From last week's Indie bestseller lists, available at IndieBound.org, here are the recommended titles, which are also Indie Next Great Reads:
Hardcover
The Old Man by Thomas Perry (Mysterious Press, $26, 9780802125866). "Dan Chase is a wealthy old man living a quiet life after the death of his wife and his daughter's move to another part of the country. But wait--he is being followed, and then his house is broken into and he has to kill the intruder. Next, the old man turns to his 'go' bag as it seems he has many identities, stashes of currency, and a plan to disappear. There are secrets to be discovered all throughout this tale and Perry keeps readers wondering what will come next. This is definitely one of Perry's best!" --Barbara Kelly, Kelly's Books to Go, South Portland, Me.
Who Watcheth: An Inspector Irene Huss Investigation by Helene Tursten, translated by Marlaine Delargy (Soho Crime, $26.95, 9781616954048). "Tursten does not disappoint in the ninth installment of her impeccable Inspector Irene Huss Investigation series, moving it forward on a perfect note with Irene and her husband, Krister, beginning a new stage in their lives. One of the things I've always admired about this series, in addition to Irene's strength and intelligence, is the normalcy of her life. I loved this book, but I was so busy racing through it to unravel the various threads that now I need to read it again slowly and savor it. You will, too!" --Eileen McGervey, One More Page Books, Arlington, Va.
Paperback
A Wild Swan: And Other Tales by Michael Cunningham (Picador, $16, 9781250097309). "The author of The Hours gives us a modern take on classic fairy tales, from a sympathetic Rumpelstiltskin to a jaded but content Steadfast Tin Soldier. Cunningham is not shy with his characters: he strips away sentimentality like an old Band-Aid, tearing through the romanticism that these tales usually inspire. Each story is less a retelling and more an unflinching dissection of human nature--our base needs and urges, our raw fears and joys. Shimizu's haunting illustrations give the book a classic feel, and make it a perfect addition to any fairy tale lover's collection." --Jennifer Oleinik, University Book Store, Seattle, Wash.
For Ages 4 to 8
Little Big Girl by Claire Keane (Dial, $17.99, 9780803739123). "Former Disney animator Keane has created a touching book about an older sister's love for her new baby brother. Matisse is a little girl in a big world, but when she meets her baby brother, she realizes that she isn't little at all--she's a big sister! This refreshing tale of unconditional sibling love is perfect for growing families to share." --Sarah Carr, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, N.C.
For Ages 9 to 12
Ryan Quinn and the Rebel's Escape by Ron McGee, illustrated by Chris Samnee (HarperCollins, $16.99, 9780062421647). "Eighth-grader Ryan Quinn has no idea that his parents are part of a super secret Underground Railroad-type organization that operates in many of the world's most dangerous places. Now he must try to save both of them with the help of some of his school friends. I love the way that debut author McGee gets inside the head of his protagonist and that of his techno-geek friend, Danny. These characters ring true, the action is non-stop, and fans of adventure, spy thrillers, and just plain fun storytelling will be eagerly awaiting the next installment." --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, Calif.
For Teen Readers
The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti (Sourcebooks Fire, $17.99, 9781492636083). "Hawthorn is an engaging young woman with a vivid imagination, even if she is a bit rude and narcissistic. She is finding her place and trying to answer a lot of life's tough questions, and her investigation into the puzzling disappearance of Lizzie may hasten that process. With an interesting and diverse supporting cast, this novel is full of topics that are relevant to teens: bullying, self-esteem, family dynamics, and suicide. Highly recommended." --Emily Galer, Schuler Books & Music, Grand Rapids, Mich.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]
Hardcover
The Old Man by Thomas Perry (Mysterious Press, $26, 9780802125866). "Dan Chase is a wealthy old man living a quiet life after the death of his wife and his daughter's move to another part of the country. But wait--he is being followed, and then his house is broken into and he has to kill the intruder. Next, the old man turns to his 'go' bag as it seems he has many identities, stashes of currency, and a plan to disappear. There are secrets to be discovered all throughout this tale and Perry keeps readers wondering what will come next. This is definitely one of Perry's best!" --Barbara Kelly, Kelly's Books to Go, South Portland, Me.
Who Watcheth: An Inspector Irene Huss Investigation by Helene Tursten, translated by Marlaine Delargy (Soho Crime, $26.95, 9781616954048). "Tursten does not disappoint in the ninth installment of her impeccable Inspector Irene Huss Investigation series, moving it forward on a perfect note with Irene and her husband, Krister, beginning a new stage in their lives. One of the things I've always admired about this series, in addition to Irene's strength and intelligence, is the normalcy of her life. I loved this book, but I was so busy racing through it to unravel the various threads that now I need to read it again slowly and savor it. You will, too!" --Eileen McGervey, One More Page Books, Arlington, Va.
Paperback
A Wild Swan: And Other Tales by Michael Cunningham (Picador, $16, 9781250097309). "The author of The Hours gives us a modern take on classic fairy tales, from a sympathetic Rumpelstiltskin to a jaded but content Steadfast Tin Soldier. Cunningham is not shy with his characters: he strips away sentimentality like an old Band-Aid, tearing through the romanticism that these tales usually inspire. Each story is less a retelling and more an unflinching dissection of human nature--our base needs and urges, our raw fears and joys. Shimizu's haunting illustrations give the book a classic feel, and make it a perfect addition to any fairy tale lover's collection." --Jennifer Oleinik, University Book Store, Seattle, Wash.
For Ages 4 to 8
Little Big Girl by Claire Keane (Dial, $17.99, 9780803739123). "Former Disney animator Keane has created a touching book about an older sister's love for her new baby brother. Matisse is a little girl in a big world, but when she meets her baby brother, she realizes that she isn't little at all--she's a big sister! This refreshing tale of unconditional sibling love is perfect for growing families to share." --Sarah Carr, McIntyre's Fine Books, Pittsboro, N.C.
For Ages 9 to 12
Ryan Quinn and the Rebel's Escape by Ron McGee, illustrated by Chris Samnee (HarperCollins, $16.99, 9780062421647). "Eighth-grader Ryan Quinn has no idea that his parents are part of a super secret Underground Railroad-type organization that operates in many of the world's most dangerous places. Now he must try to save both of them with the help of some of his school friends. I love the way that debut author McGee gets inside the head of his protagonist and that of his techno-geek friend, Danny. These characters ring true, the action is non-stop, and fans of adventure, spy thrillers, and just plain fun storytelling will be eagerly awaiting the next installment." --Maureen Palacios, Once Upon a Time, Montrose, Calif.
For Teen Readers
The Hundred Lies of Lizzie Lovett by Chelsea Sedoti (Sourcebooks Fire, $17.99, 9781492636083). "Hawthorn is an engaging young woman with a vivid imagination, even if she is a bit rude and narcissistic. She is finding her place and trying to answer a lot of life's tough questions, and her investigation into the puzzling disappearance of Lizzie may hasten that process. With an interesting and diverse supporting cast, this novel is full of topics that are relevant to teens: bullying, self-esteem, family dynamics, and suicide. Highly recommended." --Emily Galer, Schuler Books & Music, Grand Rapids, Mich.
[Many thanks to IndieBound and the ABA!]