Page to Post: No Accident by Laura Bates

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).
If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: No Accident
Author: Laura Bates
Chosen by: Andres J.

Page to Post: The Finisher by David Baldacci

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).
If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: The Finisher
Author: David Baldacci
Chosen by: Andres J.

Page to Post: The Leaving by Tara Altebrando

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).

If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: The Leaving
Author: Tara Altebrando
Chosen by: Andres J.

Page to Post: The Companion by Katie Alender

In the Page to Post series, the Teen Book Guild spotlights the books that caught our attention after scoping out an entire shelf of titles in the Winter Park Library. From that first spark of interest to how we really felt after reading, you’ll get our honest take—no sugarcoating, just real talk from teens who love books (or sometimes don’t!).

If you’re looking for your next great read or just want to see if our choice was worth it, stick around. Let’s dive into the world of stories, one shelf and one book at a time.

Title: The Companion
Author: Katie Alender
Chosen by: Andres J.

Here Lies a Vengeful B**** by Codie Crowley

by Phoebe N.
Grade 12

Here Lies a Vengeful B**** is a mystery YA novel by Codie Crowley. To be published on August 24, 2024, the book follows Annie Lane who died and came back to life. The only problem? She doesn’t remember who killed her. Between her deadbeat ex and his friends or her always-stoned mom, her reckless and over-confident behavior made her an extremely easy victim of murder. Annie Lane tracks down all the possible suspects and tries to recollect the missing memories of what happened the night she was killed.

This book was filled with many plot twists involving countless other murder cases intertwined with Annie Lane’s that readers might never see coming. The story-telling captivates the reader and forces them to be wary of every side character, giving a sense of distrust and suspicion. However, the beginning of the novel was very slow-paced. Originally, I didn’t enjoy the supernatural aspect of the plot as it kind of conflicted with the realistic components of the story. But the writing was phenomenal and extremely enticing. Each scene is elaborate and detailed, allowing the readers to immerse themselves into the storyline and imagery. Additionally, everything accelerates towards the end, so despite the slow build-up in the beginning chapters, I found myself zooming through the ending chapters non-stop. 

Codie Crowley does a fairly good job at misleading the readers and convincing them to rule out a suspect amongst the characters which I found had further developed the suspense of the story. The romantic element in this novel is somewhat prominent and pleasant. To some extent, the relationship between the main character and the main love interest is realistic and relatable in the sense that teens experience flings and romantic attractions every now and then. Told in Annie Lane’s perspective, the readers get to experience her character development and self-realization as she reflects upon her troubled upbringing and bold personality. 

I would recommend this book to people who enjoy a mix of realism and supernatural/fantasy. Although it may seem uneventful at first, the story picks up in the second half and everything comes together. I would also recommend this book to those who enjoy murder mysteries. As a reader, the intricate story-telling of this book made me feel like a detective. I am definitely excited for when this book gets released and wishing the best of luck to Codie Crowley for her debut novel! I think many teens would like this novel when it hits the shelves of the Winter Park Library. 

Librarian note: Thank you to Hyperion for sending the Teen Book Guild an advanced copy in return for an honest review.

Someone Is Always Watching by Kelley Armstrong

Reviewed by Phoebe N.
Grade 11

In Someone is Always Watching, by Kelley Armstrong; Blythe, Gabrielle, Tanya and Tucker have always been in a tight-knitted friend group, living an ordinary life. Things started getting disturbing and unpleasant when flashbacks and nightmares started to appear more frequently. It escalated rapidly when Gabrielle was found covered in blood next to their dead principal, unable to recall what happened. Crevices full of secrets and memories unravel between their friendships that eventually threatens their trust, relationship, and lives. “How can Blythe and her friends trust each other when they can’t even trust their own memories?”

The plot and storyline of this book are quite intriguing although in some scenes, it does get tacky and a bit corny, especially the characters’ thoughts. The prologue starts off with a memory of the first time Blythe met Tucker, introducing the good girl and bad guy trope and highlighting a sense of temptation even within those who are exceptionally fastidious and always abide by rules.

Chapter one begins with Blythe noticing something was off with Gabrielle; it wasn't until her big breakdowns around security cameras that eventually became alarming to everyone else. Repeatedly, Gabrielle would yell and scream at the school's security cameras while trying to dismantle them with inevitable aggression. “They’re always watching,” she would choke out. All the while, Blythe was receiving emails outside of the school’s server under the alias Veritas, Latin for truth, detailing a case linked to an eight-year-old boy committing a murder on his little sister’s tutor.

