Want to know that the MBTB staff is reading and loving? These are some titles that are loved by just about everyone at the store. If you'd like to see staff picks for each member of the staff, click on the name of the staff member below.
The Awkward Squad by Sophie Henaff was my favorite book of 2018! It introduces Captain Anne Capestan, recently returned to duty after a suspension by the Paris police for firing her weapon too much. When returning to her superior detective, he explains to her that she is not only welcome back - but she's getting her own squad. Turns out, though, her squad is full of the misfits and quirky officers that have all been sidelined in their various departments. There's Officer Merlot - a drunk, a best-selling crime author (think a female Castle) who wants to return to duty, one officer who has wrecked too many cars, and so on. When they're all assigned a hovel of an office as well as boxes of dead-end cold case files, they decide rather than to do what's expected of them, they'll actually try to do some real police work. And they do... enter a murder or two that still needs solving. I loved all these characters and relished every page of the sequel, Stick Together - out in April. Perfect for fans of quirky French humor or Jussi Adler-Olsen's Department Q series. - McKenna
Highly recommended by McKenna, Sally, and Cindy!
I really enjoyed A Death of No Importance. Set in New York City in the early part of the 1900’s, the book follows Jane Prescott, a lady’s maid to awealthy family trying to ingratiate themselves into New York City high society. Her mistress, Charlotte Benchley, claims she is engaged to a wealthy and sought after bachelor who is subsequently murdered on the night that Charlotte believes their engagement will be announced, and Jane decides to solve the murder. My favorite part of the book was Mariah Fredericks’ attention to detail with respect to both the characters and the setting. New York City comes alive as do the characters; Fredericks clearly did her research, and her efforts pay off significantly. I highly recommend this entertaining read and hope there will be another book starring Jane Prescott. - Cindy
This thriller features Anna Fox, a prominent psychologist who is suffering from agoraphobia. Separated from her husband and daughter, Anna lives alone in their family brownstone. Her days are spent spying on her neighbors, binge watching black-and-white movies and drinking copious amounts of wine.
While watching her new neighbors, Anna sees what she believes to be a murder...of the woman she recognizes as the wife and mother of the family who have just moved into the house next door.
Police respond and find no evidence of a disturbance, much less a murder. Is Anna's mind placing tricks or her? Bound to her house, Anna must find a way to prove what she's seen. Fast-paced and well-written with a number of twists, I loved this book! - Brenda
Also HIGHLY recommended by Sally, Rebecca, and Cindy!
The Italian Party is the story of two newlyweds navigating a new world. As Michael and Scottie start their life together in Sienna, they find themselves isolated. From family, friends, their own culture, and each other. Both have their secrets, and they're trying to keep them while learning to navigate life as a couple, and life in a new country. With Lynch's intimate sense of place I couldn't tell which was more delicious, the pasta or the secrets! — John
When I am haunted by a book for weeks after I read it, I know it's something special. Not since I read A Gentleman In Moscow have I been so touched. This book is the story of Pinch, the son of a world-renown artist; a story of a little boy's love for his father; a story of family, art, legacy, and devotion.
The Italian Teacher defies more description...just get it!!! My favorite book of 2018! - Brenda
"This lively whodunit keeps you guessing until the end." —People
“Utterly bewitching…As unforgettable as it is original.” —A.J.