BookAwards.com
Award-Winning Books from Today's Best Authors
A Free Resource for Book Lovers, Authors, Agents, Publishers and Journalists
Recommend this book:
Haunt
Book One
Nichole Calabrese
2024 Finalist
400 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Leah Gonzalez for Readers' Favorite
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese centers around Gemma Leclair who can see and speak with ghosts. It’s a secret she keeps from everyone, especially the dead themselves. This makes it hard for her to feel and act like a normal teenager. After almost failing school, she moves back to Sage County to live with her grandfather. It’s her last chance to get her act together and she’s determined to make it work. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy when her new high school has its own share of ghosts, including an unknown girl who catches Gemma’s interest. When she discovers there’s no record anywhere of this girl dying, Gemma takes it upon herself to discover her identity and what happened to her, all while trying to keep her secret from coming out.
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese is an engaging paranormal mystery with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. I enjoyed this book. Haunt is an easy read that moves at a nice pace. Gemma is a well-written character and the author does a great job of immersing the reader in what she experiences whenever she encounters a ghost. You can really feel her inner turmoil and struggle to control her emotions and physical reactions. Her experience of trying to navigate a new school and new friends is a relatable one. The mystery of the unknown dead girl makes for a gripping plot that keeps you interested until the end. Overall, Haunt is a good series starter and perfect for readers who love ghost stories and mysteries.
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese centers around Gemma Leclair who can see and speak with ghosts. It’s a secret she keeps from everyone, especially the dead themselves. This makes it hard for her to feel and act like a normal teenager. After almost failing school, she moves back to Sage County to live with her grandfather. It’s her last chance to get her act together and she’s determined to make it work. Unfortunately, it’s not so easy when her new high school has its own share of ghosts, including an unknown girl who catches Gemma’s interest. When she discovers there’s no record anywhere of this girl dying, Gemma takes it upon herself to discover her identity and what happened to her, all while trying to keep her secret from coming out.
Haunt by Nichole Calabrese is an engaging paranormal mystery with interesting characters and an intriguing storyline. I enjoyed this book. Haunt is an easy read that moves at a nice pace. Gemma is a well-written character and the author does a great job of immersing the reader in what she experiences whenever she encounters a ghost. You can really feel her inner turmoil and struggle to control her emotions and physical reactions. Her experience of trying to navigate a new school and new friends is a relatable one. The mystery of the unknown dead girl makes for a gripping plot that keeps you interested until the end. Overall, Haunt is a good series starter and perfect for readers who love ghost stories and mysteries.
Recommend this book:
Finding Fionn
A Mystery Inspired by the Kidnapping of the Irish Racehorse Shergar
M.J. Evans
2024 Honorable Mention
315 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Carmen Tenorio for Readers' Favorite
Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans centers on the search for Fionn MacCool, a champion and renowned racehorse who became Ireland's national treasure. Fionn's elite position was also much a result of Patrick McCallin's abilities as the jockey who guided him to victory and success. One chilly February night, Fionn was suddenly taken hostage, and a hefty ransom was requested for his release. Sadly, his owner was unwilling to pay. The entire country was devastated, and the horse's heartbroken rider, Patrick, also began to worry about Fionn's safety. He set off on a mission to look for Fionn, along with the aid and encouragement of his close friends and schoolmates. Despite the news, hazards, and concerns associated with the risky scenario, they remained unwavering in believing they would eventually find Fionn alive and well. Will Patrick and his crew be able to unravel the mystery of Fionn's abduction, locate and free him from his captors?
Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans, based on the true-to-life circumstances of the champion Irish racehorse Shergar, is an organized and well-researched novel that leaves no stone unturned. Character development for main and supporting players is multidimensional, relatable, and memorable. Along with the author's skill in exploring details and possibilities in a scene, seeing the progressive changes in the characters and how they influence the plotline also adds to sustaining interest, excitement, and drama, which keeps the reader hooked. The pacing and story build-up are moderate, and the occasional parts with some action and cliffhanger suspense are not overwhelming. The chapters aren't too long, and the language level isn't complicated, making it appealing to young readers. The unexpected plot twist truly gives the reader the extent of the complexity of the scenario. M.J. Evans is a talented author who offers more than just a tale about a famous racehorse. She offers the reader a thorough and realistic impression of what Irish culture is. Recommended for young adult readers and mystery buffs.
Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans centers on the search for Fionn MacCool, a champion and renowned racehorse who became Ireland's national treasure. Fionn's elite position was also much a result of Patrick McCallin's abilities as the jockey who guided him to victory and success. One chilly February night, Fionn was suddenly taken hostage, and a hefty ransom was requested for his release. Sadly, his owner was unwilling to pay. The entire country was devastated, and the horse's heartbroken rider, Patrick, also began to worry about Fionn's safety. He set off on a mission to look for Fionn, along with the aid and encouragement of his close friends and schoolmates. Despite the news, hazards, and concerns associated with the risky scenario, they remained unwavering in believing they would eventually find Fionn alive and well. Will Patrick and his crew be able to unravel the mystery of Fionn's abduction, locate and free him from his captors?
Finding Fionn by M.J. Evans, based on the true-to-life circumstances of the champion Irish racehorse Shergar, is an organized and well-researched novel that leaves no stone unturned. Character development for main and supporting players is multidimensional, relatable, and memorable. Along with the author's skill in exploring details and possibilities in a scene, seeing the progressive changes in the characters and how they influence the plotline also adds to sustaining interest, excitement, and drama, which keeps the reader hooked. The pacing and story build-up are moderate, and the occasional parts with some action and cliffhanger suspense are not overwhelming. The chapters aren't too long, and the language level isn't complicated, making it appealing to young readers. The unexpected plot twist truly gives the reader the extent of the complexity of the scenario. M.J. Evans is a talented author who offers more than just a tale about a famous racehorse. She offers the reader a thorough and realistic impression of what Irish culture is. Recommended for young adult readers and mystery buffs.
Recommend this book:
The Year I Lived Twice
A Time Loop Mystery
Alex Woolf
2024 Bronze Medal
276 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Manik Chaturmutha for Readers' Favorite
The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is a time loop mystery that tells the story of Jason Harris, the protagonist, who experiences a time loop after the tragic death of his younger brother, Archie. As the family struggles to cope with the loss during Christmas, Jason falls while adjusting the tree and wakes up a year earlier. From that moment, he realizes the mistakes he made in the past and vows to make the best of his time with his siblings, especially Archie. He also tries to mend his relationship with his best friend Leo, who died along with Archie in the original timeline.
The book is divided into four parts, each adding a new twist and keeping the reader engaged. It explores themes of grief, romance, fraternal love, second chances, and friendship. The author skillfully builds suspense around a murder mystery while also examining the relationship between siblings and how the protagonist improves it in the new timeline. The plot is mysterious, with every answer we might have guessed being discarded as new facts are revealed. The author also delves deep into the works of Russian authors who wrote about the pain and regret of choices. The story follows the theory that the choices we make have a significant impact on our future. One can only regret after making a choice, as it cannot be undone. The best thing to do is to savor every moment. The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is well-written and satisfying. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories with time loops and murder mysteries.
The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is a time loop mystery that tells the story of Jason Harris, the protagonist, who experiences a time loop after the tragic death of his younger brother, Archie. As the family struggles to cope with the loss during Christmas, Jason falls while adjusting the tree and wakes up a year earlier. From that moment, he realizes the mistakes he made in the past and vows to make the best of his time with his siblings, especially Archie. He also tries to mend his relationship with his best friend Leo, who died along with Archie in the original timeline.
The book is divided into four parts, each adding a new twist and keeping the reader engaged. It explores themes of grief, romance, fraternal love, second chances, and friendship. The author skillfully builds suspense around a murder mystery while also examining the relationship between siblings and how the protagonist improves it in the new timeline. The plot is mysterious, with every answer we might have guessed being discarded as new facts are revealed. The author also delves deep into the works of Russian authors who wrote about the pain and regret of choices. The story follows the theory that the choices we make have a significant impact on our future. One can only regret after making a choice, as it cannot be undone. The best thing to do is to savor every moment. The Year I Lived Twice by Alex Woolf is well-written and satisfying. It is highly recommended for readers who enjoy stories with time loops and murder mysteries.
