Harry Dresden is the best at what he does. Well, technically, he’s the only at what he does. So when the Chicago P.D. has a case that transcends mortal creativity or capability, they come to him for answers. For the “everyday” world is actually full of strange and magical things — and most of them don’t play well with humans. That’s where Harry comes in. Takes a wizard to catch a — well, whatever.

There’s just one problem. Business, to put it mildly, stinks. So when the police bring him in to consult on a grisly double murder committed with black magic, Harry’s seeing dollar signs. But where there’s black magic, there’s a black mage behind it. And now that mage knows Harry’s name. And that’s when things start to get… interesting.

What happens when you take the tried and true detective genre and mix in a little magic? The Dresden Files, that's what. Murder, mayhem, and magic rule the world in Jim Butcher's Storm Front. The first installment in the Dresden Files series, Storm Front is a fun, fast-paced read that will keep you on the edge of your seat!

This novel takes place in a not-so-distant future in which humans are taught to quit listening to their inner voice - "The Doubt" - and allow a smart phone app named Lux to make every decision for them. When Rory is accepted into the exclusive high school that her deceased mother also attended, she has hopes of learning more about her mom. What she uncovers is far more than her family history. She also finds that the creators of Lux may have sinister plans for the human race.

Veterinary intern Emily can’t believe she wound up in the small town of Sunshine, Idaho, instead of the Los Angeles clinic she had always imagined. Now she has to put her plans to move to L.A. on hold for a whole year while she fulfills the obligation of her vet school scholarship. Then Wyatt, her gorgeous one-night stand from a Reno vet conference, introduces himself as her new boss. And Emily is just as drawn to his seductive looks and quiet strength as she was on that very steamy night. She soon learns that Wyatt isn’t just a laid-back doctor, but a delicious alpha male tempting her away from her carefully laid-out plans...

Then Came You is book five is Jill Shalvis’ Animal Magnetism series. I loved this book because of how funny Wyatt was throughout the book. Emily is determined not to give in to their attraction. She just wants to finish her internship and get back to her life in L.A.. Wyatt uses his quick wit to keep her on her toes. I highly recommend this series. VCPL owns the first 4 books in this series in paperback so it is easy to read them in order and catch up to this new release! 

 

It was a dark and stormy night when Josef Tock suddenly sat up in his death bed and spoke his final words: five days, he predicted, five terrible, terrible days that his newly born grandson, Jimmy, would have to endure. The first would occur in Jimmy’s twentieth year, the last in his thirtieth. But what, exactly, Jimmy would have to endure, the Tock family could only guess.

Fast forward to the present and the first of the five terrible days is fast approaching. With the help of his family, Jimmy Tock has spent every day preparing himself for whatever horrors might come. Of course, when you don’t know what those horrors will be, there is only so much that can be done.

What terrifying events await Jimmy? What challenges must he survive? The path Jimmy follows will defy every expectation and will take all the love, humor, and courage he possesses. For who he is and what he must accomplish on the five days his grandfather predicted is a mystery more dangerous and wondrous than Jimmy could ever have imagined. 

Set in a mythic New York City and spanning more than a century, “Winter’s Tale” is about miracles, crossed destinies, and the age-old battle between good and evil.  The film marks the directorial debut of Academy Award®-winning screenwriter Akiva Goldsman (“A Beautiful Mind”), and stars Colin Farrell (“Saving Mr. Banks”), Jessica Brown Findlay (TV’s “Downton Abbey”), and Academy Award® winner Russell Crowe (“Gladiator”).

 Peter Lake (Farrell) is a master thief, who never expected to have his own heart stolen by the beautiful Beverly Penn (Brown Findlay).  But their love is star-crossed: she burns with a deadly form of consumption, and Peter has been marked for a much more violent death by his one-time mentor, the demonic Pearly Soames (Crowe).  Peter desperately tries to save his one true love, across time, against the forces of darkness, even as Pearly does everything in his power to take him down—winner take all and loser be damned. What Peter needs is a miracle, but only time will tell if he can find one.

