Books 151-175

Minnesota Mall Mannequins by: Johnathan Rand
Fiction: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Paranormal, Children's 224 pages
A school trip to the Mall of America ends up leading to being kidnapped by living mannequins, and from there things get weird.

Althea Rose Mystery #1

One Tequila- Althea Rose Mystery #1 By: Tricia O'Malley

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, E-book

Althea is a physic that lives on one of the smaller Florida keys.  She ends up having to solve a murder when she happens on the body scuba diving, and she can tell the police what to pin it on the 1st person that might have a motive to kill them, and that person is her best friend & co owner of their shop.  

Making Pentecost Your Story: 50 Days of Reflection and Prayer: A Devotional Companion for Pentecost: This Story is Our Story Inspired by the Church in China by: Robert P. Menzies

Non-fiction: Religion, E-book

A book on the Pentecostal/Charismatic unofficial churches in China.

North Dakota Night Dragons by: Johnathan Rand

Fiction: Mystery, Fantasy, Paranormal, Children's 208 pages

A group of kids end up being sucked into the war between dragons, a war that could end the dragon's & human's worlds.

Creepy Condors of California by: Johnathan Rand

Fiction: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Children's 207 pages

A sister & brother are out camping in the California wilderness when they are attacked by condors; however, these condors are robots.

Meet Marie-Grace by: Sarah Masters Buckey

Fiction: History, Children's 120 pages

Meet Cécile by: Denise Lewis Patrick

Fiction: History, Children's 120 pages

Marie-Grace and the Orphans by: Sarah Masters Buckey

Fiction: History, Children's 91 pages

Troubles for Cécile by: Denise Lewis Patrick

Fiction: History, Children's 104 pages

Marie-Grace Makes a Difference by: Sarah Masters Buckey

Fiction: History, Children's 104 pages

Cécile's Gift by: Denise Lewis Patrick

Fiction: History, Children's 96 pages

These American girl books take place is 1853 in New Orleans.  Unlike other years these books go over, this story is told by 2 different girls, both of which are friends in the story & are happening at the same time.  Marie-Grace was born in New Orleans, but had been traveling with her doctor father for years, ever since her mother & baby brother died.  Cecile's family has lived in New Orleans for generations & they were well respected craftsmen who were free people of color.  This group of books cover the year that was an especially bad year for yellow fever so the last books in the group deal with that.

Mutant Mammoths of Montana by: Johnathan Rand

Fiction: Mystery, Sci-Fi, Children's 208 pages

Imagine mammoths, but they leave underground and can move like moles.

The Resurrectionist by: Paul T. Scheuring

Fiction: History, E-book

This book takes place in 1820's London and involves the interconnected stories of many people connected with the resurrectionist trade: resurrectionists, doctors, killers & the bodies of the dead. 

This book reads like a collection of high school essays.

101 Ways To Know If Your Cat Is Italian: How To Talk To Your Cat About Its Secret Life And Learn The Essence Of Being Italian, A Funny Cat Book And Perfect ... Who Love Italy By: Seamus Mullarkey

Non-fiction: Humor, Pop Culture, E-book

A short book on how cats are Italian.

Tasting History: Explore the Past through 4,000 Years of Recipes by: Max Miller

Non-fiction: Cooking, History, 256 pages

This book is the book version of the Tasting History YouTube channel.  It has the recipes divided up from where they are from. 

Always October by: Bruce Coville

Fiction: Fantasy, Mystery, Humor, Children's 384 pages

Always October is a location of Jake's grandfather's books, but after a baby is left on his doorstep, he, his best friend Lily, Lily's grandfather, & baby LD end up in Always October with the monsters from the books, needing to save both worlds.

The Men of Letters Bestiary: Winchester Family Edition By: Tim Waggoner

Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Pop Culture, 112 pages

A book on all the creatures from the show Supernatural, as written by Sam & Dean.

Walking Your Octopus: A Guidebook to the Domesticated Cephalopod by:Brian Kesinger

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Art, History, Pop Culture, 64 pages

A book on the care of pet octopuses. (That being the plural that the book uses as the main octopus in the book prefers that one.) 

Traveling With Your Octopus by: Brian Kesinger

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Art, History, Pop Culture, 64 pages

A guide on how to travel with a pet octopus including the worldwide adventures the octopus went on. 

Rat Queens, Vol. 1: Sass & Sorcery by: Kurtis J. Wiebe art by: Roc Upchurch

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Fantasy, Paranormal, Pop Culture, Humor, 128 pages

This series of books are much like if one was writing a dungeons and dragons game as a book.  There is the elven mage, dwarf fighter (who shaves her beard), halfling thief, & atheist cleric, who drink the tavern dry & then go on adventures for more gold.

 Hi book, I'm dad by: Brian Russel

Fiction: Humor, Graphic novel, 140 pages 

A book on the life of a dad.

 Klaw Vol. 1: The First Cycle by: Antoine Ozanam art by: Joël Jurion, Yoann Guillé

Fiction: Graphic Novel, YA, 144 pages

Angel was a normal teenaged boy, until he found out his dad was a mob boss, and he can turn into a tiger.

Klaw: The Second Cycle  by: Antoine Ozanam art by: Joël Jurion

Fiction: Graphic Novel, YA, 144 pages

The fight between people that turn into the animals of the Chinese zodiac is heating up.  As is the danger from outside forces in book 2.

Eat, Drink, and Be Scary by: Olivia Jaymes

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, E-book

This story that takes place in a sleepy town at Halloween.  Well it was sleepy before the murder, the ghosts acting up, finding out you know the grim reaper & the new cop in town.

 

 

Books 126-150

Who's Haunting the White House?: The President's Mansion and the Ghosts Who Live There By: Jeff Belanger

Non-fiction: History, Paranormal, Biography, Children's 64 pages

A short book on the different people that are thought to haunt the White House, details of their haunting and background info about their lives. 

Richard Revisited by: Els Launspach,  Translated by: Laura Vroomen

Fiction: History, Biography, E-book

A pro Richard III novel told with fictionized accounts of people relating to the original telling of his story & a present day person.

Long Live the Pumpkin Queen: Tim Burton’s The Nightmare Before Christmas by: Shea Ernshaw

Fiction: Pop Culture, Fantasy, Paranormal, YA

I read this having already seen a review of the book, so it wasn't a surprise what happened in it, but having seen the review I wanted to see if it was as crazy as the review said.

Red Sauce: How Italian Food Became American by: Ian MacAllen

Non-fiction: History, Food, Pop Culture, 248 pages

A look into how a certain subset of Italian food became "Italian Food" in America.  It includes the history that caused it, things that were done to change it, and that Olive Garden doesn't salt their pasta water! (And why Americans know that is wrong.)

Marvel Masterworks: The Sub-Mariner, Vol. 1 by: Stan Lee, Roy Thomas, Illustrated By: Gene Colan, Dean White, Wallace Wood, Jack Kirby, Bill Everett, Jerry Grandenetti

Fiction: Pop Culture, Sci-Fi, Comic Book 279 pages

A collection of classic Sub-Mariner comic books.

Aztec Gods: Powerful Gods In Aztec Mythology Such Tonatiuh, Tlaloc, Huitzilopochtli And Many Others By: Trident Books

Non-Fiction: History, Religion, E-book

A book of the gods of the Aztecs with what info we know about each one.

Alexander the Great: A Captivating Guide to the King Who Conquered the Persian Empire and Babylon, Including His Impact on Ancient Greece and Rome by: Captivating History

Non-fiction: History, Biography, E-book

A quick history of the life and legacy of Alexander the Great. 

Minoans: A Captivating Guide to an Essential Bronze Age Society in Ancient Greece Called the Minoan Civilization by: Captivating History

Non-fiction: History, E-book

A book on the history of the Minoan civilization.

A Mischief of Rats by: Sarah Yarwood-Lovett

Fiction: Mystery, E-book

This is book 3 in the Nell Ward Mystery series. In this book a race car driver in the event Nell's family is hosting is found in a car crash in a pond in a nature preserve that a friend of hers is working at.  But it wasn't an accident, it was murder.  Also her boyfriend's sister is missing and was the last person to see him alive, and of course her ex is a detective on the case.  

The Peloponnesian War: A Captivating Guide to the Ancient Greek War Between the Two Leading City-States in Ancient Greece — Athens and Sparta by: Captivating History

Non-fiction: History, E-book

A short history of the Peloponnesian War.

Vincent van Gogh: A Life From Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, History, E-book

A short biography on Vincent van Gogh.

Leonardo da Vinci: A Life From Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, History, E-book

A short biography on Leonardo da Vinci.

The Girl Who Drank the Moon by: Kelly Barnhill

Fiction: Fantasy, YA, 388 pages

Each year the towns people of a town sacrifice the youngest baby to the witch in the woods.  And every year she takes the baby to a better life in the towns on the other side of the woods.  But one year she accidently feeds the baby moon light instead of star light on the trip, so the baby is full of magic & ends up living with the witch in the woods along with a very small dragon & a being that might be the Poet.