Recommend this book:
![](http://pinterest.com/pin/create/button/?url=/book-award/little-green-man&media=https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41ODWzVICtL._SL442_.jpg._AA200_.jpg&description=Birdie Buckley has seen enough photos of floating orbs and weird shooting stars to believe that there's UFO activity in the mountains. She keeps her secrets to herself but dares to tell the new guy in her space class about it, who expresses interest in going to "the spot." Thus begins the hunt for aliens. However, Birdie doesn't have a vibrant soci...){kind=link}
Little Green Man
Shanti Hershenson
2024 Silver Medal
436 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Foluso Falaye for Readers' Favorite
Birdie Buckley has seen enough photos of floating orbs and weird shooting stars to believe that there's UFO activity in the mountains. She keeps her secrets to herself but dares to tell the new guy in her space class about it, who expresses interest in going to "the spot." Thus begins the hunt for aliens. However, Birdie doesn't have a vibrant social life, and her extraterrestrial hobby is not exactly great for her reputation. As she faces the discomfort of public scrutiny, Birdie must come to terms with the inevitable consequences of her extraterrestrial quest. Shanti Hershenson's Little Green Man is a spellbinding tale about a girl on a dangerous mission to find aliens. From being stranded on the road to embarking on a daring trip and facing life-threatening dangers, Birdie's hunt for aliens leads her on a path of perilous and compelling adventure.
The intriguing alien clues and snippets are designed to spark your curiosity and compel you to search for answers. While reading, I was very eager to find out if aliens truly existed and why some characters seemed quite mysterious. Birdie is the chatty protagonist you can't help but like and root for. I was drawn to her introspective first-person viewpoint and the adorable traits that make her appear real, such as her need to play music to keep her awake on a two-hour drive. Prepare for a captivating portrayal of bullying, rivalry, slander, and other dramatic high school themes. Ultimately, the gripping suspense and compelling characters will keep you turning the pages excitedly throughout. Author Shanti Hershenson is skilled enough to rank among the top veteran authors, which is proven by the phenomenal storytelling in Little Green Man.
Birdie Buckley has seen enough photos of floating orbs and weird shooting stars to believe that there's UFO activity in the mountains. She keeps her secrets to herself but dares to tell the new guy in her space class about it, who expresses interest in going to "the spot." Thus begins the hunt for aliens. However, Birdie doesn't have a vibrant social life, and her extraterrestrial hobby is not exactly great for her reputation. As she faces the discomfort of public scrutiny, Birdie must come to terms with the inevitable consequences of her extraterrestrial quest. Shanti Hershenson's Little Green Man is a spellbinding tale about a girl on a dangerous mission to find aliens. From being stranded on the road to embarking on a daring trip and facing life-threatening dangers, Birdie's hunt for aliens leads her on a path of perilous and compelling adventure.
The intriguing alien clues and snippets are designed to spark your curiosity and compel you to search for answers. While reading, I was very eager to find out if aliens truly existed and why some characters seemed quite mysterious. Birdie is the chatty protagonist you can't help but like and root for. I was drawn to her introspective first-person viewpoint and the adorable traits that make her appear real, such as her need to play music to keep her awake on a two-hour drive. Prepare for a captivating portrayal of bullying, rivalry, slander, and other dramatic high school themes. Ultimately, the gripping suspense and compelling characters will keep you turning the pages excitedly throughout. Author Shanti Hershenson is skilled enough to rank among the top veteran authors, which is proven by the phenomenal storytelling in Little Green Man.
Recommend this book:
The Poison Dart
Debbie Bradley Crime Mysteries
Geri Dreiling
2024 Gold Medal
414 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Asher Syed for Readers' Favorite
The Poison Dart by Geri Dreiling is a crime novel in which journalist Debbie Bradley, who is known by her famed “Crime Beat Girl” moniker, investigates a drug overdose case involving the son of a prominent St. Louis family. As she digs into the lives impacted by the incident, she uncovers startling connections and finds herself entangled with a dangerous drug ring operating in her city. It's up to Debbie to piece it all together, and as this is done, the author sheds light on the very real heroin and fentanyl crisis gripping the Midwest, portraying the struggles of characters like J.R., who is ensnared by a ruthless cartel to produce the drugs or pay the ultimate price. Through her investigation, Bradley must balance the desire for truth and justice and the looming threat of familial destruction against a beast of a deadly operation that has no qualms about the crime and addiction their products cause.
