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.

* * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * *

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.

* * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *