Gertie's Leap to Greatness: The little girl in all of us

Gertie's Leap to Greatness
by Kate Beasley
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group

You will love Gertie Reece Foy.  She is only a fifth grader, but her dreams and motivations are the same as yours.  She wants to earn the love of her mother. But nothing important like love can be earned by our own efforts.

What's different about this book
The author's writing continually weaves Gertie's assumptions about life with information about her secure, accepting environment and her quiet, complex thinking about how she can make things better. The reader can feel, even identifies with, Gertie's thinking -  it is evocative of our own best-laid plans. (Even the pony-tail on top of her head is part of her strategic thinking.)

What I'll do now that I've read it
The story is not just one more cute-kid story. The details of her life and environment evoke the reader's empathy and support.  This will be a great read for elementary, middle grades, and even high school - the problems Gertie faces are common to us all, and her resolution and her learning will echo with us all.

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The Queen's Accomplice, the latest Maggie Hope novel

The Queen's Accomplice: A Maggie Hope Mystery
by Susan Elia MacNeal
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine Bantam
October 2016

A series that grows stronger, and characters that develop richly: The Maggie Hope mystery series blends intriguing historical fiction with personalities and mystery in an increasingly compelling whole.  Your readers (and you) will want to know about this.

What's different about this book
If you are familiar with Maggie and her amazing adventures with the leading historical figures of World War II times, you will want to know that this latest story is the strongest -- and grittiest -- of all the series. Author MacNeal continues to perfect her craft by drawing from previous stories and relationships to make integral connections to the latest release.  The Queen's Accomplice is made the richer for those interweavings.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This series, and this latest book, will continue to be prime offerings in my libraries for adults, young adults, and the general mystery / adventure reading populace.  These stories are easy to book-talk and easy to hook readers into. 

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A Most Extraordinary Pursuit - for adventure, mystery, and delightful character development

A Most Extraordinary Pursuit
by Juliana Gray
Berkley Publishing Group
October 2016

A well-crafted period piece that grabs the reader's attention from the first few lines: a dead but totally present Queen Victoria gives her strong opinion about the heroine's upcoming actions.  This book, the first in a new series from an established author, promises a lot of fun for historical fiction, mystery, and adventure fans.

What's different about this book
There are so many engaging aspects to this story. The first shows up with the repeating voices from the grave, each giving advice and insight.  Then the strong, independent character of the heroine, complex and conflicted, makes the story line compelling throughout the story. The varied characters, the always-moving plot line, and the back story that appears on a collision course with the front story - all these elements combine to present a thoroughly enjoyable, intriguing read. But the greatest pleasure may be the ending moments wherein the heroine displays unexpected strength and insight.  It left me cheering for her! And those last moments position her perfectly to segue into the next adventure.  I'm looking forward to reading it!

What I'll do now that I've read it
I've placed this book on our to-purchase list for my libraries, for my high school and my adult patrons: folks who will appreciate the intrigue, the relationships, and the adventure. I'm already targeting my big historical fiction readers for this new delight.

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Jayne Ann Krentz and When All the Girls Have Gone

When All The Girls Have Gone

by Jayne Ann Krentz
Berkley Publishing Group
November 2016

A quiet Friday night, glass of wine, and a new Jayne Ann Krentz book.  It doesn't get much better than that.  Over the years I have come to know the rhythm and pacing of Krentz' stories in a way that is comfortable and dependable.

What's different about this book

The edge is off the formula with this newest release.  The same dependable certainties are present: no dithering between the main protagonists, no hesitation or unnecessary drama. But the plot in Girls is more broadly spread across time and space, and the threads of the subplots are many and varied.  This is an enjoyable read on multiple levels, and this will be a great book to share.

What I'll do now that I've read it

I'll be happy to provide this for my adult patrons who know Krentz and her fine fare. The author, and now this story, will be easy book talks to make with other fans who, as I, are always anxious for a new Jayne Ann Krentz work. 

