An epic story of human endurance and courage. In 1881 Lt. AW Greely and a group of 23 scientists and explorers set out in what was known as the Lady Franklin Bay expedition for the still uncharted area of the farthest north, the most remote and unforgiving area of the Earth. At the top of the world they encountered challenges that brought them to the brink of death. Well researched and cinematic in it's descriptions, this is a great historical adventure. (Bob)
This is the story of a mother & son fleeing from the violence of a Mexican drug cartel. The action is swift, there is plenty of suspense & the main characters are ones that you enjoy getting to know. I was not expecting this novel to be the final word on the immigration crisis, to solve any policy errors, or to offer any solutions; I simply hoped for a thrilling read. This novel has that many times over, as well as being deeply affecting. Try it for yourself! (Kim)
A devastating betrayal by her supposed fiancé leaves Paulien Mertens in need of a new home and identity and sets her on a path to prove her innocence in a scam that robbed her family and their close friends of money and precious art work. She becomes a constant companion and assistant to wealthy art collector Edwin Bradley and becomes caught up in the art world of the 1920's in Paris and the US, including an affair with Matisse. Shapiro has once again crafted a historical art thriller that weaves together many different elements and keeps you turning the pages. (Sue)
The peace and tranquility of Sanibel Island in Florida is horrifically shattered as over one hundred severed feet wash up on the beach. Agent Pendergast is ordered to interrupt his vacation to take a look at the scene and aid the newly formed task force on the case. Accompanied by his ward Constance Green and partnered with Agent Coldmoon, the case quickly races towards a truly terrifying conclusion. Lots of action, time in the swamps of Florida and a haunted house make this another great adventure with Pendergast and crew. It never fails to shock me the length evil men will go to against their fellow human beings by using science to develop the ultimate weapon. Although it wasn't my favorite Pendergast, I enjoyed it and look forward to the next one! (Lisa)
Tara's upbringing is not one for the faint of heart. The story of her life up in the Idaho mountains with her survivalist parents and siblings was absolutely unbelievable. This was my first biography and an absolute page turner! (Bonnie)
Meet Alex Stern, a high school dropout from LA who gets a free ride to Yale because of her mysterious ability to see ghosts. Enter in some secret societies, drugs, lots of magic , portals to other worlds, ghosts and murder and you are in the enthralling world of Ninth House. Fantastic new series, I can't wait until the next one comes out. (Candie)
The Lighthouse Keeper's Daughter entwines 2 stories 100 years apart, but both based on true events in history. 1838, Grace Darling loves living with her family at Longstone Lighthouse off the coast of northeast England. She helps keep the Light with her father and unwillingly becomes a hero when they save people from a shipwreck during a raging storm. 1938, Newport RI, curmudgeonly Harriet Flaherty is the keeper of Rose Island Lighthouse. She takes in a distant relative from Ireland, 19 year old Matilda Emmerson who is pregnant and alone. This is a beautiful story about the workings of a lighthouse, the wonders and horrors the ocean can bring, family, romance, and how the past always effects the present. A customer recommended it and I'm thankful he did. (Sue)
The 4th book in Riley's incredible Seven Sisters series, The Pearl Sister takes you from London to Thailand and then to Australia as CeCe begins her search for her roots. The story goes back in time to the early 1900's Australia where life is difficult and the inhabitants are plagued by heat, dust, torrential rains, deadly wildlife, and the pervasive prejudice towards the Aboriginal people. Once again Riley takes you on an epic adventure and journey as she vividly brings her characters and surroundings to life. Join CeCe and her forbears with all of their ups and downs, heartaches and triumphs. You will not be able to put this one down. (Sue)
I really loved this family story about Lillian Oberon and her granddaughter Maggie who must navigate through a mixture of duty, rebellion, secrets, and betrayals as they try to find happiness and fulfillment in their lives, but often end up disillusioned. The story is set at the once lavish English estate Cloudesley that is now a crumbling mess and Maggie must find a way to preserve it and her family's legacy. (Sue)
