The Darkest Time of Night by Jeremy Finley

Title: The Darkest Time of Night
By: Jeremy Finley
Published: 2018
Call #: Fic Finley

When a senator's grandson goes missing from the woods behind the family home, a full-on investigation begins with thoughts of a politically motivated kidnapping.  The senator's wife, Lynn Roseworth, fears that this has nothing to do with her husband's career and everything to do with the woods themselves.

As a child, Lynn grew up being told never to go into the woods and on the one time she disobeyed that order, she saw things she couldn't quite explain.  Decades later, when her grandson goes missing, the only clue they're given is the eerie message: "the lights took him."  Investigators seem to think that this refers to headlights, but Lynn recalls hearing that phrase in connection to alien abduction cases.  Fearing what others would say if Lynn suggested it was aliens, she begins her own investigation and uncovers a conspiracy far more serious than she ever could have imagined.

This novel is a seamless blend of modern day mystery, family drama, and science fiction.  While readers might scoff at the suggestion of alien abductions, this novel makes it work in a way that it could be entirely plausible.  There are just enough hints at the end that make it look as if a sequel is in the works, but there is enough closure in terms of plot/character development that the book could stay as a standalone work.  The thought of aliens should not deter readers from picking up this novel--the story reads more like a captivating mystery with just a hint of the X-Files thrown in for good measure.

Mary -Megan K.
Popular Materials Asst.

Saga: Volume 1 by Brian K. Vaughn

Title: Saga, Vol. 1
Author: Brian K. Vaughn
Illustrator: Fiona Staples
Published:2012
Call Number: GN/Vaughn

Saga is an epic graphic novel series combining themes of intense love, family, war, humour, drama and fantasy. In this first of eight novels (so far), the reader is introduced to Alana, Marko and their newborn daughter, Hazel.  The couple come from different sides of the universe, and to say that their tribes don't get along would be an understatement.  They are both warriors, but rather than fighting in the never-ending galactic war, they fight for the freedom of their family. From the very first frames, the reader is pulled into the exhilarating world of Alana and Marko.  Perfect for readers of sci-fi and fantasy.

Erin S.
Popular Materials Assistant

Meddling Kids by Edgar Cantero

Title: Meddling Kids
Author: Edgar Cantero
Published: 2017
Call Number:  af/Cantero

If you grew up watching Saturday morning cartoons, this title is sure to ring a bell.  It is an homage to the Scooby-Doo style mystery, only the "meddling kids" are all grown up now.  The story is full of sly pop culture references and has a great storyline too.  There is horror mixed with hilarity as the group of young adults return to their childhood roots--the Blyton Summer Detective Club.  This time around, the supernatural isn't make-believe, it's real.  The novel also explores the effect that childhood trauma can have on people as they try to navigate adulthood, and how the memories of youth can become distorted.  Catnero has a unique writing style and a voice that is thoroughly enjoyable.  Jinkies! Give this book a try!

Annette B.
Popular Materials Assistant

The Sandman: Overture by Neil Gaiman

Title: The Sandman: Overture
By: Neil Gaiman
Published: 2015
Call Number: GN Gaiman

During this graphic novel prequel to the Sandman saga, Neil Gaiman and J.H. Williams III transform this fantasy world into a reality using insane layouts and an intense color profile.  The Sandman: Overture is as much a work of art as it is a novel.  The characters hold both depth and mystery within the backstory being developed.  The surreal narrative of a feuding family keeps you hooked and forces you to turn the page, as otherwise the mesmerizing details of the spreads are nearing hypnotic.

The family includes: Destiny, Death, Destruction, Despair, Delirium, and of course, Dream.  These characters represent the archetypal personified versions of the idea which their name represents.  Conveying these ideas through a family working together (or dueling to the death) is a clearer way to illustrate to the reader how these concepts connect.   This is a great jumping off point for anyone intrigued by graphic novels, but turned off my simplistic comics and storylines.  The characters and storylines are as involved as each individual spread and will make you want to dive into the rest of Gaiman's Sandman series.

Erin S.
Popular Materials Assistant

Artemis by Andy Weir

Title: Artemis
By: Andy Weir
Published: 2017
Call #:  AF WEIR

Life in the moon colony Artemis isn’t easy, unless you’re rich.   Jasmine “Jazz” Bashara isn’t rich; she’s just trying to make a living and move out of her “coffin” apartment with it’s communal bathroom.   Jazz will do just about anything to make that happen, including smuggling Earth luxuries into Artemis for her wealthy clients.  When one of those clients offers her a vast amount of slugs (moon money) to take out a rival businessman, Jasmine jumps at the chance to change her life. What starts as a complicated, but doable, task quickly spirals out of control. Jazz soon finds herself being targeted by some powerful enemies and discovers Artemis’s dirty secrets.  Fast paced, packed with humor and intrigue, Artemis is a solid fun read.  Great for fans of sci-fi and regular fiction alike.

Jill B.
Popular Materials Manager