The Adventure of the Cheap Flat is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. When one of Hasting's friends manages to rent an expensive flat for a very cheap price, Poirot smells a rat. Why was this couple allowed to rent the flat when so many others had been turned away? Why was the price so cheap? Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Million Dollar Bond Robbery is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. A young woman approaches Poirot to help her fiancé who was carrying bonds to America and was robbed in transit. Can Poirot prove the young man is innocent and didn't steal the bonds himself? Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Kidnapped Prime Minister is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. The Prime Minister is kidnapped on the eve of a very important conference. Approached by the government, Poirot has 24 hours to locate him and get him to the conference. Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Tragedy at Marsden Manor is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. Poirot is tasked by an insurance company to investigate the death of a man who had just taken out a large insurance policy. Upon arriving at Marden Manor, Poirot begins to suspect the dead man was murdered. Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.
Death From High Places is by Benedict Brown. A short historical fiction novella that comes after the first book in the Lord Edgington mystery series. Lord Edgington wants to skydive from a hot air balloon, and wants Christopher to join him in his adventure. He invites Christopher's brother and his four friends to Cranley Hall to enjoy the event. When one of the guests attempts the skydive and his parachute does not open; he falls to his death. Lord Edgington discovers that the parachute had been tampered with and that the death was murder. Now he must find the killer before the police arrive. Fans of the series will enjoy this brief novella.
Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Affair at the Victory Ball is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. Lord Cronshaw is murdered at a masked Victory Ball and his fiancé is found dead the next morning of a cocaine overdose. Poirot realizes the costumes worn by the party hold the key to the killer's identity. Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Jewel Robbery at the Grand Metropolitan is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. Poirot and Hastings are vacationing at the Grand Metropolitan Hotel when they meet the Opalsen's. Mrs. Opalsen owns an amazing string of pearls and offers to show them to Poirot, but when she goes to get them they have been stolen from a room in which the maid never left. Poirot must recover the necklace. Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Adventures of the King of Clubs is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. A prince arrives to request that Poirot assist in clearing his actress fiancé of a possible charge of murder. She stumbled in on a family playing bridge crying murder, but is she really the suspect? Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Disappearance of Mr. Davenheim is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. A banker walks out of his home and disappears. Japp challenges Poirot to solve the mystery without leaving his flat using just the information provided by Japp, gleaned from the papers and the "little grey cells." Poirot, of course, takes the bet. Where is Mr. Davenheim? Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Plymouth Express Affair is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. The daughter of a wealthy American is found murdered on the Plymouth Express. Her jewelry case is missing. Japp suspects her husband, but is there another man in the picture, or is the murderer someone else entirely? Only the "little grey cells" will tell. Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Adventure of the Western Star is by Agatha Christie. A historical fiction short story mystery by the master of Golden Age Detective fiction. A famous movie star visits Poirot because she has received notes threatening the theft of her famous diamond "The Western Star." Afterwards, the owner of the "The Eastern Star" comes to request Poirot's assistance as she also has received threats of theft. Then both diamonds are stolen, under Poirot's nose, and he must find the truth and restore what was stolen. Christie fans will not be disappointed.
Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.
A Canticle for Leibowitz is by Walter M. Miller, Jr. A classic dystopian science fiction novel. The novel spans multiple centuries and follows an order of monks whose order is dedicated to Saint Leibowitz. The monks are tasked with saving books relics, and other information from the past civilization. As the survivors try to rebuild, we follow the monks as mankind repeats the same mistakes over and over again. This tale is tragic, sad, and at times amusing. It is also a look at mankind, the way history is seen, and religion. A must read for science fiction fans.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P ({profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
The Diary of a Country Priest is by Georges Bernanos. A quaint and moving historical fiction novel, supposedly the diary of a young French priest. The young priest has his faith tested as he struggles to minister to the members of his parish, who do not have his faith. A poignant novel, if slow moving. There are many wonderful commonplace quotes in this novel and the last words of the priest are words we should all remember.
Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10.
Home: Habitat, Range, Niche, Territory is by Martha Wells. A science fiction short story in the Murderbot series that takes place directly after book four. A very short story that looks at Dr. Mensah's struggle with PTSD after the events in Exit Strategy. The story also gives you better insight into the relationship between Mensah and Sec Unit. A must read for fans of this series - and who is not a fan of this series?
Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.
New Hampshire is by Robert Frost. A collection of Frost's poetry that contains several of his most famous poems. A must read for fans of American poets and poetry in general.
Ratings: 7th grade - 8 out of 10.
The World Set Free is by H.G. Wells. A tedious work of political philosophy disguised (barely) as science fiction. Supposedly a tale of the destruction of the world in a war where atomic bombs were used, Wells' politics comes through in the set up of a utopian new world rising from the ashes of the old. Wells evidences no real understanding of human nature, which allows him to believe that his utopian fantasies would actually be possible without his new world becoming dystopian. It is no surprise this is probably the least well known or read of Wells' corpus.
Ratings: 11th grade - 2 out of 10.
The Reading Life: The Joy of Seeing New Worlds Through Others' Eyes is by C.S. Lewis. A collection of snippets from other nonfiction works and letters by Lewis that cover his love of reading and the importance of being a reader. A simple, yet profound, little book.
Ratings: 7th grade - 9 out of 10.
