The Burning Library by Gilly MacMillan

I suppose a cozy mystery would be a more suitable choice to celebrate the holiday season. Or perhaps a celebration of the joy of life. If you have picked up on my reading habits you will know – that is not my choice.  The pick for the month is The Burning Library by Gilly Macmillan. I wanted to read the book because it set in academia, which often gives off coy vibes. The premise revolves around Anya Brown, a newly coined Phd. in ancient texts. Upon her degree completion she is hired for her dream job researching books. However, she soon finds she has taken a position that is far more than a research opportunity.

Like The Davinci Code by Dan Brown The Burning Library is steeped in European history and iconography, although this plot is focused on antiquated female literature. It delves into two secret female societies at the helm of secretive research into the earlier feminist movement in an attempt to find the actual roots. They secretly hope to support their own split ideology of how women are meant to exert their feminist strength. The Kats believe it is through the traditional female roles, influencing their husbands from behind closed doors and raising strong sons. The Larks believe it is through their own power and strength that women bolster the feminist movement.  

Anya’s research is to focus on the folio and the tapestry piece that these two warring factions are interested in obtaining. The summons comes from a benefactor who turns out to be her estranged father. Ready to quit over this surprise, Anya only remains in her position after he promises to provide a trial opportunity of drugs for her mother who is suffering from Cancer. Anya soon learns that her mother and her boyfriend Sid are the only people she can trust as she discovers that the two previous researchers in the position have mysteriously disappeared.

Anya’s research soon switches to the disappearances and is joined by Detective Clio Spicer from Scotland Yard as the cruelty of the secret societies comes to a surprising conclusion.

Gilly MacMillan has emerged from her usual predictable thriller format to create a richer, more intelligent novel that mashes research with complex characters and an unraveling mystery.

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