February 2026 – Derby Public Library's Blog

What’s Ashley Reading?: Dead Mountain

Dead Mountain by Donnie Eichar

First line: It is nearly twenty below zero as I crunch through knee-deep snow in the direction of Dyatlov Pass.

Summary: In 1959 the Ural Mountains became the location of a mystery that has boggled minds for decades. Nine experienced hikers started an expedition meant to earn a hiking certificate but ended up claiming the lives of each member. In Dead Mountain a documentarian travels to the very location where the hikers died, studied their journals and photographs and spoke with some of the last people to see them alive. Told in a triple narrative interweaving the known moments of the hikers, the rescue teams efforts to find the students and the author’s visit to Dyatlov Pass over fifty years later. Through the reports at the time and advanced scientific knowledge, he tries to discover what happened on that fateful night.

My Thoughts: Years before I had watched an episode of Expedition Unknown where the host visited the site of Dyatlov group’s disappearance. Ever since seeing that it has been in the back of my mind as a wild mystery that I would love to learn more about. When I saw there was a book looking at the whole story I had to add it to my TBR list.

During our recent snowstorm in January, it felt like an appropriate time to pick this one up. From the very beginning, I was engrossed by the events in each narrative. I thought the way the author interwove all the different points and experiences together was the perfect way to consume the story. At first, I did not think I would care about the author’s trip but I came to find it essential because he was able to re-enact the trip and speak with people who were there in 1959. I cannot imagine how surreal it would be to retrace their steps.

Upon finishing it, I felt like I had more of an understanding of the mystery surrounding the hiker’s deaths. It is such a sad story but a fascinating mystery too. While it would be more interesting for aliens, Russian missiles or a yeti to be involved it is most likely something rather mundane. The conclusions reached by the author at the end seem more than plausible. If you love an unsolved mystery then you should try this. Maybe save it for a cold weekend in order to feel that atmosphere all around you as well.

The Blog Wants to Know: Feb. 2026

February is often a time to connect with a loved one, be it a friend, family member or partner. Whether you celebrate “the season of love” or not, this month’s blog question is sure to get you thinking.

This month, the blog wants to know:

If you could go on a dinner date (either romantic or platonic, your choice) with any character from a book, movie, or TV show, who would it be? What would you and this character talk about? What would you want to ask? Feel free to include more than one character if you’re struggling to narrow it down!

Maycie, Public Support Services: Romantically — Hello Mr. Henry Tilney! He is my favorite Austen hero. He is snarky, smart and he is an “excellent judge” of muslins so you know you can trust him.

Platonically — I think it would be very fun to have a night on the town with Merry and Pippin. You have to admit that they prove to know how to have a good time!

Kathy, Public Support Services: It would have to be Sean Connery and I would like to know what it was like growing up in Scotland and how he was selected to be the first James Bond.

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services: One of my favorite books and films is The Secret Life of Bees by Sue Monk Kidd and the character of August Boatwright is such a gentle, motherly soul. She’s a beekeeper, a caretaker for her sisters, and a truly independent woman. Every word she says is pure wisdom. I’d love to talk with her and soak in all of her loving energy.

Kristy H., Public Support Services: My favorite person in the whole world is Jim Carey. Since as long as I can remember (all the way back to In Living Color), Jim Carey has always been my rock. Whenever I’m sad or lonely or need someone, he’s there to make me laugh. Never a dull movie! I feel my happiest when I watch him or hear his voice. I would just listen to him talk and talk about him and his day. He’s truly the best person to have a drink or laugh with.

Baya, Youth Services: Book-wise, I’m going to a mystery dinner with my pal Nancy Drew. I would also thank her for three generations of reading—my grandma, my mom, and me. Film-wise, I would love to have coffee at Central Perk with Joey and Chandler. Chandler’s sarcasm is funny, and Joey is endearing. I think they would be really great F.R.I.E.N.D.S to have!

Shane, Public Support Services: I would go with Geralt from the Witcher series. It would be difficult with this character, but I would just want him to talk about being a Witcher and some of his stories of slaying evil creatures. Maybe if we bring Jaskier along, he can do most of the storytelling, accompanied with fantastic music!

Annalise, Public Support Services: I think I would go on a platonic date with Fran Fine from the TV show The Nanny. It’s one of my go-to comfort shows to watch, and I’ve always loved her fun sense of style! So I’d ask her all about her outfits.

Now it’s your turn! Let us know which fictional character you would like to chat with in the comments below!

What’s Ashley Reading?: Dollface

Dollface by Lindy Ryan

First line: My little sister collides with the open doorway of the master bedroom, skidding to a halt at the foot of the bed in a gust of chlorine and sunscreen and girl sweat.

Summary: Jill, horror novelist and mother, has recently moved across the country with her family to New Jersey. On her first day in the new house she meets her sweeter than sugar neighbor and PTA enthusiast, Darla. In one interaction is she is part of the PTA and meets the women who will become the victims of a serial killer stalking the town. As Jill tries to use her knowledge of horror to figure out who is terrorizing the PTA moms she starts to worry that she might be the final girl in a real-life horror story.

My Thoughts: When I finished reading this I struggled with how to rate it. I had fun reading it but there were a few things I found to be a little much. Starting with the good, I would say that this is definitely a good slasher book. There is gore and horror to the scenes with the serial killer. While these moments were a bit too much for me, others will definitely like them. I felt like the pacing went well and the story was not drawn out. I never thought it was boring and I wanted to pick it up each night.

Now for the negatives. There was a phrase that seemed overly used, “creaky-not-creepy house”, which just made me roll my eyes by the third or fourth time. The thing that made my rating a three rather than four stars was the fact that I was sure who was behind from early on! It seemed rather obvious and some of the big reveals at the end were not as shocking as they should be.

With all this said, I let myself enjoy the almost ridiculousness of the story and have fun with it. Fans of campy horror or slashers will like this very reason. Just enjoy and do not think too much about it.

FYI: Very gory!

**Release date is February 24, 2026. Place it on hold today!