Review: Mary Engelbreit and Christmas

For me Mary Engelbreit and Christmas just go together. I picked up my love of this artist from my mom. She has liked her work for a long as I can remember and it was a tradition for us to get her a Mary Engelbreit calendar each year for her birthday. Which, incidentally is today. Happy birthday Mom!

So that brings in the Christmas part. But in looking around, there is LOT of Mary Engelbreit books that have to do with Christmas. Just Google her name + Christmas and you'll see what I mean. So for this post I have three mini-reviews of Christmas-y Mary Engelbreit books.

Believe: A Christmas Treasury

If I were an illustrator (which I'm totally not. Really. I can't even draw stick figures well) this would be the kind of book I would want to do. Believe is a collection of Christmas carols, poems, stories, and quotes that Mary Engelbreit picked out herself. Mostly it's poetry and carols, so it reads really quickly. Though this isn't necessarily a book you pick up and read straight through. There's more than enough things to read it as an advent style (one thing per night) or just read a couple pages every now and then. it's even got a handy ribbon bookmark to make that sort of thing easy. The one disappointing thing was that I wish the very few stories she has included had been more illustrated. They had a border around the outside but the huge blocks of text (no pictures) made them seem out of sync with the rest of the treasure. Other than that I have no complaints. In fact, this is the type of treasury I wish I had had at Christmas when I was a kid.

Shady Glade Rating: 9/10

Mary Engelbreit's A Merry Little Christmas: Celebrate from A to Z

If you've read Mary Engelbreit's version of The Night Before Christmas you're familiar with the character of Gregory Mouse. This book brings readers back to Gregory's mouse village to celebrate Christmas with a Seasonal Alphabet. Everything A if for Angel to Z is for the Zillion ways Christmas brings cheer. Each letter is presented in rhyming text and has accompanying illustrations. I have to say that I'm not a huge fan of alphabet books, but I did enjoy this one. There's plenty going on in each illustration to keep young eyes buys and the rhymes are cute. Perhaps not a shining star among picture books in general, but definitely among alphabet books as a group.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

A Very Mary Christmas: A Collection of Holiday Art

If you're looking for a book with mostly just art and no text, then this is the book for you. Here you'll find over 100 pages of Christmas/winter Mary Engelbreit art including a chapter on snow, one on Santa, and one on religious art. Some of my favorite Christmas prints are here and I've found a lot more that I love. I wish there had been an occasional artist commentary throughout the book, but maybe I'm just spoiled from other art books I have. I'm also not a fan of two page spreads in these types of books because the middle gets lost in the crevice of the binding. Other than that I have no complaints. This would be a great gift if you have someone on your list who is a Mary Engelbreit fan. It's a good sized book with lots of lots of her artwork. Plus the dust jacket has embossed snowflakes on it (you can't tell from the picture) that I really think add a little something to the presentation. Just remember it's pretty much about the art and nothing else.

Shady Glade Rating 9/10

Review: Holly Claus

The Legend of Holly Claus by Brittney Ryan and Laurel Long

The land of Forever (land of the Immortals) is ruled over by King Nicholas, better known to the world as Santa Claus. In the winter of 1878 Santa receives a letter from a young boy that asks Santa what he wants for Christmas. This simple act allows Santa to have his dearest wish granted, and the King and Queen of Forever soon have a daughter, Princess Holly Claus.

Holly's heart is the purest and gentlest in all the world, but a jealous sorcerer curses her heart to become frozen in ice, sentencing Holly to be forever kept in cold climates lest her heart melt. The gates of Forever are closed shut, and Santa can no longer bring Christmas joy to the world. It's up to Holly to take the matter in her own hands as she escapes to Victorian New York with her animal friends to once more bring joy to the world.

This book is has a very fairy-tale feel to it, which I think adds to the story. It can be a little cliche at times, but not necessarily in a bad way. I think that particular aspect would not be noticed so much by children readers. It is a hefty read though (600 pages) so it's not a great book for reluctant readers.

