The Burning Library (by Gilly Macmillan)
Gilly Macmillan’s previous books had entertained me, so I excitedly placed a library hold on her latest novel, The Burning Library. This dark thriller unfolds at a university in St. Andrews, Scotland, and follows Dr. Anya Brown, a rising academic with an extraordinary memory. As she navigates the mysterious world of ancient manuscripts and scholarly intrigue, she becomes entangled in a web of secrets. Detective Constable Clio Spicer investigates a suspicious death that reveals deeper mysteries. The story delves into themes of ruthless ambition, hidden rivalries, and the perilous pursuit of forbidden knowledge across generations, seamlessly blending intellectual suspense with a chilling sense of mystery.
Macmillan has been a reliable author for gripping, intelligent thrillers, so I went into The Burning Library with high expectations. Unfortunately, while the novel was engaging enough to finish, it ultimately fell short of the standard her previous books have set for me.
What kept me listening was the central mystery surrounding the ancient manuscripts. Macmillan weaves an atmospheric academic setting in St. Andrews, Scotland, filled with scholarly intrigue, secret societies, and the tantalizing pull of hidden knowledge. That intellectual puzzle element was genuinely compelling and carried much of the story’s momentum.
I also appreciated the strong feminist undercurrents running through the narrative. Stories that celebrate women’s ambition, intellect, and solidarity can be powerful, and this one has plenty of that energy. However, I found the occasional broad-brush negativity toward men unnecessary and off-putting. A secondary character in particular seemed to exist mainly to deliver snide, generalized remarks about men, which felt forced and detracted from my enjoyment. I’m all for women supporting women, but it doesn’t require tearing down men to do so.
Overall, The Burning Library is a solid dark academia thriller with an intriguing premise, but it didn’t quite live up to the suspense and emotional depth I’ve come to expect from this author. If you’re a fan of manuscript mysteries and campus intrigue, it’s worth a read—just don’t go in expecting it to match the highs of her earlier work.
I borrowed the audiobook of The Burning Library from my local library using Libby. Rose Robinson and Steph de Whalley provided entertaining narrations.
You’re welcome to take a look at my review of a previous Gilly Macmillan novel that I thoroughly enjoyed, linked below.
As a participant in the Amazon Associates Program, I earn from qualifying purchases linked back to Amazon. Every penny earned allows me to blog about books and keeps this site running.
