From the author of The Blue, Dreamland, and the Joanna Stafford trilogy-a compelling mystery set at Christmastime in the faded glory of New York's Gilded Age.
In this unforgettable story, bestselling author Nancy Bilyeau takes readers to J. P. Morgan's private library in December 1912, when two very different people haunted by lost love come together in an unexpected way.
Helen O'Neill, part of a tight-knit Irish-American family in the Bronx, is only too happy to report to work at the spectacular private library built on Madison Avenue by millionaire financier J. P. Morgan. The head librarian, the brilliant and beautiful Belle da Costa Greene, had hired Helen away from the Metropolitan Museum of Art after she witnessed Helen's unusual talent with handling artifacts.
Helen soon discovers the Morgan Library is a place like no other, with its secret staircases, magical manuscripts, and mysterious murals. But that's nothing compared to a person Helen alone sees: a young woman standing on Madison Avenue, looking as if she were keeping watch. In learning the woman's true link to the Morgan, Helen must face the pain of her own past. She finds herself with a second chance at happiness-if she has the courage.
From the author of The Blue, the Joanna Stafford trilogy, and Dreamland, set in 1911 Coney Island, comes The Ghost of Madison Avenue, a story both thrilling and moving.
Praise for Nancy Bilyeau's Fiction
"Nancy Bilyeau's passion for history infuses her books"
-Alison Weir, bestselling historian and novelist
On The Ghost of Madison Avenue:
"The Gilded Age splendors of the Morgan Library come to life in this wonderful, warm-hearted tale of Christmases past, present, and future. Bilyeau weaves a wealth of gorgeous period detail into her ghost story of old New York, delivering genuine chills, family drama, and poignant romance with equal skill. A gorgeous holiday treat!"
-Mariah Fredericks, author of Death of a New American
On Dreamland:
"This fast-paced, engrossing novel from Bilyeau ... gives readers an up-close and personal view of New York's Gilded Age"
-Library Journal, starred review
"Beautifully written and impeccably researched, Dreamland is a rollicking ride."
-Fiona Davis, author of The Chelsea Girls
"A marvelous book!"
-Ellen Marie Wiseman, author of What She Left Behind
On The Blue:
"Definitely a winner!"
-Kate Quinn, author of The Alice Network
"Fascinating"
-Ian Rankin, international bestseller
On the Joanna Stafford Trilogy:
"All the ingredients of the best historical fiction ... will satisfy even the most ardent mystery fans."
-Deborah Harkness, author of A Discovery of Witches
"Bilyeau deftly weaves extensive historical detail throughout, but the real draw of this suspenseful novel is its juicy blend of lust, murder, conspiracy and betrayal."
-Oprah Magazine