The Word is Murder

The Word is Murder is by Anthony Horowitz. The first book in the realistic fiction Detective Hawthorne mystery series. A fast paced, but very differently written detective novel. Horowitz plays himself, the real-life author, who is contacted by a fictional ex-policeman with whom he used to work on a television show he wrote for. Hawthorne is called in as a consultant on challenging cases, and he has decided he wants Horowitz to write the story of his current case. A middle aged woman walks into a funeral parlor and plans her own funeral, and is found strangled six hours later. Hawthorne is called in to work the case and Horowitz finds himself along for the ride. A completely unique take on detective novels. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 8 out of 10 - P (profanity) - V (violence). 

84, Charing Cross Road

84, Charing Cross Road is by Helene Hanff. A charming nonfiction classic novella that book lovers won't be able to resist. This small novella contains twenty years of correspondence from Helene Hanff in New York and the staff of a small used book store in England. Although they never met, these letters document a touching an beautiful friendship. A Reader's Corner Highly Recommended Read.

Ratings: 9th grade - 10 out of 10. 

An American Sunrise

An American Sunrise is by Joy Harjo. A wonderful book of poetry from America's Poet Laureate. Harjo is a Native American poet who is able to write both powerful and easily understood poetry. A must read for poetry lovers. If you can, get the audiobook version, Harjo reads it herself. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 9 out of 10 - P (profanity). 

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder

Chocolate Chip Cookie Murder is by Joanne Fluke. The first installment in the realistic fiction mystery Hannah Swensen series. Hannah owns a bakery in Lake Eden, Minnesota. When her dairy delivery is late, she steps out into the alley and sees the delivery truck. She wanders down to see what the problem is and finds the delivery driver shot to death with one of her cookies still in his hand. Hannah then decides she must find the murderer. This book is a charming cozy mystery complete with delicious cookie recipes. 

Ratings: 10th grade - 7 out of 10.  

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet

The Long Way to a Small Angry Planet is by Becky Chambers. The first book in the science fiction Wayfarer series. Rosemary Harper joins a motley crew of humans and aliens aboard a ship that tunnels wormholes through space. They believe they have landed the job of a lifetime, only to discover it may not be all they had hoped, and just getting to the job site may cost them their lives. 

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

A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe

A Big Ship at the Edge of the Universe is by Alex White. The first book in the science fiction Salvagers series. Nilah is a famous racer on the circuit on her way to a championship cup. In the middle of a race, she witnesses the murder of a fellow driver and finds herself involved in a scheme to rule the galaxy. She joins up with a motley crew of salvagers on the hunt for the greatest warship ever built. Is the ship a legend? Is it lost forever? Who wants to make sure it is never found? A fast paced space romp that all science fictions lovers will enjoy. 

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

The Glass Hotel

The Glass Hotel is by Emily St. John Mandel. A strange, yet compelling, realistic fiction novel. Vincent is a young bartender at a resort hotel, her brother is a janitor at the same hotel. One night she meets Jonathan Alkaitis, a rich financier, and her life changes forever. This book is built around a Madoff-like Ponzi scheme whose fall affects all of the characters in the book. This book is nothing like Station Eleven, so if you go in with that understanding you will appreciate it much more. 

Ratings: 11th grade - 7 out of 10 - P (profanity) - AC (mature thematic content).