When the Sleeper Wakes is by H.G. Wells. A strange science fiction tale with almost a Rip Van Winkle tinge to it. A man goes into a trance in the 1800s and awakes over 200 years later to discover he owns almost half the world. He must now discover the changes two centuries have wrought on society and what his place should be in this new world, and how to use the power and wealth he has evidently amassed while sleeping.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
Winter Hours is by Mary Oliver. A collection of prose, prose poems, and poetry by Oliver. This collection is different from Oliver's stunning nature poetry. It is almost like reading selections from a diary. She talks of building a house, finding turtle eggs, and some of her own favorite poets including Frost, Poe, and Whitman.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.
Blue Horses is by Mary Oliver. A collection of nature poetry which is truly a joy to read and contemplate. Mary Oliver brings nature to life in her own way.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Republic of Thieves is by Scott Lynch. The third book in the fantasy Gentleman Bastard series. Locke and Jean find themselves in the grasp of the Bonds Magi, who promise to save Locke from death after his poisoning. All they ask is for Jean and Locke to assist them in a little competition to see which faction wins the local election. They will be pitted against Locke's long lost love, Sabetha, who wishes nothing more than to destroy Locke forever - or does she? The Bonds Magi however, never reveal everything and their real plan could be the end for Locke and Jean. Fans of the series will enjoy this installment.
Ratings: 12th grade - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Rediscovering Americanism and the Tyranny of Progressivism is by Mark Levin. A brilliant work of political nonfiction. Levin takes on a journey though the philosophy of the Founders and those whose thought influenced them. He then shows us the philosophy on which current conservative and liberal/progressive ideology is founded and contrasts the two differing schools of thought with insight and well researched and documented facts. A must read for those who would understand politics today.
Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10.
A Conflict of Visions: Ideological Origins of Political Struggles is by Thomas Sowell. Sowell is brilliant! His nonfiction work looks at the patterns found throughout history and describes the two competing visions of the world that define our social and political struggles. The constrained" vision which views human nature as fallen and self focused, and the "unconstrained" vision which see human nature as changeable and moving towards perfection. Sowell's writing is challenging, and yet understandable. A magnificent read.
Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10.
The House of Love and Death is by Andrew Klavan. The third installment in the realistic fiction Cameron Winter mystery series. Three members of a family and their live-in nanny are shot and then their house is set on fire, only a young boy manages to escape - lowered to the ground by the nanny. The police seem happy to blame the daughter's Hispanic boyfriend from the "wrong side of the tracks," but this doesn't sit right with Cameron. When he decides to check things out he finds himself opposed by those who knew the victims, but the lead detective does not seem to care about finding the truth - Cameron, however, does. Fans of the this series will love this book and be unable to wait for the next one.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
System Collapse is by Martha Wells. The seventh in the science fiction Murderbot series. Murderbot is still recovering from his infection by alien technology and isn't up to par. Is he just broken? ART and the rest of his team are trying to rescue the newly freed colonists from slavery to an evil corporation, but the colonists are not sure who to trust. The corporation is tired of negotiating and it's up to Murderbot and ART to save not only the colonists, but their own humans. Fans of this series - and who isn't a fan of this series - will love their next hit of Murderbot - let's hope it lasts until the next installment comes out.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity).
Death On a Summer's Day is by Benedict Brown. The third installment of the historical fiction Lord Edgington mystery series. Lord Edgington and Christopher are going on a summer holiday. His grandfather has decided to meet with a group of friends from his own childhood for a reunion; a reunion to discover the truth about the death of one of their group 57 years before. When another of the group is murdered, Lord Edgington (and Christopher) are determined to solve the mystery. Fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy this book as well.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Body of Proof: The Seven Best Reasons to Believe in the Resurrection of Jesus - and Why It Matters Today is by Jeremiah J. Johnston. A must read for all Christians, Johnston discusses the proof of the resurrection of Christ - the foundation of Christianity. The book is thought provoking, inspirational, and easy for average Christian readers to understand. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10.
Project Hail Mary is by Andy Weir. A gripping science fiction read from the author of The Martian and Artemis. Ryland Grace wakes from a coma to find himself on a space ship, the rest of the crew dead, and no memory of why he is there. The story follows Grace's discovery of his mission, to save Earth, and his first encounter with alien life. Fans of Weir's other books will love this one as well.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity).
Silver Nitrate is by Silvia Moreno-Garcia. A horror fantasy set in Mexico. Monserrat works as a sound editor in Mexico City. Her friend Tristan is a soap opera star, whose star has faded since the death of his former co-star and girlfriend. When Tristan moves into a new apartment, he discovers he lives below a famous director of classic horror films. Tristan brings Monserrat to meet the director and they find themselves involved in a mystery involving an unfinished film and a cult built around a dead sorcerer.
