It’s the beginning of the year. Why not journey outside of your reading comfort zone by trying one of the books recommended by our Kansas Talking Books’ staff?
Michael Lang, Director
DB 88781 Void star by Zachary Mason
In a future San Francisco, weapons drones patrol the skies to keep out the poor. A young immigrant is accosted about his past. Meanwhile, a thief flees for his life, and an AI systems liaison discovers a dangerous secret. Some violence, some strong language, and some descriptions of sex. 2017.
Jason Brinkman, Library Assistant
DB 73933 Zero day by David Baldacci
When a colonel and his family are murdered in their remote West Virginia home, the army sends investigator John Puller to the crime scene. Puller arrives to find yet another body, and joins forces with the local detective investigating the case, sergeant Samantha Cole. Violence and strong language. Bestseller. 2011.
Amanda Diggs, Production Manager
DB 110529 Blackmail and Bibingka: Tita Rosie’s Kitchen Mystery, book 3 by Mia P. Manansala
"It's Christmastime in Shady Palms, but things are far from jolly for Lila Macapagal. Sure, her new business, the Brew-ha Cafe, is looking to turn a profit in its first year. And yes, she's taken the first step in a new romance with her good friend Jae Park. But her cousin Ronnie is back in town after ghosting the family fifteen years ago, claiming that his recent purchase of a local winery shows that he's back on his feet and ready to contribute to the Shady Palms community. Tita Rosie is thrilled with the return of her prodigal son, but Lila knows that wherever Ronnie goes, trouble follows. She's soon proven right when Ronnie is suspected of murder, and secrets surrounding her shady cousin and those involved with the winery start piling up. Now Lila has to put away years of resentment and distrust to prove her cousin's innocence. He may be a jerk, but he's still family. And there's no way her flesh and blood could actually be a murderer . . . right?" -- Provided by publisher. -- Unrated. Commercial audiobook.
DB 104174 Twice magic: Wizards of Once, book 2 by Cressida Cowell
The Wizard boy Xar and the Warrior girl Wish must learn to work together to find the ingredients for an ancient Witch-killing spell to save the wildwoods. Sequel to The Wizards of Once (DB 90214). Commercial audiobook. For grades 4-7. 2018.
Nataly Renfro, Machine Clerk
DB 89978 The cruel prince: Folk of the Air, book 1 by Holly Black
Jude, seventeen and mortal, gets tangled in palace intrigues while trying to win a place in the treacherous High Court of Faerie, where she and her sisters have lived for a decade. Violence. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2018.
DB 93596 The wicked king: Folk of the Air, book 2 by Holly Black
As seneschal to High King Cardan, Jude must fight to keep control of the Faerie throne while her younger brother, Oak, enjoys the childhood she never knew. Sequel to The Cruel Prince (DB 89978). Contains some descriptions of sex and some violence. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.
DB 97610 The queen of nothing: Folk of the Air, book 3 by Holly Black
As the exiled Queen of Faerie, Jude travels back to Elfhame to help her twin sister, Taryn, break a dark curse that threatens the whole Faerie world. Sequel to The Wicked King (DB 93596). Descriptions of sex and some violence. Commercial audiobook. For senior high and older readers. 2019.
Maggie Witte, Outreach Librarian
DB 77898 Daughter of the empire: Riftwar – Empire trilogy, book 1 by Raymond E. Feist and Janny Wurts
Sheltered seventeen-year-old Mara plans to join the Order of Lashima--but instead becomes Lady of the Acoma when her father and brother fall in battle. Mara must rally a ragtag band of rebel warriors to protect her family's lands. Violence. 1987.
DB 101580 The chicken sisters by K. J. Dell’Antonia
In tiny Merimac, Kansas, the Moore and Pogociello families have vied to serve the best fried chicken in the state in their restaurants for generations. Widow Amanda Moore, long caught in the middle of the family feud, enters the two restaurants into a reality TV competition. Unrated. Commercial audiobook. 2020.Learn what our Kansas Talking Books’ staff has read for the start of 2023.