Whispers in the Reading Room (The Chicago World's Fair Mystery #3) by Shelley Gray

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.


About The Author






I grew up in Houston, Texas, went to Colorado for college, and after living in Arizona, Dallas, and Denver, we moved to southern Ohio about ten years ago.
I’ve always thought of myself as a very hard worker, but not ‘great’ at anything. I’ve obtained a bachelor’s and master’s degree…but I never was a gifted student. I took years of ballet and dance, but I never was anywhere near the star of any recital. I love to cook, but I’m certainly not close to being gourmet…and finally I love to write books, but I’ve certainly read far better authors.
Maybe you are a little bit like me. I’ve been married for almost twenty years and have raised two kids. I try to exercise but really should put on my tennis shoes a whole lot more. I’m not a great housekeeper, I hate to drive in the snow, and I don’t think I’ve ever won a Monopoly game. However, I am the best wife and mother I know how to be.
Isn’t it wonderful to know that in God’s eyes that is okay? That from His point of view, we are all exceptional? I treasure that knowledge and am always so thankful for my faith. His faith in me makes me stand a little straighter, smile a little bit more, and be so very grateful for every gift He’s given me.
I started writing about the Amish because their way of life appealed to me. I wanted to write stories about regular. likeable people in extraordinary situations-and who just happened to be Amish.
Getting the opportunity to write Inspirational novels is truly gratifying. With every book, I feel my faith grows stronger. And that makes me feel very special indeed.


http://www.shelleyshepardgray.com/  

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My Review

Shelley Gray has gifted us with one more story with the backdrop of the Chicago World’s Fair. We meet some of the people from previous books, mainly our favorite policemen, who are vigilantly doing their duty.
This books focuses on Lydia, a sweet, smart, young woman, whom her mother’s focus is to pull them out of the poverty after the death of her father left them in, with a good society marriage. I felt rather sorry for Lydia, she was put in an awkward position, but that is the root of this story.
Now Sebastian Marks has pulled himself up from the boot straps to be rather well off, after growing up in the ghetto, and now owns a Gentlemen’s Club. Now what would these two ever have in common, besides the love of books?
We do get to visit the fair grounds that are now pretty well closed up, especially after the fires, and most of the exhibits have packed up. We travel with Sebastian and Lydia and enjoy what is left of the buildings through the eyes of these two, and it made me wish I could have seen it in person.
Come along for another great mystery on the streets of Chicago, and be ready for some fear for the safety of these people, and they may just be accused of murder. Wow!
You will root for these two to have a relationship, and there is another couple we also want to unite, come and enjoy this read and get lost in their lives.
I received this book through Net Galley and the Publisher Zondervan, and was not required to give a positive review.