The Big Bow Mystery

The Big Bow Mystery is by Israel Zangwill. A Golden Age historical fiction mystery by an author not named Christie or Sayers. This story is regarded as the first full length locked room mystery. When a young political organizer is found in his locked room with his throat slit and no way anyone could have gotten in or out, retired Inspector Grodman is called in to solve the case before his rival in Scotland Yard does. Very funny in places, if you are a fan of dry British humor. This book has a very surprise ending. A must read for fans of Golden Age mysteries. 

Ratings: 9th grade - 8 out of 10. 

Uncanny Collateral

Uncanny Collateral is by Brian McClellan. The fist in the fantasy Valkyrie Collections series. Alex Fitz is a reaper for Valkyrie Collections; he is also half troll. He tracks down debtors and solves problems for clients as diverse as vampires, Lords of Hell, goblins, and other exotic clients. When he is asked to discover who is stealing souls from hell, he finds himself in more trouble than he bargains for, with enemies who are part of his own past. An interesting premise and a fun read. 

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

Prince of Thorns

Prince of Thorns is by Mark Lawrence. The first in the dark fantasy Broken Empire series. When he was nine, Prince Jorg watched his mother and brother brutally murdered in front of him. By thirteen, he had left the palace and joined a band of brutal robbers to seek his revenge. But are his decisions his own, or is Jorg being guided by magic of a sinister kind? This is a very dark fantasy, but if you can handle the violence, it is really good. It is a good example of what happens to us when we are consumed by revenge and can't let go of the past and heal. You admire Jorg's ruthlessness, but you can't like him.

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

The Truth and Beauty: How the Lives and Works of England's Greatest Poets Point the Way to a Deeper Understanding of the Words of Jesus

The Truth and Beauty: How the Lives and Works of England's Greatest Poets Point the Way to a Deeper Understanding of the Words of Jesus is by Andrew Klavan. A study of England's Romantic poets and Mary Shelley. Klavan looks at the words of Jesus through the poems of Keats, Wordsworth, Coleridge and Mary Shelley's Frankenstein. This book is a thought provoking and interesting read. I would recommend this to all Christians, especially those who love poetry. While you may disagree with some of Klavan's conclusions, this book is well worth the mental exercise of analyzing his points. 

Ratings: Adult - 9 out of 10. 

The Christie Affair

The Christie Affair is by Nina de Gramont. The historical fiction novel about the Queen of Mysteries. When Agatha Christie mysteriously disappeared for 11 days, the whole world was transfixed. This is de Gramont's retelling of the those 11 days from the point of view of Nan O'Dea, Archie Christie's mistress and future wife. A tantalizing read, this novel covers not only Christie's life, but Nan's past as well. Bleak in places, but an thoroughly enjoyable read. 

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

Heroes

Heroes is by Stephen Fry. The second book in his recitation of classical Greek myths. This is a charmingly funny and informative look at the heroes of Greek myth and legend. It includes sections on Heracles, Jason, Perseus, and others. A must read for mythology fans. 

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

Shady Hollow

Shady Hollow is by Juneau Black. The first book in the fantasy Shady Hollow Mystery series. Shady Hollow is a quiet little town run by various animals, instead of humans. When the local curmudgeonly toad is found murdered in the pond, the town is rocked by fear and suspicion. The Deputy Orville Braun, a brown bear, and Vera Vixen, a fox and star reported for the local paper, must solve the crime before someone else dies. Perhaps Shady Hollow is not as idyllic as they have always thought. This is a thoroughly enjoyable cozy mystery series. I can't wait to read the next installment. 

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