Stealing Lincoln's Body, by Thomas J. Craughwell

The author has focused on an all-but-forgotten event from 1876, when a group of Chicago counterfeiters attempted to steal the body of Abraham Lincoln and hold it for ransom.  The book is full of entertaining sidelights, including the establishment of the Secret Service, the art of early embalming, and the beginnings of an Irish criminal class.  An interesting topic, full of savory tidbits.

Death is Forever, by Elizabeth Lowell

Originally published in 1992, this novel has been re-written and modernized by Elizabeth Lowell.  Most of the action takes place in Australia and is a romance (of course!).  The story revolves around a photographer and a geologist who end up together, searching cryptic clues for a lost diamond mine.  I have to admit, I thoroughly enjoyed it.

The Race, by Clive Cussler

If you enjoy historical fiction, this is for you!  Set in 1910, this is an adventure/mystery featuring private investigator Isaac Bell, who works for a Pinkerton-type California company.  Bell is assigned to a case involving Josephine Frost and her violent husband who has attempted to kill her.  Josephine is an unusual woman...she flies airplanes.  Bell has his work cut out, as he is forced to learn to fly in order to protect Josephine.  I loved the descriptions and detail of the early flying machines in this book, as well as the edge of your seat adventure.  Recommended.

Under the Blood Red Moon by Mina Hepsen

Angelica hears the thoughts of others and is just about to go crazy because she can't block them.  Then she meets Alexander at a London society gala.  There's something about him...

A VERY light read, but if you like romance and vampires, this one might be for you.  I'm thinking plain vanilla, myself...

Pam Reeder

Five Good Minutes at Work by Brantley & Millstine

I bought this title for my staff, because the front of the book told me that it included "100 mindful practices to help you relieve stress & bring your best to work." 

Each of the 100 chapters is only 2 pages, and one of the mantras running through each is "Breathe mindfully," "Listen mindfully."

I love little self-help books like this when the suggestions are practical, as these are. 

Dead or Alive by Tom Clancy

Okay, I'll admit it...Clancy's books wear me down.  The first half of this one is so full of characters and details that I almost gave up.  But the second half!  Moves at lightening pace!

Jack Ryan (remember him?) is back, writing his memoirs, thinking about running for the Presidency again.  Jack Jr., all grown up, is working for the agency known as the Campus...a secret intelligence organization...

Poses such questions as "is it war, or is it murder?"  "What are the rules of human rights in times of military action?" 

Not a quick read.

The Rembrandt Affair by Daniel Silva

This is the first book of Silva's that I picked up...and couldn't put down! Art restorer and Israeli assassin, Gabriel Allon is living quietly in Cornwall, England, trying to retire from the killing life.  He's drawn back in to the game with the death of another art restorer and a stolen Rembrandt. 

Full of action and perfectly believable scenarios.  Loved it!

The People's Tycoon: Henry Ford and the American Century by Steven Watts

This book is perfectly suited to the non-fiction discussion group we have going in Murrell Library.  And, it's also a great representation of  the "journey" of Henry Ford, from farm boy to entrepreneur.  This is the book chosen for reading and discussion during the traveling Smithsonian exhibit "Journey Stories." 

If you're a fan of biographies, you'll enjoy reading this Missouri author's well-told life of Henry Ford.  You'll find his distrust of large corporations, his love of "hands-on" mechanics, his remarkable ability to market to the common man, his conflict with his father, his friendship with Edison...and much more!

A Death in Vienna by Daniel Silva

Silva has become my new favorite author...can't wait to read his next book, and in typical fashion, I am now trying to read every book he's ever published!

Gabriel Allon, the protagonist in Silva's series, is a talented art restorer...and an Israeli assassin.  What makes this series so compelling is Allon's humanity.  He struggles with his desire to immerse himself in the art world, and the drive for justice that his other "talent" helps satsify.

In this book, memories of the Holocaust, Allon's mother and her artwork, and a Nazi in hiding will keep you riveted.

I've been hooked by a series of mysteries featuring Ohio Amish country.  Another, secondary reason I like them is that the main character is a professor at a small liberal arts college.  I feel a connection with him!!

These mysteries, by P.L. Gaus, provide a wonderful description of Amish life, and even describe the difference between Amish, Mennonite, and the various sects associated with both.  Their struggle.to co-exist with the "English"  provides tension in each book.

The title I stayed up way too late to read last night (!) was Cast a Blue Shadow.  Murder, sibling rivalry, sexual abuse, and college shenanigans are all included...you won't be disappointed.