Geri Dreiling's The Poison Dart is the second book in her Debbie Bradley Crime Mysteries series, the first being the acclaimed Crime Beat Girl. Both books read as standalones, but the series is so good that missing book one is really just robbing oneself. Dreiling's writing is exceptional, and while I felt like I knew Debbie going in, Dreiling's ability to flesh her and those around her out even more is a testament to her skill as a writer. There is a delicate balance that must be met when a plot revolves around addiction, and the author treads this carefully and with the compassion needed for the victims to really feel like victims. She keeps the human element of the human condition at the forefront, and it is part of what makes Dreiling so credible as a crime writer. This is an intelligently written, deeply immersive, raw, and completely engrossing book, and I am, hand over heart, a happy Debbie Bradley fanboy. Very highly recommended.
The Poison Dart by Geri Dreiling is a crime novel in which journalist Debbie Bradley, who is known by her famed “Crime Beat Girl” moniker, investigates a drug overdose case involving the son of a prominent St. Louis family. As she digs into the lives impacted by the incident, she uncovers startling connections and finds herself entangled with a dangerous drug ring operating in her city. It's up to Debbie to piece it all together, and as this is done, the author sheds light on the very real heroin and fentanyl crisis gripping the Midwest, portraying the struggles of characters like J.R., who is ensnared by a ruthless cartel to produce the drugs or pay the ultimate price. Through her investigation, Bradley must balance the desire for truth and justice and the looming threat of familial destruction against a beast of a deadly operation that has no qualms about the crime and addiction their products cause.
Geri Dreiling's The Poison Dart is the second book in her Debbie Bradley Crime Mysteries series, the first being the acclaimed Crime Beat Girl. Both books read as standalones, but the series is so good that missing book one is really just robbing oneself. Dreiling's writing is exceptional, and while I felt like I knew Debbie going in, Dreiling's ability to flesh her and those around her out even more is a testament to her skill as a writer. There is a delicate balance that must be met when a plot revolves around addiction, and the author treads this carefully and with the compassion needed for the victims to really feel like victims. She keeps the human element of the human condition at the forefront, and it is part of what makes Dreiling so credible as a crime writer. This is an intelligently written, deeply immersive, raw, and completely engrossing book, and I am, hand over heart, a happy Debbie Bradley fanboy. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry
Rebecca Laxton
2023 Finalist
252 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by David Korson for Readers' Favorite
Rebecca Laxton’s The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is a contemporary page-turner that will resonate strongly with younger audiences. Emma and her friend Sophie are young teens who enjoy skateboarding, art, and, perhaps most of all, butterflies. In fact, as members of the Environmental Club, they can often be found planting flowers to help enhance the local monarch butterfly garden. However, Emma's love for the environment is tested when a celebrity family convinces many in the town that the economic boon from their planned ski resort is more than worth any damage it will cause to the local ecosystem. Torn between her blossoming relationship with the social media icon Jeb Scott and her deep love of nature, Emma must sort out her feelings to make the right decisions.
With an upbeat writing style, Rebecca Laxton crafts authentic characters that will make you cringe at the awkward moments when Emma meets Jeb, root for her friendship with Sophie, and cheer on her fight against a townful of opponents. In this heartening story of transformation, whether Emma is managing change in the community, change among friends, or within, she finds herself in numerous situations where she must adapt. The primary coming-of-age storyline is enhanced by an aura of paranormal mystery and a lighthearted romance, though neither strays from the book’s fresh and crisp, family-friendly tone. The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is an entertaining and rewarding book about personal growth, the value of friendship, environmental awareness, and standing up for what is right.
Rebecca Laxton’s The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is a contemporary page-turner that will resonate strongly with younger audiences. Emma and her friend Sophie are young teens who enjoy skateboarding, art, and, perhaps most of all, butterflies. In fact, as members of the Environmental Club, they can often be found planting flowers to help enhance the local monarch butterfly garden. However, Emma's love for the environment is tested when a celebrity family convinces many in the town that the economic boon from their planned ski resort is more than worth any damage it will cause to the local ecosystem. Torn between her blossoming relationship with the social media icon Jeb Scott and her deep love of nature, Emma must sort out her feelings to make the right decisions.
