Dissolved by Sara Blaedel and Mads Peder Nordbo, recommended by Debbie
This is the first time I have read a book by these authors. I liked the story of the missing residents of a town in Denmark called Tommerup. The Superintendents, Liam and Dea, are called to investigate the disappearance of Charlotte, the wife of Claus. Next Kasper, Verner, and Beate go missing. A Muslim detective, Nassin, is also on the case. A verse from the Quran is found at each of the sites where the victims were last seen. What is the message and what is the connection between the victims? Are they dead or alive? The only clue is the verse on a piece of paper. Nassin’s uncles are questioned, then Nassin disappears. A security camera is found at one of the sites. Are the police able to get any information from it, such as fingerprints or who purchased it? I liked the story and would like to read more of their books.
The Wedding Season by Katy Birchall, recommended by Leah
This one surprised me! I wasn’t expecting to like it as much as I did. Classic chick lit. Join Freya Scott as she tackles 8 weddings in one summer – not too hard, right? After her fiancé breaks things off the day before the wedding, Freya must navigate the wedding season with a broken heart. She manages with the help of her best friends and the summer wedding checklist they gave her. Listen to this on Cloudlibrary or read the ebook on Libby.
Starter Villain by John Scalzi, recommended by Meg
The cover sold me, but the book had me from the first few pages! Jump into a world where nothing is as it seems, and the only thing you can expect is the unexpected! Starter Villain throws you into a world where weird science and villainy lurk around every corner. When you think you’ve got it all figured out, Scalzi throws in a twist that will leave you reeling. From clever schemes to daring escapes, this book is a nonstop thrill ride that I couldn’t put down!
How to Know a Person by David Brooks, recommended by Amy F.
In How to Know a Person, David Brooks dives into what makes people tick and how we can understand them better. He looks at how our backgrounds, experiences, and beliefs shape who we are. Using stories and thoughtful ideas, Brooks gives tips on how to get to know others on a deeper level. Whether you’re dealing with friends, family, or coworkers, this book helps unravel the secrets of human behavior and build stronger connections.
Poor Deer by Claire Oshetsky, recommended by Megan S.
Margaret is a young woman living her life under the shadow of something that happened when she was four years old. Though her mother denies it entirely, Margaret must come to understand the truth and her role in the tragedy as she grows up. She is a storyteller who weaves other, better lives for herself, but remains always haunted by her memories, which take the form of “Poor Deer.” The author does a wonderful job representing a child’s understanding of the world around her. Margaret’s voice remains steady and relatable throughout the novel, as she grows, learns, and comes closer to an understanding of the tragedy and who she really is.
Staff Book Club Pick: Outlawed by Anna North
This novel earned one adjective we could all agree on: unique. This mashup of a Wild West tale and the history of the Salem witchcraft trials sparked interesting discussions on women, society, mob mentality, and alternate history. We found that reading it could be slow and a bit confusing at times. A bit more background information or explanation would have been welcomed. Overall, we were intrigued by the concept, but found it difficult to get totally invested in reading this novel.