The Librarian received a 4+ star review, making it an IndieReader Approved title.
Following find an interview with author Philip Wilson.
What is the name of the book and when was it published?
The Librarian, published February 2017
What’s the book’s first line?
“Taking the subway at night always frightened her.”
What’s the book about?
A shy librarian accidentally stumbles on a conspiracy by a group of rogue cops. Assaulted, framed and sent to prison to ensure her silence, Sarah discovers a fierce will to live and a startling capacity for violence that enables her to survive the harsh prison environment. On her release, Sarah learns her father died alone and her old life is gone forever. Heartbroken and enraged, Sarah devises a chilling revenge for the men who destroyed her world. As she prepares, she meets Paul Taylor, an ex US navy seal, who teaches her the skills she needs; but also shows her love and the promise of a new life. As Sarah begins her hunt, the cops’ disbelief turns to terror as they realize they are being stalked and killed by a librarian.
What inspired you to write the book?
I think I was motivated by books I’ve read. Some great – books that linger in your mind long after you’ve finished reading them – and some (even bestsellers) that don’t seem so great – books that just don’t quite hit the mark. I just set out to write the kind of book that I would enjoy reading.
What’s the main reason someone should really read this book?
I hope this book will appeal to readers on two levels. Firstly, it’s a satisfying revenge thriller. We enjoy stories where a victim finds the strength and courage to fight back and overcome their oppressors. Think the Count of Monte Cristo. At a second level, it’s a story of self discovery. Sarah, a shy librarian, the victim of an appalling injustice, discovers an inner rage and a capacity for violence that she never imagined she possessed. For the first time, she takes control of her life, dictating events rather than responding to them, and finding love. One of my favorite exchanges occurs where Sarah begins to have doubts about the brutal retribution she is inflicting and questions Paul Taylor.
“Paul, is there something wrong with me. I feel I should be horrified at what I’m doing, but I’m not…”
“Sarah, it’s in all of us – the capacity for rage, the will to survive, the ability to kill…It’s probably why we’ve survived as a species. It just takes some event to release it…You’re a good person, Sarah Andrews. You’re warm, caring and generous and I’m in love with you.”
What’s the most distinctive thing about the main character?
It is Sarah’s gradual transformation from shy librarian into a ruthless killer. Faced with the choice of being killed in prison or fighting back, she instinctively fights; and in doing so, discovers a ferocious will to survive and astonishing capability for violence. From a bullied newbie, she becomes one of the most feared inmates in prison. The extraordinary transformation continues upon her release as she undertakes brutal revenge upon the rogue cops who once dismissed her as “a librarian”.
What’s the best and the hardest part about being an Indie?
Never having had a publisher, I don’t have much basis for comparison. I like the control; but the logistics of getting the book onto Amazon etc., are frustrating and I’d totally underestimated the ongoing marketing efforts necessary to really get the book out there. That said, the company I’m working with, Tellwell, has been fantastic on both issues.
Would you go traditional if a publisher came calling? If so, why?
I certainly would have at the outset. Now that I’ve got the Indie process somewhat figured out, I’m not sure. It would be nice to walk into a bookstore and actually see ‘The Librarian’ in the new release section – or maybe even the best seller section, so I’d certainly consider it.