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Adriana Trigiani's Big Stone Gap describes life in a small coal-mining community in southwestern Virginia that is home to a melange of unique characters. This debut novel chronicles Ave Marie Mulligan's second coming of age. Since she is thirty-five years old, has no family and her life is in a definite rut, she has accepted her lot as the town spinster, living vicariously by helping others. She believes something is supposed to happen in her thirty-fifth year yet she doesn't know what, so she isn't prepared for the changes that life is about to deliver. After her mother's death Ave Marie discovers her Italian family that she never knew existed. A great first novel that leaves the reader eagerly waiting for the next one.

Reviewed by Natalie M., Morrison Regional

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Shortly after Kate Phelan returns home to Mossgrove, her brother Ned is killed when a wagon turns over. Mossgrove has been home to the Phelans for generations, but Martha, Ned's widow, is planning to sell the farm. Martha has never felt as if she belonged to the Phelan family, and in this vindictive move will be rid of Mossgrove and the family. The power of friends and neighbors sustains Kate through her ordeal to save her home in this 1950's novel of rural Ireland. Taylor has written a novel of sensitivity with a sense of place and belonging. She still works as postmistress in Innishannon.

Reviewed by Natalie M., Morrison Regional

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A group of five women in the small town of Hope Springs, North Carolina are compiling a cookbook using their recipes and some from the community. The project broadens them as they share experiences, trials, joys, and the discovery of true friendship. Their personalities, backgrounds, and experiences may differ, yet they share common ground. As they exchange their recipes, each comes to realize the importance of nourishment to the body, soul, and spirit. J. Lynne Hinton is a pastor in Asheboro, North Carolina, a small town similar to the community of Hope Springs.

Reviewed by Melissa K., Mint Hill Branch

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There's a serial killer loose in North Carolina. Who can find him before he murders again? Special Agent Clark Hager, a profiler for the North Carolina State Bureau of Investigation, offers the best solution. This is Hager's most difficult case, but can he really see into the mind of the killer to know who the next victim will be? But when the hunter becomes the hunted, Hager is forced to reckon with his own sense of justice. Pate, a High Point, N.C. police officer, forces the characters into a spine-tingling face-off of good versus evil and the Winner Take All.

Reviewed by Natalie M., Morrison Regional

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Ian Bainbridge started the Broken Hearts Club in order to provide men who suffer from broken hearts with the opportunity to vent their feelings. Anything goes in these Thursday night meetings, including murder. Bainbridge quickly loses control of the group as discussions of love, hate and revenge lead to horrific results. Detective Voort begins investigating these grisly murder scenes even while his own love life takes a bad turn. How many women will die before Voort discovers the truth? The pace escalates in this gruesome thriller with each homicide. Ethan Black will take you on a psychological roller coaster that will have you “dying” to get to the end of The Broken Hearts Club.

Reviewed by Christine B., South County Regional

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Reuben Land grows up in the midwestern plains witnessing miracles; in fact, his very existence is a miracle, since he was born “dead.” His father, Jeremiah, believes he has been touched by God and virtually glows from it. The Land family, a father raising three children, leads a tranquil life amid miracles, until two town bullies break into their home. Eldest son, Davey, kills the intruders. His trial for manslaughter, escape from jail, and the family's ensuing adventure reveal an amazing story of tragedy, heroism and love. Peace Like A River is a brilliant and magical first novel, a must read for its sweet humor and heartfelt inspiration.

Reviewed by Susan C., Independence Regional

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Clay Sizemore was reared in the coal fields of Eastern Kentucky by a loving, caring extended family. He never knew his father and his mother is a distant memory, but he remembers the night she was killed. He was three years old the night she died and he still dreams of “blood on the snow, blood so thick that it ran like syrup” and the quietness of snow covered Buffalo Mountain. His aunts, uncles and cousins help him to piece together his mother’s life. Clay’s Quilt is a metaphor for how Clay’s remembrances come together and create the exciting fun-loving woman that was his mother and a future for himself. A great first novel!

Reviewed by Natalie M., Morrison Regional

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Twenty years ago, Jane Hudson was a scholarship student attending the exclusive Heart Lake School for Girls. Her senior year is filled with tragedy and she graduated planning never to return. Whether it’s the school’s motto: “Cor te reducit,” the heart leads you back, or the fact that she’s not trained for anything else, she finds herself back at the not quite so exclusive school teaching Latin. When history seems to be repeating itself, Jane is forced to reveal long kept secrets to save her students and herself. This debut novel is beautifully written, holding the reader’s attention from the very first page.

