The Lost Plot (The Invisible Library series)

It's a sign of how much I adore Irene and company that this book when straight from doorstep to the top of my groaning TBR. For those that don't know, Irene is a Librarian who collects books from alternate worlds in order to strengthen The Library's connections to those worlds. Her apprentice is a dragon, Kai, who spends most of his time in human form.

The Library prides itself on its neutrality, not getting involved in fae or dragon politics (the fae thrive in high chaos worlds, and the dragons prefer high order). So when Irene is approached by a dragon with news of a Librarian helping a bid for the throne, she knows she must act fast to prevent the downfall of The Library. They cannot be seen to be for hire. And she'd be a handy scapegoat if anything went wrong...

This instalment takes Irene and Kai to an alternate prohibition America, where gangs and illegal alcohol are not hard to find. I loved this setting! A case of mistaken identity gives Irene a suitable disguise as they hunt down the rogue Librarian.

These books are loads of fun and they poke fun at tropes as well as being pacey fantasy adventures. There are cab chases, gangsters molls, speakeasies and a lot of books. Whilst the other books have focused a little more on the fae, here we learn more about the dragons, and how some of them go about their courts. I liked that Alberich didn't suddenly reappear this time and the story could go in a different direction, although I suppose he could still be alive...