"You've Been Warned" by James Patterson

You've Been Warned by James Patterson

FIC PAT available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and St. Helena

Large Print available at all branches

Audio available at Beaufort and St. Helena

"I loved the short chapters and James Patterson's ability to give so much detail and a great ending."

Review provided by Holly Winger, Beaufort Branch Library

"The Book of American Negro Poetry" by James Weldon Johnson

The book of American Negro Poetry by James Weldon Johnson

811.008 BOO available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"Good poetry for the mind, body, and soul."

Review provided by Jarvis Polite, Beaufort Branch Library

"The 10 Things you can't say in America" by Larry Elder

The 10 Things you can't say in America by Larry Elder

306.0973 ELD available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"Good book. It speaks on real topics that need to be discussed in America."

Review provided by Jarvis Polite, Beaufort Branch Library

"Stranger in Paradise" by Eileen Goudge

Stranger in Paradise by Eileen Goudge

FIC GOU available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print available at Bluffton

"It is really great and funny."

Review provided by Sadatious Smalls, Beaufort Branch Library

"Permed to Death" by Nancy J. Cohen

Permed to Death by Nancy J. Cohen

FIC COH available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"The story was okay, but there were parts that didn't really seem to fit. The author really had to stretch things out. THis is the first in a series; I won't be reading the rest."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch Library

"Cat 'O Nine Tales" by Jeffrey Archer

Cat 'O'Nine Tales by Jeffrey Archer

FIC ARC available at Bluffton

"I don't usually enjoy short stories, so when my book club chose this book I was less than thrilled. Sadly, my opinion didn't change much. Some of the stories were enjoyable, very reminiscient of O. Henry but others were confusing and in some cases just plain dumb."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch Library

"A Clue for the Puzzle Lady" by Parnell Hall

A Clue for the Puzzle Lady by Parnell Hall

FIC HAL available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"I loved this book. The dialogue was witty and quick. Although I was tempted to complete the crossword puzzle, I didn't because I didn't want to know who the killer was. I look forward to reading more of the series."

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch Library

"The Jury" by Fern Michaels

The Jury by Fern Michaels

FIC MIC available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"I love the Sisterhood Series and I can't wait to read the next book when I finish."

Review provided by Julieann Andrews, Beaufort Branch Library

"Before We Were Free" by Julia Alvarez

Before we Were Free by Julia Alvarez

FIC ALV available at all branches

Audio available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"This book is about a girl in Dominican Republic who was hiding in a closet for two months in captivity. She writes her thoughts and dreams how positive she can be in those circumstances. Her country was in dictatorship. Finally she and her mother escape to the USA to be free."

Review provided by Ileana Herrick, Beaufort County Library (staff)

"Hold Tight" by Harlan Coben

Hold Tight by Harlan Coben

FIC COB available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and St. Helena

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco

"Intricate woven plot of four story lines that surprisingly weave together at the end. Great suspense."

Review provided Marlene Coleman, Beaufort Branch Library (staff)

"The Spiral Dance" by Starhawk

The Spiral Dance by Starhawk
Available through Interlibrary Loan

"A seminal work on goddess spirituality and the feminist/activist movements within it. A fantastic intro book for anyone interested in learning about the psychology and evolution of goddess spirituality."

Review provided by Layla Manning, Beaufort Branch Library

"Hangman" by Christopher Bohjalian

Hangman by Christopher Bohjalian

FIC BOH available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"Fairly predictable "thriller" about a haunted house. Some parts were farfetched, even for a thriller. I have liked other books by this author much better."

Review provided by Anne Lentz, Beaufort Branch Library

"Skeletons at the Feast" by Chris Bohjalian

Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian

FIC BAH available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print available at Beaufort and Hilton Head

"A story about Germans fleeing from the Russians at the end of WWII. The book was very hard to read because of the subject matter, but the story was good. The sideline of Cecile seemed almost like a second book thrown in with the first. Makes me want to brush up on my history!"

