Jesus: He Lived Among Us by R.F. Palavicini and Steve Cleary

The story of Jesus has been recounted in many different ways over the last 2000 years. For many people, the definitive version of his story is found in the Bible. Drawing from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John, Jesus: He Lived Among Us tells the story of Jesus from his birth to his death. It explores his faith, the miracles that he performed, and the relationships that he had with his disciples. Paired with illustrations and a bit of a framing narrative, this book is told in a way that will be meaningful for young readers.

As the cover of the book makes clear, this book is based on an animated film. The illustrations inside the book are taken from the movie. It does have a bit of a feel of a companion piece, but the movie can stand on its own. I'm not sure how easy it would be to follow for someone who didn't have prior knowledge of Jesus and his life; knowing a bit about the Bible definitely helped me to keep some of the stories, people, and events straight. Similarly, someone who knows a lot about the Bible and Jesus might not find much that's new in this book, at least in terms of content. The style of the book, the accessible language, and the artwork make this a book worth exploring, especially for parents and caregivers who are looking for a book about Jesus for a young reader.

I received a review copy from NetGalley courtesy of Warner Press.

Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Meet Jesus by Lynn Tuttle Gunney
Stories from the Life of Jesus by Celia B. Lottridge
The Life of Jesus by Mary Billingsley

Ghostbusters Volume 1 by Erik Burnham, Dan Shoening, Luis Antonio Delgado and Tristan Jones

It's widely known that when there's a ghost on the loose, the best people to call are the Ghostbusters. But things have been a little strange lately. Ray's had a terrifying dream - or is it a premonition? - and Dr. Spengler wants to delve inside his brain. Meanwhile, Winston and Venkman are investigating a ghostly encounter in an apartment complex...but they're not prepared for what they find. At the same time, the very existence of the Ghostbusters is under threat...if the four men can manage to get out alive. This volume is probably best appreciated by knowledgeable fans of the series. I've seen Ghostbusters,  but only the first movie, and I had some trouble knowing who was who and what was going on. The plot moves along quickly and the illustration is creepy and, when the story calls for it, satisfyingly disgusting. I had to read it through a few times before I got a sense of what was happening, which I don't think the target audience will have to do, but it seems like a fun and suspenseful story for fans of the franchise.

(Note: this post is based on the first issue of the volume, not the entire volume. I received an advance review copy from NetGalley courtesy of IDW Publishing. )

For fun, here's the trailer for the original Ghostbusters movie:




Find it at IndieBound. 

Read it with:
Ghostbusters: The Other Side by Keith Champagne, Tom Nguyen, and Drew Geraci
The Real Ghostbusters: Which Witch is Which? by Dan Abnett and Anthony Williams
Ghostbusters by Nathan Johnson

Degrassi Junior High: Shane by Susin Nielsen

Shane has never been the kind of guy who stood out in a crowd. He was never all that popular or the best at anything. That's why he was so surprised when he started dating Spike. She was so confident and popular; everything seemed pretty great. Then Spike got pregnant and Shane's world turned inside out. He tried avoiding her (and the pregnancy) for awhile, but that didn't change anything. His deeply religious parents  barely speak to him, Spike doesn't want anything to do with him, and he has no friends to turn to. Shane feels like his life is out of control. Is there anything he can do to get back on track?

In many ways, Shane is a companion book to Spike, another book in the Degrassi series. Shane starts after Spike is pregnant and opens with him finally telling his parents what's going on. There are some continuity errors and inconsistencies between the two books (and a bit with the TV series), but nothing that really changes anything too much. Shane's story, though, isn't singly defined by his teenager fatherhood. After his daughter is born (when he's only fourteen), Shane gets a job to make more money and makes a new friend who's the classic definition of a bad influence. Shane lies to his parents, blows of his parental responsibilities, and starts experimenting with drugs and alcohol. While Spike has more of a hopeful optimism, Shane reads a bit more like a cautionary tale. Also, I find it very interesting to read about attitudes towards teen fathers and parenthood; more than one person, including adults, tell Shane that it's best for him to just forget about his child, to act like she doesn't exist and move on with his life, and that he's not responsible for any decision Spike makes because that's her life. I love exploring these concepts and how they're presented in books for teens.

Find it at Amazon.

