Staff Picks

May 2020

Queens of Mystery, Season 1

Detective Sergeant Matilda Stone is solving murder mysteries with the assistance of her three aunts who are mystery authors as well as bookstore owners. Season 1 consists of three themed episodes broken down into six easy to watch segments. Storylines include a murder at an author’s award ceremony, the deaths of band members who have come together for a reunion album, and a murder at a play written by Matilda’s aunt Jane. All plots are helped along with a narrator and a few silly character spotlights making the series fast-moving as well as lighthearted. It’s a good cozy type of mystery for fans along the lines of M.C. Beatons’ Agatha Raisin series. Available on Hoopla.

Recommended by: Michelle Przekwas, Adult Services Shelver

Posted in: Movies/TV

The Break

by Katherena Vermette

This is not an uplifting book. Be forewarned. It has a trigger warning stating the book is about recovering and healing from violence. That being said, the author, of Metis heritage, gives us a look inside this Canadian culture. The book begins with an extensive family tree which is helpful as the story shifts between narratives. Pick this book if you like multigenerational family stories with drama and mystery.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Adult Fiction

The Usual Suspects

by Maurice Broaddus

A special education classroom, bullies, and the discovery of a gun near school make for a compelling read. The main character, Thelonious, who frequently creates disruptions in class, is an immediate suspect. This angers him so he, along with his bestie, Nehemiah, attempts to discover the identity of who brought in the gun. He encounters resistance alternating with support from his mother, his special ed classmates, and his teachers in this edgy middle school setting.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assistant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Caravan to the North: Misael’s Long Walk

by Jorge Argueta

This quick but powerful read centers on the decision of the Martinez family to leave their native El Salvador to travel to the United States. Written in verse, the reader feels both the cruelties and kindnesses experienced by the people in the caravan. This semi-autobiographical account achingly recounts the risks taken by people fleeing their home countries.

Recommended by: Becky McCormack, Youth Services Assitant Manager

Posted in: Youth Fiction

Sheets

by Brenna Thummler

Thirteen year-old Marjorie Glatt hates two things: ghosts and laundry. Ghosts, because they’re not real; and laundry because it’s all too real. Marjorie spends her days at school, and her afternoons, evenings, and weekends running the family laundry business. Ever since her mother died, her father has retreated to his bedroom–leaving Marjorie to run the laundry and fight off Mr. Saubertuck (who is planning on knocking down the family business to build a spa). Folded into this story is the story of Wendell, a ghost who lacks friends in a world of ghosts–and who decides to move into the laundry business. Equal parts sad and startling, this graphic novel is great for folks who love stories with unlikely heroes, surprise endings, and a little bit of melancholy. Pair with Ghosts by Raina Telgemeier for a spooky afternoon reading session!

Recommended by: Kara DeCarlo, Youth Services School Liaison

Posted in: Youth Fiction

A Dash of Trouble

by Anna Meriano

First book in the series Love Sugar Magic, Leonora, the youngest in the family, wants to discover the secret all the women in her family seem to share. When it comes time to celebrate the Day of the Dead, Leonora decides to skip school and find out or herself what exactly is going on in the family bakery. What possible harm could come from baking a little bit of magic to help a friend? Also available on OverDrive.