Catherine Coles
Coles’ Notes
The staff of the County of L&A Libraries are avid readers and always eager to share their favourite books. Here we bring you a list of some of the reads we’ve enjoyed this month, including a clever new mystery, a charming coming-of-age tale, and the latest saga of a beloved character. Hopefully you’ll discover something that piques your interest!
Kristin recently enjoyed The Christie Affair by Nina de Gramont
“The Christie Affair is a fictional tale that concocts an elaborate backstory to describe where Agatha Christie went during her real-life 11 day disappearance. The author brings to light Mr. Christie’s mistress and highlights how this other woman in the picture should not be overlooked. The novel is narrated by Nan O’Dea, Archie Christie’s mistress, who is a complicated woman propelled towards her goals by rage, loss and grief. She will not let anyone stop her from getting what she desires even if it means stealing the husband of the Queen of Crime! What role could this calculating woman play in Agatha’s disappearance? You’ll find out in this engrossing, richly imagined, and inventive story that will transport you back in time, to when the world’s best-selling author went missing for 11 days without a trace.”
Amy suggests Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone by Benjamin Stevenson
“If you’re looking for an exceptionally fresh new mystery, you’ve got to try this debut novel by award winning Aussie stand-up comedian Benjamin Stevenson. Everyone In My Family Has Killed Someone is the perfect pick for you if you love clever whodunnits, a narrator with a dark sense of humour, a dangerous, dysfunctional family and a plot like no other. Reminiscent of classic murder mysteries in the vein of Agatha Christie and throwing every rule in the book for a loop, the author winks at traditional mystery conventions with irreverent humour and breathless suspense. If you loved watching Knives Out and Only Murders in the Building, you’ll want to read this book and the second in the series, Everyone On This Train Is A Suspect.”
Marg suggests The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman by Julietta Henderson
“The Funny Thing About Norman Foreman is a tender, charming and funny story. It is part coming-of-age tale and part family drama. Twelve-year-old Norman and his best (and only) friend Jax are a comedy duo in the making with high aspirations…they have a five-year plan to perform at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the world’s largest performance arts festival. When tragedy strikes, distraught Norman loses the will to continue on their quest. With lots of encouragement from his mother and her elderly co-worker friend Leonard, Norman begins to realize that his goal might indeed be attainable. Charismatic Norman, supported by a delightful and quirky cast of characters will keep you entertained in this unforgettable, uplifting story.”
Patricia suggests Dirty Thirty by Janet Evanovich
“The Stephanie Plum series began in 1993 with the publication of One for the Money and now readers can enjoy Dirty Thirty. Yes, 30 books that have made me laugh tears of joy, roll my eyes, and have a book crush on Ranger. Stephanie Plum and her band of characters get into the most ridiculous situations that keep fans coming back for more. In Dirty Thirty, Stephanie is hired by local jeweler Martin Rabner to find his missing security guard Nutsy who is suspected to be the robber of his jewelry store. Stephanie finds Nutsy but ends up moving him in to her apartment for his safety. Lula moves also in after her apartment is burned. This is way too many people in her small apartment so Stephanie moves in with Ranger (and Bob). As the story unfolds there are hospital hijinks, veterinary visits, cat capers, stun gun usages and failed attempts to catch bail skips.”
Jennifer suggests Black Friend by Ziwe Fumudoh
“Known for her candid style, African American comedian and writer Ziwe Fumudoh offers her trademark satirical commentary on culture in this collection of humorous essays. For those unfamiliar with Ziwe, her ‘cringe comedy’ has propelled her to renown via a late-night talk show, podcast, Instagram interviews, and other media productions. Just like the rest of her work, Black Friend firmly places white audiences in the discomfort zone. Ziwe draws on personal experiences as a Black woman as well as broader social trends to lead uncomfortable conversations using comedy. Her biting reflections prompt us to laugh about race while still acknowledging its complexity.”
All of these titles can be reserved from your branch of the County of Lennox & Addington Libraries or online at CountyLibrary.ca