He Who Whispers

He Who Whispers is by John Dickson Carr. The 16th book in the Golden Age historical fiction Gideon Fell series. Miles Hammond is invited by Gideon Fell to a meeting of the fabulous Murder Club. The guest lecturer at this meeting is a Frenchman who is going to tell them about a murder he believes was committed by a vampire. On arriving at the designated restaurant, Miles finds the rest of the Murder Club is not present: only the lecturer and a another female guest. The lecturer tells them the story and suddenly Miles finds himself involved in the mystery with Gideon Fell. Fans of Golden Age mysteries will enjoy this one. 

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

The Book That Wouldn't Burn

The Book That Wouldn't Burn is by Mark Lawrence. The first book in the fantasy Library series. A young girl is rescued by a band of soldiers when enemies destroy her settlement and kidnap her along with several other children. Taken to the city, she is apprenticed to The Library - the main source of knowledge for this society. A young boy has been trapped in an unknown section of The Library his entire life. When these two meet, things come to light that will change everything they know. This is a strange book. I liked it, but honestly not enough to continue the series. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 7 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content) - V (violence) - P (profanity). 

The Republic

The Republic is by Plato. The classic philosophical treatise that is a must read. It is challenging and requires time and thought, but what you glean from the struggle is well worth it. This translation is one of the best. 

Ratings: 12th grade - 9 out of 10.