Book Review; The Hazel Wood

THE HAZEL WOOD by Melissa Albert is a dark fantasy suspense for young adults.

Alice and her mother are unlucky in life and move frequently. When her mother disappears, Alice must immerse herself in the dark world of her recently dead grandmother’s supernatural world. Filled with strong and sometimes abrasive female characters and lots of twists, Alice along with her acquaintance Ellery must visit the creepy Hazel Wood estate in search of answers.

Librarians will find a following for this book among teens who enjoy fairy tale fantasy, contemporary mysteries, and dark thrillers. Fans of Alice in Wonderful and teens who enjoy literature will enjoy discussing the many literary connections.

Published by Flatiron, an imprint of Macmillan on January 30, 2018. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Disappeared

DISAPPEARED by Francisco X. Stork tells the powerful story of siblings navigating a world of kidnapping and crime in Juarez, Mexico.

When her best friend is kidnapped, Sara uses her skills as a journalist to attract attention to her friend’s case despite death threats to herself and her family. At the same time, Sara’s brother Emiliano faces the question of whether to take the easy path into the world of crime or work hard to establish a legal business. Stork’s well-developed characters and authentic situations will draw young adults into this suspenseful story.

Librarians will find this to be a popular addition to the growing number of thoughtful, coming-of-age novels focusing on timely issues related to crime and politics along the American-Mexican border. Although the setting is different than Stork’s other novels, fans will quickly become immersed in this fast-paced thriller.

Published on September 26, 2017 by Arthur A. Levine, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Killer in Me

THE KILLER IN ME by Margot Harrison is a young adult thriller filled with nightmares and visions.

Nina has nightmares about a serial killer. To determine whether her visions are true, she decides to track the supposed killer and at the same time learn about her past. However her shocking discoveries hit close to home.

Librarians will find an audience of this psychological suspense among teens who enjoy a heart-pounding mystery. With lots of twists and turns, readers will be drawn into this fast-paced story.

To learn more about the author, go to https://margotharrison.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on July 12, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Leaving

THE LEAVING by Tara Altebrando is an engrossing mystery about a small group of children who suddenly disappear, then reappear after a decade.

Ten years after six children are taken from a school bus, five teens seem to appear out of nowhere. They don’t remember where they’ve been and can’t explain what happened to their missing peer. As the young people slowly re-enter society, the pieces of their missing lives begin to falling into place and the mystery unfolds.

Librarians will find this heat-pounding suspense to be popular among teens who enjoy both a suspense thriller and an engaging memory mystery.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.taraaltebrando.com/.

Published by Bloomsbury on June 7, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Holding Smoke

HOLDING SMOKE by Elle Cosimano is a heart-pounding, young adult fantasy thriller.

After a near death experience, Smoke finds that he’s able to leave his body as a ghost and move among people without their knowledge. Behind bars for a murder he didn’t commit, Smoke uses this special ability to gather information that can keep him alive in the youth detention facility while also seeking clues that could set him free.

Librarians will find that complex character development, compelling plot twists, and interesting use of Smoke’s abilities will drawn in lovers of suspense as well as those who simply enjoy a good story. While the detention facility is portrayed more as a maximum security prison than a youth rehabilitation center, young adult readers will enjoy this fast-paced suspense. This selection will be very popular among teen boys, but will also appeal to young women who enjoy the hint of romance.

To learn more about the author, go to http://ellecosimano.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on May 3, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Inn Between

THE INN BETWEEN by Marina Cohen is a spooky middle school mystery set in an eerie Victorian hotel in the Nevada desert.

When Quinn and her best friend’s family stop for the night at a creepy hotel, strange things begin to happen. An unpredictable elevator, mysterious hotel guests, and disappearances are just the beginning. When Quinn and her best friend try to escape from the hotel, they realize that the hotel is much more than just an overnight destination.

Librarians will find the book popular among middle grade students who enjoy mysteries filled with twists and turns. Although scary enough to keep readers on the edge of their seats, the plot uses suspense rather than horror to keep the adventure interesting.

To learn more about the author, go to http://marinacohen.com/.

Published Roaring Brook Press, an imprint of Macmillan on March 22, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Charmed Children of Rookskill Castle

THE CHARMED CHILDREN OF ROOKSKILL CASTLE by Janet Fox is a historical fantasy mystery set in a spooky old Scottish castle.

