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.   

November Books:

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Holmes by: Loren D. Estleman

Fiction: Mystery, 208 pages

In this book Sherlock is hired to find out what connection a Mr. Edward Hyde has to do with Dr. Henry Jekyll.  As most readers will know the answer before reading the book, it was interesting how it was written given this fact.

Game of Fangs: A Vampire Horror-Comedy Novel by: Johnny B. Truant

Fiction: Paranormal, E-book

A group of friends LARP in a vampire game tournament only to run into real vampires.

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: The Ectoplasmic Man by: Daniel Stashower

Fiction: Mystery, 203 pages

Unlike the other books I have read in this series, Holmes in not interacting with another fictional character in this book.  In this book he has to clear the name of Harry Houdini 1st for spying charges and then for more crimes.  Also the title is based on the fact that Lestrade thinks he really can walk through walls and not that it was just a trick.

The Land That Time Forgot by: Edgar Rice Burroughs

Fiction: Classic, Sci-fi, E-book

Having seen various things based on this book, I was amazed that like half the book took place before they even see the titled island.  Like there is a whole war/spy story before they see a single dinosaur.  Also as it is a hundred year old book there are some racist ideas pretending to be evolutionarily science.

Month of Halloween Books:

Dead in the Dining Room by: Leighann Dobbs

Fiction: Mystery, E-book

The head of a wealthy family and business dies, at first it looked like he dead from a health condition it was known that he had, but soon it was found to be murder, so his aunt and her 2 cats decide to take on the case.  

Cryptics by Steve Niles, Benjamin Roman

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Humor, Sci-fi, YA, 104 pages

A group of  young friends, that happen to be monsters like: wolfmen, vampires, creatures from lagoons and Jekyll-Hyde have adventures in their neighborhood and sometimes beyond. 

Troll Hunter: Witch for Hire by: P.A. Mason

Fiction: Fantasy, E-book

The local town witch gets hired to remove a troll after the hero failed, and her spellbook gives her a way to deal with it, one that leads to all new problems.

The Killer Across the Table :Unlocking the Secrets of Serial Killers and Predators with the FBI’s Original Mindhunter By: John E. Douglas, Mark Olshaker

Non-fiction: True Crime, 340 pages

This book by a FBI profiler talks about how they interview known killers, the physiology used when profiling a killer as well as interviews done with famous serial killers.

Grigori Rasputin: A Life From Beginning to End by: Hourly History

Non-fiction: Biography, E-book

A short biography of Grigori Rasputin.

The Wish Doll by: Austin Grisham

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

The wish doll will give you anything you want, you only have to do what it asks for in return. 

Shallow Waters, Vol. 1 Ed. by: Joe Mynhardt 

Fiction: Short Story, Paranormal, E-book

It book is 22 short stories all in some way about loss.  Within that theme there are a wide range and styles of stories.

Axes of Evil: The True Story of the Ax-Man Murders by: Todd C. Elliott 

Non-Fiction: History, True Crime, 157 pages

This is the story of America's largest unsolved serial killings, which took place around 1912 in Louisiana and Texas. There may have been multiple killers and at least 2 people were found guilty of some of the murders, but they couldn't have done them all. (As in they were in jail or dead when some happened.)  These killings were all done to whole families of poor African American families, but there is some question on if they are connected to the more well known Villisca Axe Murders, which this book gets into.

Tales from the Crypt #6: You Tomb by: Fred Van Lente et al

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 96 pages

Tales from the Crypt #7: Something Wicca This Way Comes by: John L. Lansdale et al

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 96 pages

Tales from the Crypt #5: Yabba Dabba Voodoo by: Fred Van Lente et al

Fiction: Graphic Novel, Paranormal, 96 pages

Rick and Morty vs. Dungeons & Dragons by: Patrick Rothfuss, Jim Zub, Troy Little

Fiction: Pop Culture, Graphic Novel, 96 pages

Morty needs to learn how to play D&D to impress a girl by Saturday. Every family member tries teaching him about the game in different ways, using everything from old school paper and pencils, to finding a universe that works like the game.

Plague at Snake Creek by: Rob Moody

Fiction: Sci-Fi, E-book

Ezekiel is a sheriff in a small western town, that happens to have developed a zombie problem, and no one there has ever dealt with zombies before.

Blood on the Mitten: Infamous Michigan Murders, 1700s to Present: Great Lakes Mayhem by: Tom Carr

Non-fiction: History, True Crime, 162 pages

This book is a collection of short histories of murders that are connected with the state of Michigan. 

It includes where things happened and what is at that location now, motives for the murder, what happened to the accused after and more. 

Invader Zim Vol. 1 Deluxe Edition(Invader Zim #0-10)

by: Jhonen Vásquez, Eric Trueheart, K.C. Green, Kyle Starks, Jessie Hopeless, Dennis Hopeless

Fiction: Pop Culture, Graphic Novel, 328 pages

A collection of stories of Invader Zim.

 

September Books:

 Poisoned Blood: A True Story of Murder, Passion, and an Astonishing Hoax by: Philip E. Ginsburg

Non-fiction: Mystery, True Crime, E-book

This book goes over the murder(s) and attempted murders by Audrey Marie Hilley, a women who poisoned her husband to death, almost killed her daughter, and while on the run made various fake identities, including one where she faked her death and came back as her "twin."  

Happy Hour Murder (Daley Buzz Mysteries #27) by: Meredith Potts

Fiction: Mystery, Short Story, E-book

Police work is a family tradition in this story, so when a man get murdered during happy hour the married couple that are the town's detectives need to solve it. 

