Ep. 167 "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak; "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw

Transcript: JESSICA:  Hi, this is Jessica Russell. I'm the assistant director of collection services at Sno-Isle Libraries. And welcome to Book Buzz.  Today's two reading recommendations are "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak and "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw.  First, we're going to hear from Rhianna, library associate at the Langley Library, for a mystery of a picture-perfect family with dark secrets. Over to you, Rhianna.     RHIANNA:  Jason Rekulak takes a stab at the child-drawing-creepy-things theme and completely turns it on its head in "Hidden Pictures."   We've all seen this movie before: a nanny takes a job for a family with very specific requirements for their child. As Mallory, fresh out of rehab and desperate for a meaningful career path, bonds with Teddy, her charge, she notices how uniquely talented he is at drawing. Especially his ability to draw things that have yet to happen. Never mind the fact that on several occasions, Mallory has walked in to find Teddy deep in conversation with his imaginary friend. Imaginary. So why could Mallory swear she heard two voices? Not to mention the odd things happening in her studio apartment on the family's property. Oh, and to make matters even more exciting, the usually chipper and positive Teddy's drawings seemed to have taken a rather sinister turn when his latest sketch appears to depict a grisly crime.  While the audiobook is deliciously addictive, the print version includes copies of Teddy's sketches for a truly immersive and illustrative spooky experience. From a deep-dive to the longstanding effects of grief to the complexity of family dynamics, this genre-bending thriller defies expectations and tired tropes, making it a page-turner for the ages.    JESSICA:  Thanks, Rhianna! I love a thriller that keeps you guessing right to the end.   Next, let's hear about murder, mischief, and a couple of unlikely sleuths from Paige, librarian at the Edmonds Library. Take it away, Paige.    PAIGE:  If you love the "Thursday Murder Club" and are looking for a similar murder mystery with as many twists and turns as a corkscrew, look no further than the "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw.  This story follows the recently unemployed journalist Jason Brazel and his mother-in-law, Amita Khatri, the Sherriff of Penrith. As family does, Jason takes his mother-in-law to her bingo nights on Wednesdays and on one night, they pull up to the news that a dear friend in the bingo hall has passed away. Amidst the murmurings, not everyone believes it was not foul play. As Amita begins to pursue the truth behind her friend's death, Jason is dragged along as a bodyguard, getaway driver, and the "legitimate" leader of their unofficial investigation.  From being arrested in his pajamas, to being held at gunpoint by a crazed farmer, to running out of a job interview to save his mother-in-law from breaking into a building with a former bouncer, Jason Brazel surely is kept on his toes. From biscuits and tea at bingo, to sleuthing at abandoned buildings, there is never a quiet moment in this investigation.  This is especially for those who love English murder mysteries and love the bickering of family. At this moment, there are four books in the series so if you love the "Bingo Hall Detectives," check out the rest of the series!    JESSICA:  Thanks, Paige! It's hard to resist a cozy mystery that's equal parts clever and charming, and I especially love an English cozy mystery.  Our recommendations this week are: "Hidden Pictures" by Jason Rekulak and "Bingo Hall Detectives" by Jonathan Whitelaw.  Join us next time, when we'll explore more great reading recommendations — interesting books you can find at your favorite local bookstore or at your local library.    Until then, I'm Jessica Russell from Sno-Isle Libraries.   Thanks for joining us for Book Buzz.