Books for February

I have every intention of reading and reviewing each of these in the next couple of weeks, but I know that it’s likely a longer timeline. So consider this a preview of things to come, and maybe some of these titles will strike you even without my commentary.

All images link to Goodreads page.

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Different Class by Joanne Harris 

From the publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of Chocolat comes a dark, suspenseful tale in the tradition of Patricia Highsmith about a sociopathic young outcast at an antiquated prep school and the curmudgeonly Latin teacher who uncovers his dangerous secret.

After thirty years at St. Oswald’s Grammar in North Yorkshire, England, Latin master Roy Straitley has seen all kinds of boys come and go. Each class has its own clowns, rebels, and underdogs—all who hold a special place in the old teacher’s heart. But every so often there’s a boy who doesn’t quite fit the mold.

So far, so creepy. I’m about halfway through this one and Harris is doing an outstanding job of dropping small clues and hints along the way, just enough to entice the reader yet keep me on tenterhooks.

Touchstone |  426 pages | ISBN 9781501155512 | January 2017

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World, Chase Me Down by Andrew Hilleman

From the publisher:

A rousing, suspenseful debut novel—True Grit meets Catch Me If You Can—based on the forgotten true story of a Robin Hood of the American frontier who pulls off the first successful kidnapping for ransom in U.S. history

“A kidnapper with a social-justice mission” (Time), Pat Crowe was once the most wanted man in America. World, Chase Me Down resurrects him, telling the electrifying story of the first great crime of the last century: how in 1900 the out-of-work former butcher kidnapped the teenage son of Omaha’s wealthiest meatpacking tycoon for a ransom of $25,000 in gold, and then burgled, safe-cracked, and bond-jumped his way across the country and beyond, inciting a manhunt that was dubbed “the thrill of the nation” and a showdown in the court of public opinion between the haves and have-nots—all the while plotting a return to the woman he never stopped loving.

This one showed up a few days ago and I can’t wait for the adventure to begin. I love a good Western, even more so when it pulls from true stories.

Penguin Books | 352 pages | ISBN 9780143111474 | January 2017

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A Cast of Vultures by Judith Flanders

From the publisher:

“There was every possibility that I was dead, and my brain hadn’t got the memo. Or maybe it was that I wished I were dead. On reflection, that was more likely.”

Usually clear-headed editor Samantha Clair stumbles through her post-book-party morning with the hangover to end all hangovers. But before the ibuprofen has even kicked in, she finds herself entangled in an elaborate saga of missing neighbors, suspected arson, and strange men offering free tattoos.

I’ve read Judith Flanders before but in a much different context. She has produced some of the most thoroughly researched texts on Victorian culture written today. I didn’t know she had an alter ego who wrote cozy mysteries. I’ve finished this one and expect a review soon. It’s a fun, easygoing community crime, like any cozy should be.

Minotaur Books | 320 pages | ISBN 9781250087829 | February 2017

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The Case of the Fickle Mermaid by PJ Brackston

From the publisher:

From the New York Times bestselling author of The Witch’s Daughter comes the story of Gretel, all grown up and investigating a series of mysterious disappearances off the coast of Bavaria.

Gretel—yes, that Gretel—is now all grown up and working as a private investigator in 18th century Bavaria. Her professional interest is piqued when she begins to hear whispers of mysterious goings-on off the coast of Schleswig-Holstein: sailors are disappearing, and there are rumors of mermaids and sea creatures and all manner of slippery, sea-based happenings. Ordinarily, Gretel’s interest in sea-life does not extend beyond that which is edible, doused in butter and garlic, and already on the plate before her. However, funds are low, and the captain of the ship Arabella makes a tempting offer of good pay and a free cruise in return for her detective services.

This is another series that I am only now discovering. This one just arrived but I can’t wait to dive in, as it were. It sounds cheeky and clever – a winning combination.

Pegasus Books | 352 pages | ISBN 9781605989464 | January 2017

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What are you reading this February?