Reviewed by Karen K., Morrison Regional

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What if it was 1985 and the world’s superstars were authors and fictional characters? And what if someone invented a machine allowing people to enter fictional works? The world’s most evil criminal, Acheron Hades, has entered the original manuscript of Jane Eyre, kidnapped and brought the title character to 1985 England, and is holding her for ransom. In this hilarious spoof of mystery and science fiction genres, Special Operative Thursday Next, a feisty female literary detective, must rescue Jane and prevent the re-writing of a beloved work of literature. Highly recommended for those Douglas Adams fans wondering what to read next.

Reviewed by Glenda B., University City Regional

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Dain looks up to his older brother, especially since their father died. But Eddie hasn't been around much lately, and Dain has been feeling his absence. When someone starts cutting his lobster traps, Dain's natural inclination is to turn to Eddie for advice. But what if he finds out that Eddie is involved? At the same time, his mother continues to pester Dain about applying for colleges when all Dain wants to do is be a lobsterman like his father was. Dain finds himself in the middle of a lobster war while trying to figure out what he wants to do with his future. Set on the coast of Maine, The Lobster War explores family relationships, friendships, and self-discovery with a touch of suspense thrown in. This is a fun read from a first-time author.

Reviewed by Christine B., South County Regional

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As part of her divorce settlement Eloise “Weezie” Foley lives in the carriage house back of the townhouse she once shared with her ex-husband. He now shares the house with Caroline de Santos, the reason for the divorce. Weezie is a “picker,” she scavenges other people’s junk for cast-off things to sell. Just when she thinks life can’t get any worse, she is accused of murdering Caroline; she also discovers that her mother is a full-blown alcoholic, her beloved Uncle James is gay, and Lewis Hargeaves, the best known antique dealer in Savannah is making and selling copies of antiques. Then there are the ups and downs with a hunky ex-boyfriend. This is a laugh out loud novel with a bevy of eccentric characters with everyday problems.

Reviewed by Natalie M., Morrison Regional

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Like most of us, Eliza is ordinary and average. Her father’s attention always focused on her brother, Aaron. Her mother’s attention never focused on anyone except herself. But when Eliza wins the school spelling bee, things begin to change and, for reasons both related and unrelated to her newfound gift, her family begins to drift apart and crumble. Relying only on her kid-logic and a book written over 700 years ago, Eliza tries to discover the one thing that will make everything right again. With this amazing debut novel, Myla Goldberg gives us a coming-of-age story that tempers heartbreak with the self-realizations of a little girl who is much wiser than anyone, including herself, thinks she is.

Reviewed by James K., Freedom Regional

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When Will returns to his hometown, Medicine River, Alberta, he thinks he has only come to bury his mother. This little Canadian town, just outside the Blackfoot reservation, represents nothing but the dead and dying past to Will. It holds nothing for Will any longer, and he will be leaving as soon as possible, or so he thinks. Harlan Bigbear, Will’s friend and a bit of a trickster, has other plans for Will and the town. Imagine an Indian Mark Twain and you have a pretty good idea of King’s style and depth: he writes with a wonderful mix of knee-slapping humor, biting sarcasm, and right-on-the-mark social commentary.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Bookcases with secret hiding places, a mansion overlooking a stormy British coast and a villainess you’ll love to hate. What more could you want in a British mystery written by the grandson of J.R.R. Tolkien. Perhaps you were hoping for an appearance by the Hobbit? No need. This first novel by Simon Tolkien is an expertly written, engaging work from the start. Thomas Robinson is the 16-year-old son of British Defense Minister Peter Robinson and Lady Anne, a devoted mother who would give her life for her son, and then does. With many twists and turns, a highly recommended debut novel.

Reviewed by Susan K., South County Regional

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The winters were bitterly cold on Montana's Flathead Indian Reservation in the 1940s, but Louise White Elk seems warmed by a fire within. Fiercely independent and dangerously stubborn, Louise is like the calm around with a tempest rages. For her, this tempest is a tripartite: Charlie Kicking Woman, the Indian policeman who seems divided by his duty to the job and his Native heritage; Harvey Stoner, the white man who seems to all but own the town of Perma; and Baptiste Yellow Knife, an Indian that refuses the white man's world. Louise is determined that she will be the only one with any say in her life, but as always, the world, and the people in it, find ways to work inside her soul.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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The Minotaur is alive and well. Now-a-days he’s in North Carolina, living in the Lucky-U trailer court and working at Grub’s Rib as a line cook. M usually gets along with most of the staff and is an interesting character, someone you’d like to get to know. Though he’s clearly different, he’s learned to compensate pretty well over the centuries. (Though sometimes his horns still get in the way when he works on cars in his spare time.) Sherrill examines the world of the outsider. It’s not a happy-go-lucky tale, but one of some depth. How can he fit in? What does it feel like to be half animal and half human? How can you fill all the time and stave off loneliness? A great read, and a promising debut from a UNCC graduate.

