Book: Death in the Margins by S.J. Archer
Reviewed by Michele (spicysithreads)
Rating: 4/5
Thank you to Signal House Press for the advance gifted copy.
This book is so much different than what I have been reading lately! I enjoyed it so much!
Elliot Marsh is an English Professor at Langford College. He attends an event in the library, and becomes involved in a mystery surrounding his employer and the town. The event was hosted by Victor Aldrich at the Alrich Library showcasing a rare book donation to the library. The margins of this book are notated in a strange lock-cipher, and Elliot uncovers the truth.
He has many helpers along the way, and all of them lend something to the books. The character building in this book is outstanding with each character having a reason to be part of the story. I enjoyed Elliot's friendship with Nora the most. She owns the bookstore in the town, and keeps the town history records and archives.
As everything unfolds, there is lots of family intrigue and drama surrounding the Alrich family. The thought of ciphers and locks and secret coded messages has really made me want to learn more about it! The book touched on several examples and it seems so interesting. I learned a lot here.
I read this fairly quickly, and I throughly enjoyed it. The book is witty and amusing, while also carrying you through a mystery. I can't wait for the next in the series!