New books – Derby Public Library's Blog

What’s Ashley Reading?: Murder By Cheesecake

Murder By Cheesecake by Rachel Ekstrom Courage

First line: Rose Nylund whispered into the lemon-yellow telephone receiver, twisting the cord tightly between her fingers, her words obscured by the gurgling of the coffee percolator.

Summary: Picture it…Miami. Rose Nylund is planning a beautiful St. Olaf wedding in Miami but things are not going as planned. She is working against the groom’s snobby family and the fact that Dorothy’s date was found face first in a cheesecake in the hotel’s freezer. What else could go wrong? Well it appears that Dorothy may be the prime suspect in the man’s death since their one and only date was disaster. The girls are determined to clear Dorothy’s name, find the killer and make sure the wedding goes off without any more problems.

My Thoughts: Several years ago I binge watched The Golden Girls for the first time and absolutely loved it! Those ladies were witty and the show as completely ridiculous but it is perfection in sitcom TV. When I saw that we were getting a Golden Girls mystery series, I was all in. It was a cute, quirky and silly murder mystery. In all it was exactly what you’d expect from these ladies. The things they did while pursuing the criminal were outlandish and the St. Olaf wedding preparations were beyond kooky. It could easily have been an extended episode of the show. While is it nothing overly fantastic it fits perfectly in The Golden Girls fandom by giving all the silliness and wit of the characters that many of us love. If you love the show you will like the book too.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Sunrise on the Reaping

Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins

First line: “Happy birthday, Haymitch!”

Summary: As the morning of the 50th Hunger Games dawns, Haymitch Abernathy is among the group of children of District 12 who wait as names are picked as tributes but this year is different. To commemorate the fiftieth year, four tributes will be chosen from each district to compete in the games. As Haymitch hears his name called he is forced to believe that he most likely will never see his family or the girl he loves ever again.

Upon arrival in the Capitol he comes face to face with the people who are relishing in the deaths of children. As he becomes more familiar with the world around him his anger increases against those that are determined to keep the districts down. But what can a kid from District 12 do? Using his hope of survival, recklessness and drive to help those he cares about he plans to bring the Capitol and the Games to their knees.

My Thoughts: Ever since I saw this book announced I couldn’t wait to read it. I LOVED the original trilogy and enjoyed the other prequel, even if it was about Snow. I had to know what Haymitch’s life was like before Katniss and Peeta and I believe Suzanne Collins completely delivered. From page one until the last it brought me back to my love of the originals and gave me more to mull over as I decided I needed to reread The Hunger Games.

Even though I was dying to read this I made myself take my time. I read 30-50 pages a night rather than devouring it in one sitting. It was an emotional roller coaster. I had hopes of seeing other characters and this was exactly what we get. With each person’s introduction I had to set the book down and collect my thoughts on them and what this may mean to the story. But even with knowing how it’s going to end, I was still on the edge of my seat as I finished the Games portion and then the aftermath for everyone involved. It was everything I wanted from this book and more.

If you loved The Hunger Games trilogy and are willing to go back into the arena, then I would highly recommend picking this one up as soon as you can! It adds so much to the original trilogy and gives a whole new appreciation for those who help Katniss and Peeta throughout their story.

FYI: As with the original stories this one is filled with death, violence and other triggering themes but it also has a story of hope too.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Story of a Murder

Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold

First line: No murderer should ever be the guardian of their victim’s story, and yet this is the role of Hawley Harvey Crippen has always held.

Summary: Belle Elmore, wife of Hawley Harvey Crippen and vaudeville actress, was found buried in the basement of her home in July 1910. In Story of a Murder Rubenhold examines the women involved with the case and details out the events leading up to the arrest of Crippen for the murder of his wife. For years writers have placed the blame on Belle for her own death but Rubenhold gives back her story while breaking down the subjects of class, misogyny and the role of women in Edwardian society.

My Thoughts: As with The Five, Rubenhold gives back the humanity to her subject. Her latest work dives deep into the Edwardian world and the murder case that captivated the masses on both sides of the Atlantic. I had never heard of the Crippen murder which gave me no preconceptions going into the narrative. The story starts out with Crippen’s life, education, work experience and first marriage. As she builds on these points we see the path leading us to the winter of 1910.

