The Lions of Fifth Avenue
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Author |
Fiona Davis |
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Genre |
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Published |
2020 |
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Series |
Standalone |
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Setting |
New York City · New York Public Library |
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Pages |
384 |
Some books take you somewhere new. Others make you want to disappear completely into the place where they are set. The Lions of Fifth Avenue does both, taking readers inside the magnificent New York Public Library for a story of books, secrets, ambition, and family.
In 1913, Laura Lyons lives with her husband and children in an apartment hidden inside the New York Public Library, where her husband works as the library’s superintendent. But Laura wants a life beyond the traditional expectations placed on women, and studying journalism opens the door to a new world of ideas, independence, and possibility.
Eighty years later, Laura’s granddaughter Sadie is working as a curator at the same library when rare books and manuscripts begin disappearing. As Sadie investigates the thefts, she uncovers secrets surrounding her family’s past and a tragedy connected to the library itself.
...Why you’ll love it
A richly atmospheric historical mystery set inside the New York Public Library, with rare books, family secrets, two generations of women, and a fascinating glimpse into New York’s literary history. It’s the kind of book that makes the setting feel almost like another character.
Perfect for
Readers who love historical fiction, libraries, books about books, dual timelines, family secrets, literary mysteries, strong female characters, and stories where the setting is every bit as fascinating as the plot.
Where You’ll Find The Lions of Fifth Avenue on SITP
- Best Books Set in NYC
- Books About Libraries
What You’ll Find in This Book
- Rare books and manuscripts
- Two timelines connected by family secrets
- Women finding independence in different eras
- Literary mystery and intrigue
- Atmospheric New York City
- A fascinating behind-the-scenes look at a legendary library
The Vibe
- Atmosphere: Literary · Atmospheric · Intriguing · Historical
- Setting: New York City · New York Public Library · Greenwich Village
- Mood: Mysterious · Bookish · Thoughtful · Suspenseful
- Best read when: You want to disappear into a beautiful library and uncover a few secrets while you’re there.
Where Does The Lions of Fifth Avenue Take You?
Primarily to New York City, with the New York Public Library at the heart of the story.
The novel moves between the city’s early twentieth-century world and 1993, giving you two very different glimpses of New York while keeping the library at the centre of both stories. If you love books that make you feel as though you’ve stepped into a real place, this is one to add to your New York reading list.
- Explore more books set in United States of America →
- More books about Books →
You’ll Probably Love This If You Like…
- Historical mysteries with a literary setting
- Stories about libraries and rare books
- Dual-timeline novels
- Strong women navigating changing expectations
- Family secrets revealed across generations
- Atmospheric New York City settings
- Books where the setting feels like a character
If You Like The Lions of Fifth Avenue, Try These Books
The Miniaturist by Jessie Burton
For another atmospheric historical novel where a fascinating setting, secrets, family, and beautifully detailed surroundings come together. Explore: The Miniaturist
The Historian by Elizabeth Kostova
If it is the combination of books, history, mystery, and a journey through fascinating places that appeals to you, The Historian is an excellent next read. Explore: The Historian
A Discovery of Witches by Deborah Harkness
For another book where libraries, ancient texts, history, mystery, and academia become part of a much larger story. Explore: A Discovery of Witches
Keep Exploring
- More historical mysteries
- More dual-timeline stories
Ready to Read?
If you’re ready to step inside the New York Public Library and uncover its secrets, The Lions of Fifth Avenue is a wonderful choice for your reading list.
Buy the book: Amazon · Bookshop.org