Despite its flaws, the premise is original and interesting and adds the perfect blend of magic and romance to the magic of the Christmas legend. Definitely a great read for fantasy readers looking for something a little different around the holidays.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

Now, the absolute best, best thing about this book are the illustrations that are sprinkled throughout the book. They are wonderfully beautiful. So when I found out shortly after getting the above book that there was also a picture book, I was ecstatic. My favorite thing about the book, the illustrations, were to be reproduced larger and in full color. Was there a disadvantage?

Keep in mind that I hadn't read the book yet at this point, just flipped through it. I went to Amazon to buy Holly Claus: The Christmas Princess (the picture book) and was surprised to find that although the novel had pretty much all 5 star reviews, the picture book had lots of negative press. Most of these had to do with the fact that there were gaps left in the plot of the picture book and too many questions were left over when it was over. But the full color illustrations were too much of a pull, so I bought the book anyway.

Keeping in mind the negative reviews I decided to read the picture book first. I'm so glad I did. Rather than be disappointed with the gaps in the picture book (yes, there are some gaps) I was delighted to find them filled in by reading the book. So I would definitely recommend if you're going to pick up the picture book at all, do it BEFORE reading the novel.

I'm not going to deny that there aren't problems with the picture book version, because there are. Mostly the plot gaps. That being said, the design of the picture is breathtaking. Seeing the illustrations larger made them all the more magical and they are stunning in color. I can see children falling in love with this book (the picture version) as a child and then discovering the magic of the full novel as they get older.

Shady Glade Rating: 7/10

Review: A Coming Evil

A Coming Evil by Vivian Vande Velde

Lisette is expecting her upcoming 13th birthday to be the best year of her life. Unfortunately, the day she turns 13 her parents send her to live with her Aunt Josephine. Because the year is 1940, and the Nazis are moving on Lisette’s home in Paris. Upon reaching Josephine’s house in southern France, Lisette immediately hates it, not only because she misses her home, but because she hates her bratty cousin Cecile and the motley group of children Aunt Josephine has taken under her wing.

Lisette escapes to the woods for refuge from the hated house, but the woods hold a secret of their own. There’s a ghost there, a young man named Gerard who lived during the fall of the Knights Templar (knights as in the Middle Ages). Although scared at first, Lisette eventually finds her growing friendship with Gerard comforting. And she’s going to need that comfort. The Nazis are closing in, and the secret that’s still hiding in Aunt Josephine’s house may cost all of them their freedom.

Although Vivian Vande Velde is known for her fantasy, this book would fall more into the category of historical fiction. The ghost element is the only fantastical thing here, and it is presented in a way that makes it more believable. I loved the way the author juxtaposed Gerard’s life in the Crusades with the life that Lisette herself was experiencing. The ending had plenty of action and although it was wrapped up a little too neatly, I did enjoy it while I was reading. I wish the author had given a little more reason why there was a connection between Lisette and Gerard, but that’s my own lasting complaint.

One of the best merits of the book is that it has a little bit of everything. There is plenty of historical detail, and Lisette definitely matures by the end of the story for readers who are into character over plot. The ghost element adds a nice suspense at the beginning, and then later morphs into just a hint of romance. Really, I can’t think of anything else to ask for in a book of this type. It could have benefitted from maybe just a few more chapters in length, but on the other hand if you’re wanting a quick and interesting read, this is the book for you.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

This post brought to you courtesy of Recommendation Week: Ghost Stories. Don't forget to nominate your own favorite ghost books by Friday!

Review: The House Next Door

The House Next Door by Richie Tankersley Cusick

When Emma’s best friend Val needs a date for the big dance, Emma turns to her twin brother Charlie for help. He reluctantly agrees to take her friend, as long as Emma agrees to a dare. That dare turns out to be spending a night in the very creepy, abandoned mansion next to the twin’s house. Though Emma is terrified of the house, she agrees to the dare.

What Emma discovers in the house is way more than she bargained for. There’s a ghost that still lives in the mansion, and he’s been waiting for Emma. It isn’t long before Emma, Charlie and Val are all trying to unravel the secrets of the house and its history. A history which includes a secret love affair and a mysterious fire that ruined the mansion. As Emma digs deeper she realizes that they need to solve the mystery fast. History is about to repeat itself, and last time it didn’t have a happy ending.

