RECOMMENDED READS

Welcome to our literary circle, in which San Diegans pass the (printed) word on books

Kelly Orazi

Job: Manager, Mysterious Galaxy She recommends: “A River Enchanted” by Rebecca Ross (Harper Voyager, 2022; 480 pages)

Why? Cadence is an island full of magic, where words and whispers are carried through the wind, where footpaths change direction upon a whim, and where songs hold true enchantment. Jack hasn’t returned to the island in years, not since he left as a boy to study music at the mainland’s university. But when Jack is summoned to the island to help discover who — or what — is behind the sudden disappearance of young girls at Cadence, he is swept away in the island’s mystery, magic and inhabitants. “A River Enchanted” reads like a long-lost folktale, effortlessly weaving magic and mystery throughout its narrative, culminating in a thoroughly enjoyable read.

Sandi Gonzaga

Job: Branch Manager, East Bookmobile,

San Diego County Library

She recommends: “The Corpse Flower” by Anne Mette Hancock (Crooked Lane, 2021; 330 pages) Why? This is a dark psychological thriller with a fast-paced storyline featuring a smart female lead with a puzzling mystery. Heloise Kaldan is a hardhitting investigative reporter receiving cryptic letters from Anna Kiel, an murder suspect who has managed to evade police for years. Anna hints at a connection between the two women, saying they should meet, and Heloise embarks on an investigative journey filled with secrets, danger and intrigue to uncover the whereabouts of Anna. I love how the author uses three different points of view to bring depth to both the story and the characters — Heloise, Anna, and Erik Schafer, lead detective in the Anna Kiel murder case. These three, as well as the secondary characters, are believable with genuine strengths and weaknesses. If you are a fan of “The Girl With the Dragon Tattoo,” you will thoroughly enjoy this Swedish thriller, full of action, family secrets and intrigue.