I find Rubenhold’s writing to be superb. I easily get drawn into the story as if I was reading fiction. Belle was not perfect and Rubenhold doesn’t try to portray her that way. She had flaws but nothing she did gave Crippen the right to do to her what he did. After Belle’s disappearance I loved how the research showed her friends doing all they could to find answers. The persisted against the male dominated world to try and find justice for their friend. It shows how much this woman meant to those around her.

The other woman the author examines is Crippen’s mistress, Ethel Le Neve. What did she truly know about the events surrounding the death of Belle Elmore? As the evidence is laid out and the narrative given for years is challenged, it leaves the reader questioning Ethel’s role in Belle’s death. We are taken through Ethel’s life and choices on her way to meeting Crippen. This new insight into the case gives a whole new dimension to the woman who was only considered a bystander at the time.

I highly recommend this to anyone who loves a true crime story and women’s history. After reading it let me know what you think! Are you convinced by Rubenhold’s assessment or do you stand with the courts of Edwardian England?

FYI: This is currently only available on Libby. DNA research has been done on the remains and new eyes on this DNA research has come into the public eye again recently. Read the story here.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Boudicca

Boudicca by P. C. Cast

First line: For the rest of my life, when fog swirled in with the dawn, my stomach would tighten, and the small hairs on my forearms would lift.

Summary: In Roman controlled Britain, the local tribes are struggling to keep their autonomy. The Iceni tribe has a new queen, Boudicca, who is determined to not bend the knee to the occupying forces. After they are attacked and barely escape with their lives, Boudicca and the Iceni tribe gather their allies and plan a counter attack on three major Roman-held cities. As they prove their might through their victories they retreat for the winter and to strategize for the upcoming spring. However, the Druid seer sees that there is destruction in their future. With trust in her patron goddess, Boudicca and the Iceni hope to change their fate as the next battle with the Roman legions approaches.

My Thoughts: My interest in Boudicca and her rebellion are rather recent. Several years ago while visiting London I was able to visit the statue to Boudicca on Westminster Bridge. It is rather impressive as she looms over the bridge and raises her arms in challenge or maybe even triumph.

P.C. Cast brings the history and the woman who led an army against the Romans to life in her book. Boudicca was a fiery haired, powerful and passionate woman. She did what many men of her time would not have dreamed of doing. Through the narrative we see what led Boudicca on her mission to oust the Romans from Britain and the consequences of her actions. The story is not one that is easy to read, including the atrocities that were done to her and her daughters. As with many stories of war it is filled with death and loss but there is love and hope as well.

I found this to be an interesting first dive into Roman Britain and the Iceni rebellion. For anyone else who loves a strong female character and ancient history then I’d highly recommend picking this one up.

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Resurrectionist

The Resurrectionist by A. Rae Dunlap

First line: To hear my mother tell the story, my decision to abandon my studies at Oxford was enough to disgrace my father into an early grave.

Summary: James Willoughby has left his studies and life at Oxford for the chance at the new learning happening at Edinburgh University. In his hopes of becoming a surgeon he has enrolled in one of the private anatomy schools but it comes with a high price tag. Being short on funds he seeks employment with the school but the work is not exactly what he was expecting. In order to gain the specimens for the school, a group calling themselves Resurrectionists, are in charge of stealing fresh bodies from the cemeteries of Edinburgh. While not legal, the actions are necessary to the students seeking the knowledge of the human body and learn their trade.

However, there seems to be a new crew that has started to take over the body snatching market. This new crew seems to be able to procure the freshest of specimens and will not tolerate any competition. As James and his fellow Resurrectionists try to discover how they are pulling off these snatches they learn that this crew will even murder to keep their advantage. But they must do it before they are the next targets of the nefarious Burke and Hare!

My Thoughts: Until a few years ago I had never heard of Burke and Hare. These notorious “body snatchers” from the dark streets of Edinburgh were a big deal during their time. When I saw this book come across my desk I knew I had to read it.

I did really enjoy the story and the characters but I struggled with how loosely based on the facts the author was. So if you are someone familiar with the history then I recommend going in to this without too much expectation of historical accuracy. But the plot was interesting and exciting!

