Morgan's November Picks

 

The Thirteenth Tale by Diane Setterfield

This book had been on my reading list for awhile and I was lucky enough to find it at the Warner Historical Society Barn Sale in hardcover for a steal of a price. I really enjoyed the story and the writing. It reads kind of like a 19th Century novel, kind of like a modern day mystery and has some deep psychological questions as well. 

This book focuses on the relationship between a famous author and a young woman who the author has chosen as her biographer. Set to be one in a long line of biographies about this author she promises this one time to do something different, she promises to tell the truth about her past, her childhood and the incredibly difficult story of her mysterious injuries. For her biographer this process is a journey of discovering herself and uncovering past crimes. Definitely a thriller in some respects it is also the story of what happens when two story lovers and story tellers come together to write and create.
 
There is a lot to discover in this book and I would definitely recommend it!

 

 

The Lace Reader by Brunonia Barry

 

This is one of my favorite books of all time. It is an incredible web of stories, lies, truths and questions as the reader delves deep into the life of the main character, Towner and the mysterious past of Salem Massachusetts. Another fascinating psychological thriller this book will keep you guessing until the very end.

This book follows the past and present of Towner Whitney whose family has long lived in Salem and has the gift for reading the future in lace patterns. As Towner tries to move on her past pulls her back as she is forced to face the tragic circumstances around her twins mysterious death.

With a little bit of romance, a little bit of crime, lots of family drama and some witchcraft this book has some of everything while still managing to stay clear enough to entertain, confusing enough to mystify and remain over all a pleasure to read.