Genre: Mystery

Jodi has been friends with Zack Thrasher since elementary school and cannot help but feel pulled to him, just like everyone else. In fact, like many others, she would love to be more than friends with Zach but she knows that will never happen. The school has come to call his close group of friends The Thrashers and says anyone who tries to get too close “gets thrashed.” Jodi has never wanted to make waves because she knows she is on the outside of this group. Lucy and Paige are both rich and beautiful, while Julian is also rich and very entitled. Jodi lives with her alcoholic father who is frequently away working as a truck driver. When a new girl, Emily, desperately tries to infiltrate the group and is eventually “thrashed” she chooses to end her life. Everyone is devastated by the tragedy, but nobody expects four of The Thrashers to be arrested for bullying her to the point of suicide. Jodi is the only one in the group who is not arrested, but she can’t rest easy because there are too many things coming out from an alleged journal that Emily left behind that Jodi knows contains false information. Plus, all of them keep getting bizarre text messages from an unknown number. Could someone be trying to set them up or make them appear guilty of things they did not do? Or, could there be things that Jodi did not know about? Could the others have done some of the things they are accused of?

Fans of Karen McManus will enjoy this thrilling title that starts out fast paced and never slows down until the surprising ending. Jodi is such an interesting character because she is both on the inside and the outside of this elite clique. She knows that they often don’t tell her everything, but she’s so terrified of getting “thrashed” that she doesn’t want to rock the boat. At the same time, she knows that if she were to get in trouble she has far less protection than her very rich friends and therefore has a lot more to lose. Plus, her home life is very volatile at times, which is something she would prefer not everyone know about. As things start to heat up, however, it becomes obvious that no matter how rich or powerful someone is they can still feel scared, ashamed, or embarassed. Jodi is determined to find out what really happened, even if it means turning on the very friends she has come to rely on.

Grace and Maddy are two sisters who happen to be in the same grade in school. Grace is popular, outgoing, and a friend to everyone while Maddy is very shy and often feels alone. They both attend the same school retreat and go missing at the same time. When Grace is found she has no memory and blood on her clothes. She knows that everyone will think she knows something about her sister’s disappearance, but she really can’t remember a thing. She decides she has to find her sister and learn what happened to them on that retreat. After finding Maddy’s journal she realizes that both of them were keeping secrets and she would give anything to go back and do everything different if she could. Can she trust those around her to tell the truth about what they saw that night? Will she be able to get to the truth before it’s too late? Will she ever have the chance to form a closer relationship with her sister?

The setting of this story feels so authentic to a high school with the style of the retreat, the rumors about the teachers, and the friction between students that it makes the whole story seem absolutely plausible. Grace’s struggle with the aftermath of her memory loss is completely understandable and believable. The other teenagers definitely impede Grace’s struggle to find answers as they all try to protect themselves from their own actions, but eventually the truth starts to come out. The final outcome is both shocking and believable at the same time. Students will absolutely be able to identify with one of the characters who is struggling to find their way during a difficult time in adolescence even though they are all experiencing different things. Ironically, the message of the retreat is carried through the book itself as Grace finally realizes the truth about what happened that night.

Genre: Realistic Fiction

King Leander of Ashland has decided to choose an heir from his three grandchildren and a commoner who has shown great potential. All four contenders are sent to Almus Terra Academy where they are expected to show initiative, leadership, and of course excel in their classes. Titus is the only one who knew he was a prince growing up because his parents told him even though they were not supposed to. He feels great pressure to perform well and earn the crown, but his growing health concerns cannot be ignored anymore. Alaric was left to fend for himself in Ireland and has no real interest in ruling, but he does like going to a school where he has opportunities he could have never dreamed of. Emmeline was also not raised by her parents, but was raised in the lap of luxury and feels she would be the best ruler and is willing to do whatever it takes to make that happen. Sadie was happy growing up in Ashland until tragedy struck and she lost her way for a bit before being offered this opportunity. Can they all find a way to be successful and happy at this academy or is the pressure to compete too much? How will they be accepted by all the other children of elite and successful people? Who will prevail in becoming the official heir apparent?