Reviewed by Annonymous, Main Library

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An enjoyable, interesting look at the "outsider," filled with humor and humanity. A great find!
-Mark, Charlotte, NC

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In Curtis Sittenfeld’s first novel, Prep, Lee Fiora, a mid-western teen, journeys through the East Coast private boarding school experience. Lee is a scholarship student, and wealth is an undercurrent at the Ault School . Through personal narrative, Lee reveals an astonishing level self-awareness, but angst shackles her. Her aloof exterior armors her against seeming an outsider, but Lee’s scrutiny of herself and other restrains her socially and academically. While Lee’s ostracism from her teachers and classmates is primarily self-imposed, the reader can remain at least sympathetic, if not empathetic, with her. Her dissatisfaction with Ault is unearthed when a newspaper reporter makes her a pawn shortly before graduation, but she is neither a victim nor blames anyone for experiences that are her own.

Reviewed by Lydia T., Main Library

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This book was great. I cried laughed smiled and frowned while reading it.Lee goes through some really hard times with friends, family, and love.
-Lieghla, Clinton, New Jersey

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Raybert Williams is trying to grow up in Ellenton, a small mill town in North Carolina. His life is forever changed the day President Kennedy is assassinated. On that pivotal day Palmer Conroy makes his first appearance in Raybert’s class. Immediately the two become best friends. There is something magical about Palmer; he is somehow touched by the gods, and as is always the case with those so touched, he is also cursed. Growing up is never easy and for these two, who both have families visited by tragedy, it is especially tough. Yes, there is tragedy here, there are also moments of magic and great humor. Riggs has a gift for storytelling that brings truth to the fore and shows the mythical in the everyday. Don’t miss this gem!

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Featuring eccentric characters, laugh-out-loud humor, and tremendous heart, this refreshing debut novel has been compared to the works of Anne Tyler and John Irving. Setting her story in contemporary Seattle, Kallos spins a most unusual tale of the friendship between an older woman who has learned of her impending death, and a young woman whose life is unraveling. The book explores the nature of human relationships and offers insight about the hidden strength in people we may see as flawed or imperfect. You won't be able to put down this thought provoking, compelling page turner. Strong character development, an unpredictable plot, and beautifully poetic language combine to make this a winner.

Reviewed by Staci F., South County Regional

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In the midst of a snowstorm in 1964, twins were born to David and Norah – a perfect boy and a girl with Down syndrome. Hoping to spare his sedated wife, David, a physician, tells her that the girl was stillborn and then asks his nurse to take the infant girl to an institution. Instead, the nurse leaves town and raises the girl as her own. The ramifications of those decisions are surprising and life-changing for both families. Kim Edwards, in her debut novel, uses beautiful prose to explore the meaning of love and family. This novel, as it follows the families over three decades, will be especially appealing to readers who enjoy strong characterization.

Reviewed by Dale C., South County Regional

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Based on reviews, I recently read The American by Andrew Britton. His first novel, I have to say, was as all good thrillers should be - fast paced and very exciting. He takes you on a page-turning thriller ride from Washington to Maine and often over desert sands. But, not to the point where you feel you need to make notes to remind yourself where you are. The American is very well-written, plot driven and often breath catching. Reminiscent in a way of The Day of the Jackal. Britton uses real names and real places, and at the end he surprises you. I cannot wait for more from this young author. Andrew Britton is clearly one to watch for in the future.

