The House at Riverton by Kate Morton

Kate Morton's debut novel, The House at Riverton, is a compelling must-read for historical fiction fans. Set in England during the early 20th century, it is the intriguing story of the loves and losses of the entitled Hartford family. Told from the perspective of Grace, who was once a housemaid in the Hartford's Riverton House, the chilling details of the mysteries surrounding the family are slowly revealed. In present day, frail and elderly Grace remembers her time as a young woman at Riverton House in a series of flashbacks. Even after the passing of so many years, there is still a sense of Grace's continuing love for and fierce loyalty to the family as she reminisces about the events that led to the tragic downfall of the Hartfords. In The House at Riverton, as well as in her subsequent novels, The Distant Hours and The Forgotten Garden, Morton's vivid characters, historical details, and suspenseful storytelling transports the reader back to a different time and place.

Cypress House by Michael Koryta

Two itinerant workers become inadvertently caught up in the corrupt politics of a tiny town in southern Florida during the Great Depression. They find themselves unable to leave because they are captivated by the beautiful owner of a struggling inn. Set during the depression, Cypress House is moody, atmospheric and suspenseful. It's a good story with a touch of supernatural.

Tick Tock By James Patterson

The latest James Patterson thriller features New York cop Michael Bennett ("Run For Your Life"). Bennett, the widowed father of 10 adopted children, throw in one Irish Nanny/Housekeeper and a grandfather who is a Priest! Detective Bennett teams up with FBI agent Emily Parker to solve a horrific stream of bombings and murders that seem to be copying famous crimes from the past. As the case heats up so does Bennett's interest in both his children's nanny and agent Parker. Tick Tock as the clock winds down will Bennett and Parker catch the killer or killers in time. A good read.

Stolen Children by Peg Kehret

Amy has just finished the babysitting course at the community center. The class has taught her basic first aid, changing a diaper and games to play with the children but it didn't teach her what to do when two thugs break in to the house. Amy is left in charge three year old Kendra for a few hours while her mother is out. The story continues with Amy and Kendra being kidnapped and what happens in the days that follow. Like many of Kehret's books there is suspense and action, but in the end it usually turns out alright. As a former babysitter (and sometimes current!) I had to think back to my teenage years and if I would have been as brave as Amy.



Typically readers of this blog read reviews of adult books, but because as the Youth Services Librarian, I read kids books! For those looking for a very quick read for themselves or their children this was a good read.

This Glittering World by T. Greenwood

In Flagstaff, Arizona, Ben bailey, a bar-tender and adjunct history professor, struggles with the murder of a 19-year old Navajo man, Ricky Begay, who laid dying on Bailey's front yard the morning after Halloween. Consumed by finding the killer(s), Ben neglects his fiancee Sara, and their relationship begins to unravel.
Ben is attracted to Ricky's sister Shadi. Could Ben free himself from his hidden childhood sorrow by helping Shadi solve her brother's murder?
Greenwood has weaved a tragically beautiful story. Her imagery of This Glittering World's snow and ice is mesmerizing. It is a thought provoking page-turner.