The Librarian of Crooked Lane (The Glass Library)

In 1920’s London, right after the Great War, Sylvia Ashe is a young woman new to town working at the Philosophical Library when she learns of a man who can possibly point her in the way to finding about her ancestry and if she is indeed a descendant of a magical family. Encouraged by her free-spirited friend Daisy and aided by another artist in her midst, she’ll embark in an adventure that will change her life forever.Gabriel “Gabe” Glass is a war hero, heir to a title who works as a consultant for Scotland Yard. When Sylvia approaches him while in the middle of an investigation, she will unknowingly insert herself into the case and become both a suspect and an invaluable aide to him.This is my first time reading Ms. Archer’s work and I greatly enjoyed the story, its setting and characters. The mix of old and modern world in early 20th century London is captivating and makes for a great backdrop to this fast paced thief chase. I liked the writing style and was looking forward to more of these characters until I found out the previous series was 13 books and, though I’d love to read more about Gabe, Sylvia and their cronies, I’m not up for the long haul.4 stars

This is the first installment of a three-part fantasy series called The Glass Library. The heroine is Sylvia, living in post-World War I England. Setting out to make it out on her own, she goes through a series of jobs before landing a promising one at The Glass Library, which specializes in books about magic and magicians. The name of the library comes from the biggest benefactors, The Glass Family. Sylvia has an adventurous friend, Daisy, whose shenanigans get Sylvia in trouble more than once. Sylvia gets drawn into the mystery surrounding a stolen painting, which readers will learn has magical properties. In C.J. Archer's book, a painting that is magic could be so for one of several reasons: the paint was magic, the canvas was magic, or the painter was a paint magician. The stolen property had not yet been revealed to be a magic painting, which would make it much more expensive at auction, but artists who are magicians can "feel" the magic of an article by being in its mere presence. Sylvia comes to believe that the painting had been identified by an unknown magician and whisked away to sell on the black market. Sylvia's interest in magic is particularly keen because her brother who died in the war had long suspected that Sylvia and he were descended from silver magicians. Sylvia's quest puts her on course to meet a Scotland Yard consultant, Gabriel Glass, who is a member of the Glass Family that supports the library where she works. Mr. Glass is himself a mystery, having survived every battle of the war and being under water for an impossibly long time while performing a rescue of a small boy. Sylvia is attracted to him, but he is engaged. They keep getting thrown together in pursuit of the art theft ring, and it seems Mr. Glass is a bit overprotective of Sylvia. In the remaining two books in the series, I wouldn't be at all surprised to see them end up together.

It begins with Sylvia Ashe, a librarian, noticing a familiar name in a newspaper article.Before long, she’s hanging out with Gabe Glass, a consultant in Magical Crimes for Scotland Yard, while the two of them investigate the mysterious theft of a magical painting.This book is part mystery, part fantasy, and entirely intriguing. While Sylvia is the main character, she is quite alone in the world, and ignorant of her own heritage. It’s this ignorance that leads her to Mr. Glass, with the full encouragement of her friend Daisy.The book is full of interesting characters, and while there is the main mystery of the missing painting, there are several other mysteries; and these remain unsolved, ready for future tales!It’s a delightful historical mystery set in 1920, in a world where magic is real. There’s quite a bit of action, hints of romance (a little bit of forbidden fruit), and a wonderfully cosy setting.This is a great read for the historical mystery buff that enjoys a little magic to their mysteries.

4.5 StarsThis was a delightful surprise. Although, I thought I would enjoy this book, I didn’t realize that I would relish it as much as I did. There is a smattering of magic and romance with a heap of mystery. While I am not the romance type, it was nicely done and I actually liked it.The story centers around Sylvia Ashe, a librarian that loves her job but not necessarily who she works for. Her days are made brighter on the times that her dear friend, Daisy, pops in unannounced.Sylvia’s past is unknown. Never knowing her father and her mother refusing to talk about it, all she could do is guess. Then she finds that she might be descended from magicians. Although doubtful, she sets off, with help from Daisy, on a quest to find out. She ends up meeting Gabe, a handsome war hero, and hopes that he can help. He ends up not having answers to her questions but in a tangle of events, they both help each other on a mission to find out who stole a painting.The adventure was fun and the characters were magnificent. I truly had lots of fun reading this story. I would’ve have loved it more if it delved deeper into the magic but hoping to see that happen in book two.

Interesting premise and a great cast of characters in this book. I enjoyed reading it and was glad to see there is another in the series. Can’t wait.

I was so excited when CJ Archer announced that The Librarian of Crooked Lane would contain characters from Glass and Steele because when I finished the last book in the G&S series I felt like crying as I wanted it to continue. The Librarian of Crooked Lane was just like diving back in and I accidentally finished it in 3 days. I'm definitely hooked on the characters of Gabe and Sylvia and can't wait to see what happens. Of course a disappointment that I had already finished a great first book I now eagerly await book number 2 in this series.

The heroine and hero of this book are strangers who meet at an art show andbecome involved in mysterious goings on. He has an interesting family and she is new to the area. An interesting book with magic thrown in the mix!

I usually love books about magic and libraries, especially in different time periods to now. This one was ok but was a very superficial story overall. There was no wonder or magical moments for me. One character was annoying and off-putting and I have never felt like that about a character before. I won't be buying the next book in the series

Just started this book and already love the characters and story line.