VCPL has the film available in DVD and BLU-RAY as well as the book by Mark Helprin.

Amity Doncaster is a world traveler who publishes guide books about her travels.  Unwittingly, she enters a carriage thinking it is public transportation, and is confronted by a killer known as the “bridegroom” – telling why would be a spoiler!  Amity does not become one of his victims, but the search for him is a key element in the plot.  The love interest in the novel is Benedict Stanbridge, an engineer, who considers himself boring to women – but he is also a spy for the British throne.  Amity and Benedict first cross paths when she is in the Caribbean and finds him wounded.  She helps care for him aboard ship, but this gives rise to scandalous gossip about the pair back at home in London.  For Amity’s protection, in society as well as for her personal safety, a sham engagement is arranged with Benedict, but of course the true outcome is pretty predictable – this is a romance novel, after all!  Amanda Quick has written a number of novels with a paranormal/metaphysical/psychic theme.  Fortunately, this is not one of them.  A subplot involves the growing affection between Amity’s widowed sister Penny and a Scotland Yard investigator. Wait, there is more to this story, but everything can’t be revealed.  You’ll have to read it or listen to it!  Amanda Quick is another pen name of Jayne Ann Krentz and the library has books by both “authors”.  Otherwise Engaged is available in regular print, large print, and on 9 audio compact discs.  The audiobook version is entertainingly read by Louisa Jane Underwood. 

Ira Levinson, a 91 year old man, was traveling on a snow covered road one night when suddenly he lost control of his car and went sliding off the road. With a gash on his head and broken collarbone, he is unable to reach the water and food he had stored in the trunk. Trapped in the car on a freezing cold night, Nicholas Sparks takes you through the story of Ira and his wife Ruth, who died nine years before. Ruth's image stays in the car with Ira as they travel back in time through all of their memories, which helps keep Ira conscious and alert. In the meantime, you also learn the story of Sophia and Luke. Sophia, an art enthusiast, goes to Wake Forest college. One night at a fraternity party, she meets Luke, a bull-rider and helping hand on his family's failing ranch. The attraction between them is instant, but Luke seems to be hiding much more than he lets on. What is he truly hiding, and will Sophia be able to handle the truth? Neither of these couples have much in common, but their lives connect in an odd way. Like nearly all of his books, Nicholas Sparks takes you on both couples' heart-wrenching journey, which at times, seems like it's the longest ride.

The highly anticipated conclusion to Kiera Cass's #1 New York Times bestselling Selection series, The Onewill captivate readers who love dystopian YA fiction and fairy tales. The Selection changed America Singer's life in ways she never could have imagined. Since she entered the competition to become the next princess of Illéa, America has struggled with her feelings for her first love, Aspen--and her growing attraction to Prince Maxon. Now she's made her choice . . . and she's prepared to fight for the future she wants.

I have to say that I was pleasantly surprised by how this series concluded. I think I have begun to fear the worst from the final book in young adult series. This book was fast paced and a quick read. I enjoyed how America was able to slowly piece everything together and then loved the action packed conclusion to her story. I highly recommend this book if you have enjoyed other series such as Divergent by Veronica Roth, Matched by Ally Condie or Hunger Games by Suzanne Collins.

Cadence was born into the renowned Sinclair family, so flush with money and influence that they own a private island near Martha’s Vineyard.  Every single summer, Cady, her cousins Johnny and Mirren, and their friend Gat spend two idyllic months of leisure on the island, calling themselves The Liars.  But when Cadence has an accident during her 15th summer and wakes unable to remember what happened, everything changes.

This unpredictable mystery will leave you stunned.  And remember, if anyone asks you how it ends, LIE.

