A strong read: A Strange Scottish Shore

A Strange Scottish Shore
by Juliana Gray
Berkley Publishing Group

The second book in a series, A Strange Scottish Shore takes the reader in a new direction -- different, but very enjoyable.

What's different about this book 
The first book in Gray's Emmeline Truelove series, titled A Most Extraordinary Pursuit, was a pleasant and entertaining read that posited the threads of events crossing across time: a murder suspense tale involving, at one point, a Greek god transported to the future, as well as other not-quite explained phenomena let the reader know "something is up."  A great read.

This second book, however, takes the original premise and builds a completely new world in an unexpected direction that nonetheless builds on the clues recognizable from the first book.  If they hadn't quite caught on in the first book, readers should be aware that time travel is a huge part of the story of Emmeline.

The new direction of A Strange Scottish Shore gives us more of what we want: more of the heroine Emmeline (or just Truelove as she is called) and the male figures with whom she works and adventures. A strong, satisfying romance develops in this second book.  

I was particularly impressed with Gray's mastery of a cliff-hanger ending sentence.  One sentence.  And the reader immediately remembers the threads skillfully planted earlier in the book that makes for a subtle but thrilling pause ... until the third book!  Aargh.

What I'll do now that I've read it 
This second book will cause librarians (and readers) to go back and consider the first title for purchase, if they haven't already done so.  Book one was very good.  Book two compels the addition to the library collection of the full series.  (The novella prequel may still have been the best of all so far.)

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Matchup: A gourmet spread of thriller stories

MatchUp

edited by Lee Child
Simon & Schuster
Pub Jun 2017  


In case you missed it, as I did, the International Thriller Writers (ITW) published a clever and entertaining anthology of specially-written short stories in 2014, Faceoff.  The fresh approach derived from iconic characters of mystery / suspense / thriller series (think Harry Bosch, Jack Reacher, and Lincoln Rhyme) paired up to solve a new and mutual challenge.

Matchup is the second such anthology, and this time the pairings involve "the battle of the sexes" (think Diana Gabaldon and Steve Berry, Kathy Reichs and Lee Child).

Both collections are fun, clever, and evocative for readers of these renowned authors.

But both require a new approach to reading:  an anthology literacy, if you will, that changes how readers approach the book.

What's different about this book?
Short-story reading has always been something of a "choose your own" process where the reader can decide which, if any (or all) of the stories gets read.  These titles complicate things a little:  Choices have to be made according to which of the iconic characters you want to follow, and the best entertainment results when both authors, both iconic figures, are well-known to the reader.  The result in such cases is a delightful adventure of much-loved characters with the catalyst of an equally loved character offering a third-person perspective of that character.

If that sounds confusing, it's not.  It's a great ride!

One unexpected benefit is meeting NEW icons in the thriller setting - and deciding to perhaps pursue that author's series as well as the ones held dear.

What I'll do now that I've read it
It's a no-brainer: For every library patron that loves a particular thriller series, there is double or triple the potential that the patron will enjoy the pairings, and even expand the reading focus.

ITW, never an organization to do things by the book, has hit upon a genius plan to fund the group's work (it doesn't charge member dues) and to reward the authors' readers as well.  Both Faceoff and Matchup belong in the collection of libraries where mystery / suspense / thriller books are popular.  Or where they might become popular.

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Mighty Jack and the Goblin King - A graphic novel for every reader

Mighty Jack and the Goblin King
by Ben Hatke
First Second Books
September 2017

Think about all the great characteristics of the first book in this Mighty Jack series: compelling story, exceptionally clear plot line conveyed and enhanced by the beautifully colored illustrations, the bravery and courage of the protagonists.  Then think BETTER. Mighty Jack and the Goblin King trumps all of the first great qualities, and the reader's enjoyment is even greater.

What's different about this book

Jack, his sister Maddie, and their friend Lilly are continuing the wild adventure that arose from those magic garden beans that the strange man gave him.  Don't think "weird creatures and wild tale." Think "adventure" and "courage" and wow!

One particular quality I love about this new release is its wide appeal:  elementary, middle, high school readers, adults too! The story moves beyond age and pulls the reader into the adventure.

As a language acquisition expert, I love how readers build cognitive skills through reading.  And I appreciate Hatke's use of excellent vocabulary to move his tale, all while supporting the acquisition of those words with context and beautiful illustrations.  Know any elementary students who understand and use nexus?  They will after reading this book.

I was particularly enthralled by the illustrations: rich, often full-page, gorgeously compelling and effective plot presentation.

But perhaps the best difference of all was the clear story.  Not all graphic novels are clear and accessible, but Jack is.  All levels of visual literacy will enjoy Jack's two stories. 

