Staff Picks: Science Fiction and Mystery

Click on the book cover to read more about the book, see available editions, and to order.

REAMDE

by Neal Stephenson
Reviewed by: Emma (Sebastopol)

This book is the COOLEST THING EVER! I promise, it is worth every page (and penny). It reads like a smarter Guy Ritchie movie with women who are actually characters. There are mobsters and hackers and spies and terrorists and gamers and Claymore-wielding motorcycle gangs and right-wing survivalists and so many explosions! Eat your heart out, Stieg Larsson. This is a thriller.

The Sweetness at the Bottom of the Pie

by Alan Bradley
Reviewed by: Ellen (Sebastopol/Montgomery Village)

Classic British mystery in the tradition of Agatha Christie. 1950s sleepy English village. 11-year-old chemistry nut Flavia de Luce takes time out from fighting with her sisters to ride her bike around the village investigating a bizarre murder. Lovely style!