If you like Playful Nostalgia, this book is for you. It's 1964 Las Vegas, and Elvis Presley is heading to Vegas for the opening of his latest film, Viva Las Vegas. Colonel Tom Parker wants someone to see that Elvis doesn’t get into trouble. Frank Sinatra nominates his friend Eddie Gianelli, a Sands casino exec and sometime sleuth, for the job. But Eddie also has to help PI buddy Danny Bardini with a girl problem that takes a serious turn when Danny is framed for a murder. Elvis, Frank, and Dean Martin all assist Eddie in trying to solve Danny’s problem. The plot thickens as Elvis also gets involved with the boys adding a comedic element. This is the eighth in the Rat Pack Series. Robert Randisi founded the Private Eye Writers of America, and is one of the great pulp fiction mystery writers.

Kevin J. Anderson treats the reader to a sweeping journey across the local spiral arm of the Milky Way galaxy in Hidden Empire, sharing with us a fantastic slice of "future history" as seen through the eyes of several characters, both protagonist and antagonist alike. Through their eyes, we see the beginnings of a tumultuous and dangerous period of time for Humans and an alien race known as Ildirans as a vicious new threat to intelligent life in the spiral arm rises to prominence. This story is an interesting and intriguing ride all of the way through filled with discovery and mystery, with an unstoppable momentum that accelerates throughout, culminating in an Earth-shattering revelation that leaves the reader looking for more. A powerful start to what promises to be a great series.

"Twenty-six years have passed since the death of Jane Austen. Armed with a lock of Austen's hair as perhaps her best clue, Anne Sharp, former governess to the Austen family and Jane's close friend, has decided at last to tell her story—a story of family intrigues, shocking secrets, forbidden loves, and maybe even murder...

Upon its publication in the UK, Lindsay Ashford's fictional interpretation of the few facts surrounding Jane Austen's mysterious death sparked an international debate and uproar. None of the medical theories offer a satisfactory explanation of Jane Austen's early demise at the age of forty-one. Could it be that what everyone has assumed was a death by natural causes was actually more sinister? Lindsay Ashford's vivid novel delves deep into Austen's world and puts forth a shocking suggestion—was someone out to silence her?"

If you're interested in historical fiction, mysteries, or Jane Austen, this is an exciting read.  Was Jane Austen murdered?  Perhaps we will never know the answer, but it is fun to speculate.  This book will keep you guessing to the last second.  If you are a fan of Jane Austen's novels you will see the parallels between her stories and her family, showing how much inspiration she drew from the people in her life which may have been her undoing.  This book is impossible to put down and a must read for any Jane Austen fan.

 

Based on a true story, The Impossible is about one family's struggle to survive during the worst tsunami in history.  Much of the movie is about the aftermath of the disaster and how each family member copes with the devastation as well as being separated from each other.  What impressed me about the movie is the realistic portrayal of the chaos in the aftermath of the tsunami.  Family members are separated, hospitals are overwhelmed, and there is almost no communication.  The filming of the initial wave and the battle that the mother and eldest son go through to try and reach each other is heartbreaking.

Exiled from her home, the enclosed and highly advanced city of Reverie, Aria knows her chances of surviving in the outer wasteland—known as The Death Shop—are slim. Then Aria meets an Outsider named Perry. He's wild—a savage—and her only hope of staying alive. A hunter for his tribe in a merciless landscape, Perry views Aria as sheltered and fragile—everything he would expect from a Dweller. But he needs Aria's help too; she alone holds the key to his redemption.

"The two greatest influences on the shaping of the English language are the works of William Shakespeare and the English translation of the Bible that appeared in 1611" (from the introduction).

Also known as the Authorized Version, the creation of the King James Bible was as much a political act as it was theological. Often smuggled from the continent, English translations of the Bible had been circulating in England for over one hundred years, most notably the Geneva Bible, which put King James I under immense pressure to sanction his own.