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Ghost Talkers: WW1 spies, romance, and the supernatural

Ghost Talkers
Mary Robinette Kowal
Macmillan-Tor/Forge
August 2016

This is a compelling book - but not in the clichéd sense of the word.  Some books are "bigger" in their impact on the reader than the outside package would suggest. This is one of those.

This will be a sure addition to my libraries - at all levels, adolescent and up.  I appreciate the draw-me-in plot, beginning with the first sentence.  The characters are well-developed, the mystery and suspense hold cohesively, and the ending is satisfying despite inevitable loss of war. 

Well-done - and one I'm already book-talking to friends, weeks before the book's release!

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Mighty Jack: Accessible and Compelling

Mighty Jack
by Ben Hatke
First Second Books
September 2016

For some readers, graphic novels are not accessible.  Visual books require a different type of literacy, and for those not compelled to read them, graphic novels hold little appeal.  Mighty Jack may turn that story around.

What's different about this book
The illustrations and the layout in this book make it an easy-to-follow story.  The plot line makes this a read-in-one-sitting book.  I've always supported my readers that wanted graphic novels, but I didn't always understand the draw. 
In Mighty Jack, the illustrations are so clear, the dialog and contextual clues so sparse but effective, that I really enjoyed the reading!  The first thing I did when finishing was to search for the second in the series. 
Yes; an accessible graphic novel, amazing illustrations, and a series read! A large number of my patrons aren't going to believe the treasure in Mighty Jack!
A comment on the illustrations: the size of the various blocks vary.  Rather than a carefully and rigidly set size of frames, author Hatke and publisher First Second allowed the layout to vary from page to page:

And occasionally, the reader turns to a full-spread illustration, each of which appear as visual gasps dramatically moving the story forward:

What I'll do now that I've read it
First, I'll find the next book in the series. But after that, I'll be adding copies to each of my libraries and booktalking this graphic novel to every student and group that I can reach. Sharing not with just my graphic novel readers, but to all my readers - including those who haven't felt the attraction to graphic novels.  I think they just may not have found an accessible one before, one with such a compelling storyline and illustrations.  This was a great read. In any format.

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Unfolding: A compelling novel

Unfolding
by Jonathan Friesen
Zonderkidz-Books, Blink
December 2017

With this book, I was hooked in pretty quickly.  I wanted to read this when I had to be doing other things.  This is a GREAT read, both for young adults and adults who enjoy a great story.

What's different about this book
There is a compelling mix of small-town real life and some mystical, magical influences.  Not enough other-worldly to put readers off.  Just enough to pull the attention further into the story.
I appreciated the engaging discussion of transcendent issues - the story isn't afraid to address God and Christ and life and death. But there is no overt, off-putting agenda:  just a natural, we-all-think-about-these-things touch.
The story travels far afield from its starting point, and sometimes in that distance the cohesiveness of plot and purpose waiver.  But the completely-satisfying resolution and ending make it all work. Not a perfect writing, but a pretty good one.

What I'll do now that I've read it

You want to read this. My library patrons will want to read it. I am eager to start sharing it in my  libraries.  I am sorry to see such a far-away publication date.  This book is too good to wait that long.

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Tailored for Trouble

Tailored for Trouble: A Romantic Comedy
by Mimi Jean Pamfiloff
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
August 2016

For a fun plot and an interesting maturation of characters, check this novel.  It offers some intriguing moments.

What's different about this book

This is the best book that I won't be able to share professionally.  The plot is engaging, the character development is fun to experience, and it's overall just a great read.

But conscious editorial choices of coarse wording and phrases, unnecessary to the plot development, put this delightful read into a category that I can share personally but can't promote professionally through any of my spheres of influence.  That's a shame.

What I'll do now that I've read it

The book is a hoot - fun to read.  I'm grateful for the opportunity to preview the book.   I was looking for something for my career-woman reading circles, but I just can't take it any farther than my girlfriends.  I wish the book had been slanted differently.

