We close out our 2019 Staff Picks with our most popular category: Adult Fiction. These 31 titles include mysteries, family sagas, historical fiction, sci-fi, fantasy, and translations. See other Staff Picks for 2019 here.
The Adventure of the Peculiar Protocols by Nicholas Meyer
Twenty-six years after the publication of “The Seven Percent Solution”, Meyer, novelist, screenwriter and director, returns to the world of Sherlock Holmes. Set in 1905, Holmes and Watson travel from London to Russia on a clandestine investigation for Mycroft. They discover that finding the truth doesn’t mean that you will be believed. – Ceil H., Manager, Collection Management Department
Ask Again, Yes by Mary Beth Keane
I am here for all the depressing dysfunctional family dramas! This novels follows two families, next door neighbors, and the result of a fateful night that changes both families forever. While the topics covered, are sometimes bleak (mental illness, alcoholism), it is also about love and forgiveness, and as the title implies, it is ultimately a hopeful story. Inspiring! – Pat H., Library Manager, Yardley-Makefield Branch
Beyond the Point by Claire Gibson
Three women build special friendships to navigate through their struggles as they attend West Point and find their way through life following graduation. We observe their resilience as they face primarily male attendees, separations, career challenges, and personal tragedy, and see if their loyalty to country and friendship bond carries them through. Each of these women’s spirit and fearlessness enlightens the story of their journeys and will touch your heart and remind you to keep connected with your family and friends. – Cheryl G., Customer Service Associate 2, Yardley-Makefield Branch
City of Girls by Elizabeth Gilbert
I did my required reading in 2007 and read “Eat, Pray, Love”. After I struggled through “Committed”, I gave up on Elizabeth Gilbert. But great reviews, a great title, and a gorgeous cover lured me back. When the main character, Vivian, pulled out her sewing machine, I was hooked. (Don’t worry, the book isn’t about sewing! But if you’re a sucker for a historical fiction novel with sewing machines, and you haven’t read the “The Gown” by Jennifer Robson…do it!). Set in the New York theater world of the 1940’s, the characters are complicated, messy, and fully human. A unique coming of age story bursting with life and energy. – Pat H., Library Manager, Yardley-Makefield Branch
Daisy Jones and the Six by Taylor Jenkins Reid
A fiction biography that tells the story of Daisy Jones and the Six, a band that split up at the height of their fame. Told from all perspectives of the band, this well-rounded story brings readers into the heart of the ’70s rock and roll scene. This tell all story will have you wanting this fictional band to be real. This book has recently been picked up for a 13-episode series on Amazon. – Ashleigh H., Customer Service Associate, Bensalem Branch
Dominicana by Angie Cruz
This one is so good! In 1965 fifteen-year-old Ana Cancion marries Juan Ruiz and moves from the Dominican Republic to New York City not because there is love between them, but because it’s a good decision for their families. Ana is soon faced with difficult decisions regarding family, loyalty, marriage, and love, and is forced to mature and make difficult decisions that will affect not only herself but her entire family. Just trust me, this one is good. – Yoonmee H., Assistant Library Manager, Bensalem Branch
Drive Your Plow Over the Bones of the Dead by Olga Tokarczuk
Although technically this is a reprint, I don’t care. This was my favorite read of the year. It was quirky and unexpectedly delightful for a murder mystery. Tokarczuk was the winner of the 2018 Nobel Literature Prize belatedly awarded this year. – Brian W., Assistant Library Manager, Quakertown Branch
The Dreamers by Karen Thompson Walker
This beautiful book details what happens when a mysterious illness descends on a small California college town. The prose weaves a dream-like spell, and contemplates dreams and nightmares, waking and sleeping, reveries and daydreams, dreams fulfilled and dreams shattered. It shows the effect of the illness on men and women, girls and boys, newborn babies and embryos. I came to care about all the characters. The ending was powerful and moving — asleep or awake, we all have dreams for ourselves and our loved ones that hold the promise of breaking our hearts or making them burst with joy. – Pat H., Library Manager, Yardley-Makefield Branch
The Dutch House by Ann Patchett
A beautifully written story about the love between two siblings and the lives they build after they are uprooted from the Dutch House, their childhood home. The ending was perfect, which I find so rare in novels, and I closed the book and sat thinking about the story and characters for a long time after I read the last sentence. – Regina F., Marketing & PR Specialist, District Services
Emily Eternal by Helene Tursten
