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The UnWedding by Allyson Condie

Published November 5, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Ellery was supposed to go on a romantic remote getaway to a beautiful resort with her husband for their anniversary, but when he suddenly announced that he wanted a divorce she ends up going all on her own. At first, Ellery feels out of place and lonely, especially when she sees there is going to be a wedding there, but she meets some new friends and begins to enjoy herself. Then, after waking up early to go for a swim, she makes a terrible discovery of the groom floating face down in the resort pool. She tries to get him out, but it was too late. Everyone knew he had not shown up for the wedding, but now everyone is wondering if he was dead before or after he failed to show up. It’s especially confusing since he was clearly dressed for the wedding. To make matters worse, there was a terrible storm that washed out the bridge and took out most communication so she cannot reach out to her kids and they cannot reach the police. They are stuck there with no knowledge of when they might be able to get out and hoping there isn’t a killer on the loose. Ellery and her new friends decide they might as well do a little investigating while they are there, but it quickly becomes apparent that someone does not want them looking into this suspicious death. Can Ellery figure out who would want to hurt a groom on his wedding day? Will anyone else get hurt while they are isolated at this resort? Will she ever start to feel ready to move on from her marriage?

Fans of mysteries such as The Couple Next Door, The Perfect Couple, and the Woman in Cabin 10 will enjoy this title. The main character is sympathetic and feels like anyone would feel if they stumbled into this situation. The people at the resort are colorful and easy to distinguish from each other. The mystery itself has several twists and turns, but the resolution is satisfying and realistic. Recommended for readers who love a good mystery, but aren’t looking for anything too dark or heavy.

The Grandest Game by Jennifer Barnes

Published October 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

The Grandest Game is an elite competition created by Avery Grambs and the four Hawthorne brothers where one lucky winner wins multi millions. It’s not easy to join or win the competition, however. A few contestants are chosen by Avery and the rest must follow clues in order to earn a ticket to play. Once the 7 contestants are chosen and make their way to the competition, on an island, it becomes clear that the clues will be challenging and they will be forced to work in groups for the first round. Anyone not completed by sunrise will be eliminated from the competition. Each player has their own motivations for wanting to win, and of course they all have secrets they would prefer everyone didn’t know. How can they trust anyone, even people they are assigned to work with? In a group of highly motivated people, how can anyone find a way to get ahead?

Fans of the Inheritance Games series will enjoy this title because it is all riddles, games, and clues in an exciting format. As the game progresses, the reader learns more about each character, why they are here, and what their motivations are. The clues and puzzles are especially interesting in the Grandest Game and would be amazing to see visually in a movie. The ending is satisfying, but many readers will be disappointed that this is only the first challenge of this game. Highly recommended for fans of the series.

Poison in their Hearts by Laura Sebastian

Published October 22, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

In this final installment of the Castles in their Bones series, Daphne and Beatriz work together to try and overcome the horrendous plans set out by their mother to take over all of the kingdoms at any cost. However, it will not be easy as their mother always seems to be a step ahead and has spies everywhere. In fact, before Beatriz can get to Daphne, she is betrayed, drugged, and sent back to the kingdom she desperately wants to flee. Meanwhile, Violie is trying to maintain the ruse that she is in fact Princess Sophronia (with Daphne’s help). Can they find a way, with their allies, to outsmart their mother and somehow keep the prophecy of their deaths from coming to fruition? Will they be able to find a way to get the support of the people against their mother, who appears from the outside to be a kind leader? Do they have what it takes to really stand up to the one who raised them for this very purpose?

This final installment is every bit as engaging as the first two and will make readers wish the series continued on. The sisters, continue to become more complex and endearing characters, but the supporting characters also become more developed as each impacts the ultimate resolution. This story does not shy away from violence as a means to an end, but it is never too graphic or overwhelming. The ending contains many twists and turns, which is impressive considering how far this story has already taken readers, but at no point does anything seem outlandish or exaggerated. This book finishes out the trilogy in such a satisfying way that the previous two books seem even better now that the resolution is clear. Recommended for fantasy and romance readers.