Slowly over the course of this book, many other characters within the friend group start reliving their memories and discovering the real truth about their school, and even themselves. Old and new relationships are formed, filled with action and romance.

The book includes perspectives from different characters involved, but mostly from Blythe’s point of view. From my experience, Blythe’s chapters and POVs were much more enjoyable compared to others because they seemed more rushed, whereas Blythe’s perspectives were more in depth.

TRIGGER WARNING: There are mentions of childhood traumas, child neglect, abuse, sexual harassment, murder and suicide. Please be aware if those topics trigger sensitivity or discomfort.

Some chapters end ominously, which could lead to confusion considering the switch in perspective and having two different events happening at once but at different locations. The pace of this book in the first 150 pages is quite a slow burn but the last 150 pages were eventful and full of surprises, picking up the pace.

Emotionally, this book was very descriptive, emphasizing the importance of friendship which sometimes overpowered family relations. I genuinely enjoyed it as a quick pick-me-up book for the summer. On the contrary, the last few chapters were a bit disappointing because plot twists and surprises were already revealed several chapters back. This leads to repetition of revealed secrets, making it less exciting and more of an annoyance.

Someone is Always Watching is an easy young adult fiction novel, with not much physical violence but more emotional distress. Kelley Armstrong did a good job regarding the prologue and being able to hook the readers but some of the corny and tacky writing could minimize to appeal more to an older audience. However, if you’re into mystery novels that are on the less violent spectrum, this novel may be for you. There is a hint of romance that lingers within most of the book but doesn’t get explored until towards the end. Those who enjoy One of Us Is Lying and A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder should give this one a try.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace

Reviewed by Grace H.

Grade 11

Belladonna is a gripping, spooky fantasy containing a thrilling murder mystery. The highly Gothic setting of the novel draws the reader into a realm of ballroom dancing, manors, and destruction. The descriptive writing and creepy atmosphere advance the plot with many twists and turns.

When Signa Farrow, a 19-year-old orphan, is once again relocated to a different guardian after her aunt dies, she finds herself thrown into the wealthy yet odd Hawthorne household. From a young age, Signa has possessed extraordinary powers. Not only is Signa able to see and interact with spirits, but she is also immortal. No matter how close she comes to Death, Signa consistently evades it. So when the ghost of the late matriarch, Lillian Hawthorne, finds Signa living with the Hawthornes and declares that she was poisoned, it is up to Signa to catch the murderer—quickly, for Lillian's daughter, Blythe Hawthorne, is also being poisoned. Signa becomes engrossed in a whirlwind of clues, discovering a secret side to her new guardians. Signa also enlists the help of Death himself, who always seems to be near her, and he teaches her the ropes of immortality. Death and Signa form a capable and captivating bond, working together to unearth the secrets of the Hawthornes and why someone close to them killed Lillian and is trying to claim Blythe's life as well.

Belladonna by Adalyn Grace was a fascinating novel that drew me in with its gothic atmosphere and haunting mysteries. The novel had lots of tension as Signa and the other characters raced against the clock to catch the murderer and save Blythe's life. This mystery had the classic who-dunnit element, with many of the characters having suspicious qualities. This made me invested in the plot and excited for the resolution. One of the best-written parts of the book was Signa's character development. At the beginning of the novel, I found her to be whiny and naïve, but as the story progressed, she became much more mature and responsible, accepting herself for who she truly was. Death himself was also an intriguing character, and it was interesting to see how his and Signa's romance played out over the course of the book.

 Overall, I enjoyed the eerie fantasy setting of "Belladonna", as well as the mystery component, and I would definitely recommend this novel, especially to anyone who enjoys mysterious atmospheres. The themes of friendship and self-discovery also made it a captivating novel. This book is part of a series, and the second book, Foxglove comes out on August 2023. The cliffhanger ending of Belladonna will surely convince readers to pick up the second addition to the series, but it can also be read as a standalone, as the first mystery is completely resolved at the end. 

Five Survive by Holly Jackson

Reviewed by Grace H.
Grade 11

Six friends, but only five will survive. Five Survive was written by Holly Jackson, the bestselling author of the very popular trilogy, A Good Girl's Guide to Murder. If you enjoyed that series, you will certainly enjoy this fast-paced, action-packed mystery.

