The Lions of Fifth Avenue

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Laura Lyons lives with her family inside the New York Public Library, where her husband Jack is the superintendent. She finds her life as a 1930s wife and mother of two unfulfilling and begins journalism school and an exploration of women's rights as a way to inject meaning into her dull life. When priceless first editions go missing in the library, Jack and his family may be the prime suspects.

Sadie Donovan is Laura's granddaughter and a librarian at the NYPL in the 1990s. She is promoted to the curator of the Berg Collection right before an important exhibit, and pieces slated for display begin to go missing. If Sadie can figure out what happened to the books that went missing in the 30s, maybe she can figure out how the books are being stolen in the present.

Fiona Davis's stories always center around a building in NYC, and this intriguing mystery takes place between the NYPL lions on Fifth Avenue. Named Patience and Fortitude in the 1990s setting, the lions are still called Leo Astor and Leo Lenox in the 1930s. Learning the history of this building, and the fact that people actually lived in the library itself, was fascinating.

Usually when books have multiple characters telling the story, I find myself drawn to one character over the other. I end up rushing through the parts narrated by my least favorite in order to get to the good parts. That didn't happen with this book, as both Sadie and Laura are compelling characters. That's the great thing about this book; I didn't find myself as the reader wanting to get back to the other storyline. Both women have their own hopes, passions, and flaws.

Parts of the mystery were predictable, but there were elements that were surprising as well. I always like it when I don't have the whole thing figured out before the conclusion is revealed.

I would recommend this title to fans of historical fiction and mysteries and women's fiction. Also recommended for die-hard fans of NYC and libraries.

Fiona Davis is a former actress, editor, and journalist. She holds degrees from the Columbia Journalism School and the College of William and Mary (go Tribe!).

Publisher: Dutton

Length: 368 pages

Release date: August 4, 2020

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I received an electronic galley copy of this title from the publisher through Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. As an Amazon Associate, I earn from qualifying purchases.