This is the first in a series and each chapter follows one of the four main characters, which makes it easy to really understand where each character is coming from. All of the candidates have their own secrets and insecurities, but they try not to let any of that show in case it would hurt their chances of being able to rule one day. Sadie is definitely the most intriguing character simply because she is not an official blood relation, but the people come to appreciate her nonetheless because she is one of them and has lived in the kingdom her entire life. The ending feels fast because a lot happens very quickly, but that will only make readers want to continue on with the next one. Recommended for fans of other royal stories like Royal Blood or American Royals.

Genre: Realistic Fiction/Mystery

Sierra’s sister was murdered in the finale of season four of The Escape Game and although everyone suspects her, she was never charged and maintains her innocence. In fact, she is so determined to find the real killer that she joins season five in order to solve the case. Sierra’s team is made up of Carter (math whiz), Beck (who can taste words), and Aditya (who can make word connections quickly). They seem like the team to beat, but they struggle in early rounds to work together as a team. They all have their own reasons for wanting to be on the show, but once everyone knows about Sierra’s quest they all vow to work together to see if they can figure it out. Meanwhile, there are a lot of supporting characters that get in the way including the lovable game show host, the prickly producer, and the downright angry social media person. As they work harder on the game, it becomes clear that someone is trying to sabotage the game and the clues seem to be directed at their team specifically. Will anyone believe them? Can they truly find out what happened to Sierra’s sister? Will they trust the wrong person?

This mystery book has a fun setup with the escape game rounds and the characters are all created so well that readers can truly identify their needs and desires. It’s no surprise that there are a lot of twists and turns in this story as they try to not only solve a murder, but also get to the bottom of who is messing with the escape game rooms now, and hopefully win the game show. Sierra and the others must learn how to trust each other because no one knows if there is anyone else they can truly trust. Fans of escape rooms will enjoy this colorful mystery story. Recommended for those looking for a fast paced, energetic mystery.

Genre: Historical Fiction Mystery

When Lizzie’s family decides to go visit her newly married sister, Jane, at her new home, Netherfield, they are expecting a relaxing time in the country. However, that all changes when a long dead body is discovered stuffed up a chimney and no one can think of anyone who has even disappeared from the nearby town in many years. This only offers the locals further proof that Netherfield is cursed, which is why no one wants to work there or stay there overnight. Jane is distressed that the locals do not even want to associate with her in town for fear of the curse. As Lizzy and Darcy begin investigating the mysterious death they find many odd things that do not seem to add up and begin to wonder who could be behind the strange occurences. In order to better get to know the town Lizzy suggests having a ball where everyone can come and see for themselves that Netherfield is not cursed, but then something unexpected happens that makes Jane worry no one will ever want to come there again. Can Lizzy and Darcy find out who the identity of the body is? Will they find out who is actively working against them to keep people away from Netherfield? Will Jane be able to enjoy her newlywed home without fear the town will shun her?

This sequel continues Lizzy and Darcy’s quest to avoid Lady Katherine, who means them harm, but ultimately they end up running into more trouble anyway. The ending is very surprising and satisfying and readers will enjoy the many strong female characters who play a part. Lizzy and Darcy’s relationship continues to develop and grow in a way that everyone can appreciate who has read the original Jane Austen. Fans who enjoyed the other titles by this author will find this one just as captivating while also providing a little bit of closure. Most likely this will not be the end of Lizzy and Darcy mysteries.

Genre: Fantasy

Emmy grew up with a loving father and a neighbor, Grace, who was like a sister to her. Emmy’s father was skilled in magic and was helping both girls to develop their skills so that when they were presented to society they would be accepted. Emmy could transform objects and she was quite skilled at it, but after her presentation she was betrayed by someone she trusted dearly and had to watch helplessly as her father was murdered trying to defend her. Two years later she has been wasting away in a horrible prison feeling truly alone when all of a sudden another prisoner named Jack rescues her. He claims he was also framed for something he did not do and wants revenge. Emmy agrees to help him get revenge with her magical skills if he agrees to get her out of that terrible place. As they begin to piece their stories together it becomes very obvious that they were betrayed by the same people. After transforming them into newcomers to the magical world, they quickly infiltrate this secret society and begin plotting their revenge. However, those that betrayed them might still have some tricks up their sleeves. Can Emmy and Jack get revenge on those who falsely accused them of crimes they did not commit? Will they ever truly be able to clear their names so that they can be themselves again? What other crimes will they uncover along the way?