If you’re looking for suspense, you’ve definitely found the right book. There’s something strangely alluring about the thought of love from beyond the grave. Although it’s fairly apparent what’s going on to the reader early on, the author still manages to pace the book just right to its conclusion. Once you hit the climax the tale is resolved fairly quickly, and I certainly didn’t see the ending coming. I thought the characters of the neighbors were a little unnecessary, but they don’t really slow the plot down at all. Not the best ghost story I’ve ever read, but it’s definitely worth picking up.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

This post brought to you courtesy of Recommendation Week: Ghost Stories. Don't forget to nominate your favorite ghostly books by Friday!

Review: The Ghost Files

Ghost Files: The Haunting Truth by The Ghost Society

The summary for this one is pretty much summed up on the title page. It reads: "Ghost Files: The Haunting Truth. For those who are very practical about identifying, documenting, and classifying Apparitions, Ghosts, and Spirits from early men to our time. Or, how to see a ghost when you much prefer to look away and if you're very good, how to make contact."

So that pretty much sums it up. This covers the different types ghosts, ghost history, different ghosts from different cultures, and how to make contact with ghosts. Now before you get worried about the book, I do want to say that it's written for kids. In fact, it technically qualifies as a picture book (being all of 36 pages long. So really, it's not written to be scary at all.

The thing that makes Ghost Files such a fun book is all the little extras. It's got pull out letters, hidden text, pull tabs, moving parts, even a Ouija board (though that's not what they call it). Unfortunately, this is a book that you really need to see in person to appreciate it's complexity. The fun little extras make it great for kids, but I had a blast flipping through it too. Seasoned ghost experts won't read anything they don't already know, but if you're a ghost newbie, or just want to learn some interesting facts about ghosts, this is a good way to go.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

This post brought to you courtesy of Recommendation Week: Ghost Stories.

Review: Halloween in Pictures

To make up for my lack of promised Halloween reviews in the past two days, I'm going to do something a little different today. Those of you who are long time followers will know that I occasionally review books that aren’t YA, including picture books. Even though these are published for kids, not only kids can enjoy them. So I wanted to review some Halloween picture books I’ve come across lately. The problem is, there’s not really that much you can say plot-wise about a picture book. So rather than doing a review for each, I’m going to do several mini-reviews. So here we go.

The Banshee by Eve Bunting and Emily Arnold McCully
I actually picked this one up as a gig for a local newspaper I do reviews for. It sounded like a perfect Halloween story. It's about a little boy in Ireland (can't remember his name off the top of my head) who thinks he hears a banshee outside of his house. For those of you who aren’t versed in the supernatural, the banshee of Irish legend is a ghostly woman who is said to wail outside a house where there is an impending death. Naturally, this scares the boy silly because if it IS a banshee, then who at his house is going to die. In the end, it's a cute story about facing your fears. Not really my thing. The one thing that redeems the book is the illustrations. They are dark and murky, which perfectly complements the tone of the story. Overall, this is a great story for the subject matter: a banshee. Beyond that scope it's less than satisfying.

Shady Glade Rating 5/10

Queen of Halloween by Mary Engelbreit
This book is the Halloween installment of Mary Engelbreit's Ann Estelle series. This time Ann Estelle is all dressed up in the perfect fairy queen costume and is ready to get lots of candy. She learns a lot about bravery when she works up the courage to make her way up to ring the doorbell of the creepiest house on the block. But if you’re familiar with Mary Engelbreit you'll know that it really isn't that creepy. Not my favorite Ann Estelle story, but it was cute and I always love Mary's illustrations. Plus, this one comes with a Ann Estelle paper doll, which definitely gave it bonus points in my book.

Shady Glade Rating: 6/10

Halloween Night by Marjorie Dennis Murray and Brandon Dorman
This is essentially the Halloween equivalent of The Night Before Christmas. It’s written in rhyming text and features a whole bunch of monsters, witches, vampires, etc. getting their house ready for this big Halloween celebration. But the guest of honor (10 trick or treaters) run away screaming when they see the house. So everybody parties without them. It’s a cute book, and although it isn’t an original concept, the art was interesting. A great book for young kids who are eagerly anticipating the Halloween holiday. I could see this becoming an October tradition for some families.

