Book Buzz

Episode 137 - Air date: Jan. 18, 2025

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 will introduce you to handpicked favorites that have captured the hearts and minds of our staff. We’ll give you the inside scoop on titles you may not have heard about.

First, we’re going to hear from Bekah, library associate at the Camano Island Library, who will introduce us to a mysterious town where people are not what they seem. Over to you, Bekah.

BEKAH:

If you’re looking for a semi-spooky atmospheric read with a hefty dose of small-town charm, “Cackle” by Rachel Harrison is the book for you. This book doesn’t fit neatly into any singular genre but if I were forced to describe it, I would call it cozy horror. Does that sound like a dichotomy? Probably. But somehow, this book makes it all work!

A fresh start in a quaint town is exactly what Manhattan school teacher Annie is looking for after a painful breakup. The town of Rowan is storybook perfect and so is her new best friend, Sophie. Sophie is stunningly beautiful, generous, seemingly ageless and her palatial home seems too lovely to be true.

Before long, Annie starts to notice strange things about her new friend. Is it just Annie’s imagination or do the townspeople seem to be afraid of Sophie? Why do spiders flock to her? One thing is for sure — there are some very unsettling sounds coming from her basement.

This book is a light departure from my usual reading style, and I was pleasantly surprised by how much I loved it. “Cackle” is wise, empowering and fun with strong feminist themes. Somehow it manages to be both spooky and warm at the same time. I think that even readers who typically shy away from horror can enjoy this book.

JESSICA:

Thanks, Bekah! I would love to add more books in the cozy horror genre to my to-be-read list. This sounds just perfect for me.

Next, let’s hear about a teen determined to break a curse from Emma, library associate at the Mariner Library. Take it away, Emma.

EMMA:

"Little Thieves” by Margaret Owen is a cheeky retelling of the classic story of the Goose Girl in an alternative Germanic world filled with gods and magic.

Vanja Schmidt is the goddaughter to Death and Fortune and uses those ties to pull off daring heists on local nobles. But when one theft brings down the wrath of a low god, Vanja becomes cursed and must use all her wits and survival skills to save herself and the future she so desperately dreams of.

Vanja is an instant favorite, with her complex morals and dry wit. Flashbacks to her difficult past make her actions and vulnerabilities both understandable and relatable. Thanks to Owen’s masterful writing, Vanja is a standout character with her sarcasm, schemes, and flaws.

The book's pacing is spot-on, enhanced by Owen’s skillful control of the narrative. She juggles and times each plot twist perfectly and elevates the classic themes of good and evil. Her beautiful writing will make your heart break at the tragedy, and you’ll laugh out loud at the witty diverse characters.

"Little Thieves” is a gem, from its dark magic and compelling characters to its mysterious setting.

And, while great as a stand-alone book, “Little Thieves” is the first in a trilogy and is followed by the equally exciting “Painted Devils.”

JESSICA:

Thanks, Emma! You don’t have to be a teen to enjoy a teen fiction title.

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.