What We're Reading: January 2023

"After watching Magpie Murder on PBS, I just wasn't finished with Susan Ryeland and Atticus Pund. This is a twisty mystery with the book within a book format. Susan Ryeland has retired from publishing to live in Crete with her long time boyfriend. They are running a hotel and Susan isn't really enjoying her retired life. She gets a visit from Lawrence and Pauline Treherne, owners of a hotel in England, because she was the editor of deceased mystery author Alan Conway. Conway used the details of a murder that occurred at the Treherne’s hotel eight years ago in one of his mystery novels, Atticus Pünd Takes the Case. The Treherne’s daughter Cecily had just recently read the book and called her parents telling them that the book proves that the person in jail for the murder is innocent. Shortly after that phone call Cecily disappears. The Trehernes offer Susan ten thousand pounds to come back to England, stay at their hotel, and use any insight she might have gotten by editing the book to help track down Cecily. Susan, needing the money to help with the struggling hotel, agrees and heads back to England to help. Of course, all is not what it seems as she tries to figure out what happened to Cecily and find the clues Alan wrote in the Moonflower Murders." - Robin S., Busch Annapolis Library

"Three farm animal friends wait for the sun to rise and for the farmer to bring their breakfast. They decide that both are late and go on an adventure to the edge of the world, or the barnyard at least, to wake them up. I like all the books that this duo creates, but this one in particular is an instant favorite. The gentle rhythmic text is matched perfectly by the soft colors and sweet faces of the illustrations. I would recommend this to any fan of picture books and for families to read together." - Teresa F., Odenton Library

"I adored this sweet, coming of age story, set in 1970’s Baltimore! Fourteen-year-old Mary Jane is hired to nanny for five-year-old Izzy while psychiatrist Dr. Cone treats a famous rock star and Mrs. Cone keeps said rock star's actress-wife company when they move into the third floor of the Cone’s home for the summer. Mary Jane is out of her conservative parents' house while having the summer of her life with a delightfully quirky, new to her, family that forever changes her. Anyone who enjoys the 70’s era, Baltimore, and/or coming of age stories, or eccentric characters might enjoy this story as much as I did." - Cortney G., Odenton Library

"In this epic space adventure there are two types of neuro-modified people that have been passed down through genetics because of government experimentation. Readers can read other's minds and emotions, and Architects can influence minds. Tennal is a Reader who is conscripted into the military, and given to Architect Surit to sync, create a permanent mind bond. However, neither of them want to sync, so they fake a bond while trying to navigate a sudden military coup. I loved the fast-paced plot and order/chaos elements of the characters. The perfect blend of space adventure, with underlying ethical questions to think through." - Katie T., Crofton Library

"The year is 2050 and the earth has been devastated by global warming. On top of that, people have lost the ability to dream which has driven many to madness. Indigenous peoples however, have kept their dreams and thus are hunted for their marrow which the dreamless use as a kind of drug to dream again, no matter how short-lived. The story revolves around 15-year old Frenchie who is just trying to survive and finds himself with a found family. The actual sci-fi part of marrow stealing could have been fleshed out more, but otherwise, this story was a gut punch about loss of culture and place, abuse, and genocide. But also, about family, friends, resilience, and hope. A dark story but a very educational one. Recommend for ages 14+." - Lorelei B., Glen Burnie Library

"Saffron Everleigh is a research assistant in the botany department at University College London in 1923. Her courage and brilliance, her father’s reputation as a botanist, and a devoted mentor keep her afloat in a male-dominated world. When her mentor is accused of poisoning one of the other professor’s wives, Saffron and a (handsome and intriguing) colleague decide to investigate. This debut has everything I like in a well-researched historical mystery. I felt immersed in the time and place and even learned something about botany and poison. I look forward to Saffron’s next adventure (book two coming out in 2023). I would recommend this to fans of Golden Age and historical mysteries. The audiobook narrator is lovely, if you prefer that format." - Teresa F., Odenton Library