The Haunted Hotel

The Haunted Hotel is by Wilkie Collins. A classic historical fiction mystery tale by one of the masters of the genre. Agnes Lockwood is devastated when her fiancée, Lord Montbarry, marries Countess Narona. The new couple leaves England for Venice and takes up residence in an old palace. When Agnes receives word that Lord Montbarry has died, she mourns the death of the man she loved. But did he really die of bronchitis as the doctor says, or was his death caused by something more sinister? Another classic from Collins that mystery loves will enjoy. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10. 

The Discarded Image: An Introduction to to Medieval & Renaissance Literature

The Discarded Image: An Introduction to Medieval & Renaissance Literature is by C.S. Lewis. A classic nonfiction work on Medieval Cosmology and its relation to literature. Fans of Shakespeare especially, will find it helpful. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Mansfield Park

Mansfield Park is by Jane Austen. The classic historical fiction romance by the mistress of the form. Fanny Price is given up by her mother, who married poorly and has numerous children, to go live with her Aunt and Uncle at Mansfield Park. Shy by nature, and made to feel her inferiority by her cousins and Aunt, the unbelievable wretched Mrs. Norris, she finds her cousin Edward her only ally. When the Crawford's come down from London, their appearance threatens to destroy the happiness Fanny has found in a family she loves. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read 

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Mythos

Mythos is by Stephen Fry. The first in a charming collection of Greek myths and stories. Fry takes us through Greek mythology with wit and humor. His footnotes are informative, and his enjoyment in the myths is obvious throughout. Whether or not you are familiar with, or even enjoy, Greek mythology this book is a delight. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Taming of the Shrew

The Taming of the Shrew is by William Shakespeare. The classic historical fiction drama about a rich man, his two daughters and the men who wish to marry them. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Arsene Lupin

Arsene Lupin is by Maurice Leblanc. The first in a series of historical fiction mysteries about a gentleman thief in 19th century France. When a rich gentleman receives a note from the famous thief, Arsene Lupin, telling him his priceless paintings and jewelry are about to be stolen, he turns to the police and his daughter's fiancée for help. But can anyone stop the great Arsene Lupin? A charming, if dated, tale of crime, love, with a sprinkling of irony and humor throughout. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10.