About the book
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—she never expected to be a suspect to a murder. And now she must rely on the one man she’s not sure she can trust.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
“Shelley Gray writes a well-paced story full of historical detail that will invite you into the romance, the glamour . . . and the mystery surrounding the Chicago World’s Fair.” —Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of Rosemary Cottage and the Hope Beach series
- The Chicago World Fair Mystery series
- Book 1—Secrets of Sloane House
- Book 2—Deception on Sable Hill
- Book 3—Whispers in the Reading Room
- Book length: 86,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Editions of Whispers in the Reading Room
- EBook
- ISBN 9780310338550
Read an Excerpt
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—she never expected to be a suspect to a murder. And now she must rely on the one man she’s not sure she can trust.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
“Shelley Gray writes a well-paced story full of historical detail that will invite you into the romance, the glamour . . . and the mystery surrounding the Chicago World’s Fair.” —Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of Rosemary Cottage and the Hope Beach series
- The Chicago World Fair Mystery series
- Book 1—Secrets of Sloane House
- Book 2—Deception on Sable Hill
- Book 3—Whispers in the Reading Room
- Book length: 86,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whispers in the Reading Room about?
Lydia’s job at the library is her world—she never expected to be a suspect to a murder. And now she must rely on the one man she’s not sure she can trust.
Just months after the closure of the Chicago World’s Fair, librarian Lydia Bancroft finds herself fascinated by a mysterious dark-haired and dark-eyed patron. He has never given her his name; he actually never speaks to a single person. All she knows about him is that he loves books as much as she does.
Only when he rescues her in the lobby of the Hartman Hotel does she discover that his name is Sebastian Marks. She also discovers that he lives at the top of the prestigious hotel and that most everyone in Chicago is intrigued by him.
Lydia and Sebastian form a fragile friendship, but when she discovers that Mr. Marks isn’t merely a very wealthy gentleman, but also the proprietor of an infamous saloon and gambling club, she is shocked.
Lydia insists on visiting the club one fateful night and suddenly is a suspect to a murder. She must determine who she can trust, who is innocent, and if Sebastian Marks—the man so many people fear—is actually everything her heart believes him to be.
“Shelley Gray writes a well-paced story full of historical detail that will invite you into the romance, the glamour . . . and the mystery surrounding the Chicago World’s Fair.” —Colleen Coble, USA Today bestselling author of Rosemary Cottage and the Hope Beach series
- The Chicago World Fair Mystery series
- Book 1—Secrets of Sloane House
- Book 2—Deception on Sable Hill
- Book 3—Whispers in the Reading Room
- Book length: 86,000 words
- Includes discussion questions for book clubs
What core themes, tropes, or subjects are explored in Whispers in the Reading Room?
Fiction > Romance > Historical romance
Where can I read a sample of Whispers in the Reading Room?
You can read an official preview of the few pages here https://www.book2look.com/book/9780310338550
Who is/are the Author/s of the book Whispers in the Reading Room?
Shelley Gray
Who is the Publisher of the book Whispers in the Reading Room?
Zondervan
What are the ISBN numbers for the physical and digital editions?
Whispers in the Reading Room is available as ebook(ISBN 9780310338550)
Where can I buy Whispers in the Reading Room online or support local independent bookshops?
You can buy Whispers in the Reading Room from below
Where can I buy Whispers in the Reading Room?