From page-turning mysteries to dazzling historical fiction, discover some of the books we are thankful for this season at CDPL.
Mary recommends a number of bestselling thrillers this month, including two that just came out this summer. “Night Will Find You” by Julia Heaberlin (FIC Heaberlin) is a “spine-tingling” mystery about the disappearance of a young girl and a psychic who is asked to find her. “The House Across the Lake by Riley Sager” (FIC Sag) follows a recently fired Broadway star who retreats to a remote lake. The former star watches neighbors all around the lake and sees a woman go missing. Mary says, “You never know who is behind it all!” Sager has become well-known for his twisty mysteries, and this one is no exception! “The Overnight Guest” by Heather Gudenkauf (FIC Gud) is another fabulous twisty mystery where a true crime writer gets snowed in at an isolated farmhouse and finds a small child all alone out in the snow. This book is a perfect one to read with a cup of hot tea on a cold day!
Looking for more mystery suggestions? Check out “The Villa” by Rachel Hawkins (FIC Haw), a lovely gothic suspense inspired by the birthplace of the Frankenstein novel. The story shifts between the present day and 1974 and kept me guessing until the end. For a legal mystery, Brenda recommends “Saving Emma” by Allen Eskens (FIC Eskens), who wrote the breakaway hit “The Life We Bury.” She says, “This story reveals a twisted murder and explores faith, love, family, and redemption along the way. Two interesting plots that come together keep you turning the page. This is the first book I have read by this author — but it won’t be the last!”
Brenda also recommends the wonderful historical fiction novel “The River We Remember” by William Kent Krueger (FIC Krueger), set in 1958 in a small town in Minnesota. “The book touches on war trauma, alcoholism, racism, and deeply held family secrets. As always, the author describes scenery that makes you feel like the reader is there.”
For our science fiction readers, Crystal recommends “The Aeronaut’s Windlass” by Jim Butcher (FIC But v.1), who is well known for his popular Dresden Files series. In this new Cinder Spires series, join Captain Grimm aboard the airship Predator as he finds himself with an unlikely alliance fighting to protect their home and their lives. And Susanna loved the dystopian novel “Klara and the Sun” by Kazuo Ishiguro (FIC Ish): “This book is about a curious robot. Her girl is sick, and she must use what she’s learned to save her. The narration is superb! I would read about Klara watching paint dry.” This beautiful novel was a nominee for the Booker Prize in 2021.
These books are all currently on display on the first floor of the library and ready to check out with your library card anytime during our open hours: 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday through Thursday; 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Friday and Saturday; and 1-5 p.m. Sunday. Most are also available digitally on our Libby app to download right from home or while you are traveling for the holidays.
Megan Taylor is assistant manager in the Reference and Local History Department at the Crawfordsville District Public Library.
