ARC of The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill

 I received an ARC of The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill. The book starts off with a letter from a beta reader who is helping the author with her book. The story within a story starts with our four main characters in the library when they hear a woman scream. They didn't know each other previously, but are bonded by the mystery of the scream. When they later find out a woman was found dead in the library, they are curious and try to find out more. 

At first, I felt like the framing device (letters from the beta reader) was unnecessary but it eventually became apparent why the author chose this. I did like the letters quite a lot as they helped build a sense of dread. The mystery of who killed the woman in the library was intriguing but there were several moments that I just didn't find believable. For example, a character falls in love with someone whom she's known for less than a month, when she finds out a big secret, she doesn't immediately tell the police or her friends, and some pieces of the story were just not wrapped up. The conclusion was fast and chaotic. For these reasons, I gave the 3 stars. Overall enjoyable but likely not memorable. 

Thanks to Netgalley for the advanced copy. The book comes out June 7, 2022

Slump

 Well....I guess having a good reading month in April was short-lived. I'm hardcore in a reading slump and keep picking stuff up only to set it back down again after less than a chapter. I really loved We Are Legion by Dennis E. Taylor and want to read the next book in the series but my library doesn't have it and I don't want to buy it.

Will it break my slump? Should I just re-read a favorite? Focus on non-reading hobbies?

I'll keep you updated. So far 7 days with little to no reading. I will at least read my ARC but I waiting until I'm in a better mood so I don't taint that experience.

May TBR

 I've decided that starting this month, I really need to focus on books I own. I am allowing myself up to two non-owned books since I am still reading for challenges and do not own books to qualify for every challenge. Also, anything I'm super excited about can also be included.

Additionally, I've decided to add a tiny element of randomness by using a random number generator for my shelves. This month I picked shelf 13. I let my husband pick a book from that shelf and he chose The Unseen World by Liz Moore.

Here's what else I'm planning to read:

The Woman in the Library by Sulari Gentill (ARC for June)

Washington Black by Esi Edugyan

Triangle: The Fire that Changed America by David von Drehle

Tears of Amber by Sofia Segovia

A Pale Light in the Black by K.B. Wagers

Kindred by Octavia Butler

Unbroken by Laura Hillenbrand

Chilling Effect by Valerie Valdes

Four Treasures of the Sky by Jenny Tinghui Zhang