I, the Jury

I, the Jury is by Mickey Spillane. The first book in the Mike Hammer mystery series. When Mike's best friend is brutally murdered, he swears revenge and sets out to find the killer before the police do. But as he finds suspects, they all seemed to die by the same gun that killed his friend. Who is the killer? Can Hammer find him first before the police or before the killer finds him? A true masterpiece of American noir. 

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

The Jungle Book

The Jungle Book is by Rudyard Kipling. The classic fantasy tale that should be read by everyone. Mowgli is a young boy who is taken in by a wolf pack. He is raised knowing the Law of the Jungle, but as a man-cub he can't stay in the jungle forever. This book also contains several other tales of India including "Rikki Tikki Tavi" and "Toomai of the Elephants" and another tale. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. A truly wonderful classic. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 9 out of 10.  

Into the Drowning Deep

Into the Drowning Deep is by Mira Grant. The first installment of the fantasy horror Rolling in the Deep series. An entire film crew is lost at sea trying to make a mockumentary on the existence of mermaids. Seven years later another group of scientists and film makers head out to try and discover the truth of what really happened on the Atargatis. Will the truth be their destruction as well? A truly horrifying book. If you are thinking of Ariel, think again! I want to read the next in the series and I don't want to read it at the same time. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 7 out of 10 - V (violence) - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Raising Hare

Raising Hare is by Chloe Dalton. A charming memoir. Dalton stumbles upon a newborn hare on a walk. She decides to take it home to save it from the cold. As the hare survives and grows, Dalton learns much about raising hares and about nature and man's effects on it. This is a very well written memoir and nature lovers will enjoy it thoroughly. 

Ratings: 8th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World

Modern Scholar: The Anglo-Saxon World is by Michael D. C. Drout. A nonfiction lecture series on the Anglo-Saxons and their importance in English history. A very informative series of lectures. I learned much I was unaware of. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: From Here to Infinity

Modern Scholar: From Here to Infinity is by Michael D. C. Drout. An fantastic nonfiction lecture series on science fiction literature. Drout discusses its contributions to literature as a whole and goes through various science fiction books. Definitely a must listen for SF fans. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies

Modern Scholar: Shakespeare: The Seven Major Tragedies is by Harold Bloom. An interesting nonfiction lecture series on the Seven Major Tragedies of Shakespeare. Thought provoking and well worth the time it takes to listen to them carefully. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Mirror Lake

Mirror Lake is by Juneau Black. The third installment in the Shady Hollow fantasy mystery series. Orville has decided to run for sheriff of Shady Hollow. Vera doesn't want to be seen to actively support his candidacy due to conflict of interest, but while she is dealing with this problem - Dorothy Springfield insists that the rat posing as her husband is an imposter who actually murdered her husband. Confusing, yes, only Vera believes her and sets out to discover the truth. Fans of this series will love this installment. It is as charming as the other two. You won't be able to wait for the next book. 

Ratings: 8th grade - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Why Literature Still Matters

Why Literature Still Matters is by Jason M. Baxter. A must read for all teachers and lovers of classic literature. Baxter explains its importance and why we must insist it be taught to the next generation and why we must read it ourselves. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

Mystery Mile

Mystery Mile is by Margery Allingham. The second book in the Albert Campion Mystery series. When an American judge is targeted for execution by a sinister criminal mastermind, he turns to Campion for help. Campion must save the judge and unmask the criminal, and still manage to stay alive. Can it be done? A Golden Age mystery that reads more like a parody of Golden Age mysteries. It is cleverly written and amusing. Some of the characters are hilarious. Golden Age fans may or may not like this series. I enjoyed it for what it was - a parody, not a serious mystery. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 6 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Dungeon Crawler Carl

Dungeon Crawler Carl is by Matt Dinniman. This is the first installment in the Dungeon Crawler Carl science fiction series. An alien race destroys the Earth and the survivors are herded below ground into a fantasy dungeon to fight for survival in an alien game show. Carl, and his ex-girlfriend's cat, find themselves teamed up in a sadistic version of Survivor. The winner - gets to live. Science fiction fans will enjoy this series. It is violent and sadistic, but funny. Princess Donut, is a riot. 

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence). 

