All the books listed here are available at the library. Stop in, give us a call, or use the online catalog to place a hold and check one out. All book descriptions are summarized from the publisher’s description on the back of the book, Goodreads, or the library catalog. Genres are listed next to each recommendation so you can complete the Fall Reading Challenge!
September is Library Card Sign-Up Month! Check out these books that feature libraries or have characters who work in libraries.
Lions of Fifth Avenue by Fiona Davis (Historical fiction, mystery): With two timelines, The Lions of Fifth Avenue follows two strong-willed women as they investigate stolen books at the New York Public Library while dealing with the intricacies of everyday life. In 1913, Laura’s husband was superintendent of NYPL, and she found herself drawn to a radical, all-female group. In 1993, Sadie, Laura’s granddaughter, wrangles the job of curator at NYPL but begins to uncover some unexpected truths about her own family heritage. Available on Libby (e-book) and Palace Project (e-book).
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern (Fantasy): In a maze of rooms and tunnels full of stories, there are doors waiting to be opened. Zachary discovers a mysterious book in his campus library full of entrancing tales. A turn of the page brings him to a story from his own childhood. This leads him to begin investigating with Mirabel and Dorian, strangers who guide him through masquerades, back rooms, and the headquarters of secret societies. A battle of fates is raging and they must venture deeper into the maze to find the answers and each other. Available on Libby (audio) and Palace Project (audio, e-book).
Chapter and Curse by Elizabeth Penney (Cozy mystery): Librarian Molly Kimball and her mom, Nina, have recently moved to Cambridge, England to help run a family book store. With the Cambridge Literary Festival in full swing, Molly decides to host a poetry reading at the store. The event ends in disaster when a guest is found dead with Molly’s great-aunt’s knitting needle used as the murder weapon. Molly begins to sift through secrets to untangle the web of blackmail, deceit, and murder.
The Astral Library by Kate Quinn (Fantasy): Books are the only escape from reality that Alix Warren has, and when she travels through a door to meet a librarian of the Astral Library who tells her she can live in her favorite books, she believes she has hit the jackpot. That is until an enemy threatens every person who has used the library. Now, Alix must search through the art of Jane Austen and the shadowy corners of Sherlock Holmes to save the Astral Library. Available on Libby (audio, e-book), Hoopla (audio, e-book), and Palace Project (audio, e-book).
How Can I Help You by Laura Sims (Thriller): Margo works at a small town public library where her colleagues and patrons know her congeniality and charm. No one suspects that she is actually leaving a trail of countless premature deaths in her wake. Not until Patricia joins the library staff and quickly notices Margo’s sinister edge. When a patron dies in the library bathroom, Patricia begins digging into Margo’s mysterious past. Available on Libby (audio).
Secrets in Summer by Nancy Thayer (Romance): Darcy is a year-round resident and librarian of the glamorous island of Nantucket. With seasonal visitors descending on the island for Memorial Day weekend, Darcy has to navigate seeing her ex-husband, a new romantic relationship, a charming old neighbor, and an at-risk teen. Available on Libby (e-book) and Palace Project (e-book).
September 15-October 15 is recognized as Hispanic Heritage Month. Recognize and celebrate the culture and accomplishments by reading from these authors.
A Proposal They Can’t Refuse by Natalie Caña (Romance): After two scheming grandfathers come up with a plan to marry their grandchildren, Kamilah and Liam try to outfox them with a plan of their own. A fake engagement to secure their futures might end up being more than just business. Available on Libby (e-book) and Hoopla (audio, e-book).
The Possession of Alba Diaz by Isabel Cañas (Horror, historical fiction): In 1765, Alba and her family relocated to her fiance’s isolated mine for refuge from the plague. She soon begins to sense something dark lurking and starts suffering from strange hallucinations, sleepwalking, and convulsions. Her betrothed’s cousin, Elias, can’t help but notice Alba and her deterioration when the demon’s thirst for blood grows stronger. Available on Palace Project (e-book).
Ana Maria and the Fox by Liana De la Rosa (Historical romance): Ana Maria and her sisters were secretly sent to London to seek refuge from the French occupation in Mexico. She’s experiencing her first taste of freedom, but finds it hard to ignore Gideon Fox across the ballroom. Gideon elevated himself into a place in Parliament, and is working towards gaining the votes needed to abolish the Atlantic slave trade. When Ana Maria finds herself in the crosshairs of a rival politician, Gideon knows he must offer protection. She might end up winning his heart as well.
House of Impossible Beauties by Joseph Cassara (Historical fiction): Seventeen-year-old Angel is new to the 1980s Harlem ball scene. With a traumatic past, Angel is yearning to create a family for those without. She soon falls in love with Hector, and together they form the House of Xtravaganza, the first all-Latino house in the circuit. What follows is a dynamic story of ambition, resilience, and determination to control their own fates. Available on Hoopla (audio, e-book).
The Intrigue by Silvia Moreno-Garcia (Mystery, historical fiction): Handsome con-artist, Ulises, has his sights set on Perla and her fortune. When he meets her, he finds she has a niece, Ines, who is observant and desperate to escape her aunt’s household. Ines ultimately wants in on the con, deciding to help Ulises marry Perla. But Perla has her own secrets and Ines is more alluring than Ulises bargained for so what should have been a simple plan becomes much more complicated. Available on Palace Project (audio, e-book).
Solito by Javier Zamora (Nonfiction/memoir): Javier tells the harrowing story of his migration from El Salvador to the United States at just nine years old. What was supposed to be a two week “trip” to reunite with his mother ends up expanding into two months of boat trips, desert treks, arrests, and deceptions. Available on Palace Project in English (audio, e-book) and Spanish (audio, e-book).