With an upbeat writing style, Rebecca Laxton crafts authentic characters that will make you cringe at the awkward moments when Emma meets Jeb, root for her friendship with Sophie, and cheer on her fight against a townful of opponents. In this heartening story of transformation, whether Emma is managing change in the community, change among friends, or within, she finds herself in numerous situations where she must adapt. The primary coming-of-age storyline is enhanced by an aura of paranormal mystery and a lighthearted romance, though neither strays from the book’s fresh and crisp, family-friendly tone. The Metamorphosis of Emma Murry is an entertaining and rewarding book about personal growth, the value of friendship, environmental awareness, and standing up for what is right.
Recommend this book:
Deception of One
Donovan Smith
2023 Honorable Mention
205 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Angela Moss for Readers' Favorite
Deception of One by Donovan Smith is a gritty whodunit with plenty of suspense. The story introduces Detective Charles Wilson, a worn-out detective with little going on except his all-consuming career. Stuck at work late, he is ordered to investigate a disturbance at an abandoned home. Little does he know that the grisly murder scene that awaits him will horrify him and the entire police force. Wilson and his partner, Cassidy Stewart, follow the leads until the clues stop making sense. The partners soon realize their prime suspects have disappeared, seemingly one step ahead of the law. Wilson quickly concludes that something far more sinister than he and Stewart thought may be at play, and he is the only one with enough access to the crime scenes to put the puzzle together.
Deception of One is a fun, fast mystery read. Donovan Smith captures your attention early and holds it through the entire book. The clues come quickly and easily (sometimes too easily), and each pulls the reader further into solving the crime. Smith takes his time to immerse the reader in his detective's world. The details of the crime are well described, leaving just enough to the imagination while conveying the horrific nature of the act. Smith does a remarkable job of bringing to life the relationship between the role players through rich depictions of their interactions. This continues with the refreshingly natural dialog laden with snarky yet supportive sarcasm that seems right for his characters. This young adult novel is perfect for the mystery lover looking for a quick escape.
Deception of One by Donovan Smith is a gritty whodunit with plenty of suspense. The story introduces Detective Charles Wilson, a worn-out detective with little going on except his all-consuming career. Stuck at work late, he is ordered to investigate a disturbance at an abandoned home. Little does he know that the grisly murder scene that awaits him will horrify him and the entire police force. Wilson and his partner, Cassidy Stewart, follow the leads until the clues stop making sense. The partners soon realize their prime suspects have disappeared, seemingly one step ahead of the law. Wilson quickly concludes that something far more sinister than he and Stewart thought may be at play, and he is the only one with enough access to the crime scenes to put the puzzle together.
Deception of One is a fun, fast mystery read. Donovan Smith captures your attention early and holds it through the entire book. The clues come quickly and easily (sometimes too easily), and each pulls the reader further into solving the crime. Smith takes his time to immerse the reader in his detective's world. The details of the crime are well described, leaving just enough to the imagination while conveying the horrific nature of the act. Smith does a remarkable job of bringing to life the relationship between the role players through rich depictions of their interactions. This continues with the refreshingly natural dialog laden with snarky yet supportive sarcasm that seems right for his characters. This young adult novel is perfect for the mystery lover looking for a quick escape.
Recommend this book:
The Tracks
Sally Royer-Derr
2023 Bronze Medal
116 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Amy Powers for Readers' Favorite
Sally Royer-Derr presents The Tracks, a young adult mystery about a young woman who spends her free time down on the train tracks in the woods behind her house. Emily uses her time on the tracks to enjoy the momentary escape from the reality of having to move to a run-down home in a new town after her father's death. When she meets Tommy on the tracks, things start to look up as she is finally able to make a friend. Tommy seems to be a bit of a loner, so he and Emily make the perfect pair. Although their friendship is developing and Emily is finally able to smile again, she still isn't sure that she can trust Tommy. He isn't willing to open up about some things, and Emily is sure that he is keeping something from her. With a bit of research, Emily is on her own again, trying to uncover whatever secrets Tommy is hiding.
I love it when a story crosses the boundaries between genres, and Sally Royer-Derr manages to do just that. The Tracks is a thrilling mystery with a bit of adventure, romance, and horror thrown into the mix, with unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep readers guessing. I love the way that the sturdy dialogue is used to develop different relationships between the characters throughout the story. I think that the underlying theme of recovering after a loss in the family is beautifully portrayed. Even minor characters, such as Emily's brother and mother, have their methods of dealing with the unexpected and not-so-pleasant changes in their lives and it is fun to travel beside them as they learn to accept their new lives.
