Charlene D’Avanzo: Although I’ve read lots of mysteries none focused on books. It’s no surprise though that quite a few whodunits do feature libraries and librarians, book groups, booksellers, and more. Here are some that use the silence, solitude, and eyes peering from the other side of the spines to good advantage.

Bottom line is that the quiet is only comforting until you want — no, desperately need — someone around to help you.

Here are a few novels to get you started:

The Woman In The Library by Sulari Gentill

When a scream shocks the quiet reading room at the Boston Public Library, security guards rush to investigate. Those inside must stay where they are until the area is secured. Four researchers in the reading room are now trapped together, each with their own suspicions and fears. This story-in-a-story novel is all about the frights and friends we can make between a library’s walls.

The Plot is Murder by V.M. Burns

Who doesn’t dream of owning a mystery-filled bookstore? Samantha Washington is preparing to open exactly that while also writing a mystery of her own. But, when a realtor ends up dead n her backyard, suspicions turn her way. Samantha does, admittedly, know a lot about crimes. Before she can open the store of her dreams and finish her book, Samantha teams up with a group of retirees, including her grandmother, to solve the case.

Murder By The Book by Rex Stout

 When everyone who has read Leonard Dykes’s unpublished manuscript -including the author himself – is found dead, brilliant and eccentric Nero Wolfe, along with his sidekick, decides to set a trap.

Bury Your Dead by Louise Penny

 An eccentric researcher is found dead in the basement of the Literary and Historical Society in Quebec City. Shrewd Chief Inspector Armand Gamache investigates.