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Staff Picks November 2025 Reviews and Recommendations from Our Adult and Teen Services Staff |
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Meghan recommends: Antimatter Blues: A Mickey7 Novel by Edward AshtonWith the antimatter that fuels their colony running low, Commander Marshall asks Mickey to retrieve a possible antimatter bomb being held by their creeper neighbors. "Ashton's breezy characters, especially a few alien creepers able to communicate with the humans, delight, and the grungy details of colony life are rendered as realistically as Mickey's hunger pangs. It's good fun with a surprisingly effective closing twist that sci-fi fans will savor" (Publishers Weekly). |
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Laura recommends: Murder Takes a Vacation by Laura LippmanHighly acclaimed New York Times bestselling author Laura Lippman returns with an irresistible mystery featuring Muriel Blossom, a former private investigator and middle-aged widow whose vacation on a Parisian river cruise turns into a deadly international mystery...that only she can solve. "Another gem from Lippman, with a heroine who elevates being ordinary to an art form" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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Carly recommends: Alchemised by SenLinYuAlchemist Helena Marino, a prisoner with amnesia, fights to survive in a necromancy-ridden world as the ruthless High Reeve attempts to unearth the vital secrets hidden within her missing memories. "Readers will come for the fantasy and stay for the romance. Although the melodrama sometimes is a bit much, the superb worldbuilding and intricate plotline make this a must-read" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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Roseanne recommends: Listen for the Lie by Amy TinteraWhen Lucy's friend Savvy is murdered, anyone could be the killer, even Lucy, and soon enough a true-crime podcast comes investigating. "Tintera is smart to capitalize on how the true-crime podcast boom informs and infuses the current fictional thriller scene; she’s also effective at writing action that transcends the podcast structure.Smart, edgy, and entertaining as heck" (Kirkus Reviews). |
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Mallory recommends: The Unsinkable Greta James: A Novel by Jennifer E. SmithAfter the death of her beloved mother, failed indie singer-songwriter Greta James joins her father on a week-long Alaskan cruise, which becomes a journey of discovery for them both as they work to heal old wounds, giving her confidence she needs to move forward. "Exploring themes of grief similar to Rebecca Serle's One Italian Summer (2021), but through the wholly different and beautiful setting of Alaska, Smith delivers a satisfying read for book clubs, adventure lovers, and musicians" (Booklist). |
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Abby recommends: Everything I Never Told You by Celeste NgExplores the fallout of a favorite daughter's shattering death on a Chinese-American family in 1970s Ohio. "Ng constructs a mesmerizing narrative that shrinks enormous issues of race, prejudice, identity, and gender into the miniaturist dynamics of a single family. A breathtaking triumph, reminiscent of prophetic debuts by Ha Jin, Chang-rae Lee, and Chimamanda Adichie, whose first titles matured into spectacular, continuing literary legacies" (Library Journal). |
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Kristin recommends: Nala's World: One Man, His Rescue Cat, and a Bike Ride Around the Globe by Dean NicholsonThe @1bike1world Instagram sensation shares the full story of his life-changing relationship with his rescue cat, Nala, and their inspiring bicycle journeys through the refugee camps, remarkable terrains and animal shelters of the world. "Nicholson’s account ... is heart-warming and utterly charming. It’s also a remarkable testament to the power of social media to harness the kindness of strangers" (The Guardian). |
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The Art Thief: A True Story of Love, Crime, and a Dangerous Obsession by Michael FinkelStéphane Bréitwieser is the most prolific art thief of all time. He never sold a piece, displaying his stolen art in his attic bedroom until everything came to a shocking end. In this spellbinding portrait of obsession and flawed genius, Michael Finkel gives us one of the most remarkable true-crime narratives of our times, a riveting story of art. "Finkel will have art history and true crime lovers obsessively turning the pages of this suspenseful, smartly written work until its shocking conclusion" (Library Journal).
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Misty recommends: Beyond Boundaries: Learning to Trust Again in Relationships by John Sims TownsendHow do you know when you’re ready to trust again? After painful relationships, it’s hard to open your heart—but true freedom and love require taking that risk. In Beyond Boundaries, bestselling author Dr. John Townsend guides you past the pain of betrayal to rebuild healthy, intimate relationships. Whether restoring a current bond or starting anew, he offers practical tools to recognize real change, rebuild trust safely, and create lasting closeness. This book shows you how to move beyond hurt and learn to trust again. |
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