Sally Royer-Derr presents The Tracks, a young adult mystery about a young woman who spends her free time down on the train tracks in the woods behind her house. Emily uses her time on the tracks to enjoy the momentary escape from the reality of having to move to a run-down home in a new town after her father's death. When she meets Tommy on the tracks, things start to look up as she is finally able to make a friend. Tommy seems to be a bit of a loner, so he and Emily make the perfect pair. Although their friendship is developing and Emily is finally able to smile again, she still isn't sure that she can trust Tommy. He isn't willing to open up about some things, and Emily is sure that he is keeping something from her. With a bit of research, Emily is on her own again, trying to uncover whatever secrets Tommy is hiding.
I love it when a story crosses the boundaries between genres, and Sally Royer-Derr manages to do just that. The Tracks is a thrilling mystery with a bit of adventure, romance, and horror thrown into the mix, with unexpected twists and turns that are sure to keep readers guessing. I love the way that the sturdy dialogue is used to develop different relationships between the characters throughout the story. I think that the underlying theme of recovering after a loss in the family is beautifully portrayed. Even minor characters, such as Emily's brother and mother, have their methods of dealing with the unexpected and not-so-pleasant changes in their lives and it is fun to travel beside them as they learn to accept their new lives.
Recommend this book:
Streets of Shadow
Rebecca Bischoff
2023 Silver Medal
386 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Jamie Michele for Readers' Favorite
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff is a historical fiction novel that follows its protagonist, Kenna Somerled, a 17th-century teenager and granddaughter to an earl. Her life at this point should be on the brink of blooming and not the deadly spiral that lands her locked in a labyrinth of underground streets that make up Stewart's Close in Edinburgh. She discovers a vial that leaves no doubt that her older sister, being the only parent Kenna had known since the death of their parents, was murdered by her sister's husband, Oliver. News of a plague in the household makes its way rapidly to Edinburgh, and Kenna is charged with knowingly spreading 'pestilence' and locked in the close where nobody is willing to help her, out of fear she is plagued and contagious. Still a child herself, Kenna finds herself caring for a young girl named Annie as she is again suspected of a new crime, the murder of her own sister, and must now not only prove her sister was murdered, but that she was not the one who did it.
Rebecca Bischoff is a master of suspense, taking a familiar lady aristocrat-turns-street-vermin theme and spinning it into a fresh mystery in Streets of Shadow. As a reader that lives in the UK, I have had the great fortune of touring the warren of streets that make up the formerly hidden closes of Edinburgh. When I saw that Streets of Shadow used it as a setting, I was immediately drawn to the story. Bischoff does Stewart's Close one better and breathes so much life into it that it almost becomes a character itself. The writing is tight, engrossing, and keeps the tension threading through each page. I loved that Kenna's coming of age begins before our very eyes, where she finds the strength to care for herself in the dark underbelly of the city, forms a bond with little Annie, and even experiences her first kiss. Still, the jaw-dropper is a completely unexpected twist at the end that will have readers checking back in the story and realizing the clues were there all along, if only we, and Kenna, had not been so blinded to what we were certain to be true. I'm a fan. My goodness, now all I want is a shelf full of Bischoff's books. Very highly recommended.
Streets of Shadow by Rebecca Bischoff is a historical fiction novel that follows its protagonist, Kenna Somerled, a 17th-century teenager and granddaughter to an earl. Her life at this point should be on the brink of blooming and not the deadly spiral that lands her locked in a labyrinth of underground streets that make up Stewart's Close in Edinburgh. She discovers a vial that leaves no doubt that her older sister, being the only parent Kenna had known since the death of their parents, was murdered by her sister's husband, Oliver. News of a plague in the household makes its way rapidly to Edinburgh, and Kenna is charged with knowingly spreading 'pestilence' and locked in the close where nobody is willing to help her, out of fear she is plagued and contagious. Still a child herself, Kenna finds herself caring for a young girl named Annie as she is again suspected of a new crime, the murder of her own sister, and must now not only prove her sister was murdered, but that she was not the one who did it.