Next-Day Job Interview: Prepare Tonight and Get the Job Tomorrow by: Michael Farr & Dick Gaither

Non-fiction: business, 178 pages

A book of hints on job interviews.

Andy Warhol: A Life from Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, History, E-book

A short biography on Andy Warhol.

Pablo Picasso: A Life from Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, History, E-book

A short biography on Pablo Picasso

Frightmares: A Creepy Collection of Scary Stories by: Michael Dahl

Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Short Stories, Children's, 224 pages

A collection of short scarry stories for kids.  At the end includes notes from the author about what inspired them to write the story.

Recipes of The Roaring Twenties: A Vintage Cookbook Taking You Back in Time to the 1920s by: Steven Masters

Non-fiction, Cooking, E-book

A collection of recipes that were popular in the 1920's.

The Boxcar Children: The Ghost-Hunting Special created by: Gertrude Chandler Warner

Fiction: Mystery, Children's, 352 pages

A collection of 3 books of the Boxcar Children that all do with mysteries that involve what people think was ghosts.

The Simpsons and Their Mathematical Secrets by: Simon Singh

Non-fiction: Science, Math, Pop Culture, 253 pages

A book on all the unexpected math and math jokes/ Easter eggs in the show The Simpsons (with some on Futurama as well.)

Freaky Florida Mystery Adventures #6 : Scatman Dues by: Margaret Lashley

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, 316 pages

In book 6 Bobbie and Grayson deal with a doughnut cult/MLM that might involve a wormhole & aliens.

Frightmares 2: More Scary Stories for the Fearless Reader by: Michael Dahl

Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Short Stories, Children's, 224 pages

A collection of short scarry stories for kids.  At the end includes notes from the author about what inspired them to write the story.

Frightmares 3: Even More Scary Stories to Read - If You Dare by: Michael Dahl

Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Short Stories, Children's, 224 pages

A collection of short scarry stories for kids.  At the end includes notes from the author about what inspired them to write the story.

Catastrophe in Caseville (Michigan Chillers) by: Johnathan Rand

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, Children's, 204 pages

A family takes a trip to Caseville, for the Cheeseburger in Caseville festival & there is a giant evil cheeseburger attacking the city.

American Chillers #6 Invisible Iguanas of Illinois by: Johnathan Rand

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, Children's, 208 pages

Two iguanas get into some invisibility powder, from an ad at the back of a comic book, and not only does it work, but it causes them to become giant invisible monsters. 

Books 101-125

OLD FASHIONED COOKING WITH MISS PIGG: RECIPES FROM 1858-1922, A COOKBOOK  By: Charlene Pigg

Non-fiction: Cooking, History, E-book

This book had recipes from 1858 to 1922 that takes advantage of the fact that recipes can not be copyrighted.  Basicly its an old time collection of recipes cut out of the newspaper & magazines.   

Bob Hope: A Life from Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, E-book

A short biography on the life of Bob Hope.

Ernest Shackleton: A Life from Beginning to End By: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, E-book

A short biography on the life of Ernest Shackleton

The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck: A Counterintuitive Approach to Living a Good Life by:Mark Manson

Non-Fiction: Memoir, Self-Help, Pop Culture, E-book

A self-help book on not giving a F, by only giving a F on the really important things.

Blood Countess: The Unspeakable Crimes of Elizabeth Báthory By: Trident Books

Non-fiction: Biography, E-book

A short biography on the life Elizabeth Bathory, that includes the crimes she was accused of and thoughts on how likely/provable they were.

God Came In Power: International Revivals by: Bennie Mostert

Non-fiction: Religion, E-book

On one hand I should have expected a book on revivals from a South African to be about Reformed theology, on the other hand Reformed revivals sounds like an oxymoron given the 5 points of Calvinism. 

 Sorry I'm Late, I Didn't Want to Come: One Introvert's Year of Saying Yes by: Jessica Pan

Non-fiction: Memoir, humor, 238 pages

A story of a person's year of stepping out of their comfort zone, and what they liked, didn't like and learned along the way. 

Loch Ness Monster: Scotland's Sea Serpent by: Elizabeth Andrews

Non-Fiction: History, Pop Culture, Science, Children's, 32 pages

A short book about the history,& legends relating to the Loch Ness Monster.

Meet Josefina: An American Girl by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 85 pages

Josefina Learns a Lesson: A School Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 70 pages

Josefina's Surprise: A Christmas Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 88 pages

Happy Birthday, Josefina!: A Springtime Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 88 pages

Josefina Saves the Day: A Summer Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 88 pages

Changes for Josefina: A Winter Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 70 pages

The main books in the Josefina American Girl Series. 

Egyptian Gods: The Gods and Goddesses of Ancient Egypt by: Patrick Auerbach

Non-fiction: History, Religion, E-book

A short book on the major gods & goddesses of ancient Egypt

Cleopatra's Nose: Randomness in History by: Jakob Sjolander

Non-fiction: History, Science, Math, E-book

A book on the randomness of history, that deals more with explaining how history is random than interesting cases of randomness. 

Cecil & Bubba meet a Succubus By: Terry M. West

Fiction: Horror, Humor, Paranormal, Short Story, E-book

Two guys that do odd jobs end up dealing with a succubus in a haunted house the day before Halloween.

Stairway to Heaven: Chinese Alchemists, Jewish Kabbalists, and the Art of Spiritual Transformation by: Peter Levenda

Non-Fiction: Religion, Philosophy, 272 pages

A book on similar ideas and concepts around the world in various religions and philosophies. 

Josefina's Song By: Valerie Tripp 

Fiction: History, Children's, Short Story, 45 pages

Josefina goes with her Papa to see their shepherd up in the mountains.

Again, Josefina! by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, Short Story, 39 pages

Josefina wants to learn to play the piano, but it is harder than she expects. 

Thanks to Josefina by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, Short Story, 48 pages

A book on Josefina & her sister's weaving of the blankets.

A Reward for Josefina by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, Short Story, 39 pages

The family is collecting pine nuts, but Josefina has to watch her nephew.

Just Josefina by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, Short Story, 56 pages

Josefina wants to make her grandmother proud, but she is not just like her mother, even if her grandmother thinks she is.

What Moves the Dead by: T. Kingfisher

Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Mystery, Classic (retelling), 165 pages

This book is a retelling of Poe's "Fall of the House of Usher" with more fungus.  I would have liked it even if the dedication wasn't pandering to a group I am a member of. (But that didn't hurt.) 

Scooby-Doo and the Aliens of Area 49 by: Scott Gross

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Children's,  24 pages

Scooby-Doo runs into some "aliens" when out camping.

Books 76-100

The Secret of Chimneys by: Agatha Christie

Fiction: Mystery, Classic, E-book

This is the 1st book in the Superintendent Battle series of Agatha Christie.  

The Tarot Cafe, #2 by: Sang-Sun Park

The Tarot Cafe, #3 by: Sang-Sun Park

The Tarot Cafe, #4 by: Sang-Sun Park

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, 184 pages

Pamala runs a café & does tarot readings for all sorts of paranormal beings. She also has a mysterious past that we learn more about in these books.

The Eleusinian Mysteries: The History of Ancient Greece's Most Famous Religious Rites by: Charles River Editors

Non-fiction: History, Religion, E-book

A short book on what we know and think we know about the rites of the Eleusinian mysteries.

The Antikythera Mechanism: The History and Mystery of the Ancient World's Most Famous Astronomical Device by: Charles River Editors

Non-Fiction: History, E-book

A short book on how we found the Antikythera Mechanism and how people worked out what it might be.

The Bookstore Sisters by: Alice Hoffman

Fiction: Short Story, E-boo

A women who moved to NYC to get away from her small town and past goes back after a sister who she hasn't talked to in years sends a letter asking for help.

Gunpowder and Tea Cakes: My Journey with Felicity by: Kathleen Ernst

Fiction: History, Fantasy, Children's, 192 pages

A choose your own adventure like book involving time traveling to the Revolutionary War and meeting Felicity from the American Girls series.

The World's Most Infamous Cults of All Time by: Conrad Bauer

Non-fiction: History, Religion, E-book

A short book on "infamous cults," some of them were rather unknown cults & some, while fringe religious groups, would not be considered by most people to be cults.  

Worthe's Village by: Ron Ripley

Fiction: Paranormal, Horror, Mystery, E-book

A rich man collects haunted houses with angry ghosts and kidnaps and traps people in his village to see what happens.

The Case of the Gypsy Good-Bye by: Nancy Springer

Fiction: Historic, Mystery, YA, 166 pages

This is the 6th book in the series, and besides the main mystery a number of the issues from the whole series gets resolved.

Vanderbilt: The Rise and Fall of an American Dynasty by: Anderson Cooper,  & Katherine Howe

Non-Fiction: Biography, Memoir, History, E-book

A book on the history of the Vanderbilt family from their rise to fame to the author's own life.

