Review: Four Found Dead

It’s the last night at Riverview Theaters. The final guests have gone. In Natalie D. Richards’ “Four Found Dead,” Jo and her co-workers are spending the last hours of their final shift cleaning up and closing down. The end of their time at Riverview Theaters is bittersweet. They are a pretty tight crew, but are looking forward to moving on from a tedious job and a creepy boss. In quick succession, an unexpected visitor, a broken soda machine, and a power outage fray nerves. Then the bodies start piling up. Jo and her friends have to band together and use their wits to save themselves. Will they be able to outwit the one who wants them dead?

The story is fast-paced and full of “no, don’t go in there!” type moments. For the first third of the book there is a LOT of noise inside Jo’s head. It is reasonable as there are a number of triggers that have her reliving past trauma. Just as the noise and her fear become almost overwhelming, both recede and Jo finds her inner strength to push through an event she never thought she’d be part of. I would have liked a longer set-up to build the creepy-factor before the catapult into action. There are some funny comments about how people behave in horror movies.

This story would be great for teens who like thrillers. 

Content warning: active shooter.

Thanks to NetGalley and SourceBooksFire for an advance reader’s copy in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

"Four Found Dead" arrives on shelves in May 2023.

Review: Going Dark

Melissa de la Cruz’s “Going Dark” is a whirlwind of action and a study of sleight of hand. To whom do we show our “real” selves? What IS our “real” self in an age of ubiquitous social media?

Influencer Amelia Ashley has gone missing thousands of miles from home. Her boyfriend, Josh, claims that she walked away from him after a violent fight in Rome. Soon, the outcry on social media draws attention to the case of the missing teen. Josh isn’t wavering from his story, but a hacker’s investigation leads to more questions than answers about what really happened. What is real? What is manufactured for social media? In the modern world, how can you tell?

The fast pace and variety of sources used to tell the story engage the reader and enhance the sense of urgency. As the threads of truth and lie are gathered together you won’t be able to put it down. I appreciated the undercurrent about whose story gets attention when a young woman goes missing. I could see using this book to have a discussion with students about our own social media presence and how it reflects our true selves…or doesn’t.

This book is great for teens who like fast-paced thrillers and mysteries. It’s also great as a jumping off point for exploring issues in media such as “missing white woman syndrome” and questions around reality in social media. I will definitely recommend this book to my students.

Thanks to NetGalley and Union Square & Co for an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Baker and Taylor and the Mystery of the Library Cats

 I love cats. I love stories featuring cats. Who can resist book-loving best friends Baker and Taylor?

These chonky boys love nothing more than hanging out in the library reading their favorite stories and learning about far away places. Then they learn there are libraries in other towns! Baker and Taylor pack their backpacks and head for the bright lights of New York City. Once they secure directions to the New York Public LIbrary, they learn there are cats there! Will they be able to find their new feline friends?

This is a delightful story designed for “newly independent” readers. I love that Baker and Taylor use guidebooks to learn about New York City. The points of interest scattered throughout the book are fun and tell us more about the culture of the city. There is a nice afterward with more information about New York City and the New York Public Library.

I am looking forward to more stories featuring the adventures of the #bookish cats Baker and Taylor. This book would be great for kids who like cats or kids who are interested in travel. It might even be good for kids who are nervous travelers since Baker and Taylor use their smarts and their guidebooks to find their way around an unfamiliar city.

Thanks to NetGalley and Baker & Taylor, Paw Prints Publishing for an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

Review: Killers of the Flower Moon (Adapted for Young Readers)

I recently picked up a hardback of “Killers of the Flower Moon: The Osage Murders and the Birth of the FBI (Adapted for Young Readers)” from a local Barnes and Noble. I read the original version a few years ago and found it fascinating and terrifying at the same time. Even though this edition is adapted for young readers, it does not downplay the brutality of the story or the level of corruption that allowed murders to continue virtually unchecked for years.

This adaptation does a good job of explaining some of the intricacies of the story, including headrights, the guardianship system, and mineral rights. It discusses the multi-faceted corruption at the local and state levels in 1920’s Oklahoma. It explains how law enforcement was adapting to modern techniques during the time period. 

I’ve read a number of reader reviews for both editions of “Killers of the Flower Moon.” Many of them ask how they had never heard of this story before? I teach history (mostly World History) and have a degree in history, but I had not heard of it either. History curriculum at the K-12 level tends to focus on sweeping political history with a smattering of social issues at a surface level. 

This is a great book for students interested in U.S. History, the FBI, and/or Native American history (particularly as it relates to U.S. government policy). If I was teaching a U.S. History course, I would push to include this book for all students to read.

Review: The Man Who Died TWICE

The Thursday Murder Club is back in action in “The Man Who Died Twice.” Unexpected visitors, a variety of gangsters, stolen and misdirected goods, meld with devious wit as the crew works to solve this puzzling case.

