Labuskes, Brianna

Relying on well-researched facts about the Edelweiss Pirates, the 1943 Rose Street demonstration protesting the detention of intermarried Jewish men, and the astonishing work of the Monuments Men to recover looted art and books, Labuskes (The Librarian of Burned Books) has again hit the sweet spot in this story of passionate love, intense conflict, and ingenious resolution. Working with short, punchy chapters and a loosely connected timeline, she skillfully earns readers’ full attention.

This series opener shows potential to join the ranks of Patricia Cornwell in terms of creating compelling characters, a surprising story, and satisfyingly complicated motivations.

Women pathologists (Patricia Cornwell) and forensic anthropologists (Elly Griffiths) have starred in recent mysteries that appeared on best-of-the-year lists. Through her terrific new heroine, Labuskes has the fire and smarts to join them on the award dais.

Terrific research buttresses strong writing that will keep readers riveted. Molly Guptill Manning’s When Books Went to War and Ray Bradbury’s Fahrenheit 451 are great tandem reads for Labuskes’s latest.

Labuskes (Girls of Glass) offers an intense mystery with an excellent character in Lucy, who methodically uncovers layers of deceit while trusting no one. Some plot developments are too convenient, and a few questions are left unanswered, but there’s a great concluding twist.