Ratings: Adult - 6 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
A Strange Habit of Mind is by Andrew Klavan. The second book in the realistic fiction Cameron Winter mystery series. When one of his former students commits suicide directly after texting him for help, Cameron finds himself involved with a Big Tech guru and his mercenary bodyguard. Cameron must seek out his old mentor to help him bring Gerald Byrne to justice. I loved When Christmas Comes so much! This book was much darker and I found it hard to read, but I believe it's because it was so "ripped from the news." I look around and see Gerald Byrne's in the world around me: in Big Tech, in government, in monster corporations and I believe that's what really made this book hard for me to read. There is no Cameron Winter in the real world to bring our Byrne's to justice.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Bloody Rose is by Nicholas Eames. The second in the fantasy The Band series. Tam works in a bar serving drinks to the mercenary bands who come through town on their tours. She desperately wants out. When the band Fable rolls into town, headed by the famous Bloody Rose herself, Tam sees her chance. When she is chosen as Fable's new bard, she sets out on an adventure that will change her life forever. This book seemed much more violent that the last one - and that's saying something. It was also much darker, but I still enjoyed it and fans of the first book will like this one as well.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Kings of the Wyld is by Nicholas Eames. The first book in the fantasy The Band series. Clay Cooper and his former band, Saga, were the most famous and feared band of mercenaries this side of the Heartwyld. You name the monster, they killed it. But that was years ago, Saga has disbanded and its members retired. When former band member, Golden Gabe, shows up at his door and begs Clay to help him save his daughter, Clay decides it's time to get the band back together. This is a charming, if scary and very violent, world - but one you can't help but fall in love with.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
A Prayer for the Crown-Shy is by Becky Chambers. The second novella in the science fiction Monk and Robot series. Dex and Mosscap (the robot) have been touring the rural areas of the moon Panga so the people can meet Mosscap and he can learn more about humans. Both are hoping to find the answers they seek in new friendships and in the study of both humans and nature. A charming, and hopeful, little book. Fans of the first book will love this one as well.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
A Body at a Boarding School is by Benedict Brown. The second in the historical fiction Lord Edgington mystery series. It's parent day at the Oakton Academy for Distinguished Young Gentlemen. Christopher's mother has brought his grandfather, Lord Edgington, down for the ceremony. When the head master is murdered, Christopher must help his grandfather solve another murder. They discover that all is not well at the school and no one is who they seem. Fans of the series will love this installment.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Murder at the Spring Ball is by Benedict Brown. The first in the historical fiction Lord Edgington mystery series. Lord Edgington, a former detective with Scotland Yard, decides to throw a party to celebrate his 75th birthday at his home, Cranley Hall. He invites all of his scheming relatives. When someone starts murdering them, he enlists the aid of his teenage grandson, Christopher, to help him solve the murders. A charming series set in 1920s England. The stories have a distinct Agatha Christie feel, but Christopher adds a dash of humor which is utterly charming.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Bookshops and Bonedust is by Travis Baldree. The prequel to the fantasy Legends and Lattes. Viv finds herself in a small village as she recovers from an injury incurred hunting down an evil necromancer. She discovers a wonderful bakery and a small struggling bookshop. She befriends the bookshop owner, but the appearance of a strange customer brings trouble to the entire town. Fans of the first book will thoroughly enjoy this prequel. The new characters are fun and charming and the ending links this book with Legends and Lattes.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
The Fellowship: The Literary Lives of the Inklings is by Philip and Carol Zaleski. An in-depth nonfiction work about the lives of the four most famous Inklings. This book covers the lives and careers of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, Owen Barfield, and Charles Williams. These authors don't seem to have a great love of these men, but the book is for the most part a fair minded look at their lives. Although fans of the Inklings, like me, will find things to quibble with.
Ratings: Adult - 6 out of 10.
The Mind of the Maker is by Dorothy L. Sayers. The classic nonfiction work by one of the masters of Christian apologetics and thought. A commentary on art in relation to Christianity. This book is a challenging read, but it is well worth the effort and time.
Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10.
Blood of Elves is by Andrzej Sapkowski. The first full book in the Witcher series. Geralt of Rivia is a Witcher. He travels the land killing monsters. He is also waiting for the child of destiny to appear. This child has the power to change the world, for good or evil. Now he has found her and must protect her from those who hunt her and wish to destroy them all. Violent, but a fun read.
Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Sword of Destiny is by Andrzej Sapkowski. A prequel to the fantasy Witcher series. A collection of short stories set in the Witcher universe. Follow Geralt and his friends through perilous adventures fighting monsters of both the human and nonhuman variety.
Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - V (violence).
A Death in Door County is by Annelise Ryan. The first book in the realistic fiction Monster Hunters mystery series. Morgan Carter owns a book store in Door County, Wisconsin. She is also a cryptid hunter in her spare time. When a body is found on the shores of Lake Michigan with what appear to be teeth marks on it, the local Sherriff asks Morgan to find out if there is a monster in the lake.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
The Mimicking of Known Successes is by Malka Older. The first in the Mossa and Pleiti science fiction mystery series. A science fiction Holmes and Watson set up. Humanity has destroyed the Earth and has created a home on the rings of Jupiter to wait until the Earth can be resettled. Mossa is a investigator and is sent to investigate a possible suicide. She believes it might be a murder, but she needs help from the scientists and researchers at Valdegeld University. Only her ex-lover Pleiti, who is a scientist there can help her. The two find themselves caught up in a conspiracy that could change their world and ruin their chance of ever returning to Earth. A quick and enjoyable read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
Red Seas Under Red Skies is by Scott Lynch. The second installment of the fantasy Gentleman Bastard series. After the epic battle at the end of the first book, Locke Lamora and his trusted friend Jean arrive in Tal Verrar with a complicated plan to rob the Sinspire, the most exclusive and tightly guarded gambling house on the island. At the moment their plan is coming to fruition someone learns their true identities and blackmails them into passing themselves off as pirates to start a rebellion. But Locke and Jean have their own plans to complete their original plan and to get revenge on their blackmailer. Fans of the first book will not be disappointed - this plot is every bit as convoluted as the first book. Twists within twists within twists.
Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
Sounds Like Titanic is by Jessica Chiccehitto Hindman. The most bizarre memoir I have ever read. A young Appalachian woman wants to be a violinist, but doesn't have the talent. She responds to an advertisement for a violinist and finds herself working for a composer who uses fake musicians to sell his CDs. These "musicians" pretend to play while pre-recorded music plays. This memoir was almost unbelievable, except for the part where she ends up teaching creative writing at a college - having experienced the cesspool that is the English Department at most colleges today, I found that very easy to believe. This book was a finalist for the National Book Award - sad.
