The Dark Library is a standalone Gothic mystery thriller by Mary Anna Evans. Released 24th June 2025 by Sourcebooks on their Poisoned Pen Press imprint, it's 384 pages and is available in hardcover, paperback, audio, and ebook formats. It's worth noting that the ebook format has a handy interactive table of contents as well as interactive links.
This is such a slow paced, often creepy mystery thriller full of unpleasant characters, hidden motives (trust no-one), evil academics (and worse). Even the titular MC doesn't get away unscathed. It's equipped with a very very slow-burn romance subplot and a deus-ex-machina ending that will stupefy readers (not necessarily in a good way). The dialogue is often stilted and strange keeping readers off-kilter and guessing.
There are some graphic scenes, including mental health issues (relayed through the lens of current treatment in the WW2 era), s*xual assault, rampant sexism/racism, class snobbery, academia, murder, etc. It's definitely not a cozy read, and the twists were often over the top. Readers should bring a prodigious suspension of disbelief.
Three and a half stars. For fans of historical mystery thrillers.
Disclosure: I received an ARC at no cost from the author/publisher for review purposes.
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