Whether you are interesed in the history of England, religion, books, or the English language, this book is a lively and engaging read. Alister McGrath traces the history of this most influential book through the wider cultural history of Europe and the Protestant Reformation.

If you have ever watched the Heroes TV series, you are going to love this novel that goes little more into depth on the relationship of Hiro and Charlie. Which I have to say was my favoritie part of the series. 

“Save the cheerleader, save the world” are the defining words of Heroes, the phenomenal series that has transformed television drama. They are also the cryptic marching orders for the show’s cross section of ordinary individuals united by an extraordinary bond. Each possesses a superhuman ability, and together they must prevent the course of history from taking a terrifying turn. Now, in this original novel based on the TV phenomenon, in a thrilling story that will captivate even those who haven’t seen the show, one of these unexpected saviors steps center stage on a deeply personal quest that will test the limits of his gift, the depth of his love, and the ultimate strength of his will. 

Hiro Nakamura possesses the remarkable power to control time. And like his uniquely blessed comrades, he’s on a mission for the good of humankind. But another challenge awaits him: saving the love of his life from an unspeakable death. Charlene “Charlie” Andrews is the big-hearted, small-town beauty whose sunny smile and sweet soul knocked the shy Hiro head over heels. But when Charlie’s young life is snuffed out by a grisly serial killer, their budding romance is brutally cut short. 

Or is it? Thanks to his astounding newfound skill, Hiro has the means to do what no tragedy-stricken lover in history ever could–turn back time. And no matter how raw his abilities, or how many twists of circumstance conspire to foil him, he vows to deliver Charlie from the evil poised to claim her. He will be her hero. 

But what possible consequences might changing the past visit upon the future? How could saving one cherished life affect millions of others? And what ultimate choice will Hiro make when the power of fate rests in his hands?

Looking for something so off-beat it's on beat? This fascinating presentation of dance pieces and interviews celebrates German choreographer, Pina Bausch. It's so unique it's insane at times - hyper, compulsive, and extreme in every way. Her adventurous vision will be invigorating to anyone who appreciates dance.

The first book in Pierce Brown's Red Rising trilogy had me interested from page one and kept me hooked until the end. The book promotes itself as a cross between Ender's Game and The Hunger Games, and I definitely agree with these comparisons. The story follows a young man named Darrow as he lives his predestined life in a future color-coded, caste society. While his Red clan toils away in the depths of Mars under the guise of preparing the planet for future generations to live on its surface, other society color groups happily reside above the ground, reaping the benefits of Red labor. As Darrow learns the truth about the society he lives in, he finds himself pulled into a larger movement aimed at bringing down the top of the hierarchy: the Golds. To help change the lives of those he loves, he must infiltrate Gold society and pass the tests of the prestigious Gold Institute.  Can Darrow deceive the Golds?  What will happen as he gets to know the worst (and best) of Gold society? What will he have to lose to achieve his goal?

What would you do if you knew the world was coming to an end in a matter of months?  Would you keep on working? In this pre-apocalyptic police procedural set in the United States, Hank Palace is a quirky detective who continues to investigate deaths including a seemingly innocent suicide. In a world turned upside down by a looming asteroid, this fast paced mystery is surprising and intricately plotted while being oddly uplifting. Palace’s dedication to his job forces us to question the worth of a life when all will perish in weeks. Winner of 2013 Edgar Award for Best Paperback Original, this is the first book in a trilogy. Ben H. Winters currently lives and writes in Indianapolis, Indiana.

Attorney Mickey Haller is a Los Angeles attorney who owns a small fleet of Lincoln automobiles, which he uses as an office as needed, hence the name "The Lincoln Lawyer".   Mickey owes a big mortgage on an almost empty scenic home, and has two ex-wives who figure prominently in the story, as well as a teenage daughter.  In a brutal assault case, Mickey may actually have found a truly "innocent" client - or is he?  The plot keeps twisting and turning, with a surprising ending.  This 10 disc set read by Adam Grupper is highly recommended.  This title is also available in regular print, large print, and a DVD released in 2011.  I have not seen the movie, but usually the book is better than the movie, so read it or listen to it first!