Mother Teresa: A Life Inspired by: Wyatt North

Non-Fiction: Biography, E-book

A short biography on the life of St. Mother Teresa (written when she was Blessed Mother Teresa.)

The Cross: Crucified with Christ, and Christ Alive in Me by: J.C. Ryle

Non-Fiction: Religion, E-book

I expected that someone from the Church of England in the 1800's would have a very different theology than the author had.  Also this guy is major man crushing on St. Paul, which seams to go against the main point of the book.  

Something New with Saint Thérèse: Her Eucharistic Miracle by: Suzie Andres

Non-fiction: Religion, Biography, E-book 

A book on an often over looked part of St. Therese's Little Way, and it in the life of other saints.

Dead Famous: An Unexpected History of Celebrity from Bronze Age to Silver Screen by: Greg Jenner

Non-Fiction: History, Biography, Pop Culture, 416 pages

A book on the history of celebrity and stories of many famous people in history, written by someone with a famous last name, but unrelated to that family.

Kraken: Gigantic Ocean Terror by: Elizabeth Andrews

Non-Fiction: History, Pop Culture, Science, Children's, 32 pages

A short book about the history, legends, and real life animals that inspired the Kraken.

Chupacabra: Latin America's Bloodthirsty Predator by: Elizabeth Andrews

Non-Fiction: History, Pop Culture, Science, Children's, 32 pages

A short book about the history and legends of how the Chupacabra came to be a mythic animal. 

Just Beyond: Monstrosity by: R.L. Stine Ill By: Irene Flores

Fiction: Mystery, Horror, Paranormal, Graphic Novel, Children's, 144 pages

Ruthie and Ezra's dad & uncle bought a old movie studio that is said the be cursed.

The Horror at Happy Landings by: R.L. Stine

Fiction: Mystery, Horror, Paranormal, Graphic Novel, Children's, 144 pages

Two aliens accidently end up on earth and run into two kids on a camping trip they don't want to be at.

Meet Caroline By: Kathleen Ernst

Fiction: History, Children's, 104 pages

This is book 1 in the American Girl series on Caroline who lives in 1812. In this book we learn about the start of the War of 1812 and her father is captured by the British for sailing in Lake Ontario. 

Caroline's Secret Message by: Kathleen Ernst

Fiction: History, Children's, 93 pages

In this book Caroline & her mother make a dangerous trip across Lake Ontario to British controlled Canada in the hopes of freeing her dad, and if not letting him know what he would need to know to escape the British prison.

A Surprise for Caroline by: Kathleen Ernst

Fiction: History, Children's, 85 pages

In this book Caroline feels left out as her cousin & the 12 year old girl that's family is staying at her house want to do boring, grown up things like hair styling and not sledding & skating like she wants to do.  

Caroline Takes a Chance by: Kathleen Ernst

Fiction: History, Children's, 90 pages

Caroline is out fishing when she sees a British warship and has to make a choice to save the supply ship it is chasing or something that she loves.

Caroline's Battle by: Kathleen Ernst

Fiction: History, Children's, 89 pages

Caroline's dad just got back home when the British are seen coming to their town.  All the men get called up to fight, she Caroline & her mom must work to protect the shipping yard and if need be burn it down before the British can steal the ship & supplies at it.

Books 51-75

Felicity Discovers a Secret by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: Historic, Children's, 48 pages

Felicity makes a mess of a washer women's linens and learns why she seams so crabby.

Old Milwaukee: The Early History of Brew Town in the 19th Century by: Charles River Editors

Non-fiction: History, E-book

A short book on the history of Milwaukee

The Case of the Bizarre Bouquets by: Nancy Springer

Fiction: Historic, Mystery, YA, 170 pages

Dr. Watson is missing and Enola is on the case, using the language of flowers to help find out where he was.

The Egypt Game by: Zilpha Keatley Snyder

Fiction: Children's, Classic 240 pages

A re-read of a childhood favorite.

The Livonian Brothers of the Sword: The History of the Medieval Catholic Military Order that Fought Pagans in Eastern Europe by: Charles River Editors

Non-fiction: History, E-book

A short book on the history of a crusader order that didn't go to the Holy Land, but to Eastern Europe.

All the Living and the Dead by: Hayley Campbell

Non-fiction: Science, History, 288 pages

A book on various people who deal with death in some way in their job.  It includes jobs that you would expect, but also jobs you might not even know exist if you didn't need them.

Wendigo: First Nation's Forest Feaster by: Elizabeth Andrews

Non-Fiction: History, Pop Culture, Children's, 32 pages

A short book about the history and legends connected with the wendigo. 

Phoenix: Ancient Egypt's Firebird by: Elizabeth Andrews

Non-Fiction: History, Pop Culture, Children's, 32 pages

A short book about the history and legends connected with the Phoenix.

Kitsune: Japan's Shapeshifting Tricksters by: Elizabeth Andrews

Non-Fiction: History, Pop Culture, Children's, 32 pages

A short book about the history and legends connected with the Kitsune.

The Weird West Coast: Monsters, Mysteries, and Madmen on the Pacific Rim by: Charles River Editors

Non-Fiction: History, Short Story, Mystery, E-book

Stories of weird things/places/beings from the West Coast.  

Blade Runner 2019 FCBD by: Michael Green, Mike Johnson, Andres Guinaldo, et al.

Fiction: Sci-fi, Comic Book, E-book

A free comic book day book about ASH a Blade Runner.

Tim Burton's The Nightmare Before Christmas: Zero's Journey Issue #0 by: D.J. Milky, Kei Ishiyama, David Hutchison

Fiction: Comic Book, Pop Culture, E-book

The prequel to a series of comic books about the adventures of Zero.

The Umbrella Academy #0 by: Gerard Way, Gabriel Bá

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, E-book

A book on the Umbrella Academy that had to have been made before the TV series, as the characters look different then later works.

Superman (1939-2011) #1 by: Jerry Siegel, Joe Shuster

Fiction: Sci-fi, Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, E-book

A re- print of the earliest Superman comics.

Peril at King's Creek: A Felicity Mystery by: Elizabeth McDavid Jones

Fiction: Historic, Children's, mystery, 163 pages

There is a British spy running around and Felicity might be the only person who can stop them.

Traitor in Williamsburg: A Felicity Mystery by: Elizabeth McDavid Jones

Fiction: Historic, Children's, mystery, 179 pages

There is a traitor in town and Felicity is going to find out who.

The Case of the Peculiar Pink Fan by: Nancy Springer

Fiction: Historic, Mystery, YA, 204 pages

Lady Cecily is in trouble again, and Enola must solve the mystery using a pink fan as a clue.

New Amsterdam: The History of the Dutch Settlement Before It Became New York City by: Charles River Editors

Non-fiction: History, E-book

A short book on New Amsterdam.

Madeline by: Craig McGray

Fiction: Short Story, Horror, Paranormal, E-book

A man must save his daughter from a wife who has gone crazy, or so he thinks.

Titanic: The Story About The Unsinkable Ship by: Henry Freeman

Non-Fiction: History, E-book

A short book on the history of the Titanic.

The Ancient Bosnian Pyramids: The History and Mystery Over the Controversial Pyramids in Bosnia and Herzegovina by: Charles River Editors

Non-fiction: History, E-book

The history of either ancient pyramids or a natural collection of hills in Bosnia. 

Harley Quinn: Reckoning by: Rachael Allen

Fiction: YA, Mystery, Pop Culture 464 pages

A version of the story of Harley Quinn where she is a young scientist who is in a program that lets her work in a college lab in high school.

Father Dale’s Drive-Thru Exorcisms: After Dinner Conversation Short Story Series by: Viggy Parr Hampton

Fiction: Short Story, E-book

A couple who makes money doing drive-thru exorcisms.

The Case of the Cryptic Crinoline by: Nancy Springer

Fiction: Historic, Mystery, YA, 162 pages

Enola's land lady is kidnapped and it has something to do with Florence Nightingale.

The Tarot Café, #1 by: Sang-Sun Park

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel, 184 pages

Pamala runs a café & does tarot readings for all sorts of paranormal beings.

Books 26-50

Haunting at Spider Gate Cemetery by: S.M. Nevermore

Fiction: Paranormal, Short Story, E-book

A group goes to a haunted cemetery on Halloween.

The Case of the Missing Marquess by: Nancy Springer

Fiction: Mystery, Historic, YA, 263 pages

This is the 1st book in the Enola Holmes series about the younger sister of Sherlock.  In this one her mother disappears on Enola's birthday, but the gifts that she leaves gives Enola clues and a way to disappear too. (Before her oldest brother sends her to a boarding school.) Mostly a fun read, but the author clearly buys into Victorian male propaganda against women's fashion.  

Odd and the Frost Giants by: Neil Gaiman, ill. by: Chris Riddell

Fiction: Fantasy, Classic, Graphic Novel, Children's, 128 pages

The story of a young Viking boy, who helps the Norse gods in frighting a frost giant.

