Recommended Reads | Montcalm Community College

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Recommended Reads

September 2025

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The Medical Examiner by James Patterson (available as an audiobook on Libby)

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Looking for a quick, captivating mystery to squeeze into your busy schedule?ĚýThe Medical ExaminerĚýis a fast-paced gem from James Patterson’sĚýWomen’s Murder ClubĚýseries that delivers suspense without demanding hours of your time. At just two hours long, it’s the perfect listen for a weekend drive or a quiet evening. The story kicks off with a chilling twist: two people are shot in a motel room—one dies, but the other mysteriously comes back to life in the morgue, exhibiting the rare and eerie phenomenon known asĚý“Lazarus Syndrome.” From there, the plot unfolds with classic Patterson flair—simple, sharp, and satisfying. This novella doesn’t try to reinvent the genre, and that’s exactly its charm. It’s a straightforward, cleverly crafted mystery that keeps you hooked without making you work too hard. If you love crime fiction but don’t have time for a full-length novel, this is a perfect pick.

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The Quickening: Creation and Community at the Ends of the Earth by Elizabeth Rush (available as an ebook on Libby)

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Elizabeth Rush’s The Quickening is a poignant and thought-provoking blend of memoir, climate science, and philosophical inquiry. Set against the backdrop of a groundbreaking expedition to Antarctica’s Thwaites Glacier—dubbed the “Doomsday Glacier”—Rush chronicles her journey aboard the research vessel Nathaniel B. Palmer, where she joins scientists studying one of the most vulnerable and consequential ice formations on Earth. Rush’s narrative is deeply personal. She grapples with the decision to start a family while confronting the realities of a rapidly changing climate. This tension between creation and collapse—between motherhood and environmental degradation—forms the emotional core of the book. Her reflections are interwoven with vivid descriptions of shipboard life, scientific exploration, and the voices of her fellow travelers, many of whom are women and people of color, often overlooked in Antarctic literature. The Quickening is a beautifully written, intellectually rich meditation on community, responsibility, and resilience at the literal and metaphorical edges of the Earth. It’s a must-read for anyone interested in climate change, feminist perspectives, and the human dimensions of scientific inquiry.

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Not Quite Dead Yet by Holly Jackson (available as audiobook on Libby)

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Well-known YA author Holly Jackson’s adult debut, Not Quite Dead Yet, is a gripping and emotionally resonant thriller that blends mystery, mortality, and dark humor in a uniquely compelling way. The story follows Jet Mason, a 27-year-old woman who survives a brutal attack only to learn she has just seven days to live due to a fatal aneurysm. With time running out, Jet sets out to solve her own attempted murder before it becomes a completed one. Jackson’s signature style—sharp plotting, engaging characters, and clever twists—is on full display. Jet is a refreshingly flawed and witty protagonist whose charm and cynicism make her investigation both entertaining and poignant. The ticking-clock premise adds urgency, and Jackson’s meticulous research into the medical aspects lends credibility to the story’s stakes. Set in the small town of Woodstock, Vermont, the novel uses its autumnal backdrop to create a cozy yet tense atmosphere. The town’s secrets and Jet’s dysfunctional family dynamics add layers to the mystery. Jet’s transformation from passive underachiever to determined investigator is inspiring. Overall, Not Quite Dead Yet is a standout thriller that marks a confident transition for Jackson into adult fiction. It’s perfect for fans of character-driven mysteries and those looking for a fresh twist on the whodunnit genre.

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Unmasked: My Life Solving America’s Cold CasesĚýby Paul Holes with Robin Gaby Fisher (available in hardcopy on the library’s shelves and as an audiobook on Libby)

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This book truly stands out from your typical true crime stories! It dives deep into the personal experiences of the criminologist behind the cases, giving us a glimpse into what these intense situations really feel like. We often forget how witnessing such crimes impacts the professionals—like detectives and criminologists—as well as their families. They can end up facing challenges like divorce or feeling disconnected, and they adopt various coping mechanisms because of the demanding nature of their work. In this engaging read, Paul Holes shares fascinating insights from his 30-year career, recounting well-known cases and the personal effects they had on him. He also reflects on how he handled the difficulties of his job and brings closure to a cold case he worked on throughout his life: the Golden State Killer, also known as the East Area Rapist. By blending personal stories with true crime elements, this book is an absolute page-turner for anyone interested in the genre. You won't want to miss it—it's anĚýessential read!Ěý

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