This BBC series is set in the mid-1950s in a poverty stricken area of East London.  Nurse midwives work alongside an Anglican order of nuns to deliver most babies at home, as was the custom at the time.  The characters are all very likable or at least interesting, which adds to the viewer's enjoyment.  The key midwife is young nurse Jennie Lee, although the viewer comes to love ALL the nurses and the nuns that work together.  Smoking was very pervasive at that time and so the series stays true to the period.  For the squeamish, many of the birth scenes are very realistic, but the viewer also is elated to see a baby delivered successfully.   Sometimes there is tragedy, but overall, this compelling series leaves us wanting to view the next season in the series.  The plot lines of the episodes keep progressing in the lives of the nurses and nuns, so if possible watch this series beginning with Season One.  Popular music from the time period is incorporated periodically, which adds to the viewing and listening experience.

FBI special agent Kate O'Hare has made it her mission to nail international con artist Nicolas Fox. When she discovers his plot to plunder a venture capitalist's twentieth-story Chicago penthouse of all its cash and treasures while the self-proclaimed "King of Hostile Takeovers" is getting married, Kate is 85 percent--okay maybe 92 percent--sure that she's finally going to bag Nick Fox.

 Problem is, first Kate has to convince her boss, building security, and maybe even herself, that wedding planner Merrill Stubing is actually Nicolas Fox. Second, she has to figure out how to corner and capture him without disrupting the event of the year. And third, what's going to happen once O'Hare finally gets her hands on Fox? It's going take a pro to catch a con before the fireworks over Lake Michigan go off.

 I am a longtime fan of Janet Evanovich’s novels. Readers will be entertained by the quick wit of her characters and the fast-paced action. This new series reminds me of the TV show “White Collar” with the addition of sexual tension between the FBI and the fugitive. Excited to continue on with the characters in the full length novels The Chase & The Heist!

A middle-aged man returns to his childhood home to attend a funeral. He is drawn to the farm at the end of the road, where, when he was seven, he encountered a most remarkable girl, Lettie Hempstock. He hasn't thought of Lettie in decades, and yet sitting by the pond (a pond that she'd claimed was an ocean), the unremembered past comes flooding back.

Forty years earlier, a man committed suicide in a stolen car at this farm at the end of the road. Like a fuse on a firework, his death lit a touchpaper and resonated in unimaginable ways. The darkness was unleashed, something scary and thoroughly incomprehensible to a little boy. And Lettie—magical, comforting, wise beyond her years—promised to protect him, no matter what.

A brilliantly imaginative and poignant fairy tale from the modern master of wonder and terror, Neil Gaiman, The Ocean at the End of the Lane is a groundbreaking work told with a rare understanding of all that makes us human. Gaiman masterfully shows the power that stories possess to reveal and shelter us from the darkness inside and out.

 

When fifteen-year-old Clary Fray heads out to the Pandemonium Club in New York City, she hardly expects to witness a murder -- much less a murder committed by three teenagers covered with strange tattoos and brandishing bizarre weapons. Then the body disappears into thin air. It's hard to call the police when the murderers are invisible to everyone else and when there is nothing―not even a smear of blood―to show that a boy has died. Or was he a boy?

This is Clary's first meeting with the Shadowhunters, warriors dedicated to ridding the earth of demons. It's also her first encounter with Jace, a Shadowhunter who looks a little like an angel and acts a lot like a jerk. Within twenty-four hours Clary is pulled into Jace's world with a vengeance, when her mother disappears and Clary herself is attacked by a demon. But why would demons be interested in ordinary mundanes like Clary and her mother?

Exotic and gritty, exhilarating and utterly gripping, Cassandra Clare's ferociously entertaining fantasy takes readers on a wild ride that they will never want to end.