Library Thief

A tantalising read that swells with secrecy and intrigue. It's hard to believe that Kuchenga Shenjé writes of the past, and not of the present. A beautifully and skilfully written debut -- CANDICE CARTY-WILLIAMS, author of QUEENIE

Intriguingly and superbly plotted . . . Shenjé weaves race, identity, feminism, sexuality and class into a beguiling mystery ― WOMAN & HOME

Powerful, sagacious and warm, The Library Thief is both a gripping, multi-layered mystery and a gorgeously absorbing novel that demanded I return to its pages whenever I had the audacity to set it down. Without a doubt, Shenjé's wholly original debut has bestseller written all over it -- JOANNE BURN, author of THE HEMLOCK CURE

If this book's a thief of anything - it was my attention. I was hooked, the story opening with the tantalising traditions of a gothic mystery and then unfurling in unexpected directions, threading themes of identity, sexuality and a woman's impossible choices into an intricate web of mysteries that would not let me go -- CARI THOMAS, author of THREADNEEDLE

I was blown away by Kuchenga Shenjé's debut The Library Thief and her memorable protagonist Florence, who takes up a job at Rose Hall as a bookbinder. Like Florence, I was swept up with the mystery of her employer's late wife's diaries and how deftly the author ties this into uncovering Florence's background. The Library Thief is a beautifully crafted story full of nuanced characters, gothic undertones and plenty of heart -- STACEY THOMAS, author of THE REVELS

Atmospheric and compelling. Victorian gothic with a fresh twist -- FREYA BERRY, author of THE BIRDCAGE LIBRARY

A compelling novel that starts as a mystery and grows into a coming-of-age story, examining identity, belonging, loneliness and friendship within the restrictive and stifling world of late Victorian society. The Library Thief is filled with fantastically drawn characters and with a love of books that shines through the prose -- KATIE LUMSDEN, author of THE SECRETS OF HARTWOOD HALL

The Library Thief just seeps into you with its breathtaking prose, weaving together a beautiful tapestry of intrigue and passion and nuance. It's a novel so intricate and considered in its construction, it's hard to believe these characters aren't real. Truly a debut for the ages! -- ELVIN JAMES MENSAH, author of SMALL JOYS