Tag, You’re Dead by Kathryn Foxfield

Published October 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Anton Fraser, a teen reality star known for crazy antics, announces he will be running a giant live-streamed game of tag. Each contestant (100 in total) will have the latest tech to help them on the game, including body cams that will be watching their every move. The game cannot distract from the fact that Anton disappeared from public life after one of his employees died suspiciously at his sprawling mansion. It was ruled a suicide, but there were always questions and the answers are now threatening to come out. After the game starts it becomes clear that some people are in it for different reasons than just the cash prize. Grayson, for example, wants to avenge the love of his life who died in Anton’s employ, but first he must do well enough to get close to him. Erin needs to win for her mother, who has placed a lot of pressure on Erin to win at all costs. Charlotte really does believe she is Anton’s biggest fan and believes they could form a relationship if only they got to know one another. As the game gets started and they are assigned to be Chasers and Runners it becomes clear that not everything is at seems and when a dead body is discovered it changes everything. Is it all part of the game? Has someone taken control of the game? Is there anyone they can trust?

This fun, fast paced mystery is great for reluctant readers because there is a lot of action but it’s also written in a way that readers who maybe favor YouTube or videogames can really get interested in. The characters are all easy to distinguish and all have their own motivations for wanting to participate in this crazy game. The ending will surprise many, but in a good way for mystery fans who like to be caught off guard. Recommended for mystery fans and those looking for something exciting with a modern twist.

These Deadly Prophecies by Andrea Tang

Published October 8, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Tabatha is the apprentice to one of the world’s most famous sorcerer’s and so far it has been a good learning experience. Until that is, when her boss predicts his own gruesome death and it actually comes true. There is a special division of law enforcement who deals with magical murders and they quickly zero in on Callum, the sorcerer’s youngest son. Callum and Tabatha decide to work together to try to figure out how someone could have killed the sorcerer in the way he died, but also who would want him dead. Many things do not add up in this mystery and there are many family members acting suspiciously in the days after the unexpected death. Moreover, Tabatha still isn’t sure who she can trust and it becomes clear that no one trusts her either. How can they solve the mystery of this near impossible crime?

This fantasy story is unique and intriguing from the beginning as the world is described and the purpose of sorcerer’s in the world becomes clear. The idea of a prophecy predicting the death of a powerful sorcerer is very interesting because he should be able to protect himself from most supernatural threats. As the family members are introduced it becomes clear that there are several dynamics at play, not to mention Tabatha suspects many of them are lying. Callum has a backstory with his father that makes his motives unclear, but for some reason he is able to convince Tabatha that he had nothing to do with his father’s death. The ending is exciting and satisfying. Recommended for fantasy fans looking for something new and different.

Bittersweet in the Hollow by Kate Pearsall

Published October 1, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Linden and her sisters all have the ability to taste the feelings of those around them. Over the years, people in their small town have started to get spooked by the James women because of their supernatural abilities. They run a popular cafe in town, however, and many can’t resist their fried green tomatoes. Linden went missing in the woods one night and does not remember what happened to her or how she found her way home, but when another girl goes missing shortly after and is not so lucky as to return home safely, many start to wonder if there is a creature in the woods preying on young women. Meanwhile, it feels like someone is specifically targeting the James women and Linden is not sure how to stop it before they lose everything. Can Linden and her sisters get to the bottom of who is behind these attacks? Can Linden find a way to use her ability to her advantage with those around her? Will she ever be able to find a way back to her beloved boyfriend, Cole, who fled when he learned of her abillity?

Fans of fantasy books will enjoy this title because it has a unique premise, interesting characters, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The mystery itself has more twists in it than it originally appears and the ending is very exciting and dramatic. There are also many secrets amongst the characters that all prove to be very important to the story once they are revealed. The James women are the real star of this novel and readers will want to know more about this charismatic family.

The Kill Factor by Ben Oliver

Published September 24, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Action/Survival

Emerson is convicted of arson and now she’s looking at murder, which carries a fifty year sentence, when a producer approaches her about becoming a contestant on his new show, The Kill Factor. If she wins the reality show she also wins her freedom, but if she loses she must spend the rest of her life in prison. Initially, she refuses the offer because she finds the producer unsettling and feels there is more to this game than he is letting on, but the prospect of winning could mean earning credits that would take care of her father and brother long after she’s gone. Reluctantly, she joins the 49 other teenage felons on a cruise ship taking them to their fate. Another contestant, Kodi, says some ominous things as they leave for their destination that makes her think he knows more about what’s going on than everyone else. As the trials begin it becomes clear that winning and losing aren’t the only two options: contestants can also die. Can Emerson survive the trials in order to earn her freedom? Can she find a way to save anyone before it is too late? Is there anyone she can trust or is everyone out for themselves?

