Staff Picks
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Noah Hawley’s work with the Fargo TV series won me over as a fan and he packs a lot into this, his 6th novel. It’s a thriller set in the near future post-covid and a new global nightmare is unfolding with the mysterious deaths and disappearances of teenagers all over the world. What are the causes? Is it environmental? mental illness? drugs? PTSD? or something entirely new? As he jumps from character to character, some good and some very bad, it propels the story forward, as a group of adolescents sets out to fix the world they have been given. Horrific in parts, but hopeful in others, it's fast paced, and loaded with social commentary, that's entertaining and thought provoking. (Bob)
An ordinary family is involved in what seems like an act of random crime, but in this fast paced, twisty novel, nothing is quite what it seems. A self employed court reporter, Jason Bennett has a lovely wife and two beautiful children, but then everything is shattered in one devastating moment. Jason tries to grasp his new reality but instead finds that the once stable ground of his family life keeps shifting beneath his feet. (Kim)
A family saga set at an Earl's estate in 1920's England. WWI has ended, but it's lasting impact runs deep at Castle Braemore and affects all who live and work there. The Earl of Wakeford is in isolation because of war injuries, both physical and emotional. His brother Roland is oblivious as to the diminished state of affairs of the estate and his sister Celia isn't speaking to him. Along comes Bertie Preston, an aspiring artist looking to forge an independent life away from her parents. She has been commissioned by the Earl to paint the castle, it's grounds, and inhabitants, except him. Bertie falls in love with the Earl, his family, and the estate, but can she bring peace and healing to this family? A wonderful depiction of the times and the effects WWI had on the country. (Sue)
Honey Lovett, daughter of the famed blue-skinned, Troublesome Creek packhorse librarian, wants to bring the freedom books provide to the families who need it most. In order to do that she must fight for her place. The power of books and reading is the only bright spot in the lives of many of Honey's patrons, but an intelligent woman is a threat to those whose minds are not open to much beyond their small world. I immediately felt a kinship for young Honey Lovett and her love of books quite like her mother in the first book. Her fight for independence and the right to decide her own future resonated with me although we come from different times and states. If you loved the "The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek", I recommend another journey to rural Kentucky to meet this extraordinary young woman! (Lisa)
Appearances are deceiving is the theme that runs throughout this psychological thriller, “Golden Couple” Marissa and Matthew seek counseling from an unlicensed therapist with unorthodox and controversial methods. As the secrets they’ve been hiding are slowly unraveled, their worlds begin to collide in unexpected ways. Lots of twists, turns, and flashbacks round out this riveting story-line that will keep you guessing right up until the very end. (Michelle)
An emotional and beautifully written story about how unwilling society is to recognize and discuss any issue deemed 'feminine' in nature. Alex is just a toddler when the Mass Dragoning happens in 1955. Her favorite people in the world are her aunt Marla and her sister Beatrice. When Marla disappears, Alex's mother returns home with Beatrice in hand and new rules for the household. Don't mention the people that disappeared in 1955, don't mention any feminine changes, and definitely don't mention dragons. But what happens when new dragons appear and the old ones come home? (Carrie)
On a private island in the Caribbean, a Hollywood movie production is set up to film The Siren. All the main players have secret agendas. Cole Power, a Hollywood superstar, is trying to hide his dark side. Stella Rivers, his ex, once a superstar herself who fell hard from grace is trying to redeem herself and career. Taylor, the producer, left her last job in a scandal. Felicity (not her real name) is just trying to find out who killed her mother years ago and is it someone on the island. A fun romp and mystery with unexpected twists. Throw in some romance and a hurricane barreling down on the island and this turned out to be quite the page turner! (Sue)
Lapena has been called the queen of suburban paranoia and this story perfectly entails that. Set in a quaint town in the Hudson Valley region of New York, all looks perfect from the outside, but secrets, lies, and ultimately murder lurk behind closed doors. Can you ever really know what your neighbors are thinking and doing or your own spouse or child for that matter? A great fast-paced who-done-it. (Sue)
This is classic Moriarty with spot-on character depictions and a mystery to boot. The story revolves around the Delaney family, Stan and Joy and their 4 adult children. Stan and Joy owned a very successful tennis academy and all 4 of their kids were tennis prodigies. Their world revolved around tennis for years happily and unhappily. Now retired, Stan and Joy are at loose ends until one night when a stranger knocks on their door. What comes next sets the whole family into a tailspin and then Joy goes missing. Great read!! (Sue)
Mila Pavlichenko, a single mother and history student, is working on finishing her dissertation when Hitler invades Russia. Wanting to protect her family and country, she joins the Red Army. Her exceptional shooting ability, skill and confirmed kills earn her the nickname "Lady Death" from the Nazis. Far from being a cold-hearted killer, this incredible woman fights to survive not only against the Nazis but also against the misogyny and misconceptions of her fellow soldiers. I was fascinated by the story of this courageous and extraordinary woman who became the most successful female sniper in recorded history. By brilliantly weaving fiction with historical facts, Kate Quinn creates a credible narrative of Mila's life, producing a desire in me to learn more about this intriguing woman. Historical fiction at its finest! (Lisa)
