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This week, we feature a gripping stand-alone installment in the calamitous life of Jack Reacher and a modern classic that examines what led to the charge of the Light Brigade.
Fiction
‘In Too Deep’
By Lee Child and Andrew Child
Like other books in the Jack Reacher series, this novel comes jam-packed with action and bad guys, plot twists galore, and a love interest. Unable to remember details from the car crash that landed him in a world of trouble, Reacher tries to sort out the mess while fighting off killers and con artists with the help of suspended detective Jenny Knight. For readers new to the series, this is a standalone read. Longtime fans will find themselves at home with the eccentric Reacher.
Bantam, 2024, 328 pages
History
‘Crescent Dawn: The Rise of the Ottoman Empire and the Making of the Modern Age’
By Si Sheppard
For over 300 years, the Ottoman Empire dominated the Old World as no power had since Rome. From 1300 to 1600, it sat astride Eurasia’s trade routes, challenging all comers and generally dominating them. The chief adversary of European Christianity, it projected power into Africa, India, Persia, and Russia. This book follows the rise of the Ottoman Empire from its beginning to its zenith, documenting its rise to world power. A fascinating read, it’s relevant to the power politics of today.
Osprey Publishing, 2025, 528 pages
Mystery
‘Murder in the Tuscan Hills’
By T.A. Williams
Dan Armstrong is a retired Scotland Yard Detective Chief Inspector. He’s moved to Italy, where, aided by his dog Oscar, he runs a small investigation firm. Most of the time, however, he simply enjoys the Italian countryside. Then an apparent hit-and-run victim turns out to have been murdered. The local police recruit Dan to help with the investigation. What starts as a simple accident turns into a tangle involving a nearby world class hotel, an aging rock star, counterfeit wine, the Italian Mafia, and Dan’s ex-wife.
Boldwood Books, 2025, 232 Pages
Places
‘The San Francisco Cliff House’
By Mary Hountalas
Constructed during the Civil War, the Cliff House, and its iterations, possess a rich history extending over 160 years. Nestled on the rocky Pacific coast along the outermost reaches of San Francisco, it has witnessed some of California’s greatest and most tragic events—from laying the Trans-Pacific Cable to earthquakes. It also experienced its own great and tragic events, destroyed by fire multiple times and reconstructed in castle-like form. Hountalas takes readers through a wonderful piece of history.
Ten Speed Press, 2009, 224 pages
Classics
‘The Reason Why: The Story of the Fatal Charge of the Light Brigade’
By Cecil Woodham-Smith
This history of the famous Charge of the Light Brigade at Balaclava during the Crimean War remains in print after 70 years for good reason. Woodham-Smith’s historical sense and her ability to bring the past to life makes for lively reading. She gives readers insight into Victorian culture and politics while at the same time deftly handling the military failures and arrogance that led to this suicidal assault. A splendid tale of common courage in the face of needless disaster.
Penguin, 1991, 288 pages
For Kids
‘The Three Billy Goats Gruff’
By Paul Galdone
“The Three Billy Goats Gruff” is a classic Norwegian fairy tale that was first published in the 1840s. Paul Galdone’s retelling features his lively illustrations depicting the mean, ugly troll living under a bridge, and three billy goats who need to cross to the pasture on the other side. How will these goats get across when the troll wants to eat them?
Clarion Books, 1981, 32 pages
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