Kat has been sent to an eerie boarding school to avoid the Blitz during the Second World War. Although she tries to find a logical explanation for the disappearance of children and other spooky happenings, she begins to realize that evil lurks around every turn.

The author uses a chatelaine, charms, and flashbacks to earlier time periods to add depth to the story.

Written for upper middle grade youth, this creepy story will have readers on the edge of their seats imagining ghosts, spies, and sinister magic. Librarians will find that fans of steampunk fiction and spooky castles will immediately be drawn to this historical fantasy. However, this scary mystery may be too much for younger readers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://janetsfox.com/.

Published by Viking Books for Young Readers an imprint of Penguin on March 15, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: On The Edge of Gone

ON THE EDGE OF GONE by Corinne Duyvis is a young adult, suspenseful science fiction novel told through the eyes of an autistic teen.

With a comet headed to Earth, rich (or useful) people have found permanent shelter underground or reserved space on a space going off-planet. However, a vast majority of the world’s population is stuck in temporary shelter and must find a way to survive. Will Denise and her family survive on Earth or will they find a way onto one of the generation ships?

As an autistic woman, the author is able to draw on her personal experiences to create a complex, realistic lead character.

Librarians will find that this apocalyptic novel is a step above the norm. With fully developed characters and a non-stop survival theme, readers will be thinking about the novel long after its conclusion. The diverse cast and powerful, thought-provoking story appeal to a wide range of young adult readers. However, some readers may shy away from its length.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.corinneduyvis.com/.

Published by Abrams Kids on March 8, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Longbow Girl

LONGBOW GIRL by Linda Davies is the first book in an exciting time-travel adventure trilogy.

Merry lives in the mountains of Wales where she’s the latest in a long line of archers. When she stumbles upon an old book in the woods and discovers an underground river into the past, Merry must use her archery skills to save her ancestral land.

With lots of action, intrigue, and hint of romance, librarians will easily find an audience for this engaging mystery fantasy. Many young adults will be attracted to the Welsh setting, strong female lead, and autocratic kingdom of King Henry VIII. Of particular note is the effective way the author weaves the protagonist’s loss of sight in one eye into the storyline without making it the focus of the novel.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.lindadavies.com/.

Published by The Chicken House, an imprint of Scholastic. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Passenger

PASSENGER by Alexandra Bracken is a time travel suspense with an abrupt cliffhanger.

This first book in a new science fiction series features seventeen-year-old Etta who discovers she has the ability to travel through time. Thrust into a dangerous situation involving rival time traveling families, Etta must find a valuable object before time runs out.

Of particularly note is Etta’s love interest, a biracial boy born into slavery. His reactions to Etta and to cultures outside his birth time are fascinating.

Fans of both historical fiction and science fiction will enjoy the ride. Most readers will like the hint of romance. The element of suspense will keep young adults happy until the abrupt conclusion. Librarians will find teens clamoring for the next book in this adventure series.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.alexandrabracken.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on January 5, 2016. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: The Emperor of Any Place

THE EMPEROR OF ANY PLACE by Tim Wynne-Jones tells the engrossing, multi-generational story of family relationships and survival during war.

After his father dies, Evan’s estranged grandfather comes to visit opening family secrets reaching back to World War II. At the heart of the story lies the truth behind a soldier’s diary. With elements of magical realism, readers will become immersed in conflicts both past and present.

The author’s use of dual storylines will keep readers on the edge of their seats. Librarians will find a broad readership for this story that includes those who enjoy realistic fiction with hits of fantasy, multi-generational mysteries, as well as young history buffs.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.timwynne-jones.com/.

Published by Candlewick October 13, 2015. ARC courtesy of the publisher.

Book Review: Finding Someplace

FINDING SOMEPLACE by Denise Lewis Patrick is the gripping story of a young teen’s experiences surviving Hurricane Katrina.

Written for middle grade youth, this compelling work of historical fiction begins a few days before the hurricane as Teresa prepares for her 13th birthday. Unaware of the severity of the storm, Teresa is caught in the 9th Ward when the levee breaks. The rest of the story follows her escape, temporary move to New Jersey, and return home.

