CHECK ME OUT

Check Me Out ;) WORDS Jane Martin, City Librarian Winter Haven Public Library 325 Avenue A NW, Winter Haven

THE PECULIARITIES By David Liss

An unusual and whimsical fantasy set in an alternative 1899 London. Magical chaos is happening all around - women giving birth to rabbits, elegant killers without facial features, people turning into werewolves, and a mysterious mist that lingers and occasionally tries to murder people. Thomas, a son of a wealthy banking family, sets out to uncover the truth. Sprinkled into the fantasy are references to mythology, secret societies, the occult, and actual historical figures, all of which fuse together in this unique and wholly bizarre tale.

THE SUN DOWN MOTEL

By Simone St. James

“The Sun Down Motel” is a classic murder mystery set in a haunted motel and told through two interwoven timelines, present-day and the early 80s. It is full of creepy, spine-tingling chills and thrills, the kind that keep you reading deep into the night...which, I warn you, you may want to do with all the lights turned on.

THE WHISPERING HOUSE By Elizabeth Brooks

On the surface, this novel is a creepy thriller set in a gothic manor, but layered under that is a world full of love, loss, and tragedy. What elevates this book from other classic gothic thrillers is the beautifully written prose. Brooks writes poetically, creating an atmosphere perfect for the underlying mystery.

THE DEATH OF JANE LAWRENCE By Caitlin Starling

The book is set in a fictional world reminiscent of Victorian England, where the main character, Jane, decides to marry the mysterious town doctor, Augustine. From that basic premise, the story wanders down a dark path full of twists and turns complete with dark atmosphere and haunted spaces - the perfect gothic tale for a spooky October night.

REPRIEVE By James Han Mattson

Set in a “full contact” escape room (in which the costumed characters can fully interact with participants), “Reprieve” is a murder mystery told through court transcripts and narrative flashbacks. Although the book can be classified as a psychological thriller, the novel explores modern American life by way of social commentary on greed, identity politics, prejudice, and fear itself.

A COSMOLOGY OF MONSTERS

By Shaun Hamill

“A Cosmology of Monsters” is a debut novel that manages to successfully blend family drama with literary horror. A story about a family that can see monsters - each left to deal with that fact in very different ways. And, although the story is not out to terrify you outright, it does have an everpresent sense of dread that builds throughout the story till the very end. This is an excellent read for fans of classic horror along the lines of Lovecraft or Shirley Jackson.

MY HEART IS A CHAINSAW

By Stephen Graham Jones

Jade Daniels is a teenager obsessed with horror films. When killings happen in a wealthy enclave of her small-town community, Jade sees all the tropes of her favorite horror films playing out in real life, but the truth becomes much more complicated. This novel is a love letter to slasher films (and those who love them) - complete with chapter titles like Slaughter High and Don’t Go Into the Woods - but it is also a coming of age story that plays with the concepts of revenge and redemption.

Celebrating 35 Years! • Thank You • Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort

For 35 years, Little Wolfe’s Pet Resort has served as your “Full Service Pet Center”. Treating customers, pets, and employees like family allows for our continued growth and success.

This month, we celebrate our 35th Anniversary with extreme gratitude for your support. We are so thankful for your trust and loyalty. We are looking forward to many more years of service to our customers and community.

I have learned so much over the years about people, pets, and running a business. Thank you to my loyal customers and their pets! And to my staff…the best group of people, I have ever had at one time; I couldn’t do it without you!

Ann Wolfe Combee