I thought the author did a great job bringing this dark underside of medical history to life. She explains the ways that families tried to stop body snatching from happening including metal collars, mort safes, tokens in the soil and watchmen but it did little good for many. It seems rather shocking that this happened but the laws around cadavers was very strict and the medical world was desperate. It definitely gives the reader something to think about in morality as well as innovation.

The atmosphere of the book is written well. It felt cold, dark and gothic. Just like the city itself. Having visited Edinburgh in April 2022, I was familiar with several of the locations mentioned in the story. As I read I could remember the cold, rainy days we walked up the cobbled streets and through the Closes all over Edinburgh’s Old Town. However, my favorite recollection while reading was our time spent wandering around Greyfriar’s Kirkyard. It is probably the best known cemetery in Edinburgh filled with old gravestones, mort safes and inspiration for several of J.K. Rowling’s characters. This place possesses a distinctly gothic atmosphere.

FYI: If you are looking for more information on Burke and Hare, I’d highly recommend the podcast episode, Burke & Hare: Scotland’s Most Notorious Serial Killers, done by After Dark on the History Hit channel.

What’s Ashley Reading?: Witchcraft for Wayward Girls

Witchcraft for Wayward Girls by Grady Hendrix

First line: Sit.

Summary: In St. Augustine, Florida, there is a home for wayward girls just like “Fern”, a young girl who is sent away by her family to deal with her shame in secret. When Fern arrives at the home she meets a dozen other girls in the same position. They have all been sent away to have their babies and forget that this ever happened. Miss Wellwood and her staff control every aspect of the girls’ lives because they believe they know best. That is until the day a librarian appears giving Fern a book on witchcraft and now the girls with no power have discovered that they can wield power against those who control them. But like with all things this power comes with a price.

My Thoughts: I have come to love Grady Hendrix’s books. He writes some truly creepy stories that don’t have to be bloody. And while he does that again here he also veers into something unlike he’s written before. Dealing with the stigma of unwed teenagers in the 1970s is a heartbreaking subject but I think he did it in such a great way. He shows how demonized the girls were and the lack of consequences for the male partner in the situation. In a post Roe era this really seems to be a book for the time.

Besides the horrible treatment of these girls he brings in a paranormal aspect too. The girls get their hands on a book for witches where they see a chance to gain some power in a powerless place. It seems rather innocent until they encounter other witches. From the beginning we know that the promises they make will not end well. Hendrix writes some absolutely spine-tingling scenes of suspense as the girls deal with backing out of their promises. I loved every word of those moments.

I found the characters very easy to sympathize with. The girls all had dreams but found that the world around them is tipped against them. The women around them seem to be there to help but many do not. It is a world that unfortunately was too real at the time. I would highly recommend this but be prepared to deal with some truly heartbreaking moments. It is not your normal Grady Hendrix but it is executed beautifully and worth the read.

The Blog Wants to Know: Jan. 2025

New Year, new books or perhaps the same books if you’ve got a to-be read list as long as ours. We’ve checked in with the library staff to see what some of those books and other materials might be.

What are some books/movies/TV shows you are hoping to get to in 2025? These can be new releases or items you’ve had on your read/watch list for a while.

Ashley, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: “For years I have owned copies of the first 2 books in the Thomas Cromwell trilogy by Hilary Mantel but never read them. This year I am determined to read the trilogy and re-watch the first season of the show before the final season airs in March on PBS. The books include Wolf Hall, Bring Up the Bodies, and The Mirror and the Light.

The TV series is Wolf Hall, season one was in 2015 & season two is 2025. Season one covers books 1 & 2 while the second season is book 3. This follows the life and career of Thomas Cromwell in Henry VIII’s court.”

Maycie, Public Support Services: “Two of my favorite authors, Sarah Adler and Rachel Lynn Solomon, both have new releases coming out this year, Finders Keepers and What Happens in Amsterdam, that I can’t wait to read! I’m also really looking forward to The Love Haters by Katherine Center and Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins.

I’m already fully sat at the movie theaters waiting to watch the new Paddington movie!! I’m also excited for the live-action How to Train Your Dragon and the second part of Wicked.

When it comes to TV, I’m just hoping we can finally see the end of Stranger Things and hopefully a season two of Percy Jackson.”

