February brings books by popular authors ranging from Dave Barry to Danielle Steel, and from literary limelighters such as Ismail Kadare and Jamaica Kincaid (her first novel in 10 years). Find these and more in our complete list of items on order here. Below you’ll find a hand-picked mix of books we think you’ll especially want to know about – click on the links to read more about them or place them on hold.
General Fiction / Literary Fiction
Vampires in the Lemon Grove by Karen Russell
Following Russell’s popular and acclaimed novel Swamplandia comes this collection of eight stories, described as strange, stunning, luscious, arresting, unique, mind-blowing, and tender.
Here I Go Again by Jen Lancaster
Lissy Ryder no longer rules the halls of her high school – in fact it’s 20 years later, and she’s just lost her job, husband and condo in this whimsical novel of stock-taking and starting over.
The Love Song of Jonny Valentine by Teddy Wayne
Jonny Valentine is a preadolescent pop star in this sharp, witty and humane satire that looks at our obsession with celebrity worship, fame and star-making’s devastating effects on childhood innocence.
Revenge: Eleven Dark Tales by Yoko Ogawa
Previous Shirley Jackson Award-winner Ogawa is in fine form in these eleven interconnected stories. As the publisher puts it, “Revenge is a master class in the macabre that will haunt you to the last page.”
Tirza by Arnon Grunberg
An inept, middle-aged man has already lost his wife, his job, a fortune (to a hedge fund that tanked in the wake of 9/11), and spurred his eldest daughter to flee. Now his youngest daughter, Tirza, wants to travel in Africa with her boyfriend – who looks just like Mohammed Atta. The publisher calls this “a heartrending and masterful story of a man seeking redemption.”
First Fiction
Ghostman by Roger Hobbs
When a big-time casino robbery goes awry, the perps call in a mysterious fixer known only as Jack to help salvage the situation – while staying one step ahead of the FBI. This white-knuckle thriller introduces a strong new talent.
Three Graves Full by Jamie Mason
Under trying circumstances, everyman Jason Getty commits a murder and buries the body in his backyard – but his life gets complicated when a landscaper discovers two more bodies buried on his property. An assured and entertaining debut.
Middle Men by Jim Gavin
One sad sack after another realizes he won’t reach his ideals in this searing, hilarious, and poignant collection of stories set in our current era of diminished expectations.
Bear Is Broken by Lachlan Smith
Leo Maxwell is in for some shocking surprises about his family when he tries to figure out who killed his criminal defense attorney brother – a man as reviled by street thugs as by those working in the police department.
Crime Fiction /Suspense
The Burning Air by Erin Kelly
The MacBrides live a life of upper-class privilege, but upon the death of Lydia, the family matriarch, they discover they have an unknown enemy who claims Lydia was a murderer, and he is intent on taking the family down.
Bad Blood by Dana Stabenow
Stabenow’s mysteries featuring Alaskan sleuth Kate Shugak are popular here in Everett, and her new one about two clans of rival Native Alaskans finds her risking more than ever.
Horror
Last Days by Adam Nevill
A pair of documentary filmmakers find more than they were looking for as they re-examine the 1970s mass suicide by members of the Temple of the Last Days cult. This paranormal thriller may well keep you awake at night.
Be sure to visit A Reading Life for more reviews and news of all things happening at the Everett Public Library
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