The United States of Cryptids: A Tour of American Myths and Monsters by: J.W. Ocker

Non-Fiction: Paranormal, Mystery, Science, History 288 pages

A book on cryptids from around the USA, broken into regions of the country.  

The Case of the Left-Handed Lady by: Nancy Springer

 Fiction: Mystery, Historic, YA, 234 pages

Book 2 in the Enola Hommes series.  In this book she is living in London with multiple fake identities and works on solving what happened to a missing teenager. 

I Don't Have a Bucket List but My F*ck-it List is a Mile Long: The hilarious guide to making your life happier, richer, and even more badass! by: Ruby Rey

Non-fiction: Essay, Memoir, Humor, Self-Help, E-book

A self-help book written by a comedian.  

Goosebumps Graphix #2 Terror Trips by: R.L. Stine, Ill By: Jill Thompson, 

Jamie Tolagson,  Amy Kim Kibuishi

Fiction: Children's, Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 144 pages

A collection of 3 Goosebumps stories made in a graphic novel format.

Goosebumps Graphix #1 Creepy Creatures by: R.L. Stine,  Ill By: Gabriel Hernandez, Greg Ruth

Fiction: Children's, Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 144 pages

A collection of 3 Goosebumps stories made in a graphic novel format.

Goosebumps Graphix #3 Scary Summer by: R.L. Stine, Ill By:Kyle Baker, Ted Naifeh,  Dean Haspiel

Fiction: Children's, Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 132 pages

A collection of 3 Goosebumps stories made in a graphic novel format.

The Ghosts of England: A Collection of Ghost Stories across the English Nation by:Charles River Editors

Non-Fiction: History, Short Stories, Paranormal, E-book

A collection of stories of famous ghosts in England as well as some of the history of the places of the stories.

Goosebumps Graphix #4 Slappy's Tales of Horror: A Graphic Novel by:R.L. Stine, Ill By: Dave Roman et al.

Fiction: Children's, Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 176 pages

A collection of 4 Goosebumps stories made in a graphic novel format.

The Night Watchman Express by: Alison DeLuca

Fiction: Children's, Fantasy, Mystery, Historic, E-book

This is a book about a orphan girl, this is also a book about a fisherman's son, as well as a book on a missing item and also about political intrigue and more. In short this book has 2 sections that have a different main character, setting, and feel to the book.  It is all about the same main storyline, but the book I read was very different from the book I expected.

Dust & Grim by: Chuck Wendig

Fiction: Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, Pop Culture, YA, 384 pages

When Molly's dad dies an uncle she didn't know show up and she learns about her mother, older brother, and a family business she never knew about.  Her uncle convinces her that she is due money from her mother's dead and as she wants to go to school for her costuming, she agrees to move in with her brother and snoop around the family funeral home to find the riches she is owed.  Of course it turns out that there is a much bigger secret that no one is sharing with her.

The Silent Stranger: A Kaya Mystery by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Mystery, Children's 132 pages

A women in found near Kaya's village, she has burnt hands and doesn't speak.  Kaya sets out to find out who she is, but she is worried both because she is warned to be wary of the stranger and because they seam to want her dog.

Cooking Price-Wise: The Original Foodie by: Vincent Price

Non-fiction: Cooking, 208 pages

This is a cook book by Vincent Price, with later additions by his family.  The recipes are ones that only have ingredients that could be found in 1970's stores, so some things that it talks about being exotic but possible to get are everyday things, and some things thrown on a recipe with no extra info, one would need to look up what this was.  The addition information, includes stories from their daughter about growing up in the Price household, and recipes from his grandfather, who made early baking powder. Also apparently his father was a famous candy maker.

Meet Felicity: An American Girl by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 69 pages

This is book 1 in the American Girl series on Felicity who lives in 1774.

Felicity Learns a Lesson: A School Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 69 pages

In this book Felicity goes to classes on being a gentlewomen, makes a friend & has the events leading up to the American Revolution effect her life.

Felicity's Surprise by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 77 pages

It is Christmas time and Felicity is invited to a dance at the governor's palace, but then her mother gets very sick and her priorities change.

 Happy Birthday, Felicity! A Springtime Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 88 pages

Grandfather, a loyalist is in town for Felicity's birthday.  He gives her a present of a guitar, but when showing it off to her friend, she leaves it out in the rain when she over hears a plot by the governor to take the town's gunpowder.

 Changes for Felicity: A Winter Story by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, 88 pages

Note: My effort to read the main American Girl books in chronological order of the stories timeline, has been slightly messed up as the 5th book in the series isn't available in the library.  In this book Felicity's friend's dad was jailed for being a loyalist.  Grandfather help get him out, but as he was sick, it made his sickness worst and he died.  So this book deals with that as well as the events of that time, and a redemption story of Penny the horse's old owner. 

The Candles Are Burning By: Veronica G. Henry

Fiction: Paranormal, Horror, Short Story, E-book

When Maggie's husband dies she gets her families second sight. Only she isn't the only one in town with a special gift connected with death.

The Forgotten Iron King of the Great Lakes: Eber Brock Ward, 1811-1875 By: Michael W Nagle

Non-Fiction: Biography, History, 368 pages

A biography of Eber Brock Ward an important industrialist for the Midwest that is largely forgotten today.  

Gone at Midnight: The Mysterious Death of Elisa Lam by: Jake Anderson

Non-Fiction: True Crime, Mystery, Current Events, E-book

This is a book written by someone who was trying to figure out what happened to Elisa Lam.  It deals with this from many angles including: mental health, corruption, & paranormal. There is a lot in the book on the history of the Cecil hotel, as well as the author going to the area to investigate the different ideas of what happened.  Unlike many books of this type they did not have a theory that they thought was what happened and so even at the end had a list of things that might have happened.

Wreck of the Edmund Fitzgerald by: Frederick Stonehouse

Non-Fiction: History, Science, 288 pages

A book on the history of the Edmund Fitzgerald, what happened the night it went down, and what happened afterword.  It includes many official documents on the wreck.

Felicity's New Sister by: Valerie Tripp

Fiction: History, Children's, Short Story 47 pages

This book is not actually part of the main stories, but one that took place between the main stories that was first made for the magazine.  In this book they tell the story of when Felicity's little sister was born. 

Books 1-25

Boozing: A History of Alcohol, Drinking, and Drunkenness By: Marie Campbell

Non-Fiction: History, Food, E-book

This short e-book goes over the history of alcohol, starting with early civilizations up to today.  The early history in the book seams fine given how much glossing over details a book like this needs to do, but by the time it gets to drinks in stories, it says things like "The Cask of Amontillado" was on the evils of drinking, and starts to read like a kid in high school who is BSing an English paper. 

Enemy of the People: The Untold Story of the Journalists Who Opposed Hitler by: Terrence Petty

Non-Fiction: History, E-book

This book tells the story of the paper the Munich Post, a German paper that opposed Hitler and the Nazis from his early days and even spoke out against him when he was in power.

Ape Shift: Freaky Florida Mystery Adventures #4 by: Margaret Lashley

Fiction: Sci-fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, 336 pages

(Note: for some reason the library does not have book 3 although it has the rest of the current series.)

Bobbie and Grayson are on the hunt for bigfoot, and unlike earlier cases Bobbie is a little concerned, because she might actually believe that bigfoot is real.  

Meet Kaya by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Children's, 70 pages

This is book 1 in the American Girl series on Kaya, who is a Nimiipuu (Nez Perce) Native American who lives in 1761.

Kaya's Escape! by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Children's, 72 pages

In book 2 Kaya and her "sister" Speaking Rain (a blind orphan that Kaya's family has adopted) are kidnapped by an enemy group.  They meet a young boy from a friendly tribe that also has been kidnapped, and Kaya and the boy try to escape, after Speaking Rain insists they leave without her, as her blindness will slow them down.

The Agitated Elocutionist: A Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective Mini-Mystery by: Richard Behrens

The Forlorn Maggie: A Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective Mini-Mystery by: Richard Behrens

The Purloined Curio: A Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective Mini-Mystery by: Richard Behrens

The Melancholy Scion: A Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective Mini-Mystery by: Richard Behrens

The Sculling Boat: A Lizzie Borden, Girl Detective Mystery by: Richard Behrens

(for all)Fiction: Mystery, Short Story, children's, E-book

I picked up most of the short stories in this series when they were free on-line.  All the stories are OK as kids mysteries, except the weirdness of picking Lizzie Borden as the detective in the stories.  While, they hint at things that we know about the life of Lizzie Borden, a couple of stories add that she likes to shoplift (something that I don't think was part of the real person's life.)  Also having a person that later gets charged with the murder of her father and step mother, seams like a odd choice for a main character of a children's book series, as does having her be friends with the police and a known detective in town.

Kaya's Hero: A Story of Giving by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Children's, 73 pages

Kaya finds a hero in a young women named Swan Circling who has married into her tribe and is fearless.

