society’s library is open. But, the author is even more clever. She hides the killer in plain sight in this well-written mystery. The author continues to introduce well-developed characters, including several people who come to the Wednesday openings.
Wingate does admit in her acknowledgments that Daphne du Maurier might not belong in a story set in a Golden Age of Mystery collection, but, again, she knows what she’s doing. Because the author was one of Lady Fowling’s favorite authors, she belongs in that collection. Well done!
I have questions for Marty Wingate. Fortunately, I’ll get the chance to talk with her on Thursday, Feb. 3 at 6:45 PM ET on The Poisoned Pen Bookstore’s Facebook page and YouTube channel. Join us if you have your own questions about Golden Age mystery writers or Bath, England or The Librarian Always Rings Twice.
Marty Wingate’s website is http://martywingate.com
The Librarian Always Rings Twice by Marty Wingate. Berkley Prime Crime, 2022. ISBN 9781984804167 (hardcover), 328p.
FTC Full Disclosure – Library book
Oh, this one does sound good! Good strong we’ll-drawn characters and an interesting plot.
Rick, The first in the series is The Bodies in the Library, if you want to start there.
“well drawn”. Darn autocorrect.
Not sure I’d read it or not, but I do love the title.
I saw The Postman Always Rings Twice, Jeff, and had to go check to see if it inspired the plot. Not that I can see. It is influenced by Frenchman’s Creek.