Shady Glade Rating: 5/10

Cat Nights by Jane Manning
This is one of my favorite books of the bunch, just because it’s so original. Now although the main character is a witch, this is easily a book that could be enjoyed year-round because it’s not necessarily “Halloween” in nature. The story centers around the witch Felicity who is so excited to reach her 263rd birthday. Why? Because on this special birthday a witch is finally granted the power to turn into a cat for the night. Felicity loves being a cat, but her witch cousins are worried that Felicity might decide to use the spell one too many times. (You can spend 8 nights as a cat, but the 9th time you stay a cat). The three cousins attempt to intervene with some interesting results. In the end it’s a really cute story about learning to be true to yourself. Reading this made me want to turn into a cat too. Just for one night though.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

Halloween by Jerry Seinfeld and James Bennett
And last, but certainly not least is one of my favorite Halloween books of all time. Don’t be fooled by the simple title, or the fact that this is a picture book. I can confidently say that this a book adults can enjoy just as much as kids. It reads just like one of Jerry Seinfeld’s comedy acts. Jerry takes us through the childhood experiences of Halloween, including the ultimate quest for good trick-or-treat candy to what happens when that store bought superhero costume isn’t as great as you thought it would be. Kids will certainly relate to the situations here, and adults can chuckle as Jerry’s hijinks bring up memories of their own Halloween mishaps. Combine this story with illustrations that perfectly complement the writing, and you’ve got a real winner. Seriously. You need to check this one out.

Shady Glade Rating: 10/10!

And there you have it! I hope you found some books to dive into this Halloween. And if you don’t normally read picture books, that’s okay too. You are never too old for a good picture book.

Copy provided by the publisher for Queen of Halloween, Cat Nights, and Halloween Night

Review: Montmorency

Montmorency: Thief, Liar, Gentleman by Eleanor Updale

Grievously injured after falling through a skylight while fleeing police, a man known simply a Prisoner 493 has gained a second chance at life. A young and ambitious doctor named Doctor Farcett is eager to try and repair 493’s body, using surgical methods that are revolutionary in Victorian medicine. Farcett succeeds in saving his life, and uses Prisoner 493 as his promotion to the other learned gentlemen of The Scientific Society.

It is there that 493 learns about Victorian London’s new sewer system, an organization that hatches a brilliant plan. Once he is finally released from jail, 493 sheds his life of petty thievery, determined to use the sewers to help him escape his formally dismal existence.

After a few extremely successful jewelry thefts, 493 takes up residence as Montmorency, a highly refined gentleman who has taken rooms at the Meriman hotel in downtown London. By nights he still acts as Scarper, his manservant and accomplice in crime, still using the sewers to brilliantly execute his plan. But Montmorency’s new life is proving to be filled with it’s own set of difficulties, and it will only take one mistake for both of his lives to come crashing down around him.

Although it seems to have a simple appearance on the surface, Montmorency was nevertheless an enjoyable book. The narration is provided by alternatively following Scarper and Montmorency, a fact that I enjoyed, but may confuse younger readers. The plot manages to drop several surprises throughout the context of the book, enough to keep it moving at a pace that is still interesting while still exploring the setting fully. I enjoyed the thief-turned-gentleman idea, and I will definitely be picking up the sequels (when I get time anyway!).

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

Review: Half Human

Half-human edited by Bruce Coville

This collection of short stories is entirely unique. Containing nine short stories by some of the leading fantasy YA writers (including Tamora Pierce, Bruce Coville, Nancy Springer, and Jane Yolen) this book explores people that are not quite human, and animals that are not fully animals. You’ll find the expected selkie, mermaid, and boy with wings stories. But what about a princess who is half-dragon? Or a tree that has become human, but is still a tree at heart? An absolutely amazing variety is contained in these pages. The characters are torn between the situations, appearances, and emotions of two worlds and must learn how to find their place. I must admit that the illustrations for the stories are a little strange, but the stories are absolutely magical. So don’t let the creepy Photoshop pages stop you! A great collection, featuring a wide range of stories and viewpoints. Not to be missed!