Read it with:
Degrassi Junior High: Spike by Loretta Castellarin and Ken Roberts
Degrassi Junior High: Snake by Susin Nielsen
Word Nerd by Susin Nielsen

Degrassi Junior High: Spike by Loretta Castellarin and Ken Roberts

Spike is used to people looking at her because of her hair, but now people are starting to look at her for a different reason: she's pregnant. Only fourteen years old, she and her boyfriend Shane got carried away in a dark bedroom at a friend's party. Now she must deal with her changing body, classmates' reactions, an unsupportive boyfriend, and a disappointed mother. Will she be able to figure out what the best decision is for herself and the baby?

I remember the original Degrassi (Junior High and High) airing on CBC while I was growing up, but I didn't really get into it until I watched reruns after school in 10th grade. I love the drama of it all and the way that serious storylines, like teen pregnancy, are woven in with storylines about sexy dreams or walking naked through the cafeteria. Anyway. Spike picks up after Spike and Shane "did it" at Lucy's party and early on she discovers she's pregnant; it ends just after the birth of her child. Much of the book, certainly the main storyline, sticks very closely with the TV series; it's been awhile since I watched my Degrassi Junior High DVDs, but I think even whole bits of dialogue are straight from the TV scripts. Does the book stand alone if you haven't seen the TV show? Probably, although it definitely would be a different reading. What I like about this book is that it fills in a bit of background information that doesn't come through in the show, mostly about Spike's relationship with her mother. These books were out of print for a long time but then recently were available again, so if you have a fond memory for Degrassi or are curious about the series, give these books a look.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Degrassi Junior High: Shane by Susin Nielsen
Star in the Middle by Carol Larese Millward
Butterflies in May by Karen Hart
Degrassi Generations: The Official 411 by Kathryn Ellis

Miracle on 34th Street by Valentine Davies

As someone who watches a great deal of Christmas movies, I would be hard pressed to name my absolute favourite. Is it A Brady Bunch Christmas? It's just so cheesy and wonderful! Elf? Sure, it's recent, but it does have that whimsy that a great Christmas movie needs. A Muppet Family Christmas? What could be better than all of the muppets together for the holidays? A Charlie Brown Christmas? Rudolph the Red-Nosed Reindeer? Frosty the Snowman? A Christmas Carol? There are just so many strong contenders. But if I was absolutely forced to name a favourite Christmas story, I think I might have to go with Miracle on 34th Street.

After spending many years enjoying the movie versions (both the original and the 1990s remake), this was the first time I'd read the written story. It wasn't published until after the original movie was released, but it doesn't seem to be an exact duplicate of the story. It's largely the same, but there are some minor differences - nothing that really changes the story in any way. It adds a bit of detail onto the mysterious character of Kris Kringle with a few pages dedicated to his story before he shows up at the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. At just over 100 pages, it's not a long story; I think it would be most properly called a novella. The original 1940s edition does have some of the casual racism from the time (there's a brief reference to Cleo, the "colored maid"), but for the most part it holds up rather well. There's a timeless quality to the question of Santa Claus and the true meaning of Christmas. I don't know if reading the book is going to be come a holiday tradition for me in the same way that watching the movies has, but if you can find a copy of the book (particularly one of the original 1940s editions with its original design) it might be worth giving it a look, especially if you're a fan of any of the movie versions.




Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Polar Express by Chris Van Allsburg
Christmas at the Movies edited by Mark Connelly
The Night Before Christmas by Clement C. Moore

Barbie in A Christmas Carol by Mary Man-Kong

Eden Starling is a star. She has a beautiful singing voice and people come every night to see her perform. But Eden is very selfish and vain. While the other people in the cast look forward to celebrating Christmas with their families, Eden demands that they spend Christmas at the theatre rehearsing and practicing. That night, three ghosts visit Eden: one from the past, one from the present, and one from the future. Together, they try to show Eden a different way of living and how important it is to be kind, generous, and thoughtful of others.

I can't even begin to think of how many adaptations of A Christmas Carol there have been. And given that one of my favourite versions is the TV movie "Ebbie" starring Susan Lucci as Ebbie Scrooge, coldhearted department store manager, I'm clearly not that much of a purist. This book is definitely designed to appeal to Barbie fans, and either extend the experience of people who have already watched the movie version, or to spark interest in people who have not yet read the movie version. The book can stand on its own (barely, but it does). Because it has the look of the animated movie, the illustrations are bright and colourful (and the clothing in particular looks rich and expensive). It's not the most original story in the world, but could definitely be a favourite around this time of year.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
I Can Be A Rock Star by Mary Man-Kong
Rudolph's Shiny Christmas by Mary Man-Kong
The Good, the Bad, and the Barbie by Tanya Lee Stone
The Missing Wedding Dress featuring Barbie by Karen Krugman
A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens and Robert Ingpen