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The Body Reader: Mystery, Suspense and Complex characters

The Body Reader

by Anne Frasier
Thomas & Mercer
 Jun 2016

The reviews and blurb for this novel don't give an accurate picture. This book is tenser, darker, and more suspenseful than I expected.

What's different about this book
While the blurb prepares the reader for Jude, traumatized by past experience and thus able to "read" the body language of those she deals with, the blurb did not prepare me for the depth of suspense and darkness. We start the book knowing that the story is predominantly about Jude after her own abduction, but in fact the book begins with her while she is still being held in terrible conditions. Interestingly, she is not the only woman to experience that kind of trauma in this telling, and from that fact the entire plot is drawn. An engaging read, with a wide (but not too wide) range of characters.  The two prime protagonists are compellingly drawn.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This will be a great, new book to share with my adult readers who relish mystery and suspense. Best of all, the book ends satisfyingly - but with everything in place for a sequel.  I'll be looking for that.

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Lawyer for the Cat: Authentic relationships, law, and our animals

Lawyer for the Cat
by Lee Robinson
Bonnier Publishing
May 2016

In her first novel in the series, Lawyer for the Dog, Ms. Robinson clearly set the parameters for sympathetic characters, heart-warming interaction with pets, and nicely complex mystery and relationships. This second book follows - and is even better.

What's different about this book
The relationships between Sally Baynard, an independent lawyer well into her career, and her friends and family, her ex-husband, professional networks, and interesting new acquaintances are complex, authentic and compelling.  I enjoy the series for the professional story (interesting plot line!) as well as the problems that Sally faces.  The way she brings her experience, ties to friends, and her legal advocacy for a court-appointed cat (or dog) make for a unique approach to fiction that is very enjoyable.  Ms. Robinson clearly knows what she is writing about, and with each book in the series, she and her readers come to know Sally Baynard as well.

What I'll do now that I've read it
The quality of writing and the enjoyment in reading make both books in this series sure-fire winners in our libraries. Appropriate for teens as well as adults, the primary audience for these books is probably your adult female who enjoys mysteries and relationships. These will become part of our collection as something fresh and compelling.

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June: A Novel
by Miranda Beverly-Whittemore
Crown Publishing

Some books are bigger than their physical size. The weight of the characters, often combined with the gravitas of the plot and events, together create a Big Book.  June is one of those.

What's different about this book 
Although the topic of the book is not an important, academic study, the scope (across generations) and the breadth (every character seems to play a pivotal role) come together to impact the reader to an unexpected degree.  This is a compelling read that binds the reader with the hearts of the protagonists, and unexpectedly, the reader comes to love several characters equally. That requires exceptional crafting of a novel, and @MirandaBW accomplishes this deftly. The cross-generations stories refuse to let the read go - until the last, extremely satisfying development is revealed.  Good guys win, flawed guys lose, and bad guys get it in the end.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This novel is one of those written and set for adults but will, at the same time, equally involve older teen readers who love mystery and suspense and romance and celebrities. Our libraries serving both those patron profiles will be purchasing this title - and enjoying the book sharing that will come along with it.

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Entertaining but edifying: Traces of Guilt

Traces of Guilt
by Henderson, Dee
Bethany House Publishers
May 2016

Dee Henderson is a reliable author who knows her craft and produces excellent reading. This new novel, the first in the Evie Blackwell Cold Case series, is one of her better works and something you'll want to read.

