Author: Suzanne Collins
Sunrise on the Reaping by Suzanne Collins is an engaging prequel to The Hunger Games, offering a fascinating look at Haymitch Abernathy during the 50th Hunger Games, the Second Quarter Quell. The story reveals a darker, more brutal side of the Games, showing the harsh realities Haymitch faced and the emotional toll it took on him. I found the exploration of media manipulation and survival particularly compelling. ...
Author: Pagan Kennedy
The Secret History of the Rape Kit: A True Crime Story by Pagan Kennedy is an eye-opening exploration of the history, development, and impact of rape kits in criminal investigations. Through meticulous research and firsthand accounts, Kennedy brings to light the essential role these kits play in solving cases, while also addressing the systemic flaws that have led to the underutilization of this crucial evidence. T...
Author: Michelle McNamara
Michelle McNamara’s I’ll Be Gone in the Dark is an intense and haunting look at the Golden State Killer case. McNamara dives deep into the mystery behind the unsolved crimes, blending thorough research with personal insight into her obsession with finding the killer. Her writing pulls you in from the start, giving a voice to the victims and showing the psychological toll the case had on those trying to solve it. Th...
Author: Kate Morton
I absolutely loved The Forgotten Garden by Kate Morton. The story follows Nell, a woman who, after discovering that her true identity has been kept from her, embarks on a journey to uncover her past. The book weaves between different timelines, giving readers glimpses into both the present-day search for answers and the historical events that shaped her family’s secrets. I found the writing so vivid and immersive. ...
Author: Truman Capote
In Cold Blood is a gripping true crime novel that details the brutal murder of a Kansas family in 1959. Truman Capote, the author, immerses readers into the chilling real-life story of the Clutter family’s deaths and the subsequent investigation into the killers, Perry Smith and Richard Hickock. Capote’s writing is both elegant and haunting as he builds suspense while uncovering the emotional and psychological comp...
Author: Madeline Miller
A beautifully written and deeply emotional retelling of The Iliad, The Song of Achilles reimagines the love story between Achilles and Patroclus. Told from Patroclus’ perspective, the novel follows their journey from childhood friends to lovers, leading up to the infamous Trojan War. Miller’s prose is poetic and immersive, capturing the intensity of their bond and the weight of Achilles’ destiny. While the rom...
Author: Emily Giffin
Meant to Be is a sweeping love story inspired by John F. Kennedy Jr. and Carolyn Bessette Kennedy, offering a blend of glamour, heartbreak, and destiny. Joe Kingsley is American royalty, raised under immense public scrutiny with expectations to follow in his legendary father’s footsteps. Cate Cooper, a model from a troubled past, has worked hard to escape the shadows of her childhood. On paper, their worlds don’t al...
Author: Heather Marshall
A powerful and moving debut, Looking for Jane by Heather Marshall explores motherhood, choice, and resilience through the lens of history. Inspired by true events, the novel follows three women across different time periods in Canada, all connected by an underground abortion network known as "The Janes." Their intertwined stories shine a light on the struggles women faced before abortion was legalized, as well as ...