Murder, She Wrote: The Fine Art of Murder by Donald Bain

While on vacation in Italy, Jessica Fletcher becomes an unwitting witness to a terrible art theft-turned-murder. The violent act continues to haunt her back when she's in the United States, but she tries to put it aside and focus on her new novel. But her work comes to an abrupt halt when she discovers that the husband of an old friend in Chicago has been killed. Jessica finds herself drawn into this murder mystery, lending support to her friend while wondering about the identity of the true killer. Jessica is shocked when the Chicago murder seems to have ties to the Italian murder. Has she found herself in the middle of another international incident?

Is there anything better than a cool autumn evening, a warm blanket, and a new Murder, She Wrote mystery? Jessica Fletcher is back, and this time she's taking on the world of art forgery. Well, sort of - it's more like the backdrop for her latest murder encounter. (Spoiler alert) I was expecting the Italian plot and the Chicago plot to come together a bit more and be more tied together in the resolution, but I wasn't exactly disappointed in the true resolution. It just felt a bit like there had been two possible ideas for this book, but at some point they got mashed up into a single story. Still, it's very much the Murder, She Wrote series that I know and love, and I think fans of cozy mysteries will be satisfied with this new volume.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Murder, She Wrote: A Question of Murder by Donald Bain
Murder, She Wrote: Provence - To Die For by Donald Bain
Murder, She Wrote: A Fatal Feast by Donald Bain

Murder She Wrote: Skating on Thin Ice by Donald Bain

Winter sports are popular in Cabot Cove, Maine, and that’s what the owner of the local skating area is banking on. After renovating the facilities, the new arenas have attracted a top coach and one of the most buzzed about pairs in the country. They’ve only recently started skating together: she’s originally from out West, and he was one-half of a popular Russian pairs team. Whispers of rumours and scandal surround them – even in the quiet Maine town. While Jessica learns more about the inside world of skating, she gets to know more about this team and other locals who also have an interest in the arena. But there's more going on than just death spirals; a dead body is discovered and everyone is a suspect.

I love figure skating, and I love Murder, She Wrote, so I was hoping that this would be the equivalent of two great tastes that taste great together. I did enjoy it, but it wasn’t as delicious as I hoped it would be. My first hurdle was getting past the idea of a first-class internationally popular ice skating rink being built in Cabot Cove, but hey – this is the MSW world where anything is possible (and, to be fair, they did show it to be struggling). Rather than reading about senior skaters – quite a bit of time is devoted to Jessica getting back on the ice, to varying results – I would have preferred reading about cut-throat senior-division skaters; couldn’t Jessica have taken a trip to Colorado Springs, California, or Detroit? But, really, the mystery moved right along and thanks to consultations with Dick Button, the skating information was largely accurate. There might not be enough to satisfy people who pick it up because of the skating angle, but fans of MSW and gentle mysteries should enjoy it.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Murder She Wrote: Nashville Noir by Donald Bain
Murder She Wrote: The Queen’s Jewels by Donald Bain
Death Drop by Alina Adams
Axel of Evil by Alina Adams
Skate Crime by Alina Adams

Murder, She Wrote: Majoring in Murder by Donald Bain

When mystery novelist Jessica Fletcher accepted a position as a sessional instructor at a small college, she had no idea that her life would be threatened by a tornado! Luckily, she's led to safety by others - but not everyone was so lucky. When the dust and debris is settled, one professor is discovered to have been killed. Everyone wonders why he didn't seek shelter, but only Jessica really believes that it was because he wasn't killed by the storm but instead by another person. As she tries to prove this theory, she runs into resistance from the college's Dean, who has her own motives for making sure the truth stays hidden. Will Jessica's quest for justice put her own life in danger?

As far as Murder, She Wrote books go, this one wasn't one of my favourites. The dramatic action (including the murder) happen very early on in the story before I had a chance to bond with or understand many of the characters (and yes, I know that in a recent review, I said that I liked that the murder happened early in another book, but this one just felt too early). The setting, the college, had none of the Cabot Cove regulars, which isn't necessarily a bad thing as there are other books that don't have them that I do like, but it also didn't have the fun place descriptions like other books set in London, San Francisco, or New York. There were scenes that seemed to have giant red arrows pointing at them that said "THIS IS A CLUE," and the solution to the mystery was reminiscent of Encyclopedia Brown. So, ultimately, not one of my favourites of the MSW series (but don't worry, there will be more Murder She Wrote reviews coming up!).

