BookMarks: What Our Writers Are Reading

We thought we'd like to share with you today what a few of our Writers are Reading...

Rachel Dilley: I am currently reading The Outer Banks House by Diann Ducharme. The title caught my eye because my family has vacationed on the Outer Banks of North Carolina since I was a kid. The novel is set in the post-Civil War and takes place in and near a vacation cottage in Nags Head, North Carolina. Abigail Sinclair is the 17-year-old daughter of the former slave-holding plantation master and his wife who have built the cottage for summer hunting and relaxation. Abigail is pressured into tutoring her father's hunting guide, who does not know how to read or write. Despite the pressures to fit into the "society" of her parents, Abigail finds herself drawn to her "unsuitable" student and learns of the ugliness of discrimination.

Michele Downey:   Deception by Jonathan Kellerman:  Lt. Milo Sturgis is assigned a sensitive murder case involving a teacher at the exclusive Windsor Preparatory Academy.The victim is found dead in in a bathtub full of dry ice and despite having left a DVD accusing three fellow teachers of repeated sexual harassment, there is no shortage of suspects. The investigation leads to a boyfriend, students, teachers, and administrators all of whom have secrets to keep—and who will stop at nothing to keep them. As usual, psychologist Alex Delaware is by Milo's side as they navigate the delicate politics of upper crust education and discover that in this world of the rich and powerful, a perfect grade is worth killing for.

Why I chose this book: I have read almost all of Jonathan Kellerman's Alex Delaware novels, so when I saw this at the library, it was a no-brainer. Kellerman tells intricate stories interwoven with psychological insights that make his stories compelling and hard to put down.

Colleen Scott:   I am reading (just started) She Walks In Beauty by Siri Mitchell. Here is a short bio from the book:  "Clara Carter knows her family's future and her marriage prospects depends on the reception she receives during her social debut. Her family wants her to pursue eligible bachelor Franklin DeVries, But Clara questions whether she wants a high society life - especially when she meets a man who loves her for herself. Will duty or heart prevail?"

I picked it cause it's her new title, and I love everything she writes!

Beth Zellner:  Asleep by Molly Caldwell Crosby: In 1918, a world war was raging, and a lethal strain of influenza was circling the globe. In the midst of all this death, a bizarre disease appeared in Europe. Eventually known as encephalitis lethargica, or sleeping sickness, it would spread across the world, leaving millions dead or locked in institutions. Then, in 1927, it would disappear as suddenly as it had arrived.

I am a great believer in the adage, “truth is stranger than fiction,” and I read tons of non-fiction. I find it to be highly entertaining! I actually picked this title because it is a subject that just fascinates me. Also, I thought it would be a great backdrop to someday write a fictional piece about!