This fast paced, action packed story will leave readers wanting to know more. Each trial is engaging in a horrific way as these teens desperately try to survive. As Emerson grows closer to people it is hard not to want to protect her friends even as she tries to save herself. The aspect of having viewers vote for their favorites also raises the stakes because it becomes a popularity contest and it becomes obvious that contestants will do whatever they need to in order to survive. The ending reveals some answers, but it also raises questions as readers will eagerly anticipate the next installment. Recommended for fans of The Hunger Games, The Testing, and other deadly competitive series.

Brighter than the Sun by Daniel Aleman

Published September 20, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Realistic Fiction

Sol is the only member of her family born on the U.S. side of the Mexican border and as such has the ability to go to school in the U.S. Every morning she crosses the border and makes her way to the high school where she hopes to do well enough to get into a good college. When her mom dies of cancer, however, things get much more difficult. Her father is trying to run her mother’s restaurant but the economy is struggling and so is he. Her older brother is trying to find work to help the family out, but nothing seems to pay well enough to truly help with their mounting debt. When Sol is able to find a job working in a warehouse in the U.S., she makes the difficult decision to stay in the U.S. with a friend during the week so she can go to school and work. She knows the money would really help her family, but it’s a real strain on her and she feels disconnected to her family back home, especially her little brother who has been struggling the most among the family strife. Can Sol find a way to help her family without dropping her grades and/or burning out? Can Sol find a way to be happy in this new life in the U.S. and if she does will she feel guilty about feeling happy while her family suffers in Mexico? Will things ever begin to feel a little easier?

This powerful story follows a teenage girl trying desperately to mourn her mother while also trying to keep her family from drowning (financially and spiritually). They all feel helpless and like nothing ever goes their way and they will struggle forever. Sol tries her best to be everything to everyone, but at some point this is just impossible. The story does a really nice job of depicting immigration issues, anxiety, poverty, and grief on both sides of the border. Readers will find themselves thinking about Sol and others like her struggling every day in this country, long after the book ends. Recommended.

Rez Ball by Byron Graves

Published September 17, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Sports Fiction/Native American Fiction

Tre is a Native American living on a reservation in Minnesota with his mother and father who are still grieving the sudden loss of his big brother, Jaxon. Jaxon was an amazing basketball player and the loss of him resulted in the rez team once again not making it to the state tournament. Tre was crushed when the team lost and vowed to improve his game so he can make varsity for his sophomore year. His best friend, Wes, is convinced Tre has a future in basketball and has been making a documentary on his journey since he is an aspiring filmmaker. As he gets closer to the season he really believes that his summer workouts will pay off, he’ll make varsity, and they’ll take the team to the state tournament for the first time. Can he make the varsity team his brother would have been a starting senior on? Can the rez team get to the state tournament for the first time in history? Can he keep up with the insane expectations everyone has for him?

Fans of sports fiction will enjoy this title because there is a lot of great sports action, but the setting on the reservation is really different and interesting. There is starting to be more Native American fiction and this is a great one to show how life on the rez is not that different from life in any other place, but there are still many people who harbor stereotypes and prejudices toward Native Americans. The characters are well developed which helps the reader care about what happens to them and how this team truly affects the entire rez. The ending is exciting and satisfying. Recommended for fans of other sports fiction authors such as Carl Deuker.

Powerless by Lauren Roberts

Published September 13, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Fantasy

Paedyn Gray has been passing as a psychic ever since her father was brutally murdered in their home. In her kingdom, if you don’t have a magical ability you are banished or worse, so it is imperative that no one find out she’s an Ordinary. When she inadvertently saves the life of a prince everyone suddenly takes notice of her and she is forced to join the Purging Trials. The Purging Trials is a brutal competition in which Elites show their power by using their magical abilities to win dangerous events in which some do not survive. Once Paedyn begins the Purging Trials she becomes close with both princes, Kai and Kitt. Kai is the enforcer of the kingdom and is used by his father to murder or banish those he feels unworthy to live there. Kitt, on the other hand, will one day be king and tends to show more compassion and sympathy toward his subjects, but he also believes his father’s way is the only way and has no plans to change anything once he ascends the throne. Meanwhile, there is an underground movement to overthrow the king due to his ruthless tactics and malicious laws and as Paedon gets to know those around her in the Elites she can’t help but feel torn between these two groups. What would happen if Kai and Kitt found out she had ties to the rebels? Who was behind her father’s murder and can she find a way to avenge him? What will happen if the Elites find out she is truly an Ordinary?