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

With its release in September 2017, I will have time over the summer to build vendor lists that ensure this title is in all our school libraries.  It will bring reading pleasure, mental growth, and an anticipation of a (hopefully) third book.  Grab this one!

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Edgy YA: Compelling novels that offer diverse perspectives AND accessibility

Rez Runaway by Melanie Florence

Dead to Me by Cristy Watson

Dark Side by John Choi

Riot School by Robert Rayner

James Lorimer & Company

Multicultural Interest , Teens & YA

Lorimer & Company is producing some engaging "hi-lo" (high interest, lower reading complexity) titles that you will consider prime reading material for your strongest school library patrons. 

That the titles entertain and engage all readers, rather than just the reluctant ones, makes these choices all the more valuable.

These four titles in the "Sidestreets" line are being marketed by Lorimer for their wide diverse appeal and "hot button" topics.  The protagonists are nicely representative of so many young adult readers who don't normally find themselves in the books they read.

That the reading levels of these books are unobtrusively lower than most YA titles is the icing on the cake:  The writing is compelling enough that I soon forgot I was reading hi-lo titles  within the first few pages. 

I am delighted to report that the excellent story telling, yet broad topics and individual strengths, in these books are something I have immediately purchased for my YA patrons.  I'll be eager to share with adults who support those YA patrons as well.

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The Silent Corner: Suspense and Intrigue at their best

The Silent Corner : A Novel of Suspense

by Dean Koontz
Random House Publishing Group - Ballantine
Bantam
June 2017

Good news for Koontz fans: There is a new series coming this summer! The Silent Corner offers a promising start to a story that defines suspense.

What's different about this book
The "silent corner," that place where truly untrackable individuals nonethless remain able to use the Internet undetected.

Protagonist Jane Hawk survives in that silent corner. I was hooked by the quick-to-start quest of Jane, a recent widow struggling to uncover why her husband, one of a growing pattern of atypical suicides, took his life. 

Jane begins to unravel a plot, the complexity of which reveals the global, ubiquitous nature of an enemy that can and does control individuals by passing their conscious thinking through science and technology.  Yet Jane's story provides engaging ingenuity and resourcefulness, as well as an encouraging cadre of friends who trust her despite her inexplicable actions off the grid.

This novel displays Koontz' exceptional crafting of a cohesive tale: lots of courage to applaud, lots of twists to uncover, and lots of thrills for the reader. This is so solid a work that it gives the impression of a monolithic, corporate effort that will lead us through a series of equally well-designed sequels.  Well-thought-out and thrilling to read. It's almost too threatening a world to want to live in.

What I'll do now that I've read this
The double charm of a new Koontz novel, the fast pace, and the promise of a new series heroine with serious bad guys will be an irresistible offering to my patrons, both young adult and adult readers.  There's a large population segment that will be on the waiting list for this book.

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If I'm Found: Book 2 in an engaging suspense series

If I'm Found
Book 2 (out of 3) in the If I Run series by Terri Blackstock
Zondervan Fiction
Christian , Mystery & Thrillers
Pub Date 21 Mar 2017

"Christian Fiction" is too often a synonym for "not well-written." This series runs counter to that truism, and I am adding the series to my libraries confident that readers will be satisfied.

What's different about this book
There is genuine suspense, and excellent characterization. As a reader, I found the protagonists to be sympathetic and compelling.

The story line that wobbled a bit in the first book grows stronger in the second, and the momentum builds as the characters engage with each other, those around them, and in the settings where they are found.

Issues of PTSD, broken families, and true crime are handled skillfully and add to the engagement of the reader with the story line.  I dislike having to wait for a third release to learn the resolution of high-tension conflicts, but the author has sold me on the need for a third book to fully develop the story.  I'll hang in for one more in the series.

What I'll do now that I've read it
I struggle to find compelling Christian fiction for my library patrons.  This series, and in particular, this second book, offer much to enjoy: suspense, conflict, romance, and realistic spiritual doubt as a part of the character development.  I'm happy to have this series as an additional resource to offer.

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Are You Sleeping - Family Drama with a Twist of Murder

Are You Sleeping: A Novel

by Kathleen Barber
Gallery, Threshold, Pocket Books
01 Aug 2017

The summary blurbs about this novel don't do it justice.  The story is more than one woman's challenge to return to her family despite lying to her boyfriend.  Turns out there is a significant mystery yet to be solved, and deception from many family members about what happened complicates the story line.

What's different about this book

The author develops (albeit slowly) a genuine mystery about just what happened ten years ago.  Rather than primarily a family drama, this book was enjoyable for the suspense and well-complicated plot line that kept the reader guessing. 

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

This is a great read for a wide range of readers.  I'll be able to share and book talk it with my young adult library patrons as well as my adult mystery aficionados.  Clean yet compelling - this book is worth sticking with to learn all the hidden truths.

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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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