Back Story by Robert B. Parker

Spenser, Susan, Hawk, old murder, sarcasm, witting comments, just the right amount of violence and implied sex, what more could you ask for?  

Twenty-eight year old murder that Spenser is investigating for the high pay of six Krispy Kreme donuts.  A few old hippies, some gangster types and a client that gets cold feet does nothing to stop Spenser in his search for the truth.

Such a good read from a favorite author.

Map of Days by Ransom Riggs

Being Peculiar is difficult, it is even more difficult when you are new at it.  Jacob, Emma and some of their crew go off to find an uncontacted Peculiar using clues left by Jacob's Grandfather Abe, Emma's long lost love.  Yeah that gets a bit weird at times.

Peculiars in the United States run by a different system which causes a few problems and then a great big major one.  Basically it is a travel book from Florida, to Portal, Georgia (I have People from there myself which was neat), to New York City.

At times I lost interest and put it down for a few days as it felt like parts were just there to be a place holder.  It could be me so don't pass on that but if you feel the same let me know

The Dream Gatherer bu Kristen Britain

This installment in the Green Rider series is a novella with a short story to start with.  A rider that is washed ashore a mysterious island learns that gifts are just that, not good or bad, but the way in which they are used.

The main portion of the book contains the Berry Sister, Bay and Bunch.  They have returned home to Seven Chimneys after having had a ship contained in a magic bottle make landfall in the middle of it after being broken by a follower of Second Empire several books ago.

Marking the 20th anniversary of the first Green Rider book it is a delectable snack while we wait upon the main course of the next novel.

The Burning Maze by Rick Riordan, Trials of Apollo

In the third installment of following Apollo, currently known as Lester Papadopoulos, I actually like him!  I also am pulling for him, not just his companions that are being forced to help him or die a terrible death.

At least now we know why California has been on fire the past few years.   Along with the heartache there is also a tremendous amount of hope that is laced throughout the novel.  Thankfully, the ending leads to the beginning of another episode in the life of Lester/Apollo.

All I Needed To Know I Learned in Kindergarten

By Robert Fulghum

The best part about this book is it makes you think.  You don't have to agree with all the author writes to enjoy it, always a good thing to have in a book.  I read it when it came out but got more from it at a later reading than before.  Another top quality in a book. 
A series of essays and observations about life.  Much is about social order and how to be a part of life with people that are not exactly like you. I believe I will use a few selections in my classroom for reflection and class discussions.

Banker by Dick Francis

There is so much more to racing than the day of the horse race.   There is health care, trades, favors, enormous amounts of money and quite often some shading dealings.

Tim Ekaterin is a young banker, in a family firm that must prove his worth as the road he came by to arrive there involved an alcoholic father and a mother with a gambling obsession that cost the family all that they had.  Naturally there are some there that believe he will follow the road of his parents and take the bank with him in the process.

An opportunity arises for a large investment in a top racehorse that will be put to stud.  The potential money is astounding by 1982 standards, the year of publication.

Many twist and turns with deceit and intrigue.  Highly recommend.

Murder in Three Acts by Agatha Christie

A vicar is murdered, by poison, during a cocktail party.  Then months later another murder occurs with some of the same people present.  The third act of the murder stars Hercule Poriot and once he enters the stage things get interesting.

If you pay attention on this one you can figure it out before the end, an usual feature in a Christie novel.  Very enjoyable read.

The jShadowhunters Codex by Cassandra Claire and Joshua Lewis

If you are a new Shadowhunter and had just Ascended then this might be the book you need.  Basic information for the new Shadowhunter with little sidebars written by Simon Lewis, Clary Fairchild and of course Jace.

The main thing is the sidebars by Simon are funny. Plenty of drawings by Clary and Jace is just a little to serious at times.   Enjoyable read that gives some background information.  At times your realize how hidebound the Clave is but at least they admit it, kind of, maybe, sorta......