Book reviews by librarians at the Park Hill branch, Denver Public Library.

Adult Non-fiction
Grunt by Mary Roach
Review by Hector Cobian
Grunt is Mary Roach’s newest book. With Stiff, she tackled the science of what happens to us when we die. Now she is peeking into the science of military technology, investigating the quotidian aspects of war: like staying cool in the desert, staying in one piece in a war zone and keeping the bugs away in the most extreme environments. She talks to scientists behind the scenes and soldiers on the ground. This is an unflinching look at the big consequences of the little decisions, and the rationales behind them. Like her other books, I couldn’t put it down.

Adult Fiction
Career of Evil by Robert Galbraith
Review by Maggie Bruce
Career of Evil, by Robert Galbraith (J. K. Rowling) is the third in the Cormoran Strike series. Strike is ex-military who works with his partner Robin Ellacott to run his detective business. Strike and Robin themselves are targeted by a man who starts sending them body parts. They have try to figure out who this man is, before he tries to kill Robin. The mystery of this book is intriguing. I didn’t manage to guess who the killer was before the mystery was solved, which I love! This book could even stand alone, although the personal relationships might be hard to follow if you haven’t read the rest of the series. Rowling has made a fantastic comeback in her new book, and the series overall!

Young Adult Fiction
Carry On by
Rainbow Rowell
Review by Monica Washenberger
Simon is entering his eighth and final year at the Watford school of wizarding. Try as he may, he still spends more time unable to cast spells and accidentally setting fires than seems reasonable for the chosen one. If that was not trouble enough, his roommate Baz might just be a vampire who is plotting to kill him. As magical dead spots begin to appear across the English countryside, and the line between villain and hero becomes more and more unclear, unlikely relationships blossom and will hopefully be enough to save the magical world as they know it. This plot-centered, fast-paced, fantasy read is a great choice for those who enjoyed Harry Potter and titles by Patrick Ness and Madeleine L’Engle.

Children’s Fiction
The Secret Keepers by Trenton Lee Stewart
Review by Tara
Bannon Williamson
The author of the Mysterious Benedict Society series, Trenton Lee Stewart, has a new stand-alone mystery novel, The Secret Keepers. At 512 pages, this book is recommended for grades five and up. Eleven-year-old Reuben is a parkour enthusiast whose life changes when he finds an antique pocket watch that grants him invisibility. Pursued by a dangerous entity called The Smoke, Reuben is in a race against time with his new friends to protect the city from certain destruction by unraveling the puzzles surrounding this strange watch. With a pace that quickens with each chapter, the writing style is attention-grabbing and suspenseful. If you enjoy hidden tunnels, treacherous traps, enigmatic secrets, hair-raising surprises, narrow escapes, quirky characters and ethical dilemmas, this is the book for you!