Fans of fantasy series will love this book as it combines popular elements such as magical abilities, ruthless competitions, corrupt kings, and of course secrets. The characters are all well developed, but that doesn’t mean they don’t have the ability to change and grow as secrets are revealed. The ending is well developed as the plot twists reveal everyone is hiding something and their relationships will be forever changed. Fans of The Testing series, The Red Queen series, and other similar fantasy series will enjoy this book and be racing to get the next one in the series.

The Blood Years by Elana K. Arnold

Published September 10, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Historical Fiction

This powerful story set in 1930s-1940s Romania is based on the author’s grandmother. Rieke is a young girl whose father frequently abandons her, her mother, and her sister. Finally, in an act of desperation, her older sister Astra begs a neighbor to call her grandfather, Opa, and he comes to take them all to her house where he can keep them fed and healthy. Unfortunately, they are invaded by the Soviets who do not care for Jews and they all begin to face hardships regarding all aspects of daily life such as going to school, getting groceries, and even Opa’s jewelry shop. Throughout it all, Rieke tries to remain positive as her Opa prays and her sister begins running around with a secret boyfriend. Eventually, Romania falls to the Germans who somehow make life even worse for the Jews. As Rieke witnesses terrible things happen all around her she can’t help but think about all she has been through and what she will do in order to survive.

This powerful story is important for us to know about because Romania during WWII is not discussed as much as other areas and many people are unaware what life was like for Jews during this time. There were instances of forcing Jews from their homes, sending them to work camps, senselessly murdering them in the streets and so much more. These are important stories for us all to know about. Rieke also has a very unusual relationship with her sister, Astra. She both loves and adores her and also feels she is treated cruelly by her. In her eyes, no one can ever refuse Astra anything she wants which makes her a powerful force. That is great if she is on your side, but not so great if she’s not. Highly recommended for anyone who likes WWII fiction and stories about strong families overcoming hardship.

All That’s Left to Say by Emery Lord

Published September 5, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery/Realistic Fiction

Hannah lost her best friend in the world when her cousin, Sophie, suddenly overdosed. Everyone was totally blindsided and couldn’t believe that Sophie would use drugs. Blinded by grief, Hannah decided to change her appearance and enroll in Sophie’s private school in order to find out who gave Sophie those pills on that fateful night. Somehow, meeting all of Sophie’s friends is much harder than Hannah expected and finding the truth continues to elude her. Plus, many of these kids have wealthy parents so every time she tries to get close to learning something new she knows they will have resources to protect them. When prom night comes and she finds herself in the principal’s office, drenched, fighting for her right to stay at this school she knows that her secret investigation will become public knowledge. How will she ever find Sophie’s possible killer if everyone knows she is her cousin? Will she lose all of the friends she has made due to her lies? How well did she really know Sophie?

The premise of this book is intriguing, but the reality is much more about drug trends than the mystery of Sophie’s death. In many ways it’s good to have books out there that discuss the rising opioid crisis among teens and the devastating repercussions for them and their families, but fans looking for a suspenseful mystery may find the ending a tad unexpected. The very realistic handling of this tough subject is great for all of us to be aware of and the growth of Hannah’s character throughout the story really shows how complicated this issue really is. Recommended for students and parents looking for a real, true discussion about the current opioid crisis.

Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders adn the Birth of the FBI by David Grann (adapted for young readers)

Published August 29, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Nonfiction

This adaptation of the original Killers of the Flower Moon is so captivating that I struggled to remember what had been changed for the YA version. This story follows the Osage Native American nation in the 1920s as they enjoy an incredibly prosperous life due to oil being discovered on their tribal land. As part of the land agreement, they must be compensated for anything found on their land and as such each Osage member receives a large check each month. However, this leads to several mysterious deaths of Osage members that lead to poor investigations, if any investigation occurs at all. Molly, an Osage member, loses several family members including her mother and a sister and it isn’t until a pattern starts to arise that anyone questions these untimely deaths. It becomes quite clear, though, that law enforcement feels little pity for people who have so much money that some believe was not properly earned. Eventually, a man is selected to investigate these mysterious deaths in order to determine if someone is targeting Osage people and this eventually leads to the birth of the FBI. It is a long and difficult path to the truth in this matter, though, and revelations regarding the Osage Nation continue for many decades after the incidents took place.

This book is powerful, engaging, mysterious, interesting, and something everyone should know about this nation’s history. It is thoughtfully researched and presented in a way that the main people the story actually feel like real people with real motivations, which helps readers truly care about this story from so long ago. There are many interesting aspects in this book that are often overlooked in history lessons such as Native American history, the FBI, racism and social hierarchy, and the overall mystery of these events. Historical books that shine a light on aspects of history that are often not taught are very popular amongst young people and this book is a great example of why. This book will leave readers wanting to discuss and know more about these people and this time period. Highly Recommended.

That’s Not My Name by Megan Lally

Published May 23, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Suspenseful Mystery

This story alternates between Drew who is desperately trying to find his missing girlfriend, Lola, and “Mary” who was found on the side of the road and doesn’t remember who she is. Drew has become the police’s number one suspect, which has turned the whole town against him. Obviously, he doesn’t want to go to jail, but even more so he can’t understand why everyone has stopped looking for Lola. Meanwhile, “Mary” was found on the side of the road and taken to the local police office, but shortly after arriving there a frantic man arrived claiming to be her father. He had photos and documentation to prove who he is, but she can’t help feel like something isn’t right. Plus, he keeps trying to tell her what kind of person she is and what she likes to do and none of it seems right to her either. After Drew convinces Lola’s best friend that he did not hurt Lola and does in fact want to find her she agrees to help along with Drew’s cousin. It isn’t too long before they find out that a tip was called into the tip line with a possible Lola sighting five weeks after her disappearance that the police did not follow up on. How many other tips did they ignore because they were so sure Drew killed her? What lengths will Drew go to in order to find Lola? Who is the man who claimed to be “Mary’s” dad?

This thriller tale will keep readers riveted until the exciting end. It is very well written and the clues are all there, but many readers will not put them together until the end. The character development really helps the reader care about these characters and what they are going through, including the aftermath. Recommended for those who like fast paced thriller mysteries, like April Henry’s titles.

The Reappearance of Rachel Price by Holly Jackson

Published May 15, 2024 Uncategorized Leave a Comment
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Genre: Mystery

Bel is an eighteen year old girl who was raised by her father when her mother disappeared suddenly sixteen years ago. Rachel Price’s disappearance captured local news for years because she was last seen with Bel, who was found in a running car alone in her car seat on the side of the road. Bel’s father was tried for the crime, but found not guilty and Bel was hoping to put all of the pain behind her. However, when they are approached about a documentary on her mother’s disappearance she only agrees because her father seems to think it’s a good idea. As they start shooting the documentary, though, she starts to have misgivings. Before she can decide if she wants to continue, Rachel shows up still wearing the clothes she disappeared in 16 years ago. Bel isn’t sure exactly why but something about her mother’s story about getting kidnapped and held against her will only to escape now after all this time seems farfetched and the facts don’t always line up. Her father’s reaction to her mother’s reappearance seems odd as well. Her mother moves back in with them and attempts to form a relationship with her and her cousin, Carter. Bel finds it difficult to connect with her mother after all these years, but Carter thinks Rachel is amazing and doesn’t understand why Bel isn’t overjoyed to have her back. Can Bel find out the truth behind Rachel’s disappearance? Will she be able to handle the truth?

This mystery story is engaging right from the beginning, but the ending will really thrill mystery lovers. Rachel’s disappearance and reappearance leave so many questions that it takes awhile to unravel it all, but the journey is totally worth it when it all comes spilling out. The backdrop of the documentary is also a great way to show how the outside world is viewing this incredible story. The characters are also really well depicted to help shape the actions in the story and why each character had certain motivations. The premise is very interesting, but the ending is what readers will be talking about. Highly recommended for mystery readers.

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