The Lost Bookshop

The Lost Bookshop is by Evie Woods. A charming fantasy novel told in three different voices. Opaline, from the past, and Martha and Henry from the present. Opaline, escaped an arranged marriage in the 1920s and fled to Paris. She got a job at Shakespeare and Company and then fled to Ireland and opened her own rare bookshop. Henry is an academic trying to track down a mysterious bookstore to find a rare manuscript. While trying to find the bookstore he meets Martha, who has fled an abusive husband and is working as housekeeper for a very odd elderly woman, who lives next door to where the mysterious bookstore is supposed to be located. The lives of all three are related in ways they are only beginning to comprehend. Will the Lost Bookstore be found? 

Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent

Shakespeare: The Man Who Pays the Rent is by Judi Dench and Brendan O'Hea. A wonderful memoir by the great Dame Judi Dench. The book is more a conversation between Dench and O'Hea covering all of her appearances in Shakespeare's plays. This book is hilarious, irreverent, and a complete joy! A Reader's Corner Must Read. It's great for lovers of Shakespeare, theater, and behind the scenes tell all memoirs. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 10 out of 10 - P (profanity) = AC (mature thematic content). 

Brat Farrar

Brat Farrar is by Josephine Tey. An historical fiction mystery set on a horse farm. Patrick Ashby was the heir to a fortune, but he disappeared when he was young and now his brother is next in line to inherit. When someone turns up claiming to be the long lost Patrick, he seems to good to be true - and he is. Everyone in the family believes Brat is Patrick, except his brother. Then Brat's presence begins to stir up old secrets. Is it possible Brat is Patrick after all? A fun mystery with an interesting conclusion. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).

Rembrandt Is In the Wind: Learning To Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith

Rembrandt Is In the Wind: Learning To Love Art Through the Eyes of Faith is by Russ Ramsey. A wonderful nonfiction look at brokenness, art, and how God can use them both. This book is a must read for all Christians, especially those who love art. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

Homage to Catalonia

Homage to Catalonia is by George Orwell. A memoir by the author of Animal Farm and 1984. In 1936, Orwell left for Spain to cover the Spanish Civil War and become a combatant. This memoir tells of the reality he saw on the ground and his disillusionment with the political factions. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content).  

Modern Scholar: Singers & Tales: Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature

Modern Scholar: Singers & Tales: Oral Tradition and the Roots of Literature is by Michael D. C. Drout. A compellingly interesting nonfiction lecture series on the oral tradition and the beginnings of literature. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: A Way With Words

Modern Scholar: A Way With Words is by Michael D. C. Drout. A fascinating nonfiction lecture series on rhetoric and the art of persuasion. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Modern Scholar: The Norsemen: Understanding the Vikings and Their Culture

Modern Scholar: The Norsemen: Understanding the Vikings and Their Culture is by Michael D. C. Drout. A very interesting nonfiction lecture series on the history, culture, and religion of the Vikings. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

The Year of Magical Thinking

The Year of Magical Thinking is by Joan Didion. A heartbreaking memoir of suffering, loss, and making it through. Right before Christmas in 2003. Joan Didion's daughter was placed in a drug induced coma when she came down suddenly with septic shock. Days later, the night before New Year's Eve, her husband died suddenly of a heart attack. This book is the story of Joan trying to pick up the pieces of her own life and still be there for her critically ill daughter. A stirring read. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Aquinas Prayer Book: The Prayers and Hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas

The Aquinas Prayer Book: The Prayers and Hymns of St. Thomas Aquinas is by St. Thomas Aquinas. A must read for all Christians, whether you are Catholic or not. The simple prayers of this pious man are inspirational and moving. The original Latin versions are given with a side-by-side English translation. This book is small, easy to carry with you, and well worth perusing - again and again. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. 

Ratings: 8th grade - 10 out of 10. 

The God of the Woods

The God of the Woods is by Liz Moore. A multiple award winning realistic fiction thriller. When the teenage daughter of a wealthy family disappears from the same summer camp her brother disappeared from years before, wheels are set in motion that will unravel deep dark family secrets. Barbara's disappearance triggers a panicked search, and as we follow a female detective's drive to find Barbara we learn more about the family, the community, and the disappearance of Barbara's brother. The ending was not really surprising, but the unraveling of the mystery was convoluted and intense. Another well written book by Moore. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content). 

