New for Children
Pathfinder
by Angie Sage
Perfect for both established fans of the Septimus Heap series and readers coming to the world of Septimus Heap for the first time, “PathFinder” is the first book in the Septimus Heap spin-off series, TodHunter Moon. Taking place seven years after the events of the original Septimus Heap series, “PathFinder” tells the story of Alice TodHunter Moon, a young PathFinder who leaves her seaside village in search of her friend Ferdie. Rumor has it that Ferdie has been taken by mysterious creatures called Garmin under orders from the malevolent Lady.
Full of Angie Sage’s characteristic humor and heart, “PathFinder” introduces a new cast of young characters and a new kind of Magyk. All the beloved characters from Septimus Heap are here, too. .
Absolutely Truly
by Heather Vogel Frederick
An unsent letter in a first edition copy of “Charlotte’s Web” leads to a hunt for treasure in this heartwarming middle-grade mystery from the author of “The Mother-Daughter Book Club.” Now that Truly Lovejoy’s father has been injured by an IED in Afghanistan and is having trouble finding work back home, the family moves from Texas to tiny Pumpkin Falls, N. H. to take over a struggling bookstore.
With two older brothers and two younger sisters clamoring for attention, her mother back in school, and everyone trying to keep the bookstore afloat, Truly feels more overlooked than usual. So she pours herself into uncovering a mystery, chasing clues that could spell danger.
New for Young Adults
Clariel
by Garth Nix
This long-awaited fourth book in the New York Times bestselling Old Kingdom series by Garth Nix is a prequel, complete with dark magic, royalty, dangerous action, a strong heroine, and flawless world-building. Clariel is the daughter of one of the most notable families in the Old Kingdom, with blood relations to the Abhorsen and, most important, to the king. She dreams of living a simple life; but a dangerous Free Magic creature is loose in the city, her parents want to marry her off to a killer, and there is a plot brewing against the old and withdrawn King Orrikan. When Clariel is drawn into the efforts to find and capture the creature, she finds hidden sorcery within herself, yet it is magic that carries great danger. Can she rise above the temptation of power, escape the unwanted marriage, and save the king?.
The Perfectionists
by Sara Shepard
Ava, Caitlin, Mackenzie, Julie, and Parker are all driven to be perfect—no matter the cost. At first the girls think they have nothing in common, until they discover that they all hate the same person—handsome womanizer Nolan Hotchkiss, who’s done things to hurt each of them. They come up with the perfect plan to murder Nolan—jokingly, of course. They’d never actually go through with it. But when Nolan turns up dead in the exact way they’d discussed, the girls suddenly become prime suspects in his murder. Only they didn’t do it. So who did? Unless they find the real killer, and soon, their perfect lives will come crashing down around them.
New for Adults
An Appetite for Violets
by Martine Bailey
“That’s how it is for us servants. No one pays you much heed; mostly you’re invisible as furniture. Yet you overhear a conversation here and add a little gossip there. Then you find something, something you should not have found.”
Irrepressible Biddy Leigh, under-cook at forbidding Mawton Hall, only wants to marry her childhood sweetheart and set up her own tavern. But when her elderly master marries young Lady Carinna, Biddy is unwittingly swept up in a world of scheming, secrets, and lies. Forced to accompany her new mistress to Italy, she documents her adventures and culinary discoveries in an old household book of recipes, The Cook’s Jewel. Biddy grows intrigued by her fellow travelers, but her secretive and unconventional mistress is the most intriguing of all.
In London, Biddy finds herself attracted to her mistress’s younger brother. In France, she discovers her mistress’s dark secret. At last in Italy, Biddy becomes embroiled in a murderous conspiracy, knowing the secrets she holds could be a key to a better life, or her downfall.
Inspired by 18th-century household books of recipes and set at the time of the invention of the first restaurants, “An Appetite for Violets” is a literary feast for lovers of historical fiction. Martine Bailey’s novel opens a window into the fascinating lives of servants, while also delivering a suspenseful tale of obsession and betrayal.
The Teenage Brain: A Neuroscientist’s Survival Guide to Raising Adolescents and Young Adults
by Frances E. Jensen; with Amy Ellis Nutt
An internationally renowned neurologist, parent, and speaker demystifies the teen brain by presenting new findings, dispelling widespread myths, and providing practical advice for negotiating this difficult and dynamic life stage for both adults and teens.
