The Late Scholar by Jill Paton Walsh

The Late Scholar: The New Lord Peter Wimsey/Harriet Vane Mystery; Based on the Characters of Dorothy L. Sayers by Jill Paton Walsh --- 356 pages

This is Paton Walsh's fourth Peter Wimsey and Harriet Vane mystery, continuing the story of the noble sleuth and his novelist wife, but the first in which Paton Walsh ventures beyond the plots, articles and notes that Dorothy Sayers left unfinished to chart new territory for the Wimseys.

Lord Peter, who reluctantly assumed the title of Duke of Denver upon his brother's demise in The Attenbury Emeralds, is called upon to exercise the ducal hereditary authority as the "Visitor" or patron to settle a dispute among the Fellows (faculty) of St. Severin's College, Oxford University.  The College finds itself in a precarious financial position, and some of the Fellows want to sell a valuable codex or manuscript from the college library. The money from the sale of the manuscript would then be used to buy land on the outskirts of Oxford that the college can lease for development as part of the postWorld War II building boom. The lease payments will provide a steady stream of much needed income for the college.

The issue has been hotly debated for months and repeated votes have ended in stalemate. And so the Visitor is summoned to settle the dispute. But the actual situation that Peter and Harriet discover upon arrival in Oxford is far more complex. Several Fellows have suffered from a peculiar series of accidents, and one is dead from a fall down a college staircase. The Warden (Chief Adminstrator) of St. Severin's has left his post and no one seems to know where to find him. As more fatal accidents befall the Fellows, Peter and Harriet realize that some person or persons unknown seem to be choosing methods from Harriet's mystery novels to settle old grievances related to the manuscript in question.

A clever mystery and a chance for Peter and Harriet to return to Oxford with all its memories and connections, and to bring their readers with them.

Click HERE to read a recent interview with Jill Paton Walsh discussing the challenges of continuing the saga of Sayers' iconic characters.

Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America, by John Waters, 336 pages

 Carsick: John Waters Hitchhikes Across America, by John Waters, 336 pages

John Waters is one of my favorite people, simply put- I was soooo envious when I heard on NPR a couple of years ago that he had been spotted hitchhiking.  Can you even imagine?  He could tell me stories about shoplifting with Divine and I could die happy.  What I did not realize when I started listening to this book was that it was 3 parts- the first was a novella comprised of the best possible scenarios he could imagine happening; the second the worst possible scenarios; and the third was what actually happened.  The best and worst scenarios were infinitely more interesting- especially the bad ones.  I mean, he is the king of filth, after all.  This was a fun read if you like JW- although you will hear some of the same old stories if you are familiar with his stand-up or talking head commentary.  I'm just glad to see him working. :)

Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson

Sticks and Scones by Diane Mott Davidson, 3001 pages

Book 10 in this series about a caterer in rural Colorado starts with a home invasion. Goldy thinks she hears a noise in the middle of the night. And then another. Finally a shot gun blast and the blaring of the security alarm confirm her worst fears.

With her husband out of town and a big catering event just a few days away, Goldy and her family move into the local castle - that's right - a castle.

The week that follows is filled with murder and mayhem - and lots of great food! Be sure to check the back of the book for recipes!

Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight by Wendy Mass

Space Taxi: Archie Takes Flight by Wendy Mass & Michael Brawer - 101 pages

Archie is excited as this is the first time his dad is taking him along on the job.  Turns out his dad's job is much more exciting than he ever thought -- he's an intergalactic taxi driver.  Now Archie is helping him navigate black holes and ferry passengers to their destinations.
This was a cute science fiction story for early elementary age kids.  The text was simple to read making it a good easy chapter book.  There are more books slated to be released in the series.

The Riddle of the Labyrinth: The Quest to Crack an Ancient Code by Margalit Fox

The Riddle of the Labyrinth by Margalit Fox --363 pages

How did two obsessed individuals translate an unknown script representing an unknown language? This fascinating book examines the unraveling of Linear B, an ancient script dating back over three thousand years to the Greek island of Crete.  The labyrinth in the title refers to the labyrinth of the mythological Minotaur near the city of Knossos.  The author examines the script’s discoverer, archaeologist Sir Arthur Evans, and its decipherer, Michael Ventris.  But she also expounds on the unknown classicist Alice Kober, who laid the groundwork for Linear B’s solution, and who may have solved the riddle if not for her early death.  This book will be enjoyed by anyone with an interest in ancient history, or the breaking of mysterious codes.

Saga, volume 3(13-18), by Brian K Vaughan, ill by Fiona Staples, 144 pages

 Saga, volume 3(13-18), by Brian K Vaughan, ill by Fiona Staples, 144 pages

I have a feeling that this is one of those series where as soon as you get attached to or interested in a character, they will probably die.  Sheesh.  In this installment, Marko, Alana, baby Hazel and family are settling into a lighthouse on the planet Quietus- but their suitors are close behind.  There are some major action scenes, some new journalist characters, and a possible relationship in the works between Gwen and The Will?  That is, if The Will survives.  Whaaaaa?  You've just got to read it.  A good series for fans of space soap operas. 

Rebel by Amy Tintera

Rebel by Amy Tintera  340 pages

After coming back from death as Reboots and being trained by HARC as soldiers, Wren and Callum have finally escaped north, where they hope to find a life of freedom. But when they arrive at the Reboot Reservation, it isn't what they expected. Under the rule of a bloodthirsty leader, Micah, the Reboots are about to wage an all-out war on the humans. Although Wren's instincts are telling her to set off into the wilderness on their own and leave the battle far behind, Callum is unwilling to let his human family be murdered. When Micah commits the ultimate betrayal, the choice is made for them. But Micah has also made a fatal mistake . . . he's underestimated Wren and Callum.