'Waiting on Wednesday' is an event where I feature an upcoming book that I am extra excited about. I love doing this, letting the 'word' spread about authors and series that I enjoy. Hope you'll stop by often and see what I'm 'waiting' on!
The book I'm featuring this week and am 'waiting on' is a standalone book by an author that I was lucky enough to meet at my first mystery book conference - read about that here. Her name is Mary Anna Evans. She's a writing professor from Oklahoma, and she has written a mystery series about Faye Longchamp, an archaeologist. There are 13 books in that series. Mary Anna has also written two historical suspense books set in WWII times. Justine Byrne is a factory worker who notices a lots of things. She's recruited to help the government with secrets. Her newest book probably falls under the new 'theme' of 'Dark Academia' - or maybe. Feel like I'm still learning what that encompasses. It sounds good to me. Have you read anything by Mary Anna? What do you think?
Publication Date: June 24th
Can a family's dark history repeat itself?
Estella Ecker has returned to Rockfall House, the last place on earth she wants to be. Years after she ran away from her overbearing father, she has been forced back home to walk in his footsteps, teaching at the college he dominated and living in the fabulous home where he entertained artists and scholars for decades—and perhaps she owns it now, because her mercurial mother has disappeared. At the center of everything—the whispers, the rumors, the secrets—is her father's library of rare books, which she had been forbidden to touch while he was alive to stop her.
Everyone in town is watching Estella, with her dead father's name on their lips, and no one seems to care about her missing mother. Who were her parents, really, and is the answer hidden somewhere in the depths of Rockfall House? And who will Estella be, if she gathers enough courage to find that answer? What she will discover is that no one can escape the secrets hidden in this dark library.
Suspenseful and unsettling but ultimately triumphant, The Dark Library by acclaimed author Mary Anna Evans is a compelling tale of mystery, family secrets, and the quest for truth.
Dark Academia is a new-to-me theme in books. There's something about it that reminds me of the gothic novels my mom loved so much.
ReplyDeleteYes, I think that's the idea, but instead of a creepy mansion on the moors or whatever, things take place at a school or university, etc. We've shared before that your Mom's tastes and mine mesh - at least in those Gothic books. :-)
DeleteI envisioned it as a modern take on Gothic tales like Rebecca and Jane Eyre, with perhaps an Alfred Hitchcock vibe. They're marketing it as dark academia because the heroine's overbearing father was a professor and she herself teaches at the college where he taught, but it's mostly about her uncovering family secrets and struggling for her independence.
DeleteMary Anna, thanks for clarifying the theme a little bit. And I love the idea of a modern take on stories like Rebecca and Jane Eyre - some of my favorites!
DeleteI see that the new book by R. F. Kuang is considered Dark Academia. I hope to read it!
DeleteThis sounds good! Thanks for putting it on my radar, Kay.
ReplyDeleteMary
My pleasure, Mary. We all love suggesting books for our book friends, right? LOL
DeleteMy goodness, time has flown since we met at LCC. I hope you're well and I hope you enjoy THE DARK LIBRARY!
ReplyDeleteMary Anna - thanks so much for stopping by! Yes, it has indeed been quite a while since we met. I still remember what a good time I had at that LCC conference - I was so overwhelmed, but so excited. I am very much anticipating trying this new book of yours. Hope everyone loves it!
DeleteI haven't read any of her books yet, though I do really want to check out her mystery series. This one sounds equally intriguing.
ReplyDeleteLark, I think you'll be pleased if you try her books. :-)
DeleteI don't know Mary Anna Evans but as I like archaeolgy based books, and dark academia then I will go and look her up.
ReplyDeleteCath, yes, her books might suit you very well. Hope you can try some of them.
DeleteDefinitely sounds like there are some deep, dark family secrets going on!
ReplyDeleteYes, it does sound like that, right? Can't wait to see what's going on....
DeleteI am not familiar with any of Evans' books, but I have seen her name around recently, which is a good sign. I will keep this book in mind, although I am not so sure about "dark academia."
ReplyDeleteTracy, you might see some of her books at those book sales you attend from time to time. Yes, dark academia - as I said, not exactly sure what that involves. Ha!
DeleteI'm fascinated by the concept of Dark Academia but don't think I've read anything that counts as that. I hope you share your thoughts on this one because it looks like one I'd really enjoy.
ReplyDeleteKatherine, I will try to share my thoughts when I'm able to read this book. Yes, as I mentioned earlier, I'm still figuring out what 'dark academia' is.
DeleteI have not read or heard of the author before but the book sounds good. Love the title too. Anything with rare books! I think the backstory of parents is a good theme to explore. We never fully seem to know who they were before we came to know them, right?
ReplyDeleteI'm definitely looking forward to trying this one. Rare books and libraries and secrets and a gothic-style - fun!
DeleteHow can a mystery love pass up a book called The Dark Library. I need to check out this author!
ReplyDeleteI agree, Gayle. Really looking forward to reading this one soon.
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