Review provided by Ann Lentz, Beaufort Branch Library

"Waiting for Summer's Return" by Kim Vogel Sawyer

Waiting for Summer's Return by Kim Vogel Sawyer

FIC SAW available at Bluffton

Large Print available at Bluffton

Audio available at Bluffton

"A heart warming pioneer story, set in the 1890's in Kansas, about a woman who lost her entire family to disease. She is given hope and a new outlook on life when taken in by a kind Mennonite widower and his son, who share their faith with her. Very enjoyable, with solid characters and a good plot. A tear jerker!"

Review provided by Diane Heaton, Beaufort Branch Library

"Shadow of Power" by Steve Martini

Shadow of Power by Steve Martini

FIC MAR available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Have read quite a few of Steve Martini's books; this was not one of my favorites but think people who really enjoy history would enjoy reading it. It is NOT that I did not like the book, just found others more entertaining."

Review provided by Kathy Hawkins, Beaufort Branch Library

"Lost Light" by Michael Connelly

Lost Light by Michael Connelly

FIC CON available at Beaufort

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco

"A retired Harry Bosch goes back to a four year unsolved case to find out who killed a your lady. He has difficulty because he is not a cop anymore, just a private investigator, he gets mixed up with the FBI. Good book! Read the Harry Bosch series in order if you can."

Review provided by Larry Heaton, Beaufort Branch Library

"Fearless Fourteen" by Janet Evanovich

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

FIC EVA available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print on order

"Not quite as funny-or as bawdy- as some of the other books in her Stephanie Plum series. Lula and Tank get engaged. The only blown up car (a Stephanie Plum signature disaster) is cause by a potato, launched by a returning character, Mooner, who's brain stopped growing around 1973."

Review provided by Grace Cordial, Beaufort Distric Collection Coordinator (staff)

"Stradivari's Genius" by Toby Faber

Stradivari's Genius by Toby Faber

787.2 FAB available at Beaufort

"Fascinating account of Stradivari's creation of immortal violins- history of 6 of his instruments accompanied by amusing tales of the virtuosos who played them."

Review provided by Mimi Greenberge, Beaufort Branch Library

"The Finishing School" by Gail Godwin

The Finishing School by Gail Godwin

FIC GOD available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"Coming of age tale with dream-like content. Relationship of a young firl and mysterious older woman equals life lessons and unfolding surprises."

Review provided by Gail Godwin, Beaufort Branch Library

"Die Tring" by Lee Child

Die Trying by Lee Child

FIC CHI available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"The second in the Jack Reacher series starts in Chicago at a dry cleaners. Jack sees a limping attractive women carrying her clothing in bags to the cleaners. Jack helps starts to her out when three guys show up with guns. The guys grab bith the women and Jack. The story is action packed. Easy read. Not complicated. Enjoyed reading."

Review provided by Larry Heaton, Beaufort Branch Library

"Cape Refuge" by Terri Blackstock

Cape Refuge by Terri Blackstock

FIC BLA available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Lobeco

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Audio available at Bluffton and Lobeco

"Blackstock is awesome! Her "flawed" characters don't pretend to be "perfect." They are completely believable as they live their lives and follow their faith. Throw in some good, old-fashioned mystery, and you've got a great read!!"

Review provided by Kristy Gillender, Beaufort Branch Library

"Southern Storm" by Terri Blackstock

Southern Storm by Terri Blackstock

FIC BLA available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, Lobeco

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"The second in "The Cape Refuge" series, Southern Storm continues Blackstock's development of the fictional town of Cape Refuge, Georgia. These books go together beautifully, yet could be stand-outs individually."

Review provided by Kristy Gillender, Beaufort Branch Library

"River's Edge" by Terri Blackstock

River's Edge by Terri Blackstock

FIC BLA available at Beaufort

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head

"Full of suspense, River's Edge continues to give readers and in-depth look at the lives of the residents of Cape Refuge, Georgia. It is a fantastic book, and not a "cookie-cutter" mystery! Excellent!!"

