Whispers in the Reading Room

Lydias job at the library is her worldshe never expected to be a suspect to a murder. And now she must rely on the one man shes not sure she can trust. Just months after the closure of the Chicago Worlds 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 isnt 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 Marksthe man so many people fearis actually everything her heart believes him to be. Shelley Gray writes a well-paced story full of historical detail that will invite you into the romance, the glamour . . . and the mystery surrounding the Chicago Worlds Fair. Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of Rosemary Cottage and the Hope Beach series The Chicago World Fair Mystery series Book 1Secrets of Sloane House Book 2Deception on Sable Hill Book 3Whispers in the Reading Room Book length: 86,000 words Includes discussion questions for book clubs