December Staff Recommendations

The Mysterious Case of Rudolf Diesel by Douglas Brunt

Who knew the diesel engine was shrouded in such mystery? On the eve of WWI Rudolf Diesel disappears off the steamship Dresden. Ever since the world has wondered whether it was an accident, suicide or murder. The author comes up with his own conclusion. A true crime book that deals with the forces that helped shape our history. Fabulous!

~ Leslie W.

The Taken Ones by Jess Lourey

Evangeline Reed, an agent with the Minnesota Bureau of Criminal Apprehension is a woman with a devastating past and haunting ability to know the darkest crimes happening around her through her dreams. Agent Harry Steinbeck, a forensic scientist has secrets of his own. Great characters and great thriller. ~ Bonnie

The Crow Valley Karaoke Championships by Ali Bryan

This story set in a small Canadian town is the perfect blend of Northern Exposure and Schitt's Creek. A cast of colorful characters come together for their most anticipated night of the year- the karaoke championships where singers compete for a chance at Nationals. While this book is funny in all the right ways, it is sprinkled with heavy topics that make every resident of Crow Valley all the more real. Absolutely delightful! ~ Leslie M.

Christmas at the Shelter Inn by RaeAnne Thayne

A heartwarming holiday story centered on Shelter Inn where hearts are kind and hopes are eternal. This story is about a young woman who decides to leave her hometown and her family's magical inn to create a new life for herself. She vows never to return to either one. There's a trail of loss that she and her family encounter making her decision to leave easier.Unexpectedly, she's asked to return to Shelter Springs and run the Inn during the upcoming hectic holidays. She wants to refuse; however, her sister is asking as a favor. Adding to her anxiety, she'll have to see her deceased brother's best friend. Can she put her fears and heavy heart aside; plus nurture some unresolved feelings? ~ Erin

The Vaster Wilds by Lauren Groff

A stunning description of a young girl made servant to the mistress of a prominent English family, finds herself moved to the "new world". The terrible journey across the sea is followed by famine, death and unspeakable horrors in the colonial settlement. She escapes with very little knowledge of the world or the wild America in which she thrusts herself. Fever dreams from sickness lead her to her own reckoning within the wilderness. An adventure/historical fiction novel with lyrical descriptions that keeps your imagination reeling. ~ Ashley

All titles are available at the library.