Reviewed by John M., Grand Rapids, MI

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Recently I read The American by Andrew Britton. It was difficult to set aside. So I to managed to read it in a few short days. Skilful and exciting. An engrossing read. Britton has managed to put together a great thriller, which was vibrant with suspense.
-Sue, Boston, Mass

Absorbing from beginning to end. This book will make you lose track of time. A thriller that makes your heart race. I highly recommmend it.
-Charles, North Carolina

The novel managed to get my pulse racing. I may have to read The American again. It was taut and fast moving. Britton has skilfully concocted a blend of adventure and thriller and introduces his readers to a complete psycho in Jason March. I for one will be watching for more from this new author. I would like to highly recommend The American.
-Jeff, North Carolina

If you have a lot to do one day... don't start reading this book The American by Andrew Britton. If you do, you won’t get anything done because you won’t put this book down. It is a brilliant piece of writing and will keep you turning page after exciting page. Do yourself a favor, buy this book and hold on!
-Mark, Raleigh ,NC

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First time novelist Michael Robotham brings the reader in for a rousing story-telling session in Suspect. Psychologist Joseph O'Loughlin has a comfortable family life and stimulating career that painfully unravels near Christmas. The London police discover a dead woman and soon connect the dots of an old hostile relationship between Joe and the deceased, Catherine McBride. Coincidences mount and the police, with Dectective Inspector Ruiz, begin to suspect that Joe was involved in the murder. Joe's case is also stymied when he's less than forthcoming with some matters to the police. Meanwhile, Joe becomes suspicious of his patient Bobby Moran for committing the crime. Anxious to clear his name, Joe also has to cope with another issue -- he's just been diagnosed with Parkinson's disease.

Reviewed by Lawrence T., South County Regional

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How can it be? The police don’t fully investigate the murder of a 13-year-old? Bradford Hall, who lives near the small fictional Hirtsboro, South Carolina believes so and enlists a Charlotte, N.C. newspaper reporter to investigate. Matt Harper, a reporter anxious for good assignments and determined to dig for the truth, complies and with a quiet blessing from his editor—goes to South Carolina. With the possibility of solving the 20-year old murder of a black boy during community racial unrest, Matt knows he’s in for a challenge. That challenge exists in buried police records, reticence residents, and Matt’s partner “an occasionally embarrassing redneck reporter.” Given the harsh themes with town secrets and life-and-death issues, Mark Ethridge’s first novel includes colorful characters in an ultimately gratifying read.

Reviewed by Lawrence T., South County Regional

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One day Gracie simply leaves without a trace. When she is later discovered draped across a grave, the world she left behind has already started a feverish evolution. Gracie refuses to speak, and in her silence the lives of those surrounding her are told. They all must learn to live with a new version of Gracie. There is also the family that finds Gracie and nurtures her through a strange awakening, creating stories within stories. Arnoult draws characters as vivid and strong as your own next door neighbor and still manages to infuse each with a subtle mystery and down-home nobility. This beautifully written first novel is filled with life, spunk and spirit--not to mention a whole lot of good cooking!

Reviewed by Tony T., South County Regional

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One horrible night the lives of Jackson Workman Pickens, Work, and his sister Jean were sent tumbling into chaos. Their mother died that night during a family argument then their father disappeared. Now, a little more than a year later, the police have found the body of their father; Ezra Pickens was murdered. His son Work is in a race against the police to discover what happened on that fateful night, or at least to deflect attention away from his troubled sister even if he must take the rap in her stead. Set in contemporary Salisbury, North Carolina, this taut literary mystery will keep you spellbound right to the end.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Diane Setterfield has written a mesmerizing novel, both mysterious and inspirational. Narrated in a richly descriptive prose, bookish Margaret Lea writes a biography about England’s best-selling author, Veda Winter, while offering a glimpse into her own tormented life. After Margaret goes to live with Veda on the beautiful, but desolate Yorkshire estate, she gets a glimpse into the mystery of the Angelfield twins, as told by the enigmatic and famous author. Yet, what exactly is Veda hiding in her story of the bedeviled twins of Angelfield? Is she, herself, one of the twins? What is the secret of the family tragedy? Finally, what is Veda Winter’s untold Thirteenth Tale? Setterfield has written a brilliant story, compellingly told - a perfect page-turner for chilly winter nights.

Reviewed by Rosanne L., Matthews Branch

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This was one of the most enthralling books I have read in years. Anyone who loves the written word and books in general will find a special interest in this mesmerizing tale! It is one of the works I wish I could read again and again with new eyes.
-Courtney, Charlotte, NC

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This novella packs a punch far more powerful than its size would suggest. Set in an unnamed African country, this is the story of Agu. Civil war has destroyed young Agu’s world. When a band of rebel fighters find him hiding in a hovel he is given the option of joining them or dying on the spot. Told by Agu in language that emphasizes his youth and lack of understanding, this is a vivid and disturbing vision of the world of a child soldier. Agu is too young to understand the horrors all around him, even those he is forced to commit. He is not too young to suffer because of them. Iweala has penned a debut that shines a bright light on the horrors of child soldiers

