Mystery, Norse mythology, contemporary fiction and monster stories for kids are the top picks to read this week. Whether you are looking for a weekend read or something to read on vacation don’t miss these books.
The Party Wall
Catherine Leroux –Shortlisted for the Giller Prize, winner of the 2014 France-Quebec Literary Prize, and nominated for a number of other awards, Leroux’s novel has recently been translated into English by Lazer Lederhendler. Leroux has carefully crafted a novel of interwoven stories, tales revolving around siblings in rather odd circumstances sure to delight and engage the reader. This novel is a great choice for those who enjoycontemporary fiction.
Plague
CC Humphreys Winner of the Arthur Ellis Award for Best Crime Novel, this story is about a serial killer on the loose in London – in the 1660s. Finally free of the Puritans, Londoners are enjoying life to the fullest. However, someone has something else in mind, and bodies from all classes of life have been piling up. All, very strangely, found with a gemstone in their mouth, and with a rather sacrificial air about them. This story is the perfect for mystery lovers and history lovers alike, with plenty to keep the reader enthralled right to the very end.
A Study in Scarlett Women
Sherry Thomas Sherlock seems to be all the rage at the moment – there have been so many recent adaptations. This novel has to be the most entertaining, and certainly quite a creative twist on the on the Sherlock story that I have come across. In this incarnation of Sherlock Holmes, Sherlock is the alias for one Charlotte Holmes, an English lady with a brilliant mind. Unfortunately, being female prevents her from having the career and independence that she so desperately craves. With the help of some friends, she passes herself off as ‘Sherlock’ to achieve her means. This is a great choice for any mystery lover, but especially all the Sherlock lovers out there
Norse Mythology
Neil Gaiman I can’t wait to read this story and find out what creative bent Neil Gaiman has taken with his retelling of Norse mythology. Gaiman is a master storytell- er, with books for audiences ranging from children to adult, including a number that have been made into movies. This time he will take us on adventures with the likes of Odin, Thor, Loki, and others from the Norse pantheon. Gaiman is brilliantly creative, and without a doubt, these stories will keep the reader captivated until the very last page.
Stories for Little Monsters
Marie-Louise Gay Marie-Louise Gay, children’s author and illustrator, has a wonderful new book out for children that contains all her usual magic and amazing illustrations. In this book, Gay looks at all the strange things children wonder about, and it is told – and illustrated-with all her humour. These are stories that you will enjoy along with the small folks in your life that you might be reading them to. Also worth checking out are her Stella and Sam series.
Happy Reading!