Kaya and Lone Dog: A Friendship Story by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Children's, 81 pages

Kaya befriends a lone dog who then has puppies.

Kaya Shows the Way: A Sister Story by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Children's, 73 pages

Kaya is worried about losing her older sister Brown Deer, as Brown Deer prepares to get married, but when in the big meet up area for fishing, she is reunited with her sister that was kidnapped, only to possibly lose her again to a vow she made to her rescuer. 

Changes for Kaya: A Story of Courage by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, Children's, 70 pages

Kaya looks for her stolen horse, only to end up in an extreme situation that takes all her courage and wits to survive.  

Doctor Who: Ghost Stories by: George Mann illustrated by: Ivan Rodriguez, Pasquale Qualano et al.

Fiction: Pop Culture, Graphic Novel, 112 pages

A 12th Doctor comic book.

Kaya and the River Girl by: Janet Beeler Shaw

Fiction: History, short story, Children's, 38 pages

This is a short story that isn't part of the main series of stories for the character. In this one Kaya is jealous of another girl from the river tribe.

DC Horror Presents: The Conjuring: The Lover by: David Leslie Johnson-McGoldrick, Rex Ogle, Scott Snyder

Fiction: Pop Culture, Graphic Novel, Paranormal, Horror, 128 pages

A set of prequel stories for the conjuring movies.

The Ghost of Crutchfield Hall by: Mary Downing Hahn

Fiction: Paranormal, Mystery, Children's, 160 pages

An orphan gets sent to live with an uncle and aunt in the country after living in London her whole life.  There she learns that she has a sickly boy cousin and girl cousin who would be around her age, but she died last year.  And her dead cousin is haunting the house. 

 Dungeons & Dragons: Dungeon Academy: No Humans Allowed! by: Madeleine Roux Illustrated by: Tim Probert

Fiction: Fantasy, Pop Culture, Graphic Novel, Children's, 204 pages

Zelli was raised by minotaurs, but she is actual a human.  In her "History of Horrible Humans" class she sees someone who looks just like her, a famous adventurer, from a family of famous adventurers.  She hears rumors that her possible mother is near by, and also that graduates from her school are going missing, as she and some other misfits from the the school go to investigate. 

Fear Street #48: Who Killed the Homecoming Queen? by: R.L. Stine

Fiction: Paranormal, Mystery, Horror, YA 176 pages

Someone is killing students right before homecoming.

Curse of the Were-wiener by: Ursula Vernon

Fiction: Fantasy, humor, Children's, 204 pages

Wendell gets bit by a hog dog from Transylvania and will become a were-wiener if he and Danny doesn't kill the alpha wiener within 3 days.

Revenge of the Horned Bunnies by: Ursula Vernon

Fiction: Fantasy, humor, Children's, 208 pages 

Everyone is at camp, including Danny's annoying cousin Spencer.  Spencer finds a jackalope and learns that the jackalopes are all going missing.

 Knight-napped! by: Ursula Vernon

Fiction: Fantasy, humor, Children's, 208 pages 

Spencer is kidnapped by knights and Danny, Wendell & Christiana go to rescue him, from Christiana's distant relatives!

Sewing Can Be Dangerous And Other Small Threads by: S.R. Mallery

Fiction: Short Stories, History, E-book

A collection of 11 stories from various times, often involving important events from that time, all that have something to do with sewing or related textile arts.

Weevil Spirits Freaky Florida Mystery Adventures #5  by: Margaret Lashley

Fiction: Sci-fi/Fantasy, Paranormal, Mystery, 306 pages

This time Grayson goes to the Florida panhandle to experience a rare event where the cicadas with a 3, 7, etc lifecycle all are coming to the surface at the same time.  And the end up with a mystery of multiple dead people with their heads removed.    

2023 Reading Challenge

 For 2023 I set my Goodreads Reading Challenge book count to 200.  This is because I was planning on rereading or reading for the 1st time a number of Children's and Young Adult books for the year, things like favorite books from when I was younger and books I missed on reading as they came out after I was the intended age for them, and ones that when the kids were younger they were not interested in. Also I thought I would try and read the main America Girls books in mostly chronological order of when the stories take place. 

So because of this, there will be a number of kids books in this year's book list, and the reviews/summaries may be even shorter than normal, as writing that many ones is a bit much. 

December Books:

 As of today I have completed my increased Goodreads goal of 100 books, with 123 books.

The Other Emily by: Dean Koontz

Fiction: Paranormal, Sci-Fi, Mystery, E-book

10 years ago the love of David's life, Emily disappeared.  He thinks she might have been killed by a famous serial killer, but they never found her body.  One day he meets a women named Maddison, who looks exactly like Emily did when she disappeared.  

Atlas of Improbable Places by: Travis Elborough & Alan Horsfield

Non-fiction: History, E-book

This book includes short entries on a number of real life places that are unusual, from all around the world.  

The Pocket: A Hidden History of Women's Lives, 1660–1900 by: Barbara Burman & Ariane Fennetaux

Non-fiction: History, Art, 264 pages

A look at the history of the use of tie on pockets in women's clothing.  It includes what a pocket or lack of pockets meant to women at various times, and stations in life, how they were used, both expected and more surprising uses, pockets in art & stories, and the ending of their use.

A Cast of Falcons by: Sarah Yarwood-Lovett

Fiction: Mystery, E-book

This is book 2 in the series.  In this book Nell's best friend Percy is getting married at Nell's family estate.  It was hurried up due to the health of his mother, but Percy's parents first can't make it, and then when they do, it is to tell her she is disowned if she goes through with the wedding.  He end's up dead, possibly do to a drunken accident, but possibly it was murdered, and of course she wants to solve the mystery of who might have killed him, given that everyone who knows him there has a reason to kill him.

Ghost Towns of Michigan: Volume 2 by: Larry Wakefield

Non-Fiction: History, 269 pages

A collection of stories of abandoned towns in Michigan. 

Bodies of Inscription: A Cultural History of the Modern Tattoo Community by: Margo Demello, & Gayle S. Rubin

Non-Fiction: History, Art, Pop Culture 256 pages

This book is on the history of tattoos, especially the changing meanings of tattoos as they became more middle class and not just worn by outsiders.   

 

November Books:

Vintage Tattoos: The Book of Old-School Skin Art by: Carol Clerk

Non-fiction: History, art, 256 pages

A book on the history of tattoos as well as the artist and personalities that were important in the era of vintage tattooing.

Game Wizards: The Epic Battle for Dungeons & Dragons by: Jon Peterson

Non-fiction: History, Pop Culture, Biography 368 pages

The story of Dungeons and Dragons: from games that the creators made before D&D, to the early years of the game, to the fight over D&D and the Satanic Panic.

The Complete Whiskey Course: A Comprehensive Tasting School in Ten Classes by: Robin Robinson

Non-fiction: Science, History, Food and Drink, 304 pages

This book deals with many of the things one might want to know about whiskey and whiskey tastings.

The Last Session Vol. 1 by: Jasmine Walls, Ills by: Dozerdraws

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, 128 pages

This book is the story of a group of friends who meet in an after school group that ended up becoming a D&D group.  They are now graduating and going in different directions and so are finishing out their game. 

Eating Salad Drunk: Haikus for the Burnout Age by Comedy Greats Ed by: Gabe Henry, Ils by: Emily Flake 

Non-Fiction: Poetry, 240 pages

Haikus by famous comedians on a variety of subjects.

Dorsai! (Childe Cycle #1) by: Gordon R. Dickson

Fiction: Sci-Fi, Audio Book

Donal Graeme is an odd Dorsai who ends up living a very interesting life. 

Halloween (October) Books:

Dr. Prepper (Freaky Florida Mystery Adventures #2) by: Margaret Lashley

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, Humor, 252 pages

In book 2 of the series Drex and Grayson are looking into someone that might have made contact with aliens, a mysterious death, and a group of male preppers including a doctor who's urban camo is the loudest most crazy outfits he can find.

American Born Chinese by: Gene Luen Yang

Fiction: Graphic Novel, YA 240 pages

This book combines a number of seemingly unrelated stories to tell the story of a Chinese American boy.

Lotería by: Karla Valenti

Fiction: Holidays, Fantasy, Pop Culture, Paranormal, philosophy,  Children, 320 pages

This is a story of life and death playing a game (which is like bingo) with the cards played effecting the life of a young girl and her family.

Crux Skullcrusher and the Definitely Evil Sword by; Vichet Ou

Fiction: Fantasy, Short Story, E-book

This short story reads like what happened in a D&D campaign.  The main character is a barbarian who found a sword with is definitely evil his party wants to get rid of it, but it is speaking to him.

The Ghost of Cattingham Hall by: Amber A. Cross

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, E-book

Maddie is staying with her aunt in the family home that is thought to be haunted.  She is researching the history of the home for a school project.  Strange things start are happening, and Maddie needs to solve a centuries old mystery to save the home, and put the ghost to rest. 