This thrilling story follows high school senior Red Kenny, who is travelling in a borrowed RV to a notorious party town in New Orleans for spring break with five of her friends. The only problem is, Red and her friends never make it to New Orleans. Somewhere along the road, the RV is caught in an ambush, with all four tires shot out. The six teenagers are trapped in the confined space of the RV with a sniper outside. The sniper reveals through a planted walkie-talkie that he is after one thing and one thing only: a secret. Someone in the RV has a secret worth the highest price imaginable: a life. 

Red and her friends must discover which of them holds the secret that the sniper is after. Many escape plans are foiled as the characters realize that the sniper is more prepared than they originally believed. They start to question if there is a mole in their midst, someone who is secretly working with the sniper. Emotions run high in the tight setting of the RV, and the trapped victims become increasingly frantic as dawn approaches. After all, only five will survive until morning.

This novel was extremely fast-paced and easy to read. I tore through it in one sitting; the quick storyline kept me on the edge of my seat, and I was dying to know what happened next. The story is written in third person, but follows Red, and it took a few chapters to get used to the way that she narrates, as she is a forgetful and easily-distracted narrator. 

The characters were written well, especially Red and Oliver (the oldest and self-appointed leader of the friend group). The juxtaposition of the two of them was fascinating, with Oliver's over-confidence seeming very amplified in contrast with Red's timid and nonconfrontational manner. The author uses a lot of dialogue in the book, and this contributed to the fast-paced feel of the story, as well as making the reader feel connected to the characters and what they were thinking. The fear that all six of them felt was palpable, and was transferred to the reader, making the story truly riveting. The last few chapters of the book are action-packed but wrap up nicely in the end, with just enough mystery to leave a lasting impression on the reader.

I definitely recommend this book to anyone who loves mysteries and thrillers. The plot twists and intriguing dialogue will keep you on your toes throughout the story, and the ending will leave you reeling. The fast-paced writing style is also perfect for anyone who loves a quick read; you'll be tempted to finish it in one sitting! 

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed

Reviewed by Nané K.
Grade 10

One day, an English teacher’s Islamophobic judgment sparks a fire that sends 14-year-old Jawad Ali down a road which ends in his kidnapping and murder. At the same time, high schooler Safiya Mirza, who is an aspiring journalist, faces racist and Islamophobic attacks that threaten the school newspaper she works on. 

Hollow Fires by Samira Ahmed is based on the true story of Bobby Franks’ murder in the 1920s. It takes a look into the horrific inner workings of racism, xenophobia, and Islamophobia, using one liners about what is truth and what is fact to set the tone for a chilling page turner. Certain aspects of the true story Hollow Fires is based on are very similar to what happens in the book, but the events have been modernized and changed, adding a new level of insidiousness to a tough story. 

Hollow Fires is non-linear and told in a split perspective between Jawad (as a ghost) and Safiya. It jumps back and forth between Jawad’s reflections after his death, and Safiya investigating his murder. In the beginning, Safiya finds that her school newspaper column was hacked and replaced by alt-right sentiments, which puts the newspaper in jeopardy. As she deals with more discrimination at school, such as anonymous texts and threatening posters put around the school, an Amber Alert about Jawad’s disappearance goes out. As the story progresses, Safiya navigates the increasing threats against her, a budding romance with jock Richard, and uncovering the mystery behind Jawad’s kidnapping, and eventual murder.

The author’s writing is generally solid, with a strong character voice for main character Safiya. However, my immersion was constantly broken by the unrealistic dialogue and interaction between characters, which to me was a big contrast with the dark themes throughout the story. Additionally, I felt that the romance subplot was out of place for most of the book. When it was first introduced, it was a harsh difference from the previous chapters, which had been dark and depressing. It did end up being plot important in a shocking twist--which brings me to my next point. There is a big reveal of the murderer’s identity in the climax. However, by the time the twist comes around, I had already predicted who it would have been a hundred pages ago. It was not a surprising twist, but it was emotionally intense.

One thing this book does well, and what makes it such an engaging read, is the inclusion of different forms of media, from court reports, podcast transcripts, and interviews, to news articles. The journalism theme matched well with the “Fact/Truth/Lie“ one liner at the start of each chapter. The culture of the main character, being an Indian Muslim, made it interesting as well as educational for me, because I had not read a book with a Muslim main character before.

Overall, Hollow Fires is a gripping and compelling story, one in which I was so engrossed that I finished it in a single sitting. I got emotionally invested in the story, and felt sympathetic for Jawad’s unjust fate. I would recommend this book to readers because of its well done story, and to raise awareness about Islamophobia. 

