Murder in the Locked Library (Book Retreat Mysteries, #4)

by Ellery Adams

This is for the people who enter a bookstore and instantly become giddy with happiness and anticipation.This is for those of you who never tire of the feel, shape, and smell of books. Those who are drawn to beautiful covers like a moth to a bright light. Those of you who buy book-scented candles and take photos of your book collection. Those of you who can’t wait to tell another person—or the whole world—about the amazing book you just read. Those of you who find respite from life’s hardships by retreating to your favorite reading spot with a good book. This is for you, lover of books, with gratitude.

Best dedication ever

“A little library, growing larger every year, is an honourable part of a man’s history. It is a man’s duty to have books. A library is not a luxury, but one of the necessaries of life.” —Henry Ward Beecher

“For I rely upon my books, Of which I have a great supply, But of their contents know no word, And hold them yet in such respect, That I will keep them from the flies.”

“We’re among our kind. We’re with book people. People who love everything about books. The history of books. The illustrations. The typography. The paper, covers, edges. The significance of an original manuscript or a signed copy. These people also understand the power of books. They understand how books can impact the world, one reader at a time. They respect the book, as we do.”

You still need your moments of escapism. That’s what’ll keep you sane. To quote Philip Pullman, ‘We don’t need a list of rights and wrongs, tables of do’s and don’ts: we need books, time, and silence.’”