Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series) by Shelley Shepard Gray

Book Description:  Lydia’s job at the library is her world—until a mysterious patron catches her eye . . . and perhaps her heart.

Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.

Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.

Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.

Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.

My Thoughts: It's been quite awhile since I've read a book by Shelley Shepard Gray.  So, I was excited to see this book, Whispers in the Reading Room, in the mail.  

I love the cover.  It brings to mind midnight trysts, undercover work and books!

Lydia loves her job at the library.  And one day she notices a mysterious, dark-haired stranger at the library.  Oddly enough he never speaks to one person but he seems to have a great love for books.

One day Lydia goes to the Hartman Hotel and after curious mishap the dark haired stranger rescues her.  She then learns that his name is Sebastian Marks and he lives at the top of the grand hotel.

Lydia and Sebastian form a "loose" friendship.  And then to her great dismay Lydia learns that Sebastian is not only greatly wealthy but he owns the infamous saloon and gambling club.  Lydia is in shock!

Lydia is not always wise and decides to visit the gambling house one night...and becomes a suspect in a murder!

Sebastian Marks is man that many fear!  But whom can Lydia trust?  

A great mystery and a wonderful plot!

Probably the best book, by far, that Shelley Shepard Gray has penned!

*This book was provided for review by BookLook*

• Series: The Chicago World's Fair Mystery Series
• Paperback: 352 pages
• Publisher: Zondervan (November 10, 2015)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0310338492
• ISBN-13: 978-0310338499