Reviewed by: Makenna J.
Grade: 9

The Detective is Already Dead by nigozyu and mugiko had potential, but it fell short in many areas. I’ll first say that I’ve read a good amount of manga, but this is one of the few that I was pretty disappointed by. The plot was interesting, but I was so distracted by the undeveloped characters, the pacing issues, and how confusing most of the conversations between the characters were. This may just be because of translation errors, though. To be fair, the original language was Japanese, which sometimes doesn’t translate well to English.

The story began with the main character, 14-year-old Kimihiko Kimizuka, on a plane that was infiltrated by a hijacker. Kimizuka’s a “crisis magnet” who always gets caught up in trouble he doesn’t want to be in. The hijacker asked if there was a detective on the plane, and Kimizuka, sensing trouble, tried his best not to get involved. To his surprise, the pretty girl sitting next to him stood up and declared that she was a detective. An even bigger surprise was that she asked him to be her assistant and dragged him along with her. Her name was Siesta, and for three years after that, he helped her with her detective work. Until she died. This all happened in the very first chapter. The story flew through three very important years in just the span of 15 pages. Kimizuka kept a low profile for the next year, being a regular high school kid until a girl in another class asked him to help her find someone through an unnecessarily long conversation. But she didn’t know who she was looking for. That’s why she went to Kimizuka, a student that she believed was an ace detective. He finally agreed to help, and then she revealed that she received a heart transplant a year earlier. The original owner of the heart has a great urge to find someone, and she wants to help even though she doesn’t know who it is. All the while, Kimizuka can’t help but shake the feeling that the girl, Natsunagi, is eerily similar to Siesta.

I’d like to first say that it’s very obvious who the heart belongs to. I don’t even have to read the second volume to figure that out. And frankly, I don’t really want to. The first volume had nothing that hooked me on the story and made me want to find the next volume. I also had some other issues with this manga. The main character’s only personality trait is that he’s a crisis magnet. Other than that, he’s very plain. Siesta is only in one scene before she dies, so I’m not too invested in her. The main problem I have is with Natsunagi, the girl with the transplanted heart. I don’t like her at all. She doesn’t have any personality apart from being feisty, I’m not really attached to her and her story, and she’s very oversexualized. Many manga artists do that, they oversexualize many of the female characters.

Two out of the three female characters in this manga have this problem, but she’s in high school which makes it worse in my opinion. But even if you ignore all this, all the story boils down to is a couple of boring characters trying to figure out a mystery that the reader can deduce in five seconds. 

Even though I didn’t really enjoy this book, I have to give credit to the author and artist. nigozyu, the author of the original light novel story, got a manga and an anime adaptation out of The Detective is Already Dead, which is also his most notable work. The artist, mugiko, stated in an afterword at the end of the manga that it was their first-ever published manga volume. I think they both have some things to work on. I personally would not pick up the second volume, but this doesn’t mean other people wouldn’t enjoy it.

I’ve looked at other reviews, and many people say they really liked it. It even got an anime adaptation as well. So, if you are looking for a chill and easy read, then The Detective is Already Dead might be for you.

All These Bodies by Kendare Blake

Reviewed by Anna M.
Grade 10

expected publication: September 2021

The premise of Kendare Blake’s All These Bodies was AMAZING. The mysterious atmosphere. The murders. The setting. The characters. Consequently, I cannot explain why it didn’t catch me. “Sometimes the truth is as hard to believe as it is to find.” Even the summary on the back of the book was enthralling. Regardless, All These Bodies was not the best book.

In 1958, seventeen-year-old Michael Jensen, a journalist wannabe, is growing up in Black Deer Falls, Minnesota. However, his life has taken a change for the worse. Everyone’s has. All throughout the Midwest, murders are taking place, and in every instance, the victims’ blood has been drained completely. In small-town Black Deer Falls, the murderer claimed the lives of Bob and Sarah Carlson and their son, Steven. The sheriff, Michael’s dad, found fifteen-year-old Marie Hale at the scene of the crime…covered in blood.  Michael wasn’t even friends with Steve, but he knew him, and the death hits him hard. And for some strange reason, Marie refuses to tell anyone what happened besides Michael. For Michael, this is a chance of a lifetime. A chance to hear what EVERY journalist in the country wants to know. Why? How? Nevertheless, this chance could bring more damage than opportunity. Is it worth it? Could such a young girl truly be guilty of such a big crime?

As you can see, the plot was incredible. I’m still trying to pinpoint why I didn’t enjoy it. It may have been the author’s writing technique. Then again, it could have been the deep and dramatic changes that unfolded throughout the novel. I appreciate a good murder mystery every now and then, but books start to lose me once they get into nasty, blood-drinking stuff.