Review provided by Kristy Gillender, Beaufort Branch Library

"Fearless Fourteen" by Janet Evanovich

Fearless Fourteen by Janet Evanovich

FIC EVA available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head


"The plot, involving thieves' attempts to find the "loot" from their robbery years before, is always less important than the characters. Skip chaser Stephanie is surrounded this time by an odd assortment of computer gamers. Crazy Grandma Mazur becomes one of them. Joe Morelli is still the handsome cop who wants to marry Stephanie, and the mysterious Ranger is still on-call to rescue her as needed. A great read."





Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library

"Troublesome Creek" by Jan Watson

Troublesome Creek by Jan Watson

FIC WAT available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Set in the 1800s in "pioneer" Kentucky days, the novel tells of the joys and harships of creating a home and family in what was basically still wilderness! Snakes and wild animals are also characters in the book. Can Kentuckians be transplanted from the "civilized" bluegrass to the rural mountains and vice versa? The book tries to answer the question."

Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library (staff)

"Deception Point" by Dan Brown

Deception Point by Dan Brown

FIC BRO available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco
Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head


"NASA, an agency that has become unpopular due to massive failures and huge cost overruns, tries to redeem itself when a meteor is discovered by a NASA satellite. The meteor had buried itself in the arctic ise in 1716- or had it? This book is Dan Brown's typical fast-paced plotting, but set in present day America."





Review provided by Fran Hays, Beaufort Branch Library (staff)

"The King of Lies" by John Hart

The King of Lies by John Hart

FIC HAR available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco

Large Print available at Bluffton

"Very good book. In the opening, a man has been murdered. The son is desparate to find his father's killer. Lots of bad things happen to people in the book. The question is: who killed the man and who is doing all the bad things? It is a very good suspense book."

Review provided by Jamie Daniel, Beaufort Branch Library

"A Woman God Can Use" by Alice Mathews

A Woman God can Use by Alice Mathews
Available through Interlibrary Loan

"This book showed examples of women in the Bible and lessons women can learn from them and apply to your own life."

Review provided by Laurie Palombo, Beaufort Branch Library

"Odd Thomas" by Dean Koontz

Odd Thomas by Dean Koontz

FIC KOO available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton and Hilton Head

"I've read other books in the series, but just got around to reading the first one. It was a sad ending the way it did. Good book. It really gives insight to "Odd" and his choosing to make himself seem odd like his name."

Review provided by Karen Harris, Beaufort Branch Library

"T is for Trespass" by Sue Grafton

T is for Trespass by Sue Grafton

FIC GRA available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, Bluffton, and Lobeco

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, St. Helena

"A disappointing Sue Grafton. The book reads as though someone else wrote it!"

Review provided by Betsy Herm, Beaufort Branch Library

"Fallen Founder" by Nancy Isenberg

Fallen Founder: the life of Aaron Burr by Nancy Isenberg

B Burr available at Hilton Head

"In this exhaustively researched biography of Aaron Burr, Isenberg who is a professor of history at the University of Tulsa, has attempted to lay to rest what she considers early and continuing slander of Burr. She traces most of the venom surrounding him to false accusations from a jealous Hamilton, and Jefferson who feared his political success. She makes no bones, however, about Burr's personal failings but points out that they were typical of the time in which he lived, and, in contrast with his accusers, who were guilty of the same failings, he made no efforts to conceal or excuse them."

Review provided by Robert Herm, Beaufort Branch Library

"The Hollow" by Nora Roberts

The Hollow by Nora Roberts

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"This is book two of the Circle of Seven triology. I could not get into it. It was very different from typical Nora Roberts. "

Review provided by Jamie Daniel, Beaufort Branch Library

"Swimming Lessons" by Mary Alice Monroe

Swimming Lessons by Mary Alice Monroe

FIC MON available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Large Print available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"I would highly recommend this book which is the sequel to The Beach House (also highly recommended). I normally read thrillers and mysteries, but these books were recommended to me now that I live on Harbor Island full-time and have actually become a volunteer for the "turtle patrol."