A Square Meal: A Culinary History of the Great Depression by: Jane Ziegelman, Andrew Coe

Non-fiction: History, Cooking, 305 pages

This book is an overview of the programs and methods used in the USA to help people eat during the Great Depression.

Wake: The Hidden History of Women-Led Slave Revolts by: Rebecca Hall, Illustrated by: Hugo Martinez 

Non-Fiction, History, Graphic Novel, Biography, Memoir, 208 pages

This book is an interesting combination of the story of the author trying to learn more about the role of women in slave revolts, as well as what she did find out, and things that we may never know for sure, but might have reasonably been what happened.  It deals a lot with the way that history is written effects people today as well as ones connection to the past.

The Other Side of the Night: The Carpathia, the Californian and the Night the Titanic Was Lost by: Daniel Allen Butler 

Non-fiction: History, E-book

This is the story of the Titanic told largely in the actions of the captains of the 2 ships closest to it on the night it sank.  One captain risked his own crew (but took all reasonable precautions possible) to help save the passengers and crew of the sinking ship. One lied, destroyed evidence and  threatened his crew to first avoid helping and then to avoid the truth of his actions coming out.  

Confessions of a Funeral Director: How the Business of Death Saved My Life by: Caleb Wilde

Non-Fiction: Memoir, Religion 213 pages

Stories from the funeral industry, the life of a small town family business,  and life and death; some are happy, some sad, some funny, some many things at once.   

August Books:

Murder in Ancient China by: Robert van Gulik

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

A poet is murdered, and frogs help to solve the case.

The Little Book of Pandemics by: Peter Moore

Non-fiction: Science, 144 pages

A collection of information on major things that caused or can cause pandemics.

Bobo by: Richard Schiver

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

This short story needed to be less short. With the moving back and forth in time, and starting in the middle of the action, I'm not sure if the main character went insane, already was, was dreaming, a doll came to life or something else.  Also this story should have all sorts of trigger warnings. 

The Assassin's Doctor by: Robert K. Summers

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

This book has basically everything about the life of Dr. Samuel A. Mudd, the doctor who helped John Wilkes Booth after he killed Lincoln.  It even includes things he wrote for school and his personal letters to friends and family.  While he wasn't in on the murder plan, he was in on the kidnapping one, and knew who he was helping when he was helping him. (Although didn't know about the murder at the time.) And so lied at his trial. Also a total racist jerk. And this book is soooooo long, it says the e-book is 614 pages long be it seems longer and took me months to finish. 

The Further Adventures of Sherlock Holmes: Sherlock Holmes vs. Dracula by: Loren D. Estleman

Fiction: Mystery, Classic, 224 pages

What would happen if Sherlock Holmes was part of the story of Dracula?  Sure he couldn't be in parts of the story we read, but he could also be solving the mystery in parts that got left out.  At least that's what this story is.

A Teacher of Strange Things- Who Jesus Was, What He Taught, and Why People Still Follow Him by: Cy Kellett

Non-fiction: Religion, 239 pages

**** I was given this book for free from the author.****

Now that I got the legal notice out of the way, I will say that this book was written to be a intro to Christianity book for people that are curious about Jesus.  And I think it does do that, but having read it as not the intended audience, there were things in it that were new ideas for me. (Which was a pleasant surprise.)   

July Books:

 I have reached goal 2 and so upped my goal to 75 for the year.  

Eleanor of Aquitaine: A Life From Beginning to End by Hourly History

Nonfiction: History, Biography, E-book

A short book on the life of Eleanor of Aquitaine.

Murder On The Texas Eagle (Doreen Sizemore Adventures #1) by Serena B. Miller 

Fiction: Mystery, Short Story, E-book

A elderly lady thinks she is going on an adventure of riding a train to visit her brother who lives many states away, but she wasn't expecting on solving a murder on the trip.  

Fatal Charm: The Shocking True Story of Serial Wife Killer Randy Roth by Carlton Smith

Nonfiction: History, True Crime, Biography, E-book

This is a story of either the most unlucky man with wives, or a cold blooded murder.  As the title shows it is the 2nd case.  Randy Roth was married 4 times.  The 1st and 3rd both divorced him after rater short marriages, the 1st after 4 years the 3rd after 4 months.  But the 2nd and 4th both died in what he tried to convince people were freak accidents. The 2nd "fell" off a mountain, the 4th "drown" while in a blow up boat at a busy beach.  The book goes over his life and well as the court case and all the legal issues with proving the murders (as well as insurance fraud, and other lesser crimes.) It also talks about the Bath Tub Murders and how they effected the legal issues involved in the case. 

Weird Al: Seriously by Lily E. Hirsch

Nonfiction: Biography, Pop Culture

A look into the music of Weird Al with interviews and thoughts by Weird Al. 

The Book of Enoch

Nonfiction: Classic, 115 pages

A book that some felt could be a book of the bible thought to be written by the Old Testament figure, Enoch, also has some things from the Book of Noah.  Also if Noah looked like this book says, he was like a light haired Snow White.

The Loneliness of the Deep Space Cargoist (The Deep Space Cargoist #1) by J.S. Carter Gilson 

Fiction: Sci-Fi, Short Story, E-book

After some space debris left a hole in Inez's ship, she needs to get to a place it can be repaired.  She also finds other ships that have been completely destroyed.  She takes an item from one of the ships causing all sorts of problems.

The Twilight Man: Rod Serling and the Birth of Television by Koren Shadmi

Nonfiction: Biography, Graphic Novel, 176 pages

This graphic novel goes over the life of Rod Serling starting with his time in the military during WWII, and including his years of writing, and time in Hollywood.  It is framed as his talking with a fellow passenger on a plane.