Though most of all, it was that All These Bodies did not leave me feeling fulfilled. It left me a little sad and kind of defeated. I realize the author set the book up for a sequel; therefore, the ending of the novel was NOT the ending of the story. But even then, the book didn’t leave me craving more. I never say never, but I seriously doubt I’ll want to read the sequel.

In order for me to recommend this book, I would have to know who I was recommending it to. I know some people love depressing murder mysteries, while I know others who cry when they watch Bambi. It all depends on taste, and every individual is unique. This novel wasn’t my cup of tea; still, it could be yours. I appreciate books with an encouraging message and a happy ending. Therefore, this wasn’t for me. However, if you are into murder mysteries with a dash of horror, look no further. 

Also by Kendare Blake - Anna Dressed in Blood

House of Salt and Sorrows by Erin A. Craig

Reviewed by Amy P.
Grade 10

Erin A. Craig’s House of Salt and Sorrows is a captivating retelling of The Twelve Dancing Princesses, but with a terrifying twist. It follows Annaleigh, daughter of the Duke of Salann, and her investigation into her family’s secrets and curses. Annaleigh’s sisters, once known as the Thaumus Twelve, are plagued with mysterious deaths until they can’t be passed off as accidents anymore. This novel also combines the classic components of a fairy tale with Craig’s lore of elemental gods and entities. Set in a manor by the sea, every chapter has a ghostly, aquatic atmosphere, leaving you wanting more.

Annaleigh had just lost her sister, Eulalie. She is expected to believe it was an accident, but who really plunges off a cliff to their death in the middle of the night in an “accident”? Eulalie was murdered, and Annaleigh is determined to prove it. While in her search, the world around her grows increasingly more twisted and a series of disturbing visions of her dead sisters torment her. Nobody around her notices, however, once her family finds a magical door that belongs to Pontus, the sea god the islanders worship. It leads to a different, wonderful ball every night and her sisters are almost intoxicated by it. But Annaleigh knows that there is something not quite right with this reality or the other.

The setting was lovely to read about; the author’s choice of words set the perfect ambiance for this book and almost made me feel like I was actually by the sea. The plot was a bit more confusing to read about, however. Although it’s normal for YA books to combine a story retelling with the author’s own mythology, I think it clashed with this one. I would rather have the author focus on only the deities and the sea setting, or only The Twelve Dancing Princesses tale, since they don’t pair very well together.

Other than that, I would definitely recommend this book. It was very exciting to read, and all throughout the novel there were new developments and plot twists. I haven’t read it, but A Court of Thorn and Roses seems similar to this as well.

Kingdom of the Wicked by Kerri Maniscalco

Reviewed by Isabella T.
Grade 9

You always have the power of choice, even when those choices seem limited.

Never forget that.

What would you choose? Team up with a Prince of Hell to avenge your sister, or leave the stones unturned and spent the rest of your days wondering what happened? This clever and brave witch doesn’t have the luxury of asking the difficult questions that could put her family at risk. But when she meets Wrath, a magnetic Prince of Hell who seems to have all the answers; she might just have a way to solve her sister’s murder and save the witches from the perpetrator.

Kerri Maniscalco’s Kingdom of the Wicked follows witch Emilia DiCarlo and her family. The Dicarlo family comes from a long line of witches. Her nonna, mother, and twin sister Vittoria are all witches. Emilia and Vittoria grew up hearing stories about The Wicked from their nonna, always warning them that they should stay as far away from them as possible. Vittoria was the opposite of Emilia, always on a mission and chasing adventures. Emilia loved to read and cook. When Vittoria didn’t show up for dinner one night at her family’s restaurant, Emilia worries that something might have happened to her. Emilia vowed that she wouldn’t rest when her body is found, until she apprehended her beloved sister’s killer. Emilia didn’t know that a series of murders have been occurring in Sicily, and all happened to be witches. Wrath is tasked with finding the killer, and when Emilia realizes they have the same goals, a partnership between them might get them both what they wanted. But is Wrath really on her side?

One of my favorite things about this book is that Maniscalco managed to include essential Italian cultural factors. Whenever we read a book that is settled in a place where we are unfamiliar with its culture, I think the author must provide the reader with background information. Simple things like going to the market, or specific words in Italian, and the recipes she cooked, and the dynamic with her family at their restaurant gave me a better understanding of the main character’s life. It is also one reason many people read and learn about different cultures, and it is significant that even though fantasy or fiction books, we can still learn about things like that. Another point of interest in this book is character growth. I am a firm believer that a great book has at least one dynamic character. That means that the character undergoes a change, specifically growth, or manages to conquer their main issue. Even though a character coming out of their comfort zone is a popular trope, it can significantly enhance the plot when executed well. As Emilia embarks on this adventure, she tries to be more like her departed sister and take risks. Risks are a big part of achieving her goal. Her power and the need for vengeance create the perfect equation for finally becoming the best version of herself. One that can help her avenge her sister.