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
The Sixes by Kate White
Murder, She Wrote: You Bet Your Life by Donald Bain
Murder, She Wrote: The Maine Mutiny by Donald Bain

Murder She Wrote: A Palette for Murder by Donald Bain

After a grueling schedule of writing and teaching, famed mystery writer Jessica Fletcher is looking forward to nothing but rest and relaxation in the Hamptons. But she's barely been there for twenty-four hours before someone dies right in front of her! While indulging in her secret passion for art, the model -by all appearances, a healthy young woman- in Jessica's class silently passes away from an apparent heart attack while modeling. Compounding the mystery is that a year ago a promising young artist also died of a heart attack. Two identical deaths in two years is strange, but as Jessica discovers more about the circumstances, could she have uncovered some murders?

A Palette for Murder, first published in the mid-90s, has a quaint datedness about it. Jessica is worried about the media getting a hold of the information that she is participating in art classes with - gasp! - nude models. Would that be shocking these days? I can see it maybe appearing on something like TMZ, but then it would be quickly overtaken with an actual sex scandal or something. Also, she disguises herself with sunglasses and a turban, and in the days before camera phones, it kind of works. Anyway, the actual story was pretty enjoyable. Unlike other MSW novels, the murder takes place fairly quickly, so there are lots of pages for the twists and turns to fall out. And when Jessica is making an indignant speech on the first page, you know there will be more where that came from.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Murder She Wrote: You Bet Your Life by Donald Bain
Murder She Wrote: The Highland Fling Murders by Donald Bain
Murder She Wrote: Destination Murder by Donald Bain
Murder She Wrote: Provence - To Die For by Donald Bain
Murder She Wrote: The Fine Art of Murder by Donald Bain

Murder She Wrote: You Bet Your Life by Donald Bain

The first time Jessica Fletcher traveled to Las Vegas to visit her friend Martha, it was a happy occasion; she was there to celebrate Martha's wedding to a rich businessman that she'd met and fallen in love with. The second time Jessica traveled to Las Vegas to see Martha, it was under less than perfect circumstances. Martha's husband was dead - murdered - and Martha was in jail, accused of the crime. Jessica is sure of Martha's innocence, but it will take more than Las Vegas luck to convince the jury.

As I've said basically every time I've written about a Murder She Wrote novel, these are like comfort food for me. I don't read them expecting great plotlines or sparkling writing; I read them because I have a soft spot for Maine's mystery writer-turned-crime solver Jessica Fletcher. As far as MSW novels go, this one was quite enjoyable. Jessica does seem to make some stupid moves (like getting into a limo with a man that she knows is dangerous, without letting anyone know where she is or who she's with) that aren't so characteristically her, but she also comes through with some brilliant deductions. There are a couple of red herrings that disappear as the plot moves along, but there was enough happening with the story that I barely even noticed that they went nowhere. A solid Jessica Fletcher mystery.

Also, I'm not that familiar with Las Vegas: is that supposed to be a skull in the background, or is it just something that's cropped weirdly?

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Murder, She Wrote: Coffee, Tea, or Murder? by Donald Bain
Murder, She Wrote: Dying to Retire by Donald Bain
Legally Blonde by Amanda Brown

Murder, She Wrote: Coffee, Tea, or Murder? by Donald Bain

World-famous mystery writer J.B. Fletcher is on the move again - and this time, to London! She and several other Cabot Cove locals have the opportunity to fly in a fancy luxury aircraft on its first cross-Atlantic voyage, courtesy of the owner, a former Cabot Cove resident. But the trip proves to be more work than pleasure for Jessica; they've barely landed in England before the body of the owner is discovered. His wife, crew, and business partners all have motives for wanting him dead - but who was the one who killed him? And are the rest of the passengers at risk? While in many ways a standard Murder She Wrote novel, Coffee, Tea, or Murder? has many things going for it. There's old favourites from Cabot Cove, an exotic location, and, most exciting for me, an appearance by Jessica's Scotland Yard beau, Inspector George Sullivan.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Nashville Noir by Donald Bain
Murder Never Takes a Holiday by Donald Bain
Panning for Murder by Donald Bain
Dying to Retire by Donald Bain
The Maine Mutiny by Donald Bain

DC Super-Pets: Midway Monkey Madness by Sarah Hines Stephens and Art Balthazar

Beppo, Superman's pet monkey and fellow crime-fighter, is looking forward to enjoying a fun day at the carnival. But when a loud cry interrupts his Ferris Wheel ride, he knows trouble is in the air. His enemy Grodd is ripping apart animal cages - and all the animals are escaping! It's up to Beppo to find a way to stop Grodd, and he's going to need the help of his super-friends to do it!

