Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Wire in the Blood by Val McDermid
Recommended by: Melanie, Librarian
Award winning British mystery author, McDermid, has created gritty, intense characters in this riveting psychological thriller. Not for the squeamish, the book follows Dr. Tony Hill, a psychological profiler, as he helps the police find a sadistic serial killer. A BBC TV series is based on McDermid's books.


Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.

Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Unseen Academicals by Terry Pratchett
Recommended by: Danielle, Bridgerland Literacy Director
Terry Pratchett once again takes you to Discworld to visit strange yet familiar characters. In Unseen Academicals, Ankh-Morpork's benevolent Tyrant, Ventinari once again has plans for city improvement. Ventinari has decided the aged, overweight wizards of Unseen University will learn to play football and as an inspiration to the rest of the city, they will play and win a match without using any magic.


Just as in any Discworld book, things are always a bit more complicated than they first appear. In addition to adding football to the University, Pratchett brings in new characters to add flavor to the already smelly Ankh-Morpork. Mr. Hix of the Department of Post-Mortem Communication is particularly entertaining.

Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.

Here is another reading pick from the Logan Library Staff.


Book: Death Makes a Holiday: A Cultural History of Halloween by David J. Skal
Recommended by: Joseph, Nonfiction Acquisitions
In this short history of America's second-most popular holiday, author Skal examines several ways Halloween has influenced our culture. After first attempting to disprove some of our favorite legends about the holiday (there is apparently no evidence that Jack O'Lanterns originated in Celtic Europe, as many assume), Skal tells us of the strange way the Salem witch trials have been co-opted by enterprising New-Agers in modern Salem, Mass. He also leads us through several decades of American haunted house building and takes us into the middle of clashes over gay rights during San Francisco's Halloween street parades. Finally, he comprehensively takes us through 90 years of Halloween at the movies and, in what are perhaps his most compelling observations, Skal examines how the attacks of September 11 affected the holiday and what it all means for America. Like any good cultural history, there are also many intertwining references to other curious information which leave you wanting to know more. An informational and enjoyable read to get you in a spooky mood.


Want more reading suggestions? View previous staff picks.