Dog Island By: Philippe Claudel Translation by: Euan Cameron

I have to admit, I didn't think I would like this one as I started to read.  It was a little too esoteric for my taste at the beginning, however, the more I read the more I realized how brilliant it was.  An Every Man tale centered on an island in the Dog Island chain, character's with no names, only named descriptors. A tragedy is discovered, a tragedy is manufactured to cover it up-a tale of corruption, small town mentalities and the good guy getting shafted.  It could be set at anytime at any place.  Characters that aren't likeable, yet the reader can understand (not empathize) with the decisions they each make, even if we don't agree with those decision.  Quite an extraordinary little book!

 

Margot Mertz for the Win By: Carrie McRossen & Ian McWethy

 

This was incredibly fun and funny-yet beneath the layers is a thoughtful and insightful look at so many timely topics.  Margot is a quirky, smart, snarky, conflicted and deeply feeling character and it was a joy to spend time with her as she navigated life, teen angst, love, cyber stalking, revenge porn and a wounded eye!

City of Orange By: David Yoon

Oof!  This did not go where I thought it was going to go. This is a stunning read.  At times, a brilliant character study, sometimes a bit of a mystery, dystopian, a survival story, and several gut punches of raw emotion.  Contemplative in the way its laid out, it is simply brilliant in it's it scope.

 

Mystery of the Samurai Sword By: Franklin W. Dixon

This will be the last Hardy Boy Mystery that I collect.  I had wanted to get the original canon, which is comprised of books 1-58, but being anal, I needed to have a whole number in the collection, so bumped it up to includes numbers 59 & 60.  The Mystery of the Samurai Sword made me nervous, considering how racist previous books in the series were, but this one surprised me.  There were hardly any stereotypes pointed out in this book.  The mystery was pretty well done, and the "Agatha Christie, everyone in one room big reveal" type ending actually worked and didn't feel too pat.

Chameleon By: Remi Adeleke

An adrenaline fueled thriller with great action, fascinating plot lines and exciting and innovative characters.  A fantastic start to this series!

Night of the Werewolf By: Franklin W. Dixon

You can tell that this one is the "new" Hardy Boys. The original canon of books are numbers 1 through 58. This one uses a recycled plot line, is INCREDIBLY un-P.C., even for the Hardy Boys, and the ending was too quick and convenient.  

 

The Things We Do To Our Friends By: Heather Darwent

What an utterly creepy, eerie, deliciously malevolent story!!  I can't write anything more about this book without giving away plot points.  Suffice it to say, if you want a really good read. that will f**k with your mind, this is the book for you!

 

The Sting of the Scorpion By: Franklin W. Dixon

Meh...too much happening in this one.  Didn't really hold my attention, and the ending was a little too pat, even for a Hardy Boys mystery.

Western Alliances By: Wilton Barnhardt

I didn't know what to make of this book when I tarted reading it. I couldn't tell if it was a family drama; a treatise on finance; and art history book; a European history book; a mystery...and after a while I didn't care what it was...I was having a blast following Roberto around Europe and would go where he went.  A mess, in the best possible way, Roberto is charming, a touch evil, sympathetic and someone I enjoyed spending time with.  This was a great surprise and a great read.

 

The Firebird Rocket By: Franklin W. Dixon

I have to say that this one, harkened back to the beginning of the series. It was a well plotted mystery that didn't veer off into a bunch of side stories or tangents.  Added bonsu with this one, they Hardy Boys and Chet got to visit Australia.

You Will Never Be Found By: Tove Alsterdal

A dark, cold mystery/thriller that takes its time, while gripping the reader. Interesting characters entangled with a a series of crimes and each other.  Interestingly told, I'm glad I found You Will Never Be Found!

 

Woman of Light By: Kali Fajardo-Anstine

An extraordinary novel showing the importance of storytelling, the importance of the stories being told, and the importance of who is tell the stories.  Following the story of a family over four generations in the Denver area, Woman of Light shines a light on the resilience of these characters, of a people and on the one sided history that the majority of us are taught. I just adored these characters, and finished the book wanting more of their stories. A wonderful read!

Manuscript: #10 in a popular cozy series By: A Friend

Fans of this series will LOVE this addition!  I'm so thankful that the author trusts me with their book baby!

The Jungle Pyramid By: Franklin W. Dixon

A fun romp through Zurich and Mexico to look for some missing gold.  Add some dangerous animals and a mysterious stranger and you've got a really good time with the Hardy Boys and their friends.

 

Sipsworth By: Simon Van Booy

What an absolutely sweet book!  An honest to goodness, feel good story that is not overly sappy.  It's sweet, charming and just lovely!  I highly recommend!

The Witchmaster's Key By: Franklin W. Dixon

This one lost it's thread about half way through.  While the witchcraft angle was interesting  and the descriptions of England and Ireland were charming, the mysteries were muddled and the ending was too convenient.

 

The Mysterious Caravan By: Franklin W. Dixon

A meandering mystery that takes the boys from Jamaica, to Bayport, to Morocco. With the finding of a mask on the beach in Jamaica the Hardy's and friends are off on an exciting adventure across the world and through history.  Great fun! 

The Informer By: Craig Nova

I'm not quite sure what to make of this one.  Reading the front flap it sounds like this is a mystery/thriller, yet in reading it, it wasn't really thrilling and there was no real mystery.  It was however, beautifully written, endlessly fascinating and the characters are interesting and really well drawn.  I enjoyed it, I'm just not sure why.

 

The Clue of the Hissing Serpent By: Franklin W. Dixon

Where else, but a Hardy Boys Mystery could you get hot air balloons, chess champions, a life size chess king and a trip to Hong Kong?! While VERY dated, this one was great fun! 

The Hunted By: Steven Max Russo

If you're looking for a kick-ass heroine and intense action, then Russo's latest thriller is your best best!  Ophelia finds herself on the wrong end of the agency she used to work for and is running for her life. This quietly intense cat and mouse game will have you on the edge of your seat as you keep checking behind you to make sure no one is getting the drop on you.  Russo writes with an efficiency of words that manages to ratchet up the thrills and the danger.  A great read!