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health

Good Energy: The Surprising Connection Between Metabolism and Limitless Health is by Casey and Calley Means. A nonfiction look at health, diet, and general wellbeing. An interesting and thought provoking book. There are some practices advocated that I find problematic, but the general diet and metabolism information provided was well worth the read and something I will continue to think about. 

Ratings: Adult - 7 out of ten. 

The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and the Battle to Save America's Soul

The President and the Freedom Fighter: Abraham Lincoln, Frederick Douglass and the Battle to Save America's Soul is by Brian Kilmeade. A nonfiction look at the Civil War and two men who respected each other even if they didn't always agree. The book follows Lincoln from his humble beginnings to his assassination. It also follows Frederick Douglass and his rise from slavery to fame. The two great men did not always have the same views, but they greatly respected each other. A readable history. 

Ratings: 8th grade - 7 out of 10. 

Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Battle That Changed American History

Sam Houston and the Alamo Avengers: The Texas Battle That Changed American History is by Brian Kilmeade. A nonfiction look at the Father of Texas. The book follows Houston from his birth through his battle for Texas Independence and its aftermath. Kilmeade also covers the battle of the Alamo and those who defended it in depth. A short and very readable history. 

Ratings: 8th grade - 7 out of 10. 

Douglas Macarthur: American Warrior

Douglas Macarthur: American Warrior is by Arthur Herman. An extensive biography of one of America's greatest generals. This book is long and dense, but extremely informative and not that hard to get through. Herman takes us from Macarthur's childhood through his 50+ years in the military, including three major wars. Some of his predictions are uncannily accurate when you look at the world today. An extremely interesting look at man I didn't know that much about. I should have paid more attention in school, if we were even taught about this great man - and we should have been. 

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10. 

Deep Waters: Murder on the Waves

Deep Waters: Murder on the Waves is edited by Martin Edwards. A collection of Golden Age mystery short stories by a variety of authors. Many of these stories were by authors I didn't know and am now exploring further, although some were by the usual suspects such as Arthur Conan Doyle, C. S. Forster, and Edmund Crispin. All of the stories are set on or near the water. Not my favorite in the British Crime Classic series, but I did enjoy it very much. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10. 

Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature

Rings, Swords, and Monsters: Exploring Fantasy Literature is by Michael D. C. Drout. Part of the Modern Scholar lecture series. This was an interesting look at fantasy, it's origins, and the authors who brought it to it's modern form. The lectures discuss Tolkien, Lewis, Macdonald, and even J.K. Rowling. Well worth a listen and not very long. 

Ratings: 8th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Christmas Candle Murders

The Christmas Candle Murders is by Benedict Brown. The fifteenth in the Lord Edgington series. Chrissy goes home to spend Christmas with his parents, brother, and other family. Finally, a Christmas with no murders, but wait... After several mysterious deaths in the village, Lord Edgington and Chrissy must once again save the day and solve the mystery. Fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy this installment as well. The depiction of Chrissy's grandmother and her family is hysterical, and that of the villagers with all their foibles is delightful. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession

The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession is by Michael Finkle. A very interesting nonfiction biography of the world's most prolific art thief. The story of Stéphane Bréitwieser and his girlfriend and the hundreds of pieces of art they stole over the course of their stormy relationship. The value of the stolen art is estimated to be around 2 billion dollars. He never sold any of it, but kept it in his mother's attic where he lived. This is a well written and fascinating look at a man's obsession and his downfall. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About Struggle and the Wonder of Being Alive

Van Gogh Has a Broken Heart: What Art Teaches Us About Struggle and the Wonder of Being Alive is by Russ Ramsey. This is a magnificent nonfiction philosophical look at art and artists and what they can teach us from a Christian worldview.  The author looks at various artists, ancient and modern, their art and what we can learn from both the work and the lives of the artists. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended read!!

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women is by Kate Moore. A hard to read nonfiction book. This is the story of the young women, and their families, who worked in America's radium industry. These women developed radium poisoning, but were lied to and deceived by those who understood the element was dangerous. It is the story of their fight for justice that most of them never lived to see. Don't read the first half of this book at meals. Moore's descriptions are well written, but horrendous to read. A excellent book!

