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The Woman on the Orient Express

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The Woman on the Orient Express by Lyndsay Jayne Ashford
Format: Book
Who’s It For: Adults

Agatha Christie didn’t want to be around for her husband’s wedding.  Make that her ex-husband’s second wedding.  So, under the alias of “Mary Miller,” Agatha boarded the Orient Express bound for Baghdad.  On the train, she shared a compartment with beautiful yet controlling Katharine Keeling.  Agatha also encountered archaeologist Max Mallowan.  Max mysteriously requested that Agatha not disclose his presence to Katharine.  Agatha befriended Nancy Nelson on board too.   Agatha, realizing that Nancy was pregnant and alone, hired Nancy to be her secretary during their time in Mesopotamia.  While grieving the end of her marriage, Agatha drew closer to Katharine and Nancy.  And she explored exotic Baghdad in the delightful company of Max. 

The Woman on the Orient Express is a wonderful escape-read.  While the protagonist Agatha is taking a break from her troubles in England, the reader travels through her eyes to a far-flung locale.  While the story is not a mystery per se, it is suspenseful.  Moreover, the author interwove fact with fiction.  Archie Christie did divorce his wife for another woman.  Agatha Christie truly mourned the end of her marriage.  Katharine Keeling was based on the historical person of Katharine Woolley, nurse and archaeologist.  In fact, Agatha Christie did travel on the Orient Express and tour the archaeological dig in Ur with Mr. and Mrs. Woolley.  Indeed, at the dig she met and later married archaeologist Max Mallowan.

If you’re as big of a fan of Agatha Christie’s mysteries as I am, this book is for you.

And you can find it in the catalog right here.

Fatale

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Fatale
Format: DVD
Who it’s for: Adults

This thriller will keep you on the edge of your seat from the beginning to the end! Do you know that a night of fun can become the worst mistake that you have ever made? A sports agent who suspects his wife is unfaithful is encouraged by his friend to have a one-night stand. This night of pleasure leads to dangerous consequences. He becomes a victim of betrayal, from the people that he adores the most. Not only does the lady that he had the wild night with turn out to be a detective, she has various issues of her own! If you enjoy provocative and suspenseful, psychological thrillers, you should watch this movie!

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The Project

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The Project by Courtney Summers
Format: Book, eBook
Who it’s for: Teens, Adults

Years ago, Lo’s sister Bea joined “The Unity Project.” The Project, as it’s casually known, is NOT A CULT according to its charismatic leader, Lev Warren, and his followers. They are a service organization, with centers for enrichment dotting the American north east. Warren gives a public sermon once a year, and has been known to predict world events, leading the faithful to believe the access to a higher power he claims to have is real. But Lo isn’t buying it.

When an opportunity arises for her to investigate The Project, she’s determined to unmask Warren as the charlatan she’s sure he is, and free her sister from his manipulations. But when she’s embraced by him and his movement, her doubt falters, and her defenses begin to crack. Does Warren actually perform miracles? Does The Project truly offer redemption? Or is it all just a dangerous façade?

The story is told through chapters alternating between the sisters, which can be jarring at first, but pays off, as it sets up a suspenseful and satisfying narrative journey, with twists and turns you won’t expect. The book features scenes of abuse, which may be troubling to some. Courtney Summers also wrote the Edgar and Audie award winning 2018 novel Sadie. Both books are at times unpleasant, but totally worthwhile explorations of family, truth, and identity.

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Micro

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Micro by Michael Crichton
Format:  Book
Who it’s for:  Adults

On the island of Oahu, a greedy and power-obsessed science mogul named Vin Drake has created a nanotechnology company.  A team of young science graduate students travels to Hawaii to work for Drake’s company.  Almost instantly when arriving on the island, the group gets absorbed in an elaborate scheme that contains cons, killing, and corporate greediness.  This results in Drake turning against the students.  They are shrunk to a size smaller than ants. In this reduced state, they must travel through the island jungle and face challenging obstacles, as the sociopathic Drake attempts to capture them and stamp them out.  I honestly could not set this book down.  This page-turning thriller has you on the edge of your seat from beginning to end.

Find it in the catalog!

 

One by One by Ruth Ware

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Title: One by One by Ruth Ware
Format: Book or eBook
Who’s It For: Adults

Liz wasn’t sure of what to make of a snow weekend retreat with ex-coworkers from “Snoop,” creators of an app to follow the music tastes of celebrities. Why would they include her? She wasn’t one of the bright and beautiful movers and shakers. Could it be because she was a shareholder? What did they want from her?

Erin and Danny were preparing the French Alps chalet for the scheduled Snoop guests. Erin cleaned while Danny cooked. Even though her brother and boyfriend were killed in an avalanche, Erin had to return to work at the chalet. She had to face her fears.

In spite of awkward clashes and an unexpected business proposition among the Snoop retreaters, Liz and Erin each manage with their own personal challenges. Yet when members of the party begin disappearing one by one after an avalanche, who could be responsible?

Sounds intriguing, right?  Read all about it here.

The Wolf Will Not Come

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The Wolf Will Not Come  by Myriam Ouyessad, illustrated by Ronan Badel
Who its For: Kids
Format: Book

It’s the end of the birthday celebration for Rabbit and time for bed. But Rabbit needs the answer to one burning question before sleep-“Are you sure the wolf will not come?” “Very sure”, Mom reassures little Rabbit. “The wolves are far away in the mountain woods”. But one anxious question leads to another. “There is a woods nearby, how can you be sure there is not a wolf hiding there?” asks Rabbit. “That woods is small. A wolf couldn’t hide there.” “But what if it knows how to stay out of sight?”. Question after question, as Rabbit imagines (with pictures to match on the opposite page) how a clever and crafty wolf could make it all the way to their apartment. Finally, “Goodnight, my Rabbit” says Mom and the room goes dark. Until… [Knock, Knock, Knock!] Who’s that? Is it the WOLF??? What do you think? This book filled with gentle French charm and mild suspense will keep your little ones guessing till the surprise ending.

Find it in the catalog