What's different about this book 
 Henderson writes genuinely of Christians and nonbelievers alike, and each character is placed in a context of respect. This novel works with that mixture of characters to build a strong and compelling suspense story. 
     Really different: Women explore their career and life options honestly and realistically. There is a strong message that it's OK to be unmarried, just as it's OK to choose to marry.  In my own life, I have not experienced such an open and freeing discussion that doesn't rush to resolve all possible relationships. Friendship is portrayed as a natural and healthy first stage for male-female relationships, with equal respect shown to both genders. I doubt single women (or men!) hear that message from a healthy and Christian perspective. 
     Also different: acceptance of career ambitions (men and women) without subtle judgment that ambition is ungodly. Henderson shares a grounded perspective that ambition is, when healthy, a natural instinct to live out the gifts God purposefully provides to individuals to will work to build and strengthen the Kingdom.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This will be a strong addition to my adult libraries -- but an even stronger resource for my young adult readers. This book will entertain, for sure, but it will also be an edifying, grounding read that gives a new way to look at life choices and options. We are already ordering for our libraries.

Best takeaway:  I am at my best when I am alone with God. 

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Smoke: a world where our emotions are visible and honest

Smoke: a novel
by Dan Vyleta
Doubleday Books
May 2016

A compelling story of an alternate Victorian London where three teens -and the reader- learn the lie and the truth of their humanness.

What's different about this novel 
Publisher Doubleday labels this work as general fiction (adult).  I felt its audience was more powerfully identified as young adults. Both spheres of readers will find themselves reconsidering what they know about Authority and Social Truth and the virtue of our emotions. 

The three teen protagonists, indeed their entire society, considers the smoke emitted from their bodies in response to "sin" to be a mark for correction and avoidance. But that same society is founded on manipulated reality. 

The greatest difference in this novel is the transformation of the antagonist: first the Smoke, then family and authorities and society itself. 

Philosophically I don't agree with the premises of ultimate truth and value that the author posits, but Mr. Vyleta does a skillful job of making those premises cohesive and coherent and fully embedded in the world he creates. This book is powerful and compelling and envisioned from a unique perspective.  Adults and teen readers alike will be rewarded for their perseverance with this story.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This is a sure purchase for all my libraries serving mature middle graders, high schoolers, and adults. We should be hearing more about this book - and this author. 

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Action, adventure, and suspense: The Last Days of Night

The Last Days of Night
by Graham Moore
Random House Publishing Group - Random House
September 2016


The descriptive labels that might be used for this novel would not do it justice: historical fiction, turn of the century, golden age of inventions, Gilded Age.  Instead, I suggest these tags:
murder,
suspense,
romance,
industrial espionage,
and big money.


What's different about this book
An accurate blurb for this book could say that this is about the competition between Thomas Edison and George Westinghouse. But author Moore has outdone his earlier writings by making this a vibrant and dynamic story about genius and invention and cutthroat competition that involves murder, threats, and competition at a level I have seldom read in historical fiction. The sheer engagement of the reader in this compelling story makes this an easy-to-follow, hard-to-put-down book.  Some books are more powerful than others by the depth and scope of the narrative.  This is one of those that surprise with its gripping (but true) tale. Excellent read for both fiction lovers and nonfiction fans.


What I'll do now that I've read it
The wide range of readers who will be interested in this will ensure that all our libraries purchase this:  for young adults, adults, teachers, even beach readers.  The Last Days of Night will be a book readers are talking about.  Be sure to get on your book store's or library's Hold list for this one.  Coming out September 20, 2016.

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A new Evanovich venture: Curious Minds with Knight and Moon

Curious Minds: A Knight and Moon Novel
by Janet Evanovich, Phoef Sutton
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine 
August 2016


Many of us can't get enough of Evanovich and her varied collaborations. This pairing with Sutton is a solid and enjoyable venture. Hopefully this will prove to be a long-running effort.


What's different about this book
Much is the same: Evanovich repartee, an appreciation of the older, wiser characters in life, and the fun friction between independent-minded individuals.  The male protagonist in this new series is different: in the beginning of the novel Emerson Knight is so eccentric as to be socially inadept - painfully so.  But as the plot develops in pace with the characters, Emerson is more than amazingly wealthy and moves beyond bumbling. The pairing with Riley Moon, credentialed but inexperienced, begins to work -- by the resolution of this first book there is hope that following novels in the series will be increasingly engaging and compelling. 


