THE 113th ASSISTANT LIBRARIAN by Stuart Wilson — Review by Stella

Oliver Wormwood is struggling to find a Trade. His five older sisters are all amazing. One is a mage, another a lawkeeper, Willow is a ranger, another a blacksmith and the first-born an explorer. All roles his father admires. Oliver isn’t great at any of them. The Calling day is not going well, and the last option presents itself with the late arrival of the librarian. Oliver’s life is about to change. It’s not the most daring Trade. Or so he thinks…. Day one in the Library, the head librarian drops dead in mid-sentence, there are cats that appear from nowhere, and the books seem to have a life of their own! This job may not be as dull as Oliver thought! And in fact a bit more dangerous than anticipated. But can he survive the day!
There are strange comings and goings, complicated enquiries, and much to learn about the returns system, the bookworms (large and hungry) who come out at night, the bats, and the hoovering books! Luckily, Oliver isn’t completely on his own. There’s a girl called Agatha who lives in the library and knows her way around, willing to give Oliver a helping hand. Yet there’s something odd about her. One moment she’s there right beside him, and at other times nowhere to be seen. There are also the cats, all with their distinct personalities and, as Oliver finds out, usefulness. One is a great guard cat, another adept at being ferocious (handy for beasts that accidently come out of books, and a pesky firedrake!), while others are great company. Even as Oliver settles into his daily tasks, things are far from plain sailing. There are thieves sneaking through the aisles, powerful books to protect, and other books that need to be handled very carefully. In this library what it says on the cover really does count; — Death by a Thousand Papercuts, anyone?
When several murders happen in or near the library, it’s time for Oliver to put his mind to the task, and solve the mystery. But who can he trust? Is the murderer in his midst? Where does Agatha dissappear to? Who is the stranger Simeon Golightly and what is he looking for? Why are some of Oliver’s sisters popping in to see him at the library? Just being friendly, or is there something else afoot? Or has a magical creature escaped its covers and gone on the rampage?

This is a highly enjoyable, amusing tale with plenty of twists and turns, with an excellent cast of brilliant characters, both human and animal. Oliver is the best friend for anyone who has ever doubted themselves, as he discovers talents he least expected and that being yourself is a good thing. If you like a book set in a library with cats, daring escapades, and magical books, The 113th Assistant Librarian will be perfect!