I love that beneath the mystery and witty banter lies a tale of love and friendship. It is also a story of made families and what people will do to protect their own. In other words, this story is a perfect blend between light-hearted (well…as light-hearted as a murder mystery can be) and more serious questions of life.

This is a great story for mystery-lovers and those who like fast-paced stories with characters past retirement age. I am looking forward to reading the newest installment of the Thursday Murder Club from Richard Osman!

Review: Bigfoot Crossing

Not too long ago, titles in the Orca Books Publishing catalog were recommended to me for reluctant readers. After reading “Bigfoot Crossing” I can see why.

This fast-paced story opens with Jay following his dad through the forest searching for Bigfoot. Jay is carrying his little sister and is none too happy about traipsing through the woods of the Northwest on a damp night. Things start to get interesting when the group begins to hear strange sounds in the woods. 

A scary turn of events sends Jay running back to camp with his sister. In the darkness, Jay isn’t sure he can believe his own eyes, but takes no chances until he realizes his Dad didn’t make it back to camp. He knows he must risk everything to make sure his Dad is okay.

This story is seriously fast-paced and will surely engage reluctant readers or those interested in Bigfoot stories. The book is meant for middle school level students, but would also appeal to high school students. The publisher says the book is written at a 2.0. I like that Orca uses dyslexic-friendly fonts. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and #OrcaBooks for providing a copy of “Bigfoot Crossing” in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

"Bigfoot Crossing" hits shelves in February.

Review: Eduprotocols Field Guide Book 2

Last weekend I attended the 4th EduProtocols Worldwide conference. The half-hour sessions whizzed by, the presenters were fabulous, and I learned a LOT about implementing EduProtocols in the classroom. I also decided to pick up “EduProtocols Field Guide Book 2” to round out my collection that includes “EduProtocols Field Guide Book 1” and “EduProtocols Field Guide Social Studies Edition.”

In short, EduProtocols are learning routines that promote student engagement and critical thinking. These protocols include reading, writing, listening, and speaking. They are easy for teachers AND students to implement. 

Similar to Book 1 and Social Studies Edition, Book 2 introduces a number of EduProtocols. These chapters include easy to understand explanations, examples, learning goals, and adaptations. Book 2 then launches into variations developed by teachers before turning to the connections between learning theory and EduProtocols. The extensive discussion on Universal Design for Learning (UDL) includes two specific “case studies'' demonstrating how EduProtocols, properly implemented, can support ALL students. Speaking of ALL students, EduProtocols also supports English Language Learners. In fact, after participating in BeGLAD training earlier this school year, I immediately recognized places where EduProtocols can be plugged into the lesson sequence.

Best of all, there is explicit discussion (be still my beating heart) about how EduProtocols support students in a way that an expensive textbook program cannot. Thank you, EduProtocols.

If you are looking for ways to develop literacy skills AND support ALL students in their learning goals in a highly engaging way, EduProtocols is for you. These routines can be implemented easily and don’t require expensive supplies. Most can be done online or offline (or a combination thereof). Book 2 is a great addition to the collection.

Reading List: Novels in Verse

Brooke at Literacy in Focus has compiled an intriguing list of novels in verse for upper elementary and middle school students. 

I love that Brooke has included diverse perspectives and topics. I will be adding some of these to my 2023 reading list. 

Which ones will you read?

Review: Delicious Death (Book #2 Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries)

 Delicious Death is the second installment in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. As she suffers from extreme boredom, Elinor receives an invitation to the annual winter festival. She and Dr. Charlotte LaRue travel to a remote estate for the extravaganza that features culinary competition among the greatest chefs of the realm. Though she is there for the change in scenery and the delightful food, Madame Chalamet is NOT disappointed to encounter ghosts or madmen. An attempt on the king’s life points fingers at Elinor’s favorite chef and friend, Gerhard Perdersen. She joins forces with Tristan, the Duke of Archambeau, to apprehend the true culprit.

This is another delightful episode in the Madame Chalamet Ghost Mysteries series. Against the backdrop of a an attempted murder mystery, we see more of Elinor’s true nature as she comforts the grieving. Even though the overall tone of the book is light-hearted, there is much to unpack about the way we treat others and who deserves our respect. 

This book is great for mystery lovers and those who like a bit of paranormal activity or food appreciation mixed in. I can hardly wait for book three in the series! February can’t come soon enough.

#DeliciousDeath will be available on Kindle December 27!

Thanks to #NetGalley, Rook and Castle Press, and Byrd Nash for providing an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own.

The Results are in: 2022 Goodreads Challenge

 

Yay me! Last week I reached my goal of 100 books for 2022. I am delighted that the ARC of Rachel Hawkins' "The Villa" was my 100th book. 

Because of my work with The Bookworms, I have started reading more Young Adult titles (and even children's books) in the past couple of months. I've always enjoyed YA lit so I'm glad that I'm picking that up again. 

I'll probably keep my book count the same for 2023. We will see how it goes!

