LIBRARY CORNER | 12/30/22

/in

Happy New Year! We can’t believe the year has already ended, but we’re looking forward to a great 2023 in the library.

Seven authors made the January Hall of Fame on the Library Reads list. Jane Harper was first with Exiles. “Two unrelated crimes—one a disappearance, the other a hit and run—collide when Aaron Falk takes a vacation to serve as godfather at a christening. It is up to Falk to ferret out ugly truths hiding in plain sight. This one is for those who enjoy a slow burn with a satisfying conclusion. Readers of the Cork O’Connor series by William Kent Krueger will appreciate this author.”  (1-31) Lori Hench

Elle Cosimano’s latest is Finlay Donovan Jumps the Gun. “Hip deep in trouble that just keeps getting deeper, Finlay and her nanny attend a citizen’s police academy while trying to find out the true identity of EasyClean, the assassin who tried to kill her ex. New characters abound in this ongoing series, as does the non-stop zaniness.” (1-31) Cynthia Hunt

How to Sell a Haunted House is by Grady Hendrix. “When the reading of a will reveals that Louise’s family estate was left to her bother, known for sinking cash into get-rich-schemes, Louise protests. This leads to a torrent of otherworldly happenings. Hendrix ramps up the tension until you feel like your nerves are guitar strings ready to snap.” (1-17) Stephanie McKenna

Mary Kubica’s new one is Just the Nicest Couple. “Nina and Lily work together as teachers who, along with their husbands Jake and Christian, socialize outside of work. However, both marriages are less than perfect, and when Jake goes missing, his disappearance changes things for all of them. This is a fast and intriguing ready, great for the beach or a lazy day in bed.” (1-10) Rachelle Kuzyk

Lost in the Moment and Found by Seanan McGuire is “the newest novella in the Wayward Children series. This one packs an emotional punch. After Antsy’s father dies, she becomes the target of a groomer. She runs away through a magical door to another world where lost things appear, and magpies talk. Readers will root for this character who has lost so much yet still cares deeply for others. Hand this to fans of Roshani Choksi or Alix E. Harrow.” (1-10) Laura Eckert

I think you’ll enjoy Marie Benedict’s new one, The Mitford Affair. “The Mitford sisters are the toast of 1930s British high society, but scandal erupts when Diana has an extramarital affair with the leader of the British fascists, and Unity insinuates herself into Hitler’s inner circle. Eldest sister Nancy, a novelist, is torn between keeping peace in the family and speaking out about her sisters’ political activities. This one’s for fans of Karen Harper and Bill Paul.” (1-17) Nanette Donohue

The Villa is by Rachel Hawkins. “Mystery writer Emily reunites with her famous self-help guru friend Chess, who invites her to a beautiful Tuscan villa that was the scene of a brutal murder in the 1970s. The story flashes back to 1974 where Mari and her stepsister Laura try to create their own art while surrounded by a rockstar and his guests. The story has a great twist ending and evokes a gothic feel with tension in both timelines.” (1-3) Kathie Jackson

Join us Thursday night at 6 for Book Club. January’s pick is A Man Called Ove by Fredrick Backman. If you’re looking for a good movie, Tom Hanks is starring in the film version and the title is A Man Called Otto.

See you in the library!

Helen Thompson, Director – Mount Pleasant Public Library