What We're Reading: November 2023

"This book is about a serial killer who is never mentioned by name just called "The Defendant". This is to direct your focus to the women who were his victims and those that loved them. Focusing on the victims gives this book a fresh feel and kept me reading long after I normally would have put it down." - Mary S., Deale Library

"From three different perspectives, The Last House on Needless Street slowly unravels the mystery of a missing girl 11 years ago. Ted is a social pariah. He behaves outside the norms of society, had a strange childhood, and loses chunks of time. As a reader, we are very much aware that something is "not right" with Ted. At one time, he was a suspect in the disappearance of "Little Girl with Popsicle," but has since been dismissed. However, Dee, the missing girl's sister has spent her life searching for her sister's kidnapper and the clues are leading her back to Ted. Between these two perspectives as well as the perspective of Ted's black cat, Olivia, the horrific truth about what happened to Dee's sister is revealed. This novel has plenty of twists and curves and evokes emotions and sympathy that make you question your own morality. Catriona Ward expertly crafted a tale with an unpredictable ending. I really enjoyed the build up of the mystery. Most of the book created more questions than answers, but the reveal truly *** every loose end. Those that enjoy darker mysteries, psychology, and big twists will enjoy The Last House on Needless Street." - Mackenzie N., Library Headquarters

"Viola Marek is a real estate agent and also a vampire. Her current problem is that the house she is trying to sell is being haunted by its owner and he is quite determined to scare away any potential buyers. In order to help him pass on into the afterlife so that she can do her job, Viola recruits some help. The help in question happen to be a cast of supernatural beings (and one adopted mortal son of Death) who all find themselves together by chance or maybe even fate. And it doesn't take long for the group to learn that there is a bigger problem happening behind the scenes that involves the very functioning of the universe and life and death itself. So, hence the problem. This book was a lot of fun! With lovable characters and quirky humor, this novel was a joy to read. I recommend it to fans of "Good Omens" by Neil Gaiman & Terry Pratchett and to anyone who is in the mood for a witty and fun supernatural mystery." - Christine M., Edgewater Library

"Set in alternate modern-day England where “the Problem” has caused ghosts to run rampant and upset the lives of the living, the first book of this series chronicles the efforts of Anthony Lockwood, Lucy Carlyle, and George Cubbins to rid the notoriously haunted Combe Carey Hall of its gruesome and evil spirits. All three characters are out for redemption as they enter this mysterious mansion, and the steps they take to stay alive and figure out the mysterious source of the haunting will leave you wanting to stay up late and read chapter after chapter. This is a great YA book for anyone who loves suspense, mystery, and horror." - Liz K., Library Headquarters