Ratings: Adult - 8 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

Disaster at the Vendome Theater

Disaster at the Vendome Theater is by M. L. Longworth. The tenth book in the realistic fiction Provencal Mystery series. Antoine Verlaque is about to become a father. His best friend Jean-Marc has taken a small part in a play put on at a local theater with two famous actors in the lead roles, who don't like each other very much. When the rude and nasty lead actor is found dead in a store room, the elderly leading actress appears to be the prime suspect. But did she commit the crime? The more Verlaque and Bruno look into the crime, the more secrets they seem to uncover which could lead to other suspects. Fans of the series will be pleased. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 8 out of 10 - AC (some mature thematic content). 

Death at Silent Pool

Death at Silent Pool is by Benedict Brown. The fourteenth installment in the historical fiction Lord Edgington series. The wife of a government official disappears and is believed murdered. Lord Edington and Chrissy are asked to solve the crime, but when they arrive at Silent Pool all of the suspects start to be murdered. Can Lord Edgington find the killer before everyone dies? This was an interesting plot and the ending was different from the expected "wrapped up in a tidy way." Fans of the series will enjoy this book. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

A Novel Way to Kill

A Novel Way to Kill is by Benedict Brown. A novella that fits between books 7 & 8 of the historical fiction Lord Edgington series. Lord Edgington and Chrissy are invited to visit three eccentric sisters who are all famous authors. When their elderly father is pushed from a window, Lord Edgington must find the killer. Fans of the series will enjoy this short novella. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Vanishing Museum on the Rue MIstral

The Vanishing Museum on the Rue Mistral is by M. L. Longworth. The ninth installment in the realistic fiction Provencal Mystery series. When the director of a small local museum arrives to find the entire museum has been robbed - every single item taken - he is shocked. Now Verlaque must discover what the thieves were really after and why they emptied the entire museum. Verlaque is also trying to come to grips with the fact that he and his wife Marine are about to become parents. Fans of the series will thoroughly enjoy this book. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Noel Killing

The Noel Killing is by M.L. Longworth. The eighth book in the realistic fiction Provencal Mystery series. The Verlaque's attend a multi-denominational Christmas carol service and dinner, even thought the Judge doesn't really care for Christmas. When one of the hosts is poisoned at the event, the Judge must step in and discover the identity of the killer. There is certainly no lack of suspects, including the dead man's wife. Fans of the series will enjoy this installment. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.

Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith

Light of the Mind, Light of the World: Illuminating Science Through Faith is by Spencer Klavan. A fascinating philosophical look at faith and science. When science first became a field of study, it was fused with and fueled by faith. Over time science itself became an idol and God became unnecessary. As Nietzsche so pointedly said, "God is dead and we have killed him." Now science is not only anti-God it is becoming increasingly anti-human. Klavan argues in this interesting book, that science can actually lead us back to God. Whether you are a Christian or not, Klavan's walk through history and his arguments about the danger of "Science" and where it has led us will give you something to think about, especially after the pandemic and the growth of AI technology. A thoughtfully written and well foot-noted book. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10. 

Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped American's Destiny

Andrew Jackson and the Miracle of New Orleans: The Battle That Shaped American's Destiny is by Brian Kilmeade. A nonfiction account of the life of Andrew Jackson and the miracle that was the Battle of New Orleans. How we won and how this battle shaped American history. An easy read and an interesting one. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10. 

Smallbone Deceased

Smallbone Deceased is by Michael Gilbert. A wonderful Golden Age historical fiction mystery classic. When a large deed box is opened at a very respectable law firm and found to contain a corpse, the newest employee and Inspector Hazelrigg must figure out who Mr. Smallbone really was and how he ended up in a box. What is going on at Horniman, Birley, and Craine? Fans of Golden Age mysteries will thoroughly enjoy this novel. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Young Visitors, or, Mr. Salteena's Plan

The Young Visitors, or, Mr. Salteena's Plan is by Daisy Ashford. An absolutely charming piece of historical fiction written by a 9-year-old. Published in 1919, this is the tale of romance and comedy in upper class society of the late 1800s. Miss Ashford's charming misspellings have been kept intact, which makes the story even more enjoyable - strangely enough. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read for readers of all ages. 

