Exciting Books to look for in 2015

A Kim Jong-II Production by Paul Fischer
Documents the former North Korean dictator's 1978 kidnapping of South Korean actress Madam Choi and her filmmaker ex-husband Shin Sang-Ok, describing how they were imprisoned, forced to remarry and compelled to make films for their captor before their daring escape. "A meticulously detailed feat of rare footage inside the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's propaganda machinery." ~KIRKUS

Funny Girl by Nick HornbySet in 1960's London, Funny Girl is a lively account of the adventures of the intrepid young Sophie Straw as she navigates her transformation from provincial ingenue to television starlet amid a constellation of eccentric characters. "Hornby makes the reader care for his characters as much as he does and retains a light touch with the deeper social implications, as women, gays, popular entertainment and the culture in general experience social upheaval."~KIRKUS

Ghettoside by Jill LeovyOn a warm spring evening in South Los Angeles, a young man is shot and killed on a sidewalk minutes away from his home, one of the thousands of black Americans murdered that year. Ghettoside discusses the hundreds of murders that occur in Los Angeles each year, and focuses on the story of the dedicated group of detectives who pursued justice at any cost in the killing of Bryant Tennelle. "In her debut, the author journeys where most fear to tread: the perennially mean streets of South Central LA, where she uses the senseless murder of a policeman's progeny as a jumping-off point to investigate broader issues of why...that urban area sees so many of its people dying by tragically violent means." ~KIRKUS

Etta and Otto and Russell and James by Emma Hooper

Embarking on a more than 3,000-kilometer walking journey from rural Canada to the East coast so that she can see the ocean for the first time in her life, an octogenarian woman has experiences that blur her perspectives between illusion, memory and reality. "Hooper's debut is a novel of memory and longing and desires too long denied. A masterful near homage to Pilgrim's Progress: souls redeemed through struggle."~KIRKUS

Disgruntled by Asali Solomon

A coming-of-age tale that also doubles as a portrait of Philadelphia in the late 80s and early 90s, Kenya Curtis, who knows that she is different, but can't put her finger on why, grows increasingly disgruntled by her inability to find any place, thing or person that feels like home. "In this witty take on 1980s Philadelphia, a young girl comes of age and learns to navigate love, loss, school and family. Blackness, feminism and the loss of virginity have never been analyzed by a more astute and witty main character." ~KIRKUS

Debut Novel by Courtney Maum

Courtney Maum's debut novel, I Am Having So Much Fun Here Without You, tracks the aftermath of two momentous decisions that Richard Haddon, a British artist living in Paris, has made; the first was his decision to betray his "avant-garde" ideals by painting a series of sentimental oil paintings (that end up being a big hit with customers) and the second was to betray his wife of seven years by having an affair. Once Richard's wife, Anne-Laure de Bourigeaud, finds out about his affair, she sends him packing and is determined not to let him know how crushed she truly is, even though he wants to rebuild what they once had.

"Equally funny and touching, the novel strikes deep, presenting a sincere exploration of love and monogamy. These characters are complex, and their story reflects their confusion and desire. As her story bounces through time and across continents (Richard and Anne met while students in the U.S.), Maum rarely loses focus. An impressive, smart novel." (Publishers Weekly Reviews)

Warm Up with a Steamy Love Story

A starred Booklist review, the Luckiest Lady in London is the romantic tale of unlikely couple, Louisa Cantwell, an unknown nobody who is looking for a wealthy husband to provide not only for her, but also for her mother and four sisters, and Felix Rivendale, Marquess of Wrenworth and as he's known in London society, the "Ideal Gentleman." They are immensely attracted to each other when they first meet, however, Louisa, who doesn't have much in terms of a dowry, cannot get beyond her suspicions of why Felix is interested in her, not too mention the many society rules they are breaking by seeing each other.  When Felix proposes to Louisa, she feels that she has no choice but to accept.

"With scintillating wit and sophisticated sensuality, RITA Award-winning Thomas (Tempting the Bride, 2012) launches an entrancing new historical trilogy.  Handling characterization, pacing, and setting with perfect finesse, Thomas has created a romance that is pure magic." - Booklist Reviews

Heart-pounding mystery in 'Street Girls'

Looking for a thrilling new mystery that's anything but cozy?  Try the new book Street Girls by Linda Regan.  DI Georgia Johnston is investigating a death in South London to determine if it's linked to gang warfare or the deceased's personal life, but it gets personal when it's suggested her partner's teen daughter go undercover in the case.  For other fast-paced, violent suspense stories, try John Sandford's "Prey" series, starting with Rules of Prey.