The Glass Library, #1
The Librarian of Crooked Lane
by C.J. Archer
Contents
Chapter 1
Overview
Sylvia Ashe contends with a misogynistic boss while secretly hosting her friend Daisy in the library. A newspaper on war hero Gabriel Glass triggers Sylvia’s memory that his mother, famed magician India Glass, is linked to her late brother’s notes about silver magic. Sylvia decides to seek Lady Rycroft for answers, setting her quest in motion.
Summary
In spring 1920 London, assistant librarian Sylvia Ashe hides her friend Daisy under a desk when head librarian Mr. Parmiter inspects Sylvia for forbidden makeup and chastises her, revealing his routine misogyny. After he leaves, Daisy emerges and rails at his attitudes, while Sylvia returns to repairing neglected books.
Daisy discovers a newspaper about Gabriel Glass, a decorated war hero who nearly drowned rescuing a fisherman and his son. The article notes his parents are Lord and Lady Rycroft, and that Lady Rycroft is India Glass, a renowned magician. The name stirs Sylvia’s memory.
At her lodging, Sylvia searches a suitcase of keepsakes from her late mother and brother, James. She rereads James’s battlefield notebook and finds the standalone entry “India Glass,” with “Answers?” nearby, recalling his belief he might possess silver magic despite their mother’s denial. The recollection is painful but clarifies that India Glass was James’s hoped-for source of truth.
Back at the library, Sylvia confirms the article and resolves to meet Lady Rycroft to honor James’s curiosity and settle whether silver magic touches their family. When Parmiter returns upstairs, Daisy hides again as Sylvia feigns attention, privately committing to track down India Glass as her next step.
Who Appears
- Sylvia AsheAssistant librarian and narrator; endures sexist scrutiny, recalls brother’s notes, and resolves to find India Glass about silver magic.
- DaisySylvia’s modern, confident artist friend; sneaks into the library, reads the article, and spurs conversation about Gabriel and India Glass.
- Mr. ParmiterHead librarian; misogynistic and officious, confronts Sylvia about supposed makeup and polices decorum.
- Gabriel GlassWar hero featured in a newspaper for a sea rescue; son of Lady Rycroft, linking to Sylvia’s quest.
- India Glass (Lady Rycroft)Famed magician and government advisor; named in James’s notebook as potential source of answers about silver magic.
- James AsheSylvia’s late brother; soldier and diarist who suspected silver magic and noted India Glass as a lead.
- Sylvia’s motherDeceased seamstress; denied family magic when James asked; her belongings anchor Sylvia’s memories.