What I'll do now that I've read it
A wide range of my library patrons enjoy Evanovich mystery/suspense/romance novels. Evanovich's name along will assure we purchase this new venture for our readers.  The collaborative shading and depth that Sutton adds may make this venture a compelling one that we will continue to enjoy! Definitely worth a try.


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Powerful but wordless: Love: The Lion

Love: The Lion
by Frederic Brremaud
Magnetic Press
July 2016


Graphic novels are increasingly respected as literacy tools for learning and pleasure. Powerful stories in those graphic novels are the key to hooking readers -- and making them think.  Love: The Lion manages to do that, wordlessly.


What's different about this book
The power of the images and the wordless narration in this book is amazing, really. The author/illustrator depends on the reader's literacy and thinking skills to make the story bridge the gap from the page to the mind.  I find it interesting that two earlier books in this style and series were recommended for younger readers; this is labeled by at least one vendor as young adult.  The reality of life is portrayed honestly in Love: The Lion: gritty but representative of wild life.


What I'll do now that I've read it
I have pre-ordered copies for my young adult libraries. I'll be very interested to see which readers "get it," and which have to turn to read the book again -- as I did. This book may be a growing experience for many of my patrons as they work to understand the full story told by the beautifully and compellingly illustrated art. A literacy experience indeed.


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YA action suspense: The Girl I Used to Be

The Girl I Used to Be

by April Henry
Macmillan Children's Publishing Group 
Henry Holt and Co. (BYR)
May 2016


Author April Henry offers one of her strongest young adult novels yet with this May release. Olivia's story of murdered parents, fostered childhood, and emancipation as a teen hits the right balance between engaging readers with a compelling protagonist and lots of action - without talking down to teen readers.


What's different about this book
Henry's recent YA mystery suspense books have offered readers light but well-crafted stories that weren't too heavy but weren't frothy either.  This newest title is, in my opinion, her best work so far. It will still appeal to those teens who may not have a lot of reading stamina but who want a seriously entertaining read.  This novel will appeal to adults as well who enjoy a quick mystery read.  This story ramps up the suspense towards the end and concludes with a satisfying mystery solution and just the right touch of romance.


What I'll do now that I've read it
Henry's novels are always a great suggestion for teen who ask for mystery.  I'll enjoy recommending this title as well and hinting that this may be the April Henry book they like the best.  A quick and completely satisfying read.

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Deception Island: Some grit with that Romance

Deception Island
by Brynn Kelly
Harlequin (US & Canada) 
May 2016


The book's cover gives a great visual of the mix of settings for Deception Island: palm trees, ocean waves, and lots of fire, death, and suspense. The action is gritty at times, but the plot resolves satisfyingly.


What's different about this book
Deception Island satisfied a number of reading interests: mystery, suspense, pathos, action adventure, enduring romance and familial love. This combination is seldom typical in my experience of reading in the romance genre, but the reader is well-served here by author Brynn Kelly.


What I'll do now that I've ready this
Deception Island fits the profile for adult romance reading. Accordingly I'll be sharing this with my adult patrons, particularly those who prefer a little action-adventure with their romance. This book offers a compelling read that goes beyond the usual relationship-only stories. Definitely worth a week-end read.

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Grab a copy now - The Invisible Library by Cogman

The Invisible Library
by Genevieve Cogman
Berkley Publishing Group  /Roc
Sci Fi & Fantasy
July 2016


The first in a series, this introduction to the reality-wide Library and its agents is a fun, engaging ride.  Characters are intriguing and complex, and the plot line and the action is compelling.




What's different about this book
The world(s) in which Irene works is unlike others I am familiar with.  The Library exists independent of the alternate realities, all of which resemble London in intriguing ways. And the realities of those working for or in line with the Library are unexpected as well.  This is an involving read that gets better with each page, and as a librarian, I was completely hooked by the mission and methods and compulsions of this Library tale.