This fantasy novel is full of surprise and intrigue right from the beginning. Emmy’s world completely turns on its head at a time that she thought would be the happiest of her life. As she deals with those who betrayed her, she also comes to learn more about those who have risked a lot to help her. There are many twists and turns in the story as she struggles to find out who she can really trust and who is only out for themselves. Even though these characters can do magic there are a lot of parallels with young people today and how quickly they are willing to betray each other if it means they get a better opportunity for themselves. Many readers will be able to identify with Emmy as she struggles to rebuild trust for those around her after being so horribly betrayed in the past. The characters in this novel are all really memorable and unique too, so as Emmy and Jack try to get their revenge it seems equally satisfying to the reader to see some of these truly conniving people meet their match. Recommended for anyone who enjoys fantasy titles, but even if a reader doesn’t favor fantasy the characters and plot are exciting enough for all readers.

Genre: Mystery

In this modern day retelling of Little Women, the story opens with Beth being found dead in the woods after a New Year’s Eve Party. Each chapter focuses on a different character so the reader gets to see how each sister and friend handle the aftermath of her brutal death. The March sisters vow to find out who might have hurt their beloved sisters, but as they all begin to recount their final moments with her it becomes obvious that they all had motives. To complicate things further, in this retelling Mr. March, the girls’ father, had written Little Women about all of their lives and in his version Beth died. This had caused public outrage for fans of Beth who felt she deserved better. Even Beth herself felt like she had to show everyone that her life was worth living. After the backlash from the book, Mr. March moved to the woods to let things die down, but no one has been able to reach him since. They very much want him to come home at this terrible time for the family. Beth’s boyfriend and their childhood neighbor both take the news of Beth’s death very hard as well, but are they both telling everything they know about that fateful night? Can the March sisters find out who killed Beth? Will they ever find out where their father is? Will they ever truly be able to move forward without Beth as their moral guide?

This retelling is modern, fresh, and suspenseful. There are some changes made by the author to the original story that may not sit well with readers who love the original, but for the most part readers will find it to be a fun new twist on an old classic. The characters are all developed fully, including Beth. They are all individuals who have their own opinions and motivations and are never confused with each other in the story. The clues to the mystery keep getting more and more interesting as it becomes obvious that everyone has a really good secret they do not want anyone to find out, but are they secrets worth killing over? The ending is both exciting and satisfying for mystery readers and will leave everyone feeling like they know these characters whether or not they are familiar with the original.

Genre: Fantasy

Tilla was raised by a father with a royal title, Lord Kent of the Western Province. Things were good for Tilla until he remarried and had legitimate children. After that point she was technically provided for, but he spent less and less time with her. She didn’t mind spending time with the other royal bastards (especially her half brother, Jax), but often wished her father would visit her like he did in the old days. When Princess Lyriana comes for a visit, Tilla is shocked when she chooses to sit at the bastards’ table. They end up agreeing to meet Princess Lyriana later to show her the tunnels under the castle and have a bit of fun, but end up witnessing a coup! They all manage to escape, but are now on the run from Tilla’s father and others of his loyal subjects who participated in the coup. Tilla isn’t sure if she can trust her father not to kill her for what she saw, but she does feel a responsibility to Princess Lyriana, whom she knows was supposed to die that night had she been where she was supposed to be. Can they get the princess across the country to warn the king of the threat coming his way? Will they be any more accepted by the King than they were back home? Will Tilla and her friends ever be regarded as more than just a bastard?

