Wounds of Injustice by Jeremy Amick, 284 pages

My brother sent me a manuscript to read, and since it's a book I figured why not count it. It's loosely based on a murder in our hometown, and looks at a Vietnam vet who has been pushed too far by his wife and her lover.

The Girl of the Limberlost by Gene Stratton-Porter, 268 pages

I'm rereading some of my favorite childhood classics as Samantha is discovering them. This is one that has a beloved spot on my bookcase because it's that perfect combination of tragedy combined with optimism, spunk combined with fate, and good writing peopled with interesting characters.
Elnora Comstock has lived on the edge of the Limberlost all her life, learning about the plants and insects residing there, turning to her neighbors for the love her grief-stricken mother isn't capable of showing. Now Elnora is sixteen and ready to start high school against the wishes of mother. Elnora shows up the first day, in shoes and dress that scream country, and soon realizes that the cost of books and school fees aren't covered. Overcome by despair at first, she quickly realizes that the moths she has been collecting over the years will pay not only for high school but also college. With her optimistic determination, Elnora forges ahead, working hard to gain an education. But circumstances beyond her control threaten to keep her from getting that treasured diploma. Elnora is the epitome of the struggling girl character, filled with compassion and determination, and a beautiful face that she is unaware that filled literature 100 years ago. Popular then, these books still speak to readers today, and serve as a timeless example for young women still.

The Mysterious Death of Miss Jane Austen by Lindsay Ashford, 434 pages

This was a fabulous review book sent to me by NightOwl Reviews. It looks at the mysterious circumstances of Jane Austen's death, as seen through the eyes of a close, personal friend, Anne Sharp. It was intriguing and heartfelt, and a great read.

Joyland by Stephen King, 283 pages

Stephen King's latest book is one of the best he's written in a long time. Based in a carnival/amusement park, it has Devin Jones trying to put his broken heart back together. Legends of a murdered girl's ghost haunting a ride has Devin investigating, and finding himself in a dangerous mystery that could cost him his life.
This book was outstanding, succinct as so many of King's books aren't, and the writing was just great. The mystery combined with the romance, overlaid with just a light touch of the supernatural was perfect. I also like the fact that it's only published as an actual book to fit the crime noir, pulp classic feel.

Anne of Green Gables by L. M. Montgomery, 308 pages

There is just something about solidly good classics with a spunky female main character. I hadn't read Anne of Green Gables for decades, but after hearing my 11-year-old rave about it, I felt a craving to give it a go again. Anne's optimistic look at life, her vivid imagination and just overwhelming enthusiasm for everything still delighted me as much now as it did as a child. Watching Anne win the hearts of Matthew and Marilla was incredibly touching and hilarious, and I think I'm going to have to reread some of my favorite girl classics again now.

Not the Killing Type by Lorna Barrett, 309 pages

I always enjoy these cozy mysteries. If I lived in Stoneham I wouldn't want Tricia EVER to come looking for me, because that would guarantee she'd find my dead body.

Lovers' Lane by Rick Geary, 80 pages

This is a true-crime graphic novel that Lisa has already reviewed. I picked it up because of her and really enjoyed it. Interesting without being too bloody.