Summers End is by Juneau Black. The fifth installment in the fantasy Shady Hollow mystery series. Vera agrees to chaperone a school trip to Summers End, a tomb built by ancient woodland cultures. Scientists of all types are there excavating the site and doing scientific tests. When one of them is found murdered and Lenore's sister is the prime suspect, Vera must step in and help solve the crime. Fans of the series will love this story.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
Fiend is by Alma Katsu. Katsu offers up another novel based on real events and fantasy. This one is a take on the Sacklers, only with a real demon. An import-export firm run by the Berisha family always seems to come out on top. Their rivals have buildings mysteriously catch on fire or have strokes or earthquakes swallow up evidence in manufacturing plants. Whistleblowers drop dead before they can testify - that's the way it is with the Berisha clan. Zef, the patriarch, is the keeper of the family secret. As his three children jockey for control of the empire, the blood they spill may be their own. Not my favorite of Katsu's novels, but an interesting read.
Ratings: Adult - 6 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence).
Empire of the Summer Moon: Quanah Parker and the Rise and Fall of the Comanches, the Most Powerful Indian Tribe in American History is by S. C. Gwynne. A fascinating and thrilling nonfiction look at the history of the Comanche tribe. The thing I most enjoyed about this book is its even-handedness. The author points out the problematic doings of both the whites and the Comanches. The history of Quanah Parker, who was the son of a Comanche and a white woman captured by the tribe was unknown to me. I enjoy reading about Native American history and found this book to be well written and informative. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.
Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10 - V (violence) - AC (mature thematic content).
The Magnolia Palace is by Fiona Davis. A work of historical fiction set at the Frick Museum in New York. The book toggles between the 1920s and the 1970s. Lillia Carter, under the name Angelica, has been New York's most sought after nude model. She is the inspiration behind countless New York sculptures. After her landlord is killed, she finds herself a suspect. She is afraid this negative publicity will destroy her chances of a film career and runs. By chance she stumbles upon a job opportunity at the Frick mansion as a secretary to the demanding Helen Frick. In the 1970s, Veronica Weber is an English model summoned to the Frick Museum for a Vogue photo shoot. The is her big chance, but when she finds herself locked in the museum during a blizzard with an intern curator, she realizes she has a chance to solve the Frick mystery and discover a lost treasure. Watching as these two timelines come together and the mysteries of the Frick family as resolved is a choice bit of historical fiction.
Ratings: 12th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).
Childcraft: Poems and Rhymes is by Childcraft. A magnificently illustrated collection of poems and rhymes for children. I remember having a full set of Childcraft when I was young and am devastated that they got lost somewhere along the way. I highly recommend this volume for teaching young children to love poetry and rhymes of the classic variety - you will find no modern trash here.
Ratings: 1st grade - 10 out of 10.
The Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion Vol 2 is by Beth Brower. The second volume in the historical fiction Unselected Journals of Emma M. Lion series. It is 1883, Emma is still dealing with Cousin Archibald and the financial situation he has left her. There is now - a Tenant. Archibald has walled off part of the house and rented it to a rather strange man. Aunt Eugenia is still using Emma as a foil for her own daughter as she seeks a Eugenia approved husband, and Emma is determined to run her own life. This is a delightful series and I can't wait to read other installments.
Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10.
The Prayers of Jane Austen is by Jane Austen. A charming nonfiction book containing prayers written by Austen. This small book is beautifully illustrated and the printing is marvelous. A must read for Austen fans of all ages and for Christians.
Ratings: 10th grade - 10 out of 10.
