Shelved away
A Japanese dystopian novel, "The Memory Police" by Yoko Ogawa is about an island where objects disappear, erasing associated memories. The Memory Police enforce this, detaining those who remember. The protagonist hides her editor, who remembers everything, to protect him.
In "Truly Devious" by Maureen Johnson, an 80-year-old murder haunts Ellingham Academy, a remote mountain school in Vermont. Stevie Bell, a talented young sleuth, arrives at the academy with the goal of solving that mystery. As past and present intertwine, Stevie navigates through layers of suspense and intrigue while grappling with present-day challenges and dangers at the academy.
In "Jane Steele" by Lyndsay Faye set in the outskirts of London, Jane Steele and her mother, Anne-Laure Steele, reside on the grounds of Highgate House. After Anne-Laure's death, Jane faces mistreatment from her relatives and attends Lowan Bridge School. There, she encounters abuse and eventually finds herself employed as a governess at Highgate House, unraveling dark secrets surrounding her family's estate.
In "This Thing Between Us" by Gus Moreno, Thiago and Vera Alvarez move into their first condo in Chicago, only to experience supernatural phenomena, escalating when they set up an Itza device. The Itza begins ordering disturbing items to their home, leading them to investigate the history of the house deeper. When Vera dies in an accident, the media sensationalizes her death. Thiago, grieving, moves to Colorado, but finds the evil has followed him, forcing him to confront both his grief and the eldritch horror haunting him.
In "A Good Girl's Guide to Murder" by Holly Jackson, Pippa Amobi-Fitz investigates the murder of Andrea Bell in the small town of Fairview, Connecticut. Determined to prove Andrea's boyfriend Salil Singh's innocence, Pippa uncovers hidden secrets and crimes connected to the case with the help of Salil's brother Ravi. However, as she delves deeper, Pippa becomes the target of threatening messages and violent acts, leading her into a race against time to uncover the truth and protect herself.
"The Night Circus" by Erin Morgenstern follows the mysterious arrival of Le Cirque de Reves, a monochromatic wonderland of magical attractions. Behind the scenes, two magicians, Celia and Marco, engage in a lifelong competition orchestrated by their mentors. As they showcase their talents within the circus, they also navigate a complicated romance intertwined with their battle of wits and skills.
In "Good Girl, Bad Blood" by Holly Jackson, Pippa's life has returned to normal after clearing Salil Singh's name in the previous book. However, when someone close to her goes missing, Pip is reluctantly pulled back into detective work. Despite facing harassment and an unjust legal system, Pip is determined to solve the mystery before it's too late, navigating through the complexities of the case and the dangers lurking around every corner.
In "The Archivist" by Martha Cooley, Matt Lane, a widowed archivist, is tasked with preserving T. S. Eliot's letters to Emily Hale. When graduate student Roberta Spire requests access to these letters, Matt finds himself drawn to her, as she reminds him of his late wife, Judith. As Matt reflects on his past and his relationship with Judith, he grapples with the consequences of his actions and the role of literature in their lives.
"The Lost Apothecary" by Sarah Penner follows historian Caroline as she uncovers the secrets of an 18th-century apothecary assistant named Nella who dispensed poisons to women seeking revenge. As Caroline delves deeper, she discovers connections that challenge her perceptions and beliefs, battling her own struggles as she learns about Nella's from the past.
"Deeplight" by Frances Hardinge follows friends Hark and Jelt in the island archipelago of the Myriad after a cataclysmic event. They embark on a dangerous journey to uncover the secrets of the gods' relics, known as "Deeplight," encountering danger, betrayal, and the allure of forbidden knowledge. Through their journey, they confront their inner demons and the true nature of the gods.
"The Midnight Library" by Matt Haig tells the story of Nora Seed, who, after attempting suicide, finds herself in the Midnight Library—a place offering glimpses into the lives she could have lived. Exploring various alternate realities, Nora learns lessons about regret and the importance of embracing the present, ultimately finding a newfound appreciation for her own life.
In Flounder by Zach Downing, 17-year-old Alex Ryback faces pressure to succeed in college after his parents give him an ultimatum: maintain a 3.0 GPA or lose financial support like his older brother. Juggling academics with a turbulent social life proves challenging, leading Alex to contemplate giving up on school for partying. Amidst a year filled with academic setbacks, romantic entanglements, and risky behavior, Alex must decide whether to let his mistakes define him or persevere and shape his own future."
"Piranesi" by Susanna Clarke tells the story of the titular character, who inhabits a surreal and infinite house filled with statues and flooded chambers. As Piranesi explores this mysterious world and encounters another inhabitant known as the Other, he begins to unravel the truth about his identity and the nature of the house. This captivating novel combines fantasy and mystery to create a thought-provoking narrative about our perception of reality.
"Gallant" by V.E. Schwab follows Olivia Prior as she returns to her childhood home, Gallant, after her grandmother's death. As Olivia uncovers family secrets and supernatural occurrences within the house, she confronts her own dark past. With the help of new friends, Olivia delves into the mysteries of Gallant, unraveling its secrets and her own destiny. Schwab's novel is a haunting tale of family, legacy, and confronting the past.
"The Murder of Mr. Wickham" by Claudia Gray is a mystery novel set in Jane Austen's world of "Pride and Prejudice." Elizabeth Bennet investigates the murder of Mr. Wickham, a notorious villain from Austen's works, uncovering secrets and motives within the estate. With wit and charm, Gray delivers a captivating whodunit that challenges the reader's assumptions til the very end.