This Week’s Literary Picks from Your Local Library

Are you in need of some new reading material for the weekend?

You’re in luck. The staff at the has sorted through the library’s collection and come up with some suggestions.

This week’s adult recommendations were written by public services assistant Rachel Vaughn. The children’s book recommendation was written by public services assistant II, Karen Schmidt, of the Children’s Department.

For adults:

Innocent Traitor: A Novel of Lady Jane Grey by Alison Weir

Known for her historical nonfiction writing, author Alison Weir made her fictional debut with this 2006 portrayal of Lady Jane Grey. Living during a time of religious upheaval and under the Tudor Dynasty, the young Lady Jane Grey was seen by her parents as a way to gain political power and eventually the crown. Told from several different characters’ point of view, readers follow the short, tragic, and dramatic life of “the Nine Days’ Queen.” If you enjoy authors like Philippa Gregory or Margaret George, you will love this pick!

The Crossing Places by Elly Griffiths

When Ruth Galloway, an archaeology professor, is called in to help the local police, she doesn’t quite know what to expect. The police have been receiving letters from an alleged murderer telling them where to find Lucy Downey, a young girl that went missing 10 years ago. The letters have brought them to a place very special to Ruth, the Saltmarsh, where she helped conduct a dig around the same time that Lucy went missing. When Ruth arrives, she doesn’t find Lucy but uncovers the bones of an Iron Age woman instead. Ruth now finds herself invested in the case as the search for Lucy continues and another girl goes missing. It seems the killer knows Ruth is getting close and, if she isn’t careful, she may be the next victim.

For kids:

I Feel Better with a Frog in My Throat: History’s Strangest Cures by Carlyn Beccia

The truth really is stranger than fiction—especially when it comes to medical history.  This richly (and humorously) illustrated nonfiction book is set up as a multiple-choice test with answers that will knock your socks off.  For instance, which of these cures for stomachaches really worked? A. Urine  B. Dirt  C. Millipedes. Be prepared to be enlightened, astonished, and—most of all—revolted. Recommended for children in grades 3 to 6.

Summaries are based in part from information in the library's catalogue.