What I'll do now that I've read it
This novel is encouragingly similar to O'Malley's The Rook, in its dry, dry humor and its unexpected manipulations of reality and physics. The advantage of this series, however, is not having to wait years for the sequel! Book 2 and 3 are at least in the 2016 publication and release pipeline (The Masked City and The Burning Page).  So my avid and eager patrons awaiting Book 2 in the The Checquy Files will gobble up these new offerings. The question now is, How many copies will we need?

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NYC and Post-WW2 Life: While you were mine

While You Were Mine
by Ann Howard Creel
Lake Union Publishing
April 2016


A well-written and well-researched period piece that follows convincing characters in New York City immediately following the close of World War II

What's different about this book
I was not familiar with this time as it was seen and lived by people in this place, but Creel offers a well-told story, one that realistically (I assume) reflects the realities of New York as the War ends and families and their soldiers return and work to find out what life will now look like in the changed world.  Characterization is thorough: These are realistic people with their imperfections and dreams, and that may explain the slower-than-expected pacing of the plot. A worth-while read but not a fast one.


What I'll do now that I have read it
I am not usually a fan of realistic historical fiction, but this was a solid read.  I'll be book-talking this to my patrons (and friends) who look for well-written novels in this genre.

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Murder in Missoula, and a protagonist of note

Murder in Missoula
by Laurence Giliotti
Chateau Noir Publishing

September 2015

Despite a less than compelling title and cover, this book is a good read. The characters and the plot line are skillfully presented, and the reader is engaged quickly.

What's different about this book

It was the speed with which I was engaged that drew me in.  I had just put down two books because I couldn't get hooked into the stories, and I was wondering if the problem lay with me and my current life.  Enjoying this book was a relief.

I particularly liked the character development: The protagonists were likeable, and they moved the plot in agreeable and engaging lines.

What I'll do now that I've read it

This will be an easy sell to patrons interested in character-driven mystery suspense stories. We'll be sure to have copies on hand in our relevant libraries.

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A levening humor with your etymology

A Field Guide to the F Word
by Ben Parker
Valley Press
2016


The book title and description will probably attract readers with diverse expectations:  Those linguistic types who enjoy reading about the history of words and language, and those who are intrigued about this particular word. Readers with both perspectives will find the reading enhanced by an enjoyable humorous touch to both the scatological and the academic.

What's different about this book
Like the elephant in the room, The Word never appears in this book.  But we all know what the author is talking about.  What I did not expect was the wry and deft humorous touches, slipped in where least expected.  The book may be short on academic linguistics and empirical evidence, but it is strong in pleasurable reading and mental exercise.

What I'll do now that I've read it
I'm thinking of both my adult patrons who enjoy a good story and laugh, and my upper level students who do "serious" etymological studies.  This book will be a great resource for both audiences, as well as the random reader who wants to consider a topic not often considered in literature. A short and very accessible read.

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Holding Smoke - Holding a wonderful book!

Holding Smoke

by Elle Cosimano
Disney-Hyperion
May 20167

Prepare for the best read you've had in a while. Holding Smoke intrigues with a refreshing new setting, compelling characters, and enough suspense to hold the reader to the book. 

What's different about this book
The plot construct that Smoke can leave his body grabbed my attention; and the fact that Smoke is in juvenile detention for a crime he may not have committed kept me reading.  Smoke's character is developed so integrally with the plot that I wasn't aware the author was weaving that aspect.  A touch of romance and caring family and friends, good people winning: These were part of making this read one of the best I've enjoyed in a long time. 

What I'll do now that I've read it
For me, one of the basic qualities of a well-written book is not being aware of the author's presence.  I don't want to be reminded that I'm reading what someone wrote.  Cosimano's work achieves that beautifully:  There is just such a great story to enjoy! I haven't waited to share with friends, library patrons, and other librarians.  I'll be sorry --and surprised-- if this book doesn't show up on a lot of award lists.