In the Land of Faery by: Andy Rose 

Fiction: Fantasy, Short Story, E-book

This book is a collection of short stories mostly dealing with fey.

Before You Wake: Three Horrors by: Adam Nevill

Fiction: Short Story, Horror, E-book

A collection of 3 horror stories.

To Dye For (Mortician Murders #1) by: Greta Boris

Fiction: Mystery, E-book

Imogene's clients are mostly senior citizens, so when one of her favorite ones died, it was sad but not entirely unexpected.  But her dying wish being Imogene doing her hair and make up one last time, is something she wasn't expecting.  She decides to do it, and that's when her life gets turned upside down.  

Düngeonmeister: 75 Epic RPG Cocktail Recipes to Shake Up Your Campaign by: Jef Aldrich, Jon Taylor

Non-fiction: Cooking, Pop Culture, 160 pages

This book is a collection of cocktails based off of Dungeons & Dragons as well as other games, like Magic the Gathering.

The House on the Shore: A Short Paranormal Mystery by: A.L. Jambor 

Fiction: Short Story, Mystery, Paranormal, E- Book

Mariah was adopted, which she only found out at age 28 when she was contacted by lawyers because she inherited her biological's grandmother's house.  She goes to the house looking for answers and finding ghosts of the pass that seam to be reaching out to her.

Excavating Indiana Jones: Essays on the Films and Franchise Ed by: Randy Laist

Non-fiction: Pop Culture, Essays, History 218 pages

This book is much like the X and philosophy books, but deals with aspect of the franchise that is not  just the philosophical underpinnings. It deals with the 4 films, the TV show, comics, and video games.  

Witch Way to Murder & Mayhem by: Jane Hinchey

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, E-book

Harper is having a bad time, she found her boy friend cheating on her and what she did after that resulted in her loosing her witches license.  She moves back home with her free spirited grandmother, and buys the local book shop, only to find her high school nemesis dead in the shop.  So now she needs to solve the mystery to prove she didn't do it, go back to witch school, and not die of embarrassment from her grandmother's clothing choices.

Stealing Propeller Hats from the Dead by: David James Keaton

Fiction: Short Stories, Paranormal, Pop Culture, 256 pages

This book is a collection of stories all about zombies.  

Abandoned Michigan: Doorways to Decay by: Kyle Brooky

Non-fiction: History, 96 pages

This book is a selection of stories and pictures of abandoned buildings in Michigan.

Ghost Towns of Michigan: Volume 1 by: Larry Wakefield

Non-fiction: History, 181 pages

This book is the story and pictures of 33 ghost towns in Michigan.  Most of them died when the railroads or mills moved or closed. 

I Choose Darkness by: Jenny Lawson 

Non-fiction: Essay, Pop Culture, Holidays, History,  E- book

A short essay on the history of the author's Halloweens as well as why they like the holiday even after sharing all the costumes they wore as a child. 

September Books:

Giving Up The Ghost by: Dean Rasmussen

Fiction: Short Story, Paranormal, E-book

A home nurse is visiting a patient before a hurricane hits.  They think their dementia is acting up, but that doesn't explain what they are experiencing.

 Ripped from the Headlines!: The Shocking True Stories Behind the Movies' Most Memorable Crimes By: Harold Schechter

Non-fiction: History, Pop Culture, E-book

The real life crimes that movies were based off of explained, as well as things the movies changed and events that were used in multiple films.  Some were known to be off of events, and some were things that looking into showed the true events must have influenced the writers even if the movie wasn't "based on a true story."

Be More Yoda: Mindful Thinking from a Galaxy Far Far Away By: Christian Blauvelt

Fiction: Quotes, Pop Culture, 64 pages

A short book on how to be like Yoda including quotes from all the movies.

SALEM'S ROPES: Inspired by the True Story of the Haunted Ropes Mansion by: Joseph C. Gioconda

Fiction: History, Paranormal, E-book

A book based off a real location in the history of Salam MA, but with a number of supernatural elements added to it.

Horror Stories by: James Flynn

Fiction: Short Story, Paranormal, E-book

A collection of horror stories.  

Haunted Souls by: Samuel M. Hallam

Fiction: Paranormal, E-book

January has to go back to her home after the death of  the aunt and uncle that raised her after the mysterious death of her father at the house.  There she works to unlock its secrets before she is the next killed by the house.  

A Murder of Crows by: Sarah Yarwood-Lovett

Fiction: Mystery, E-book

A ecologist is the prime suspect in a murder of the owner of the property she was studying. So in true British cozy mystery  fashion, she and her friends/co-workers must solve the mystery, to clear her name, and because her expertise in ecology will save the day.

Fallen Empires, Cleopatra in Space #5 by: Mike Maihack

Fiction: YA, Graphic Novel, 208 pages

Cleo has to go into hiding and we get more of the backstory that resulted in Cleo and Octavian being enemies. 

Queen of the Nile,  Cleopatra in Space #6 By: Mike Maihack

Fiction: YA, Graphic Novel, 240 pages

The end of the story, the ancient prophecy must be fulfilled or the universe will be taken over by Octavian.

The Book of the Damned By: D.A. Fowler

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal, E-book

A book that when you read sucks you into the story and you either become to killer or think you are the person being tortured in it. (Which also can result in them being killers in real life or killing themselves to get free.) 

 Transubstantiation: Theology, History, and Christian Unity by: Brett Salkeld

Non-Fiction: Religion, 288 pages

A book on the history of transubstantiation, as well as what the early reformers thought the Eucharist was, and things the different Christian groups can agree on, and how they differ in beliefs on communion. 

Wicked Plants: The Weed That Killed Lincoln's Mother and Other Botanical Atrocities by: Amy Stewart

Non-fiction: History, Science, 236 pages

A collection on different plants that are in some way dangerous.  

August Books:

The Penguin Book of Exorcisms ed by: Joseph Laycock

Non-fiction: Classic Lit, History, 336 pages

This book is a collection of historic documents of exorcisms from various times and places in history.  It includes information about how different cultures see possession and how they dealt with them.  

Moth Busters by: Margaret Lashley

Fiction: Paranormal, Sci-Fi, E-book

This book takes place in Florida, because Florida.  A mall security guard gets shot in the head, survives, but now she may be seeing ghosts.  She also works at a garage with her cousin.  A weird RV ends up at the garage with a mysterious man who has lots of cash.  Also mothman may be in town. 

 House of Mystery, Volume 5: Under New Management by: Matthew Sturges illustrated by: Luca Rossi,

José Marzán Jr., et al

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 128 pages

 A man who claims that he is Fig's brother shows up in the house.

House of Mystery, Volume 6: Safe as Houses by: Matthew Sturges illustrated by: Luca Rossi, et al

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 128 pages 

Fig and the Witch Queen fight a war for the Summerlands.

House of Mystery, Volume 7: Conception by: Matthew Sturges

 Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 160 pages

Fig learns more about the mysterious conception.

House of Mystery, Volume 8: Desolation by: Matthew Sturges illustrated by:  

Esao Andrews

 Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 160 pages

Everything comes to a head in this the end of the series.

The Egyptian Antiquities Murder by: Sara Rosett

Fiction: Mystery, History

A historic cozy mystery taking place between the wars in England and involving Egyptian artifacts. 

July Books:

Vernor's Ginger Ale by Keith Wunderlich

Non-fiction: History, 128 pages

A book on the history of Vernor's ginger ale.  It includes a lot of pictures from the people involved with the company.

Loot: Britain and the Benin Bronzes by Barnaby Phillips

Non-fiction : History, Current Events,  400 pages

The story of how the Benin Bronzes ended up in Europe and America with special note of how the British Museum ended up with so many, as well as current issues with the descendants of the creators trying to get them returned to Africa. 

If It's Not Funny It's Art by Demetri Martin

Non-fiction: Art, Humor, 192 pages

A collection of drawings from Demetri Martin.

Other Side #1-4 by Jody Houser, Art by Stefano Martino, Keith Champagne, Lauren Affe 

Fiction: Pop Culture, Sci Fi, Graphic Novel, 24 pages each

The story of Will Byers from "Stranger Things" while he was in the upside down from season 1.

House of Mystery, Volume 1: Room and Boredom by Matthew Sturges, Bill Willingham, art by: Luca Rossi, D. Ross Campbell, Jill Thompson, Zachary Baldus, Steve Rolston, Sean Murphy

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 128 pages

In this book we 1st meet the house of mystery as well as Fig who is some how connected to the house.

House of Mystery, Volume 2: Love Stories for Dead People by Matthew Sturges,  art by Luca Rossi, José Marzán Jr., et al.

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 128 pages

More stories from the House of Mystery, these ones dealing more with themes of love.

House of Mystery, Volume 3: The Space Between by Matthew Sturges,  art by Luca Rossi, José Marzán Jr., et al.