Review provided by Kathy Hawkins, Beaufort Branch Library

"Killing Floor" by Lee Child

Killing Floor by Lee Child

FIC CHI available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"Jack Reacher, a forced out former military police officer, stops at a small town in Georgia to investigate the 60 year old murder of a guitar player, Blind Blake. Because he is a stranger he is arrested for a resent murder of an US treasury agent. The murdered agent happens to be Jack's brother. Great book. This is the first in the Jack Reacher series."

Review provided by Larry Heaton, Beaufort Branch Library

"Timeline" by Michael Creighton

Timeline by Michael Creighton

FIC CRE available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco

Large Print available at Beaufort and Bluffton

Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Page turner action packed. Thrilling. A research team goes to 1357 through a wormhole to rescue their professor that had been left there. They are forced to adapt to life in this century and protect themselves during the 100 years war between France and England and retrieve the professor. Crichton did his homework on a period of History that we know little about."

Review provided by Kristi Vasquez, Beaufort Branch Library

"At Home in Mitford" by Jan Karon

At Home in Mitford by Jan Karon

FIC KAR available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Lobeco

Large Print available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and St. Helena

"Follow daily events of a small town Episcopalian priest and feel like one of the 'comunity' ".

Review provided by Debbie Smith, Beaufort Branch Library

"Vineyard Blues" by Philip A. Craig

Vineyard Blues by Philip A. Craig

FIC CRA available at Beaufort and Hilton Head


"Martha's Vineyard is the perfect place to live, enjoy the fishing, and solve a mystery. This time, it is to find out who's setting the fires."





Review provided by Debbie Smith, Beaufort Branch Library

"A Light in the Window" by Jan Karon

A Light in the Window by Jan Karon

FIC KAR available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco

Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and St. Helena

"Return to Mitford with Father Tim and enjoy the feeling of being part of the town and their adventures."

Review provided by Debbie Smith, Beaufort Branch Library

"Something Wicked This Way Comes" by Ray Bradbury

Something Wicked This Way Comes by Ray Bradbury
FIC BRA available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
Audio available at Bluffton and Hilton Head
VHS available at St. Helena

"So many human issues put into a great story! Ray paints magnificent pictures, his words cavorting easily into a dance of heartbreak and joy. Mystery, humanity, death, and growing up are constant themes in this highly recommended novel."

Review provided by SP, Hilton Head Library

"Bound" by Sally Gunning

Bound by Sally Gunning
FIC GUN available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"Historicall very interesting account of a young, indentured servant in colonial Boston. A young girl escapes a cruel master after violent attacks by he and his wife. She is fortunate to come across a kind woman."

Review provided by Eve O'Reilly, Hilton Head Library

"Suspicion of Madness" by Barbara Parker

Suspicion of Madness by Barbara Parker
FIC PAR available at Beaufort and Hilton Head
Large Print available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"Good from cover to cover! I never wanted the story to end. Easy reading."
Review provided by Sandra Bligen, Hilton Head Library

"The Crystal Skull" by Manda Scott

The Crystal Skull by Manda Scott
FIC SCO available at Bluffton and Hilton Head

"The title caught my eye as I remembered seeing a picture of a crystal skull years ago- probably in Life magazine- real or fake I don't know, but beautiful! This book had two stories- one in 1500s and one set in the present. I went back and forth- not hard to follow- if you love books about strange powers as I do, you will love this one!!"

Review provided by Nancy Swanson, Hilton Head Library

"Pawley's Island" by Dorothea Benton Frank

Pawley's Island by Dorothea Benton Frank
FIC FRA available at all branches
Large Print available at Hilton Head
Audio available at Beaufort

"Fantastic read!! This immediately grabs you as you fall in love with the characters and want to know more. From the beginning you know that Rebecca is haunted, Abigail will save her, and friendship is one the most important qualities to make each day special. I couldn't put this one down- and reading it in the "lowcountry" made it that much more special."

