Pony Confidential by Christina Lynch Mystery * * * Stars (Pretty good) Penny loved her pony more than anything else, but she is separated from him at the age of 12 when a murder causes her family to move across the country and she’s forced to sell him. The pony is super salty about his treatment afterwards and vows to find Penny and get revenge. But in the telling of the story of Penny’s ultimate … Read more
Lonely Castle in the Mirror (manga series) by Mizuki Tsujimura & Tomo Taketomi Fantasy Manga Mystery * * * Stars (Pretty good) Kokoro and 6 other teens are chosen to visit a magical castle which they reach by traveling through mirrors. Ookami-sama (a girl in a wolf mask) greets them and explains that they have 1 year to find a key that will grant one of them their dearest wish. In the meantime, they can … Read more
Tell Me What Really Happened by Chelsea Sedoti Mystery Suspense Thriller * * * Stars (Pretty good) Maylee Hayes goes missing on a camping trip, and the police are trying to determine what happened to her by interviewing her friends who were there – Petra, Nolan, Abigail, and John. Each chapter is voiced by a different character in response to the questions they’ve been asked. Petra is Maylee’s BFF and she’s convinced that Maylee is … Read more
The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin Mystery Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “The Westing Game” by Ellen Raskin, revolves around the death of millionaire Samuel W. Westing and the unusual circumstances that follow. Sixteen heirs, who are all unconnected, are gathered to solve the mystery of Westing’s death to inherit his vast fortune. They are divided into pairs and given clues to unravel the mystery. Throughout the book, secrets are revealed, alliances … Read more
Ranger’s Apprentice series by John Flanagan Adventure Fantasy Mystery Review #1 * * * * * Stars (Amazing!) This series follows the adventures of Will, an orphan who is chosen as an apprentice Ranger, one of the skilled archers, trackers, and warriors of the King of Araluen. Will strives to keep the Kingdom safe from intruders. This book is an exceptional start to a thrilling series with vivid imagery, compelling character development, and impressive storytelling. … Read more
Lonely Castle in the Mirror (vol. 1) by Mizuki Tsujimura Fantasy Manga Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) Kokoro was horribly bullied by some girls at her previous school. The experience has left her exhausted, anxious, and afraid. Although she is transferred to another school, Kokoro still feels sick every time she thinks about attending classes. What if the girls return? What if they hurt her? While she’s home sick (again) she notices something … Read more
Lumara by Melissa Landers Fantasy Supernatural Mystery * * * * Stars (Great!) Talia Morris has been wronged by Mystics before and when she learns that her boyfriend, Nathaniel IS one and hails from Lumara, a famous Mystic island enclave, she’s a lot of things. Shocked, distressed, furious… But she agrees to give his family a chance when he invites her to attend his cousin’s wedding on the island. Things seem to be going well … Read more
What the Hex? Witches of Brooklyn bk #2 by Sophie Escabasse Fantasy Graphic Novel Mystery Realistic Fiction * * * * Stars (Great!) Effie is miffed because her friend Berrit made a new friend over winter break and has been completely ignoring her. It’s hard to compete with Garance, who is cool and French and a great artist. Everyone else seems to like her a lot. These sorts of mundane concerns are distracting Effie from … Read more
Good Girl, Bad Blood A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder #2 by Holly Jackson Adventure Mystery Thriller Review #1 * * * * Stars (Great!) “Good Girl, Bad Blood” by Holly Jackson is the gripping sequel to “A Good Girl’s Guide to Murder”. This mystery novel follows the pursuit of truth by amateur sleuth Pippa Fitz-Amobi. Pippa finds herself entangled in another perplexing case. When her friend’s brother (Jamie Reynolds) goes missing, it is Pippa’s … Read more
Killer Instinct Naturals #2 by Jennifer Lynn Barnes Adventure Mystery Thriller Review #1 * * * Stars (Pretty good) “Killer Instinct” by Jennifer Lynn Barnes is the gripping sequel to “The Naturals”, continuing the thrilling journey of Cassie Hobbes and her fellow talented profilers (The Naturals). In this book, the Naturals find themselves facing a new and dangerous challenge as they become embroiled in an unsolved case. This case involves a string of unrelated murders. … Read more