Ratings: 5th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Puzzle of Parham House

The Puzzle of Parham House is by Benedict Brown. The thirteenth book in the Lord Edgington mystery series. Lord Edgington and crew are invited to solve what appear to be harmless pranks at Parham House. But are they really pranks? When a member of the household staff is found dead, Lord Edgington and Chrissy must face the possibility that a major theft is in the works and any of the strange art experts staying at the house might be behind everything. Fans of the series won't be disappointed. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Christmas Bell Mystery

The Christmas Bell Mystery is by Benedict Brown. The twelfth installment in the Lord Edgington mystery series. Chrissy meets a beautiful stranger on the train home for Christmas, who is worried that her grandfather is about to be killed. When he shares the story with his grandfather, Lord Edgington and crew set out to save the day. On arrival, they discover there has been a murder, but not the person they had come to save. Now Chrissy and his grandfather must prevent another murder and solve the one already committed. Fans of the series will enjoy this one as well. How I wish Lord Edgington and his family would barge into my house at Christmas. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

The Cassell Book of English Poetry

The Cassell Book of English Poetry is edited by James Reeves. A magnificent collection of English poetry. The table of contents dates from Chaucer to Dylan Thomas. Over 1000 poems from a variety of poets across hundreds of years. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Miss Pym Disposes

Miss Pym Disposes is by Josephine Tey. A fantastic historical fiction mystery by the author of the Inspector Grant series. Miss Pym is a popular English psychologist, she goes to a private girls' school run by an old friend as a guest lecturer. She stops a girl from cheating on her final exam by destroying her crib notes - but her cover up of one crime leads to another. When another girl is found dead in the gym, Miss Pym does not believe it is an accident. But when she believes she has solved the crime, she may not have fingered the correct killer. A fascinating novel with a twist ending that will leave you wondering if Miss Pym does the right thing. It does start off slowly, but picks up later on. This would be an interesting book club selection. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10. 

The Chill

The Chill is by Ross Macdonald. The eleventh in the classic historical fiction Lew Archer mystery series. A frantic young man convinces Archer to help him find his new bride who ran away on their honeymoon. He swears she loved him and that a man who came to see her while he was out scared her into running away. Archer finds the "bride" only to find himself involved in two murders - one twenty years old and another much more recent. The ending of this book is a twist I never saw coming. Classic noir fans will love this one. Archer is a much more relatable, less hard-boiled version of Sam Spade. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).  

The White Priory Murders

The White Priory Murders is by Carter Dickson. A Golden Age classic; the second in the Sir Henry Merrivale series. James Bennet is over from America and has been invited to spend Christmas with Marcia Tait, a Hollywood star working on a play in England, and several of her business partners and "friends." James arrives to find Marcia murdered in a out building with one set of prints leading in and none leading out. When his cantankerous uncle, Sir Henry Merrivale arrives to solve the mystery, even the police are baffled and eager for the help of the amateur sleuth. Fans of classic mysteries will enjoy this tale. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Scent of the Missing

Scent of the Missing is by Susannah Charleson. An interesting memoir of a rescue dog handler and her dog. After the Oklahoma City bombing, Susannah decides to work Search and Rescue. She begins to volunteer with a local team and finally becomes eligible for a dog of her own. In comes Puzzle, a blonde lab with an aptitude for search and rescue. Susannah already has a houseful of rescue animals, both canine and feline, and Puzzle must be trained to get along with the animals at home, as well as for her search and rescue jobs. The book walks through cases Susannah and her team were called in on, both with and without Puzzle. It also focuses on Puzzle's training and what it is really like to work Search and Rescue from both the human and dog perspective. Dog lovers will enjoy this one, as the dog doesn't die. An interesting look at a world we tend to glamorize and not appreciate for its danger and difficulty. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - P (profanity). 

A Killer in the Wings

A Killer in the Wings is by Benedict Brown. The 11th installment in the historical fiction Lord Edgington mystery series. When an actor is killed during the performance of a play, the other actors don't believe it's an accident and Lord Edgington and Chrissy must solve the mystery. However, all of the other actors are suspects in the murder with secrets they don't want discovered. Lord Edgington has decided that this will be the first case Chrissy solves on his own and begins to arrange his grandson's "coming out." Fans of the series will enjoy this book. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.