Notorious Nineteen

By Janet Evanovich

I don't think there's a single Stephanie Plum book I don't like, reading one is like eating a candy bar--it's quick and really great while it lasted. With over 20 books in this series, there does emerge a recurring pattern but the characters are so enjoyable I don't really mind. Nineteen was no different, with bounty hunter Stephanie (and Lula) chasing after FTAs (failure to appear) and getting all her cars blown up. If you've never read any of this series you could jump right in the middle and not be too lost, but it is so much more satisfying to begin with "One for the Money" (once you get past the whole Jersey attitude thing). In Nineteen, Stephanie does a little more self-psychology on her place in life, and I get the feeling that we may not see too many more of the Plum series. The book doesn't "end" but there is a weird cozy finality to it that made me feel that way--it could end here and I'd be happy. But who knows, there may be many more due to the release of the movie "One for the Money."

Ranger-Babe

~ Becky

The Casual Vacancy

By J. K. Rowling

The fictional village of Pagford is the setting for J. K. Rowling's much-anticipated first novel for adults. "The Casual Vacancy" begins with the sudden death of parish council member Barry Fairbrother, which unearths the bitterness of political turmoil that has been present for forty years. The story is very dark as it reveals the secrets of each family in the village. Not intended for the young fans of Harry Potter, it contains murder, rape, drug addiction, and child neglect in addition to the explicit language and graphic descriptions of sexual acts. While I typically enjoy Rowling's writing and the worlds that she creates, this book was too dark and severe for me.

~ Paula

Shadow and Bone

By Leigh Bardugo

YA Book

Orphaned in the border ward, Alina and Mal grew up best of friends. Even as cartographer and tracker for the army, they still have each other’s back. When Aline saves Mal using a dormant power, the Darkling notices and whisks her off to train with the magical elite because he believes her to be the Sun Summoner who will work with him to save the country, or so he says. However, Aline discovers his true intent which will enslave her to help bring not only their own country, but all the neighboring countries as well, under his power. Can she escape, and will the army’s best tracker, Mal, be her undoing? Will they be able to save each other- again?

~ Sue

Band of Sisters

By Cathy Gohlke

It’s 1910 in New York City. Maureen O’Reilly is running from a difficult and shameful life in Ireland. All she wants is to have a respectable job and to care for herself and her younger sister. Joshua Keeton is a young man from her hometown who sails to America on the same ship and wants to help and watch out for them. Maureen doesn’t want to depend on anyone else to succeed. She finds that not only is it a struggle to get through Ellis Island, soon she discovers that their benefactor is deceased and his family wants nothing to do with her. Maureen falls into a trap of lies to secure a position at a department store, only to learn that it is a front for a human trafficking ring. She finds herself in a very dangerous position and she has to step out in faith to trust Joshua and her new friends to help her and her two missing co-workers.

~ Dixie