Ratings: 11th grade - 2 out of 10 - P (profanity).
The Cloisters is by Katy Hays. A twisted realistic fiction novel set in a museum. Ann gets a job at The Cloisters in New York and believes she has finally found her dream job. Tasked to assist an eclectic group of researchers studying the history of divination, she is caught up in the search for a very special deck of Tarot cards. Then the lead researcher is murdered and she is drawn into a strange web of lies, deceit, and murder. The story draws you in and the tarot card mystery is interesting, but none of the characters are likable at all, and this is a problem for me. Reminds me too much of the "book that shall not be named."
Ratings: Adult - 4 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
The Island of Dr. Moreau is by H.G. Wells. A classic science fiction horror story of an Englishman with a scientific background who is shipwrecked on a mysterious island. On the island he finds Dr. Moreau, a scientist who is performing horrific experiments on animals in an attempt to make them more human. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Invisible Man is by H.G. Wells. The classic science fiction tale of a man who discovers a way to become invisible. Once invisible he begins to think of all the crimes he can commit and then discovers being invisible is not as enjoyable as he imagined. A look into the darkness of a man's heart and the lengths to which we will go to get what we want and justify our actions. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The First Men in the Moon is by H.G. Wells. The classic science fiction tale of the first trip to the moon. When the brilliant Dr. Cavor teams up with the poor industrialist, Mr. Bedford, they use the discovery of Cavorite to build a sphere which allows them to travel to the moon, Once there, they discover an insect-like race of aliens and must find a way to return to Earth. Influenced C.S. Lewis's book Out of the Silent Planet, traces of Wells' tale can be found throughout the book.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The House Without a Key is by Earl Derr Biggers. The first in the historical fiction Charlie Chan mystery series. When Dan Winterslip, a rich Honolulu business man, is murdered, Charlie Chan is called in to solve the crime. Can Chan come to the aid of an old Boston clan to solve the murder of the family black sheep? The story is dated, but still a fun read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Amazing Mrs. Pollifax is by Dorothy Gilman. The second in the charming realistic fiction Mrs. Pollifax series. Mrs. Pollifax is sent to Turkey to help bring in a double agent on the run. When her cover is blown and her "protector" is killed, she finds herself on the run and seeking help from a band of gypsies. Fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy this installment.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
The Housekeeper and the Professor is by Yoko Ogawa. A charming realistic fiction story of a young single mother who works as a housekeeper. A brilliant professor is injured in a car accident and his memory only lasts for 80 minutes. The Housekeeper and her ten-year-old son come to love the Professor, as he comes to love them. A poignant tale of found family and the struggle to overcome.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
Summer Lightning is by P. G. Wodehouse. The fourth installment in the Blanding's Castle series. The Honourable Galahad Threepwood has decided to stay with Lord Emsworth at Blandings while he writes his tell-all memoir. His neighbor is afraid of what's in the memoir, so he hires a creepy detective to steal it. Add in two star crossed lovers, a crazy ex-secretary, Beech the butler, and a stolen pig and the usual mayhem ensues. Fans of Wodehouse with love this installment as well.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Bilbo's Journey: Discovering the Hidden Meaning of The Hobbit is by Joseph Pearce. Pearce leads us through another journey to discover the spiritual meaning contained in The Hobbit. Another nonfiction gem from this author.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Frodo's Journey: Discover the Hidden Meaning of The Lord of the Rings is by Joseph Pearce. Another nonfiction masterpiece by a scholar and lover of Tolkien. This work discusses the spiritual significance of The Lord of the Rings.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
One Day in the Life of Ivan Denisovich is by Alexander Solzhenitsyn. A classic of Russian historical fiction. The novel follows one day in the life of a political prisoner in a Siberian gulag. A magnificently sad story, yet a powerful tale of what humans will do to survive.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
Book Lust to Go is by Nancy Pearl. A wonderful nonfiction list of books to help readers find their next read. Pearl is a masterful resource for all readers. The book is categorized by different regions and countries each complete with a list of possible reads related to the country or region. A great guide for those about to travel or for those who wish they could travel.
Rating: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
A Swim in a Pond in the Rain is by George Saunders. A mix of fiction short stories and nonfiction literary criticism. Saunders gives us seven short stories by Russian authors and then teaches us a master class on how to read them and understand their writing styles. A must read book for all teachers of and fans of Russian literature.
Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Arthurian Poems of Charles Williams is by Charles Williams. A complicated, yet beautifully written selection of poetry by one of The Inklings. Arthurian legends told in poetry form; these are not the common legends that we are familiar with. This collection is challenging and requires research to understand, but it well worth the effort.
Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Resting Place by Camilla Sten. A realistic fiction suspense thriller set in Sweden. Eleanor has face blindness. When she walks in on her grandmother's murder, she can't recognize the killer, but he can recognize her. This sends her into a spiral of fear that leads to a stay in a sanitorium and extensive therapy. Now she must travel to an isolated house owned by her deceased grandmother to assist her aunt and a lawyer to catalogue the contents of the house to prepare for its sale. But is the killer there waiting for her? What secrets was her grandmother hiding? Did those secrets lead to her death? A nail biter of a book, Nordic mysteries are always so dark - but fun.
Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
A Carrion Death is by Michael Stanley. The first in the realistic fiction Detective Kubu mysteries. Set in Botswana, Detective Kubu is called in when a hyena is found eating what's left of a man's body near a water hole. His attempt to discover the identity of the man and arrest his killer leads him into the midst of some very powerful people with some very dangerous secrets. A very good crime novel with characters and a setting you will want to visit again.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Escape from Mr. Lemoncello's Library by Chris Grabenstein. A charming realistic fiction children's mystery. A group of students are chosen to spend the night in the new library designed and built by the famous game maker, Luigi Lemoncello. Once the children arrive at the library, they discover things are not what they seem and they must win Mr. Lemoncello's game to get out of the library and win the grand prize. Young kids will enjoy this fast paced book.
Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10.
The Unexpected Mrs. Pollifax by Dorothy Gilman. The first in a charming historical fiction mystery series. Mrs. Pollifax is an elderly New Jersey widow who is bored to death with her Garden Club. Her children are grown and moved away and now she has nothing to live for, no excitement in her life. So she travels to Washington, D.C. and visits the CIA to volunteer as a spy - like we all do. Due to a case of mistaken identity, she ends up with a mission in Mexico. When everything goes wrong and she is captured and taken to a remote castle in Albania, she finds all the adventure she could ever have hoped for. A delightful series, even if you need to suspend your disbelief a little.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence).
The Escape Artist: The Man Who Broke Out of Auschwitz to Warn the World by Jonathan Freedland. A thrilling biography of one of the first men to escape from Auschwitz. Rudolf Vrba was a Jew who was deported to Auschwitz. After what he saw there he was determined to escape and warn the Jews of what awaited them. He believed if they knew they would resist. He and his friend Fred Wetzler escaped and wrote a report that reached all the major powers, and even the remaining Jewish rulers, and yet nothing was done. Rudolf, haunted by his past, never forgave those he held responsible among the Jewish leaders for not warning the other Jews. A powerful story of heroism and horror.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Further Up and Further In: Understanding Narnia is by Joseph Pearce. A wonderful nonfiction look at Christianity in Narnia. This is a must read for all Narnia fans, and indeed for all fans of Lewis. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.
Two Gentlemen of Verona by William Shakespeare. Classic historical fiction drama by the Bard. One of Shakespeare's earlier plays, maybe his first. You can see his greatness and genius, but in a nascent state. Two friends fall in love, but one deserts his first love to try and win the love of his best friend - because nothing will go wrong there! He betrays his friend, to get a girl who doesn't love him and spurns the girl who does, but it's Shakespeare, so all's well in the end.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Tempest by William Shakespeare. The classic historical fiction drama by the master of English literature. Prospero and his daughter Miranda are abandoned on a magical island by his wicked brother who assumes his dukeship. This is story of their rescue and their return to Milan. Possibly Shakespeare's last play, and definitely one of his best.
Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10.
If I Understood You, Would I Have This Look on My Face?: My Adventures in the Art & Science of Relating and Communicating is by Alan Alda. A humorous, yet insightful, look at the ways we do, and don't, communicate with each other. There is much here to think on. A really good and fast read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Man Who Was Thursday: A Nightmare is by G. K. Chesterton. I really don't know how to classify this wonderful little book. Some say it's a metaphysical thriller, but that doesn't seen quite right. When a detective, posing as poet, infiltrates an anarchist group, he discovers that all is not as he has been led to believe. Chesterton, in his inimitable style, takes us on a roller coaster of strange events and wild chases, to a very strange conclusion. This book is well worth the time to read! A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Brave the Wild River: The Untold Story of Two Women Who Mapped the Botany of the Grand Canyon is by Melissa L. Sevigny. A fascinating nonfiction account of two female scientists and their love of botany. In 1938, two women set out to map the botany of the Colorado River and the Grand Canyon. This is their story. A well researched and enjoyable read.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Winter's Tale is by William Shakespeare. A classic drama by the greatest writer in the English language. King Leontes believes his pregnant wife has cheated on him, he goes crazy with jealousy. Even though she is cleared by the oracle at Delphi, he denies the god and sends his baby daughter to be abandoned and die. His son dies, his wife dies and Leontes repents, but it's too late - or is it? One of Shakespeare's final plays, and I believe one of his finest.
Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10.
The 12:30 From Croydon is by Freeman Wills Crofts. A classic historical fiction British crime novel by one of the prominent authors in the Golden Age of mysteries. Charles Swinburn murdered his uncle Andrew Crowther. This novel is unique in that you know "who done it;" the novel explains how he did it and how he got caught. It is an interesting take on Golden Age mystery novels.
Ratings: 10th grade - 6 out of 10.
The Cabinet of Dr. Leng is by Douglas Preston and Lincoln Childs. The 21st book in the realistic fiction Pendergast series. Constance has traveled back through time to an alternate timeline save her family, and her younger self from the evil Dr. Enoch Leng. Pendergast must rally all of his wits and his friends to fix the time machine and to travel back and save her - but as usual, things don't go as planned. Pros: great series, love the characters in which you are invested after 20 installments. Cons: time travel? I'm not sure I like the hard scifi turn in the series and I HATE the cliff hanger - I HATE all cliff hangers, so no surprise there.
Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
Legends and Lattes is by Travis Baldree. The first book in the fantasy Legends and Lattes series. Viv, a battle-weary orc, has decided to hang up her sword. She has saved her money, found a magical stone that is supposed to bring good luck, and has arrived in the town of Thune to open - wait for it - a fantasy world version of Starbucks - that's right a shop selling a new Gnomish invention - coffee. She opens her business with the help of some new friends, but her past decides to pay a visit. This is a charming "cozy fantasy," it's a quick read and enjoyable.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
The Reading List is by Sara Nisha Adams. A charming realistic fiction novel about the power of books. A series of people in West London find a reading list in various strange places. The list is titled, "Just In Case You Need It" and lists seven books beginning with To Kill A Mockingbird. The story centers around Aleisha, a seventeen-year-old who is working, for the summer, in a small branch library in danger of being closed due to budget cuts. She is not a reader and has an overworked brother and a mother who suffers from mental illness and requires constant care. When an elderly widower named Mukesh asks her for a book recommendation, the two of them become linked through the "reading list." The story also includes others in the neighborhood who have mysteriously found the list and they are all drawn together by the power of stories to connect us all. A very enjoyable, if tragic in places, read.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
Shakespeare Stories is by Leon Garfield. A wonderful historical fiction short story collection of the Bard's plays. Garfield takes 21 of Shakespeare's plays and rewrites them for children, and adults. His renditions are faithful to the originals and a delight to read. A must read for fans, or those who want to be fans, of Shakespeare.
Ratings: 7th grade - 10 out of 10.
The Night Prisoner is by Katherine Marsh. The second book in the fantasy Night Tourist series. Jack likes Cora, but she doesn't seem to notice him - well, he'll fix that. He tricks her into returning with him to New York City's mysterious underground world of the dead - because nothing can go wrong with that plan. He meets old friends, makes new ones, and must try to get Cora and himself back to the world of the living before both are trapped in the underworld. Fans of the first book will enjoy this one.
Ratings: 7th grade - 6 out of 10.
Devolution: A Firsthand Account of the Rainier Sasquatch Massacre is by Max Brooks. A wonderfully horrifying fantasy book. Set after an eruption of Washington state's Mount Rainier, a small isolated town filled with rich people trying to live "isolated" from the world, find themselves cut off for real and being hunted by a pack of Bigfoot. Told as a "firsthand" account, it is presented as interviews and diary entries. Typical Max Brooks fare, his fans will love this.
Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
The Rise of the Fourth Reich: Confronting COVID Fascism With a New Nuremberg Trial, So This Never Happens Again is by Steve Deace and Daniel Horowitz. A chilling nonfiction book tracing the true horrors of COVID and its aftermath. This book is presented in a trial format with opening and closing statements and the presentation of evidence by witnesses. It is meticulously footnoted and sourced. A must read for everyone, so we can truly prevent this from ever happening again. There must be consequences for these people, after a fair trial, of course.
Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10.
Empire of Pain: The Secret History of the Sackler Dynasty is by Patrick Radden Keefe. A well written and researched nonfiction journey into the family that gave Oxycontin to the world. What a horrible bunch of people!!!
Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
How to Save the West: Ancient Wisdom for Five Modern Crises is by Spencer Klavan. A timely and beautifully written nonfiction book. Klavan reminds us that ofttimes the answers for the present are found in the past. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10.
Once There Were Wolves is by Charlotte Mcconaghy. A heartrending realistic fiction novel set in the remote Scottish highlands. Inti Flynn and her sister Aggie are damaged by the past. When Inti and her team arrive in Scotland to reintroduce wolves to the Highlands in an attempt to save the environment, Inti discovers that, to truly heal, all of the secrets of the past must come out and be faced. The wolves bring wonder and beauty to a story of human ugliness and evil.
Ratings: 12th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
That Hideous Strength is by C.S. Lewis. The final installment in the classic science fiction Space Trilogy. The final battle between the forces of N.I.C.E. and the forces led by Ransom has arrived. The focus of the battle revolves around a young couple, Jane and Mark Studdock. Mark finds himself recruited into N.I.C.E. and Janes discovers she is a seer and is drawn to Ransom and his friends who are searching for the body of Merlin that is about to re-awaken and find it before N.I.C.E. I don't understand why these books are not more popular, they are thought provoking and wonderful. The whole series is a Reader's Corner Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10 - V (violence).
A Nefarious Carol is by Steve Deace. A chilling fantasy modern day version of the Dickens' classic. The devil presents a lost young girl with an offer she should definitely refuse. A very Christian look at temptation and how our past can shape our future. Nowhere near as good as A Nefarious Plot, but a wonderful read nonetheless.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Uncle Fred in the Springtime is by P.G. Wodehouse. A classic historical fiction farce from the world of Bertie Wooster. Uncle Fred Twistleton, Fifth Earl of Ickenham, uncle of the Pongo, is on the loose again. His wife has gone on a visit and he decides to head for London for a good time, before she returns. Lord Emsworth convinces Fred to come to Blandings Castle to steal the Empress of Blandings before the ill-tempered, egg-throwing Duke of Dunstable can lay claim to her. He drags Pongo along to help him steal the pig, get enough enough cash to pay off Pongo's gambling debts and reunite a young couple having family problems. Disguised as a famous mental specialist he proceeds to diagnose members of the upper class as crazy - but who's really the nut here? Fans of Jeeves and Wooster will love this work of comic genius.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
The Code of the Woosters is by P.G. Wodehouse. The seventh in the classic historical fiction Jeeves and Wooster series. Bertie's Aunt Dahlia demands he steal an 18th century cow creamer for a crotchety old collector. Throw in two sets of lovers with problems, the head of a fascist organization, and the most magnificent cook in the universe, and Jeeves will have has hands full this time. Fans of the series will love this hilarious farce. Laugh out loud funny.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.