Kathy, Public Support Services: “I always wait for Nora Roberts to finish her trilogy to read them all so looking forward to reading her latest one this fall when the final book comes out.”

Miranda, Youth Services: “A series on Netflix I’ve been watching is The Empress. It’s a German historical drama loosely based on the life and marriage of Empress Elisabeth and Emperor Franz of Austria in the 1850s. A book I’ve started reading that I’ve been wanting to read for a while is The Girl in His Shadow. It’s a historical fiction about a woman who secretly assists with surgeries in 1845 London, a time when women were not allowed to practice medicine. A great read so far!”

Hannah, Assistant Director: “Season 2 of Severance! We’ve been waiting for 3 years!”

Shelia, Interlibrary Loan and Cataloguing: I am very excited to watch the movie, “Wicked“!

Alyssa, Adult and Teen Services Coordinator: “I’m so excited for the book, Wings of Starlight by Allison Saft. It tells the story of two characters from the Disney Fairies film, Secret of the Wings. I adore these films with Tinkerbell and her friends, and Secret of the Wings is my favorite of them. Wings of Starlight features Queen Clarion of Pixie Hollow and the Lord of Winter, Milori.

I also hope to re-read The Silmarillion by J.R.R. Tolkien again this year. I read it a few years ago, and I’d like to go through it again and take some notes. And, of course, I’m continuing my absolute obsession with Elin Hilderbrand. I’m looking forward to reading The Blue Bistro and Summer of ’69 this year.

Megan, Outreach Coordinator: I’m hoping to finish Gilmore Girls in 2025 (The first time watching it!). I’m wanting to start It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia. I’m hoping to get caught up on the In Death series by JD Robb in 2025! I’m only 6 or 7 behind.

Grace, Youth Services:

Books I’m excited for in 2025:

Onyx Storm, Empyrean #3 by Rebecca Yarros (the third book in the Fourth Wing series)
Earl Crush by Alexandra Vasti, which I’ve already read but am excited to get a hold of my physical copy and reread.
Finders Keepers (I absolutely ADORE Sarah Adler)

TV Shows:

Severance Season 2 comes out! I might have to actually get Apple TV+ for a bit, so I can see it. I haven’t had more fun not knowing what’s going on in a show since LOST.
‘Daredevil: Born Again’ on Disney+ – My husband, Eli and I have nearly finished all of the old Daredevil episodes (they aren’t very bingeable, I need a light and fluffy show or book after watching an episode). He watched Punisher without me and loved it, so we’ve both been looking forward to this!
‘Percy Jackson And The Olympians’ Season 2 – This is another Eli & Me show! We had a blast watching the first season. It’s refreshing to see a book series adapted by the author. The cast is fantastic, and he’s a bigger Percy Jackson fan than me, so we can both hardly wait for season 2!

Movies:

Captain America: Brave New World
Ballerina, from the John Wick Universe
Death of a Unicorn, which looks terrible and hilarious and absolutely not appropriate for children
Fantastic Four: First Steps (Joseph Quinn AND Pedro Pascal!)
Love Hurts (all I needed to know was Ke Huy Quan, and I will be seated. But also, the director is the stunt coordinator for Black Panther, Fall Guy, Violent Night, Deadpool 2, Dr. Strange, and John Wick. David Leitch is on the producing team, too, and he had a hand in all of those movies. I’m a HUGE fan).
Superman (Mrs. Maisel is Lois Lane, take my money)
Wicked: For Good. I can’t tell you how badly I am YEARNING for this (while also avoiding spoilers as someone who’s never seen Wicked all the way through because she was going to see it onstage first).

Justin, Technology Coordinator:

I am looking forward to:

TV—Andor: Season Two (StarWars)

Movie—Mickey 17 (Robert Pattinson)

Book—The Staircase in the Woods (Chuck Wendig)

Now it’s your turn, patrons! What books, TV shows, and movies are you looking forward to in 2025?

What’s Ashley Reading?: A Year in Review

This was a busy year for reading! I completed 112 books in 2024 but there were a few standouts that I would highly recommend. Below are my top 10 books I read in 2024!

