Check out these book reviews from our librarians. The reviews will include the title, author, genre and if it is available on Bridges or in our library collection. See something you like? Stop by or contact the library to check it out!
The Witch by Frieda McFadden
Genre: Thriller with a sprinkle of the paranormal
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
Told between two points of views from two different times, The Witch is spine tingling thriller filled with twists, turns, and a ghost or two.
After losing her job and apartment, Julia Barlow moves into Pemberton, an ancestral estate and home to her grandmother and great aunt. She’s told to lock her bedroom door at night, not to move the antique hair comb and mirror in her bedroom, and whatever she does, don’t go outside her room at night. Day after day, moans, cries and groans echo from the halls. She finds muddy foot prints that seem to originate from nowhere. Is it the ghost of Caroline, the second wife of her many greats grandfather who was accused and executed for witch craft? Julia discovers that the truth is more twisted than the tales she is told. Not everything that goes bump in the night is a ghost.
I must admit that this is my first Frieda McFadden book. I heard all the hype and rave reviews of her previous titles, but when I heard there would be a book just in time for spooky season, I couldn’t resist. The story took a little while until I got into it. Maybe a third of the book. I tend not to gravitate towards books told from multiple points of view. I often will prefer one point of view over the other and grow bored of the one I like less. In this case, I really enjoyed Julia and Caroline’s story lines. They intersect in various places, but open up a lot of family history and secrets along the way.
I love a good ghost story. The Witch followed a lot of those same tropes. There is a romantic element, but it is not a priority in the plot. It acts more as a supplement to help ground some of the suspicions and add another catalyst to Pemberton’s tale.
Where this book shines is the last third of the book. Just when I think I had it all figured out, McFadden added another little thrilling string for me to follow. It’s a mystery wrapped in a mystery that reveals a truth that takes readers and characters alike by surprise. One added treat is that one story concludes with an almost truth and the other reveals the actual history.
Overall, a great book and a thrilling read. I really recommend The Witch if you like a good thrilling tale with a pinch of witchcraft and a sprinkle of bump in the night.
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Murder in Zion by Nicole Maggi
Genre: Mystery
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
The story follows Emme as she navigates the death of her mother, her decision to leave her job, and suddenly the death of a childhood friend. When all the clues seem to lead to a local religious cult, Emme can't help but connect the crime to one of her previous cases. As she sorts through all the evidence, she fights the pain and fears brought on by a mistake in the precious case that led to the death of a young woman
The characters are interesting. Emme interacts with rangers, navigates her relationship with her sister, clashes with the cult members, and also find a bit of romance. The backdrop for the story, Zion National Park, was absolutely amazing. Maggie puts a lot of effort in capturing the magic of the area.
Overall, I enjoyed the book. I think it teeters a bit close to the cozy mystery line, but It was a quick fun read. The mystery is engaging and keeps you questioning along the way.
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The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club by Helen Simonson
Genre: Historical Fiction
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
World War I has ended. Men have returned from the front and women are working to find their way in society after working for the war effort. Constance has left her position in finance to assist Mrs. Fog, a resident of Hazelbourne-on-Sea. The affluent resort is full of drama and people who value the pre-war way of life. The surrender and battles are treated as a celebratory play for visitors to experience. After rescuing socialite Poppy, Constance is thrown into the constant drama and adventure of high society. Unlike many of the women at Hazelbourne-on-Sea, Poppy is a trouser wearing modern woman whose lack of care for societal norms is considered quirky and charming due to her status. Poppy quickly introduces Constance to her motorcycle club. The group of women meet to race, ride, and form a delivery service. With the help of Poppy's combat injured pilot brother, Harris, and the purchase of a rickety old plane in desperate need of repair, the club quickly adopts flying providing flying lessens and rides to women across the area. Along the way, the women of the club face the difficulties of being a woman in the post world war world, where the freedoms won are not often respected.
The Hazelbourne Ladies Motorcycle and Flying Club is a charming read. It's smart, witty and full of drama. I will admit that I am not a huge fan of Historical Fiction; however, I really enjoyed this book. The first third of the book sets the scene and does a good job of introducing the characters. Soon after, readers are thrown into the plot, learning of the struggles of each character. Finally, the story explodes into a sorted drama filled ending that brings moments of sadness, joy, and celebration.
The story is told from three points of view. The first is Constance. After leaving her position in finance, she has taken on caring for Mrs. Fog, a woman of character and secrets. Her story is filled with a struggle for identity and establishing herself in a society that wishes to return women to being wives and mothers. The second is Harris, Poppy's combat wounded brother who struggles with depression and the loss of not only a limb, but his fellow brothers in arms. Third, is Klaus, a German born naturalized citizen of England. Readers will find sympathy for German born English citizen, Klaus, who faced internment during the war and returns to the resort only to face discrimination and disrespect from those who welcomed him previously. The book introduces several characters that are struggling with reestablishing themselves post war. Each of the characters grows through the story with Constance and Harris finding themselves and each other. Klaus' story is much sadder. It works as a device to show the rusted and damages edges of the society around him.
Overall, it's a good book. While not extremely engaging for this reader, I still enjoyed the story and valued the insight and history.
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The Best Little Motel in Texas by Lyla Lane
Genre: Cozy Mystery
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library
Cordelia has spent most of her life avoiding Sarsaparilla Falls. The town holds nothing but bad memories of her now sober mother's past and being treated like a pariah. She spends her life simply: looking after her mother and enjoying her library job. When she discovers an unknown great aunt has left her a questionable little motel in Sarsaparilla Falls with long term guests, her life is turned upside down and all around. The motel is a destination of 'ill repute' with senior women who see to the entertainment of their older clients. When the local pastor dies in the company of one of the residents, Cordelia, newly made madam, and her 'Chicks' are on the case.
Cozy reads have always been a bit hit or miss for me. As a result, I chose to enjoy this title as an audiobook. I'm so glad I did! The story on it's own is a wonderful little romp through small town Texas. The residents are quirkey and dynamic which adds a lot to the story. The mystery moves along at a really good pace and jumps between suspects. I wasn't able to really predict the murder, mainly because we are only given Cordelia's perceptions along the way. The book also has some great themes of finding confidence and destroying stereotypes all wrapped in a wonderful found family trope. If you are looking for something that's just fun to read, I suggest giveing The Best Little Motel in Texas a try!
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Seek the Traitor's Son by Veronica Roth
Genre: Dystopian Romance with a Scifi edge
Available to check out from Belmond Public Library and through Bridges (Libby)
Veronica Roth is known for her dystopian fiction. As a fan of her Divergent series, I can attest that Seek the Traitor's Son brings the same amount of drama and angst. Elegy is wrapped up in a prophetic telling that she will be the savior of her people, the Cedre. The only issue is that Rava has also been told she will be the savoir of her people, the Talusar. Elegy denies and fights her destiny. Rava is hungry for power and control. Which will rise as savior is to be determined, but the common factor is knight Theren who has his own secrets.
I really enjoyed reading Seek the Traitor's Son. The characters are dynamic and interesting. Roth has a great way of enveloping readers in their stories. There is plenty of plot twists and action as well. Very intuitive readers will find some portions of the story a bit predictable, but I don't think they make the book any less likeable. The book leans towards scifi in it's inclusion of technology and space. Of course the book ends at a pivotal moment. It makes the book feel like a part 1 rather than a book 1 in a series. I am really eager to see where this series goes and will definitely check out the next installment.