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Fortune Favors the Wicked - a different Regency romance

Fortune Favors the Wicked

by Theresa Romain

Kensington Books

March 2016

This romance breaks the mold in several ways: a heroine who is not the usual lily-white maiden, a hero who is less than the physical dream, and a plot that requires more than the usual social niceties.  If you don't "do" romance, you might like this one anyway.

What's different about this book

The story is set around Charlotte, who seeks a treasure to help her escape her cultured, elegant but socially inappropriate life as a courtesan in London. Of course, Benedict Frost also needs that treasure, for excellent reasons of his own, his blindness not being the chief of those reasons.  The book avoids the trite and cliched means to tell the story, and the reader is the winner: strong plot, compelling characters, a satisfactory but not treacly-sweet resolution.

What I'll do now that I've read it

This is a book for my adult romance readers, and one I'll happily book-talk and share. It offers a refreshing break from the mold of Regency romances.

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A Lady in the Smoke: Victorian with romance, mystery, and intelligence

A Lady in the Smoke A Victorian Mystery

by Karen Odden

Random House Publishing

March 2016

Rather than another formulaic mystery from Victorian England, this book offers a clearly written and engaging story with authentic setting and an interesting plot. It is very good on several levels.

What's different about this book

I appreciated the quick start to the plot, and the immediately sympathetic lead figure. Elizabeth Fraser is an intelligent protagonist, and when she steps forward to help the sole surgeon after a train wreck, the story begins apace. I also enjoyed the Victorian perspectives on medicine, social class structure, and the legal practices of the times. 

What I'll do now that I've read this

This book will be a great addition to various of our collections: mysteries, historical fiction, romance, and adventure. For my patrons that select nothing other than historical fiction, this book will be a welcome addition.

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Cold Barrel Zero - a black-ops thriller

Cold Barrel Zero
by Matthew Quirk
Mulholland Books
March 2016 

Can there be such a thing as too much page-turning action? Cold Barrel Zero comes as close to the edge as possible - but manages to keep its great story and intriguing plot.

What's different about this book
Before reading Quick's newest release, I saw the mentions of this being a page-turner. I always take that with some skepticism. But indeed this book does begin fast, continues fast, and doesn't stop the action until the last sentences. Somehow the author manages to string enough narrative among those episodes of action to set the context and develop characters, but the reader is far too engaged in what's happening to notice. I did wonder if the final plot twist was just o-n-e  t-o-o many, though. Great story, a few unexpected twists, and a generally enjoyable read.

What I'll do now that I've read it
This will be a sure addition to our adult fiction library collections - it will intrigue and entertain patrons that look for a strong politico-military underdog that wins nobly. And I'll be glad to book-talk this book to readers eager to be quickly drawn into some action.

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A series that just gets more engaging

The Woman in Blue
by Elly Griffiths
Houghton Mifflin Harcourt
May 2016

This British crime novel, the eighth in the Ruth Galloway series, continues the irresistible story of the world of Norfolk and Ruth and her widening network of contacts.  

What's different about this book 
The Woman in Blue stands on its own as an engaging read, but the strength of the reading pleasure derives from the cumulative impact of the series itself: These are characters we care about, relationships that we are invested in, and the mystery and suspense are the icing on the Ruth Galloway cake. In this episode, we continue to see the strong character development that Ms. Griffiths excels at, and the drama is another fresh and engaging plot. After multiple books in a series, some authors fail to keep it fresh. This author, however, does not fail to intrigue and delight.

What I'll do now that I've read it 
The entire series of Ruth and her circle will become part of the library for each adult collection I oversee. And this latest installment will be my latest recommendation to friends and patrons.  
The opportunity to review new titles is sometimes a beautiful serendipity:  I am grateful to have had the chance to meet Ruth and follow her story. Don't miss it!

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