Patrick’s well-developed characters draw readers into the culture of New Orleans. Her authentic portrayal of the disaster and its aftermath are shocking realistic.

It’s been a decade since this disaster, so it’s important to revisit this event with a new generation of youth. Librarians will find the combination of disaster, suspense, and real-life popular with youth. Pair it with nonfiction works about forces of nature and other books about natural disasters.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.deniselewispatrick.com/.

Published by Henry Holt, an imprint of Macmillan on August 4, 2015. ARC from NetGalley.

Book Review: Lair of Dreams

LAIR OF DREAMS by Libba Bray is the second engaging suspense in The Diviners series.

Set in the 1920s, this paranormal thriller features an array of fascinating characters from the first novel including Evie, Sam, Jericho, and others. A sleeping sickness is spreading through New York City. Henry DuBois and Ling Chen are diviners who are able to walk in dreams. Will they be able to solve the mystery of this rapidly spreading illness or will they be trapped in the dreamworld? In addition to the dream theme, many subplots will keep readers connected with all the characters and prepare fans for more books to come.

Bray has become a master of blending historical fiction with supernatural fantasy elements. From speakeasies to racism, a wide range of political and social issues are seamlessly woven into the fabric of this haunting story.

Fans will be standing in line for this exciting thriller. Consider a library event that includes period costumes and ghostly decorations.

To learn more about the author, go to https://libbabray.wordpress.com/.

Published by Little, Brown, an imprint of Hachette on August 25, 2015. ARC through Edelweiss.

Book Review: The Accident Season

THE ACCIDENT SEASON by Moïra Fowley-Doyle is an eerie paranormal suspense for young adults that feels like realistic fiction.

October is accident season, literally. Each Fall, Cara and her family are mysteriously struck by horrible injuries from bruises to broken bones. They don’t talk about how it started, it’s just a fact of life. When Cara begins to wonder about a mysterious friend’s connection to their family, the story really gets rolling.

Told through the eyes of 17-year-old Cara, the author skillfully weaves together a story thick with family secrets and tragedy, but with a hint of hope. Throughout the book, readers will search for clues to unravel the mystery and determine where reality ends and the supernatural begins. Themes involving injury, abuse, drinking, sex, relationships, friends, and family are all interconnected in this unusual YA novel.

Librarians will find a huge crowd for this paranormal thriller. The perfect book for an October reading club, young adults will be drawn to both the well-developed characters and the multi-layered story that will keep them guessing. Magic realism is hot with teens, so be prepared for this book to be a hit.

To learn more about this amazing new Irish author, follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/moirawithatrema or check out her Tumbler page at http://ecritureacreature.tumblr.com/.

Published by Kathy Dawson Books, an imprint of Penguin on August 18, 2015.

Book Review: Serafina and the Black Cloak

SERAFINA AND THE BLACK CLOAK by Robert Beatty is a spooky fantasy sure to capture the imagination of middle grade readers.

Set in 1899, Serafina and her adoptive father live in the basement of the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina. When children staying at the estate begin to disappear, Serafina attempts to solve the mystery of their disappearance and ultimately discovers a connection to her own unusual origin.

From the first few pages, readers will be curious about Serafina’s past and speculate about her peculiar appearance and talents. Beatty’s masterful balance of suspenseful situations involving the man with the black cloak and sweet encounters between Serafina and Braeden make this fantasy appealing to a wide range of readers.

Librarians will find an audience for this book with children who enjoy fast-paced suspense, historical mystery, and spooky fantasy. However lovers of historical fiction, magical creature characters, and friendship stories will also find the book appealing.

To learn more about the author, go to http://robert-beatty.com/.

Published by Disney-Hyperion on July 14, 2015.

Book Review: The Six

THE SIX by Mark Alpert is a heart-pounding near-future thriller exploring artificial intelligence, digital preservation, and what it means to be human.

Adam’s body is withering away from the effects of muscular dystrophy. Along with five other terminally ill teens, Adam undergoes an operation that allows his brain to be merged with a computer to produce the first human-machine hybrids. Since the army controls the technology, The Six pioneers are obligated to work with the military on a top secret mission to destroy a rouge artificial intelligence known as Sigma who is about the exterminate human life on earth. The conclusion sets up the premise for a new series that’s likely to be popular with YA science fiction fans.