Readers who enjoy supernatural creatures, enemies to lovers, or solving mysteries will enjoy this book. If you have read Maniscalco’s Stalking Jack the Ripper, Tracy Deonn's Legendborn, or Shea Ernshaw's The Wicked Deep, you will enjoy this novel.

Maniscalco plans to publish a sequel to this book, Kingdom of the Cursed, which will be published in October of this year. 

Stalking Jack the Ripper by Kerri Maniscalco

Reviewed by Kana C.
Grade 11

Audrey Rose is not your typical 1800s woman. She was born into a life of wealth and privilege. But other than attending tea parties and other typical events that ladies do, Audrey studies the gruesome art of forensic medicine.

When a string of brutally murdered corpses continue to show up in her uncle’s lab, Audrey gets drawn into the investigation. As she follows the clues, they bring her closer to her sheltered world. Audrey Rose is the girl who loved Jack the Ripper.

This book was amazing, with so many twists that I never saw coming. Kerri Maniscalco really brought the story to life with her amazing and very descriptive writing. Once I got into the story I couldn’t put the book down. Stalking Jack the Ripper is not for the faint hearted, Kerri Maniscalco goes deep into her explanations of the dead bodies and the forensic medicine process.

If you like a girl determined to be pretty, smart, and fierce and a witty, sarcastic, caring British boy involved in one gruesome mystery, mixed with a little bit (ok maybe a lot) of secrets, then Stalking Jack the Ripper is perfect for you. Maybe you can figure out who Jack the Ripper is before Audrey can. This is the story of the girl who loved the Ripper.

Monsters Among Us by Monica Rodden

Reviewed by Lauren M.
Grade 11

In our everyday lives, we tend to not think of victims of any kind. Monica Rodden set out to change that with her book, Monsters Among Us. While the description promised a thriller, I found it to be only slightly harrowing, with a lot of time for thought and reflection, and very little action.

The story centers on Catherine Ellers, who has recently returned from her freshman semester in college after being assaulted. It begins with her at home in the wake of the attack, where she expects to cope and recuperate in peace. But peace is not in store for her. When a friend of hers is murdered, it shatters her, and she embarks on a quest to find the murderer. But because nothing in life is simple, there is a young man by the name of Andrew Worthington, whose connection to her goes far deeper than she expected. She now must venture into the part of her mind that blocked the memory of who he is-and she must find the killer.

The message of this book is hard to pin down because there are so many themes and subplots. There is an overall theme of Wuthering Heights, with a modern, sinister twist to it, and it deals heavily with violence against women. The characters are interesting, and there is great promise with the mystery of Andrew Worthington. Catherine is understandably incapable of trusting anyone, and works hard to put the past behind her. She relates to people well, and is a great friend. The secondary characters are also interesting, such as her childhood friend Henry, whom she enlists to help her. While they are interesting, though, they could stand to be fleshed out a bit more. The POV also switches according to what happened in the previous chapter, which can be a bit confusing because sometimes Rodden does not explain everything.

This book comes with such heavy themes that I would hesitate to recommend it to anyone. If you like activism for women’s rights and can handle strong language, then this book may be for you. A similar book I would recommend is Damsel by Elana K. Arnold. While I agree with the overall message of the book, there are so many underlying ones that it led to confusion. Because of these two reasons, I would give this book a 3/5 star rating.

The Inheritance Games by Jennifer Lynn Barnes

Reviewed by Hope M.
Grade 11

Do you enjoy puzzles? Riddles? Codes? Twists? Secrets? If you answered yes to any of these questions, then The Inheritance Games will definitely be a novel you’ll want to try out! Jennifer Lynn Barnes’ newest creation includes all of the elements mentioned above, as well as romance, humor, danger, and an intricate plot that will keep you in suspense all the way until the end of the story (and even after).

