Favorite 2025 Reads from the Staff @ Your Craven-Pamlico Regional Library
Silent Patient by Alex Michaelides
The Silent Patient pulled me right out of a reading slump! Interesting characters/setting, and the most insane plot twist I have ever read. I cannot recommend this book enough.
Maggie Bircher / Vanceboro Library Assistant
We Used to Live Here by Marcus Kliewer
It kept me on my toes the whole time, part psychological thriller a little suspended belief and some supernatural elements thrown in!
Crystal Levin / Cove City/New Bern Library Assistant
The Crash by Freida McFadden
It was very well written and the suspense was intense. A must read if you like psychological thrillers.
Tammy Ward, New Bern-Administrative Assistant
To Kill A Mockingbird by Harper Lee
This is my favorite book of all time, and I can't tell you how many times I've re-read it. Besides being a classic story, it's also one of- if not the only- things in media that i've come across that talks about kids with old parents, which is something I can really relate to.
I also like how one of the main plots is just simply childhood. It's comforting to me how, no matter what craziness is going on in the real world, I can come back to this story and be a kid again with Scout, Jem, and Dill.
Hannah Nemcosky, New Bern Library Assistant
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
I loved the journal-style format and the rich atmospheric setting. The Fae of this world were all rooted in real folklore and could either be the cutest or most terrifying thing ever (mostly terrifying). Emily’s dynamic with her "rival", Wendell, was so cute and you could feel their bond without the story having to tell you that it was there. Her socially awkward academic personality and growth with the townspeople made her a really engaging protagonist and I was constantly excited to see the mystery and events unfold in this story.
Bridget Flori Outreach
Hannah Nemcosky, New Bern Library Assistant
Emily Wilde's Encyclopaedia of Faeries by Heather Fawcett
I loved the journal-style format and the rich atmospheric setting. The Fae of this world were all rooted in real folklore and could either be the cutest or most terrifying thing ever (mostly terrifying). Emily’s dynamic with her "rival", Wendell, was so cute and you could feel their bond without the story having to tell you that it was there. Her socially awkward academic personality and growth with the townspeople made her a really engaging protagonist and I was constantly excited to see the mystery and events unfold in this story.
Bridget Flori Outreach
The Frozen River : a Novel by Ariel Lawhon
I loved this read because it was part Historical Fiction, part Mystery, and part Memoir. The story follows Martha Ballard, an 18th century midwife in Maine, as she works to solve the mystery of a man found dead in the frozen Kennebec River. Outside authorities view the death as accidental but Martha believes it to be murder. In addition to proving the murder, Martha also works to prove the victim was previously guilty of raping a local woman. Throughout the story, Martha relies on factual entries about births and community happenings, recorded in her daily diary, which ultimately help to solve the case. The book explores the lack of power most women had in a period of time where justice was decided by men. Due to her status as a mid-wife though, Martha is actually allowed to testify at trials and is fairly highly respected. The book was inspired by Martha Ballard's actual diary and it was a thoroughly engaging read, highlighting the resilience and strength of a woman ahead of her time.
Andrea Britton, New Bern Library Assistant
The Lost Colony Murder on the Outer Banks by John Railey
I enjoy reading and watching true crime shows. This particular book was given to the library by the sister of Brenda Joyce Holland who the book is written about. Her sister is a resident of Vanceboro that I've known for years, so that made it even more compelling. If you enjoy a a true crime book I highly recommend this one.
Brenda Lewis, Vanceboro Library Assistant
The Anthropocene Reviewed by John Green
Although not listed as an autobiography, I thought this book of essays felt like one. Green's writing is heartfelt and sincere. When I was done reading it, I too wanted to start typing out my reviews of things like Canada Geese, the Lascaux Cave Paintings, and Whispering. The book was written during the COVID-19 lockdown and Green refers to the pandemic many times throughout. Five years out from that collective experience, it was interesting to reflect on what an all encompassing event that was for all of us.
Molly Campbell, Vanceboro Library Branch Manager
Despite stopping reading King for quite awhile now, I decided to give it a shot. I'm glad I did. It was short and sweet. Bittersweet actually. A good read.
Deborah Fox, Havelock Library Assistant
The Dragon's Promise by Elizabeth Lim
Dive (pun intended) into the world of Oriental-based dragon culture. This YA book 2 concludes the epic adventure of a princess whose loved ones are paying the price for protecting their country and their family. It's travel. It's magic. It's almost teenage crush romance. It's mythical baddies trying to crack open the world. It CAN be read as a stand-alone book, but to get the ultimate experience, start with book 1 Six Crimson Cranes. 4 1/2 stars.
The Ripper's Shadow by Laura Joh Rowland
It is 100% of every Victorian-era and Ripper trope ever conceived. Murder - check. Spinster entrepreneurs - check. Pick-pockets turned "family" - check. Closeted gay men - check. Brothels - check. Inept detectives - check. Actresses - check. Dark alley action - check. Backyard detectives breaking and entering - check. All culminating in a adrenaline-packed, bait-the-murderer-style epic battle - check. It's book one of a series so you can go back for more, but how you'd be able to reproduce the everything in this book 1 SEVEN TIMES is beyond me. This book is the cotton candy of Ripper books - 100% fluff and so much fun.
Shirin Scotten, New Bern Library Youth Services
Sensible Shoes by Sharon Brown
It is a Christian fiction book but is focused on spirituality. It follows 4 women's lives and although each one of them is different and have had different life experiences, I could see bits of myself in each one of them. I read the book slowly because I wanted to absorb it. It made me want to go to a deeper level with my own spirituality.
Dianna Chadwick, Cove City Library Assistant
The Tainted Khan by Taran Matharu
Book 2 of a fantasy series with dragons and magic, filled with intrigue, action, and a little romance.
Victor Jones, Kellenberger Room Manager, New Bern Library
The Tea Dragon Society by K. O'Neil
Adorable illustrations, very cozy, and a sweet story!
Catherine Rackley, New Bern Library Assistant
Acorn Was A Little Wild by Jen Arena
It is a comical children's picture book that captures the joy and adventurous spirit of so many of us. The illustrations by Jessica Gibson add to the story. It reminds us that it's OK to try new things. And that even as we grow more mature, we can keep our adventurous spirit.
Jewel Smith, Cove City Library Assistant
Briar Club by Kate Quinn
Excellent historical fiction (McCarthy era) set in an all-female boardinghouse in 1950s Washington D.C. Interesting cast of characters and storylines including the Briar House which has a "personality" of its own! One of those books that you don't want to put down and also don't want to end.
Tiena Wisniewsky, New Bern Library Assistant
The 100-Year-Old Man Who Climbed Out the Window and Disappeared by Jonas Jonasson
It made me laugh out loud, it surprised me & taught me some world history.
Diann Landow, Pamlico Library Assistant
A Rip Through Time by Kelley Armstrong
Time travel isn't easy when you are a contemporary homicide detective and unexpectedly find yourself in 19th-century Scotland, inhabiting an unfamiliar body, as a murderer runs free. I especially liked the descriptions of the intricacies of Victorian Scotland.
Peggi Carman, Webmaster & Marketing Coordiator