Murder Road by Simone St. James
Middle of the Night by Riley Sager
The Familiar by Leigh Bardugo
The September House by Carissa Orlando
Funny Story by Emily Henry
Bride by Ali Hazelwood
We Solve Murders by Richard Osman
We Used To Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
Heir by Sabaa Tahir
The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

And I know that next year will have some great books for my TBR list. Here are the ones I am most looking forward too!

The Stolen Queen by Fiona Davis (01/07/2025)
Carving Shadows Into Gold by Brigid Kemmerer (01/28/2025)
The Ragpicker King by Cassandra Clare (03/04/2025)
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins (03/18/2025)
Story of a Murder by Hallie Rubenhold (03/25/2025)
Great Big Beautiful Life by Emily Henry (04/22/2025)
The Love Haters by Katherine Center (05/20/2025)
Kill Your Darlings by Peter Swanson (06/10/2025)
With a Vengeance by Riley Sager (07/03/2025)
Boudicca’s Daughter by Elodie Harper (08/28/2025)

What were your favorite reads of 2024? And what are you looking forward to the most in 2025? Leave us a comment!

What’s Ashley Reading?: The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year

The Most Wonderful Crime of the Year by Ally Carter

First line: It wasn’t until the elevator doors were sliding open that Maggie realized she was about to come face-to-face with her three least favorite things in the world: Christmas. A party. And Ethan Freaking Wyatt.

Summary: Maggie accepts a mysterious invitation from her editor to visit her biggest fan in England at Christmastime. Unbeknownst to her, Ethan Wyatt, her arch-nemesis is joining her and her biggest fan is none other than her favorite author, Eleanor Ashley. Upon arrival a snow storm arrives stranding the writers and Eleanor Ashley’s other guests in her isolated mansion. As they settle in for the holiday Maggie believes that Eleanor plans to name a successor, or that is until she disappears from a locked room. Now Maggie and Ethan have to try to find out what happened to Eleanor and avoid whoever seems to be trying to kill them before it’s too late.

My Thoughts: This was the perfect mix of cozy mystery with a holiday romance! I had such a good time reading and trying to figure out the mystery. I loved the chemistry between Maggie and Ethan which was enhanced with the tension and miscommunications.

I’ve seen many people comparing this to Knives Out and I feel that it is a good comparison but I would almost recommend it more on the feel of an Agatha Christie novel. It has all the things I love from her stories with the added enemies to lovers romance trope. Plus, it plays on the real life Agatha Christie disappearance.

One complaint I had was the cover. It is cute (kind of) but it could be much better! There are so many fun covers anymore with the cartoonish characters but this one just wasn’t as good. But don’t judge this book by its cover. It is perfect for Christmas time and it reads very fast! I would highly recommend picking it up for your holiday break.

What’s Ashley Reading?: You Better Watch Out

You Better Watch Out by James S. Murray and Darren Wearmouth

First line: Darkness had invaded Old Forge.

Summary: Eddie wakes up in what appears to be an abandoned town resembling Old Forge. The last thing he remembers is an elderly couple injecting him with a syringe while he was attempting to rob them. As he stumbles into one of the store fronts to escape the snowstorm outside he finds several others who appear to have been brought here under similar circumstances. The group cannot understand why or how they arrived here but they are determined to find a way out.

However, over the next few hours they realize that someone is watching them and the whole town is booby trapped. If they have any hope of surviving the night they need to find a way out of the town or discover who is hunting them in this Christmas village of horror.

My Thoughts: Well, this is not you normal Christmas book! It is dark, creepy and very bloody but I can say that it kept my attention the whole time. There was very little downtime in the story. The pacing was quick and keeps the reader from getting bored. From the very beginning I had Saw vibes, where the characters wake up in a strange place and they must play some twisted game to escape. And there is quite a big twist at the end which brings it all full circle.

The characters are rather undeveloped but the environment almost becomes a character on its own. It is a town that appears to be a work in progress or a movie set all decorated for Christmas, complete with a merry-go-round and Christmas decorations. It is a warren of traps in a quaint postcard setting.

My one complaint was that I basically figured out or guessed the twists. It took on some horror tropes but I still found it a thrilling read.

This book is not for the faint of heart. It has some rather horrifying deaths in it. I have seen my share of horror movies and true crime shows but this still made me a little queasy. But if you want something truly creepy for your holiday reading then I would recommend picking this one up!