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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Bureau of Land Management Agent Jamaica Wild and her wolf, Mountain, burst onto the mystery fiction scene in Wild Indigo. Jamaica witnesses the death of a Tanoah Pueblo man – killed by stampeding buffalo. While everyone around her seems to want to write this death off as a suicide, or content to just leave it be, that just doesn’t set well with Jamaica. Then when the leaders of the tribe seem determined to blame the stampede on Jamaica things really heat up. This exciting debut, written with great respect for the Pueblo and their mystical traditions, marks the birth of a great new series.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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This debut novel is reason to rejoice! Reyna Grande is a writer of incredible talent and vision. Here are the stories of two women: Juana born in Mexico who comes to search for her father and Adelina born in the United States who follows her lover to Mexico against her parents’ wishes. Their lives become unexpectedly, and permanently intertwined. Grande imbues her characters with great dignity and depth that shines in the most mundane moments. The author came to this country as a child and she knows the story she writes. This is the world of illegal immigrants from the view point of those who come in search of a better life. Grande gives these immigrants both a voice and a face.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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I really loved this book. It was originally a class reading book, but I loved it so much I had to finish it ahead of time. Truly a great book.
-Rebecca, Arizona

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Chas McPherson is not a pleasant man; his father is worse. Chas raises blackbelly sheep; his father was a shepherd of the souls of sinners. The older McPherson had been the only minister in town and angered many with his ability to see people’s sins and his determination to confront them, sometimes publicly. Now Chas needs a home care nurse so his dad doesn’t have to die in a nursing home. He finds his nurse in Mattie Holden. When a hate crime strikes the only Muslim family in town chaos engulfs the McPherson household. Set in a small Idaho town, this enigmatic tale of suspense touches many nerves and looks at many issues with surprising depth. Plus it’s a real page turner.

Reviewed by Mark B., Main Library

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One morning in 1983, Hector, a Harlem postal employee, pulls out a pistol and shoots someone who only came to purchase stamps. This and Hector’s possession of the Primavera statue head, which adorned a Florence bridge since the 16th century, lead readers back in history, bringing to life a largely overlooked historical moment of WWII. During the Nazi massacre of the Tuscan village of St. Anna di Stazzema, Hector and three fellow African-American Buffalo soldiers are trapped. Sam, a soldier from North Carolina, saves an Italian orphan, an act which reveals to the soldiers the ‘miracles’ of this remote place and the discovery that “everbody got something to do with everything.” Based on historical fact, McBride’s first novel is an eloquent tribute to friendship, truth, forgiveness, and the power to do good that lies in everyone.

Reviewed by Kim W., University City Regional

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Karen is a convicted serial killer on death row in a Texas prison reflecting on her life of abuse, poverty and prostitution. Franny is the physician caring for her as she wastes away from AIDS while awaiting her execution date. Celia is a jaded young librarian and widow, mourning the sudden death of her beloved husband, who was one of Karen’s unlucky victims. Drawn together by a single crime, these three women’s lives are unexpectedly intertwined in this compelling, fast-paced tale filled with grit, cruelty, compassion, forgiveness and love. Fans of Jodi Picoult will appreciate Ward’s deft exploration of one of society’s most controversial subjects, corporal punishment.

Reviewed by Staci F., South County Regional

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This poignant story of the South in the 50s and 60s is told in the voice of three women in Jackson, Mississippi. It portrays the distant but symbiotic relationships between blacks and whites; “the line” that must not be crossed. These women resolve to defy the convention. One lacks the socially requisite “ring on her finger”. One mourns the terrible loss of her son. One speaks too honestly “outside her place” and loses jobs for this temerity. These women grow to trust each other and achieve a goal “unthinkable”. Along the way, they deal with fear, reprisals, lies, vindictiveness, and the indignities of double standards. This brave first novel is beautifully written about a time many people still recall.

Reviewed by Sheila C., Morrison Regional

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Author David Cristofano immediately draws us into the psyche of Melody Grace McCartney. Melody is the main character and narrator of The Girl She Used to Be, an intriguing account of a young woman trapped in the Federal Witness Protection Program. We experience Melody’s yearnings: to be safe, loved, and free from her haunted past. This she is denied until she feels love towards a man who may lead her to her death. Utilizing this unexpected plot twist in a gripping and quick read, The Girl She Used to Be combines romance and suspense into a dramatic conclusion.

Reviewed by Linda O., University City Regional

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