The Ballad of Songbirds and Snakes, by Suzanne Collins

The newest addition to the Hunger Games series...awesome, right?!?  I was happy to get a copy of this so soon after its release, and it was a page turner! It's been a few years since I have read the first Hunger Games book, but it has stayed with me through regular check outs and, of course, the movie versions of the series - and because it is so darn good! This newest installment will not disappoint. This is the story of Coriolanus Snow as a teen - barely surviving member of the Snow family living in the Capitol ten years after the war between the Capitol and the Districts that resulted in the creation of the Hunger Games.  Coryo, as he is called by a few close friends, becomes a mentor for the latest Games recruits, and ends up in a romantic relationship with his District 12 recruit. Of course, that isn't easy, and it often doesn't go well. Add to that a friend who is bent on seeing the Districts overtake the Capitol, some weird snake creations, songbirds...a very intricate weaving of stories into one good book!

Collins has delivered another strong story and an alternate perspective into the Hunger Games world than the one previously viewed from Katniss' life and story. I will add that I felt the ending of this new book seemed rushed and slightly contrived, almost as if Collins had written Coryo into a corner and she didn't quite know how to get him out of it. That or she just needed to end the book and wasn't exactly sure what that looked like. But that could simply be my own take on a book that otherwise was difficult to put down. If you have had any liking of the Hunger Games series or stories, at all, read this - Collins is exceptional at what she does, and this one will not disappoint! 4 paws and a tail wag!

Two Can Keep A Secret, by Karen McManus

The second murder mystery by author McManus, Two Can Keep A Secret is reminiscent of April Henry, and fans of Henry's books will find a lot here to like! McManus's first book, One of Us is Lying, is a best seller, but I have not yet read it. This offering is good, full of twists and turns  - and plenty of murders taking place in a small town over a period of years - but not amazing. I found the number and names of characters to be a little confusing throughout - who is a sibling of whom, names of different characters that are very similar to other names, etc. - and a couple of times it seemed like the author had written herself into a corner and the solution was a little contrived, or written to get her out of the jam rather than in the best interest of the overall mystery. In all, if you're a murder mystery fan and cannot find enough new titles to keep you reading, you will like this book - and author! If you only want to try this genre to see what it's like, April Henry is the current reigning queen of the genre!  3 paws.