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Staff Picks Adult Fiction

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April 2020

Magpie Murders

Magpie Murders

by Anthony Horowitz

A book editor, Susan Ryeland, is given a manuscript written by author Alan Conway whose novels are of a famous fictional detective named ‘Atticus Pund’. While Susan is still editing, Conway suddenly and suspiciously dies which leads Susan to take a deeper look at the author’s manuscript. What about it, and his death, is making her uneasy?
This mystery is actually two stories.  Conway’s suspicious death is one part and the full manuscript featuring Atticus Pund is a second.  ‘The manuscript’ is very well written while some of the story concerning Conway seems choppy. Susan herself is not a very likable character but I admired her perseverance to get at the truth.
Mystery fans that enjoy Agatha Christie, Sophie Hannah and Lee Goldberg’s ‘Monk’ series might be interested in discussing ‘Magpie Murders.’ Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver

Posted in: Adult Fiction

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Series: Book 1)

A Curious Beginning (Veronica Speedwell Series: Book 1)

by Deanna Raybourn

It is London, 1887.
Upon the death of an aunt who raised her, Veronica meets a German baron who wishes to tell her something about her parents. Veronica, who has never been curious about them would rather study butterflies and is all prepared for foreign travel. The baron convinces her to travel to London where he is soon murdered. Veronica, determined to find the Baron’s murderer, sets upon an investigation that begins to intertwine with her own unknown story. The Baron’s friend, a scientist who goes by ‘Stoker’, is a good romantic interest for Veronica and their relationship brings on witty, amusing dialogue as the story progresses. This first in a series is fast-paced and well written. I recommend the entire series featuring ‘Veronica Speedwell’. Fans of Anne Perry or Victoria Thompson might enjoy giving it a try. Also available on OverDrive.
Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Such a Fun Age

Such a Fun Age

by Kiley Reid

Emira Tucker has spent her mid-20s bouncing from job to job.  Now she’s found a great gig as a baby-sitter for Briar, the toddler daughter of Alix Chamberlain, a well-known self-help speaker for women.  This was the perfect relationship for both women until one night when African-American Emira takes white Briar to a grocery store in a predominately white neighborhood and is accused of kidnapping the child by a customer.  That night sparks a chain of events for both women’s lives that disrupt the previously perfect arrangement.  Reid writes the story in alternating perspectives.  I listened to the audiobook version of this book and it was one of my favorites of the year.
Recommended by: Brandi Smits, Youth Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

March 2020

A Witch in Time

A Witch in Time

by Constance Sayers

This beautifully written story follows a young woman who is cursed to relive a doomed love affair through many lifetimes both as muse and frustrated artist. The curse started in 1895 and from then on the pair of star-crossed are damned to re-live their affair before dying tragically young lifetime after lifetime. It doesn’t help that their is a demon in charge of keeping the curse maintained who also happens to be in love with the young woman. Can the curse ever be broken or will the star-crossed lovers be doomed to relive another doomed affair?

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

Lady Hotspur

Lady Hotspur

by Tessa Gratton

Another Shakespeare play getting another high fantasy makeover with the next book in her saga of Innis Lear. This time Henry IV is the bard’s play that is featured. It takes place centuries later after the events in The Queens of Innis Lear. As revolution, love and betrayal corrupt the descendants of two warring kingdoms three woman together or apart have the power to bring the once powerful Aremoria back to life or destroy it forever.

Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk

Posted in: Adult Fiction

February 2020

The Queens of Innis Lear

The Queens of Innis Lear

by Tessa Gratton

Shakespeare’s play King Lear meets high fantasy in this adult retelling of a classic play. The crown will not to go the one that loves their father more but the one that will win the battle. Battle-hungry Gaela, master manipulator Reagan and restrained, starblessed Elia all have the right to take their father’s place and rule Innis Lear. But regardless of who wins the war the shores of their beloved home will weep the blood of a house divided.
Recommended by: April Balasa, Patron Services Clerk    

Posted in: Adult Fiction

January 2020

Magic for Liars

Magic for Liars

by Sarah Gailey

This book has more twists than a bag of pretzels. Imagine a school for magic, set in the rolling hills of California, from an adult’s point of view. Now throw in an unsolved murder, a non-magic private eye, and messy sibling relationships. It’s an edge-of-your-seat whodunit, and I could not put it down.

Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, School Liaison 

Posted in: Adult Fiction

December 2019

The Taster

The Taster

by V.S. Alexander

For those looking for a tame WWII historical fiction book, this may be a good match. Magda Ritter finds herself recruited by the Third Reich to be one of several tasters for the Fuhrer at his mountain retreat.  While it was interesting to read about the people behind the scenes with the Third Reich, I felt that the plot line could have been stronger.  Atrocities of the Holocaust are discovered by our Magda who conspires with others to eliminate Hitler.  For those of you looking for an action packed wrap up to this story, you will be disappointed as the story falls flat.

Recommended by: Theresa Hildebrand, Patron Services Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

The Darkdeep

The Darkdeep

by Allyson Braithwaite Condie

Four main characters, 2 male and 2 female, discover an abandoned houseboat and within it a mysterious well that they name the Darkdeep. By diving into the well, they are able to bring figments of their imagination to life. These figments last only seconds at first but then longer and longer creating problems. This book contains lots of adventure and constant excitement.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager   

Posted in: Adult Fiction

November 2019

The Good Liar

The Good Liar

by Nicholas Searle

Now a motion picture playing in the theaters, and a book you can’t put down.  An older gentleman whose appearance deceives the wealthy women he seeks to con, finds his next target online, a widow who appears to be vulnerable, but who actually has a secret of her own.  You will find The Good Liar full of surprises!

Recommended by: Deborah Keuper, Reference Librarian   

Posted in: Adult Fiction


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