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

Review: The Magic Hour

The Magic Hour by James S. Crowley

“ ‘I’ll come back as soon as they let me.’ Brian grinned. ‘Neat dream, huh? Flying all over town. Except it wasn’t really a dream!’ He waved good-bye and his image faded into the light…”

Born on Halloween, twins Eddie and Brian McCourt are practically inseparable. When Brian dies in a fall from their tree house, Eddie has a hard time accepting the fact that Brian is dead. Devastated by the loss of his best friend, Eddie’s has only one birthday wish this year: to see and talk to his brother again.

When Eddie talks to Brian in a dream, he is convinced that Brian is still alive. In addition to giving Eddie advice about helping his friends and neighbors, Brian urges Eddie to look for him “when time stands still” on Halloween night. The thought gives Eddie comfort, and he eagerly awaits the arrival of his birthday.

With the end of Daylight Savings Time, the clock strikes 1 o’clock twice on Halloween night. In an otherworldly experience during this magic hour, Eddie not only gets to see his brother again, but learns a valuable lesson in helping those around us.

Filled with cast of real and exciting characters, The Magic Hour is a enchanting read. In addition to Eddie and Brian’s story, readers learn about twin connections, Halloween customs, and how our actions can effect other people. Filled with humor, emotion, and even a tiny bit of love, Eddie journey is a truly thought-provoking story.

Recommended for readers 12 and up, although older readers and adults will probably gain more insights into the underlying messages. If you’ve been looking for a perfect Halloween read, then look no further. Autumn or not, this is a great book any time of the year.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

*Please note* This was originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below link will take you to the full body of my review found at www.yabookscentral.com

Click here to see the original review.

Review: To Dance

OK, so I'm really behind on reviews. In fact, this one is from the Cybils awards (which were in December!). Hope you enjoy it anyway... :-)

To Dance: A Ballerina's Graphic Novel by Siena Siegel

Siena was born to dance. At six years old she began to take dance lessons in Puerto Rico, before moving to New York. There she is accepted to the American School of Ballet, where she learns the new heights that dancing can take her. Follow Siena’s journey through the world of ballet, as this ballerina pens the memoirs of her childhood.

This beautiful graphic novel will appeal to both younger children and any person who has participated in the world of dance. The text (based on the actual events of the author) is simple, yet beautiful and makes a wonderful accompaniment to the lovely watercolor illustrations. It’s not very long, but just reading this book made me want to be a ballerina. These days, its often hard to find books that focus on the positive of the world of dancing. This book not only does that, but it shares that joy that comes from dancing with all its readers. Perfect for any dancer, check out To Dance!

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

Review: Walk Softly and Watch Out for Bigfoot

Walk Softly and Watch Out for Bigfoot by Anne Herrick

I saw ears pricked forward, quivering nostrils, blazing eyes. A huge brown creature hurtled toward us…we were being attacked!

I covered my face with my hands. There was a crash through the underbrush. Then…silence…

“Are you okay?” Neeta asked. “That deer really startled you.”

“Deer? Oh. Yes. The deer.” Cute little Bambi it was not.

Gwynne is a city girl through and through. Born and raised in New York City, she has the perfect summer plans to finally get her on the school A-list. With aerobics classes, personnel makeovers, and shopping sprees, nothing can stop Gwynne from becoming popular.

That is, until her parents drop the bomb.

Rather than spending a few weeks in LA while her parents spend their second honeymoon in Europe, Gwynne is being shipped of to a small Oregon town called Adler to visit her cousin Neeta. Gwynne, naturally, is shocked beyond compare. What is there in Oregon besides trees anyway? Is she doomed to spend her summer vacation trapped amongst tree-huggers?

At first, Gwynne’s worst fears seem to be confirmed. Rather than being interested in boys and makeup, all her cousin seems concerned about is saving some old forest from becoming a resort. Slowly Gwynne becomes accustomed to the small town life, and even agrees to go on a camping trip.

Camping turns out to be harder than she expected. No showers, no electricity, wild animals, and Bigfoot? No thank you! But when Gwynne learns to focus on other instead of herself, she ends up finding a treasure she never could have imagined.