Fiction: Paranormal, Fantasy, Graphic Novel 128 pages

These stories deal more with the people stuck in the house trying to get out, while others are trying to get in.  Also Fig's father shows up and we learn something important about the bartender.

Mysteries of the Messiah: Unveiling Divine Connections from Genesis to Today by Jason Sobel

Non-fiction: Religion, History, Maths, E-book

This book is written by a Messianic Jewish Rabbi and deals with how the New and Old Testament is connected, as well as the meaning on numbers in Jewish thought and how different words and phrases equal different important numbers in the Hebrew.   

Do Polar Bears Get Lonely?: And Answers to 100 Other Weird and Wacky Questions About How the World Works by New Scientist

Non-fiction: Science, 256 pages

A collection of questions on various subjects with multiple answers based on the science connected to the question.  Also, no, polar bears are mostly solidary creatures. 

June Books:

Boyfriends of Dorothy (The Real Thing #2) by Wednesday Martin 

Non-fiction: Memoir, E-book

I picked this up as the story mostly takes place in a city that I have some knowledge of.  As one might guess from the title this book is a memoir about a women who had close friends with men where one might think they were dating if he was straight. 

The Last Book on the Left: Stories of Murder and Mayhem from History’s Most Notorious Serial Killers

by Ben Kissel, Marcus Parks, Henry Zebrowski, illustrated by Tom Neely 

Non-fiction: History, Pop Culture, Humor, 304 pages

This book is written by podcasters on famous serial killers, it reads a lot like reading a podcast and even has notes on who is "talking" at any point.  

My Sister, the Serial Killer by Oyinkan Braithwaite

Fiction: Mystery, 226 pages

Korede's sister Ayoola is a serial killer, sure she has a reason for each death that makes it an accident or self defense, but Korede isn't so sure about that and is tired of cleaning up bodies.  Plus, her sister becomes interested in a co-worker of her's that she hopes to date.  

Pets Who Want to Kill Themselves: Featuring Over 150 Suicidal Pets! by Duncan Birmingham

Fiction: Pop Culture, 160 pages

This book is a collection of pictures of animals dressed up in costumes with captions on how they wish they were dead or want to kill their owner for doing that to them.

 The Odd 1s Out: How to Be Cool and Other Things I Definitely Learned from Growing Up by James Rallison

Non-fiction: graphic novel, Pop Culture, memoir, 240 pages

A book by a YouTube star about growing up and how he became a artist.  

Shackleton: Antarctic Odyssey by Nick Bertozzi

Non-fiction: History, Graphic Novel, 128 pages

This is the story of Ernest Shackleton's trips to try to find the south pole, as told in a graphic novel format.

The Haunting of Sunshine House by Dominika Best

Fiction: Mystery, Paranormal. E-book

Sunshine House is a retirement community that is in what is though to be one of the most haunted locations in LA.  Besides it's ghost problem there is also a murder in the house.

Lore of the Ghost: The Origins of the Most Famous Ghost Stories Throughout the World

by Brian Haughton, illustrated by Daniele Serra

Non-fiction: History, paranormal, 192 pages

This books is not so much a collection of ghost stories, but about the themes and tropes of ghost stories, especially those of the UK and the USA.  

May Books:

 I ended up completing my reading goal this month and so have upped it to 100 books for the year.

The Envious Siblings: and Other Morbid Nursery Rhymes by Landis Blair

Fiction: Poetry, 240 pages

A collection of nursery rhymes with a dark twist.  The art adds much to the book.

Star Wars: Han Solo by Marjorie M. Liu,  illustrated by: Mark Brooks, Olivier Coipel, et al

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, 120 pages

This story takes place after "A New Hope". In it Han must save the lives of some rebel spies by racing in the most dangerous and famous race in the galaxy.

Star Wars: Lando - Double or Nothing by Rodney Barnes, illustrated by Paolo Villanelli 

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, 112 pages

This story takes place before "Solo". 

A Guide to Sky Monsters: Thunderbirds, the Jersey Devil, Mothman and Other Flying Cryptids by T.S. Mart

Nonfiction: 200 pages

This book was weird, parts are encyclopedic entries on cryptids, some are stories of people seeing them, some are attempts to explain the science of how X known dinosaur age animal became Y cryptid, and there is a weird religious aspect of it mixed in too. 

Bloody Lessons -A Victorian San Francisco Mystery #3 by M. Louisa Locke

Fiction: Mystery. History, e-book

In book 3 of the series Annie has to work to find out about who is attacking the teachers of San Francisco (both physically and by attempts of blackmail, poison pen letters, and gossip.)  Of course this happens just when Nate's little sister becomes a teacher in town, and so she has multiple boarders that are affected by this.

Casket Chronicles: Living and Working in a Funeral Home is not What You Might Think by T.A. Walters

Non-Fiction: Memoir, E-book

This book is about being a young man in the 1960's who got a job working at and living in a funeral home.

Ghosts: Classic Monsters of Pre-Code Horror Comics edited by Steve Banes

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, Paranormal, 240 pages

This is a selection of stand alone comics about ghosts that were made in the pre code days.

 Tales from the Umbrella Academy: You Look Like Death by Gerard Way, Shaun Simon, I.N.J. Culbard 

Fiction: Pop culture, paranormal, Graphic novel 192 pages

This story takes place before the show and stars Klaus at age 18.  He gets kicked out of the Academy and goes on an adventure that involves ghosts, vampires, monsters, and relish.

The People That Time Forgot by Edgar Rice Burroughs

Fiction: Classic, Sci Fi, E-book

In this book in the series, there is possible even less dinosaurs then the 1st book. There is also less time spent describing the "less evolved" humanoids, so at least there's that. Also it didn't count as a sci-fi or fantasy book in the Kindle summer reading program, which is junk!

The List by Jade Chang 

Non-fiction: Short read, e-book

This was book 1 in a series that was under a "Top picks for you" section on-line.  And book 2 is about a semi local area, so I though I'd try them.  Its all about making a list to find your true love, dealing with it many relating to someone who thinks it is magic, but also talking about "the Secret" and things like that being used in different cultures.   

April Books:

 The Invention of Murder: How the Victorians Revelled in Death and Detection and Created Modern Crime by: Judith Flanders

Non-fiction: History, 556 pages

This book goes over major murders in Victorian England, as well as how the press and public reacted to the crimes and the effects that had.

Your Guide to Not Getting Murdered in a Quaint English Village by: Maureen Johnson Illustrated by: Jay Cooper 

Fiction: Humor, Pop Culture, 128 pages

A quick guide on how not to be one of the many, many people who are always getting murdered in quaint English villages in books, TV show, movies, etc.

Poison Ivy: Thorns by: Kody Keplinger,  Illustrated by: Sara Kipin

Fiction: Graphic Novel. Pop Culture. Paranormal, 208 pages

A collection of stories about a teen Poison Ivy who has to deal with school issues, a  family secret, romance, and trying to save the earth.

Purgatory Is for Real: Good News about the Afterlife for Those Who Aren't Perfect Yet by: Karlo Broussard

Non-fiction: Religion, 208 pages

A book on purgatory.  Chapters range from similar concepts in religions around the world to what the Catechism says about it. 

A Dinner Party with the Saints: The People Behind the Halos by: Woodeene Koenig-Bricker

Fiction: Religion, Cook Book, Biography, 144 pages

A book about the lives of 16 saints as told in Heaven and around a dinner party.  It includes a recipe for each saint.

Paths to Prayer: A Field Guide to Ten Catholic Traditions by Pat Fosarelli

Non-Fiction: Religion 130 pages

A book on 10 spiritual traditions in Catholicism including info on where to get more info on each tradition.

The Big Book of Christian Mysticism: The Essential Guide to Contemplative Spirituality by Carl McColman

Non-fiction: Religion, 320 pages

A book on Christian mysticism, how it is like all other forms of mysticism as well as what makes it unique. 

Healed by Dean Skinner

Fiction: Religion, E-book

This is a story that is like Job only in modern times.  Warning- lots of bad language also starts out very Anti-Catholic.

Tesla vs Edison: The Life-Long Feud that Electrified the World by Nigel Cawthorne

Non-Fiction: History, Science, Biography 192 pages

The story of the early days of electricity told mostly by the feud between Tesla and Edison, but talks about many of the major players of the time.

Lady Killers: Deadly Women Throughout History by Tori Telfer 

Non-fiction: History, 336 pages

This book tells the story of a handful of famous female serial killers, most from over a century ago.  It deals with how the story told in the public is often different then their real motivations do to societal ideas about females vs their real life.

Daily Inspiration: 365 Quotes from Saints by Wyatt North

Non-fiction: Biography, Religion, e-book

Quotes from saints with info about their life after each quote. 

 

February and March Books:

 Apparently I didn't make a list of the books I read last month, and so this is a 2 month post.  Also I al already over 50% to my reading goal and so will likely bump it up when I get to it.  

