Pioneer Library System Librarian Kirsten Walker shares her top recommended reads. All of these titles are available for checkout from the Pioneer Library System. Stop by any of the 12 PLS branches or download the PLS Connect app to search for physical and digital copies of these titles and more.
Mudlark: In Search of London’s Past Along the River Thames (print, ebook, audio)
by Lara Maiklem
This book is a love story to history and, in particular, to the banks of the Thames River in London. Once I started it, I couldn’t put it down! The author goes out and searches for items that reveal themselves on the tidal river’s banks, and her dedication to preserving history and understanding the city that surrounds the river was astounding. I follow her on all social media, where she often posts photos or videos of her finds … it’s incredibly captivating!
Grave Reservations (print, ebook, audiobook)
by Cherie Priest
Leda’s job is a dying art—she is a travel agent. It’s a good thing she’s “lightly” psychic, then! Though her predictions may not always be accurate, she’s great at finding her few clients the best rate on flights. When she inadvertently saves the life of a Seattle PD detective, he enlists her help—unreliable or not—to solve a murder. This was a light, fun read that made me laugh outloud and featured great side characters.
Winter Counts (print, ebook, audiobook)
by David Heska Wanbli Weiden
This book is a terrific read in winter, as its bleak and stark tone match the season perfectly. Virgil is barely scraping by as an unofficial “enforcer” on his reservation in South Dakota. He is often the last resort for those in his community who can’t get justice any other way. But when his beloved nephew is found nearly dead from an overdose, Virgil decides to eliminate the threat to his family, but may be biting off more than he can chew. I loved the quick pace and twisty mystery of this book.
The Charm Offensive (ebook and audiobook only)
by Alison Cochrun
Dev works on Ever After—a fake dating show that tops the charts every season—and he should be immune to believing in true love. But it’s his dedication to the idea of the perfect romance that keeps the show on top year after year. Until he is given Charlie, the least likeable, and least likely hero imaginable. But is Charlie a jerk, or just different? As Dev coaches him through the show, Charlie begins to realize some things about himself. Will Dev coach himself out of the perfect man, or will they realize they’re perfect for each other?