Humanity’s doomsday clock has been whittled down to a matter of weeks, and in an effort to preserve at least the idea of humans (flaws and all), the government has commissioned Emily, an artificial consciousness, to preserve every living person’s thoughts, memories, and chemical make-up before time runs out. Questions and problems quickly arise leaving Emily to sort out what makes those she loves human and if there is a way to save them before the sun implodes. Written in a quirky, girl-next-door voice, Emily quickly wins your heart and Tursten’s approachable science keeps you reading to see what else is possible when the two meet. – Rebekah R., Customer Service Associate, Levittown Branch
Evvie Drake Starts Over by Linda Holmes
I picked this book up because I listen to the Pop Culture Happy Hour podcast (Holmes is the host), but I was quickly drawn into the story. Starting over stories always intrigue me. Starting over is both optimistic (the slate is wiped clean — I get do it right this time!) and pessimistic (I lost everything, that time was wasted, and now I have to start over!). This novel reflects both sides of that situation in a delightful way. A charming romantic comedy. – Pat H., Library Manager, Yardley-Makefield Branch
An Illusion of Thieves by Cate Glass (Fantasy)
A former street child, Romy is able to escape her hardscrabble life when she is chosen to become a courtesan to the Shadow Lord. But when her brother is caught thieving using illegal magic, the price to free him is to be banished from the house of the Shadow Lord. Now back in her hometown, Romy uncovers a plot to overthrow the Shadow Lord and incite a civil war. As she works with her new allies and her brother, Romy must depend on the one thing that could condemn them all – magic. – Holly A., Director, Collection Management Department
The Inbetween Days by Eva Woods
Rosie has been hit by a bus, and as the story unfolds it is unclear as to whether Rosie intended to walk in front of the bus or it was an accident. For three days Rosie is in a coma. During Rosie’s time in a coma she is able to hear her family and doctors, however she is unable to respond. Rosie is taken on a journey to important events in her life and how these events impacted her and others in her life. It is a thought provoking book, which made me think of the many important people in my life. – Michelle W., Customer Service Associate, Yardley-Makefield Branch
The Last House Guest by Megan Miranda (Mystery)
If you love books about small towns with lots of secrets, Megan Miranda is definitely an author to look for. Her newest book takes place in Littleport, Maine, where wealthy vacationers come and the local townspeople serve them. Friendships between the two groups are unheard of until Avery and Sadie from a close bond. But as their friendship grows, one summer wealthy Sadie is found dead of an apparent suicide, and others who come to the community still blame Avery. Avery must fight to clear her name from accusations from a local detective and Sadie’s family. – Holly A., Director, Collection Management Department
Library of Lost and Found by Phaedra Patrick
A heartwarming story about Martha Storm who works as a volunteer librarian. Martha receives a mysterious book filled with stories, some of which Martha wrote as a child. The book is dedicated to Martha by her grandmother, Zelda. Martha sets out to discover the mystery behind the book. In the process a wonderful story of self-discovery unfolds. I adored Martha and all the charming, colorful characters Phaedra Patrick has created. – Michelle W., Customer Service Associate, Yardley-Makefield Branch
The Lost Daughter by Gill Paul
This captivating novel tells the story of Anastasia’s sister, Maria, another one of the lost Romanov daughters. The book switches between 1918 and 1973 to explain the events of Maria’s life. In 1918, Grand Duchess Maria Romanov is imprisoned after her father, Tsar Nicholas II, is overthrown. She befriends the guards so she can deal with her daily confinement and distress. However, as an inexperienced nineteen-year-old, she is unaware of the consequences of her actions. In 1973, Val Doyle’s father divulges his life-long guilt on his deathbed by saying, “I didn’t want to kill her.” This intriguing mystery causes Val to begin an investigation of her father’s past to uncover the facts about her family’s history and the disappearance of the Grand Duchess Maria. Family secrets and romances are revealed and the heartbreaking hardships of this family will keep you absorbed as you read this historical fiction page turner. – Cheryl G., Customer Service Associate 2, Yardley-Makefield Branch
Meet Me in Monaco by Hazel Gaynor and Heather Webb
Inspired by Grace Kelly’s wedding, this book focuses on two outsiders, a French perfumist and English photographer as their lives get swept away by the wedding of the century. A fun story that takes readers on a whirlwind adventure as two love stories unfold. – Ashleigh H., Customer Service Associate, Bensalem Branch
Miracle Creek by Angie Kim (Fiction. Courtroom thriller.)