Sergeant Detective D.D. Warren, SSA Kimberly Quince and Victims Advocate Flora Dane join forces to solve the mystery of a recently discovered unmarked grave in the hills of Northern Georgia. The small town closest to the grave seems slightly off despite it's perfect appearance. As the body count rises, so do the many secrets this small town is trying to keep hidden. Lisa Gardner always includes an element to her stories that shows the research and time she puts into writing her novels. The novel introduces a victim who must communicate what she knows in the only way she can. Without giving away any spoilers all I can say is if you're a fan of her novels, I encourage you to read this thrilling mystery filled with secrets, chills and one very bad man. (Lisa)
Marcie Maddox has worked hard to insinuate herself into Savannah's elite society despite having the stigma of being the second wife. Keisha, a young waitress from London, marries an aging widower from that elite society to escape her abusive past. Marcie and Keisha begin to discover that the bars of their gilded cages will not protect them from secrets and lies not only from their pasts but also from those around them. Filled with lust, lies, greed and secrets, this was a cautionary tale that proved having wealth whether old or new doesn't make a better class of people. The twisty, psychologically nature of this story kept me going until the surprising ending. (Lisa)
On her way to NYC to be an actress, Viv Delaney ends up working at the Sun Down Motel as the night clerk to earn money for her goal. As she is drawn further into the bizarre events at the motel and the unsolved murders that have rocked the town, Viv begins her own investigation and then disappears. Thirty-five years later, Carly Kirk, Viv's niece, is obsessed with finding out what happened to her aunt and why no trace was ever found. Growing up I spent many family vacations, staying in roadside motels and I always wondered what tales they could tell. As Viv and Carly both get closer to the truth, I loved the creepy, chilling undertone that ran through the story. An intriguing mystery with ghosts, a heartless killer and two determined young women on a quest for the truth. Perfect for someone looking for a chilly mystery! (Lisa)
After much praise of this book I finally decided to pick it up and I definitely could not put it down. Abandoned at a very young age by her whole family Kya Clark survives on her own out in the marsh. With no schooling and really no social skills she is a mystery to the town. When the local football star is found dead the locals immediately blame “Marsh girl” as she’s known. The twists and turns kept me turning the pages of this novel! It is definitely a must read! (Bonnie)
Consuelo Vanderbilt, American heiress, was forced into a loveless marriage to the 9th Duke of Marlboro by her mother Alva Vanderbilt. After producing "An heir and a spare" Consuelo's marriage falls apart. She scandalously separates and forges and path of her own. Her fight for women's suffrage and medical care of children give her meaning in a world she had to make her own. This was a great story and a great character. Her story was very inspiring! (Bonnie)
Anna Princess of Kleve is engaged to the enigmatic King Henry VIII. While she is afraid from all the rumors she has heard she is also interested to learn about the man he truly is. While, as history tells we know the marriage does not last, Anna does not lose her head but becomes the sister to the queen and lives an independent life. This headstrong woman's life was both interesting and a joy to read. (Bonnie)
I like a little bit of the spooky in the Fall. This memoir by prolific memoirist Augusten Burroughs , is about his being a witch. Burroughs has detailed many aspects of his life in some of his previous books : Running With Scissors, Dry , Lust and Wonder and A Wolf at the Table, but has never before come out as a witch. In his colorful often whimsical style, Burroughs relates that he is from a long line of witches and then offers up a variety of personal stories often hysterically funny , sometimes creepy and occasionally poignant to back up his claim. (Candie)
Naturalist Sy Montgomery takes the reader with her on her explorations into the lives of octopuses. She befriends four of them who are housed at the New England Aquarium. Each of them had different personalities. Her relationships with them form the basis of this funny, touching and often awe inspiring book. You will never look at octopuses the same again. Award winning nature writing- this should be a must read for anyone who enjoys reading about the natural world. (Candie)
Anna is a suburban housewife who loves to listen to podcasts. On the morning her life falls apart, she tunes into her favorite crime show and finds that not only is her present life crumbling, but her secret past also now needs to be dealt with. A road trip with her ex-best friend's now ex-husband to get things straightened out leads them both on a dark, dangerous yet often hysterically funny journey to solve an old crime and free Anna from her past. I could not put this "Tartan Noir " mystery down. (Candie)
