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Air date: Sept. 8, 2024
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JESSICA:
Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I’m the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.
Today's two reading recommendations are a historical horror novel and a survivalist thriller.
First, we’re going to hear from Lois, librarian at the Snohomish Library, for a story where darkness and danger intertwine. Go ahead, Lois.
LOIS:
“The Woods All Black” by Lee Mandelo combines historical folk horror and transgender romance in an atmospheric story about the pursuit of bodily autonomy.
Set in 1920s Appalachia, “The Woods All Black” follows Leslie, a transgender Frontier nurse and war veteran. He is assigned to the remote township of Spar Creek, Kentucky, where he expects to vaccinate the locals and birth babies. But when he arrives, he encounters a hostile town under the control of a fundamentalist pastor — and they want nothing to do with him.
Leslie notices a kindred spirit named Stevie, who seems to be the focus of the community’s ire. Despite the outright aggression from the townsfolk, Leslie decides to stay and help Stevie. But the longer he stays in Spar Creek, he realizes that there is more than the dangers of prejudice and hatred — there is also a monstrous danger haunting the woods.
I loved this dark and unsettling read. Despite its short length, the author packs in themes of reproductive justice, transgender identity, and queer resilience. This book isn’t for the faint of heart, but if you like historical horror told through a queer lens, and can stomach the intensity, try “The Woods All Black” for a unique tale of revenge and belonging.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Lois! This book is a captivating blend of genres, not just historical horror, but throw in romance, queer themes, and fantasy too.
Next, let’s hear from Celeste, library associate for Library on Wheels, for a debut novel about a struggling veteran turned survivalist. Over to you, Celeste.
CELESTE:
“The Instructor” by T.R. Hendricks is the first in a brand-new series. A compelling page-turner with excellent world-building details and intense, realistic tension. This will be one you won’t want to put down.
Our main character, Derek, has retired from the military after serving 22 years as a SERE instructor. Now, he is a survivalist instructor finding clients online, never knowing their backstories. One such customer hires him to train his community to survive on the land. He soon learns that they aren’t who they claimed and now Derek is asked to go undercover and infiltrate the isolated, extremist organization, which basically knows all his techniques. With a checkered past and struggling family dynamics, Derek is a character you can’t help but hope comes out on top. Written by a former US Army Captain, you can see that his experience helped him craft this fast-paced thriller.
I listened to the audio version of the story read by Jay Snyder. I definitely recommend the print and audio versions!
Perfect for fans of 90s Jerry Bruckheimer movies like “The Rock” and “Con Air.” This debut novel by T.R. Hendricks is a must-read for fans of fast-moving thrillers.
JESSICA:
Thanks, Celeste! If you enjoy this one, the second book in the series, “The Infiltrator,” is already out.
Our recommendations this week are: “The Woods All Black” by Lee Mandelo and “The Instructor” by T.R. Hendricks.
Join us next time, when we’ll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.
Until then, I’m Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.
Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz on KSER.
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