Walk Softly and Watch Out for Bigfoot is a fun and quick read. For those of you city-dwellers who’ve ever imagined life away from all the hustle and bustle, the book offers a great look at what life in a rural town offers. Filled with plenty of humor, drama, and culture clashes, readers will also be surprised to find lots of facts about taking care of the environment. Recommended for readers 12 and up, especially those looking for a wilderness adventure.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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*Please note* This was originally posted off-site. Clicking on the below link will take you to the full body of my reviews found at www.yabookscentral.com
Click here to read the original review.

Review: Shabanu

I know I've been scarce lately, so I'm going to make it up to you by posting a new review. So here we go!

Shabanu: Daughter of the Wind by Suzanne Fisher Staples

Shabanu is the youngest daughter of the best camel herder in the Cholistan desert. Life in the desert can be very difficult. There has been a draught for several years, and without water to support the camel herd, the family will not be able to afford the dowry needed for Shabanu’s sister’s wedding in July. Blessed with rain several months early, the family is able to survive and sell their camels for a huge profit at the year’s fair. As Phulan’s wedding draws ever closer, Shabanu knows that their family will never be whole again.

Most of this book centers around what life is like in the Cholistan, making it difficult for plot summary. However, it offers a lyrical look at what life as a desert nomad entails. The culture presented is so different from what I am used to, and yet I found myself relating to Shabanu on many levels. The last few chapters are quite plot-intensive, making the whole book worthwhile for readers who are expecting an adventure. I truly can’t recommend this book enough, even if you just read it so you can read Haveli, the sequel.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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Review: American Born Chinese

American Born Chinese by Gene Luen Yang

An ancient Chinese hero, the Monkey King, wishes to lose his animal status and become revered as one of the Gods. An Asian American middle school student named Jin Wang struggles to become like his white classmates. All-American student Danny is plagued by the visit of his cousin Chin-Kee (a culmination of every negative Chinese stereotype possible) that he has to change schools yearly because of embarrassment.

At first, these three storylines seem to have nothing in common. However, American Born Chinese artfully develops each storyline, bringing all three to a satisfying and blended conclusion by the end of the book. Whether readers appeal to Jin’s struggles to fit in, or the almost sit-com-like situations of Danny’s life, everyone is bound to find something to relate to. I was even surprised by the blended ending, which I can assure you is not something that happens often! The art is clear and crisp, and presented in full-color, an interesting contrast to most of today’s graphic novels. A wonderful read, so don’t pass this one up just because you are wary of graphic novels!

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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Review: The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales

The Annotated Classic Fairy Tales, edited by Maria Tatar

Although this book might not necessarily be classified as YA, I enjoyed it enough that I just had to share it. I’ve always been a fan of fairy tales, ever since I was little. I loved the tales of fairies, magic, handsome princess, and beautiful heroines. But fairy tales were not originally written for children. Many of them are deeper and more complex than many of the Disney movies imply.

This volume of Fairy Tales not only presents the tales in their original forms, but it is annotated with new insights. There are 28 tales included, and each one is accompanied by beautiful and classic illustrations from the original editions. An introduction at the beginning of each story not only gives background on the story, but gives the reader a basic idea of the deeper meaning behind it. Although there are annotations, many of them are fairly short and uncomplex, fully enriching the tales by providing interpretations, insights, and background information for certain fairy tale situations.

If you’ve ever been a lover of fairy tales, this is not a book to miss out on. Full of all sort of new information, I promise you will never look at your favorite stories the same way again.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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Review: The Fifth of March

The Fifth of March by Ann Rinaldi

Guess I'm on a Rinaldi kick lately. Here's the latest of my reviews:

Fourteen-year-old Rachel Marsh is an indentured servant living in Boston in 1770. She serves none other than John and Abigail Adams as a nursemaid for their two children. As tensions between the colonists and the newly sent British soldiers rises, Rachel struggles to find a “place of her own” in the changing world around her.

Confused by the concept of “becoming a plain American,” Rachel is reluctant to have anything to do with the British private that stands guard outside the Adams’ house every night. However, soon she starts to get to know the solider, Private Matthew Kilroy, despite the persecution of the British soldiers. When the Boston Massacre arrives, Matthew is involved in the attack against the colonist. Now Rachel must decide where her true Place lies: her heart or her home.

