NEW YORK — Acclaimed authors Marie Benedict and Victoria Christopher Murray are currently developing a new novel while celebrating an impressive achievement for their famed work, “The Personal Librarian.”
Their upcoming historical thriller is set against the backdrop of 1930s New York and introduces readers to notable figures such as the infamous gangster Lucky Luciano and pioneering Black assistant district attorney Eunice Hunton Carter. The narrative promises an intriguing plot as these characters, along with a “notorious madam,” form an unexpected alliance. Although the book remains untitled and lacks a specified release date, the authors have expressed excitement about this new venture.
In a statement shared through Berkley, the imprint of Penguin Random House, the authors described the story: “Together, they navigate the treacherous underworld of corruption and vice to bring down the New York City crime syndicate.” This thriller aims to delve into themes of justice and collaboration amidst the challenges of their time.
In addition to working on their new project, the authors recently celebrated a significant milestone with “The Personal Librarian,” which has surpassed 1 million copies sold, according to Berkley. Released in 2021, this novel details the life of Belle da Costa Greene, who served as J.P. Morgan’s personal librarian. Greene, a Black woman, cleverly concealed her racial identity by passing as white, and her story is now part of an exhibition at the Morgan Library in Manhattan titled “Belle da Costa Greene: A Librarian’s Legacy.”
Benedict and Murray have also teamed up on the acclaimed 2023 bestseller “The First Ladies,” which explores the friendship between Eleanor Roosevelt and civil rights leader Mary McLeod Bethune. Both authors have built successful careers, with multiple books published individually, showcasing their diverse storytelling talents.