I wasn't sure if I was the right audience for this book; I'm not to familiar with superheros, and when it started I was thinking less about the plot and more about "Did Superman really have a monkey?" (Apparently, he did.) But I like bright colours and early chapter books for new readers, so I went in with an open mind - and I liked it! The book helpfully explains who Beppo is and what his superpowers are; it also introduces his super-friends and allies. At three chapters long (the digital version I read was a total of 58 pages, including covers), it's not a long story but it is packed with action. That combination of interesting battles, fun words that show up Batman-style (Woooosh! Rooooaaarr! Smaaash!), and incredibly colourful pictures will prove irresistable to beginning readers who love superheros - and their pets.

I read an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley.

Find it at IndieBound.

Watch this trailer from Captsone Publishing:


Check out this interview with Art Balthazar:



Read it with:
Superman and the Mayhem of Metallo by Sarah Hines Stephens
Ninjatown Volume 1: The Adventures of Wee Ninja! by Art Balthazar and Franco Aureliani
DC Super-Pets: The Fastest Pet on Earth by J.E. Bright and Art Balthazar

Murder She Wrote: Dying to Retire by Donald Bain

The funeral of an old friend brings Jessica Fletcher, mystery writer extraordinaire, to Florida. It's a sad occasion, but Jessica and her friends from Cabot Cove also plan to enjoy some sun and sand in the Sunshine State. But her friend's death turns out to have many strange details involved, and Jessica can't shake the feeling that foul play was involved. And before you know it, faster than you can say "Has there been a murder?" Jessica Fletcher is on the case.

With these books, you know exactly what you're getting when you start reading, and I like that comfort. (I suppose this is true of many series books, but the TV-tie-in factor at play here heightens this for me). This one features not only an exotic location but also some of the Cabot Cover regulars, which is a nice bonus. If you've read any of the Murder She Wrote books, it shouldn't be hard to figure out who the murderer is, but the book is really about journey.

5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth by The Oatmeal

Have you ever wanted to punch a dolphin in the mouth, but were worried that you might not have a good enough reason for punching it? The Oatmeal anticipated this problem and has come out with 5 Very Good Reasons to Punch a Dolphin in the Mouth. Dolphin-punching is only one topic they tackle, though; there are pages and pages of other guides to things like How to Suck at Facebook, 8 Ways to Improve Your Home Using a Human Corpse, or 8 Ways to Tell if Your Loved One Plans to Eat You. Many of the guides turn very bloody and disturbing pretty quickly, but the grammar and spelling ones (ten words people spell wrong, semi-colons) are ones that I think should be seen by as many people as possible.

See more at The Oatmeal. The book comes out in 2011. I read an advance copy of the book from NetGalley.

Read it with:
This is Priceless by Steven Melcher
xkcd volume 0 by Randall Munroe
How to Make Webcomics by Scott Kurtz and Kristoffer Straub

America's Next Top Model: Strike a Pose by Taryn Bell

In the conclusion of the four-book America's Next Top Model series, only one girl can win the prestigious title and all that comes with it. Will it be Chloe, the girl who was born for this competition? Lindsay, who is on the verge of re-starting the career she had years ago? Alexis, the small-town girl who has had a glimpse of the big-time? Shiva-Rose, who has fallen in love with New York City? Or one of the other girls in the competition? All will be revealed in Strike a Pose.