Review provided by Debi West, Hilton Head Library

" A Woman in Charge" by Carl Bernstein

A Woman in Charge:the life of Hillary Rodham Clinton by Carl Bernstein
B CLINTON available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, and Lobeco

"Very detailed, well-balanced, extensive background info. Good source for evaluating Mrs. Clinton's qualifications for public service."

Review provided by Claudia Niepmann, Hilton Head Library

"Invisible Prey" by John Sandford

Invisible Prey by John Sandford
FIC SAN avilable at all branches
Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco
Audio available at Beaufort and Bluffton

"I enjoyed--read almost straight through! Usual nasty people!! I've enjoyed all of the "Prey" books!"

Review provided by Nancy Swanson, Hilton Head Library

"Cross" by James Patterson

Cross by James Patterson
FIC PAT available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, and Lobeco
Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head
Audio available at Beaufort, Hilton Head, Lobeco

"Patterson is an excellent mystery author. This book was part of a series- but the story kept me captivated."

Review provided by Rick Cole, Hilton Head Library

"Sisters" by Danielle Steel

Sisters by Danielle Steel
FIC STE available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco
Large Print available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco
Audio version available at Hilton Head

"In typical Steel style, she repeats herself constantly- but I must admit, her stories make for GREAT beach reads. You get to know the sisters and you root for them to continue in their successes- ahh, if only such "perfectness" existed! A 5 out of 10."

Review provided by Debi West, Hilton Head Library

"Lone Survivor" by Marcus Luttrell

Lone Survivor: the eyewitness account of Operation Redwing
by Marcus Luttrell
958.104 LUT available at all branches

"Though not Shakespeare, Marcus tells it like it is. A true story of his mission in Afghanistan in which the rest of his Seal team is killed. It will bring tears and pride...Recommended for any adult. Every American should get a glimpse of how our nation is defended."

Review provided by SP, Hilton Head Library

"The Sleeping Doll" by Jeffrey Deaver

The Sleeping Doll by Jeffrey Deaver
FIC DEA available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head
Large Print available at Hilton Head
Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"Excellent presentation wonderfully written and very unpredictable twists in the storyline."

Review by Rick Cole, Hilton Head Library

"Executive Priviledge" by Phillip Margolin

Executive Privilege by Phillip Margolin
FIC MAR available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head


"Well written thriller that makes you ponder what goes on behind the doors of the White House."
Review provided by Angela Harris, Hilton Head Branch Library

"Deception Point" by Dan Brown

Deception Point by Dan Brown
FIC BRO available at Beaufort, Bluffton, Hilton Head, Lobeco
Audio available at Beaufort, Bluffton, and Hilton Head

"If you want a book to cool down with in the summer heat, this is a good one. Dan Brown takes us out of the realm of the historical/spiritual and into the present-day Arctic where NASA has made what could be a discovery that shatters our creation myth. It's a fast-pace ride, all in the course of 24-hours, like his previous novels, with plenty of unexpected twists and turns. Again Brown employs a super-intelligent woman as one of the main protagonists. This is a lot more high tech than Angels & Demons and The Da Vinci Code, with a cast of great scientists from several fields of study. And what's the icing on the cake is that it is also a political thriller, with a presidential election hanging in the balance based on this scientific discovery. If you are wary of novels that flip back and forth from one scene to another in a series of small chapters, then you will be frustrated with this read. However, it is great for those who only have time to read in small segments, because the chapters are short and all are "cliffhangers." It's a jigsaw puzzle of data that you the reader will assemble and finally at the end, see the big picture. I learned a lot about the various disciplines of earth science and also how things work inside the political arena. While it's no light-weight book, it is one that moves quickly, in the style of John Grisham, and the plot is seemingly plausible (with the exception of a number of "near death" sequences). I can see this one is headed for the big screen. Enjoy the adventure!"

Review provided by Brenda Beasley, Beaufort Branch Library