Eyes of the Forest by April Henry

EYES OF THE FOREST by New York Times bestselling author April Henry (The Body in the Woods) involves a kidnapping gone wrong. As Henry says, “I think every writer, if they write long enough, eventually writes a book where one of the main characters is a writer. Eyes of the Forest is mine.” She features R.M. Haldon, a famous fantasy author facing writer’s block (and reminiscent of George R. R. Martin), who conspires in his own kidnapping. Trapped in a remote cabin, he finds a way to begin writing again AND to communicate with his research assistant, seventeen year old Bridget Shepherd, in an attempt to gain his freedom. Yes, it all seemed a bit far-fetched at times, but Henry succeeds in keeping readers’ interest and builds suspense and affection for these characters. With insights into fan fiction, EYES OF THE FOREST is a title with enough cliff-hangers to entertain even reluctant readers.  Goodreads suggests many more 2021 mysteries for young adults here.

Lightning Strike by William Kent Krueger

LIGHTNING STRIKE by William Kent Krueger (This Tender Land) is a new prequel to the best-selling and award-winning Cork O’Connor mystery series. In Kreuger’s latest work, Cork is just twelve years old (it is 1963) when he and his friend, Jorge, discover the body of an Ojibwe named Big John Manydeeds.  At first, Cork’s father, Sherriff Liam O’Connor, thinks that the death is clearly suicide, fueled in part by alcohol. Gradually, though his perspective shifts and murder increasingly seems likely. Tension arises as to whether the perpetuator is from the reservation or perhaps is the rich, white mine owner. Connor and his young friends are encouraged to “follow the crumbs” as they, too, try to solve the mystery and help Manydeeds’ soul to rest. The boys’ actions moved the story along, but I thought it was a bit unrealistic at times that they were privy to (and freely sharing) sensitive police investigation information.  Overall, this is a complex, entertaining mystery set in a peaceful, natural area of Minnesota – a wonderful introduction to Cork or suspenseful background for fans of the series. LIGHTNING STRIKE received a starred review from Library Journal (“perceptive coming-of-age novel”).

China by Edward Rutherfurd

School just started and I have already submitted an order for a title requested by a student: CHINA by Edward Rutherfurd.  This 700+ page book is quite an ambitious undertaking, but like Rutherfurd’s earlier works (New York, Paris, etc.) it is meticulously researched and filled with intriguing details. In this case, the focus is on nineteenth century China with sections about The Boxer Rebellion, First Opium War, and China’s relationship with European states, especially the British. As always, Rutherfurd employs a range of characters, many of whom are common people, to vividly relay history. Rutherfurd’s Sarum (in large part about the construction of Salisbury Cathedral) is one of my favorite books and I would especially recommend his work to fans of Ken Follett. CHINA is an Editors’ pick (for Best Literature and Fiction) on Amazon although other professional reviews were rather mixed.

The Last Mona Lisa by Jonathan Santlofer

THE LAST MONA LISA by Jonathan Santlofer is a suspenseful story that centers on the actual theft of The Mona Lisa in 1911 and a fictional modern-day investigation by the great grandson of the thief. Luke Perrone is an art history teacher who has long been obsessed with his ancestor’s theft of this famous painting. When he learns that someone has found his great grandfather’s journal, he heads to Florence and starts to unravel the mystery.  There are many questions here: what was the original motivation for the theft? What happened to those involved? Who is masterminding the killing of anyone associated with the journal? What danger faces the young woman to whom Luke is attracted? Why is INTERPOL involved? Is Luke also in danger physically? Will he be able to solve this mystery and return to his teaching position in America? Santlofer is an award-winning writer and an artist himself. He cleverly intersperses diary entries with Luke’s actions and reflections to add depth to this mystery which Ruth Ware described as “a deliciously tense read.” THE LAST MONA LISA received starred reviews from Booklist and Publishers Weekly.

The 5 Week Leadership Challenge by Patrick R. Leddin

THE FIVE-WEEK LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE by Patrick R. Leddin contains “35 Action Steps to Become the Leader You Were Meant to Be.”  Leddin divides this text into five weeks which explore these action steps for leaders: Gain Perspective; Discover Purpose; Determine Priorities; Create Plans; and Inspire Performance. Next, each week, has an idea for each day (like Clarify Focus or Rethink Failure) and these are each introduced with a memorable personal story and “lesson” (like jumping from an airplane and heading for the trees, but learning to take a calculated risk). In his introduction, Stephen M. R. Covey (7 Habits of the Highly Effective People) describes Leddin’s text as a “leadership workbook, which dares and inspires the reader to improve themselves throughout the journey.” I especially liked the questions and action step challenge at the end of each day’s entry and Leddin recommends using THE FIVE-WEEK LEADERSHIP CHALLENGE “as a journal that you can revisit time and again.” I agree; this book is one that readers will want to write in as they record their own reflections. An interesting choice to consider as we start back to school.