This is the first in a series and contains a very interesting setup. The royal bastards are not treated terribly well in their kingdom, but they still have some benefits over servants as long as they don’t draw a lot of attention to themselves. As they have gotten older they have questioned what their role will be as adults, but their royal parents are not keen to discuss much of anything with them let alone future plans. When the Princess comes to visit it becomes painfully clear that when the kingdoms merged there were still many people who wished they had stayed separate and have been planning their chance to break away this entire time. This of course leads Tilla to wonder if her father has merely kept her around to help with this coup he has been planning or if he truly cares for her. Meanwhile, the other bastards are dealing with their own insecurities, but for the good of them all they vow to band together to help the princess. Can they really get to safety when everyone they ever cared about is trying to hunt them down? Recommended for readers who enjoy fantasy series.

Genre: Mystery

Holly is pulled into a very high profile wedding after her mentor Simone, the previous bridesmaid, is found dead in one of the wedding dress choices at a rehearsal. The Kensington family is wealthy and powerful, but even they are struggling to understand how something so tragic could happen at such a happy time for them. Adrianna’s, the bride’s, fiancee hires Holly to look into the matter, but quickly gets pulled in as a replacement bridesmaid in the hopes she can uncover the truth. Adrianna is especially freaked out because years earlier she had been kidnapped for days and the details are eerily similar to how Simone were found. Holly gets close to a detective working the case with her, but their styles are very different and she isn’t sure how compatible they are working the case together. Meanwhile, Adrianna’s father, Leopold, is determined the wedding go on as scheduled at the family owned island where a private school once stood. After arriving at the island, Holly notices both how secluded they truly are and some Kensington family secrets from the past she thinks might have led to Simone’s death. Can Holly uncover all of the Kensington’s secrets before the killer strikes again? Is she safe on the Kensington owned island where no one can get to her for miles? Will she ever understand how Adrianna chose her bridesmaid’s in the first place?

This mystery story is perfect for a vacation read because it is exciting and engaging, but also moves quickly and the ending is satisfying. Readers looking for a quick, fun read will enjoy this title as the mystery kicks off right away in the story. Holly’s character is unique and clever as she stands out from other more generic detectives in stories. Her appearance, specialty, and even background help her stay memorable should she appear in any future books. The characters definitely all have their own secrets and when they are finally revealed they are pretty shocking and unexpected. Fans of mystery books will be pleasantly surprised a the conclusion.

Genre: Fantasy/Romance

Aren has been running her father’s tavern and getting her twin sisters’ ready for the prince’s upcoming visit all on her own. She is used to acting alone since her mother’s death. Her father is too sick and frail and her sisters are so beautiful they need to be protected at all costs. When Prince Dietan finally arrives, Aren is surprised that he doesn’t seem that interested in meeting a potential princess, which is supposed to be the purpose of his trip. Nearby kingdoms are threatening to attack and if he were to find a suitable princess a war could possibly be avoided between the countries. Instead, Dietan wants to know where a reclusive witch lives and Aren knows he will need help if he wants to find her. Meanwhile, Aren is attacked on her way back to the tavern and Dietan arrives to save her, while clearly using magical means. She learns he has a secret that has been plaguing him for years and if he can’t find someone to help him the secret will probably kill him. In order to travel and try to find a solution to his curse, he needs a bride by his side to help explain his tour around the country. Now that Aren has found suitable matches for her sisters she desperately wants to see outside their town and this could be her chance. She agrees to pose as Dietan’s bride to be, but as they continue to head toward danger and enemies on all sides, they begin to form an attraction for real. Can Aren help Dietan break the terrible Rings of Fate curse? Can they ever truly be together? Is their alliance meant to be?

This engaging fantasy story pulls the reader in from the beginning because Aren is such a great character. She can do it all: run the tavern, run the family home, and take care of everyone. Yet, when she is attacked she cannot fight them on her own and is grateful when Dieten steps in. He gives her the possibility of being able to explore and be something other than the person everyone has come to rely on. While she loves her family, she definitely feels like everything is resting on her shoulders and she isn’t sure this is the life she really wants. Dietan, on the other hand, has huge expectations on him as well, but the curse has limited him in every way. If he could find a way to break the curse he might be able to truly fulfill his true leadership potential. As their journey begins it becomes obvious that they need each other in order to attain their goals. Romantasy readers will devour this story.