Library Reads: January 2015

The list is linked here.  Remember to look at old lists for sure bet ideas.

January 2015 Library Reads List

As Chimney Sweepers Come
to Dust: A Flavia de Luce
Novel

by Alan Bradley

Published: 1/6/2015 by Delacorte Press
ISBN: 9780345539939

“After the unexpected recovery of her mother’s body brings the de Luce’s family secrets to light, Flavia’s life is turned upside down. Now on her way to a Canadian boarding school, she must survive her first term–and more importantly, uncover the mystery of a corpse found in her dorm room chimney the night she arrives. A delightful installment in the series!”

Lizzie Gall, Grand Rapids Public Library, Grand Rapids, MI

The Rosie Effect: A Novel

by Graeme Simsion

Published: 12/30/2014 by Simon & Schuster
ISBN: 9781476767314

“Don Tillman and Rosie are back again, and they’ve relocated to New York. Rosie is continuing her studies, while Don is teaching and even adding to his small circle of friends. But when Rosie announces that she is pregnant, Don is once again out of his depth. What follows are crazy situations that could only happen when Don is involved. Funny and heartwarming.”

Catherine Coyne, Mansfield Public Library, Mansfield, CT

The Magician’s Lie: A Novel

by Greer Macallister

Published: 1/13/2015 by Sourcebooks Landmark
ISBN: 9781402298684

“Arden is a famous illusionist whose show involves sawing a man in half, but one night, she grabs an axe instead of a knife and her husband is found dead under the stage. Can Arden, an expert at deception, get away with murder–or is she really innocent? Recommended to anyone who likes historical fiction, strong women characters, and surprisingly twisty plots.”

Paula Jones, Brockton Public Library, Brockton, MA

The Girl on the Train: A Novel

by Paula Hawkins

Published: 1/13/2015 by Riverhead
ISBN: 9781594633669

“Rachel is a washed-up thirty-something who creates a fantasy about the seemingly perfect couple she sees during her daily train ride into London. When the woman goes missing, Rachel manages to insert herself into the investigation of the woman’s disappearance. In the vein ofGone Girl, this dark psychological thriller is fast-paced and features some very unreliable narrators.”

Andrea Larson, Cook Memorial Public Library, Libertyville, IL

Golden Son: Book II of the Red Rising Trilogy

by Pierce Brown

Published: 1/6/2015 by Del Rey
ISBN: 9780345539816

“After reading Red Rising, I was looking forward to seeing more of the politics of this world. Darrow has infiltrated the Golds and works to bring them down from the inside, end their tyranny, and free his people. There’s so much political drama and action. Brown does a wonderful job describing it all through Darrow’s eyes. It’s exhausting, thrilling, and heartwrenching!”

Nita Gill, Brookings Public Library, Brookings, SD

The Dress Shop of Dreams: A Novel

by Menna van Praag

Published: 12/30/2014 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9780804178983

“Tidy, romantic, and fine escapism. All the characters here have interesting back stories: Cora is believable as a no-nonsense gal trying to rebuff sweet Walt’s advances, and Etta is someone I’d like to meet in real life. Reminiscent ofLove Actually and P.S. I Love You, this cute little book is recommended to readers who want to be charmed by the possibilities of love.”

Andrienne Cruz, Azusa City Library, Azusa, CA

The Bishop’s Wife

by Mette Ivie Harrison

Published: 12/30/2014 by Soho Crime
ISBN: 9781616954765

“As a practicing Mormon, I felt Harrison did a great job of detailing Mormon culture and doctrine without evangelizing. I appreciated that the bishop is a good man, and the bishop’s wife is a woman who has been through her own struggles. The bishop’s wife sometimes can barely keep up with all the drama and mysteries around her. But she does, and does it quite well under the circumstances. This is a rather brave book.”

Amanda Monson, Bartow County Library System, Cartersville, GA

Vanessa and Her Sister: A Novel

by Priya Parmar

Published: 12/30/2014 by Ballantine Books
ISBN: 9780804176378

“Told uniquely as part diary, part epistolary novel, Parmar focuses on the relationship of Vanessa (later Bell) and Virginia (later Woolf) Stephens, one filled with unspoken jealousy and a fierceness of love that will ultimately destroy their kinship. This well-researched novel with gorgeous prose brings the characters to life with a unique perspective.”

Jennifer Winberry, Hunterdon County Library, Flemington, NJ

First Frost

by Sarah Addison Allen

Published: 1/20/2015 by St. Martin’s Press
ISBN: 9781250019837

“First Frost is a great continuation of the stories of sisters Claire and Sydney, and Sydney’s teenage daughter, Bay. Each of the Waverlys has their own somewhat supernatural gift, and all of them struggle with issues of identity and family. As with Allen’s previous works, this novel will appeal to fans of Alice Hoffman and readers who enjoy family stories that are not overflowing with angst and drama.”

Lauren Mitchell, Pima County Libraries, Tucson, AZ

Full Throttle

by Julie Ann Walker

Published: 12/2/2014 by Sourcebooks Casablanca
ISBN: 9781402294518

“Readers can always count on Walker to deliver a suspenseful, action-packed read, and she delivers on all counts. However, it isn’t the heart-pounding adventure that makes this a fabulous story–it’s the characters. Abby and Steady, college friends who were torn apart by a mutual loss, have great chemistry. Walker has created a complete and suspenseful narrative.”

Vanessa Gempis, Dallas Public Library, Hampton-Illinois Library, Dallas, TX