Jess, a young unemployed waitress, travels to Paris to her half-brother Ben's apartment to hopefully start a new life. When she arrives, she finds Ben has mysteriously disappeared and the other residents offer no help and refuse to answer her questions. As Jess investigates on her own, the danger level increases as does the eerie feeling prevalent in the luxurious building. The characters are all complex and as their backgrounds are slowly revealed in short chapters you'll be riveted and unable to put this book now. Be prepared for a fast-paced, twisted thriller that will keep you up late into the night! (Lisa)
Nora Kelly, archeologist, has been tasked with supervising a dig for billionaire, Lucas Tappen, of the Roswell Incident Site in New Mexico. Although she is skeptical, Nora proceeds with the excavation until two bodies are recovered that date back to the 1940's. Because they are operating on federal land, Special Agent Corrie Swanson is called in to handle the investigation into the identity of the bodies. A secret government agency gone rogue, unsolved murders, a mysterious CIA operative and a possible UFO spaceship combine to give readers a thrilling, fascinating ride. The beautiful landscape of New Mexico is vividly described allowing incredible images to fill my head while reading. Another intelligent, intriguing read from Preston & Child! (Lisa)
A mystery/thriller about missing 15-year-old Ellie that takes many twists and turns along the way to revealing the truth behind her disappearance. I loved the characters in this book, and although it wasn't as fast-paced and edge-of-your seat as some books of this genre, it definitely kept me turning pages late at night as the mystery unfolded and hints were dropped like breadcrumbs. A great thriller that also packs an emotional punch. (Michelle)
The book opens with serial killer Ansel Packer as he counts down the 12 hours to his scheduled execution. But although we do learn more about Ansel as the story unfolds, the central characters are the women he will leave behind who were central to his life, and how his actions have affected them - his mother, his ex-wife and her twin sister, and the detective investigating him. Not always an easy read, but not overtly violent, either - told through flashbacks interwoven with the present-day countdown, it's a gripping, compelling read that brings a very unique perspective to the typical crime drama. (Michelle)
Chock full of useful information, all laid out in a very approachable, down to earth, and empathetic manner. Essential reading for women who are in this stage of life (or preparing for it), this book provides valuable insight into what can be a very challenging transition, and does so with facts and data, but also with humor. Really helps make sense of a tumultuous phase of life, and will leave women feeling more empowered to navigate the many ups and downs of menopause. (Michelle)
This teen/young adult fairy tale caught my attention right from the first few pages. With elements of legends from her own Persian upbringing, Bashardoust weaves together the unique story of Soraya and her twin brother. Born into the royal family, Soraya, who was cursed at birth to forever have poison in her veins, must watch her twin become leader while she stays hidden in the secret passageways of the castle. A compelling story that stays theme-appropriate for younger readers, this book quickly became a favorite. (Carrie)
In his newest book, Larson gives us an inside look at Winston Churchill's rise to power and his handling of the events of World War 2. Not afraid to shy away from less than ideal aspects of Britain's Prime Minister, the author describes in detail the makeup of Churchill's cabinet and family, as well as his decisions regarding the defense of Britain. The Royal Air Force is painted in remarkable light, and as always, Larson is able to to weave facts into a compelling story that makes you want to keep reading. (Carrie)
Perfectly content with his lackluster job as a caseworker for magical youth, Linus Baker is stunned when he gets sent on a special assignment. Packing a small bag and his disgruntled cat he sets off for an orphanage on an isolated island. While Linus is sent there to determine the safety of the orphanage, he finds himself becoming more and more comfortable with the unique children housed there and their secretive headmaster. As someone that has been in this line of work I was unable to put this book down. With endearing characters, unique magical gifts, and a message of not judging people before you get to know them, this is one of the best books I have read in a long time. (Carrie)
A clearheaded look at one of the great rock bands of all time written by someone who was actually in the band and not just a rock journalist. No need to embellish their quick rise to stardom, their trials and tribulations, or perpetuate any more myths about Jim Morrison. Hearing the stories directly from him was plenty compelling. His relaxed and self deprecating style gave a personal perspective on all of the highs and lows the band experienced as well those he experienced in the 50 years it's been since their last album. (Bob)
This is a story about a deadly virus that strikes the human race hard. I know we may be tired of plague stories but this one is just so imaginative that it deserves to be known. The story unfolds in chapters that tell a particular persons encounter with the disease and most of them are difficult to read. As you move along through the chapters you find that many of the characters are connected, sometimes through other people, sometimes through objects. I found myself anxious for the characters, I became attached to them. I loved the way the book ended, again very creative. (Kim)