The Inugami Curse

The Inugami Curse is by Seishi Yokomizo. The second book in the historical fiction Detective Kindaichi mysteries. Set in 1940s Japan, Detective Kindaichi is called in to solve a series of mysterious deaths related to the will of the head of the Inugami clan. This is the first Japanese mystery I have read and I admit I found it convoluted with a large cast of characters. I am probably missing a lot due to my lack of understanding of Japanese culture. I did enjoy it and would like to read more Japanese mysteries in translation and in this series in particular. 

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

Beowulf

Beowulf is translated by J. R. R. Tolkien. The classic fantasy legend translated by the master himself. This edition also contains a complete commentary and other poems related to the myth. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read. A must read for all Tolkien fans and fans of Beowulf. 

Ratings: Adult - 10 out of 10. 

The Salamander Spell

The Salamander Spell is by E. D. Baker. The fifth book in the fantasy Frog Princess series. This prequel follows the adventures of Grassina and her journey to becoming the Green Witch. Fans of the series will enjoy this book. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 6 out of 10. 

No Place for Magic

No Place for Magic is by E. D. Baker. The fourth installment in the Frog Princess fantasy series. Emma and Eadric are ready to get married, so they travel to his home to get his parents' approval. When they arrive, they discover his younger brother has been captured by trolls and they must rescue him before they can marry. 

Ratings: 6th grade - 7 out of 10. 

Hamnet

Hamnet is by Maggie O'Farrell. Historical fiction novel about the life of Shakespeare's son. The story never mentions the Bard's name. It tells the story of his family, his wife and her family, and his children. Since not much is known about Shakespeare or his family historically, O'Farrell takes liberties that do make the tale intriguing and page-turning. This is why you should avoid hype before reading a book! It was an enjoyable read, but for me, did not live up to the excessive publicity surrounding it. 

Ratings: Adult - 5 out of 10 - AC (mature thematic content). 

The Tiger in the Smoke

The Tiger in the Smoke is by Margery Allingham. The fourteenth book in the Albert Campion historical fiction mystery series. As a knife wielding killer stalks London, Campion is called on to help hunt him down. Fans of Campion will enjoy this installment as well. Golden Age fans will love Allingham's work. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Bunny

Bunny is by Mona Awad. A strange piece of magical realism. Samantha is an outcast in her MFA cohort at a fancy school. She calls the in-group "the Bunnies." When she is mysteriously invited to one of their special get-togethers, she finds herself embroiled in their dark weird group dynamics. This book is completely bizarre. Based on the hype, I'm sure there are many who find this type of novel intriguing. I did not. This book was definitely not in my wheelhouse. 

Ratings: Adult - 4 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).