The Lost Library, written by Rebecca Stead and Wendy Mass. Feiwel and Friends, Macmillan. Raincoast, 2023. $23.99 ages 9 and up

 

"Supporting characters, the book said, 
included everyone the protagonist came
into contact with during his search for 
the antagonist. Friends and family were
supporting characters, and so were the 
people living and working in the town. 
His own mother was a supporting 
character, Evan realized. So was Mr. 
O'Neal. And Rafe, of course, along with
every other kid in their class. That made
him feel good. This mystery wasn't only 
about him. It was about all of Martinville."

A visit to a new little free library that has suddenly popped up overnight has surprising repercussions for Evan, a fifth grader. It places him at the center of a search for answers concerning the fire that destroyed the town's library twenty years ago and resulted in the death of two people. 

The library has a caretaker: a big orange cat named Mortimer. Evan takes two books on his first visit, which offer puzzles that begin a journey of discovery for he and his friend Rafe. After a number of twists and plenty of research, they discover the truth about the fatal fire. Though there was an investigation at the time, it did not result in a clear picture for what had really happened back then. 

The story is mainly told from three perspectives: MORTIMER, EVAN and AL. Al was the assistant librarian at the time of the fire. She is the one who helps Mortimer set up the little free library as a way of providing incentive for townsfolk to know the benefit and beauty of having books available to all. The growth that happens when people begin borrowing, lending, and even leaving their beloved books there has a ripple effect in town.

The main and supporting characters are a wonderful group, each playing a role in solving a mystery that has long baffled the police. It involves a secret in Evan's own family, Evan's suspicion that a famous author played a role in the fire itself, and the ghosts of Ms. Scoggin and Mr. Brock who perished in the fire. Al, rarely seen, also plays a pivotal role. The story moves quickly, offering twists and turns for middle years mystery buffs. Those who are really keen will recognize hints of things to come. Many, like me, will have to wait to put it all together as the story comes to a satisfying end.