This thrilling courtroom drama asks the question: How far will you go to protect your family? After an explosion in a hyperbaric oxygen chamber kills two people, the patients, their families, and the owners of the chamber must struggle with figuring out who started the fire. The plot seemed a little weird to me at first, but once you get into this story, you won’t want to put it down. – Yoonmee H., Assistant Library Manager, Bensalem Branch
Necessary People by Anna Pitoniak
This was impossible to put to down. It’s about two frenemies and the unfair advantage of privilege over merit. – Victoria G., Customer Service Associate, Perkasie Branch
The Nickel Boys by Colson Whitehead
On first glance one might look at this rather slim book that is Whitehead’s first book after 2016’s wildly popular and successful “The Underground Railroad” and wonder if he might be trying to coast. Open it up, and you will find that is not the case at all. “The Nickel Boys” is about one man’s connection to the Jim Crow-era reformatory school he was forced into as a young man in Florida, but it’s also a great tale about friendship, as well as a tour-de-force novel riffing on America’s original sin—white supremacy in all its manifestations. – Steve L., Levittown Branch
Normal People by Sally Rooney
I wasn’t expecting to be so impressed with this novel, but, wow, I was. On the surface, it might seem like a classic relationship story spanning across class and privilege, but it is the best of that and so much more. It’s an Irish novel, but it’s universal. It’s a novel about young people in the early 21st century, but you don’t have to be high school or college age to deeply enjoy it. – Steve L., Levittown Branch
Parade by Hiromi Kawakami
I love small books. This book fits perfectly in your pocket. And the text inside is spare and haunting to match. – Brian W., Assistant Library Manager, Quakertown Branch
Quichotte by Salman Rushdie
Pronounced “key shot,” this engaging satire of our times follows a present day Don Quixote who becomes obsessed with a TV personality (his Dulcinea). A travelling drug salesman, he brings to life a son, Sancho, in a Pinocchio-like way, and the two cross the country seeking this true love he has never met. Mixed in this story are the great woes of modern life: opioids, climate change, racism, and the inability to find the truth in public life. A fictional author of not-too-popular spy novels is the writer of this tale. He belatedly realizes his life is mirrored in the story of Quichotte, but he may find a redemption through his family that Quichotte could never find. The two fictional worlds somehow make each other seem real as we are drawn into both realities. This story within a story is similar to the structure of Cervantes’ great novel, which was also a satire. – Mike B., Adult Services Librarian, Doylestown Branch
Rusty Brown by Chris Ware (Graphic Novel)
I’ve been waiting for this full-length graphic novel since 2012’s “Building Stories”. Chris Ware didn’t just detail the minutia of his invented Nebraska world, he illustrated each and every film strip of it. Some of the sections were stronger than others, and critics correctly assessed the paucity of uplifting moments. But, hey, that’s Chris Ware’s specialty. – Brian W., Assistant Library Manager, Quakertown Branch
Sabrina and Corina by Kali Fajardo-Anstine (Fiction. Short stories)
A National Book Award Finalist (although, by the time this is written, the winner will have already been chosen…), this collection of short stories about Latina characters with indigenous ancestry is often tragic and yet fierce at the same time. I’m generally not a short story person, but I just adored this collection. – Yoonmee H., Assistant Library Manager, Bensalem Branch
The Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
If you like psychological thrillers that keep you guessing to the last page, read “The Silent Patient” by Alex Michaelides. Alicia Berenson is a famous artist. Her husband, Gabriel, is shot five times in the head. From that moment, Alicia refuses to speak, even refusing to defend herself against murder charges. Six year later, Theo Faber, a criminal psychotherapist, is convinced he can find out the truth. Did Alicia murder her husband? Why does she refuse to speak? – Anitta D., Customer Service Associate, Yardley-Makefield Branch
The Spies of Shilling Lane by Jennifer Ryan (Historical Fiction)
This enjoyable historical mystery set during WWII follows Mrs. Braithwaite, who comes to London to check on her daughter, Betty, who went to work there when the war started. Once arriving in London, Betty’s landlord, the timid Mr. Norris, informs Mrs. Braithwaite that Betty has not been heard from in days. Storming around London to find her daughter, she brings along the unwilling Mr. Norris and they try and piece together what Betty was doing and what has happened to her. – Holly A., Director, Collection Management Department
The Starless Sea by Erin Morgenstern
A beautiful, imaginative, and magical book about a vast underground library and the many mysteries it holds. A love letter to books, stories, and readers. – Katherine G., Customer Service Associate, Levittown Branch
Testaments by Margaret Atwood – Audiobook (Literary, Dystopian, Sci-Fi)
In this stunning sequel to “The Handmaid’s Tale,” we gain new insight into just what happens to Gilead fifteen years after the events in the first book conclude. It is brilliantly told by three characters who are all connected to the regime and each other as their stories intersect and unfold in a shocking yet justifying ending. For those who are fans of the Hulu series, the events of this book are tied into the show, and many chapters of the audiobook are narrated by the actress who portrays the notorious Aunt Lydia in the television series. – Kathleen L., Librarian, Collection Management Department
The Unhoneymooners by Christina Lauren
Olive and Ethan have all the right reasons to be sworn enemies but after Olive’s sister contracts monstrous food poisoning before her honeymoon, Olive and Ethan go in her stead on a much needed all-expenses paid vacation. This novel brings same of romance’s favorite tropes together: beautiful settings, odd couples, neurotic relatives, and suffocating family members, for a hilarious read. – Rebekah R., Customer Service Associate, Levittown Branch
Watching You by Lisa Jewell – Audiobook (Mystery, Thriller)
A murder has been committed and someone in the affluent small town of Melville Heights has been watching. As the events of this psychological thriller unfold, things are not as they seem and no one is cleared of suspicion. This story is filled with twists and turns that will keep you guessing up until the very last page! Perfect for fans of Lianne Moriarty. – Kathleen L., Librarian, Collection Management Department
