Deborah van der LindeIf you are looking for a book to read this weekend our avid reader Deb, has a few picks that are sure to entertain. Whether you are looking for non-fiction murder, mystery, to fantasy fiction to teen struggles – Deb has you covered.
No Country for Old Gnomes, Delilah S. Dawson and Kevin Hearne
Cardigan-wearing and ever-cheerful, the Gnomes are not at all prepared to deal with the war-loving Halflings, riding on their War Alpacas and carrying bags of grenades. When depressed Offi Numminen’s life is changed by a Halfling explosion, he decides to take action. He soon finds himself at the head of a misfit gang of individuals, none of whom fit in anywhere, battling their way to Toot Tower to stop the enemy. In this entertaining spin on fairy tales and fantasy, you will find lots of laughs as you follow Offi and his gang on their misadventures as they attempt to stop the Halflings, and along the way learn the value of being true to yourself. This is an excellent choice for Terry Pratchett fans.
Murder by the Book, Claire Harman
In 1840, Lord William Russell was found murdered in his bed. Thanks to the resulting investigation, it was discovered that Russell’s manservant, Courvoisier, was the murderer. The case was sensational at the time (from planted evidence to the murderer committing the crime naked to avoid getting blood on his clothing), but what really caught the attention and imagination of the public was the idea that Courvoisier got the idea for murder from reading the popular crime stories of the day. This book looks at the rise in popularity of crime stories, society’s worries over the influence of such stories, and the murder trial that put a spotlight on it all. This nonfiction book is a fantastic choice for history and mystery lovers alike.
The Glass Woman, Caroline Lea
I was completely taken by the premise of the book. It takes place in 1689 in a remote Icelandic village, where Rosa is brought by her new husband. Not all is as it seems in this village – the villagers are suspicious of both of them, and Rosa is growing deeply apprehensive with her situation and the evil that she senses. Her new husband never talks about his first wife – whom he rather suspiciously buried in the middle of the night, all on his own. Stranger still, her husband has given her a small glass figurine, but what it means she does not know. Will Rosa meet the same fate as the first wife? Is her husband guilty, or is there something more – something darker – happening? I can’t wait to find out what happens in this story!
Starworld, by Audrey Coulhurst and Paula Garner
Sam and Zoe are both experiencing tough times. Sam’s mom suffers from obsessive-compulsive disorder, and Sam wonders if she will be able to pursue her dreams of studying aerospace engineering. Though Zoe seems like Ms. Popularity, she hides her true feelings. She still suffers from being abandoned as a baby, and now her adoptive mother is fighting cancer, and her disabled brother is being sent to live in a specialized facility. When life brings these two teens together, they form an unlikely friendship. They also create Starworld, a place of adventure, kindness, and being who you really are. Though this is a Young Adult book, it is an excellent choice for anyone who likes a good story involving friendship, coming of age, and being true to one’s self.
Sawkill Girls, Claire Legrand
Girls have been going missing for a long time on Sawkill Rock Island, with its black cliffs and evil legends of monsters. Even though girls are being stolen by an unknown evil, no one will do anything about it – girls just keep going missing. Until one day, when three girls decide to fight back against what is preying on them. This book is a marvelous choice for the teen in your life who likes dark and thrilling tales. It’s also great for the adult in your life who also enjoys them, too! Best-selling author Claire Legrand has been nominated for a number of awards for this book, and it has been named as one of YALSA’s 2019 Best Fiction for Young Adults as well.
Happy Reading!