Ann Rinaldi is one of the best writers of the historical fiction genre. Her characters are very real, and she uses a lot of dialogue rather than descriptions to set the historical scene. One of the characteristics about books concerning major historical events is that you already know the ending (for the most part). For example, when you read a book on the Titanic, you know the boat is going to sink. So even though I already knew how the book was going to end, it was still very enjoyable. Rinaldi’s writing turns major historical figures into regular people who the reader is able to understand and relate to. The book also contains a little romance for those who like it, but not so much that readers who don’t like love stories will lose interest. A great way to read about a more obscure (but still important) event in American history.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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Review: The Falcon's Malteser

Falcon's Malteser by Anthony Horowitz

The Falcon’s Malteser marks the first book in the new Diamond Brothers Mysteries series. The story follows the life of Nick Diamond (formerly Nick Simple) and the adventures of his wacky brother. Herbert Simple has been kicked off the police force and has decided to start his own private detection agency. Renaming himself Tim Diamond, he is eager to accept his first case from a dwarf name Johnny Naples. All he has to do is baby-sit a small package Johnny shoves into his hand for a few days. How hard can it be?

Nick and Tim soon learn just how hard. The next day, Naples is dead and Nick has to use his own smarts to get every criminal in London off his back. Several people want that package, and will stop at nothing to get it. As Nick digs deeper into the case he discovers that the package is the key to a fortune in diamonds left behind by the death of the world’s greatest criminal mastermind: The Falcon. With time running out and more and more people discovering who has the package now (Nick), the Diamond brothers have their work cut out for them.

This book was very good. I was very surprised to find that when I started to read, I was almost at once submersed in the plot. Pretty good for I book I picked up just because I had nothing better to read. For those of you who are fans of British literature, you won’t be disappointed. Originally published in England, this book has all the marks of a great British book.

With relatively short chapters, the pace moves fast, especially when the chapters end in a cliffhanger (which they do often). The novel is a spin off of the 1940s PI movies and also pays homage to the movie The Maltese Falcon with the spoof title It was easy to read, and kept me interested enough to make it to the end of the book. I can’t wait to read the next one in the series.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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Review: Body Bags: A Body of Evidence Mystery

Body of Evidence, Book 1: Body Bags by Christopher Golden

Ok CSI fans, here's one for you!

Do you find yourself constantly watching shows like CSI, Without a Trace, Law & Order, or the like on TV? Well here’s a book series that will satisfy those crime investigation cravings! Body Bags is the first book in the Body of Evidence series, a set of books that follows college student Jenna Blake in her work as a coroner’s assistant. Let's just say you know a book is bound to be exciting with a quote like this on the back: "The first day at college, my professor dropped dead. The second day, I assisted at his autopsy. Let's hope I don't have to go through four years of this...."

Jenna's biggest hope in life is to become a doctor. The only problem is that she becomes violently ill whenever she sees blood. Not a good trait for a medical student hopeful. Hoping to keep his daughter in the medical field, Jenna's father lands her a job interview with the local medical examiner…which takes place during an autopsy. Jenna gets the job, and begins work at Somerset Medical Center.

Meanwhile, a local Congressional aide goes insane and dies violently. When the medical center examines his body closely, they find his brain filled with insect larvae. Unsure what to make about the strange occurrence, Jenna and her coworkers don’t think much of the incident. That is, until one of Jenna’s college professors dies with the same symptoms and has the same larvae left in his brain. Coincidence mixed with murder is never coincidence. As Jenna digs deeper into the case, she discovers clues no one else has seen. Time is running out, and Jenna is the only one seeing the crucial connections. Will she be able to uncover the killer, or will she be next on the list?

This book is a great start to the series. Introductory novels often are slow and lack action due to the large amount of introduction that must take place (characters, setting, etc.) Here Golden manages to introduce likable characters and a realistic setting while still leaving room for the mystery. Suspense builds quickly, contrasting greatly with Jenna’s relatively calm college experience. Overall, an excellent book for mystery lovers, and CSI fans alike.

As a note: some of the descriptions of deaths and medical situations are quite graphic, so I would recommend this book for older readers.

Shady Glade Rating: 8/10

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