 After 30 years in prison for causing a child's death, Vincent King is finally released. He went to jail at 15, turned in by his best friend, Walk, who’s now the local chief of police. Walk keeps an eye on Vincent’s ex-girlfriend, Star, a struggling drug addict, and her kids: 13-year-old Duchess, who’s had to grow up too fast to care for her little brother, Robin.
They all still live in the same small California town where it all started. Then, a body is found. Secrets unravel, tensions rise, and the big question looms: who did it? We Begin at the End by Chris Whitaker is an emotional rollercoaster of a crime thriller with so much heart. It’s got a gripping plot, but what really stands out are the unforgettable characters, especially Duchess, the tough-as-nails, complex girl the story revolves around. The writing is beautiful, full of raw emotion and small-town drama, with twists that keep you hooked. It’s heartbreaking and hopeful all at once, a truly memorable read. If you love character-driven stories with a side of suspense, don’t miss this one! It may be my favorite book ever. We have it available to reserve, plus Large Print and Audio CD copies for checkout. How about a downloadable audiobook or ebook? No, really. Read it. Please. Then come and tell me what you thought. Aimee Clark, IT Librarian
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 Misha Byrne is a rising star. He's nominated for an Oscar. His TV show is a hit. Now the studio wants him to kill off the gay stars of his show on the season finale. He's not down with the idea, and suddenly he's being stalked by the monsters of his previous films. It's a delightfully inclusive story where love wins, but we still get blood, guts, and evil lambs.
This was everything you’d hope for from the legendary author. It takes the classic horror trope and gives it a twist, delivering a story that’s as funny and weird as it is touching and empowering. The blend of campy horror, sharp social commentary, and genuine emotion makes it a standout. If you’re a fan of Chuck Tingle or just want a unique and entertaining read with a ton of feels. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Or if you prefer, eBook and audiobook.  Yeah, it's really long. But, Crime and Punishment by Dostoyevsky is a wild, dark ride. It’s all about Raskolnikov, this broke student who murders someone and then spirals into guilt and some seriously deep thoughts about right and wrong, all while balancing a ton of drama with his family and friends, plus dodging the law.
The story is intense but also super gripping, and you can’t help but get pulled into his messed-up head. It’s got big ideas about human nature and justice, but it’s also just a really good story. Definitely worth a read if you’re up for something heavy but unforgettable. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Use your SPL to reserve the eBook or audiobook if you prefer those formats.  This is an unforgettable read. It’s his story of making a dangerous journey from El Salvador to the U.S. as a nine-year-old, all alone. His writing is so raw and vivid, you feel every moment of fear, hope, and determination he went through. I wanted to reach through the pages and hold him. This book hits hard but also shows so much heart and resilience. It’s eye-opening and emotional, the kind of story that stays with you. If you want a real, human look at migration, this one’s a must-read. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Spanish! With your SPL card, you can reserve the eBook in English or Spanish. The audiobook is read by the author and available in English.  In 1975, a 13-year-old girl from a wealthy family vanishes from a summer camp. Oddly, her older brother disappeared from the same camp 14 years earlier. To make things even stranger, her parents own the camp.
This story dives into class divides—the wealthy camp owners, their privileged friends, and their children who attend, contrasted with the local workers hired to maintain the camp and its grounds. It’s a tale of power, privilege, and the secrets that simmer beneath the surface. This was such a gripping, eerie read. The mix of mystery and atmosphere totally pulls you in, and the creepy, woodsy vibes blows you away. The story keeps you guessing, and the characters feel so real. If you’re into dark, twisty tales with a lot of feels, this is your book. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Large Print! Use your SPL card to reserve the eBook or audiobook.  The Adventures of Huckleberry Finn is one of those books everyone gets force-fed in school, right? And depending on your teacher, you were either told it’s the “Great American Novel” or you sat there wondering why Jim, the most interesting and important character, barely gets a real voice. Enter Percival Everett. With James, he basically says, “Okay, let’s fix this.” And wow, does he ever.
This book is Jim’s story, straight up. It’s not a retelling so much as a reclamation. Jim is smart, funny, furious, and painfully aware of the absurd world he’s trapped in. Everett doesn’t shy away from the horror of slavery, but he also loads the book with dark, biting humor that makes you laugh and wince at the same time. Think gallows humor meets razor-sharp social critique. Huck is still around, of course, but through Jim’s eyes you see him less as this lovable misfit and more as a kid who’s still marinating in the ugliness of the world around him. Meanwhile, Jim gets to shine in a way Twain never gave him room to. He’s clever, thoughtful, deeply human, he’s the heart of the story, not the sidekick. What I loved most is how Everett plays with language. He digs into how words are used to control, to demean, and also how they can be twisted back as power. It makes you think not just about history, but about how much of that same nonsense still echoes today. Bottom line: James is bold, angry, hilarious, and devastating all at once. I loved it. Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! We even have it in Large Print! You can also reserve the eBook or audiobook for download with your SPL card!  Marshall Miller, raised by his single mom, is thrilled to get his license. But on his first drive, just a few miles from home, he’s pulled over by a strange, unsettling officer with a crying girl in the backseat. Months later, he’s shocked to see her face on a missing person poster. Who is she, and what really happened that day?
This book is a chilling page-turner that perfectly blends suspense, mystery, and a touch of the supernatural. The eerie small-town setting and vivid atmosphere pull you in, while the twists keep you hooked. It’s the perfect read for fans of spooky thrillers so grab it and prepare to be captivated! Aimee, IT Librarian Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! There is also an eBook available to download with your SPL card. Reserve it here.  Wu Zetian is, without a doubt, awesome. She is one of my favorite heroines. From the first pages, she drew me in and kept me guessing what she was going to do, and every time she blew me away with her attitude and flair. The novel’s twists and turns were (for me) unpredictable—and that’s a hard feat. That, mixed with Xiran’s stellar descriptions and worldbuilding, had me hooked for DAYS after I read it. There are themes of feminism, LGBTQIA+, and people with disabilities are prominent in the writing. The first time I read it was in 2021. I have been patiently waiting for three years for the sequel, and I’m excited to say that for Christmas this year, I finally got a publication date, AND the second book. Keep a lookout for Heavenly Tyrant for a chance to see where Zeitan’s story goes after this excellent read.
Mariah Wills, Library Clerk Interested in this book? Click here to reserve it in the catalog! Digital copies are available with your SPL card. Click here for eBook and click here for the audiobook. |
The SPL StaffWe work here at the library, and we’re into all kinds of books! How Do I Get These Books?See our Quickstart Guides page for information on how to use the online catalog and how to get eBooks and audiobooks for your specific device. You can also contact us there if you need more help!
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