Avery Grambs doesn’t realize how dramatically her life will change when she heads to the principal’s office of her high school. On an ordinary day, she is visited by a strange boy, Grayson Hawthorne, who informs her that her presence is mandatory for the reading of his grandfather’s will. Avery has no recollection of ever coming into contact with the deceased multibillionaire, so no one understands why he bequeaths her with essentially his entire fortune. However, there is a catch: She must live in his expansive mansion for a year, and she does not have the power to kick out the family who already inhabits Hawthorne House--the family who just disinherited almost all of Tobias Hawthorne’s wealth. When Avery realizes she was left with clues that will hopefully lead to answers, she embarks on a journey to solve the final puzzle her benefactor left behind.

Every character that Barnes introduced played a major role in the story, from the late Tobias Hawthorne to the homeless man Avery played chess with at the park. The setting was largely at Hawthorne House, but the hundreds of rooms and passageways created a place that will constantly make you wonder what will be discovered next. The plot was woven together so complexly; you’ll question how a specific detail fits in the story at all, but once it’s explained, it makes perfect sense! When reading the novel, I felt like I was a part of it, involved in the narrative and wanting to solve the mysteries with the same amount of determination as the characters. And I think those stories, the ones that make us feel like we’re in them, are truly the best ones.

I would recommend this book to anyone who loves staying up late at night reading because you have to know what’s coming next. The author’s style will leave you guessing constantly, with all the twists and turns she adds to every chapter. Barnes put a lot of creativity into producing this masterpiece, and I think young adults will realize that as they read. It’s been a while since I’ve been this excited about a novel, so you should definitely give it a try. I have a feeling it won’t disappoint!

The Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson

Reviewed by Natalie O.

Grade 12

Can you imagine solving a murder for a school project? That is the premise of A Good Girl's Guide to Murder by Holly Jackson. This book is a solid young adult mystery with compelling characters and an interesting story line, even if the author doesn't quite stick the landing.

This book follows high school senior Pippa Fitz-Amobi, who decides to investigate the murder of a teenage girl in her small Connecticut town for a school project. Everyone in the town is convinced that the boyfriend of the murdered girl, who committed suicide shortly after her disappearance, is the culprit. But Pippa is not so sure. She teams up with the boy's brother to try and solve the case, and uncovers all kinds of secrets along the way.

Overall, I thought that book was a solid, if generic, mystery. The author does a good job of slowly building tension throughout the story in order to keep the reader engaged, and I genuinely cared about the characters. However, the premise of the story isn't very unique, and I don't feel that it was particularly memorable. I also felt like the mystery was resolved very quickly and we didn't get enough exploration of the case or build up to the solution. There were a lot of suspects, and I feel like there were just too many things going on for the author to go into any one possibility in depth, which led to a feeling that there were a lot of untied loose ends and the sense that everything that happened after the 50% mark was rushed. The last thing I want to say is that the author is from the UK, but the story is set in America, and the characters consistently use British slang and phrases. I feel like an editor should have flagged it, but it was also stuff that I think the author should have been able to differentiate herself. It kept taking me out of the world of the story.

I would give this book a solid 3 out of 5 stars. Even with some of the narrative problems, I enjoyed reading it. I think this would be a good book to pick up if you're not somebody who reads a lot of mysteries and you're just looking for a fun whodunit. If you're somebody who has read a decent amount of mysteries or thrillers, I think this book may be a bit predictable or generic for you. Overall, I felt very lukewarm about this book, but I would still recommend it if you're looking for a quick and fun read. I have also read the Truly Devious series by Maureen Johnson, and I would say that it has a similar style to A Good Girl's Guide to Murder, but I found the plot and the mystery aspect to be much stronger if you are looking for something else.

 

Avatars: So This is How it Ends by Tui T. Sutherland

Reviewed by Melvi A.
Grade 11

What would you do if everyone except you suddenly disappeared without a trace? In Avatars: So This Is How It Ends, five teenagers from different parts of the world must find an answer to that question. As they were going about their accustomed way of living, time seemed to stop, the Earth shook, and--when the mysterious event was over--they knew something was wrong. They can see no one around, just crumbling buildings and odd animals made of crystal. An ominous silence occasionally interrupted by terrifying shrieks has enveloped the planet. What’s worse, they are also hearing voices inside their heads.

As she was taking the subway to go home one night, Kali awakes from a short nap to find that the subway is completely empty, and New York City is in total silence. In Chile, Tigre finds himself far away from home in a mysterious forest full of otherworldly animals with no memory of how he got there. In Los Angeles, Venus, a well-known and loved pop-star, and Gus, a technician and fan, realize that they are the only two people alive after an earthquake. Finally, the powerful Amon in Egypt seems to know something the others do not and is completely satisfied with what has happened. There seems to be an unfathomable force driving these teenagers to New York City. Some give in to this force, some try to resist it, but all of them want to know why they are the only survivors of this apocalypse. The book follows the teenagers as they explore the unrecognizable world, encounter strange animals who seem to be telepathic and some secret societies who do not seem to contain normal humans, but only deranged lunatics. When the shocking truth is revealed at the end of the novel, there are many different reactions. For some of them, it was amazing news. For others, despairing news.

