Go on an adventure with these 10 novels set at museums

The first in the Lady Emily Mysteries series, this intriguing tale artistically blends history, suspense, and romance. Not long after marrying Viscount Philip Ashton, Lady Emily is left widowed from a husband she barely got a chance to know before he tragically died on a hunting safari. Emily soon learns that Philip was hunting not only animals but priceless antiquities too. Yearning to learn more about his life, Emily is quickly swept into a twisty art scheme that takes her worldwide with stops at the British Museum and the Louvre. I adored how well researched all the priceless works and locations were, making for an interesting and entertaining read. More info →

What a fantastic and sharp heist novel! Give me a crew with specialized skill sets, intricate getaway plans, and extraordinary targets to steal with a few surprising twists and I am all in. This snappy debut follows mastermind Will, con artist Irene, thief Daniel, hacker Alice, and getaway driver Lily: five college aged Chinese Americans offered a high stakes gig. They’ll get fifty million dollars to recover five priceless artifacts and return them to Beijing. I adored the depth of insight their alternate points of view offer and each of their unique motivations. With scenes at the Sackler Museum in Boston, Drottingham Palace in Stockholm, the Château de Fontainebleau in Paris, and more, museum lovers will have a great time globetrotting along with the action. More info →

Inspired by Belle da Costa Greene’s incredible life, this historical novel tells the moving story of her instrumental work as director of The Morgan Library. Raised in a prominent African American family, Bella began passing as white after moving to New York City, a secret she kept her whole life. The audiobook narrated by Robin Miles is fantastic and full of lush details about New York in the 1920s. Our February 2024 Modern Mrs Darcy Book Club discussion with fabulous authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray added to my enjoyment of the novel. My only regret is discovering the backstory right after a trip to New York. I guess I will just have to go back soon to finally visit the collection. More info →

If you love archeology, fashion, and The Mummy, this historical novel about a stolen Egyptian artifact is for you. Beginning in New York City in the 1970s, Charlotte, an associate curator for the Department of Egyptian Art at The Met, and Annie, a young assistant for the museum’s annual Gala, make an unlikely duo when they team up to recover a stolen artifact. Then they realize Charlotte’s fateful time working a dig in the Valley of the Kings forty years earlier is at the heart of the mystery. While sad in parts, I appreciated the story feeling less heavy than most of the other historical fiction I have read. If you are a seasonal reader, this would be a fantastic book to pick up around the first Monday in May to enjoy all the behind-the-scenes peeks into fashion’s biggest night. (Content warnings apply.) More info →

A puzzle-y middle grade title that is entertaining for readers of any age, especially those interested in the architecture of Frank Lloyd Wright. When strange stuff starts happening at the Robie House in the Hyde Park neighborhood in Chicago, students Petra, Calder, and Tommy are on the case. Filled with clever easter eggs, sleuthing adventures, and interactive games, the story has an extra layer built in thanks to illustrator Brett Helquist’s beautiful drawings. Not long after reading this, I visited Chicago and made sure to visit the historic house museum. More info →

I am so glad team member Leigh put this F/NB romantic suspense on my radar. Jillian and Sloane are art thieves that spent a steamy night together years ago. Unfortunately, that night ended in miscommunication, causing them to despise one another. But sparks quickly start to fly again when they both get rival gigs to steal a never-before-seen contemporary photography exhibit from The Art Institute of Chicago. Cue all The Thomas Crown Affair feels. At around 175 pages, this novella packs a banter-filled and action-packed punch! (Open door.) More info →

A magical romance with the ambience of drinking a mug of spicy hot chocolate while listening to an enchanting Olivia Dean album. Dina, a kitchen witch, and Scott, a curator at the British Museum, have a chance meeting at Dina’s cozy London cafe and now they can’t stop thinking about each other. As luck would have it, their best friends are getting married, giving Dina and Scott a whole wedding weekend to fall instantly in love. The chemistry between them is seriously steamy! But they are going to need all the luck they can get because Dina’s romantic life was hexed by her ex-girlfriend, putting Scott in danger. Fortunately Scott’s upcoming exhibit collects good luck charms from all over the world. I really enjoyed listening to the audio format by dual narrators Ferne Marks and Owen Hall. As a superstitious person, I couldn’t help but be swept off my feet by this spicy romance. (Open door.) More info →

“Something is very, very wrong in the British museum.” I liked how this contemporary horror wastes no time dropping right into action. Lewis, a struggling artist dealing with the sudden loss of his mom, accepts a rare opportunity to showcase his art at the famed museum. But when Lewis arrives, he is offered an intense magical quest to hunt and destroy a creepy collection of post-impressionist art created by his great-grandfather. Having read and enjoyed romance titles by Jackson, I was intrigued by both his foray into a different genre and the book’s fascinating magical system. Plus, when I realized the audiobook is performed by a favorite narrator of mine, Kevin R. Free, I knew it was a sign to give it a listen. While there are indeed intense and gruesome parts, it reminded me more of a dark fantasy than horror. Perfect for fans of the often dangerous spells in The Magicians series and the alternate Londontowns in A Darker Shade of Magic. Content warnings apply. More info →

I am a huge fan of a BONKERS premise and this rom-com set at The Art Institute of Chicago delivers one in spades. When Emily, an art museum conservator, is tasked with restoring a statue of Sir Griffin de Beauford, she can’t help but notice his good looks. But surprise, surprise, Griffin isn’t a statue at all but instead a centuries old knight cursed to stone by an evil apprentice to Merlin. (Yes, that Merlin!) Luckily, a kiss from Emily breaks him out of his shell which leads to some wacky fish-out-of-water situations. Think Enchanted and Kate & Leopold meet Hot Frosty. The humor is campy but the story has lovely tender parts, too. The audiobook narrated by Brittany Pressley really makes all the sweet, silly, and steamy bits shine. (Open door.) More info →

My favorite book of summer 2024! I couldn’t get enough of this twisty globetrotting thriller with Mr & Mrs. Smith and Killing Eve vibes. Eva and Jonathan are contract killers who cross paths on a sleeper train, spending one passionate night together. Things get wild when they both are tasked with taking each other out but can’t deny their mutual attraction. The powder keg of emotions leads to a couple of very high stakes and steamy situations, including a memorable one in the Palace of Versailles. The pages fly by in this ultimate cat-and-mouse chase. Content warnings apply. (Open door.) More info →