Staff Recommendations

Llyr Heller

The Word is Murder: A Novel

by Horowitz, Anthony, 1955-

July 30, 2018

Call Number: M

Anthony Horowitz is a multi-talented, prolific and clever writer, with numerous television series to his credit, many seen on public television; even more book series, (Alex Rider and The Diamond Brothers, to name two); and has become part of the James Bond franchise, writing new 007 novels. However, he has done something rather smashing, by embedding himself, as Anthony Horowitz the writer, into this recent murder mystery.A woman plans her own funeral, but is murdered shortly afterwards. The consulting ex-detective on the case, Detective Nathaniel Hawthorne... Read Full Review
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Berserker

by Laybourne, Emmy,

January 2, 2018

Call Number: YA

Berserker is the first novel in a new series that follows the Hemstad family from Norway to the United States after a horrible event catapults their lives on a new course. It’s 1883, and the family, made up of two brothers and two sisters, live and work with their father on the family farm. Their lives are hard and difficult. In addition sixteen-year-old Hanne and her family are a bit different from others. Hanne and her two brothers are Nytteson, meaning they have different gifts bestowed upon them by the Norse gods. Hanne is also a Berserker, or a perfect killing machine, which... Read Full Review
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Front lines

by Grant, Michael, 1954-

September 5, 2017

Call Number: YA

There are some young adult books that have terrific appeal as crossover fiction for adult readers. The new Front Lines series of books are just those kind of books.Young adult and children’s author Michael Grant has outdone himself with his new series, Front Lines. In his newest and most masterfully done work, he transports readers to a re-imagined scenario concerning World War II. At a time when young men are going off to fight Nazi Germany, a court decision pulls in both males and females to the draft. These novels, in alternating chapters, take us to the war in various ways, through the... Read Full Review
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Bang : a novel

by Lyga, Barry,

May 22, 2017

Call Number: YA

Barry Lyga once again has written a novel that pins one to the chair with anticipation, dread and release. He has captured an issue that is a true horror in our present day, prevalent throughout our country. When reading the daily news there are always far too many stories about accidental shootings involving children. All the statistics won’t make those hard-pressed to keep their firearms close to them change their mind, but sometimes a fictionalized account will change even the most cynical of citizens.Often these horrific stories involve young children accidentally shooting a gun that an... Read Full Review
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IQ

by Ide, Joe.

February 27, 2017

Call Number:

In Joe Ide’s wonderful debut novel, readers meet Isaiah Quintabe, a young man whose tragic past has led him not to finish high school and to take odd jobs in order to survive. Living in East Long Beach he sees the police department overwhelmed and not able to solve the mass of crimes that overrun his hometown. In a series of fateful twists, which are shown in emotional flashbacks, he finds himself solving neighborhood crimes, big and small, and being paid for his work in a variety of ways. From money to food, whatever his clients can afford, will suit Isaiah. Although, he meets men and women... Read Full Review
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The creeping shadow

by Stroud, Jonathan.

December 6, 2016

Call Number: x

Jonathan Stroud's Lockwood & Co. series is terrific with arresting content, covers and titles. Even though written primarily for children (Remember The Harry Potter series was written for kids too.), teens and adults will thrill to each installment. Thus far the series is comprised of The Screaming Staircase, The Whispering Skull, The Hollow Boy and this recent installment, The Creeping Shadow. These are masterful tales of adventure and horror that are perfect for a quiet night in, but leave all the lights on.The series is set in England where the country has been... Read Full Review
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The dollhouse : a novel

by Davis, Fiona, 1966-

October 18, 2016

Call Number:

The Dollhouse by Fiona Davis gives readers the stories of two young women coming of age in New York. Alternating between 1952 and 2016, they live in the same building, the once famous Barbizon Hotel for women, and its surrounding neighborhood. This novel joins historical fiction with mystery in a deft and intriguing manner.While also creating a life for herself in 2016, Rose Lewin tries to find out what happened to a mysterious woman who lives in her building. Set in 1952, the story is about Darby McLaughlin, Rose’s mysterious neighbor, who always wears a veil. In the past, she lived... Read Full Review
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