In my opinion, the characters in this book are extremely well-developed. They have diverse personalities and show different reactions to the end of the world. For example, Kali mistakenly thinks that she has made the people disappear, while Venus is foolishly worried about the fact that the media will photograph her hanging out with a fan. Their thoughts and actions are relatable and they prompt you to think if you would do the same thing if you were in their place. I also think the author does a great job of keeping the plot gripping even though it takes place in a boring, dead world, ruled by crystal creatures.

I would recommend this book to anyone who is a big fan of science fiction and mystery novels. The author uses casual language, so the book can be quickly understood. I also recommend reading the second book, Shadow Falling, because, as you will find out, the story is not over at the end of this book.

The Shadow Cipher by Laura Ruby

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

In 1798, a pair of inventors arrived in New York with a dream to shape a city of skyscrapers, machines, and the most extraordinary technology imaginable. They were the Morningstarr twins; a brother-sister duo who crafted incredible designs for solar-powered street cleaners, zig-zagging elevators, and one impossible cipher leading to treasure untold. Three hundred years later, the cipher is ever a mystery, and another pair of twins in present-day York seek answers in the creations the Morningstarrs left behind. BHut the Cipher is much more than a mystery—it’s as alive as the city itself.

Eccentric twins Tess and Theo Biedermann face a difficult reality; real estate developer Darnell Slant is buying up old Morningstarr buildings—including their apartment complex. Banding together with neighbor and graphic artist Jaime Cruz, the three set off to unlock the secrets of the famed Old York Cipher, nowadays a mere myth for tourists. Following the few clues the Morningstarrs left behind, the trio will have to move fast to solve the mystery before their building is sold, but the Cipher has its own agenda.

The first book in the York series, is a dazzling story of the steampunk city we never knew we needed, interlaced with a clue hunt to rival The 39 Clues. Written with vivid descriptions of shining streets and machinery for every possible task, it’s hard to say which is more intriguing; the Cipher or the city itself. As for our heroes, Tess and Theo are quirkily loveable protagonists in their brilliant youth and drive to solve a puzzle that has evaded understanding for centuries.

The Shadow Cipher is a brilliant steampunk mystery that shines in its depiction of a beloved city reimagined in the most eccentrically fantastic way, and the secret that lives inside it. Easily recommended to all 10-and-up fans of steampunk, mystery, brilliant clue hunts and mechanical marvels. Ten and up rating based off approximate reading-comprehension skills; York, much like its namesake, is no small feat to comprehend.

Murder on the Orient Express by Agatha Christie

Reviewed by Ben F.
Grade 11

Infant Daisy Armstrong was kidnapped by a notorious gangster, held for several hundred thousand dollars, and murdered. Her distraught parents committed suicide, along with an innocent maid framed for the crime while the true perpetuator escaped and lived on the run for two years under a foreign alias, eventually boarding a train with thirteen other passengers; The Orient Express.

Hercule Poirot, internationally famed detective is one of those passengers, oblivious to the criminal who shares his destination. Having recently resolved a political scandal, Poirot is ready for a peaceful journey—until a passenger is murdered. Cassetti is dead in his cabin, with multiple stab wounds, varied evidence, and no witnesses. Poirot must call forth all his powers of deduction to trace the killer amongst the passengers; connections are unraveled, secrets discovered, and the truth goes deeper than anyone could have imagined.

A familiar of Agatha Christie’s work, I began this book expecting none other than the best of mystery and intrigue as the plot unwove its tapestry of intricacies. I was not disappointed. The impeccable colloquialisms of the foreign protagonist and the Sherlockian brilliance of his logic will further draw the reader’s nose to the pages until the stunning conclusion.

Highly recommended for fans of Sherlock Holmes, Hercule Poirot, The Hardy Boys, and other intellectually sparking mysteries, anyone who appreciates brilliant leaps of logic, and of course Agatha Christie. Due to the intense themes regarding both the murdered and murderer, Murder on the Orient Express is recommended for those above the age of 13. Readers should also be prepared to discuss, whether in mind or family, the ethical implications of Poirot and the passenger’s actions following the conclusion.