November Staff Picks

blog Book Displays Book recommendations

It’s time for another round of staff recommendations! We’ve got a little bit of everything this month from mysteries to magazines to holiday prep. These are on display through November on the first floor of the library and ready to check out with your library card. 

Theresa's Picks

Theresa's Picks

dead cert

Dead Cert by Dick Francis

Dead Cert is the first standalone mystery novel by former steeplechase jockey Dick Francis. Set in the 1960s horse racing world, Dead Cert offers a likable main character who doesn’t believe that the death of a friend and fellow jockey was an accident. I have to admit that I did not take to the first Dick Francis book I read 30 years ago, but I tried him again a few years later and ended up racing (pun intended) through his books. While they all touch on horses, not all of his books are full set in the horse racing world. His books may be read in any order. Enjoyable reads.

great deliverance

A Great Deliverance by Elizabeth George

A Great Deliverance features aristocratic Scotland Yard Inspector Thomas Lynley and blue collar Detective Sergeant Havers, who have been thrust together as new work partners to solve a Yorkshire murder. George, an American author, weaves criminal procedure, psychology, Shakespearean quotes, and rich relationships in this series debut, a series that gets better and more complex with each book. Not for the faint of heart–some scenes and situations are described quite graphically.

family handyman

Family Handyman Magazine

Family Handyman is a magazine devoted to the needs of the do-it-yourselfer, containing detailed instructions on storage, home decoration, home maintenance, lawn care, and furniture building projects. This magazine also includes helpful columns on tool reviews, workshop tips, and funny goofs. Fun to peruse on a blustery day!

Michelle's Picks

Michelle's Picks

pioneer woman cooks

Pioneer Woman Cooks: The New Frontier by Ree Drummond

The holidays are coming! Step up your game the easy way. Make the Tater Breakfast Casserole page 42 the night before, pop it in the oven while you get dressed. For dinner try the Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes. Save time and energy during the holiday.

knitting magic

Knitting Magic: More Patterns from Hogwarts & Beyond

Projects for all skill levels. Make a present for a cherished loved one. Currently on my needles is the Hogwart’s Castle Cowl page 55 in Gryffindor colors.

barker hellfire

Barker & Llewelyn Series

If you like Sherlock Holmes but would like more action, the Barker & Llewelyn series needs to be on your TBR list.

Dawn's Picks

Dawn's Picks

malamander

Malamander by Thomas Taylor

A fun fantastical mystery by the sea. Book one in the Legends of Eerie-on-the-Sea series.

darkening of dragons

A Darkening of Dragons by SA Patrick

The grand adventures of Patch, a disgraced piper; Wren, a cursed girl; and Barver, a fire-breathing dracogriff. Book one in the Songs of Magic series.

Dellie's Picks

Dellie's Picks

women in green dress

The Woman in the Green Dress by Tea Cooper

Fleur finds she has inherited a farm and shop after her husband fails to return from the Great War.

looking for leroy

Looking for Leroy by Melody Calson

A camping vacation with a friend turns into a search for a long lost flame from Bryanna’s teenage years.

Dennis' Picks

Dennis' Picks

shootist

The Shootist

An oldie but a real goodie! John Wayne’s FINAL film, as he portrays a dying gunfighter who decides to go out with a bang! The great cast also includes Lauren Bacall, Ron Howard, and James Stewart.

cobra kai

Cobra Kai

If you were a fan of the Karate Kid movies, I’m pretty sure you’ll enjoy the Netflix series Cobra Kai. Decades after their All-Valley title bout Daniel LaRusso and Johnny Lawrence find themselves rivals again. It’s now in its 5th season!

Joni's Picks

Joni's Picks

still stuck

Still Stuck by Shinsuki Yoshitake

A hilarious treat for any parent or caretaker who has ever heard “I can do it myself!”

picture of dorian gray

The Picture of Dorian Gray by Oscar Wilde

This is the kind of story that stays with you for years–a classic to read again and again! The style is reminiscent of Edgar Allen Poe and is perfect for cozy indoor reading. Enjoy.

Mary's Picks

Mary's Picks

west with giraffes

West with Giraffes by Lynda Rutledge

Incredible true story of two giraffes who made headlines and won the hearts of depression-era Americans.

even the dog knows

Even the Dog Knows by Jason Wright

A family’s old beloved dog takes a final road trip to help his humans find forgiving and healing.

Brenda's Pick

Brenda's Pick

nightwork

Nightwork by Nora Roberts

If you are a Nora Roberts fan, you will love this book! Greed, desire, obsession, revenge…it’s all in a night’s work. Harry Booth started stealing at age 9 to keep a roof over his ailing mother’s head. He is a good guy–doing questionable things for good reasons.
Bill's Pick

Bill's Pick

tiger and phil

Tiger & Phil: Golf’s Most Fascinating Rivalry by Bob Harig

Read about the remarkable similarities of these two fierce competitors both on and off the golf course. What motivates them to be the very best they can possibly be? It’s sure not all about the money. If you’ve ever competed to be the very best at something, and it doesn’t even have to be in sports, this book is a great read. Hope you enjoy it. 
Ivette's Pick

Ivette's Pick

atomic habits

Atomic Habits by James Clear

An easy and proven way to build good habits and break bad ones.
Lisa's Pick

Lisa's Pick

lost orphan

The Lost Orphan by Stacey Halls

Enjoyed a glimpse back to London in the 1700s. Great read.
Madi's Pick

Madi's Pick

extremely inconvenient

The Extremely Inconvenient Adventures of Bronte Mettlestone by Jaclyn Moriarty

Join Bronte Mettlestone as she embarks on an adventure that will take her across kingdoms. A fun fantasy that includes dragons, pirates, elves, and “water sprites.”
Megan's Pick

Megan's Pick

turn of key

The Turn of the Key by Ruth Ware

A fun gothic thriller that is a modern spin on the classic The Turn of the Screw.
Montica's Pick

Montica's Pick

martha stewart crafts

Martha Stewart’s Handmade Holiday Crafts

If you need holiday craft ideas this book has some for every holiday.
Rachel's Pick

Rachel's Pick

scorpio races

The Scorpio Races by Maggie Stiefvater

This may be one of the most atmospheric books I’ve read. The lovely Island in November where the book takes place feels almost like its own character. A beautiful mythical horse tale. P.S. – for the full ambience, the audiobook is on Hoopla & Libby!
Susanna's Pick

Susanna's Pick

at home

At Home by Bill Bryson

A fascinating deep dive into the tiny details of everyday life. Read this to learn the lengths we went to preserve food, light our homes, and stay clean!