Uncle John's Bathroom Reader Robotica by: Bathroom Readers' Institute 

Non-fiction: History, Pop Culture, Science, Sci-fi, 256 pages

A bathroom reader that only deals with things related to robots in some way.

Notes to the Future: Words of Wisdom by: Nelson Mandela

Non-fiction: Quotes, 192 pages

A collection of quotes from Nelson Mandela divided by subject and with info on when/where each quote is from.

Adoptable Dog: Teaching Your Adopted Pet to Obey, Trust, and Love You by: John Ross, Barbara McKinney

Non-fiction: Pets, 353 pages

A book on getting a dog with some additional information for issues that may happen in adopting a older dog instead of getting a puppy from a breeder.  

Michigan Haunts: Public Places, Eerie Spaces by: Jon Milan, Gail Offen

Non-fiction: Paranormal, History, 128 pages

A book on places in Michigan that are thought to be haunted.  The book is divided by the type of place it is and has notes about with places are not open to the public.

My Haunted Family: Engrossing Tales of One Family's Encounters with the Unknown by: Rose Pressey Betancourt

Non-fiction: Paranormal, Memoir, 156 pages

This book is a collection of real life ghost stories, but all are ones where the author either heard the story from the person themselves (most of whom were family) or at most was a story a parent told that happened to a grandparent (maybe a great uncle or aunt this was one of the books I read over amonth ago.)

Fathom: The Definitive Edition (Fathom Vol. 1 #0,½,1-13) by: Michael Layne Turner, Bill O'Neil, Geoff Johns

Fiction: Graphic Novel. Sci-fi, 496 pages 

This collection of graphic novels is the story of the Fathom universe.  There is the world above the water that we know, but also a world of humans who live under the oceans. (and also have tech that can go into space.)

 Stitch and the Samurai Volume 1, 2, & 3 by: Hiroto Wada

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Pop Culture, 176 pages, 176 pages & 224 pages

This series asked what would happen if instead of landing in modern Hawaii Stich landed in feudal Japan.   And instead of being found by a little girl who thought he was a dog, he was found by a warlord who thought he might be a raccoon. 

Medieval Women and Their Objects by: Jenny Adams, Nancy Mason Bradbury

Non-fiction: History, Essays, Classic Lit, E-book

This book goes over the late Medieval women of England and France in a series of essays dealing with there objects.  A whole lot of them deal with women in Chaucer.  Ones that don't deal with everything from personal books, churches, to their body itself. 

Ghostland: An American History in Haunted Places by: Colin Dickey

Non-fiction: History 320 pages

Turned out I already read this book years ago, but as I already was a couple chapters into it when I noticed, I just finished the book.

Gothic: An Illustrated History by: Roger Luckhurst

Non-fiction: History, Pop culture 288 pages

A book on the major themes, ideas, places, etc of the gothic story.

What the Hell Are You Doing?: The Essential David Shrigley by: David Shrigley

Non-fiction: Art, Comics, Humor, 352 pages

The art of David Shrigley.

How Dogs Work: A Head-To-Tail Guide to Your Canine by: Daniel Tatarsky, David Humphries (Illustrations)

Non-fiction: Science, Animals, 160 pages

This book looks like it should be for children, but the info is more a quick study of the most important things that a new dog owner might need to know with info that seams more for older kids or adults.

Maniac: The Bath School Disaster and the Birth of the Modern Mass Killer by: Harold Schechter

Non-Fiction: History, True Crime, E-book

This is the story of the blowing up of the Bath MI School. It happened in the 1920's making it possibly the 1st time something like this was done in America. (As it was done on purpose and not an issue with a gas leak or other accidental cause.)

January Books:

 My preliminary reading goal for the year is 52 books with at least 25 of them being e-books.

The Ghostly Tales of Flint by Anna Lardinois 

Non-Fiction: History, Children's 112 pages

This book turned out to be based on a book that I had already read, but with the book being geared to children the parts of the ghost stories that they focused on was slightly different.

Billy the Kid's Old Timey Oddities by Eric Powell, Kyle Hotz

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 104 pages

The premise of this series is that Billy the Kid faked his death and then ended up working with a traveling freak show.  In this book they are dealing with Victor Frankenstein. 

Billy the Kid's Old Timey Oddities Volume 2: The Ghastly Fiend of London by Eric Powell, Kyle Hotz

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 112 pages

In this book they go to London and deal with Jack the Ripper, Mr. Hyde, Dracula and meet the Elephant Man. 

Billy the Kid's Old Timey Oddities and the Orm of Loch Ness by Eric Powell, Kyle Hotz, Dan Brown 

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 112 pages

They are now dealing with Dracula in Scotland.

She-Hulk, Volume 1: Single Green Female by Dan Slott, Juan Bobillo, Paul Pelletier

Fiction: Graphic Novel, 136 pages

All the She-Hulk are a collection of the comics. 

She-Hulk, Volume 3: Time Trials by Dan Slott , Scott Kolins, Juan Bobillo, Stan Lee, John Buscema 

Fiction: Graphic Novel, 136 pages

Pioneer Mixology:: Switchel, Sack Posset, and Shrub by Robynne Elizabeth Miller

Non-Fiction: Food, History, E-book

This book is collection of drink recipes from the pioneer age, in a modern format. 

The Radium Girls: The Dark Story of America's Shining Women by Kate Moore

Non-fiction: History, Science, Biographies, e-book

This is the story of the dial painters of multiple factories who ended up being poisoned by the radium and the unsafe practices of the companies.

She-Hulk, Volume 5: Planet Without a Hulk by Dan Slott (Writer), Rick Burchett, Cliff Rathburn

Fiction: Graphic Novel, 192 pages

The Diamond Formula by Alina Simone

Non-fiction: History, e-book

For years people had been trying to make diamonds, in 1905 Henri Lemoine claimed to have done so.

My Queen, My Mother: A Living Novena by Marge Steinhage Fenelon

Non-fiction: Religion, 161 pages

This novena is about 9 Marian shrines around the USA.

Jump! by Daniel Engber

Non-fiction: History, e-book

Soon after the invention of the plane the race to invent a safe way to fall from the sky was started, some methods worked, some did not.

New Dog: Choosing Wisely and Ensuring a Happily Ever After by Bruce Fogle, Patricia Holden White

Non-fiction: 192 pages

A book on dog ownership.

Banned Book Club by Kim Hyun Sook, Ryan Estrada, Ko Hyung-Ju 

Non-Fiction: History, Graphic Novel, 198 pages

This fictionalized account of real life people is about life in South Korea in the 1980's for a group of students.

The Electricity Fairy by Alex Mar 

Non-fiction: History, e-book

Loïe Fuller was a dancer unlike anyone before her.  She used light, movement, and specialized clothing in new ways.  Also inventions and discoveries from others ranging from Edison to the Curies helped her dance evolve. 

Hitler's Holy Relics: : A True Story of Nazi Plunder and the Race to Recover the Crown Jewels of the Holy Roman Empire by Sidney D. Kirkpatrick

Non-fiction: History, Art, 316 pages

This is the story of how many of the stolen art and objects of WWII were recovered, with the objects dealing with the symbols of the Holy Roman Empire being the main story.

Indeh: A Story of the Apache Wars by Ethan Hawke, Greg Ruth 

Non-fiction: History, Graphic Novel, 232 pages

The story of the Apache Wars, as told by the Apache.

December Books:

The Pirates' Pact: The Secret Alliances Between History's Most Notorious Buccaneers and Colonial America by: Douglas R. Burgess Jr.

Non-fiction: History, 301 pages

As the title points out, this book is about the interconnectedness of famous pirates with governments, looking mostly at English and the American colonies of England. 

Charlemagne: A Life From Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-Fiction: History, Biography, E-book

A short look at the life and legacy of Charlemagne.

Campaigns & Companions: The Complete Role-Playing Guide for Pets by: Andi Ewington, Rhianna Pratchett, Alex de Campi

Fiction: Pop Culture, Humor, 96 pages

Imagine if house pets played Dungeons and Dragons, that is what this book is all about. 

Tasting Whiskey: An Insider's Guide to the Unique Pleasures of the World's Finest Spirits by: Lew Bryson

Non-Fiction: Food/Drink, History, 256 pages

All about whisk(e)y including the major areas and styles.

The Demonologist: The Extraordinary Career of Ed & Lorraine Warren by: Gerald Brittle

Non-Fiction: Biography, 303 pages

A book on some of the major cases of the Warrens.  It is written by someone who takes all their claims seriously and believes in the supernatural.  

Hark! the Herald Angels Scream edited by: Christopher Golden

Fiction: Horror, Paranormal, Short Story, 370 pages

This book is a collection of short stories that all have horror, supernatural, or fantasy elements and are connected with Christmas or winter holidays.  

Covered with Night: A Story of Murder and Indigenous Justice in Early America by: Nicole Eustace

Non-fiction: History, 464 pages

This is the story of two colonist fur traders of Pennsylvania who killed a Native American and how each side saw justice in the case as well as what actually ended up happening.