{"product_id":"murder-at-the-college-library-9780727823052","title":"Murder at the College Library","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cb\u003e\u003ci\u003eCrime-fiction librarian - and reluctant amateur sleuth - Ray Ambler gets mixed up in murder once again when he's called to appraise a mystery-novel collection at an exclusive New York college.\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e \u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eAn invitation from a prestigious liberal arts college to buy their mystery-novel collection comes as a welcome surprise for Raymond Ambler, crime-fiction curator at New York City's prestigious 42nd Street Library. But his pleasure quickly turns sour when the collection's curator - Ambler's friend Sam Abernathy - tells him he plans to fight the acquisition tooth and nail. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eThe collection would make a fine addition to his holdings, but Ambler's not looking for drama. It's a shame, then, that drama's looking for him. Just a couple of weeks later, one of Abernathy's colleagues is shot dead from the library's roof, and all signs point to the crime-loving professor as the perpetrator of the violent act. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWhy would Abernathy kill - and was it for his collection, for college politics, or for some dark secret yet to be revealed? Ambler's not sure his old friend's a killer, but he is sure he wants justice - for both the living \u003ci\u003eand\u003c\/i\u003e the dead. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003eWorking with his son John, he launches into an investigation at the college library, and it's not long before he discovers missing manuscripts, explosive secrets and scandals amongst the faculty staff . . . and a cunning killer who'll stop at nothing to cover up their crimes. \u003cp\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cb\u003eThe 42nd Street Library mystery series blends traditional mystery with a hint of noir, and is a great pick for fans of quintessential New York writers like Ed McBain and SJ Rozan, along with those who enjoy traditional amateur sleuths and fair-play puzzles.\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eAbout the Author\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cb\u003eCon Lehane \u003c\/b\u003elives in Washington, D.C. His 42nd Street Library mysteries feature Raymond Ambler, curator of the library's (fictional) crime fiction collection. He's also the author of three mysteries featuring New York City bartender Brian McNulty, and has published short stories in \u003ci\u003eEllery Queen Mystery Magazine \u003c\/i\u003eand \u003ci\u003eAlfred Hitchcock Mystery Magazine\u003c\/i\u003e.\u003cbr\u003e","brand":"Severn House","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":50605936181522,"sku":"9780727823052","price":21.99,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0831\/4771\/8930\/files\/img_61536db7-1d88-441d-bbb2-20c1a431e766.jpg?v=1771334146","url":"https:\/\/surprise-castle.myshopify.com\/products\/murder-at-the-college-library-9780727823052","provider":"Surprise Castle","version":"1.0","type":"link"}