Murderland
by Caroline Fraser

The second half of America’s 20^th century was rife with serial killers, and the violent epicenter seemed to be the Pacific Northwest, the hunting grounds for monsters like Ted Bundy and the Green River Killer. Why? Maybe, Caroline Fraser posits in Murderland, it had to do with the land itself? With Murderland, Fraser expertly weaves together true crime, memoir and environmental science to create a totally engaging read.

– Anna

The Witcher
by Andrzei Sapkowski

Whether you like the books, the video games, or the Netflix series, fans of The Witcher will enjoy Sapkowski’s latest book. Readers are finally given a glimpse into Geralt’s past, as the book details his beginnings as a Witcher and the relationship with his mentor, Preston Holt. Readers get to meet plenty of new characters, as well as seeing a few familiar faces. E ven if you aren’t already familiar with the world of The Witcher, if you enjoy fantasy, adventure, and coming-of-age stories, this will appeal to you.

– Samantha

The Wager
by David Grann

Described as a “tale of shipwreck, mutiny, and murder”, The Wager recounts the true story of an 18^th Century English fleet of ships on an impossible mission. The ships are set out to covertly commandeer a Spanish galleon amidst the bubbling turmoil between the two countries, seizing all of their valuable silver. But disaster strikes, and the crew of The Wager is left stranded; with the secrecy of their mission, there is hardly anyone in England that would be aware of their disappearance. The story, however, doesn’t end there. Two years after the crew is marooned, a makeshift vessel washes up on the shore of civilization, claiming to be the only surviving crew of The Wager. Six months later, a second, smaller vessel appears with more crew members of The Wager—this time with cries of mutiny. 

Grann expertly and meticulously recounts the tale of The Wager, from its conception as a makeshift man-of-war to the trials that followed the return of the castaways to mainland. He creates a sense of understanding and personability by following three of the crew members who left the most detailed accounts of their expedition. Action-packed, detail oriented, and expertly crafted, this novel is for fans of seafaring adventures and murderous mysteries.

– Grace

The Correspondent
by Virginia Evans

Sybil spends time each morning writing letters or emails to everyone she knows – her family, her friends, neighbors, the customer service rep, the English department at the university she where she wants to audit a course, famous authors, and an ongoing letter she can’t seem to send.  For Sybil, writing letters is an artform.  But it is also a way to stay detached from the pain and loss she has experienced in her life.  Sybil has written letters for decades, and as she reaches her older years, she reflects on these letters and what they have meant in her life.  Gradually, Sybil lets some of the walls she has built around her to crack.    

Sybil’s story is revealed solely through these correspondences.  They are humorous, sad, and an expression of profound grief.  Her character development through the letters will stay with you long after finishing the book.  I highly recommend the audio book because I thoroughly enjoyed the cast of extraordinary voice actors that brought each of the characters to life and helped me associate the voice with the letter writer.

– Noreen

Violet Thistlewaite is not a Villain
by Emily Krempholtz

I love nothing more than a good cozy fantasy, and this debut ticks all the boxes!  A grumpy but devastatingly handsome alchemist trying to save his family’s business, his quirky bard sister, a murderous sentient houseplant, a dark magical ooze trying to destroy the village, a kooky cast of villagers, and our heroine, Violet, running from her past and trying to prove that she is not a villain anymore.  Will they/won’t they romance! Suspense! Legends!  Danger! Magic!  Can Violet and her new friends save the town of Dragon’s Rest and live happily ever after?

– Lisa

The Academy
by Elin Hilderbrand and Shelby Cunningham

Classic Elin, but make it a boarding school instead of the beach.  Elin’s daughter Shelby uses her own boarding school experience to help weave a tale with the salacious plot full of scandals and secrets that we love from Elin.  Everyone at Tiffin, an elite New England Boarding school, has their secrets.  When a new app starts to anonymously air both staff and students’ deepest secrets, no one is safe and the consequences are intense.  The residents of Tiffin have a tough year ahead of them.  All the intrigue that you loved from Gossip Girl, and the New England vibes Gilmore Girls, with a little Friday Night Lights and Boston Public mixed in.  Look for book two out in September!

– Lisa