Immortal Hearts is by Ellen Schreiber. The ninth and final book in the fantasy Vampire Kisses series. Alexander's sister, Stormy, is coming to Dullsville to visit. Raven is so excited to meet her new sister. But will Alexander finally turn her so she can really be a sister to Raven and eternal mate to Alexander? Fans of the series will enjoy this finale.
Ratings: 7th grade - 6 out of 10.
A Nefarious Plot is by Steve Deace. The magnificent prequel to the fantasy movie Nefarious. The demon Nefarious writes a manuscript laying out his entire strategy to destroy mankind for the glory of his Master, Satan. This book is a must read for Christians everywhere and if you haven't seen the movie - stop reading this and go watch it NOW! A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
Chupacabra is by Roland Smith. The third book in the science fiction Cryptid Hunters series. Grace is stuck at the Ark with the evil Noah Blackwood, who also happens to be her grandfather. Marty and his friends must try and rescue her and save the baby dinosaurs Blackwood stole from Grace's father. This adventure places the Cryptid Hunters in more danger than they have faced yet. Fans of the series will enjoy this installment.
Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10 - V (violence).
Perelandra is by C.S. Lewis. The second installment of Lewis's science fiction Space Trilogy. This book finds Ransom summoned to Venus (Perelandra) to prevent the fall of man from happening to the first mother and father of Perelandra (Venus). When the evil Weston arrives, Ransom is in for the fight of his life for the soul of a new world. A must read for fans of Lewis.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Night Sister is by Jennifer McMahon. A creepy horror fantasy tale told by a master. The Tower Motel was once a thriving tourist stop in Vermont, until the freeway was constructed and bypassed the town completely. Sylvie and Rose are the daughters of the owners of the motel. This story focuses on Sylvie's daughter Amy and her friends: Piper and Margot. When Amy is accused of a terrible crime, Piper returns to small town London, Vermont to aid her pregnant sister and help her friend; but helping Amy will uncover long hidden secrets and terror beyond belief. Will any of them survive the truth about the Tower Motel?
Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Right Ho Jeeves is by P.G. Wodehouse. The sixth book in the classic historical fiction Jeeves and Wooster series. Bertie is commandeered by his aunt to present prizes to the students of the Market Snodsbury Grammar School. He also wants to mend the broken engagement of his cousin Angela, and forward the suit of his friend Gussie Fink-Nottle, and prevent the resignation of Anatole, the genius chef. "Right Ho Jeeves." Hilariously funny, a complete delight.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.
The Inimitable Jeeves is by P.G. Wodehouse. The second in the classic historical fiction Jeeves and Wooster series. Follow the hilarious tales of the hapless Bertie Wooster and his brilliantly stoic valet Jeeves. This is a collection of short stories that follow the adventures of Bertie Wooster and his friends. If you can read Wodehouse without laughing out loud there is something seriously wrong with you.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Pygmalion is by George Bernard Shaw. The classic realistic/historical fiction drama that was the basis for My Fair Lady. Henry Higgins and his friend, Colonel Pickering, make a bet that Higgins can take a common flower girl, Eliza Doolittle, and transform her into a lady by teaching her to speak correctly. Of course, things don't go exactly as planned. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.
The Red House Mystery is by A.A. Milne. A classic mystery novel by the author of Winnie the Pooh; this was Milne's only mystery novel. In a classic locked room mystery, Tom Gillingham decides to drop in at the Red House to visit a friend who is staying there with the odd millionaire Mark Ablett. He arrives, while the rest of the part is out golfing, to find Ablett's secretary banging on the office door which is locked. When Gillingham and Cay enter, they discover the body of Ablett's brother Robert dead on the floor and Mark Ablett nowhere to be found. A fun read for mystery lovers, especially lovers of Golden Age mysteries.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Jaguar is by Roland Smith. A fun realistic fiction adventure, the second in the Lanza series. When Jacob Lanza's father heads to Brazil to start a preserve for jaguars in the remote Amazon basin, he leaves Jake with his grandfather in a private nursing home. Not happy with this arrangement, Jake is thrilled to go visit his father in Brazil and becomes part of a dangerous trip into the uncharted rain forest with his father, his father's new girlfriend, and a mysterious adventurer, who might have another agenda. A great read for pre-teen boys.
Ratings: 5th grade - 7 out of 10.
The Hog's Back Mystery is by Freeman Wills Crofts. A wonderful Golden Age mystery from a author most people have never heard of. When Dr. Earle disappears from his home near Hog's Back Ridge, Inspector French is called in to solve the case. Is it murder or something else? A clever and charming mystery. Crofts should be more well known that he is.
Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10.
Truly Devious is by Maureen Johnson. The first book in the realistic fiction mystery series by the same name. Ellingham Academy was founded in the early 20th century by millionaire Albert Ellingham. He wanted to create a "special" school for "special" students. Only a select few are chosen, but if chosen your education is free. Shortly after he opened the school, his wife and young daughter were kidnapped. His wife was found dead, but his daughter Alice was never found. The ransom note was signed Truly Devious. Decades later, Stevie Bell a crime enthusiast, is admitted to the school. She is determined to solve the mystery. Then Truly Devious strikes again and Stevie may be in more danger than she ever realized. The solving of the mystery could mean the saving of her own life.
Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence).
Out for Blood is by Michael P. Spradlin. The third book in the science fiction Killer Species series. Dr. Catalyst is at it again. This time he is sending a hybrid of vampire bats and hornets after Emmet and his family and friends. This time he wants vengeance; he is not even pretending to want to save the Everglades anymore. Can Emmett, Calvin and company stop him again? Can they figure out his identity before it's too late? Fans of the series will enjoy this action packed installment.
Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence).
Narrative Poems is by C. S. Lewis. Lewis's four classic narrative poems: "Dymer," "Launcelot," "The Nameless Isle," "The Queen of Drum." These poems are beautiful and well worth the time needed to work through them. Fans of Lewis should not miss his foray into poetry. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 12th grade - 10 out of 10.
Poetics is by Aristotle. The classic philosophical work by the Greek master. This small volume contains his thoughts on drama, stories, music, rhythm, and harmony. It is a wonderful, if challenging, read that is well worth the effort. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: Adult.
The Wicked Boy: The Mystery of a Victorian Child Murderer is by Kate Summerscale. Interesting nonfiction story of Robert Coombes, who murdered his mother when he was 13. Robert confessed, was convicted, declared insane (due to his age), and spent 17 years in Broadmoor asylum. He was released to a Salvation Army farm and from there moved to Australia where he became a hero during WWI. After the war he returned to Australia and took up a quiet simple life. The story raises more questions than it answers.
Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
Out of the Silent Planet is by C.S. Lewis. The classic science fiction beginning to the Space Trilogy by Lewis. While Ransom, a philologist at Cambridge, is out on a walking tour, he is kidnapped by two men named Weston and Devine and is taken in a spaceship to Malacandra, Mars, to be a human sacrifice to the aliens that populate the planet. Once on Malacandra, he escapes and meets the inhabitants of the planet, who are not all as he has feared. As he learns the truth about Malacandra and the mysterious Oyarsa, who seems to rule the world, he discovers much about their planet, his own, and about himself. A moving tale, if not the type of science fiction we are used to. The comparison of Ransom to Tolkien is hard to miss. A must read for fans of Lewis. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: 10th grade - 9 out of 10.
Reading Lolita in Tehran is by Azar Nafisi. A fascinating nonfiction memoir. A Iranian woman returns to Iran to teach at Tehran University immediately before the fall of the Shah. This is her story as she attempts to teach literature, most of which is soon banned or forbidden, during the revolution and in it's aftermath. Eventually she leaves the university and sets up a home literature class for girls; their first book being Lolita. This is the story of one woman's fight to preserve great literature, as well as the story of how great literature can preserve us.
Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
A Wrinkle in Time is by Madeleine L'Engle. The first book in the classic fantasy Time Quintet series. The imaginative tale of the a sister and brother who, along with their friend, set out to find and save their missing father. The meet three strange women, who take them to other worlds where they must fight a great evil to same their father, themselves, and their world.
Ratings: 6th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Final Girl Support Group is by Grady Hendrix. Another gem, this one realistic fiction, from Grady Hendrix. Final girls are the only surviving victim's of serial killers. These girls have joined together with a leading psychologist to form a support group. Then suddenly someone begins killing the final girls. Can Lynette Tarkington, final girl, find the identity of the killer and save the remaining group members before the killer finds her? Another horrific, yet strangely amusing, story by the author of Horrorstor. Fans of Hendrix will not be disappointed.
Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - P (profanity) - V (violence).
Diary of an Old Soul: 366 Writings for Devotional Reflection is by George MacDonald. A classic series of prayerful meditations by the giant who influenced both Lewis and Tolkien. Well worth spending a year meditating on by Christians everywhere.
Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10.
The Sussex Downs Murder is by John Bude. A classic Golden Age historical fiction mystery; the second in the Inspector Meredith series. The Rother brothers run a business at a farm on the Sussex Downs. When John disappears and his car is found abandoned, Inspector Meredith is called in to find out if he has been murdered. Then his brother William is definitely murdered and the mystery deepens. A must read for Agatha Christie fans.
Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10.
Lessons in Chemistry is by Bonnie Garmus. A charming realistic fiction tale of a woman determined to live life her own way. Elizabeth Zott is a chemist in the 1960s, when women are not exactly respected in the sciences. She meets and begins a relationship with a famous chemist and discovers the meaning of true chemistry. When Calvin dies unexpectedly, Elizabeth discovers she is no longer welcome at the lab where they worked and, oh yeah, she is pregnant. Elizabeth continues her work in chemistry at home with her young daughter and becomes the star of a cooking show to pay the bills, using this platform to encourage women to step out of the role society expects of them and pursue their own goals. This is a fun and moving story of love and the importance of being who you were meant to be.
Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
Death Comes for the Archbishop is by Willa Cather. The classic historical fiction tale of the French bishop who comes to the New Mexico territory in 1851 to reinvigorate and spread the Catholic faith. Father Latour brings his childhood friend Father Vaillant to help him. Together they must deal with the rugged unpopulated terrain, the vastness of his territory, the religion of the Native Americans, rebel priests, and their own differing styles and talents. This is a magnificent story! A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. I am not usually a fan of Cather's writing, but this is a wonderfully written book. I laughed and cried and fell in love with two very singular Catholic priests.
Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).
The Sentence is Death is by Anthony Horowitz. The second book in the Hawthorne and Horowitz realistic fiction mystery series. Hawthorne interrupts a television shoot to wrangle Horowitz to join him to solve the murder of a celebrity-divorce lawyer. He was beaten to death and had his throat slashed with a bottle of very expensive liquor, but he didn't drink. The number 182 is found painted on the wall in green paint. Hawthorne's enemies on the police force threaten Horowitz if he doesn't keep them in the loop, and also begin to interfere with his television show. Hawthorne is being his usual tight-lipped self. Horowitz is in a pickle, will he be able to solve the murder himself without getting injured by the police and the murderer? Fans of this series will enjoy this installment.
Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