Alpert’s fast-paced plot, engaging writing style, and attention to scientific detail will be a draw for many young science and science fiction fans. Librarians will find this adventure-suspense equally popular among both male and female teens. Use this book to inspire youth to go back and read the works of Ray Bradbury, Isaac Asimov, Arthur C. Clarke, and others. Also tie this work of science fiction with nonfiction books related to artificial intelligence, robotics, genetics, and physics. The many thought-provoking issues addressed in the text make it a good choice for book club discussions.

Librarians need to be prepared for questions about when the next book in this series will be available. It’s sure to be a YA hit.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.markalpert.com/.

Published by Sourcebooks Fire on July 7, 2015.

Book Review: Deadly Design

DEADLY DESIGN by Debra Dockter is a fast-paced thriller involving mad scientists, genetic modification, and the sudden death of teens.

Kyle and Connor are genetically engineered identical twins born two years apart. When Connor dies of a heart attack without warning, Kyle soon discovers other patients created by Dr. Mueller aren’t living past their eighteenth birthdays. Can Kyle solve the mystery and save himself before his time runs out?

The genetics and medical aspects seem plausible enough to keep the suspense high and readers guessing. The writing flows smoothing making it a quick-red.

Designed for young adults, this science fiction, mystery-suspense will appeal to teens who enjoy friendship stories with a touch of romance as well as those seeking an action thriller. Librarians will find that the chilling, near-future science will attract those that enjoy plausible, medical thrillers.

To learn more about the author, go to http://debradockter.com/.

Published by Putnam/Penguin on June 2, 2015.

Book Review: The Mothman's Curse

THE MOTHMAN’S CURSE by Christine Hayes is a spooky thriller for middle grade readers.

Living in America’s most haunted town, Josie is accustomed to strange happenings in her family’s auction house. However, the appearance of a Polaroid camera that captures images of a ghost draws Josie and her brother into a century old mystery. A ghost, a monster, and a cursed pin are just a few of the creepy things these witty siblings encounter as they try to prevent a disaster in their small Ohio town.

This fast-paced suspense will keep readers on the edge of their seats wondering what will happen next. Hayes’ conversational writing style is easy to read and her characters are well-developed.

What will make the story even more compelling for young readers is the connection to with local legends about a real Mothman. Create a display featuring this book along with others about legendary monsters like Bigfoot and Sasquatch.

To learn more about the author, go to http://christinehayesbooks.com/.

Published by Roaring Brook on June 16, 2015.

Book Review: The Book Scavenger

BOOK SCAVENGER by Jennifer Chambliss Bertman is a middle grades adventure filled with quests, clues, and ciphers.

When Emily stumbles upon a strange copy of The Gold Bug by Edgar Allan Poe, she teams up with cipher-solving neighbor James to solve a mystery. However when the pair find themselves tailed by two thugs, they realize their quest has become much more than a book scavenger game.

The author did a stellar job weaving codes and ciphers into the storyline. Although adults will quickly figure out the mystery, youth are likely to be on the edge-of-their-seats until the last couple chapters.

Librarians will find a broad audience for this fast-paced suspense. Use this book as the focus of a display containing both fiction and nonfiction books focusing on treasure hunts, games, codes, and geocaching.

What makes this book particularly fun is the transmedia element. The Book Scavenger game is real and youth can participate by hiding and finding books.

To learn more about the game go to the Book Scavenger website at http://bookscavenger.com/.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.jenniferchamblissbertman.com/.

Published by Henry Holt on June 2, 2015.

Book Review: Cuckoo Song

CUCKOO SONG by Frances Hardinge is an eerie supernatural mystery set in England after World War I.

When Triss wakes up after an accident, her life feels strange. Pages have been ripped her diary, her memories seem incomplete, and dolls are coming to life. In her quest to understand her illness, she discovers a world of creepy changelings that causes some exciting sinister suspense.

Hardinge immediately grabs that attention of readers and provides just enough information about each character to keep readers wondering and guessing.

Librarians will find this book popular among youth who enjoy a thriller without needless blood and violence. Written for ages 12 and up, both middle grade youth and young adults will enjoy this spooky fantasy.

To learn more about the author, go to http://www.franceshardinge.com/.

Published by Amulet Books on May 12, 2015