While I liked how all of the storylines were wrapped up in satisfying ways, there were some parts of this one that just didn't make any sense to me. Lindsay, for instance, seemed to have no trouble finding a way to get back on TV, although the rest of the series had been about how the modeling competition was her only chance to get her foot in the door. But that's not really the point, is it? There are big modeling shoots and dramatic conversations and that's what the series is really about.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Skin Deep by Taryn Bell
Face Value by Taryn Bell
Eye Candy by Taryn Bell
L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
America's Next Top Model Fierce Guide to Life by J.E. Bright

America's Next Top Model: Eye Candy by Taryn Bell

The four roommates at Top Model Prep are back in the second volume of the four-book series. Eye Candy picks up just after Alexis has been busted for shoplifting. Although the girls (namely Chloe, the wealthy daughter of a famous model) bailed her out, they're still worried about her and want her to get some help. Instead, though, she gets closer to a male model acquaintance who just happens to have a giant billboard looming over the city. The other girls are all dealing with other issues, too: Chloe is torn between her boyfriend, Liam, and a new guy she meets in New York, and she's still trying to deal with the pressure that her mother puts on her; Lindsay is trying to deal with Liam romancing her while working toward re-energizing her acting career; Shiva-Rose misses home and struggles with the commercial filming, but she might have other talents to show off. The drama comes to a head at an industry party and an intense commercial shoot where every girl is in danger of going home.

I read this book after I had read the other three, out of minor curiosity to find out how book one got to book three. It happened pretty much like I thought it might, although the fact that Alexis' shoplifting wasn't really addressed was surprising because it's really not brought up again in the rest of the series (that I can remember). It's a series that's definitely written for a tween audience because there's not quite enough bite, sex, or intrigue for an older audience.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Skin Deep by Taryn Bell
Face Value by Taryn Bell
Strike a Pose by Taryn Bell
L.A. Candy by Lauren Conrad
America's Next Top Model Fierce Guide to Life by J.E. Bright

America's Next Top Model: Skin Deep by Taryn Bell

The America's Next Top Model series continues with Skin Deep, the third book in the series (I wasn't able to find the second book, but I was able to pick up the thread pretty quickly). The competition is narrowing down and heating up. Alexis is getting close to a hot male model. Lindsay decides to break the rules to restart her career. Chloe deals with her mother's interference and Shiva-Rose has distractions (in the form of a guy) from back home. Plus, the rivalry with another model almost reaches a boiling point. The competition all hinges on an historical shoot with vintage costumes - and this time, one of the girls will be eliminated from the competition.

Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Face Value by Taryn Bell
Gossip Girl by Cecily Von Zigesar
America's Next Top Model Fierce Guide to Life by J.E. Bright
The Interns: Fashionistas by Chloe Walsh
Poseur by Rachel Maude

America's Next Top Model: Face Value by Taryn Bell

Get ready for Top Model Prep, the most prestigious modeling camp in the country. Forty girls have been chosen to compete for prizes, photo shoots, and the chance to join the Top Model agency. Four young women are convinced that they have the looks, the attitude, and the drive to take it all the way to the top: Alexis, a middle-American beauty who is also has kleptomania; Chloe, the daughter of a supermodel who knows she could win the competition but wonders if she wants to; Lindsay, a former child actor who is looking for a chance to get back into the limelight (and is willing to do anything it takes); and Shiva-Rose, an Israeli stunner whose sensitive romantic side might be her downfall. These girls think they're ready for anything, but that's before they've checked into Top Model Prep.

Why did I not know there was an America's Next Top Model teen novel series? How did I not know this? These books are pretty much like the TV show: house drama, clash of personalities, name-dropping, photo shoots, challenges, and eliminations. I think of them like a food you just want to curl up with: they're cheesy in a delicious way, a bit sugary, and light like cotton candy. Just like when I watch the TV show, I couldn't wait to get my hands on the next one.

Heat Wave by Richard Castle

Detective Nikki Heat is one of New York's finest cops - she's smart, tough, fearless, and she always gets her man. Jameson Rook is a Pulitzer Prize-winning writer looking for background for a new article. When he's assigned to Heat's squad for an extended ride-along, tempers (and egos) will flare. And when a local businessman is thrown from his balcony, can they work together to find the culprit - or will all of the sexual tension get in the way?

I enjoy ABC's TV show Castle (I'm both an episodic mystery and Nathan Fillion fan), and I think it's such a smart idea to have a tie-in real-life mystery novel. I often wish that fake things on shows or movies were real, and a Nikki Heat book certainly qualifies. I'm not a huge mystery reader, so while I enjoyed the twists and turns, I was more into reading between the lines based on the TV show. I'd love to hear what a big mystery fan thought of the book, but as a fan of the original source, I definitely enjoyed it.


Find it at IndieBound.

Read it with:
Madison Avenue Shoot by Donald Bain
Glee: The Beginning by Sophia Lowell
I, Alex Cross by James Patterson
The Prostitute's Ball by Stephen J. Cannell