Rebecca Bischoff is a master of suspense, taking a familiar lady aristocrat-turns-street-vermin theme and spinning it into a fresh mystery in Streets of Shadow. As a reader that lives in the UK, I have had the great fortune of touring the warren of streets that make up the formerly hidden closes of Edinburgh. When I saw that Streets of Shadow used it as a setting, I was immediately drawn to the story. Bischoff does Stewart's Close one better and breathes so much life into it that it almost becomes a character itself. The writing is tight, engrossing, and keeps the tension threading through each page. I loved that Kenna's coming of age begins before our very eyes, where she finds the strength to care for herself in the dark underbelly of the city, forms a bond with little Annie, and even experiences her first kiss. Still, the jaw-dropper is a completely unexpected twist at the end that will have readers checking back in the story and realizing the clues were there all along, if only we, and Kenna, had not been so blinded to what we were certain to be true. I'm a fan. My goodness, now all I want is a shelf full of Bischoff's books. Very highly recommended.
Recommend this book:
Bardo by the Sea
Izzy and Elton Mystery, Book 1 (Izzy and Elton Mystery Series)
Chad Alan Gibbs
2023 Gold Medal
314 Pages
Check current price
Young Adult - Mystery
Reviewed by Chinazo Anozie for Readers' Favorite
Sixteen-year-old Izzy Brown refuses to end up as trailer trash. When opportunity comes knocking for her twin brother, Axl, in the form of a football scholarship at a prestigious high school, Bardo Academy, Izzy ensures she’s included in the deal. Overnight, the Brown family is elevated from their mobile home to a three-story mansion in an upscale community. However, Izzy will have to remember that when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they probably are. While Bardo looks perfect on the outside, things are not as rosy as they appear. There’s also the unsolved case of a murdered Bardo Academy quarterback, Ricky Lee, back in 1983, which everyone seems reluctant to discuss. Izzy must decide which is more important: her new life in Bardo or uncovering the sinister truth to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Find out what Izzy’s choice will be in Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs.
The story is told from Izzy’s perspective as she recalls her time at Bardo as a 16-year-old, and I enjoyed reading the story through her eyes. Gibbs masterfully depicts Izzy as a teenager in all her snarky, sarcastic glory, which made me laugh at several points in the book. The plot also cuts between Izzy’s time in 2008 and Ricky’s time in 1983. This was a brilliant use of backshadowing, as the 1983 timeline started with Ricky’s death and then walked us through the events that led to his last moments. It was very fun trying to guess who killed him. Even when I thought I had figured it out, Gibbs still surprised me with the big reveal. He also skillfully wrote the story around the 2008 financial crisis, and it was fascinating reading how it affected people in various ways. I also enjoyed the pop culture references of that time; they were nostalgic. Bardo by the Sea will be a perfect fit for lovers of YA mystery.
Sixteen-year-old Izzy Brown refuses to end up as trailer trash. When opportunity comes knocking for her twin brother, Axl, in the form of a football scholarship at a prestigious high school, Bardo Academy, Izzy ensures she’s included in the deal. Overnight, the Brown family is elevated from their mobile home to a three-story mansion in an upscale community. However, Izzy will have to remember that when things seem too good to be true, it’s because they probably are. While Bardo looks perfect on the outside, things are not as rosy as they appear. There’s also the unsolved case of a murdered Bardo Academy quarterback, Ricky Lee, back in 1983, which everyone seems reluctant to discuss. Izzy must decide which is more important: her new life in Bardo or uncovering the sinister truth to ensure history doesn’t repeat itself. Find out what Izzy’s choice will be in Bardo by the Sea by Chad Alan Gibbs.
The story is told from Izzy’s perspective as she recalls her time at Bardo as a 16-year-old, and I enjoyed reading the story through her eyes. Gibbs masterfully depicts Izzy as a teenager in all her snarky, sarcastic glory, which made me laugh at several points in the book. The plot also cuts between Izzy’s time in 2008 and Ricky’s time in 1983. This was a brilliant use of backshadowing, as the 1983 timeline started with Ricky’s death and then walked us through the events that led to his last moments. It was very fun trying to guess who killed him. Even when I thought I had figured it out, Gibbs still surprised me with the big reveal. He also skillfully wrote the story around the 2008 financial crisis, and it was fascinating reading how it affected people in various ways. I also enjoyed the pop culture references of that time; they were nostalgic. Bardo by the Sea will be a perfect fit for lovers of YA mystery.
Contact Author -
