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Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW (863) 291-5880 mywinterhaven.com/library

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE AMATEUR SLEUTH: BLACKSTONE FELL by Martin Edwards

“Blackstone Fell” is part of the Rachel Savernake series but does well as a standalone story. It is an atmospheric “who-done-it” that harkens back to great crime writers like Agatha Christie and Dorothy Sayers. Throughout the book, clues are dropped as the plot thickens and twists. As a bonus, the end of the book features a “clue finder” where the author identifies all of the clues hidden in the book - a fun addition to see if you missed any along the way. This is a perfect read for those who like to actively solve the mystery while reading.

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE BEGINNING CHEF: COOK THIS BOOK by Molly Baz

“Cook this Book” is a foundational cookbook that breaks down cooking essentials so even a beginner can follow the recipes. Beyond the recipes, Molly Baz explains how to take your cooking to the next level through improvisation based on your own tastes. But what sets this collection apart is the addition of QR codes throughout the book that link to short instructional videos.

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE HISTORY BUFF: THE REVOLUTIONARY SAMUEL ADAMS by Stacy Schiff

An aimless son of a well-off family, Samuel Adams was an unlikely candidate for leader of the American Revolution. Still, he transformed into one of America’s most essential Founding Fathers. Schiff brings his story to life through well-researched and engaging writing. Adams is a flawed character, but that is what makes “The Revolutionary” even more interesting.

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE MUSIC LOVER: THIS IS WHAT IT SOUNDS LIKE by Susan Rogers & Ogi Ogas

Rogers is a successful record producer turned brain scientist, and in this book, she draws on all of her experience and knowledge to explore the science behind the music - discovering why we like what we like. The book also includes snippets of Roger’s musical journey as she works her way up from a humble audio tech to chief engineer for Prince’s “Purple Rain” to eventually becoming a successful music producer. Making the experience more immersive is a companion website with playlists for each chapter.

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE ARMCHAIR TRAVELER: WILD PLACES by Sarah Baxter

“Wild Places” is the newest addition to the Inspired Traveller’s Guides. This is not a traditional travel guide, instead of photos, it is filled with beautiful illustrations making it more akin to an art book. Baxter takes us to destinations that are some of the least tamed areas of the world - from the Galapagos Islands to the Skeleton Coast of Namibia to Sapmi, Lapland. Guaranteed to inspire your own wanderlust, “Wild Places” manages to be informative and poetic at the same time.

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE INCURABLE ROMANTIC: THE MATCHMAKER’S GIFT

by Lynda Cohen Loigman

“The Matchmaker’s Gift” is a historical fiction that intertwines two main storylines - Sara’s story set in 1910 and her granddaughter Abby’s story set in 1994. Loigman weaves the two narratives together in a way that is not only heart-touching but also historically informative. Ultimately, this is a story of love; of strong family bonds; of culture and tradition; and, most importantly, of how we find connections in this world. The perfect read for a romantic and heartwarming escape.

PERFECT GIFT FOR THE TRUE CRIME AFICIONADO: THE FOREVER WITNESS

by Edward Humes

With the growing popularity of public DNA databases, cold cases have been reopened and solved. “The Forever Witness” chronicles how one police agency used, at the time, new technologies to solve a decades-old case. In the first half of the book, Humes details the murder of two young Canadians killed in Washington state, including the background of the victims, the effects on their loved ones, and, eventually to solving of the crime. In the second half, the focus shifts to the subject of genetic genealogy, including the controversies surrounding it.