The Villa

Rachel Hawkins’ “The Villa” has gotten a LOT of buzz on #bookstagram and #Goodreads. I am skeptical when the buzz is THAT good, but the description is intriguing and the reviews (I’m looking at you @thrillerswineandchill) have been exciting. Therefore, I was very glad to get an ARC to read.

I read. And read. I could NOT. PUT. IT. DOWN. It’s worthy of the buzz.

“The Villa” is told as a dual timeline story with BFFs Emily and Chess in the present day and a cast of rock and roll stars, wannabees, and others trying to find their way in the 1970s. Both timelines take place at an atmospheric villa in Italy. Emily, a cozy mysteries writer, is trying to cope with a messy divorce while Chess is looking for space to finish her latest best-selling self-help book. While at the villa, Emily and Chess learn more about the murder that took place there on a stormy night in 1974. As they get closer to finding out what really happened that night, long-simmering tensions build to a boiling point between the two friends. 

This is not JUST a dual timeline story. It is a story within a story that keeps the reader engaged and lulled into a sense of security until…WHAM!...something unexpected happens. I can’t say much more because I am in mortal fear of giving something away! 

This book would be fantastic for fans of thrillers and mysteries. Do not delay. Get a copy as soon as it hits shelves.

Thanks #NetGalley and St. Martin’s Press for an ARC in exchange for review consideration. All opinions are my own. “The Villa” will be on shelves in early January.

The London Seance Society

Sarah Penner is back with another mystery featuring a strong, but sometimes impetuous, female looking to find her place in the world after tragedy or hardship. In “The London Seance Society,” Lenna is seeking to find the truth about her sister’s murder while still grieving the death of her best friend. Though Lenna is driven by logic and is somewhat dismissive of Spiritualists, she becomes a student of her sister’s mentor, acclaimed medium Vaudeline D’Allaire. The quest for truth pulls Lenna and Vaudeline into the murky inner workings of The London Seance Society, an exclusive men’s club that provides medium services…among other things.

I enjoyed the twists and turns in this fast-paced story. Clues as presented throughout, but, as in real life, sometimes the information is interpreted incorrectly by Lenna, leading her deeper into the mystery until she has no choice but to act. The story is told from the dual points of view of two characters. 

“The London Seance Society” is great for those who like twisty, turny mysteries as well as those who enjoy stories featuring Spiritualists, the Spiritualist Movement, or the paranormal.

Take the time to read the Author’s Note at the end of the book. Ann Braude’s “Radical Spirits,” referenced in Further Reading, is an excellent read on women’s role in the Spiritualist movement in the 19th century. 

Thanks to #NetGalley and Park Row publishers for providing an e-ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own. “The London Seance Society” will hit shelves in March 2023.

12/4 Nine Liars

Stevie Bell is what I wished Nancy Drew had been. Stevie is earnest, slightly awkward, makes mistakes, suffers from bouts of insecurity and anxiety, and loves her friends. She is relatable and hilarious at the same time. You need to get to know her.

“Nine Liars” is the latest installment in the Truly Devious series that features Stevie and her friends as they solve a mystery. This time they are visiting London (and Stevie’s boyfriend) and a country manor house where they end up knee-deep in a decades-old murder mystery. Stevie  unleashes her well-honed detecting skills to find the killer, but the crew is running out of time before their flight home. Will this case prove to be too complex even for Stevie?

There is much to like about this story and its main characters. Though this is the first in the series that I have read, author Maureen Johnson provides just enough backstory to bring new readers along for the ride. Elements of classic English murder mysteries are sprinkled throughout. Elements of classic teen sleuth stories are there as well (such as the parents who are unseen, but supportive adults). 

This book is great for teen and adult mystery lovers. I will be recommending this book to my students and will suggest the entire series to the Bookworms (more on them later, but let’s just say they are buying LOTS of books for a school library). I will be reading the rest of the series (and I SO hope there are more installments). 

Thanks #NetGalley and Katherine Tegan Books for an advance reader’s e-copy in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own. “Nine Liars” arrives on shelves at the end of the month.

12/2 The Haunting of Abney Heights

Meg, a freelance genealogist, returns to her hometown for a gig. She is researching an early 20th century patient at the former asylum-turned-luxury-condos, and ends up moving into the building for the duration of her work. While Meg is uncovering Ella’s experience as an Abney Asylum patient, she is also forced to uncover the ghosts of her own past. As Meg attempts to exorcize the ghosts of her biological family’s past, her family of choice, a delightful cast of quirky characters, has her back.

The tension builds slowly in “The Haunting of Abney Heights,” but Cat Thomas reminds the reader throughout that something is a little off in both the contemporary timeline and the early 20th century timeline. The atmosphere is dark and moody. The action comes to a head beginning in the last third of the book and is much darker than what I was expecting.

I enjoyed the story and will read more by Cat Thomas. This book would be good for those who like novels with a gothic feel, ghost stories, and early 20th century mysteries. 

Content warning: child abuse.

Thanks #NetGalley and #BooksGoSocial for providing an ARC for review consideration. All opinions are my own. The book is available now!