Be a part of a live, interactive conversation with national best-selling author Fiona Davis to discuss her latest historical novel, about a series of book thefts roils the iconic New York Public Library, leaving two generations of strong-willed women to pick up the pieces. Publishers Weekly writes, “Davis delves into the history of the New York Public Library in this delightful mystery…. The characters and story are stellar, but the real star of the show is the library, which Davis evokes beautifully.”

It’s 1913, and on the surface, Laura Lyons couldn’t ask for more out of life—her husband is the superintendent of the New York Public Library, allowing their family to live in an apartment within the grand building, and they are blessed with two children. But headstrong, passionate Laura wants more, and when she takes a leap of faith and applies to the Columbia Journalism School, her world is cracked wide open. Soon, Laura finds herself questioning her traditional role as wife and mother. But when valuable books are stolen back at the library, threatening the home and institution she loves, she’s forced to confront her shifting priorities head on . . . and may just lose everything in the process.

Eighty years later, in 1993, Sadie Donovan struggles with the legacy of her grandmother, the famous essayist Laura Lyons, especially after she’s wrangled her dream job as a curator at the New York Public Library. But the job quickly becomes a nightmare when rare manuscripts, notes, and books for the exhibit Sadie’s running begin disappearing from the library’s famous Berg Collection. Things unexpectedly become personal when the investigation leads Sadie to some unwelcome truths about her own family heritage—truths that shed new light on the biggest tragedy in the library’s history.

We invite you to support the author by purchasing a copy of her books from one of our local independent bookstores, Browseabout Books and biblion. Call-in orders are accepted at Browseabout (302-226-2665) and biblion (302-644-2210) or you can stop by the store to purchase a copy. For store hours, please visit the websites.

NOTE: this meeting is being conducted through Zoom. You MUST REGISTER to receive instructions for joining the meeting.

If you have need assistance with registration or getting your Zoom invitation, please email us.

Basic written instructions for using Zoom may be found here and a brief video tutorial may be found here.